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

[addictedtothemouse]

Lion King!!! And Liesa!!!
I went to Dallas in October to see The Lion King, and I loved it!
I've missed seeing Liesa around here and was wondering how she was doing.
Running....well yeah....after my last asthma attack I'm concentrating on breathing while walking and going up and down stairs.
Homework? Really? I would have asked where my real children were. Lol

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Lots of fun - running, eating, drinking, and the Lion King! WOO HOO! We saw the Lion King many years ago when it was in Minneapolis BEFORE it went to Broadway - I'd love to see it again. Sarah was very young (4?) and Paige was too young to go.
I can't believe the boys wanted to do homework! Wow!

Nice that you had some down time at the pool - too bad Jeff wasted so much time in search of a big cup! Silly man!

 

[glennbo123]

That pool does look a little windy. I suppose the pools in Disney are quite a bit different on Dec. 31/Jan. 1 than Jun. 30/Jul. 1?

Hey, running to a brewpub now that's my kind of running. It's good to have a goal. Congrats on your progress though.

So good to see a picture of Liesa! I miss her on here!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Just caught up with your TR!

How exciting doing the DL half marathon!!! I hope you get to see some awesome characters along the course!

I am so excited for the breakfast at Sci Fi with you and Mary Ellen!!!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[annmarieda]

How responsible that the boys wanted to do homework!

Gingerbread looks yummy!

I was so cold when we went in January that there was little to no pool time. I can't believe you got some pool time in.



Too funny that Jeff needed the "perfect" mug.

Love the pictures you are sharing of your room.

It took FOREVER to get up there, a good half hour longer than normal and some seriously nasty weather on the way. We also drove by the turn off for where the Oso slide happened and saw all the detour signs, just so incredibly sad. I am glad we went up the night before.

I totally didn't even think about how the Oso stuff might impact your drive.

So we made up for the total lack of pics before and at the race, with these.

Great pics!

Head back downtown for dinner out and the Lion King!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome!!!

Some other folks found it interesting too! It turned out, by pure luck, that another DISer was headed to LionKing that night with her lovely daughters! They were driving up from Oregon that morning to see the city and it worked out that they could come crash at our house before the long drive back.
And while I didn’t get an actual picture of the 2 of us, she did promise her DH that she’d get a picture of Jeff's plane to show him.


But oh we had a lovely little morning cup of coffee and chat over a light breakfast with she and her 3 lovely girls. I so so so enjoyed them, as did Jeff. Liesa (all7ofus) is not around much these days, super busy with work, school, planning a wedding...life stuff but she is much much missed and I loved seeing her again. The big city traumatized one of her girls (I swear, they saw more city ick in one night than I've seen in a long time) and absolutely fascinated one of the others.

How neat that you got to see her!

 

[annmarieda]

yep, cheese, eggs, meat....and an adult beverage. Carbs on the side. LOL!

yes, that would be good.

Almost spot on actually. My official race pace was 9:21 for the 15K. I don't know about it improving much from there though. Obviously I can go faster based on that 10K time @ 8:40 (though as I've said, I've never gone that fast since lol) and I do think I could get a 15k in lower than what this ended up at, but I don't know that it'd be anything dramatic. We will see. Still, that puts me in that 2:05 range so I still thing that 2:05-2:15 is what I'm likely to see at the half. Or hope to lol.

Well, I don't want to hold you back AT ALL. However, I could see us not being able to get too far from each other the entire race.

Well breakfasts, unless they are character meals are not as tied to ressies I think, you can be spontaneous a bit. CG was super yummy.

I doubt it would be a character meal... although I was thinking perhaps CRT. BUT since mil and fil won't be going to the park that probably means a big no on that one.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Congrats again on your race! I have to say well done, even though you felt it wasn't your best race ever! I loved the junkyard beer stump stop! We loved eating at some "trailer trash" restaurant in Boise that was a hoot!

So cool you got to go to Lion King, AND that you got to spend time with Liesa and the girls! We do definitely miss seeing her around here as much. I guess your night life in Seattle might be a little more colorful than the night life in Salem!

Too bad Jeff missed out on pool time looking for a mug. I guess there are priorities sometimes.

 

[Flossbolna]

I am finally caught up with your thread! And there is sooo much to comment on. Can't really thing I will be able to catch up with that!!

But first of all I wanted to say that it is wonderful that you got to meet Liesa and her daughters! I have met two of them (the younger ones) when they were having their stop over in Germany on the way back and thought that they were two lovely young ladies!

All your travel plans sound amazing! It's a shame that your DL trip isn't a few weeks later...

 

[TinkyCheeks]

I got a good laugh out of the boys requesting some homework time during vacation. Good for them, though! And how great that you had the space to just ignore the mess.

Great job on the race! Even though you weren't feeling it, you completed it and have the experience under your belt. Always a good thing!

I'm dying to go see The Lion King. I've only been to one musical, Wicked, and loved it so, so much. And how cool that you got to spend time with a Diser! Sounds like a great weekend.

 

[afwdwfan]

HOMEWORK TIME

Ok... I'm confused. I must have missed the update where they suffered head injuries...

Jeff did not have an appropriately sized mug for his poolside adult beverage.

That is a major problem!!! You don't want to head to the pool with a mug that will be empty by the time you get there. It totally defeats the purpose!

Jeff went in search of that perfect mug.

And didn't like a thing he found at either the small DVC focused shop inside BWV or the bigger one outside.

You guys just can't catch a break when it comes to finding mugs!

And the not so quiet boys studio side…where a bomb had apparently gone off

As we headed out the door I wondered...

How long will the lines be?

Will we have any issues getting in?

How hard will it be to find the rest of our group?

What will the crowds really be like?

Valid questions.

Love this place, Jeff calls it "beer on a stump". It's like the land of leftover patio furniture.

I like it! Looks like something you'd expect to find in a Captain Oblivious TR.

