Kidani, HRH & BLT in 6 nights- Yes! We are THAT crazy!Nov 04-10,2009 OBX 4/16/10

[podsnel]

I love Timmy's haircut. For some reason, I really like the Buzz photo of Pods and Shawn. Just something in their body language that's really sweet. Some of my favorite photos are of the kids standing together with their backs to us.

I agree- it is very sweet- and I like the pics from behind, too- I have a sweet one of my boys going over a dune in LBI years ago- one day, my friend Jeanne Smith is going to paint it for me!! I'll try to remember to scan it in for you...

It HAS been a cold winter.....I have only been snowboarding twice this year....I just can't do it when it is so cold out! My niece told me I am old and cold!! We have a cottage in the Poconos too....on Elk Lake....close to Honesdale--very pretty area
Love Timmy's do! I don't think I have ever seen the red, white and blue!
How cute is that with Alice spinning around in her teacups!! She's adorable!!

Tracy

They never built the cabin- they just bought the land and get free skiing and golf out of it and discounts at the accomodations. But I KNOW I have friends who built at or near Elk Lake- either my neighbors or a family from church. Either way...lucky you!! So wonderful to have a place to escape to. And so pretty there. You snowboard? I'm definitely impressed!!

The barber(ette) just painted him up- he wanted to be surprised. We were so happy about it!

 

[podsnel]

That is one large ANTI-PAS-TEEEE. It does look delicious! I think we need to move close to you. You attend/host the most awesome "eating" parties. I am still trying to figure out how to be around your neck of the woods for your annual seafood party.
We can provide a really tasty gumbo or cajun style shrimp boil.

Oops!! I missed your reply! Sorry about that-

Thanks, we DO have great parties- alot of really good cooks who all love to eat! And our husbands are food-a-holics....my friend fiona's husband gave me the best compliment ever- he said, "Ellen, if you were my wife, I'd spend my whole life working like a dog just to keep you home cooking all day for me!"

Ummm...thanks Freddie?

Anyway, bring the gumbo or the boil! It all sounds great to us!!

 

[podsnel]

We were going to Epcot for a couple of reasons- we STILL needed to ride TT with Sean, that was #1. We also wanted to try out the new attraction, Sum of All Thrills, which had recently opened in Innoventions. And we HAD to have some crepes over in France. Tyler takes french in 7th grade, and because we were on vacation he was missing the best day in french class all year- crepe day! So I had promised we would make a point of having them while we were here.

Well, we walked over to Test Track and...surprise, surpise, Test track was shut down yet AGAIN! That makes EVERY DAY we have been in Epcot, TT was having technical problems! Fortunately, Sean rolled with the punches, and we went over to try Sum of All Thrills. Tyler, timmy & I, that is- Pods and Sean walked around while we were creating and riding.

This ride is similar to the ride in DisneyQuest where you design, then ride your own coaster. But this one is much better- the robotic arm the simulator is attached to moves in new and unprecedented ways. ANd there is a little more thought involved in the planning/designing process. You actually watch a video first that explains what to do. Then you go into the next room to create your ride. Both Timmy & Tyler were making up their own coasters and I was going to ride with one of them.

Well, it sounded like a good plan. Except, Tyler apparently heard or saw NONE of the instructional video, so when he went to create his ride, he was hitting all kinds of roadblocks and problems. About then his head started spinning around and green goo started shooting out of every orafice as he transformed into the ANTI-Tyler, a young man we lovingly refer to as Satan's Spawn. Ugh. I helped him out, tried to calm him down, and we downloaded our rides and went to the simulators. And while I can't seem to remember exactly why it happened, or HOW it happened....I can tell you that both Tyler & Timmy got to ride each others rides, I got BUBKISS in the ride department, and it all made one CM kind of po'd at the other CM who suggested we do it this way. That's us- spreading love, joy and happiness wherever we go! Anyway, here they are on one of the rides-

FYI-I WILL be doing this in May with some DISmoms-and they'd better pay attention to the instructions because I am NOT giving up my ride with THEM!

Back in a minute, my computer is acting weird-

 

[podsnel]

We decided to go check on TT again, passing the Jamminators on the way-

Love them! TT was still shut down, so some of us gave MS another ride. We then went over to WS and Pods once again suggested riding the boat over to the other side- fine by me! Then, we noticed the strangest phenomenon- Tyler was back to being Tyler, but Timmy- well, it was HIS turn to be ANTI-Timmy....a young man we lovingly refer to as "The worst time you've ever had". (This is because Timmy is usually the BEST time you've ever had.) Oh well....Pods hung back with him and Sean, trying to work on Tim, and get some french fries and a hot dog to make those boys happy, while I went on with Tyler to check out the crepe situation in France.

