Nothing to See Here...

[azdisneylover]

I just got caught up. Wow! Sherry, thank you for sharing with us a piece of your life. You have a way with words, like Norman Rockwell had with a paint brush. Even though there is sorrow, it is a kind sorrow. You instinctively know how to write about happiness and pain where everyone can relate. That, my dear, is a gift. I think you should ponder on putting these trip reports into some kind of book format and sell it.

I am hoping you can make it to Disneyland this coming Christmas time to add joyful memories to fade these ones out into the distance like brake lights on a lonely stretch of the highway.

I am anxiously waiting for the next installment with my That's so Goofy coffee cup filled to the brim

 

[kaoden39]

Michele -



We were tucked so far back at Goofy's that I don't think any other guests saw us, so I don't think any of them noticed "R" climbing on "M." I'm shocked that the characters even found us back there!

"M" was definitely excited to see WoD again, after not having shopped there in 10 years or whatever it was, but she was going to be at DLR for 4 more days. She could have chosen any time to go in - it didn't have to be then, when Shawn and I were waiting. The thing was, as I came to discover the next day, she passes the buck onto "R" a lot and says that HE is the one who wants to go in the stores and look. She is just following him.

Well, correct me if I'm wrong because I have no kids, but don't all little kids want to look in all stores in DLR? That's what kids do. And isn't it up to the parents to tell them yes or no, they can or cannot look in the store at that moment? Molly has often talked about hating to walk through DTD because of E possibly having "the wants" or the "I wants." Kids see stores with fun window displays and signs. They want to go in. But they don't rule the roost - the parents have to control it somewhat and not just follow the child into every store!

I gave "M" those little gifts - when I could have given one each to Molly and Laurie! Not that Molly would have really cared about them one way or the other, but Laurie certainly would have wanted them!

You I think that Virgoinab got it right with the word indulged. I do believe that he is overindulged and sometimes people overindulge their kids for different reasons. Sometimes they are an only child, a much wanted child I could go on and on. Usually those kids are brats. He reminded me of such just from those two pictures. No, my three kids are not perfect but when we were out in a restaurant or some such place they knew what was expected of them. For those moments when they were bored I carried pen and paper so they could doodle, draw or whatever. In Goofy's I never needed any such thing. They were always in awe of everything and everyone they saw.


Oh bullspit she was going into the stores for R. We didn't go into the stores with the kids. One of us usually normally Scotty would take the kids on rides or Tom Sawyers Island while the other shopped. Rarely were they allowed to run the show. Maybe I am mean but no child should run the show.


I think Molly would have loved one of them because you gave them to her. I know Laurie would have. I wonder sometimes where peoples manners have gone.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thank you, Bret. I appreciate it!

Oh, that's right - I do remember you telling me at one point that you'd been to Goofy's when it was still in its old location at DLH, pre-makeover, pre-Downtown Disney, pre-DCA, pre-GCH and all of that. Goofy's is great, but it's really the sort of place where you have to feel like you'll eat enough to make it worthwhile, just in case the characters are not abundant at that moment. It's nice to have a lot of choices at the buffet, though.

"M" was, indeed, inconsiderate that day, and when you consider the fact that this was only my first day/night seeing her - and we hadn't even made it into the parks yet - you can only imagine how things went from that point forward! Let's just say...they didn't get any better!

Those were the times before DTD, DCA, and the GCH. I still can't forget those times at the DLH with the Monorail Cafe, driving the mini remote control boats, Goofy's kitchen for breakfast, etc. I just need a reason one day to eat at GK and it will happen one day. I will eat at GK one day, maybe next year or sometime in the future. When I go to DL during my Holiday trip in November, I am looking forward to eating at the Carthay Circle Restaurant. So that will be our main restaurant that my DA and I will be eating during the November trip. That reminds me of food that I need to plan of where to eat during my WDW trip in a couple months.

After reading about "M" on that day, I thought that you should deserve better treatment after doing all of this. I'm hoping on your next update to your TR will be better than that day.

 

[Sherry E]

I just got caught up. Wow! Sherry, thank you for sharing with us a piece of your life. You have a way with words, like Norman Rockwell had with a paint brush. Even though there is sorrow, it is a kind sorrow. You instinctively know how to write about happiness and pain where everyone can relate. That, my dear, is a gift. I think you should ponder on putting these trip reports into some kind of book format and sell it.

I am hoping you can make it to Disneyland this coming Christmas time to add joyful memories to fade these ones out into the distance like brake lights on a lonely stretch of the highway.

I am anxiously waiting for the next installment with my That's so Goofy coffee cup filled to the brim

Linda -

It's good to see you back here again!

Thank you so, so much for the kind words - you are far too kind and I am probably very undeserving. But I really appreciate the compliments. I'm not sure anyone would buy anything I write. I don't know if I have anything all that interesting to say.

I, too, am hoping that a holiday 2012 trip is in my future. This year has gone by so fast - which I knew would happen and yet I still find myself shocked by it - that I honestly have not even thought about it in any real way yet. I am still sifting through the remains of last year's holiday trip via this TR. Then I got sidetracked with the Cars Land report from June and my Catalina visit last month. Next month Halloween Time begins at DLR.

Where has the year gone? I mean, I know I will get to DLR for at least one day - I will always go for at least one day during the holidays. Hopefully 2 or 3. And if possible I will do a multi-night stay. I just haven't had time or money to really sit down and map anything out. At least last year I knew I had a nifty discount for the Paradise Pier Hotel, and I had other people chipping in with me for 3 of the nights. This year, the hotel rates are higher than ever (even the discounted ones), so it is going to be hard to pull that off - especially solo, but even with other people involved.

There is another Trip Report installment coming up in the next post!!

You I think that Virgoinab got it right with the word indulged. I do believe that he is overindulged and sometimes people overindulge their kids for different reasons. Sometimes they are an only child, a much wanted child I could go on and on. Usually those kids are brats. He reminded me of such just from those two pictures. No, my three kids are not perfect but when we were out in a restaurant or some such place they knew what was expected of them. For those moments when they were bored I carried pen and paper so they could doodle, draw or whatever. In Goofy's I never needed any such thing. They were always in awe of everything and everyone they saw.


Oh bullspit she was going into the stores for R. We didn't go into the stores with the kids. One of us usually normally Scotty would take the kids on rides or Tom Sawyers Island while the other shopped. Rarely were they allowed to run the show. Maybe I am mean but no child should run the show.


