Celebrating 9 days with my 4 kids(7,6,4,2)May 2009, I know I'm late starting this TR

[JJBEAN]

Subbing...love your TR!! We have 4 kids as well...just a little younger than yours. I'm getting some great ideas! I haven't finished reading your TR yet but I'm looking forward to more!

 

[smithpack]

You are the queen of leaving us hanging!

Sorry!

Don't worry, you'll work those cookies off running after the kids

That's how I get most of my exercise is chasing those kids. They do give me a good workout!

Thanks for continuing your report. I love it!

Thank You for continuing with me.

Here is our crazy family of 5!!

These 2 little ones were a BIG surprise for us lol!!! 9months now~

Congrats on your wonderful news! 5 is an awesome number... hope it's not twins!!!

Your TR is great and you obvioulsy have an amazing family and are truly blessed

Wishing you much luck in the ahead months

Thanks for posting those pictures!! That just made me so excited. I don't know how you do it with twins. Are they sleeping yet? My neighbor had twins and they are now 13 months old. I know that first 6 months was killer for her. I'm not sure what I would do if it were twins. I would be scared for sure. Your family is beautiful!!

I'm feeling guilty right now. My friend dragged me to The Cheese Cake Factory....Oh my it was not good! Haha I didn't pig out but....hrm bad choices!

Those Tagalongs are really good too and I always feel horrible when they come up to me and ask me to buy cookies. Then if I say no the look so said. I'm like don't do that! Geez here is five bucks but I won't enjoy them!

Haha!

Sorry the kiddies didn't wanna see the juggler but at least SW made things better. Haha your DH is a guilt tripper too huh?

I LOVE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY! Their menu is like a book though, so it takes me forever to decide what I want.

Looking forward to video cookies sound really good. Unfortunatley I'am now suffering from eating too many whilst having DD2 so no cookies for me just now. Hey I need to wear shorts in July so the lack of cookies and more time at the gym will be so worth it

I am impressed with your will power. It will be worth it by the time July gets here. You go Girl!!!

OH MY GOODNESS>>...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! How exciting!!! I am so happy for you guys! I am finally caught up on your TR and looking forward to reading more!!!!

Thanks!!

The only thing that is stopping us from having kids right now is DH going away in September. I don't want to be alone while I'm with child. So I said we can wait until he comes back for visit or when he comes back home. He's going to be gone for 6 months so that's a long time for me to be by myself with just the dog.

Hello again!! That stinks that your DH will have to be gone for 6 months. I don't know how you do it. I am always calling my DH saying, "when are you coming home? Have you left yet?" I would probably wait too if I knew DH would be gone for so long. You will be so excited when you do get pregnant! It is such an exciting thing to go through.

Subbing...love your TR!! We have 4 kids as well...just a little younger than yours. I'm getting some great ideas! I haven't finished reading your TR yet but I'm looking forward to more!

Yay, for another reader!! It keeps me motivated!! It looks like your kids are spaced out just like mine. My oldest was 6 when we had our 4th. It also looks like you are going to the world in December. I have always wanted to go that time of year. Have been that time of year before?

 

[TokyoDina]

Buhahah don't get me wrong I do, do that! I'm like when are coming home geez! But he does the same to me since we are both Active Duty. It's hard but you make the sacrifices you need to, to make it by. Thanks for the encouragment I can't wait either!!!

 

[smithpack]

Pull up a chair, sit down, and relax. Oh, and get a snack while you are at it. This is going to be a long update with lots of video clips. So there we were entering the Coca Cola sample area. I had never been in before. The floors are definitely sticky so my kids liked to make all the noise that they could with their shoes. Well, in the back of my mind I had been concocting a plan. I had read on the Disboards about a drink called Beverly. Apparently it is a sort of bitter drink, I personally have never tasted it. I knew too much before hand. So I let them sample a couple of drinks, but then I give them.......... dun, dun , dun BEVERLY

At the beginning of this clip you will see Goofy(DS7) drinking the drink from China. Then I made my DH try Beverly, and after he drank it Dylan tried it. Both of them had to smell it first before they took a drink. I would have cut this clip if I knew how. You only have to watch it to the 50 sec mark. After that is a short part of Chef Mickey's. I just didn't know how to edit it off.



