Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[rentayenta]

Within minutes the parade started. The following are all of parade. I do love a parade. I can't ever get anyone but Joshua to suffer through them with me but today, the little buggars had no choice.

The parade was fantastic as usual.

We headed back to AKV via the bus from MK and you'll never guess what we did when we got back.

Go ahead, guess.

You know you want to.

We'll play a game. It's a fill in the blanks game. Ready?

The girls decided to ___ while Michael, Joshua, and I headed to the ____.

Here's a clue:

Yes, that's right, the girls decided to nap while Michael, Joshua, and I headed to the pool. I know, you're shocked.

You're probably wondering why Michael and I don't relax? Believe it or not, this is relaxing. Being able to disconnect from the real world and just breathe is totally relaxing. We're lucky in that we're both able to power down and really block it all out the minute we get the airport.

So to the pool we went. It was another lovely afternoon and Joshua had a blast.

Here are a few more pics:

On the way back I wanted to find the gym, not that I was going to use it, but wanted to see it anyway. Here it is. I didn't even open the door. I didn't want my body to get tricked into thinking I was actually going to exercise on vacation.

We got back to villa to find the girls OUT as in sacked out asleep. Losers.


To be continued........

​

 

[eandesmom]

Do tell. I hope it's nothing serious but I'd love to hear how you stay motivated.​

Basically due to injuries I've had to give up other things (cycling, zumba and pilates specifically) and unless I want to lose my mind on the darn elliptical..I have to do something. Much as I love to hike, it's not a practical multiple times a week activity and running is. Practical that is.

What happened on your run?​

I stopped to turn off my gps as it was bouncing all over the place and making me crazy. Some guy turned into the street I was on to ask for directions and then asked me out for coffee.

It was hysterical. After a day almost in tears after visits looking for underwear I'm not allergic to, it did give me a small boost.

Must have been the ridiculously expensive tank top that I'm not allergic to. Ok granted, it wasn't any more than most of my others that I now have to get rid of but those had support IN them...this was that much for no support.

But I have to admit, probably worth every penny. Coolest fabric ever. Need more but on the cost to get more.

M is social once you know him if that makes sense. I am by far the most outgoing of the two of us. Or maybe I should say, I make 99% of the effort. Once plans are set, he's fine to show up and engage. ​

2 peas in a pod, Jeff is the same way.

I agree, it's sort of freaking me out. I already know she's going to ask to road trip to CO next summer or this Spring Break. We did it and lived but I swear it was a lot more mellow when we were kids.

Hopefully we can do the cruise and she can do a little Spring Break trip with her friends her senior year.​

I don't know why spring break scares me more than a summer road trip...but it does. I think of my college spring break trips and



the summer post HS one was SO much more tame in comparison, even with the driving all the way to CA and back.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic pictures of Tony. What would you recommend to eat there?

Glad that you enjoyed the pool time. And what a great seat to view the parade from.

 

[rentayenta]

Basically due to injuries I've had to give up other things (cycling, zumba and pilates specifically) and unless I want to lose my mind on the darn elliptical..I have to do something. Much as I love to hike, it's not a practical multiple times a week activity and running is. Practical that is.

I applaude you for finding new activities. Its hard to give up things you love especially things like exercise which isn't all that fun to begin with. I've wanted to try Zumba but I am so painfully uncoordinated. I would look like a hot mess for sure.​

I stopped to turn off my gps as it was bouncing all over the place and making me crazy. Some guy turned into the street I was on to ask for directions and then asked me out for coffee.

Nothing wrong with being hit on. Good for you. You're a hot mama!​

It was hysterical. After a day almost in tears after visits looking for underwear I'm not allergic to, it did give me a small boost.

I am so sorry your allergy is so intense. Swimwear must be hard to find too? Does your alergy flare up at certain times or is it constant?​

Must have been the ridiculously expensive tank top that I'm not allergic to. Ok granted, it wasn't any more than most of my others that I now have to get rid of but those had support IN them...this was that much for no support.

I can't wear tanks without support. Even with a great $50 VS bra, I prefer tanks with suuport but I'm sure the stretchy irritates your skin. I have to hold mine up with something akin to the great wall of china. ​

2 peas in a pod, Jeff is the same way.

I think that's a fairly typical men/women dynamic. Most of my friends do the planning for their families too. The men just show up, pay the tab, hook up the boat, pitch the tent, whatever. ​

I don't know why spring break scares me more than a summer road trip...but it does. I think of my college spring break trips and



the summer post HS one was SO much more tame in comparison, even with the driving all the way to CA and back.

Mine too. All of it scares me. When I was Gabby's age (16) my best friends and I went to Catalina Island for 4 nights, unsupervised, during Spring Break. Can you imagine? We were in High School. Oh the stuff we did. And for HS graduation I went with my friends to Mazatlan for a week. It was crazy fun but the thought of my children doing that scares me. I can't even begin to think about any of them partying like I did during my undergrad. ​

Fantastic pictures of Tony. What would you recommend to eat there?

