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

[brookelizabeth]

Me too, Dawn!! I love, love, love that ride- there's so much to see, and I confess, I kinda even like the song. But for me also, it goes way beyond to childhood memories.

Brook- great update! I'm with Glenn, I think that shot through the castle is simply AMAZING!!

And YES!!!! You found the HM I spent nearly half an hour hunting for in 2008. Never did find it, even asking a passing CM. I'm so jealous! Good job!!

There really is a lot to see in Small World - I always see something new. Plus, there are some really cute things-I love the hula dancers and monkeys!

Thank you on the picture! I was pretty pleased with that one after I took it! I took one from the other direction as well - it turned out but not quite as well.

And I found a real Hidden Mickey! Though, I didn't notice at the time. I submitted it to the Hidden Mickey's website and received an email the other day that said he would go verify it. Sounds like it's already been in a book of some sort...? How did you hear about that one?

On our anniversary trip, we rode IASW late at night and for a second I thought we were going to sent through again and we about jumped right out of the boat! But now Max sings that song a lot and I totally get what you mean about perspectives changing when you're with a small child.

Great story about the ride and the castle girl. And while I feel like all I do is say how beautiful your pictures are, you got a few of that castle that are absolutely stunning. The one of the arches is incredible.

that's hilarious! Please don't make us ride again! Henry could ride it over and over and over if we let him! I could take it a few times in a row, but after a while I know that song would start sticking!

Thank you on the compliment on the pictures! I never feel like I quite capture the pure awesomeness of the castle, there truly is something about seeing it person, isn't there? But! I do like a few I snagged this trip!!! I tried out some new settings on the camera...now, let's see if I can remember those.

Such lovely updates, Brook! Your pictures really make me want to be right there in the Magic Kingdom at night!

Too funny about Henry getting the camel to spit on you, and then wanting to ride Dumbo! He is so cute posing by his blue Dumbo!

The flowers in NYC are just gorgeous! It certainly looks like spring has arrived in all its glory! Happy Belated Mother's Day and Easter to you, too! Looks like you had a lot of fun!

So adorable about the Castle Girl! I love that she played along with Henry!

I hope you are able to swing a fall trip! Let those PIN codes be extended!!!! Then you can experience some of that magic at night. But regardless, you are going to have a WONDERFUL amazing trip at the beach! Six days, right?

so I have to wonder what kind of camera you took your pics with this night. They are so clear and rich...I dream of having photos come out like that!

I can't believe you haven't ridden Peter Pan in so long! I admit, it's not my favorite but I love it from a nostalgia aspect. Too cute about Henry and the castle girl...keep a close eye on that little charmer!

We have a Canon XSi. I know I played around with the settings some this trip-but I cannot remember exactly what I did! I THINK I put the shutter on 60 and let the camera do the rest. I hope I can figure it out so I can get more of those this trip!

I am thinking Peter Pan will be a "must do" for quite some time...I'm even thinking I'll be riding (depending on the line!) this trip solo or with Sarah. It will remind me of Henry!

And yes! I do have to keep an eye on that boy-he's such a flirt! It's unreal! LOL!

I love the It's a Small World story!

Also all the pictures of the castle are awesome! I see the hidden mickey you are referring to in the castle path - which is unusual as I am normally rubbish at spotting them!

I will def let you know if we plan a trip to NY and will be taking you up on the offer to help with our plans. How cool to be able to wake up in such a cool location every day!

I normally don't catch Hidden Mickey's at all either! I didn't even see it while I was taking the picture, I just happened to notice as I was posting it. Henry sees them better than I do!

Sounds GREAT about NYC! It really is such a joy to live here. There are a few things we have to live without - such as closets! but, the tradeoff is so worth it to me. I often forget that literally, the world is at my doorstep.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Alright...I feel the COMPLETE opposite of you regarding Peter Pan. I'm not sure what it is...nostalgia maybe? but I this ride. It's my Fantasyland fav!! We don't usually go on it more than once each MK day but I it so it's a priority for me!!