Overall, the race went ok for me and about the same for Jeff. Not sure if it was the weather, the running too much prior, the one glass of wine the night before (when Jeff told me I was being silly to not have it lol) or simply the fact that I didn't "need" that proof of time like I had at the 10K. The end result is that neither of us really felt the major race adrenaline we’d been expecting and basically ran at our normal paces. Of course the fact that the last .6 miles were into ridiculous headwinds (like running into a wall, literally) and had a short but brutally steep hill at the very end, might have had something to do with it. Talk about a buzz kill! LOL. I am glad we did it though.

I'm sorry the race wasn't as great as you might have liked, but at least you got to have a nice little weekend getaway for it.

 

[CarolynK]

I will be getting to our evening. We had planned appropriately, we had an ADR in the park and FP+ booked. We also had an escape plan. Had we not there is no way in a million years I'd have been in there. And truly, were it not for FP+ we really would have had to be there all day or have tried to pull FP's in the am, or just not bothered with any rides and at that point wow, it can become a long day or long night really really fast. I had a small amount of fear of not getting in but that was unfounded. We did go through the IG and it was great but oh my word, I saw pictures of the main gate and YOWZA! I will be interested to here how Pat and Carolyn's evenings were as I believe both went to DHS.

AK sounds like a great choice for the morning, I'll have to remember that! Our morning was spent at FW but with wall to wall people, we were pretty happy to leave when we were done with our rides (probably ~ 2 pm). DH and I went to Publix for some replenishing, we relaxed in the room, I made dinner and we finally headed out to WS at about 11 pm...we wanted to be in Italy this time. The exit after the show was SO crowded, I voted for waiting it out but I was overruled so we (quite literally) pushed on through.

It comes with the little yellow card that indicates what kind of pass you have so you need that for parking, and allegedly the discounts as well. Seems like the actual AP would work too.

Of course this means that I will have 3 bands for this trip. AP, and then 2 since it's a split stay reservation at the same resort. And....once I upgrade my AP in Cali to the Premium, who knows what will work.

Who am I kidding...I just wanted that little blue AP slider!

So I wasn't going to get new Magicbands for our June trip until I saw your pictures! I want that little blue slider!! So they've been ordered

By the time he showed up with his mug and drink, we were not at the pool much longer. It was a bit windy and while it was warm enough to be in shorts and a tank, it was borderline and certainly not warm enough for either Mel or I to hop in the pool (and after the red legs the night before...I opted out of the hot tub as well). As we had a crew to get ready, in stages, I elected to head here to finish my drink and oversee herding cats.

I think we got into swimsuits only once the entire week, just to be able say that we went to the pool at least once! I didn't get wet, though--the water was too cold!

I also checked on the laundry from the night before.

It still wasn't dry

Hmmn.

I started the dryer again.

I've noticed the dryers take a lot more time to dry than mine at home!




I am seriously impressed by your neatness! I always have stuff all over the top of the counter and it's a constant battle to keep it under control.

 

[eandesmom]

Oops

Now you know one reason you don't see any TRs out there that Ol' GoofyFan has written. I would probably either mess up the details, forget what happened, or completely leave out someone's name instead of giving them due credit. It's tough getting older.......

it's still sugar...desperate enough and one never knows what that man might do.

Even if you DID mess up any details, you might be forgiven for pushing a TR to the next page so that an update could be at the top

Especially since Glenn and Rosie failed at that task.

Not that I'm terribly religious about it but it IS nice when that happens. So you get credit for that!

If nothing else.

Not to mention it would probably take forever for me to get it finished. [/QUOTE]

Poor Jeff wandering around looking for just the right drinkware while you were lazing around the pool. I'd take the pool over any mug/cup/glass any day.

The man was thinking long term over the course of the trip. Can't have glass down there so he was in a little bit of a bind.

Boy, it really does look like a bomb exploded on the boys' side. That's about what Hunter's room looks like on any given day. Best to just keep the door shut and go in once a week to make sure nothing is growing in there.

The bathroom was worse. Day 3 and every towel in the place was on the floor, wet. Thank heavens trash and towel service were scheduled for the next day.

Homework time!?
I shouldn't laugh, I would have been the same when I was in school. Good for them!

Well.......

I think a couple of things were going on. Evan did not have the best first semester of HS. He was pretty desperate to fix a couple of grades and keep a couple of them and there would only be 3 weeks left in the semester once we got back.

Quin allegedly had homework as well.

However, in both cases...I am not entirely convinced the full time was spent doing homework..and suspect in Q's case he snuck in screen time on other things that he was not supposed to be doing. I know I caught him several times over the course of the trip, when his mom had specifically said he couldn't. It was the only battle I had with him (and battle is a huge overstatement) it was more some reminders that dude...you mom said no.

Well I have to say, I'd deal with drinking out of a paper cup or used water bottle before I'd miss that wonderful pool time with treats and such! Class me under low maintenance too I guess!

Which would be fine if we had either of those to use. We did not. And he was thinking long term over the course of the trip and just wanting to deal with it now. Still, he was being high maintenance!

Sounds like your races are going well! (Despite the wind and steep hills!) Mostly I'm just in awe of you guys and your shorts, as I sit here in the middle of yet another snow storm. I'm moving somewhere that has spring.

Oh my. I haven't worn shorts yet! I've had a few days where I could wear "knickers" which are a just below the knee capri and that's been on days that hit mid to upper 50's. No snow but it still could happen around here, has before. Generally right now we are in 40-50's and if lucky...approaching 60.

Wow...love the set up of the one-bedroom at the BWV (maybe I should have gotten my one bedroom there rather than the AKL).

The 1B at BWV, for 2, would be absolutely lovely! For a large group it didn't work well for sitting and eating but I knew that going into it. AKV is much better for that with a lovely full real kitchen table. But 2 at BWV in a 1B would be pretty heavenly if you ask me!

The boys room looks like my son's apartment for four years in college.

The E's rooms are minor versions of that, I generally don't let them get that bad but it really is impressive how quickly they can trash it.

I am impressed with the homework. Way to go kids.

Well....as I said I do think there was a screen time agenda especially for Quin. But they did do some.

