Juan says "BAAAA!" - 12/24 - Our last few Disney hours. COMPLETE

[brookelizabeth]

Good for you and your family Brook!! I can just hear the excitement in your words and what a blessing you're able to do this! Oooh...I'm excited about the possibility of more too!! HEE HEE.....

Heather

It really is a blessing - every person I have spoken to about it has been incredibly supportive and excited for me. All my co-workers truly understand and encourage me.

I'm excited about the possibility of more, and nervous about it too. We aren't trying right now---so it might be a WHILE, but both of us are at the place of "if it happens, it happens." I would much prefer to have the house sold and settled in Minneapolis...but we'll just see what happens.

I think, that most women are exhausted and frustrated and putting everyone ahead of themselves! I know I am!! Some days I just need someone there who knows what it feels like! I think there aren't enough hours in the day to work full time, be a great mom and be a wife! Luckily, I am technically only a wife on the weekends since my DH works 3rd shift during the week we don't see each other until the weekend. I so wish it wasn't like that though! And my DH is a SAHD sort of...he takes care of Aaron all day until 3pm then his mother (nana) comes over and takes over watching Aaron while Jason goes to sleep...and until I get home around 5:30. On Fridays Jason has a day off of being a Dad and my mom (grandma) takes Aaron for the day and brings him home when I get back from work. We are lucky that family is always with Aaron!
I am the main bread winner so I won't have the opportunity anytime soon to be a SAHM. But Jason did say he wants to go back to school....maybe it will be in my cards one day....after all!

I AM SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!

So does this mean that there will be a baby in your near future?!?

Woo! And you will have more time to DIS shortly .

You totally get it! Isn't it nice to know you aren't alone? Here, right on my thread are a ton of women who have posted knowing that exact same feeling. In the midst of all the exhaustion and frustration, it feels like NO ONE gets it though-doesn't it???

Your situation with Aaron is so nice of Jason being able to stay home, and Aaron just being with Grandma for just a bit. I bet Grandma LOVES it!

No baby plans yet...but we aren't adamantly trying to prevent it either. We were NOT in the mindset at allllllll about having a second until fairly recently. So, I know it will be a while - possibly a long while, but, we'll just see what happens!

and you know whats kinda hilarious? I know there are certain restrictions on being pregnant and also having a child of a certain age on DCL and I'm thinking "We CANNOT miss the podcast cruise!" Child planning around Disney trips!

That is great that you guys are financially stable enough without a pay raise for Joe to be a SAHM! That is just AWESOME! I strive to be a SAHM one day!

If you can believe this! Aaron is too big for his car seat! He is 3' 3" and I am not sure what he weighs....but I know it is over 40lbs. He is in a booster now! He will use the same one until he is over 4'9" or over 100 lbs!

I hope if Jason goes back to school it will work out for you to stay at home!!! Or maybe, you'll find some rockin' job that you can do from home/part-time that pays crazy well!

Holy smokes--Aaron is a big little boy, isn't he?! Henry is a skinny little thing - I wonder if he's even 30 pounds yet. I like to think he gets that from me. HA HA HA HA!! Henry is pretty tall though, right around 36 inches.

Totally missed you had started a TR (hang head in shame for showing up on page 13 - my DIS time has been limited lately to finding out some key info for my trip next week regarding the race, MNSSHP and Food and Wine Fest - that's about it!)

and totally missed your big news!! Good for you - sounds like it was the right choice for you guys and you sound so excited for this new adventure!!

Okay, let me see what I remember from your TR...

Also have to agree, loving the Delta/NWA merger for the snack options! It was the highlight of the flight for me to have a bag of peanuts!!

How adorable how Henry curled up in his carseat! Does he sleep like that in bed normally?

what else... what else... you big news is clouding my memory of other things you wrote... Oh yeah, SICK AGAIN??? It's like your body is allergic to Disney or something!!

Well, now that I'm subscribed, I'll try to keep up!

I understand about the limited DIS time, mine has been too, I'm WAY behind on all reports (except I did get caught up on 3 this morning! ) I can't believe your trip is again NEXT WEEK. Sooooo jealous. It's gonna be great!!! Where are you staying this time around again?

Napping was my first highlight of the flight, the snack was a close second.

Yep, Henry sleeps like that quite a bit in his crib. Little butt up in the air. It's so cute!

NOT ALLERGIC TO DISNEY! (but even if I was, I wouldn't stay away!!!)

