How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[edk35]

Don't want to go off topic.....but I so agree with you. My sons are now 14 & 18. DS18 just graduated high school.

Time does go by so quickly...for all those with young ones, enjoy every minute because in a blink they will be going to college!

Yep the reason I posted that is because the OP mentioned she thought about NOT replacing their old play set because of the ages of her littlte ones. I think that is a perfect age for them to enjoy it for many years. Yes they do grow up fast. Our dd graduated last spring from high school. It flies by. When I meet people that ask me if they should take their kids out of school for a few days..... to go with days off from school...for a trip to DISNEY.... I say GO FOR IT. When they are younger it is easier.... because as they get older..middle and high school IT IS MUCH HARDER missing days. I wish we had taken more trips when they were younger. Okay completely off topic. LOL

 

[cdotla]

Gorgeous playset + yard! The kids will have so much fun with it!
Also, after Katie's gorgeous party, I can't wait to see the pictures/hear about all of the plans for Declan's pirate party!! I bet it'll be spectacular!

Thanks! As for the party...I am incredibly behind, and it is TOMORROW!!! I was at a work function until after 11pm last nite. I intended to come home and work into the wee hours of the morning. Instead, I came home and went to bed. Which does not bode well for this evening! As usual, I have a ton of ideas to implement, but not enough time to prepare, cook, and make. Why, oh why, don't I learn my lesson and start earlier??!!!

Anyway, I should have an update by Sunday with the next trip installment and of course a rehash of the party!

We did a very similar trip in 2008 except we started in San Francisco, then went to Monterey & Big Sur, Sequoia National Park, DL and finished in San Diego. It was an amazing vacation, probably my favorite family trip to date! I wrote a TR for it, link is in my siggy if you ever get bored and run out of things to read

Thanks for the heads up on that Michelle! I am really looking forward to reading it!

I'm late to the party, but joining in! Now I have to go back to catch up!

Hey Spartangirl! Welcome!!! So glad you have joined!

Speaking of plans for southern California touring, I have read your awesome TR for ideas on CA touring a dozen times! That TR was great!

BTW - Any plans for any upcoming trips?

You know how people say ..."Oh they grow up so fast". WELL THEY DO.

Don't want to go off topic.....but I so agree with you. My sons are now 14 & 18. DS18 just graduated high school.

Time does go by so quickly...for all those with young ones, enjoy every minute because in a blink they will be going to college!

You guys definitely speak the truth! I want time to stop right now for a couple of years. I love the ages that my kids are at right now. I want to keep them this age until I am good and ready to give it up! The months and years are flying just too quickly these days.

 

[cdotla]

Declan's Pre School Graduation

Just want to share a couple pics from Declan's Pre School Graduation on Monday.

This boy walked so fast, and would not stop for mom to take a pic. Whizzed right by me! LOL!

Hey kids....be happy! It's graduation day. Smile! Can you believe the looks on all of their faces? What is up with that?: rotfl:

A rather pensive look:

And a final one with his "girl" friend. The only girl in his class who has been invited to his Party. Her mom and I have already decided on an arranged marriage.

I will be crazy busy tonite and tomorrow with Party stuff, but hope to have an update on the TR and the Party posted Sunday!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Awwww, Declan looks so cute at his graduation! I love that they had little caps and gowns

 

[edk35]

Very CUTE!!!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Hey Spartangirl! Welcome!!! So glad you have joined!

Speaking of plans for southern California touring, I have read your awesome TR for ideas on CA touring a dozen times! That TR was great!

BTW - Any plans for any upcoming trips?

Thanks so much.......that trip was one of my favorites... we had so much fun!

YES!!! DH and I took a little break from WDW (we haven't been since Jan. '08)....so, we're finally headed back in about a month. We're actually taking a ROAD TRIP! Should be interesting...we're stopping in Gatlinburg/Smokey Mountains, WDW, Myrtle Beach, & Gettysburg. Originally, I wasn't going to write a TR, but I'm thinking more and more about doing one. It's such a fun way to relive the trip!

By the way, the graduation photos are ADORABLE!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip! And..........your family is just too cute!!!

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi!
I just read the TR in your signature of the 'childless' trip in 2008.. was really fun to read along - it reminded me of my trip with my sister last December.. we had a truly magical time, completely 'geeked out' in WDW and made some wonderful memories.... we said one day we'll go again together and maybe do a half marathon .... hmmmm, maybe just the F&W festival!


Emma x

 

[cherokeemamma]

Whew! All caught up! I haven't been on here much due to my work schedule. We have been super busy. Now....my summer can begin.

I was sorry to read about the characters at Tusker House. I am sure it was not intentional but someone dropped the ball and messed up your morning. I think you should have said something....be nice but firm about how long you waited, your disappointment and how you missed out on valuable early morning park time. They could have at least given you a set or two of fast passes.

So true about kids growing up so fast. My DS will be 16 in about a month and my DD will be starting middle school. I can hardly believe it. We just really try to plan some stuff together each week, we are very involved with them through our church and try to always eat dinner together. My DS tells me how rare that is among his friends. So...enjoy these days. Soon there will be girlfriends, hanging out with friends and they will have their own agenda. well....'Nuff of that!

