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

[KatMark]

Question for ya....we are splitting this trip report right? I am doing the dining and you are doing the actual trip right? If thats the case remind your family that not one food morsel passes the lips until I have a nice picture AND they have to describe to me how they like the food...so I can get an A for accuracy on the dining review

And I will remind my husband that he needs to be picture ready whenever you say so...and dont worry, he loves doing the hat thing as much as Mark does

Just make sure you get my good side

Um....who is the "OLDER" one here? Yes, we are splitting duties. And trust me...Andy knows NOT to touch a morsel of food until pictures have been taken. I will have to fill Des in on the situation...probably a number of times.

I can't wait to do hat photos with the two guys; well, actually three...because Andy loves it too.

You have NO bad side.

And sadly no, I dont think Starbucks will be there yet

DARN DARN DARN!

What a fun engagement pic!

Congrats on getting the airfare for december! It makes it just that much more "real"

I think your "don't know what you are planning to do" day sounds great. I think the more I go to WDW, the more I like those kinds of days.

Thanks, Ann. Those kids know how to have fun.

I'm thinking with all the plans we have already set, that a few of them may get changed to "whatever we feel like" type of days.

 

[KatMark]

Love the phone pix I am busy packing for Cape Cod !! I have soo much to do before Thursday I had to make a dent in that or I will be up all night Wednesday!!

Thanks, Rosie. I can't believe your leaving Thursday already...the time has gone way too fast.

 

[FloridaDreaming]

Will we bet at any of the same parks on the same day? I'd love to meet you.

Um, I think so? The plan is to try to sleep in a little (which probably won't happen) on days that we can do EMH. So, Sunday, we'll be at MK. Monday we'll be at DHS, Wednesday we'll be at Epcot. That I know for sure. Saturday, ideally I'd like to take it easy since I know we'll crash early from the morning traveling. Maybe chill at CBR for a bit and hit DTD. Or admit that I can't take it and beeline for the nearest park.

Plaza lunch! Fabulous choice. Quite possibly the best french fries I've ever had at Disney. It's on the list of "try to's" if I decide to get an ADR once we're there.

I am going to be in heaven following a Kathy TR and a Nicki DR! Especially when it includes New Fantasyland. Eeeee!

 

[marvali]

We really are; and with the great airfare I got for our December trip, I'm tacking on a night at the resort and we'll leave Tuesday morning.

Congrats on finally getting the flights booked, and a good deal on the airfare!!! Adding an additional night to the end of a trip is always exciting!!! Did you have to book the flight this way to get the needed savings??

Isn't it weird not having a clue what to do? I know that we are all such planners and it feels so odd not knowing what I want to do.

Not sure I would know what to do on a trip where I didn't already have everything planned, over-planned and over-detailed........

Heaven help the DIS when we get back. Ooh...I like the idea of an "annual" Disney Christmas trip. I better get working on scratching those lotto tickets.

What do you mean "when you get back???" With you two posting, heaven help the DIS NOW!!!

Annual Christmas trip, huh??? Certainly a great time to go!

I'm sure Nicki and I will have a blast and we'll probably make complete fools of ourselves too.

Thanks, Marv. Feeling much better, and the cheap airfare helped too. Andy and Des made their airline reservations today for the December trip (nope, no job for Andy, so it looks as if they'll be joining us).

Boo on the no job for Andy, but yah that they get to go with you!!!

Just make sure you get my good side

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So what are our plans for our last night in Disney you might be asking? And I will tell you, our plans are to...................

we have no clue.

There's nothing wrong with that! What I wouldn't give for a full day at WDW and a full day to fill!

Look what came in the mail today:

AND I booked our airfare for our December trip -- $463.20 total for the two of us.



I'll come back with responses later maybe...I feel a horrible cold coming on and have a slight fever and sore throat.

The photographer took a picture with Mark's cell phone and I'm posting it for your viewing pleasure:

Love this!

