Oh the Pressure to do a PTR -- We're Home & Surprise Video up on Facebook

[TarzansKat]

Love the impromptu engagement photos! :

And you are having oodles of DIS meets, aren't you? I'm just another check mark.

 

[Poolrat]

In the meantime, it is hard to believe that four years ago today, I lost the first man I ever loved...my Dad. And I remember all the great support I got from my friends here on the DIS.

Thinking of you Kathy.

 

[Poolrat]

How great that you got to meet Dan, Candi, Parker and Noelle.

 

[jenseib]

Those pictures are so fun. I like that. I know when I took Paige's senior pictures she was happy with hers because they were different than many of her friends.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

it was great meeting you as well, glad you could get away for a little bit and visit us...and thanks again for the shirts they were very cute and thoughtful...

i have more pics i will send to you when i get them unloaded from the camera.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Hi Kathy, still need to go back and get caught up, just dropping by for a quick hi and will be back soon to read all that's been going on!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I met Dan and the family over at the Milennium Park where the kids were having a blast in the Spitting Fountain. As any good DISer knows, if there is no picture, it didn't happen.

Awesome! I hear Chicago is a great place for DIS-meets.

I brought the kids "Mickey Chicago shirts" and Parker insisted on putting his on as they were leaving the park to head to the Zoo.

My kids still love their Disney Chicago shirts, by the way.

 

[solana131]

Where have I been?? No idea how I missed so much, but here goes...

Love the "fake" engagement pictures. I love the shot from above with them kissing and the brick in the background. That "amateur" photographer should make it professional...they are great!

Yay! For Be our Guest ressies! Can't wait to see some reviews of that one!

Looks like a great DISmeet! I wish more people lived around here...lots of DISmeets all over, but none close enough for me to drive to

Hmm...what else did I miss?? Oh well, I will try to do better now that things at work have slowed down a bit.

 

[Millie12591]

In the meantime, it is hard to believe that four years ago today, I lost the first man I ever loved...my Dad. And I remember all the great support I got from my friends here on the DIS.

We're all here for you Ms. Kat.

So as I mentioned in my previous post, I had a surprise I was sneaking out of the office for (so those replies to all your posts will take a little longer because I do have to work for a living ).

I met Dan and the family over at the Milennium Park where the kids were having a blast in the Spitting Fountain. As any good DISer knows, if there is no picture, it didn't happen.

Pardon how awful I look...the sun was bright and I should have put my sunglasses on.

I brought the kids "Mickey Chicago shirts" and Parker insisted on putting his on as they were leaving the park to head to the Zoo. Dan sent me a picture, but my phone is being slow in sending it to me so I'll post it as soon as I can get it downloaded to Photobucket.

Dan, it was great meeting you and I am so excited that we could do this. Please let us know the next time you are in town so we can do it again.


****Picture added

Great idea to meet with them!! The kids are beyond adorable, and I love the picture of you and Dan together. You don't look awful, I thought you looked very pretty. Loooooving the shirt you wore, you need to wear that on an AK day on your next trip.

The shirts are such a sweet idea, where did you find those?!?

Now that I'm caught up....So glad the BOG debacle is resolved. I think you'll be one of the first people to give a report on it so I can't wait to hear about that.

Loooove the "engagement pictures." They look like they had a great time doing them. I think I'm with everyone else, the train tracks and 1st wrestling pic are my favs.

As for your dress, I'm right there with you and Nikki, no sense buying something that will need work and that you had to settle for. You're thinking smart to wait unitl the start of the year when all the spring stuff starts coming in, I'm sure you'll more than find the dress you're looking for. Probably several in fact. No matter what you'll find you'll be beautiful, so no worries there.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

well since i dont have any PreTR or TR's going i thought i would share the rest of the pics from yesterday. (I hope you dont mind Kathy)


As she said we were up in Chicago yesterday to celebrate Noelle's birthday...