It cracks me up everytime I watch it. Goofy(DS7) thought it was alright until he got the aftertaste. He got a big drink of it too. Still laughing. I am such a mean mom.

After our taste test, we decided to see if there was a line for the Disney visa meet and greet. Luckily, there was only one family standing in line. It still took about 10 minutes before we went in because they give you about 5-10 minutes with the characters. I was trying to get out of the CM who the characters were going to be, but apparently this is top secret knowledge until you walk in. He was not about to tell me who we were going to see. It was our turn and we walked in. Who should we see?

Mickey and Pluto. I must admit that the photopass photographer there takes a lot of pictures. I didn't take any of these.

I don't know what Princess(DD2) was doing with her mouth in most of those pictures. I think she may have been clucking her tongue. We played around a little bit while in innoventions, but not for too long. We had and ADR at Garden Grill at 4:00, and thank goodness it was early too because I was starving from my not a real lunch, lunch. So after letting the kids play on the video games they had, we decided that we had enough time to grab a ride on Spaceship Earth and then we would head over to The Land pavilion for our ADR. When we got to Spaceship Earth, both Donald(DS4) and Princess(DD2) were wanting to ride with me. It turned out to be a good idea because they used the pictures of the kids instead of me. I loved this because it was the two of them.

When we got off of the ride I saw this one of DH and Lego(DS6) and I thought it was hilarious because of DH's face.

I just wish he had taken pictures of his while on his ride. I should have gotten on the computer things and emailed his video back to me. Why didn't I think of that while I was there. I could have used that to send to our friends and family!!!

 

[smithpack]

Moving right along now, we headed to the Land Pavilion. We made it in time for our dinner reservations, and were seated right away. I must say that we love the Garden Grill. We have eaten here on every one of our trips. I love all the family style dinners because you get a variety of meats and veggies, and they bring it to you. It is so hard for us to do buffets since we have to get so many plates, and we can only go up one adult at a time. The older two can get their own plates at buffets, but we still have to go with them because I don't want them touching everything or putting too much of something on their plates. I have to supervise. Anyway, so the family style dinner is our favorite because we get a variety, they bring it to us, and it is all you can eat. We like Garden Grill because the food is really fresh. They use the food that you see grown in the living with the land ride. This restaurant also spins slowly over the living with the land ride, so if my kids need to get up and walk a bit, we just go look over the railing at the ride below. The last thing that I love about this restaurant is that you are not seated next to other tables, so you get one on one time with the characters. They also have Chip and Dale here, who are hilarious. You will see them in my video's that I post.

So we were seated and who was our first visitor? None other than Chip. You can see in this video that you are seated in booths so you don't have other people right by you. You can also see the rail behind Chip. If you look over that rail you would see the land ride right below.



This one is funny because Dale comes by holding his nose.


The kids had their picture taken with Chip.

While they were thus engaged in the picture, Dale was over directing Pluto on which direction to go.


Dale signing books on Goofy's head


Picture time with Dale

At this point you can see that we have moved and are almost in front of the entrance to the restaurant. Princess(DD2) spotted Mickey.







Princess(DD2) finally gave Mickey a hug.

group picture

My video with Pluto wasn't very exciting so I didn't post it. Here is the group photo with Pluto.

Here are the food pics that I know you are dying to see.

We were brought out this bread with some orange honey butter. So good.

I love this salad because you can tell that it is really fresh. Nothing like fresh garden vegetables.

Here are the meats that they bring out. The top is beef brisket over some roasted potatoes, then you see turkey with a cranberry sauce over stuffing, and last you see catfish fingers. I can't remember what was under the catfish. It was all so delicious!

and here is the kids food. Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and fries.

Then the characters came by a second time. We were still moving along as now we were in front of a different part of the land ride.

