Disney dangled the visual weinee & Mickeystoontown gobbled it up! 10/26

[Mommy Poppins]

My kiddos are visiting from Tennessee! Lacey and Jesse got in late Friday evening and will leave Thursday morning so they can be back at work on Friday. We haven't done anything special while they are here. It's just having them here that's special. Awww, isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever heard?

My niece and her husband are also in town (they live about 100 miles away and he works off 3 weeks on/1 week off) and have spent the last two evenings at our house just hanging out. That's the kind of house we have....a place that everybody can come to and feel welcome.

Yesterday, when I got home from work, I immediately changed clothes and started canning/putting up more of the fruits and veggies from the garden and our fruit trees. Stood on my feet from 5:15 to 10:15 p.m. and my kitchen floor is sticky with drips from the syrup I made for the pickles and then for the fig preserves but, as I've said before, it's well worth the work.

I have a couple of prayer/positive thoughts requests if I may. My mother has been experiencing some dizziness and eyesight problems. The doctor has ordered some tests and they are being done today. Lacey, ever the doting granddaughter, went with her to the doctor yesterday and is going with her to the hospital today. We are hopeful that the symptoms aren't something serious and definitely not another artery blockage that caused her stroke a couple years back.

Also, John's brother and his wife are at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She had surgery this morning. They are trying to correct a botched surgery that almost killed her a year ago. My brother in law sent a text about an hour ago saying that she is out of surgery and he'll send me more details later today.

Needless to say, last night was a pretty restless one for me (and I am sure for my other family members). Keep us in your thoughts and prayers please!

I am going to try to get another update done today but if my boss keeps bellowing orders like he has done so far this morning, it may not happen. Either he's going to blow or I am. Let's just hope that those fresh tomatoes and cucumbers that I brought him to go with his lunch settle him down.

WOW! Just got all caught up on your trip report. I kept getting notice of your updates while we were at WDW but I didn't want to read it on my phone and not be able to see all your great pictures! Also, kept seeing your updates on FB about all your garden goodies! OMG!! Everything looks so good! I wish I knew more about canning and preserving. My family would love to have that stuff in the cold northern winter!!!

Love Hunter's Donald selfie!! He takes the best selfie pictures--must definitely be those long arms!! We had several downpours while we were there too. Also several times where we were game delayed but never actually got any rain!!

Well, Lacey and Jesse's time with us flew by like greased lightening. They are almost back to their Tennessee home already. Gosh, I'm already missing them something fierce. It never seems to get any easier watching them drive out of the driveway. We have a trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg planned for the Thanksgiving holidays and it helps knowing that we'll get to spend time with them then.

Medical updates, if I may. Mama's MRI came back clear. Her brain is just fine and dandy. Now, we are waiting for the echo and ultrasound results. My sister-in-law said that she's sore and tired but otherwise feeling okay. She is supposed to have a follow-up with her doctor here sometime before August 9th. The stent that they put in is supposed to come out on it's own and the follow-up will include x-rays to confirm that it has.

Disney trip report update: Ever search and search and search for pictures that you know you have but you can't find them? Well, I just realized that I did take them but they are waaaaay further into the trip. I didn't even need them to write up my next installment. So, I'll get to work on the next update and get it up as soon as I can.

So glad Mamaw got some good news. Hope all of the other tests come back great as well. Although then you still don't have any answers about what is causing the problem. So, I hope you get answers as well!

Sounds like a great visit with Lacey and Jesse and your niece and her family! It always seems so short!
On the other hand, once school starts the fall seems to fly by and before you know it Thanksgiving and Christmas are here and you'll be seeing Jesse and Lacey again before you know it!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[RDawn]

Hi Lisa, I know that you love CBR but could not spy much interior remodeling on this trip. Here is a bit of a teaser & update on CBR rehab from All Ears.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2014/07/disneys_caribbean_beach_resort.html

 

[FancyNancy]

Just got all caught up with your TR. Subbing

 

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

Hey Lisa,
I got behind in your TR but am all caught up now. We just got back from Disney World last night and I had to drag myself to the reality that is called getting up and going to work. We had annual passes that expired on Saturday so had to squeeze one last drop out of them with another trip.

