Island Hopping: A Highly Inappropriate TR. (Boom.)-- Link to NEW TR! 10/8

[Britard]

The girls look so adorable on their first day of school.

Princess dust! I think that is wonderful. My girls really want a Duffy, too. I have a feeling he will be joining our family on our next trip!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

The girls look so adorable for the first day of school! Sorry to hear about Brynn's seizures. My older sister suffers from seizures and they can be pretty scary. I hope the tests go well and they get to the bottom of it. I will definitely have you guys in my thoughts!

Glad to hear the craziness has a least slowed down a bit for now.

So cute that Brynn was coloring a picture for Merida! Sounds like a great meet!

Oh gosh. Sawyer hugging Alice is precious.

Yikes tea cups are not my....cup of tea for lack of a less ridiculous phrasing. They make me seriously nauseous. I give you guys a lot of credit (and Sawyer!)

Aw I love the princess dust. They both look so cute!

I think I need a Duffy. He's too cute and I have every other stuffed animal in the world so why not have the one who's actually a stuffed animal in his everyday life? Does that even make sense?

We've never seen Move It! I can't wait to see it in September (and dance with my horrible dancing skills but that's ok) Looks like you guys were partying it up!

 

[1000HappyWishes]

Yay, updates!

Sending some princess dust Brynn's way, glad to know that things are at least smoothing out a bit and she'll be able to get what she needs.

Anyway, your girls look adorable on their first day of school! Gorgeous pictures of the first day and the parks as always, I expect nothing less from your TR's!

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

The girls look so cute in their school outfits!! Yay for being able to go on the trip in Sept, and boo about more tests! At least they’re getting in there now instead of passing it off as fine?

I miss the Poly! Breakfast in line is the way to go some mornings!! Aww! That Jessie looking dress is super cute, I have to admit, I love the themed outfits to go along with park days, hence all the Disneybounding/bows that I do, it’s nice to be able to do that if I can’t dress up haha!

Great meet with Merida, we had met the same one a few days earlier and loved her!! So cute that she asked the girls to help decorate her castle, that’s awesome. Awwwe Alice hugs! SO cute! Aw man, all in one tea cup musta been a tight squeeze!!

Too bad the speedway car was so slow! Wonder why? That’s a heck of a lot of glitter! Was it hard to get out?! That also just reminded me that I need glitter for MNSSHP…

Love the confectionary pics, I will take one of everything please! I need a Duffy, it has been decided! I also LOVE the black and white Mickey’s, but I have more than enough stuffed animals as is!

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH move it shake it is my favorite, forever and always!! Looks like you guys had fun out dancing! I know we will be hitting up multiple move it shake it’s in Sept!!

I wish we were going to be in MK at the same time so we could shake it with you!
Maybe we'll be able to do a dance party at MNSSHP together. You will be so blown away by my moves.

How sweet of Brynn to give her drawing to Merida! And Merida's response was just perfect.

Love the teacup pictures, especially the last one!

My sister and I both had the glitter in our hair at the barbershop years ago! Of course, I made the mistake of riding Expedition Everest that afternoon and the person behind me was not happy that he was getting hit with glitter

Does that Mickey rice krispie have Halloween sprinkles? It looks awesome!

Aw, I'm so happy the girls got the magical moment in the Emporium. That is too awesome.

I could just picture that poor person on EE! Yeah, this form of glitter doesn't hold up so well...the pixie dust fine glitter, however, is STILL NO THEIR HEADS in some places to this day! I kid you not! I have looked online for all the ways to remove glitter, and I have scrubbed and scrubbed, and I keep finding sparkly places nearly a year later. IMPOSSIBLE. Unless they're adding more glitter to throw me off, this stuff doesn't budge. We lost most of the confetti within the first couple of hours, though!
YES! HALLOWEEN SPRINKLES!!!! Obviously those made it delicious and were the sole reason I chose it.

Hey Doll! Cutest first day of school pictures ever!!! They are beyond adorable! You KNOW both Shanleigh and I will be keeping your little Brynn in our thoughts and prayers!

Love the hair...I would have been all over that at their age, the more glitter the better!!!

Thank you, guys.
I am all about the glitter, too! I'm such a girl mom! Poor Sawyer just has to get glittered every once in a while just to fit in around here!

