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

[MegansMom]

Good morning all my lovely TR followers!!! I first want to apologize for the lack of updates this weekend---please forgive me!! Saturday was crazy busy getting Tom ready to leave and spending time with him, AND we had to have the A/C fixed that day too!! UGH!! IF it is not one thing it is another!!!!! Anyway, I was pulled away from the computer---sorry!! Yesterday was sad, happy, and busy all in one day--we had to take Tom to the airport and say our goodbyes!! (Yes, there were some tears shed--I'm a sappy, emotional gal!! I love my hubby, and will miss his companionship this week!) Then onto the happy part of the day--our family got together to celebrate Mike's birthday!! We went to this neat restaurant in Newport near the river called the Hofbrauhaus--yes it is a German eatery! It is a fun polka-filled place to go!! We all gathered--mom, dad, Mike, the kids, Kristi, Justin, my aunt, my grandmother, and Megan and me. The food was really good, and the atmosphere is even neater!! Then we headed back to my mom and dad's for cake, ice cream, and presents. My mom got a scrapbook kit for Mike to do with his WDW pics--really neat! I made a big collage frame for Mike out of 5 pictures from the trip that I turned into that Sepia finish. It was a neat frame, and I think Mike really liked it! It looked like a neat piece of artwork in its' gallery frame. AWESOME! The kids had a great time being together--Megan loves being around them!! When I see her playing with them, I feel even worse though about not being able to have anymore kids so that she could have a sibling--still have to learn to get over that!! The kids chased lightning bugs around for most of the evening and caught a few! It was so cute to watch!! We all had a great time chatting about the trip, and about future trips we would like to take--hopefully SOON!! It was a great day/evening--helped being around family to help with missing Tom. Megan and I spent the night at my parents--she loves doing this, so we DID!! SO I was so busy, that I did not get a chance to do another update!! I am working on one that I hope to post today, so stay tuned!! Hope you can forgive the gaps in updates!!! The next part is GOOD!!! I am also looking forward to Mike posting an update soon about the trip from his point-of-view, so stay tuned for that too!! Talk again soon, Jen

 

[MegansMom]

LIONS, AND TIGERS, AND RHINO BUTTS---OH MY!!!!

So it was SUNDAY--JUNE 8--and we were FINALLY going to hit the parks!! YEAH!! Not knowing how much time we would need in the morning, I set the alarm and wake up call early--like 6:30am just to make sure we would have plenty of time to get ready, eat, and make it to the bus by 8am. Little did we know we wouldn't even need either!! As soon as the sun started peeking through the blinds on the balcony door, we all started stirring--especially MEGAN!! She was SO excited to be going to a park that day, that she hopped up and out of bed around 6am, and came climbing into ours to make sure we were well awake!! INDEED we WERE!! So, we all got dressed and ready, and started on our breakfasts. Soon we were dressed, fed, and teeth brushed, so Megan decided to call over to my parents' room to make sure they were up--which they were. We planned on meeting them down at the bus stop at 8am, so that we could have plenty of time to wait for a bus and get over to ANIMAL KINGDOM!!! Mike and the kids had an early ADR at Tusker House for breakfast, so we were just planning on meeting them over in the park once they were finished. When we got to the bus stop though, we were surprised to see them there! Apparently, they had been waiting forever for an AK bus!! Their ADR hadn't passed yet, but Mike was a little nervous that if a bus didn't come soon, they might miss it--I told him to just keep hope alive, and expain what happened if they were late. After waiting for a few more minutes, our bus finally arrived and carried us all over to AK. Once we got there, Mike and the kids headed through the gate to go back to Tusker House--they may have been a few minutes late, but they still got to eat nevertheless!!! He said they had a great time, but I will let him update you on that on his own!!!

So it was still early--probably not even 8:30am yet, so I headed over to Guest Relations to get a Guest Assistance Card for Megan to have in case any of the lines/queues ended up being too much for her to bear. The CM we met with was great, and we had our card in no time. Tom and I both wanted to make sure we had the card, in case she needed it, but we both decided we weren't going to use it unless we ABSOLUTELY had to!! We just don't want Megan to ever use her situation as a crutch to get through life--if this means not over-abusing it while she is young, so be it!

Anyway, I digressed--sorry! So then we got in line to wait for the gates to open and rope drop! Look--I have PICTURES!!! (Thanks to my Mom remembering hers--which I LOVED btw!)

They finally opened the gates and we started down the paths--we were going to head to Dinoland first. Before we got to the turn off to Dinoland, they had the ropes up and did the morning show with Mickey and the Gang on the Tree of Life. It was cute, but we were too far back to get any good pics of the show, but here is that beautiful tree:

Once the show was over and they dropped the ropes, we continued to veer to the right to head towards Dinoland. We decided last night to head in that direction because we wanted to make sure we took in Dinosaur if nothing else this year since Tom had to miss out on it last year. On the way, we had to make two stops--1. To get Dad a hat--he forgot to bring one!! I helped him pick out a cute khaki one--he picked out the one that said "Grumpy!" I also got a new visor--white with DISNEY written on it! 2. Ma and Pa also needed to stop at the restrooms.

When we finally got to Dinoland, we walked right onto the Tricera Top Spin for Miss Megan.

Sorry about Meg's gum hanging out!! Megan wanted to ride in the front with "Kwissy!!!" This is the start of a GREAT pattern for the REST of the week!! I rode in the 2nd row with them, and Tom sat out--he gets a little woozy on rides like this and Dumbo!

Here's Mom and Dad (with his new hat!) Aren't they CUTE!!

And here's ME!!! Self-portrait of course!

Here we are in flight--driven by our 4-year old pilot of course!!

After that ride, we decided to split off for just a moment--Tom, Dad, Kristi, and I were heading back to Dinosaur, and Megan and Mom were going to do the TTS again and maybe head into the Boneyard if it opened--which it did not. We had really very little wait on Dinosaur--maybe 5 mins total. What a great ride--it was the first for all of us! TOO MUCH FUN!! I HATED that I got stuck on the outside of the vehicle--too close to some of them "oh-too-real-looking dinosaurs," but overall fun, FUN, FUN!!! Here's me trying to take a picture of our picture from the monitor:

I left it big so you can see it better--we are the back row! Poor Tom has Kristi and I digging our nails into him!!!

Once we got off the ride, we met up with Mom and Megan who were just getting off the TTSpin after their 2nd time in a row--they had TOO much fun I think! We then decided to do Primeval Whirl since there was only a 10 minute wait--this time Mom, Dad, Kris, and I chose to ride it. Megs was too short,so Tom waited it out with her since it would make him sick. We went in separate cars--Kris and I in one, Mom and Dad in another!! We had TOO much fun on this ride, but it definitely was more intense than any of us thought!! It was so fun to hear all of us screaming and laughing throughout the ride! While we were in line, we got a call from Mike that they were done and near the Safari. We decided to head over there after we got off that ride--we would pick up FP for EE on the way! So once done, we did just that--we walked around to EE, got 6 FP for EE, and then headed towards the safari. Mike and the kids were coming out of the trail, so we waited until they were done. NOW, here is probably the worst part of our planning that we did the WHOLE trip, we actually got in line for the Safari--which was posted as a 40 minute wait--AND IT WAS!!! Had we actually been using our well-oiled WDW minds, we would have done this differently, but OH WELL!! The wait wasn't too bad--we all chatted it up about the breakfast, Mom and Dad had a nice conversation with the family behind us, and we just kind of relaxed a bit. The biggest problem with this queue is that it gets so hot so fast! Anyway, before we knew it, we were getting ready to board our safari vehicle!! YEAH!! As it pulled through, I recognized the driver--his name was Charles--and if you can believe it, he was our safari driver from November!!! I know, I have a weird memory that I can remember stuff like that! Unfortunately he heard me telling the kids that he was our driver from last year, so he decided to pick on me a little throughout our safari--which was fun too! Here are some pics of all of us on the safari:

Megan was so happy to see the animals AND to be sitting on "Kwissy's lap!!"