Tyler chose to split chocolate and strawberry (I think) crepes with me-

France delivers another satisfied customer-

His only negative comment was that in school, at crepe day, the crepes are much larger. So, still being a little hungry, I suggested we try a cheese plate over there at the boulangerie.

I can tell you, Tyler was MIGHTY impressed by the offerings in THAT little shop! Had we not just had dessert, I think he would have been happy to try one or ten things. Who wouldn't be? Actually, we had a seat, and shared the cheese- and tyler couldn't get over how delicious it was.

It's France, dude. Where cheese is King, bread is the Queen, and rats are fat- didn't ya see the movie? The rest of our family was on the way, so we started walking back to meet them-

We had a seat for a minute so Pods could...ummm..powder his nose.

We were headed for DHS- that's right- our 3rd park in this day.

On the way to the boat, Tyler decided to give Timmy a lift-

Timmy decided to give Tyler some noogies-

And pods and i breathed a sigh of relief that everyone was happy again! A relaxing ride under the bridge, and we were soon to DHS.

Up next- will he or won't he? Timmy and the DHS thrill rides!

 

[Tinks "SS"]

OH boy, i just decided to give your TR a bumpity bump when i noticed the updates that i missed. I'm sorry but you had me laughing hard about your descriptions of Tyler and timmy while they were having their moods! That was so funny. But i think i would have passed on the simulator of the roller coasters though, i get a little motion sickness on some of them. So you really need to send me a PM with your magic little tips to calming the wild beasts that can live in little boys. My youngest and I can go round and round. My mom was with us this trip so i had it from both of them. Fun for me.

Oh well, off to read some more on this saturday night!

 

[podsnel]

OH boy, i just decided to give your TR a bumpity bump when i noticed the updates that i missed. I'm sorry but you had me laughing hard about your descriptions of Tyler and timmy while they were having their moods! That was so funny. But i think i would have passed on the simulator of the roller coasters though, i get a little motion sickness on some of them. So you really need to send me a PM with your magic little tips to calming the wild beasts that can live in little boys. My youngest and I can go round and round. My mom was with us this trip so i had it from both of them. Fun for me.

Oh well, off to read some more on this saturday night!

Well, THANK-YOU!!! I do appreciate the bump- I was gettin' lonely back there on page nobody-cares!

Glad you liked their mood-swings, and that they are funny now. I can promise you they were NOT funny then! My best tip- FEED THE ANIMALS!! Usually that cures everything!

 

[podsnel]

oh boy, i just decided to give your tr a bumpity bump when i noticed the updates that i missed. I'm sorry but you had me laughing hard about your descriptions of tyler and timmy while they were having their moods! That was so funny. But i think i would have passed on the simulator of the roller coasters though, i get a little motion sickness on some of them. So you really need to send me a pm with your magic little tips to calming the wild beasts that can live in little boys. My youngest and i can go round and round. My mom was with us this trip so i had it from both of them. Fun for me.

Oh well, off to read some more on this saturday night!

but wait!!!!!

how was blt?????

 

[Tinks "SS"]

It was wonderful!! I really loved it! I had my mom and my DH giving me some opposition on some of my ADR's but all was not lost. Neither is a big foodie. DH just about had a stroke when he read the prices and menu for Ohana's. I had to cancel my Cali Grill ressie cause they were both complaining. UGHH!! Otherwise it was a great trip!

Here is my link just above yours on the mousecellanous page.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2401710
Not near as good as yours but just a a real quick one with some pics!

The only thing that could have made it better was some warmer weather!

 

[podsnel]

It was wonderful!! I really loved it! I had my mom and my DH giving me some opposition on some of my ADR's but all was not lost. Neither is a big foodie. DH just about had a stroke when he read the prices and menu for Ohana's. I had to cancel my Cali Grill ressie cause they were both complaining. UGHH!! Otherwise it was a great trip!

Here is my link just above yours on the mousecellanous page.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2401710
Not near as good as yours but just a a real quick one with some pics!

The only thing that could have made it better was some warmer weather!

I just posted- lots of great pics!! And I really want that purse!!

