joedisney
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2000
- Messages
- 70
As a reminder, at the time of the trip the cast of characters were; Joe - the dad at 41, Kathy - the mom at 37, Christopher - the map boy at 11, Connor - without a nickname at 8, Alex - the octopus at 4 and Caley - the sassy princess at 2.
As a parent, you knew this day would come. You lie awake in bed with a queasy feeling in your stomach. In just a few hours it will have all played out. All your worries will be for not. Everything will turn out fine. But that doesnt help now as you toss and turn wondering how your little one will do. More importantly, you wonder how you will do. Today is a major milestone in your childs life. Today will be one of the many days in his life where he will be asked to try something new. Sure, we face new challenges all the time. Its part of life. Today, however, is one of the big ones. You wonder if you have done your job in preparing him for this day. At the sound of the alarm clock your heart begins to race. You know it is important to be strong. Your child will be looking for those nonverbal cues that tell him that everything will be all right. Breakfast is especially quiet this morning. You are both anxious for what is about to come. Teeth brushed, clothes on, backpack in place, you head for the bus stop. Today is the first day of Kindergarten.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004.
My internal alarm clock is right on time as I pop out of bed at exactly 7am. Christopher and I plan on getting to MGM early and riding the Tower of Terror, Rock'n Roller Coaster and Star tours before meeting up with mom and the little people for breakfast at the Starring Rolls bakery. As I slither out of bed undetected, I look over at my two girls fast asleep. Yes, I did say two girls. Although we are in a huge two-bedroom villa, with plenty of room to sleep eight, Caley has decided that it is much more fun to sleep with mom and dad. We really don't mind, but we hope we won't pay the price when we try to return to the normal sleeping arrangements when we get back home. For now, it's fun looking at her cute little face as she sleeps contentedly by her mom's side. I kiss them both on the cheek before heading over to the boy's room to wake Christopher. Soon we are showered (ok, Im showered, eleven-year-old boys never shower unless they are forced to do so) and dressed and on our way out the door. As the door is about to close, I realize I am about to make a big mistake. Left to make up her own schedule, Kathy would never make it out of the room before 10am. I will definitely need to push them along. I grab a pen and paper and leave a note.
Lucy (yes, yet another nickname in the long list of joedisney favorites),
We'll meet you at the Starring Rolls bakery at 9:30 am. Don't forget the little people.
Love,
Dad and H (yes, the map boy is also known as H)
I know 9:30 is pushing it, so I try and distract her attention by adding the line about not forgetting the kids. I have no faith they will get there on time, but I am hoping they arrive sometime before 10am.
As we leave the hotel, I am immediately reminded that Janet is gone. Today is a perfect day and Janet and perfect days seldom go together. While my sister brings a different kind of sunshine wherever she goes, the actual weather usually includes large amounts of rain. If theres a big party at Janet's house, bring the umbrella. As we walk along on this brisk Florida morning, I miss my sister's sunshine, although I am enjoying the sunny day she has left behind. I love the walk from the Beach Club to MGM. This morning we are fast walking, attempting to beat the boat to MGM. As we walk along, I notice Christopher is purposely avoiding stepping on the lines on the cement walkway. This is something I have done ever since I was a kid. Can't take the chance on the "breaking your mothers back" thing. Soon we are running and jumping, trying to take only two steps between the lines. The lines are really far apart, but I am pretty sure I was able to do one of the blocks in one jump. Before we know it, we are at MGM, and yes, we beat the boat.
Like all Disney parks in January, MGM in the morning is shear bliss. No lines, no waiting. We do Rock'n Roller Coaster twice, the Tower of Terror and Star Tours. As we exit Star Tours I notice a wonderful thing. My stomach is rumbling. I am hungry! I have just gone on three of Disney more stomach churning rides and I am feeling pretty good. Today is the first day since our morning at Cinderella's castle that I am actually looking forward to eating something. Wahooo! We make it to the bakery at twenty past nine, order some cinnamon rolls, coffee and chocolate milk and sit down at one of the outdoor tables. By 9:40 we are delighted by the sounds of the little people as they turn the corner heading towards our table. 9:40, I can't believe it, the note worked! The first thing that Kathy says when she sees us is, "9:30 are you crazy, do you know how hard it is to get this crew going in the morning?" Yes, I tell her and, Im so glad you remembered to bring them!
