How Much Do You Ladies Charge to Haunt the Castle? -- Departure Day up (See index

[brookelizabeth]

Did you get all those ornaments on the tree?! If so, I want a pic! I got a 7 foot tree for $50 on Black Friday, should be arriving in a few days (bought it online), I'm excited to decorate it! I know we won't have enough ornaments though, I'm used to a 3 foot tree!

Yay for arriving in Marco and the Starbucks has begun!!! So happy you had a chance to meet up with your DISister!

And yep, I could get used to waking up to that view as well...

 

[afwdwfan]

Starbucks and the mall... for some reason, I think I've read this TR update before.

The condo looks awesome. That would definitely be a nice way to relax after spending time at Disney World.

 

[mommy2mrb]

time for the single digit dance

 

[pas130]

Yay!! Love the Condo...those houses across the way..WOW!!!!

 

[KatMark]

 

[pas130]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The decorations at WL are wonderful

Single Digit Surprise

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Starbucks and the mall... for some reason, I think I've read this TR update before.

The condo looks awesome. That would definitely be a nice way to relax after spending time at Disney World.

Dang it, Andy beat me to the joke.

Nothing better than meeting up with great friends.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I got a little behind, but I'm caught up now!

I love that you buy a balloon in your Dad's memory. Just reading the story made me tear up, what a lovely gesture!

Wow, what a great condo, and it comes with an incredible view!

It looks like you guys had a great day with great friends, what a wonderful way to cap off a Disney trip!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Lovely condo... looks like a great place to stay...nice view of the water...

There is no such thing as too much Starbucks...

I present for your view pleasure...

... hmmm... don't remember now what this was... but it was yummy...

 

[that's nice]

Man, that rain was serious! I could go for some Waffle House breakfast night about now!

The condo is beautiful!

Of course Nicki passed on hugging you first, she wanted that hunk of a husband you have there!!!!

I'm shocked... SHOCKED! That you only had 2 coffees that morning.

(I was going to go with that joke too... THANKS for using it Andy!)

 

[dizneeat]

Every time you post pics of the Marco Island Condo I am truly amazed. How wonderful that you get to stay there.
I love the pics of Mark and Nicky and you and Todd ..... very cute!

Single digit dance!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Kathy, I finally got this one all read! I used your links, which means I got all the trip report, but missed everything else and all the fun chatter!

So excited for your surprise trip/report and can"t wait to hear all about it!

I loved all your pictures as usual.

Count me in as another turtle crawl fan!!!

 

[KatMark]

That was quite a change in weather. Yum, Waffle House!

I will miss not being able to eat at Waffle House this trip...love that place.

Catching up on the rest:
I've never seen the candy cauldron.. I need a chocolate cake pop!

Lady Tremaine looks a bit like a Mr. rather than a Lady

I love the Stitch hat as well.

That is such a sweet thing to do with the balloon in memory of your dad

The Candy Cauldron is on the West Side...they have lots of goodies.

Yes, Lady Tremaine did look a bit like a Mr.

Thanks...it makes me smile doing that for my dad.

yuck on the rainy drive! Glad you made it ok, breakfast for dinner is always a winner in my book, followed by a nice sleep.

It was the worse rain we ever encountered while driving in Florida...it was scary there for awhile.

Well the drive looked nice at first!

It was a pleasant drive...for awhile.

Hey Kathy,

I'm glad your breakfast at Kona was good... have a ressie there...


Don't have a ressie at the Plaza for our last meal... we usually do that too... but since this is a shorter trip for us... we won't be in the MK our last day... We'll have to stop to get some ice cream at least...

I made Eric come in to read the story about your Dad and the balloons... we both choked up a bit... that's a very sweet tradition and really nice for the child who receives it... you probably make their day... for the balloon yes but especially for the kindness and pixie dust of it...

Just lovely...

You are going to LOVE Kona.

Too bad you'll miss the Plaza; I'll miss not eating there next month, but couldn't pass up the chance to eat at Be Our Guest.

Thank you...I'm glad you like my tradition. It's always good to spread a little pixie dust to others.

It is getting so close , in 2 weeks it will be out in the open !!!Can't wait to see Marks reaction !!!

I can't wait either Rosie and wish it was next Wednesday already.

Isn't it funny how quick the weather can change there? Glad you made it to Marco though... I bet fun was soon to be had!!!

It is funny; it can be raining and then sunny within two minutes. I much prefer the brief shower than what we drove through this time around.

Saying goodbye to Disney is always so sad, but I love that you and Mark continue the fun and head to Marco.

Cows?! In all my years of living in and visiting Florida, this is the first time I've seen cows. If someone had asked me if FL had farms, I would have said I couldn't imagine where or how...learn something new everyday!

That was some rain storm - hope it was easy to find a place to stop and wait it out.

What day will the surprise be revealed? Want to make sure I don't miss it! So excited!

The saying goodbye to Disney really is easier now that we have Nicki and Todd.

Yep, cows and horses we saw.

We just pulled off the road and sat there until the worse of it passed.