Poor Jeff missing all of that pool time trying to find an appropriate glass for his drink. Sorry it wasn't quite warm enough to hop in the pool.

I can't make too much fun, I did wander around night one trying to find "my" coffee cup. It was kind of funny, and annoying at the same time. I was happy that it was warm enough to be by the pool, there wasn't really enough time to deal with getting wet, then cleaned up etc for the night anyway.

How nice that you got to spend some time with Liesa and her daughters (I know she has a new log in here on the DIS, but don't think she is around all that much with the new one either).

She does! Steppesister. No, she isn't around all that much but does pop in every now and then. It was so very lovely to see her!! I just adore her and her girls were wonderful. I'd met the youngest girl before but not really the older 2 so it was neat to meet them. We really enjoyed them.

Great update
I love your wine tumbler - do I have to go all the way to Napa to purchase one
Sounds like your runs are going well

LOL! I have no idea if they sell them in Napa, it was a gift from a wine club I am in so they mailed it to me. Fun gift though for sure!

 

[eandesmom]

OMG - now that's a blast from the past. Glad to hear that Liesa is doing well and keeping busy. She looks great.

It was so cute, we'd planned to meet at intermission and the place was packed. I'd forgotten how tiny she was until we were standing there and mentioned to Jeff that she might be hard to spot! Thankfully she and her girls were on the steps and texted where they were waving...I'd not have found her in the crowd.

What a jammed packed weekend you add and then you had time for an update on Monday. Very impressed.

Well I want to get to NYE itself, and have another DL trip update so I needed to get moving! Not to mention we've been tweaking our plans too! Still not having any luck on that BoG FP for lunch though. Hopefully at 30 days...

You guys looks like you had a great time on your race and to celebrate with beer is even that much better.

We had a great time on our 9 mile run the week before. The race itself....we had a lovely lovely dinner the night before and great lunch after but the actual race...was ok. We survived. LOL! It wasn't bad but I wouldn't go so far as to call it great. For both of us I do think the 2 9 mile runs in the same week + another 5 mile one was just a bit more than our bodies were thrilled with and mentally that played a part, as did the weather. Jeff's got some lingering (new) issues from the race, as do I although mine is pretty minor. His....I think he needs new shoes and he really should get them before our next race which is next weekend.

I can't wait until our weather allows us to sit outside and have beer on a stump. We are almost there. fingers crossed!

It was SOOO nice to be outside! I did wish I'd had a long sleeve top to put on though with the breeze but still, it was worth it. Between the Friday coffee with Ann outside and this, it was some very needed vitamin D.

haha to the boy's bedroom. OMG that reminds me of traveling with Brian and Nick and when they would bring a friend. that bedroom was always a disaster.

Oh it was bad. That bathroom!!!!!!!!! The towels!!!!!!!!!

I'm a little worried about the dryer now!

Yeah, suffice to stay I was not starting any new loads until we got one dry. Which meant my poor white bermuda jeans shorts, with all their mud splatters from the day 1 rains...were still awaiting a wash.

Too funny Jeff insisted on the refillable mug. A souvie - right?

Oh he was only focused on the functional aspect of it, not the souvenir one. I'd "blown" it by not packing one for him. And well that annoyed me, I have packed them before (back before the chip as long as design was current) so I can see where he assumed I would. I made the error of suggesting he find one he'd use after the trip instead of wasting the money on the refillable ones he wouldn't, since we didn't need the soda. So my suggestion, while well meant, added to his total search time.

Home-w-o-r-k whilst on holiday??? WOW! Your job is done! Great job with the older kids.

Or they were both operating in a state of fear (and the possible opportunity of sneaking in screen time).

In all fairness they did both do homework on the trip, more than once and it was witnessed. Evan was pretty worried about the 2 days he'd be missing so really wanted to be on top of things and for both it was nearing the end of the semester. They are in the same district, just at arch rival high schools.

Poor Jeff and the smalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll problem. What a shame to be running around the Boardwalk looking for an appropriately sized beverage holder instead of chilling out by the pool.

It is kind of funny. Of course it was my fault since I didn't just pack one. Which I should have. It wasn't on the list! And since I have brought them before or made sure we bought them right away I can see his point, the poor guy had COUNTED on it. If it was just that one day he'd not have bothered but he was thinking about the total trip and it truly being a "need" for him.,

What a full and fun weekend! You really lived it up.

It was a fun weekend, I am still tired!

I love love love gingerbread.

Me too! And it was SOOOOOOOOOOOO yummy!

Well done on the race. My brother in law is running the London marathon in a couple of weeks and we'll be going up to watch, I've ordered Freya a bib that says "Well Done Uncle Andy" on it to put on her at the end for a photo op.

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot imagine running that far. I can visualize the distance for the half but I have less than zero desire to ever run farther than that.

Clearly, the alien bodysnatchers have arrived.

They do that! Evan was really trying to get that end of the semester stuff in and get the grades up. While it may not have ended where he wanted...his turn around in effort and work ethic and just flat out caring has dramatically impacted this 2nd semester in a really really good way (so far).

Sounds like he needed to come up with a better packing list.

Yeah, because he actually goes off a list....



Just wait. There is more to come.

I also checked on the laundry from the night before.

It still wasn't dry

Hmmn.

I started the dryer again.

DVC dryers strike again!

Yes, lets buy the cheapest wimpiest ones we can and then wonder why they don't hold up to constant use????

Sensing a trend here...

But it seems like a good way to end a run!

Well there was a pretty big gap after the race before the beer but still, it was nice.

My wife wants to see that so badly!

It was my Christmas present, it was SOOOOOOOOOOO good! And worked out that my folks had given us gift cards for Christmas that we used for dinner prior and so just a really really lovely evening all around.

Yay! Very cool that you got to see Liesa.

It was so cool!!!! We didn't have much time at night, it was midnight before we were back and in bed but had a nice hour or so chat over coffee in the morning

Lion King!!! And Liesa!!!
I went to Dallas in October to see The Lion King, and I loved it!
I've missed seeing Liesa around here and was wondering how she was doing.

