Countdown to the Clown! A September PTR - Updated 9/13 - TR LINK

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Hi Brook! Already on page 6 - goodness! I wouldn't miss one of your TR's so I'm ready to hear all about it and yeah for 30 days!!!

I loved your plan around the iPad, a cool phone and snacks! I my iPad but I usually travel with my iPod Touch since it's loaded with fun things for my DS and I but we have to take turns but it fits nicely in my purse.

How exciting to meet some DISers as well

Heather

 

[k_reile]

ok...is it sad that I am more jealous of your St Lucia (just slightly more) trip than your disney trip???? LOL! DH and I honeymooned in St Lucia and we loved it there! We were just talking about it the other day because I said if I ever won the lottery I would move there! I just want to live in the Caribbean...i think that would be awesome!

Its amazing how much of a little boy Henry has become over the years! Caleb is starting to grow up before my eyes and he is starting to become such the little boy! Makes me sad! LOL!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I so love all of your traditions, but I think you are missing one...where are your pictures with the classic Brook with her arms up pose???

 

[micandminforever]

Joining in on the fun. The corn nuggets looks great, and in one month they will be yours.

I enjoyed watching Henry grow up at Disney,and the many changes. You have several great traditions

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Love the pics of Henry. Can't wait to see the ones of 3 year old Henry in the same places.

 

[MaryAz]

Page 6 I really appreciated your final thoughts on ur Dec TR since soon we will be there. Sorry we will miss ya in Sep. Someday we shall meet! Loved all the traditions. Our kiddos are exactly one year apart!

You want a clown view That is one DVC resort I am going to avoid like the plague!!

 

[All7OfUs]

ONE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're dancing the happy dance together my new, corn dog, loving friend!!!!

 

[lovealldisney]

Brooke,
I can't believe how big Henry has gotten! Loved all your pictures! I am following you on your blog to!! I think I have to plan me a trip to New York! I have wanted to post a comment on your blog do I need to be a memeber or sign up or something?

Can you please PM me I would like to start a blog, we are going on a trip to Germany next month and would love to blog while there but have no clue how to start. I signed up for Eblogger (is thatlike your blog?) but have no clue how to arrange things, add pictures, video ect.. As you can tell I'm not tech savy

 

[All7OfUs]

Henry usually goes to bed around 8:30, but at Disney, it gets all wacked out since we do the night shows. What time is F! on the 2nd? We arrive that day, (our AK day is the 3rd), but we arrive in the early afternoon, so this sounds like a WONDERFUL idea for our arrival day! We currently have no plans, I was just gonna chill around the resort, pool, maybe resort hop, hit the playground, etc. F!/DHS that night would be lovely! I've only seen F! once and I wasn't a huge fan, but I'm definitely willing to see it again - plus just to hang out will be great!

Denise is just doing lunch, right? She will be my ride (gotta firm that up with her after I figure out other stuff), so I might just be at lunch too. Which might be best anyway since we have a bus ride that night and Joe will have to work in the AM. I'm so excited to meet everyone!!!!!

I arrive on the 2nd, around 11:00- I think I should be to POP by 12:12 or so. After that I'll use the western bathroom and perhaps grab a drink out of the water fountain on the way to my room.

No, seriously, my plan is to wander at POP for a couple hours, getting settled in, and grabbing some CS lunch there.

I'll be at DHS by 3:00 or so, and want to really chill out. After TOT of course. I have a HBD ADR at 6:45, but want to see if I can get in sooner. I would really like to be in line for F! by 7:45- but don't want to rush dinner.

I'd absolutely LOVE for you to join me. It just seems weird to watch something like that alone! Also, Mary may join me (or us) too. Depending on what Baker's family is doing. I just have no idea. I would sorta like my dinner to be solo, as it's a kind of time to remember my Grandma, in a Disney sort of way. You can read the backstory to that on my thread.

Denise, I believe IS only doing lunch, but I'm sure that won't be a problem. We are planning on metro-ing (is that a word?) to the Mall, then back to Bethesda- and I'm pretty sure either Glenn or my sister can get you back to the bus station if needed. I wouldn't worry!! Really!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so jealous of your Annual Passes. I need to buy DVC just so I can get a discount on them.