Dale was doing a little jig.

Mickey walked up from behind DH while rubbing DH's head. It was funny because DH didn't know who was rubbing on his head. Thank goodness this picture is small so we don't have to look at the food in Dh's mouth.

and Pluto

for dessert they used to have make your own cupcakes for the kids. They would bring out a cupcake with a bunch of toppings. Now they have dirt cake. It was good.

kid's dessert

for adults they bring out some berry cobbler with ice cream which was delicious!! I didn't get a picture though. Sorry! Then since we were celebrating Goofy's birthday they brought him out a piece of cake and a card.

Again, this is one of our must do restaurants. We loved it. Everything was good, the food, the service, the characters!!

 

[smithpack]

I don't know if you remember or not, but I had picked up FP's to Soarin this morning so the boys could ride it later. Well, they rode it right after our dinner since we were right there. We then started making our way over toward China so that Goofy(DS7) could pick out his souvineer. On the way we stopped at Test track to use our other FP's that we had. Goofy(DS7) was the only one who wanted to ride with me. They were really worn out by this point. We had been here all day. So Goofy and I went and got in our line. I took some pictures whilst walking through the line.

car in front of us about to go. Do you know any of these people?

It was now our turn for speed. I hate going through the heat chamber when it is already 100 degrees outside, but we did get to go through the cooling chamber as well!!

Goofy(DS7) and I are in the front. He loved, loved, loved this ride. Can you tell?

After Test Track we headed towards China via the butterfly garden. There was a photopass photographer outside of it taking pictures.

Here are some pictures from our scenic walk to China.

We finally made it to China. What do you think DS7 had his mind on? Was it one of these?

Nope, but that was a good guess. He had been wanting a chinese yoyo. I asked this guy to demonstrate it for us, and he was really good. He said he had been doing it for about 2 months.

It's better when you can see the video, which is why I am posting this!!



While over there, Princess(DD2) wanted one of these. I had the CM write her name in chinese on it. She still loves this sunbrella.

I have to admit, they have a lot of really neat stuff in the WS. Too bad my kids don't like to shop because I could really have done some shopping. Since everyone was worn out, we decided to call it a day. Of course when we got back to the room they still were not too worn out for swimming. I think we swam everyday that we were there. My kids love the water. I now only have two and a half more days left to write about. I was hoping I could get this TR done before all of you readers leave on your trips. I think I can do it!! You are all so lucky that you will be there soon. This makes me want to go really bad. That and yesterday I got an email yesterday saying they are offering the kids play and dine for free again for Disney Visa Cardholders. They are only offering the quick service dining plan this year, but at least the tickets are still free. Those can get quite expensive with four kids.

 

[The V Gang]

I didn't know you could email yourself the video from spaceship earth... Gotta love the disboards! I brewing a plan to get the fam to drink "beverly".....hahahahah can't wait! Thanks for the tips!!!!

 

[smithpack]

I didn't know you could email yourself the video from spaceship earth... Gotta love the disboards! I brewing a plan to get the fam to drink "beverly".....hahahahah can't wait! Thanks for the tips!!!!

Wow you had the fastest response I have ever had. You must have been posting this while I was posting the rest of my installment. Make sure you take video of the fam drinking beverly!! I want to see it!

 

[gallmcduck]

Drinking beverly video not sure I would get away with that We liked Garden Grill also. Haven't been for a while, the family dinner style is good. Princess is soooo cute when she saw mickey coming over to your table then when she met him . I love the offer you have been e-mailed sounds like a good offer

 

[TeaForTulips]

Catching up!

Congrats on your pregnancy! With such a beautiful family I don't blame you for having another! I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy!

Love the updates! The videos are great. Bummed ur reports almost over.

 

[PurpleTurtle]

This makes me want to go really bad. That and yesterday I got an email yesterday saying they are offering the kids play and dine for free again for Disney Visa Cardholders. They are only offering the quick service dining plan this year, but at least the tickets are still free. Those can get quite expensive with four kids.

You guys should go this year, before your baby is born!!! Go for it!

