Come to the Dark Side...4 Weekends of Fun with the Force(Updated 11/12)

[ladylyons]

I do not think that I could tolerate a cross country trip. That is too much togetherness in too small of a space. Now when the kids were little I would have loved doing it. No clue what changed it for me.

I'm excited about the possibility of doing it (we took lots of road trips when I was going up, my favorite being the one with my grandparent's). But still sacred about the distance. Still have to start researching it but I've been sick today so I've been just trying to take it easy.

 

[annmarieda]

I LOVE the storm trooper costume! So cool!

I am sorry that JJ still struggles with the tics. That can't be fun for anyone.

Lots of fun you have had at SWW. I though, would be worse than you not knowing that this one was a fighter or that one was a... It looks like a lot of fun though even if I don't know what each character is.

 

[kaoden39]

I'm excited about the possibility of doing it (we took lots of road trips when I was going up, my favorite being the one with my grandparent's). But still sacred about the distance. Still have to start researching it but I've been sick today so I've been just trying to take it easy.

When I was growing up we were on the road all the time going on one trip or another. My dad loved being in the car hitting every back road he could find. I have logged more miles in the state of California than anyone I know other than my mom. I think I feel a blog post coming on.

Take care of yourself.

 

[ladylyons]

When I was growing up we were on the road all the time going on one trip or another. My dad loved being in the car hitting every back road he could find. I have logged more miles in the state of California than anyone I know other than my mom. I think I feel a blog post coming on.

Take care of yourself.

Our road trips took us every where. We'd pile into the back of the little Toyota pick up (with a camper shell) we had at the time and drove all the way to Colorado a couple times, Texas a few times and even to Oregon to go camping a few times. That's not counting the countless trips we took to Reno, Las Vegas, and of course Disneyland when my parent's could afford it. But the best trip was the 3 month one with my grandparent's. One of the best trips ever! Can't wait to read the new post!!

 

[lovethattink]

That is a possibility! Now to see when they get out so I can get this planning in full force!!

Lol, yes, a date would help.

I do not think that I could tolerate a cross country trip. That is too much togetherness in too small of a space. Now when the kids were little I would have loved doing it. No clue what changed it for me.

Me either, Michele. Let me rephrase that. I could handle the trip. JJ could not. Last time we drove up the east coast it took us a long time. 6 hours a day was the most he could handle. We had been use to driving the whole drive or at least 12 hours the first day.

I'm excited about the possibility of doing it (we took lots of road trips when I was going up, my favorite being the one with my grandparent's). But still sacred about the distance. Still have to start researching it but I've been sick today so I've been just trying to take it easy.

I'm sure you'll make it fun for the kids making new memories and sharing yours with them.

I hope you feel better soon. Morning sickness or infection sickness?

I LOVE the storm trooper costume! So cool!

I am sorry that JJ still struggles with the tics. That can't be fun for anyone.

Lots of fun you have had at SWW. I though, would be worse than you not knowing that this one was a fighter or that one was a... It looks like a lot of fun though even if I don't know what each character is.

Thanks. He has been doing great since he and his brother prayed. The last two days he had an odd cough. Probably a throat tic of some sort, because it does not sound sick. Sounds more like a clearing throat type of cough. The cough only came when doing his school work on Saturday and playing his video game when the game got difficult. That kind of tic, sounds so much better to me than those full body tics he was having.

When I was growing up we were on the road all the time going on one trip or another. My dad loved being in the car hitting every back road he could find. I have logged more miles in the state of California than anyone I know other than my mom. I think I feel a blog post coming on.

Take care of yourself.

How fun! My dad was a back road finder too. And my grandfather was a back road restaurant finder. He knew so many hidden gems.

Our road trips took us every where. We'd pile into the back of the little Toyota pick up (with a camper shell) we had at the time and drove all the way to Colorado a couple times, Texas a few times and even to Oregon to go camping a few times. That's not counting the countless trips we took to Reno, Las Vegas, and of course Disneyland when my parent's could afford it. But the best trip was the 3 month one with my grandparent's. One of the best trips ever! Can't wait to read the new post!!