Yay!! Great updates. Your girls are soooo cute. Love the outfits. I will be thinking of Brynn. I hope all of her procedures go well! Move it, Shake it looks like fun. I've never actually stopped to watch it before. And now I have "Saftey Dance" stuck in my head! -Amanda

You're welcome for that.
(And thanks for keeping Miss Brynn in your thoughts.)

Besides a slow car and being late, what a great morning! Lots of little magical moments, and some great purchases.

It was such a relaxed morning (well, aside from speeding towards our haircut appointment) and I really liked not having much of a plan. The rest of the day pretty much went the same way. It was great.

Great updates! Thanks for sharing! Your children are so absolutely adorable!

THANK YOU!! And thank you for reading along, too!

Yay for a Massive Update!!!
So glad that things are working out for you and your family with Brandon's job situation. Also love the girl's school picture. They are working those zebra skirts!!

I don't know if I could tear myself away from a comfy bed at the Poly either. But looked like you all had a very eventful morning so far at MK. Great character meets and I love the Princess Dust. I've seen the Pixie dust but I don't think I have seen the Princess Dust before. Man, how hard was it to get out of their hair!

If anyone can pull off zebra skirts, it's these girls!
This confetti-type stuff actually flew out of their hair for the most part really easily (except for a few tiny pieces that I had to get off their scalp...made for a pretty bathtub scene!). It's only held on by hairspray and wishes!
The bed at Poly and I had some quality time later.

So happy your trip is still on! Hopefully news of a new job will come soon! I will definitely be praying for Brynn and all she is going through.

I think we had your same car. Slowest. Ride. Ever!
I love the Move it Shake it parade!
I am not a huge fan of Rice crispy treat...unless they are Mickey-shaped and covered in 'stuff'! My favorite is the one with mini Reese's Pieces. So good. The confectionary is my favorite! Such a happy place!!

WHAT IS UP WITH THAT CAR!?!? Julia was yelling at me to push the gas, and I was yelling back, "I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND. IT WON'T GO!!"
Whoa. See, I'm not a huge fan of peanut butter, except in Reese's Pieces, and putting them on another treat!? Mind blown.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

The girls look so adorable on their first day of school.

Princess dust! I think that is wonderful. My girls really want a Duffy, too. I have a feeling he will be joining our family on our next trip!

Thank you!
You need a Duffy. So far we have two, this one and the one in pajamas, and they sleep with Julia and Sawyer every night. Brynn has decided to get her a Duffy this trip because Duffy is just awesome! He needs to join your family!

The girls look so adorable for the first day of school! Sorry to hear about Brynn's seizures. My older sister suffers from seizures and they can be pretty scary. I hope the tests go well and they get to the bottom of it. I will definitely have you guys in my thoughts!

Glad to hear the craziness has a least slowed down a bit for now.

So cute that Brynn was coloring a picture for Merida! Sounds like a great meet!

Oh gosh. Sawyer hugging Alice is precious.

Yikes tea cups are not my....cup of tea for lack of a less ridiculous phrasing. They make me seriously nauseous. I give you guys a lot of credit (and Sawyer!)

Aw I love the princess dust. They both look so cute!

I think I need a Duffy. He's too cute and I have every other stuffed animal in the world so why not have the one who's actually a stuffed animal in his everyday life? Does that even make sense?

We've never seen Move It! I can't wait to see it in September (and dance with my horrible dancing skills but that's ok) Looks like you guys were partying it up!

I love your ridiculous phrasing!!! I felt pretty bad for Brandon on the teacups. I think it was his first and last time, but he'd do anything for pictures and video. He just tried keeping his eyes focused on the camera screen, but both of us were pretty dizzy when we got off. The kids were all NBD!
EVERYBODY NEEDS A DUFFY! You totally make sense.
If you need some people to Move It and Shake It with you, you know we're your people.

Yay, updates!

Sending some princess dust Brynn's way, glad to know that things are at least smoothing out a bit and she'll be able to get what she needs.

Anyway, your girls look adorable on their first day of school! Gorgeous pictures of the first day and the parks as always, I expect nothing less from your TR's!

Can't wait for the next update!

Thank you. Yes, things are going to work out and smooth out, I can just feel it!
I will pass on your compliments to Brandon. His ego needs it Seriously, though, he also took pictures of me nearly falling over when Brynn decided to cling on me with all her weight on the first day of school. Least flattering pictures ever. Not all of them are keepers!!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

I'm catching up on your trip report and I'm at the part where yall have checked into the Poly! How much fun was it to STAY there!? It's one of my dream resorts, for sure.