After breakfast we do the Little Mermaid, Millionaire and the Great Movie Ride. Caley had a great time playing Millionaire. After every question, Caley would yell, I got that one! This was our first time seeing the Little Mermaid. The show got mixed reviews, but we are all feeling pretty good until we happen upon Buzz and Woody. Life was much easier when all of the kids wanted to get the autographs. Now, we have two that do and two that don't. Connor and Christopher exchange looks of misery as we slide into the back of a very long line. The big boys saunter over to a nearby bench as the little ones grab their pens and autograph books. About twenty minutes later we have our autographs and some very cute pictures. I also got a nice shot of the big boys moping on the bench as they impatiently wait for their younger siblings. Next, we do the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and Muppet 3D before going to the Pizza Planet for lunch. Im never impressed with the food at Pizza Planet, but the kids love the arcade and the atmosphere is fun. After lunch, we watch the show at Playhouse Disney. Here again, the age gap is trouble, but the show is only twenty minutes and the big boys have fun watching the little people enjoy the show.
Next up is a Disney first for the Octopus. Alex is just over 40 inches tall and can ride on the Tower of Terror. Like his older brother, Alex shows little reservation when it comes to the thrill rides. If hes tall enough, the Octopus wants to ride. After talking his mother into letting him go, Alex grabs the Map Boy and me and we are off to the Tower. The line is still short and soon we are in the library watching Rod Serling on the little black and white television. Alex is doing fine as we wind our way to the line in front of one of the elevators. As we wait for the doors to open, I look down and see that look on Alexs face. I have seen that face before. My mind whisks me back to that cool September morning at the bus stop. Alex waits bravely for the bus with that same look, the look that comes with the anxiety of facing the unknown. Unlike his brothers, Alex was very excited about attending kindergarten. For weeks he counted down the days to his first ride on the bus. Its funny how the reality of the moment quickly diffuses that steely confidence that one holds when a new challenge is still a few days away. As the bus rounds the bend, the hold that Alex has on my hand begins to tighten. I look over and see that Kathy shares that same anxious look as Alex. I begin to snap some pictures as Kathy helps Alex climb the big steps and pick out a seat on the bus. We wave as the bus begins to pull away. Alex musters all of his courage and waves back as the picks up speed. Kathy and I watch in silence as our innocent five-year-old boy conquers his first big challenge on his own. I snap back to the present, as the elevator door swings open in front of us. I am happy to be sharing this challenge at Alexs side. As we make our way through the ride, Alex is having a great time. He loves the part where the window smashes. Soon we are sitting in the elevator shaft in complete darkness. I cant see his face, so I have no idea how the Octopus is doing. Soon the bottom drops out from underneath us and we are free falling the thirteen-story shaft. I get a glimpse at Alex when the doors open at the top, before we plunge down again. He looks scared, really scared. Im thinking it may have been a mistake to bring him on. When the ride ends, Alex looks a little shaken, but refuses to admit he was afraid. He bounds out of the ride and is ready for more! On the way out we buy Alex a Tower of Terror tee shirt that he must put on immediately. When we meet up with the rest of the gang, Alex is almost jumping out of his skin as he describes the ride to his mom. Kathy just smiles and shakes her head.