Wow, a 3 month road trip. Now that's a road trip!

 

[mickeystoontown]

JJ has such a heart of gold and it was so very sweet of him to worry about his friend so much.

I laughed outloud when you said that he bugged him just to say that he wasn't going to bug him. That was hilarious!

 

[lovethattink]

JJ has such a heart of gold and it was so very sweet of him to worry about his friend so much.

I laughed outloud when you said that he bugged him just to say that he wasn't going to bug him. That was hilarious!

And after witnessing first hand the, "my brother smells like fish" comment first hand. I'm sure you can just see it all going down too. LOL.

ETA: Grumpy is working at the fish store again. He went in to buy salt water for his tank, and came out with a schedule. Even though he turned in his two weeks notice and quit in August. They kept him on the schedule. They said when he was gone so many people asked for him and missed him. He absolutely loves working there with all the fish.

 

[lovethattink]

Here is the picture of the amazing salad from Tomorrowland Terrace. The salad dressing was THE MOST amazing dressing. It was a mandarin orange dressing. The perfect combination of sweet and salty. I tasted soy sauce in it too. I loved the dressing so much it took restraint not to pick up the bowl and not miss a drop. The shrimp were perfect and there were so many. We went to the MK yesterday and I was disappointed the restaurant was closed.

 

[ladylyons]

Lol, yes, a date would help.


I'm sure you'll make it fun for the kids making new memories and sharing yours with them.

I hope you feel better soon. Morning sickness or infection sickness?


Wow, a 3 month road trip. Now that's a road trip!

found out their last day is June 12. Now the planning and pricing of everything can begin. Even though I'm sure it'll change numerous times between now and then!!

I'd find ways to make it fun. By then Sarah will be reading and Jeremy will be a better reader so I can do road trip games with them.

I think it's sinuses. It's my head and nose that's bothering me.

It was the trip of a lifetime!! We were very fortunate to have those memories with them and of course each other. My cousin and I are actually still pretty close even though she's 8 years younger than me.

 

[lovethattink]

found out their last day is June 12. Now the planning and pricing of everything can begin. Even though I'm sure it'll change numerous times between now and then!!

I'd find ways to make it fun. By then Sarah will be reading and Jeremy will be a better reader so I can do road trip games with them.

I think it's sinuses. It's my head and nose that's bothering me.

It was the trip of a lifetime!! We were very fortunate to have those memories with them and of course each other. My cousin and I are actually still pretty close even though she's 8 years younger than me.

Too bad it's June 12th. If SWW follows through like last year, June 8, 2014 will be the last day of SWW. Also, all the schools here will be out around the same time, so crowd levels will increase exponentially, especially on the weekends. Typically, summer crowds are an 8, 9, or 10 level.

Is there any way you can take the kids out of school for a vacation? I can't imagine 4 children including an infant with high crowd levels and summer heat. May and October usually have the best weather. May is before hurricane season and October at the end.

I hope you are feeling better. Pregnancy and sinuses can go hand in hand.

Glad those trips forged a lasting bond with your cousin.

 

[ladylyons]

Too bad it's June 12th. If SWW follows through like last year, June 8, 2014 will be the last day of SWW. Also, all the schools here will be out around the same time, so crowd levels will increase exponentially, especially on the weekends. Typically, summer crowds are an 8, 9, or 10 level.

Is there any way you can take the kids out of school for a vacation? I can't imagine 4 children including an infant with high crowd levels and summer heat. May and October usually have the best weather. May is before hurricane season and October at the end.

I hope you are feeling better. Pregnancy and sinuses can go hand in hand.

Glad those trips forged a lasting bond with your cousin.

I wish I could take them out. I'd do it with no problems but they can't miss the first 3 days or last 10 days of school or else they lose their spot in class and run the risk of getting put at a different school that has room. I guess they had a lottery this year for the Kindergarten class but I didn't hear about it until our Kindergarten Orientation night. I don't think we were put into it though since I already had one child at the school. I'm not a fan of the idea of the crowds we'll probably get but we have figured out with all of our trips to DL go early, nap in the middle of the afternoon and you can go all night for the nighttime shows. It also get's you out of the heat in the middle of the day.