Don't worry--that isn't an escaped animal from the safari, it is just Megan playing with her stuffed goose "Potato!" We had some down time on the ride--got to sit at this one spot for like 10 minutes due to a hold up ahead!!

Kristi and I attempted a self-portrait! The first shot was even funnier because I had forgotten to reset the zoom, and it was an EXTREME close-up of our eyes!!!

Here's a picture of some of the ACTUAL wildlife!! I had to take a picture of these guys because they are called "Tommys!" They are really little--too cute!!

Then the backside shots began--I kept trying to get pics as we were moving through of the animals, and kept getting their "best sides!" TOO FUNNY!! Megan said really loudly, "Mommy, you just took a picture of that rhino's BUTT!!" (REALLY LOUDLY--REALLY!!!)

Can you find the Tommy's Butt!?!?!?!?!

The funniest part of the whole safari happened while we were going over the bridge that just "HAPPENS" to break as the vehicle drives over it--having already been on it, Tom was prepared. Having NEVER been on it, Conner was NOT! So, being the "great" uncle that he is and having the fortunate luck of sitting next to Conner on this ride, Tom tricked Conner BIG time!! As soon as Charles started talking about the bridge breaking, Tom grabbed a hold of Conner very tightly and started shouting at him to "Hold on Conner!! We're NOT going to make it!!" Conner, literally turned white and about jumped out of his skin and almost onto Tom's lap!!! He REALLY believed we were going to fall right through!! Needless to say, Tom loved the fact that he "got him!" And he definitely got him GOOD! I think for several minutes later, Conner still wasn't sure whether or not the whole thing was real or not!! TOO FUNNY!!


Okay, my faithful TR readers--here is where I will momentarily PAUSE our story--have to go have lunch with a beautiful 4yo "princess!" (AND THEN WE ARE GOING TO RUN THROUGH THE SPRINKLER!!!) When our story continues, will we be able to find food? Will we melt in the AK heat? Will the Yeti get us? Will we make it the whole day at AK? Will we like African food????? All this and MANY more pictures when I return later with the next installment!!!

 

[cherbear]

Sorry to leave everyone hanging--yesterday I was busy babysitting one of my girlfriend's daughters who wasn't feeling that great--so she needed a lot of cuddling! Wasn't able to get to the computer as much or for a long stretch to put up the next installment--it is coming TODAY!!!

Love the rambling!!! The gum story reminds me of one of our favorite childhood stories about the time my sister had an incident with a red Skittle. She and I were sitting in the backseat of my mom's car, and for some reason, we had some candy snacks--she had Skittles--her favorite. I can't remember exactly how old she was, but I am going to guess around 6 or 7 years old. She was looking out the window, eating her Skittles, when she suddenly turned towards me and said, "Hey Jenni, I just put a SKITTLE up my nose!" and low and behold, there was this red Skittle, shoved into her right nostril. We giggled for a second, but then she quickly realized it was stuck when she tried to get it out. She kept trying to pull it out, and then the worst thing happened--the coloring started to melt and run down her nose and face---I thought she was bleeding profusely!!! I started screaming out of horror and concern to my Mom who was driving. She had no idea what was going on, but looked back to see Kristi's nose and lip COMPLETELY red--from the Skittle though!!! She freaked for a second, until we told her what Kristi had done--she must have realized that the red stuff all over her face was the food coloring and not blood, because she told us to calm down, and then she calmly told Kristi to roll down her window, push her other nostril closed, and BLOW out the window. Kristi followed her directions, and within seconds, the red Skittle flew out of her nostril and out the window like a torpedo!!!!!! Mom handed Kris a napkin to wipe up the red stuff, and then she was good as new again!!! This story still makes us all laugh hysterically when we talk about it!!!

that story made me

Okay, so when I left all of you guys hanging, there was a little bit of this going on:

That's right---a little bit of Happy Dancing!!!

So once we composed ourselves, we headed towards the main Hospitality House and into here:

Very sweet and cozy lobby area at the OKW!!! You feel "at home" as soon as you step through the lobby doors! Since Kristi was staying in Mom and Dad's room, she didn't need to really do anything once we got there since they were already checked in. So being the sweet sister and THE WONDERFUL AUNT she is, she took Megan over to the lounge area to check things out and entertain her while we took care of business.

So they hung out here:

Again, problems with the camera, so I had to borrow some pics!
They had a good time exploring the lobby and lounge. Kristi is an artist and a very talented interior decorator, so she loved looking at the place from the artistic point of view--she fell in love with the specific "aqua-like" color that the exterior of the building is painted. She SO wants to find out somehow what paint and color that is because she wants to paint her porch's ceiling that color!!! Anyone got any ideas how she can find out?!?!?!?

ANYWAY, sorry to have digressed, Tom and I went right up to Megan (nice name!) at the registration desk--no wait to check in at all! (It was a little before 2pm.) I was excited to see which of our requests we were able to get--somewhat nervous too! We quickly found out that Mom and Mike each already had their rooms--they were ready ahead of time--so I was hoping that we would be that lucky!!!!! No such luck!!! But I was excited to find out that their rooms were both in building 14--one of the building locations I had requested because it is so close to the HH and bus stop!! So again I was !!! BUT, both of their rooms were on the 3rd floor--I had requested 1st floor so that we wouldn't have to haul a sleeping 4 year old and everything else up 3 flights of stairs at the end of the night--so again I was. They couldn't give us our room number yet since it wasn't ready , but they did tell us that we were in the same building as them and probably on the same floor! So overall, I thought we were doing pretty good with all the requests they had to deal with!!! I was SUPER excited that we were going to be so close to the main area and pool!! So all the little frowns went away----for a moment! So she told us that they would call our cell phone when our room was ready, and we continued on with the check-in process. The only thing left to do was take care of paying for the dining plan. NO PROBLEM!!! Remember when I went to the bank on Friday and made sure that we had all the cash we wanted and I had moved more money over to our checking account so we could just use our debit card to take care of DDP expenses and such????? Well, we gave them our debit card to pay for the DDP expenses, and they couldn't get it to work! It wasn't that it was denied, it just kept saying "Invalid Amount!!" They even kept changing the amount they ran through to see if it would only take a small amount at a time, but still no go!! Needless to say, Tom was very UPSET!!! Not at Disney, but at his Mom's DUMB bank! We did all that shuffling of funds around, and were NOT even able to use it!!! We went ahead and just paid it with our emergency credit card that we NEVER use, and will just pay it off with the money from the STUPID account when the bill comes! Needless to say, all our accounts at that bank are about to be closed for good---regardless of the fact his mom works there!