I think Molly would have loved one of them because you gave them to her. I know Laurie would have. I wonder sometimes where peoples manners have gone.

Michele -

You're correct. "R" is the only child in "M's" household, and he was the much-wanted child that they thought might never come. So I think he is overindulged. Also, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and he is kind of like his mom.

I don't think you're mean. I know that kids automatically will see a store and want to go in it, but I always thought that the parents were supposed to be the ones to put their foot/feet down and say "no" on occasion. Sure, take them in a store or two, but when they are really little kids they will want to go in every store. So I think that "M" was passing the buck onto "R" by acting as though he wants to go in, so she has to follow him - when, in actuality, SHE was the one who really wanted to go in and look around (she is loves shopping in general).

I wish I could take back the two little gifts and give one to Molly and one to Laurie, but too late for that now, sadly.

Those were the times before DTD, DCA, and the GCH. I still can't forget those times at the DLH with the Monorail Cafe, driving the mini remote control boats, Goofy's kitchen for breakfast, etc. I just need a reason one day to eat at GK and it will happen one day. I will eat at GK one day, maybe next year or sometime in the future. When I go to DL during my Holiday trip in November, I am looking forward to eating at the Carthay Circle Restaurant. So that will be our main restaurant that my DA and I will be eating during the November trip. That reminds me of food that I need to plan of where to eat during my WDW trip in a couple months.

After reading about "M" on that day, I thought that you should deserve better treatment after doing all of this. I'm hoping on your next update to your TR will be better than that day.

Bret -

I've seen photos of inside Carthay Circle, and it looks so pretty. I can't wait to see if it gets a nice tree or some other decorations for the holidays. I know you'll take lots of photos!

We only have about 3 months until the holiday season starts at DLR. You're going to have a very busy few months. You've got the WDW trip, the holiday DLR trip, and then aren't you also planning on going to one of the nights of the MHP at DLR, like in early October or something?

No - nothing gets better with "M" in the next update (which will be in the post immediately following this one), and it's pretty much just downhill from there! But at least I got some photos taken in the midst of it all - not many compared to 2010, but some. Thank you for the kind words, Bret.

 

[Sherry E]

I hope that PHXscuba – and any lurkers who have been silently following along to witness the train wreck – is caught up on the TR installment from 4 days ago, because here comes another one!

The Summer heat is not my friend. It has been causing me all kinds of problems – headaches, tummy trouble, muscle cramps, etc. (no matter how much water I guzzle all day long). The other day I found myself gazing at pictures of Autumn leaves, pumpkin patches and various Christmasy scenes online, trying to will the seasons to change overnight! Lol. I was searching for various holiday Facebook Timeline cover pictures – just in case I don’t use any of my own pictures (which I usually do), I’ll have other choices. And then I started thinking, “I am so over Summer! Why isn’t it Fall yet? Unless I am literally right next to the ocean or sitting in a swimming pool, I am not a Summer person. The only purpose that Summer serves for me is to make me all the more excited for Autumn to get here!”

Yesterday I was in the store and I walked down the aisle where they normally keep the seasonal candy and knick-knacks, searching for any random pumpkin images and wondering “Why is there no Halloween stuff yet?” That’s actually not such a stretch – I have seen Halloween candy and accessories hit the shelves as early as August in the past. I don’t know what the hold-up is this year. Maybe by next week I will begin to see some Halloween candy and trick or treat buckets on display.

In any case, what better time than now to continue my Christmas Trip Report? Lol. I am singing Christmas songs to myself, trying to get in the spirit.

Aunt Betty's Weepy, Wacky, Wonderful Christmas Trip to Disneyland

(12/4/11 - 12/8/11)



Day 3 - Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - Part 1 ​

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland.




In my last Trip Report installment….we were visited by several characters at Goofy’s Kitchen; “R” climbed on “M” at the table for some play time; “M” spent way too long in World of Disney as Shawn and I waited outside in the cold for her, getting increasingly annoyed; I was asked to assist “B” in a secret mission to get “M” in front of the Winter Castle at night; “R” began getting upset at the notion of losing “M” to me for one night, but he momentarily considered that chocolate might alleviate his frustration; I discovered that the room numbers at the Disneyland Hotel are crazy, and do not seem to indicate the actual floor on which the guests are staying; “M” seemed totally disinterested in the little gifts I brought for her, except for the bath products and buttons; I elicited a very strange reaction from a Cast Member at the Paradise Pier Hotel when I asked to leave room keys for DIS’ers Molly (bumbershoot) and Laurie (DizNee Luver) to pick up at the front desk; and….I even managed to work a dancing wombat with pizza into my Trip Report!!!!!!!!!!!




Soooo…. I awoke on Tuesday morning – 12/6/11 – in probably the 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. hour. I can’t quite recall (again, this is the problem with getting to this point in the TR when my trip was 8 months ago – the memory about certain things is a little fuzzy!). I was eager to show “M” – my old Disneyland buddy of years ago – around Disneyland and California Adventure, and point out all the things that are new, and the things that I thought she would be particularly interested in. Seeing that she was excited to spot an Autopia car photo set up in the lobby near Goofy’s Kitchen – which has been there for ages – the day promised to be full of those moments, in which both “M” and little “R” would be discovering all kinds of wonderful things around the parks.

I knew this wasn’t going to be a super-early, make-it-to-Magic-Morning kind of day because I knew it would take “M” a bit longer to get herself together, but I figured we’d probably be out of the room and onward to the parks at 9:00 a.m.-ish. I assumed that her husband, son and father would meet us in the parks.

Needless to say, I figured and assumed incorrectly.

“M” had warned me via e-mail, as we were going back and forth, solidifying plans for the trip before they ever got out here, that she “still” has a hard time waking up in the morning. She has said that she doesn’t like to wake up really early, and neither does “R.” (Does any 4-year-old want to wake up early, though?) However, since she IS a mom and wife, I figured she had at least become accustomed to waking up a bit earlier than she used to in her single days. In the old days, she would keep us all waiting around for her to wake up.

I told “M” via e-mail that if she took too long in getting ready, I would just leave and go off by myself.

In fact, there was one Catalina trip in 1992, during which “M” was sleeping in the late afternoon and couldn’t manage to get herself up. So Shawn and I got tired of waiting on her and we just went down to dinner ourselves, which infuriated “M” because she was left alone to walk down the hill and meet up with us. She always expected that people would be okay with waiting on her to get up, even if she took 3 hours to get herself together.

I figured that “M’s” ‘waking up habits’ had improved a little, but were not great.