 

[MadiMouse]

Moving right along now, we headed to the Land Pavilion. We made it in time for our dinner reservations, and were seated right away. I must say that we love the Garden Grill. We have eaten here on every one of our trips. I love all the family style dinners because you get a variety of meats and veggies, and they bring it to you. It is so hard for us to do buffets since we have to get so many plates, and we can only go up one adult at a time. The older two can get their own plates at buffets, but we still have to go with them because I don't want them touching everything or putting too much of something on their plates. I have to supervise. Anyway, so the family style dinner is our favorite because we get a variety, they bring it to us, and it is all you can eat. We like Garden Grill because the food is really fresh. They use the food that you see grown in the living with the land ride. This restaurant also spins slowly over the living with the land ride, so if my kids need to get up and walk a bit, we just go look over the railing at the ride below. The last thing that I love about this restaurant is that you are not seated next to other tables, so you get one on one time with the characters. They also have Chip and Dale here, who are hilarious. You will see them in my video's that I post.

!!

Okay, I must admit. This was one of the best updates. Hmmmm...I wonder why???

We must try this TS on our next trip. And thank you for the pics of the food. Princess is too cute!! Her expressions in the photos crack me up!

By the way, did you say orange honey butter???

 

[MadiMouse]

Great update about EPCOT. You do know what it stands for right??? Every Person Comes Out Tired!!!

So, are you going to use the offer for the free kids? We will know towards the end of this month whether we are going July or November (week after Thxgving). I love planning. Lol.

 

[A&Bmama]

I love the expression on Goofy's face when he drinks the Beverly! Priceless.

DH looks like he is trying to sleep in the video where DD first sees Mickey. Dinner looks really good at Garden Grill. Character interaction isn't high on our list at Disney but if/when we get back I might try to eat there anyway.

DD has the Chinese Yo-Yo, we call it a Diablo. She started using one at cirque school so I went out and bought some of the equipments for her to practice at home. Most of the time it doesn't get used though, she likes the aerial equipment like the silks, slings and trapeze. I can't exactly install those at home.

Are you thinking of booking with the pin? I wonder if they would they allow you to pay the difference and upgrade to the basic dining plan? If DD's age still allows you to book at POR you should really consider it, since soon enough you are going to need a minimum of 2 rooms when you visit.

 

[jenseib]

Fun updates. We ate at Garden Grill in 2008. We enjoyed it too, but we weren't real impressed with the food. It was just OK. We liked the catfish then the most, but I have heard it's changed a bit now. We were family of the day there and got to get a pic with all the characters at once too.

 

[tigerdragon]

Garden Grill sounds great! We'll have to try it some time.

I do hope you get your TR finished before I leave in 9 days. If not, I'll have something fun to read when I get back.

Oh yeah, I totally think you should use the offer you got and plan another trip. It sounds too good to pass up if you ask me.

 

[smithpack]

Drinking beverly video not sure I would get away with that We liked Garden Grill also. Haven't been for a while, the family dinner style is good. Princess is soooo cute when she saw mickey coming over to your table then when she met him . I love the offer you have been e-mailed sounds like a good offer

I can't help but laugh every time I watch that video. I am just glad I found out about that drink before we went so I could catch them in the act of trying it. Definitely give Garden Grill another go round. It is probably much harder to get into now that they are only open from 4:30. I wonder why they did that? Our email offer sounds so good. I just have to convince DH. I am concocting a plan as we speak.

Catching up!

Congrats on your pregnancy! With such a beautiful family I don't blame you for having another! I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy!

Love the updates! The videos are great. Bummed ur reports almost over.

Awww, Thank you for all the very kind words.

You guys should go this year, before your baby is born!!! Go for it!

You have to help me think of a way to convince DH.

Okay, I must admit. This was one of the best updates. Hmmmm...I wonder why???

We must try this TS on our next trip. And thank you for the pics of the food. Princess is too cute!! Her expressions in the photos crack me up!

By the way, did you say orange honey butter???