I also IASW. Now that I KNOW is nostalgia...my dad told me that when I was six I made him ride it three or four times in a row before he begged for mercy and had us move on to something else (probably Peter Pan ).

So irrespective of my kid's feelings these rides are big with me. Now Pooh's Adventures on the other hand...

That nostalgia thing works in reverse too, unfortunately. My kids have never been to Country Bear Jamboree because I went when I was 13 and HATED it so I told them on our first trip that it kind of sucked and now they always refuse to go. Same thing with the Tiki room (I liked it when I was a kid but HATE that stupid Aladdin bird so I told them I didn't think we'd like that one either and they've refused that one ever since. Oops! I may insist on our next trip that we try both of these so they can draw their own conclusions.

Who knew they would remember and take my opinions so seriously two years later?

You guys always seem like you have the best time (grouchiness over "lost" strollers notwithstanding. ).

Can't wait for more!

I love the nostalgia rides! I think that is why Joe and I love the Peoplemover so much. We just thought it was so unique on our first trip, so since then it's always a must do! And for me, BTMRR - I vividly remember commercials with Mickey riding in the front from when I was growing up and BEGGING my Mom to go to Disney! So when I ride that, I think of those days! It IS Disney World to me!

Well, good news for your family on the Tiki Room - they are refurbing it to be more like the original! Bye bye Iago!

We are fans of the Country Bear Jamboree - it's a cute show. Not a must do, but if we are there and there is a show, we like it! Henry really enjoys all the music.

I'm so behind again, so I am doing the scan thing. Just read the blankies update. You got some great blur/movement shots on that. I love them. I love your spring pictures too. So cheery. I love all the background scenery of the skyscrapers too. I want to just go a a cool "field trip" ...not anywhere near home, and just take pictures, with out worrying about anyone but myself. I guess I need to play the lottery and WIN! to do that.

Ok, I am still behind, so back to catch up.

I hear ya on the field trip! I am kinda getting that here on my upcoming trip - and I do some of that right here in NYC, but it's still in the midst of real life!

Wow...those are great small world pictures. And castle shots too. I tired to get one "through" it too, but I haven't even looked to see how well it turned out yet.
We only do Peter Pan when the line isn't ten miles long. We were lucky enough to get right on this trip with late EMH's. Itg is a neat ride. I always forget that even though Claire has done some of these rides in the past, she was little and it has been 2 years since our past trip, so some of it seems new to her again.

Have you heard they are EXTENDING the queue line for Peter Pan?!?! Seriously, they are! I believe it's getting the "Next Gen" queue like Pooh though, so that will be cool. The bathrooms are being re-located to the Skyway Tower, which will be destroyed and rebuilt new. So now, the Peter Pan queue will be 15 miles long!

I missed sooooooooooo many updates! I'm in exactly the same situation as you...it's hard enough keeping up with my own TR, much less reading everyone else's!

I love all your pics -- especially your springtime in NY ones! That brownstone is incredible.

All in all, what a wonderful first day at WDW! Can't wait to hear about the next 12.5!

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live there? Upper East Side, so pretty!!!

Loved your update Look at all the pixie dust you are getting, its sweet Peter Pan is a great ride, but I won't stand in line for it... fastpass is the future... lucky for you, you received more Lets see where you use them

Yes, I totally agree! I wouldn't stand in line for 50 minutes + for Peter Pan. FastPass all the way!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That was the end to day one?!!!! Well I am just glad I didn't get too far behind!!
Too funny about the camel on the flying blankies!!! You were his target!! How fun that MandM were on the same Dumbo ride as you!! That is a rockstar moment!!
Love that H was blowing kisses to his castle girl!! That is just adorable
Great pixie dust on the extra FP's
Mmmmm love those chocolate crossiants!! I think I only had one this last trip..must be a record low for me!!

Tracy

Well, technically day two - but arrival the previous day was at 8 pm! I'm going to be here all year I think! LOL!

I will be having a chocolate croissant next week!!! I can already picture myself sipping an iced coffee and nibbling one of those on Main Street.

isn't the castle mosaic so beautiful?

