Insert Catchy Title Here: An August TR 13 Years in the Making **Finished! 12/31

[inkedupmomma]

Ok, in Conner's defense, he was kind enough to be all smiley for the very first pic, which showed all the details needed for a first hair cut. AND then although crying, was still AFREAKINGDORABLE! Just sayin, cut my lil' man some slack!

and OMG LOL at dumping syndrome. I know it's not funny, but it is!

 

[Beka]

Great update! || BTW - Sorry to hear the math test got you flustered. I have a tendency to psyche myself out of correct answers as well. (Wound up doing that on my first Cisco cert test.) ||

I was excited for you when you passed through the gates of paradise. Sorry the haircut episode left you in need of a restorative. Hopefuly the day improved from there . The "offices" comment had me cracking up!

Looking forward to more!>

It's hard to hear your baby wail like someone's hurting him, and boy was he!

My in-laws were full of little gems like that.

Aww I'm sorry about you having a bad night. I hope they're not all like that! Well Connor didn't like his haircut but he sure did look cute when he was done!!

It wasn't the worst night of sleep, but I'm sure it would have been worse if I wasn't headed to the MK the next day!

Ok, in Conner's defense, he was kind enough to be all smiley for the very first pic, which showed all the details needed for a first hair cut. AND then although crying, was still AFREAKINGDORABLE! Just sayin, cut my lil' man some slack!

and OMG LOL at dumping syndrome. I know it's not funny, but it is!

I wanna know WHO named it "dumping" syndrome. It's gross, and funny at the same time.

I gotta give props to the man cutting his hair. He did a dang good job for all the squirming & screaming Conner was doing!

 

[Jennyfer]

Just caught up. Love the TR! Ready for more.

I have pics just like that of my son's first haircut (not at WDW)!

 

[Beka]

Just caught up. Love the TR! Ready for more.

I have pics just like that of my son's first haircut (not at WDW)!

Update coming right up! Thanks for the reminder! I've been *completely* obsessed with Halloween folk art this last week, and my TR has suffered.

Without further ado...

 

[Beka]

By the time we reached the hub, we knew it was time to go our separate ways. Conner was in need of a nap, and the grandparents were willing to take him someplace cool & relaxing to grab a nap. Since we were right beside Tomorrowland, Kyle & I headed that way.

We first came across Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and lo & behold!

That’s a 5 minute standby, baby! Let’s go kick some Zurg tail!

(Just an FYI, I did NOT use a flash on any of the rides during our trip. That’s just rude, & I think it ruins the magic.)

Despite my knowledge of the “secret” target, I still lost.

Kyle’s score:

We left Buzz to find that he was hanging out by COP!

And hey, while we’re at COP, why not just go visit Uncle Orville?

BTW, I found a Mickey! He’s hiding in the gifts. There’s also one on the mantle, but I wasn’t able to get a decent shot of that one.

When we got off COP, I decided to call the ‘rents to find out how Conner was doing. Turns out he had just woken up. The Block Party was going on, & I guess that woke him.

We all met up in front of COP & decided to go have lunch. But first, we had to have Conner meet Buzz. (Toy Story is one of Kyle’s all-time favorite movies, and his #1 favorite Disney movie.)
I’m weird in that I really love horrible pics of myself. This one just makes me laugh:

(Waiting for Buzz)
Conner & Kyle with Buzz:

Oh, I almost forgot! We saw Stitch as soon as we had gotten Conner strapped back into the stroller. I ‘bout ripped that kid straight outta his stroller & went running toward Stitch like a crazy person. I love that alien!

(Notice there on my bag my LGMH. This made me a full-fledged Disney Dork to my DH.)

We headed over to Cosmic Ray'ssince that was close by.
Dad & Shirley had the turkey wrap:

…which was deemed “ok, but kind of dry”.

Kyle & I split the chicken Cesar salad:

It was decent, but then again, how hard is it to screw one of these things up?

