MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

Happy belated birthday to Evan and congratulations to Kendall!

Things have been quite busy for you! Good to see the vacation plans coming together. I hope all of the Aulani plans work out--can't wait to see what the kids think of that place.

Good job manipulating the hubby to get into the Princess! :rotfl2: If my wife used that line on me I definitely would have caved, too. :thumbsup2
 
Good to hear how everyone is doing! Sounds like a great birthday for Evan - my brother asked to spend his birthday with me, DF and our other brother and I know it warmed my mother's heart :goodvibes And congrats to Kendall!

I'm quite envious of your trip planning, Aulani and the PHM both sound excellent. After the TOT I think PHM is next on my list (if I can work myself up that far!)

I think DL has far better medals then WDW's races, that half medal will look great on you!
 
Happy Birthday to Eric! What a great way to spend his birthday.

And congratulations to Kendall!:banana:

Look at all these fun trips coming up in the near future. Looks awesome!

I really like your race photos and Belle inspired running gear:thumbsup2

I think that's awesome that you'll be teaming up with another DIS'er for PHM!:banana: Very fun!
 

What a nice birthday choice Eric made! It looks like it turned out to be a great day!

Congratulations to Kendall on her graduation!

Wow! You have some great trips planned. I keep saying that I'm going to get back into running (haven't done it seriously in years) but, so far, I'm still a complete and total slacker. I'm envious of those of you who are so dedicated.
 
Exiting stuff planned here! I love your logic and how you formulate your trip planning... I know it's coming but I love the delivery! BTW, having a Premier AP you HAVE to squeeze in that PHM! ;)

HAVE to is right! :rotfl:

That's awesome that older E wanted younger E to share a bike ride on his bday! :)

It was

Congrats to Kendall for her graduation. She looked beautiful. Graduation for Em is this week so the madness is beginning for our household.

Madness is right! I am exhausted. I swear, if it's nice out on Sunday I will just sit on my deck all day and do NOTHING

Happy belated birthday to Evan and congratulations to Kendall!

Thanks!

Things have been quite busy for you! Good to see the vacation plans coming together. I hope all of the Aulani plans work out--can't wait to see what the kids think of that place.

It will be interesting. We have some fears they will be bored but we will see. They are a bit past the play in the pool age, though I am sure they will like the lazy river. But I think we will be fine.

Good job manipulating the hubby to get into the Princess! :rotfl2: If my wife used that line on me I definitely would have caved, too. :thumbsup2

:thumbsup2 Gotta work it!

Good to hear how everyone is doing! Sounds like a great birthday for Evan - my brother asked to spend his birthday with me, DF and our other brother and I know it warmed my mother's heart :goodvibes And congrats to Kendall!

It is just wonderful when kids actually put family first...on their own!

I'm quite envious of your trip planning, Aulani and the PHM both sound excellent. After the TOT I think PHM is next on my list (if I can work myself up that far!)

I think DL has far better medals then WDW's races, that half medal will look great on you!

Are you registered for TOT, both of you? Very cool, I didn't realize that. If you can run 10, you can do 13. At least I tell myself that, I've not actually run that far yet (13 that is, I have run 10 lol). I LOVE the "D" medal!

Happy Birthday to Eric! What a great way to spend his birthday.

And congratulations to Kendall!:banana:

Thanks! It was actually Evan's birthday :goodvibes

Look at all these fun trips coming up in the near future. Looks awesome!

August seems so far away but it really isn't.

I really like your race photos and Belle inspired running gear:thumbsup2

I think that's awesome that you'll be teaming up with another DIS'er for PHM!:banana: Very fun!

Thanks, I am tempted to buy one of them, which would be a first!


What a nice birthday choice Eric made! It looks like it turned out to be a great day!

It was actually Evan, and it was a gorgeous day, couldn't have been nicer!

Congratulations to Kendall on her graduation!

Thanks!

Wow! You have some great trips planned. I keep saying that I'm going to get back into running (haven't done it seriously in years) but, so far, I'm still a complete and total slacker. I'm envious of those of you who are so dedicated.

Dedicated is a stretch. I try. It doesn't always work with the schedule, June is tough to maintain the routine we'd like but we try. Once you get a routine going it helps a lot to stay on track. I'm not really sure I'd call it serious either but having it in the mix regularly is good and I am glad I am doing it despite the fact I never, ever thought I would.
 
and then it occurred to me.

I COULD do the Princess!