I didn't have the opportunity to take as many pics since there always seems to be sooooooooooo many people in there.

It is! We haven't walked through the Castle in a while - or if we have, we didn't stop/were distracted. But this time we walked really slowly through and just admired the artistry! Truly amazing.

Love the updates Brook!!

You know we have never been on the "flying blankies". Not sure why but just one of those things. I bet Henry did love the camel "spitting" on you.

I love the Easter pics of Henry. He is such a cutie!!

Love the story of the "castle girl". I love how she played along with him.

Enjoy every minute when they are little. The time sure goes fast!! My "baby" is going to his Junior prom tonight. He is all dressed up in his tux right now.

The Flying Blankies is a pretty cute ride...but I'm partial to Dumbo. There just is something about flying in an elephant!

I saw the pics of your baby on your PTR! He, and his date, looked FANTASTIC. I know that time will just fly by-it's hard for me to grasp that he's almost 4 already. He's getting to understand so many concepts! It's exciting and sad all at the same time!

Holy Cow! That was only the first day?

I love the flying blankie pictures with all of the lights wizzing by in the background.

Amazing mojo with the fastpasses!

Yes! I'm a slow mover! I take too many pics for a normal TR! LOL You are in it for the long haul here I think!

I'm a new follower and wanted to say I have enjoyed reading so far. Many great memories being made.
Also how special to get such a great gift, the monorail set from another DISer. Many wonderful people on here. It brought a tear to my eye.
I am jealous of your Friend/Solo trip. How much fun you will have on that.
I can't see when your cruise is? The ticker may be cutting it off? I have done two and so can't wait to get to do another, hoping for one of the new ships.

Thank you for reading and posting!!

Our cruise is June 2-10, sailing on the Magic out of NYC! I'm SO SO excited for it! Reading cruise TRs is killing me though. I can't wait!

Awesome pictures!! I echo Katie - your evening shots are just magical! Love it!!

Henry is too sweet on PP....what a cutie! And his Castle Girl?! OMG I teared up when I read that! Too cute!!

Your pictures took me right there....it makes me think I NEED to be there for NYE. Or maybe a quick October or Novembef trip....sigh...too much Disney, too little time.

Thank you!!!

The moment on Small World was pretty sweet. I'm sure he'll remember her during our next trip -- and will be completely confused if it's a guy up there!

Yes, I think the NYE, October or November trip would be just right. I'm already dreaming of one myself. It's really not realistic, but dreaming is allowed!

I thought you lived in Minnesota? Did you just move to New York? I am confused!

I love your late night ride pics. They turned out so cool!

We used to live in MN, but moved to NYC back in June 2010! I can't believe we've been here almost a year. Time flies! I lived here before I moved back to MN and missed it sooooo much. Joe and I always planned to return here, but it just took longer than we expected due to the economy. But! We made it, and we LOVE it!

Totally!!!!!

I cannot remember what we were chatting about! I need to keep up on my TR better! LOL

 

[brookelizabeth]

8 pages to catch up on !!!!


Pheeewww All done.

Love the night time shots. I never knew you could plan the camel spitting.

The castle shots too were great!!!

NY in the Spring time. Cherry Blossoms and Dogwoods maybe???

Oh yes, you just have to have the Flying Blankie at just the spot and boom! he'll get the outside person!

I am SO HAPPY there are 12.5 more days to go, no matter how quickly you get them finished! I am thoroughly enjoying this TR!

So cute that Henry made all the CMs fall in love with him. And you're quite a "castle girl" yourself with all those beautiful castle shots!

Thank you! The 12.5 days excites me and completely scares me at how slowly I'm moving. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up the pace at least a bit.

I just wanted to mention, before I forget, that I've worn Croc flip-flops (the Capri style) on both of my Disney trips and found them to be quite comfortable and I'm very picky about my shoes. I cannot tolerate any discomfort whatsoever. The capri style is nice, smooth nylon on the straps that go over your feet, too.

