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

[Connie96]

But! Henry turns 3 on September 1 and we would have to pay for him, a ticket plus he will be charged for at any buffets. That’s a hefty chunk of change.

I tried and tried to justify a trip for us last Fall, when Erin was 2, but it just didn't come together. She turned 3 in May, so we're past trying to get her first trip for "free". We're definitely gonna try for this Fall, but we'll just have to see if we can swing it. Although, we have already told her that we're gonna go this year - although I have taken to saying that we're gonna go "soon". Lots of wiggle-room in "soon".

 

[praisehisname]

Can't wait to see pics of the clothes you got!

Will this be your first time flying alone with Henry?

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Signing in.

 

[pooh'smate]

Joining in and all caught up. I love it when my dh says he is in the mood to spend money. It doesn't happen that often but when it does I certainly take advantage of it.

 

[KatMark]

I'm here. Now I have to go back and read. And I'm still upset I'm missing you guys by just days.

 

[brookelizabeth]

First things first.... Does Henry have an early bed time?? IF not, how about hopping over to DHS on the 2nd after AK, for F! with me?? Just throwing that out there.

Let's see--- so far.... TrayRene and Rosie, Glennbo and Judy, Sis and I, JenBear and Bubba, Jenb1023 and 2 friends, My_Pal_Pluto (Rob) and a friend, Denise and her 2 daughters, you and Joe and Henry, and MAYBE the Capells? That's 19 by my count. I am stoked beyond words!!! That's for lunch. It will be a more intimate bunch of us for dinner- need to get the final count on that.

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!!!!!

Every time I read about how you were able to keep DVC, I get happy for you all over again!

I think it is a lovely idea to arrive a day early and do Animal Kingdom -- I just don't understand how Joe can't like that park, though. Of course, this is coming from the woman whose own husband doesn't like the Magic Kingdom!

A wedding in St. Lucia??? How fun will that be!?!?

Thank you!!! It feels a bit like a dream that everything has worked out so well. We are way blessed!!

I kinda understand why Joe doesn't like AK - it's because he can't see the animals very well due to his vision. The trails and the safari are boring for him, and while he likes both FOTLK and Nemo, he's seen them both a few times. We haven't done FoW, not sure he will be able to see it well enough? Gotta try it some time! But, just being there is so pretty...I just like to walk around!

Oh I forgot Charles doesn't like MK... I don't get that at all!!!!

Yep! A good friend of mine is having a very small wedding in St. Lucia in November. I've never been to the Caribbean, but by the looks of it, it sounds AMAZING. I'm excited! We just need to buy our plane tickets and I need to loose 10 pounds.

And very creative on thinking that you and Henry could go down a day early.

I'm pumped that Joe agreed to the DC trip! Now I just gotta get on the ball and get the hotel booked, etc.

I think the extra day for me, and covering AK, will make for a wonderful trip for all of us!

How did I miss this??? I'm here and in! Loved all your other TR!!

Thank you for joining up over here!!!

Let's see then..............Today is Aug. 2.....so that means in one month, you and Henry will be at Disney World! (and Joe will be there the next day!) YAY!

I know you are so excited---Can't wait to hear some more details.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I can't believe it! The month is gonna fly right on by!

I tried and tried to justify a trip for us last Fall, when Erin was 2, but it just didn't come together. She turned 3 in May, so we're past trying to get her first trip for "free". We're definitely gonna try for this Fall, but we'll just have to see if we can swing it. Although, we have already told her that we're gonna go this year - although I have taken to saying that we're gonna go "soon". Lots of wiggle-room in "soon".

I use that "soon" word with Henry all the time!! I hope it really does happen this fall for you!!

Can't wait to see pics of the clothes you got!

Will this be your first time flying alone with Henry?

Yep, I'm a tad nervous about the flying solo, but Henry is a great traveler. I already told Joe I want to bring the iPad for movies for the plane, so that should be enough entertainment. I might have a fancy schmancy new phone by then too with games on it, so iPad + cool phone + snacks, I think we'll be covered!

Signing in.

GB! Glad you found me over here!

Joining in and all caught up. I love it when my dh says he is in the mood to spend money. It doesn't happen that often but when it does I certainly take advantage of it.

Me too! Joe is pretty loose with the pocketbook actually, which is nice, and we discuss almost every purchase and decide together where each dollar is going to go, so that helps. We know when we have money to spend!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here. Now I have to go back and read. And I'm still upset I'm missing you guys by just days.

Welcome Kathy!!! Glad you made it over here! Our original trip would have crossed with yours. It really stinks! I wish I could convince Joe I needed to stay a bit longer.

 

[KatMark]

Welcome Kathy!!! Glad you made it over here! Our original trip would have crossed with yours. It really stinks! I wish I could convince Joe I needed to stay a bit longer.