OKAY---I felt the tension mounting again, and I had to stop to take a couple of deep breaths--all better!!! About this time, I realized that my sister had called my mom, who was at the pool, to tell them we were up in the lobby---and the lobby erupted with a very familiar voice singing "YOU MADE IT!!" Yes, it was my Mom!! We ran over and hugged each other so tight--like we hadn't seen each other in years--mind you, it really had just been about 36 hours! (I think we still suffer from separation anxiety at times!!!) She said they were all moved into their room, and were now down at the pool playing. I told her our room wasn't ready yet, but we DEFINITELY wanted to go swimming, so we all headed up to her room--1435--to get changed into our suits (which I had packed in our little overnight bag for easy access!!) BTW--1435 is a nice room, but unfortunately had the worst view out of all 3 of our rooms--it overlooks part of the air conditioning units!

So we were all getting changed into our suits, when I realized a small problem with losing the weight---I have already shrunk too much for my new suit!!! I just bought this GREAT suit at the beginning of the summer--it is one of those two-piece tankinis with a straight-skirted bottom and a halter top. Like this--but a different brown/aqua pattern on the top--anyway, VERY CUTE!!! The bottoms are a little big--but not too bad, BUT the top is WAY TOO BIG!!! I now have a real problem holding up and in the "girls!" When I first put it on, the "girls" kept falling out the V-neck top. So Kristi said I needed to tie the strings tighter at the top--so she did. THEN the "girls" kept falling out of the cups and down below the empire waist line! It was TOO funny!!! I am going to have to make a few sewing adjustments to it to make it fit right permanently, but for the time being, we found a way to get them to basically stay put temporarily--SO OFF TO THE POOL WE WENT!!! It was funny though, and we kept a vigilant patrol to make sure I wasn't giving anyone at the pool an unwarranted "show!" I have to admit, problems and all, I was VERY proud of the way I looked in it!! So as we were heading over to the pool, Kristi and I decided we needed to stop and get drinks for us. So we stopped here at the Gurgling Suitcase:

and got some frozen concoctions!!! She got some kind of special drink they had there, can't remember the name of it, but I stuck with my favorite---Pina Colada!!! All would agree that mine was better! IT was SO good, and the perfect drink to have while sitting by the pool! We went next door to Goods to Go to get a bottle of water for Megan, and a special surprise for Tom! He had said he just wanted a Coke, and as I was waiting to order it, I decided to go ahead and get him the souvenir refill mug!! I know we brought our 12 pack, but I thought the mug would be so nice for him to refill as he pleased while we were at the pool! I am so glad I did, because not only did he refill it plenty, he really enjoyed having the mug as a souvenir too! This was his face when I gave it to him and told him he could refill it as often as he liked--- !!! So easy to make him happy!!

So here is where we spent the majority of our afternoon:

Mom and Dad had secured a great table with an umbrella, and we all took our turns swimming and pooling it, and also hanging out at the table chatting it up about our trips down, etc. Megan had her little "Nemo" swim ring on, and was enjoying waddling around in the pool. I tried to get her to go down the slide, but she was not interested. BUT I DID!!! SO much fun!! I went down with Kristi and all of Mike's kids, and I really think the kids were so surprised that their two aunts did it!! It was a LOT of fun!!

Around 4:15pm, Tom finally got the call that our room was ready, so he started over to unpack the van. I wanted SO MUCH to just stay in the pool, but I knew how much stuff he was going to have to lug up 3 flights of steps since there is no elevator, so I got up to go with him and Mom and Kris kept Megan at the pool. Josh was a sweetheart because he volunteered to come help us. So we all spent the good part of the rest of the hour unloading the van and moving things into our room--room 1432!! It looked a lot like this:

Mom and I so wanted to take home the picture that hung over our nightstands, because I SWEAR it looked just like the two of us when I was about 4 and she would have been around 30--the haircuts and hair color and EVERYTHING were the exact same!!! It looked just like us walking down the beach!!!

We were all up on the 3rd floor together, and we happened to be right next door to Mike and the kids in room 1431!! Our room actually had a great view:

YES FOLKS!!! THAT'S RIGHT--A real picture from my camera!!! Go figure!!! We found out about this time that it would for some reason work if we were "indoors" or at least tricked the camera into thinking it was "indoors!" Don't ask me why they wouldn't work in the van though!! So these took fine!!!

Here's Megan's bed with all of her "friends."

So once we got semi-unpacked, Tom and I decided that we would need to go ahead and take showers and get ready to catch the ferry boat over to SSR in time for our supper reservation. By the time he and I were showered and dressed, my Mom and Kristi showed up with Megs! So I quickly cleaned her up and got her dressed to go as well! Sidenote--they told us this cute story of how the one male lifeguard kept talking and playing with Megan while they were down there. They said it was too cute!! They said she kept grinning really cute at him and would coyly play back with him! I wish I could have seen that! TOO CUTE!!!

ANYWAY, so we all got dressed and met up down at the ferry dock at 6pm--not sure now why we met so early since our ADR wasn't until 7pm, but HEY, that's what we did! We waited on the benches for just a few moments, and while we did, Mike and the kids had a little surprise for Megan--a set of pins just for her!! I will post pics of them on here later, but they were TOO CUTE!! So sweet to do something like that for her!!! She was so excited to see them! Before we knew it, the ferry was pulling in, and we were getting loaded on it! It was a beautiful night with a light breeze, so it made the ferry ride that much more enjoyable!! On the way over to SSR, several memorable things happened: 1.) Megan fell asleep on her beloved Aunt Kristi's lap 2.) We met a very nice older man who saw Conner and Maddie's pin lanyards, and gave them each a really neat limited edition Aladdin pin--they were really cool!! SUCH a nice man! It was funny though because he gave them their pins right away because they had their lanyards out and on---Josh did not for some reason!!! He instantly got jealous of the other two, so he tried to slyly pull out his lanyard from the bag I had made for him. Although the man didn't hand him his pin right away--he tortured him about it for a little while--he did end up giving one to Josh also when we were getting off the ferry! TOO SWEET AGAIN!! 3.) The last thing was that the man, apparently some type of marketing executive, commented on how neat the kids' bags were that I had made, and told me that I ABSOLUTELY needed to begin making and selling them. It was so kind of a stranger to give out such a nice compliment. VERY NICE!

So we got to SSR around 6:30pm--early for our ADR--so we hung out in the lounge area where everyone was watching the Belmont. I also gave most of the gang a tour of the lobby and the main building of SSR and showed them where we stayed in November. Tom sat with the sleeping Megan in a big chair in the lounge. They finally took us back to our table at 7pm, and Megan stayed knocked out asleep--we stretched her over our laps to make her comfortable--she stayed asleep for the entire meal!!! Our meal was great--good food and a GREAT waiter, John. He was really good with the kids---kept trying to get Maddie to choreograph a dance to a song he taught her about chicken noodle soup. It went something like this: "Chicken Noodle soup, chicken noodle soup, chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side!" Needless to say, she was too embarrassed to join in, but Kristi, my mom, the boys, and myself all made up a little dance and joined in on the song! IT was so much fun!! Sorry, but no pictures--too busy holding a sleeping 4 year old!

I had the Tuna entree--VERY good!! First time I have ever eaten tuna cooked like that!! Tom had the Penne pasta with shrimp---also VERY good!! (I stole all his artichoke hearts though!) But by far the best thing anyone had was the risotto that came with the half-chicken!!! Conner and Kristi had that, and we all enjoyed sampling a little once Conner (a very picky eater) revealed how good the risotto was!! YUMMMMMMM!!! I want more of that right now! I ended the meal with the cheesecake which was DELICIOUS!!! All in all, a great meal, a great server!!! Don't forget about this gem of a restaurant!