Doing really well, just very very busy with real life and wedding planning. It was so wonderful to see her and spend time with her and the girls.

Running....well yeah....after my last asthma attack I'm concentrating on breathing while walking and going up and down stairs.

that is no fun. This time of year is hard on Jeff in that area, he has an arsenal of inhaler and spray and what not. Even if he forgets to use it half the time. Breathing is important!

Homework? Really? I would have asked where my real children were. Lol

Seriously. But having had to nag kids on vacation before to do homework it was really really nice to not have to nag at all this time.

really nice

Even if they only really did homework have the time and spent the rest on anime (Quin) or stupid youtube videos (Evan)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I like it! Looks like something you'd expect to find in a Captain Oblivious TR.

Beer on a stump? I'm totally there.

 

[eandesmom]

Lots of fun - running, eating, drinking, and the Lion King! WOO HOO! We saw the Lion King many years ago when it was in Minneapolis BEFORE it went to Broadway - I'd love to see it again. Sarah was very young (4?) and Paige was too young to go.

I loved it!!! Rafiki (who was played by this amazing south african woman) absolutely stole the show. Poor Scar couldn't hold a candle to her.

I can't believe the boys wanted to do homework! Wow!

I'm not sure want was the right word but both were stressed about getting too far behind and having it be ugly at the end of the trip and I also believe, wanting to sneak in some extra screen time. Which honestly, for an hour in the middle of the day, on that particular day, was ok.

Nice that you had some down time at the pool - too bad Jeff wasted so much time in search of a big cup! Silly man!

Silly man! He gets very particular at times and wants what he wants. I WILL pack one in Sept.

That pool does look a little windy. I suppose the pools in Disney are quite a bit different on Dec. 31/Jan. 1 than Jun. 30/Jul. 1?

Just a tad

Hey, running to a brewpub now that's my kind of running. It's good to have a goal. Congrats on your progress though.

Technically we have never run "to" this brewpub. We run by it, pretty much on every run we do, or most. We have power walked to it. This time we ran past it twice...and then drove to it.

So good to see a picture of Liesa! I miss her on here!

Me too! It was so much fun to see her and spend some nice morning coffee time chatting. Not really as much catching up as I'd have liked but it's never enough, is it?

Just caught up with your TR!

Welcome Caitlin!!!!

So funny, I was looking at DL TR's yesterday and got about half way though yours but haven't posted yet. I am loving it!!

How exciting doing the DL half marathon!!! I hope you get to see some awesome characters along the course!

I am very excited about the race. I don't know, in fact it's probably unlikely, that I will stop for photos. That clock ticking in my mind will probably keep me from stopping. But, you never know! Either way I will get to see them and have that experience AND run through the castle!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited for the breakfast at Sci Fi with you and Mary Ellen!!!

Can't wait to read more!

I am so excited for our breakfast and even more so after starting to "meet" all of you on your TR! We are going to have a BLAST.

How responsible that the boys wanted to do homework!

Or sneak screen time

Gingerbread looks yummy!

It was SOOOO good! I don't know that I've ever had it where it had a full side brushed with chocolate like that. It was darn tasty!!!

I was so cold when we went in January that there was little to no pool time. I can't believe you got some pool time in.

We did not get much pool time. 3 total trips to the pool I think and for me, I went in the hot tub once but never into the pool. Boys each swam twice I think.

Too funny that Jeff needed the "perfect" mug.

He was a bit ridiculous

Love the pictures you are sharing of your room.

Including the bomb that went off

I totally didn't even think about how the Oso stuff might impact your drive.

I think it did on the way up, 5 was ugly so we took 9 to Marysville to avoid it and combine that with some nasty squalls...it was a long drive.

How neat that you got to see her!

Well, I don't want to hold you back AT ALL. However, I could see us not being able to get too far from each other the entire race.

I promise, you won't hold me back. And likewise!!!! And, we will get to "test" it all out very soon though I suspect with those "rolling hills" it will not be a PR for either of us. A PR in terms of doing a race at that distance, yes but, not probably from a normal nice flat training run. LOL! I am very excited and honestly thrilled to have someone with me in that kind of crowd. I'd imagine they will have pace staging but who knows. My only 2 data points were similar in size (280 ish), one had actual signs for pace and this last one they just told you to position yourself accordingly. Which was a bit odd as the 5/15 and 30 all started at the same time so it was really almost 500 people starting at the same time, just positioning themselves by pace in a very general way.

They just uploaded some pictures and it was SOOO depressing. Jeff's shots are awesome (though does show how wet we were!). Me on the other hand am either totally obscured, or at the finish they totally focused on the 2 significantly older than I guys that finished ahead of me...I'm in the background of their shots, not a solo shot to be found. WAH. Which given that they said there weren't any photos is fine I guess but still. Wah. More may still show up though.

I doubt it would be a character meal... although I was thinking perhaps CRT. BUT since mil and fil won't be going to the park that probably means a big no on that one.

yeah probably not

 

[annmarieda]

Oh my. I haven't worn shorts yet! I've had a few days where I could wear "knickers" which are a just below the knee capri and that's been on days that hit mid to upper 50's. No snow but it still could happen around here, has before. Generally right now we are in 40-50's and if lucky...approaching 60.

Dont say that! I know... we do tend to get one last late snow fall.. but seriously I think we got enough rain in March to make up for it.

Including the bomb that went off

That isn't bad! I am honestly a bit terrified to have Kira and Zoe "living" out of the living room for the entire trip in October. I fear it will be bad... very bad.

I promise, you won't hold me back. And likewise!!!! And, we will get to "test" it all out very soon though I suspect with those "rolling hills" it will not be a PR for either of us. A PR in terms of doing a race at that distance, yes but, not probably from a normal nice flat training run. LOL! I am very excited and honestly thrilled to have someone with me in that kind of crowd. I'd imagine they will have pace staging but who knows. My only 2 data points were similar in size (280 ish), one had actual signs for pace and this last one they just told you to position yourself accordingly. Which was a bit odd as the 5/15 and 30 all started at the same time so it was really almost 500 people starting at the same time, just positioning themselves by pace in a very general way.