Brooke, so glad for you. Going to work and not liking it would be hard to do especially with a little boy at home to spend time with. I know I could not work full time year around and not go crazy.. half day is enough for me!

It is really hard to be at work somedays, when everything is frustrating and awful, knowing our friend is getting to hang out with Henry. I like my job most of the time, but UGH, sometimes.....and it just all does not balance out to be worth it. The stress and all.... I think I would like to do something maybe a few nights a week, but we'll see, not going to even think about that yet.

First, congrats on the decision to stay at home! I wish you all the best with this new phase of your life!

Wow... I can never get enough of FOTLK... I'm glad Henry loved it!

It's so much fun to walk around the Animal Kingdom but oh! That humidity!


Kathy

Thank you!!!
FOTLK was really neat-what powerful voices and what a great show! I loved the acrobat monkeys.

And yes, that humidity! It was awful...

Thanks for the great update! CSR really looks stunning. I think it is such a pretty resort!

What a shame that the breakfast did not taste good. You were on the QSDP, weren't you? Was that a good choice? I think for CSR that might work out very good, I found the Pepper Market prices to look rather expensive - even for Disney.

FOTLK is a wonderful show. I am not a show person at all, but this one is on my must do list for every trip! There is always talk about Camp Minnie Mickey being only temporary and whenever AK will get a new land, it will be in that area. It is the area where Beastly Kingdom was planned to be, therefore the dragon in river. I just hope that if that's the case, they would relocate FOTLK to Africa. To be honest, it really would fit much better there than in an Northern American mountain camp!

CSR is amazing-everywhere I looked it was beautiful. All the flowers, the lake, the buildings - I wish I had more time to go around and take more pictures while we were there...I did get quite a few, but you know how we are!

Yep, we were on the QSDP. When I calculated the costs, the QSDP would have been cheaper for us because of those higher prices at Pepper Market, Cafe Rix and Siestas. I figured we would eat a few times at the resort. I still haven't gotten a chance to add up our receipts to see if we did save money though.

I have heard about that with Beastly Kingdom. On Heidi's report she noted about the beast rock formation, and then the dragon on the sign outside (which I had NEVER noticed) - and in that pic of the pole I had, there are some "beasts" on it as well. I hope they do expand to include it sometime - and you are right...FOTLK would fit much better in Africa!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brooke!!

Congratulations on your new life path. I think it will be wonderful for you.

I can't believe you started the trip with a cold! It sounds like you nipped it in the bud though.

CSR is a very pretty place. I love the fountains.

The pictures of Joe and Henry in silhouette at the widow are beautiful.

Thank you! I love those window decorating pics too because of the backlight. Just something about the emotion it evokes!

The meds I took for my cold were great! The day time stuff did not make me feel all loopy, and the night stuff knocked me right out!

Sorry your breakfast at Pepper Market wasn't as good as it looked. It *did* look good!

FOTLK looks awesome! I can't wait to see it!

Denise

Thankfully there was enough food on the plate that I could avoid those strange eggs and still be full. And it was our first day at Disney, nothing was getting me down!

FOTLK was really great, the singers are amazing and I was in awe of the acrobats, costumes, and dancers!

Brook,

Congratulations on your "retirement"! Your last day of work is my 27th wedding anniversary -- my DH will be out of town (although, in his defense, it's work related and he asked me if it was OK! It could have gotten interesting if I'd said "no!" )

I was finally able to be a stay-at-home mom with my 3rd child and it was a gift I will always cherish.

There will always be a great job out there when you're ready to return to the work force. You only get one shot with your children -- and you already see how quickly Henry is growing. It goes by in the blink of an eye.

Enjoy every precious moment of it!

"Retirement" I like that! What a bummer about your DH being out of town for your anniversary!! Are you going to be able to celebrate before or after. Our 3rd year is coming up right behind that, October 21.

You worded it exactly right - there will always be work, but these years are so precious and disappear so quickly. I cannot believe Henry is already 2!

Love the update. So what did you think of the new Stacy? I'm looking forward to watching it -- is that sick or what??

Pepper Market LOOKS terrific. Even your food pics make me hungry. Sorry the actual experience was not as good. But hurrah for real coffee!! Maybe they figure those conventioners need something stronger?

We didn't have much of a summer in New England either so I am also looking forward to some real heat!

MUCH more manly an annual pass.

I am really looking forward to exploring more of the detail in AK this trip!

