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

[MEK]

Holy crap! What a night! You really got to do SO many cool things on NYE - TT, Soarin, and MS. Then dinner (even with a wait). I've only eaten there once and hearing how good your experience was makes me want to try it again.

Then you somehow managed to get into the Ditch for a rita!

The NYE show and Illuminations on steroids sounds absolutely fantastic.

I can't quite envision why they wouldn't let you out the regular way and why you had to do that convoluted walk around. Smart idea to stop at RnC.

I wish you had taken a picture of the Platinum Blond. I can't believe her drunk partner got all crazy like that. So wrong.

You were so correct to stalk your reservation at the BWV. What a life savor.

I will probably never be in the world on NYE so thanks for sharing your experience.

Congrats on the race. Sounds like it was overall a great experience!

Nice view from your Phoenix villa!

 

[eandesmom]

Not fun getting out but I bet the fireworks were worth it.

You know what, they were! The whole thing was worth it

Well done on your 12K race, went to the London marathon yesterday, my BIL was hoping to run it in around 4 hours, he was under 3h40 so very proud of him.

Your BIL is fast! I came in under my goal (1:10)...but not by as much as I'd hoped. There is some funky stuff with the results though that imply it may have been a touch longer than 12K (more like 12.31) as the results showing a pace that is faster than the total time result (at 12K exact) and that pace matches my gps watch so...if that is accurate I am happy with it. Either way though it's all good and in the range I wanted, I just like the faster number better of course. I am happy with where I fell in the overall ranking though, although as it was more of a fan event, I do think in general that may have meant less super fast people and so my overall percentile finishes are higher as a result, unlike the 15K 2 weeks prior. Still, I'll take it.

You had a special bib made for Freya to wear right? Any pictures? That's wonderful he did so well.

Have a great Easter and good luck Evan.

Thanks!

Those wait times! At least the FP+ helped.

Honestly if it weren't for FP+ we'd have shown up at dinner time (assuming it wasn't at a closure level that kept us out), had dinner and stayed for fireworks. I wouldn't have ventured in without them. I suppose you could have gone first thing in the am and tried to pull paper but using the old windows, it'd have been difficult at best not to waste your whole day attempting it. FP+ was an absolute godsend.

I can imagine that walking through World Showcase (or trying to, rather) after those fireworks can be pretty intense. It's really great that y'all were lucky enough to be staying at a resort within walking distance to Epcot. It seems like that might be the best or only way to do it when you are visiting for NYE!

Yeah, in hindsight I suppose we could have just gone into the Ditch but...we had the E's so that wouldn't have worked as well. We could have hung out there and waited for it to clear, hoping they'd just open the path back up. Even walking in reverse around the WS (once it was a bit cleared out) would have been a LOT less walking.

Caught up!

Are the gingerbread cookies pretty good? I've heard varying reports on it smelling delicious, but the taste not living up to expectations. I LOVE Gingerbread so much, I decided to skip it when were were there in 2012 because of the reviews.

Well, it was a little odd due to the chocolate. I liked it but might have actually liked it better without. I like almost any gingerbread or semi related cookie though.

Too bad Jeff couldn't find his own mug to use...and too bad that was more time wasted for him!

He's a big boy, it was certainly entirely his choice (and did remove the possibility of later drama...at least on that subject lol)

I'm so jealous of all these amazing trips you have coming up!

It's pretty surreal. And needed at the moment. I am SO ready for vacation right now!

I completely agree with you on the line 'jumping'. DM tries to do that all the time, but I always make her come back to me, unless the folks in front of me insist that we move ahead of them.

And that's exactly what happened, really put me in an awkward spot.

I just don't get the 3-4 hour waits! There is absolutely no way I would ever do that to myself or my party! No thank you.

I can't imagine!

Still need to check out Biergarten...

It was good!!

I love Illuminations too, and can't imagine it getting any better than it already is. I should try and find it on YT.

It's definitely out there.

Great choice about stopping and grabbing some drinks for the rest of the trek home. Super smart!

Honestly it kind of saved the night from ending on a sour note. A pause, a breath, a quick respite from the crowd. It was good. Really good.

Cynthia your night sounds and all at once. Glad you were able to get done what you wanted and sorry about the final exit.

Yep, and all at once! The final exit turned out ok but there were some cranky moments by all for sure. How were the crowds at DHS?

Great job on the drinks and your recap of the NYE Illuminations sounds awesome. For that is the only one left to do.

It was wonderful!

If I ever get the chance- stay at BCV or BWV and watch from France. or at least on that side to make the getaway easier.

Yes, it would. Part of the problem this NYE over there was the construction at Spice Road. It made for a HUGE bottleneck in Morroco. That wouldn't be there. I could see eating in France or Italy and just staying over that way.

I was at DHS and the walk home can't be beat.

I bet you got home faster! Although really, all things considered I thought we did very well.

That is such a cool history, and having the "real" tartan makes it even better. It's awesome that they are marching in kilts!

It is! They are going to melt though, Sunday looks to be quite warm, right now I think the warmest of the whole trip.

Good thing you took care of your knee - you have a trip coming up!

Well the knee won't bother me on the trip, it's just while I am running. And it's just a bit tight, not truly injured. I was pretty aware of it at the 12K and started to feel it about mile 4 and was careful not to overdo it after that and I think that paid off. I can feel it just a little but it's not really much of anything.

 

[CarolynK]

We were in Epcot for NYE, too. They do put on quite a show! Kinda loud at the end, though (wow, I sound old).

Too bad you didn't get a picture of the dancers, she sounds scary!

The crowds on the way out were terrible...I wanted to wait it out a bit (smart move on your part) but I was overruled. But it is heaven to be able to walk back to your resort on NYE.

Have a great DL trip

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates Cynthia !! I think the Crowds would be toooo much or me !!Carol and I have lunch ressies at Biergarten next month!!!Carol LOVES German food and really enjoyed it the last time we went !!Hoping to meet up with you and Mary Ellen after that and do some Food Booth shopping !!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Wow, what a night! Well done with FP+, glad that really helped the evening

I might be one of the last ones who like Maelstrom, it seems all the reviews I've read recently are not the best. Fun troll pictures

Bummer they were that behind on dinner, but glad you enjoyed it more than anticipated. Boo on the rude couple later. Kudos to your sister for intervening even though it didnt work. Shame on those CMs, but I'm sure its hard on NYE.

Despite the crazy sounding process to get out of the park it sounds like you made good time!

Congrats on your race! Bummer your friend didn't have the chip in correctly.

 

[eandesmom]

Very nice! I love the kilt.