Mmmm Kona I'm sorry the food took forever to come out, but that coffee is definitely delicious!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I'm catching up on your trip report and I'm at the part where yall have checked into the Poly! How much fun was it to STAY there!? It's one of my dream resorts, for sure.

Mmmm Kona I'm sorry the food took forever to come out, but that coffee is definitely delicious!

Oh, man! It was WONDERFUL!!! We were so spoiled, which kind of makes the fact that we're staying in a value on our next trip sort of a slap in the face...not gonna have those magical beds at ASMovies, I'm sure.

I love Kona. I had to report that it took forever, but in reality I wasn't bothered by it. They were on island time, and I had my coffee; all was right with the world!

 

[shan23877]

Great pictures as always!

Merida is so great. We had an awesome one last month too. I'm so glad that Brynn not only got to finish her picture, but that Merida made her feel great about it.

Sounds like some fabulous CMs at the barber shop.

 

[dramaqueenemj22]

I've never noticed the floors in the confectionery before so I'm going to have to check that out next time I'm there because they looked beautiful. I hope Julia and Brynn are enjoying school!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Great pictures as always!

Merida is so great. We had an awesome one last month too. I'm so glad that Brynn not only got to finish her picture, but that Merida made her feel great about it.

Sounds like some fabulous CMs at the barber shop.

There really are some great people at WDW! LOTS of great people.

I've never noticed the floors in the confectionery before so I'm going to have to check that out next time I'm there because they looked beautiful. I hope Julia and Brynn are enjoying school!

They're gorgeous! I'm trying to train myself to look up and down more; Disney left out no detail.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Definitely will be keeping Brynn in my thoughts and prayers as well as the doctors that the test go well and they/you figure things out ... like you said, she could use a break!

Also glad to hear that things are working out ok on the job front and that you will be able to make your next trip to WDW

Love this picture because a) the artistry of it an ii) the looks on the kids faces! (well at least the girls, Sawyer just looks like his is chilling and/or not sure what is going on)

 

[Cierese]

UPDATE TIME, FINALLY!
Thank you to all who have commented lately. I promise I've read them all and appreciate them all. For time's sake, I'm not replying individually, but know that I appreciate you all and will be updating more and responding to everything you write from now on, as I'm determined to finish this before we leave for our September trip!

I think it's time for a massive update, don't you?!

First, life. School started yesterday here (remember, we're on the modified year-round schedule, which makes our September trips possible with that glorious Fall Break!). Julia is in second grade with the nicest teacher this year--YAY!--and our little Brynn started Kindergarten! I may be biased, but I'm pretty sure they're the cutest siblings in the school.


Also, Brynn has an upcoming 8 hour video EEG and a sedated MRI this month. She's having more absence seizure-like activity, so her neurologist wants to see what's going on there. This is in addition to her dystonia and Asperger's. Seriously, can this sweet girl catch a break!? I'd love it if you kept her in your thoughts/prayers/good vibes through all of this.

In some good news, we ARE going to be able to go to WDW next month after all. Some of you know about the job craziness that's surrounded Brandon. Well, he has been assured that his department isn't going anywhere for the moment, which gives him time to look for a new job at a slower pace, AND allows us to keep our insurance to get through all the testing and therapies for Miss Brynn. Also in good news? She may get to have her AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthotics...braces) sooner rather than later since our deductible will finally be met because of the expensive testing. I'd love it if she got them before Disney, but I'm not going to stress too much over it. They'd probably allow her more endurance for walking in the parks and less leg pain, but if she doesn't get them in time, she's fine with using her stroller and resting more. We've done Disney without them in the past, and we can do it again. I'm just so ready for her pain to go away. I'm proud of her for finally telling us where and when she's hurting, but it breaks my heart to know that she is. We suspected it all along, and now she's letting us know we were right. We will fix it, though!!

I think about you all often and wonder how things are going.. especially with Brynn. Mostly because I'm dealing with a lot of the same things with my little Ethan. He's starting Kindergarten this week, 24-hr EEG next month (should be fun because he can not stand the short EEGs or sleep studies), PDD-NOS (moderate likelihood of aspergers pending further evals), SPD, ADHD, sleep apnea, scoliosis, allergies, etc. I'm glad she's getting her AFO's, but I hate to be a downer. They take getting used to.. they need to be 'worn in' more than new sneakers. Starting out wearing a little and then moving up more time each day with less breaks. I'd count on that stroller for her again this go round. (No my child doesn't wear them, but I've had several clients under my care that do and need that wear in period with each new pair even if they've worn AFO's for years). May be different her though because they make some that are more flexible than others. I hope she adjusts quickly to them.