On our way out of the park, we catch the Stars and Motor Cars parade. We have a nice peaceful walk back to our room at the Beach Club. We stop at the bridge that goes over the lake at the Boardwalk. The kids reminisce about our last time here when we were checking out the boats as one-year-old Caley began to roll away down the other side of the bridge in her stroller. Luckily Alex noticed and started yelling that Caley was, rolling away. I was able to run her down just before the Stroller hit the curb below. That day will be forever remembered as the day that the Octopus saved his baby sister. I take the kids for a swim in the quiet pool as Kathy watches from the balcony above. Life just doesnt get much better than this. As we swim we see a duck couple waddle by. The last time we were at Disney, we named a similar pair of ducks Pam and Howard after our next-door neighbors. I point out the ducks to Alex and Caley and say, Hey, theres Pam and Howard. Alex cant believe there still here from last time. After a nice swim, we go back to the room and get dressed for dinner at ESPN. I know I am finally over my bought with the stomach flu as I take a bite out my cheeseburger. Nothing ever tasted so good. I even get a cold beer to wash down the burger and fries. I am officially back in action. After we eat we spend the rest of our night strolling the boardwalk. The kids love looking at themselves in the trick mirror. As we walk we come upon a cowgirl doing tricks with a lasso. It isnt long before Connor gets recruited for the show and is spinning a lasso in front of the small crowd. This is not a small accomplishment for this more than timid eight-year old. I could see that first-day-of-kindergarten look on his face as soon as he was selected to participate. Connor is very proud as he leaves to the cheer of the crowd. I am happy to have witnessed yet another example of one of my children trying something new.
As we all snuggle into beds for the night, I reflect on yet another perfect day at Disney. Thanks to Janet, the skies were blue and the temperature was in the mid 60s all day. It was here that I first thought of how a trip to Disney is like a small chunk of life all wrapped in a ten-day period. How that look on Alexs face, as we waiting in line at the Tower of Terror, was identical to that day when he got on the bus on that cool September morning. Ive seen this face at Disney several times on this trip; on Caley, as she waited for the autograph of a princess at Cinderellas Castle; on Alex, as he was about to plummet down the slide at Splash Mountain; on Connor, as he was about to perform before a small crowd at the boardwalk. I look forward to seeing this look many more times in the future. Im sure it will show up when Alex gets up to bat at his first tee-ball game or when Caley performs a part in a school play. Ill see when Christopher graduates from high school and when Connor leaves home for college. Ill see it first hand when I escort my princess down the aisle on her wedding day. As I drift off to sleep, I promise myself that I will cherish each of these moments. With only three full days left at Disney, I am reminded at how quickly like can pass by.
Coming next: Dont cry over spilled milk.
As a parent, you knew this day would come. You lie awake in bed with a queasy feeling in your stomach. In just a few hours it will have all played out. All your worries will be for not. Everything will turn out fine. But that doesnt help now as you toss and turn wondering how your little one will do. More importantly, you wonder how you will do. Today is a major milestone in your childs life. Today will be one of the many days in his life where he will be asked to try something new. Sure, we face new challenges all the time. Its part of life. Today, however, is one of the big ones. You wonder if you have done your job in preparing him for this day. At the sound of the alarm clock your heart begins to race. You know it is important to be strong. Your child will be looking for those nonverbal cues that tell him that everything will be all right. Breakfast is especially quiet this morning. You are both anxious for what is about to come. Teeth brushed, clothes on, backpack in place, you head for the bus stop. Today is the first day of Kindergarten.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004.
My internal alarm clock is right on time as I pop out of bed at exactly 7am. Christopher and I plan on getting to MGM early and riding the Tower of Terror, Rock'n Roller Coaster and Star tours before meeting up with mom and the little people for breakfast at the Starring Rolls bakery. As I slither out of bed undetected, I look over at my two girls fast asleep. Yes, I did say two girls. Although we are in a huge two-bedroom villa, with plenty of room to sleep eight, Caley has decided that it is much more fun to sleep with mom and dad. We really don't mind, but we hope we won't pay the price when we try to return to the normal sleeping arrangements when we get back home. For now, it's fun looking at her cute little face as she sleeps contentedly by her mom's side. I kiss them both on the cheek before heading over to the boy's room to wake Christopher. Soon we are showered (ok, Im showered, eleven-year-old boys never shower unless they are forced to do so) and dressed and on our way out the door. As the door is about to close, I realize I am about to make a big mistake. Left to make up her own schedule, Kathy would never make it out of the room before 10am. I will definitely need to push them along. I grab a pen and paper and leave a note.