Looking forward to more. And congrats, again, on your big news!

We were not fans of the new Stacy. It was strange...clips of the old Stacy with the braided pigtails doing her thing, then it flashed back to the Blazer Stacy and she was soooo mellow. It was bland. During the old Stacy clips I would get excited and get into it, then flash to Blazer Stacy and my mood would just go "eh". If that makes sense? Joe didn't even think it was the same gal! HOWEVER, I think she might be a bit more tame for those that couldn't handle her perkiness, you do get a does of both.

I was thrilled with the real coffee! I didn't get to drink it as much as I expected-it was so hot, I did NOT want hot coffee! But, the bit I did get was gooooooood.

Great updates! That picture of Henry sleeping while you checked in is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen I'm excited to see all your photos of CSR... we're thinking about staying there in January!

How was your experience w/ the bus service there?

Thank you! We love that pic too, and in the moment it was so funny how he just rolled right over!!

I'll have lots more pics of CSR throughout the report! It was a beautiful resort and we truly enjoyed our stay there. What other resorts are you looking at for January?

The bus service was outstanding. Truly awesome. On average we waited less than 5 minutes. Maybe once or twice a bit over and closer to 10. One night leaving MK there was a line INSANELY long (I'll document about it in the TR), and even that didn't really take very long-they were right on top of it!! I was very impressed with the buses.

Brooke:

I love your first day. Wow....what an awesome start to your trip. I think my favorite picture has to be Henry decorating the window. That is adorable.

Sorry breakfast was just ehh. I didn't know they served "real" coffee at the Pepper Market. I missed that.

A "Manly" AP....that is so funny! Maybe my DH should misplace his too because I think he has Minny also.

It was a fun moment to watch Henry and his Da Da decorate....Henry could easily point out our window each time we came back to our room too. It was fun!

Joe was okay with the Minnie, but secretly hoping for something more manly, so it was a pretty funny when Donald came out. Of course it would have been even more funny if he got another Minnie!

 

[onelilspark]

I have a question for you regarding the AP!! Is it paper?! Cause in the picture of Joe holding his brand new manly AP it looks like paper! It strikes me as a bit odd that the AP's would be paper. Seeing how it is an annual pass and it will be used over and over and over me thinks paper isn't the best option they could have come up with. Our MNSSHP tickets are plastic cards with the same "Celebrate Everyday!" design so I wonder why they wouldn't go that route! I was kinda hoping to get a pretty plastic card that said "Woooo Hoooo!! Your and AP holder now!! Aren't you special?!" when I pick ours up next month. Not to mention I've lost a Key to the World Card more then once paper is much more lossable!

I can answer this one

It's "tyvex." Which is a material that's very strong. Better than plastic and less likely to get erased (my Mom still manages it all the time though!) And with an AP, as you saw with Joe's, it's very easy to replace them. All you have to do is walk to any ticket window and show them your DL. Not a problem! I wouldn't worry too much about the "paper" AP. I had mine in the change purse in my wallet for a year. I didn't lose it and I didn't deactivate it

 

[ljcrochet]

I can answer this one

It's "tyvex." Which is a material that's very strong. Better than plastic and less likely to get erased (my Mom still manages it all the time though!) And with an AP, as you saw with Joe's, it's very easy to replace them. All you have to do is walk to any ticket window and show them your DL. Not a problem! I wouldn't worry too much about the "paper" AP. I had mine in the change purse in my wallet for a year. I didn't lose it and I didn't deactivate it

Your mom must have her pass next to a magnetic closing on her bag. I learned the hard way about that one.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I can answer this one

It's "tyvex." Which is a material that's very strong. Better than plastic and less likely to get erased (my Mom still manages it all the time though!) And with an AP, as you saw with Joe's, it's very easy to replace them. All you have to do is walk to any ticket window and show them your DL. Not a problem! I wouldn't worry too much about the "paper" AP. I had mine in the change purse in my wallet for a year. I didn't lose it and I didn't deactivate it

Really?! That's neat!!! I have bad luck with the KTW cards! I lost DD's once within about 20 minutes of entering the park on our very first day I've lost mine more then once as well! We also has a problem with them getting deactivated on our first trip!

BTW, thanks for the info!

 

[jenseib]

Love the updates!
I am working for kgb. I answer the text they send in on my computer. not great pay at all, but it's more than nothing. I also do mypoints, do you do that one? Where you click on emails and earn points for gift cards. Just ordered a $25 one for Walmart yesterday!
Is the new Stacy, new since March. I thought that one this year was just not anywhere as good as previous ones. She seemed less cheery and her hair and clothes were so awful! LOL!

