In the Spirit of the Season

[Monknmom]

 

[annmarieda]

Zoe's Birthday Party

Sunday we had Zoe's birthday party. Zoe really wasn't feeling well. (her temp got up to 101 the night before) But she was a trooper and still managed to have a good time.

The girls all showed up like I imagined... like a trickle...one by one. Assuming this would be the case, I planned to have the girls show up and one by one pick a crown, ribbon and comb so that I could do their hair. Most turned out cute.. but I didn't use hair spray so after jumping and running up and down stairs their hair did not stay up well.

I thought those who were not "in the salon" getting their hair done could be in the "theater" having popcorn, cookies and candy while watching Tangled.

For those wanting more activity, I had a craft table set up with various Disney princess coloring crafts (sticker, door hangers, puzzles and mini posters)

Then the plan was that once the movie was over and the girls hair had all been done we would have cupcakes and open presents.. then they would all go home.

This sounds very organized, right? Well, the girls sat through getting their hair done... but as I mentioned, there was a lot of dancing and jumping and running up and down the stairs to and from Zoe's bedroom. So... best laid plans... The girls had a good time though.. and that is what matters.

I did have to laugh though. Now... my house.. it isn't the nicest. I mean... I don't live in a dump.. but the house could stand some improvements to it. (however, I tend to have other priorities...like Disney trips. ) So all the little girls were over and over again coming to me to tell me how beautiful my house was. I thought that Zoe was putting them up to it.. but.. then I realized it was the decorations... After all I used some left over lights and tulle from Kira's wedding... not to mention had stuff dangling from the ceiling.

So... here are some pics...

This was the cupcake table. I didn't get a picture of the other tables (the one that held the silver trays with crowns on them... the princess bags of popcorn on a table wrapped with tulle and lights... craft table.. etc)

Yes, the opening of gifts was utter chaos!

Yum, cupcakes! I haven't made cake for a bday since Kira was like 10!!!

I think the girls just preferred playing in Zoe's room.

Even when they were watching the movie, they couldn't sit still... too much sugar maybe?

 

[Joyciemc]

The girls look like they had a great time! Happy Birthday, Zoe!

 

[KatMark]

Sorry Zoe wasn't feeling 100% for her party, but the girls look like they had loads of fun (love the decorations).

 

[momabaarjo]

I love the party...so girly...why did I not get a girly girl...I think her birthday at this age was dinosaurs! I love all the plans you had ready, funny how the girls had different ideas!

I like the comment about the house...I don't live in a dump either, but it needs its updates and it is small (funny I picture you in some model showcase home)...but like you we have other priorites for $$$...like private tution for 2 kids, a cabin, and hmmm yes, trying to save for that next trip.

Happy Late Birthday Zoe!

 

[lovethattink]

Happy Valentine's Day!

Looks like the girls had a fun party! Happy Birthday to Zoe!

Hope she feels better and her fever goes away.

 

[annmarieda]

The girls look like they had a great time! Happy Birthday, Zoe!

They had a good time... I am just glad it is behind me so that I can focus on the next thing... Zach's 19th birthday

Sorry Zoe wasn't feeling 100% for her party, but the girls look like they had loads of fun (love the decorations).

I feel bad for Zoe...and am really beginning to feel some frustration. She has always been prone to infection and what not.. but last year this time I swear she had much more joie de vivre than she currently has. She still had a good time though... but I could tell she struggled to keep her energy going.

I love the party...so girly...why did I not get a girly girl...I think her birthday at this age was dinosaurs! I love all the plans you had ready, funny how the girls had different ideas!

I like the comment about the house...I don't live in a dump either, but it needs its updates and it is small (funny I picture you in some model showcase home)...but like you we have other priorites for $$$...like private tution for 2 kids, a cabin, and hmmm yes, trying to save for that next trip.

Happy Late Birthday Zoe!

I am much happier that I had plans and the girls still found a way to have fun without them than if I had not made plans and the girls didn't know what to do with themselves.

As for the house.. "model showcase home" No... I struggle to even decorate. I have always had friends say my house looks so uncluttered with nothing on the walls. Oh well. But yes... someday when I don't have kids who break things... or animals who ruin things. I will have my house "nice" Right now I will settle for clean (and believe me most of the time even that is a struggle) and enjoy spending my money on other things.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Looks like the girls had a fun party! Happy Birthday to Zoe!

Hope she feels better and her fever goes away.

Just a week left and Zoe will go in and HOPEFULLY life will take a more "normal" route.

