How to lose $3,600 in one trip! Update pg 7, post 95 w/the cutest pics ever posted!

[gigi1313]

so far so great!! can't wait to hear more! sounds like you have a lovely family...

but do tell... what is kaki gori?

 

[tc]

but do tell... what is kaki gori?

What is Kaki Gori? Well, it's sounds so ordinary, you may not even think it's good. But, just taste it. It's a snowcone, really. Shaved ice from Japan, but the flavor is so intense. Our favorite is cherry. It's like biting a fresh, bing cherry, but ice cold. Soooo good, and only $2.50 for one. We have been known to get more than one a day. How many more? Well, my husband had 4 in a day!

 

[gigi1313]

ooooh, yummmmy! we're a family of frozen drink/sno-cone lovers... sounds perfect for us... gotta add it to the planning spreadsheet! (LOL!) THANKS!

 

[tc]

We are headed back to the Dolphin to nap. Nap? Ireland doesn’t nap the conventional way. She slept just enough in the stroller to invigorate her, so, no nap. We stopped at the room, slathered up with sun screen, loaded up with snacks, drinks, bottles, diapers, etc., and headed over to Epcot through the International Gateway. It’s a lovely walk. Ireland chatted the entire way, noticing ducks, kids, water, boat, you name. It’s just amazing to see WDW through the eyes of an 18 month old. She takes it all in with such joy. Before we can enter, Kimmi and I must activate those precious AP vouchers. How fun was that?!? Just the day before, I thought they were gone forever, now we are activating them. Woo Hoo!!! I also asked about purchasing the DDE card, because I was informed, here on the Dis, that I could go to any Guest Relations and purchase it. Well, for future reference, you can’t. You must call. The cast member was a little annoyed that I asked, but gave me the number to call. I put it in my wallet to use later that day.

Now, time to enter and get some lunch. We are starving and Ireland is asking to eat every time she sees someone with food in their hand. I decide I want Yakatori House in Japan. I love their teriyaki chicken and sukiyaki beef. Kimmi, Aunt Sissy and the girls continue on around to Mexico. As I approach Japan, there is this wonderful storyteller telling a story about one-inch boy. So funny and cute. I hate to say, however, I don’t know remember her name, and I didn’t get a pic!

I met up with the girls and we sat in a great spot by the water behind the Cantina de San Angel (fastfood in Mexico) and had a good lunch. It was a great place to sit down, feed Chloe and let Ireland rest. From here we headed to Future World. We figured that Ireland would enjoy more things there. On the way, we stopped at the interactive fountain between the worlds. Ireland loved it!

She didn’t want to leave. We were there for at least 30 minutes. What a fun time! We stopped at a restroom to change Ireland’s wet clothes, and headed to Mouse Gears and shopped a little. From here we wandered to the Land.

We were hoping for Aunt Sissy and Kimmi to ride Soarin’, even though we didn’t get a fastpass early in the day.

No luck. There were still fastpasses available, but not until 8:55 that night, and our plans were to head to MGM to watch Fantasmic.

While in the Land, it was time for Chloe to eat again, so we got a seat and had ice cream, Edy’s to be exact, and a rice crispy treat. Ireland loved the ice cream. We thought we take a spin on Living with the Land, but the line looked long, so we just sat and Ireland and I walked around and had fun.

We decide to head back to hotel at this point. Ireland was wilting, so we thought a rest was in order. We took the boat, and Ireland liked that too, and then she fell asleep.

In the room, Ireland had a little snack, but wouldn’t fall asleep. I called and ordered the DDE and was told, since it was before 5, we could pick it up at Guest Services at the front of Epcot this evening. We really wanted to use it tomorrow at the Kona Café, so we decided to head back to Epcot and pick it up.

We take the boat back. Aunt Sissy’s feet are beginning to hurt. We go into the Land and eat dinner, and ride Living with the Land. You would have thought it was a thrill ride if you looked at Ireland’s face. She’s so easily pleased. Then we head to Guest Relations at the front of the park. Did you know there were two Guest Relations at the front of the park? I went to the one near Spaceship Earth, inside the park. Wrong!!! We needed to head to the one outside the park. We decided since it was purchase in Kimmi’s name, we would stay inside and she could go out and get it. It worked great.

