Let the Memories Begin--A Mother/Son Adventure of a Lifetime!-update 8/6-17 the end!

[Poolrat]

Good Luck with those boys... It can be fun but exhausting depending on the boys.


Glad you got a second opinion but it stinks that now you are starting over essentially.
Hopefully, more information will yield a better result. Sorry you have to wait so long when the doctors don't really listen to what you are saying. You live in your body 24/7 so hopefully you should be able help them disgnose you.

 

[photographymom517]

Great trip updates!!!

I loved seeing your pics of the Osbourne Lights!!! I am soooo excited to see them this December for the very first time!!!

Have fun with the Webelos this week! My oldest, Matthew, just became a Boy Scout this year...so I completely understood the whole thing about Jeremy's last year as a Webelo!!! My parents were so excited, but I was really sad when Matt became a Boy Scout...just another thing showing how fast he is growing up! Bittersweet! Our camp begins in mid-August.

I will definitely keep you in my prayers! I really understand how frustrating it is when the doctors all say something different or they think the pain is one thing & it's actually something completely different! My mom is having more tests done tomorrow morning & she's been going through the same thing. Hopefully they figure out what's wrong with you & my mom very soon so both issues can be resolved!!! Many prayers coming your way!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Oh my, I know when I am in pain my patience tends to be on the low end anyway, not sure I could handle a group of elementary age boys in that condition - good luck!!

So frustrating that now they think something else is causing your pain, I pray that a solution is found quickly!!

My patience was gone by the last few hours of camp. All in all, it was a good time and I am so glad I took off to enjoy it with Jeremy.

Update coming in just a few!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Good Luck with those boys... It can be fun but exhausting depending on the boys.


Glad you got a second opinion but it stinks that now you are starting over essentially.
Hopefully, more information will yield a better result. Sorry you have to wait so long when the doctors don't really listen to what you are saying. You live in your body 24/7 so hopefully you should be able help them disgnose you.

It was lots of fun. You would have died laughing at their "swimming" hole in the lake. With cub scouts they can only be so much depth to learn to kick, lay on their back, etc. The depth came to Jeremy's knees. He came home everynight with sand all in his shorts!!! I think he crawled in the water th whole time!!!

Great trip updates!!!

I loved seeing your pics of the Osbourne Lights!!! I am soooo excited to see them this December for the very first time!!!

Have fun with the Webelos this week! My oldest, Matthew, just became a Boy Scout this year...so I completely understood the whole thing about Jeremy's last year as a Webelo!!! My parents were so excited, but I was really sad when Matt became a Boy Scout...just another thing showing how fast he is growing up! Bittersweet! Our camp begins in mid-August.

I will definitely keep you in my prayers! I really understand how frustrating it is when the doctors all say something different or they think the pain is one thing & it's actually something completely different! My mom is having more tests done tomorrow morning & she's been going through the same thing. Hopefully they figure out what's wrong with you & my mom very soon so both issues can be resolved!!! Many prayers coming your way!!!

Hope your mom is doing well. I had been following your reports on FB.

Jeremy goes to boy scouts in December. Exciting for him but makes me sad that he is growing up so fast.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

While I love taking vacation time with my family, it is killer coming back to work having been off a week! I am finally caught up here and can now catch up on my dising time!!!

I did have a great time with Jeremy at cub scout camp last week. I was very tired by the end of it but all in all, it was a memorable experience. He is growing up so fast and I really cherish the time we spend together.

I have good news on the medical front. I saw the Ortho doctor last week and it is my rotator cuff. He gave me a shot of cortizone last week. It was feeling so much better the next morning!!! I am still have weakness when I reach behind to my back in that arm. I started therapy yesterday and he thinks he can get that better. I was so relieved there was no need for surgery and most importantly, to be pain free!!! Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers!

I finally got my pictures loaded to photobucket so I think I can get two more updates and be done with this report and on to spring! We leave 3 weeks from today for a leisure/business trip to San Francisco. I am so excited to be visiting the Redwoods, Yosemite, riding a cable car, seeing Alcatrez, but most important, seeing the Walt Disney Family Museum. I am still trying to figure out how we can get a few WDW Days in before our cruise in November. Tom is being stubborn on that one so time will tell.

