Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[MegansMom]

I totally echo the sentiments you wrote about your relationship with DH. As each year passes, I love him more. Not because HE is changing, but because I am becoming more aware of how much I have been blessed!

I couldn't have said it any better!!!

Looks like you all our having so much fun doing your holiday traditions

Love Megan's Christmas list

We have had a blast!!! This has definitely been one of the BEST Christmases I have ever had! I enjoyed every minute of it! Megan's list is so "Megan!" She loves music and everything princessy! She was QUITE the happy gal on Christmas morning!

Hi, Jen!!! I love that Megan made you open your gift first! That girl is one in a million!

Merry Belated Christmas!

It brought tears to my eyes! I told her she could go ahead and dive right in, but she insisted! It was so sweet.....she just couldn't wait another second to see if I liked her gift! Oh how I love her! I keep thinking, how fortunate I have been with her.....I have no idea what I did, but she is turning out to be such a sweet, genuine, honest, sympathetic, and caring child. How I hope she never changes! Merry Belated Christmas to you too!

It looks like you all had a wonderful holiday! I know all about being caught up with "life" and not getting to everything on your list! But it looks like you guys are enjoying yourselves, so that's all that matters!

If it helps any, I've actually taken a trip to Disney in the fall while teaching. Our first one, back in 2005, was like that. We have a generous amount of leave days each year, of course, and I am able to leave any sick kids with my in-laws, which helps as well. But it IS possible. I took four days off that year right after our state testing window, and we took advantage of one of the first free dining offers. It was great - the end of September/beginning of October was great in terms of crowds, and it was at least a LITTLE better than June temps. It isn't something I could do every year, but it is, at least, do-able.

Have a great rest of your holiday break, and a wonderful new year!

Thanks for that tip! The districts where we are have usually all taken Fall Breaks in the past.....I haven't checked to see if that will continue next year or not yet.....but we also have Tom's tricky work schedule to work around as well!!! We have actually started thinking about flying out to CA to meet up with our good friends from Kansas City in the summer, and hit Disneyland while we are there. Now as much as I know about WDW, I know almost NOTHING about DL, so I don't know how crazy of an idea that would actually be......do you think it will be CRAZY busy during the summer???? What is the weather like out there....never been to CA yet!

 

[MegansMom]

Okay gang....pictures for the next update are loaded...just need to be resized. Megs and I are heading out for a bit for a little playdate, but when we return I will give you Part one of our next day......the longest day in MK for the entire trip!!! This was ONE GOOD DAY!!!

I also realized I forgot to tell you about a little thing that happened while we were in EPCOT.......

We were standing in line for Test Track (during our first trip on it that day), and the CM who was loading people into the cars noticed Megs' birthday button. So she started talking to her about her birthday and how many times Megan had ridden TT. She informed her that this was her first time, and the CM then pulled out this beautiful Tinkerbell pin---a very big one too---and proudly handed it over to Megan and told her that Tink wanted to take a ride on TT with her since it was her birthday! Megan was TOO excited!!! Another magical moment for you!!! Just wanted to share that with you all!

Chat with you later!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Since Shocker and I both teach we are destined to the busy times for our trips. How early do you get out for summer?
We are out just prior to Memorial Day.
We head on down.
Not quite as hot early in the trip, crowds aren't too bad, especially if you go early to the parks.
We do see an increase in traffic as we head into June and by the second week the weather gets much warmer and the parks more crowded. Still if you go early you will beat the crowds and then get that afternoon break.
Maybe the older Megan gets the more she will be able to tolerate.

 

[MegansMom]

Since Shocker and I both teach we are destined to the busy times for our trips. How early do you get out for summer?
We are out just prior to Memorial Day.
We head on down.
Not quite as hot early in the trip, crowds aren't too bad, especially if you go early to the parks.
We do see an increase in traffic as we head into June and by the second week the weather gets much warmer and the parks more crowded. Still if you go early you will beat the crowds and then get that afternoon break.
Maybe the older Megan gets the more she will be able to tolerate.

The district I would probably be teaching in still has not released their calendar for next year yet. They typically get out right after Memorial Day----barring any snow days they have to tack on and make up! I will definitely keep that open as an option! I am hoping too that she begins to tolerate the crowds much more as each year passes. It is going to be quite the adjustment for me to go back to work next year.....I hope I haven't forgotten how to teach!?!?!??!