Then we headed for Japan for that wonderful Kaki Gori. We waited to take the boat across World Showcase lagoon, but by the time we got to the front of the line, there was no room for the stroller. So, we walked. Bummer, but the little (and I mean little, she could barely see over the counter) cast member at the stand, only had enough ice for two snow cones. So, we shared. Then we rushed out of the park. We were unsure how Chloe would handle the noise of the fireworks, and didn’t want to scare her too much. We made it to the turn towards the International Gateway before they started, and Chloe was screaming by the time I rushed into the gift shop at the International Gateway. As soon as we were in and away from the noise, she was fine. During the “globe thing” we walked to the boat, and had a nice trip back to the Dolphin.

What a wonderful day. We didn’t really do much, but we had a great time. Seeing it all through Ireland’s eyes was so much fun.

Tomorrow, we head to MK, first thing. Yippee, Magic Kingdom!!!

 

[gigi1313]

great installment!! sounds like a nice day for everyone... too bad you did not get to see fantasmic as planned, but hopefully you'll have found another evening for it!

looking forward to the next day and magic kingdom

 

[noodles]

Sounds like you had a great day at Epcot! Cant wait to hear more!

 

[kathymc]

enjoying your reports - I also remember your posts about your daughter on the CB (dont get over their much anymore) and cant believe its been that long and now there is two! how wonderful to be able to enjoy this time with all of your girls! hope the rest of the trip goes smoothly.

 

[tc]

enjoying your reports - I also remember your posts about your daughter on the CB (dont get over their much anymore) and cant believe its been that long and now there is two! how wonderful to be able to enjoy this time with all of your girls! hope the rest of the trip goes smoothly.

Funny how I was so upset when we found out about Kimmi's pregnancy, but now how I have so much joy when I look at Ireland. She is my heart, and Chloe as well. God has taken a bad choice and made it so, incredibly wonderful.

Thanks to all for reading my report!

 

[Goobergal99]

Funny how I was so upset when we found out about Kimmi's pregnancy, but now how so much joy when I look at Ireland. She is my heart, and Chloe as well. God hasn't taken a bad choice and made it so, incredibly wondeful.

Thanks to all for reading my report!

I remember thinking my mom would be sooo upset, and I was alot younger then your DD so I also had the added anxiety of assuming my life was over. You know, she kind of surprised me, got a lil upset and then told me there were way worse things in life then having a child young and unmarried.

It all worked out in the end, DH and I will be married a year in June, DD is 7 and doing wonderfully and my mom and I have the strongest bond of any mother and daughter I know. So it's always nice to see when these things work out. I never would have envisioned that things would have turned out so fantastically for me when I was a pregnant teenager, but in the end it all turned out ok

 

[MagicMe]

Just got up with your latest installment. Can't wait for the next one!

 

[pjlla]

Impatiently waiting for more!!.............P

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I'm hooked! You, your daughters and granddaughters are just gorgeous! Can't wait to read more!!

 

[missmun52]

Thanks alot! Now i am hooked.

But really, your report is great i can not wait to read the next installment. I am so glad to see that things are getting better during the trip my son will be about 20 months when we take him in August so it nice to see how things are going

 

[tc]

We got up bright and early today. Kids are amazing. We’ve been in Orlando for two days, changed two time zones, and Ireland is awake at 7:00 a.m. (even though our bodies say it’s 5:00 a.m.), on the dot, as if there was no time change at all. The blinds are pulled shut and it’s dark in the room, but, somehow, her little body knows it’s time to get up. So, up and at ‘em. We wanted an early start anyway cuz today is Magic Kingdom!!!! Aunt Sissy said yesterday was fun, but we really didn’t “do” anything, so today we’ll change that.

I had heard to much about Tonga Toast at the Kona Café, we decide to head there for a late breakfast. So, Ireland and I shared some instant oatmeal, Aunt Sissy had some instant breakfast and a protein bar, Kimmi grabbed some granola bars, Chloe ate, well, what babies eat, formula, and we headed out the door.

Down to the bus stop and here comes the MK bus. We’re a little more prepared with the stroller today, but it’s still very heavy and bulky. Why do we have a double stroller when Chloe has been in the Baby Bjorn since we got here?!? Again, Ireland thinks the bus is a ton of fun. Her favorite song this week? The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round. All day long. She can’t sing it word for word, but she has the melody and All day long, down pat. She’s really funny when she starts in on, The monkeys on the bus bounce up and down, etc. She can be quite the ham!!! We had a fun ride to MK.