Glad you are getting to update and things are starting to turn around for you all! Can't wait to read more and ready for your next trip!! We are heading down in Oct.

By the way... yes, those two are most likely the cutest in school!! Love the outfits!!

 

[princess_momma]

Definitely keeping Brynn in my thoughts and prayers!

You guys got so much done at the MK! How fun! Merida looks so awesome to meet! LOVE Main St Barbershop...what a special experience for the kids! I'm used to seeing glitter and not confetti and it kind of reminded me of Vanellope with her sprinkle hair. I love the Emporium too! So special that your girls are now princesses there! You are so cute dancing in that parade! I can just feel the energy in the pictures!

 

[merbobear]

I haven't read all of your updates yet, have to get rolling to work, but I read the first quickly and have to comment that you started my morning off laughing, because seeing the kids in charge of driving reminded me of Adison on the same ride...I drove alone but she was with Mike and he relayed to me that she kept yelling "OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....we're gonna CRAAAAAAASH!!!!! We're all gonna DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!!!!!!! HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP" and other such musings." He could not convince her that the track kept you in place and your car physically was not able to crash

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I think about you all often and wonder how things are going.. especially with Brynn. Mostly because I'm dealing with a lot of the same things with my little Ethan. He's starting Kindergarten this week, 24-hr EEG next month (should be fun because he can not stand the short EEGs or sleep studies), PDD-NOS (moderate likelihood of aspergers pending further evals), SPD, ADHD, sleep apnea, scoliosis, allergies, etc. I'm glad she's getting her AFO's, but I hate to be a downer. They take getting used to.. they need to be 'worn in' more than new sneakers. Starting out wearing a little and then moving up more time each day with less breaks. I'd count on that stroller for her again this go round. (No my child doesn't wear them, but I've had several clients under my care that do and need that wear in period with each new pair even if they've worn AFO's for years). May be different her though because they make some that are more flexible than others. I hope she adjusts quickly to them.

Glad you are getting to update and things are starting to turn around for you all! Can't wait to read more and ready for your next trip!! We are heading down in Oct.

By the way... yes, those two are most likely the cutest in school!! Love the outfits!!

I will be thinking about you, too! Such a lot to deal with. It's very overwhelming at times.
I am definitely still strollering her--even Julia takes breaks in one!--but my hopes were that if she's twisting less, maybe her muscles won't be as tired and we won't have to use the wheelchair entrance/GAC as much. Going from place to place we'll have her sitting, though. The tradeoff is that while her pain might ease in the long run, it's probably going to annoy the heck out of her and be a little sore from keeping her legs in the proper position, a position she's never been in! I am thinking hers will have to be pretty stiff because they're trying to keep her muscles from being able to overturn her feet during the dystonia episodes, and that will take some strength. I guess we'll see! She is definitely going to get breaks from them often so that we can do some relaxing and some calf exercises.
In other news, the neurologist just called and they've changed her EEG to TOMORROW. We've got some scrambling around to do to prepare for eight hours of entertaining her, but at least it's getting done! AND, I'm preparing for our next trip during it. I purposely have put off planning the general outline for each day so I'd have something to do during it.

Definitely keeping Brynn in my thoughts and prayers!

You guys got so much done at the MK! How fun! Merida looks so awesome to meet! LOVE Main St Barbershop...what a special experience for the kids! I'm used to seeing glitter and not confetti and it kind of reminded me of Vanellope with her sprinkle hair. I love the Emporium too! So special that your girls are now princesses there! You are so cute dancing in that parade! I can just feel the energy in the pictures!

It just felt like such a perfect, magical morning!
Oh, yes, my dancing is spectacular!

I haven't read all of your updates yet, have to get rolling to work, but I read the first quickly and have to comment that you started my morning off laughing, because seeing the kids in charge of driving reminded me of Adison on the same ride...I drove alone but she was with Mike and he relayed to me that she kept yelling "OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....we're gonna CRAAAAAAASH!!!!! We're all gonna DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!!!!!!! HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP" and other such musings." He could not convince her that the track kept you in place and your car physically was not able to crash

Bahahaha! Is it bad that my kids didn't care about crashing!?!