I all the pictures of Henry. I can't believe how much he has grown up. My goodness.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Page 6 I really appreciated your final thoughts on ur Dec TR since soon we will be there. Sorry we will miss ya in Sep. Someday we shall meet! Loved all the traditions. Our kiddos are exactly one year apart!

You want a clown view That is one DVC resort I am going to avoid like the plague!!

New Year's week is a lot of FUN! There are so many extra things, and the magic does seem to be at a peak! The crowds are completely tolerable if you just tell yourself to "roll with it" and take it all in stride. You won't get as much done, BUT, you can get through it and enjoy it. My suggestion would be to hit the parks VERY EARLY at Rope Drop, OR, hit them VERY LATE.

About the clown view!!! We like a pool view, it's fun to watch off the balcony. The clown doesn't bother me too much, it's just WEIRD!!! I haven't made any room requests yet!

I just saw that as I read through what you had so far. And, up until last year, we ALWAYS went over Labor Day. Then Grumpy decided he wanted to make it later in September AFTER his trade show so he could relax. See all the problems he has caused.

I can't wait to hear your take on the Creepy Clown. That guy me to death!

Love that you and Henry get to go a day early and enjoy a day just Mom and son in the park--I think that is awesome.

Grumpy!!! See what you have done?!?! We really like September, so perhaps next year we'll be able to push it back to mid-month!

Brook, I was reading your weekend updates earlier and imagining how much Henry must have changed since your siggie pics. Before the thought had left my mind, you had posted the first of your two-post update. When I saw your time warp pics, I had to laugh that we must be on the same wave-length today. (I didn't post then because it would have been in between that post and the continuation post.) I can't wait to see the pics from the upcoming trip.

Which reminds me... I need to get my siggie pics updated too. Those are 8 at least months old already and Erin is a whole different person these days.

That is funny! I was looking at all the old pictures last week and just had to post some with this update. Isn't it amazing how quickly they grow from baby to toddler? I'm looking forward to your new siggy pics!

I love that Joe wanted to take you shopping for the trip..can he call Mark please

And the traditions are so important. We had the picture with my in-laws that we tried to take every trip in Epcot, except that half the time we forgot where the correct spot was! No matter, we have the four of us in about the same pose, in almost the same spot and we'll treasure those forever since we'll never get another one all together. OH - don't forget about the picture in every country. I want to try that one again this trip...and maybe let Mark be in more than one photo

I was surprised when he mentioned it! It sure was nice though, I think we are SET for the trip! I should have him call all the DIS Husbands!

I was thinking of you two with your pictures when I was posting mine! I love seeing how you would try to get the same pose and all, it was fun! And thank you for the reminder on the picture in each country!!! I DEFINITELY want to do that! It's going into the trip notes right now.

Seriously? 5 pages already? LOL! Now off to read all 5 of them!

He he. Ya, we are cruising over here!

First, can you get your DH to talk to my DH about "taking me shopping?"

I love the tradition photos. I love looking at the difference from each trip -- the look, the reaction, the growth...such fun.

Joe is going to have a lot of DIS Husbands to call!!!

I am really glad we have started these traditions since Henry's first trip. I'm a bit bummed we missed out on a few here and there, but overall, it's pretty good. With low crowds of September we better be able to get them all in!

OK. I am a big dork. I admit it. But I am teary reading your traditions. I them. I can't possibly pick a favorite. The feet, hidden mickey, view of the castle...

And H is going to love them as he's growing up. And continue them with his kids. What great pictures you are going to have to show the passage of time!

One month!! Can't wait.

Aw, that's sweet! They make me all sappy too - just seeing how much he has grown - and all the memories that go with each of those trips. Ahhhhh! Makes me even more excited for this coming trip!!!