The graduation pics are just adorable. Love the one where they all look so serious. So funny! Can't wait to see the pirate party.

Looking forward to more.....Keep em' coming!

Have a wonderful weekend.
TTFN
Darlene

 

[SoonerGirl]

Originally, I wasn't going to write a TR, but I'm thinking more and more about doing one. It's such a fun way to relive the trip!

Do it Lynne, do it!!!

 

[Andreak0428]

Never been to Tusker House but i hear such great things! its a shame they didnt stop though that sort of takes away from the whole character thing! Cant wait for the next installment!

 

[Cookees68]

I am laughing at your post ... it is exactly what I do every time, even though I vow I will not. Good job getting out the door!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great pics from the graduation....he's got quite a cutie in his little girlfriend too doesn't he

 

[DrMomof3]

Cute graduation pics!

Amanda

 

[Christyo72]

Okay, I'm all caught up! I was glad to hear about the food at Tusker House. We have never been there; we ate at Yak and Yeti last year instead. It was okay, but I am definitely willing to try somewhere new in AK. Horrible about the characters though; I hope your kids weren't upset!
Awesome backyard playset! We were so sad a couple of months ago. Ours finally came down...but our kids are 20 and 14 so I guess it was inevitable. Still, it was a little traumatizing.
Loved the pictures of Declan's graduation. I am a Kindergarten teacher and it is always so sweet to see those little ones in caps and gowns. They grow up so much over the span of a year.
Loving your TR! Can't wait to hear about the Yeti!

 

[Kelly in NY]

all caught up! glad to hear about the breakfast foods a TH, maybe we'll have to try an early breakfast there one trip. have done lunch but never breakfast. would love to do a pre park opening one. sorry to hear about the lack of characters at your table though.
my youngest "graduated" kindergarten this year. I know what you mean about babies not being babies anymore...kinda stinks. looking forward to more of your TR!

 

[swwake]

I am so far behind! But I love the pics of preschool graduation. We have some video of Katie's preschool grad included in her HS grad DVD. So happy to have those photos and videos.

 

[cdotla]

Awwww, Declan looks so cute at his graduation! I love that they had little caps and gowns

Thanks Michelle!

Very CUTE!!!!!

Thank you!

Thanks so much.......that trip was one of my favorites... we had so much fun!

YES!!! DH and I took a little break from WDW (we haven't been since Jan. '08)....so, we're finally headed back in about a month. We're actually taking a ROAD TRIP! Should be interesting...we're stopping in Gatlinburg/Smokey Mountains, WDW, Myrtle Beach, & Gettysburg. Originally, I wasn't going to write a TR, but I'm thinking more and more about doing one. It's such a fun way to relive the trip!

By the way, the graduation photos are ADORABLE!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip! And..........your family is just too cute!!!

Oh wow! Another Spartangirl TR to look forward to! Awesome can't wait! And I am also looking forward to hearing about your stops in SC too!

Hi!
I just read the TR in your signature of the 'childless' trip in 2008.. was really fun to read along - it reminded me of my trip with my sister last December.. we had a truly magical time, completely 'geeked out' in WDW and made some wonderful memories.... we said one day we'll go again together and maybe do a half marathon .... hmmmm, maybe just the F&W festival!


Emma x

Thanks Emma! That was a fun little trip for sure! I am sure you have the same fun memories from the trip with your sister! I also want to one day do a half marathon at Disney!

Whew! All caught up! I haven't been on here much due to my work schedule. We have been super busy. Now....my summer can begin.

I was sorry to read about the characters at Tusker House. I am sure it was not intentional but someone dropped the ball and messed up your morning. I think you should have said something....be nice but firm about how long you waited, your disappointment and how you missed out on valuable early morning park time. They could have at least given you a set or two of fast passes.

So true about kids growing up so fast. My DS will be 16 in about a month and my DD will be starting middle school. I can hardly believe it. We just really try to plan some stuff together each week, we are very involved with them through our church and try to always eat dinner together. My DS tells me how rare that is among his friends. So...enjoy these days. Soon there will be girlfriends, hanging out with friends and they will have their own agenda. well....'Nuff of that!

The graduation pics are just adorable. Love the one where they all look so serious. So funny! Can't wait to see the pirate party.

Looking forward to more.....Keep em' coming!

Have a wonderful weekend.
TTFN
Darlene

Thanks Darlene! It was disappointing to miss the characters at TH, but I felt we couldn't really complain. The characters would have arrived if we had stayed at the table...eventually! And they don't guarantee that you will be in and out within an hour. Showing up 15 minutes late for our ADR was probably the main culprit of that botched meal to be honest.

The preschool graduation was really nice. So glad I have those photos for years to come!

Never been to Tusker House but i hear such great things! its a shame they didnt stop though that sort of takes away from the whole character thing! Cant wait for the next installment!

Food was definitely great at TH - lots of variety and plenty of it! Give it a try for sure!

I am laughing at your post ... it is exactly what I do every time, even though I vow I will not. Good job getting out the door!

Are you another procrastinator with the best of intentions?