I figured wrong.

After I got out of the shower and began to get ready, I noticed that “M” was not even stirring. I thought that the noise I was making would at least make her roll over and look at the clock, and then decide that she’d better get up.

When I was just about to put the finishing touches on my face and hair, I noticed that it was in the 8:00 a.m. hour.

“M” had been asleep – or at least in bed, trying to stay asleep – for almost 10 hours. Yes, almost TEN HOURS!!! And she was not budging. We were at Disneyland, and this would be her son’s first visit to DLR; his first time setting foot inside the gates; first time meeting Mickey, etc. – and “M” was lolling around as if she was on a relaxing Maui vacation…as though she couldn’t even manage to TRY to get up. It’s not like it was 4 a.m. It was well past 8 a.m.

At some point or another, I decided to say something. I announced the time and said something like, “You might want to start getting up soon.”

“M” mumbled and said something like, “Okay.”

At around 8:20 a.m. or so, when “M” still seemed to not be moving, I began to lose my patience. To me, it just seemed like she wasn’t even trying…wasn’t trying for her son, wasn’t trying for me, etc. She likes to appear as though it is just physically impossible to get up, when she is really the only one who is preventing herself from getting up. I feel like she enjoys playing the role of “the person who can never wake up on time, who everyone teases in fun for not being able to wake up on time.” I think that I’ve read somewhere in the past that people who are perpetually late, or who cannot even make an attempt to get up early, are craving attention, and by constantly being late or slow to get moving, it keeps the spotlight on them.

Nobody likes to get up early – who wouldn’t want to stay asleep until they no longer feel sleepy? We’d all like to lounge around and never have to wake up earlier than our internal clocks want us to wake up, but we have things to accomplish and places to go. Disneyland is the sort of place where you sometimes need to get going before a certain time, so you can beat crowds, beat the lines, make it to certain shows, etc. It’s not exactly a ‘relaxing,’ carefree sort of trip for most people, unless you live locally and can get there a lot. It helps to get moving.

I can’t recall what excuse “M” gave or what thing she said in particular (from under the covers) that caused the switch to flip and Grumpy Sherry to take over, but I was so over the sleepy act at that moment…just like I am so over the heat right now! Perhaps I was getting annoyed at “M” in general because of the red flags that had been going up the day before, in addition to how she was behaving at this point, but I’d had it. I was all ready to leave.

In a very calm tone I said something along the lines of, “You know, I did ‘arrange everything’ for Goofy’s, which you acknowledged. I offered up my Annual Pass so you can get discounts on everything. I brought little presents for you. I made VIP arrangements for parade viewing tonight – and World of Color, too, if you guys want to see it – for your son to be able to see the parade without having to stand. I even told the two ladies who are showing up today that I wanted to be with my friend from Idaho, who I have not seen in 10 years, and that I couldn’t spend time with them at all today, and maybe not tomorrow either. Can’t you even try to wake up a little earlier than you might want to…for ME If not for “R,” can’t you do it for me?”

“M” said something – I can’t recall what it was – about how she was going to get up and it wouldn’t take very long, etc., etc.

Again, in a very calm voice, I said, “Yes, that’s fine but now I am already annoyed, which I was trying not to be.”

“M” looked at her phone and saw that “B” had called her at some point. She called him and they began arguing back and forth about something having to do with “R’s” clothes, and how she wasn’t there to set out his clothes for him, blah blah. “M” was going to have to go back to the Disneyland Hotel to get all of that straightened out and to bring her overnight bag back.

I could see that it was futile to get caught up in “M’s” whirlwind of chaos that was going to eat up most of the morning. Frankly, at that moment, I didn’t give a flying hairy weasel butt about who dressed “R” and whatever else was on their agenda of arguing. I had my own agenda.

While “M” was still bickering back and forth with “B” on the phone, I grabbed my bag, my sunglasses and my water bottle and opened the front door to the room.

I said, over my shoulder, “Give me a call when you guys are finally ready to actually go IN to the parks.”

“M” said in sort of a half-irritated/half-surprised voice, “Okay…” I think she had hoped that I would show her how to get back to the DLH from PPH, but it was not going to happen. Grumpy Sherry needed to hit the ground running before she ended up saying something snappier and more hostile!

I walked out and closed the door, leaving “M” in the room to continue her bicker-fest with “B.” I headed down the long hallways and to the elevators.

I probably should not have used the ‘I’ve done X, Y & Z for you; can’t you do something for ME’ tactic with “M.” That’s not really fair, because friendship isn’t supposed to be about ‘doing things’ for each other and keeping score.

But, in the old, old days – when I was younger – I probably would have ended up saying something to “M” that was worse, or that caused an argument of some kind, unleashing a tirade about all of the questionable (lousy) things she had ever done.

However, I am all grown up now, and I have evolved somewhat. I’ve learned the art of walking away before I say something I regret. I haven’t mastered that art, but I’ve learned it and can manage it on some occasions.

So I knew that in order to deal with “M” later, I needed to get my head in a happy place at that moment. I needed to calm myself. I needed to be by myself for a while so I could somehow manage to turn my mood around. I needed to turn Grumpy Sherry into Happy, Disneyland at Christmas-Loving Sherry.






Now, here’s a Pop Quiz for ya - in Part 3 of the Pre-Trip Report/Intro/Background to this Trip Report, do you remember what it is that I said helps to calm me?





Taking pictures, silly! I explained how taking lots of photos helps to calm me while keeping me focused on something. It’s both a cathartic and meditative process for me.

So this is what my plan was going to be: Get a gingerbread man cookie with mouse ears to munch on (Blood sugar? What blood sugar? Protein? Who needs Protein?), drink some coffee (ahhhh, sweet nectar of the Gods) and take PICTURES!!! Lots and lots of holiday-esque, Christmasy pictures!!!!

My favorite Christmas tree, just as glowy and beautiful as ever, awash in warm-blue green tones…this is always a beautiful sight to start my day with!

I arrived at the lines in front of the gates to Disneyland at approximately 8:40 a.m. or 8:45 a.m. The park had not officially opened yet (it was a Tuesday in early December), but we were let in a bit ahead of time.

Just seeing the sights that awaited me beyond the turnstiles made me smile. My mood was immediately better – not 100% better, but I was getting there! If I kept focused on my mission – my mission to take pictures, I could channel my energy towards something positive, rather than staying mired in negative feelings.

The bright holiday colors instantly grabbed my attention.

How can you not smile when you are greeted by this guy?