I would LOVE it if H continues these on with his future children. I would be one happy Grandma! (I can't even IMAGINE being a Grandma! Ahhhh! )

 

[coneygoil]

I've enjoyed all your traditions through out reading your TRs. It was fun to see them again all together in one post too! Henry has grown so much and I can't wait to see all your traditions again on your new trip. My family has some traditions as well, like taking pics of the Dole Pineapple Floats or taking pics of each other on Splash Mountain or Thunder Moutain. I plan to make lots of traditions when my little arrives soon!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Love all the traditions Brook! I had to laugh at all of the indifferent pics of Henry looking at the castle, of course I remember seeing them from your TRs, but it's just funny to see them all together like that He's grown so much since your first family TR but I especially see a HUGE difference between Jan & Sept 2009 - good grief, he almost looks like a different kid!

He SO did not care for several trips! He looks tired in a couple of those, poor baby! He would always perk right up once we hit some rides though. In December he was super excited to see the Castle and as soon as we were in Fantasyland he was giddy, "Pooh Mommy!" it was so stinkin' cute.

There was a major difference between January and September last year! He went from baby to toddler! This gap between trips, December to current will be another big jump I think!

Joining in!
Henry is too cute! I love the idea of the traditions. I think it's wonderful that you started them when he is so young.
I must try these corn dog nuggets that everyone swears by!
Barbara

Thank you for reading! I have your PTR open, gotta get caught up over there yet.

I think it will be really neat to look at all the pictures when he's a teenager and his Momma is forcing him to stand with Zurg.

Yes! You gotta try the Nuggets! They are some deep fried goodness!!!

Joining in! I'm so glad that it's worked out for you guys to have a trip this year!

Henry is adorable; I love the way you have done his pictures in the same places over the years. It's so neat to see how little babies grow into little kids
And my littllest guy calls the castle Mickey's House, too!

Sounds like you're planning a fun trip!

I am still a bit surprised each time I realize that we are able to go! Money was SO tight, and here we are....surreal! Not that we have money coming out of our ears currently, but we are in a much better, and more comfortable spot. It's such a relief for daily living too.

I often wonder when Henry will figure out that's not Mickey's House. I won't tell him!!!

What fun traditions! And that photopass pic of you eating your beloved little corn dog nuggets... BEAUTIFUL!!!

We have the same tradition of N getting his pic taken with Zurg. On our last trip in June as we got off of Buzz, we went to take the picture again. But wait.. Huh? What?? My heart started racing... Zurg was missing! As I walked a few more steps and could see beyond the picture monitors, I breathed a sigh of relief... they moved him to the left side of the doors. Whew. Crisis averted. And a warning for your trip next month!

I'm such a dork, aren't it?! It was totally spur of the moment, the photographer was just standing there, so I took advantage. This coming trip, with a DIS meet planned over the Nuggets, I'm sure we'll have some really interesting pictures as well....!

I remember reading that in another TR now that you mention it! I'm so glad you said something again, I forgot he was moved! I would have been so upset if they had gotten rid of him, it's such a great picture spot. Do they still have the other guy standing there too? I think he is saluting?

What a great list! I loved the flashback photos, too!

Thank you! I hope to include quite a few flashback pics in this PTR for something to look at. Plus then it's kinda like a flashback TR within the PTR.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brook! Already on page 6 - goodness! I wouldn't miss one of your TR's so I'm ready to hear all about it and yeah for 30 days!!!

I loved your plan around the iPad, a cool phone and snacks! I my iPad but I usually travel with my iPod Touch since it's loaded with fun things for my DS and I but we have to take turns but it fits nicely in my purse.

How exciting to meet some DISers as well

Heather

I'm glad you made it over here!

The "cool phone" will most likely be an iPhone - we are also looking at the similar one from T-Mobile, I think it's called the Android. Joe does ALL the research for that stuff and makes the best decision. If it does movies and stuff like the iPad, I'll be leaving the iPad at home, for the same reasons you stated - enough fun stuff, plus fits nicely in the purse!

I'm excited about DIS meets! I have the one with Liesa all set up, and another loose one with LL (Leslie), and possibly another with ClaireW. It would be great to meet so many people!

ok...is it sad that I am more jealous of your St Lucia (just slightly more) trip than your disney trip???? LOL! DH and I honeymooned in St Lucia and we loved it there! We were just talking about it the other day because I said if I ever won the lottery I would move there! I just want to live in the Caribbean...i think that would be awesome!