I know ALL about the hurricane season in May!!! That's what we got caught in when we went in May 2009!!! We only had a 27 month old and 8 month old at the time though and that was interesting!! It rained on us more than it didn't. We made the best of it and still had a great time. I think the only day we didn't have rain was our very last park day and we were in the MK. That's when we finally got pictures with all of us and my parent's who had went on the trip with us.

Had such a bad headache after I got Sarah that I had to find a ride home for Jeremy. So his teacher from last year (the one out right now) picked him up for me at the same time she picked her son up. It's great having people who can help me out like that.

 

[annmarieda]

Did I miss congratulating you on your anniversary? I hope you were able to get in a little celebration in the midst of all of everything you have been going through.

As I am going through and reading, I am struck with "am I really over a month behind?" So forgive me as I mention the heat of August... I bet that was not easy for JJ... I don't think it is easy on anyone. I can see why a ride and snack were all he could handle.

Maybe I have done more reading than posting? Cause I know I read about the M&G with Warwick Davis. Hmmmm

I also read about the parade. AMAZING! How completely awesome that JJ was able to walk it. I think you did a great job getting pics..despite the tears of joy.

Ok.. finally, I came across a comments from me... whew.

I am not sure where my mind went the last few months. I think between all my upcoming trip and all that has been going on with Zoe, I have been a tad lost.

I am glad that the beginning of September brought some relief for JJ with the addition of better meds.

I love the storm trooper costume! So cute. I can see why so many picture requests were made.

How scary that the tics now affect his breathing!!! What are the doctors saying? That can't be just par for the course and something you have to live with. After all... kinda important to breath.

How cool that the street policeman asked JJ to watch over the world. I bet he was very proud!

Such a shame about JJ's friend missing the show.

This is such a funny picture!!!

So maybe I wasn't as far behind as I though... but still. I had comments after I reread everything.

Your salad looks very very yummy. I may have to get that on saturday! I never plan on dinning at TT because you just never know when it will or will not be open. So... it is open now?

 

[lovethattink]

I wish I could take them out. I'd do it with no problems but they can't miss the first 3 days or last 10 days of school or else they lose their spot in class and run the risk of getting put at a different school that has room. I guess they had a lottery this year for the Kindergarten class but I didn't hear about it until our Kindergarten Orientation night. I don't think we were put into it though since I already had one child at the school. I'm not a fan of the idea of the crowds we'll probably get but we have figured out with all of our trips to DL go early, nap in the middle of the afternoon and you can go all night for the nighttime shows. It also get's you out of the heat in the middle of the day.

I know ALL about the hurricane season in May!!! That's what we got caught in when we went in May 2009!!! We only had a 27 month old and 8 month old at the time though and that was interesting!! It rained on us more than it didn't. We made the best of it and still had a great time. I think the only day we didn't have rain was our very last park day and we were in the MK. That's when we finally got pictures with all of us and my parent's who had went on the trip with us.

Had such a bad headache after I got Sarah that I had to find a ride home for Jeremy. So his teacher from last year (the one out right now) picked him up for me at the same time she picked her son up. It's great having people who can help me out like that.

I don't know where my response to your post went? I responded ages ago. So sorry.

Disney in summer is totally doable. There are several touring plans and crowd calendars you can use to help your planning.

That must have been such a bad headache. I'm so sorry. Very nice that your friend was able to pick him up at school.

 

[lovethattink]

Did I miss congratulating you on your anniversary? I hope you were able to get in a little celebration in the midst of all of everything you have been going through.

As I am going through and reading, I am struck with "am I really over a month behind?" So forgive me as I mention the heat of August... I bet that was not easy for JJ... I don't think it is easy on anyone. I can see why a ride and snack were all he could handle.

Maybe I have done more reading than posting? Cause I know I read about the M&G with Warwick Davis. Hmmmm

I also read about the parade. AMAZING! How completely awesome that JJ was able to walk it. I think you did a great job getting pics..despite the tears of joy.