Mom & Neil both had burgers:

Our bellies full, we decided to hit up Fantasyland to see what (if anything) we could get accomplished. Woo boy, if Tomorrowland was empty, the rest of the park was in Fantasyland that day! There was a 45+ minute wait for Peter Pan. I think it may have been closer to 60 minutes, but my brain tends to block out bad things (like long wait times) so I don’t remember.

Kyle decided he wanted some Mickey ears. This is our new tradition. Each time we go from now on, we’ll have our name & the year embroidered on the hat. Awwww!!! I’m all smushy inside thinking about it! We picked ‘em up at Sir Mickey’s.

Here we are all ‘eared up:

continued in next post...

 

[Beka]

Next it was time to ride It’s a Small World.

Dad was itching to take Conner on that ride, and it did not disappoint! The two of them had a blast! This was Conner’s first ride, he got to ride it with his Pop, & that just tickled Dad to death. Look how happy they are:

Conner is fascinated, & Dad is tickled pink. I love this pic!

Some pics from the ride:

We lucked out and only had a 20 minute wait for IASW. Not too bad, given how packed the park seemed at that point. Everything else in Fantasyland was busy, & it was hot, so we headed over to the Haunted Mansion. It too only had a 20 minute wait, but I think that was for the time we actually boarded our doombuggies, not the time we entered the stretching room. Conner did just fine on HM too!

I looked & looked for Mr. Toad after we got off HM, but I wasn’t able to find him. Anyone know if he’s still there, or where to look? I know he’s supposed to be in the pet cemetery, but I just couldn’t find him.

After the HM, we headed to Adventureland. The Tiki Room was advertising a 10 minute wait, & it looked like it might rain, so we figured we’d go in.

Just WHAT in the H-E-double hockey sticks were they thinking when they did this “under new management” thing? It’s bad. REAL bad. I doubt I’ll be doing that one again. Kyle didn’t like it at all. I don’t think Conner was too impressed either, & Dad used to love the Tiki Room, but was really disappointed with the changes.

We had to end our time at the MK on a high note, so we headed to Pirates.

Conner squealed when we went down that little hill at the beginning, & I could feel his little hear pounding against his chest, but en enjoyed himself!

With that, it was time to leave the MK. Kyle & I had a date night planned! What did we do for our date night? You’ll have to find out next time!

 

[inkedupmomma]

OMG.. we decided that in addition to pins, xmas ornaments and now those vinylmations (if they continue them) that we will be getting new hats each year! Although, I didn't put the year on them..dangit. Maybe I can put a sticky note in them?? Anywho, I want to put them as a border around the kids playroom! Great minds, you and I!! Btw, we bought 4 hats this year.. so hopefully the tradition will just be to get 2 or 3.. one for each kid..and one for me....

I LOVE the pic of Con and your dad on IASW!! So sweet! and uhm.. Kyle kicked your **** on buzz...

 

[Beka]

OMG.. we decided that in addition to pins, xmas ornaments and now those vinylmations (if they continue them) that we will be getting new hats each year! Although, I didn't put the year on them..dangit. Maybe I can put a sticky note in them?? Anywho, I want to put them as a border around the kids playroom! Great minds, you and I!! Btw, we bought 4 hats this year.. so hopefully the tradition will just be to get 2 or 3.. one for each kid..and one for me....

I LOVE the pic of Con and your dad on IASW!! So sweet! and uhm.. Kyle kicked your **** on buzz...

Yes he did. Not the only ride he did that on.

I think Dad was more excited than Conner!

I just happened to ask them on a whim if we could add "09" & they said yes!

 

[Beka]

We headed back to the condo & Kyle & I rushed to get our showers taken & my hair done. We ran out the door and arrived at the Wilderness Lodge around 6pm.

We had reservations for 6:20 at Artist Point. We walked around the lobby for a bit, checked out the gift shop, & the pool, before heading in to check in.

Let me tell you, there were some WEIRD people in front of us in line. They weren’t dressed according to the dress code at all. The kids (and by kids, I mean 10-12yo, so they knew better) were sitting on the floor, & then, when one of the adults realized it was taking 2 of their TS credits (I think that’s right??) she yelled “This place had better be damn good for 2 credits!!”

