Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[brookelizabeth]

for the potty training! I know how tough it is...we're still in the midst of it. Max is having problems with the second part of the whole endeavor, if you know what I mean, and the daycare folks suggested we put him in pull-ups because he was having accidents and needed a fresh pair of pants everyday. And now he's started occasionally wetting his pull-ups. We're going to fix this over our April break and hopefully get this sorted out once and for all!

Your evening in EPCOT looked blissful! I completely know what you mean about that first night, first time in a park feeling. It is the best! Having everything stretched out in front of you like that... and you had a lot of time in front of you! Can't wait to hear more about it!

I know exactly what you are saying about the second part. Amazingly Henry is getting that too. It really surprises me! He used to go every single day, right around 10:00 am (like clockwork!), and now it's about every other day...so there is still some work to do there...but, that will come. I hope Max gets it all figured out quickly! #2 is tough for so many kids!

I can't tell you how many times I counted how many days we had left. It was unreal. 2 weeks was amazing! I want to do that every time.

Hooray for Henry!!!!

I hope his freak out on TT was shortlived and you were able to enjoy the ride many more times throughout your trip.

Well....Joe and I enjoyed TT!

Lovin your trip report..Never commented on any trip report! You are my first one. Your son is so cute! Can't wait to read more

Yay! I'm honored that I'm the first one! and thank you for reading!!! Be careful...you might get hooked on TRs! There are so many great ones out there, and it really helps you "live" the magic a bit between trips.

I so understand what you mean about wanting to be in WDW now. I so want to be there that I'm about to cry lol Exhaustion will do that.

I've only been home for what, 2 weeks? and I am ready to go back! So much so I have priced out more than one trip! LOL!

I do know what you mean. It seems like so long since we left, and we're still in the same month!

I can't believe we are still in the same month. UGH. I just wish we had a May or June trip to look forward to. I'm still hoping that someone we are able to go again before our APs run out in September. I have NO clue how it will happen considering Joe doesn't have enough time off for WDW and Minnesota.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Well done on the potty training Henry!!!

Love the update - I keep wondering if my niece will be brave enough for Test Track as I know she'd love it! I doubt my nephew will be tall enough - he's well over 3yrs but a shortie!

I have to ask - how does Henry get on showering each day (or however often he showers!)? Toby HATES showers and it made house hunting difficult for us. We found two amazing houses that would have been perfect but initially only had showers - it would have been a while until we could afford to extend the houses and fit a bath-tub. But as Toby hates showering so much, it was a no go!

Julie xxx

Bring tall shoes! Maybe it will help. I know people sometimes do their kids hair big too - spiky for the boys or pig tails for the girls and I've heard of that helping! LOL

Henry isn't too keen on showers. At all. He has gotten a bit used to them since it's the only option and he understands that - but it's sometimes a fight. Joe often goes in there with him, making it more fun, and we do put toys in the bottom for him to play with. The showers are often QUICK and we don't spray his face at all. He wore goggles the first few times which helped too...mostly because it made it silly and fun, so it distracted him from the whole actual ordeal.

We had 4 days to find an apartment. We were down to our current one and another that was a bit more, but had a tub, was a lot bigger, but had HORRID pink carpet that I just couldn't get past! But the kicker was the land lady. Despite it having TONS of closet space and seriously, the place was probably almost double our current teeny home, I am happy we chose where we did! We've adjusted. But, I did promise Henry the next place would have a bath tub.

Hurray for Henry being almost potty-trained! It really is a whole new world when that happens! LOL!

The glowing sword is very cool! I don't know as if I have ever really paid attention to the toys on those carts!

Test Track is a great ride to start the trip off with -- too bad Henry has become scared of it.

We haven't ever really paid attention to the glowing carts either - we always bring at least one that we already have from home. One we picked up for $5 years ago at a zoo, and the other we bought for Henry after our "interesting" GF Tea to stop the tears. But, he asked for a sword and Joe instantly said yes. I was shocked. But, Joe said every boy should have a sword!

Henry looks so excited about the sword!

I was right! Test Track is such a good ride since we didn't get to ride it on our last trip I am anxious to ride it in May!

Sounds like a great first night!

He was delighted with that thing! It came with us almost every night to the parks, so it got good use. Thankfully our suitcase is big enough to fit it...but just barely.

You were right! Test Track is awesome. We all...well...most of us...enjoy that ride! Hopefully Henry will be back into it for our next trip.

Love the update! It must have been so exciting to know that you had 2 whole weeks ahead of you

I love your descriptions of the decision making between you and Joe. My boyfriend and I are the same way. He's completely laid back and doesn't understand my need to always make a plan (although he is endlessly patient with me on that front). The other day I casually mentioned that our trip is 100 days away (on the inside I was ) and that we should probably make a plan. His response? "but we have a plan. We booked a flight and hotel and we have our old park tickets. so isn't that the plan?"

