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[jc040404]

September 13th - Monday - Day Nine

We were up early and in the car by 7:13. Well, some of us were. John couldn’t get away from work, so this day would just be the boys and me. It was an important one though. Over that last week, I’d been trying to plan a Disney day but nothing was working out. My long time friend Jennfer (jen22984) and her family were on a super long stay at WDW before moving all the way to CA. I’d only managed to see her once for a few minutes in the decade prior and definitely wanted to get there before they left!

If you missed my last TR (or her TR!), Jennifer and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. We both grew up in the same tiny town in Ohio. My closest cousins lived behind her and we played together a lot as kids. We used to battle over who could call “shotgun!” first in her older sister’s car in high school. I can’t remember not knowing her and even though we’ve gone off in different directions in life, we’ve kept up online over the years. Knowing her family would be at WDW for two weeks, we couldn’t pass up a chance to get together.

As I said, it was 7:13. I was more than a little nervous about going to Disney without John. My husband is the type that HAS to be the driver in the car. This is the one area where he needs to be in control. It’s crazy but I’m sure you know the type. My father was the same way. It’s nuts with John. Many years back, he had heart surgery and was absolutely NOT to be driving. We only made it halfway home from the hospital before he made me pull over to switch spots! It’s that bad! I had never actually driven to WDW myself and was really concerned that I’d get lost. I really saw the boys and I getting stuck in Tampa for the day instead. I stared at that 7:13 until the three changed to a four.

“You can do this, mommy!”

Andrew had faith in me. We’d make to Epcot just fine. I started the car and we were off!

Tampa does make me nervous, but we managed just fine. The boys didn’t fall asleep though and talked the entire drive. As we neared that scary spot in Polk county, I saw five police cars with speeders sitting on the side of the road again! Cruise control set, we breezed right by and we soon parking in the Epcot lot. I did it! This may sound sad to all reading, but it was a huge accomplishment for me! I’ve only ever driven across Florida once before.

The boys and I headed into the park, keeping our eyes open for our friends. Another big adventure of this day was that it marked a big change in how Andrew would do Disney parks. We ditched the double and he was becoming a full time “walking boy” at Disney. It was difficult to decide if this would make things easier or more difficult for me, but it turned out just fine.

We waited around here for a bit, but didn’t see any signs of Jen or her family. As time passed, a restroom break was needed, so we hopped over to the RR beside Spaceship Earth. Blake needed a change and there was a table just inside. As I took care of Blakers, Andrew entertained himself by looking around.

“Mommy, do you need a tampon???” he shouted his question to me.

I’ve gotten used to this, as it’s something Andrew insists on inquiring about everytime he spots one of those machines. They’re fascinating to him, even though he has no clue what a tampon is. I simply thanked him for asking, while a round of laughter came from one of the stalls.

An older lady, busting with giggles, then walked out to wash her hands.

“What a considerate little man!” she exclaimed.

Andrew beamed. Tampons must be important stuff.

Back outside, we moved towards the front where Stitch had set up a M&G. I was starting to wonder if this meet up would go the way of our last and we wouldn’t manage to see each other. Andrew chattered on about the signs above our heads until I finally noticed some familiar faces coming our way. They were here!

It seemed they’d be waiting for us closer to the actual entrance and Jennifer was watching for my monster double stroller. Thankfully everything worked out!

We stood around Spaceship Earth and chatted for a bit. I loved getting to see Aryanna and McKenna. I feel like I’ve been watching them grow up over the computer and it was great to see them again. Though she insists they don’t look alike, I was amazed at how I couldn’t tell them apart at times. Love those gorgeous red curls! Our children are all pretty close in age (Blake and McKenna were born just a week apart!) and had a fun time talking together.

Our first destination was picked and Andrew soon pointed the way. We were off to find Nemo! He loved being the little tour guide and began chatting about Test Track with Jennifer’s dh, Quentin.

