Last Trip? It was until we met Food & Wine -- Recap 2/12

[pas130]

Just stopping by to ask you to keep Joe, Amanda and their daughter Mira in your prayers. Joe is the young man I told you about earlier...Andy's friend. As Amanda posted on her blog today, they moved Joe to a hospice house tonight and that loving someone sometimes means letting go. My heart is breaking for thse young people.

I saw that on FB so sad. Their Halloween pics are precious. Live and love each day like there's no tomorrow HUGS

 

[pas130]

Glad things are a wee more stable and hoping your brother was discharged home today Kathy

 

[Clarf]

Glad to hear your mom is doing okay and your brother is feeling better.

Love your Epcot pics! Maura came home with the Stitch hat Mark had on! She puts it on and roars around the house in it.

I won't go on Mission Space either. I've never been on it, but I've heard stories, so I'd rather not barf.

Love your character pics! I love that you guys get character pics. I've heard so many adults say the characters are just for kids. No way!

CAn't wait to hear about your dinner!

Oh, and I think we're finally going to see the Disney exhibit at MSI in a few weeks! Did you guys see it yet?

 

[tazdev3225]

WOW I take a DIS break and your at page 42.

I am caught up but too my updates to keep them all straight. I loved AKL when I stayed there in May.

Sorry you didn't enjoy 1900 Park Faire. We did it in December and had some wonderful interactions. Guess we caught the characters on a good day.

I'm so sorry about your mom and brother. My dad was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. Thankfully they think they caught it early and got it all but he is still having treatments and will need to be monitored closely from now on as it is the type that often recurs.

Your son's friend and his family have been in my prayers. I HATE cancer.

Hopefully I'll stay caught up for now. Leave for my cruise in 12 days so I'm getting ready for that.

 

[scottny]

Sorry to hear of your brother, hope he is better soon.

Glad to hear both are doing better.

Great pics with Pluto.

The cake at SS looked good.

I have yet to see Pooh in UK.

I am caught up again.

 

[jenseib]

I love that blue stitch hat....is that ever cute!

I have never done mission space. I just don't think I could handle it....maybe someday.

Yay for getting to see Pooh and gang!

 

[teekathepony]

Just stopping by to ask you to keep Joe, Amanda and their daughter Mira in your prayers. Joe is the young man I told you about earlier...Andy's friend. As Amanda posted on her blog today, they moved Joe to a hospice house tonight and that loving someone sometimes means letting go. My heart is breaking for thse young people.

I saw that on Facebook. Johnny wondered why I was crying when I came to him for a hug and told him how much I loved him. What a heartbreaking situation, I absolutely can't imagine. Praying for them.

 

[jedimeg16]

Thanks Kathy, I miss having time to post here too. But now that the strike is over and we are able to readjust to our routines and I found the missing pictures from my dad's camera I hope to finally finish up my TR.

 

[Rozz]

I’ve been following along; have to keep checking for more hats by Mark!

Really enjoying the photos of animals viewed from your resort room. We would love to be able to stay at AKL but would have to have value resort price!

Looked like a great time was had at EPCOT!

Hope that your mother continues to do okay and your brother keeps improving. You and Mark are in my prayers too.

 

[goofy4prez]

Just stopping by to ask you to keep Joe, Amanda and their daughter Mira in your prayers. Joe is the young man I told you about earlier...Andy's friend. As Amanda posted on her blog today, they moved Joe to a hospice house tonight and that loving someone sometimes means letting go. My heart is breaking for thse young people.

Kathy, my prayers and thoughts go out to that family; what a real shame for such a young family to face such a thing. My prayers and thoughts also still go out to you and your family for your brother and mother.

 

[afwdwfan]

Scotch flight for dinner? Sounds much better than the drink you started your EPCOT time with.

That cake from Sunshine Seasons looked pretty delicious. I'm going to have to go raid the candy box for some chocolate now.

I'm glad that things are going ok for your mom and brother. I hope that continues to be the case.

 

[Poolrat]

Back and catching up-----
I did 1900 for dinner and the food ...eh but the steps were a hit. Lots of complicated food ( sounds like lots of different ingredients and things) and I really need an ingredient list so for me it just was not easy.


Looking forward to hear about Rose and Crown.


Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[KatMark]

Happy Halloween to you as well! We are lucking out here. The weather is perfect so the kids should have a good night.

Ours was so bad...I think we had 20 kids total.

Glad to hear that you mom and brother are doing a bit better. Take care of yourself too!

Jill in CO

Will do; thanks Jill.

He's a good man. Hang in there, both of you.

He's definitely a keeper.

I can see why!

Thanks.

The green side isn't so bad.

Perhaps if I had started on that side....

Looks like a very nice time in Epcot! (not that you ever have a bad time there)

It was a great afternoon.

Happy Halloween!

Thanks, Sarah.

Love the pictures of your future on Spaceship Earth. That is the best part of that ride!

I love having that at the end...it was a great addition.

Cute pictures with Pooh and Tigger!

Thank you.

Happy Halloween! It's cold here, too - no snow flurries but that wind is bitter. I'm being a scrooge tonight and not handing out candy - I have a hot date with some takeout and "True Detective" from HBO. Woo-hoo!

I can't say that I blame you at all.

That picture of you guys and Tigger is fantastic! Christmas card for 2014?

I already bought Christmas cards, but I may have to reconsider.

Too bad they didn't have a food and wine mug. Darn!

I hate when they advertise stuff and don't have it. And we were there at the beginning of F&W.

I missed F&W this year, have tentative plans to get down there next year. SO much fun!!

We really fell in love with it.

I'm glad to hear that your mom and Bob are both doing ok. I am still keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, Lauren. I appreciate all the prayers.

I'm glad you have Mark to be there with you through all of this. He sounds like a really wonderful husband!

That man is the best!

I love your photopass pictures when you got into Epcot! It looks beautiful outside too! And I really like your shirt!!

Thanks; I got that shirt at the outlet store two or three years ago for $5.00. It's a favorite.

Yay more hat pictures! I actually have a VERY similar picture that I'll be posting in an update soon of me with that Sully outfit on!

I can't wait to see it.

I loved Spaceship Earth when we went on it. I like at the end how they show you your "future". I didn't even think to take a picture of those, but yours are so cute and funny!!

Thanks!

Mission Space...

More like puke city!

Where did you go to find Winnie & Tiger?! I definitely missed this!! Super cute pictures with them!!

They are in the toy shop in the United Kingdom way in the back. You used to be able to go through the store and see them. Now it's a FP attraction, but we didn't use a FP. We waited 5 minutes while Pooh went to get honey.

So glad things are on the upswing for you and yours right now, Kathy. You and Mark undoubtedly needed the emotional break!

I told Mark the other night that I really wish we were going to Disney with Todd and Nicki in December for four days. But finances are not allowing that (I've been paying for mom's food and medicine for the last three weeks) and with Mark's job it isn't happening. But I'm hoping after the holidays to get a little weekend getaway.

LOVE your hidden Mickey shirt! I have a cute hidden Mickey sundress...that I packed, and forgot to wear on the cruise.

Darn....sorry you forgot to wear it.

Such cute PP pictures of you and Mark and the loveable, cuddly characters. Y'all are just so fun.

Thanks, Connie.

I'm glad to hear that your mom is okay. And it's great that Bob can (hopefully) come home from the hospital soon!

Thanks, Sarah. Unfortunately, he didn't go home on Monday and now it looks like it will be on Friday.

I love that picture of you guys and Pluto, it's adorable!

It's one of my absolute all time favorites.

And Mark in the Stitch hat is funny, but I don't think anything can top the Sulley ears and tail!

I'm surprised he didn't buy it to wear for Halloween.

I won't do Mission Space either ... the idea of it terrifies me.

Mark made me do it one year...said it was nothing. Yeah, right! I wouldn't go on It's a Small World with him that trip after that horror ride.

Pooh & Tigger twice in one day must have been fun. I love them! I've seen Eeyore and Piglet with them a few times, but not recently - I wish they did have more Pooh characters out!

They used to have Eeyore with them at AK and in the United Kingdom. Now the only time you can see all four of them is at Crystal Palace.

 

[KatMark]

I hope you accept my apologies. I am needing to make them everywhere since I am SO far behind. Little bits at a time I will get caught up..

