Mom and Dad's Dream Trip-34 Yrs in Making-Jun08 SOUVIE PICS PG 51 NEXT TRIP!!???!!!!?

[MegansMom]

Forgot to mention one thing---I caught the new Samantha Brown show on Disney last night! It was great---what a great way to get into the mood!! (Although, it really doesn't take us much to get into the mood now does it!) If you can, look it up on the Travel channel, and tape it or Tivo it or watch it, but don't MISS IT!!! Enjoy! Jen

 

[MegansMom]

55 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Hello gang! I hope everyone is having a safe and relaxing weekend!! I know we are!

Yesterday's trip to the children's museum was AWESOME! I could kick myself though because I FORGOT TO TAKE THE CAMERA!! I know, I know--how could I do that? I had it all ready to go and walked right out without it! I was really disappointed when I realized it too, because there were so many things I wanted to take pics of yesterday, but OH WELL!! I will HAVE to take some next trip! Anyway, Megan had a great time at the children's museum, and in the Natural History museum's cave. (They have the "largest manmade limestone cave in the world"--at least that is what they say.) It is really a neat thing to walk through--especially if you have never been caving before. They have both a beginner side and advanced, and Megan did both several times!! This just completely amazes Tom and I because the advanced has so many steps that you go down and up, and Megan just kept on trekking! This is so amazing because with her Apraxia, it took Megan a LONG time to learn to walk, and even longer time learning to go up and down steps---she is just NOW really getting comfortable doing them alone. She is a little slower than most kids her age, but hey, she's DOING IT!!! We spent over an hour doing the cave over and over, and her little legs just kept going! We then went over to the children's museum, and she spent another hour in the woods section--it is a large playground area where kids climb up steps/ladders, through tunnels, go down slides--all which look like trees and the woods. Tom and I had a semi-emotional moment just watching her as she managed going up, down, and through all the tunnels and obstacles because we were just reflecting on how AMAZING she is doing right now with her gross motor development! She has come so far and has had to work so hard, but to see her finally getting to play and enjoy playground equipment like a typical kid is just so incredible! We are so proud of our little one, and so excited to see FINALLY the fruits of all our labor!! It was just such a neat moment, I had to share with you all!! Please forgive me for babbling on about it, but we are just so excited!!! Thanks for letting me SHARE!! (Now do you see why I wish I had my camera!)

OK, UPDATE ON SHOPPING FOR THE TRIP:::::

I have recently purchased some tshirts for my niece and nephews to put in their bags like I mentioned above. I got them on disneyshopping.com for $4.99 each--so great deal!! I got Maddie a HSM2 tshirt--which I know she will love, and then got Conner and Josh matching Mickey tshirts from the Men's collection so they don't look too "kiddie" for the "big boys!" As a surprise, I also got one for my brother, so all three of them will match!! I can't wait to get them! I just realized bro is reading along with this PTR, so SURPRISE MIKE!!!!!

I think I have also found the Snow White dress that I am going to get Megan at target.com for less than $20. It is cute!!

I also tried out my TEVAs---LOVE THEM already, and I haven't even broken them in yet!

Talk again soon, Jen

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

Glad you had such a nice weekend regardless of the weather!!! I have a habit of forgetting to grab my camera.
I bet your niece and nephews will love there bags, thats such a neat idea.
(Smiles for Megan)
Happy Planning!!

 

[MegansMom]

Deb,

Thank you so much for your kind post--the smiles for Megan were too sweet!! I am going to show them to her first thing tomorrow morning!! I know she will LOVE them--especially Tinkerbell--one of her faves!!!

More to come soon!!!! Jen

 

[MegansMom]

53 Days!!!

Soooooooooooooooooo close!!! Just thought I would celebrate!

Deb--I showed Megs the smiles, and she LOVED them. She told me to send you a hug through the "pooter." Thanks again for thinking of her!!

Have a great Monday everyone---Hope to "talk" again soon with everyone!! Jen

HEY MIKE--You HAVE to post your comments--looking forward to hearing them!