 

[5forDiz]

LOVE your son's 'do Ellen !! Very cool & good for him that he decided to do MK in style !
DH & I will be heading up to The Venetian Saturday night for my youngest cousin's wedding & since my 2 DDs totally shot down me thinking that maybe I'd wear a bump-it for a cool updated 'do I think I'm going to just show them Timmy's photos and tell them I'll be wearing my hair like his at wedding. hey, I see you're from NJ, have you been to Venetian ? my cousin & hub-2-be were high school sweethearts but apart for some years but then found their way back to one another & are really doing it up for an over the top wedding reception. I love a great happily ever after story

That's a great photo of you & Sean on teacups and your then & now photos of your sons are so sweet ! We've got many of those with our although now that they're older & soooo cool they hate when I say 'oh come on, you have to take a picture here because we did on our trip in 19_ _ or 20_ _ '...The kids don't want to hear it but I don't want to miss those photo ops because Time flies by much too quickly.

Hi Laura!!

Where in Hawaii did you honeymoon? We were at Kona Village on the big Island for 5 nights and the Hyatt in Kaanapali on Maui for 5. WOW. We couldn't afford another vacation for like 5 years after that!! I'm hoping we can go back for our 25th ....one year later than, so we can stay at the new DVC resort. We've never seen Oahu, and would like to- also want to take T&T. Maybe a week there, then a few days on Maui....Hawaii was incredible.....


Kona Village very nice ! did you have a cottage? DH & I were considering that when we were planning but did 5 nights at Hyatt Waikiki which was very nice except crossing street to beach we didn't like,& since it's very urban we spent alot of time exploring sights outside of that area (Oahu's north shore is very beautiful) and then we went on to Maui for 5 nights at Sheraton Kaanapali and stayed in beachfront cottage there; much nicer beach experience than Waikiki ! Loved the Hyatt Maui, we went there 2 nights for dinner. Oh yeah, it's expensive but awesome ! As much as we loved Hawaii can you believe we've not been back since !!! not that I'm complaining because we've been fortunate to manage to do lots of traveling, just never got back to Hawaii ! hopefully now with DVC we'll be motivated to go for our 30th

////laura

 

[podsnel]

LOVE your son's 'do Ellen !! Very cool & good for him that he decided to do MK in style !
DH & I will be heading up to The Venetian Saturday night for my youngest cousin's wedding & since my 2 DDs totally shot down me thinking that maybe I'd wear a bump-it for a cool updated 'do I think I'm going to just show them Timmy's photos and tell them I'll be wearing my hair like his at wedding. hey, I see you're from NJ, have you been to Venetian ? my cousin & hub-2-be were high school sweethearts but apart for some years but then found their way back to one another & are really doing it up for an over the top wedding reception. I love a great happily ever after story

That's a great photo of you & Sean on teacups and your then & now photos of your sons are so sweet ! We've got many of those with our although now that they're older & soooo cool they hate when I say 'oh come on, you have to take a picture here because we did on our trip in 19_ _ or 20_ _ '...The kids don't want to hear it but I don't want to miss those photo ops because Time flies by much too quickly.







////laura

Hi Laura!

How are you doing in the snow? This snowicane is the craziest snow I have ever seen- just keeps coming and coming!! Your cousin must be going nuts right now- it will be all fine tomorrow, though, I hope for them. Were any guests supposed to fly in? Pods' brother was supposed to fly in from Ohio yesterday through Chicago- the Chicago to NJ leg was cancelled, and he was rebooked on a flight today- but I don't see it happenin. The airport is not looking too good. His HS reunion is tomorrow night. OK- just talked to Pods, Steven isn't coming. No planes-

And no, I haven't been to the Venetian, but it looks very nice!! I bet the snow will make for many GORGEOUS wedding photos. What a lovely story- I'm a sucker for a happy ending, too.

Yes, at kona village we had a hale- a thatched roof hut. We were going to do an Ocean view, but when we saw what the lagoon front hales looked like when we arrived, we switched to that- it was so romantic. When I was researching for our honeymoon, I was ecstatic when I saw what they had- so unique.

We haven't been back, either- soooooo hoping to go for our 25th (well, I guess it'll be our 26th). Really looking forward to DVC there!

Good luck tomorrow-

 

[podsnel]

We arrived at DHS-

And made a beeline for TSM- believe it or not, this would be the first time for everyone but me! Sean LOVES Toy Story, as I've mentioned before, but for some reason lately is NOT that into Woody. I thought if he would just get far enough IN to the bulding and see Mr Potato Head, he would be in heaven! But, sadly, Sean got 20 feet in....and said "No THANKS!" No amount of convincing would change his mind, so Pods volunteered to go out with him so I could ride with the boys. Oh well...anyway, here are T&T at their first TSM experience-

Speechless before we got on-

That photo cracks me up!