Ann, please do NOT apologize. I totally understand.

I am not even sure I said hello to let you know that I was following.

I don't think you did, but again...no worries.

Your thread moves quickly... but I wanted to pop in and get at least one update read. One being your arrival... oh how far behind I am. At least you have nice and neat links. I truly appreciate it!

I try to keep those links updated...I know how much I appreciate it.

Before I get to comments on that one update I want to say how sorry I am that so many sad and challenging things have been thrown your way. I was happy to see that Mark got a job. I have yet to get to where you go over it (don't give it away... I will get there I promise ) I just wanted to say you deserved a bit of happy!

Thanks; it has been a really rough couple of weeks. Mark is very excited to start on Saturday.

Departure/Arrival Day -

That is so cool to get the precheck. Course it can confused husbands who get it one way and think that is just now how things work and then get yelled at for not following the rules.

Tee Hee...I love that I get it and he doesn't. I love driving him batty.

Yay for a starbucks stop. I think every gate should have a starbucks. On our way to FL this last trip it would have been nice given it was a morning flight. Sadly there was no starbucks to be found.

Every gate and EVERY airport which is not the case.

It is so very cool that your AP's got extended!

It really was very nice of them.

And your stop in DTD... by the time we got there there was a wall up in front of the lego store and we had to walk behind the lego store rather than in front.

I can't wait until that whole mess is done.

Happy Halloween Kathy! We're actually having a good day for the kids, it's currently 12 degrees and sunny. (That's about 53 degrees in American speak. )

Wow...I don't think I am looking forward to those temperatures at all.

Very happy to hear about your mom doing well and your brother doing better. Hoping that trend continues!

Thanks; unfortunately, it's been a rough couple of days.

Adorable photopass pics, I especially love the Pluto ones!

Thanks...we had fun with Pluto.

You guys got a lot done in Epcot! I'm not a big mission space fan either (claustrophobic) but I'll do it sometimes with Johnny.

We did in the short amount of time we were there. Mark could beg me and I won't go back on it.

So.... I've been reading along to your TR's for years and always mean to comment, and don't. I know we've been part of Danielle's comments on FB before, but never on the DIS. Oye, I'm sorry. But I was reading along this afternoon and listening to the SSE ride through and saw your pictures and then this post and it compelled me to comment I'm from Wisconsin, so I'm with you on the BRRRRRR right now. I'm dreaming of 63 days from now going to WDW and hoping it's a *BIT* warmer than here.....

Thank you for posting...I appreciate it. I had the great fortune to meet Danielle and her Mom and Popadon this summer...what wonderful people. I certainly hope it is warmer in Florida than it is here and in Wisconsin when you go. We went the last two December and I went the January before that and each time it was in the 80's. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Great update, and great to see the Mark hat pics as always

Thanks, Jillian.

Glad to hear that 1) your mom and brother are doing okay and 2) that you're going back to WDW AND Marco next year!! They already sound like fun trips!

Thanks; I just wish they weren't so far away. Thankfully, Phoenix is only four months away.

The update was great - I giggled over seeing Mark in the Stitch hat, may be my favorite hat yet!

It suits him since he can be just as mischievous as Stitch.


I just got back from my trip and we did the Jungle Cruise in the dark! I think I like it better than in the daytime - adds a bit of spookiness to it!

It sure does...especially when you go in the tunnel.

Can't wait to read the next update!

Thanks.

Hey Kathy. We are from central Iowa. About 4 hours away from Dubuque. Only been out there a couple of times.

I like Dubuque; it's small, but enough to do (and we enjoy the casinos). We've been all over Iowa with Mark's college wrestling.

Love the Pluto picture. You look so happy. Great update.

Thank you.

Luvin all the updates especially love the pic of Mark with the Sully hat and tail. To funny

Thanks, Emma. He is a hoot, isn't he?

Woohoo, improving states for your family and a MASSIVE update day! Happy Halloween to KatMark followers!

Thanks, Amanda.

I'm thinking about trying for 1900 Park Fare for Mothers Day! How fun would that be with the wicked Stepmother?! And with my MIL with me...eep!

Oooh...let me know what you think. I'm seriously considering it for our October trip (May ADR's are already done). That would be fun with your MIL.