In desperate need of coffee, I high-tailed it to the Market House (so that I could get free refills later in the day if I wanted them). I was delighted to see that they had a different version of the gingerbread cookies with mouse ears – instead of the cookies' being dipped in regular chocolate with white chocolate buttons, the ears were dipped in red and there were green buttons on the body! I bought two of them – I ate one while sitting at the table, drinking coffee, and I saved the other one for later.

Even though I chose a table that was kind of tucked in the back outdoor seating area, a couple spotted me from afar and as they walked by, the man said, “Is that the gingerbread cookie with mouse ears?”

“Mm-hmmm,” I nodded as I tried to hurry and chew.

He asked where I got them and I pointed to the Market House. I added, “The ones in the Market House are different this year – red ears and green buttons instead of chocolate and white.”

For some reason I had a feeling that those people who were curious about the cookies were from the DIS – they seemed like they were familiar with the cookies, but just hadn’t seen them on that trip yet. If not from the DIS, I’d bet that they were from one of the other discussion boards.

The red chocolate on the ears was sooooooo yummy…

Here is the Photobucket Holiday Effects version of that last photo…

Having coffee and a cookie in my belly, I decided to whip out the camera and start pounding the pavement.

A nearby window display…I just love window displays…

​

Around this time I text messaged Shawn (who was at work) to let her know that “M” was still back in the room because she didn’t want to wake up, and that I had walked off and left her there.

I said, “The more things change, the more they stay the same, right?”

Shawn said, “You think I like getting up at 4 a.m. to get ready for work? Sometimes you have to get up early!”

I said, “I would have been okay if 'M' was at least ready to get in the shower when I was done in the bathroom…but she was still in bed. It looked like it was going to be another 2 hours before she was ready to leave the room. This is 'R's' first day at Disneyland and she can’t get out of bed!”


After exchanging a couple of texts back and forth, Shawn asked what I was doing right then and what I was going to do until “M” got there.

I typed, with a giggle – because I knew that Shawn would find none of this interesting - “Well, I just ate a gingerbread cookie with ears and took some pictures of windows. I’m off to find more windows, look for a sewing machine display and take pictures of decorations. That kind of thing. You know me – living la vida loca.”


Maybe the idea of looking for sewing machine displays and taking photos of decorations doesn’t sound like fun – or normal – to most people, but for me it was just what I needed at that moment!!




Coming up next, in Part 2 of Day 3…Pictures Pictures Pictures! The photo spree during my golden “M’-less time continues!! It’s a photo-palooza (for a short time, anyway)!

 

[kaoden39]

I love the window displays!!!



Not thrilled with M. I am usually up hours ahead of everyone else while we are on vacation. Especially at Disneyland. And Shaun is right, sometimes we have to pull up our big girl pants and do things. Like grow up?


I always look forward to your story telling and your photos, I think with what you went through this trip you needed to wait this time to post it.



I noticed that Sam's club is getting their Halloween stuff in.

 

[Sherry E]

How is it possible that I could give you two new installments in one day? Well, I’ll tell you! You may even get lucky and see a third installment later tonight!

First of all, I knew this installment would be photos only – no story to write. The ‘story’ part of the TR is on hold until “M” finally gets out of bed and meets up with me a bit later.

Secondly, Photobucket is acting all kinds of screwy because they are making changes to their format and their log-in page wasn’t working when I tried to get in after posting the last installment earlier today. I kept getting an “error” message. I finally had to log in through their “new” version – which I instantly hated – and that log-in worked fine, with no errors. Then, I had to tell it to “switch back” to the old version, and then I had to answer questions about why I didn’t like the new version, and then I had to tell it to switch back again until I finally got to my albums in the format to which I have become accustomed.

Hmmm…do I detect that Photobucket is trying to force people into choosing their new layout by preventing them from logging in to the old version? That makes me soooooo mad. I pay for this particular account and it ticks me off when I cannot easily log in. I wanted to think it was just a technical glitch that occurred in the process of their transition to a new format, and that Photobucket didn’t really intend for people to not be able to log in the old way. But I have my doubts…I kind of think it is a sneaky way of getting people to look at their stupid, blankety-blank new format.

In any case, the bottom line is that I have no clue when or IF I will be able to log in to Photobucket the next time I try, and I figured I’d better crank out another all-photo installment while I can still access my photos!

Aunt Betty's Weepy, Wacky, Wonderful Christmas Trip to Disneyland

(12/4/11 - 12/8/11)



Day 3 - Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - Part 2 ​

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la…




In my last Trip Report installment, I grew impatient with “M,” who was basically behaving like a teenager who didn’t want to get out of bed and go to school. She seemed to exhibit absolutely no incentive to get up and get into the parks so she could see her son’s face light up with joy upon stepping through those gates, let alone beat some of the crowds. I didn’t want to be held back, so I left her in the PPH room and took to the magical streets of Disneyland on a solo quest to get gingerbread cookies with mouse ears and start a photo spree! This was the only way to get my mood back on track.

Continuing on with the window displays…

The ever-present sewing machine display, which Deejdigsdis made famous in her trip reports. This display changes for the seasons and/or holidays, so it will have a different color scheme for Halloween Time, Spring, etc.

One of the 700 (or more) Christmas trees of all sizes, scattered around DLR…

Deejdigsdis got a picture almost exactly like this one on her holiday trip last year. Again, just like the pictures of the decorations in the Blue Ribbon Bakery, I had no clue what Deej had taken photos of as I had not seen her photos at the time my trip started, and she had no idea what I was going to take photos of. We just honed in on the same things! That’s one small reason why I didn’t want my holiday TR going at the same time as some other DIS’ers holiday TR’s were in progress – I didn’t want our readers to look at one TR or the other and think, “Didn’t I just see all of these pictures in the other TR's?” Lol.

Coming up next, in Part 3 of Day 3…PhotoPalooza continues!!!

 

[kaoden39]

I love the tree that had the fishing lures as ornaments! So something I have never thought to do!

I swear I am going to do a kitchen with Mickey stuff! First I need to get rid of the ugly wall paper I have now. I think a red ceiling would be really cool!!


I don't know what's in that jar behind the beans but I hope it's fruit! So many awful things that it could be. I must be getting in the mood for Halloween!!


A couple of these window displays give me ideas that I may incorporate in our decorations. We always decorate the same and I am starting to lose the spirit during Christmas.



Disney loves their wreaths don't they? I mean seriously? They incorporate them everywhere!


