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

[Queenofallthings]

Key Lime Pie at Sunshine...I will have to try it...thanks for the tip!

 

[PirateKate]

Thanks for your help! I'm thinking I might try to request a room in the 70's. I'm glad to hear there's lots of room to run because he'll need to burn off his energy after being in the car for the whole day!

You're welcome! I think the 70's sounds good. I bet Reid would like the giant foosball field, too. It's always hard on little guys being stuck in the car all day.

Key Lime Pie at Sunshine...I will have to try it...thanks for the tip!

Carter loves the key lime pie, too.

 

[PirateKate]

We decided to start with the ham and cheese croissant. It was still warm and delicious. I tried a sip of the iced cappuccino. While it had a slightly odd taste, it was wet, cold, and caffeinated, so it was good enough.

We finished the ham and cheese croissant and switched over to the cheesecake. It was also good. It seemed like fairly standard cheesecake, but even ordinary cheesecake is tasty.

Unfortunately, halfway through our cheesecake, we ran out of iced cappuccino. We should have ordered two of those.

After we finished the cheesecake, all that was left was the almond croissant. I took a big bite of it, expecting it to be as good as the ham and cheese croissant, only with a sweet almond filling.

I was disappointed. The croissant was hard and stale and very dry. The almond filling was nearly non-existent and not at all satisfying.

I handed it off to Jeremy, who tried it and decided it was too bad for him to eat, too.

I wished we hadn't drank that iced cappuccino so quickly. It would have been nice to have something to drink after that almond croissant.

We didn't happen to feel like getting up at the moment, so we continued to sit there, admiring the view and enjoying a moment of alone time.

"Sometimes, I miss the days when it was just you and me. Remember how much fun we used to have?"

"I remember. We had a lot of fun. But Carter and Landon are fun, too. It's just a different sort of fun."

"You know, I always hear other moms talking about how fast their kids grow up, but I can't see it. It feels so slow."

"It probably picks up once you get your kids potty trained."

I laughed. I can't wait until we're done with diapers.

"Anyway, the boys will both be grown before you know it and they'll move out and you'll miss them. But you won't miss them too much, because when Landon goes to college, we'll go on a big vacation, just you and me. We'll spend a week here, and stay at the Polynesian and get a deluxe dining plan and then we'll go on a seven night Disney cruise."

"And then, we'll go stay a week in Aulani. That sounds fun. I guess that's only seventeen years away. I'll start planning it."

I checked on the boys and they were both still sleeping peacefully.

"It's nice sitting here, but I'd really like something to drink."

"Hey, didn't you say that they sell a jalapeno cheese pretzel around here?"

"Yes, it's over at that kiosk. But didn't we just eat?"

"I'm still hungry and I didn't get to go to Animal Kingdom with you."

"Well, okay. Let's go get one. And a drink."

We threw away the remains from our French snacks and went to get in line at Fife and Drum. I spotted a very magical looking drink and told Jeremy I wanted one of those.

I left Jeremy in line and took the stroller to an empty table outside of the Liberty Inn.

Jeremy came and found me, carrying a pretzel and the drink I had wanted. It was called an American Dream and it was good.

It started with a layer of blue raspberry slush followed by a layer of vanilla ice cream and topped with strawberry slush. Red, white, and blue.

I tried some of the pretzel, but I didn't think it was as good as the one at the Animal Kingdom. Maybe we just happened to get an overcooked one or maybe the ones at Epcot are always inferior.

Jeremy agreed that it wasn't as good as the ones from Animal Kingdom, but he still ate it, so I guess it wasn't too bad.

As we sat there, eating and drinking, we heard a concert starting over at the theater. I had forgotten it was Flower Power time.

It turned out Davy Jones was performing. At first, I was worried the music would disturb the boys, but they kept sleeping and didn't seem concerned.

It was fun listening to Davy Jones singing while sipping an American Dream and watching our boys sleep.

Eventually, after our drink was gone, we decided it was time to move on.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

The American Dream sounds AMAZING! Yum Yum!

 

[afwdwfan]

"You know, I always hear other moms talking about how fast their kids grow up, but I can't see it. It feels so slow."