So back to your TR - loved John's awesome t-shirt! We rode Living with the Land 3 times this past trip - I never get bored with it. You are braver than I riding the orange side on Mission Space - I only do green. I've heard it said "go orange or go home" but I'm not up to spinning hard enough to cause g-force effects on your body. I'll have to watch your video when I get home as YouTube is blocked at work.

I'm truly sorry about John and his epilepsy but thankful he was able to take advantage of sitting through Stupid Judy to help him keep his seizure at bay. When I was 12 my mom had a grand mal seizure when we were visiting Jackson, MS. I can clearly recall to this day how terrified I felt to see her go down on the sidewalk in front of the capital building. From then on I was always scared that she'd have another when we were out and she could feel the twitching coming on. Thankfully due to the medication she has never had another one, but gosh that left an impression on me.

Hmmm, bacon mac & cheese burger - sounds very interesting. We've never eaten at the Electric Umbrella, but I always giggle about your tooth episode when we pass it because it reminds me of your past TR.

I'm glad you found out more about the wood carved animals in Mexico, they are so pretty and intricate. My daughter bought an owl carving to put in her room. That was some pimped up RV-ride!!

Wanted to comment on Biergarten as we ate there last week. We are glad we tried it, but wouldn't do it again. It was $139 for the 3 of us (with the Tables in Wonderland discount) and we didn't feel it was worth it. The people we were seated with didn't want to have anything to do with us, so it made it awkward to be sitting across from someone who wouldn't make eye contact with you. The food wasn't bad (it wasn't great either). The entertainment was fun, but we had a bad view as the family we were seated with decided to take the seats with the view of the stage, so the 3 of us were at the end of the table.
Sorry if I sound negative, but just wanted to give you my honest opionion of the place. I think if you went with a large family or seated with a more social family it could be a lot of fun!

I'm glad Jesse and Lacey were able to visit even if the time went by too fast. Why does it always do that when you want something to last? I will definitely keep your family in my prayers.

Ok I'll end my long-winded reply. Here's to a good week!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Whew all caught up! I can't wait to get back there when is your next trip?

Yay for being caught up! We are headed back for another two week trip in May/June, 2015!

if it were me, I'd say it was a blonde moment.

Oh, I have blond moments all the time so I'm not stretching it when I say this was one of them.

Loved the update and the story of the painter, next time I am in the Mexico Pavilion I will have to stop in.

That is to bad about the rain but glad it let up for enough for you to continue around the world showcase!

That scooter was awesome! I guess someone really did not want to get wet!

Yes, you really need to stop and look at the carvings. They are so detailed and pretty.

I tell you what, the Mexico pavilion must be sturdy as can be because we heard horror stories about those being stuck in the rain.

The scooter driver was definitely waterproof.

I seem to only get over here once a week, so I know by the time I pop back in, the new report will be up. You are such an entertaining writer!

I had hoped to get another update posted but then Lacey & Jesse came home and Mama had her tests run. I'm glad to have you hear as much as you are able to be.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Awww.. Sorry the visit went by so fast. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. You're heading to one of my favorite places! We love Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge.

We do too Darla! We usually stay at a hotel that's very near the last redlight before entering the national park (on the Pigeon Forge side). It's not fancy but it's big and in a great location.

So glad that Mama's MRI came back clear!

We are too! Now, if they'd just get the other results to her.



Yup, that's a blonde moment - whether you're blonde or not. Better than calling it a senior moment!!

Heck no! I am NOT having senior moments yet!

I'm sorry that the time went by so fast!! (( that's the way it is when you are having fun & making memories! When my mom used to come visit before she got so sick and passed away.. I'd cry every time I saw her little car leave my driveway.

I'm glad your mom's appointment went well.

What dates will you be in TN?
We are only 4 hours away & are thinking of going for a weekend sometime this winter. Something to hold us off until next Disney trip.
We really enjoy TN.

It's tough seeing our loved ones drive away not knowing for sure when you'll see them again. Or, even our case, we do know but it's still tough.