The update will be posted tomorrow......little bugs was feeling very much under the weather this afternoon and evening......spent most of it snuggled up on the couch in my lap watching the Hannah Montana movie. So stay tuned everyone!

 

[MegansMom]

That title just about says it all.....why might you ask? This was by far the longest day we spent in MK for the entire trip......and it was JAM-PACKED with fun, FUN, FUN! So much fun that I am going to have to split the details of this day up into multiple updates!!! Enjoy!

We got a very early start this day due to the fact that we were going to head to MK to make it to the AM EMH! We were up, dressed, fed, and on a bus by 7:30am. As we walked up to the main gates, the opening show started! This was a great surprise to me---I had no idea they did that for AM EMH---so my day started out on such a "warm fuzzy" note!!! I love that opening show, it is just so "Disney" to me, and I tear up every time I see it! Once the gates opened, we headed straight back to the rope to Fantasyland. We were very close to the front, so I began to think that Megs and I could run down to Tink's shop after the rope drop to join in on waking up Tink while Tom ran to get FP to something. That was my plan................................................until a moment before the rope drop when Megan looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I have to go potty!" In our hustle and bustle of our morning, she totally forgot to go to the restroom like she always does in the morning, so I KNEW that she would NOT be able to wait! So I mentally nixed the Tink plans, reconfirmed with the CM standing at the rope that the closest bathroom was indeed Pinocchio's, and made a beeline straight there once the rope officially dropped. Tom went down to grab his beloved first FP of the day---the Winnie the Pooh and Philharmagic combo you get from Pooh---while we visited the restroom.

We then met back up and walked right on to Peter Pan. OH how we love this ride.....along with just about everyone else, right?!?!?! I know it is not that long of a ride, and it hasn't really changed since I can remember, but the three of us so love flying through it! My new favorite part is whenever Megan and I spy the crocodile and we burst into a chorus of his theme song from the movie, "Da-da dum-dum-dum, Da-da dum-dum-dum!" We always count how many times we see Tink and say hello to "Ariel" as we pass the mermaids!

Once we disembarked from our beloved Pirate ship, we noticed that Dumbo still had a very short line, so Megan and I headed on over there! We met this lovely CM as we entered the queue that noticed that Megan's name had pretty much worn off her Birthday button. She asked if she could have it for a moment so she could go fix it. Megan gladly handed over her lanyard, and we started pretty quickly through the queue. By the time we were getting ready to head up the last ascent to Dumbo, that lovely CM came back with the lanyard, and quite a few surprises........................................................................

Not only did that lovely CM rewrite her name on her button, but she also brought back a lovely Cinderella sticker that Megan still greatly adores, and she added TWO new pins on to Megan's lanyard!!!

The one pin is a pirate Chip and the other is a princess one with three of the princesses on it.....there will be better pictures of these to come in the souvie section later on!

She wished Megan the happiest of birthdays and they each gave the other the BIGGEST hug! Megan and I were both so touched! I too gave the CM a great big hug, and then we were off on our way to go ride Dumbo!

Could this day have started out ANY better?!?!?!?!?!

My pilot is waiting for take off!

This is by far one of my favorite pictures of the entire trip.....I caught her as she was flying around, just staring at that beloved castle! Ah, what a memory!

So happy!!!

We then walked on to the carousel...............

Followed of course by a walk-on trip of our beloved Snow White!

Megan loves this well so much!! I know she would love to go up and look down it just like Snow!

We then headed over to IASW for our morning dose of happiness, and then headed over towards the Tea Cups......I was trying to get us near Toontown as the morning crept closer to its' opening.

After spinning ourselves silly, it was time for me to stake out a spot near the entrance of Toontown. I wanted to be close to the front of the rope drop so that we could quickly make our way down to go see Tink! It was 9:30, so Tom decided to take Megan to the Speedway while I waited....the rope wouldn't be dropped until 10am, so we would have plenty of time.....right???? I waited in the shade near the front, and took pictures of the two of them and the sights around me.....................

As I was standing there waiting for the two to catch up to me, it happened.....the rope dropped.....people ran......and Tom and Megan were no where to be seen!!!!!!! I wanted to so badly grab my bag and run, but I didn't know if people would let him join me in line. I also didn't know where they were, so I stood still, waited, and watched as so many others blew past me. My big plans were completely foiled in my mind. I had the spot, but I didn't have them!!!! I so TOTALLY should have kept them with me. But where were they?!?!?!?!!?