The surprise will be revealed next Wednesday, the 5th.

 

[KatMark]

How long is the drive to Marco Island?

Must try Waffle House someday!!

If Nicki is driving, a heck of a lot faster than it takes us. It takes us about 3-1/2 hours.

Love me Waffle House.

Sorry your ride was so bad with the weather. We hit that at the Halloween party that same night. It rained from about 6-9..it was miserable!

I'd rather it rain driving than when we are at DW.

Finally driving OFF Disney property must mean you are so close to getting back ON Disney property.

I hate when those crazy Florida rain storms creep up you fast sometimes.

Breakfast for dinner??? Great idea.

Yes, we are getting close to being back on property and I still don't have this TR done.

I don't mind the rain, but not like that.

Yep, love me breakfast at dinner time. In fact, I think I'll have Mark make pancakes and sausage tonight and then I don't have to cook.

Funny how the weather in Florida can turn so fast! That looks like a yucky storm to drive through!

It was not a good one and I was a nervous wreck.

Ugh, Kathy, I can't remember if I posted recently or not I know I was on your TR and got called out for a job... I know you really must miss your Dad My Abuela passed just before a trip, over 10 years ago, I miss her so much, she practically raised me...and I like to think of her as my Forever Angel

Sorry I got sappy there...

Eagerly awaiting the Marco Island pics!!! We are doing a Beach vacation this Summer before WDW, we love St.Pete's Beach...but I am looking around getting new ideas as well

You did, but thank you again. I like that -- Forever Angel.

Marco pictures coming up soon. We've been to St. Pete's for a day...it's very nice there.

that's one nasty looking storm...hope you had better weather the rest of your stay!

We had rain off and on, but not nearly as bad as our driving day.

Good Morning Kathy !!Getting soooo close !!!

Getting there...but not fast enough.

You didn't get any waffles at the Waffle House??

Nope...I always get the omelette because I love them.

 

[MickeyNicki]

If Nicki is driving, a heck of a lot faster than it takes us. It takes us about 3-1/2 hours.

.

Ha Ha funny girl...it takes me the same amount of time if I had to go to the Island

Maybe I will go super slow next Thursday and make you wait to see your ToddleDuck

HAHAHAHAHA As if!

 

[KatMark]

Love the condo. My biggest complaint about Disney Property is the rooms are just not all that big. Must have been a nice change to stay there.

Love the pictures of all of you. You all look so happy.

It's a great condo in a great location. It's two bedrooms and perfect for the two of us.

We were very happy.

nice condo! and a great view!

what, Nicki hugged Mark first...some sister she is happy you had a fun filled day shopping, coffee and yummy food and good friends!

Yes, Nicki hugged Mark first. Go figure!

Um...I hugged Mark first because he was ahead of you and you had the camera I love that picture of us!

The condo is just gorgeous! No wonder why you never want to leave Marco..and here I thought it was because you would miss me

Great pics of us at the restaurant too...love that place! All you can eat crab legs for $14? Heck ya! Reminds me that I need to eat there again very soon!

Ummmmm...if my memory serves me right in my old age, you hugged Mark first because it was raining and you were worried about your hair and said you could hug me in the car.

The main reason I don't want to leave Marco is Todd.

Can't wait to go back for the crab legs next trip.

The condo looks really nice with a pretty view, too!

It is beautiful.

The condo you stay at is beautiful, what a great view!

Sounds like you had a great day shopping with Nicki, and then at dinner that evening!

It's a great condo and so nice of them to offer it to us every year. The kids are staying there for their honeymoon.

We love our shopping trips.

Peanut is finally back to normal, eating well and being generally happy.

That is so sweet.

The condo looked lovely!

Glad Peanut is back to normal.

It is a lovely condo.

Yes they are

I think so too.all of them!!!

I hope you were all able to enjoy Thanksgiving and each other's company, remembering Mark's mom in spirit. This was our first Thanksgiving without Joe's mom too, and it was a bit sedate but we laughed at some of the funny things she always did so she was with us in spirit.

It was okay...but you could tell Daddy was missing his wife.

I just love these photos of you two. You are so sweet!

Thank you.

I love that you do that for your dad's memory.

Thanks.

After our first trip to Disney I learned that having the balloon IN the parks is very important to little girls (at least mine) so you can show it off all day.

We do it around 3 in the afternoon; I'm so afraid if they have them too long that someone will walk off with them.

boo for leaving Disney but YAY for you because it means Marco Island & your little sis!

Yep...the only reason I'm happy to leave Disney.

I am in awe of your Disney ornament collection. Have you seen the new designer villian mouse ear ornaments? they are totally on my wish list this year.

No, I've not seen the new ornaments. I'll have to search them out.

and I agree - "next year" means 2013. Shop away!

Trust me... a few will be making their way home with them on this trip next month.

Love the view from that condo!!!

Thank you; it's so pretty there.

Me too! Lovely condo and what a fun day so far. Nikki does make a very good point on why she might have hugged Mark first.

Ugh on the Verizon issues on top of everything else. That is quite the ornament collection you have there!