 

[onelilspark]

Your mom must have her pass next to a magnetic closing on her bag. I learned the hard way about that one.

It's a problem she always has had, even prior to the APs. She used to keep everyone in the family's passes, but only hers would deactivate, she used to joke it was her magnetic personality!

Really?! That's neat!!! I have bad luck with the KTW cards! I lost DD's once within about 20 minutes of entering the park on our very first day I've lost mine more then once as well! We also has a problem with them getting deactivated on our first trip!

BTW, thanks for the info!

My brother tends to misplace his AP, so we learned about the replacement the "hard way!" Glad I could help

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Brook,

I'm so glad Joe scored a DD annual pass...not only is Donald one of my favorites too-like Henry but it is definitely a manlier choice than Minnie...-men are too funny...

Loved the topiaries of the three calbererros (spelling-my bad) David and I love them-we watch the old cartoons with them-so fun...

sorry about the breakfast at Pepper Market...but ahhhh coffee...coffee makes everything all better...

Henry is too cute for his own good......

 

[PopArtGal]

Awe, how great. Henry let you nap

 

[PopArtGal]

Festival of the Lion King is one of my fave shows!!

Good job!

And no Nescafe at CSR??? What is it?

 

[Donald is #1]

Sorry for keeping everyone in suspense!! Last night we had friends over for dinner and to watch a church service online, so there was very little DISing happening for me.

Seems to be a trend as of late...which I am not liking being I cannot keep up with anyone's reports!

Anyway! Quitting my job....no new job offer was found in Orlando - wouldn't that be wonderful though?!

Here is the scoop-nothing too exciting like moving to Orlando, but it IS exciting for this family:
When Henry was born I had zero intentions of going back to work. The plan was for me to stay home, maybe work a part-time job a couple evenings a week. But, my boss offered me a part-time position, working from home.

Hello!

Can't be that!

So, I took it-it was GREAT. Loved it!

However, on my first day of this new position I was also offered a healthy raise and a promotion - but it would have to be full-time.

Joe and I weighed our options. We talked, we prayed. We were still in some serious debt at that point in our lives (but climbing out), and honestly, I wanted the new position. I felt committed to my job still at that point.

So we went for it! And it was great! Our close friend watched Henry while her two kids were at home. Henry was 5 months old when I went back full-time.

Fast forward 1.5 years later (today).

I'm still liking my job-I truly do, but I am just DONE with it. Completely and utterly DONE. I just feel like it's time, I have a release from it.

It's time to be home with my little man, and any possible future children. (MeMom, you can throw in a coin for us in October if ya want, I wouldn't object. )

We are pretty much out of debt (minus a few things-like the house and DVC). We thought I would be able to leave my job if and when we ever sell the house, but Joe has crunched the numbers a dozen times, and we see that while things are going to be different, things will be tighter - we can do it now!!

We won't be going to Disney 3 times a year.

But, I'm okay with that. I truly am.

And Joe did crunch the numbers to still allow for 1 Disney trip a year.

Some women can balance the art of being a Mom, a wife and having a career - I am just not one of them. I am often exhausted and frustrated and I feel like I am not successful in any area of my life. I am more than ready to grab a hold of this adventure that lays before me - I might have days of "What was I thinking?!" but, I am pretty certain the rewards will far outweigh those days.

My boss' boss pulled me into a conference room the other day when I put in my notice and told me I was making a wise decision. He was sad to see me go, but he knew it was right for me. He also told me that if and when I'm ready to get back into the workforce to look him up-he'll hire me back.

My last day is October 16. While I am going to miss aspects of my job, my co-workers, and my Clients....I still have a countdown.

29 full days, 22 work days!

Wow, I go on vacation for a bit over a week and what go I find when I come back? In all seriousness, congratulations on your decision!

 

[princess&her4princes]

OMG...I got away for a few days and come back to a huge TR!!! Slow down...I need to catch up!!! LOL!! Can't wait to read all about it!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Everyone, I will do replies, I'm just very much in the mood to write and share another bit of the trip...you don't mind that I do this before replies, right?



We left off just seeing FOTLK and were now off to the Boneyard, one of Henry's favorite spots in all of WDW.