Ok.. finally, I came across a comments from me... whew.

I am not sure where my mind went the last few months. I think between all my upcoming trip and all that has been going on with Zoe, I have been a tad lost.

I am glad that the beginning of September brought some relief for JJ with the addition of better meds.

I love the storm trooper costume! So cute. I can see why so many picture requests were made.

How scary that the tics now affect his breathing!!! What are the doctors saying? That can't be just par for the course and something you have to live with. After all... kinda important to breath.

How cool that the street policeman asked JJ to watch over the world. I bet he was very proud!

Such a shame about JJ's friend missing the show.

This is such a funny picture!!!

So maybe I wasn't as far behind as I though... but still. I had comments after I reread everything.

Your salad looks very very yummy. I may have to get that on saturday! I never plan on dinning at TT because you just never know when it will or will not be open. So... it is open now?

Lol, Ann. If you were reading based on my index, I did get behind on updating it. Then realized I linked some updates and not others.

I'm so glad SWW was in May before all of JJ's new issues. He was able to enjoy every moment to the fullest. I'm so glad things are turning around for the better now. He still has a way to go, but things are so much better than July and August.

The parades, keeping and eye on the world, the M&Gs were all special memories that will not be forgotten.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just popping in to say Hey! to my Dis buddies! How's JJ doing? What's the latest on your Dad?

 

[lovethattink]

Just popping in to say Hey! to my Dis buddies! How's JJ doing? What's the latest on your Dad?

Hey! JJ had a great week. Only one day of severe ticking. He snuck into some chocolate he found. He had one bite size 3 Musketeers Bar, but that little bit was enough to cause big problems.

We went to our 2nd MNSSHP of the season last night. It was a blast. JJ tried to wear a costume but it was just too hot and humid. He wore it only while we were at Fairytale Hall.

 

[ladylyons]

I don't know where my response to your post went? I responded ages ago. So sorry.

Disney in summer is totally doable. There are several touring plans and crowd calendars you can use to help your planning.

That must have been such a bad headache. I'm so sorry. Very nice that your friend was able to pick him up at school.

No worries. I figured you had been busy.

We'll use the same strategy we use at DL during Christmas/New Years. Go early, break midafternoon, head back in the early evenings. That's the one really good thing when the park closes later. You can break in the middle of the day and not feel like your missing out on a lot.

It was. I could barely get Sarah but wasn't able to get ahold of anyone to pick her up for me. I had been having really bad sinus headaches last week. Thank goodness I've finally gotten them to go away.

 

[lovethattink]

No worries. I figured you had been busy.

We'll use the same strategy we use at DL during Christmas/New Years. Go early, break midafternoon, head back in the early evenings. That's the one really good thing when the park closes later. You can break in the middle of the day and not feel like your missing out on a lot.

It was. I could barely get Sarah but wasn't able to get ahold of anyone to pick her up for me. I had been having really bad sinus headaches last week. Thank goodness I've finally gotten them to go away.

Glad the sinus headaches are gone. Pregnancy can really do a number on the sinuses.

 

[lovethattink]

Day 7 (part 1)

We took two cars this morning to DHS. My husband had to work in the afternoon. While he went to work, wed check into the resort.

We arrived to the park shortly before the start of the parade. We had already decided that since dhs time was limited wed watch the 501st part of the parade across from the stage at Star Tours. As we headed there, we passed by several event services cm. He was asked if he wanted to be in the parade again. He did but told them it was too hot; and thanked them for asking. As we walked around echo lake, we were stopped by cm who asked who JJ was going to see this day. They were shocked when we said nobody. One of the cm asked JJ who he would want to see if he could see somebody. Without any hesitation he exclaimed Sam Witwer!

I was called aside out of JJs ear shot and asked if I could bring JJ back at a certain time. I was told that just maybe something could be worked out to surprise JJ. I was so touched. When I returned to dh and JJ, JJ was worried something was wrong because of how my eyes looked. I assured him everything was great.

We found our spot for the parade. Got JJ situated with the air conditioners and frozen water bottles.