 

[MegansMom]

52 Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Tuesday Everyone! We once again have sunshine in the Greater Cincy area--THANK GOD!! (I should add though, we also had frost on the ground this morning--that's Cincy weather for you!) Tuesdays are busy days around here--Megan has Occupational Therapy for an hour at 9am, and then preschool at 11am, so it is usually rush, rush, rush! To add even more frenzy to our morning, Tom and I went to these health screenings provided by his employer to have a complete work-up of our health status done while Megs was at therapy--luckily it was VERY close to the therapy office. The screenings were great--especially since I am in the middle of working on losing weight. At this point, weight loss total is still at 5 lbs., but I can feel a difference in the way clothes fit already. (I know that sounds unbelievable, but it is true.) I will update you again next time I weigh in! Today while I was waiting to drop off Megs, I got a call from Tom that he was coming home from work due to a severe migraine! It was really bad! Luckily he made it back home so that I could nurse him back to health! He is sleeping now, but I hope the migraine is gone when he gets up--I know that they can be terribly painful from what I have heard! He has not had many before, so I hope this is just a fluke thing--are there any migraine sufferers out there that can give us some advice on how to prevent them, or what to take/do when you get one? ANY advice/comment would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Here's to hoping he is better REALLY soon!

Anyway, I'm back for more PTR action!! So, here it goes...................

The shirts I ordered the other day arrived today, and Megan and I got so excited!! I don't remember if I posted this or not the other day, but along with the shirts for Mike, Conner, Josh, and Maddie, I also purchased one more Princess Tshirt for Megan that has Snow White on it--because that is her favorite princess (right now) and she didn't have anything with her on it. It is also white--which is her favorite color--so it was a HUGE hit when I showed it to her after school. I also purchased two more Tshirts for myself--one of Minnie Mouse, and one of Eeyore that Megan wanted me to buy--hey, they were only $4.99! They look really cute! They fit just like the two that fit comfortably right now, so I am excited to have a few extras. At first I didn't think I should order myself anymore because I have enough for the length of time we will be down there, and I really want to fit in the two that are a little snug to accomplish the weight loss. But then, I realized that when we usually go down there, we like to go for at least 10 days so I would need the others for our next trip, AND since we are traveling in June's heat this year, I am sure I will need to change clothes after the afternoon swim/nap in order to feel refreshed from the heat and sweat of the morning. So then it did not take me long to convince myself to get the shirts!!! So now I have a total of 9 Disney shirts to take!!! YEAH!

TEVA Update--As I told you all before, I bought some Teva Terra-fi sandals after recommendations off the boards, and I am falling in LOVE with them! I wore them (with socks b/c it was cold) last night on my walk, and they were SO comfortable!!! My feet did not feel bad at all! I am so excited to have found some sandals that I will feel comfortable enough wearing around WDW--now I won't have to worry about hot, sweaty feet--as much!! I have heard that a lot of people use Body Glide when wearing them, and I want to get some of that before I go, but where can I buy it? Anyone from Greater Cincy know where we can find it around here? Please help me out!

The only other dilemma with the sandals is WHAT COLOR SHOULD I PAINT MY TOES for the trip? My mom and I have already discussed that we are making a special trip to our favorite pedicure place the week of the trip for pedicures for Mom, Maddie, Megs, and Me!! We have to girl it up! So, I am going to have to figure it out--such a BIG decision! (Hee Hee Hee!)



I have already started making lists of things I need to start hunting down for the trip, and the first stop is going to be the dollar store for these items:

1. Pop up hamper--I think I still have one leftover from Nov trip, but I have to check first
2. Ponchos--I will buy a gazillion of these!!!
3. Glow sticks/glow necklaces
4. OTC Medicine packs--especially Immodium-AD Can't have ANYTHING messing up our trip!
5. Spray-on Sunscreen I heard that they have smaller bottles of this, so I am going to see what I can find!!

Can anyone else think of anything else I might be able to find there for the trip? Please give me your input!

I think I will be heading there tomorrow--I will let you know what I find, and post pics of my purchases.