Its amazing how much of a little boy Henry has become over the years! Caleb is starting to grow up before my eyes and he is starting to become such the little boy! Makes me sad! LOL!

Oh I'm SO happy to hear you loved it! We have no idea what to expect. I'm not a beach person really....the idea of being in a bathing suit for days on end isn't appealing to me, BUT, I know they have a lot of other things to do too at the resort. Joe loves the beach - and honestly, we spent Saturday at the beach here and had a great time - so who knows, maybe I'm being slowly converted. From the pictures I have seen it's AMAZING. I'll have a great time just taking pictures I think!

From age 2 on it's a blur! The kids grow so fast! The last few months have been all about vocabulary for Henry - the 2, 3 word sentences have evolved into full conversations. It's amazing!

I so love all of your traditions, but I think you are missing one...where are your pictures with the classic Brook with her arms up pose???

Oh no! We have chose to leave that one OUT! I wonder if I have done that every trip? Probably....

 

[brookelizabeth]

Joining in on the fun. The corn nuggets looks great, and in one month they will be yours.

I enjoyed watching Henry grow up at Disney,and the many changes. You have several great traditions

Thank you for joining up! I can't believe it's only 1 month away! I know it's gonna fly right on by. Henry asks every day if today is the day!

Love the pics of Henry. Can't wait to see the ones of 3 year old Henry in the same places.

Thank you! I find it hard to believe he's going to be 3. But lately he's had the attitude of a 3 year old...

ONE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're dancing the happy dance together my new, corn dog, loving friend!!!!

Can you believe it?! You have been planning a lot longer than I have, so I bet you are just over the moon! I'm still in that "I can't believe a trip is working out" phase.

Brooke,
I can't believe how big Henry has gotten! Loved all your pictures! I am following you on your blog to!! I think I have to plan me a trip to New York! I have wanted to post a comment on your blog do I need to be a memeber or sign up or something?

Can you please PM me I would like to start a blog, we are going on a trip to Germany next month and would love to blog while there but have no clue how to start. I signed up for Eblogger (is thatlike your blog?) but have no clue how to arrange things, add pictures, video ect.. As you can tell I'm not tech savy

New York is such a wonderful City!! We love living here. We can take a "day vacation" into the City to do something anytime. It's a bit unreal! On the blog you should be able to post without signing up - if you have a Google account you can use that, or you should be able to post anonymously as well. I have a couple updates I need to do over there too!

Our blog is through blogger.com and it's very easy. I will PM you! It will have to be later today though...Henry is climbing all over me currently.

I arrive on the 2nd, around 11:00- I think I should be to POP by 12:12 or so. After that I'll use the western bathroom and perhaps grab a drink out of the water fountain on the way to my room.

No, seriously, my plan is to wander at POP for a couple hours, getting settled in, and grabbing some CS lunch there.

I'll be at DHS by 3:00 or so, and want to really chill out. After TOT of course. I have a HBD ADR at 6:45, but want to see if I can get in sooner. I would really like to be in line for F! by 7:45- but don't want to rush dinner.

I'd absolutely LOVE for you to join me. It just seems weird to watch something like that alone! Also, Mary may join me (or us) too. Depending on what Baker's family is doing. I just have no idea. I would sorta like my dinner to be solo, as it's a kind of time to remember my Grandma, in a Disney sort of way. You can read the backstory to that on my thread.

Denise, I believe IS only doing lunch, but I'm sure that won't be a problem. We are planning on metro-ing (is that a word?) to the Mall, then back to Bethesda- and I'm pretty sure either Glenn or my sister can get you back to the bus station if needed. I wouldn't worry!! Really!

You are a planner, aren't you?!?!

That sounds great about DHS!! I am going to keep it as a loose commitment though, depending on how we feel/how Henry is doing. Every trip we have made plans on our arrival day, no matter how early or late, we've regretted it. So....we just keep them loose now.