Lucy (yes, yet another nickname in the long list of joedisney favorites),
We'll meet you at the Starring Rolls bakery at 9:30 am. Don't forget the little people.
Love,
Dad and H (yes, the map boy is also known as H)
I know 9:30 is pushing it, so I try and distract her attention by adding the line about not forgetting the kids. I have no faith they will get there on time, but I am hoping they arrive sometime before 10am.
As we leave the hotel, I am immediately reminded that Janet is gone. Today is a perfect day and Janet and perfect days seldom go together. While my sister brings a different kind of sunshine wherever she goes, the actual weather usually includes large amounts of rain. If theres a big party at Janet's house, bring the umbrella. As we walk along on this brisk Florida morning, I miss my sister's sunshine, although I am enjoying the sunny day she has left behind. I love the walk from the Beach Club to MGM. This morning we are fast walking, attempting to beat the boat to MGM. As we walk along, I notice Christopher is purposely avoiding stepping on the lines on the cement walkway. This is something I have done ever since I was a kid. Can't take the chance on the "breaking your mothers back" thing. Soon we are running and jumping, trying to take only two steps between the lines. The lines are really far apart, but I am pretty sure I was able to do one of the blocks in one jump. Before we know it, we are at MGM, and yes, we beat the boat.
Like all Disney parks in January, MGM in the morning is shear bliss. No lines, no waiting. We do Rock'n Roller Coaster twice, the Tower of Terror and Star Tours. As we exit Star Tours I notice a wonderful thing. My stomach is rumbling. I am hungry! I have just gone on three of Disney more stomach churning rides and I am feeling pretty good. Today is the first day since our morning at Cinderella's castle that I am actually looking forward to eating something. Wahooo! We make it to the bakery at twenty past nine, order some cinnamon rolls, coffee and chocolate milk and sit down at one of the outdoor tables. By 9:40 we are delighted by the sounds of the little people as they turn the corner heading towards our table. 9:40, I can't believe it, the note worked! The first thing that Kathy says when she sees us is, "9:30 are you crazy, do you know how hard it is to get this crew going in the morning?" Yes, I tell her and, Im so glad you remembered to bring them!
After breakfast we do the Little Mermaid, Millionaire and the Great Movie Ride. Caley had a great time playing Millionaire. After every question, Caley would yell, I got that one! This was our first time seeing the Little Mermaid. The show got mixed reviews, but we are all feeling pretty good until we happen upon Buzz and Woody. Life was much easier when all of the kids wanted to get the autographs. Now, we have two that do and two that don't. Connor and Christopher exchange looks of misery as we slide into the back of a very long line. The big boys saunter over to a nearby bench as the little ones grab their pens and autograph books. About twenty minutes later we have our autographs and some very cute pictures. I also got a nice shot of the big boys moping on the bench as they impatiently wait for their younger siblings. Next, we do the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and Muppet 3D before going to the Pizza Planet for lunch. Im never impressed with the food at Pizza Planet, but the kids love the arcade and the atmosphere is fun. After lunch, we watch the show at Playhouse Disney. Here again, the age gap is trouble, but the show is only twenty minutes and the big boys have fun watching the little people enjoy the show.