It will be fun to test it out!! But yes, I am already preparing myself to not PR. For one... I anticipate being in that just perfect spot hormonally where I feel like I am running through mud. Two.. "rolling hills" I haven't been up to the Landing in so long that I can't remember what the terrain is like. I know it sits down below the highlands... but we wont' be headed up there. Three... with that many people I do anticipate congestion. Most races with more than a couple hundred people will say "please slower runners keep to the back" However, a herd of "fast" runners is still a herd and it slows people down. AND finally... since I figure I/we are about mid pack runners we will have to try and position ourselves in the middle but there are bound to be people who "think" they should be ahead that we will still have to navigate around. I just don't' want to be trampled.

They just uploaded some pictures and it was SOOO depressing. Jeff's shots are awesome (though does show how wet we were!). Me on the other hand am either totally obscured, or at the finish they totally focused on the 2 significantly older than I guys that finished ahead of me...I'm in the background of their shots, not a solo shot to be found. WAH. Which given that they said there weren't any photos is fine I guess but still. Wah. More may still show up though.

That is disappointing. I have wanted good finish shots... but I have yet to see anything come through that are very flattering. I have got better at least at the Disney races to try and "pose" when I see photographers. I just need to remember to do that at the finish too. Usually I am just so ready to be done though that I forget that my picture will be taken until it is too late.

 

[franandaj]

I can't believe that the kids asked to do homework!!!!

Poor Jeff wasted all his pool time searching for an appropriate beverage holder. You know he could have just gone back to the room and refilled it and had much more enjoyment time at the pool.

We saw the Lion King when it was here a couple months ago and totally loved it. We saw it back when it came out and Disney refurbished the Pantages theater in expectation of the Lion King. It seemed to me that they changed the soundtrack this time around and it was much more "Rock" oriented than it was back then, but that's just my take. We still enjoyed it thoroughly!

Great job on the running. I'm sure you'll do great on the DL run.

 

[eandesmom]

Beer on a stump? I'm totally there.

Can't go wrong with beer on a stump you'll just have to come here to have it!

Dont say that! I know... we do tend to get one last late snow fall.. but seriously I think we got enough rain in March to make up for it.

Record shattering rain...that seems to be back at the moment. BRR!

That isn't bad! I am honestly a bit terrified to have Kira and Zoe "living" out of the living room for the entire trip in October. I fear it will be bad... very bad.

Is it OKW that they will be living out of or BWV?

OKW is not bad at all. We had 3 kids living in that room and there is a HUGE storage cabinet behind the kitchen table to stash all the luggage.

If you can get them to keep it in there that is. If memory serves some was in there and some...in our bathroom.

It will be fun to test it out!! But yes, I am already preparing myself to not PR. For one... I anticipate being in that just perfect spot hormonally where I feel like I am running through mud. Two.. "rolling hills" I haven't been up to the Landing in so long that I can't remember what the terrain is like. I know it sits down below the highlands... but we wont' be headed up there. Three... with that many people I do anticipate congestion. Most races with more than a couple hundred people will say "please slower runners keep to the back" However, a herd of "fast" runners is still a herd and it slows people down. AND finally... since I figure I/we are about mid pack runners we will have to try and position ourselves in the middle but there are bound to be people who "think" they should be ahead that we will still have to navigate around. I just don't' want to be trampled.

Having never done a chip timed 12k it will be a PR no matter what, right?

It WILL be a herd. That much is certain. As is the mid pack.

That is disappointing. I have wanted good finish shots... but I have yet to see anything come through that are very flattering. I have got better at least at the Disney races to try and "pose" when I see photographers. I just need to remember to do that at the finish too. Usually I am just so ready to be done though that I forget that my picture will be taken until it is too late.

I thought my 10K one was bad...I look like I am frowning and it was before the finish, they did them there, not at the finish line. This one...I'm just background! Like the guy took a break when he got to me. I am seriously in the background for about 6-7 runners.

Ok, I take it back. I just realized that there is video of the finish!

VERY weird to watch myself run. The guy in front of me totally blocked me from the video camera as well. We were closer than it looked in the photo finish and I guess he just couldn't catch me?

Bummer.

I can't believe that the kids asked to do homework!!!!

Poor Jeff wasted all his pool time searching for an appropriate beverage holder. You know he could have just gone back to the room and refilled it and had much more enjoyment time at the pool.

He'd have wasted as much time with the back and forth to refill. Plus I am pretty sure my sister had the other wine tumbler Shatterproof big glass is great but not really for walking around with and he didn't want that. So he didn't really have anything to use.

Trust me, it was best it got dealt with then so I didn't have to hear about it for the rest of the trip.

We saw the Lion King when it was here a couple months ago and totally loved it. We saw it back when it came out and Disney refurbished the Pantages theater in expectation of the Lion King. It seemed to me that they changed the soundtrack this time around and it was much more "Rock" oriented than it was back then, but that's just my take. We still enjoyed it thoroughly!

I hadn't seen it before so have no basis for comparison but it was really well done and their Rafiki was amazing!

Great job on the running. I'm sure you'll do great on the DL run.

Thanks!

 

[eandesmom]

Planning update!!!!!!!!! Exciting developments over the past week or two around here.

Disneyland Marching Band Trip.
We have performance info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And as a result, more of a plan. Check it out.