Glad that you enjoyed the pool time. And what a great seat to view the parade from.

We really like Tony's. I know it gets a lot of bad reviews but we think it's good and the location cannot be beat. We have enjoyed everything we've tried. The sliders were really good; Chloe is the pickiest in the family and she loved them. We like their calamari, spaghetti and meatballs, and their Strip steak is always cooked perfectly. The girls enjoyed their cannelloni. I didn't try it but they ate it all and even sopped up the sauce with their bread sticks. Their Caesar Salad is good and not too heavy on the dressing. Some places put too much dressing on. Their shrimp scampi is also yum!

The only other Italian we've had at WDW was Mama Melrose and we like Tony's more.​

 

[dolphingirl47]

Lunch looked lovely. At some stage I really have to visit Tony's as the whole restaurant was outfitted by Ducky Williams. This looks like the perfect spot to watch the parade.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Lunch looked lovely. At some stage I really have to visit Tony's as the whole restaurant was outfitted by Ducky Williams. This looks like the perfect spot to watch the parade.

Corinna

Thanks Corinna, it was a terrific parade spot. I moved to the curb with Joshua but the others stayed with Goofy on the bench.

Tony's is worth a visit. I'm glad I didn't listen to the negative reviews. Its one of the few restaurants we've done more than once. I think 'Ohana and Boma are the only other table service we've repeated. We've only been to WDW 3 times but each has been for 10-12 days.

I didn't realize Ducky Williams helped with Tony's. Very cool! I knew he was involved with the cruise ships.​

 

[dolphingirl47]

Thanks Corinna, it was a terrific parade spot. I moved to the curb with Joshua but the others stayed with Goofy on the bench.

Tony's is worth a visit. I'm glad I didn't listen to the negative reviews. Its one of the few restaurants we've done more than once. I think 'Ohana and Boma are the only other table service we've repeated. We've only been to WDW 3 times but each has been for 10-12 days.

I didn't realize Ducky Williams helped with Tony's. Very cool! I knew he was involved with the cruise ships.​

I think it was not a just a question of helping. From what he said basically all the artwork is his down to the artwork that used to be on the plates. However, they have now replaced them with plain plates as they kept losing them. I have been lucky enough to hear him speak twice.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

I think it was not a just a question of helping. From what he said basically all the artwork is his down to the artwork that used to be on the plates. However, they have now replaced them with plain plates as they kept losing them. I have been lucky enough to hear him speak twice.

Corinna

I didn't know that. No wonder I love Tony's so much. It's about the ambience more than the food. It's very neat inside and the artwork is incredible. Do you know if he created the fountain? People were swiping the plates?

You've heard him speak? Wow! I bet that was extremely interesting. He's supposed to be a pretty nice guy too.

​

 

[dolphingirl47]

I didn't know that. No wonder I love Tony's so much. It's about the ambience more than the food. It's very neat inside and the artwork is incredible. Do you know if he created the fountain? People were swiping the plates?

You've heard him speak? Wow! I bet that was extremely interesting. He's supposed to be a pretty nice guy too.

​

I am not sure about the fountain. Yes, apparently people where walking out with the plates. I have heard that they have the same problems on the two new ships, but in this case with the butter knives in one of the dining rooms.

Yes, I was lucky enough to hear him speak and watch him draw on our Panama Canal cruise and our Hawaii cruise. I missed both his presentations on our Transatlantic cruise. I have also met him around the ship on those three cruises on a number of occasions and he is a really nice person. On all three of those cruises we got a lithograph by him and I got each of them signed.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

I am not sure about the fountain. Yes, apparently people where walking out with the plates. I have heard that they have the same problems on the two new ships, but in this case with the butter knives in one of the dining rooms.

People are so odd. It wouldn't occur to me to walk out with a plate. And stealing on the ship? Aren't there cameras? And it's not like they could get far. Goofy!​

Yes, I was lucky enough to hear him speak and watch him draw on our Panama Canal cruise and our Hawaii cruise. I missed both his presentations on our Transatlantic cruise. I have also met him around the ship on those three cruises on a number of occasions and he is a really nice person. On all three of those cruises we got a lithograph by him and I got each of them signed.

Corinna

What amazing experiences to have! And on the cruises no less. He does the lithographs too. Such a gifted and talented man. A true assert to the Disney company. I have a ton of pictures of the artwork at Tony's. Now I want to go through and look at them again.

Do you have photos posted of the lithographs? I'd love to see them.​

 

[dolphingirl47]

People are so odd. It wouldn't occur to me to walk out with a plate. And stealing on the ship? Aren't there cameras? And it's not like they could get far. Goofy!​

Actually it is kind of scary how few cameras there are around on the ships considering their size and I don't think there are any in the dining rooms.