Henry wants to put in a smiley -->

Okay, back to topic. I can keep you posted via text once we get there and how we are feeling. I'll stick 7:45 for F! in my trip notes though. If we are feeling up to a park, that will be our #1 choice! I was actually thinking about wandering over to Pop and/or the All Stars so Henry could see the giant icons, but I'm keeping that as a loose idea too - so maybe we'll see ya wandering Pop!

I'm so jealous of your Annual Passes. I need to buy DVC just so I can get a discount on them.

I all the pictures of Henry. I can't believe how much he has grown up. My goodness.

It's an excellent reason to buy DVC! That and 50 years of committed Disney trips.... I love having an AP, we already have another trip loosely planned (not booked) for March - and hopefully we can squeeze in another between March and September. He he.

It's unreal how quickly little ones grow!! This trip will show a big difference too I think.

I've enjoyed all your traditions through out reading your TRs. It was fun to see them again all together in one post too! Henry has grown so much and I can't wait to see all your traditions again on your new trip. My family has some traditions as well, like taking pics of the Dole Pineapple Floats or taking pics of each other on Splash Mountain or Thunder Moutain. I plan to make lots of traditions when my little arrives soon!

Oooh, I really like the idea of taking pictures of each other on the rides! Once Henry is old enough to ride those, I just might have to "borrow" them. It's very fun to take the same pictures with little ones as they grow through the years - you can quickly see how much they have grown and everything! One tradition I saw with a little one was putting them by one of the height gauges by a ride, so you can literally see them get tall enough to ride it over the years. I think that is really clever!

 

[thewesterberg]

I'm such a dork, aren't it?! It was totally spur of the moment, the photographer was just standing there, so I took advantage. This coming trip, with a DIS meet planned over the Nuggets, I'm sure we'll have some really interesting pictures as well....!

Nah, you're not a dork. Well, maybe you are but you're a fun dork! Those are the kind of pictures that you'll always look back at an laugh about. I mean, the regular family shots in front of the castle are nice and everything but EVERYONE has one of those! Who has a corn dog nugget one? YOU! Plus, I'm one to talk - I ran around WDW with a Disney-Disliking Friend's head on a stick (photograph, not an actual head mind you!) and had Photopass people taking funny poses. I think they actually like taking the fun shots. The one photographer was sort of droning in her directions, telling us how to stand for the usual pose. Then she saw our "friend" and all of a sudden there was life in her voice and she came up with all these funny things for us to do! So you can thinking of taking nugget pictures as bringing some excitement to a photographer's day!

I remember reading that in another TR now that you mention it! I'm so glad you said something again, I forgot he was moved! I would have been so upset if they had gotten rid of him, it's such a great picture spot. Do they still have the other guy standing there too? I think he is saluting?

You know, I don't remember to tell you the truth. I was just happy to find Zurg!

Oh, and I forgot to write the other day... wow has Henry grown up over the course of your trips! Yesterday I was going thru pictures to write up about the class N took at MK and the picture from our meet in Duluth was in with those pictures... Henry looked so tiny! Amazing what a couple of years can do!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Love the traditions! Too cute about Henry's Pluto and the "real" Pluto coming by during the parade.

Yay for one month!

 

[All7OfUs]

Can you believe it?! You have been planning a lot longer than I have, so I bet you are just over the moon! I'm still in that "I can't believe a trip is working out" phase.


That sounds great about DHS!! I am going to keep it as a loose commitment though, depending on how we feel/how Henry is doing. Every trip we have made plans on our arrival day, no matter how early or late, we've regretted it. So....we just keep them loose now.

Henry wants to put in a smiley -->

Okay, back to topic. I can keep you posted via text once we get there and how we are feeling. I'll stick 7:45 for F! in my trip notes though. If we are feeling up to a park, that will be our #1 choice! I was actually thinking about wandering over to Pop and/or the All Stars so Henry could see the giant icons, but I'm keeping that as a loose idea too - so maybe we'll see ya wandering Pop!

It's been a trip 2 years in the making.... I AM over the moon that it's so close!! And I've made some amazing friends along the way.