Saturday:
• Drop Evan off at the airport at GASP 6:10 am. Rest of us fly in the afternoon, land around 4:30.
• Grocery store for breakfast, snacks and adult bev’s.
• Check in
• Dinner at Trader Sam’s if we can make the cut off, if not, elsewhere in DTD
• Upgrade my park ticket, add a day to Eric’s.
• I may head into the park quickly to try and by an “egg” map. There is a special little easter egg hunt, “while supplies last” and you have to buy the map to do it.
• It is possible we will just head into the parks anyway but that means adding days so will play that by ear. Given that we will be done with dinner by 8 and parks are open till midnight…and the studio is small to hang out in for all 4 of us…it’s possible. As is pool/hot tub time or shopping. Definitely a play by ear evening.
• Crowds are supposed to be at a 10 so…YIKES

Easter Sunday:
• Sunrise service on the beach!!!! This is something we do at home (granted I’ve not done in several years, Jeff prefers the non o-dark thirty option lol but I grew up with it, my folks go every year and my kids ask to go every year) and I found one 30 minutes away! Surf City!!!
• If the weather is nice enough I may do a quick 30-40 minute run after the service since well, we will be right near a lovely lovely path.
• Head back, shower, change, check out and check back in
• IF I didn’t do a run, we may pop into DCA super quick to try and grab a FP for Radiator Racers however given the expected crowds and the fact we have all week, don’t plan to kill ourselves this day on that.
• Brunch at Ralph Brennan’s at 10am
• Head into parks, watch the Orchestra’s performance in California Adventure at 11:50
• At some point head over to DL and watch Marching Band go down Main Street at 3:55
• Rest of day/evening in parks, dinner somewhere in parks. I do have a "list" of CS places that sound good and we will just play that by ear.
• Egg "hunt" during the day if we ended up with a map.
• Crowds are supposed to be at a 10 so…YIKES

I am SO happy with how Easter turned out for planning!!!

Monday:
• Most likely a non park day
• This day is a bit up in the air depending on my folks plans with their friends. They are hoping to do lunch with one, and dinner with another.
• Eric and I chatted, as this is a “mom and me” day for us once they are off with friends. He’s leaning towards lazy resort, shopping, maybe beach.
• If I did not run the day before, I am hoping we can head to LB for breakfast and I’ll actually run from the Marina there and along the shoreline, before breakfast and meet everyone there after the run to eat.
• Meals are all pretty much TBD depending on my folks plans. If they don’t meet friends for lunch my Schooner or Later idea could be more around lunch time which would work well too.

Tuesday:
• Breakfast in Villa
• Currently the plan is for this to be a park day but that’s about as firm as it is. I will be picking up Evan from his hotel at 3:15.
• After I get Evan, depending on the weather, he may want some pool time as he will not have had any yet.
• Dinner – Mrs. Knott’s!

Wednesday:
• Breakfast in Villa
• Park Day
• Lunch at Blue Bayou
• DISmeet with Allison and Fran
• Rest of day in the parks, counter service somewhere from my “list”
• It is possible that this night we ditch the boys for a little bit if they want some in room chill time and hit Trader Sam’s again. “after” hours. LOL!

Thursday:
• Breakfast at Storytellers
• Check out (boo)
• Park Day
• Dinner in parks or DTD from "list"
• 6:30-7 head to airport
• 8:20 fly home (BOO!)


My "list" for dining. Not making any reservations but here is the short list based on wherever we are and what we feel like at the moment. Which of course doesn't mean we won't eat somewhere else!

Counter Service
• DCA: Cozy Cone (lunch only IMO)
• DL: Plaza Inn, French Market
• DTD: Earl of Sandwich

Table (or Bar) Service
• DCA: Cove Bar
• GCV: Hearthstone Lounge
• DTD: Naples, Tortilla Joe's, Trader Sam's (before 8pm bar menu), Uva Bar

Snacks and Drinks
• DL: Maurice’s Treats in Fantasy Faire – Garlic, Cheddar Pretzel Stick, Royal Street Veranda (DL) – Fritters, Bengal BBQ (DL) – Bacon wrapped asparagus and other skewers
• DCA: Cathay Circle Lounge - Drinks, Cozy Cone - Soft serve, "Route" beer float, Flo's V8 café - Shakes, desserts, Bayside Brews
• GCV: Hearthstone Lounge

It’s going to be a fun trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updates to the Girls Flower and Garden Trip as well. We have been tweaking away on our plans!!!

Sunday:
• Mary Ellen arrives, dinner and DISmeet with Rosie!

Monday:
• Red eye arrival, breakfast at Olivia’s if we make the time cut off
• Epcot for FP+. F&G Kiosks and more DIS hanging with Rosie! There may or may not be pole dancing involved, I mean I’ve not met Rosie IRL yet so all bets are off!

Tuesday:
• CRT Breakfast
• MK FP+
• BoG FP+ Lunch!
• Pool time or Hop?
• SSR Spa appointments for Membership Magic
• Dinner play by ear, SSR, OKW or DTD

I love this day, it is the ultimate girly girls trip day!

Wednesday:
• Run at OKW
• Lazy morning, pool, whatever we want!
• Check in/out (split stay but hopefully no room change!)
• Lunch at B&C
• Epcot for FP+
• DISmeet with TK and her nana for a Dole Whip with Rum and a couple of rides! TK isn’t around the DIS much these days but she is awesome and I am super excited to finally meet her IRL!
• Dinner at Via


Thursday:
• Kona Breakfast
• Pool Hop to GF/Poly or both or back to OKW
• Dinner at GF Cafe
• FP+ at MK after dark

Friday:
• RD at DHS to see opening of Star Wars Weekend
• Sci Fi Star Wars Breakfast! DISbreakfast with Caitlin, Dawn and Dawns DH. I am super excited to meet these guys and have been gobbling up their DL TR!
• Possible/probable pool break either hop to BWV or back to OKW
• Evening FP+ at DHS
• Dinner at Brown Derby Lounge
• Symphony in the stars special DHS fireworks
• Possible Jellyrolls DISmeet…unless we are all too tired. Very much a play by ear!

Saturday:
• Check out (Boo) bags to DME
• FP+ at AK
• Lunch TBD but sit down somewhere
• Possible afternoon back at OKW, pool and lunch at Olivias
• Keeping this day pretty open as we hope to have DISmeets with Pam and her mom and with Danielle (I think?)
• 4pm magical depress

There are a few other DISers we hope to meet up with but nothing is firmed up. Only one run sorta planned but we may do more, or less lol, than that.