Along the way we saw lots of various animals. Whenever Joe and I see these birds it reminds us of our Disneymoon when one outside of Pecos Bill's ate chicken. The bird eats it's own kind. I've probably told that story before...

We never went to Dinoland this way before!


While Joe and Henry ventured into the Boneyard, I was off to grab a FP for EE.

When I arrived I noted the wait time to be 10 minutes.

10 MINUTES!

Wow! I quickly called Joe and he agreed, “Go for it!”

So on I went!

I love me some EE and this ride did not disappoint. I ended up in the very back seat on the far side from when you load.


Here are some shots Joe took of their time at the Boneyard:

Gotta visit the truck!

After my ride, I zipped through the gift shop and back to the Boneyeard. When I called Joe he said they were in the giant sandbox.

The huh?

Turns out there is a whole part of the Boneyeard we had never seen before. Henry was having a BALL in the sandbox.

Joe went off to EE while Henry and I played.

Back out to visit the truck again...

Look how rosy those cheeks were getting! While I was happy to be experiencing the hot weather, I was starting to literally drip. The mini fan came out around now in attempts to cool Henry and I down a bit.

More sliding


Then he saw this:

See that yellow construction hat? He was one JUST like it at home, so his bucket hat was quickly tossed to the ground and he was at that fence thinking Mommy could get that hat for him..."Mommy, eh, had" (he points to the hat) "Mommy." "Had" (he points to his head), "eh, eh"


How does one explain this to a 2 year old?!


Distraction.


There is a drinking fountain directly next to this, so I turned it on and much to Henry's delight it sprayed water well past the fountain. So this became our new game. Henry would run through the water as I sprayed it, then climb up for a drink. Repeat.

It was a great game that got him cooled down some, and I was laughing at his facial reactions to getting splashed with water. This was his first time really ever liking getting wet like this.

Before we knew it Joe was back…

and tells me he got to ride in the very back seat on the near side from when you load. Kinda ironic we almost got the same seat.

After a bit more playing (and showing Da Da our new game) we left the Boneyard

and Joe and Henry went on Triceratops Spin.

Love that wait time!


Continued in the next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

I have NO idea why I didn’t go with them…we all could easily fit in those cars – but all well, it was fun to watch them and take a few pictures of the area. Henry seemed to enjoy it more this trip than previous.

I really don't recall going in a shop, but we must have at some point after the ride...isn't this shirt cute?


After their ride Henry's cheeks were very rosy again, Joe said he was in need of water, and my mini-fan just wasn't cutting it. We were HOT. It was time to find something, anything to cool us down - and our stomachs were starting to growl for lunch.

I had wanted Flame Tree BBQ (and oh my, it smelled soooooo good when we walked past earlier), BUT, the air-conditioned bliss of Pizzafari won us over fairly quickly.

Pizza + air conditioning = one happy Joe.

On our trek over to Pizzafari, I stopped for a brief moment to take in the beauty...

I like the tile work

I opted to get the Hot Italian Sandwich, Joe went with the Pepperoni pizza combo.

A little hand reaching for the carrots that came with my sandwich. He quickly realized they were a vegetable and spit them out.

I am not a big dessert eater at lunch, so I often asked to get a bottle of water instead of the various desserts-and only one time on our trip was it ever a problem.


Joe on the other hand, VERY much likes dessert anytime, any place. So he was thrilled with the QSDP too!

Though he commented this cake was really rich, he didn't have a problem eating it all! (Okay, Henry probably had a few bites...)



We really enjoyed our relaxing and cool meal here. We sat in a back room with a wolf on the wall that Henry barked at about 48 times.

These little guys are on the ceiling


We really took our time in here, and spent quite a bit of our meal laughing and imagining what the rest of our trip would hold. It was a great Disney Moment where all was good. We were fed, my cold was subsiding, we were comfortable and almost our whole trip still laid before us!



Next up: Henry’s nap time, what will the parents do?

 

[A.Mickey]

Ha ha! The carnivorous birds! I noticed that they eat their own kind too...they are freaky!!

It looks like Henry had the Boneyard to himself and I didn't know there was a sandbox! Aaron would love that right now!

Awww too cute that he barked at the wolf mural 48 times .

Glad you guys are starting to all feel good! Can't wait to hear the next installment .

 

[thewesterberg]

I ended up in the very back seat on the far side from when you load.

he got to ride in the very back seat on the near side from when you load.

It was just like you were riding "next" to each other! I thinks this qualifies as almost a date!