The kids waiting for there special guest to arrive at the spitting fountains/splash pool in Millenium park

took her a few minutes to warm up to the pool area.

all better now

as we are playing i notice out of the corner of my eye a lady walking over with a disney bag, had to be none other than mrs. kathy

she came bearing gifts for the kids...i told her that was not necessary and she shouldnt have done that.
she insisted that she loved to do it.

parker loved his shirt...as soon as he got out of the water, he insisted that he wear it instead of the shirt he was wearing.

and noelle liked hers as well.

she wasnt too sure about her yet, but did go over and give her a smile.

while kathy and i chatted about her upcoming trip and this and that...the kids went and played a little more, (relax marv that is candis bikini top under her outfit...i know you would go there.)

noelles face in that last one cracks me up...like you arent impressing me parker with your running around.

time to go back and see the nice lady who brought me a disney shirt.

parker realized that he could jump in the water and get the bottom of kathys feet wet...notice her hands on her hips and the look she gave him(again sorry about that)

she thought she could just back up a little but i think he still got her.
good thing it was warm out and i hope your pants dried before you got back to work from your "Coffee" break.

but not before noelle warmed up to her and let her hold her.
she must have liked you as she normally trys to push away from people holding her unless she is really comfy with them.

at first when she walked over to kathy to pick her up she said ohh all get wet sweetie, but then said ahh what the heck and picked her up anyway...i guess it was Noelle's charm that won out.

sadly our time came to an end, and she had to go back to work...we had a great rest of our day trip, walking up the zoo with a stop at the disney store, picnic, walk along the beach, and a cookout at my BIL's place.

thanks for letting me hijack your report kathy.

 

[MEK]

I hesistated reading your latest post because I can't see your pictures right now. But even without pictures, a DIS meet is certainly something to celebrate.

Be back later to see the photographic evidence because you know what they say here on the DIS, "If you don't have a picture........" Oh never mind, you already knew that.

 

[amandaw]

Looks like a really fun day! Precious children!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Looks like a fun DIS meet! Adorable kids!!

 

[solana131]

Awww...Dan, your kids are gorgeous! I'm so jealous....I want to meet Miss Kathy too!

 

[KatMark]

Love the engagement pictures, such a great looking couple!

Sorry you didn't have any luck dress shopping, bummer!

Thanks, Michelle...they are cute together, aren't they?

I'm over the dress; I think waiting until next year is the best bet.

Bummer on the dress but I think you are making the right choice by waiting.

Love all of the engagement picture but I have to say my favorite is definitely the one on the railroad tracks.

I do like the railroad track one too.

Bummer on the dress but that sounds like a good plan. Love the railroad tracks picture!

Thanks; I think in the long run I'll be happier I did not "settle" for what they had.

Good morning bestie!

I am so bummed you didnt find any dresses....but its best not to settle and if you did by that dress it would cost you a lot more to fix it so smart choice in skipping it. Agree with you on waiting until the winter, you will probably find the perfect Spring/Summer choice at that time.

LOVE the pics of the kids, especially the one where they are walking on the train tracks. THey are just way too cute for words.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend...my cousin is in town so we are going to the zoo for the day....they recently added giraffes so we are going to go and feed them!

Love to you and my boyfriend!

I'm thinking I can look for a dress while we're out shopping.

Oh they are cute...and pains in my butt ($231 later at Costco before we head up there this weekend).

Love to you and my boyfriend (have fun feeding my giraffes!).

Kathy, sorry you didn't have any success with the dress so far. I'm sure the perfect one for you will be there when the time comes!

Saw this update last night on my phone, but had to wait until I could see the pictures big enough to know what they were..........
She has got to work on putting more pressure into that head and arm. It might come in real handy over the next few years!!!

Wonderful pictures! They are a great looking couple and look so happy together!!!
Oh, Kathy is going to be so jealous about the giraffes!!!

Boyfriend???

Thanks, Marv. I'm sure the right dress will come along.

Yes, I told her she has to work on that pressure.

Yes, I am jealous about the giraffes, but I can go to the Milwaukee Zoo and feed them there.

Nicki has many boyfriends -- Mark, Andy, etc.

Love the engagement pics... especially the first one.

Thanks, Ann; the "wedding photographer" has a lot to live up to when he does the "official" engagement pictures because I thought these were great.