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip

Ok this isn’t actually a trip update per-se but it is a "training" update! Jeff and I were signed up to do a local race next weekend, a 12K.

Ann is going to join me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited for this. We seem to be pretty closely matched on pace, I’ve never actually run with anyone basically at my same pace (though I think she is faster and she thinks I am, it’s pretty funny) and am super super excited!!!!!!!

It is going to be a MADHOUSE but will be good "training" for the crowds at the DL ½. Allegedly there are over 8,000 people registered for either the 12K or the 5K.

Guess winning the Superbowl will do that.

Did I mention it is a Seahawks 12K? As in the 12th man??? (sorry Kathy!). The energy level is going to be through the roof.

I of course have scoped out (as of yesterday) the perfect brewpub for Jeff and I to have brunch or lunch at after before we drive home.

Fall Anniversary Food & Wine and Cruise

I did make our brunch reservation through open table at Raglan Road. I still need to add DME for the return but at least got it in there for the outbound.

Up next….NEW YEARS EVE!!!!!

a boy and his kilt

 

[annmarieda]

Is it OKW that they will be living out of or BWV?

Both.

OKW is not bad at all. We had 3 kids living in that room and there is a HUGE storage cabinet behind the kitchen table to stash all the luggage.

I remember that. In this room, it should work. I just worry more about BWV.

If you can get them to keep it in there that is. If memory serves some was in there and some...in our bathroom.

yeah... that will be the trick. I like to unpack and stay organized. Kira not so much.

Having never done a chip timed 12k it will be a PR no matter what, right?

It WILL be a herd. That much is certain. As is the mid pack.

It will be! I have not done a 12k before either.

I thought my 10K one was bad...I look like I am frowning and it was before the finish, they did them there, not at the finish line. This one...I'm just background! Like the guy took a break when he got to me. I am seriously in the background for about 6-7 runners.

Ok, I take it back. I just realized that there is video of the finish!

VERY weird to watch myself run. The guy in front of me totally blocked me from the video camera as well. We were closer than it looked in the photo finish and I guess he just couldn't catch me?
Bummer.

Always fun to have video done! Kinda sucks though when you get blocked... I don't know that I have seen many clips from my finishes. Just the Disney races and they are just brief (as in blink and you miss me)

Disneyland Marching Band Trip.
We have performance info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And as a result, more of a plan. Check it out.

Saturday:
• Drop Evan off at the airport at GASP 6:10 am. Rest of us fly in the afternoon, land around 4:30.
• Grocery store for breakfast, snacks and adult bev’s.
• Check in
• Dinner at Trader Sam’s if we can make the cut off, if not, elsewhere in DTD
• Upgrade my park ticket, add a day to Eric’s.
• I may head into the park quickly to try and by an “egg” map. There is a special little easter egg hunt, “while supplies last” and you have to buy the map to do it.
• It is possible we will just head into the parks anyway but that means adding days so will play that by ear. Given that we will be done with dinner by 8 and parks are open till midnight…and the studio is small to hang out in for all 4 of us…it’s possible. As is pool/hot tub time or shopping. Definitely a play by ear evening.
• Crowds are supposed to be at a 10 so…YIKES

I hope you get to do the egg hunt. I really want to hear about how it goes!

Crowds at at 10??

Easter Sunday:
• Sunrise service on the beach!!!! This is something we do at home (granted I’ve not done in several years, Jeff prefers the non o-dark thirty option lol but I grew up with it, my folks go every year and my kids ask to go every year) and I found one 30 minutes away! Surf City!!!
• If the weather is nice enough I may do a quick 30-40 minute run after the service since well, we will be right near a lovely lovely path.
• Head back, shower, change, check out and check back in
• IF I didn’t do a run, we may pop into DCA super quick to try and grab a FP for Radiator Racers however given the expected crowds and the fact we have all week, don’t plan to kill ourselves this day on that.
• Brunch at Ralph Brennan’s at 10am
• Head into parks, watch the Orchestra’s performance in California Adventure at 11:50
• At some point head over to DL and watch Marching Band go down Main Street at 3:55
• Rest of day/evening in parks, dinner somewhere in parks. I do have a "list" of CS places that sound good and we will just play that by ear.
• Egg "hunt" during the day if we ended up with a map.
• Crowds are supposed to be at a 10 so…YIKES

I am SO happy with how Easter turned out for planning!!!

Again with the 10 for crowds! I guess it makes sense though...easter weekend and all.

Easter service sounds nice! I hope you get your run in. I bet it will be a lovely place to run.

Monday:
• Most likely a non park day
• This day is a bit up in the air depending on my folks plans with their friends. They are hoping to do lunch with one, and dinner with another.
• Eric and I chatted, as this is a “mom and me” day for us once they are off with friends. He’s leaning towards lazy resort, shopping, maybe beach.
• If I did not run the day before, I am hoping we can head to LB for breakfast and I’ll actually run from the Marina there and along the shoreline, before breakfast and meet everyone there after the run to eat.
• Meals are all pretty much TBD depending on my folks plans. If they don’t meet friends for lunch my Schooner or Later idea could be more around lunch time which would work well too.

Sounds like a great laid back day!

Tuesday:
• Breakfast in Villa
• Currently the plan is for this to be a park day but that’s about as firm as it is. I will be picking up Evan from his hotel at 3:15.
• After I get Evan, depending on the weather, he may want some pool time as he will not have had any yet.
• Dinner – Mrs. Knott’s!

I will keep my fingers crossed for good weather. It can be nice down there during that time!

Wednesday:
• Breakfast in Villa
• Park Day
• Lunch at Blue Bayou
• DISmeet with Allison and Fran
• Rest of day in the parks, counter service somewhere from my “list”
• It is possible that this night we ditch the boys for a little bit if they want some in room chill time and hit Trader Sam’s again. “after” hours. LOL!

I know that Blue Bayou is kinda cheesy themed..but it is a must do for my kids (specifically my oldest son) I have not been in years though... I will be anxious to hear your review.