It was our last day in Disney and we were headed to AK.

Pretty birds on the way to the Tree of Life.

And now the pretty Tree of Life. Someday I am going to spend time walking the trails around the tree.

We were headed to the safari.

I love these African cranes ever since we stayed at AKL last summer and they laid eggs while we were there.

It was a walk on at this point and we were waiting to be cleared to head out on our 2 week safari.

We had a slight delay so a giraffe could cross.

He finally moved on and we continued.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

As usual, we enjoyed the safari. It was time to head to Rafiki's.

Geez, what is the deal!!! Photobucket just froze up on me. I am going to post this and restart the computer. Hope to have another update soon!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm sooo relieved to hear that you won't need surgery and that you are feeling better! That's great news... sorry you had to wait so long to finally hear it!

Alex had a kidney stone in March & we still haven't gotten answers on why it happened... we finally have an appointment with the second specialist in July (or next Wednesday if they have a cancellation). The waiting is killing me!

Enjoying your AK update - I hate when PB causes trouble!

 

[Poolrat]

So glad to hear you did not need surgery. I hope the improvement continues and you stay pain free.

 

[Sooze]

Good news about your shoulder! YAY!!

Jeremy is SO good about posing for pictures. How do you do that?!

Love the giraffe moment! Things like that make it seem much more like a 'real' safari!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yay for no surgery!! I'm so glad to hear you are on the mend

I just love the Christmas tree at AK, such unique ornaments!

You got some great safari pics

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

It has only been 2 months since the last update! And what a two months it has been. My arm is better. Therapy worked and I can now move it freely in all directions. So, my arm is working but the past 4 months have not been good on my weight loss so I am kicking up the exercise again and hoping it starts coming off. We had a great trip to San Francisco and Yosemite. I think I might do a mini trip report on it once I start my trip from our Easter Disney vacation. We did visit the Walt Disney Family Museum so it would be appropriate. Jeremy has been doing some scout camps and he competed in our Ohio State Fair for his 4-H projects. Busy would be an understated word for the past few weeks. However, I have been so proud of him. He is becoming such a little man that it really makes me sad. I love our trips to Disney as it really brings the kid out in him again (and us too). Oh, and there is news on the Thanksgiving cruise/WDW trip (yep, I got WDW days on this trip---Tom finally caved!!!!).

The plan is to finish this report today and start the new one by the end of the week. I can't wait to share it with you.

I last left you at our last park day. We had taken a safari and was riding the train around Rafiki's. We got off the train and explored Rafiki's.

It was a while before they were doing any procedures so we decided to listen to the rainforest and head out.

Jeremy looks like he is clapping here!

Train back from Rafiki's.

Jeremy was excited to ride his favorite ride--Primeval Whirl.

Cute snowman near Dinoland.

It was late morning and we had accomplished everything we wanted to in AK. Looking back I wish we had visited Camp Minnie Mickey and saw the parade but I plan on making it there this year!

We decided to catch the WL bus and see the resort and eat at our favorite counter service on property, Roaring Fork.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

When Jeremy and I were planning this trip, we discussed doing something fun and special beyond the parks. He likes miniature golf but we had done Winter Summerland and I wanted to make sure that whatever we did, there would be a bus to take us back. I wasn't comfortable with just me and him in a cab with a stranger so golf was out.

We kicked around the idea of LaNouba when we got there. We have both been wanting to see this for a long time and there was currently a discount for DVC and AP holders. But, I knew Tom wanted to see it as well so that was out.

During our summer trip, Jeremy had asked to do Characters in Flight and Tom wasn't too thrilled about that idea. So, I thought this would be something fun to do so we hopped on a DTD bus from WL and ended up doing just that.

We had to wait for 1 or 2 flights before it was our turn.

I took some pictures of the balloon in air while we were standing there. It was at this point that I finally remembered I have a huge fear of heights. What in the world had I gotten myself into!!!