 

[Nermel9]

Your plans sound great for your last day in the World! I love breakfast at Kona, I'm trying to find a way to fit that and breakfast at CP in for November! There's just not enough time!

You guys always eat at the Plaza on your last day, right? I really need to try that place someday!

I like the idea of mixing up formal engagement pics with fun ones, that's cute!

 

[KatMark]

Um, I think so? The plan is to try to sleep in a little (which probably won't happen) on days that we can do EMH. So, Sunday, we'll be at MK. Monday we'll be at DHS, Wednesday we'll be at Epcot. That I know for sure. Saturday, ideally I'd like to take it easy since I know we'll crash early from the morning traveling. Maybe chill at CBR for a bit and hit DTD. Or admit that I can't take it and beeline for the nearest park.

Plaza lunch! Fabulous choice. Quite possibly the best french fries I've ever had at Disney. It's on the list of "try to's" if I decide to get an ADR once we're there.

I am going to be in heaven following a Kathy TR and a Nicki DR! Especially when it includes New Fantasyland. Eeeee!

I'll have to go back and look at our plans of which parks we are at, and closer to the trip we'll try to set something up. Remind me because my brain is fried -- this is for the September trip?

I LOVE the french fries at the Plaza and agree...they are THE best at Disney.

I can just imagine what will be in those December reports.

Congrats on finally getting the flights booked, and a good deal on the airfare!!! Adding an additional night to the end of a trip is always exciting!!! Did you have to book the flight this way to get the needed savings??
Not sure I would know what to do on a trip where I didn't already have everything planned, over-planned and over-detailed........
What do you mean "when you get back???" With you two posting, heaven help the DIS NOW!!!

Annual Christmas trip, huh??? Certainly a great time to go!

Boo on the no job for Andy, but yah that they get to go with you!!!

Nope, I didn't have to add an additional night because of the airfare. But because it was so reasonable I figured why the HE DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS not!

Aren't you just the funnyman.

I think an annual trip with our besties at the holidays is the perfect way to celebrate our holidays. As the sign said that I picked up at the zoo a couple of weeks ago for our "Florida home" whenever we get there: "Friends welcome, relatives need to make an appointment.

Yes, I'm sad Andy can't find that elusive teaching job, but thrilled he will be joining us (and I guess Des too).

There's nothing wrong with that! What I wouldn't give for a full day at WDW and a full day to fill!

I'm liking this idea more and more and it looks as if we'll have one of those days in December too!

Love this!

Isn't that a great picture? They should have the rest to bring when they come to visit us this weekend.

Your plans sound great for your last day in the World! I love breakfast at Kona, I'm trying to find a way to fit that and breakfast at CP in for November! There's just not enough time!

You guys always eat at the Plaza on your last day, right? I really need to try that place someday!

I like the idea of mixing up formal engagement pics with fun ones, that's cute!

Jen, I can't believe you still haven't tried the Plaza. You must get on that. I hope you can fit in Kona and CP for November.

That seems to be the trend with engagement pictures (something we didn't even do 29 years+ ago -- engagement pictures) -- fun and serious.

 

[KatMark]

I planned on doing an update last night, but my brother went for his heart test and they didn't like it, so they admitted him and did an angiogram. They didn't like that, so they called in a specialist and ran more tests today. It turns out that his heart is stable (the same as it has been the last six months), but the cause of his chest pain and shortness of breath is he has a blood clot in his leg, his stomach and two in his lungs. They are keeping him in the hospital to get rid of blood clots and then will put him on blood thinner. After all this, they will reevaluate his heart. I have to go to the hospital tonight to bring him his phone charger so probably won't get that update done.

But I did want to let you all know that Andy and Des want to do Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on Sunday, December 9, so bought tickets for that today.

Andy asked what he owed me, and I told him he could pay for our "special birthday dinner" at Yachtsman. He said that was a deal (little does he know it will cost more than the tickets )

 

[eandesmom]

Oh Kathy! I'll be thinking of your brother. You've been dealing with way too many family health issues hopefully the thought of the Christmas party eases the pain!