The Dig Site is one of Noah's favorite things. Our friend took Noah and her little girl there to play while the rest of us rode Dinosaur and he didn't want to leave. The two of them took their job to uncover those bones very seriously!!

Your sandwich at Pizzafari looks YUMM-O! Was it as good as it looks?

 

[D!SNEYgram]

The close up picture of Henry with the rosy cheeks in front of the truck should win an award. It is just adorable!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Isn't that dragon by the water cool? Glad you found it.

I think my jaw dropped a bit when I saw it on your TR-I had noooo idea that was there! I'm really glad I remembered where you said it was and saw it! I felt like a tour guide explaining what it was to Joe.

The excitement is building for a fantastic Brooke, Joe, and Henry TR!!! So far so good! I love AK, and we are starting there this trip as well. My DH usually likes to go to MK first, but because I'd discovered EMH for AK on our first day, we are starting there. I love FOLK, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

I need to look for that dragon the next time I go, is that in Camp Minnie/Mickey?

I hope I don't disappoint with this TR! It's not nearly as dramatic as the previous two, but I'm OKAY WITH THAT!

I love AK too-it's my favorite park. I can't get over it's beauty and themeing.

Yep, the dragon is in Camp Minnie/Mickey-just over the bridge as you head into it on the right hand side.

Question that didn't appear on the nerd certification test...

"Is your Disney Annual Pass always in your wallet?"

Oops!

LOVE IT!!!

That's funny!

Very clever - Joe laughed too!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2281579

Heres the link to the MN meet!

Thank you!!! I just opened the thread, I will get to reading it soon!

CSR looks so pretty and it may just have to be added to my list since I would be in light fixture heaven.

I can't believe how big Henry is getting. I think about your pictures from last year and it just amazes me!! I can just picture him doing little wart hog noises! Super cute.

I have to get over to your Light Fixture thread and post my new ones. Not quite as many as last trip, but still some good ones!

And just wait until Henry get his hair cut......

It was at Disney World he finally figured out that pigs do not say "stinky" but they snort instead.

Hey Brook, wow I have not been on in a few days & I missed alot!! Congrats on being able to stay home with Henry. I was never able to do that but I had a very good friend who ran her own daycare take care of my two boys. I did have my "guilty" feeling days but they grew up to be great 16 & 20 yr olds. Loved the update. Isn't FOTLK great?? We got to "open" the show when we were there in May. (It meant us waving our hands & the doors opened)
But we got great seats. You got some good pics. I always try but they never seem to come out that good. Cannot wait for the next update.

That is SO nice that your good friend was able to be your daycare provider! It is such a relief to know very well who's hands they are in.

I don't think they did the "opening" of the show this time--or I completely missed it. It's always fun to be part of the show, isn't it? I just imagined Henry getting more into that as he gets older and wanting to go down front to participate in the music.

It was a hard place to get good pics in-we had a lot that didn't come out hardly at all. Next time I will try to get a closer spot!

Great start to you day!!! Your window looks great, I'm glad that Henry enjoyed helping to decorate it!!!

Those pictures of CSR are just amazing!!! I would like to someday say I have stayed at every resort on property we'll see if that ever happens LOL!!!

Animal Kingdom is such a great park!! I think I want to find that beast waterfall too...I had no idea it was there either and I think it would be cool to spot!!

I'm going to be seeing FOTLK for the first time in a couple of weeks LOL!!!! Actually exactly 2 weeks from now LOL!!! I'm to hear you give it such rave reviews!!

I'll be anxiously awaiting more of your TR!!

I would also love to say I've stayed at every resort on property! I think it's gonna take a loooooooooooong time! (but what a fun journey! )

Two weeks!!! This month sure flew by, didn't it? Good thing for you and a good handful of other DISers too. I bet you are going to love FOTLK-it's really an awesome show!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Gosh, Henry has gotten so big! We missed the Festival of the Lion King this summer. We intend to do it in just 4 weeks when we are there again!

I know it! They grow up in the blink of an eye, don't they?

Just 4 weeks for you guys - then just another couple months after that again!

We can definitely spare a penny or two for you. We will celebrate your last day of work by boarding a plane and heading to Orlando!!!

I will be thinking of you guys you that day! Thanks for the coins We aren't planning on anything for a good WHILE yet, but ya never know--we wouldn't be disappointed if it did happen!

