From China to Wine & Dine- A Nov 2013 'First' PTR (Trip Report Link)

[schoonersky]

Subbing! I am also training for my first half at Wine and Dine- so I'm excited to hear all about your adventures! I have roped DH into it, and we both of our work cut out for us!

 

[Tinker326]

love love love love love love!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like a fabulous day! Looks like you do parties like I do...and document with many photos! PERFECT!

I LOVE Party planning! The joke in my kids circle of friends is "Can her mom do my party? (as in me)". My favorites I've done are a Harry Potter for Princesses 9th & her Alice in Wonderland party last year for her 10th.

Subbing! I am also training for my first half at Wine and Dine- so I'm excited to hear all about your adventures! I have roped DH into it, and we both of our work cut out for us!

Hi fellow runner!!! I am on the Wine & Dine thread. I am the one who decided that someone can push me around EPCOT in a wheelchair after the race! We can do this?!? Right?!?! Sure we can.. with faith, trust & pixie dust!!!!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

What an absolutely beautiful party you had! I love the cupcake snake --- so originial! All your girls look lovely. Were you able to get their outfits locally or did you order them online. I wouldn't be able to find anything like that around here.

 

[Tinker326]

What an absolutely beautiful party you had! I love the cupcake snake --- so originial! All your girls look lovely. Were you able to get their outfits locally or did you order them online. I wouldn't be able to find anything like that around here.

Thank You!! It was a fun party & definetly a 'first' for me!

The outfits were bought in China when we were there getting Minnie. I only wish I bought more in different sizes for them to wear through the years. However, I live near Chicago & they have an excellent Chinatown so I can always go there...and I have several good friends from China who go back yearly. So I plan on sending lots of requests back with them.

 

[Carissa 80]

I am IN!!! Dry humor...check. Disney obsessed...check. Scrapbooker...check. Training...check! Ok good to go! Love the pictures! I've got to add some to mine!!! Happy Chinese New Year! Loved it.

 

[Tinker326]

I am IN!!! Dry humor...check. Disney obsessed...check. Scrapbooker...check. Training...check! Ok good to go! Love the pictures! I've got to add some to mine!!! Happy Chinese New Year! Loved it.

Hahaha! Yes, like minded people must stick together right? Especially when pushing limits in training for what we consider the impossible!!! (least I do right now!!).

What kind of scrapbooker are you? Digital or Paper?

 

[Tinker326]

So... I've been thinking... (dangerous, I know)....

For the family part of this trip- it looks like we'll have 6 as I'm pretty sure mommy dearest will be going.

I had been pretty set on here:

(image from web)

It fit our bill as being 'cheaper' and fitting all 6. Plus it was a new resort to me & I pretty much have a life goal of doing all resorts in my lifetime. Some people have bucket lists. I have a Disney Resort bucket list.

I was so certain of this, I didn't even really THINK of other options.

Until.. I got bored. (Boredom almost always equates to something Disney for me)

So then I thought.. well what if I rent some points. That would get me into a deluxe resort with not THAT much more money. And now I'm seriously considering this...

(image from web)

We could stay here at Animal Kingdom Lodge for about $800 more (for a Savannah view) for the entire week than Art of Animation.

So what to do?!?!

And if we do that, I have to decide to rent a 2 bedroom for all of us, or do I go with 2 studios. The upside to 2 studios is that if I WANT to do Dining plan- I could add it on ONE room. As Princess will be 11 and I REFUSE to pay adult prices for her- she eats like a bird. So I could put my mother & her in one room and not have to get the dining plan. If we even get the Dining plan.

But then again, if I rent this & then free dining comes out- I'll be shooting myself in the foot.

What to do, what to do?!?!

Anyone have words of wisdom?

 

[Tinker326]

As the title states... I started my training. That is, I got myself back on a treadmill after 6 months off it. It wasn't pretty.

Let's go back in time. In August... I could run 3.5 miles... with a 12 minute mile pace. Ending heartrate..165.

Treadmill today. 1 mile. At a 13:30 minute pace. Ending heart rate 196.

O.M.G. Do I have a loooong way to go!

But I'll focus on the positive...and that is I actually made it on the treadmill. And that is a step in the right direction.

No big other news except I think I have decided to go with AK renting points (see last post). I'm on the lookout for the points now. Still undecided between 2 studios or a 2 bedroom...... I am VERY excited about the prospect of staying there.....

And that's all. Long 12 hour work day & I'm tired.

