Ever, Ever After: The TR Formerly Known as Wishing You Were Here- May 2011

[PirateKate]

Yay! Another great TR! I wish we had a Disney Store close to us so I could start my Vinylmation collecting. DD would love Jessie, Woody, Buzz and Bullseye. She is Toy Story obsessed! I loved following along in your adventure and I hope you guys have so much fun on your upcoming trip!

Thank you! Having a Disney Store close by is so nice, especially now that they're doing trading. I finally decided which Vinylmation to leave home and not trade and I picked Jessie, Woody, Buzz, and Bullseye. I'm hoping to get some Lion King Vinylmation next week.

Great trip report! Can't wait to read the next one, especially since we will be there at the same time!

I really love that Buzz Lightyear Vinylmation, he's so cute!

LOL, Landon really made a mess with that brownie!

I believe we're both leaving on the day after tomorrow. I can't wait!

I love Buzz, too. His helmet is the coolest. And I love Jessie and Woody's hats.

Landon does know what to do with a brownie.

I'm one of your lurkers I really enjoyed tagging along on your vacation - your boys are absolutely adorable! I'll be watching for your October report!

Hi! It's always nice to meet one of my lurkers. Thanks, I find my boys pretty adorable, too. I'm really excited about out October trip, so hopefully the trip report will be fun, as well.

Have a great time on your upcoming trip! I can't wait to hear all about it. We will be at WDW the exact same dates- Maybe if I see the great big dimples on your boys it will make me brave enough to stop and say hi!! I was thinking about writing my own trip report (we are going for the first time with DS who turns 2 during the trip along with my parents and my mother in law) but I don't know if I could compete with your fabulous trip reports!

Thank you! I can't believe this trip is nearly here. The next day is going to drag by, I'm sure. I have already started packing, though, which I thought was really good. Cool, we'll be there at the same time. If you see us, feel free to come say hi. Carter and Landon are very friendly. I hope you do decide to write a trip report. Trip reports with toddlers are some of my favorites.

I'm glad you have a new trip coming up so soon since this TR is now finished. Can't wait to hear all about your adventures and see how having two boys that walk will be.

Me, too! I'd be sad if this trip report was ended and I had no new trips on the horizon. I think that having two walking boys will be the start of some great new adventures.

I have truly enjoyed reading this Kate! I admire your strength in character to take two boys under three to Disney World by yourself! I sometimes panic taking Madelyn to the grocery store by myself. Thank you to Carter and Landon, for being the adorable little boys that they are. And thank you to Jeremy for having work to do in Florida so you could mosey on over to the world!

Have a great time on your trip!! We will expect a full report when you return!

I'm glad you enjoyed reading this, since I sure enjoyed writing it. Actually, I'd rather take the boys to Disney World than the grocery store any day. Carter and Landon say it was no problem, as adorability comes naturally. If only Jeremy had more work to do in Florida...

Thank you! I'm going to try very hard to never let the camera battery die.

I just wanted to drop a note in here telling you that while I'm usually a lurker, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your trip report. Your boys are adorable and they have a great mother who seems to be always there for them and understanding of how hard it can be to be little.

Glad to hear Landon's walking and that he'll get to go behind the bars with Zurg on your upcoming trip. And Carter is such a smart little boy.

Hope you have a fabulous trip and looking forward to reading your next trip report.

Thanks you! I really had the best time writing this trip report, so I'm glad you liked it. I try to be the best mother I can for Carter and Landon. They're really great boys.

Landon will be so thrilled when he gets to go behind bars, too. I can't wait to get a picture of Carter and Landon together behind bars with Zurg. Carter seems really smart to me. Actually, now that Landon is talking, he seems really smart, too. I'm probably biased.

Thanks! I can't wait to see what fabulous things are awaiting us this trip.

Hi Kate. As promised, I lurked thru the entire trip report and loved every minute!

My family and I just visited WDW a few weeks ago. I thought of you when I sent DH into the caramel shop at Epcot. I think we got the wrong one because we didn't really care for it much. And it really must have been the wrong one because I can't think of any reason that I wouldn't like something that someone would meltdown over if it weren't available. I'll have to look more closely next time and make sure I get THE caramel bar.

I can't wait to hear all about your next trip!

Hi! Good to hear from you again!

I will be the first to say that while Chewy Caramel Bars are beloved by us, they're probably not for everyone. I do have an unusually high tolerance for sweet things. Of course, Jeremy doesn't have a high tolerance for overly sweet things, yet he loves the Chewy Caramel Bars as much as I do. Hard to say. I hope you find the right one next time. Or find something else you like better.