Awww!! Brook! First let me say I think it's absolutely adorable that Henry says "Ka-Chow!' Ryan has recently become obessed with Cars, and Toy Story for that matter, and will zip around the house as fast as he can saying "McQueen! McQueen!"

I have a question for you regarding the AP!! Is it paper?! Cause in the picture of Joe holding his brand new manly AP it looks like paper! It strikes me as a bit odd that the AP's would be paper. Seeing how it is an annual pass and it will be used over and over and over me thinks paper isn't the best option they could have come up with. Our MNSSHP tickets are plastic cards with the same "Celebrate Everyday!" design so I wonder why they wouldn't go that route! I was kinda hoping to get a pretty plastic card that said "Woooo Hoooo!! Your and AP holder now!! Aren't you special?!" when I pick ours up next month. Not to mention I've lost a Key to the World Card more then once paper is much more lossable!

Anyway, sound like you had a great morning so far!

I love the pictures of Henry and Joe decorating the window!! We've never decorated before but I've purchased a few little halloween things to decorate with next month. I have a ghost and garland to hang on the blacony and Happy Halloween pumpkin for the door!! I may put my dis name on the pumpkin too!

Sorry your breakfast was less then stellar!!! But good coffee?! Really?! What was it?! I can tell by your face it must be good!!!

Your AK pictures are beautiful!! I LOVE FOTLK!! It's so great! I really think Disney does such an outstanding job with the stage shows at the parks! We missed FOTLK in January and never got to AK in March I can't wait to see it again!!!

We should get a copy of Toy Story, I bet Henry would love that as much as Cars....hmmmm...!

Yep, the APs are paper. It surprised us too! Very strange...not sure why they do it that way. I have kept mine in my wallet for the past year, so I always know where it is, but yes-easy to loose, easy to rip I would imagine! I bet some people's look pretty ragged by the end of a year. I wonder if FL residents get a card???

Yep! The coffee was good! It wasn't great, but it wasn't Nescafe-and compared to Nescafe, it was AWESOME. I think it was just some generic blend, probably something simple like Folgers!

I agree with you on the stage shows, this trip we saw more than just FOTLK...!

First, congrats on your new independence! You are a free woman!! I am a little jealous lol! Glad everything is working out so well for you! Sounds like a great start to your first day- and since when is minnie mouse not a manly annual pass??

When Joe got it last year I asked him "Are you man enough to carry Minnie Mouse around?"

Thank you for your encouragement on the job stuff! I am excited to see what the future holds!

Hi Brook! I am so happy that you will have this time at home with Henry... it is a sweet time, I am amazed at how fast the time goes, we just took our daughter to her first year in college 3 weeks ago!
I love that you guys just change your route at AK as needed. I had NO idea that there was now a centeralized fastpass place! That must be quite handy when you are getting the passes.

I read about the centralized fast pass thing here on the DIS-I think it started as a rumor, then someone on the DIS Podcast went out and actually took pictures. The FPs were also available at the ride itself, so either location, which can be handy if you don't want to trek clear across the park, or send a runner. I hope they bring it back!

The time does fly, I find it hard to believe Henry is already two! My Mom asked me this year around my birthday how old I was turning, I said "30", she responded with "That is the age I had you! HOW CAN YOU BE 30?!"

Hi Brook!!! First like everyone else I wanted to congratulate you on quitting your job and being able to stay home with Henry! You are going to have so much fun. Good luck potty training! My sister is just about to start my DN so if you have any tips feel free to share so I can pass them on!

I can't believe how big Henry looks in the pictures from AK! He is getting to be such a big boy. The picture of decorating the window are too cute. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the day went.

Thank you!!! I'm looking forward to my last day-it will be bittersweet in ways, but more sweet!

Tips on the potty training...nothing yet! Henry still has yet to actually go in the potty, but at least he is willing to sit on it!

Great update! I have to say I like the picture of you with your refillable mug. When I was driving to school this morning I saw someone crossing the street and they were carrying one of them. It kinda made me happy (and a little sad...). LOL!

Ooooh! I've never spied another Disney mug in real life! I would LOVE to and instantly start talking to that person. I use mine for work all the time. Today I was sitting in a meeting with all these Executives sipping water out of my "Year of a Million Dreams" mug. I wondered what they all thought...!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Congrats on becoming a SAHM. It's lots of fun-most of them time. I would say to check out a MDO or preschool program when you are ready. Those are my favorite days....