Aren't they fun! They are going to melt though, poor kids!

I'm so looking forward to seeing you next weekend!

Me too!

I agree, at least they didn't mess with the best part of the ride!

Yes, it's just the trimmings, the ride itself really didn't change at all. Both the good and the bad parts.

Enginerd!

Yep. In spades

Gotta admit, I loved this story in your update! And more drama to follow from the guy.... wow!

It was so funny as at the time, we definitely didn't notice that aspect of their behaviour so it was wild to find out it was the same folks.

Now that I've entered into another decade in age, I'm thinking some color will be necessary very soon to hide the grey that I'm starting to sport.

Oh my, you are so lucky to just now be having to deal with it. I've had it since I was 21. I am 100% grey. It's so high maintenance it is ridiculous. Wait as long as you can as there is no going back.

We were not sure if it was really colored...or a wig...or extensions....?

If it was real it was not a blonde that occurs in nature that is for sure.

I owe Biergarten to my DH from years ago when I ditched it since I was picturing bratwurst and sauerbraten on the menu and nothing else that I would like. I was wrong...Now that I've seen photos of the buffet and the entertainment, I really need to make it there one trip.

I'm not big on either of those things either but there were tons of options.

Nice troll antics and photos!

Poor Troll!

How amazing was that? I love how they incorporated all the countries into the show. Wow! What a great way to ring in the New Year!

I am so glad I didn't know ahead of time, it was just magical! And so Epcot, so WS, just so perfect all around!

Those crowds!!!! Yikes! That's some crazy detour to exit. I suppose it is no surprise given the crowds.

Awesome updates Cynthia!

No, no surprise and I can see it for folks who needed to get tot the buses or parking lot but to the IG???? There should have been a filter in place for that.

WOW! I've always wondered if it was worth being at WDW for NYE and what it would be like. The crowds sound insane...as do the wait times. But it sounds like you had a great night.

Well, we didn't wait in any of those lines so it didn't impact us directly other than to just wonder at people who would wait that long. It was crazy and I can only imagine what the MK was like.

Congrats on the run.

Thanks! It was fun

Oops! I forgot to congratulate you on your 12K run last weekend! That's great that you have a running buddy with your hubby and a Dis running pal with Ann!

Thanks! It was a fun run and the weather was phenomenal. I am so used to being solo that it was pretty cool to actually run together for a bit.

That's some crowd for the first mile. I would imagine it could be annoying since you just want to bound out of the group and run unhindered!!

Oh my goodness it was nutty, talk about bob and weave! Although park commando walking is good training for race dodging I think. It's funny, I was thinking about it and in a way it was kind of good training for the DL half as the start group will be similar. However at least in that group, everyone should be around my pace where in this it was all over the board and you'd have times where it felt like people were practically stopped or walking in front of you, causing you to sort of stop short...on the verge of dangerous. I know a couple of people went down, Ann and I saw one guy and then Jeff saw a woman. I don't know if it was the crowd or what. It was pretty darn bizarre to turn around and see literally thousands of folks still behind you headed towards the turn. I've never seen so many people running! Huge change from the 2 smaller events I'd done before that is for sure.

Great veranda pic! When I was a kid, I thought it would be so very glamorous to travel for work, thinking of all the places they could go. It took becoming an adult for me to realize that they rarely get to even leave the hotel. The pool looks lovely, though. Lol!

People always think that. Even adults think that. Adults that don't travel for work that are secretly convinced you do all kinds of glamorous or relaxing things on these trips. Don't get me wrong, occasionally there are perks (like the air miles) but when you add in the logistics of covering childcare, the extra time lost to and from the airport, going through security, finding wherever you need to get to and then basically not leaving the venue, or conversely going from meeting to meeting to meeting...it's pretty exhausting and tedious. Add in schlepping trade show materials and...yeah. Not glamorous. LOL!

Look at you, another race. Congrats!

It was funny, when we signed up mentally it was like "cool, one in March, one in April". I didn't do the math until after the March one and went holy cats, that is in 2 weeks. LOL!

It worked out well though.

Wow, 120 minutes for single rider?!? I can’t even imagine. I’m with you, no ride is worth that. People regularly wait for coasters at Cedar Point for that long, and I just don’t get it. No thank you!

I think the longest I have ever waited is close to 60 and that was only once several years ago. 45 is usually my max and that's rare I'll wait that long. Usually 20 is our cut off for standby.

I am like you; I don’t like shoving my way in front of others. DH has a horrible habit of doing this during certain rides. He rushes through and then yells for me to push forward through the line. I always feel terrible about it.

We were getting pressured by everyone behind her to go join them so I didn't feel I had a choice but I hated it.

Poor Jeff, wanting it to be realistic! And out of caramels, too. Boo! Isn’t that always the way of it?

I know! I mean we were in FUTURE world! You think he could get over it.

Wait, four hours for Soarin? No, no, no! Days like this make FP+ seem like the most genius idea ever.

Honestly, FP+ made NYE quite doable! It would have been a completely different trip and experience without it.

That drink sounds wonderful!

It was delish! A bit sweet but one was perfect.

We tried Biergarten in 2009 and didn’t like it, but thanks to your comments and a few others, I think I’d like to give it another chance some day. And if there’s ever a time to mix your alcohol, NYE would definitely be it.

I didn't love it in 2009 either, it was just ok. This was our first time back since then and for me it was markedly better. Possibly because I had very low expectations or was starving. It was over 10 hours (the mixing) so really it was not as bad as it may sound and I certainly felt fine the next day.

I totally understand not taking any pictures. Enjoying the moment is so much more important. I’m glad you enjoyed the show so much! I’d love to go once, just for the experience. Sounds like a drink break on the way out (or around…) was a fantastic decision.

It really was a good call and a neat memory I think for all of us. A true nightcap.

So sorry to hear that Melissa and the kids had a bad experience with that man. That’s great that they were still able to enjoy their evening, though.

They did

Wow! I have to say, getting in bed by 1:15 is pretty darn good, considering the crowds and how long it took to get out of there. If you were at a bus resort, you probably still would have been in line by then!

I thought so too!!!

We'd be shocked if you didn't!

Lame cup but it was a lovely lovely balcony!

Yikes! Glad you at least made it in time to run the race.

I am grateful we had time to hit the porta potties first. We did run from the parking lot to the start, I think that helped. LOL!

Sorry. I would have felt the same way you did about it. At least you were able to ride together and the situation didn't end up ruining the evening for anyone.

Well, when everyone behind her was urging us up, there wasn't much we could do but I hated it.