I had a ticket
I had miles for flight
I had points
I had zero issue doing that one by myself, plus I knew no matter what, I'd know people who were there


So I did! I booked myself for 3 nights, BWV boardwalk view. I figured if I was going solo, I'd make it a 4 night trip and pay cash for the first night so as to not cut things too close for Aulani or compromise our view type for that trip.

While I was doing this, I was chatting with another DISer, who was on the fence about PHM. We discussed rooming together and she made the decision to go for it too! She's done this race before and I couldn't be more excited to be with someone who knows the ropes. Not to mention someone who knows me, who I've run with before and will be running with again between now and then!

We are now booked for 2 nights at AKV Kidani Savanna view and then the 3 nights BWV with Boardwalk View. She booked the 1st 2 nights using her home resort advantage and at 7m will waitlist for the BWV/BW view so we don't have to move. But, we are both very ok if it doesn't come through, it's a win/win in either scenario.

Guess who my roomie is?

Yep! Princess Ann!

:cheer2:

We will both be online on 7/8 for early registration.

I TOTALLY could see this coming! I think its awesome! That's one Disney race I think would be a lot of fun! And I think its wonderful that Princess Ann got a new DVC contract. I would say the stars pretty much aligned on this one! :thumbsup2

This does create some outfit drama for me. I'd been going with a very loose "Belle" outfit for the DL half. But maybe I should save it for Princess?

:rotfl2: You guys crack me up on your running outfits. When I first got into running, eons ago, I did it solely as crossing training for cycling, which requires the correct clothes, shoes, gloves, helmet, bike set-up, repair items, ect. That stuff got to be labor intensive. I remember thinking how great running was because all I needed was a good pair of shoes and a jog bra. I've never been into cute outfits, but reading about yours and Ann's clothing dilemmas has me thinking more about style this days. Those jog skirts do look kind-of neat. I told Ann that I am intrigued.

Congrats to Kendall on her graduation. She looks so much like Jeff in those pictures! But in a girly way! She is really a lovely young lady and I wish her much success.

Belated Happy B-day to Evan! I would totally pick a bike ride, too!
 
I TOTALLY could see this coming! I think its awesome! That's one Disney race I think would be a lot of fun! And I think its wonderful that Princess Ann got a new DVC contract. I would say the stars pretty much aligned on this one! :thumbsup2

Definitely!

:rotfl2: You guys crack me up on your running outfits. When I first got into running, eons ago, I did it solely as crossing training for cycling, which requires the correct clothes, shoes, gloves, helmet, bike set-up, repair items, ect. That stuff got to be labor intensive. I remember thinking how great running was because all I needed was a good pair of shoes and a jog bra. I've never been into cute outfits, but reading about yours and Ann's clothing dilemmas has me thinking more about style this days. Those jog skirts do look kind-of neat. I told Ann that I am intrigued.

There are outfits I guess, and costumes. Some people go nuts at the Disney races in costume. Some people get really into costumes at certain local races, especially of course when they are themed and costumes are encouraged. Which can cause issues...you should have seen some of the folks post race at the emerald city one I did. Some sad looking witches and tin men that had ditched things along the way and clearly had experienced some issues. They say to never test anything new on race day and wow, I can see why. I did test the yellow skirt on race day but have worn that brand now almost exclusively for all runs so wasn't overly concerned. Still, I did have one small issue, or discovery I guess. Testing things out is good!

As a general rule I admit, I like cute workout clothes that fit well, function the way I want them to and that I am not allergic to. For me, with running, this actually meant buying all new stuff. When I started running I thought it was going to be just about a good pair of shoes, socks, shorts and a bra. The stuff I'd been using in the gym just wasn't right for running at all. I didn't own a pair of running shorts, I didn't really own a running bra as all my gym tops had built in support (and I had to get rid of most of them anyway due to allergies) and those didn't breathe enough to run it plus the allergy situation, my socks weren't good for running, etc. The shoe thing was first and was complicated, who knew! But it got worked out, I invested in one good pair of shorts and bra, an initial batch of socks and I was off.