This is great to know! I didn't realize the Capri ones had nylon straps, that wouldn't worry me as much as the style that has the Croc material straps. I think I'll have to check those out! Thanks Tina!!

Hi Brook! So many magical moments for your family... its always a pleasure to read one of your reports!

I'm very interested in your upcoming "solo" trip; I'll be making my first one in October!


Kathy

Thank you Kathy! It's always so fun to share the memories too!

And for your solo time!!!!! I'll be sure to post a link here to the Solo TR or just smush it right in here...I haven't decided yet!

Thank you! I have a very hard time with sandals. I can't wear them if I am doing any significant walking. I might have to check these out!

Now off to read the update!

Your welcome!! These are walking sandals, so hopefully they would stand up for most anyone!

Your pictures are so beautiful! SAB looks like little boy heaven. And Magic Kingdom that night sounds like a lot of fun, aside from the missing stroller. It would be interesting to know exactly how it ended up there. I bet Henry was very charming, waving to the girl in the Castle.

Thank you!! Aside from the stroller and the one fit, we had a great night at MK!! At the time I didn't realize how much we were getting done, but we really were all over the park.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brooke! Thank you SO much for putting the links to your posts at the beginning. I've been gone so long I had no idea where I left off! All caught up now - and your solo trip is coming up quick! I can't wait to hear all about it! Love the pics of Henry playing in the sand - and now, of course, I want to stay at Beach or Yacht Club so we can go to SAB...so cool!

Your welcome! I know I use those links sometimes to catch up too-it makes it so much easier!!

SAB is awesome! Your boys would love it! Now to convince your DH!

whoa.. how did we get to page 66!! I am WAY behind. I'd better figure out where I left off... It was way way back!

I used the Search>Advanced Search then search by username to find where I left off. That little search engine is my DIS best buddy! I can't ever remember where I am...even on my own TR!

Peter Pan is a very cute ride! I would never wait in a long line for it, but I think it is very much worth it to get a FP for it. I have to do it at least once on every WDW trip, while the other Fantasyland dark rides aren't must dos at all.

The pictures inside the castle are really great. I think on the last trip we did not walk through the castle once, so I need to make sure to do that next time and take time to look around.

I agree - it really is a unique and cute ride! I found a new love for it. I will try to ride again, and I will also try to get on Snow White since it's going away. The others, we'll see what happens!

64.pages.for.one.day. You are way too popular girl!!

Hooray for Henry and his lovely girlfriend! Does he still talk about her, or has he moved on?

BTW, I love love your IASW pictures. The perspective you achieved with those is very interesting and beautiful! I love seeing the water.

I can't hardly believe it's already this many pages. I'm going to end up in multiple threads this time like Liesa and Glenn (and others!) if I don't hurry it on up!

Oh, Henry - he's got lady friends ALL over! LOL He seriously told a girl on the train the other day that he loved her. It was hilarious!

Thank you on the pictures!! I zoomed out like that because all my attempts at capturing the details would end up blurry - and I too liked the different perspective!

Was way behind -- a lot of that going around, eh? -- but all caught up now. So much fun, I'm happy there are still 12.5 more days to go!

I snickered when you said you were a cheapskate. Me, too! But not when it comes to shoes for Disney. I tried my old fave Mary Jane Crocs once, cuz they're comfy & I wouldn't have to buy new. Was I sad, tho, when they caused blisters with so much walking. Now I gulp and pay full price for Keens when I must, because they're so comfy & long-lived. They're all we wear at Disney. DH is *not* a sandal person, & even he loves them. They're good all day, even the longest days, and even when wet. So we can laugh at rain & go multiples rounds on the water rides DD so loves.

Again with the gorgeous photos! Love love the flowers in Central Park & on Park Ave. And those nighttime flying blanky shots were a shot of magic. Tee hee for the cute pic of you two growly pirates!

OK, ready for more whenever you are.

Yes! Way too much of that "way behind" going on for me too! As you can see by my own TR!