When we were finished with our meals, we all kind of split up in separate directions--Mom and Kristi were going to try to go to MK to see the fireworks, Mike and the kids were going to head to DTD for some fun, and the rest of us headed back via the ferry to OKW to put Megs to bed and to finish unpacking. While we were walking down the ramp to the ferry, my dad and I were looking at the beautiful blooming trees, and I noticed some of the leaves that had fallen onto the walkway. While I was looking at them, I noticed that one of the "leaves" seemed to be moving!! But HOW could that be?!?!?!?!? As I was leaning down to pick it up, it JUMPED up and over my shoulder to the wall next to me!!! IT WAS A FROG!!!! My dad started laughing SO hard as I jumped to get away from the "leaf!!" It was too funny! Just had to share that little moment!!! TOO FUNNY!!!

Once back at OKW, Tom and I put our sleeping beauty to bed, and then started talking about the next day's events--Animal Kingdom!!! He had already accumulated a dozen maps from the lobby--I told you all he has a thing for collecting them--and had started trying to figure out the best strategy for touring the park. We discussed it as I unpacked and "moved" into our new home away from home--you will have to wait until our next installment to see what we decided to do!!! We had a GREAT day, and easily fell asleep around 11:30pm!!!

SO.................stay tuned for the next installment to see what time we wake? Will we make it AK before rope drop? Will we pick a good touring strategy? Will we make it the whole day? Will we enjoy AFRICAN food?!??!?!?! SO MUCH to look forward to!!!!! STAY TUNED!!!

BUMMER on the room not being ready, the debit card issue, the camera not working, and the swimsuit not fitting

BUT for Kristi's room to change in, credit cards as a back up, "tricking" the camera, and the swimsuit not fitting---due to weight loss!

What a nice hotel! I may have to look into renting DVC points one year. Maybe when I have some kiddos way in the future

What was the name of the restaurant? Did I miss that?

your frog story was hilarious!! You are so silly!

 

[cherbear]

Hey Gang!! I just wanted to let you all know that there will unfortunately not be an update today--so sorry!!! Tom leaves tomorrow for a week in Miami, FL for work, so we have been not only busy getting him packed and ready to go (can't believe I'm packing again already!!) and trying to soak up some time with him before he is gone for a week. I hope you all understand!!! There will be more tomorrow I PROMISE!!! Megs and I are so SAD!!! ( Keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a safe journey please!!! We all fall apart when we are away from each other--sappy, I know!! More tomorrow!!! I won't let you down! Talk soon, Jen

oh gosh, don't apologize. Have you SEEN how long my TR has been going on? and how long it's been since I did an update?

You are rolling through SO QUICKLY! So please don't apologize.

Good morning all my lovely TR followers!!! I first want to apologize for the lack of updates this weekend---please forgive me!! Saturday was crazy busy getting Tom ready to leave and spending time with him, AND we had to have the A/C fixed that day too!! UGH!! IF it is not one thing it is another!!!!! Anyway, I was pulled away from the computer---sorry!! Yesterday was sad, happy, and busy all in one day--we had to take Tom to the airport and say our goodbyes!! (Yes, there were some tears shed--I'm a sappy, emotional gal!! I love my hubby, and will miss his companionship this week!) Then onto the happy part of the day--our family got together to celebrate Mike's birthday!! We went to this neat restaurant in Newport near the river called the Hofbrauhaus--yes it is a German eatery! It is a fun polka-filled place to go!! We all gathered--mom, dad, Mike, the kids, Kristi, Justin, my aunt, my grandmother, and Megan and me. The food was really good, and the atmosphere is even neater!! Then we headed back to my mom and dad's for cake, ice cream, and presents. My mom got a scrapbook kit for Mike to do with his WDW pics--really neat! I made a big collage frame for Mike out of 5 pictures from the trip that I turned into that Sepia finish. It was a neat frame, and I think Mike really liked it! It looked like a neat piece of artwork in its' gallery frame. AWESOME! The kids had a great time being together--Megan loves being around them!! When I see her playing with them, I feel even worse though about not being able to have anymore kids so that she could have a sibling--still have to learn to get over that!! The kids chased lightning bugs around for most of the evening and caught a few! It was so cute to watch!! We all had a great time chatting about the trip, and about future trips we would like to take--hopefully SOON!! It was a great day/evening--helped being around family to help with missing Tom. Megan and I spent the night at my parents--she loves doing this, so we DID!! SO I was so busy, that I did not get a chance to do another update!! I am working on one that I hope to post today, so stay tuned!! Hope you can forgive the gaps in updates!!! The next part is GOOD!!! I am also looking forward to Mike posting an update soon about the trip from his point-of-view, so stay tuned for that too!! Talk again soon, Jen

sorry Tom had to go....aww you two are like newlyweds!!!

That birthday celebration sounded like fun! I just LOVE how family-oriented your whole family is!!!

LIONS, AND TIGERS, AND RHINO BUTTS---OH MY!!!!

So it was SUNDAY--JUNE 8--and we were FINALLY going to hit the parks!! YEAH!! Not knowing how much time we would need in the morning, I set the alarm and wake up call early--like 6:30am just to make sure we would have plenty of time to get ready, eat, and make it to the bus by 8am. Little did we know we wouldn't even need either!! As soon as the sun started peeking through the blinds on the balcony door, we all started stirring--especially MEGAN!! She was SO excited to be going to a park that day, that she hopped up and out of bed around 6am, and came climbing into ours to make sure we were well awake!! INDEED we WERE!! So, we all got dressed and ready, and started on our breakfasts. Soon we were dressed, fed, and teeth brushed, so Megan decided to call over to my parents' room to make sure they were up--which they were. We planned on meeting them down at the bus stop at 8am, so that we could have plenty of time to wait for a bus and get over to ANIMAL KINGDOM!!! Mike and the kids had an early ADR at Tusker House for breakfast, so we were just planning on meeting them over in the park once they were finished. When we got to the bus stop though, we were surprised to see them there! Apparently, they had been waiting forever for an AK bus!! Their ADR hadn't passed yet, but Mike was a little nervous that if a bus didn't come soon, they might miss it--I told him to just keep hope alive, and expain what happened if they were late. After waiting for a few more minutes, our bus finally arrived and carried us all over to AK. Once we got there, Mike and the kids headed through the gate to go back to Tusker House--they may have been a few minutes late, but they still got to eat nevertheless!!! He said they had a great time, but I will let him update you on that on his own!!!

So it was still early--probably not even 8:30am yet, so I headed over to Guest Relations to get a Guest Assistance Card for Megan to have in case any of the lines/queues ended up being too much for her to bear. The CM we met with was great, and we had our card in no time. Tom and I both wanted to make sure we had the card, in case she needed it, but we both decided we weren't going to use it unless we ABSOLUTELY had to!! We just don't want Megan to ever use her situation as a crutch to get through life--if this means not over-abusing it while she is young, so be it!

Anyway, I digressed--sorry! So then we got in line to wait for the gates to open and rope drop! Look--I have PICTURES!!! (Thanks to my Mom remembering hers--which I LOVED btw!)