Zoe and the girls did have a good time... so I am happy for that.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Zoe's party looks like it was a lot of fun!! Too bad she wasn't feeling well though! Happy birthday to her!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

It looks like Zoe was having a great time! I too agree that it is better to overplan just in case.

It's funny about houses; the girls' friend came over and when her mom picked her up, she asked her mom why couldn't they live in our neighborhood again. (Her parents lived here with her oldest sibling.) Our daughters complain that they want to move.

We live in a townhouse and many of our girls' friends live in large houses. This child was one. The mom was saying how much she missed the old neighborhood. Dh and I kept looking at each other. We'd love to live in their neighborhood...yet, we both enjoy our Disney trips too much. Our home is nice, and I really do love it. I'd love it more if I could magically make a garage and a couple of walk in closets appear.

 

[Monknmom]

Wolfgang Puck Express is really good.. I love the salmon there. The bacon wrapped meatloaf I have heard is very good (Steve didn't share) You will have to check it out again...

Osbourne lights were wonderful! Definitely worth going in December for.

POFQ is definitely on my some day list. I do think it would be wonderful to stay at. I like POR too. Both are on the list as host resorts for the TOT 10 miler... so assuming I actually can do that... I would consider them. Course... funds could dictate one of the all stars...

I think that I went to the wrong WGPE! I went to the one near the theater and the bowling alley... They didn't have too much to choose from, I should have made them brave the line at the other one instead!

I love Zoe's birthday party and her room even matched it! I have to say that I have home parties for Damien every year and I always say that this year they are going to follow my plans- but they never do! I love that you made it like a mini BBB!!! And your house looks nice! My house needs major things done! They didn't update it since the 1950's when it was built, only little fixes here and there! After major fixes we are putting money aside for all of the trips that I have in mind! I really want to travel abroad for our 10 year anniversary! Damien will be 9 and can stand 2 weeks with my in laws!

And.......

Happy belated Birthday Zoe! From Heather, Damien and K!

 

[leshunlenese]

Happy belated Birthday Zoe! I loved the party especially since it was Disney princess theme!

 

[shocky5]

Not even close to being caught up but putting my 'stamp' on your TR so you will know I'm working on it!!!

Happy Belated Birthday to sweet Zoe!!!

 

[shocky5]

Officially all caught up!

How not fun to have to clean/sanitize on your vacation BUT I would have done the exact same thing and also pack cleaning supplies. I'm sorry you had to deal with that - we just had cough/colds to contend with.

I still regret missing Starring Rolls in DHS. Next time... isn't that our new latest mantra??

I told Eddie the other day that I'm already ready to go back... I think it's more because of our being back into the 'hectic-ness" of life and I could live there, you know...

Zoe's party looks like fun! Loved all the little princesses and crowns. I miss my 'little girl' who has bigger and better ideas than her ole mom these days!!

I'm sorry her surgery was cancelled and I hope you can get that done soon!

 

[annmarieda]

I missed the tire swing! Bummer!

Love your pictures of the lights. Sorry that you couldn't just sit and enjoy them.

Hope you are feeling better after some needed rest.
Have a great week!

I wish I could have just sat and enjoyed too.. or at least explored. I think the only reason I caught the swing was it was on the way out

Thank you. I hope you had a wonderful day too.

ok I'm back on page 22! Poor Alex getting so sick I know how that goes!! I hope it doesn't last long.

I felt bad for him. I think he was "okay" with it. I mean, it isn't like he is super into Disney anyway... so he didn't feel like he was missing much.

Well, I'm praying Zoe doesn't get an infection and that you start to feel better before her surgery. I'm sorry you have not been feeling well and had to deal with a nasty work person on top of all of that. i hate when people have an attitude for no reason.

I love the update about you and Zoe alone in DHS. Looks like a wonderful lunch and your pics of BATB make me sad that we missed it yet again. Some day I will get to see the show. Some day.

Thank you. We are still struggling a bit to "get better" Zoe is home today. I think that she has developed some stones in her bladder (kinda like kidney stones only.. bladder) She rested most of today and seems better.

boo to having to clean up so much throw up and yikes to how mousekeeping "cleans". Now I really feel sorry for whoever stayed in our room at POFQ after us. well. I hope after this Alex was feeling better. And the food pictures after talking about throw up. Nice But the food sure does look good. I too love POFQ but I don't think we will ever stay there again after this trip for fear of reliving it. I'd love to stay at POR though. Their food court alone is HUGE and that's where boatwrights is. Yum!!!