I will leave you with this layout. It's from my 2012 Disney Cruise. And my first 5K ever- at Castaway Cay. It was about 95 degrees with 100% humidity. Longest 3.1 miles EVER. But I made it. And today, looking at this, it gives me encouragement to keep heading to the gym to train for the 13.1!! And perhaps stay away from the darn girl scout cookies I can't stop eating!!!

credits- Shawna Clingerman Finish Line

Oh, actually I do have more news. I have added another runner into my party- and that is the gal in the above picture!! My sis-in-law. SIL has a goal of running every Disney race. She did the Princess half last Feb. The CC 5K in June with me. And is adding Wine and Dine. She's a seasoned runner and the half is no big deal to her... unlike the Cuz and me...who really have to push to train! But welcome anyways to the big fantastical Disney Running Party SIL!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

You will be back to running shape before you know it! I struggle with plantar fasciitis, so I am constantly having to build myself back up b/c my lungs lose ground when I'm resting my feet! It's frustrating! I bet running at CC was gorgeous! Shew, the heat though...

AKL!!!!!! Oh so excited for you! You'll have to let me know if you find a good owner. I really want to rent again, but we would have to get a 2 bedroom as well and renting through David's rental (like we did last time) would be a lot more than renting through an actual owner. Can't wait to see what you find!!

 

[Tinker326]

You will be back to running shape before you know it! I struggle with plantar fasciitis, so I am constantly having to build myself back up b/c my lungs lose ground when I'm resting my feet! It's frustrating! I bet running at CC was gorgeous! Shew, the heat though...

AKL!!!!!! Oh so excited for you! You'll have to let me know if you find a good owner. I really want to rent again, but we would have to get a 2 bedroom as well and renting through David's rental (like we did last time) would be a lot more than renting through an actual owner. Can't wait to see what you find!!

Well, good news is it seems your body remembers you used to run a bit better than when you first start out as a non-runner. I made it approx 1.5 miles yesterday straight...with a small break & then another 1/2 mile... so.... getting there maybe will be easier than I anticipated. I hope.

I am on the search for a good owner. I did David's as well when we rented BLT in 2010. (He was at $12 a point back then). I want $12 again...that's my goal. So I'm searching....

 

[Tinker326]

I have been 'back in the saddle' for about 2 weeks now. That is, training- slowly but surely....

I can now run 2 miles straight and have been rotating between running and strength training. Still.. what? 11.1 miles to conquer. Yikes!

Have I mentioned this running this is for the birds?!?

I'll get there. Maybe. (Feels like a BIG maybe right now)

I got an unexpected bonus from work which is covering airfare for November, new running shoes, a running pack, and an armband for my iphone. I say- yhea for that.........I like unexpected suprises like that. Makes the very long overtime hours I"ve put in the past few months semi-worth it!

Still havn't found points to rent. I look everyday.

Mulling over food and I have ideas of a few places in my head. BOG lunch, Maybe Hoop De Doo, The Norway Princess Breakfast, PrimeTime, T-Rex, Tepan Edo (a must for the Hub). And I want to get Ohana in there for breakfast as it's my favorite. But havn't figure out how yet.....

That's kinda it for vacation plans.

A few pictures - because why not?!- this past weekend I took Princesses Scout Troop that I lead to an overnight at the aquarium.... they loved it (even if we got NO sleep!)

Images not the best because flash was prohibited and lighting was very dim.

Crowded sleeping area!!!

So fun weekend over here!

And to bring it back to Disney (because it all must come back to Disney)

A few of my recent layouts:

From 2009-

(credits to Brittish Designs)

(credits to Brittish Designs)

From June 2012 Cruise on Dream-

(credits to Brittish Designs & clip art from Web)

That's all- Happy March! Never mind the 6 inches we are supposed to get on Tuesday?!?

 

[Tinker326]

Officially. Registered.

(photo from web)

I just shelled out my $175 to run distances I’m sure my body cannot handle……

And an extra $14.95. Why? Because darn it….. I AM getting that commemorative pin! And I will wear it forever & ever & ever. Amen.

Last year’s map – hands down- looks awesome! I hope I’m not dry heaving so I can enjoy the run through those parks!

(picture from web)

And just like that. It’s on. No turning back now. No second thoughts. I will run like I will own it.

Ok- probably not. But I can dream.

Update on the training. I am now up to 2.5 miles comfortably. And also strength training to try to improve speed.

The other big news is I also officially have lodging for the ‘family’ part of this trip. I searched out the boards in hopes of renting 2 studios at AKV and I found one!!! We have 2 Savannah View Studios in Kidani Village!

(picture from web)

(picture from web)

My mom did agree to go & I have placed Princess – the 10 year old with her. That way if we want to add dining- we can add it just for our room & not on my mom’s room & Princess. She’s only 10 and eats like a bird- I would NOT pay adult prices for her.