Can you imagine having the job to make the bows? My hands would freeze in place!! If I see someone with frozen hands in November when we are in the parks I will ask if they are a bow maker!!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret -

I've seen photos of inside Carthay Circle, and it looks so pretty. I can't wait to see if it gets a nice tree or some other decorations for the holidays. I know you'll take lots of photos!

We only have about 3 months until the holiday season starts at DLR. You're going to have a very busy few months. You've got the WDW trip, the holiday DLR trip, and then aren't you also planning on going to one of the nights of the MHP at DLR, like in early October or something?

No - nothing gets better with "M" in the next update (which will be in the post immediately following this one), and it's pretty much just downhill from there! But at least I got some photos taken in the midst of it all - not many compared to 2010, but some. Thank you for the kind words, Bret.

Even though I haven't seen the inside of the Carthay Circle Restaurant during my last two trips, my DA and I do plan on eating there during our November trip. I will remember to get a lot of pics inside the restaurant and possibly some Christmas decorations.

Can't believe we are about 3 months till the holiday season at the DLR. It is going to be very busy these next three months. I got my WDW trip and the holiday trip to the DLR. Sorry to say this that I am not going to the DLR during the Halloween season. Since I am going to be missing a lot of basketball practices before the season starts in late November, I can't go on a trip to the DLR. I can't believe I said that, but with those two trips, I had to make a sacrifice in one of them. So I will have to wait till next year to go back to the DLR for MHP.

Your welcome. I'm hoping that it doesn't sound as bad as you say it is.


Very nice that you were able to do two TR installments on the same day. Great pictures of the window displays during the Holiday season on MS and of course the flowers & wreaths .

That is really bad that "M" didn't get up early that morning which 8am is not that early in the morning when DL opens at 9am on Tuesday during your trip. I know that it can be frustrating that you want to get to the park first thing in the morning while other members of your party are not even ready to go. I know that you are trying to be patient, but sometimes you have to do what is best for you.

I will always enjoy your TR's.

 

[Sherry E]

Yes, it is a THIRD installment from me in the same day! Woo hoo! I may very well run out of Christmas songs from which to pull verses at the rapid pace I’m keeping! At this rate I may even be done with this beast of a TR by, oh…Halloween. Lol. (It will be well before Halloween, don’t worry!)


Michele and Bret – I’ll reply to your posts tomorrow. As I mentioned in my previous installment, I wanted to crank out a few installments in one sitting because I am so paranoid about Photobucket suddenly making it impossible to log in from any angle. I don’t know what they have up their sleeves, but I don’t like it after not being able to log in earlier tonight.!

Aunt Betty's Weepy, Wacky, Wonderful Christmas Trip to Disneyland

(12/4/11 - 12/8/11)



Day 3 - Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - Part 3 ​

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.





In my last Trip Report installment, it was photos, photos and more photos! I continued on my solo picture-taking spree as “M” and her family did whatever they were doing that I didn’t want to be a part of .

Continuing on with the PhotoPalooza…

The festive candy cane display, which I first spotted in one of Deejdigsdis’ posts a couple of years back. She is blazing a trail at DLR, discovering sewing machine displays and candy cane arrangements! She’s a groundbreaker in the window display arena!

Coming up next, in Part 4 of Day 3…Grumpy Sherry’s PhotoPalooza rages on!!!

 

[Sherry E]

I know you may wonder to what you owe the good fortune of having a FOURTH installment of this TR from me in one single day! Lol. It is rather remarkable, isn’t it? Don’t worry – this TR will go back to ‘story mode’ when “M” re-enters the scene a couple of posts down the road.

Aunt Betty's Weepy, Wacky, Wonderful Christmas Trip to Disneyland

(12/4/11 - 12/8/11)



Day 3 - Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - Part 4 ​

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,
He was made of snow but the children know
How he came to life one day…






In my last Trip Report installment, it was all photos, all the time – nothing more; nothing less!! This will be more of the same.

More window displays…

Coming up next, in Part 5 of Day 3, I mosey down to Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up to continue my photo mission…and I finally get a call from “M.”

 

[PHXscuba]

OK, knock me over ... FOUR installments in one day??!? I am in photo heaven! I love how Main Street incorporates Victorian and Mickey subtle-ly together. Of course I was drooling over the candy cane arrangements.

As for fall coming, count me in. We are in monsoon season, which means it's still over 100 and nearly-nightly thunderstorms, so it's humid too. But I did buy candy corn at Walmart last Friday, which lasted about 24 hours after my gaggle of kids saw it.

As for M, I think you were right to leave when you realized she wasn't getting up quickly, and that even when she did it would be awhile while she sorted out her son, husband, and father. I'm not fond of getting up early, but I will when there is something worth getting up for. In fact, on my "relaxing vacation to Maui" next month, I'm getting up early at least three times, no joke. Good for you to use your "solo time" to both calm you down and sneak in photos you wanted to take. I can only imagine trying to take them with M and family in tow!

PHXscuba

 

[Sherry E]

I love the window displays!!!



Not thrilled with M. I am usually up hours ahead of everyone else while we are on vacation. Especially at Disneyland. And Shaun is right, sometimes we have to pull up our big girl pants and do things. Like grow up?


I always look forward to your story telling and your photos, I think with what you went through this trip you needed to wait this time to post it.



I noticed that Sam's club is getting their Halloween stuff in.

Michele -

Thank you so much.

Of course, there were lots of other factors in delaying this TR so long - not just because the trip left a bad taste in my mouth - but I think it was not meant to be to start it earlier.

Thank the heavens that Sam's Club is getting Halloween stuff in! At least someone has some sense! I was beginning to think the world had gone mad when I didn't see one trace of Halloween in Ralphs the other day. Usually, places like CVS Drugstore will begin to get in their Halloween candy in late August, so I'm hoping that will show up in the next week or so. I just like to see signs of the season - even if I don't buy one bit of candy or one single Halloween decoration, I like to see all of the cute things and know that Halloween - or at least Fall - is right around the corner.

I will literally do a happy dance when I see the first big pile of leaves on the ground outside, and feel the first Autumn breeze. I will shout from the rooftops when I see the first pumpkins on neighbors' doorsteps. It will be day of celebration when I put on the first sweater of the season simply because I feel chilled enough to do so.

It's hard to believe that, back in December, I was walking around my apartment wearing 3 sweaters and 2 pairs of pants because it was coooooold in here, and yet now I am cursing the Summer heat for making me ill! I cannot get comfortable. I don't mind piling on the sweaters because at least I can get comfy and cozy at the end of the layering. There are always ways to warm up. In Summer, it's hard to get comfortable and to stay cool.

