Many reasons to be THANKFUL! Oh, look the baby is crying Nov '12 (THROWBACK FRIDAY!)

[debrapagliasotti]

Aww, super cute Photopass pictures!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

What a great report!

Your two daughters are adorable, and I love your excellent collection of Photopass pictures!

 

[francis6306]

Aww, super cute Photopass pictures!!

Thank you!!!

What a great report!

Your two daughters are adorable, and I love your excellent collection of Photopass pictures!

Thanks!! I love Photopass! I like to know BOTH parents were actually with the children, you know? Too often there are pictures of kids with one parent, since the other parent is taking all the pictures. Photopass really allows us to both be there with the girls!

 

[francis6306]

Okay, a few more PP pictures, and we'll be caught up with my story!!

AK! AUgh… Did I mention that Cortlyn about threw a tantrum about being in pictures on this day?? Well… she did! So, we got a "family" shot with just Catie!!

This is when we stumbled onto Goofy and Pluto waiting for Corey!! What a great meet!!

Not sure how we convinced her- but we did get a good shot by the end of the day!!

On to HS morning!

 

[francis6306]

I THINK I left off being in the queue to meet Buzz and Woody. Well, Cortlyn had mentioned wanting to meet Jessie. I was fairly certain she wasn't going to be in this M&G, but I thought she'd still want to meet Buzz and Woody& Well. I. Was. Wrong.

She totally melted down and didn't want to meet EITHER of them because she wanted to meet Jessie. I had NO clue that she was going to be this upset, or I would have skipped it- as it was, we were there and we were going to do some pictures with Catie anyway. Cortlyn REFUSED to get in the picture& What can you do???? Nothing&

Oh well. It was lunchtime, so we went to the quickest place we could find- ABC! I know this place gets a bad rap, but I think it's good, for what it is!! I got a table and waited for Corey& WHEW this line was SOOOOO long!!!! We were waiting forever! I was trying to keep Catie happy, but she saw food- and WANTED food! She didn't understand why nobody around her was sharing their "fet-fries!" with her! There was this older woman holding the table next to us who was so sweet- she had several kids and tons of grandkids so she was trying to help. And not in the "Oh! I'm a SUPER WONDERFUL Mother/Grandmother- Thou shalt listen to MOI!" But in a kind hearted, gentle spirit, if that makes sense. I think ALL moms know the types I'm referring to here! She started to sing "I'm a little teapot" and Catie was mesmerized. And quite honestly- I don't think Catie had EVER heard that song before. I know I had forgotten it. Cortlyn didn't even know the motions! What a bad mom I am! Anyway, we sat there for a while singing "I"m a little teapot!" and it kept Catie happy. And by the way- we still sing it when Catie gets upset. It's like Magic!!!

Here's Lunch!

We got chicken for the girl's to split. They also had grapes or apple slices, that came in a bag, Corey was probably opening it when I snapped this! I split them in half to cool down for Catie.

Corey got a burger:

And I got& well& I can't find the name of what I got. BUT! I do remember that right before our trip, I had read Lisa's (Mickeystoontown) TR and I think she had gotten this burger. I couldn't remember if she liked it or not, but I did know I wanted to try it! I enjoyed it! It's a burger with shrimp and I think it had a spicy sauce on it too, maybe?

Our desserts!

Like I said, this is a good meal for what it is! I haven't ever been disappointed in this counter service!

I decided that I was GOING TO GET A cupcake on this trip, so I took Cortlyn off to Starring Rolls to get our afternoon snack! I was excited about this, because on my LAST trip I had messed up and didn't know they closed early! It was a HARD choice, but… I got a Butterfinger Cupcake for me!

Cortlyn picked out an M&M brownie I think:

And the CM thought Cortlyn was so adorable that he gave her a Mickey Cookie!

Do they do that often?? We didn't ask for it and they didn't charge us for it!

After this we headed back to the resort! Of course, I had picked up a FP for Rockin' Roller Coaster at some point in the morning to use during naptime. I got the kids in bed and hurried back to HS! I LOVED RNRC!!!! It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I literally rode that and headed STRAIGHT back so I could get some rest myself!! haha! We were having fun, but MAN it's tough to take kids to disney!!!!!

 

[francis6306]

Forgot a few other pictures!

I didn't like this stage being in front of the Hat!

While Cortlyn and I were getting goodies- Corey and Catie were walking towards the front…

She wanted to go for another swim!

She wanted a better look at the Christmas tree!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great pictures even though you could always get the "family" photo. As a mother, we have to pick and choose our battles and, sometimes, it's just not worth it when a child doesn't want to have their picture taken.

Yep, that's the same burger with shrimp that I had at ABC Comm. Like you said, it's not the greatest food but it's decent and we enjoyed it. How sweet of the little grandmother to come over and help you out. I love those kinda ladies!

 

[jenseib]

I understand about the picture thing. We had one year when Claire didn't want hers either. In most of the pictures she has either got a scowl on her face or her hands over her face. We look back and laugh at them now.
We've eaten there too and the food isn't that bad to us either. Just basic fill the stomach stuff.