They finally opened the gates and we started down the paths--we were going to head to Dinoland first. Before we got to the turn off to Dinoland, they had the ropes up and did the morning show with Mickey and the Gang on the Tree of Life. It was cute, but we were too far back to get any good pics of the show, but here is that beautiful tree:

Once the show was over and they dropped the ropes, we continued to veer to the right to head towards Dinoland. We decided last night to head in that direction because we wanted to make sure we took in Dinosaur if nothing else this year since Tom had to miss out on it last year. On the way, we had to make two stops--1. To get Dad a hat--he forgot to bring one!! I helped him pick out a cute khaki one--he picked out the one that said "Grumpy!" I also got a new visor--white with DISNEY written on it! 2. Ma and Pa also needed to stop at the restrooms.

When we finally got to Dinoland, we walked right onto the Tricera Top Spin for Miss Megan.

Sorry about Meg's gum hanging out!! Megan wanted to ride in the front with "Kwissy!!!" This is the start of a GREAT pattern for the REST of the week!! I rode in the 2nd row with them, and Tom sat out--he gets a little woozy on rides like this and Dumbo!

Here's Mom and Dad (with his new hat!) Aren't they CUTE!!

And here's ME!!! Self-portrait of course!

After that ride, we decided to split off for just a moment--Tom, Dad, Kristi, and I were heading back to Dinosaur, and Megan and Mom were going to do the TTS again and maybe head into the Boneyard if it opened--which it did not. We had really very little wait on Dinosaur--maybe 5 mins total. What a great ride--it was the first for all of us! TOO MUCH FUN!! I HATED that I got stuck on the outside of the vehicle--too close to some of them "oh-too-real-looking dinosaurs," but overall fun, FUN, FUN!!! Here's me trying to take a picture of our picture from the monitor:

I left it big so you can see it better--we are the back row! Poor Tom has Kristi and I digging our nails into him!!!

Once we got off the ride, we met up with Mom and Megan who were just getting off the TTSpin after their 2nd time in a row--they had TOO much fun I think! We then decided to do Primeval Whirl since there was only a 10 minute wait--this time Mom, Dad, Kris, and I chose to ride it. Megs was too short,so Tom waited it out with her since it would make him sick. We went in separate cars--Kris and I in one, Mom and Dad in another!! We had TOO much fun on this ride, but it definitely was more intense than any of us thought!! It was so fun to hear all of us screaming and laughing throughout the ride! While we were in line, we got a call from Mike that they were done and near the Safari. We decided to head over there after we got off that ride--we would pick up FP for EE on the way! So once done, we did just that--we walked around to EE, got 6 FP for EE, and then headed towards the safari. Mike and the kids were coming out of the trail, so we waited until they were done. NOW, here is probably the worst part of our planning that we did the WHOLE trip, we actually got in line for the Safari--which was posted as a 40 minute wait--AND IT WAS!!! Had we actually been using our well-oiled WDW minds, we would have done this differently, but OH WELL!! The wait wasn't too bad--we all chatted it up about the breakfast, Mom and Dad had a nice conversation with the family behind us, and we just kind of relaxed a bit. The biggest problem with this queue is that it gets so hot so fast! Anyway, before we knew it, we were getting ready to board our safari vehicle!! YEAH!! As it pulled through, I recognized the driver--his name was Charles--and if you can believe it, he was our safari driver from November!!! I know, I have a weird memory that I can remember stuff like that! Unfortunately he heard me telling the kids that he was our driver from last year, so he decided to pick on me a little throughout our safari--which was fun too! Here are some pics of all of us on the safari:

Megan was so happy to see the animals AND to be sitting on "Kwissy's lap!!"

Don't worry--that isn't an escaped animal from the safari, it is just Megan playing with her stuffed goose "Potato!" We had some down time on the ride--got to sit at this one spot for like 10 minutes due to a hold up ahead!!

Kristi and I attempted a self-portrait! The first shot was even funnier because I had forgotten to reset the zoom, and it was an EXTREME close-up of our eyes!!!

Here's a picture of some of the ACTUAL wildlife!! I had to take a picture of these guys because they are called "Tommys!" They are really little--too cute!!

Then the backside shots began--I kept trying to get pics as we were moving through of the animals, and kept getting their "best sides!" TOO FUNNY!! Megan said really loudly, "Mommy, you just took a picture of that rhino's BUTT!!" (REALLY LOUDLY--REALLY!!!)

Can you find the Tommy's Butt!?!?!?!?!

The funniest part of the whole safari happened while we were going over the bridge that just "HAPPENS" to break as the vehicle drives over it--having already been on it, Tom was prepared. Having NEVER been on it, Conner was NOT! So, being the "great" uncle that he is and having the fortunate luck of sitting next to Conner on this ride, Tom tricked Conner BIG time!! As soon as Charles started talking about the bridge breaking, Tom grabbed a hold of Conner very tightly and started shouting at him to "Hold on Conner!! We're NOT going to make it!!" Conner, literally turned white and about jumped out of his skin and almost onto Tom's lap!!! He REALLY believed we were going to fall right through!! Needless to say, Tom loved the fact that he "got him!" And he definitely got him GOOD! I think for several minutes later, Conner still wasn't sure whether or not the whole thing was real or not!! TOO FUNNY!!


Okay, my faithful TR readers--here is where I will momentarily PAUSE our story--have to go have lunch with a beautiful 4yo "princess!" (AND THEN WE ARE GOING TO RUN THROUGH THE SPRINKLER!!!) When our story continues, will we be able to find food? Will we melt in the AK heat? Will the Yeti get us? Will we make it the whole day at AK? Will we like African food????? All this and MANY more pictures when I return later with the next installment!!!

NICE job on waking up so early to get to AK!!

how cute is Megan...pointing out that you were taking pics of animal butts. Kids say the darndest things!!

the story with your nephew on the safari...


shame on Tom....but that was funny!

Everyone is so agreeable with your family. Can I borrow them for 8 days in September? We can trade---you can have them for a week and train them for me, so they'll be ready for next time. They never want to wake up early and get going like I do!
DH did OKAY last year when it was just us---better than the year before. This year it's not just us going, and if we have to leave people behind and have them meet us at the park PAST opening...well, that's what Disney buses are for, right!!!


Oh how fun...I want to play in a sprinkler! I'd MUCH rather do that than work!

Ooh, NICE CLIFFHANGERS!




both updates were just great!

 

[r4blessings]

awesome pics Jen! Loved this installment.....makes me want to go with my mom and sister on our next trip even more!

 

[Melissa2480]

Great installment! You guys look like you're having so much fun! Bummer about the 40 min wait on Safari.

on the GAC..just in case. Did you ever have to use it?

Running through the sprinklers sounds fun. It has been sooooo hot down here lately and very stormy.

Looking forward to your next installment.

 

[ampc3]

Nice Update Jen... Looks like you had a great AK morning so far! Can't wait to hear more....

 

[Melissa2480]

How funny that you live in Miami and that is where Tom is heading!! SMALL WORLD INDEED!!! He is staying at an Extended Stay Suites place--we are REALLY going to miss him!!! We were going to try to go with him, but it wasn't going to work out with his work--we could have had a DISmeet had we been able to go!! The bathing suit incident was too funny!! It is a shame because I really LOVE the suit!! I am going to try fixing it someway with my handy needle and thread! She didn't act too hungry, but she eats like a bird, so we weren't shocked! Good luck on your weight loss too!! I have lots more to go too, but am excited about getting it done this time!


