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

[solana131]

How was the Shell Factory? My parents' house is only about 10 mins from there! We go every year and lately it has really gone downhill. So sad I used to love that place. We still go every year just in case they bring it back to it's glory days.....so how was it this time?

 

[Nermel9]

Awww, cute pictures, sounds like you guys are having so much fun!

I know you're not DIS'ing very much on vacation, but I started a new PTR, stop by when you get a chance!

 

[KatMark]

I was going to attempt to do individual replies, but the internet access at the condo is awful (they have high speed wi-fi, but they can't remember their code for me to get in). And since I don't want to sit at Starbucks for the remainder of our time here on the Island, I won't be able to do individual responses. I appreciate you all responding to my periodic updates and wishing my brother well (he's still in the hospital and, unfortunately, they cannot figure out why his leg is so swollen or what is causing the pain). I also cannot get photobucket to download any photos (don't know if it is becasue of the internet connection or not).

Yesterday we went to the Shell Factory (a big disappointment, although I did get a couple of things); today we went to the Naples Zoo because it was cloudy up until just now (unfortunately, it's been cloudy and rainy a lot). We are going to Cheesecake Factory tonight for dinner with Nicki and Todd. Tomorrow, we are hitting the beach as we are supposed to have sun in the morning; not sure where dinner is tomorrow night with Nicki and Todd. Friday is beach/pool day and packing. We then have our "annual" last dinner at Da Ru Ma. We have a 7:30 flight back home Saturday morning (arriving Chicago around 9:40); Andy is meeting us at the airport. We'll unpack, play with the dog, go see my mom and brother. Sunday will be cleaning/laundry day and then we have the memorial for Mark's mom on Monday.

I probably won't get my TR started until AFTER the engagement party a week from Saturday (October 6). I do have a title...thanks to my hubby. I may start it and just get up the arrival day and then slow down until I get my Photopass CD from my share.

And, of course, I have to update on on our December plans. So far Nicki and I have kept our mouths shut in front of Mark...and it's not been easy.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Thanks for all the love and support...you guys ROCK!


*I lied...I was able to upload ONE picture today. We went to mini-golf yesterday and this is a pic hubby took of me (it was hot and humid so excuse the hair)

 

[MEK]

I think your hair looks cute!

I love that picture of you and Nicki. So cute.

Your dinner plans all sound great. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

 

[solana131]

Sad to hear the Shell Factory hasn't gotten any better since I was there in March Not sure what their deal is...there is plenty of demand for that place with their quirky souveniers, exotic animals, minigolf, bumper boats, and "mini zoo"...Not to mention their fudge and icecream! Hope they get their act together soon.

Hope you have a great rest of your stay and a safe trip home! Can't wait for the TR

 

[mommy2mrb]

sorry the weather hasn't been the best...hope you can enjoy your beach day tomorrow!
dinner plans sound yummy! have a great time!


hmmmm....is that a little teaser for us about an August trip

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Kathy, I am so sorry your brother is in the hospital and they can't figure out what is going on. So stressful for you guys and I am praying he gets better very soon!

I LOVE the tee shirt slogan/idea! You guys are going to have so much fun, and I am so impressed you and Nicki haven't spilled the beans.

I know you are bummed the trip is winding down, but know you'll make the most of your last couple of days.

I'll be praying for Mark and all of you on Monday, its ironic, my mom died right before one of our Disney trips and we came home two days before her memorial. So happy that you all had this time, you both surely deserved it!

Take care my friend and love the pics!

 

[emmysmommy]

Kathy: Sounds like you are having a wonderful time with great friends! Sorry you have to to deal with unpleasant matters when you return. I hope they find answers to what ails your brother soon so you can have one less worry in life. Hopefully your time in FL is medicinal!

 

[KatMark]

I think your hair looks cute!

I love that picture of you and Nicki. So cute.

Your dinner plans all sound great. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

Thanks; one thing I've decided is if we move here, I'm cutting my hair really short.

Doesn't she look great?

Sad to hear the Shell Factory hasn't gotten any better since I was there in March Not sure what their deal is...there is plenty of demand for that place with their quirky souveniers, exotic animals, minigolf, bumper boats, and "mini zoo"...Not to mention their fudge and icecream! Hope they get their act together soon.