Nicki is fibbing...but I still love her.

That collection was started when Andy was born (26 years ago) and now I bring home at least 3 or 4 every year.

Awww! love the pictures but especially the one of Nicki and Mark...so sweet.

Sounds like you had a pretty perfect day. I must say I love Chinese food but all you can eat crab legs for $14 scares me. Why so cheap?!

That is a good picture of them...shows their true feelings for one another.

Cheap because it's a once a week deal, and trust me, they are delicious.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Ummmmm...if my memory serves me right in my old age, you hugged Mark first because it was raining and you were worried about your hair and said you could hug me in the car.

The main reason I don't want to leave Marco is Todd.

Can't wait to go back for the crab legs next trip.

.

Oh yeah, I remember that now...I had my hair perfect and didnt want the stupid rain to mess it up ....jeez turning 40 is ruining my memory

Yeah...its all about the Todd.

And dont be mad when I hug Romeo first this time too

 

[KatMark]

Loved that update! That photo of Nicki and Mark is so cute!!

And that condo looks awesome! I could live with a view like that.

D~

Thanks, D. It captured their true affection for one another.

It is a great view.

Did you get all those ornaments on the tree?! If so, I want a pic! I got a 7 foot tree for $50 on Black Friday, should be arriving in a few days (bought it online), I'm excited to decorate it! I know we won't have enough ornaments though, I'm used to a 3 foot tree!

Yay for arriving in Marco and the Starbucks has begun!!! So happy you had a chance to meet up with your DISister!

And yep, I could get used to waking up to that view as well...

Yes, Brook, I did get them all on and still have room (and there is NOTHING but Disney ornaments an two little ones for my puppy on the tree):

Nic and I didn't have as many Starbucks together as she was busy at work, but we went at least twice a day--Mark and I.

It is a beautiful view...especially sunrise and sunset.

Starbucks and the mall... for some reason, I think I've read this TR update before.

The condo looks awesome. That would definitely be a nice way to relax after spending time at Disney World.

there you go being the funny man again.

It is the perfect spot after our running around Disney.

time for the single digit dance

Thank you for dancing for us, Lisa.

Yay!! Love the Condo...those houses across the way..WOW!!!!

One of those houses across the road used to be Shaina Twain's and one is now a US Senator's.

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The decorations at WL are wonderful

Single Digit Surprise

I can't wait to see the decorations.

Dang it, Andy beat me to the joke.

Nothing better than meeting up with great friends.

You guys all just stick together, don't you.

Nothing beats meeting up with Nicki and Todd.

 

[KatMark]

I got a little behind, but I'm caught up now!

I love that you buy a balloon in your Dad's memory. Just reading the story made me tear up, what a lovely gesture!

Wow, what a great condo, and it comes with an incredible view!

It looks like you guys had a great day with great friends, what a wonderful way to cap off a Disney trip!

You have a very good reason to be behind...no worries.

Thank you...it makes me feel good to do that in honor of my dad.

It is a great view and a great location.

It was a perfect cap off to our trip and we still had many more days to come.

Lovely condo... looks like a great place to stay...nice view of the water...

There is no such thing as too much Starbucks...

I present for your view pleasure...

... hmmm... don't remember now what this was... but it was yummy...

The view is outstanding and we often see dolphins swimming there in the morning.

I agree...never too much Starbucks. And that drink does look yummy.

Man, that rain was serious! I could go for some Waffle House breakfast night about now!

The condo is beautiful!

Of course Nicki passed on hugging you first, she wanted that hunk of a husband you have there!!!!

I'm shocked... SHOCKED! That you only had 2 coffees that morning.

(I was going to go with that joke too... THANKS for using it Andy!)

Me too...I love Waffle House and their hash browns and well, everything.

Hunk of a husband????

Shush on the number of coffees we had; and quit hanging with Mark and Andy.

Every time you post pics of the Marco Island Condo I am truly amazed. How wonderful that you get to stay there.
I love the pics of Mark and Nicky and you and Todd ..... very cute!

Single digit dance!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Karin. The Mark and Nicki one is getting framed for Mark's desk.

Thanks for the dance.

Kathy, I finally got this one all read! I used your links, which means I got all the trip report, but missed everything else and all the fun chatter!

So excited for your surprise trip/report and can"t wait to hear all about it!

I loved all your pictures as usual.

Count me in as another turtle crawl fan!!!

Thanks, Amy. Glad you were able to find me and get basically caught up. We still have a few more days to go and I'm hoping to do two or three days tomorrow.

Turtle Crawl rocks!

 

[KatMark]

Oh yeah, I remember that now...I had my hair perfect and didnt want the stupid rain to mess it up ....jeez turning 40 is ruining my memory

Yeah...its all about the Todd.

And dont be mad when I hug Romeo first this time too

Yes, it was the rain and your hair. I wish I looked half as good as you do at 40 (I didn't look that good when I was 40).

Of course it's all about Todd...we don't let the man get a word in with our mouths going.

We made a deal that you get to hug Romeo this time first because it's his special day.