Our Thanksgiving trip will be short...too short...for our liking. We'll arrive somewhere around mid-afternoon on Thanksgiving day and will stay somewhere near Lacey's house. Friday, we'll drive to Pigeon Forge and stay until Sunday morning. Let me know if ya'll decide to go that same time.

Just catching up. First let me say I am very glad your family has recieved good news and all are doing better. Being a women of faith I have a feeling it has a lot to do with the prayers.

Amen sister! It has everything to do with prayers.

I love Epcot and would have loved a second day there. We did not get to go on Living with the land but I will have to try that the next time.

Yes, do plan on going on Living with the Land next time. It's really interesting.

Wow you guys sem to be a very strong family! I bet living with John's Epilespy is not allway easy. So glad you at least get warnings. Youra son Hunter reminds me of our Jaden. He has such a good heart and never wants to see any one in pain. We are even having a tough time with him in Foot ball because of it.

Over the years, we've learned to be tough and ride the darn epilepsy out. Again, prayers definitely help in those situations and I've said a whole lot of them.

Jaden and Hunter do have that same quality. It was tough for Hunter playing football too. We finally told him that "chicks dig scars" and it helped a little bit.

I just love Mexico! It is so cool inside by the boat ride. Some day I would to eat at that restraunt. Can't wait to hear more

We have eaten at San Angel Inn once. Hunter is a picky eater and he even liked it.

YAY! for good MRI results!

I know! Now we are waiting on the other two test results.

 

[mickeystoontown]

So glad to hear about your Mama's MRI results! What a relief. I hope the other tests come back just as good.

One test result down...two to go! We were very happy to hear that the MRI was clear.

Glad to hear the test was clear and your SIL is doing better...

Sorry Lacey and Jesse time went so fast!

Thank you! Mama still has to hear back on the other two tests and I wish that they'd hurry up!

We visited my sister in law yesterday and she was looking great. She said that she is still sore and, for some reason, her blood pressure is low but she is feeling a lot better.

Thank God for the good medical news!!! Since Victoria is only 16 I have a few more years until she's out of my home. Knowing how close you and Lacey are, it must be so hard. but........Now, onto the next update!!

Thank God for sure! It is tough Ann. Hopefully, Victoria will live close when she does move out. The closest Lacey ever lived is 10 hours away.

I've been following along silently, but I wanted to say I'm glad to hear your family's medical issues are turning out well.

Thank you so much! I hope that you'll feel free to post more often.

 

[plumsiren]

Even though the kiddos won’t be traveling with us, I thought that I’d share our annual Christmas picture:

I NEED that dog more than I have ever needed anything EVER. Do you have any more pictures to share? *scritches puppy belly*

 

[mickeystoontown]

We've had a busy few weeks, and I haven't had much DIS -sorry that I got so far behind!

Very glad to hear that everyone's medical issues seem to be okay, and that you had a nice visit with Lacey and Jessie.

Loving Hunter's selfie with Donald pic. He's too funny.

Poor John (and you!). I'm sure it's no fun to feel like you're burdening everyone-especially on vacation. I'm happy to hear that he was feeling better relatively quickly.

I know that feeling! And, you have a little Princess in your midst that you must attend to.

Hunter is the King of selfies! He had one with Jase Robertson just this past Saturday. It was very nice of Jase to stop and take a picture with him.

Look, look, look! I can hardly contain myself but it's never truly real till a ticker appears, now is it???

You are inspiring me to start working on a trip report ALREADY!!

Woo Hoo! Look at that ticker! You should do a pre-trip report so I can read all about the plans.

Been away from here a bit, but wanted to chime in - glad you had a nice visit with Lacey and Jesse! Fun to have family together!

It was a nice visit but it went way to fast!

So happy for positive medical news for Mama, the baby, and your SIL. Mayo up here in MN is amazing. When people have trouble, or they don't know what to do next, it's always, "you should go to Mayo"! I have a couple cousins who work there and it is quite the place. So much good work is being done there.

She and her husband loved the staff at Mayo! They arrived a couple of days prior to her surgery so that they could do some sightseeing that they didn't get to do on their first trip there.

I'll keep Mama in my prayers for more good test results and good recovery for your SIL.