We knew we were here for Ireland, so we made a direct path to Fantasyland, via Tomorrowland and the cut through the Noodle Station. Very few people. On our way through Tomorrowland, we ran into Buzz, just as he was coming out. Ireland shouted, “BUZZ!” and we hadn’t even saw him yet. At this point, we were unsure how she would react to actual characters. Would she be scared, timid, etc.? Ireland? Ummmm, no.

Buzz can’t bend over due to his space suit, so I had to hold her up. She was fascinated with him. And, the little giggle she had every time he touched her nose or mouth, was enough to make this Nana cry. And, I don’t cry (amazing what grandkids can do to me!) He was so amazing with her. Going through the nose, eyes, ears ritual (must be what their taught for kids that age). She kissed and hugged and giggled until we had to go, there was a line building. What a wonderful little surprise to run into Buzz. She didn’t want to leave, but she did without incident.

From here we entered Fantasyland, and got in line for Pooh. I wish I had the video camera to film her while on this ride. She was not scared, and loved bouncing with Tigger. Her little “more” sign was non-stop when we got off. From here we walked to Dumbo.

Ireland and mommy rode this one together. Only about a 15 minute wait. Kimmi said when she took Dumbo all the way up, and then dropped it really fast, Ireland laughed out loud. Now, that’s saying a lot for Ireland. She’s a good tempered toddler, and is friendly and smiley, but real laughter is hard to come by. It takes a lot. So, we figured she liked it. Then we headed for It’s a Small World. Stephen won’t go on this ride with me any more. He really dislikes it, so it was a treat to ride it, especially since it’s been recently refurbished. Of course, Ireland loved it!

It’s nearing 10:00, and we want to meet the Mouse, so we head to Toontown. I run ahead to get a fastpass for Buzz, but they were not needed, nor were the kiosks un-covered. I met them in Toontown where Ireland was playing on Donald’s boat. We enticed her away with promises of seeing Mickey Mouse. Ireland can recognize any form of Mickey, whether it’s a silhouette, outline, profile, black and white, color, etc. Nana has done a good job of brainwashing this little angel into loving Mickey Mouse. So, we were both excited. The girls thought I was confused when I entered Mickey’s house. There was no sign outside stating the Mouse was here, but a huge sign above the Toontown Hall of Fame. “Shouldn’t we go there?” “I think this is the wrong entrance.” “Girls, girls, girls, who is the Diser here?” Of course we were in the right place. Ireland enjoyed exploring Mickey’s house, looking a the backyard and seeing all the not-so-hidden Mickeys around. Then we arrived in the queue, but it wasn’t too long. We just waited about 5 minutes, and then were in to see the Big Cheese himself. She loved him, of course. Our photopass pic was so cute. This one shows Aunt Sissy’s face saying, “Oh!” at how cute Ireland was with him.

When we were done with Mickey, we took a few pics of Toontown, then headed out. But, on our way we took a spin on Buzz. I did pretty good, considering I had Chloe in the Baby Bjorn and couldn’t really pay attention to the targets. Aunt Sissy, Kimmi and Ireland were in the car behind me, so I couldn’t really see Ireland. But, they said she had fun.

And, what did Chloe do this entire time? Sleep, of course.

We walked down Main Street USA, enjoying the ambience, listening to the music, and happy that we had such a great morning. We took the monorail to the Kona Café to see if we could snag a table and some Tonga Toast. Then I noticed the time. It was a little after 11:00. I figured by this time, they’d be on lunch. We were pleasantly surprised that they serve breakfast until noon. And what a breakfast it was. Aunt Sissy and I got the Tonga Toast. We each got our own, but we should have shared, and Kimmi got Eggs Benedict and Kona coffee. She stated it the best coffee she’s had in a long time. Smooth, strong and rich. Ireland ate a little of everyone’s meal, and Chloe ate, well what babies eat, formula.

From here we walked to the TTC and took the monorail to Epcot. We were really headed back to our room, but the monorail and walking through Epcot seemed easier to me, than loading that stroller into the bus. Chloe did ride in the stroller and slept like, well, she slept like a baby.

Our plan was to just head straight through, but no one was tired and Crush was calling. Really, we heard in yell, “Dudes!” so we went to see him. The line seemed a little long, but we only waited about 20 minutes and got in. I’d seen this show a number of times, but neither of the girls had seen it yet. We figured Ireland wouldn’t be very interested, since she doesn’t like tv, and we were right. She wasn’t bad, but spent most of the time playing peek-a-boo with the biker guy behind us. Considering her Papaw is a biker dude, they had an instant connection. He enjoyed it too, I think.