Silly me!! Didn't even see this post. I'm originally from New York but moved down here in 97'. OMG...I still can't believe its been 11 years! Its a shame that being so close to Disney, I've only been there 4 times since moving down and once 17 yrs ago. So sad. Last year we spent a week at Windsor Hills and visited Universal Studios. Our next goal is to do Disney!!
We will definately have a DISmeet if the opportunity ever comes to pass again!!
Anthony is not a great eater either. Somedays it seems like he's constantly hungry and other days he won't hardly eat anything at all. We've been working with the therapist..adding food to the list of foods he will eat. It's hard starting on a new food and takes a while but we're getting better with it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

As always a great installment, Jen! I always feel like I am right in the middle of all of your fun!!! I noticed too the strap of your VB hipster -- I guess because mine looks just like it!

Everyone looks like they were having a fabulous time!!! We love Dinosaur -- that's one ride I can keep my eyes open for because I know what to expect at this point.

That's funny about the animals and their rear ends, and Tom's trick on Conner!

Keep it up! Can't wait to read more!

 

[heatherlizz602]

AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!

I've actually been following from the very beginning of your PTR but this is my first post.

I get so excited to read your TR ...it makes me feel right in there on your fun especially since I've never been to the World just to the Land. Keep up the good work you have a beautiful family.

 

[IluvXU]

Another great update! When we rode Dumbo our last day the CM said he hoped Emily went on the Tricero Top Spin.... those rides are so fun for little and big kids alike!

 

[GGOOFY1]

more, more, more. I'm at work right now and the pictures don't come up, so I can't wait to get home and enjoy the complete (pics and all) TR.

 

[Paparazzimama]

How hilarious about Tom scaring Connor!!!! Too funny! Can't wait to hear about your African food - we almost booked it for our upcoming trip but chickened out. Maybe your review will make us put it on the list of "to try next time"? Or maybe it will make us glad we didn't pick it! Can't wait to find out . . . .

 

[MegansMom]

that story made me

BUMMER on the room not being ready, the debit card issue, the camera not working, and the swimsuit not fitting
BUT for Kristi's room to change in, credit cards as a back up, "tricking" the camera, and the swimsuit not fitting---due to weight loss!
What a nice hotel! I may have to look into renting DVC points one year. Maybe when I have some kiddos way in the future
What was the name of the restaurant? Did I miss that?
your frog story was hilarious!! You are so silly!

I am so glad I could make you laugh!! Like I said we hit a few bumps in the road, but things started turning around so WELL!!

OKW is really nice in case anyone is wondering--especially if you stay around the HH area--so close to everything! It is a nice place to stay with or without kiddies--also VERY romantic at night-----not that Tom and I had any time for that this trip! Okay that probably sounds MUCH worse than I intended!!! OOPS! The name of the restaurant at SSR is Turf Club Bar and Grill--VERY nice! I'm telling you---if you could have seen that frog, you would have REALLY thought it was a leaf!! Especially with all the other leaves that were on the ground----------wait, do you think they were ALL frogs??!?!??!?!??!

oh gosh, don't apologize. Have you SEEN how long my TR has been going on? and how long it's been since I did an update?
You are rolling through SO QUICKLY! So please don't apologize.
sorry Tom had to go....aww you two are like newlyweds!!!
That birthday celebration sounded like fun! I just LOVE how family-oriented your whole family is!!!
NICE job on waking up so early to get to AK!!
how cute is Megan...pointing out that you were taking pics of animal butts. Kids say the darndest things!!
the story with your nephew on the safari...
shame on Tom....but that was funny!
Everyone is so agreeable with your family. Can I borrow them for 8 days in September? We can trade---you can have them for a week and train them for me, so they'll be ready for next time. They never want to wake up early and get going like I do!
DH did OKAY last year when it was just us---better than the year before. This year it's not just us going, and if we have to leave people behind and have them meet us at the park PAST opening...well, that's what Disney buses are for, right!!!
Oh how fun...I want to play in a sprinkler! I'd MUCH rather do that than work!
Ooh, NICE CLIFFHANGERS!
both updates were just great!

Well I am glad you understand about the delay between updates! Thanks!
It is so sweet of you to say such nice things about Tom and I! We have been together as a couple for over 15 years (high school sweethearts set up through mutual friends) and married for almost 9 years in July, and it still amazes me some times how much I LOVE him! He is like any other man that can frustrate the heck out of you one minute, and do something to completely redeem himself the next! It was so funny yesterday, he figured out how to use the webcam on his work laptop and yahoo messenger to set up a webcam from his end only. We were on the phone so I could hear him through the phone and see him through the computer. He couldn't see me of course, but I know I giggled like a little school girl the first time the webcam popped on and I began grinning from ear to ear. I was over at my Mom's house, and Kristi was sitting on the couch next to me, and she said my face was priceless! It was just nice to be able to see his face when I normally wouldn't have been able to do so!

The birthday party was A LOT of fun!! We all had a good time, and I really think Mike had a nice birthday! I think we appreciate each other so much because we have been through a LOT of really rough times in the past, and I think it has just taught us to appreciate what we have in each other and to never take our family for granted! We are always there for one another through good and bad times. Now that things are much better, we really celebrate good times!

It was funny how early we actually all woke up--don't think we had much of a choice there!! BUT we were all ready to go! TOO EXCITED!

It was funny when Megs announced to the whole car about the rhino butt thing--it was really quiet at that moment OF COURSE, and when I took the picture the rhino had turned just in time so I ended up with his backside. Megan saw the picture on the camera viewer and made the GRAND announcement!!

I wish I could have gotten a picture of Conner's face when Tom tricked him---too funny!!!

Hey Cheri, we will just borrow you next time we go! You can be an honorary member of the family for the trip!! SOUND GOOD!?!?!?! We had all discussed and knew from the get go that everyone would have different interests/schedules/etc. so we just went in with that mind set. If your family doesn't want to get up and go, just make sure you all have cell phones and hook up with each other once everyone gets there! It will torture you through your whole trip if you get up early and wait around until everyone is ready. That's my perspective!! HEY, do you want me to fly down and give your family the "WDW BOOT CAMP" that I put my family through?!??!

The Sprinkler was fun!! It looks like whale and spins around! Good times and GREAT memories!!!

Thanks for the kudos on the updates---stay tuned for more!

awesome pics Jen! Loved this installment.....makes me want to go with my mom and sister on our next trip even more!

I'm glad you are enjoying the installment--Mom's camera was great!! You should totally go with your mom and sis!! We had so much fun! Just wait until you hear about our first morning at MK--I'll put out the kleenex warning now!

Great installment! You guys look like you're having so much fun! Bummer about the 40 min wait on Safari.

on the GAC..just in case. Did you ever have to use it?

Running through the sprinklers sounds fun. It has been sooooo hot down here lately and very stormy.

Looking forward to your next installment.

Thanks for the compliments! We had a great time! We just weren't using our heads completely on the Safari--should never have had to wait for it!! OOPS! But don't worry--we get so much better in the other parks. Stay tuned for more on the GAC card!!! I have a VERY interesting story about that coming up in a future installment! The sprinkler was so much fun yesterday!! Good memories too! Stay tuned!

Nice Update Jen... Looks like you had a great AK morning so far! Can't wait to hear more....

Thanks for the compliments!!! We had a good morning--shouldn't have waited 40mins for safari, but oh well. Stay tuned, more coming soon!