Hi Kathy! So happy to hear your brother is doing better!

Sorry you didn't find a dress but I think you made the right choice to wait.

Love the engagement pictures!!

Thank you, Amy; he's still tired, but feeling better.

I like the pictures too; I used one of them for the Engagement Party invites.

Bummer about the dress, though it sounds like a smart call. Why try to repair it and run the risk of ruining it? And I agree with you, do NOT wear black to Markie's wedding. I really love the lavendar color and with your blonde hair and pretty coloring, it will look fab!

I love LOVE LOVE these two pictures of them! The railroad tracks looks very sweet and romantic. But the wrestling one looks so fun and I love how they're both smiling wide and enjoying themselves! I vote for that one.

Hi, Molly. I don't like wearing black to a wedding...bad luck in my opinion (now, if it was someone I didn't like, I might do it ).

Thank you for the sweet words about my hair and the lavender.

I love how they weren't all "serious" in all the pictures.

 

[KatMark]

Why thank you Pat! I think we all have a pretty clear picture of who Marv is...

Yes, yes we do!!!!

Great engagement pictures! They are all so good!

Thanks, Lisa...the kids were very happy with them.

Those are some really great pictures. They look like the truly have fun together!

They had a blast; Alisha has some really fun ones they are doing with the wedding photographer.

Kathy,

LOVED the engagement photo's! My favorite one is the two of them on the railroad tracks!

We'll be in Iowa next week, not sure if I mentioned it before we have a home in Bellevue about 20 miles south of Dubuque. We're working on rehabing it.

We'll be in Dubuque this weekend, late Saturday night through an early dinner on Sunday. Alisha and I are writing out the Engagement Party invites, Markie is cooking for us (and his brother, his brother's girlfriend and his Godmother and her husband).

I was just coming over to see if Nicki was able to get your reservation! Congrats!! I didn't have any clients wanting one right away, but all of the agents in my agency said they didn't have any trouble getting the ADRs they wanted. Probably because it's only those of us who are Disney obsessed that know about it.......

As I'm sure you saw Nicki's post below, she got it, and then we called again to be sure to attach a CC...what a crazy day. Thanks for checking on us, Michelle.

WOO HOO!!!
Congrats to y'all! I can't wait to hear all about it!

I can't wait to try it. I already know what I am ordering off the menu and so does Andy.

:QUOTE]

I think it is too.

The photos are great! Just as a recommendation, I used www.weddingpaperdivas.com for our Save the Dates, Invites & Thank yous and I would totally recommend them!

Thanks for the link for the invites. I've given to Alisha to check out; we very much appreciate it.

Congrats on Be Our Guest!

The engagement pics are wonderful. The "goof" can be photoshopped out. He's in an easy enough location to do that.

My mother didn't find a dress for my wedding until about 3 weeks out. Surprisingly enough, I wasn't stressed about this. You'll find one.I agree with the Wedding Paper Divas recommendation, if she's still looking. I made our invites myself but, did use them for our Thank You's. They are wonderful to work with. And, if you happen to have a Costco membership, you get a very nice discount.

Thanks. I never thought of photoshopping him out...thanks for the insight.

3 weeks before your wedding? I'd be stressing if I didn't have my dress by then.

Oooh...two recommendations for Divas and a discount with Costco! I am a Costco member and can order the invites for them.

very nice engagment or pre official engagment pics...they turned out good.

Thanks, Dan. Funny how they are having "unofficial" and "official" photos.

Congrats!!! I can't even tell you how jealous I am.

Will be sure to let you know how it is, Ann.

 

[KatMark]

Kathy, the unofficial engagement photos are sooo sweet!!!

It's good you didn't get a dress for the wedding that did not feel just right - when DD was planning her wedding, I felt rushed to buy a dress - the Bridal Shops kept telling me I was late. So, I ordered one I could not try on first and never did love it...it was Navy Blue and I would have loved it if it has been a Rose color, to match the lovely velvet sash on Mia's gown...and it turned out to be too short! Literally at the knee after the alternations because it was too large at the shoulders..thank goodness it had a pretty short jacket...anyway, best to wait until you know it is exactly what you want!