I get it. I'm not an engineer, but I was the same way my first time through. I was even complaining that they didn't have diesel engines. I finally convinced myself to just go with it and tried to make it as good as I could. I guess just because something hasn't been done yet, doesn't mean it can't be done in the future.

The enginerd would beg to differ and explain all the reasons why a few of those features could never be possible.

Oh brother!

Ok, just to carry around a poisoned apple to drink from, that would almost be worth it even if the drink wasn't all that good.

Thankfully it was REALLY good!

All valid points, although it is a little bit scary that a 40 minute wait is even considered to be a "better"

True.

Not really. I think we've all seen "these people" before and we get it.

Never, in all my life, have I seen or heard this phrase in regards to that attraction.

I do agree there about not "getting" the ride though. It is kind of an odd way to tell a story about the history of Norway.

I enjoyed the history of Norway aspect of it. Maybe I expected more out of the ride itself?

Really? Why are you even trying to justify it? All you have to say is NYE...

Fair point

I tend to be that way about all the fireworks shows... especially one of the special events. Sometimes you've just got to stand back, soak it in and enjoy the moment!

I agree!

Not to mention I've never taken the time to master fireworks pictures and without a tripod and knowing what you are doing...why bother?

Wow... that is just brutal!!!! How many extra miles did you have to walk when it should have just been a short stroll???

Well it's not as far as it felt I am sure. I think it's about a mile.

Yuck... well, at least they made it back in time to be able to watch the show.

Yes, all cozy at home and away from craziness It was a win win all around!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow! I'm glad your crew wasn't too bothered by the crowds. I woukd have freaked out. I don't handkerchief crowds well.

I don't handkerchief them well either! that's a fun auto correct!

Honestly, other than the times we were walking in between rides or to dinner (or out of the park at the end) we weren't really "in" them enough to be all that bothered.

Thank goodness. I could NOT have done that for an entire night. I'd have popped in at dinner time only and skipped all rides for sure.

Those wait times! Why would someone even consider waiting 4 hours for any ride?

It truly boggles the mind, doesn't it?

I enjoyed our lunch at Biergarten, and I even selected how it would be perfect for a big group. There's something for everyone.

It was perfect!

I'm surprised you didn't herniated for taking pictures backstage. At DL they frown on that big time.

Herniated? Yikes, I hope not.

You know it was funny. It's a pretty long stretch of walking, on both sides and was definitely not manned all the way. Yes in spots but it's not like there were CM's to really see your every move. More on the way out at the end but all of those were blowing noisemakers and waving and saying happy new year. They had to be exhausted!

Less than a week now until DL!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3 more work days...including today! We actually dropped Evan's stuff at school today, it's "load the truck" day. Oy did that boy argue with me about everything...how to label the garment bag, what toiletries to put in carry on versus luggage...how many pairs of underwear...

I mean really! I am DREADING taking him to the airport on Sat. He has to be there at 6:15 am. BLEH.

Taking me through back stage would have been a enough to send me running! You are a trooper. Dedicated party girl.

Well, until the end, it was a much nicer way to go, not crowded at all!

Those wait times a barf worthy. But I guess what else are folks going to do other than wait, eat, or leave?

I guess. I honestly can't imagine staying offsite, going to one park on NYE and staying there all day like that. I truly can't imagine it. It sounds beyond painful.

Love the race pics and food/drink porn. Way to go!

We had fun! Even more fun when my 2nd drink was free since the food took so long.

ETA: your FP+ strategy worked awesome! I'm glad you got to bypass those crazy wait times.

We would not have waited. We'd have hung at the villa or the pool, or AK...and strolled in for a late dinner and hung after that. Hopefully we'd have gotten in. It doesn't appear Epcot ever closed more than a level 1 or 2 so we'd have been ok but I don't know that for sure. However I wouldn't attempt MK. Other than BoG there is no dining I'd want and well, the adult beverage did help the wait and...other than BoG you'd be out of luck at MK!

It would maybe be different if I had little ones still but...I dunno. I would do Epcot again.

fantastic report and huge envy that you seem to spend as long at Disney as you do at home

Ha ha!

No, not remotely. I hadn't been to Disney in 14 months before the NYE trip.

Well...unless you count Aulani. LOL.

This year is a fluke and I am lucky to time a lot of it over holidays so that helps it work with my vacation days at work as I don't get all that much really. Enough...barely though.

Holy crap! What a night! You really got to do SO many cool things on NYE - TT, Soarin, and MS. Then dinner (even with a wait). I've only eaten there once and hearing how good your experience was makes me want to try it again.

I know! Can you believe how much we got done? It's so funny. When we planned this trip, pre-FP+ even being announced, my expectation for NYE itself was NO rides. Basically dinner and fireworks. FP+ changed all of that. We hit headliners in 2 parks, had pool time, a great meal and an amazing show. To say it exceeded my expectations would be a gross understatement.

And we had FUN!

Then you somehow managed to get into the Ditch for a rita!

I thought you'd appreciate that. Jeff would just like to move into the Ditch.

The NYE show and Illuminations on steroids sounds absolutely fantastic.

You would LOVE it!

I can't quite envision why they wouldn't let you out the regular way and why you had to do that convoluted walk around. Smart idea to stop at RnC.

Stroke of genius if I do say so myself. And well, resting on a concrete bench is infinitely better with a nightcap. My folks needed both, the break and the nightcap. The only one not happy about it was Evan. Suck it up little man...

I wish you had taken a picture of the Platinum Blond. I can't believe her drunk partner got all crazy like that. So wrong.

The lighting is SO bad inside there, I couldn't have captured her. But I wish I'd tried.

You were so correct to stalk your reservation at the BWV. What a life savor.

Yes it was!

Which reminds me, I need to check but I think I have to make an 11m ressie during our trip...

I will probably never be in the world on NYE so thanks for sharing your experience.

Never say never!

Congrats on the race. Sounds like it was overall a great experience!

It really was. There are things they could do to improve it but overall it was a blast. I wish I'd walked around all the tents more, that and take a picture with Jeff lol.

Nice view from your Phoenix villa!

The resort was amazing. I would have LOVED to stay a day and enjoy. Oh well.

We were in Epcot for NYE, too. They do put on quite a show! Kinda loud at the end, though (wow, I sound old).

It was loud at the end, I forgot about that!

Too bad you didn't get a picture of the dancers, she sounds scary!

She was! He didn't make as much an impression on the dance floor as she did but boy did he make up for it later.

The crowds on the way out were terrible...I wanted to wait it out a bit (smart move on your part) but I was overruled. But it is heaven to be able to walk back to your resort on NYE.