Then we made a loop around World Showcase lagoon for a Kaki Gori, of course, and headed back to the hotel. Ireland has not slept since she got up this a.m. She got relaxed in the stroller on the boat, but no nap. Good, now she’ll take a hearty nap. Nope. She put her in the crib, pulled the curtains, and told her good night. She played for an hour, singing The Wheels on the Bus and talking about Buzz. Can you say, “Over-stimulation?” We finally gave up, and got her up.

We were headed to Downtown Disney to eat at Rainforest Café. We used the gift cards I’d earned on mypoints.com, that weren’t taken during our airport fiasco.

Guess what? Ireland fell asleep on the bus. Her favorite ride put her to sleep too! Aunt Sissy held her while we waited for a table, about 20 minutes. So, the 20 ride plus 20 minute wait, Ireland got a 40 minute nap. Not bad for an 18 month old that’s been up since 7:00 a.m.!!! Dinner was great. We all enjoyed it, and Ireland loved the thunderstorm, every time it happened.

We wandered around Downtown Disney, ending up at the World of Disney store. I really wanted to see the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. Man, was it crowded. Really hard to maneuver that stroller. I was also looking to replace my ratty purse. It looks like a Coach bag, but has Mickey heads as the design. I love it, but it’s about 3 years old and looking sad. Nothing I liked, so we head to the watch and jewelry room. This is my favorite room in this store. But, it’s busier here than the previous room, so I take the stroller out and head to see the boutique. Kimmi and Aunt Sissy remain in the jewelry room. Out of character for them, since they don’t really wear Disney jewelry, but I didn’t question it.

The Bibbity Bobbity Boutique was closed, but you can see inside. It was very cute. I can see Ireland, Chloe and baby #3 (we call her Gus right now) wanting to go here in a few years.

The girls met me here, and we shopped for an outfit each for Ireland and Chloe (Ireland tried on a crown or two, too.) Finding and purchasing some cute things, we head out.

Kimmi’s feet are killing her. No matter how good her shoes are, how broken in, how comfy, she will get blisters at WDW. I told her to buy Crocs before we left, but she didn’t. Aunt Sissy did, and she as fine. So, we go into Summer Sands and see if we can find anything that will work. They had fake Crocs, so she got some. Verdict? I’ll tell you later.

We wander back out, and look for a bathroom, after looking through Basin. When I came out, the girls had a funny look on their face and told me to sit down. The gave me my early Mother’s Day present. I had always wanted a Mother’s ring, but they could never find what I wanted, a real opal (Kimmi’s birthstone) and an amethyst (Aunt Sissy’s birthstone.) That would have been expensive. Instead, they gave me an Italian charm bracelet with both girls stones, their spouses, Ireland and Chloe’s and future Gus’s stones. It also had Steve’s birthstone, since it came with the bracelet. I was touched, crying again. Such a sweet present, and a big surprise. Weird!!! Aunt Sissy also told us the new baby’s name. They weren’t going to tell anyone until she was born, so, if someone didn’t like it, they didn’t have to hear it. (Kimmi got a ton of grief for the name Ireland.) I can’t tell you the name, it’s top secret!!! I think my girls got great joy in seeing their otherwise stoic mother, blubbering like a baby, in the middle of Downtown Disney. What a great memory that made!

It was late, so we headed to the bus stop, stopping to take a few pics on the way.

I don’t count myself a great photographer, but this one is pretty good, huh?

Tomorrow we say good-bye to Aunt Sissy (at 5:20 a.m.) and head to Animal Kingdom

 

[MagicMe]

thanks for the latest update . Great as usual! Can't wait to hear more...

 

[dabute]

Love, love love this report!! I can't wait for the next update.

 

[fizz13]

What a wonderful present the girls gave you, I'm crying for you , looks like Ireland had a great day,
Claire xx

 

[noahynav]

Such a great a report!!! I love it! You and your girls are such a beautiful family!

 

[SandraVB79]

Great report, I enjoy it a lot!

I also have a question about Crocs. I think they look absolutely ugly, but if they are really as comfortable as they claim to be, I might consider buying a pair: are they really that comfy? Really really?

 

[kellyb2000]

Awwww - I want to know the baby's name!!!!