Classy. I gave the hostess a look that said “I feel for you girl. Some people are just idiots.”

Inside the restaurant:

We were seated within a few minutes, & our waiter (I forgot his name!!) took our drink orders (water), & shortly brought us bread.

Ooooh the bread. I don’t know if I was just hungry, or if it’s my bread addiction, but holy wow, that stuff was good. Sourdough, I think it was, which is one of my all-time favorites (that and a biscuit. No, not you Great Biscuit, but I like you too.)

We split the venison pot stickers for an appy:

from AllEars: Venison Pot Stickers with tamarind Ponzu $11
The sauce was really good. The filling: imagine a spicy meatball. It was good, not gamy at all, which some might expect from venision. (It will be gamy if not cooked properly, in case you didn’t know.)

For our entrees:
I had the Smoky Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil $9

*gag* This stuff is THICK. Not that I didn’t expect it to be, but I was not crazy about this stuff. It felt greasy in my mouth. It was also kind of bland. I got about 4 spoonfuls in before I had to stop.

Kyle had the Butter-poached Wild Boar Tenderloin with Mushroom Bread Pudding,
Fava Beans, and Huckleberry Jus 35.00 (description courtesy wdwmagic.com)

Oh. Mah. Gawd. This was AWESOME. The texture of the boar was silky, I can’t think of another word to describe it. So tender. So yummy. Better than ANY beef I’ve had. It didn’t taste like pork at all. The bread pudding was awesome (kind of like a gourmet version of Stove Top), and the fava beans were good, but not something I’ll be craving.

For a side, we decided to split the Sweet Potatoe Hazelnut Gratin 4.00

This tasted like a sweet potato casserole, only not as sweet. I love sweet potatoes, I like hazelnuts, so this was good.

We were too stuffed for dessert, so we passed on it. I really wanted to try the cobbler, but my pouch would NOT allow it. Boo.

We decided to head to the MK after dinner.

On our way to the boat dock:

Leaving the WL:

CR from the boat:

We spent a lot of time meandering around Main Street. We got there around 7 or 7:30 and were surprised to see the people lining up for Spectro.

We walked over to BTMRR, but the wait was 60 minutes, & we were beat & didn’t want to wait for the return time on the FP, so we headed to Adventureland.

Score! Jungle Cruise was a walk on! I love this ride. Then again, I love REALLY bad jokes, so this is my kind of ride! Kyle kept just shaking his head, & I was dying. Loved the jokes. Almost as good as the jokes was the guy from LA sitting next to me. His legs were shaved & his toe nails painted. LOL, only in LA! (BTW, they said that WDW was better than DL!)

We decided to head back to the hotel, and made our way through the shops on Main Street (well, the Emporium). We managed to catch a glimpse of Spectro on our way out, and were right in front of the parade at some points! That’s the way to watch it, in my opinion.

We made it to the boat dock just as the boat was leaving, so we had a little wait, but we got to see the Water Pageant, so it was fine. Then we saw the THRONGS of people leaving after Spectro was over. Thank goodness we made it out before them!

Did you notice all the clouds in my pics? Right after we pulled out of the WL parking lot, we had more torrential rain! Another trip at 25mph. Thankfully, it let up by the time we got to the condo.

Day 2 is over – what lies in store for the Caudill clan on day 3?

 

[inkedupmomma]

omggg.. I can't handle any of the foods you just wrote about. I puked in my mouth a little with each description LOL. But I love you and your adventurous food style!

Actually, john would probably love everything you had! We encountered a LOT of weird fams in Disney this trip! Lots of trash honestly. Just cursing out loud, etc... weird!

 

[Beka]

omggg.. I can't handle any of the foods you just wrote about. I puked in my mouth a little with each description LOL. But I love you and your adventurous food style!

Actually, john would probably love everything you had! We encountered a LOT of weird fams in Disney this trip! Lots of trash honestly. Just cursing out loud, etc... weird!