Tigger's orang looks more humble in these pictures. I also LOVE the Pluto pictures.

Yes it does; thanks.

I'm so glad your Mom is still doing well and your brother seems to be improving. I hope the bleeding stops and his count continues to rise so he can go home!

They finally got the bleeding stopped, but they had to do a heart test and they are making him do therapy 3 times a day since he won't go to a rehab facility.

That Pluto picture is great, I can see why you love it. I agree that the lines are a bit distracting on Soarin, but it's still such a great attraction. And yay for getting to see your favorite (and mine!) in the UK!

Thanks...I really like it too. Hopefully the rumor of a new film will take care of those lines. We have great taste in our favorite.

I just can't put into words how bad I feel for all you're going through Kathy. I think a break for some happy stuff is justified.

Thanks, Rob. I appreciate it.

Aww it looks like Pluto was pretty happy to see you!!! He doesn't get a ton of love where he's located. Wonderful pictures.

I've never seen him there; it's usually Daisy.

Wow, everything here almost mimics exactly my entire Epcot morning with only some minor alterations. Oh crap, I skipped Living with the Land. Never mind...

You skipped Living with the Land? Oh well, always next time.

And finishing off with another great character meet. Tigger always seems so welcoming. Not that Pooh's bad, but Tigger is one of my favourite's to meet.

Tigger has always been my favorite.

 

[KatMark]

Your Pluto pictures are WONDERFUL! Love them!

Thanks, Billie.

Ooh, that chocolate cake at Sunshine Seasons looks scrumptious!

It was really nummy.

I did Living with the Land for the very first time on my recent trip. I always figured it would be super boring, but I actually really enjoyed it. And then the next night when I was having dinner at Garden Grill, it was a totally different experience, since I just kept wondering how much of what I was eating had been raised right there in the building (including the fish!).

You were eating a LOT of what is grown there.

Aww, I didn't even know about the Pooh & Tigger location! What an adorable room they're in! (That bed is making me wanna take a nap right now.)

I could use about a 24 hour nap right now.

Love Mark in all his crazy hats!

Thanks.

All caught up!

YAY!!!

Glad to hear things are better with your brother and I hope he is able to come home Monday. Also, good news that mom is acting a bit fiesty.

It didn't happen Monday, but hopefully by Friday. My mother has been more tired, but she yelled at me the other day so that feisty is still there.

That is a fantastic photo of you two with Pluto! Get that one in a frame!

Funny...I just ordered it to do so.

No sampling of the Food & Wine booths?! We make meals off of the offerings there. Looking forward to hearing about your meal.

Trust me, the samplings come later in the week.

Glad everyone seems to be doing ok. Hope it continues.

Thanks, Sandra.

Looks like a fun filled day. Love the Pooh Pictures!! That's the theme we had picked for our youngest. He's our Pooh baby.

Who doesn't love Pooh and Tigger?

Thankfully the rain stayed away last night (after raining off and on all day yesterday) so the kids were able to go out with one of Jeremy's friends. They had a great time running from house to house as a group of about 10 kids (give or take we kept adding and losing through out the night) aging from 8 years old to 18 months old.

I'm glad the kids were able to get out by you. It was so nasty here.

Great hat picture!

Thanks, Maryellen.

I'm glad to hear your mom and your brother are both doing better. You are very fortunate to live near your mom so you can help with her care and you are so lucky that Mark is helping you.

I don't know what I would have done without Mark the last two weeks.

Multiple cute pictures of you and Mark at Epcot. How I already miss F&W. Such a great time of year. Soarin and LWTL are two of my favorites.

I am so looking forward to F&W next year with Todd and Nicki. I too love Soarin' and LWTL.

Dinner at the R&C? YAY! Looking forward to reading about that.

Yes, I believe you are right...R&C is where we go.

Hi Kathy,
I am finally able to join in and get caught up. I made some notes along the way:

Hi, Jen...I'm happy to see you.

Great deal getting your annual pass extended a month

It was very kind of them.

Sorry about Nicki’s grandmother and your mother! Hugs all around!

Thank you very much.

Congrats on your great niece!

Thanks; she is beautiful.

Congrats on Mark getting a job! Thats so great for him!

Very excited for him and he's looking forward to orientation on Saturday.