Things are coming together & I am thrilled. I can start adding the details onto the bigger picture and that will help move me towards November!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Yay on getting registered!! Whoo Hoo!!! There's no turning back now, is there?! Good for you! Lord knows I couldn't even walk that distance let alone run it. Yes, if I were you, I'd be getting that darned pin as well.

I wanted to let you know how much I love your page layouts. I wish it were that easy to have the paper layouts look as good. Oh well, I still love my old fashioned way. I'm still working on Victoria's baby books. Actually, I'm working on year 3 right now. I started scrapping when she was 5, so I really don't have that much more to go, which is good because I have to start on year 2012!!! Ugh!!!

So happy to hear you found points to rent at Kidani Village. I've never looked into renting points, as I like the Free Dining deal. I also like staying at mods the best. I've never stayed at a deluxe, so I guess I really don't know, but I like the way we do it now. It's a 10 night stay with park tickets and dining all for around $3000. I think that's a rather good price.

 

[Tinker326]

Yay on getting registered!! Whoo Hoo!!! There's no turning back now, is there?! Good for you! Lord knows I couldn't even walk that distance let alone run it. Yes, if I were you, I'd be getting that darned pin as well.

I wanted to let you know how much I love your page layouts. I wish it were that easy to have the paper layouts look as good. Oh well, I still love my old fashioned way. I'm still working on Victoria's baby books. Actually, I'm working on year 3 right now. I started scrapping when she was 5, so I really don't have that much more to go, which is good because I have to start on year 2012!!! Ugh!!!

So happy to hear you found points to rent at Kidani Village. I've never looked into renting points, as I like the Free Dining deal. I also like staying at mods the best. I've never stayed at a deluxe, so I guess I really don't know, but I like the way we do it now. It's a 10 night stay with park tickets and dining all for around $3000. I think that's a rather good price.

Thanks for the props on the scrap pages! I am very far behind lots of my scrapbooks even with it being digital & faster (for me). Still working on 2009 Disney trip....

I really did debate doing the renting points BECAUSE what if free dining did come out?!?! But it was now or never kind of decision because AK villas go fast so if I waited it out, to see if FD was offered, I likely couldn't get in to AK. And the price of the suite we needed at Art of Animation (the only one that would hold 6) costs nearly as much as the 2 studios- Savannah view. So.. it is what it is.......Plus, I just found that once I stayed at one deluxe- I TOTALLY got spoiled and it's HARD to go back. Call me Princess Nicole! Hahahahaha!!!!

3K for 10 nights for everything is AWESOME planning on your part!!! Woo Woo!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

WOOT!!!! No turning back now!!!!!!! I'm excited for you! I'll be in your position in June when I register for the Princess!

Yay for renting points too! I'm in the same spot, worried that a pin might save me more, but having to rent the points early to get them when available! I have a little time though but I will probably be renting our AKL points in June/July. At that point I will have to see how much money I have an whether the whole trip will be at AKL or if we'll do a night or two at Pop before moving to AKL.

Happy training! I had a bad run this morning, you know them...the ones where you don't really want to and you poop out way too early? It just means a better run on Friday though, so there's a bright side I guess!

 

[Tinker326]

Happy training! I had a bad run this morning, you know them...the ones where you don't really want to and you poop out way too early? It just means a better run on Friday though, so there's a bright side I guess!

I had one of those yesterday as well. I actually decided to not force it & I just moved myself into a fast walk. Some days my head is so much better into the game than others. Yesterday was not one of those days. Apparently for you either. Maybe it's the midwest air?!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I had one of those yesterday as well. I actually decided to not force it & I just moved myself into a fast walk. Some days my head is so much better into the game than others. Yesterday was not one of those days. Apparently for you either. Maybe it's the midwest air?!

Yep! I swear sometimes the weather dictates everything in my life! I guess that means tomorrow's run will be fantastic b/c we are supposed to have sun and 70s!!!!!! I'll get to run outside finally!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I am loving your PTR!! Your family is beautiful. As a Mom of 2 boys, I am so jealous that you have girls. The boys never want to seem to dress up for me

I also have a goal of running a half-marathon. I am currently doing weight watchers (actually it will probably be a life long thing) and once I hit a certain wait I am going to start the Couch 2 5k. Once I have that mastered I will then attempt to train for a marathon and try to finagle a trip out of that to Disney. I have been very inspired by both you and Karen.

 

[Tinker326]

I am loving your PTR!! Your family is beautiful. As a Mom of 2 boys, I am so jealous that you have girls. The boys never want to seem to dress up for me

I also have a goal of running a half-marathon. I am currently doing weight watchers (actually it will probably be a life long thing) and once I hit a certain wait I am going to start the Couch 2 5k. Once I have that mastered I will then attempt to train for a marathon and try to finagle a trip out of that to Disney. I have been very inspired by both you and Karen.