It was time to board. The captain places you around the balloon. We were the last ones on and closest to him. That would not have been a big deal had it not been that when he closed the door, there was no lock!!! So, not only am I fearing for my life as we kept going higher and higher, but I am also afraid that with every sway of the wind, I am going to fly out this door.

I did get brave and take some pictures but there were knots in my stomach the whole time we were up there. Jeremy on the other hand was loving it!

It took several attempts and this is the best picture I could get of us as I was using my other hand to hold on!

Jeremy had a ball! He couldn't wait to call Tom.

It was a great memory. I recently read that this was closed due to something in Hong Kong I believe. Does anyone know what happened?

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Some more pictures as we walked away.

We head to other side of DTD and did some shopping.

I know that Jeremy spent the last of his money on a Christmas lego set that I had no idea how it was going to make its way on the plane along with the DHS play set. We were looking for Tom a shirt but couldn't find anything we liked in his size. We head back to the BW. It was getting late so we got freshened up and decided to go shopping in Epcot one last time.

I have no pictures from this night but I do have a cute story to tell. Jeremy knew I was wanting a Mickey Mouse scarf I had seen at Mousegears. His daddy had sent money with him to do my Christmas shopping so he asked for some alone time shopping in Mousegears. Now, I will tell you I kept a distant eye on him. That place is too big even for a child his age. I noticed he was at the counter for a long time. With shopping done, we went back to the room to pack. I was trying to fit all I could in the big suitcase when he brings me his purchases to pack. He had a bag with a box. He had asked the sales lady for a box to wrap his mom's gift. Too sweet! And, to my surprise, on Christmas morning there was my Mickey scarf and that green bracelet I had been looking at earlier in the trip at DHS. He had remembered and saw it at Mousegears. What a sweet little boy I have!!!

I got a few pictures the next morning on our balcony. I was hoping to get the clown pool but it didn't turn out.

Magical Express was early so we were at the airport way before our flight time.

We boarded the plane around 9:30 and a quick 2 hours later was at the car heading home.

It was truly a trip of a lifetime with him. I love when we go as a family but this was truly special and so many memories were made. I would love to do this again with just the two of us.

Thank you to all of you who stuck around in this long, drawn out report. I promise the next one won't be so long. I will send out the bat signal when I have the new one going. Until then, here are a few spoilers.

DH finally realizes he is married to a Disney Dork!!!

What makes me cry and where?

Will I survive this ride?

Oh no, is it bed bugs or sand fleas?

What goes ding at Kidani Village?

a little spoiler from San Francisco... what character is at the Walt Disney Family museum that has my whole family excited?

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, mega update!!

Love the pictures of the holiday decorations at WL, I think that resort feels the most Christmasy to me, so warm and cozy

Good for you braving Characters in Flight! That was something that I really wanted to do, but I'm not sure I'll get the chance now. The one in Hong Kong had a sudden loss of helium for some reason and dropped, injuring 5 people. The one in Orlando is closed until they can figure out what caused the accident.

You do indeed have a very sweet boy for remembering the bracelet you liked AND the scarf. I can't believe he even thought to get a box to wrap them in!

Thanks for sharing another wonderful trip with us Erika, can't wait to hear about the next one!!

 

[Poolrat]

Love the wrap up. Yes characters in Flight was taken down due to the incident in Hong Kong.

How sweet that Jeremy bought you the scarf and bracelet.

Glad everything is somewhat back to normal even if it is busy.

Can't wait to hear about the Easter trip. i am trying to finish up so I get it.

Glad you survived the flight. Stink that once you commit you realize - hey that is really high. I would have been more scared about falling out thatn being up so high. All is good until you fall out right?

 

[Kat in GA]

Wow - you finished with a bang!! How did you get those lego sets home??

I am looking forward to hearing about the Easter trip. And about your next Thanksgiving trip. I can't believe our trips don't coincide this time!

 

[MeMom]

Oh, and there is news on the Thanksgiving cruise/WDW trip (yep, I got WDW days on this trip---Tom finally caved!!!!).

Yay!!!

Thanks for all of the Animal Kingdom pictures.