Hilarious!!! That is just the beginning!!! Thankfully Joe understands my desire to plan, and with each trip we seem to be getting closer to a perfect balance between the two of us. This one was pretty close!

Just had to say hello. Your intro had me hooked, since I am such a planner-doer and my DH is sooooo not. You're right that compromise is key. For example, last week's spring break trip (not Disney) was slow-paced, so I figure I can super-schedule our Sept WDW trip! I've already started the spreadsheet. (Sadly, no, I'm not kidding!) OK, now for 2nd coffee & catching up here.

I love your screen name! A radio show I used to work for was called Looking Up! When I saw your name I smiled and it brought back some wonderful and very fun memories! Where did you get it from?

That's a great compromise! One slow paced trip, one super-scheduled trip! I'd be tempted to offer that out to Joe, but I know he'd shoot it down! LOL Thankfully we are able to find a pretty decent balance between us. I think next trip will be even better in that department.

 

[Flossbolna]

Brook, great udate again! It sounds like at least two of you enjoyed their ride. I am sorry that Henry didn't... And he was so much looking forward to it. I am amazed at how brave he was - it sounds like he did not really let you and Joe know how he felt after the ride, but you found out later. Or perhaps smaller kids just need some time to process, so his fear came out later?

But he is really growing up! How great that you finally got him potty-trained. He can now go to the kids-clubs at WDW when you and Joe go on a date night....

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook, great udate again! It sounds like at least two of you enjoyed their ride. I am sorry that Henry didn't... And he was so much looking forward to it. I am amazed at how brave he was - it sounds like he did not really let you and Joe know how he felt after the ride, but you found out later. Or perhaps smaller kids just need some time to process, so his fear came out later?

But he is really growing up! How great that you finally got him potty-trained. He can now go to the kids-clubs at WDW when you and Joe go on a date night....

It was later in the trip that he told us. That night he just sorta went quiet, but then bounced back when he saw the after show. Later in the trip we ride, and were going to go back to back, but he flat out refused...then we knew something was up! He has told me several times (including tonight) that he wants to ride again...so we'll see about our next trip!

I am SO looking forward to having a date night! We passed by the Kids Club at the BC one time and he stopped in his tracks, staring into the window. He wanted to go in there so badly! Plus he knows we can now book a cruise!

I have to go water my money tree...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sunday, February 27, 2011

We left off as Joe and I had made a compromise, and a plan...and we had fallen asleep for our first night in Disney World. To jog your memory, the plan was to wake up whenever Henry woke us up, Joe would get ready right away and head straight down to the shop on the Boardwalk to purchase milk and coffee creamer. Two absolute morning necessities for this family!

Henry woke us up around 7:30 am. We had plenty of time. We weren't trying for Rope Drop, but just wanted to get there early enough for a ride or two before our 10:30 Main Street Barber appointment.

Joe was actually down at the Screen Door shop before they opened! Too bad they don't have a Rope Drop. He returned with some Half & Half ($2.19 for those interested) and a half gallon of milk ($2.95 - cheaper than the Hess Station!). Mission accomplished, we could eat. And more importantly, I could have coffee.

While the coffee finished brewing I made a Mickey Head.

No, that's NOT Disney coffee. We bring our own!

Henry was chillin' on the bed enjoying Disney Junior while he munched on his breakfast and I was Facebookin' and DISin'. It was a nice way to start the day.

The weather was perfect.

We didn't hurry, but we didn't move slowly either.

I tried to get a morning picture of Henry each day just in case he got separated from us.

Clicking my heels as we rolled down the hallways

We made it to the bus stop around 8:45.

This morning we had a bit of a longer wait for the bus,

but by 9:05 we were on our way. Along the route to MK we saw the 1/2 Princess Marathon runners! I had completely forgotten this was going on and it was pretty awesome to see HUNDREDS of Princess-costume-clad women running across a bridge. It was motivating and spurred a conversation between myself and several other bus riders, marveling at them. One woman even declared herself as a runner and she's only ever done 1 marathon - she said it was incredibly hard.

It all made me want to do a Disney Run even more than I already did! I am determined that I will do at least a 5k at some point in Disney World!

Anyway, back on the bus, along with the marathon runners we saw a pirate ship - yes a PIRATE SHIP - on the back of a truck and a hot air balloon in the ditch! It was a pretty entertaining ride.

We made it to MK just before 9:30.

I really like the Memories banner!

First step inside. Ahhh, breathe it in.

And we rounded the corner to see Cinderella's Castle

Video: And might I say...this is a pretty cute video Joe put together on his phone! Henry's first glimpse of the Castle (1 minute, 43 seconds)

Oh ya, all grins!

Let's head down Main Street

For all you D&B lovers!

We like this little nook

Hello my pretty Casey's.

Oh wait.

We can't go too far.

It's after 9:30, we have a 10:30 Main Street Barber appointment...um...well, gee...we might as well stop at the Bakery.

Yes. That sounds like a GRAND idea!