Well, that is all I have for now, I will post again soon---stay tuned!!
Here are some pics I have been meaning to post for awhile now--they are of Megs and Tom before they went to their FIRST Father/Daughter Dance at her school!! YES, they even invite the preschoolers! It was a hippy-themed dance, so I made them matching dyed tshirts and a flower power headband for Megs--enjoy!

 

[MegansMom]

51 days----51 days----51 days!!!

Can you tell I am getting excited?!?!?!?!??! Today I am heading out to the dollar store--I will update later with pics of purchases from Disney shopping and dollar store--------------AND I am going to post our complete itinerary for all to peruse/comment/applaud!! ;o) HEE HEE HEE!!

 

[MegansMom]

Only 50 Days Until Mickey's HOUSE!!!!


Yes, we are just a LITTLE excited!!! OH HAPPY DAY!

Well Good Morning to all my PTR followers near and far! I have lots to share with you today--our itinerary, pics and details of my shopping excursion, and some questions I need feedback on--so I am looking to you all to help! TIA

Okay, well on with the show!!

Our Current Itinerary:

June 6th--Travel Day! Unfortunately, we are traveling by car this year--Boo! We had planned on flying, but we live by the Cincy airport--literally one of the most expensive airports to fly out of--and airfare was RIDICULOUS this year for flying to Florida. I wish we would have known about the trip earlier so that we might have been able to get some decent airfare, but OH WELL. We did try looking around at other airports that are not too far out, but didn't find decent airfare until recently, and those were flights that came in REALLY late, SO we just decided to drive it out--which is going to work out better in the long run--you'll see why later. Mike is going to take Mom and Dad and his three lovelies down on Friday morning in his mini-van. (God Bless Him! ) Tom, Megs, and I are taking my Mom's mini-van down loaded up with the majority of everyone's luggage. Our time of departure is unknown at this point because Tom has to go into work on Friday to finish closing the books for the month--all that accounting stuff! We will leave whenever he gets home--so I will be in charge of loading the van with everything and getting it all cozy for travel!! YEAH--I love that stuff! Mike's van will stop at some point for the night--Ma and Pa will want to get some good rest, and we will probably drive straight through, but probably not get in until Saturday some time---So, we all will check in at OKW on Saturday!
June 7--Check-in Day!!! Check-in for OKW is not until 4pm, but since most of us will get there before then, we will do early check-ins and probably either hit OKW's pool or DTD--I will bet we all hit the pool though! We have put in a request for our rooms to be near the HH area--we want to be close to it all! We know that since we are all in studios, we will not be next to each other, but we are hoping to at least be close! We have decided not to schedule a park for Saturday just because there will be so much going on just with checking in and getting settled. Our ADR for this evening is at SSR at the Turf Club at 7pm. We are planning on taking the boat from OKW to SSR for dinner--that should be fun! I think that after dinner--since we will be so close--we will probably head over to DTD for some shopping and fountain fun!
June 8--Hollywood Studios! Obviously we are going for the Star Wars weekend events for the guys, but Megs is looking forward to the new Toy Story Mania ride which should be open by then--YEAH! I can see us splitting up a little bit on this day--we will be hitting Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, Toy Story Mania, etc. pretty hard for Megs, and I can see Maddie coming with us a LOT! Tom and I will also want to hit Star Tours, ToT, RRcoaster, and the Great Movie ride. We will be there at rope drop, and hopefully will be able to either take a mid-afternoon break or leave after dinner. I'm not sure exactly which to do yet because we have never gone when it is this busy, so don't know how to judge the lines yet. We also want to catch the new Pixar parade--I need to get the time for that, but WILL not sit through Fantasmic. It is a GREAT show, but Megs has a LOT of issues with it, and can not handle it--too much for her, but I have insisted that everyone else in our group see it because it is so good! Our ADRs are for Sci-Fi diner--for the kiddos's sake--at 5:20pm in 2 cars.
