Friends from Hell... A Disney's Hilton Head Island Trip Report 7/5 updated

[dd50]

Wow, love all the paintings. Do you paint them? On what, because I see some that are different sizes in the middle.

 

[castmemberb4]

Your title SO caught my eye.

I've been on quite a few hellish trips to Hilton Head with my family, over the last 28 years. That's how long my sister has had time shares she packs us all into twice a year. I've stopped going but there are places and entertainers I miss. Can't wait to see if you go to some of the places we frequented.

And since I live in Marietta Ga can't wait to hear about your stop over here.
Hope it was a good time.
Lynn

 

[Kewz1]

I actually feel badly that I am taking such delight in your misery!!

HHI is one of our favorite places to go. I hope your "friends" didn't ruin the magic for you!

Kristen

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

That painting is amazing! And great idea on the rental car I hope the codes work for you!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Lurking a bit. Have been gone for a few days so got all caught up. I am afraid we all have those "friends" in our lives. We jump for joy when they no longer want anything to do with us. We like it to be their decision. I don't want to make anyone mad at me for breaking it off with them.

Enjoying the report to date. So glad someone else can have such catastrophes.
Ginny

 

[goofy5]

painting is beautiful

 

[MEK]

So much drama so little time! This is a hoot! I love the painting, too!

 

[lajones81]

Last year I bought this over the top wonderful painting for a great artist. Not only gifted in talent but in spirit too. Her Karma just oozes from her, I love it!

This picture does NOT do this painting justice at all. The paint is so thick and lush it’s insane. I take it in when I do Art Moms to help show kids that paintings are not just 2D.

And I had hoped to add more lovelys this year, but having peace of mind for our road trip outweighs anything.

Now would Mister Cheap-oh see it my way?

Ha! He has to!! It’s my money, so he really has no say in the matter so I hunker down in front of my computer, pen and paper in hand, crack open an icy cold Diet Pepsi, and take a deep breath.

So the cliffhanger of the day is…
Will any of the codes on Mousesavers work for me in Chicago?​

Love the painting! Where is this art fair...burbs...city? I'd love to know!

 

[Laurabearz]

Love the painting! Where is this art fair...burbs...city? I'd love to know!

This fair is on the South Side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Hyde Park (made famous by President Obama)

 

[Laurabearz]

Oh and sorry everyone, I am hunkering down and going to start pumping our more of my report tonight.

With the kids home for the summer, mommy's time had become fully booked!

 

[lajones81]

This fair is on the South Side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Hyde Park (made famous by President Obama)

Sounds fantastic! I'll have to check it out next summer.

 

[LadyEMT]

Count me in as intrigued! And amused!

 

[Laurabearz]

I am so very sorry for the delay in the continuation of my little story. Summer is just like that around here.

So where was I… Oh yes… Can Mary’s wonderful Mousesavers, help little ole me way up here in Chicagolandia?

I open up a million windows and get cracking. First window is Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Partner info, because I don’t rent unless I get SWA credit!

First up our old stand by Dollar. I try both ORD and MDW and each and every code, noting price, free miles, drivers, etc. Then on to Hertz, Thrifty, and Budget and EVERYONE is 900-1200 bucks for a mini van.

Finally I hit paydirt with Alamo at ORD minivan 16 nights $660 unlimited miles and extra driver. Book it Dan-o!

I belong to Quick Silver and pre checked in so I could just head to my row and pick our Van. I hoped to maybe see a van with a built in DVD player, long shot, but still we prefer to pick our van.

Instead I found TEX.

As I approached my designated row from a distance I saw him. He was there towering over the minivans, looking quite, well, large. So large in fact, I had to go back into the office and confirm I could pick anything in my row.

Well you know what happens next don’t you? I whipped out my lasso and roped up that sucker. I think the wheel came up to my navel. My husband is going to kill me. But I was mesmerized.

He was big, wide, and deep silver in color. Some might call him a Suburban, I, called him Tex (and sometimes the SS Minnow, but that was only when I was trying to park him). Now as it turns out, Tex, was actually made in Texas, which I thought was a bit of kismet!

I had to CLIMB UP to get into this beast, and I flashed on what horrid gas mileage he would get, but when I sat down, looked around, I threw caution to the wind and shouted

“MINE ALL MINE!!!!!”​

Funny how, as much as I loved Tex, I only took one picture of him

My son Charlie said, Tex was the car he has been dreaming about his whole life.

Husband is still not home from work, but the kids are on my side, so we will razzamatazz him so much when he gets home maybe he won’t notice just how big Tex is…

But of course he does…

And that little vein on his left temple filled up and throbbed a bit, but once he saw how happy all the kids were, and more importantly how much mommy loved the big beast…. His vein went back to normal and he actually started to warm up to the idea.

He too had to CLIMB UP to sit in it, and I think I saw a little smile.

I must say each and every time I had to CLIMB UP to my seat, I laughed out loud. It was a pure joy to drive, the extra room was wonderful, great AC, power plugs everywhere. Just a dream. I want one cry cry.

Tex was a joy to pack up and everything fit inside quite nicely. All that was left to do in the morning was unplug all the electronics (ds’s, dvd players, phones etc), pack the cooler and wake the kids.

The plan is to leave a 6 AM
The destination Embassy Suites Galleria Atlanta Georgia, for the purpose of invading Six Flags Over Georgia.
Estimated time in the car 14 hours ish.
​

 

[DisneyNotes]

I must say I love that you named the Suburban TEX. I live in Austin and we all drive those!

I'm so enjoying the journey and you haven't even left the driveway.

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

TEX is Awesome! Glad he was sitting there waiting for you to take him home! I can't wait to hear about your drive and Six Flags!

 

[2girlsmom]

I'm loving the report, you are hilarious!

 

[podsnel]

Even when you pick out a truck, you're a good time! Can't wait for more!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

I love TEX. What a beast. My DD2 had one of those. The gas ate them up driving around town so they had to sell it. But we sure loved road trips. How did you ever go back to your own vehicle after this?

 

[Myhappythought5]

I am craking up over here. Can't wait to read more

 

[KristiP]

Ready to hear more.
I wish I would have seen you more while we there, I could have seen your friends in action.