What amazing experiences to have! And on the cruises no less. He does the lithographs too. Such a gifted and talented man. A true assert to the Disney company. I have a ton of pictures of the artwork at Tony's. Now I want to go through and look at them again.

Do you have photos posted of the lithographs? I'd love to see them.​

There is photos of the lithographs in the relevant trip report (Transatlantic Adventures, East Meets West and Taking Stitch to Hawaii and NOT Leaving him there). However, as they are in the middle, here they are just for you:

Transatlantic being signed:



And a bigger version:



Panama Canal



Hawaii



Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Actually it is kind of scary how few cameras there are around on the ships considering their size and I don't think there are any in the dining rooms.

That actually surprises me quite a bit. I saw the video of that poor family who's child drowned and assumed they'd have surveillance all over the ship. Interesting really. I wonder if there is a high rate of theft. I'd think not as we're basically captive but I guess you never know.​

There is photos of the lithographs in the relevant trip report (Transatlantic Adventures, East Meets West and Taking Stitch to Hawaii and NOT Leaving him there). However, as they are in the middle, here they are just for you:

Transatlantic being signed:

Thats a great photo and you two match! Darling.​

And a bigger version:

This is very cool. I like how they cater them to specific cruises.​

Panama Canal

Very cool, the Rescuers Clever. .​

Hawaii



Corinna

This is my favorite. I haven't been to Hawaii but its on my bucket list. I just love that Polynesian and Hawaiian culture. Do you have these framed and hanging? The three I have from DVC are all framed and hung. They make me happy.​

 

[dolphingirl47]

Yes, they are all framed and hanging in our living room together with an Epcot print and a couple of DVC prints.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Yes, they are all framed and hanging in our living room together with an Epcot print and a couple of DVC prints.

Corinna

Awesome, I love it! Just can't help but make you smile. We've got ours in our media room along with a framed poster of Pinocchio and one of The Wizard of Oz (one of my all time favorite movies).

​

 

[rentayenta]

Real life update. Gabby is away for a month in Colorado at camp as a staff in training. The camp posts tons of photos of the campers but very few of staff. I'm so happy to have found this from last night.

 

[scottny]

Nice Splash pics.
Tony’s is a good place to eat. Never ate inside though. LOl. Always on the porch.
Swimming is fun and so is napping so either would do it for me. LOl
All caught up. Great updates and pics.

 

[kaoden39]

Drive by post! Things are ahead of schedule on the house. Demolition is done! The actual rebuild starts on Tuesday!! It's an exciting time!!

 

[franandaj]

I've been lurking around here wanting to wait until I get back to computer to post, but alas, that is not going to happen this weekend.

No wonder you guys ended up with so much food leftover! Dropping in at places right and left with no ADRs It is funny how predictable yoyr crew can be! Still looks like a fun day!

 

[eandesmom]

Fun update! one of these days I would like to try Tony's, and Mama Melrose for that matter. Never enough nights to eat everywhere we want.

I think the pool is relaxing...as is the water parks...seems to me lots of relaxing was going on!

I applaude you for finding new activities. Its hard to give up things you love especially things like exercise which isn't all that fun to begin with. I've wanted to try Zumba but I am so painfully uncoordinated. I would look like a hot mess for sure.​

I really liked Zumba and at some point, now that my neck is more manageable, try it again but I've got a set routine at the moment that it may or may not fit into so we will see. Reinjury scares me.

I am so sorry your allergy is so intense. Swimwear must be hard to find too? Does your alergy flare up at certain times or is it constant?​

It's both. It will flare up when I've had a lot of exposure and it can take 2-4 weeks to really calm it down. Swimwear is a huge problem and Hawaii did cause a pretty big flare up. Most of the time I'm not in a suit 24/7 so it's limited exposure but tropical vacations are an issue for sure. Worth it but I really didn't expect it to be as bad as it was. Swimsuits that are "free" of issue materials don't exist so really I just have to suck it up.

I can't wear tanks without support. Even with a great $50 VS bra, I prefer tanks with suuport but I'm sure the stretchy irritates your skin. I have to hold mine up with something akin to the great wall of china. ​

Oh I can't either...all I can do is try to find stuff that has "less", which is not easy!

 

[Pinkocto]

Ok, if I don't post as I go I'm totally going to miss things.

Firstly, sorry I'm starting this so late.

AoA looks so cool, thanks for all those photos.

Kudos for not forcing yourselves to go to MK that first night, starting off tired is no good.

You got a lot of rides in that first morning, very cool. I don't think I've ever, in my entire life, been to rope drop, a Dis failure I know.

You had me laughing out loud with the Joshua's wedding comment in IASW, so funny!

Now I want to stay in a THV... I'm going to need these 50 years to try all the awesome places available. Not to mention those Cabo pictures at the beginning, that resort looked gorgeous.

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