You can handle a tattoo but not wild boar! I love it! It was *really* good. Better than steak. Really. Didn't taste like pork at all.

I have to admit, I have a mouth like a sailor (and yes, I still love Jesus), but I try to keep it in check around other people's kids! Those ppl were just rude! The man knew that it was 2TS, but obviously she didn't. The food was good, but I didn't think it was awesome (just the boar). We had better food that week.

 

[inkedupmomma]

You can handle a tattoo but not wild boar! I love it! It was *really* good. Better than steak. Really. Didn't taste like pork at all.
Love getting tattooed..love pork.. but the sound of wild boar just makes it sound ickkk
I have to admit, I have a mouth like a sailor (and yes, I still love Jesus), but I try to keep it in check around other people's kids! Those ppl were just rude! The man knew that it was 2TS, but obviously she didn't. The food was good, but I didn't think it was awesome (just the boar). We had better food that week.

I have a terrible mouth as well..and prolly even cuss more than I should in Disney (not on purpose, it just slips out) but not like some of the people we encountered there! It was out of control!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Finally up to date!

Connor's expression on iaswaa was precious! Sounds like you got a lot accomplished in Fantasyland.

There were definitely a lot of strange people at WDW this year. Don't know why but people watching was extra special this time around.

Joe and I went to Artist Point for our 5th anniversary. I was interested in your review. We booked at WL for next year. Not sure if we are keeping it or moving to the Poly.

I can't wait to hear more. I'm loving your TR.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great update! I love the pictures of the castle. Yay for beating the crowds and the rain!

 

[Beka]

Finally up to date!

Connor's expression on iaswaa was precious! Sounds like you got a lot accomplished in Fantasyland.

There were definitely a lot of strange people at WDW this year. Don't know why but people watching was extra special this time around.

Joe and I went to Artist Point for our 5th anniversary. I was interested in your review. We booked at WL for next year. Not sure if we are keeping it or moving to the Poly.

I can't wait to hear more. I'm loving your TR.

We did make pretty good use of the day. It felt like it took us a while to get situated after Conner's haircut, but I thought the crowds were pretty manageable.

DH wasn't impressed with the WL's lobby, & I don't like the interior of the rooms. We both liked the looks of AKL better, but I think when we stay on property, we'll likely stay at the Swan or Dolphin cuz one of Kyle's good friends works there.

Great update! I love the pictures of the castle. Yay for beating the crowds and the rain!

I know! I was happy we didn't get rained on. While we were waiting for the boat back to the WL, we could see a lot of lightening in the distance. It always seemed to rain over the MK on our trip. Or we'd go into a ride & come out & everything was wet.

 

[Beka]

This day was a pretty relaxed day for us. My cousins live in Melbourne, so they came up for a visit. While they visited with us, my MIL & FIL went to DHS.

Mom, me, my 1st cousin & her daughter:

My cousins left not long after my MIL & FIL got back to the condo. We had reservations that evening for Jiko!

AKL Lobby

Ankole Cattle

This poor guy had an ear infection.

Hulloooo Zeeba Neighba!

Conner loved watching the animals! He was pointing to them and jabbering away.

AKL’s backside:

Just had to grab another pic in the lobby:

Jiko Interior:

I liked the lights that kind of look like birds:

Kyle & I:

Round 1: The Appetizers!
Crispy Savanna Rolls:

$8.00 -with zellwood corn, bitter greens, goat cheese and curry vinaigrette
Holy mother, this was GOOD. I could have made my meal out of this alone!

BLT Salad:

with smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, & roasted onion vinaigrette $11.00
Kyle got this. I’m not sure it really qualifies as a “salad”, but it looks good!

Cucumber, Tomato, & Red Onion Salad:

$8.00-with rocket, cottage cheese, and watermelon vinaigrette
I didn’t try this; Dad & Shirley got this. The watermelon vinaigrette sounds awesome!