How funny that you live in Miami and that is where Tom is heading!! SMALL WORLD INDEED!!! He is staying at an Extended Stay Suites place--we are REALLY going to miss him!!! We were going to try to go with him, but it wasn't going to work out with his work--we could have had a DISmeet had we been able to go!! The bathing suit incident was too funny!! It is a shame because I really LOVE the suit!! I am going to try fixing it someway with my handy needle and thread! She didn't act too hungry, but she eats like a bird, so we weren't shocked! Good luck on your weight loss too!! I have lots more to go too, but am excited about getting it done this time!


Silly me!! Didn't even see this post. I'm originally from New York but moved down here in 97'. OMG...I still can't believe its been 11 years! Its a shame that being so close to Disney, I've only been there 4 times since moving down and once 17 yrs ago. So sad. Last year we spent a week at Windsor Hills and visited Universal Studios. Our next goal is to do Disney!!
We will definately have a DISmeet if the opportunity ever comes to pass again!!
Anthony is not a great eater either. Somedays it seems like he's constantly hungry and other days he won't hardly eat anything at all. We've been working with the therapist..adding food to the list of foods he will eat. It's hard starting on a new food and takes a while but we're getting better with it.

I'll let you know if ever in Miami! Megan is still a little picky just based upon textures of the food or the appearance of it. BUT she will usually try things at least once. Just keep working with it!! I have had to remind our family members a LOT that just because Megan turns up her nose at the food they make, it is NOT an insult to their cooking--they just don't get how intrinsically related eating food is to her Sensory Integration Dysfunction.

As always a great installment, Jen! I always feel like I am right in the middle of all of your fun!!! I noticed too the strap of your VB hipster -- I guess because mine looks just like it!

Everyone looks like they were having a fabulous time!!! We love Dinosaur -- that's one ride I can keep my eyes open for because I know what to expect at this point.

That's funny about the animals and their rear ends, and Tom's trick on Conner!

Keep it up! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks Jackie!! I am glad you can relive it with me! I SO loved this bag throughout this trip! Never felt bogged down by my bag at all! We have such good taste girl!

We had a great time, and I so loved Dinosaur too! I am glad that you enjoy it too! I wish you all could have been on the safari with us to enjoy and appreciate all the funny moments! Too funny! More coming soon!

AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!

I've actually been following from the very beginning of your PTR but this is my first post.

I get so excited to read your TR ...it makes me feel right in there on your fun especially since I've never been to the World just to the Land. Keep up the good work you have a beautiful family.

Thank you SO MUCH!!! I am so glad you finally posted and came out of lurkdom!! WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME! I am so glad you enjoy the TR--hopefully it will inspire you to get to the World soon!! Thanks for the compliments! You are too kind! Stay tuned for more soon!

Another great update! When we rode Dumbo our last day the CM said he hoped Emily went on the Tricero Top Spin.... those rides are so fun for little and big kids alike!

They do get the biggest kick out of them! I guess because they can control them!

more, more, more. I'm at work right now and the pictures don't come up, so I can't wait to get home and enjoy the complete (pics and all) TR.

I hope you enjoy them when you get home!! There are some really good ones! Stay tuned for more!!

 

[MegansMom]

How hilarious about Tom scaring Connor!!!! Too funny! Can't wait to hear about your African food - we almost booked it for our upcoming trip but chickened out. Maybe your review will make us put it on the list of "to try next time"? Or maybe it will make us glad we didn't pick it! Can't wait to find out . . . .

The bridge thing was too funny!! OOOOHHHH!!! Stay tuned for the Boma reviews---I don't want to give too much away, but is there ANYWAY you can fit it into this trip's ADRs???!??!?!? Definitely NOT to be missed! I am having a hard time not divulging everything right now but, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm good!

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

Jen, thanks for putting out the tissue alert for the MK day installment, I have aready been crying through half of this TR, like when you met-up with your mom in OKW lobby I was so excited for her to have her dreams coming true, I cried happy tears!!! And then again to see her face on triceritop spin she looked so happy I cried! I know I'm just so over emotional I'll probably cry a river on your MK day!!!
That was to funny how Tom tricked Conner, sound like something my DH would do!
I'm loving it! Keep up the good work!!! Deb.

 

[cherbear]

I am so glad I could make you laugh!! Like I said we hit a few bumps in the road, but things started turning around so WELL!!

I'm sure you are making EVERYONE laugh!

OKW is really nice in case anyone is wondering--especially if you stay around the HH area--so close to everything! It is a nice place to stay with or without kiddies--also VERY romantic at night-----not that Tom and I had any time for that this trip! Okay that probably sounds MUCH worse than I intended!!! OOPS! The name of the restaurant at SSR is Turf Club Bar and Grill--VERY nice! I'm telling you---if you could have seen that frog, you would have REALLY thought it was a leaf!! Especially with all the other leaves that were on the ground----------wait, do you think they were ALL frogs??!?!??!?!??!

hey we are all adults here ( I hope)

ooh, maybe they were! Ever seen a stink bug? They look like little leaves, but they certainly don't smell like leaves!

Well I am glad you understand about the delay between updates! Thanks!

no prob bob...err...Jen

It is so sweet of you to say such nice things about Tom and I! We have been together as a couple for over 15 years (high school sweethearts set up through mutual friends) and married for almost 9 years in July, and it still amazes me some times how much I LOVE him! He is like any other man that can frustrate the heck out of you one minute, and do something to completely redeem himself the next! It was so funny yesterday, he figured out how to use the webcam on his work laptop and yahoo messenger to set up a webcam from his end only. We were on the phone so I could hear him through the phone and see him through the computer. He couldn't see me of course, but I know I giggled like a little school girl the first time the webcam popped on and I began grinning from ear to ear. I was over at my Mom's house, and Kristi was sitting on the couch next to me, and she said my face was priceless! It was just nice to be able to see his face when I normally wouldn't have been able to do so!

Oh I know about the frustration all too well! And I've only been with my hubby for just over 5 years. Sometimes, it feels like 50!

How sweet about the webcam thing! I recently got unlimited text messaging on my phone and also fixed my picture sending capabilities because I couldn't send them for the longest. I've been having fun with it! So, yesterday morning, I took a self portrait of me blowing a kiss, and sent it to him with the message "I love you!"

He texted back that I was too sweet. I wish I could use a webcam at work...that would be cool!

The birthday party was A LOT of fun!! We all had a good time, and I really think Mike had a nice birthday! I think we appreciate each other so much because we have been through a LOT of really rough times in the past, and I think it has just taught us to appreciate what we have in each other and to never take our family for granted! We are always there for one another through good and bad times. Now that things are much better, we really celebrate good times!

Aww, that's so sweet! Maybe Mike will stop by and tell us about his birthday too!

It was funny how early we actually all woke up--don't think we had much of a choice there!! BUT we were all ready to go! TOO EXCITED!

Disney is the only thing I ENJOY waking up early for!!! Although, as I grow older, it gets harder and harder to do!

Maybe as I get older it will be easier to take naps in the afternoon. I still have trouble with that at Disney--I guess my adrenaline is always too HIGH!!! (like this ~~> )

It was funny when Megs announced to the whole car about the rhino butt thing--it was really quiet at that moment OF COURSE, and when I took the picture the rhino had turned just in time so I ended up with his backside. Megan saw the picture on the camera viewer and made the GRAND announcement!!