$5/point… AMAZING! I LOVE Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, I would go back there in a heartbeat! Awesome, more fastpasses how cool!!
I also really loved the Frozen Fireworks! Yummy… pina colada’s!

Yes; and for next year she is only charging us $8.00 a point.

I had Kona pressed coffee for the first time this past trip.. yummy!! It will be a must do from now on!

Isn't it wonderful? I'm trying to fit a Kona breakfast into my May plans.

As I said on FB, that is so amazing that your friend won DW tickets and gave them to you! Heart warming!!

They are old and dear friends (Steve and I served on the football board together for 8 years.

I had dole whip for the first time this trip and I didn’t mind it, but I would not stand in a long line for it again. There are many other treats that I would rather have. Jungle Cruise at night is pretty cool, makes it a different experience.

I guess if I liked pineapple I might like it better. I'd definitely rather have a Mickey bar. It does make it a different experience on JC at night.

Congrats on booking your trips for next year!

Thanks!

Great pictures!! Love the one of Mark in front of Gaston’s fountain

I was so happy to finally get him in front of that fountain!


We did 1900 Park Fare for supper and the character interaction was not the best, the step mom was probably the best telling my son he was to marry her daughter tomorrow at sundown. LOL I think I am done with most character meals.

That's too bad to hear.

Wow! Sorry to hear about your brother.. sorry I missed that on FB! I have been working so much I haven’t been on FB much either! Sorry Kathy, prayers to you and your family!

I didn't post it on my regular FB page (I didn't want my niece seeing it until her dad -- my other brother -- had a chance tell her. Thank you for the prayers.

Yes trick or treating was a very wet and cold experience! It was not snowing, but it was raining quite a bit. Happy Halloween to you too!

It was a miserable day all day.

Thanks for sharing, again sorry I was so late! I will try my best to do better and keep caught up! All the best, hugs and prayers to you!

No worries...I'm behind everywhere too. And thank you for the hugs and prayers.

Great Epcot update! Your pictures have me so excited for our trip next month

Thanks, Lori. Your trip is so close.

Glad to hear that your Mom and Bob are doing a bit better - hopefully that trend continues

Thanks Phil.

I love all those pictures with Pluto - you both just look so happy in them

I enjoy seeing the characters...makes me feel young again.

I hop at least on SSE Mark didn't choose "Deutsche" as one of his selections

I told him to pick German to see if he could still remember any from school.

Sorry they didn't have the F&WF mug ... I hate when they don't have things like that - I mean, at least make it easy to take money from us!

It wouldn't have bothered me so much but it was just the third day of F&W.

Just read up on your Park Faire breakfast. Sorry it was just meh. The food looked good, but it doesn't sound like the interaction was all that great.

The food wasn't bad; nothing out of the ordinary. Nope...we hit a bad day for interaction.

Your pictures of the Grand Floridian are very pretty.

It's a very pretty resort.

I have actually never been in there. The closest I have come is the resort monorail passing by.

Wow...I can't believe you've never been there.

That is so sweet!!!

Aren't they just adorable? I wish I was sitting there right now.

More great animal pictures, both from your balcony and the walk back from the pool.

Thanks; we got lucky with the amount of animals we saw.

That would be the coolest part for me of staying at AKL.

It is...and the lobby.

I love your photos of the giraffes. They are lovely.

Thanks, Laura.

 

[KatMark]

Great pics! I bet you were glad you stopped to see Pluto and to check on Pooh and Tigger!

We were; I always love seeing them.

I've never done Mission Space either. I think it would be too much for me.

Trust me...DON'T DO IT!

We have done the 1900 PF dinner - the food was decent, but any lacking in the food was MORE than made up for with the characters. Those stepsisters and mother are HYSTERICAL! Haven't done breakfast yet.

I really want to try dinner.

Glad to hear there is some improvement for your mom and brother's health situations. Hoping and praying for more!
Your hubby is AWESOME!!!!

Thanks, Sheree; and yes, my husband is awesome!

I'm glad to hear that at least everyone is doing a little better. Sometimes it's not much of a consolation, but it helps the family around to regain a little bit of footing when there is some stabilization.

Thanks, Danielle. I am really hoping that our lives get back to as normal as possible this weekend. I'm wiped out.