Thank you so much! We are waiting on the other two test results for Mama.

So- back to Mexico - glad you dodged the big rainstorm and found plenty to do to amuse yourselves in the pavilion. That young lady sounds really nice. We often would stop there when they were up near the entrance and DH would chat the person up.

It was so nice to talk with her and find out more about her craft.

That covered scooter! Wow! Cracked up at the Pope comment!!

I can't look at the picture without thinking of the Pope now.

Hunter and Donald together - awesome pic!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hi Lisa! Yay for the good news!!! Hope it just keeps on coming! Can't wait to read your next installment!

Thank you! I hope that we hear something on the two other tests soon.

Lisa, I got way behind! I have been at the beach with two of my kids and 7 of my grandkids. I am so glad Lacey and Jessie got to come for a visit. I know how much you miss having your girl close. And I am really glad for Mama's good test results so far. I hope the other tests come out really well. And good news for Lacey's friend's son, too, and I really hope your SIL is past the worst of the problems and improves quickly. I will continue to keep them all in my prayers.

Yay for a big family beach trip! I know that you guys had a blast!

Thank you for the well wishes! I wish that we'd hurry up and hear the other results.

I am loving the TR as always, and getting my Disney fix vicariously. My favorite picture so far is the one of Hunter taking a selfie with Donald - your boy is a natural ham! It has been so much fun watching him grow up over the years in your TRs!

We were just talking about how much he has grown in just the last few years. He's going to be a tall man!

Just getting caught up after a couple of weeks away. I haven't read any of the chit-chat, but I see there were some medical issues in your family, but it sounds like the recent news has been positive. Sending thoughts that everyone continues to have good reports.

Thank you Dee! Welcome home from your latest adventures!

I also missed your visit with Lacey and Jesse. I know even without reading that it was heartwarming for all of you but way too short.

No matter how long they visit, it always seems too short.

**********************************************

I'm glad to hear your checkin/checkout process went well. Great room location!

The location was fantastic!

Living with the Land is a favorite of mine too. Been on it countless times, but I have never seen (or noticed) the Monkey Puzzle tree, Pandan or Peanut Butter trees! Fascinating.

That was the first time that I had seen any of those. That's why I like riding Living with the Land so many times. There's always something new to see.

I really want to do Behind the Seeds someday! I know I would love it.

You would! It's a cheap tour too. I think that it was $18 a person and we got a Disney Visa discount.

Mission Space (That's a worship smilie, not a hurling one... or is it???)

Fortunately, none of us have ever had to make use of the barf bags unlike others that I know.

I love your dinosaur pictures from Ellen. I don't love that John was not feeling well. It is so hard to watch someone you love go through something out of your, and their, control.

It really is tough. There's not a whole lot that I can do but sit with him and be as comforting as I can.

You are so funny with your artifact antics! Crutch in the Crotch! So many thoughts! All of them wrong.

And, I bet that I've thought a few of them myself.

That sure is one tricked-out scooter poncho.

Wasn't it though!

 

[mickeystoontown]

WOW! Just got all caught up on your trip report. I kept getting notice of your updates while we were at WDW but I didn't want to read it on my phone and not be able to see all your great pictures! Also, kept seeing your updates on FB about all your garden goodies! OMG!! Everything looks so good! I wish I knew more about canning and preserving. My family would love to have that stuff in the cold northern winter!!!

Soooooo, how was the trip?!?!

The garden has been working my behind off but I love it! I'll love it even more when I am eating all of those fruits and veggies and pickles this winter. If you ever want any canning or freezing tips or recipes, let me know. It's actually a lot easier than it appears.

Love Hunter's Donald selfie!! He takes the best selfie pictures--must definitely be those long arms!! We had several downpours while we were there too. Also several times where we were game delayed but never actually got any rain!!

That's exactly what it is...long arms!

Yay for no rain! Rain delays, you can live with.

So glad Mamaw got some good news. Hope all of the other tests come back great as well. Although then you still don't have any answers about what is causing the problem. So, I hope you get answers as well!

"Thank you!

Sounds like a great visit with Lacey and Jesse and your niece and her family! It always seems so short!