At the ride, Andrew and the girls all raced ahead to get there as fast as they could. My super shy Blakers kinda hung back a bit and the CMs tried to tell him how cute his “Give Peas a Chance” shirt was. (They got the reference.) Blake just stared. He’s mommy’s boy and not big on new people and experiences. This day with a group of strangers was going to be interesting for him.

We split up on the ride, with me alone with my babies. It was fun, but Blake tried to crawl on my lap during the Crush scene with the rushing bubbles. He said it was “so scary!” and didn’t like it, despite never having a problem before.

We all joined together again headed on to Turtle Talk. Jennifer told me that Aryanna had been chosen to ask Crush a question on a visit earlier in their stay. How awesome! She’s one lucky little girl because she was called out again during this show!

The show was so much fun. The boys and Aryanna sat on the floor like little angels. I was so proud of how good Blake was since our bench seats were much farther back than John and I usually get. McKenna wasn’t so into this and was a bundle of trouble. She kept climbing back and forth over the benches and moving to and from the floor spot. I was a super bad mommy at the time because I couldn’t stop smiling. She’d grin at me and I just couldn’t resist! Such a cutie! I didn’t mean to, but I think I was causing Jennifer and Quentin some trouble, too!

Coming Soon!! More of our "DIS-meet" @ Epcot! The boys try a new ride!

 

[jc040404]

but I did anyway! I'm getting super excited over WDW again! Glad that didn't last long. I think we just need to try to take a break from MK and do more in the other parks. We have some new stuff planned for our visit this month and I cannot wait!!

 

[Dugette]

I'm so glad you're back!

Glad you made it to Disney okay on your own! My DH is the opposite about driving. I like to drive, so it's generally okay, but he never offers to drive. I'll be driving through four states and he's just happily playing with his electronics, reading, and napping away in the passenger seat!

Glad you got to meet up with your friends at WDW!

Looking forward to more! I'm glad you're excited again and have new things planned for your next visit!

Totally forgot to say...I love Andrew's bathroom thoughtfulness!

 

[AprilRenee]

Yay!!! So excited to have you back!! I've really missed your updates! In fact, my iphone just chirped while I was laying in bed ready to go to sleep, it was an email saying you updated! I was so excited that I had to go read it before I went to sleep. :-D welcome back!! Now to bed I go

 

[jane2073]

I do understand where you are coming from. We are nearing the end of two years of being passholders. In one sense I am ok with it. I think I have a bit of Disney overload. And it would be nice to visit other places in Florida. As it is now, when ever we have a free weekend or holiday-I feel it must be spent at Disney. (I know-horrible problem! )

But on the other hand, the thought of not having passes anymore does make me sad. We do the same things over and over but I have such fond memories.

Glad you are back with the trip reports!

 

[jc040404]

Quick apology.. I really try to read over my posts before posting, but I'm noticing sooo many missing punctuation marks and words again. Soooo sorry about that. Missing punctuation is still Word's fault for whatever reason, but I think my brain works at a faster speed than my fingers and things tend to get lost in the mess.

I'm so glad you're back!

Glad you made it to Disney okay on your own! My DH is the opposite about driving. I like to drive, so it's generally okay, but he never offers to drive. I'll be driving through four states and he's just happily playing with his electronics, reading, and napping away in the passenger seat!

Glad you got to meet up with your friends at WDW!

Looking forward to more! I'm glad you're excited again and have new things planned for your next visit!

Totally forgot to say...I love Andrew's bathroom thoughtfulness!

Happy to be back! I knew it wouldn't last forever, but I did need a moment without Mickey Mouse.

I was proud of my driving all the way there and told dh that I'd probably be taking the boys alone for Disney days while he works more often.. As of today, we haven't even tried one.

Andrew's such a sweet man, huh?

Yay!!! So excited to have you back!! I've really missed your updates! In fact, my iphone just chirped while I was laying in bed ready to go to sleep, it was an email saying you updated! I was so excited that I had to go read it before I went to sleep. :-D welcome back!! Now to bed I go

You are too funny! So glad you're enjoying the TR!