 

[cdotla]

Great pics from the graduation....he's got quite a cutie in his little girlfriend too doesn't he

Thanks! I do love that pic of Declan and his "girl"!

Cute graduation pics!

Amanda

Thanks Amanda!

Okay, I'm all caught up! I was glad to hear about the food at Tusker House. We have never been there; we ate at Yak and Yeti last year instead. It was okay, but I am definitely willing to try somewhere new in AK. Horrible about the characters though; I hope your kids weren't upset!
Awesome backyard playset! We were so sad a couple of months ago. Ours finally came down...but our kids are 20 and 14 so I guess it was inevitable. Still, it was a little traumatizing.
Loved the pictures of Declan's graduation. I am a Kindergarten teacher and it is always so sweet to see those little ones in caps and gowns. They grow up so much over the span of a year.
Loving your TR! Can't wait to hear about the Yeti!

Definitely give TH a try next time!

Wow! You just took down your playhouse at ages 14 and 20. That makes me feel great! I would love to get just 5 years out of it. If I take it down when they are ages 10 and 12 I would be thrilled!

You are not kidding about how much the kids grow over a year at that age. It must be so amazing for you to see the transformations each year in your classroom!

all caught up! glad to hear about the breakfast foods a TH, maybe we'll have to try an early breakfast there one trip. have done lunch but never breakfast. would love to do a pre park opening one. sorry to hear about the lack of characters at your table though.
my youngest "graduated" kindergarten this year. I know what you mean about babies not being babies anymore...kinda stinks. looking forward to more of your TR!

I think if we had arrived at 8am on time for our reservation we would have had a much different experience at Tusker. Just another reason to go back again! Definitely give it a try!

I am so far behind! But I love the pics of preschool graduation. We have some video of Katie's preschool grad included in her HS grad DVD. So happy to have those photos and videos.

So glad we have the photos too. Unfortunately, my camcorder started malfunctioning the night before so I don't have any video.

I am sure Katie (and you as well) will be watching that wonderful video for years to come! What a great momento of her school days!

 

[cdotla]

Declan's Pirate Party

We hosted Declan's Pirate Party yesterday, and had a lot of fun.

About 2 hours before the Party, it started to rain, which was not promising at all for our outdoor treasure hunt. Fortunately, about 1/2 hour before the party the rain let up enough for us to go outside as planned.

Before the Party, we hung a bunch of Pirate flags on the Roof, and on both of our decks.

I even decorated the Bathroom. Anyone know where this soap is from?

That's right - from Basin, located at the Grand Floridian and Downtown Disney.

Here was the cake we had made for the Party, along with our dessert table and some take-home goodies.

I was so impressed at how many of our guests got in the spirit and dressed up for the Party. I think the Birthday Boy himself was the least dressed up in the crowd!

As the Guests arrived, they made a visit to Captain Hook's Tattoo Parlour where they were given Pirate Hats and Eye Patches (if they didn't already come with them - many did!) and Tattoos. They were also given pirate swords.

Then we headed outside for some pictures as we waited for all of the guests to arrive:

Once everyone arrived, we started the Games. First up was finding the skeletal remains of Captain Peyton, whose ship washed ashore not too far from our home. The kids found him buried in the sandbox and then had to work together to piece him back together.

Then we played Pass the Cannon Ball with the theme song for Pirates of the Caribbean, "Yo Ho, Yo Ho...A Pirate's Life for Me". Didn't manage to get a picture of this, but here is the Cannon Ball I made:

(Continued next post)

 

[cdotla]

(Continued from last post)

Then it was time for the Hunt for the Buried Treasure. The kids listened to the story of Peyton the Shipwrecked Pirate, how he lost his leg and hid his treasure. They were instructed that once the pirate ship's canon could be heard firing in the distance, they could race to the Backyard Shed to find their first clue. After DH set off the canons (home fireworks), the race to the Hidden Treasure Chest began.

This was a real hit. It was so fun seeing all the kids (ranging from 2-10 years old) racing around the property looking for clues and working together to solve the mystery of the hidden treasure chest.

Finally, after a long, hard search, they were narrowing in on the prize. The last clue led the group to this:

Peyton's signature Black Rock with a Treasure Map beside it. The kids used the map to then show them where the Treasure Chest was hidden:

Soon those little pirates tracked down the Treasure Chest, and we hatched a plan to get it open.

At long last, after each pirate had two swings at it, the chest was finally broke open and the Pirates could share in their loot:

After all that hard work, those Pirates were hungry and decided to stop for some lunch:

Then it was indoors to have some cake and other goodies.

All in all, we had a great time at the Party, and then immediately headed over to the movie theatre for another Birthday Party to watch Toy Story. I know I am in the minority, but I was a little disappointed. I did not find this movie to be as good as the original Toy Story or Toy Story 2. Still a great movie, but not as good as I was expecting. But the Barbie - Ken moments were classic! So funny!!!

Then, after the movie, we went out to dinner for Declan's Birthday with our good friends.

Unfortunately, it seems the weekend has completely gotten away from me. I was hoping to get another trip segment up, but I may run out of time. I will do my best to update as soon as I can!