Keens ARE worth full-price, I agree! They are just awesome! And they are the only sandals Joe owns as well. I've pointed out flip flops to him and no way...he'd rather wear socks and shoes in the summer--or his Keens. I LOVE that they can get wet!!!! They are a perfect vacation shoe.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Five days?? Am I reading your ticker correctly?!?!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I feel a lot better knowing you are just finishing day 1, considering how very behind I am!! I think the last time I posted here was almost 2 months ago! But I'm back and determined to keep up.

I can't believe your solo trip is coming up so soon! That will be so much fun for you, but I totally understand the mommy guilt that goes along with that. But anything you can do to give yourself a little break now and then will be good for Henry too. I'm jealous!

To get to what is now a very old post... Thank you for the congrats! No, you weren't having mommy brain, I had just posted the ticker! And now I'm already halfway through- where does the time go? We found out that we are having a girl! I'm so excited to buy cute little dresses and things that aren't trucks!

I know I said this on Facebook but congratulations on the TA job! I will definitely be contacting you to book our next trip (though who knows when that will be!) I would love to do the 8 night cruise out of NY next summer- it's only a 6 hr drive for us so to eliminate airfare would be HUGE. Now only to convince my DH....

I love these pictures! They are just perfect and bring me right back to MK at night.

It seems my posts are about a month apart on most TRs! Trying to be only a week apart, or less, on my own, but failing! We've got a long haul in front of us though-read when you can!

I'm SO excited over the solo trip, and getting more and more excited as the days tick closer! It will be hard the day of, but Henry and I have been chatting about when Mommy goes to Mickey's House - and so far he's just requested numerous toys.

A GIRL!! That is exciting! Aren't girl clothes so much fun? Little headbands, barrettes, shoes, lacy socks... I remember when Joe and I were registering for our baby shower and he picked up a pair of sparkly flip flops - of course we knew we were having a boy by then, but even he commented about how adorable they were! Such fun!!!

Thank you about the TA job! It's been GREAT! I love helping people plan! I'm learning so much too. Let me know if you convince your DH, I'd be more than happy to run you some quotes! We are on the June 2 8-night cruise, the more I read about it all, the more excited I get. I really look forward to when Disney starts releasing some details on it all!

I love all the pictures! The mosaics always fascinate me. So much time and detail went into those.

The 40th Mickey ears are high on my list of things to bring home this summer

Butterfinger fudge sounds delicious.

Our Peter Pan strategy is simple - we do it at rope drop, right after Dumbo, and then we usually walk off and right back on. The girls love it, so we ride it twice with no wait and never think about standing in a line for it.

Those 40th ears are adorable! I might have to bring something 40th back this time too - maybe a shirt, or a key chain since my recent key chain finally broke...I got it when I graduated HIGH SCHOOL!

That is a perfect strategy for Peter Pan! We did it very similar on the Small World meet day - except Small World instead of Dumbo...and it was 9:30.

I am enjoying your trip report immensely (and am also jealous of all the disney days you got to have )

I love your signature line! We were spoiled this trip with so many days!! Going back to a short trip won't be easy...but I'll take anything I can get!

You know Brook, I think this TR has some of your best pictures ever! I love all the night time shots and blurring effects. Very cool!

The spitting camel is hilarious, isn't it? It's even more hilarious that Henry targeted you! He's too stinking cute I tell ya.

What a fun IASW ride you had. We love that castle girl too, she looks so friendly! Henry obviously was quite enormoured with her, wasn't he. He's a little charmer I'm guessing.

And again, I commend Henry's ride taste...I love Peter Pan too! It's our first ride at rope drop every time.

I can't believe this is still just the beginning of your trip! Two weeks must have seemed heavenly. Can't wait to read more.

Thank you! Playing around with the camera settings really paid off!! Let's see if I can remember what the settings were for this trip now!

The Castle Girl is always so friendly, waving up there with her big smile! I can see why he crushed on her!

Two weeks was amazing. Yet still not enough time to get our lists done! Which I couldn't believe - and still wonder, what the heck did we do?!?!

Wow there has been a lot of activity since I last logged on, but I'm all caught up!