You were over on the correct side at least right? How was it once you got through the IG?

Have a great DL trip

Thanks! I am SOOOO ready for it. Well not really, I actually have to pack and all that rot but mentally, I really need it.

 

[eandesmom]

Great Updates Cynthia !! I think the Crowds would be toooo much or me !!Carol and I have lunch ressies at Biergarten next month!!!Carol LOVES German food and really enjoyed it the last time we went !!Hoping to meet up with you and Mary Ellen after that and do some Food Booth shopping !!!

That will be perfect! Are you doing FP's at Epcot or elsewhere in the am?

Wow, what a night! Well done with FP+, glad that really helped the evening

Oh my goodness, FP+ saved the day! Or night.

I might be one of the last ones who like Maelstrom, it seems all the reviews I've read recently are not the best. Fun troll pictures

I wouldn't go so far as to say we didn't like it, we just didn't get the fuss about it (or any earthy reason why it would be a FP ride).

They were a riot with the troll.

Bummer they were that behind on dinner, but glad you enjoyed it more than anticipated. Boo on the rude couple later. Kudos to your sister for intervening even though it didnt work. Shame on those CMs, but I'm sure its hard on NYE.

Yes, I am sure the captain was attempting the lesser of scenes. But boo is right.

Despite the crazy sounding process to get out of the park it sounds like you made good time!

I think so!

Congrats on your race! Bummer your friend didn't have the chip in correctly.

I felt bad for her. Poor thing, she was supposed to run with her son, he'd fallen ill, she'd decided at the last minute to go anyway, traffic was ridiculous and she barely made the start of her race so didn't have time to tie it onto her shoe. Major bummer though as it was a good time for her and she wanted record of it.

Although I'm not sure what you could use a 5K proof of time for...a 10K I guess? I didn't think you could really use those for anything other than your own official records. Maybe the Disney ones ask for a proof of time? I didn't think so but I honestly don't know.

 

[eandesmom]

As some of you know, I can't have a trip without some sort of drama!

Luckily it almost never actually involves me specifically.

This drama involves my May trip.

My father in law has had severe vertigo for about 3 months now. He's been to the ER and then several other specialists to try to get to the bottom of the issue. The last one was a neurologist. It appears that he had a virus attack his vestibular nerve and that's what has caused this. Unfortunately, had they diagnosed that in the ER he could have been given a steroid shot and would likely have recovered almost immediately. As it stands, 3 months into it, damage has been done and PT is basically the recourse for improvement. We have no idea how much improvement can be expected. As you might imagine this has complicated his life quite a bit and he cannot drive. His wife, Jeff's stepmom, is scheduled for a much needed vacation in May to visit her sister.

Jeff got a call last week from his dad insisting he come down to help. Which, while of course is fine and we've been worried and it will be good for Jeff to check it out in person, is concerning in the sense that it's a month away and clearly his dad doesn't think he will be back to driving by then. We fear there are some other self limiting issues at play here and that reinforced it a bit. At any rate, he'd originally requested Jeff come for a weekend. Which made no sense as if what he needs is a driver to PT...that's during the week.

The week I am supposed to be in Florida for Flower and Garden



We had 2 scary days while schedules were figured out but thankfully my parents can help (they leave for Germany 3 days after Jeff gets back) and I do not need to make any changes to my plans. Which is good as I really couldn't have justified the new sundress and swimsuit if I had to make major changes. I will say it was the first time I have had a OMG I am glad I have travel insurance moment!

my parents!

He will be gone 3 of the same days I am. And then leaves for a work trip the day after I get back. Not a fun couple of weeks for him.

The only other drama is Evan about how and what to pack for the band trip. Who knew it could be so complicated. His luggage was due to school this morning. They don't leave till Saturday am but the luggage goes tonight, on the truck with instruments and uniforms. The "what goes in your luggage versus what CAN go into your carryon backpack" and the whole required liquids in baggies, size of liquid, what constitutes a liquid in the eyes of TSA...

Seriously dude, just do what they say. You can't argue. How he does not get that is beyond me, it's hardly his first flight or trip!

Oh.my.word!!!!



Seriously at this point it's like fine, run out of underwear, wear dirty shirts, and get sunburned. But hey, you'll have your fancy new hair gel! In your carry-on. Which means that YES you will live for the next 3 mornings and not be separated from it.



And hey, now you can buy wireless on the plane with your fancy new debit card...heaven forbid you read a book...or talk to whomever you get seated next to (since they are NOT allowed to change seats and you won't know till you get to the airport or on the plane who you are next to).



3 days of the trip without him...may not be a bad thing. Bless his 14 year old button pushing heart. Lucky for him he totally rocked his 3rd quarter report card. I can't wait to see what he thinks of my suggestion he bring a sweatshirt for evenings. He packed a flannel shirt (I didn't even comment on that one) and plans to wear jeans on the plane as it will be cold here when we go to the airport and for the flight and then change once they land. Hopefully he will wear the darn band sweatshirt he HAD to have. I think he will but man, you can't tell with that one these days.

I also hope it's actually clean...

I SO need a vacation it's not even funny!

In a yes I obsess about silly things way...our race results from Sunday have been bugging me. The whole pace not matching the distance thing. It's billed as a 12K. The big thing of course is the Seahawks 12th man. The question was...would they really just call it a 12K even if it was actually longer?

And the answer is...yes.

I actually checked the USATF site, which is who certifies courses so that they can be chip timed, or gun timed, and used as a submission as "certified" race should you need it and sure enough...it's 12.31K! Exactly the distance that matches the pace result we all received.

I know it shouldn't matter. I know I'm being silly. But I was awfully hung up on the fact that the race 2 weeks prior I knew hadn't been my best, felt that way during and the results matched it. While this one didn't feel necessarily my "best" it certainly felt very good and strong and with the hills, I was happy with the pace it showed. If it was right. The not knowing really bugged me! And it bugged me just as much to think that it was the slower pace as really then that meant I just don't have a clue how I actually feel during a race..and that was a bit unsettling. It's also an indicator for the half in terms of where I am at right now and expected finish time so I like to know those things. I am a planner you know!

The kind of cool thing is that it bugged Ann just as much. We will be perfect running partners for the half. I'm not alone in my craziness.

She is putting up with my craziness on an outfit for the race as well. I did order a skirt....

oh and...

3 days from now I will be on a plane on my way to DISNEYLAND!

want a sneak peek of the band?

We did check out a little of the dress rehearsal last night as Jeff won't be there to see it and really wanted to. It was also good for me to see exactly "where" Evan was in the line up.