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.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We have several “traditions” at Disney World. None of them were intended to be at the start, but have sort of developed into them….and most of them involve Henry! Of course!


Henry’s Reaction to the Castle
November 2008 – Henry is 14 months old. I was excited to see his reaction to the Castle, I ran ahead of the stroller and pointed it out to him. His reaction?

A YAWN.


January 2009 – Henry is 16 months old.

Couldn’t care less…half a scowl!

It was late at night on the above picture, plus freeeeeeeeeeezing cold, so I tried again later in the trip when we returned to MK...

Same.


September 2009 - Henry is 2. We had an 8:30 ADR for Crystal Palace – and we so are NOT morning people. We were rushing, but I insisted on getting pictures of Henry in the middle of Main Street with no one around. Our camera was fogged over due to humidity…

He was curious!!

And completely baffled at why his Mommy was acting so crazy about taking his picture…

We returned later that same day…

Still indifferent....maybe even slightly confused?


December 2009 - Henry is 2.5.

FINALLY! He's excited!

I think he’ll be pretty pumped this trip because he gets excited when he even sees it on videos now!


Henry Behind Bars
November 2008

January 2009

September 2009

December 2009
No picture – Henry never rode Buzz or got his picture done.


Henry on HISTK Slide
November 2008

January 2009

September 2009

December 2009

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

A Hidden Mickey
November 2008

January 2009

September 2009

December 2009
Henry did not want to cooperate…

But as pointed out to me in the TR, I had made another earlier during our breakfast!

Foot Picture on the TTA
I thought I had more of these! I am pretty certain Joe and I also took a foot picture on our honeymoon too!

January 2009

September 2009
TTA was closed.

December 2009

Getting Henry a small Character Stuffed Animal
November 2008 – Mickey – No picture. We just picked it up because we figured he would like it, not thinking about getting other characters on future trips…

January 2009 – Donald – He got really into “Dut Dut” this trip. We were staying at SSR and he enjoyed the Donald Duck fountain at the pool (even though it was never on!). And he had a magical moment at DHS where Donald chased him down to meet him. We had bought the stuffed animal while Henry was sleeping and woke up to him! It was a sweet surprise.

September 2009 – Pluto – We came off the Safari and he spotted this Pluto and would not let go. So we didn’t make him. Later in the day we were watching the parade and Pluto came right over to us because he saw Henry’s toy! It was a wonderful moment for Henry who was grinning ear to ear and shouting “Same! Same!”

December 2009 – Goofy – No picture. One evening when Henry was back in the room with his Grammy and Poppa, we hit MK. Okay, THAT happened almost every night, BUT, this particular night we stopped at the Emporium and purchased a small Goofy for Henry. That night we put it in the pack & play so he would wake up with it.

This trip I will let him choose which character he wants!! I'm hoping he picks Minnie or Daisy to add to Mickey's crew, but I have a feeling he'll pick Buzz, Woody, Sully, or McQueen!


Eating Corn Dog Nuggets!
November 2008 - It all started with this trip. It was a quick stop into Casey's, we were hungry and I was NOT going to miss Spectro! A wonderful moment was made as Henry and I scarfed down the Golden Beauties and enjoyed Spectromagic.

January 2009 - I was hooked. Some would say obsessed.

September 2009 - Can you believe I didn't get them this trip?!?! I just never happened. I thought about them daily, but we were on the DDP and never hungry enough! The evening I intended to get them we ended up at an impromptu meal with cousins who happened to be at WDW at the same time. I had Shula's instead. Even though I missed my nuggets, I have to say Shula's is a pretty dern nice replacement!

December 2009 - Dorked out in all the Deep Fried Glory.

One month from today all the magic will start. I fully plan to continue each of these traditions. Henry talks about going to "Mickey's House" everyday and recognizes the Castle at a glance. He loves him some Buzz Lightyear and wants to shoot the gun this time, hopefully he will still fit between the bars for years to come, otherwise I'll make him pose in front of Zurg until they either take Zurg away or Henry is bigger than I am and can refuse. Pretty soon he'll be longer than the HISTK slide, so we'll graduate to the film canister slide and keep up the tradition...until he has children of his own! I'm thinking Joe has got to me the Hidden Mickey this trip...perhaps I can sneak it in when he's least expecting it... And the Corn Dog Nuggets will be shared with a new friend over a much anticipated DIS Meet with Liesa (All7ofUs).

One month baby! ONE MONTH!

Up next: Good Eats.

 

[Connie96]

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.

 

[TyRy]

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

 

[jenseib]

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

 

[KatMark]

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.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

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.

 

[SoonerGirl]

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!

 

[disney<333]

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

 

[seamama71]

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!

 

[thewesterberg]

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!

 

[praisehisname]

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