Hope you have a great rest of your stay and a safe trip home! Can't wait for the TR

I've found better things at the little shell shop on Marco...they may be a little expensive here, but at least they had more to choose from with shells (frames, ornaments, etc). I asked for a box to put the one frame I found in and she said they didn't have any.

sorry the weather hasn't been the best...hope you can enjoy your beach day tomorrow!
dinner plans sound yummy! have a great time!


hmmmm....is that a little teaser for us about an August trip

Just checked the weather..40% chance of rain tomorrow and 50% chance on Friday. We might be driving 45 minutes and going to the casino if it rains all day.

Yes, an August trip is being planned with very special friends.

Hi Kathy, I am so sorry your brother is in the hospital and they can't figure out what is going on. So stressful for you guys and I am praying he gets better very soon!

I LOVE the tee shirt slogan/idea! You guys are going to have so much fun, and I am so impressed you and Nicki haven't spilled the beans.

I know you are bummed the trip is winding down, but know you'll make the most of your last couple of days.

I'll be praying for Mark and all of you on Monday, its ironic, my mom died right before one of our Disney trips and we came home two days before her memorial. So happy that you all had this time, you both surely deserved it!

Take care my friend and love the pics!

Thanks, Amy. It's been hard to "relax" on vacation knowing all that is going on at home, but we have tired. And Nicki and Toddleduck have made it much easier.

Kathy: Sounds like you are having a wonderful time with great friends! Sorry you have to to deal with unpleasant matters when you return. I hope they find answers to what ails your brother soon so you can have one less worry in life. Hopefully your time in FL is medicinal!

Thanks, Brenda. We've had a good time despite worrying about things. It is so good for us to have this time with Nicki and Todd.

 

[KatMark]

The weather could not have been more perfect today. We spent a couple of hours at the beach and then I spent about an hour at the pool (didn't want to fry); Mark stayed down while I started some packing.

Tonight is dinner at the Crazy Flamingo (what do you expect with Nicki and I). Tomorrow is pool day, finishing packing and our last dinner with Todd and Nicki at Da Ru Ma...our traditional last meal of the trip.

We'll be sorry to go, but I'm looking forward to seeing our Cookie dog.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

The weather could not have been more perfect today. We spent a couple of hours at the beach and then I spent about an hour at the pool (didn't want to fry); Mark stayed down while I started some packing.

Tonight is dinner at the Crazy Flamingo (what do you expect with Nicki and I). Tomorrow is pool day, finishing packing and our last dinner with Todd and Nicki at Da Ru Ma...our traditional last meal of the trip.

We'll be sorry to go, but I'm looking forward to seeing our Cookie dog.

Sounds like a great day! Have fun tomorrow.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Kathy, I saw your picture on facebook of you lounging in the pool and wished I was there with you!

Dan and I always say that if it weren't for our two dogs, we'd have zero desire to ever return home from Flordia! I am sure Cookie is ready to see you.

Todd and Nicki are good friends indeed to help you to enoy this much deserved trip! And your surprise trip is coming up!

28 days from right now, I'll be checking into CSR! The kids still think we are going to Pop and I can hardly stand the excitement!

 

[KatMark]

It's our last day in paradise. We had a great dinner at a little local bar last night (below is a picture of Nicki and I).

We are hanging at the pool all day, lunch at Porky's Last Stand maybe, and then pool and packing. The highlight will be our dinner tonight and saying goodbye to friends. And being sure Mark doesn't have any clue that it won't be 7 months, but a mere 69 days before we see our besties again.

I hope you've all enjoyed the live updates.

 

[MEK]

Enjoy your last night. I don't know how you managed to keep your return trip a surprise all this time. Thank goodness he doesn't DIS!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have had so much fun no one wants it to end...and trust me Mary Ellen, Kathy and I have caught ourselves a few times from giving away the surprise...my husband on the other hand, well he is a vault! But he says its because neither Kathy nor I let him get a word in edgewise

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

And since I don't want to sit at Starbucks for the remainder of our time here on the Island

Since when???

I hope you've all enjoyed the live updates.

Absolutely! Sure beats concentrating on work.

 

[mommy2mrb]

enjoy your last day! I've loved seeing the live updates!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Have a great last day!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Since I won't get my TR started right away and since I was able to upload a picture, I thought I'd share one last photo with you before we head home tomorrow.

We had a wonderful dinner and then, of course, went to Starbucks (I'm not saying if we cried or not). Me and my little sis:

 

[MEK]

We have had so much fun no one wants it to end...and trust me Mary Ellen, Kathy and I have caught ourselves a few times from giving away the surprise...my husband on the other hand, well he is a vault! But he says its because neither Kathy nor I let him get a word in edgewise

I'm sure there's a little bit of truth in both those statements!

Sounds like a wonderful last day. More cute pictures of you two besties!