Can you find him?









Of course they stopped and disbanded before I could take more...sorry flags and drum line and the rest of the band...you didn't make it into my pics this round, we will see you on Sunday!

They look REALLY sloppy here but I'm sure it will be better Sunday. Jaded older kids for sure.

Of course now my day is ending with a bit more drama.

Literally.

The equipment truck was supposed to be loaded after school. Apparently a window on the truck was broken. I have NO details on that yet. But as a result, truck hasn't been loaded. Evan is also doing stage crew and would "maybe" have set building after school. The set building part drives me nuts. It's an ad hoc willy nilly schedule based on whomever the crew lead is for that play and when they decide to call it. Which makes it very hard for a parent to schedule around. Turns out he did have it and called me just now to let me know that 1) he is at stage crew and 2) truck loading is at 5 and he will "maybe" go if he isn't building.

Um....you HAVE to go load your own stuff. They made a HUGE deal about it. You must physically see that your exact items make it on the truck. I told him he had to leave crew, go load, and then go back. I mean seriously, it is in the same building!

Then I get a text.

Loading isn't until 7

Then I get another one (this one from the band director)

they want parent help

Guess there goes my workout and taking my car in for service!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Love, love, love the band uniforms. Your son is so lucky.

Band sweatshirt, bad memories. Sarah took her sweatshirt to band camp and another student tried to claimed it. They were not trying to steal it, just everyone's shirts were in a pile, yep on the floor like your earlier photo and since they all had one, someone just grabbed one which was the correct size and decided it belonged to them. When I asked Sarah where her overly expensive shirt was she said she lost it in the room. I made her start asking her roommates to check for her name. Yep, someone else had it. I do not know who lost their shirt but I am glad we marked all of Sarah's clothes with her name.

Kate

 

[PrincessInOz]

OMG! I hope your FiL makes a full recovery and soon. So sorry that the family is having to go through this.

In a different parallel universe, you could be having to organize your DS to head to a 3 day camping trip. The packing/not-packing list sounds very similar and equally as restrictive. In this parallel universe, no hair gel is allowed as they are heading into the bush for the camp.




The band looks great! 3 Days and counting.

 

[Poolrat]

Yes, it would. Part of the problem this NYE over there was the construction at Spice Road. It made for a HUGE bottleneck in Morroco. That wouldn't be there. I could see eating in France or Italy and just staying over that way.



I bet you got home faster! Although really, all things considered I thought we did very well.

Oh I got hit with some chemical smell from Spice Road and it almost took me down.
I hope that now it that it is open the bottle neck does not exist like Mexico.

I really need to think, how I got home. Not liquor induced but I know I wanted to walk but the boat may have been right there. I have no pictures of the way "home" so I'm going with walk....


Ugh on the drama - I remember those years. Ugh on all the trip related drama and I am glad that all worked out.

YES girl you do need a vacation and you are getting one!!!!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Whew! Hooray for your folks!


All that packing drama is too much, they should have asked parents to help days ago if they needed help. Ok, they're behind because of the window but that shouldn't need tons of extra hands.

Too funny about the hair gel.

Glad your mind is at ease with the race results now

 

[franandaj]

I don't handkerchief them well either! that's a fun auto correct!

Herniated? Yikes, I hope not.

Boy was my phone having a mind of it's own day! No wonder I try not to post from my phone much.

Hey, if you folks are going to Schooner or Later, the new house is like a mile or so away from there. If you are interested and we are able to meet up, I'd be happy to show it to you. I can completely understand if you didn't want to see it, but if you did, and I wasn't somewhere else, I'd be happy to meet with you and let you see it. I can totally understand that you'd be with your parents and Eric and they probably wouldn't want to see it, but just offering. Send me a FB message if you want to.

 

[dizneeat]

I really hope that your FiL can be helped and he can get back to his regular life. What a mixup with your trip and now Jeff having to go see his dad. Thank god for your parents being able to help out. And thank god for you being so organized as I would have freaked!

Love the pics of the rehearsal. The kids look awesome in their uniforms. PLEASE, take a lot of photos when they actually walk down Main Street.

Yippie for only three days until you leave!

Oh, and I can SO relate to the packing done by a teenager. We used to take our 14 years to London for a week and would give them details of what to take and what to pack and we always had the - "But I can tell them it's okay to take on a plane" discussion.
(And yes, I was the one giggling when they took away their bottles, pocket knives and other sharp objects).

 

[annmarieda]

As some of you know, I can't have a trip without some sort of drama!

I read this statement and just I am just about to post to my PTR with almost the exact opening... drama... gotta have some sort of drama.

Luckily it almost never actually involves me specifically.

AND this is me too... rarely does it involve me.

My father in law has had severe vertigo for about 3 months now. He's been to the ER and then several other specialists to try to get to the bottom of the issue. The last one was a neurologist. It appears that he had a virus attack his vestibular nerve and that's what has caused this. Unfortunately, had they diagnosed that in the ER he could have been given a steroid shot and would likely have recovered almost immediately. As it stands, 3 months into it, damage has been done and PT is basically the recourse for improvement. We have no idea how much improvement can be expected. As you might imagine this has complicated his life quite a bit and he cannot drive. His wife, Jeff's stepmom, is scheduled for a much needed vacation in May to visit her sister.

Seriously now though... I am sorry to hear this. That has to be a bit concerning.

Jeff got a call last week from his dad insisting he come down to help. Which, while of course is fine and we've been worried and it will be good for Jeff to check it out in person, is concerning in the sense that it's a month away and clearly his dad doesn't think he will be back to driving by then. We fear there are some other self limiting issues at play here and that reinforced it a bit. At any rate, he'd originally requested Jeff come for a weekend. Which made no sense as if what he needs is a driver to PT...that's during the week.

The week I am supposed to be in Florida for Flower and Garden

Oh, this is the type of thing that everyone hopes to avoid... some sort of conflict with a planned trip.

We had 2 scary days while schedules were figured out but thankfully my parents can help (they leave for Germany 3 days after Jeff gets back) and I do not need to make any changes to my plans. Which is good as I really couldn't have justified the new sundress and swimsuit if I had to make major changes. I will say it was the first time I have had a OMG I am glad I have travel insurance moment!

I am glad to hear that your parent are going to be able to help!

He will be gone 3 of the same days I am. And then leaves for a work trip the day after I get back. Not a fun couple of weeks for him.

Poor Jeff!