I do understand where you are coming from. We are nearing the end of two years of being passholders. In one sense I am ok with it. I think I have a bit of Disney overload. And it would be nice to visit other places in Florida. As it is now, when ever we have a free weekend or holiday-I feel it must be spent at Disney. (I know-horrible problem! )

But on the other hand, the thought of not having passes anymore does make me sad. We do the same things over and over but I have such fond memories.

Glad you are back with the trip reports!

That's exactly how I'm feeling! I'm so glad we've been able to do all this and wouldn't change it for the world, but I'm not super upset over it ending either. That could really change when July gets here, I'm sure.. We're still planning to try to fit in MNSSHP & MVMCP with a summer trip every year, but that "Dh has a few days off so we HAVE to go to WDW!" feeling is wearing me out.

Glad you're enjoying the TR! Ever thought of doing one yourself?

 

[eecteacher82]

Ok, I'm coming out of lurkdom to say hello! We are also Fl residents (just a bit south of you in Bradenton), and just started our second year of AP's! We have a 3 year old DD who is oh so close to that magical 40 inch mark and dying to reach it! I am thinking of doing a TR like you are doing, just one big TR for our Disney year! Can't wait to read more! Maybe we will run into each other at some point!

 

[jc040404]

Ok, I'm coming out of lurkdom to say hello! We are also Fl residents (just a bit south of you in Bradenton), and just started our second year of AP's! We have a 3 year old DD who is oh so close to that magical 40 inch mark and dying to reach it! I am thinking of doing a TR like you are doing, just one big TR for our Disney year! Can't wait to read more! Maybe we will run into each other at some point!

Thanks for coming out of lurkdom! I've actually been reading your TR now and then! Olivia is such a cutie! I hope you keep it going. I've not been good at keeping up on the TRs that I'm reading, (Seriously, I'm reading most of them on here!) but I love seeing all these little ones growing up at WDW. What great memories for them!

Hope she hits 40 inches soon!!

 

[jc040404]

After Turtle Talk, it was time for a round of rest room breaks. Fun stuff if you’re with a group of little ones like we were. Quentin lost the race and was still taking care of McKenna while the rest of us were watching the tanks.

It was here that I finally pulled out my camera. I had been going nuts not taking a picture up until then! I take LOTS of pictures. I almost always have my camera in my hand, turned on to snap pics of whatever we happen to walk by or see. I don’t think it takes anything away from our fun since it’s not really something I even think about now. However, not too long before this day, I’d made a pretty awful discovery where a very special pic of Andrew was used in an ad, without my knowledge. (Stolen by a relative from my mother’s home after she died- long, not fun story..) I vented some of my frustrations to Jen and now felt a little weird about taking a bunch of pictures of her children. I knew she didn’t mind at all and was perfectly fine with them being in my TR again, but I really held back this day anyway. You won’t see a ton. (I haven’t even told her I was thinking about this until now!)

I think this was during some dolphin watching.. Aryanna (I think ) & Blakers..

We had a nice time hanging out here and watching the manatees. Andrew kept telling Aryanna about “sea lions” and I’d correct him. John had taught him that they’re sometimes called “sea cows” so I figured that was stuck in his head. Andrew insisted that he knew what he was talking about though and pointed out a sign. Sure enough, there’s a sign in that area about sea lions!

While we were waiting for Quentin and McKenna, Aryanna and Andrew started a little argument over what to play. Andrew wanted to play pirates. Ary said they should play princesses. They finally settled on Peter Pan. It made perfect sense, right? This worked great for what all of these little ones would dress up as for MNSSHP! Anyone remember the sneak pic of Blake and Andrew at MNSSHP last year? I hope Jen gets back to her TR. The girls were sooooo cute in their costumes!

Finally all back together, we moved out of the Seas and on to our next ride. This was one that was new to Jennifer and her family. We were going to check out Figment! The boys each had a granola bar on our walk over.

This turned out to be a lot of fun. They seemed to enjoy it and Aryanna insisted on riding with me and the boys. They all got along so well!