Next up is a Disney first for the Octopus. Alex is just over 40 inches tall and can ride on the Tower of Terror. Like his older brother, Alex shows little reservation when it comes to the thrill rides. If hes tall enough, the Octopus wants to ride. After talking his mother into letting him go, Alex grabs the Map Boy and me and we are off to the Tower. The line is still short and soon we are in the library watching Rod Serling on the little black and white television. Alex is doing fine as we wind our way to the line in front of one of the elevators. As we wait for the doors to open, I look down and see that look on Alexs face. I have seen that face before. My mind whisks me back to that cool September morning at the bus stop. Alex waits bravely for the bus with that same look, the look that comes with the anxiety of facing the unknown. Unlike his brothers, Alex was very excited about attending kindergarten. For weeks he counted down the days to his first ride on the bus. Its funny how the reality of the moment quickly diffuses that steely confidence that one holds when a new challenge is still a few days away. As the bus rounds the bend, the hold that Alex has on my hand begins to tighten. I look over and see that Kathy shares that same anxious look as Alex. I begin to snap some pictures as Kathy helps Alex climb the big steps and pick out a seat on the bus. We wave as the bus begins to pull away. Alex musters all of his courage and waves back as the picks up speed. Kathy and I watch in silence as our innocent five-year-old boy conquers his first big challenge on his own. I snap back to the present, as the elevator door swings open in front of us. I am happy to be sharing this challenge at Alexs side. As we make our way through the ride, Alex is having a great time. He loves the part where the window smashes. Soon we are sitting in the elevator shaft in complete darkness. I cant see his face, so I have no idea how the Octopus is doing. Soon the bottom drops out from underneath us and we are free falling the thirteen-story shaft. I get a glimpse at Alex when the doors open at the top, before we plunge down again. He looks scared, really scared. Im thinking it may have been a mistake to bring him on. When the ride ends, Alex looks a little shaken, but refuses to admit he was afraid. He bounds out of the ride and is ready for more! On the way out we buy Alex a Tower of Terror tee shirt that he must put on immediately. When we meet up with the rest of the gang, Alex is almost jumping out of his skin as he describes the ride to his mom. Kathy just smiles and shakes her head.
On our way out of the park, we catch the Stars and Motor Cars parade. We have a nice peaceful walk back to our room at the Beach Club. We stop at the bridge that goes over the lake at the Boardwalk. The kids reminisce about our last time here when we were checking out the boats as one-year-old Caley began to roll away down the other side of the bridge in her stroller. Luckily Alex noticed and started yelling that Caley was, rolling away. I was able to run her down just before the Stroller hit the curb below. That day will be forever remembered as the day that the Octopus saved his baby sister. I take the kids for a swim in the quiet pool as Kathy watches from the balcony above. Life just doesnt get much better than this. As we swim we see a duck couple waddle by. The last time we were at Disney, we named a similar pair of ducks Pam and Howard after our next-door neighbors. I point out the ducks to Alex and Caley and say, Hey, theres Pam and Howard. Alex cant believe there still here from last time. After a nice swim, we go back to the room and get dressed for dinner at ESPN. I know I am finally over my bought with the stomach flu as I take a bite out my cheeseburger. Nothing ever tasted so good. I even get a cold beer to wash down the burger and fries. I am officially back in action. After we eat we spend the rest of our night strolling the boardwalk. The kids love looking at themselves in the trick mirror. As we walk we come upon a cowgirl doing tricks with a lasso. It isnt long before Connor gets recruited for the show and is spinning a lasso in front of the small crowd. This is not a small accomplishment for this more than timid eight-year old. I could see that first-day-of-kindergarten look on his face as soon as he was selected to participate. Connor is very proud as he leaves to the cheer of the crowd. I am happy to have witnessed yet another example of one of my children trying something new.
As we all snuggle into beds for the night, I reflect on yet another perfect day at Disney. Thanks to Janet, the skies were blue and the temperature was in the mid 60s all day. It was here that I first thought of how a trip to Disney is like a small chunk of life all wrapped in a ten-day period. How that look on Alexs face, as we waiting in line at the Tower of Terror, was identical to that day when he got on the bus on that cool September morning. Ive seen this face at Disney several times on this trip; on Caley, as she waited for the autograph of a princess at Cinderellas Castle; on Alex, as he was about to plummet down the slide at Splash Mountain; on Connor, as he was about to perform before a small crowd at the boardwalk. I look forward to seeing this look many more times in the future. Im sure it will show up when Alex gets up to bat at his first tee-ball game or when Caley performs a part in a school play. Ill see when Christopher graduates from high school and when Connor leaves home for college. Ill see it first hand when I escort my princess down the aisle on her wedding day. As I drift off to sleep, I promise myself that I will cherish each of these moments. With only three full days left at Disney, I am reminded at how quickly like can pass by.
Coming next: Dont cry over spilled milk.