 

[TruLovesKiss]

YAY for the "massive" update! Looks like you had a great day in MK especially dancing along with the parade. So fun!!

Awww, love this pic!

And WOW! Love this one even more!! Just amazing! What lens/settings did your hubby use for this shot? I wonder if I should be brave enough to try and recreate it!

 

[Cierese]

And WOW! Love this one even more!! Just amazing! What lens/settings did your hubby use for this shot? I wonder if I should be brave enough to try and recreate it!

That's what I was thinking... My Meniere's having mom would probably attempt this this ride just to get a shot like this of all 5 grandkids!

 

[Dancegrl624]

What a great morning/afternoon at the Magic Kingdom! We haven't done the Speedway in a long time....those cars never go fast enough!!!

We have only seen snippets of the afternoon parade/street party at MK. I know, terrible right? I just don't like being around a million people in the heat of the day all in the same area. We're nighttime parade people.

It's too bad the weather didn't stay that beautiful all day..this was our MNSSHP night.

 

[Cierese]

I will be thinking about you, too! Such a lot to deal with. It's very overwhelming at times.
I am definitely still strollering her--even Julia takes breaks in one!--but my hopes were that if she's twisting less, maybe her muscles won't be as tired and we won't have to use the wheelchair entrance/GAC as much. Going from place to place we'll have her sitting, though. The tradeoff is that while her pain might ease in the long run, it's probably going to annoy the heck out of her and be a little sore from keeping her legs in the proper position, a position she's never been in! I am thinking hers will have to be pretty stiff because they're trying to keep her muscles from being able to overturn her feet during the dystonia episodes, and that will take some strength. I guess we'll see! She is definitely going to get breaks from them often so that we can do some relaxing and some calf exercises.
In other news, the neurologist just called and they've changed her EEG to TOMORROW. We've got some scrambling around to do to prepare for eight hours of entertaining her, but at least it's getting done! AND, I'm preparing for our next trip during it. I purposely have put off planning the general outline for each day so I'd have something to do during it.


It just felt like such a perfect, magical morning!
Oh, yes, my dancing is spectacular!


Bahahaha! Is it bad that my kids didn't care about crashing!?!

Tomorrow!?! Wow! That's quick, but hey, at least you are getting it done sooner than later. I took my kids to visit family in MA (we are in TN) in July and Ethan was supposed to have his EEG that Monday after we returned, but they called on the way up and said the 'machines are down for servicing' and they were supposed to call when they were back online. As of this past Friday, they still had not called. URGH! The pediatrician -Love her!- gave me the direct line to the scheduler at the hospital instead of going through the neurologist's. I was struggling to find things to keep Ethan busy for the last sleep study. It was at the local hospital instead of going to Vandy like I requested and the tech seemed so nervous dealing with a child. Especially a child that yelled 'OUCH' every time he's touch! LOL Luckily, The Lion King was on TV that night and he watched it twice before he fell asleep! Don't know what I'm going to do for the next sleep study. I'm just glad the 24hr EEG is one we get to do at home.

I feel you on how overwhelming it can be! I thought I had my hands full with my oldest when he was younger (ADHD, ODD, depression)... You would think I would be prepared to handle all of this with Ethan considering I worked at a private nurse for children with special needs of all types and worked at a school that's 100% children with multiple diagnosis. I do respite care afternoons and weekends. Have made many connections through the years (a friend owns a children's therapy clinic, I'm on a first name basis with an orthotist, attended many IEP meetings, etc).... BUT NOTHING prepared me for dealing on my own.

Luckily, his new Kindergarten teacher seems somewhat versed in how to handle some things, but the school system as a whole is my biggest hurdle right now.

Keep us posted on how the EEG goes. If you're like me, I don't want my child to have any seizure activity, but I'm praying if it does happen, it happens during the test so it can be figured out.

Good luck tomorrow!

 

[merbobear]

*sigh*
One of the best things about Disney is that you can be doing something completely ordinary, like eating candy or doing some shopping, you walk outside and BOOM there's an extremely tall guy in yo face, and you can't help but move it, shake it and celebrate with the tall man. On our first family trip, we walked up as that party was happening, and the MC said, with perfect timing, "If you're celebrating your first visit, raise your hand." And we raised our hands and danced..perfect Disney moment.