I saw on the news today that one Russian city has been "cold" this summer, averaging about 59 degrees per day and 40 degrees at night.

I have never wanted to move to Russia as much as I do right at this moment.

Anyway, yes, the window displays in Disneyland (not so much in California Adventure, but we'll see what they do this year on Buena Vista Street) are some of my favorite aspects of the holiday season. They add so much color and texture, but I think people don't even realize it. It's kind of subtle, or kind of 'in the background' and not so much on the forefront.

It would have been okay if "M" at least appeared to be getting up and getting in the shower after I was done. Sure, it would have taken her a while to be finished, but it would have been something. My main annoyance came from the fact that she wasn't even making an effort. She was still in bed, 10 hours later.

Seriously, unless you are ill or somehow immobile and incapacitated, who sleeps for 10 hours when they are at DLR, and when this is going to be their son's first trip to DLR? I mean, in my opinion, if you go somewhere like DLR that is out of your normal routine, you make adjustments. All of us have had to get up at certain times during trips or vacations when we didn't want to get up, because we were in a place that was different from our home and our city and we wanted to see what there was to see! Maybe a trip to Hawaii would be more relaxing, and would facilitate lounging around a lot. A trip to DLR is not a 'lounging around' type of trip!

I love the tree that had the fishing lures as ornaments! So something I have never thought to do!

I swear I am going to do a kitchen with Mickey stuff! First I need to get rid of the ugly wall paper I have now. I think a red ceiling would be really cool!!


I don't know what's in that jar behind the beans but I hope it's fruit! So many awful things that it could be. I must be getting in the mood for Halloween!!


A couple of these window displays give me ideas that I may incorporate in our decorations. We always decorate the same and I am starting to lose the spirit during Christmas.

Disney loves their wreaths don't they? I mean seriously? They incorporate them everywhere!


Can you imagine having the job to make the bows? My hands would freeze in place!! If I see someone with frozen hands in November when we are in the parks I will ask if they are a bow maker!!

Michele -

I think it must be fruit in the jar. I'm sure it's easier to determine in person but the angle I got doesn't really help!

I know I couldn't be making bows all day long - my hand cramps up if I try to open a window!

The wreaths are abundant at DLR, but much like the Christmas trees some of them are much prettier than others. Some of them look like your average, basic wreath, and then others have really great colors and knick knacks on them (like at the Reindeer Round-Up).

Carnation Cafe used to have a really gorgeous wreath with fake, deep red (like crimson) carnations covering it. Now that they have added the indoor space I wonder if the wreath will be there again this year.

The fishing lure ornaments are a very clever idea, indeed. There is also a tree at White Water Snacks in the GCH that has little canoes and other things hanging on it. Some of the mini-trees at the Round-Up have some great, theme-appropriate ornaments like small stuffed reindeer, etc.

I think a red ceiling would be perfect for a Mickey-themed kitchen! And it seems like Mickey kitchen accessories are abundant these days - heck, you can even buy Method hand soap in a Mickey or Minnie-shaped dispenser now - whether in the parks or in regular stores. I use a Mickey pizza cutter! I would think that a Mickey kitchen would be one of the easiest rooms to Mickey-fy.

I love decorating for Christmas whenever I get the chance. Of course, I can't do much of it here at home because the apartment is small and there isn't really a good place for a tree. Do you know that there are places that you can order trees online and they will ship them to you (real trees, not fake ones)? That's the kind of place I would use if I had a good place for a tree, and a full array of decorations. Well, I like the ritual of going out to a lot and picking a tree in person, but without a car it is hard to pull off! Also, I don't have any Christmas lights, and I think lights are essential to decorating. But whenever I am anywhere that I can decorate with what's on hand (like at my old job), I start putting the stuff up as soon as Thanksgiving hits.

That's probably exactly why I appreciate holiday decorations so much - because I don't decorate at home every year, and so I don't get bored with it or burn out on it. If I were in your shoes I might be losing Christmas spirit too!

Even though I haven't seen the inside of the Carthay Circle Restaurant during my last two trips, my DA and I do plan on eating there during our November trip. I will remember to get a lot of pics inside the restaurant and possibly some Christmas decorations.

Can't believe we are about 3 months till the holiday season at the DLR. It is going to be very busy these next three months. I got my WDW trip and the holiday trip to the DLR. Sorry to say this that I am not going to the DLR during the Halloween season. Since I am going to be missing a lot of basketball practices before the season starts in late November, I can't go on a trip to the DLR. I can't believe I said that, but with those two trips, I had to make a sacrifice in one of them. So I will have to wait till next year to go back to the DLR for MHP.

Your welcome. I'm hoping that it doesn't sound as bad as you say it is.


Very nice that you were able to do two TR installments on the same day. Great pictures of the window displays during the Holiday season on MS and of course the flowers & wreaths .

That is really bad that "M" didn't get up early that morning which 8am is not that early in the morning when DL opens at 9am on Tuesday during your trip. I know that it can be frustrating that you want to get to the park first thing in the morning while other members of your party are not even ready to go. I know that you are trying to be patient, but sometimes you have to do what is best for you.

I will always enjoy your TR's.

Bret -

Thank you.

I did four TR installments in one day! Woo hoo! Photobucket was acting too crazy for me to risk waiting until today to try to copy IMG codes.

That's too bad that you won't be making a DLR Halloween trip this year, but I think it will be fine. The WDW trip will more than make up for missing DLR. I hope that you don't feel too bad about it. I have a feeling that once you start seeing the Halloween Time pictures showing up you will feel bad about not going this year. Honestly, I don't think you'll be missing much. It doesn't sound like there are going to be any major Halloween happenings in DCA and I think it will be pretty much the same in Disneyland. So I don't think it will matter much if you miss a DLR Halloween trip this one year, whereas the holiday season will offer some new things to see. You will be enjoying WDW's Halloween festivities, and you'll be back at DLR for the holidays, and that's way more than a lot of people get to do in 5 or 10 years, let alone in one year!

I knew I wouldn't be able to get "M" to be ready in time to get to DL when it opened, but as I mentioned to Michele above, it would have been nice to at least see "M" out of bed when I was done in the bathroom, and to see her at least making an effort to get up. She was in bed for 10 hours. Under that circumstance, unless she was sick (which she was not), it should have been no problem at all to get out of bed in the 7 a.m. hour.