 

[francis6306]

Great pictures even though you could always get the "family" photo. As a mother, we have to pick and choose our battles and, sometimes, it's just not worth it when a child doesn't want to have their picture taken.

Yep, that's the same burger with shrimp that I had at ABC Comm. Like you said, it's not the greatest food but it's decent and we enjoyed it. How sweet of the little grandmother to come over and help you out. I love those kinda ladies!

Yeah, I totally pick my battles- I figure she's just testing her boundaries. If I show her that we'll go on with pictures without her, she'll eventually give it up! And she did.

Corey was so funny when I told him what I wanted. I had said something about you guys having that burger and he said "Is this one of those 'online friends'?" Yup! He just laughs at me- but hey- these online friends have turned out two VERY successful disney trips!!!

I understand about the picture thing. We had one year when Claire didn't want hers either. In most of the pictures she has either got a scowl on her face or her hands over her face. We look back and laugh at them now.
We've eaten there too and the food isn't that bad to us either. Just basic fill the stomach stuff.

I like it! I have certainly had bad burgers, but I think ABC gets a bad rap. It's a burger place, people!!!

 

[francis6306]

So, after our naps, we woke up and decided we would have dinner a little early at AoA in the food court! (How appropriate that my BFF just did her DR update to include her trip to AoA!) Anyway, went over to the FC and decided to try something a little different!

Corey got the Mongolian Beef. He had a spinach side. The beef was amazing. But the spinach?? GROSS!!! I don't think any of us liked it!!

I had a craB cake burger! (Had to edit that!!! Thanks Shelley!) It was yummy, but after a few bites I decided that there was too much bread and I was missing out on the crab! The Crab cake had lots of yummy crab, but there was just too much bun! So, I opened it up and ate it open faced!

Cortlyn decided that she wanted a salad for dinner. Yup. She loves salad and usually eats at least one salad each week. She's wise beyond her years! We got her the kid's salad, but she didn't want the chicken, so they gave us the grilled chicken on the side, which we gave to Catie to eat, along with the grape or apple bag.

Cortlyn picked out THIS cupcake for one of the desserts:

And I picked this set of cupcakes:

Which that second set of Cupcakes has already made an appearance here on the thread!!!

YUP! Those are the cupcakes from our intro! They were SOOO good! I think it was Carrot Cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate and white.

Cortlyn enjoyed her meal

But Catie did not. I think she was sad that the cupcake was so small?

So, we were heading back to HS for the BEST thing about Christmas at Disney- OSBOURNE FAMILY LIGHTS!!! I'm telling you- this is the best thing ever!!! We thoroughly enjoy these lights!! Since we were there, we also decided to ride a few rides- why not?!

First up Great Movie Ride& I don't think I had ever rode this before& but it was kinda meh& The girls were a little upset by the scene with the driver and "actor." We had to tell Cortlyn it was just pretend- but she was ready to run out of the ride! I had no idea it was going to happen! OOps!

After this- I think Corey wanted to ride Star Tours again, so I was going to take the girls to the Muppet show. Well, Cortlyn REFUSED to go in! She didn't want to see it. Weird- because she LIKES the Muppets. Whatever& so instead, we played with bubbles with a CM! It was sweet though! The CM had a bubble wand and was having as good of a time as my girls were!

Sigh& I have a cute video that I am trying to upload, but photobucket hates it! I'll be back!

 

[PanIsMine]

Joining in! My dates overlapped you. I was there Nov. 21-26. I agree the Osborne lights are amazing! Your girls are adorable! That's awesome that Cortlyn remembers her first trip. Maybe Catie will too! Love all the princess pics. You have me wanting to stay at AOA really badly now.

 

[jenseib]

Awww, they looks so cute running after bubbles. The crab sandwich looks really good. I may have to try one in the future.

 

[francis6306]

Joining in! My dates overlapped you. I was there Nov. 21-26. I agree the Osborne lights are amazing! Your girls are adorable! That's awesome that Cortlyn remembers her first trip. Maybe Catie will too! Love all the princess pics. You have me wanting to stay at AOA really badly now.

Awe!!! Wasn't that the BEST time of year?!?! I wish I could do this EVERY year!! Wonder if we passed in the parks??

Awww, they looks so cute running after bubbles. The crab sandwich looks really good. I may have to try one in the future.

Oh it was SOOO good! And I'm pick about my crab! This had LOTS of big crab pieces in it- so you KNEW what you were getting!

 

[sbprincess]

I had a crap cake burger! It was yummy, but after a few bites I decided that there was too much bread and I was missing out on the crab! The Crab cake had lots of yummy crab, but there was just too much bun! So, I opened it up and ate it open faced

I'm really glad you enjoyed your "crap" cake burger! I literally choked on my soup when I read that!

That's funny that Corey and I got the exact same meal. I can see that the spinach wouldn't be for everyone though. I, personally, loved it...but it was different. AND, I'm very far from picky. I can't remember if I made Brian try it or not. He probably wouldn't have been a fan either.