We played with the Melody Maker and let the kids run around after the ride.

They were mostly alone. Epcot was sooo dead that day. It seemed like such a perfect time to be in the park.

After some looking around in the gift shop, a character that they had yet to get an autograph from was brought up. Mulan was the only character left from Epcot and her M&G started in just two minutes! Quentin didn’t think we’d make it in time, but we all moved in that direction anyway. Here was a big example of why I’d be lost without my husband. I had no clue which way to go to get to China. Haha.. Luckily, they pointed the way and we made it to her spot.

There were only a couple in the line ahead of us, so we had a tiny bit of a wait. The kids all got comfy and compared their shoes. It was so adorable!

I always thought my family has a fairly relaxed touring plan. We go from this to that, but rarely have a schedule or plan. It was nothing compared to this family! We all sat for a break next. Huh? A break? I admit that I felt a little antsy. For me, the kids playing after Figment was a break! It was really hot out and nice to sit and talk, but felt so different. I had that itchy feeling to be walking somewhere. We take a lot of breaks and people watch when we’re at WDW, but it was an odd feeling following someone else’s lead.

The kids had fun, but Blake stayed parked in the stroller. I didn’t want to push him too much. He still wasn’t so sure of these people. Hard to believe my boys are related sometimes, right?

After our break time, we moved on again to try something that was new to everyone! We were back to Norway and going to give Maelstrom a try. In our last Disney year, we’d never tried this one out and Jennifer’s group hadn’t gotten to it yet either. I wasn’t quite sure if John and I had done this on previous visits. As we walked through the empty line, it started coming back to me.

We split up again, with the boys and me getting the very front seat. I couldn’t remember the exact way the ride would play out so it was all so much fun! Blake loved the little drop. It was his own Splash “Water” Mountain and quite the adventure. We loved it!

As we said goodbye to our boat, the movie room was just clearing out. I’m not sure if we planned to stay and watch, but the kids definitely did! Andrew and Aryanna ran ahead and grabbed the very last row. I sat down beside them with Blake. Quentin showed what a great daddy he is and rushed to the other side so none of the little ones would try to run off.

As we watched, I was now completely certain that John and I had been on this one before. I remember everything about the movie, including how badly it needs updating. Yay for Norway all the same! McKenna was completely adorable and asked Jennifer if we could get popcorn.

We all played in the shop after and the kids dressed up as Vikings. They were so cute! Jennifer didn’t have her camera at the time, but I tried to round the kids up for a picture with the giant troll. What a project that was. Whenever we got two kids situated, the other two would decide to switch to another spot. There were a couple other families waiting to do the same, but thankfully everyone had children and seemed to understand how difficult this idea really was for us!

How’d we do? I didn’t even try to get all of them to look at me at the same time. We would’ve been here all day!

This was about the end of our Epcot day together. I was nervous about hitting Tampa during rush hour and didn’t expect to stay beyond lunch. We headed back towards the front for lunch at the “umbrella store” as Aryanna calls it. How cute is she?? It wasn’t going to be an exciting lunch, but tummies would be filled.

The lines at the Electric Umbrella this day were nuts! We waited longer than I could ever remember here. Thankfully, Quentin grabbed tables for us so not all of the children were in the line. We all had a nice lunch together.

Quentin was trying to get McKenna to smile. It worked on Blake!

Blake started to come out of his shell a bit more during our meal. Just a bit longer and I think he would’ve been fine exploring the parks with these strangers. As we all left, he even let Jennifer hold him! That was a big moment. Blake doesn't let ANYONE hold him. Then she suggested taking him with her. Uh oh. No more of that. They were friends, but he wasn’t going to leave mommy!

Andrew picked a few leaves and gave them to Aryanna as a gift for the herbivores back at Pop Century. Apparently, dinosaurs must’ve moved in since our last visit. I’m glad she was prepared in case they were hungry!