"It probably picks up once you get your kids potty trained."

I laughed. I can't wait until we're done with diapers.

That is hilarious! I was actually struggling with similar thoughts about DS the other day. I can't wait until he's potty trained so we don't have to do diapers, but at the same time, I have so much fun with him at this stage he's in now and I don't want to wish it to go too fast.

It looks like you and Jeremy had a nice little break to relax and enjoy each other's company and some snacks. Is the American Dream really that good, or is this a diversion to convince your TR readers to get it instead of the almond croissant?

 

[amazingact21]

How disappointing to hear that the almond croissant wasn't good; I would've thought it would be very tasty.
Sounds as if you guys were able to relax while the boys slept.
I laughed at your and Jeremy's conversation, because Alex and I have kind of had that same talk. Except, we keep telling each other we need to go on as many vacations as we can now, because in 5 years we'll probably have a child to think about.

 

[leshunlenese]

Girl, you crack me up! Maybe it seems slow because you have two little ones. Go ahead and plan that trip for a few years later than 17. according to mom, she thought she got rid of me but i came back too soon! and i am so ready to be through with diapers my goodness! they just increased the price at my work by 5 dollars a box. its crazy

 

[KatMark]

Kate, that American Dream looks really good; I've added it to the list of "things to try" this trip for Mark -- I think he'll really like it. Sorry the pretzel and croissant were not all that great.

You crack me up with the "boys aren't growing up fast enough." Believe me they do...and enjoy this time. My babies are 25 and 23 and I wish they were Carter and Landon's age again.

 

[DisneyMomma09]

"Anyway, the boys will both be grown before you know it and they'll move out and you'll miss them. But you won't miss them too much, because when Landon goes to college, we'll go on a big vacation, just you and me. We'll spend a week here, and stay at the Polynesian and get a deluxe dining plan and then we'll go on a seven night Disney cruise."

"And then, we'll go stay a week in Aulani. That sounds fun. I guess that's only seventeen years away. I'll start planning it."

A vacation of that magnitude might take 17 years to plan! You had better get on it!!!

Mmmmm...I just added American Dream to my "Snacks to Try" list for this week yay.

The last trip I took to Disney with my family (2001), we were there the week Davy Jones performed for the Flower Power Concert. My mom HAD to go and see him. She was very excited when he walked up the bleachers and brushed against her!

Looking forward to seeing what else you find to do!

 

[amandaw]

Loved your update! Ed & I always talk about what vacations we are going to take when Reid grows up & leaves the house. But, I'm glad it won't be any time soon. I did find that once Reid potty trained last December, I started to feel like he was really growing up. I have to say that I'm loving this 3 year old phase. Yes, it can be challenging because he likes to argue with me. But, there's so much more to do with him. And as their comprehension grows, it really changes things for the better, also! If I had it my way, he'd just stay 3 forever!

 

[Shannon84]

My mom would have been in heaven to see Davy Jones at WDW

I want to try one of those pretzels, but I made a mental note to try it at AK and not Epcot

My co workers always remind me to enjoy my time now - quiet time - before children, because most of them are new parents or have children just a couple years old. It makes me feel less guilty about laying around all day on Sundays

 

[PirateKate]

The American Dream sounds AMAZING! Yum Yum!

It was perfect on such a hot day.

That is hilarious! I was actually struggling with similar thoughts about DS the other day. I can't wait until he's potty trained so we don't have to do diapers, but at the same time, I have so much fun with him at this stage he's in now and I don't want to wish it to go too fast.

It looks like you and Jeremy had a nice little break to relax and enjoy each other's company and some snacks. Is the American Dream really that good, or is this a diversion to convince your TR readers to get it instead of the almond croissant?

It'll be so nice when when we're through with diapers and have potty training done. I don't want to wish away their toddlerhood, either, but at the same time, I'm certain that they only improve with age.

We did have a very nice break. I love those times in the parks when the boys are sleeping and we get to hang out again, just like old times. As for the American Dream really being good or not, I guess you'll just have to try it.