I wish I could have gotten a picture of Conner's face when Tom tricked him---too funny!!!

Hey Cheri, we will just borrow you next time we go! You can be an honorary member of the family for the trip!! SOUND GOOD!?!?!?! We had all discussed and knew from the get go that everyone would have different interests/schedules/etc. so we just went in with that mind set. If your family doesn't want to get up and go, just make sure you all have cell phones and hook up with each other once everyone gets there! It will torture you through your whole trip if you get up early and wait around until everyone is ready. That's my perspective!! HEY, do you want me to fly down and give your family the "WDW BOOT CAMP" that I put my family through?!??!

Are my expenses paid? just kidding!!! I'm SO THERE! I'll pay my portion and you can just drag me around wherever you go...I'll even let a leaf-frog (or is it frog-leaf) jump over my head!

Yes, PLEASE give them WDW boot camp! I wish that we could do something like that. The friends that are going with us (a mother and her 21 yr old daughter) seemed put off by me wanting to talk about Disney back in April, I guess because it's "too soon". It's my mom's friend, and she thinks I'm a Disney nut (well, she's RIGHT of course!) but she doesn't realize my mom is also a Disney nut! Mom just wasn't the initiator of the conversation. BUT she'd have been gung-ho about talking about it had we ACTUALLY done so!
The friend also thinks it's "not going to happen" because she's worried about transportation, but I won't go on any further b/c this is totally (sorry for the tangent! If you've been to my pre-trip you know a little bit about this already)

I just wish our friends were more excited about Disney like all of your family. Maybe when it gets closer and they are certain about the transportation they'll be ready to talk talk talk about it!

The Sprinkler was fun!! It looks like whale and spins around! Good times and GREAT memories!!!

Thanks for the kudos on the updates---stay tuned for more!

I hope you enjoy them when you get home!! There are some really good ones! Stay tuned for more!!

It's SO hot out today....I wish I had one now to run around in! I'd probably dry off in seconds!

can't wait for the next update!

The bridge thing was too funny!! OOOOHHHH!!! Stay tuned for the Boma reviews---I don't want to give too much away, but is there ANYWAY you can fit it into this trip's ADRs???!??!?!? Definitely NOT to be missed! I am having a hard time not divulging everything right now but, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm good!

ooh ooh! I am eating there in September so I'm pumped to hear this review! I hope you have good pictures!

 

[cherbear]

By the way, I love your replies and it makes me feel so special how you actually reply to everything I say! (not that I expect it...not at all, but it's so sweet!!! )

 

[MegansMom]

Jen, thanks for putting out the tissue alert for the MK day installment, I have aready been crying through half of this TR, like when you met-up with your mom in OKW lobby I was so excited for her to have her dreams coming true, I cried happy tears!!! And then again to see her face on triceritop spin she looked so happy I cried! I know I'm just so over emotional I'll probably cry a river on your MK day!!!
That was to funny how Tom tricked Conner, sound like something my DH would do!
I'm loving it! Keep up the good work!!! Deb.

Deb, thanks for all your kind words and sentiments!! I still have some finishing up to do with this AK day, but the next day is the first MK day--OH MY GOD---we will form a river with the tears for sure!!! I just hope I can make it through it to share with you all!!!

I'm sure you are making EVERYONE laugh!

Well, I am happy to brighten everyone's day if I can!! Oh how I love a good funny story!!! Especially if it is about me!! I am known to be a clutz, so I have been the center of many a funny tale in my time!

hey we are all adults here ( I hope)

That's right!!!

ooh, maybe they were! Ever seen a stink bug? They look like little leaves, but they certainly don't smell like leaves!

Can't say that I have seen a stink bug--don't think I want to now!!

no prob bob...err...Jen
Oh I know about the frustration all too well! And I've only been with my hubby for just over 5 years. Sometimes, it feels like 50!

We've been together so long that we felt like an old married couple before we were ever married!

How sweet about the webcam thing! I recently got unlimited text messaging on my phone and also fixed my picture sending capabilities because I couldn't send them for the longest. I've been having fun with it! So, yesterday morning, I took a self portrait of me blowing a kiss, and sent it to him with the message "I love you!"

He texted back that I was too sweet. I wish I could use a webcam at work...that would be cool!

Awww!!! That is too sweet too!!!

Aww, that's so sweet! Maybe Mike will stop by and tell us about his birthday too!

I hope so!! He said he has PLENTY for his share on the updates of the trip, so I hope he hops on here soon!!! I know he has been very busy with work and since he is the primary parent for the kids, he has a LOT on his plate!! I honestly don't know how he does it! MIKE--hurry up and post!!!

Disney is the only thing I ENJOY waking up early for!!! Although, as I grow older, it gets harder and harder to do!

Totally know what you mean!!! I guess vacationing at WDW does help prepare you for motherhood though! Just an FYI!!!

Maybe as I get older it will be easier to take naps in the afternoon. I still have trouble with that at Disney--I guess my adrenaline is always too HIGH!!! (like this ~~> )

You will TOTALLY look forward to a nap every once in awhile once you have kids!! You will yearn for them!

Are my expenses paid? just kidding!!! I'm SO THERE! I'll pay my portion and you can just drag me around wherever you go...I'll even let a leaf-frog (or is it frog-leaf) jump over my head!

Sounds great Cheri!!! I think what would be fun is to have a trip with just all of us who "know" one another from these boards!! What do you think gang? Wouldn't THAT be a fun trip!!!

Yes, PLEASE give them WDW boot camp! I wish that we could do something like that. The friends that are going with us (a mother and her 21 yr old daughter) seemed put off by me wanting to talk about Disney back in April, I guess because it's "too soon". It's my mom's friend, and she thinks I'm a Disney nut (well, she's RIGHT of course!) but she doesn't realize my mom is also a Disney nut! Mom just wasn't the initiator of the conversation. BUT she'd have been gung-ho about talking about it had we ACTUALLY done so!
The friend also thinks it's "not going to happen" because she's worried about transportation, but I won't go on any further b/c this is totally (sorry for the tangent! If you've been to my pre-trip you know a little bit about this already)

I just wish our friends were more excited about Disney like all of your family. Maybe when it gets closer and they are certain about the transportation they'll be ready to talk talk talk about it!

Don't worry about the rant! I can totally appreciate that--my in-laws who I went with in November were the same way! I know they had fun, but they still never really "got it!" Feel free to vent all you want anytime kiddo!


It's SO hot out today....I wish I had one now to run around in! I'd probably dry off in seconds!

can't wait for the next update!

Shut your eyes and pretend you are getting drenched at Kali rapids or Splash Mtn--maybe that will help you cool off!!!

ooh ooh! I am eating there in September so I'm pumped to hear this review! I hope you have good pictures!

Stay tuned--yum, yum, yum!!! Pics indeed!!!

By the way, I love your replies and it makes me feel so special how you actually reply to everything I say! (not that I expect it...not at all, but it's so sweet!!! )

That is SO a habit from my previous years as a high school English teacher. I used a "side-by-side" journal with my students to help them understand what they were reading, and help me understand what they understood out of what they read. They could pose questions or comments to me, and then I would go through and answer or comment in return to them. SO, I am pretty sure that is why I feel the need to respond to everyone's comments in such depth---old habit!!! Sorry!!!

 

[ampc3]

can't wait for more! Your report is great