So glad y'all got to ride ToT! Such a great ride!

Ok I think I'm all caught up now

I was kinda shocked at how they cleaned. It definitely makes one thing about what happens in the room prior to you being there...and if it actually gets "clean"

Hope your day was a good one too.

Zoe's party looks like it was a lot of fun!! Too bad she wasn't feeling well though! Happy birthday to her!!

Party was fun, but.. I am glad it is over! Nothing like a half dozen or more screaming little girls to take it out of you...

It looks like Zoe was having a great time! I too agree that it is better to overplan just in case.

It's funny about houses; the girls' friend came over and when her mom picked her up, she asked her mom why couldn't they live in our neighborhood again. (Her parents lived here with her oldest sibling.) Our daughters complain that they want to move.

We live in a townhouse and many of our girls' friends live in large houses. This child was one. The mom was saying how much she missed the old neighborhood. Dh and I kept looking at each other. We'd love to live in their neighborhood...yet, we both enjoy our Disney trips too much. Our home is nice, and I really do love it. I'd love it more if I could magically make a garage and a couple of walk in closets appear.

Life is all about balance, isn't it. I mean.. most of us have to work and decide where to spend money since a majority don't have a never ending supply rolleyes: wouldn't it be nice though ) so it is about deciding where to spend money... someday I hope to have more funds to throw at my house... but for now Disney and my kids seem to get a good chunk of my money.

I think that I went to the wrong WGPE! I went to the one near the theater and the bowling alley... They didn't have too much to choose from, I should have made them brave the line at the other one instead!

I love Zoe's birthday party and her room even matched it! I have to say that I have home parties for Damien every year and I always say that this year they are going to follow my plans- but they never do! I love that you made it like a mini BBB!!! And your house looks nice! My house needs major things done! They didn't update it since the 1950's when it was built, only little fixes here and there! After major fixes we are putting money aside for all of the trips that I have in mind! I really want to travel abroad for our 10 year anniversary! Damien will be 9 and can stand 2 weeks with my in laws!

And.......

Happy belated Birthday Zoe! From Heather, Damien and K!

I think you may have in fact gone to the wrong Wolfgang Puck. I didnt know about a second express in DTD though. The one that we go to always tends to have a bit of a line... but it is very very deceiving. It moves super quick. Next time... yes, brave the line.

And.. thank you for the happy birthday wishes for Zoe.

Happy belated Birthday Zoe! I loved the party especially since it was Disney princess theme!

Of course it was Disney Princess themed!! What else could it be

Not even close to being caught up but putting my 'stamp' on your TR so you will know I'm working on it!!!

Happy Belated Birthday to sweet Zoe!!!

I totally understand. I too read and try and keep up... sometimes though the updates come quicker than I can respond to.

Officially all caught up!

How not fun to have to clean/sanitize on your vacation BUT I would have done the exact same thing and also pack cleaning supplies. I'm sorry you had to deal with that - we just had cough/colds to contend with.

I still regret missing Starring Rolls in DHS. Next time... isn't that our new latest mantra??

I told Eddie the other day that I'm already ready to go back... I think it's more because of our being back into the 'hectic-ness" of life and I could live there, you know...

Zoe's party looks like fun! Loved all the little princesses and crowns. I miss my 'little girl' who has bigger and better ideas than her ole mom these days!!

I'm sorry her surgery was cancelled and I hope you can get that done soon!

So glad you are caught up. (now for me to do so on yours. )

"next time" is definitely a good mantra and believe me I have been using it. Starring rolls is definitely not a place to miss. Their sandwiches are my favorite of anywhere...including EoS.

Glad I am not the only one who brings cleaning supplies...

 

[annmarieda]

Waiting on Buses Interferes with My Plans Yet Again.


The morning of the 15th was one that we all had to get up early for. This is the second day we all got up, but by far the earliest. What on earth could cause us to get up so early? Well, it was our first day in AK and we had an ADR for TH before the park opened.

After we all were ready, we went down to the bus stop. We waited, and waited... and yes... we waited some more. In total it was about an hour that we waited for the bus. I was getting very anxious and when a cm finally arrived to the bus stops I was quick to ask what the problem was. He became fairly flustered fairly quickly, his initial answer was almost as if he had read it from some “how to man a Disney bus stop” manual. “buses run every 20 minutes..bla bla bla” I let him know we had been waiting that long and then some plus other buses had come and gone and come and gone. We could have rode to Epcot so many times it was CRAZY! Finally, he found out that there was a new dispatcher. Apparently this person forgot to send ANY early buses out for AK. For our “inconvenience” we were issued a special fast pass for the day to any attraction at AK. We saved it for a souvenir and did not use it... but it was a nice gesture.