​

 

[lovethattink]

Day 7 (Part 2)

​

The parade was really nice from this location. Granted there were no celebrities or Disney characters. However, it was a great location to see the 501st and Rebel Legion.

After the parade we turned around and ate lunch at the Backlot Express. We had the exact same food we had the previous week. This time though, dh got a Vader cupcake for dessert.

To show how gooey the cupcake is inside

​

JJ designed his shirt. Its a collection of drawings done by dh and things JJ found around the house that he thought would look great on his shirt. He was so proud of this hodge podge of his treasures.



It was too hot and humid for JJ to be outside. So we went to Darths Mall to see whichever character was there. I think we bought something either along the way or at the mall. I remember dh running stuff out to the car while we waited for the characters.

I met a woman in line, Liliane Opsomer. She is one of the authors of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World for Kids. She was dressed as Princess Leia with hopes to see Princess Leia. This was her third attempt in line to see her. Yes, three times Liliane had gone all the way through the line trying to land a photo-op with her favorite princess; and three times she ended up with another character. I promised her that if we got there and it was Leia she could go right in front of us to make sure she got her.

Unfortunately for Liliane, she would have to attempt try number four. I do hope that sometime along the way she did get to see Princess Leia. When we got there it was the droids. JJ was thrilled. The conversation was about his shirt. C3PO asked about the picture of Phinneas since he didnt know who he was. There was some conversation about Boba Fett on his sleeve too.

​

Dh left for work, and JJ and I wondered around the studios going from air conditioned place to air conditioned place. He had made soap for two more CM and he wanted to find them to give it to them. We went back to the Dark Side. He wanted to find Melissa to give her some soap for helping him learn how to stand so that the characters could see him the weekend before. He spotted Melissa and was so happy to see her. He was surprised, however, by Zam Wesle who he did not see coming.

​

He was so happy to see Melissa again. He gave her the soap he made and asked if he could get a picture with her. Then he asked her if he knew Kai. For those following along, Kai was a huge lifesaver back at Christmas time when we went to see Santa Claus. He totally brightened JJs day that day. He told JJ hed be there at SSW and would keep an eye out for him. JJ made soap for Kai too. While waiting in line for Santa, he and Kai talked about how cool it would be to ride in the Millennium Falcon. He made Kai a gray Millennium Falcon soap. He made red, white and blue Mickey heads for Melissa with some Star Wars soaps thrown in there too.

​

Now came the fun part. JJ had to use the restroom. We had to find a companion restroom. I knew there was one at Rock n Roller, but I did not know where another was. We walked over to the one near Idol. There was no companion restroom. I asked a cm if they knew where the nearest one was. She pulled out a paper, but nothing about companion restrooms was on there. I vaguely remembered seeing one near Sounds Dangerous and Star Tours, so we went over there. Sure enough, there was one. It was occupied, so we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Nearly 30 minutes we waited. There was a cm waiting to clean it too. He kept on doing other work in between and kept checking. He was a very friendly cm. Eventually it was our turn. I learned a lesson. If Im ever alone with JJ in a park, I will pick up a the appropriate map so I can find the companion rest rooms.

I looked at my phone. It was time to head back to Echo Lake. I found the cm who spoke with me earlier. Sure enough, he arranged some pixie dust! He opened a rope and got JJ situated in the shade. I aimed both air conditioners at him and got out what was left of the frozen water bottles. Now they were not so frozen, but there was some ice left to in them. A duck must have thought I was getting out food. He came right over to us.

​

Shortly after we were situated, the queue was opened. Sam Witwer arrived shortly after that! This was so exciting for JJ. He has seen Sam Witwer many times, but never had the opportunity to actually meet him. He is the voice of Darth Maul in the Clone Wars.

​

This was incredible. We were in and out of there in a flash. This guy has autograph sessions down to a science. He was quick yet personable. The next day, we found out that he was so fast he was able to get in 80 to 90 standby people and walk ups!

We left the park as soon as we were done with the M&G. We checked into the resort. JJ was exhausted. He took a nap, watched tv, played legos, ate dinner in the room and went to bed very early.