Mouse Gears is my favorite store to browse I think. I get sucked in there every time, even more so than at the Magic Kingdom!

It's great! I remember when it used to be two floors and was called "Centorium" or something like that.

We enjoy making random selections on Spaceship Earth sometimes. You should try listening to it in another language. Makes for a good time. Makes for an even BETTER time if you listen to it in another language and you're inebriated.

It's fun to be silly. Ooh...I may have to try that.

So apparently I am now loosing my mind...

Honey...I lost mine a long time ago.

I could have sworn that I had already read through and commented. I think in the craziness of Halloween I must have forgotten.

No worries; I have some catching up to do myself.

Love the Stitch hat.

Thanks!

You are not alone on the avoiding Mission Space at All Costs front. I too refuse to go on it.

Horrid....I'd rather go on the Stitch ride.

So glad to hear that your family is starting to do better. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Thanks...it's much appreciated.

We too had a cold wet Halloween. Though it didn't stop our fun. Such a busy weekend I feel wiped. Hope you got a bit more rest then I did.

I'm exhausted...I can't seem to even type tonight.

Great update! Looks like your Epcot afternoon was quite a success!!

We really got a lot done in a short amount of time.

Love the Stitch gear; that little blue alien is a favorite of mine. I'd say Mark does him justice ::rofl::

And, up until this trip, I wasn't a fan (you'll have to wait until later in the TR when he got a little more of my affection). Oh Mark and he have a lot in common.

I haven't been on Soarin' in many years; I spend most of my Epcot time in the World Showcase.

I'm hoping they really are updating it.

A scotch flight, sounds like something I'd thoroughly enjoy!

Mark was most pleased with it.

Keeping you, your friends and family in my good thoughts :

Thank you so very much.

Hi Kathy! I'm glad to hear your brother is improving. Hope he gets to go home today. It's nice to hear your mom is doing better, too.

Thanks, Tammie; he didn't make it Monday...but hopefully in a couple of days.

I was so confused when I saw the title about Epcot and then the first thing that loaded was zebra pics! What a cute little nook to meet Tigger and Pooh! Soarin' never gets old for me, either, even if the screen is looking old. I wonder why they don't do a reburb? Hope you have a good Monday.

Probably not the best title; but when at AKL you must start with animals. I love that area with Tigger and Pooh. There's rumor of a refurb and hope it comes true.

So heartbreaking. I will be praying for them also.

Thank you so much. Every time I see a new post by Amanda I get tears as I'm afraid what it is going to say. Such a sad, sad situation.

You have an amazing update i just adore the baby zebra! Of Course the hat pictures takes the cakes. Epcot you look odd without a poncho?!?! I thought that was a must? Honestly i LOVE your shirt!!!
the Pluto picture is awesome!

Thanks, Mo. We had a good afternoon at Epcot. And yes...no poncho! I'm fond of that Pluto picture.

Glad to see your Brother and Mother are doing a bit better.. Yet sorry to hear about your friend.

Thanks; it is so hard to see someone so young who is going to die when he has his whole life ahead of him (he just turned 31).

Always in my thoughts and prayers..

Thank you, friend.

Oh Man! I love the food and wine festival. Great times. Love the Concerts.

We fell in love with F&W...our first. We missed the concerts; hopefully next time.

Very nice Epcot update. Loving all the pictures!

Thanks, Darla. I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the pics.

Hello my dear! I'm glad to hear that your mom and brother are stable for now. And a steak dinner for Mark sounds heavenly. It's well deserved, for sure!

Hi, Sheresa. He deserves so much for all he as done. I did buy him a snowblower this past weekend too.

I look forward to Mark's hat pictures in every update. They bring a delighted smile to my face. Every time.

Awww...you are very sweet.

Pooh and Tigger cannot be missed! I've never had a bad interaction with the two of them. Love it!

They are the best!

 

[KatMark]

Glad to hear that your Mom is doing OK and that your brother is improving. I hope things continue to look better for you.

Thanks, Ariana.

Beautiful shots of the zebras. I really need to stay at that resort someday.

Yes you do!

PLUTO!!!

I bet you didn't even noticed Mark and I in the picture.