I can't wait to go on our next trip!

 

[PirateKate]

What a wonderful trip you had! You survived with the boys all by yourself! You can do anything after that!

Yeah for Landon walking. That is such a milestone! Of course now you have two boys who could be running in two different directions...

I am glad your trip is coming up so soon! We don't have to wait too long for you to start a new TR then!! Have fun!!

It really was a great trip! It was kind of surprising exactly how much fun the boys and I had on our own. I'd be happy to take them again any time.

Landon walking is amazing! And oddly enough, they very seldom seem to run in opposite directions. If one takes off running, the other sees it as a fun game and follows.

I'm so happy our trip is almost here. I have so many ideas of things I'd like to do on this trip. It should be fun!

Oh gosh, I was behind! I thought that your TR was ending with the fudge, but I was happy to see there was another episode!

Sorry you were stuck with the wiggles for the ride home, I think multiple hours of the wiggles would cause me to spontaneously jump out of of a moving vehicle.

You are so close to your trip! How long are you going to be down for? We'll be down for our last minute quickie tripie on the 4th, so I want to know whether I should be keeping my eyes peeled for an orange double city mini and two super cute boys!

Yes, it was the old fake ending with the fudge trick. I probably could have ended it there, but I didn't want that picture of Landon's brownie face to go to waste.

I'm usually okay with the Wiggles, but we definitely overloaded on the drive home. That night when I was trying to go to sleep, I kept having Fruit Salad in my head.

We will be staying through October 8th. Our trips do overlap, so definitely keep an eye open for us, but it looks like we'll be at different parks every day. Of course, Disney plans are really more like guidelines, so there's no telling what we'll actually do.

I got behind again Kate, and now your finished!

Thanks so much for sharing your trip, you have a beautiful family and I love your style of writing. Can't wait for the next one!!

I really wanted to finish this one up before we left for the next trip.

Thank you! I've had a lot of fun with this TR and I'm really looking forward to the next one.

Another great TR. I can't wait for the next one.

Thanks!

Yay for another update! I thought it was over with the fudge, but I guess that would've had you at WDW forever. Too funny (and RUDE!) about the lady wanting Lost & Found for her missing car! I'm going to guess this wasn't the best day for her. Hooray for becoming a passholder and the snacks on the ride home. You're a brave woman, giving a toddler a brownie in the car! He's adorable, even covered in chocolate.

Love your TRs & Can't wait to hear about this next trip. Hope you have a great time & takes lots of pics of those cute boys!

WDW forever...I'd be okay with that. Writing about the day we leave is never the best part, but that seems to be how all our trips end. I thought that lady with the missing car was very interesting. I've heard that people's cars do get towed, but I'd never come across anyone whose car was towed. I'm sure that lady was having a very bad day. It really was a very little piece of brownie. It's amazing what Landon managed to do with it. I thought he looked really cute, too.

Thanks! I'm planning on taking lots of pictures and having the best trip ever.

I'm going with ONE 15 month old and THREE adults, and I'm nervous. You are such a brave soul. Any advice?

One toddler and three adults? Nothing to be nervous about. You all will have a great time. It's a little tricky, trying to plan your days with a toddler, because it's hard to know beforehand what he will like and whether he needs room naps or stroller naps. Once you get there, it all falls into place and it becomes obvious what he likes and needs.

My best advice is to be flexible. Always have in the back of your head that if your son needs a break, you may have to abandon whatever you had planned on doing.

Remember to include time in your day for your son to get out of the stroller and run around freely. Baby Care Centers are awesome for that. Have plenty of his favorite snacks and a sippy cup full of water on hand.

Toddlers can sense fear, so approach the trip with confidence. There's nothing that could go wrong that you couldn't handle.

The great thing about taking little guys to Disney World is that there will be so many other little ones there. Most of the time, there will be tons of other parents dealing with the same things you are. Most of the time, you will be able to look around and see at least one screaming child. Most of the time, it will be someone else's kid. But on the rare occasion that it is yours, most people will understand and sympathize.

 

[PirateKate]

After the triple meltdown, I envisioned a very different type of drinking (especially at Epcot!!!)

That never crossed my mind! We never drink anything stronger than Beverly.

Jumping in a little late...headed back to the beginning to start reading.

Welcome! Hope you like my trip report!