I completely agree with you about Peter Pan, I never understood the hype and really still don't. We've done it with Everett every trip, and he enjoys it, but he pretty much enjoys all the rides, it doesn't stick out as anything extra special. We'll keep riding it though, it just seems like the sort of ride you are obligated to do with a preschooler.

I love your pictures! We got a digital SLR when Everett was born, and I had all these plans to learn how to use it properly. Well he is 17 months old and I'm still using auto mode Someday I'll figure it out and hopefully get some shots half as good as yours!

You guys had a wonderful first day, I'm looking forward to the rest of your updates. Its so fun to read about your trips because its like looking into the future, I can't wait until Everett is Henry's age, it just seems like every day gets better and better!

I think what made Peter Pan more exciting this time was watching Henry light up with it. But, like you said - he does enjoy most of the rides! Peter Pan is still talked about though, so I know that one really stood out for him!

I use auto mode almost ALL the time - except at night or on the rides. Then I adjust. But even still, I usually just adjust the speed and let the camera do the rest. I used to be able to do both, but now I never do... I'm better with an old film camera in that manner, but digital is so fun! The DIS has a great photography board with a ton of tips for getting good shots!

This age with Henry is a roller coaster! There are some REALLY fun things-like he can ride a lot of the "big boy" rides, and that is truly a blast. But boy-he has an opinion about things! At 17 months they aren't sassing back yet either! I've enjoyed every age (except 3-3.5 was rough, we are on the other side of that now, thank you Jesus!) and each age has it's benefits. Going on 4 here is really fun - seeing them get smarter and smarter by the day is a joy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was behind again, but the one good thing is there was so much trip report for me to read.

I'm so loving your report! Henry is such a great kid. All 3 of my kids were very outgoing when they were little. Danielle is still that way and never meets a stranger.

The first time we rode Peter Pan was on her first trip when she was 3 and it has been a family favorite since then. I do believe doing certain rides with small children really make a difference. Small World I can take it or leave it but it's still a favorite with Danielle so we have to do it at least twice each trip. She also loved "the blankets" when she was 3.

Lots of chatter-not much Disney! I hope to get this baby rolling after life settles into a routine again....whenever that will be!

Henry was SO quiet and shy when he was younger - but this year he has COMPLETELY come out of his shell. He never meets a stranger either! I love that. And he's truly learned the art of wrapping someone around his finger in moments....

It's true! Seeing the magic through those little eyes truly changes things. It's wonderful!

All caught up again...loving your TR!!! Your photos are GREAT!

Can't believe that drama with the stroller...thank goodness that was straightened out.

What luck with all those fastpasses....seems like little Henry is quite the charmer!!!

Can't believe how close you are to your solo trip!!!!

Thank you!!!

Henry is quite the charmer! The ladies down at Dunkin Donuts see me come in and they already have 2 munchkins ready for him. He loves his coffee shop girlfriends! (and that just goes to show how often we go there! )

I can understand why the castle lady wanted Henry to go around again. Henry is a handsome little fella'

Only a few more days until your solo trip!

Aw, thanks!!! And such a good flirt!

Yes, 5 days! FIVE! I cannot believe it!!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your TR so far! and I can't wait for more

ps- Your little guy Henry is so adorable!

Thank you!!!! And thank you for reading and posting! There WILL be an update (or two...or hopefully more!) before I leave for my next trip on Saturday!

 

[glennbo123]

I've enjoyed every age (except 3-3.5 was rough, we are on the other side of that now, thank you Jesus!) and each age has it's benefits. Going on 4 here is really fun - seeing them get smarter and smarter by the day is a joy!

I remember saying that the "terrible two's" are mis-named. The two's were fine, it was the three's that were something of a challenge.

 

[glennbo123]

Ooo, I shouldn't be commening.....you're trying to get replies done so that you can put another update up, aren't ya?

 

[brookelizabeth]

Can't believe how fast the girls only trip has arrived. =

I know! It has FLOWN by!! I like it that way.

Have a great trip Brook!

Thank you! I was going to PM you on FB today about the DCL cruise...I have an idea, but I need to do a bit of research on it first!