June 9--Magic Kingdom!! Again, we will be ready at rope drop for a full day of action! The park is open until 11pm today, and I have a feeling we might be there the entire time! Megs really loves this park--it is her fave! Maddie and Megs have their appointments at the BBB in the castle today at 12:40 for the crown package. Megs said she wants to wear her Tinkerbell costume to it, and Maddie is still looking for a dress--I think she wants Cinderella. I do believe that we will forego the afternoon break today--I'm just being realistic, and I think we will end up spending the whole day there. We are breaking for ADR at Kona Cafe at the Poly at 5pm. We will have to take in Wishes as a family because I know it will mean a LOT to Mom! GRAB THE KLEENEX!!
June 10--Epcot!! We will hit the rope drop, and then everything on the right side of FW. Once finished there, we may traverse over to take in TT, but we will just see how Megs is doing. We will DEFINITELY head back for a big afternoon break to swim/nap and then change Megs into her Snow White dress, and then head back into WS for the evening--have to hit Mexico and Norway's rides for sure--Megan really likes them! We have different ADRs on this evening--we are taking in the Princess dinner at Akershus, and the rest of the gang gets to eat some yummy Moroccan at Marrakesh. Our ADR isn't until 7:55pm--theirs is at 6:00pm. Epcot is open until 12am, but I doubt we will be there that late!!
June 11--Magic Kingdom!! Since this will be our 2nd day at MK, we will probably take a midday break to cool off and chill out--the park is open until 11pm anyway. I doubt we will stop for any parades/shows on Monday, so we might take in the Woody's Roundup show in Frontierland on this day--Megan LOVES this! We will be a little more laid back and enjoy the beautiful day in our favorite place!! Our ADRs are for Tony's at 5:35pm, so I can see us hanging out at OKW until it is time for dinner, coming back in and going to Tony's, and then hitting the park the rest of the evening until Megs falls asleep.
June 12--Animal Kingdom!! We will be here at rope drop and do as much as we can!!! We HAVE to hit the Dinosaur ride for Tom this year--A MUST DO! I'm not sure if we will break in the afternoon or not--it will all depend on how much we can get done. We may just stay until close (5pm) and then take a bus to AKL from there. We have an ADR at Boma at 6:20pm, but I think we will hang out in the lobby and enjoy the views while we are waiting. Then we will head back for some late night swimming!! YEAH!
June 13--OPEN?!?!?! We have not scheduled anything for this day yet--Mike wants to leave it open to be flexible for his kids' needs. I know that we (T, M, and me) will probably without a doubt head back to MK--like I said, it is her favorite park! We will probably hit it hard in the AM, come back for a big break, and then go back in the PM. Our ADRs are at O'Hana at Poly that night at 6:50pm. So we will all meet up there, regardless of whatever we all are doing. My Mom and Dad have offered to stay with Megan and put her to bed one night, so that Tom and I can have some alone time in the park at night--MK has EMH until 2am this night so we might take them up on that here.
June 14--Check Out Day! We all have to check out of our rooms that morning, but we are not leaving right away. We are planning on hitting the parks for the rest of the day. I don't have a particular one picked out--but it will probably be MK--we'll just see. We have 7-day Basic passes, so we will still have a day left, SO WE HAVE TO USE IT! We don't have any ADRs for this day--I'm not sure if I am going to make some just in case or not. When we are all done, we will load up and head out--home. BOO! Mike is taking his kids over to the beach for a few more days, so we will be heading our separate ways. We will drive through the night, we may stop, but will get home on Sunday at some point--happy, but sad to have left.

There is our itinerary--Let me know what you think!! Suggestions/comments/advice much appreciated!!!!

PICS TO SHARE!!!

I have to share this first one with you--it is a picture of some "flowers" Megs picked for me yesterday at my Mom's house. Yes, they are weeds, but they are BEAUTIFUL!!! You should have seen her face when she gave them to me--so proud!

Here are the pics of the shirts I bought for Mike and the boys and Maddie:

Here are the pics of the shirts I bought for myself:

Those are the two that are a little snug! Here's to hoping they fit by the time we go--I think they are too cute!

Those all fit fine, but here's to them being loose and baggy!