Yeah for Soarin'! I'm about ready for the new film that is rumored to be coming just so that those spots go away.

I am too...hope it comes true.

I saw Jim's chickens!

That's why I took the picture.

I know where you are eating dinner at.

I bet you do.

Kathy, I've been constantly praying for your mother, brother and for you. I hope that your brother continues to improve and that your mother stays as pain free as possible. Mark is such a sweet husband to help care for your mother. I know that John would do it for my mother. That's why we love our men so.

It sure is; we got very luck with our choices, Lisa.

Your day at Epcot looks to be quite fun. Started out with drinks from Starbucks and now your on to what I am betting is a great meal.

It was a very good meal.

All caught up!

Hi, Krysten!

First of all, I wanted to say that I'm so sorry for all of the illness your family is dealing with. Cancer is so awful. Lots of hugs to you in this difficult
time

Thank you so much...appreciate it.

Congratulations to Mark on his new job! Part time sounds perfect!

I think this is the best fit for him right now.

And great news about having some trips in the works, and seeing Nicki and Todd!

And I get to spend two times at Disney with them.

What a great night you had at MK! So many classic attractions Great photos too! My TA was recently in WDW and also felt that the 7DMT was far too short, especially for the posted wait times. She was quite disappointed.

Yes; it is a tad short, but the theme is terrific and the ride fun.

I'm sorry that 1900 PF wasn't better for you. We went in 2010, and while it isn't my favourite, we enjoyed ourselves. But the GF is my all time favourite resort!! It makes me sad that Mark doesn't like it much - but I completely understand why, I've felt that vibe in there myself at times.

Yes, it's just a resort you either love or you don't feel like you fit in.

Also, I love that you have a little stuffy that looks like Cookie! So sweet.

I miss my baby girl every day.

I saw that on FB so sad. Their Halloween pics are precious. Live and love each day like there's no tomorrow HUGS

Thanks, Jeanette. Such a young family to have this happening to them.

Glad things are a wee more stable and hoping your brother was discharged home today Kathy

Nope...still in hospital. Very soon if no more setbacks.

Glad to hear your mom is doing okay and your brother is feeling better.

Thanks, Clare.

Love your Epcot pics! Maura came home with the Stitch hat Mark had on! She puts it on and roars around the house in it.

I love it; I bet she looks adorable doing it too.

I won't go on Mission Space either. I've never been on it, but I've heard stories, so I'd rather not barf.

I really felt like I was going to barf when I got off of it.


Love your character pics! I love that you guys get character pics. I've heard so many adults say the characters are just for kids. No way!

Heck no...we're just overgrown kids anyway.

CAn't wait to hear about your dinner!

Coming up.

Oh, and I think we're finally going to see the Disney exhibit at MSI in a few weeks! Did you guys see it yet?

No, we have not seen it. We were going to go with Andy and Des some time this fall; we will have to wait and see what Mark's work schedule is.

WOW I take a DIS break and your at page 42.

Hi, Lorrie! It's good to see you; we've missed you.

I am caught up but too my updates to keep them all straight. I loved AKL when I stayed there in May.

It's terrific, isn't it?

Sorry you didn't enjoy 1900 Park Faire. We did it in December and had some wonderful interactions. Guess we caught the characters on a good day.

I guess we just had a bad day.

I'm so sorry about your mom and brother. My dad was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. Thankfully they think they caught it early and got it all but he is still having treatments and will need to be monitored closely from now on as it is the type that often recurs.

I have been keeping your dad in my prayers.

Your son's friend and his family have been in my prayers. I HATE cancer.

We were all so hopeful after they got rid of it the first time. And then the darn thing came back.

Hopefully I'll stay caught up for now. Leave for my cruise in 12 days so I'm getting ready for that.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise if I don't talk to you before then.

Sorry to hear of your brother, hope he is better soon.

Thanks, Scott.

Glad to hear both are doing better.

Getting there...slowly.

Great pics with Pluto.

Thanks.

The cake at SS looked good.

It was very good.

I have yet to see Pooh in UK.

You must rectify that.

I am caught up again.

YAY!

 

[KatMark]

I love that blue stitch hat....is that ever cute!

I liked it too!

I have never done mission space. I just don't think I could handle it....maybe someday.