Sounds great! Loosey goosey for your first night is perfect- what is your arrival time?? I'll send you my cell number when I get one. Also, could I ask (since I had another moron moment) for your cell number again. I think I accidently deleted it when I cleared out my PM box for hte game.

 

[jenseib]

All caught up finally!
If Skip said he wanted to go shopping, I think I would drop dead! LOL!
We have a few tradition pictures that I just sort of realized last year, but sadly, last year I took picture of one spot that we also have in the past, but Claire wasn't in it. I should've made her jump in, but she was busy playing or diancing or something. LOL! But I go t the spot at least in 2009. LOL!
I can't beleive how much Henry has grown.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Nah, you're not a dork. Well, maybe you are but you're a fun dork! Those are the kind of pictures that you'll always look back at an laugh about. I mean, the regular family shots in front of the castle are nice and everything but EVERYONE has one of those! Who has a corn dog nugget one? YOU! Plus, I'm one to talk - I ran around WDW with a Disney-Disliking Friend's head on a stick (photograph, not an actual head mind you!) and had Photopass people taking funny poses. I think they actually like taking the fun shots. The one photographer was sort of droning in her directions, telling us how to stand for the usual pose. Then she saw our "friend" and all of a sudden there was life in her voice and she came up with all these funny things for us to do! So you can thinking of taking nugget pictures as bringing some excitement to a photographer's day!

You know, I don't remember to tell you the truth. I was just happy to find Zurg!

Oh, and I forgot to write the other day... wow has Henry grown up over the course of your trips! Yesterday I was going thru pictures to write up about the class N took at MK and the picture from our meet in Duluth was in with those pictures... Henry looked so tiny! Amazing what a couple of years can do!

That is fantastic about the Friend-on-a-Stick! I love that you did PP pictures with it! And that is true - at least I gave him a good story to take home that night, right?

No problem about the saluting guy - we have done a few pictures in front of that over the years too, but he's not as important as Zurg!

Doesn't that seem like it was just last summer? Yet, here we are two summers ago! Henry wasn't even one back then! I just can't hardly believe how quickly time goes sometimes. Days are long, years are short!

Love the traditions! Too cute about Henry's Pluto and the "real" Pluto coming by during the parade.

Yay for one month!

That was a very sweet moment! Pluto came right over and greeted Henry, it sure made his day!

It's been a trip 2 years in the making.... I AM over the moon that it's so close!! And I've made some amazing friends along the way.

Sounds great! Loosey goosey for your first night is perfect- what is your arrival time?? I'll send you my cell number when I get one. Also, could I ask (since I had another moron moment) for your cell number again. I think I accidently deleted it when I cleared out my PM box for hte game.

Yep, I will PM you my number - which MAY change here in August. I will be getting a new phone (a fancy schmancy "smart phone"!), with possibly a new carrier - and I just might let them give me a new number so I have a NYC number versus a Minnesota one. We'll see. Regardless, I'll PM you what I have now, and if it changes I will PM you with the new one.

Our arrival time is...um...okay, I haven't a clue, I don't have the info...Joe booked it and didn't send it to me. What I do know is it's around 12:00/1:00 at MCO, I remember that because I have plans to eat at Chik-Fil-A in the airport before boarding ME. It's a nice arrival time where we don't have to get up at the crack-o-dawn, but still early enough to actually enjoy the day.

All caught up finally!
If Skip said he wanted to go shopping, I think I would drop dead! LOL!
We have a few tradition pictures that I just sort of realized last year, but sadly, last year I took picture of one spot that we also have in the past, but Claire wasn't in it. I should've made her jump in, but she was busy playing or diancing or something. LOL! But I go t the spot at least in 2009. LOL!
I can't beleive how much Henry has grown.

Most men aren't big on the shopping! Joe usually isn't either, unless he has something he wants - which he did this time. He wanted some shirts for work. Then I convinced him to get some t-shirts. And some shorts. And some pants!

Oh bummer about not having Claire in it! I was a bit upset about not getting Henry behind bars this past trip, big Mommy guilt for doing all the child-friendly rides that late night without Henry...Dumbo, It's a Small World, Buzz, etc. All well! Good thing he's too young to realize!