Apparently waiting to get one of these.........................................

And as you can tell from the pride and joy all over her face, it no longer mattered that my plans failed and I was trampled instead of running with the heards. I knew in an instant that the magic that "license" held for her was far more important and magical to her. I immediately congratulated her on her fine achievement, and then we decided to head down to the Judges' Tent to see about our fate with the fairies.....................................................................................................................



And that my dear friends, is where I am going to leave you for now!! I know.....we all love/hate cliffhangers!!! Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging for long!!!!

Will we get to see Tink?
How long will the wait be?

Oh, you will ALL have to come back to find out!!!! PLUS, SO MUCH MORE FUN!!!!!! The greatness of this day is just beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Gotta love those EMH at the Magic Kingdom -- you pretty much did all our favorites in Fantasyland!

What a darling CM to give Megan a birthday surprise of pins!!! One of the many reasons I adore Disney World as much as I do!

Megan is just adorable with her Tomorrowland license! I would have to agree with you that her happiness is worth missing out on being in the front of the line for the fairies. I do hope you get to meet them without too much of a wait, though.

 

[IluvXU]

I love Jen how she matched the Dumbo she was on... and that it could be your second ride without much wait---- ahh to go in the off time seasons!

 

[Trentmom]

Sounds like a great start to your day

Can't wait to read more

 

[MegansMom]

Gotta love those EMH at the Magic Kingdom -- you pretty much did all our favorites in Fantasyland!

What a darling CM to give Megan a birthday surprise of pins!!! One of the many reasons I adore Disney World as much as I do!

Megan is just adorable with her Tomorrowland license! I would have to agree with you that her happiness is worth missing out on being in the front of the line for the fairies. I do hope you get to meet them without too much of a wait, though.

You know how much we love that Fantasyland!!! We love it too because you can so easily go from one ride to the next there!

She was so sweet..such a genuine "Grandmotherly" lady. She spoke so sweetly and sincerely to Megan....I really wish I would have gotten her name! Or at least a picture of the two of them!

She has that license proudly displayed in her wallet in her purse! (Now this of course is just her dress-up purse that she plays with when she is playing house and such) She pretty much thinks she is a big shot now!!! Her face was without a doubt priceless and melted away any frustration from having the "plans" foiled! No diva moment necessary thanks to that smile!

I promise I won't keep you hanging to long on the status of our date with the fairies

I love Jen how she matched the Dumbo she was on... and that it could be your second ride without much wait---- ahh to go in the off time seasons!

Okay, I would never mention this in an update because I don't want you all to think strange thoughts about my dear child, but with her OCD tendencies that have developed due to her Sensory Integration Dysfunction, let me just tell you that that happens ALL THE TIME!!! If you notice on the first Dumbo pics, we were in a pink one.......to match her pink outfit. And yes, she wanted a green one that day to match the green of her Tinkerbell shirt. She is very rigid about matching......somedays it is quite the struggle around here when it comes to dressing because she is so particular about what "goes with" what. Thank God for Gymboree---her favorite store---because they put all that matching stuff together for her! For the most part, I am usually able to help her achieve her matchiness---the green tea cup on the Tea Cup ride---but on the rare occasion that we can't get to the "matching" cup or car or elephant, I have to use my Super Mommy powers to distract her to another one. So funny that you noticed though!!!!

We were really lucky this trip with our Dumbo wait times.........but our "BEST" Dumbo ride is still yet to come..................................

Sounds like a great start to your day

Can't wait to read more

Seriously, one of the BEST starts to our days ever!!! Even with the minor foiled Fairy Plan!!!! And it only gets better from here!

 

[MegansMom]

Okay Laura........I just realized too that the horse she rode on the carousel had a green harness too!!! Maybe we should make this into a game.......Guess why Megan chose the animal/car/cup she did!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I was way way way behind but I'm caught up now!

I'm exhausted just reading about your Epcot day! You got a lot done. Love the light fixtures.

Oh no! I just knew they wouldn't make it back to the line in time for the rope to drop....

 

[MegansMom]

I'm so glad you got caught up!!! I knew you would enjoy the light fixture.....I was sincerely thinking of you when I took that picture. Our Epcot day seems busy when you write it all out, but it felt really relaxing to me. I really do believe the difference is my FP Master.....he is the best. I really should look into renting him out....as long as Megs and I can come too.....for support, you know?!?!!