How disappointing to hear that the almond croissant wasn't good; I would've thought it would be very tasty.
Sounds as if you guys were able to relax while the boys slept.
I laughed at your and Jeremy's conversation, because Alex and I have kind of had that same talk. Except, we keep telling each other we need to go on as many vacations as we can now, because in 5 years we'll probably have a child to think about.

I love almonds and marzipan, so I was hoping the almond croissant would be really good, but it just wasn't. Maybe we got a bad one, but I don't think I'll give it another chance. Too many other good choices in France.
Once you have a child to think about, everything changes. It's still fun, but so different. That's one thing I would do differently- go on more vacations before we had kids.

Girl, you crack me up! Maybe it seems slow because you have two little ones. Go ahead and plan that trip for a few years later than 17. according to mom, she thought she got rid of me but i came back too soon! and i am so ready to be through with diapers my goodness! they just increased the price at my work by 5 dollars a box. its crazy

Maybe it is slower having two little ones so close together. Everyone always says it goes by fast, but so far it doesn't seem like it. That's okay, Carter and Landon will be welcome to come back, but once they're both that old, I'm not going to feel even the slightest bit bad about leaving them home while we go on a fun trip. Diaper prices increased here, too, but only the odd numbered sizes, which of course, are the ones i need.

Kate, that American Dream looks really good; I've added it to the list of "things to try" this trip for Mark -- I think he'll really like it. Sorry the pretzel and croissant were not all that great.

You crack me up with the "boys aren't growing up fast enough." Believe me they do...and enjoy this time. My babies are 25 and 23 and I wish they were Carter and Landon's age again.

I thought the American Dream was really good. I had never seen it before, but I was really glad we tried one. I hope Mark likes it, too. It's okay that the pretzel and the croissant weren't that good. We had a lot of snack credits to use.

I guess I'll have to take your word for it. Maybe someday I'll look back and think it went by fast. Or maybe I'll always think the baby years dragged on and it will speed up as soon as they turn into full-fledged kids.

A vacation of that magnitude might take 17 years to plan! You had better get on it!!!

Mmmmm...I just added American Dream to my "Snacks to Try" list for this week yay.

The last trip I took to Disney with my family (2001), we were there the week Davy Jones performed for the Flower Power Concert. My mom HAD to go and see him. She was very excited when he walked up the bleachers and brushed against her!

Looking forward to seeing what else you find to do!

I'm already working on it. If only I knew what the newest Disney cruise ship will be in 2028.

I hope you like the American Dream. It's best when you're really hot and thirsty.

I thought it was really cool to see Davy Jones. Or hear him, I guess, since we couldn't really see him. We got to hear him sing the same song that he did on that episode of the Brady Bunch. It was fun.

I had plenty of good ideas of what to do next!

Loved your update! Ed & I always talk about what vacations we are going to take when Reid grows up & leaves the house. But, I'm glad it won't be any time soon. I did find that once Reid potty trained last December, I started to feel like he was really growing up. I have to say that I'm loving this 3 year old phase. Yes, it can be challenging because he likes to argue with me. But, there's so much more to do with him. And as their comprehension grows, it really changes things for the better, also! If I had it my way, he'd just stay 3 forever!

It's fun to think of all the fun places to go once they're grown and moved out. Carter and Landon are both at cute ages, but I love how as they get older I get to learn more about them and what they like. They're both fascinating people. Potty training is the next big milestone we have coming up and I'm sure it's a grand one, but it kind of makes me nervous, because I don't really know what I'm doing. Most of the other milestones just sort of happen but I suspect potty training will require more effort from me. I think 3 will be a fun age, but I'm also looking forward to 4 and 5.

My mom would have been in heaven to see Davy Jones at WDW

I want to try one of those pretzels, but I made a mental note to try it at AK and not Epcot

My co workers always remind me to enjoy my time now - quiet time - before children, because most of them are new parents or have children just a couple years old. It makes me feel less guilty about laying around all day on Sundays

It was so cool to be sitting there and have Davy Jones start singing.

It's possible that we just got a bad one at Epcot, but we did both think the ones we've had at AK were better.

I don't know if anyone who doesn't have kids can truly understand how much your life changes afterward. Those pre-children years are some good years. I'd love to have one morning to sleep in as late as I want to.