As I went on though it became clear that the tops I had weren't suited to running, and then as the weather changed, I needed other things to run in the rain, wind, cold, etc. Could I do it without those things? Sure, but I'm a heck of a lot more comfortable with them and obviously my allergies complicate the situation a lot. As nice as the concept was that it would be a cheap sport, for me it really hasn't been once you add up the shoes, shorts, knickers, capri's, tights, bra's, undies, tanks, long sleeve tech tees, short sleeve tech tees, running specific rain jacket, gps watch and my fancy sports rx sunglasses. None of which I had prior to running. Those were all need to have...the skirts...those were just for fun. LOL! I did add it all slowly over the past year but still, ouch! I am super picky about this stuff which didn't help. I do think longer distances are a big factor. I could probably run in most things for a couple of miles but start to go past 3 or 4, I need things that can keep up and not cause issues. So it's been a gradual process of identifying what I needed and wanted and what worked best, as distance increased as well as running in inclement weather, the needs evolved. If it's cute though, much better. :rotfl:

All that said, it is only the Disney races that I've ever thought about having a specific outfit or costume for and that certainly is largely due to getting caught up in the fact that a lot of folks do it. When I first contemplated it, I really thought I'd just wear shorts and maybe a themed tank but here I am, in an actual skirt. A lot of folks get a skirt for a Disney race and then like them so much they were them for everyday running or all their local races. I have a friend here who runs skirts for all her races and she does a lot that are non Disney. And then of course there are the tutus....

Anyway...I think you probably would like a skirt. There are a ton of different styles and fits. One nice thing is that many of them are over compression shorts. I think a lot of folks like these as the compression shorts are a bit longer so help avoid chafing especially on longer runs but the skirt covers the compression so folks aren't self conscious if that makes sense. For people that don't want compression you can find skirts with built in briefs or skirts that go over whatever short you want to wear under it. Pockets can be a big deal too depending on what you want. I have 3 skirts so far total. One I got for super cheap just to try a skirt out. I didn't want to invest too much the first time as I really wasn't sure I'd like it so I watched for sales (and of course have to limit it to certain brands and fabrics...stupid allergy!). The first one I got has the briefs, not shorts and was from skirt sports online. Next one was a xmas gift from the boys and is compression shorts which I had never worn before other than cycling. I like that one but it is warmer than just shorts as it's simply more fabric. This last one is definitely marketed for both tennis and running and the shorts are made of mesh. Kind of weird and kind of brilliant all at the same time. Both of the others are from Athleta. The yellow one breathes really well but still helps avoid chafing. I admit, I've never worn it just for every day running but I really did like it on the 15K! And it wouldn't surprise me if I do wear it this summer every now and then as it is pretty darn cute. And comfy!

So...yeah...PHM. No clue what I will wear but I've lots of time. The weather too is a bit of a wild card so could influence it quite a bit, I'll probably want to bring options given the time of year.

Congrats to Kendall on her graduation. She looks so much like Jeff in those pictures! But in a girly way! She is really a lovely young lady and I wish her much success.

Thanks! She looks a lot like her mom too

Belated Happy B-day to Evan! I would totally pick a bike ride, too!

Me too! That used to be my mothers day activity, every year. Now it's a hike if I can, with the whole gang, this year it was a 10 mile run :goodvibes

It's too cold on my birthday for any of that. On my birthday...I want the spa. Not that I ever actually go to the spa but I can want it, right?
 
Excellent report going! I love reading about your planning, your stories sound just like what I do in my head. Nice to know I'm not alone.

Also really enjoying the running reports from you and others. I ran my first half marathon (without training!!! :scared1:) in March. I've done a 10K before, but that was ages ago. Anyway, after I finished, I was convinced I would never do another, haha, but that didn't last long. I haven't signed up for any, but do believe I am hearing the call....

Thanks for your reports! I really enjoy them! :thumbsup2
 
Cynthia, I apologize for falling behind. It's been a rough week.

I love that Evan decided on a bike ride with his brother...that just warms my heart.

I know I congratulated you on FB, but congrats again on Kendall's graduation.

Plans seem to be coming along as always for you.
 
Excellent report going! I love reading about your planning, your stories sound just like what I do in my head. Nice to know I'm not alone.

Sometimes they should probably stay in my head :rotfl:

Also really enjoying the running reports from you and others. I ran my first half marathon (without training!!! :scared1:) in March. I've done a 10K before, but that was ages ago. Anyway, after I finished, I was convinced I would never do another, haha, but that didn't last long. I haven't signed up for any, but do believe I am hearing the call....

Yikes! Without training, impressive and scary all at once. I've yet to do my first, hopefully I will survive!

Thanks for your reports! I really enjoy them! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much for reading!!!

Cynthia, I apologize for falling behind. It's been a rough week.