The only other drama is Evan about how and what to pack for the band trip. Who knew it could be so complicated. His luggage was due to school this morning. They don't leave till Saturday am but the luggage goes tonight, on the truck with instruments and uniforms. The "what goes in your luggage versus what CAN go into your carryon backpack" and the whole required liquids in baggies, size of liquid, what constitutes a liquid in the eyes of TSA...

Seriously dude, just do what they say. You can't argue. How he does not get that is beyond me, it's hardly his first flight or trip!

Oh.my.word!!!!

Seriously at this point it's like fine, run out of underwear, wear dirty shirts, and get sunburned. But hey, you'll have your fancy new hair gel! In your carry-on. Which means that YES you will live for the next 3 mornings and not be separated from it.

And hey, now you can buy wireless on the plane with your fancy new debit card...heaven forbid you read a book...or talk to whomever you get seated next to (since they are NOT allowed to change seats and you won't know till you get to the airport or on the plane who you are next to).

I think sometimes teen boys can be just as if not more dramatic than girls.

In a yes I obsess about silly things way...our race results from Sunday have been bugging me. The whole pace not matching the distance thing. It's billed as a 12K. The big thing of course is the Seahawks 12th man. The question was...would they really just call it a 12K even if it was actually longer?

And the answer is...yes.

I actually checked the USATF site, which is who certifies courses so that they can be chip timed, or gun timed, and used as a submission as "certified" race should you need it and sure enough...it's 12.31K! Exactly the distance that matches the pace result we all received.

I know it shouldn't matter. I know I'm being silly. But I was awfully hung up on the fact that the race 2 weeks prior I knew hadn't been my best, felt that way during and the results matched it. While this one didn't feel necessarily my "best" it certainly felt very good and strong and with the hills, I was happy with the pace it showed. If it was right. The not knowing really bugged me! And it bugged me just as much to think that it was the slower pace as really then that meant I just don't have a clue how I actually feel during a race..and that was a bit unsettling. It's also an indicator for the half in terms of where I am at right now and expected finish time so I like to know those things. I am a planner you know!

The kind of cool thing is that it bugged Ann just as much. We will be perfect running partners for the half. I'm not alone in my craziness.

OMG! I am so glad you figured this out. It was bugging me... but I felt like I was just being crazy. I am so glad that you are I are closely matched in craziness.

And... I am gonna say something here that may be not so popular. Why do they have to bill it to match the "12th man"? Ugh! Not being a true Seahawks fan, I would rather them bill it the way it truly is and not fib on the distance. I noticed they did the same with the turn out... they listed 12 thousand in the representation. Oh well...

She is putting up with my craziness on an outfit for the race as well. I did order a skirt....

Did you get the yellow one? And... you are being crazy with the outfit for the race? I missed that... I haven't thought you were being crazy in the least bit. Course... maybe that is due to the equal level of crazy.

3 days from now I will be on a plane on my way to DISNEYLAND!

THAT is so cool!!!

We did check out a little of the dress rehearsal last night as Jeff won't be there to see it and really wanted to. It was also good for me to see exactly "where" Evan was in the line up.

I really love their uniforms. I was in band back in high school and believe me... ours were no where near as cool!

The equipment truck was supposed to be loaded after school. Apparently a window on the truck was broken. I have NO details on that yet. But as a result, truck hasn't been loaded.

Oh no!

Evan is also doing stage crew and would "maybe" have set building after school. The set building part drives me nuts. It's an ad hoc willy nilly schedule based on whomever the crew lead is for that play and when they decide to call it. Which makes it very hard for a parent to schedule around. Turns out he did have it and called me just now to let me know that 1) he is at stage crew and 2) truck loading is at 5 and he will "maybe" go if he isn't building.

Um....you HAVE to go load your own stuff. They made a HUGE deal about it. You must physically see that your exact items make it on the truck. I told him he had to leave crew, go load, and then go back. I mean seriously, it is in the same building!

Then I get a text.

Loading isn't until 7

Then I get another one (this one from the band director)

they want parent help

Guess there goes my workout and taking my car in for service!

Sorry for the delay in the update, I did work on it this week but in between work trips, kid events, race packet pickup, a funeral and the actual race, it was a crazy weekend! I was once again, on the road for work. This time in Phoenix. And stole a little time between sessions to hopefully get this update written.

Ok truthfully, when I started this update, sessions were going for another 45 minutes and then there was a 30 min break before the evening reception and dinner. It seemed a FAR better use of my time to come and sit on my villa verandah and work on my update with a cool glass of…

Water.

You had a crazy week! I think the water looks very refreshing!

It was Phoenix after all! And man, as pretty as it is the dry heat is not friendly to my eyes.

I forgot to ask if they felt 100% on sunday.

At check in one my experts, who had not booked his room when I told him to and then was unable to get one, tried to get a room. No dice. So I offered to get he, and the other late addition expert I’d brought, a key to my room so at least everyone had an onsite home base. As I mentioned that I got a "hey" we can upgrade yours (meaning me) to a villa suite.

Very nice upgrade!!!

With a balcony overlooking the pool. As close as I got to a pool at this event but still, a stolen 45 minutes is rather heavenly. Plus....it is April. As some of you may recall…I tend to destroy my feet every April once we move into Sandal/Open Toe shoe season I have to “acclimate” my feet each year and somehow it always seems to kick off at a work event in a dry heat site like..Vegas or...Phoenix. 45 minutes of no shoes sounded almost even better than the balcony! Of course, over the course of 2 afternoon breaks like that I realized I was missing a couple of pictures that were home and not yet uploaded. Oh well, at least I tried, right?

And hey, I did have coffee on the balcony, once!

Well, just having the balcony overlooking the pool is a great thing even if you never got into the pool.

Instead, I ran yesterday! As most of you know, Ann and I (and Jeff lol) ran a local 12K. It was a crazy race, they said it capped out at 10,000 people and it did sell out. There were 2 races, a 5K and a 12K. The "official" results show about 4,000 people in each one. I've no idea if close to 2,000 people dropped out or they included the kids race in the "cap" or what. I can certainly believe there were 10-12,000 people there! It started out a wee bit stressful. We knew it would be crowded and traffic could be an issue and thought we’d given ourselves plenty of time. We did not allow for 45 minutes on the off-ramp of the highway! Jeff had to take off his shoe while we were sitting there so I could put the timing chip on it! Jeff and I literally got to the starting gate area with 7 minutes to spare. Minutes we used to hit the porta potties and for me to find Ann. And sadly, no starting line pictures. Bummer.

As much as it was a bummer not to get that starting line pic... it would have been even more a bummer to not find each other in that mess. I am SO glad we did!!!