Congrats on the ADR! Janet got through on the house phone at POP easily and made ours for Jan 10th at 6 p.m.!

Hi, Christine, long time no see. Thanks nfor the advice about the dress.

Glad Janet got an ADR for you two at BOG!

so I have been catching bits and pieces on my phone & nook & finally caught up on the past week or two.

Continued prayers for your brother Kathy -- but you are right, the heart saved his life this time. I hope things continue to improve.



I am forever falling asleep with my nook in hand, reading dis. Not because I don't love reading but just because I am an 10 pm bedtime girl, and I find myself hooked on a TR till 11 pm!!!


I bought the gnome planter at the Flower & Garden show in 2012. It was in one of the little "tent" shops, but I have seen it online as well. Its on the Disney Store: http://www.disneystore.com/outdoor-...e-garden-gnome-flower-pot/mp/1263968/1000249/




WAHOO for MVMCP Sounds AWESOME!


I can see why you & Kathy are sisters!



this is great reason to celebrate! YAYYAYYAYYAY

the photos are all great but these are my favorites! they just show the great relationship between Mark & Alisha.


Bummer about the dress but you do have time, you'll find something awesome (maybe at the Polynesian?????) LOL Hmm think Mark & Alisah would mind if you & Mark came in matching mickey hawaiaan prints? they have some great ones!


I was thinking the same thing. My friend -- who loves Disney but is not a DIS'er-- had no idea that reservations opened in November and the she coudl call this morning. She messaged me this morning that she was able to get BOG ressies for her Thanksgiving trip.

Thanks, MaryEllen. Yes, I think somewhere, somehow, there was a screw up at a hospital and Nicki and I are definitely long lost sisters.

I love the idea of the Mickey Hawaiian prints; not so sure Markie would go for it thought.

aww i love the engagement pictures!! what a fun idea to do the wrestling ones

Thanks, Shannon. Your wedding is getting so close.

Woo hoo! Way to go Nicki! Getting an ADR there sounds insane. Did read over the restaurant board?? People were on hold forever. Quick tip, make sure Nicki confirmed it with a credit card. Apparently if you used the automated system this morning, it did NOT prompt you to enter it and thus you may lose the reservation if you don't call back.

Nicki, as you probably saw below by now Molly, did call back and attach a CC.

Oh my gosh...was this ever a team effort!!

I am exhausted....this reservation stuff is killing me...next time we do it Todd's Way (no reservations) and leave it at that

Up at 5:30 to get ready for work because I wanted to get in at 7am when the WDW lines open up. I was the only one in the office and had 10 lines going on speed dial to WDW....took 90 minutes but I got it. Text my big sister and then my husband (see who is more important ) and we were all so happy!

Fast forward to 2pm when Kath calls to tell me the glitch with the automated booking on the phone...they didnt take my CC to hold it and all reservations were to be cancelled tonight!!!

So we each got on the phone to make sure that didnt happen...28 minutes later a CM finally picked up and I was able to attach my CC to ensure we have the dinner booked.

Jeez....what a day!

The highlight was when Andy (Kath's oldest AKA my other boyfriend) text me to thank me for all my hard work and that we are all going to have the time of our lives. I text back, yes we are going to take WDW by storm and Romeo doesnt even know.

His reply?

"Yeah, as long as you and my mom keep your mouth's shut!"

LOVE THAT BOY!

Yeah, as long as "Nicki and my mom keep their mouths shut." And what happens after he says that to Nicki. The kid ALMOST blew the surprise last night. I almost had a heart attack.

Can't wait for the review!

Oh, trust me, it will probably be the review of the century if I know Nicki.

Kathy...I did it, I finally caught up! Your partner in crime did a great job securing BOG!!! So happy for you all!

SOO much to comment on! Loved the wedding dress and that the kids have closed on the house! The engagement photos are to die for! They are a gorgeous couple, so much in love! I am with you, I hope that your weather is NO rain and temps in the 80's! How cool you will have another DISmeet with a sweetie! And Markie and the t-shirts...GOOD men you have raised ma'am! Prayers continue for all of you and praying your brother is feeling better as well!