Well, the last few posts have been photos only. But soon we are coming to the part in my TR where I rejoin "M" and her family and attempt to accomplish something in Disneyland. Easier said than done.

 

[Sherry E]

OK, knock me over ... FOUR installments in one day??!? I am in photo heaven! I love how Main Street incorporates Victorian and Mickey subtle-ly together. Of course I was drooling over the candy cane arrangements.

As for fall coming, count me in. We are in monsoon season, which means it's still over 100 and nearly-nightly thunderstorms, so it's humid too. But I did buy candy corn at Walmart last Friday, which lasted about 24 hours after my gaggle of kids saw it.

As for M, I think you were right to leave when you realized she wasn't getting up quickly, and that even when she did it would be awhile while she sorted out her son, husband, and father. I'm not fond of getting up early, but I will when there is something worth getting up for. In fact, on my "relaxing vacation to Maui" next month, I'm getting up early at least three times, no joke. Good for you to use your "solo time" to both calm you down and sneak in photos you wanted to take. I can only imagine trying to take them with M and family in tow!

PHXscuba

PHX-

I had a feeling you'd be pleased with me - not only did I do 4 installments in one day, but I've done a total of 5 TR installments since this past Friday! Woo hoo! (Not sure if you caught the one from Friday, in which we met characters at Goofy's; "M" had Shawn and me waiting for her to finish up in World of Disney; and she didn't appear to really care about the gifts I gave her.)

The decorations and displays on Main Street are an interesting combination of whimsical, modern and vintage, aren't they? Some of the decorations - like some of the ornaments on display - are quite beautiful, while other things are just really fun and cute.

Over 100 degrees where you are... I could not take it. It was probably no more than 90 here a couple of days ago - maybe 88 or 89 degrees - but the heat felt so sharp and heavy. It felt like it was warmer than that. I was out running an errand (which, fortunately, included getting some cold Dreyer's Orange Cream sherbet), and my face was beet red before I walked in the store - not all from sunburn, mind you, but also from overheating and getting flushed. I looked in the mirror and my face was super, super red. It faded a little bit later in the day. But I had to go in the store like that, with a bright red tomato face.

When I got home, I was sick to my stomach and headache-y, and my legs had terrible muscle cramps - all signs of dehydration and heat-related illness, except for that I drink water all the time. I had to keep ice packs on my legs. Thank the heavens for ice packs/gel packs - I use them for headaches and leg/muscle cramps. I will even put a pack on my hand if my hand cramps up too.

Enough with Summer already. While there are things I like about Summer - flowers, beaches/oceans, pools, BBQ's, picnics, the smell of certain sunscreen - the heat is just too much for me.

Yep, I had to leave "M" in the room. I was already losing my patience with her after just being with her the preceding day. Since she seemed to have no problem at all keeping Shawn and me waiting for her while she gallivanted through World of Disney the night before, and it seemed to 'slip her mind' that she had offered to treat me to Goofy's Kitchen, I was getting increasingly annoyed and realizing that things had not changed from how they used to be. She hadn't even begun to get herself together in the 8 a.m. hour, so it was going to take forever for her to take a shower, go to the DLH to drop off her stuff, round up the menfolk, eat breakfast and whatever else. I was not going to hang around for all of that. I had things to do! I had sewing machine displays and candy cane arrangements to conquer!

 

[azdisneylover]

Sherry,
You are too modest about your writing skills (talent). When reading your TR, I feel like I am strolling down Main Street, peering into the windows with you! The photos are awesome. It would be totally awesome if you could somehow add the music and sounds of Main Street/DL to your TR, heck, if you could make an audio TR that would be so cool. The pictures of all the goodies, especially the decorated gingerbread, makes me want to bake up a few batches of treats, but the heat here slaps me back into reality.

I am surprised your friend 'M' could stay in bed for that long of time without her back hurting. I am doubly surprised that 'M' isn't up before the crack of dawn to check on her child since she didn't think she wouldn't have a child and getting the child ready for DL. To each their own, I guess. I do know, children learn by actions, and she is teaching her child some lessons I wouldn't want my children to learn.

I really loved the picture of the gingerbread men (red Mickey ears and green buttons) with the candy cane border. That could be turned into a post card! It is awesome.

I saw the 4 additions to the trip report, and I am now waiting for 4 more! No turning back now, you have spoiled us!

 

[Sherry E]

Random things:

1. I forgot to mention that I did, indeed, use that $25 Amazon gift card that I won a while back to buy the updated version of the "Disneyland Encyclopedia"...and a new flash drive (I can never have enough memory cards or flash/thumb drives);

2. This year has been a product testing bonanza for me. It's been one product after another. I just got done with a wave of product testing for various places I do surveys for, and now I have two new products - a tube of Sensodyne toothpaste and a jar of a new kind of Planters Peanut Butter - to test! (Why couldn't Dreyer's need people to test out their Peppermint Stick ice cream before it hits the shelves?); and

3. I just got an e-mail from Chase, letting me know that they are once again attaching some perks to the Disney Debit Card. I've kept the card itself since the perks and rewards were taken away last year, simply because it hadn't expired yet and I need a debit card. But now that they are putting some perks back into the deal, they are automatically sending me an updated version of the debit card - and there will be no annual fee, which is great! Anyway, it seems like most of the perks that were there before are back, but there is no Rewards program this time, from what I can see. So no Disney dollars earned, sadly. The Rewards were the main reason I got the card in the first place. But oh well. As long as they aren't trying to charge me for replacing my card (which I didn't request), then if they want to give me a free 5x7 character meet & greet photo, that's cool!

Sherry,
You are too modest about your writing skills (talent). When reading your TR, I feel like I am strolling down Main Street, peering into the windows with you! The photos are awesome. It would be totally awesome if you could somehow add the music and sounds of Main Street/DL to your TR, heck, if you could make an audio TR that would be so cool. The pictures of all the goodies, especially the decorated gingerbread, makes me want to bake up a few batches of treats, but the heat here slaps me back into reality.

I am surprised your friend 'M' could stay in bed for that long of time without her back hurting. I am doubly surprised that 'M' isn't up before the crack of dawn to check on her child since she didn't think she wouldn't have a child and getting the child ready for DL. To each their own, I guess. I do know, children learn by actions, and she is teaching her child some lessons I wouldn't want my children to learn.

I really loved the picture of the gingerbread men (red Mickey ears and green buttons) with the candy cane border. That could be turned into a post card! It is awesome.

I saw the 4 additions to the trip report, and I am now waiting for 4 more! No turning back now, you have spoiled us!