 

[PirateKate]

With the boys still sleeping, I thought it was the perfect time to go on some thrill rides. I was thinking either Mission Space or Test Track, whichever seemed faster.

We began to walk back to Future World, this time at a more leisurely pace. Somewhere around Mexico, I started thinking about getting another drink, preferably water. The American Dream had been good, but it was sweet and I wanted water.

I told Jeremy I wanted to stop for some water, but Jeremy suggested we go to Club Cool again, instead. I wasn't sure that Club Cool would be as satisfying as water, but I was willing to try it, so we went toward Club Cool when we reached Future World.

We passed by Rabbit, whom we had missed before.

It seemed as if a lot of people were starting to leave Epcot, so I was hopeful that Club Cool would be less crowded than the last time we were there.

As it happened, Club Cool was infinitely less crowded than last time. In fact, it was closed.

It was after seven and some of the smaller Future World attractions were already closed.

I suggested we go back to the Electric Umbrella, to get some water and Jeremy agreed, so we crossed back by Fountain of Nations.

"We'll just stop for a minute, to drink some water and then we'll go ride Mission Space and Test Track as many times as we can."

"Orange side?"

"Of course!"

I was just finishing my water, when I heard a rustle in the stroller and saw some baby eyes looking at me. Two sets of baby eyes, actually.

I gave up my dreams of Mission Space and Test Track and instead, we went back to the Baby Care Center, for some diaper changes and a little play time for the boys.

We didn't stay at the Baby Care Center very long this time. Carter was hungry.

"MacCheese?"

"You want macaroni and cheese for dinner? I bet we can find you some."

I happened to know there was some macaroni and cheese at Sunshine Seasons, so we decided to give that a try again.

"Are you going to get that pork chop this time?"

"Well. I don't know. We've sort of already had a lot to eat recently. We can't eat a full dinner again, can we?"

"Don't tell me what we can't do. Besides, we don't want to leave meal credits unused and if we don't use them now, they'll go to waste. We don't have to eat it all if we don't want to. We can just taste it."

"All right. I guess we can do that."

We parked the stroller and took the boys inside. We decided to use the buddy system, so I took Landon and we went to get in line for a pork chop. It was the only station with a line, so Jeremy and Carter were able to get Jeremy's tuna, macaroni and cheese, desserts, and drinks, while Landon and I were still waiting.

We finally made it to the front and I asked for the pork chop meal.

"I"m sorry, we're out of pork chops."

Of course they were. After waiting all that time, I wasn't going to leave empty handed so I ordered the chicken halfheartedly.

I gave my plate to Jeremy to pay for our meal and I took the boys to get a table.

The boys were looking pretty hungry and I knew they'd be happy to see our food come.

Landon posed for the camera while we waiting.

Carter went for a more dignified pose.

At last, Jeremy arrived with our food. Carter and Landon were both overjoyed.

I was glad to see a whole bottle of Smart Water for me. I knew Jeremy was tired and I hoped his energy drink would be energizing.

I got Landon set up with his food and he started eating as though he were starving to death.

Carter was eating eagerly, too, until Jeremy tried to sneak a grape on his fork.

"No grape! MacCheese!"

Jeremy said his tuna was good, but he was getting kind of tired of it, because it was never quite as good as he remembered.

My chicken, well it was no pork chop. It was fine. Not my favorite, but Landon liked my rice.

Of course, everyone's favorite part of the meal was the key lime pie, which had been carefully concealed from little boy eyes until they were done with their dinners.

We had gotten two key lime pies and they were a huge hit with the boys.

Carter loved the key lime pie last time and he loved it again this time.

Landon hadn't been allowed to try the key lime pie last time, due to babyhood, but this time, he got to try some and he liked it.

I liked it, too. It was just as good as I remembered.

The boys started chatting with each other and it was kind of hard to follow, but I'm sure it was something about the wonders of pie.

At last, it happened. The pie was all gone. It was a sad moment, but the boys rallied nicely.

We cleared off our table. It had been a good dinner.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'm sorry the almond croissant didn't live up to expectations. I love almond flavored things, so I would have had high hopes too! I'm glad you found another drink, quickly! That is one thing you can say about WS, there are drinks around every corner, and lots of yummy, fancy ones at that!