 

[amandaw]

Keeping all of your family in prayers.


That's exciting that y'all will get to do MVMCP. Yummy hot chocolate!

 

[jenseib]

prayers for your brother

 

[MEK]

Sorry to hear about your brother, but thankfully his blood clots were recognized and can be treated.

I know exactly what you are going to do when you leave the MK and it has something to do with a balloon and a child and its such a sweet, thoughtful gesture.

I am sure I am not caught up completely. So far behind with everything right now.

Cute picture of the "kids".

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother but, like Mary Ellen said, at least they found the source of the problem and can now administer treatment for the clots.

Don't you just hate that last day in Disney? It makes me so sad. At least you'll have another trip coming up very soon afterwards.

 

[emmysmommy]

Glad to know you are feeling better (yep, I'm a few posts behind) but sorry about your brother's health issue.... like others said, good to know there is a diagnosis and hopefully he is already doing better. Sending well wishes your way.

The wrestling pose engagement photo is so very clever. Love the idea of incorporating "life" into the collection.

As for your fabulous Dis plans near (next month) and not so far (Dec) trips - how exciting to have double the planning pleasure! I hope you guys are able to book Be Our Guest - that would be awesome! However, being the big Kona fan that I am - I would definitely console myself with some of their breakfast goodness all the more if I couldn't get an ADR at BOG!

Ohhh... and how awesome that you have tickets for the MVMCP!!!!

Have a great day!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I planned on doing an update last night, but my brother went for his heart test and they didn't like it, so they admitted him and did an angiogram. They didn't like that, so they called in a specialist and ran more tests today. It turns out that his heart is stable (the same as it has been the last six months), but the cause of his chest pain and shortness of breath is he has a blood clot in his leg, his stomach and two in his lungs.

Ugh. Blood clots are no joke. I'm glad the heart is hanging in there...hope they can get him treated and those clots broken up. Hang in there.

But I did want to let you all know that Andy and Des want to do Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on Sunday, December 9, so bought tickets for that today.

Andy asked what he owed me, and I told him he could pay for our "special birthday dinner" at Yachtsman. He said that was a deal (little does he know it will cost more than the tickets )

Remind me not to buy a car from you.

 

[solana131]

Oh Kathy....it just never ends for you does it? Oh wait, not that we want it to "end" for you....boy that didn't sound right, but you know what I meant

And for Kona!! My favorite!

 

[KatMark]

Oh Kathy! I'll be thinking of your brother. You've been dealing with way too many family health issues hopefully the thought of the Christmas party eases the pain!

You know, Nicki and I talked and we decided to skip the Christmas party since we had limited time. When we added the extra night/day, and I mentioned it to the kids and Des (Andy's girlfriend) got super excited. Now she has been excited about it too.

Thanks for keeping my brother in your thoughts.

Keeping all of your family in prayers.

That's exciting that y'all will get to do MVMCP. Yummy hot chocolate!

Thank you, Amanda, for the prayers and the hug.

Now that I've bought the tickets, I'm as excited as a school child.

prayers for your brother

Thank you, Jen.

Sorry to hear about your brother, but thankfully his blood clots were recognized and can be treated.

I know exactly what you are going to do when you leave the MK and it has something to do with a balloon and a child and its such a sweet, thoughtful gesture.

I am sure I am not caught up completely. So far behind with everything right now.

Cute picture of the "kids".

MaryEllen, trust me, I know all about playing catch up...it's impossible at times.

The doctor told him had he NOT gone for his stress test and they had noticed how swollen his leg was, he could have literally died in a couple of weeks if the clots burst. So despite not wanting him to have a bad heart, in this case it could have saved his life.

You got it right...balloon and a child for my dad. I can't believe next week will be four years since we lost him.

I can't wait to see the rest of the kids pictures this weekend.