Oh Kathy, you have nothing to apologize for :hug: I've subbed to yours and that's about it. :( Hopefully this weekend will give me some nice catch up time. The good news is you've not missed much.

I love that Evan decided on a bike ride with his brother...that just warms my heart.

mine too

I know I congratulated you on FB, but congrats again on Kendall's graduation.

Thanks! I confess though, I am VERY glad it is over

Plans seem to be coming along as always for you.

thank goodness for planning, it makes some of the days bearable huh!
 
All caught up again. FAR too much going on here to comment on it all, but I love the rainbow dresses photo of the prom. Ups, now I let you know HOW far behind I was.
I will stay on top more once school is over. I promise! :goodvibes
 
All caught up again. FAR too much going on here to comment on it all, but I love the rainbow dresses photo of the prom. Ups, now I let you know HOW far behind I was.
I will stay on top more once school is over. I promise! :goodvibes

Oh Karin, you are way ahead of me in terms of getting caught up!

:goodvibes

thanks for reading!!!!!!
 
Oh my goodness. Let’s get this TR back on track! I figured I'd get a REAL trip update up and then I can focus on all my threads, I feel like totally lame DISer! I've missed reports starting and ending I've been so nutty. Boo.

Where were we?

We had dealt with the aftermath of too much fun the day before, run around Crescent Lake, waved at my parents as they boarded a bus, bought ourselves a treat at the bakery and sent the rest of the gang off without us. Tummies full and cleaned up, it was our turn to head out. But to where?

How about a recap? Since it's been so long, I bet you've all forgotten!

Day 1. Magic Kingdom with FP+ followed by Epcot for dinner and CP
Day 2. DHS day with FP+, dinner at the Poly and a surprise swing through Epcot
Day 3. AK morning , pool break, NYE at Epcot with FP+
Day 4. DHS morning with FP+, Tea at the GF, Osborn Lights and FP+, Fend for yourself dinner at Epcot.
Day 5. Islands of Adventure, dinner at Fort Wilderness
Which brings us to Day 6.

And it would appear we were a bit shy on time at a very important park! That needed to be fixed.

The rest of the gang had been there for at least an hour and in the case of my folks and Kerri and Eric, closer to 2.

As for us, well we strolled in closer to 2pm!



Jeff's band got the blue mickey head of fun



Fortunately for us, all the FP's had been timed for later in the day.
But in short order we were in and just in time to meet folks for a calm little ride. You know, the kind good parents let their kids go on after they've had a middle of the night episode.

Yep, this is how positive we were that he was not sick.



Gotta love the "deliberately bored" mug for the camera

Q on the other hand, had a different approach



As you can see, it was still chilly out



Melissa hates thrill rides but for some reason, this one works



While we sailed through space, the parental units went for a photo op







And then another one





I like this one



If memory serves, we all split up after this. Kerri and Eric had some magic fast passes and I am pretty sure he took our Eric on HM as there had been drama on NYE with Test Track. The "big boys" had wanted him in their car and for whatever reason there wasn't room for our Eric and he had been pretty bummed about how it all went down so “big” Eric wanted to make it right and do something with just him. The rest of us had FP's for BTMRR but…it was down. Again.

Mel and the boys did some spinning



As did Evan and I. I think. It's pretty clearly a photo taken from another teacup, not the side. LOL! Jeff definitely did not.

And then we had to go here



The teacups wore her out





Leftover NYE stage? Or is that a dance party? Clearly I don't track these things well.



And then, a ride that for once EVERYONE could go on!













That photo round goes to Quin and Jeff

Continued in next post
 
Hahaha, nice on Evan having ulterior motive on commandeering your bike. Those kids. So smart they are. That's awesome that they were able to ride together and that they enjoyed it.

It really was a quality family day for you! Those are the best, aren't they?

You're going to be at the Princess yay!!!!! We'll have to get together! I'm so excited and yet terrified about the race at the same time. :scared:
 
Continued from previous

By now it was 4:30 and we were all starving. I'd had, yep, that croissant and a yogurt. Jeff, a giant cinnamon roll and maybe a couple of pieces of sausage. The boys had had something I think before we'd gotten to the park but at any rate we were cold and hungry so decided to start the meander out. It was crowded though! And, given that we'd not be back in this park again this trip, with all of us, a photo was in order.

Except the PP photo was having issues, camera had frozen up and he was swapping spots with someone. So much for the full group shot!