That was the end of our meet up. We all moved together towards the front of the park. Our friends were off to their resort and I took the boys to the restroom before our long journey home. Our Disney adventure wasn’t quite over yet though..

After going beyond the turnstiles to the parking lot, I was lost! I had no clue where we had parked, or which row. It was really quite funny. Andrew climbed on the back of the single stroller and I pushed them both from row to row. Instant “Sit ‘n Stand” stroller! (FWIW, I couldn’t imagine doing the parks with one of those, even though we bought one.) I watched a Disney security car drive back and forth and began to wonder what he thought of us. I bet people do lose their cars often here. Maybe I was a nice entertainment break from his boring afternoon?

On we wandered. Nothing in this row. Andrew had my keys and was repeatedly pushing the alarm button. Nothing in that row.. Why wasn’t the horn starting up?? Eventually I realized we weren’t even in the correct section of the lot! As we parted from Jennifer and her family, I was so proud of this Disney day. I knew I could now handle doing WDW without my husband. The parking lot had me doubting things again. I guess I rely on him for direction more than I thought! Thankfully, the horn started calling us when we moved into the next lot. What an adventure. Now we can go home!!

Or not.. How do you actually get out of the Epcot parking lot and back over here? Obviously, we made it home alright, but I had my doubts until I saw that big “I-4 Tampa” sign! After I assured Andrew that we wouldn’t end up in China before bedtime, the boys both settled for a quiet ride home.

Coming soon!! Another EPCOT day! The first time I ever met a DIS'er in the parks and the boys get some unexpected pixie dust from a garbage can??

 

[PirateKate]

I'm so excited to read more updates! I'm looking forward to the day we switch to only one stroller. Or better yet, no strollers! I hate pushing the gigantic double stroller around the parks. Andrew didn't get tired of walking at all?

I can just picture us living in Florida, close to the parks with Annual Passes. I'd probably take the boys just about every day, while Jeremy's at work. I guess it might get old, but it's so hard to imagine it.


Love the picture of the boys with Mulan. I think we're going to do more character meets next trip.

 

[CAStevens218]

Hooray you're back!!! I've missed your updates!!

Looks like a fun EPCOT day! Congrats on getting there and back on your own! I understand the feeling, I have a horrible sense of direction!

 

[Dugette]

Looks like a fun time with friends!

I'm with you too on the whole directionally-challenged thing. I'm so used to following DH around (since he always seems to know where he's going). On my own, I'd be lost too!

Glad you finally tracked down the car!

 

[onescgirl]

The tampon story was too funny! Blake will love that one when he gets older!
That's great you were able to meet up with your friend, Jennifer.
All the kids looked adorable in the pictures.
I'm glad you made it home safe.

 

[Queenofallthings]

That was a great update...and can I just say that I'm glad you decided to come back...we sure missed you

Love the pics of the kiddies...they are all so adorable! It's so much better to tour when the crowds are low!! The bathroom story had me laughing out loud....I could just picture him saying it....tooo cute!!!

 

[jen22984]

I think this was during some dolphin watching.. Aryanna (I think ) & Blakers..

Yep, its Aryanna! I dont blame you for getting them confused, I actually got them confused more than a few times that day!

I am so glad that you have such a good memory! Your day is so much more detailed than the same day in my TR!!! We all had a great time though and Aryanna still talks about the boys all the time and asks when we are going to see them again. I wish we had a WDW trip planned so that I could give her an answer!

I'm going to try to finish my TR this week, I've got to find my notes folder though. I am hoping its in a tote in the den. Any ideas on what the boys are going to be/want to be for halloween this year? I'm stuck on the girls, at least until we find out if the new one is going to be a boy or girl!

 

[GaRain]

Would you please tell Andrew that I saw his girl this weekend at Epcot and made sure to stop and get my picture with her. She did ask me what a Ga Rain (hard G, like gaga - LOL!). I told her it was Georgia Rain and was kinda like a nickname. Oh she liked GaRain better.....very silly!
But wanted to let you know I thought of Andrew and wondered if I should ask if she had seen him lately!