I finally finished. I am so exited to go with my tot. How far apart are your boys? It looks like so much fun, but also such a handful. They really are very handsome. You made me giggle the whole way through-- I love Landon narratives!

My boys are thirteen months apart, which has its good and bad points. Overall, they are a lot of fun and I think the hardest part with them so close in age is already over. It's pretty easy now that they're both walking and talking. Thanks, I think they're handsome boys, too. Landon has a way with words, doesn't he?

well, that depends on who you ask in my family i have about three planned- although Chris doesn't know that yet... i have to let him be the one to "come up with the idea" I do know that it won't be this year. he doesn't have any more time off until after December and i think Maya's teacher would flip. But in my mind, we are going on a short cruise/ MNSSHP/ F&W next year, followed by a long FL is finally done trip the following year, and then followed by a mommy daughter trip.

I love the brownie pic! it always amazes me the places that food ends up on a toddler

if i don't get back with you before then, have a great trip!!!! make sure you stop by and give me your link when you start your next report!

It's always good to plan ahead. I always find time off of work to be one of the greatest hindrances to Disney trips. Yet, without the work, there'd be no money to spend on Disney trips anyway. A fall cruise/ MNSSHP/ F&W sounds perfect! I can't wait to go to MNSSHP and F&W. I'm planning a cruise for 2013. James will be three by next fall, right? I think he and Carter are close in age. Long Disney trips are so nice, too and a mommy daughter trip will be fun. I used to go with my mom all the time. Those trips were awesome.

Landon was eating a taco for dinner the other day and he unfolded his taco so it was flat and picked the thing up and put it meat side down on top of his head and grinned at us and said "Hat!" I officially declared that night to be bath night.

Thank you! I'll be sure to post the link for you when I start.

I am sooo glad you go to Disney so often
I love your stories, and the pictures of your two boys are priceless.

I have never been to Disney during Halloween, so I am eager to read all about it!!!

I'm really glad we go to Disney so often, too. It's nice that this May trip worked out.
Thank you! I love having Disney pictures of my boys as they grow up.

I've never been to Disney during Halloween either, but I have very high hopes for it. I hope it's really Not So Scary.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I was just thinking your trip is coming up so soon and then I see your ticker is at one day! Yay!

I'm sure you will enjoy Disney during the fall/Halloween. Have a great time!

 

[okw19]

Your ticker says 1 day!!!!!

Hope you guys have a great time and I can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Have a wonderful time Kate!!!

 

[RNBelle]

One toddler and three adults? Nothing to be nervous about. You all will have a great time. It's a little tricky, trying to plan your days with a toddler, because it's hard to know beforehand what he will like and whether he needs room naps or stroller naps. Once you get there, it all falls into place and it becomes obvious what he likes and needs.

My best advice is to be flexible. Always have in the back of your head that if your son needs a break, you may have to abandon whatever you had planned on doing.

Remember to include time in your day for your son to get out of the stroller and run around freely. Baby Care Centers are awesome for that. Have plenty of his favorite snacks and a sippy cup full of water on hand.

Toddlers can sense fear, so approach the trip with confidence. There's nothing that could go wrong that you couldn't handle.

The great thing about taking little guys to Disney World is that there will be so many other little ones there. Most of the time, there will be tons of other parents dealing with the same things you are. Most of the time, you will be able to look around and see at least one screaming child. Most of the time, it will be someone else's kid. But on the rare occasion that it is yours, most people will understand and sympathize.

You are a very wise woman I just emailed this above advice to DH!

That never crossed my mind! We never drink anything stronger than Beverly.


My boys are thirteen months apart, which has its good and bad points. Overall, they are a lot of fun and I think the hardest part with them so close in age is already over. It's pretty easy now that they're both walking and talking. Thanks, I think they're handsome boys, too. Landon has a way with words, doesn't he?

Landon does have a way with words. I can't even imagine giving birth right now (my son just turned 13 months). Although in 9 months from now, it wouldn't seem nearly as bad...

I would much rather NOT drink Beverly. And very soon, hopefully, I will join you on the nothing stronger than Beverly trek too-- if all goes well!!!

Hope you're having a great trip. And it's really NOT so scary (the party!)

 

[schriverl]

Have a magical trip!! Just caught up on your last trip report. Can't wait to see how your new camera works out!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I love the sweet ending (get it?) to your TR!! Until next time, Kate!!

 

[lbuzz52]

The taco story had me laughing out loud! i've been there too!
Yes, James will be 3- if i remember correctly, he and Carter are within a couple weeks. James is 01-28.

Have fun!