It sure does!

On the other hand, once school starts the fall seems to fly by and before you know it Thanksgiving and Christmas are here and you'll be seeing Jesse and Lacey again before you know it!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

School starts hereo on August 14th. That's just around the corner!

Hi Lisa, I know that you love CBR but could not spy much interior remodeling on this trip. Here is a bit of a teaser & update on CBR rehab from All Ears.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2014/07/disneys_caribbean_beach_resort.html

Oooh, going to check it out! Thank you!

Just got all caught up with your TR. Subbing

Welcome! I hope to get another update posted but it will probably be tomorrow. Work is busy today!

 

[teekathepony]

I completely missed this report until now! I'm sorry and I'm subscribed for the rest and going back to catch up!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hey Lisa,
I got behind in your TR but am all caught up now. We just got back from Disney World last night and I had to drag myself to the reality that is called getting up and going to work. We had annual passes that expired on Saturday so had to squeeze one last drop out of them with another trip.

Well, of course you had to take another trip before the APs expired. That's only reasonable.

So back to your TR - loved John's awesome t-shirt!

I just wish that he had been wearing it when we met up. You'd have been awestruck.

We rode Living with the Land 3 times this past trip - I never get bored with it.
I never do either.

You are braver than I riding the orange side on Mission Space - I only do green. I've heard it said "go orange or go home" but I'm not up to spinning hard enough to cause g-force effects on your body. I'll have to watch your video when I get home as YouTube is blocked at work.

I sound like a complete goofball screaming like a little girl.

I'm truly sorry about John and his epilepsy but thankful he was able to take advantage of sitting through Stupid Judy to help him keep his seizure at bay. When I was 12 my mom had a grand mal seizure when we were visiting Jackson, MS. I can clearly recall to this day how terrified I felt to see her go down on the sidewalk in front of the capital building. From then on I was always scared that she'd have another when we were out and she could feel the twitching coming on. Thankfully due to the medication she has never had another one, but gosh that left an impression on me.

Isn't it horrible to see them having a seizure and knowing that there's really nothing that you can do. I hate it! Praise God, your mother never had another seizure!

Hmmm, bacon mac & cheese burger - sounds very interesting. We've never eaten at the Electric Umbrella, but I always giggle about your tooth episode when we pass it because it reminds me of your past TR.

I can't say or think about Electric Umbrella without thinking of my tooth falling out. That was hilarious!

I'm glad you found out more about the wood carved animals in Mexico, they are so pretty and intricate. My daughter bought an owl carving to put in her room. That was some pimped up RV-ride!!

How cool! I'd love to have one of the carvings. Next trip, I'm getting one. Wasn't the scooter something?

Wanted to comment on Biergarten as we ate there last week. We are glad we tried it, but wouldn't do it again. It was $139 for the 3 of us (with the Tables in Wonderland discount) and we didn't feel it was worth it. The people we were seated with didn't want to have anything to do with us, so it made it awkward to be sitting across from someone who wouldn't make eye contact with you. The food wasn't bad (it wasn't great either). The entertainment was fun, but we had a bad view as the family we were seated with decided to take the seats with the view of the stage, so the 3 of us were at the end of the table.
Sorry if I sound negative, but just wanted to give you my honest opionion of the place. I think if you went with a large family or seated with a more social family it could be a lot of fun!

No not negative at all. From the interactions that I've had with you, I wouldn't think that. Ya'll seem like you are a lot like us. What you described in what I'm afraid would happen to us.

I'm glad Jesse and Lacey were able to visit even if the time went by too fast. Why does it always do that when you want something to last? I will definitely keep your family in my prayers.

Thank you!

Ok I'll end my long-winded reply. Here's to a good week!

Welcome back to the real world! UGH!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I NEED that dog more than I have ever needed anything EVER. Do you have any more pictures to share? *scritches puppy belly*

I think that I actually do have more pictures of Zoey...my grandpuppy. Isn't she the cutest thing ever?!

I completely missed this report until now! I'm sorry and I'm subscribed for the rest and going back to catch up!

Welcome aboard! I posted links in the second post.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Get me to the church on time! Where's the bathroom?