 

[jc040404]

I'm so excited to read more updates! I'm looking forward to the day we switch to only one stroller. Or better yet, no strollers! I hate pushing the gigantic double stroller around the parks. Andrew didn't get tired of walking at all?

I can just picture us living in Florida, close to the parks with Annual Passes. I'd probably take the boys just about every day, while Jeremy's at work. I guess it might get old, but it's so hard to imagine it.


Love the picture of the boys with Mulan. I think we're going to do more character meets next trip.

He was fine that day, but we only stayed until lunch and didn't really do much walking. We only use the double when it's going to be super busy now and he's great. If he gets tired, which he will in the next update, we just head out of the park. He and his baby brother take turns in the stroller a lot, too.

You should definitely do more character meets on the next visit. I bet the princesses would go nuts over your boys!

Hooray you're back!!! I've missed your updates!!

Looks like a fun EPCOT day! Congrats on getting there and back on your own! I understand the feeling, I have a horrible sense of direction!

I was super proud of that day! I get lost pretty much everywhere we go. I'm getting better with MK and DHS, but the parks themselves are giant mazes to me still. Wild that I could actually get to one of them.

Looks like a fun time with friends!

I'm with you too on the whole directionally-challenged thing. I'm so used to following DH around (since he always seems to know where he's going). On my own, I'd be lost too!

Glad you finally tracked down the car!

It was a fun day!

Yay for another who can't find their way around, too. I feel better about it, but dh drives me nuts picking on me over it.

The tampon story was too funny! Blake will love that one when he gets older!
That's great you were able to meet up with your friend, Jennifer.
All the kids looked adorable in the pictures.
I'm glad you made it home safe.

Thanks! It was really nice to be able to get together. Now we just need to plan a DisneyLAND trip to go visit them!

That was a great update...and can I just say that I'm glad you decided to come back...we sure missed you

Love the pics of the kiddies...they are all so adorable! It's so much better to tour when the crowds are low!! The bathroom story had me laughing out loud....I could just picture him saying it....tooo cute!!!

The crowds were increible that day! When we passed by the big wait times board on the way to Nemo, I really think Soarin' was still under twenty minutes. Maybe even ten?? I can't remember exactly, but I do remember pointing it out and being a little sad that we couldn't take advantage of it. (Three little ones under forty inches afterall!)

You're in my next Disney day, btw.

Yep, its Aryanna! I dont blame you for getting them confused, I actually got them confused more than a few times that day!

I am so glad that you have such a good memory! Your day is so much more detailed than the same day in my TR!!! We all had a great time though and Aryanna still talks about the boys all the time and asks when we are going to see them again. I wish we had a WDW trip planned so that I could give her an answer!

I'm going to try to finish my TR this week, I've got to find my notes folder though. I am hoping its in a tote in the den. Any ideas on what the boys are going to be/want to be for halloween this year? I'm stuck on the girls, at least until we find out if the new one is going to be a boy or girl!

Hmmm.. You didn't finish your TR.

Glad I guessed right on which girl it was.

When do you think you might make it back over here? Our AP days will be done, but I'm going to want to see your new little one!

Would you please tell Andrew that I saw his girl this weekend at Epcot and made sure to stop and get my picture with her. She did ask me what a Ga Rain (hard G, like gaga - LOL!). I told her it was Georgia Rain and was kinda like a nickname. Oh she liked GaRain better.....very silly!
But wanted to let you know I thought of Andrew and wondered if I should ask if she had seen him lately!

Too funny!! I hope you had fun! I was actually wondering if we might run into you, but didn't have much park time the first couple of days. CBR was a mess for us this time. Reeeeally nuts! We ended up with a night's refund for what happened and being moved from our first room to those "ugly pink buildings" the second morning! It was an interesting trip!

We aren't stopping to see Alice nearly as much as we used to. Andrew still loves her, but he's made up his mind about what the characters are really doing after noticing some differences in Alice (eye color, voice) from one visit to the next.