You better put that popcorn down. You should be eating something sweet instead! Hand me the popcorn, I'll gladly eat it. Definitely try the Garden Grill on your next trip.

Great update about EPCOT. You do know what it stands for right??? Every Person Comes Out Tired!!!

So, are you going to use the offer for the free kids? We will know towards the end of this month whether we are going July or November (week after Thxgving). I love planning. Lol.

EPCOT analogy is hilarious, but true. I want to use the free kids offer, I just have to do a little persuading to the DH first. Never fear, I am a good persuader when it comes to DH. Let me know what you decide for when you go. My pediatrician says she loves to go the week after Thanksgiving. She goes that time every year.

I love the expression on Goofy's face when he drinks the Beverly! Priceless.

DH looks like he is trying to sleep in the video where DD first sees Mickey. Dinner looks really good at Garden Grill. Character interaction isn't high on our list at Disney but if/when we get back I might try to eat there anyway.

DD has the Chinese Yo-Yo, we call it a Diablo. She started using one at cirque school so I went out and bought some of the equipments for her to practice at home. Most of the time it doesn't get used though, she likes the aerial equipment like the silks, slings and trapeze. I can't exactly install those at home.

Are you thinking of booking with the pin? I wonder if they would they allow you to pay the difference and upgrade to the basic dining plan? If DD's age still allows you to book at POR you should really consider it, since soon enough you are going to need a minimum of 2 rooms when you visit.

That is hilarious about DH looking like he is falling asleep in that video. I had never noticed that before. I have no idea what he was doing. I think he was more worn out than the kids!

How long has your DD been doing Cirque school. That is awesome. I didn't know there was such a thing. You will have to post some videos of her at cirque school on your TR. I would love to watch that. I will admit, DS does not use his diablo(thanks for telling me what it is called) anymore. On occasion I see it, and start messing around with it, but then he freaks out and wants it back.

I really want to use the pin, but DH is wanting to wait until next year. I am sure they would let us upgrade to the regular dining plan since they let us upgrade our tickets to waterpark tickets last year. I am not totally counting a trip out though, because DH may want to squeeze one more trip in before the baby.

Fun updates. We ate at Garden Grill in 2008. We enjoyed it too, but we weren't real impressed with the food. It was just OK. We liked the catfish then the most, but I have heard it's changed a bit now. We were family of the day there and got to get a pic with all the characters at once too.

I didn't know they had a family of the day!!! Were you the first family or something? THat is awesome that you got a group shot with all the characters.

Garden Grill sounds great! We'll have to try it some time.

I do hope you get your TR finished before I leave in 9 days. If not, I'll have something fun to read when I get back.

Oh yeah, I totally think you should use the offer you got and plan another trip. It sounds too good to pass up if you ask me.

I can't believe you leave in 9 days!!! I doubt I will get finished before then, but I will try to get some more updates in! I don't know, maybe I can get it done. Yay for your trip coming up so soon! The weather seems perfect for it right now!

The offer does sound too good to pass up! Hopefully I can convince DH.

 

[jenseib]

It was for the year of a million dreams. I think we were the 1st family to check in for dinner that day. So I assume thats how we got it. We got to sign the book, have a group picture with all the characters and also got an extra something with our meal. I think it was a new dish they were trying out. I can't remember all the details anymore....is that a sign that I'm getting old?

 

[A&Bmama]

IHow long has your DD been doing Cirque school. That is awesome. I didn't know there was such a thing. You will have to post some videos of her at cirque school on your TR. I would love to watch that. I will admit, DS does not use his diablo(thanks for telling me what it is called) anymore. On occasion I see it, and start messing around with it, but then he freaks out and wants it back.

I don't have video but I just posted some pictures on my TR for you to see.

I am also updating later today or early tomorrow at the latest.

 

[kkc_mom]

Loving your TR! My hubby and I are surprising the kiddos on Mothers Day with a trip. We will be there May 9-14 so its exciting to see how the crowds were when you went. Cant wait to see how the rest of your trip goes.