Hi, Judy. Please...you are the last person who needs to worry about keeping up with my stuff, when you have such a full plate (or should I say plates) in your house.

My partner did a great job...I'm very proud of her.

I do love their photos. I can't pick my absolute favorite, so I keep switching my desktop with a new picture each day.

Hi Kathy all caught up!!Loved the engagement pix , they are awesome. Cograts on the BOG ressies , can't wait to hear all about it. I think that will be a must do on the Grannie Trip!! Started my Cape Cod 2 report !!!!

Thanks, Rosie. We're excited about BOG.

I've caught up on your Cape Cod report.

 

[KatMark]

Thinking of you.

Thank you, my friend.

Well jeez woman, you are just having DisMeets all over the place! Great pic of you and Dan!

I'm one popular cookie.

How cool that you had yet another Dis Meet!

I do love meeting all these wonderful DIS people.

Yay, I'm glad you got to meet Dan, Candi, Parker and Noelle!

And nice score on the Be Our Guest reservation!

Thanks, Glenn. It was so great to meet Dan, Candi and the kids...and we had a few words about Marv while we were at it.

Another DIS meet! How fun!!

His kids are precious!

The kids are absolutely adorable. Nothing slows down Noelle...she kept right up with Parker splashing in the water.

Yay for another DIS meet! Love the Mickey Cubs shirt that you got the kids, you have excellent taste.

Thinking of you Kathy...

I figured everyone who comes to Chicago should have a Disney Chicago shirt...and what better than our beloved, but AWFUL, Cubs.

what a fun meet and cute pictures! I love that Cubs shirt!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Cynthia. They had three styles of Cubs/Disney shirts...I was surprised.

I'm sorry today was a hard day for you Kathy. I am extremely close with my own father and I can't imagine a time when he might not be "here". Big hugs to you today sweet friend. Thinking of you!

Ok lady, you are rapidly becoming the queen of Dismeets! It's like you're a celebrity now. You should definitely come up with a cool celeb name then. Something snazzy like Kath-ay (pronounced all cool like of course) or Kay Kay. You are obviously famous woman! Embrace it!

How cute are Dan's little ones! Parker is adorable and their new little princess Noelle is too beautiful! How cool to meet up in real life. What a fun time Kathy!

Thank you, my friend. The pain of missing Dad never goes away, but it is easier to remember the good times now.

I like Kath-ay...definitely a winner.

Dan and Candi's kids are adorable. Noelle just cracked me up.

Love the impromptu engagement photos! :

And you are having oodles of DIS meets, aren't you? I'm just another check mark.

Thanks, Kat...aren't the photos fun?

You are a check mark HIGH on my list.

Thinking of you Kathy.

Thanks, Pat.

How great that you got to meet Dan, Candi, Parker and Noelle.

It was a fun meet...I just wish I'd had a little longer to spend with them (like going to the Zoo with them and NOT back to work).

Those pictures are so fun. I like that. I know when I took Paige's senior pictures she was happy with hers because they were different than many of her friends.

I like fun pictures...too many times the serious ones don't look "real."

it was great meeting you as well, glad you could get away for a little bit and visit us...and thanks again for the shirts they were very cute and thoughtful...

i have more pics i will send to you when i get them unloaded from the camera.

Thanks, Dan.

Hi Kathy, still need to go back and get caught up, just dropping by for a quick hi and will be back soon to read all that's been going on!

I'm glad you are back; I can't wait to read all about your adventures.

 

[KatMark]

Awesome! I hear Chicago is a great place for DIS-meets.

I've met some REALLY terrific DISer's here in Chicago...you included, my friend.

My kids still love their Disney Chicago shirts, by the way.

I'm glad the kids still love their shirts.

Where have I been?? No idea how I missed so much, but here goes...

Love the "fake" engagement pictures. I love the shot from above with them kissing and the brick in the background. That "amateur" photographer should make it professional...they are great!

Yay! For Be our Guest ressies! Can't wait to see some reviews of that one!