We love the Bakery. It used to be better with the French Toast Loaf (RIP), but I still never have a problem finding something I enjoy. He he. And Joe really enjoys the Cinnamon Rolls.

Despite me wanting to get on a ride, I also wanted the Bakery. And Joe wanted the Bakery. And Henry doesn't have to be asked twice when it comes to sweets! So in we went!

I hemmed and hawed over what to get. A chocolate croissant? But I was also craving fruit.

Logic set in. We had 14 days in front of us. I would get a chocolate croissant. If I'm craving something healthy, GET IT!

So I did! And I was very happy (and proud) for making a wise choice.

(but don't worry, there is a chocolate croissant, (or *cough* a few more) later this trip! )

Joe's. I warned him that people were reporting these are not as good as they have been in the past due to them transferring to a plate from the hot pan, instead of just bringing the hot pan out...but Joe still went for it. And he loved it! It was even the last one on the plate and still good. Though, he's pretty easy to please in the baked goods department.

Henry ate off both our plates.

Iced French Vanilla coffees. Yum, yum. Not very strong in the coffee department, but tasty.

And before I end this update, I'll just leave you with this:

Have I trained him well or what?!?!?

 

[DisMomAmy]

First of all... Yay for potty training!!! Go Henry!!

Your MK morning looks like a lovely way to ease into things. We have yet to grab a treat at the bakery... we're always in such a hurry to get up Main Street & jump on a ride! I'll have to add it to my must-do list.

I can't wait to hear about the visit to the barber.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

It's after 9:30, we have a 10:30 Main Street Barber appointment...um...well, gee...we might as well stop at the Bakery.

Yes. That sounds like a GRAND idea!

Pastries are ALWAYS a good idea!

Have I trained him well or what?!?!?

Henry is too cute!! And now he's well on his way to doing a dining report!

 

[kschafer]

Good catch on the food porn Henry!!

 

[MeMom]

A boy after my own heart.
Stage that food, boy.

 

[Softballgirl27]

That is great. I would love to see you there.

 

[hcmommy]

I love the pic of Henry snapping pics of the food, so funny!

 

[glennbo123]

Mmmm, that looks awesome, right there. I love the Bakery! Dang, now I'm going to have to eat a snack before bed.

And before I end this update, I'll just leave you with this:

Have I trained him well or what?!?!?

Ha! That's hilarious!

 

[claryche]

I love the pic of Henry taking the food shot. You are doing so well at teaching him what is important in life....Disney food...and especially Mainstreet Bakery food. Love that place.

Also love the picture of him seeing the castle. Something you might want to do, which I'm gonna try to do soon. I plan on making a Disney photobook, from Disneyphotopass sight of my DS's 6 trips to Disney World so far. I plan on doing a pic from each year on a page. Say 6 pics with Pooh on one page and so on. I know you take alot of tradition pictures, so you would be in great shape. I'm sure Henry would love seeing himself grow up Disney.

 

[blessedby3]

Great job Joe on the video!! Love that first look down Main Street...especially through a childs eyes And that picture of Henry taking a picture of the fruit...Id rate it a 100 on a scale of 1 to 10 on the adorable scale


Oh yeah...I remember asking when you posted on FB the picture of the front of the MK with the Pictures in the huge frames....do they change them everyday? I forgot to go back and see if you answered that one on FB.

 

[tinacaplan]

Why does it always seem as if each new picture of Henry is cuter than the last? Loved the video. So cool. And that last picture is truly priceless. He has learned quickly! Max is not too sure who lives in the castle, but he did mention that he'd like to go in it the next time we're in the neighborhood. Don't know how he'll feel if there's only a princess there.

 

[CJsMom]

Nice job on the potty training Henry!
Love the Epcot at night pictures.
I'll be waiting for Henry's food porn thread...

 

[thewesterberg]

You're definitely got a DISer in training with that shot of Henry taking a shot of his food! Way too funny!!

You totally should do a race at Disney!! I just have to say, the Expedition Everest 5K was a blast! It was much fun getting to do the scavenger hunt and obstacle course. And you can do it as a team. You know, if you're ever looking for a partner....

ETA: That video of Henry is just way too precious! Love that he calls the castle Mickey's house!

 

[chloe770]

Wow! Very impressed with Joe's video from his PHONE? What app did he use? Would love to try that.
Too funny the pic of Henry taking pics of the fruit. Definitely a Diser in training.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

YUM to the cinnamon bun! Had one last summer and it was to die for! Love the first sight of Main Street. I could live on Main Street. Not even in one of the apartments above the stores, just on the street, listening to the loop of my favorite instrumental musicals. Maybe I should get a box and be Main's Street's official homeless person. It could be like streetmosphere! They have a mayor, and a barber shop quartet....why not a homeless person?

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ahhhhh, the first steps into the Magic Kingdom......there's nothing better. The sweets (and yes, even the fruit) from Main Street Bakery look quite yummy. Way to go on training Henry to take pictures of Disney food. I don't know if I'm more excited that you have him potty trained or Disney picture taking trained.