Of course, the boys thought the ride was just great, and we were all sad Sean wouldn't try it. Well, all that means is I guess I'll have to keep working on it until we can try again, right? Outside, I snapped a couple of quick photos and an army man marched up behind me.

I said, "Hey, Sean- look at THIS!" and he was entralled for a good 5 minutes-

Sean is fascinated (and obsessed) with anything sequential- states, numbers, and especially the alphabet, as well as words and spelling. He loves Mr. Spell (in the movie) and loves those talking dictionaries you can get - actually, he carried on around the parks along with his other "friends", it did a great job of keeping him occupied during meals and waits.

I really, really, really wanted to go into One Man's Dream- and thankfully, Timmy wanted to, too! So we went in to learn about Walt, while Pods & the rest went in search of popcorn.

I was so happy to have this experience alone with Tim! It's always great to have one on one time with my baby.

Another of Sean's favorites-

Ok, I know this is from Silly Symphonies, or has some other historical Disney significance...but, really....WTH???

We had a look at the original MGM and what was there when it opened- and I told Timmy about how his Mom and Dad had actually been lucky enough to be in MGM on opening day. It was really great- Bob Hope, Michael Eisner...tons and tons of celebrities- I really have to dig the photos out to post! Actually, as I recall, I took alot of video that day of all the speeches, etc. Anyway, DHS has come a LONG way since that day, that's for sure!

We watched the film, I was so glad we got a little Disney history in our day. Loved this attraction.

Next up....will he or won't he? Timmy and his 1st RnRC ride!

 

[gkrykewy]

Silly Symphonies?!? That's a pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean! Turn in your WDW fan badge immediately.

 

[podsnel]

Silly Symphonies?!? That's a pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean! Turn in your WDW fan badge immediately.

OOPs!!! I haven't been on POC in a few years- guess i need to go on another ride in a couple of months!!

My apologies to much better WDW fans everywhere than me!

 

[podsnel]

Well, we had another snowday today- and I was able to convince Timmy & Tyler to come outside and make a snowMickey with me. Sean wanted nothing to do with it- but we'll work on getting him out there this weekend! ANyway, here's a few pics from our day...

My backyard-

Goofballs-

Summer in snow-

They were reluctant when we started, but once Mickey started taking shape, they really liked making him!!

They kept burying each other- like we were at the beach...

Me with my friend-

Fun, fun stuff!

 

[kirstenb1]

I love your Snow Mickey!! And your house is really pretty. I hope we're done with snow. Winter got here early, and has just been staying--time to go!!

 

[5forDiz]

....Pods' brother was supposed to fly in from Ohio yesterday through Chicago- the Chicago to NJ leg was cancelled, and he was rebooked on a flight today- but I don't see it happenin. The airport is not looking too good. His HS reunion is tomorrow night. OK- just talked to Pods, Steven isn't coming. No planes-

Awwwww I'm sorry to hear Pods' brother will not be able to get to his reunion; maybe they'll reschedule for a later date ? This storm proved to be more than I thought, really thought it would fizzle out sooner than predicted. and yes, couple of wedding guests are coming from out of state but I'm not sure if they've been affected, hopefully they will all make it. I'll let you know how the big fat Italian (& with some French & German in the mix) wedding goes it should be a blast !

Well, we had another snowday today- and I was able to convince Timmy & Tyler to come outside and make a snowMickey with me. Sean wanted nothing to do with it- but we'll work on getting him out there this weekend! ANyway, here's a few pics from our day...

Me with my friend-

Fun, fun stuff!

Hooray for you guys When Mother Nature gives you snow make a Mickey Snowman !! Mickey turned out awesome and you all look like you had great fun !

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I've been reading along for a while, but finally am writing now! I've really enjoyed reading your report, and as a mom of a special needs daughter, it is always so wonderful reading another parent's perspective on traveling to Disney with a special kid.

Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

 

[kid-at-heart]

LOVE IT! Where did you find the "Mickey" parts for the snowman? I still have our Mickey and Minnie holiday statues in the front yard but only because they are buried in the snow. You can see just the top of their ears.

The boys are as cute as always, Summer's expression is adorable in the pic with the tennis ball.

 

[manntra]

How funny that you might know someone that has a cottage on our lake....well there are a lot of people from Jersey and Long Island so...
Wow that really stinks about TT....that's one of my favorite rides and I would be pretty bummed if that kept happening
Mmmmm those crepes and cheese looked good and would only be better with some Geese
I saw that purse over on TinkSS TR I may have one also I saw some new designs that just came out too Not quite as affordable as Vera though
I think we ended up with about 16 inches of snow. It was a lot!

Tracy