Only 5 days to go, and one day later we are on our way. I still feel like I have a ton to do. We will be keeping our eyes Peeled looking out for you. I just "barrowed" my mickey paint chip yesterday.=

I have SO much to do too! I know it will get done. It always does somehow and all that running around is worth it.

And speaking of Mickey Heads...I need to dig mine out! I'm hoping to be bag free, so not sure how I'll wear it, but we'll see...

5 DAYS!!!!

YES!

5 DAYS!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! We finally hit single digits today

I cant believe you are squeezing another body in your apartment!! Brave souls We have had my dsis's family live with us years ago...and we lived with them for a bit. Im sure you will have a blast, though!
Cant wait to hear about the solo trip on facebook!!

I know! We are crazzzzzzzzy! She's a puny little thing, so that helps. No, really - it's very hard to get started here in NYC without a job. And it's hard to get a job when you don't live here-kinda nutty. She will be going to college and we want to help her. Plus, built-in-baby-sitter.

Thankfully, we have a comfy couch that flattens to a bed very easily! And hopefully sooner, rather than later, we'll move into a bigger place and she can rent a room from us.

I just love those action shots of the Flying Blankies. What is your secret to taking those pictures?

On those we generally put the shutter speed at 30 or even slower and let the camera determine the aperture. Then hold it veryyyyy steady. Joe is better at them than me, those all might be his even.

So cute. Henry has a way with the girls. First the extra large cookies and now this. So cool.

I just love all these night time pictures. You did so awesome. Secrets?

Can't wait for the rest of the days.

Oh the cookies! Joe was so disappointed when we didn't get a third one. LOL! He does get free donuts ALL THE TIME from Dunkin' Donuts though!

Thank you on the pictures! I was very pleased with how they turned out this time. Usually I can't quite capture it all... I think this time, if I remember correctly, I had the shutter a bit faster, maybe 1/80 or even more...

Wait, I just looked it up---The night pictures were taken with an ISO of 800 (so if you enlarge them, they will be grainy!), and a shutter speed of 1/6. I let the camera select the aperture. I need to work on getting those same type of shots with a lower ISO....but for what I use them (here, desktop wallpaper/screen savers) they work just fine! If anyone wants a larger size copy, let me know and I'll send you a link!

Great pics of the castle at night....

for scoring FPs and an extra ride on IASM!!!!!

I can't believe you are leaving on Saturday! I hope you have better weather than the crud we've been getting the last week & 1/2.

No joke! I'm so DONE with this cruddy weather! Orlando has been in the 90s so I might melt, but all well. I'll melt next to a palm tree with a Mickey Bar in hand.

Five days?? Am I reading your ticker correctly?!?!

Yes you are!!!!!!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I remember saying that the "terrible two's" are mis-named. The two's were fine, it was the three's that were something of a challenge.

Ooo, I shouldn't be commening.....you're trying to get replies done so that you can put another update up, aren't ya?

You are hilarious! I do want to get an update done tonight!!! But, it will be about 30-40 minutes before I can....

Wait, I shouldn't tell you that - you and your posse might see that and post 38292 comments while I am gone!

Anyway, YES, I completely agree with the "terrible 2's" they were a breeeeeeeeeeze! 3's, now...as any good Minnesotan would say...uff-da!

 

[glennbo123]

I do want to get an update done tonight!!! But, it will be about 30-40 minutes before I can....

Fair enough! I'm heading to bed soon, so I'll catch it in the morning.