Linda -

Again, thank you for your kind comments and compliments. I really appreciate it!

You are not kidding about the heat slapping you back into reality - every time I have to put something in the oven, I hate it. I hate being in or near the kitchen when the oven is on in the Summer. In fact, this computer is right next to the window and I hate sitting here because the sun is piercing through the glass and drapes.

I wish I could embed a musical chip in each TR installment that would not only give you the sounds of what was happening in each area of the parks or hotels, but would also play a snippet of the Christmas song or poem I am quoting! It would be a TR and a soundtrack - all in one!

That picture of the gingerbread men with the border was something I did when Photobucket was offering a "holiday effects" editing tool for about 2 or 3 weeks last year (except that it was gone by Christmas). I created several versions of different photos with different effects and borders, solely for the purpose of possible future projects, such as Christmas cards, calendars, collages, or something. I always think about what I could possibly do with pictures down the road - turn them into gifts or whatever - and I like to experiment with different effects. Anyway, I'm glad you like the picture!

At one point "M" told me that her son, "R," doesn't like waking up early either. Do any kids like waking up early? I think "M" is the one who can't get herself up - I think what bugs me is that she acts as though it is beyond her control, and that she can't help it. We all know that's not the case. Again, unless someone is ill or incapacitated, everyone should be able to get out of bed after 10 hours!!!

I know - can you believe I did 4 TR installments in one day, or 5 installments total since last Friday? Madness!!

We are getting very close to "Aunt Betty" (from my TR title) being revealed at some point very soon, in a near future installment!! TK and Deejdigsdis should be happy about that!

 

[rentayenta]

Your holiday photos make me miss Disneyland terribly.....especially when I don't have a trip planned. I love love love Disneyland during the holidays.

 

[Sherry E]

Your holiday photos make me miss Disneyland terribly.....especially when I don't have a trip planned. I love love love Disneyland during the holidays.

Jenny -

I know what you mean. It's very special.

There was a period of time - basically, 2002 through 2006 - when I didn't go to DLR at all, let alone for the holidays. After a while I got used to not going, but then, when I returned, I knew I couldn't stay away for that long again.

Now, if a year ever came up in which I couldn't make it to DLR at all during the holiday season, I would really feel the loss. It sounds stupid to most non-Disney loving folks, I know! Even if I just went for one day only and didn't stay in a hotel, I feel like it would be something...which is better than nothing. My year would not feel complete without a holiday trip of some kind.

I could even skip Halloween Time for a year or two if I had to - in fact, I skipped it in 2010 - but the holiday season is too special to miss. And for me, because I don't have the 'traditional' holiday celebrations for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is really my one holiday tradition - going to DLR!


Are you proud of me that I walked off and left "M" in the hotel room because she was slugging along? She's not out of the story yet - she will return, and then things start going downhill fast - but at least I got away to take some photos and get my head in a happy place for a while!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret -

Thank you.

I did four TR installments in one day! Woo hoo! Photobucket was acting too crazy for me to risk waiting until today to try to copy IMG codes.

That's too bad that you won't be making a DLR Halloween trip this year, but I think it will be fine. The WDW trip will more than make up for missing DLR. I hope that you don't feel too bad about it. I have a feeling that once you start seeing the Halloween Time pictures showing up you will feel bad about not going this year. Honestly, I don't think you'll be missing much. It doesn't sound like there are going to be any major Halloween happenings in DCA and I think it will be pretty much the same in Disneyland. So I don't think it will matter much if you miss a DLR Halloween trip this one year, whereas the holiday season will offer some new things to see. You will be enjoying WDW's Halloween festivities, and you'll be back at DLR for the holidays, and that's way more than a lot of people get to do in 5 or 10 years, let alone in one year!

I knew I wouldn't be able to get "M" to be ready in time to get to DL when it opened, but as I mentioned to Michele above, it would have been nice to at least see "M" out of bed when I was done in the bathroom, and to see her at least making an effort to get up. She was in bed for 10 hours. Under that circumstance, unless she was sick (which she was not), it should have been no problem at all to get out of bed in the 7 a.m. hour.

Well, the last few posts have been photos only. But soon we are coming to the part in my TR where I rejoin "M" and her family and attempt to accomplish something in Disneyland. Easier said than done.

That is very great that you were able to do four TR installments in one day. I can understand that you want to write up and post pictures from your TR since there could be problems with photobucket.

I have no problem missing the DLR during the Halloween season especially when I will be going to WDW during the Halloween season and EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Just this WDW trip alone will make up for missing the DLR during the Halloween season. The only thing I am looking forward to during the Halloween season is what kind of decorations will be up at DCA this year. With it's completion, I can expect some Halloween decorations on BVS. I am looking forward to the Holiday season at the DLR this year with DCA getting some new decorations. Thank you Sherry.

She should have no problem getting up that morning especially with 10 hours of sleep. "M" should have at least made an effort of getting up that morning especially when she and her family are at the "Happiest Place on Earth".

I'm hoping that this will be a better update.

 

[tksbaskets]

So much fun…you may regret that I started taking notes so I could comment on all the fun!

I hear you Sherry about summer just being the season to get you excited for fall/winter. This summer has been unseasonably warm as well making me doubly excited for fall. Our craft store did have a little aisle full of Halloween decorations today – YEAH.


Singing along with you…frolicking and playing the Eskimo way of course.
There is a time for sleeping in my friend and a trip to DL is NOT IT! I must admit some of our recent trips have been less ridged, but never when magic mornings are calling. I have to tell you when my boys were 4 I dreamed of them sleeping past 7am so waking up early at Disney was not an issue. I SO would have been out the door at 8 am heading to my happy place if my slug of a friend was a mumbling mound under the covers. Grrrr. Can I say I’m glad you spoke up for yourself?

I was smiling at the Disney CM who was waving and even more when I saw my beloved Gingerbread Mickey cookies. That is a sure way to get rid of a “M” induced funk! LOVE the photobucket version of your twin Mickey cookies.

Fa-la-la – another installment! I love the tree with the antique looking fishing lures.

mmmm….with every Christmas card I write….THREE installments! Jackpot! PhotoPalooza is great! I think my favorite of installment 3 was the wooden Indian with the festive shops in the background.

Thumpity Thump – FOUR. WOW. LOVE the glass snowman picture!

Thank you for an incredibly enjoyable evening with your TR and followers/follow-up reporting. Inquiring minds waiting to see what time M finally stumbled into DL.

YOUR PICTURES ROCK!