The hub, though you can't really tell in the pics, was crazy! And it was COLD. Everyone was ready to go. I however was trying to fit in a DISmeet! In the craziness we found each other and had a minute to say hi.

Proof!



It was so lovely to finally meet Happydog and her lovely family. I was really bummed it was short and rushed as I'd have loved to hang out with them more. I felt rude as my kids were being uber impatient. Hopefully next time!!!!

As we exited, night was rolling in, as was even chillier weather







We split up at the entry. My folks, Kerri and Eric took the bus back to their hotel to get ready for dinner. The rest of us took the monorail. It was Melissa and the boys last park day and park visit at WDW, the last day on their tickets. They had a few shopping stops to make in the WS. Much to the boys dismay, I did not let the E's go with them. Mel needed her alone time with her boys, soaking up that last magic. Instead, we walked through Epcot ourselves and attempted a picture of Eric with his favorite dog Pluto.
As you can see it didn't turn out. At all!



The boys REALLY wanted to head to the WS but we would have more park days and more Epcot time later. We needed more food. For the boys that is. Tonight was adult night out and I'd bought them some frozen pizza. There was concerns that it wasn't quite enough so we decided to see if there were any good supplements at the BC Marketplace on our way, and to check out that store. We ended up buying a frozen lasagna for "on the side".
Arriving back at the ranch the truth was, we were all starving. Especially Jeff and I. Evan decided to get creative and make us a snack.

Presentation IS everything you know!



Like vultures, we inhaled so quickly we just left all the bags out for easy restocking. With a little adult beverage on the side of course!



When packing for the trip, we'd all brought something cute for dinner (the girls that is) but the reality was it was COLD. Which meant pants. The only pants I had...were jeans. I think the only pants anyone had...were jeans. Oh well, so much for dressing up for dinner! We dressed up our jeans as much as we could with what we had to work with and walked as quickly as possible across the bridge. Luckily it was close as my feet, in their cute sandals, were icicles.

(edited to add...walking across the bridge = Blue Zoo). oops!

This helped warm us up.





Thank you Happydog for this drink recommendation!

Burnt Orange
herradura blanco infused with brûléed orange and muddled with agave nectar, grand marnier, and orange

YUM! A little sweet, I couldn’t have done 2 of them, but it was a perfect starter. As were the crab nachos which she has raved about for years and I'd never tried. We inhaled those before I could attempt a picture, not to mention the lighting in there is horrible.

I went for the Ahi


Ahi Tuna
benne seed rub, fresh water eel, braised shiitake mushrooms, daikon

I think this was Kerri's, the simply fish (I think)



Eric's



I have no idea, it doesn't really match anything on their menu right now, meat wise.


Jeff had the swordfish



Dirty South Swordfish
barbeque rubbed, house smoked tasso risotto, rock shrimp, littleneck clams


He gave me his clams


Melissa went for chicken, all specially arranged for her allergies



Dad had whatever the special was



My sisters birthday was early December but I'd noted it on the ressie



The rest of us got a couple things to share I think



It was a really fun evening. I love the kids, all of them. But it was really special to have a true adult only night out and just enjoy being together, wonderful food, wonderful wine and wonderful people. And yes, being away from all of them for 1 night. LOL! This would be our last dinner together. We had one more group meal planned but the next day Kerri and Eric would be doing their own kind of adult day and the rest of us had other, very busy, plans, so in some ways it was a close to the trip and it really couldn’t have been nicer.

We all strolled back home and got ourselves to bed, it was going to be a busy busy morning.

Moving Day
 
I love all the ride photos!

You can definitely tell that it was cooler out. You are all bundled up quite well.
 
Ok you posted as I was posting...

The group photo is great... but again... you all look cold!

:woohoo: for the dismeet. Those are always fun. I think it is hard on our families though. They don't often get why we have to carve out a time for someone we "know" from online not to mention having patience is not so easy a thing for kids. ;)

Dinner looked amazing. Where was it?
 
Hahaha, I totally posted in between your update before!

Yup. Get on Space Mountain, we know you're feeling okay. :rotfl2:

Everyone is so serious on Buzz. I love it!

At least you were able to fit a DISmeet in. Even though some of them end up being brief, I just love being able to have them.

Woah...that flaming drink looks awesome.
 
Glad you guys got in some MK action! Love the PP pics of your folks :) that a Gaston is a riot!

Dinner sounds lovely and looks delicious. What fun drinks.

How did the kids survive in the villa?
 



















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