 

[MegansMom]

BEFORE I FORGET.....HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!! I hope and pray that all of your 2010's are safe, bring you all good health, wealth, and LOTS of pixie dust!!!!! May we each find our way back to Mickey's again soon!!!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Happy 2010, Jen!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Thanks Jackie! I hope your fondue was GREAT!!! I was thinking of you last night as I was trying to nurse Megs back to health.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I got a kick out of the "has to match the ride to her outfit" explanation. I still remember vividly how, on our first trip with the kids in 2005, my DD threw a fit in the middle of Adventureland because she wanted the "PINK CARPET!" (and everyone around us knew it). I was mortified...and we eventually got her - still crying, but at least quietly - onto another color, and she really enjoyed the ride. So it might not be all Megs' sensory issue...it might be at least a little bit of a little girl thing!!

I'm interested, though - what is the Philharmagic/Pooh combo fastpass??

Oh, and....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

 

[lmillercrew]

I have to stop making a habit of getting so far behind on TR's! Your little Max puppy is too cute!!!
I enjoyed your thoughts on your husband and your relationship and share in your feelings with mine and my husbands' relationship.
Glad to hear that you had an enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to reading about the rest of you fantastic day!!

 

[MegansMom]

Happy New Year to you too!!!

The "Combo Fastpass" is something Tom and I have noticed for the past several trips---everytime we get a Pooh FP, we also get a "SURPRISE FP" for Philharmagic. Don't know why, but it has always happened.......can't knock getting two for one!!!

Thanks for sharing your story about your daughter....haven't we all had "those" moments!!!! Sadly for Megs, it really is the color thing.....one of the coping mechanisms for kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction is developing very strict OCD tendencies. She is RIGID about things matching in all aspects of life....not just Dumbos and tea cups!! So it is something I have become MUCH accustomed to unfortunately! Getting her dressed on a daily basis can be somewhat challenging.....can't move on until she is satisfied that everything she has on "matches" in her mind.....from her panties to her hair pretties. To simplify my life, I often buy her clothing in outfits....instead of just buying her a shirt here or there. It is calming to her to put on a complete outfit that she knows came together...again, the #1 reason Gymboree is our favorite store!!! Luckily, she wears uniforms to school, so this has GREATLY improved this morning ritual for me!!!

For the most part, she once again had a very calm vacation without hardly any sensory issues....but I will save that story for later.............

 

[MegansMom]

I have to stop making a habit of getting so far behind on TR's! Your little Max puppy is too cute!!!
I enjoyed your thoughts on your husband and your relationship and share in your feelings with mine and my husbands' relationship.
Glad to hear that you had an enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to reading about the rest of you fantastic day!!

Your post must have just beat mine!!! Max really is a sweetie! We are so lucky to have him!

I didn't mean to babble on about my hubby.....was just having one of those moments that day, and decided to share!! Thanks for enjoying it!

We really had a great holiday....can't believe it is already coming to an end!! I hope you all did too!

Stay tuned, because this really was a great day!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Happy New Year to you too!!!

The "Combo Fastpass" is something Tom and I have noticed for the past several trips---everytime we get a Pooh FP, we also get a "SURPRISE FP" for Philharmagic. Don't know why, but it has always happened.......can't knock getting two for one!!!

Thanks for sharing your story about your daughter....haven't we all had "those" moments!!!! Sadly for Megs, it really is the color thing.....one of the coping mechanisms for kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction is developing very strict OCD tendencies. She is RIGID about things matching in all aspects of life....not just Dumbos and tea cups!! So it is something I have become MUCH accustomed to unfortunately! Getting her dressed on a daily basis can be somewhat challenging.....can't move on until she is satisfied that everything she has on "matches" in her mind.....from her panties to her hair pretties. To simplify my life, I often buy her clothing in outfits....instead of just buying her a shirt here or there. It is calming to her to put on a complete outfit that she knows came together...again, the #1 reason Gymboree is our favorite store!!! Luckily, she wears uniforms to school, so this has GREATLY improved this morning ritual for me!!!

For the most part, she once again had a very calm vacation without hardly any sensory issues....but I will save that story for later.............

I'm glad you've found a way to make things easier for both of you! I love Gymboree, too, but hadn't thought about it that way - it would definitely help you out in that way! I think, from how happy she seems in all her pictures, that you're doing a great job of getting her through the challenges she deals with. Thanks for the info on the Fastpasses - I'll be sure to check that one out in June!