**Disclaimer: This update is going to be short because during my “blond moment” I didn’t realize that I hadn’t uploaded enough pictures to do a longer update. I’ll get those uploaded this morning and try to get another update posted this afternoon.**


We walked out of the Mexico pavilion and into a few drops of rain here and there. From the looks of things, it had rained pretty darn hard. There were leaves and twigs on the ground and you could see where the water had pooled and left debris. I tell you what, if you ever want to get away from a storm, dart into Mexico because, had we not known that it was raining out, we would have never had a clue. That place is soundproof!

The next country that we came to was Norway and Hunter noticed that there was a sign on the church door that said it housed a Frozen exhibit. More raindrops were falling and we figured we better take cover and the church was right there so why not? Get me to the church on time!

Call me what you will but I have a confession to make. I’ve never seen the movie Frozen. What? I’VE NEVER SEEN THE MOVIE FROZEN. Can you believe it? All the hype and reviews and merchandise and general broo-haha over the movie and I’ve never seen nor had any real desire to see it. I can’t really put my finger on the reason why but I just haven’t. John hasn’t either.

Hunter has seen it though and he thought that it was fantastic. Even without knowing the whos, whats, whys or wheres, I still enjoyed looking at the displays:









If you’ve never been in the church before, let me tell ya, it’s small. Other folks were coming in and they had their ponchos on so the floor was getting wetter and wetter. I heard someone say “Where’s the bathroom?” Uh, does this look like a bathroom? Did it look big enough to even have a bathroom?

It was getting crowded in the little church and we were ready to leave. We were at the point where it didn’t matter if it were raining outside or not, we were getting out of there. Thankfully, when we opened the door, we could see that it wasn’t raining hard enough that we couldn’t jog from the church to someplace else that had cover. One after another, we darted out and over to an outdoor seating area. An aroma hit us and I knew what we’d do next.

**Up next: This isn’t anything like we used to have at school? Prolly ‘cause we didn’t go to school in Norway.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

Soooooo, how was the trip?!?!

The garden has been working my behind off but I love it! I'll love it even more when I am eating all of those fruits and veggies and pickles this winter. If you ever want any canning or freezing tips or recipes, let me know. It's actually a lot easier than it appears.

The trip was good--very, very hot!! The girls ended up playing much further in the tournament than we anticipated so we didn't get as much Disney time as we had thought we would--but that's okay! They finished 9th in the World Series out of 32 teams!!!! We were hoping to win one game and were thrilled with the way it all worked out--considering we came here with only 9 girls, so no substitutes--every girl, played every inning. They had a blast!

We did do all the parks--although Animal Kingdom was very brief! We went to EMH one morning at 7am to ride Everest and had to be at the softball field by 8:15. We were first in the park, first on the ride and back out the gate by like 7:40! On Saturday we did 4 parks and 4 resorts in 8 hours.

I may try to can peaches this summer--if I get brave enough! We usually get good peaches here by mid August. We'll see if I have enough courage--Oh, and enough time! Gotta get DD packed and delivered to college in less than 3 weeks!!!!

We went into that little church as well. I thought it was awesome! For them to take all those pictures and then animate them to use them in the movie was so cool. You should watch it once--just the music is worth the time! But the storyline is cute as well. I wanted to see it so made my teenage boys go with me to the theatre--yeah, they were thrilled! LOL

 

[BarbP]

Love your writing! Sounds like a great trip. We stayed at Caribbean Beach for a long weekend our last trip. Our first time staying moderate and enjoyed it very much!

 

[Clarf]

I’ve never seen the movie Frozen.

I love the small font. LOL! Seriously, you really should watch the movie, though. It is amazing. Even if you just watch it for the animation. The story is also spectacular, though. Of course I've seen it 5,867 times because I have 2 girls under the age of 15. I probably don't need to see it again.

I wonder of that Frozen exhibit is still in the church? It looks pretty cool!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Where's the bathroom!?!?! Too funny!

 

[amandaw]

I hope they still have that Frozen exhibit in the church when we go in October. I'd like to see that.

Seems like y'all were doing a great job of dodging the rain!