Thursday:
• Breakfast at Storytellers
• Check out (boo)
• Park Day
• Dinner in parks or DTD from "list"
• 6:30-7 head to airport
• 8:20 fly home (BOO!)

Boo for last day! But I am excited to hear about your breakfast...

My "list" for dining. Not making any reservations but here is the short list based on wherever we are and what we feel like at the moment. Which of course doesn't mean we won't eat somewhere else!

Counter Service
• DCA: Cozy Cone (lunch only IMO)
• DL: Plaza Inn, French Market
• DTD: Earl of Sandwich

Table (or Bar) Service
• DCA: Cove Bar
• GCV: Hearthstone Lounge
• DTD: Naples, Tortilla Joe's, Trader Sam's (before 8pm bar menu), Uva Bar

Snacks and Drinks
• DL: Maurice’s Treats in Fantasy Faire – Garlic, Cheddar Pretzel Stick, Royal Street Veranda (DL) – Fritters, Bengal BBQ (DL) – Bacon wrapped asparagus and other skewers
• DCA: Cathay Circle Lounge - Drinks, Cozy Cone - Soft serve, "Route" beer float, Flo's V8 café - Shakes, desserts, Bayside Brews
• GCV: Hearthstone Lounge

So just throwing my own 2 cents in... There are two cs that you dont have on your list that you should consider. (or at least I think you should ) Flo's V8 and Paradise Garden Grill were surprisingly good when we went and I would not hesitate at all to go again.

I do see you have my two favorite snacks on there The fritters and the bacon wrapped asparagus. I know they still sell tigger tails in Critter Country. Once upon a time they were my absolute favorite. They have changed it though do to the states restrictions on I think hydrogenated fats. Still good, but not nearly what it once was. I really wish they sold them in WDW... they could probably make the old version there.

It’s going to be a fun trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updates to the Girls Flower and Garden Trip as well. We have been tweaking away on our plans!!!

Sunday:
• Mary Ellen arrives, dinner and DISmeet with Rosie!

Fun!

Monday:
• Red eye arrival, breakfast at Olivia’s if we make the time cut off
• Epcot for FP+. F&G Kiosks and more DIS hanging with Rosie! There may or may not be pole dancing involved, I mean I’ve not met Rosie IRL yet so all bets are off!

I will post to my PTR, but I was shocked that when I made my ADRs today.. there was only ONE breakfast reservation that the cm could offer me at Olivias.

Tuesday:
• CRT Breakfast
• MK FP+
• BoG FP+ Lunch!
• Pool time or Hop?
• SSR Spa appointments for Membership Magic
• Dinner play by ear, SSR, OKW or DTD

I love this day, it is the ultimate girly girls trip day!

I looks like a totally girly day!! So cool!

Wednesday:
• Run at OKW
• Lazy morning, pool, whatever we want!
• Check in/out (split stay but hopefully no room change!)
• Lunch at B&C
• Epcot for FP+
• DISmeet with TK and her nana for a Dole Whip with Rum and a couple of rides! TK isn’t around the DIS much these days but she is awesome and I am super excited to finally meet her IRL!
• Dinner at Via

Do you plan to run to POR? Or just around OKW?

Thursday:
• Kona Breakfast
• Pool Hop to GF/Poly or both or back to OKW
• Dinner at GF Cafe
• FP+ at MK after dark

I need to remember pool hoping! It is just between DVC resorts, yes?

Friday:
• RD at DHS to see opening of Star Wars Weekend
• Sci Fi Star Wars Breakfast! DISbreakfast with Caitlin, Dawn and Dawns DH. I am super excited to meet these guys and have been gobbling up their DL TR!
• Possible/probable pool break either hop to BWV or back to OKW
• Evening FP+ at DHS
• Dinner at Brown Derby Lounge
• Symphony in the stars special DHS fireworks
• Possible Jellyrolls DISmeet…unless we are all too tired. Very much a play by ear!

Sounds like another fun girls day! I have always wanted to go to Jellyrolls.

Saturday:
• Check out (Boo) bags to DME
• FP+ at AK
• Lunch TBD but sit down somewhere
• Possible afternoon back at OKW, pool and lunch at Olivias
• Keeping this day pretty open as we hope to have DISmeets with Pam and her mom and with Danielle (I think?)
• 4pm magical depress

yuck..last day.

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip

Ok this isn’t actually a trip update per-se but it is a "training" update! Jeff and I were signed up to do a local race next weekend, a 12K.

Ann is going to join me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited for this. We seem to be pretty closely matched on pace, I’ve never actually run with anyone basically at my same pace (though I think she is faster and she thinks I am, it’s pretty funny) and am super super excited!!!!!!!

You are faster.

I too am so excited! I think dh is excited to have me talking about something other than the fall trip. I am THAT excited about the 12k.

It is going to be a MADHOUSE but will be good "training" for the crowds at the DL ½. Allegedly there are over 8,000 people registered for either the 12K or the 5K.

As excited as I am about this race, I do think that they will not be able to pull it off as well as Disney does. 8 to 10k people is a LOT of people to not have a planned staging or filtering method. I know that we will be walking to our corral at the DLH, but I have faith it will run as smoothly as each of the fl races I have done... I am not sure there will not be a certain amount of confusion at the 12k. At least for me there likely will be.

Guess winning the Superbowl will do that.

I saw that they even have travel packages. So there must be people who plan to travel to this race.

Did I mention it is a Seahawks 12K? As in the 12th man??? (sorry Kathy!). The energy level is going to be through the roof.

It will be incredibly high!!

I of course have scoped out (as of yesterday) the perfect brewpub for Jeff and I to have brunch or lunch at after before we drive home.

I have not been up that way in forever, but seems to me like you have a lot of options. Plus, isn't there some sort of deals from local merchants for race participants?

Fall Anniversary Food & Wine and Cruise

I did make our brunch reservation through open table at Raglan Road. I still need to add DME for the return but at least got it in there for the outbound.

I think that was brilliant! Not that I totally hate the cc guarantee, but it does get to be a pain to have to worry about.