Round 2: The Entrees!
Seared Ahi Tuna

Served with fresh hearts of palm, tuna tartare, and charred red onion vinaigrette. - $36.00
If you like spicy, then this is the dish for you! It was really spicy to me, & I enjoy spicy food. Personally, I think too much spice kills the delicate flavor of tuna, but that's just me. It was still good.

Oak-grilled Filet Mignon

Served with Macaroni & cheese and red wine sauce. - $39.00
I didn't get to try this, so I can't say if it was good or not.

Barbecue Beef Short Ribs

Served with crushed potatoes and onion garlic sauce. - $32.00
The sauce was sweet, but not overpweringly so. I really enjoyed this. The meat was fork-tender.

Maize Crusted Pacific Halibut (this was my order)

Served with veggies of the moment, tomato-butter sauce. - $36.00
Holy cow, this sauce was to DIE for. I don't usually like "stuff" on my fish, but it helped this time! The maize crust wasn't overpowering, but then again, the halibut has a stronger flavor (I'd never had it before).

Roasted Lamb Loin

With herbed cous cous, figs, sun-dried cherries and red curry sauce $34.00
I tried a tiny bite of this. The sauce was good, as was the cous cous. I remember DH saying the lamb was a little tough, but he enjoyed it.

Grilled Swordfish

With Crisp Mealie Pap, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and Cilantro-red Curry Sauce $36.99
Another dish I didn't get to take a taste of.

Round 3: Dessert!
Kenyan Coffe & Koeksisters

kenyan coffee ice cream with spiced donuts 8.00
Mmmmm, so good! This is the point that I completely overstuffed myself.

Roasted Pear Pastilla*

With Vanilla Custard and Apple Reduction - $8.00
* This item is produced with no added sugar.

Tanzanian Chocolate Cheesecake

with Chocolate Ganache, Amarula Sauce, and Lavender Ice Cream 8.00

This was the one meal that everyone said was great, and they thanked me for making the reservation! Yay!

We meandered around the gift shop after dinner for a bit, then headed home (Conner was beat. He sat through that entire meal without us needing to walk him around!)
.........................................................................................................................
1:30am…. “WAAAA!”

Tell me this is a joke. Conner hasn’t woken in the middle of the night in I don’t know how long.

“WAAAAAAAH!”

I had to beg Kyle to get up. I was so full from dinner, I was sick myself. (I wound up stumbling out of bed at 2:30 & being sick. Not fun. See, after you have gastric bypass, your new stomach is small. It didn’t appreciate my stuffing it to it’s brim with food, even if it was good food. Dang.)

“WAAAAAAAH!”

Me: “Kyle, can you please get Conner?”
Him: “Where is he?”
Me: “At Walt Disney World with your mom.”

…don’t ask me questions when I’m sleeping.

So poor Conner had a belly ache too. He had a bowl of watermelon & a bite of most of our dishes, so it’s no wonder he didn’t feel good. Poor thing would only be happy if his daddy was holding him, and he was on his tummy, or having his tummy rubbed. Finally, he fell back to sleep & as did Kyle. I stayed up for a bit more scarfing down enough Tums to change my body's pH.

Up next: Animal Kingdom! The park that wasn't built the last time I visited WDW!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Great update. I've not tried Jiko yet but after reading this I am adding it to my list.

Poor Connor....sounds like he was not having a magical night.

 

[Beka]

Great update. I've not tried Jiko yet but after reading this I am adding it to my list.

Poor Connor....sounds like he was not having a magical night.

Oh he wasn't. Poor kid. None of us thought about all those different flavors on his little tummy.

Jiko was soooo good. Even though I got sick after, I'll be back. My being sick had nothing to do with the food, and everything to do with the fact that I totally over ate.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I hate when I over eat. Always miserable after.

I def want to try Jiko now.

 

[inkedupmomma]

I feel bad for your belly! BUT, I guess it is awesome that you know your limits, most times!

Poor boyfriend of mine, I never like to hear he is sad

and OMG, I have NEVER wanted to try JIKO, but I think it is definitely on my list for next year! cool!