 

[MEK]

Well, you would think that not being at work I could see all your pictures, but there is a crappy internet connection in this beach house. that, doubled with Denny's slow computer, and

Didn't realize I missed your June update. But now I am caught up. Sorry to see your TR end, but glad you will be starting a new one. I'm so glad you guys had such a great trip. Lucky that you did the Balloon thing. I wanted to do it June and now I regret it.

I'm so glad your arm is better! And yeah to adding days to the November trip! Can't wait to hear about the Disney Family Museum and your San Fran trip!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, mega update!!

Love the pictures of the holiday decorations at WL, I think that resort feels the most Christmasy to me, so warm and cozy

Good for you braving Characters in Flight! That was something that I really wanted to do, but I'm not sure I'll get the chance now. The one in Hong Kong had a sudden loss of helium for some reason and dropped, injuring 5 people. The one in Orlando is closed until they can figure out what caused the accident.

You do indeed have a very sweet boy for remembering the bracelet you liked AND the scarf. I can't believe he even thought to get a box to wrap them in!

Thanks for sharing another wonderful trip with us Erika, can't wait to hear about the next one!!

WL is and probably will always be our favorite resort on property. I love the feel of the resort and the coziness. I am super excited that we are staying there at least one night of our Thanksgiving trip (keeping my waitlist fingers crossed that more nights will open).

Wow, I had no idea about the Hong Kong balloon. How scary! Sure hope the five were okay and not serious injuries.

That child never ceases to amaze me. He is such a good boy, most of the time.

Glad you enjoyed it. I hope to have the next one up soon. I did pictures loaded from Easter last night so that is a good sign.

Love the wrap up. Yes characters in Flight was taken down due to the incident in Hong Kong.

How sweet that Jeremy bought you the scarf and bracelet.

Glad everything is somewhat back to normal even if it is busy.

Can't wait to hear about the Easter trip. i am trying to finish up so I get it.

Glad you survived the flight. Stink that once you commit you realize - hey that is really high. I would have been more scared about falling out thatn being up so high. All is good until you fall out right?

Pat, I was starting to freak out inside once I realized what I had done in regards to the balloon. I have a huge fear of heights. Always have. I was petrified when I was a kid climbing up the Statue of Liberty. The only way I could ride the ToT was to keep my eyes closed. If I had looked out I probably would have passed out.

I am hoping things start slowing down on this front. I am giving up PTO this year. Jeremy only has 2 years left in elementary and it is time. I have done it for 4 years. While I enjoy it, I really need the break.

Hope to have the Easter trip started today or tomorrow.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow - you finished with a bang!! How did you get those lego sets home??

I am looking forward to hearing about the Easter trip. And about your next Thanksgiving trip. I can't believe our trips don't coincide this time!

I know, it will be odd being there when you are not!!! I have enjoyed meeting up with you the last two times.

I ended up carrying the legos in their bag. The airline didn't give me any grief. I got to the airport and the luggage was at 51 pounds. The lady told me to take a shoe out and put it in my lego bag as both of our carry ons were packed to the fullest---one of them was housing the DHS hat!!! It worked!!!

Yay!!!

Thanks for all of the Animal Kingdom pictures.

Glad you enjoyed them. I already told the boys that I was staying in AK a lot longer than normal in November to take it all in. It will be our first park day and we won't make rope drop but I am determined to see the Christmas parade again. It is so cute!

Well, you would think that not being at work I could see all your pictures, but there is a crappy internet connection in this beach house. that, doubled with Denny's slow computer, and

Didn't realize I missed your June update. But now I am caught up. Sorry to see your TR end, but glad you will be starting a new one. I'm so glad you guys had such a great trip. Lucky that you did the Balloon thing. I wanted to do it June and now I regret it.

I'm so glad your arm is better! And yeah to adding days to the November trip! Can't wait to hear about the Disney Family Museum and your San Fran trip!

I am glad we did the balloon as well (even though I was scared to death!). It was fun and Jeremy had a good time. Oh, the things we do for our kids!

Hope to get the new report up soon. We loved the San Fran area. I could have spent the whole day in the museum. So much Walt Disney history. I will probably start that report mid stream of the Easter one. I have to get through a portion of the Easter trip for the museum to make since.