 

[Mommy2BnB]

Have a great trip!!! Can't wait to read about your adventures when you get back.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I LOVED your TR. It's part of the reason I decided to write my first one (or attempt it). I can't wait to hear all about your adventures on your upcoming trip!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Until Next Time,
Kate

Two of the cutest pics ever!!! Oh, and the brownie bit made me laugh out loud - I might be giggling about that one for a while tonight! It's amazing, isn't it? Do you think ANY made it into his mouth?! So, so sweet.

I hope you are having a wonderful time right now!!!! I look forward to the TR on the other side!

 

[MapleGirl]

I just finished reading and enjoying your trip report. Thank you for writing it. Have a wonderful October trip!

 

[nebo]

Hi kate, I admit I got here late and skimmed a lot, but I just loved the way you signed off at the end at the Magic Kingdom, that is so important to end a trip on a high note like that an makes you want to get back there as soon as possible!
Words you don't want to hear from your spouse:
"next year we go to Vegas."

nice job, Kate, kids are adorable.

 

[oOJulieOo]

Just finished reading your TR. I loved the whole thing!

The newest pictures of the boys are adorable. I LOVE Landon's hair!

 

[RachelNinja]

Catching up! Wow, you finished your TR, and I am still pretty far behind!

Haha, I love how Zurg has the Mother's Day sign too. It would've been a really cute picture had all 4 of you been in the Buzz shot!

I can't wait to have that feeling of being an Annual Passholder!!! Unless things change, that's the plan for Howard and me!

Yum, I want one of those energy cookies. I had thought that that's what I would get during the last trip, but I went with the gingerbread cookie from Goofy's instead. Next trip!

That must've been an amazing fourth of a brownie!

Can't wait for the next TR!

 

[PirateKate]

Hi, everyone! I got back a couple days ago and am finally getting caught up on everything. We had a fabulous time and I can't wait to tell you all about it. It is my intention to catch up on everyone else's trip reports and then start my own. That shouldn't take too long, right?

 

[KatMark]

Hi, everyone! I got back a couple days ago and am finally getting caught up on everything. We had a fabulous time and I can't wait to tell you all about it. It is my intention to catch up on everyone else's trip reports and then start my own. That shouldn't take too long, right?

Welcome back!!! We can't wait to hear all about the trip and how the boys did.

As for catching up....I just caught up yesterday on all the threads I follow, and I've been back since October 6.

 

[PirateKate]

I was just thinking your trip is coming up so soon and then I see your ticker is at one day! Yay!

I'm sure you will enjoy Disney during the fall/Halloween. Have a great time!

Disney in the fall is awesome! I loved all the Halloween decorations. I'm sure we'll be going back next fall.

Your ticker says 1 day!!!!!

Hope you guys have a great time and I can't wait to hear all about it!!

We had a great time! It went by way too fast, but it was a wonderful trip.

Have a wonderful time Kate!!!

Thanks! We had a lot of fun.

You are a very wise woman I just emailed this above advice to DH!



Landon does have a way with words. I can't even imagine giving birth right now (my son just turned 13 months). Although in 9 months from now, it wouldn't seem nearly as bad...

I would much rather NOT drink Beverly. And very soon, hopefully, I will join you on the nothing stronger than Beverly trek too-- if all goes well!!!

Hope you're having a great trip. And it's really NOT so scary (the party!)

Thanks! I hope some of it helps. I've always found my boys to be extra good at Disney World, so hopefully you'll find it to be the same.

Having babies 13 months apart isn't the best experience in the world. At the time, it was really hard, but now that it's over, it's nice to know our family is complete and I do like having two kids that close in age. It only gets easier so far.

I don't really care for Beverly, either. Good luck on the nothing stronger than Beverly endeavor. I hope all goes as you'd like.

We had a great trip and did enjoy the party quite a bit.

Have a magical trip!! Just caught up on your last trip report. Can't wait to see how your new camera works out!!

Thanks! The new camera was awesome. We got a few really good shots even at night.

I love the sweet ending (get it?) to your TR!! Until next time, Kate!!

I always like to end my trips very sweetly.

The taco story had me laughing out loud! i've been there too!
Yes, James will be 3- if i remember correctly, he and Carter are within a couple weeks. James is 01-28.

Have fun!

Luckily, Landon hasn't had the desire for any more taco hats lately. 3 will be such a bittersweet birthday. I'm sure 3 is when they start to be tall enough for the 40 inch rides, yet we'll also have to start buying kid Disney tickets.