 

[dilligaf212]

I am super jealous!! I wish I was leaving this Saturday

 

[hcmommy]

Chiming in to say that I so agree that the terrible 3's are worse than the terrible twos. My 3 year old is a CRAZY PERSON. And I can now spot a 3 year old from a mile away when I see them in public. Anytime I see a kid in a store acting like a lunatic I ask the mom is the kid is three and they always are! Makes me feel like less of a bad mom when I can commiserate with the other mom! I'm not just doing something wrong, it's a 3 year old thing!! I'm praying my son's behavoir improves before our August trip or I am going to be getting so many dirty looks

 

[merbobear]

Chiming in to say that I so agree that the terrible 3's are worse than the terrible twos. My 3 year old is a CRAZY PERSON. And I can now spot a 3 year old from a mile away when I see them in public. Anytime I see a kid in a store acting like a lunatic I ask the mom is the kid is three and they always are! Makes me feel like less of a bad mom when I can commiserate with the other mom! I'm not just doing something wrong, it's a 3 year old thing!! I'm praying my son's behavoir improves before our August trip or I am going to be getting so many dirty looks

Totally agreed. My dd is 3 and she is a wreck. When she's good she's great, but when she's misbehaving she is almost intolerable at times. I am just hoping and praying that it's a phase...and that the phase ends soon!

 

[TanzUnited99]

on it being 4 days until your solo vacation!! Have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off wrapping up our first full day with Henry flirting with the It's a Small World CM and scoring us a back-to-back ride on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed.

We all slept hard that night, it had been a long, full day!

Monday, February 28, 2011

We didn't set an alarm. As usual for this family. We all didn't even wake up until 8:00 am! It was bliss!

We took it slow that morning, watching some Playhouse Disney

DISing and Facebooking while enjoying a wonderful, wonderful breakfast

Playing with the monorail

And really, just enjoying our morning in the room.

We eventually left the room right around 10:00 am

We headed down to the Boardwalk and toward the International Gateway (commonly known as "Christine's Entrance". ), we were headed to Epcot!

Interesting picture, eh? LOL I took this because I was wondering if this was one of mickeytoontown's back sacks??? I swear she had a similar print for one that she made!! Maybe this is one of your customers?!

And within minutes we were here

Sigh. So pretty.

The World Showcase was still not open, but they do have the Kim Possible stations open, so we grabbed a FP for that.

This was something I had been meaning to do for several trips, I was determined this time!

We slowly made our way to Future World

A few of the F&GF items, even though it wasn't quite officially started yet!

Suddenly some two-wheeled guests were flying past us

Henry was VERY excited to see the Segways. Joe and I took this tour during our Disneymoon and had a pin with a Segway on it from the tour. Just before we had left on our trip Henry had asked about them, and he instantly recognized them here in the World Showcase!

I cannot explain how excited I was to see those flower beds. They are BREATHTAKING! And they smell soooooo good. I almost called this report "Mmmm...that smells GOOD!" because I said that so many times during our trip!

Okay, who wants to be in Epcot RIGHT NOW?!?! These pictures are making me 'homesick'!

We decided to go get Test Track FPs, but they had some sidewalks blocked off in preparation of Pixie Hollow area for F&GF, so we cut through Mouse Gear instead-which was a-OK with me, I wanted to shop here anyway!

Of course, when you walk into a gift shop with a child, it isn't always easy to just peel them outta there. Joe and Henry shopped for a bit, while I ran for FPs

Glennbo Style picture!

Back to shoppin'

1 of each please. LOVE the 40th stuff!

Henry reallyyyyy wanted a couple cars. We said "Only one.", but then he reminded us he had his own money! And he did! We give him a few coins each time he does things that we are working on-such as cleaning up after himself, obeying RIGHT away, putting his dishes in the sink, etc. plus, birthday money. Soooo....

The one we bought him

The one he bought

Could he be any happier?!?!

Up next: Can you swim really fast?

 

[jenjolt]

Another fabulous Brook update!!!

EPCOT during Flower and Garden is simply breathtaking!! Yes I want to be back there!! Yes I loved how the flowers smelled!! It was a great time to be there!!!!

YAY for Henry being able to buy his own car and come out with two!!! That's awesome!! The look on his face says it all...he was one happy guy!!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[onelilspark]

Could he be any happier?!?!

Up next: Can you swim really fast?

This is my face when I arrive at Disney

Hopefully we'll run into each other at Disney (in 3 days! )

EDIT: I skipped passed the date...that's my birthday you guys were there! Aww, it was lovely in Florida. There was a snowstorm here...