At the dollar store yesterday, I bought 14 packages of the two pack ponchos--I wanted to have enough for the three of us to have one for each day, and I got a pack for each of the kids' backpacks. I know I probably have too many, but I really like to only use them once--they don't fold up good after that--so we can just throw them away if we want. I got a new hanging organizer to put our toiletries in the shower for our trip, I got some glow necklaces and bracelets, some spray on sunscreen, and a bunch of Disney related items for Megs--I am going to use them as surprises for our countdown:
--Eeyore jump rope
--Princess spinning tops
--Cinderella paddle ball
--Tinkerbell headband
--Mickey/Minnie headband
--Princess headband

I am sure this will not be the only trip to the dollar store before we go, but it's a start!

Here's my list of questions I need some help on:

1. Is there anything else from the Dollar Store or anywhere else you would recommend I get before I go? Any comments/advice appreciated!

2. Does anyone know where I can get Body Glide?

3. Do they make Snow White shoes? Megan says she wants Snow White shoes to match her dress, but I can't really find any. HELP PLEASE!?!?!?

4. I would really like to do something special for my brother on our trip--his birthday is right after the trip, and I just want to do something to commemorate his first trip with his kids. He has worked really hard to get them here, and he has to work so hard raising the kids since he is a single dad. Does anyone know anything I could do--it doesn't matter what, I'm open to any ideas!!! Please share any ideas if you have them!

Okay, well, that's all for now! I look forward to hearing from everyone! Hope you enjoyed today's post/pics! Have a great Thursday! Jen

 

[ampc3]

Hey Jenn,

Just got caught up again.. Great PTR Our trips overlap a bit, we arrive on Sunday and leave the following monday, and we will also be at the MK on the same days
I don't have any ideas for your brother other than planning a special meal for him, or more after the fact get a really nice frame while you are there, and frame a picture for him of his kids or of them

 

[MegansMom]

Hey Jenn,

Just got caught up again.. Great PTR Our trips overlap a bit, we arrive on Sunday and leave the following monday, and we will also be at the MK on the same days
I don't have any ideas for your brother other than planning a special meal for him, or more after the fact get a really nice frame while you are there, and frame a picture for him of his kids or of them

Thanks for checking in! Hey--stop me if you see me at MK and say "hi!" I hope you guys have a LOT of pixie dust too!! Don't know about you, but I am hoping for good weather and low crowds! A girl can dream! Thanks for the advice--I will definitely look into both! Jen

HEY EVERYONE--CHECK IN SOON FOR A VERY BIG UPDATE!!! BIG NEWS!!!! STAY TUNED!!!!

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

Had to take my computer in for repair, all better now!
I'm all caught up, Boy did I miss alot!!! Glad Megan liked the smiles! Hugs back!
Glad you found a good pair of shoes, I was thinking about getting a pair of crocs, but now I might look into Tevas.
Love the shirts and such a good deal!
One idea for your brother and his kids,(as you know I've never been) I heard you can have caricature pictures drawn of them (I think at DHS) and as a PP said get a nice frame for it.
Your itinerary looks great!!! Hope you have a nice weekend! Deb.


Oh, and JMO flowers(weeds) picked for you by the hands of children are the most beautiful flowers there are! So glad you took a pic.

 

[MegansMom]

Hey Deb--

It is so good to have you back!! I think computer repairs are running rampid--I just had to take ours in, so now I am down to having to use Tom's work laptop--I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MINE BACK!!!!!!!

I LOVE my Tevas, but I also have a pair of Mary Jane Crocs that are also comfortable--but I think Tevas might be better for the parks during the heat.

I love your idea about the caricatures--It also reminded me about these neat silthouette pictures my parents had made of us when we were kids down at WDW--so I am going to look into both for him! Thanks!

BTW--I totally agree with you about the "flowers!" We were just at the park today taking a long walk, but it turned into Megan stopping every 2 secs or so to pick up ANOTHER "PERFECT" dandelion!! She was too cute--I wish I had my camera, but of course I didn't! She is too sweet!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Happy Saturday Everyone!!!