Well, now... not sure how jealous you would be if you showed up in my house in the future when there are 4 of us PMS'ing... I feel quite sorry for DH when that happens!!

I started on the Couch 2 5K program last year. That got me up to a 5K quite quickly & I was amazed I could do it (I started and I could NOT even run for 30 seconds without huffing and puffing). The problem with me is I really DO NOT enjoy running. I get bored & then it becomes a tough, tough mental game for me to keep going. It is taking Disney to put me into a 1/2!

 

[Tinker326]

Mini-TR: Spring Break- Arizona- Day 1- Phoenix or Bust!

To break up the 'nothingness' of the PTR. I thought I'd add in a small Trip Report from our Spring Break to Arizona. Mostly because I'm cold sitting here in my home & it was so, so warm there. I want to re-live that.

So background.

My parentals are snowbirds and 'winter' in good ole' Arizona. In a nice retirement community. Every October they head there. And we see them again back on this side of the US in April. The bonus is...well....pretty much every Spring Break, for the price of airfare, we get a week vacation in WARMTH.

After snow & cold & my busy season... it's always much needed by all of us. We never tired of March in Arizona. The sun is always shining. The weather is always warm. The cacti have blooms & the orange blossoms on the trees fragrence the air. Arizona in March is WONDERFUL.

This trip was extra special because it was Miss Minnie's FIRST vacation ever. Truth be told, I was pretty darn scared about how that go as it's been a long hard road of de-institutinalizing her (we are far from it, actually)....but it went head and tails better than I thought it would. Yes, Life is good!

I need to hurry through this to get some pictures! I know, I know.

So Day one started super dooper early. Like 2:30am early for a 5am flight. Two adults and 3 kids... up, dressed & out the door by 3am. As Charlie Sheen would say... WINNER!

Arrived airport at 3:30.. checked our bags. In some cruel twist of airway h#ll. US Airways decided it would be a super dooper awesome 'welcome to spring break, Nicole' to move the hub 10 rows back from me & the three darling kids. What the......?

I'm not 100% convinced there was not some payout involved in this decision from The Hub to the airline. But I was ticked. I WANTED TO BE 10 ROWS BACK BY MYSELF FOR 3.5 HOURS!!! Oh. Wait. Did I scream that? Yhea. I was ticked.

He was ever so kind to come 'check up on me' in between pet shop fights & Princess crying because 'she didn't want to sit next to the stranger'. (P.S- NO ONE would switch with us either... thanks US Airway passengers.. especially you old man who could have easily swapped your middle seat next to my husband to an aisle next to no kids where my 10 year old was sitting by herself)

Anyways....one wee bit slighty ticked off Nicole & the rest of the fam arrived at 6:30am in sunny Phoenix, AZ! Sun erases all anger. And smiles appear.

Ok, shut up Nicole. Pictures, pictures!!!!!

So we arrive at La Casa de Mi Padres.... and in yearly tradition... take Minnie out introduce her to 'what we do first'. Raid Grandpa & Grandma's Orange Tree. (or Granka & Granka (as Minnie calls them both- we are working on pronunciation).

And...make OJ!!!

Minnie was DIGGIN it.

Side note. Only because we are highly sarcastic people and find humor in all situations (because otherwise, really, how boring would life be?). Minnie fell in LOVE with flip flops. Like LOVE. LOVE. She wanted to wear them everywhere (still does back home). As mentioned before, she struggles with pronunciation. Especially "P's- almost always replacing the P with K sound. She also has a very deep, loud voice. And so would always ask for her 'FLIP FLOPS' loudly. Only... it came out...'F#ck C#ck'. Yhea. It sounded just like those naughty words. Which, we couldn't help but giggle at...every. single. time. And 'Granka' would encourage her to say it.. so we could giggle again. It went over especially well on the taxi ride home from the airport when she screamed it...... sorry taxi driver. It's really NOT what you think!!!

So anyways, after OJ... it was SWIMMIN' TIME.

Old people are rather particular about little people. Meaning, the littles visiting the olds get 'children hours' at the pool. We had to plan our entire days around these hours. And 10am...is little time.

So we got lotion on, our suits & our 'f#ck c#cks' and headed to the pool! This was little Minnie's first swimmin' since we were in China in August. Where she was terrifed. Oh, she LOVED it. All week long "We go swimmin' Kick, kick"

Princess

Stitch

Minnie & 'Granka'

Stitch & 'Granka'

Daddy with his girls!!

After three hours at the pool, we were beat. Back to La Casa for lunch & naps. Then mama bear (me) got a much needed pedicure. We grilled some dinner. And hit the hay early.

Next up... our journey into Supersitions.......