The first mile was incredibly congested, almost walking pace but it got better after that although we were dodging folks probably till mile 3. This was only my third race ever so it was pretty trippy to go from groups of 300-500 to…4,000.

Congestion is always a pain at big races. The phm I did was HORRID... like way worse than the Seahawks 12k. I am so glad that by this January with all the corral changes they seem to have made it much better... at least for the first few corrals. I think the back still has quite a bit of congestion.

It was really fun to actually run with someone for once.

I really was fun! I just wish I could have kept up with you a bit more!

Thankfully it was not his hip. Turned out he'd tried to get ahead to go out in the first wave, went too far, got barricaded out and had to go back around and had started after we did, in wave 3! Since it was chip timed it didn't matter but it was a trip to see him come from behind like that. He still can't figure out how we got in the 2nd wave and he couldn't figure it out. Men. (sorry guys). It wasn't rocket science!

It is so impressive that he still managed to pass us!

Ann asked if I wanted to go catch up to him and I laughed. The man is a LOT faster than I, 00:50-2:00 per mile faster depending on the day and our paces. No way was I catching him! He didn't see us, but he did hear me. LOL! Especially given that when he passed (ok, went flying by) I think we were at the top of one of the "rolling" hills. It was not a flat course. Not horrible, but certainly not flat and more than one "roll"

I think you must have more experience with hills. OMG! They about killed me.

It was a gorgeous day, could not have been better weather wise and it was so nice not to run in the rain. Fun to see the Seahawks training facility even though well, it just looked like a field and a big building. LOL! Some CRAZY outfits, people really got dressed up (like fully jersey pads ect kind of dressed up, I really should have gotten pictures! I turned it on a little too early at the end and miscalculated how many hills were left when I did so (and my IT band let me know lol) but overall was pretty pleased with my finish. It was much better than the Birch Bay race a couple of weeks prior (especially since it wasn't raining with 35 mph wind bursts) and more along the lines of where I think I should be. With the hills and the fact that I actually came to a full stop at the 4 mile water break (less because I needed the water and more because given our 7 minute close cut to the start, I'd not had a sip of water before the race and had the worst coffee dry mouth. BLEH! Needed to rinse out. ) I was pleased with the end result.

It was such a nice day! And you did AWESOME!!!

More importantly, it felt better and was fun! Amazing what the sun can do, it’s the first race I've ever had in nice weather. What a difference that made! Sun, lake, mountains....just beautiful! And a sea of navy and green. I kind of like my overall place number. 999. LOL! What are the odds of that? Out of 4044 I’m pretty happy with that given that I've been running less than 1 year. I did better in my division and in my gender groups than the previous race as well so I was pleased. Jeff did really well, 9th in his division and 229th overall. Brat.

You and Jeff both are phenomenal runners! ESPECIALLY since you have only been at this for less than a year!!!

Ann and I both have some questions about the results. When you get your results it will show you your total time, your overall place, place in your division and place in your gender. It also shows your average pace for the race. The pace in this instance does NOT match up with the distance. It was a 12K. Which should be 7.456 miles. However the pace we all got in our results, combined with our total time, when you do the math does not add up to a 7.456 mile race. It adds up to a 7.65 mile race which jived with my watch and the app Ann uses. This was true for all 3 of us! Not really a big deal except well, it is. It's like a 12-13 second per mile difference and if you were using this race as a "proof of time" for a Disney it would kind of bite as the pace the official race results show, aren't what you'd get credit for if you submit it as a 12K. And that's enough to put you in a different corral!

Like I said...so glad you figured it out! But even knowing we were right... still is good that we were not looking to use it as a POT. Cause it is still billed as a 12k. I am not sure that the powers that be would not just see 12k and the finish time and do the calculations based on that. For that reason it still bugs me... but I am mostly over it.

We got to hang out with Ann for a little bit after the race and also meet up with another friend from a DVC running FB group we all participate in

That was so cool!

Yeah, my running knickers are totally obnoxious. I love them.

They are not any more obnoxious than any other things that people wear running and certainly no where near some of the costumes!!!

That may well be the only picture I get of me at the race. I just realized the official photos are looking for them by bib number and with mine on the leg, they may or may not find me! We will see. I suppose if they find one, facial recognition will do the rest. It has to be better than the last one. 2 significantly older guys in front of me and none of me by myself at the finish. It's super depressing.

Well, for about half the race you could always look around my pics... they may have caught the two of us.

Our poor friend hadn't done a chip timed one like this before (which was funny to me as I've only done ones that use this exact chip, 3 of them now) and had put it in the pocket of her skirt as she too was late. She was supposed to do the 5K with her son but he'd fallen ill the night before and it was an 11th hour call as to whether she was going to do it solo. I did feel bad. but..the instructions I think were pretty clear that it had to go on your shoe. Or at least I thought it was, it had a picture of where to put it. It didn't say, in all fairness, that it's a proximity sensor (to the mat) and will not work if you don't put it on your shoe. I know it's happened to others. In fact, I wonder if that explains the 2K of folks who didn't have times???

I know I told you about Steve's experience and feelings... but I have to say I kinda agree with him on how silly they are. Did you see how many people were posting that they had to dig theirs out of the trash? $20 is pretty much a racket to have as a replacement cost!

I was a dork and didn't think to get a picture of Jeff and I!

I feel so bad about this... I really should have offered!!!

I did get a picture of our post race breakfast

Okay... I am jealous! I stopped at Red Robin (dd talked me into meeting her between shifts ) Let me just say.. I was in the mood for something I just didnt get.

And, at 4:30 on New Years Eve we saw this



No joke!

That is crazy! I can't believe how few people there were!

We spit out by Living with the Land. And, although it was a long way around in some ways, it was not crowded so that helped a bit I think. We were headed here

We got routed out that way on one of the days during F&W last year.

[

I refused. I do NOT do that. That then made her crabby. She had "checked" with everyone in between our two groups and they were "ok" with it. Honestly I didn't care if they were ok (and they probably were not but told her they were, she is persuasive like that), I was not ok with it. But between my sister and all the saps she conned, we were urged forward with me being mortified and apologizing to each soul as we walked by. If anyone reading this was there, I am sorry. It kind of got to the point of pick which will make the lesser of scenes in a sea million people squished into a very small space.

I am not comfortable with such things either... but honestly if someone politely asks me... I truly do not have a problem letting a family reunite. Now.. barging without politely asking is a different storey.

And then, it was off to Space!

Some of us went Orange, others (like my Dad) went Green

Do you know I have never attempted either? I have always thought it would be too frightening for me. Maybe Green would be ok...