I'm sorry to hear about your brother but, like Mary Ellen said, at least they found the source of the problem and can now administer treatment for the clots.

Don't you just hate that last day in Disney? It makes me so sad. At least you'll have another trip coming up very soon afterwards.

I'm glad they found the clots too and can treat them too, Lisa.

I don't hate the last day at Disney quite as much since we always go to Nickiland after, and I do have that special trip less than three months after this upcoming trip.

Glad to know you are feeling better (yep, I'm a few posts behind) but sorry about your brother's health issue.... like others said, good to know there is a diagnosis and hopefully he is already doing better. Sending well wishes your way.

The wrestling pose engagement photo is so very clever. Love the idea of incorporating "life" into the collection.

As for your fabulous Dis plans near (next month) and not so far (Dec) trips - how exciting to have double the planning pleasure! I hope you guys are able to book Be Our Guest - that would be awesome! However, being the big Kona fan that I am - I would definitely console myself with some of their breakfast goodness all the more if I couldn't get an ADR at BOG!

Ohhh... and how awesome that you have tickets for the MVMCP!!!!

Have a great day!!!

Brenda, you've been a little busy with work and getting ready for your trip so don't you worry about it. Thanks for the well wishes for my brother.

I am so not surprised that my son did some "wrestling" photos...it is his life, after Alisha, of course.

I was getting so confused with both trips and worried that I'd slip and say something to Mark and he'd figure it out, that I now have two itineraries: 1 for September and 1 for December; I keep the December one at the office so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

I'm so glad we're going to Kona in both September and December...LOVE that place.

I think the party will be fun with Andy and Des.

Hope you have a great day too.

 

[KatMark]

Ugh. Blood clots are no joke. I'm glad the heart is hanging in there...hope they can get him treated and those clots broken up. Hang in there.

Thanks, Mark. Actually all but one have not broken up; one more to go and then they'll release him and then in three weeks he'll have to go back and finish that stress test and see where they go from there with the heart.

Remind me not to buy a car from you.

You wouldn't buy a car from sweet, innocent me? I think I'm insulted.

Oh Kathy....it just never ends for you does it? Oh wait, not that we want it to "end" for you....boy that didn't sound right, but you know what I meant

And for Kona!! My favorite!

Suzi, I knew what you meant right from the start. You are very sweet. I saw you did an update and I want to read it after my 2:00 staff meeting.

LOVE me Kona; don't know what took us so long to finally eat there.

 

[MickeyNicki]

So my husband, my darling forgetful man, is asking why in the world I booked a 7:30 am breakfast at Kona...and I not so nicely reminded him that

A. He reminds me all the time he is up at 5am for work so an early breakast is not a big deal

B. This is a short stay and we have to make the most of it

C. Because Kathy and I are in charge of this bad boy and the men have to do what the marriage license says

OBEY OBEY OBEY

His retort?

Yes dear....


Yeah, thats what I'm talking about

 

[KatMark]

I am doing an update now because I know for sure I won't get one done over the weekend as my baby and his fiance are coming in and we have dinner on Friday night, dress for me for the wedding shopping on Saturday morning, they are going to a concert in the evening and tahen we are bowling on Sunday morning and then taking them to see Mark's mom before they head home. So we'll be busy, busy, busy.

So I left wtih us doing as many attractions as we would have time for. And, as many of you guessed correctly, we will be heading here for our 1:10 p.m. ADR:

Where I am sure I will have one of these for dessert:

And we always seem to get a "couple" picture here:

If we are done with lunch and the parade is starting, we will hang around for that. If not, we will proceed to do what my good DIS friends here remembered: we will get a

and give it to a little boy or girl in memory of my dad.

After that, I'll grab one last

and then we will start out the doors and see this

as we start our 3 hour drive to Marco Island to see my little sis and her wonderful hubby.

Pretty soon we will be seeing this:

Up next, what does Little Sis have in store for us this trip?