Never again!

Yay for getting to see Pooh and gang!

It was so much fun.

I saw that on Facebook. Johnny wondered why I was crying when I came to him for a hug and told him how much I loved him. What a heartbreaking situation, I absolutely can't imagine. Praying for them.

You sound like me. Mark will look over now when he hears me sniffling and ask me, "Is it Joe?" It's just not fair!

Thanks Kathy, I miss having time to post here too. But now that the strike is over and we are able to readjust to our routines and I found the missing pictures from my dad's camera I hope to finally finish up my TR.

I may have lost my subscription so please let me know when you get back to it.

I’ve been following along; have to keep checking for more hats by Mark!

More to come...I promise.

Really enjoying the photos of animals viewed from your resort room. We would love to be able to stay at AKL but would have to have value resort price!

It's not one we can do every year (unless we get that great deal again), but it's fun to go once in awhile.

Looked like a great time was had at EPCOT!

We had a lot of fun.

Hope that your mother continues to do okay and your brother keeps improving. You and Mark are in my prayers too.

Thank you so very much.

Kathy, my prayers and thoughts go out to that family; what a real shame for such a young family to face such a thing. My prayers and thoughts also still go out to you and your family for your brother and mother.

Thanks, Bob. All I can say is it breaks my heart.

Scotch flight for dinner? Sounds much better than the drink you started your EPCOT time with.

There you go again.....

That cake from Sunshine Seasons looked pretty delicious. I'm going to have to go raid the candy box for some chocolate now.

After I read your post, I hit the Halloween stash in my drawer.

I'm glad that things are going ok for your mom and brother. I hope that continues to be the case.

I hope so too.

Back and catching up-----

I hope you had a great time; I enjoyed Marv's text updates. Let me know when you start a TR.

I did 1900 for dinner and the food ...eh but the steps were a hit. Lots of complicated food ( sounds like lots of different ingredients and things) and I really need an ingredient list so for me it just was not easy.

I imagine that would not be easy for you. But I do want to see the steps.

Looking forward to hear about Rose and Crown.

Coming up right now.

Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks, friend.

 

[KatMark]

So we had just seen my favorite -- Tigger and Pooh. We walked over to check in for our ADR and were told it would be just a few minutes and were given a buzzer. As a few of you had guessed, we were dining at Rose & Crown...a favorite of Mark's. Within two minutes, our buzzer went off and we were escorted to our table. We had a table outside right along the railing. The only bad thing about the table was the people behind us. They let their kids run all over the place and one of them was sick and coughing all over the place without covering his mouth. I was getting really, really angry.

The view from our table:



The menu



Mark usually gets the beer flight, but decided to shake it up this trip and ended up with the Scotch flight instead



He really enjoyed this choice instead of the beer this evening

His favorite appetizer -- the scotch egg



More pictures as we sat and enjoyed the hot and humid night



Someone was happy



Mark's meal...



I have no idea what it is...I truly can't remember. I do remember, however, that he wasn't a huge fan of whatever it was.

I had the fish and chips



And they were delicious as always. I also had a drink but don't seem to have a picture. It was in honor of the birthday of my Canadian friend, Tracy.

We were both too full for dessert so we paid the bill and decided to end our evening. Along the way, I took a few pictures





We stopped at the art store as you exit Epcot and I purchased a gift for Mary, the gal who had sold us her points.

Then we stopped for a photopass picture before we left

 

[KatMark]

It is now Monday, September 22, and we were checking out of the AKL today. It is always hard to leave this resort, but we were excited about our stay at our next resort as well.

I was up bright and early...6 a.m. and showered and finished up my packing. While Mark was in the shower, I got a few more animal pictures





We ate some breakfast in the room and loaded up the car and headed to our new home for the next four nights:









I went to check in and I sent Mark to take pictures:















We knew the room would not be ready, but it felt good to be checked in and wait for our text later in the day that the room was ready.

One of the great things about staying at the Boardwalk is the ability to be able to walk to two parks. Today we were taking our first walk to Hollywood Studios. I took some pictures along the way, of course

Across the way



Behind us















I think they wanted to join us





We could see my favorite ride as we walked





Up next, the Studios and THE DIS meet I had been waiting years for...finally