 

[jen22984]

I'm pretty sure we are going to "try" to get back either fall of 2012 or spring 2013 (although I am really pushing for spring 2012)!!! Its going to be harder to plan a vacation once the girls start school.

I know I didnt finish my TR, we've had a crazy week! They were doing exercises on base this week, so I was woken up multiple times in the middle of the night with phone calls for Quentin where he had to go into work super early. Then I had my dr appt on Wednesday (everything looks good....next appt is 4-13 and we'll get our gender ultrasound!). ThenThe whole tsumani deal here. Quentin got a call from work at 2:50am saying he needed to be reachable at any minute in case of evacuations or anything. So I had a hard time falling asleep (we didnt know what was going on at that time). Then my mom called before 6am asking if we were getting evacuated. So I was up after that keeping an eye on the news. We didn't end up having any problems on base though. I've just been super tired in the afternoons so I tried to nap when the girls did (which is when I would usually od my TR). I'm definitely going to TRY this week!!!

 

[jc040404]

I'm pretty sure we are going to "try" to get back either fall of 2012 or spring 2013 (although I am really pushing for spring 2012)!!! Its going to be harder to plan a vacation once the girls start school.

I know I didnt finish my TR, we've had a crazy week! They were doing exercises on base this week, so I was woken up multiple times in the middle of the night with phone calls for Quentin where he had to go into work super early. Then I had my dr appt on Wednesday (everything looks good....next appt is 4-13 and we'll get our gender ultrasound!). ThenThe whole tsumani deal here. Quentin got a call from work at 2:50am saying he needed to be reachable at any minute in case of evacuations or anything. So I had a hard time falling asleep (we didnt know what was going on at that time). Then my mom called before 6am asking if we were getting evacuated. So I was up after that keeping an eye on the news. We didn't end up having any problems on base though. I've just been super tired in the afternoons so I tried to nap when the girls did (which is when I would usually od my TR). I'm definitely going to TRY this week!!!

Glad you're back to your TR!! We'll have to work on coordinating something when you all come back. Maybe on one of your DTD days? I guess there is quite a bit of time to plan that, huh?

Glad everything's going good. I cannot wait to find out after that ultrasound!!!

Super glad you didn't get evacuated! We were worried about ya! Get some rest!

 

[jc040404]

September 23rd, 2010 * Thursday * day 10

After experiencing Maelstrom for the first time, the boys couldn’t wait to go back to EPCOT so John could have a turn with us. We quickly planned another Disney day just ten days later!

The routine continues. It’s all pretty boring now, huh? We were up early and on our way to the park, arriving at Epcot before the 9 o’clock opening. Staying with routine, everyone headed to the restroom. Then I pulled out bananas and Capri Suns. Those silly drink pouches are a huge treat for the boys. They enjoyed their morning snack as we moved towards The Land.

Another day without the double stroller!!

Andrew and I parted from John and Blakers to go ride Soarin’. As we made it down the escalator, I noticed there wasn’t a line at many of the FP machines. I was shocked! This was just after opening, so I assumed we’d be in for a wait for those. Andrew got us a set and we walked under the “15 minute” standby wait sign. Our return time was 10:06! Yay!

As we made it just into the line, a couple started to push by us. They were “joining their party” ahead in the line. Whatever. I didn’t stress over this and asked Andrew to step to the side. It was two people and the wait was low. Wouldn’t make a difference, right?

I didn’t track the time, so I have no idea if it was accurate, but it didn’t really feel like we waited long at all. Andrew was sad that the games in the queue weren’t on at the time. My silly boy actually wants to wait in those long lines just for that! We’ve only done it once though. I’ll go with most of his requests, but waiting over an hour simply to wave our arms in the air isn’t going to happen!

Remember those people that cut by in the line? Well, we missed being in row one by two seats! Andrew didn’t put it together, but I was a little disappointed for him. If they hadn’t pushed by, it would’ve been us. One of the few times when letting a cutter ahead makes more than a couple seconds difference, huh?