As we passed by MouseGears, we hit a kiosk and I bought the boys a 4 parks BandIt decoration thing or whatever they are called. Basically kids with the same colors had already mixed up their bands (despite them having their names on the back) so each boy got a park. Evan = AK, Eric = DHS, Q = Epcot and K got MK. I think. Finally we made it to Soarin’.

That is frustrating. My ds mixed his up between one resort and the next. Silly boys!

I don't recall if my mom went on Soarin’ but Kerri couldn’t. Thank heavens for FP+. The Standby wait for Soaring was 4 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I kinda feel like it seems like an odd thing to do. You go and spend basically the better part of a day to ride one ride?

My agenda?

This



I had seen folks carrying them and lit up, it looked like a poisoned apple. All I could tell was it was from France. What I hoped was it was somehow related to a slushie but I was dying to know. So I fought my way back through the bottle neck at Morocco (and the same drunk guy who had been hanging there harassing folks my first pass through)

The Parisian Cosmo Cocktail

Grand Marnier, Grey Goose vodka and cranberry juice with a glow cube. I think it is possibly the same stuff in the Cosmo Slush they have during Food and Wine, just not slushified?

Ahhh…heaven![/q;uote]

YUM!

It's a funny thing. I’d been to Biergarten once before, back in 2008 on our first full "family" trip that had all 4 of our kids after Jeff and I had gotten married. I liked it, but didn't love it. Jeff LOVED it, as did the E's and I think the big kids, K&T were ambivalent. I don't know if the menu really changed, food quality just improved, a new chef or if I was just absolutely starving but it was one of those nights where everything tasted amazing. Ok not everything but darn close. It was really really good and I had seconds. Thirds! Like Ohana, it is a great large group spot and truly I think, everyone loved it

It is a great place for a large group. I imagine you didn't have to share a table with strangers? We almost didn't... but we had a couple who dinned with us. Pretty sure they wished they had not.

And do a never done!



I have to admit, I think we all liked the movie at the end better than the ride. We didn't quite get it.

You have never done it? It is an odd little ride... but I have fond memories of it. First time I rode, dh and ds tried to act like they tricked me onto a "thrill" ride. When it goes backwards and the troll yells "over the falls" DS and DH convinced me we were going backward over the falls. I was terrified! It was a lot of fun when I found out it was all a bit tease... then we all laughed. (hence the fond part of the memory )

After Malestorm and more time in the dump shop than anyone needs we found ourselves at a bit of a standstill.

But you got some great pictures!

and yes for those counting, I'd had wine in the afternoon, a poisoned apple, and a beer with dinner. I was in fact slightly concerned about the mix but well, it WAS NYE! Plus it had been over a pretty long period of time. Like 10 hours. LOL!

Wasn't counting.. pretty sure that isn't so much given 1. the time frame and 2. It was NYE!!!

Remember I mentioned that Illuminations was my favorite?

I lied.

Epcot NYE wins.

HAND DOWN

They started with ringing in the New Year in the order that the various countries had run it in. As they mentioned the countries, fireworks would go off over that country and it would light up, along with music themed to that country. Then it would continue. Finally it got to the USA. And the countdown began! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


Followed by what to me, was kind of like Illuminations on Steroids.

LOVED

LOVED

LOVED

It!

I don't have pictures.

Not one.

I knew the iphone couldn't capture it and didn't even try. I just wanted to be in the moment, and I was. It was MAGICAL. I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed it. As did all of us that stayed.

I am sure it was amazing!!

However.

Getting out?

Not so Magical.

Ugh...

As we approached the UK I made an executive decision.

YOU.

SIT HERE.

that'd be me talking to my mom, dad and Kerri


They all meekly agreed and gratefully sat on a bench with the E's.

I grabbed Jeff and bBig Eric and we headed here

I think it sounds like you made a great executive decision!

Finally we were on our way. Except mom wasn't quite done with hers

Sneaky lady

She tucked it inside her camera bag and VERY carefully walked through.

Jeff did something similar (like up inside their sleeve or another one of the guys did)

It was pretty classic.

I may have had to do that with a starbucks drink that was purchased before going on the LM ride in DCA. Told you can't go on until you toss your drink, but the drink is the largest one (and hence more expensive than some) that you just purchased... seems like the thing to do is carefully sit it upright in your bag and really watch it while you sit your bag down next to you on the ride.

And then they found the platinum blonde and her dancing companion were also on the boat. And he apparently, was quite drunk. And loud. And swearing up a storm over something. Kolby started to freak out a bit. Mel, who does not have a shy bone in her body approached him and said he was making her child uncomfortable. To which he replied pretty nastily, basically something along the lines of "that's your problem, not mine". While the CM’s and and boat captain tried (unsuccessfully) to calm the man down, they did not ask him to get off the boat. So, Melissa and her kids did and walked back. Fortunately by the time they were safely in the villa, the fireworks had just started and they were able to watch them from the balcony.

That is horrible!!

I felt bad. None of us honestly, had been all that uncomfortable in the crowds and didn't really see much of folks behaving too badly, at least not at the level that made us uncomfortable, certainly nothing the E's mentioned at all. I am not sure if that's simply due to more exposure to it, less sensitivity, or simply height. Kolby is by far the tiniest of our gang and I can easily see where that might really make a difference in the experience. At any rate, they had enjoyed a great night and her in words, survived an annoying blip. With that, and given that it was now around 1:15 am, we all gratefully stumbled to our beds.

I am glad she was able to look past it and that you all were able to get to sleep.

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my!! Sorry about your FIL but thankfully your sweet parents are pitching in. God bless them! I hope all works out well. Glad you don't have to second guess that new bathing suit and sundress!

Whew! My curiosity is now satisfied with your 12.31K run. I was wondering how that worked out.

YAY for your final days before DL!

Wishing you safe travels and I'm pretty sure you'll pack enough underpants and sunscreen for yourself! I'm sorry but I have to laugh at your story about Evan's packing and his priorities. Teens are funny critters sometimes. You really will need a vacation.

 

[teekathepony]

Yikes, sorry to hear about your FIL! And very happy that your folks were able to step up and help.
So exciting, Disneyland so soon!! I hope the luggage all got loaded and on its way (Drama indeed! Yikes!) and the right stuff is in the carry-ons.

 

[Chilly]

Hope your FIL is ok, yeah for Mummy and Daddy help.

 

[Chilly]

You had a special bib made for Freya to wear right? Any pictures? That's wonderful he did so well.

Indeed I do, not the best photo of her so here's a couple of other better ones.