Finally our bus came and where did it go? Well, of course it had to go to the GF first. There was two other families there in the same situation. One gal was just like me and had been calling about her ADR... had been calling transportation. She was maybe just a tad more livid than I was.

When we arrived to AK we were a half hour late for our ADR. Course, so was everyone else so it wasn’t a big deal.

We enjoyed breakfast. I honestly love the selection at TH for any of the meals. I love the characters at the breakfast. Safari! Too fun.

We started out with meeting Donald. I honestly hate that they do not include the picture in the cost of breakfast... but oh well.

Here are some pictures from breakfast.

You can tell I like my breakfast. My plate is pretty clean. Now... Zoe's.. .she "thought" she would like all those pastries

However, before I cleaned my plate this is what it looked like.

Alex, btw was feeling much better by breakfast time and was happy to join us.

I love this picture of Alex and Goofy.

During breakfast though, we discovered that we forgot to bring one of Zoe's supplies. How frustrating it was that we spend so much time at the bus stop and we could have used that time to get the missing items. Instead, Steve happily volunteered to go back to the room to retrieve the items. Well, he said it would be quick. I assumed it would be quick. Was it?

I will leave you with that big of a cliff hanger...although any of you reading probably can guess the answer.

Next Chapter: How to enjoy and Yak Attack in AK

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Such fun pictures at TH. I love Animal Kingdom. I love that each park has its own feel to it.

That stinks about the bus, and then the missing item, and I am guessing the bad things happen in three, so the bus will be another issue...

That's wonderful that Alex felt better. Did he eat tons to make up for being ill or was he taking it easy?

Looking forward to your adventures in AK!

 

[momabaarjo]

Sorry about the bus and AK! I always seem to have that fear when it comes to EARLY ADRs whether the bus will show or not! Glad Alex was feeling better and joined you! The food looks great, I thought about the ADR at TH several times...maybe next time!

Hmmmm...knowing Steve like I do over the last year, I think I know the answer to your Tammie Cliff hanger!

 

[annmarieda]

Such fun pictures at TH. I love Animal Kingdom. I love that each park has its own feel to it.

I love AK too. I know that it isn't everyone's favorite because it has its own feel, but I think I really appreciate it...and need it. After being immersed in Disney... it is nice to be able to stroll through the animal trails.

That stinks about the bus, and then the missing item, and I am guessing the bad things happen in three, so the bus will be another issue...

I will try and get another update done and then you will see.

That's wonderful that Alex felt better. Did he eat tons to make up for being ill or was he taking it easy?

He didn't eat a ton... he tried, but overall he didnt have his appetite back for days.

Sorry about the bus and AK! I always seem to have that fear when it comes to EARLY ADRs whether the bus will show or not!

I wasn't terribly concerned.. from what I understand, this is one of the reasons you associate your ADRs with your package reservation. That way the system knows that a bus needs to be dispatched to (in our case) WL for guests to be transported to AK for a reservation prior to park opening. When the buses were not showing up at all... I knew there was a problem.

Glad Alex was feeling better and joined you! The food looks great, I thought about the ADR at TH several times...maybe next time!

I was very happy he was up for breakfast. And the food.. it certainly was good. You should definitely go next time.

Hmmmm...knowing Steve like I do over the last year, I think I know the answer to your Tammie Cliff hanger!

Well... I bet you do!!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

UGH how frustrating with the bus wait!!! I would have been very annoyed, but I guess it did help that NONE of the other resorts could get there either!

Glad your TH breakfast was good! (Especially after that wait!)

I'm HOPING Steve made it back quickly...but guessing from your morning thus far...I'm not so sure...

 

[annmarieda]

UGH how frustrating with the bus wait!!! I would have been very annoyed, but I guess it did help that NONE of the other resorts could get there either!

Glad your TH breakfast was good! (Especially after that wait!)

I'm HOPING Steve made it back quickly...but guessing from your morning thus far...I'm not so sure...

I was in fact pretty annoyed by the time the bus did come... but when I realized that no one else go there early it helped. Course.. the fact that RD happened while we were eating made me at bit but... life goes on.

The breakfast was yummy. I love the selection there.

And... as for Steve getting back quickly. Well, that would depend on your definition of quickly.