That's so funny that you think that time is going slowly, I feel like time is just racing by with Everett. Maybe its because I only have one toddler. That might be inspiration to get moving on baby #2, to get things to slow down a little!

I agree that its fun to think about the adult vacations we will take someday. I was just telling Mark that I want to do something really big for our 10 year anniversary, like go on a Baltic Cruise, or go to Fiji or New Zealand or something. He said "you know that it is 5 years away, right?" and I told him I might need 5 years to make up my mind!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I think we were posting at the same time!

Sorry you couldn't get your pork chop- that is disappointing!

I hope that the Key Lime pie at least made up for some of the disappointment- it certainly looks yummy in the pictures. The boys look like they were really enjoying it, but I didn't doubt it, if they are anything like Everett, they have never met a dessert they didn't like!

 

[afwdwfan]

Sorry about the pork chop, but I'm glad you at least got your key lime pie! It looks like Landon and Carter sure enjoyed their meals too. That was a good decision to go to Sunshine Seasons. Even if you've been snacking, you might as well use up those dining credits! Especially when there is the opportunity for pie at the end of the meal.

 

[KatMark]

Again no pork chop? It looks like the kids really enjoyed their meal and I love the photos of them....they just look like such happy babies.

I didn't know they had key lime pie at Sunshine Seasons; another thing I'll have to tell my hubby -- he loves key lime pie and if Carter and Landon liked it, I'm sure Mark will too.

 

[Minnie_Mom]

"Sometimes, I miss the days when it was just you and me. Remember how much fun we used to have?"

I was just thinking yesterday about the trips we took before our kids were born and how relaxing they were. Part of me longed to be able to do that again, but the other part of me knew that I would just miss the kids the whole time.

"You know, I always hear other moms talking about how fast their kids grow up, but I can't see it. It feels so slow."

"It probably picks up once you get your kids potty trained."

I laughed. I can't wait until we're done with diapers.

Yes, it definitely picks up... primarily, because you are running to the bathroom every 5 minutes!

"Anyway, the boys will both be grown before you know it and they'll move out and you'll miss them. But you won't miss them too much, because when Landon goes to college, we'll go on a big vacation, just you and me. We'll spend a week here, and stay at the Polynesian and get a deluxe dining plan and then we'll go on a seven night Disney cruise."

"And then, we'll go stay a week in Aulani. That sounds fun. I guess that's only seventeen years away. I'll start planning it."

Sounds like a great trip... Can we go with you? Let's plan a empty nesters dis meet!

Loved your update! Ed & I always talk about what vacations we are going to take when Reid grows up & leaves the house. But, I'm glad it won't be any time soon. I did find that once Reid potty trained last December, I started to feel like he was really growing up. I have to say that I'm loving this 3 year old phase. Yes, it can be challenging because he likes to argue with me. But, there's so much more to do with him. And as their comprehension grows, it really changes things for the better, also! If I had it my way, he'd just stay 3 forever!

I have to agree... I wish Porter could stay 3 forever! He will turn 4 in October and it seems like over the last year he has really "grown-up." This has been my most emotional year as a mommy. He is beginning to lose those toddler ways and is quickly developing into a little boy. It is absolutely amazing to watch but it makes me so sad at the same time! Luckily, he says he wants to be just like Peter Pan and never grow-up... which is fine with me!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Sorry you missed out on a ride and a pork chop! I guess key lime pie sort of makes up for it! It looks like the boys really enjoyed it! Carter must have been talking with Audrey Anne because his quote about mac 'n cheese and grapes is straight out of her mouth. She loves "maccheese" but thinks that grapes are balls that I put on the plate for her amusement. They usually end up getting thrown across the room.

 

[chiamarie]

I took my time exploring the Oasis with the boys. I stopped to look at some pink flamingos that I thought were pretty cool.

Apparently, Carter and Landon weren't quite as impressed as I was.

Hi There- I've just started stalking your TR.....and just wanted to say...that....the flamingos at DAK are on the Safari. The pink birds up front, are Roseate Spoonbills