So sorry for the delay in breaking the big news, but on Thursday, my beloved laptop died for some reason--it is now in the hands of The Geek Squad, so here's to hoping it recovers really soon!! OH, how Megan and I miss our "pooter." (I know that sounds bad, but that is how Megs says it! Why is it something so weird can sound so cute when out of the mouth of a 4year old?) Right now, I have to rely on Tom's work laptop, so it may take a little longer to get back to you---SO SORRY!!!

ANYWAY....................................BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, I was over at my friend's house watching 2 of her kiddos while she took her eldest to school, and her newborn Caleb to the doctor for a check-up when I got an unusual call on my cell phone from my sister Kristi. I quickly answered to see if she was okay, and she did something even more strange--she asked to speak to Megan. So I gave Megan my cell phone, and she struggled to hear Kristi--it's a flip phone and she never puts it up to her ear correctly. So then I put on the speakerphone, and told Kristi to just talk. And then, she said, "Megan, guess what? I am going to Mickey's House with you!" I was SO excited, but Megan was priceless--her face lit up in the biggest smile I have ever seen, and she said "Thank YOU KRISSY SO MUCH!!!" We both did a little happy dance and squealed with delight along with my sis!!! She decided to come down with us and stay until Wednesday (the 11th) when she will fly home to celebrate her 3rd Anniversary with her hubby! We are so excited, but now more planning needs to commence--will update soon on all the changes we need to make/add!! MY MOM and DAD are SO HAPPY!!! It just completes the fulfillment of their dream!

 

[Beana9802]

Yay Aunt Kristi! That's wonderful!

Hi! , I am Kathleen, and just found your PTR. I thought you'd like to know that I am at 28year old that was born at 8months (I am not sure how many weeks) and I was 3lbs 2oz...but now I am WAAAAAY over that...

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

GREAT NEWS!!! I'm so happy for you, we are hoping my oldest DS and DDIL will be able to join us, We are taking their DD, but it would be awsome with the whole family.
disneyoutlet has Snow White shoes on sale right now for 4.99 (was 14.50) there ballet style with faux satin rosettes, don't know if it's what you are looking for, but thought I'd pass it along! Deb.

 

[MeMom]

I don't know if you have seen it or not, but you might want to go for your Tony's ADR a few minutes early and watch the flag lowering ceremony right there on the square. I believe they do it at 5:00 (or maybe 5:30, you could ask), and it is very touching.
A guest veteran helps perform the ceremony, little kids are asked to come up and help sing, the guards and CMs are there in full reverence - it was very moving to us. People young and old stopped to watch, some joining in the singing, some saluting, etc.
Maybe I'm just very sentimental, but to see men who I figured were likely in a war at some point in their lives stop on the busy streets of Disney World and stand there in complete stillness with their hands over their hearts and their bodies straight and proud, and to see those little ones singing while holding little flags - it was tear-jerking for us.

We plan to make it a point to take the guys back on our summer trip so that they can see this.

I just noticed that your Tony's time was right about when that was happening, so it might be something you'd like to see.

I'm so happy your sister is going to be able to go. I know that I will be happier if all of my bunch is able to go, too, but everyone's work and school schedules are still iffy. We know for sure Jill, John, Brooklynn, and I will be there for the whole time. Trent is coming for part of the time, but Kristi will just be getting back from Europe, so we don't know if she'll be able to come for any or all of the trip. Drew is iffy because he doesn't know about his work situation. I hope everyone can come for at least part of the time.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm hooked!!!

We will be there the same time you are -- June 8th through the 14th at POFQ.

We will be at DHS Sunday, Magic Kingdom Wednesday, and Animal Kingdom Thursday with an ADR for Boma that evening. Maybe we will run into you guys!!!

Your daughter is just precious!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Yay Aunt Kristi! That's wonderful!

Hi! , I am Kathleen, and just found your PTR. I thought you'd like to know that I am at 28year old that was born at 8months (I am not sure how many weeks) and I was 3lbs 2oz...but now I am WAAAAAY over that...