Did you like the butterfinger cupcake? I remember the icing being a little much...

It looks like ya'll are having such a good time! Did you ever get to ride Star Tours???

 

[francis6306]

I'm really glad you enjoyed your "crap" cake burger! I literally choked on my soup when I read that!

That's funny that Corey and I got the exact same meal. I can see that the spinach wouldn't be for everyone though. I, personally, loved it...but it was different. AND, I'm very far from picky. I can't remember if I made Brian try it or not. He probably wouldn't have been a fan either.

Did you like the butterfinger cupcake? I remember the icing being a little much...

It looks like ya'll are having such a good time! Did you ever get to ride Star Tours???

BAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I totally missed that! HAHA!!!

I did like it, but it is a LOT of icing!!

You will have to wait to see…

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Another "Illinoisian" here!!! Just found and read your TR! Love it! We will be heading back to the World right after Thanksgiving...so truly enjoying your November report!! Your girl's are adorable! But you've said it...and I'll say it...taking kids is exhausting!! Next time we go mine will be 7 and 4...so I'm hoping it's a tad easier!! Can't wait to read more!

 

[francis6306]

Another "Illinoisian" here!!! Just found and read your TR! Love it! We will be heading back to the World right after Thanksgiving...so truly enjoying your November report!! Your girl's are adorable! But you've said it...and I'll say it...taking kids is exhausting!! Next time we go mine will be 7 and 4...so I'm hoping it's a tad easier!! Can't wait to read more!

Awe! Hello!!! I like knowing there are other Disney lovers here in the cornfields!!!

Have you been at Christmas? It's the BEST time to go!!! We're thinking our next trip will be May 2014- but then I start thinking that I'm going to miss out on CHRISTMAS!!! My girls will be 6 and 3 then.

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Awe! Hello!!! I like knowing there are other Disney lovers here in the cornfields!!!

Have you been at Christmas? It's the BEST time to go!!! We're thinking our next trip will be May 2014- but then I start thinking that I'm going to miss out on CHRISTMAS!!! My girls will be 6 and 3 then.

Yes...DH and I have been at Christmas...3 times....but the kid's never have been!! I know the first 3 days we are there are going to be busy....so we're going to do more shows/character greetings/Candlelight Processional/Osborne lights, etc. We'll try to focus more on the rides as the week goes on!! Two of my favorite things (and my kid's) are Disney and Christmas!! Can't wait to do both at the same time!!! Our last two trips have been summer time...so it will be nice to have some cooler weather on this trip! Already have been picking up long sleeve Disney shirts for the kiddos!

 

[francis6306]

Yes...DH and I have been at Christmas...3 times....but the kid's never have been!! I know the first 3 days we are there are going to be busy....so we're going to do more shows/character greetings/Candlelight Processional/Osborne lights, etc. We'll try to focus more on the rides as the week goes on!! Two of my favorite things (and my kid's) are Disney and Christmas!! Can't wait to do both at the same time!!! Our last two trips have been summer time...so it will be nice to have some cooler weather on this trip! Already have been picking up long sleeve Disney shirts for the kiddos!

We wanted to do the CP, and honestly, I didn't cancel our ressie for it until just a few weeks before the trip. But I didn't want to take the girls… Catie is just too small to really enjoy something like that. One day I WILL go see it up close!!

 

[francis6306]

Found another picture I forgot about on the Photopass group!

So, finally Corey came back and took the girls from me… so I could…

RIDE STAR TOURS!!!!!!

It was really fun! I don't remember my sequence, but it was enjoyable. I think that Cortlyn probably could have handled the ride, but at that point we had other places to be!!!

We started to walk down to the start of the Lights and who do we see set up and ready for us?!?!? Phinneas and Ferb! n It was fun to meet them, and we were one of the last families in line! They closed it pretty soon after we arrived!

We headed over towards the lights and sadly, I don't have a lot of pictures from this… my new camera and I were fighting and I just never could take a decent picture.

First thing we saw was this:

I'm personally glad that Disney does try and honor the religious parts of Christmas. They may be quiet and certainly not out in anyone's faces, but I think that it would be stupid to ignore the fact that Christmas IS a Christian holiday. You don't have to preach, but I do think you need to respect that it is what it is! And that's all I have to say about that!

Oh and then the girls enjoyed the "snow!"

We wandered around some more and just enjoyed the lights. We decided to jump in line to see Santa Goofy again. I LOVED this backdrop! We were in line with a CM who had her son with her. She was really sweet. She worked there at HS and this was the first chance she had to bring her son. Could you imagine how COOL your parents would have been if they worked at Disney?!?!

And family shot with the lights behind us!

After this, we decided to head back to the resort. I will say, as manageable as the crowds felt in the parks, we were starting to feel the level 8/9 crowds when we were trying to get back to the resort at night. I'm fairly certain that there would have been more than one time taking a Pop bus and walking would have been faster, just due to the amount of people in line for the AoA buses at the end of the day. But, after walking in the parks all day, the idea of walking from AoA to Pop didn't seem appealing either!