Looks like a great DISmeet! I wish more people lived around here...lots of DISmeets all over, but none close enough for me to drive to

Hmm...what else did I miss?? Oh well, I will try to do better now that things at work have slowed down a bit.

Where have you been? Busy since you got back from your trip, silly girl.

I really wish I could pick out a favorite. Alisha said the wedding photographer better be as good.

Sorry you don't have any one close to you for a DIS meet; you need to plan them while you are in the World.

I'm glad things have slowed down for you at work.

We're all here for you Ms. Kat.

Thanks, Camille.

Great idea to meet with them!! The kids are beyond adorable, and I love the picture of you and Dan together. You don't look awful, I thought you looked very pretty. Loooooving the shirt you wore, you need to wear that on an AK day on your next trip.

Thank you. I didn't like that picture of me and Dan...it was taken with my phone; I replaced it with the photo Candi took with Dan's camera. Still not the greatest...but a little better.

The shirts are such a sweet idea, where did you find those?!?
Disney Store in Chicago.

Now that I'm caught up....So glad the BOG debacle is resolved. I think you'll be one of the first people to give a report on it so I can't wait to hear about that.

Me too.

Loooove the "engagement pictures." They look like they had a great time doing them. I think I'm with everyone else, the train tracks and 1st wrestling pic are my favs.

I love that they added some wrestling photos.

As for your dress, I'm right there with you and Nikki, no sense buying something that will need work and that you had to settle for. You're thinking smart to wait unitl the start of the year when all the spring stuff starts coming in, I'm sure you'll more than find the dress you're looking for. Probably several in fact. No matter what you'll find you'll be beautiful, so no worries there.

Absolutely! I'm not sure I'll be beautiful, I'll settle for presentable.

 

[KatMark]

well since i dont have any PreTR or TR's going i thought i would share the rest of the pics from yesterday. (I hope you dont mind Kathy)


As she said we were up in Chicago yesterday to celebrate Noelle's birthday...

The kids waiting for there special guest to arrive at the spitting fountains/splash pool in Millenium park

He is such a cutie.

took her a few minutes to warm up to the pool area.

all better now

She is absolutely beautiful, Dan.

as we are playing i notice out of the corner of my eye a lady walking over with a disney bag, had to be none other than mrs. kathy

she came bearing gifts for the kids...i told her that was not necessary and she shouldnt have done that.
she insisted that she loved to do it.

parker loved his shirt...as soon as he got out of the water, he insisted that he wear it instead of the shirt he was wearing.

and noelle liked hers as well.

I don't have grandchildren, so I might as well spoil my "DIS grandbabies."

she wasnt too sure about her yet, but did go over and give her a smile.

while kathy and i chatted about her upcoming trip and this and that...the kids went and played a little more, (relax marv that is candis bikini top under her outfit...i know you would go there.)

Good to clarify that for Marv, Dan.

noelles face in that last one cracks me up...like you arent impressing me parker with your running around.

That's exactly what it looks like she is saying.

time to go back and see the nice lady who brought me a disney shirt.

parker realized that he could jump in the water and get the bottom of kathys feet wet...notice her hands on her hips and the look she gave him(again sorry about that)

That is too funny....like I could really be angry at that cute boy?

she thought she could just back up a little but i think he still got her.
good thing it was warm out and i hope your pants dried before you got back to work from your "Coffee" break.

I was perfectly dry by the time I got back to the office. I should have just rolled up my pants leg and taken my shoes off and joined the kids in the fountain.

but not before noelle warmed up to her and let her hold her.
she must have liked you as she normally trys to push away from people holding her unless she is really comfy with them.

at first when she walked over to kathy to pick her up she said ohh all get wet sweetie, but then said ahh what the heck and picked her up anyway...i guess it was Noelle's charm that won out.

I had to hold her...she is too precious not too.

sadly our time came to an end, and she had to go back to work...we had a great rest of our day trip, walking up the zoo with a stop at the disney store, picnic, walk along the beach, and a cookout at my BIL's place.

thanks for letting me hijack your report kathy.

Anytime, Dan. Again it was a pleasure to meet your beautiful family.