Kathleen--HI BACK!! I am so glad you found me, and even more happy that you posted!!! Thanks so much for sharing that info with me! It does help me to witness when others have "been there, done that, and turned out just fine!" What is amazing to me is to know that you have done so well when you were born so small and 28 years ago! That is truly a great accomplishment! I remember the 2nd day Megan was in the NICU and was having a LOT of difficulties remembering to breathe on her own, the nurses and doctors told us alot about premature babies and their survival rates, and one of the most interesting things they told us was that as little as 6 years before Meg's was born (1996-97) most babies born at her gestational age and weight did not survive. They came a long way in 6 years--so you can see how that was an even greater accomplishment for you! WAY TO GO! Thanks again for joining in on the fun! Jen

GREAT NEWS!!! I'm so happy for you, we are hoping my oldest DS and DDIL will be able to join us, We are taking their DD, but it would be awsome with the whole family.
disneyoutlet has Snow White shoes on sale right now for 4.99 (was 14.50) there ballet style with faux satin rosettes, don't know if it's what you are looking for, but thought I'd pass it along! Deb.

Deb--I will start doing some Disney hoping for you all that your DS and DDIL get to go too!! Oh how wonderful that would be for you! THANKS so much for telling me about the Snow White shoes--I'm going to go check them out as soon as I am done here!

I don't know if you have seen it or not, but you might want to go for your Tony's ADR a few minutes early and watch the flag lowering ceremony right there on the square. I believe they do it at 5:00 (or maybe 5:30, you could ask), and it is very touching.
A guest veteran helps perform the ceremony, little kids are asked to come up and help sing, the guards and CMs are there in full reverence - it was very moving to us. People young and old stopped to watch, some joining in the singing, some saluting, etc.
Maybe I'm just very sentimental, but to see men who I figured were likely in a war at some point in their lives stop on the busy streets of Disney World and stand there in complete stillness with their hands over their hearts and their bodies straight and proud, and to see those little ones singing while holding little flags - it was tear-jerking for us.

We plan to make it a point to take the guys back on our summer trip so that they can see this.

I just noticed that your Tony's time was right about when that was happening, so it might be something you'd like to see.

I'm so happy your sister is going to be able to go. I know that I will be happier if all of my bunch is able to go, too, but everyone's work and school schedules are still iffy. We know for sure Jill, John, Brooklynn, and I will be there for the whole time. Trent is coming for part of the time, but Kristi will just be getting back from Europe, so we don't know if she'll be able to come for any or all of the trip. Drew is iffy because he doesn't know about his work situation. I hope everyone can come for at least part of the time.

Thanks so much for telling me about the flag ceremony--HOW MOVING!! We will definitely try to catch that if we can! I'm going to send some Disney hoping out for you too that your whole gang can make it at least for some time! How magical that would be!!! Keep me posted!!! Thanks again!

I'm hooked!!!

We will be there the same time you are -- June 8th through the 14th at POFQ.

We will be at DHS Sunday, Magic Kingdom Wednesday, and Animal Kingdom Thursday with an ADR for Boma that evening. Maybe we will run into you guys!!!

Your daughter is just precious!!!

I'm so glad to have you here!! Thanks for "getting hooked!" How awesome that we will be there at the same time, and will be in a lot of the same parks and places at the same time too!! If you see me, make sure you say "hi!" Hey--what time is your ADR? Maybe we will be munching down at the same time!! We are going to do some animal lurking in the lobby too! I can't wait! I have never been to Boma, but everything there looks so good!!! Where are you eating on Sunday and Wednesday?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm so glad to have you here!! Thanks for "getting hooked!" How awesome that we will be there at the same time, and will be in a lot of the same parks and places at the same time too!! If you see me, make sure you say "hi!" Hey--what time is your ADR? Maybe we will be munching down at the same time!! We are going to do some animal lurking in the lobby too! I can't wait! I have never been to Boma, but everything there looks so good!!! Where are you eating on Sunday and Wednesday?

I will definitely say, "Hi!"

Our ADR at Boma is for 4:55 so we may be finishing as you are arriving -- we want to animal lurk and shop in the gift shop while we are there.

Sunday is our arrival day so we are probably just eating counter service that day at DHS -- my main goal is to see Fantasmic.

Wednesday, we are eating at Crystal Palace for dinner. I have heard good things about it.