The ride was great, even in our second row seat. To be honest, I actually prefer second row. I don’t know if I’ve said that before. The first and third give me too much of the edge of the screen. In the middle, it really feels like you’re in the scenes. Well, with those odd feet hanging above you! I just ignore ‘em. Andrew always wants row one.

After Soarin’, Andrew and I made our way over to Innoventions. This is where John said he’d be with Blake. The little guy had been wishing to do all those “big kid games” like brother had. Daddy made his little dreams come true and they were already finished with The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. We spotted them in “Where’s the Fire?” and found some seats to pass to the time. Guess what! Blake’s team won!

My awesome husband wearing my bright orange Winnie the Pooh bag, too!

Andrew ran to meet up with baby brother at the end of the game.

“You did a great job, Blaker!”

Blake was so excited having been able to do this big kid stuff and proudly showed off his Piggy Bank sticker to brother. It was so sweet. He made me tuck it in my bag instead of wearing it, too.

Together, they asked to play in the house for a bit and ran off. Just as they began to play, a CM announced the fire safety game he ran in the house. The boys were up for and sat down to listen.

The lesson begins..

The CM taught the boys about what to do in case of a fire. I particularly loved the part where he asked them if they’d ever heard what a smoke detector sounds like when it goes off. Yeah, mommy may have set that off a time or two cooking dinner, but I think John’s done it more! Andrew was sure to share.

During the lecture, the CM posed a question to Andrew. He was talking about the house being on fire, but wasn’t very clear or making much sense in how the conversation was headed.

“Do you stay inside or hide in a closet?”

Andrew was more than a little confused. You don’t do either of those things! It was funny really. I know what the CM meant, but he must have messed up the script a little bit. It wasn’t tied to anything. Andrew raised his little eyebrows and just picked one.

“Hide in a closet?”

No! The CM said you don’t do either of these. Andrew interrupts, telling the man that he knows that!

“But you just said..”

I gave Andrew our secret sign to just let it go. We’d talk about this afterward. Poor guy. Adults can be so confusing!

The kids were asked to pretend to be asleep and wait for the alarm.

Now run to the safe spot!!!

The house is on fire!!!

Even with the confusing question, this was kinda fun. They really enjoyed it. At the end, all of the children were given a sticker for doing a great job.

We finally walked outside of Innoventions and ran into some of our favorites at Epcot! The JAMMitors!!

The boys are crazy about this group in particular. We saw them quite a bit during our last Disney year. Blake was inspired enough that he repeatedly empties toy boxes just to pound on them with tinker toys. Yeah, mommy loves each and every headache they’ve caused, too!

We stuck around and listened to what remained of their show. They’re always great and so much fun! Unfortunately, most guests just pause for a second and move on. This will be important later on. At the end of the show, all of the children were invited up for stickers. You can get quite the sticker collection at EPCOT!

We stuck around after the show to chat. I don’t know any of their names, but the one in the center of the first pic is from Boston. He and John talked quite a bit about living up there and some storms in the area. John’s from CT, but worked in MA. Being an Ohio girl moved to Florida, I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about!

While that was going on, Andrew was engaged in a crazy conversation of his own. The guy on the far right in the first pic asked him his age.

“I’m four and I love Capri Suns!”

Guess that Capri Sun treat was a big one, huh? They talked a bit and the JAMMitor tried to convince him that those trash cans were really their homes. Andrew didn’t buy it.

“I’ve got a fridge full of Capri Suns and the ball game on in there!"

He invited Andrew over, but my little man wasn’t buying this. We eventually all said goodbye and headed in different directions. They are an awesome group!

Next up! Finding Nemo, of course! We were right there and all.

The ride was fun, but John said Blake still got scared in the Crush scene with the bubbles. FWIW, John doesn’t really care for that part either. When the bubbles are really rushing by, it makes him a little sick. I told them they could both close their eyes and hug each other until it was over.

Coming Soon!! Some Turtle Talk drama & Why Viking Squirrels do NOT eat crackers!!