I've heard that from a few Mom's - that break IS necessary! I do plan to check out some various community groups and such-I'm sure for a while I will be fine, but after a bit, I'll need it some!

Henry wanting to hug the ducks!! Oh my gosh that is too cute!! Did you take Henry to see It's Tough to be a Bug? I can't wait to find out....I am too scared to take Aaron there. I think he may be scared! Love the update! Can't wait to read more!

Joe and I were giggling when Henry wanted to hug the duck toparies. It was adorable!

Nope, no It's Tough to Be a Bug...Henry is a pretty timid kid, so we have avoided that one. He screamed through most (or possibly all?) 3D shows last trip, so we actually avoided them all together on this trip. Maybe we'll try again in December....but, I think the Bugs will have to wait a bit until he's 3 or so...I'm too scared to take him too!

I bet Henry approved of the new manly pass with Donald on it!

I love seeing all your pictures of Animal Kingdom!!! It makes me want to be there right now!

I know what you mean-I look back through the pics and think "December can't come soon enough!" Your trip is VERY close though-is AK going to be visited?

I can answer this one

It's "tyvex." Which is a material that's very strong. Better than plastic and less likely to get erased (my Mom still manages it all the time though!) And with an AP, as you saw with Joe's, it's very easy to replace them. All you have to do is walk to any ticket window and show them your DL. Not a problem! I wouldn't worry too much about the "paper" AP. I had mine in the change purse in my wallet for a year. I didn't lose it and I didn't deactivate it

So it's NOT paper! Wow. Feels like paper, but it's not. Kinda cool! Thanks for the info!

Your mom must have her pass next to a magnetic closing on her bag. I learned the hard way about that one.

Oh, I've heard about that too. It can erase most anything if it's right next to a magnet.

Really?! That's neat!!! I have bad luck with the KTW cards! I lost DD's once within about 20 minutes of entering the park on our very first day I've lost mine more then once as well! We also has a problem with them getting deactivated on our first trip!

BTW, thanks for the info!

Do you have a bag with a magnet? I've never had a problem, thankfully! But, yes, it really is easy to replace the APs, it literally took less than a minute!

Love the updates!
I am working for kgb. I answer the text they send in on my computer. not great pay at all, but it's more than nothing. I also do mypoints, do you do that one? Where you click on emails and earn points for gift cards. Just ordered a $25 one for Walmart yesterday!
Is the new Stacy, new since March. I thought that one this year was just not anywhere as good as previous ones. She seemed less cheery and her hair and clothes were so awful! LOL!

I've never head of kgb...but you are right, something is better than nothing! I do MyPoints (have for yearssssssssss!) and just started doing a few others, Sunshine Rewards, Inbox Dollars, and Swagbucks. I like MyPoints and Swagbucks the best so far-but the others add up a bit.

Ya, the new Stacy is way less cheery-it's a bit of a downer. And she wears a blazer and a necklace-boring work clothes!

It's a problem she always has had, even prior to the APs. She used to keep everyone in the family's passes, but only hers would deactivate, she used to joke it was her magnetic personality!

My brother tends to misplace his AP, so we learned about the replacement the "hard way!" Glad I could help

That's so funny about the magnetic personality! Who knows!

Hey Brook,

I'm so glad Joe scored a DD annual pass...not only is Donald one of my favorites too-like Henry but it is definitely a manlier choice than Minnie...-men are too funny...

Loved the topiaries of the three calbererros (spelling-my bad) David and I love them-we watch the old cartoons with them-so fun...

sorry about the breakfast at Pepper Market...but ahhhh coffee...coffee makes everything all better...

Henry is too cute for his own good......

Coffee does make all things better. I think I could eat just about anything as long as I had a cup of coffee in the morning.

Awe, how great. Henry let you nap

Festival of the Lion King is one of my fave shows!!

Good job!

And no Nescafe at CSR??? What is it?

I think it's just some "normal" blend-probably something like Folgers. But it certainly did taste better than Nescafe!

Wow, I go on vacation for a bit over a week and what go I find when I come back? In all seriousness, congratulations on your decision!

Thank you!! I'm full of surprises sometimes.

OMG...I got away for a few days and come back to a huge TR!!! Slow down...I need to catch up!!! LOL!! Can't wait to read all about it!!!

Oops! I just posted another update! Hope you were caught up. But don't worry, as you know, I'm usually pretty slooooow in doing these, probably just once a week! Thanks for joining in again...and how was your trip?!?!