Our First Anniversary @Sports, Old Key West AND Pop! TR finished, new TR started!!

[kors]

So glad to see your next trip report! I followed your wedding planning, honeymoon, and now anniversary! How time flies!! Best wishes to you!

 

[kors]

I also love your Christmas decorations! You have a knack for decorating!

 

[DisneyLaura]

Our plans? SWIMMING!! And doing some domestic chores...[/COLOR][/FONT][/CENTER]

What is this, chores on vacation I always end up doing "chores" too, mostly laundry for the kids which I am sure I'll be doing that on the next trip to save suitcase space.

Anyway Wishes looked great. I can't wait to go back with the kids and my mom in November and see all the Christmas decorations. I'm hoping to get a nice picture of the kids with Mickey for our Christmas card for that year (that's always been my dream and it's coming true this year ). Tell your DH that I love the Muppets too, I used to watch them every Sunday night when I was younger and still love watching their show today. I need to buy some their seasons. My kids think I'm nuts.

 

[Philadisney]

Yay Wishes! and Spectromagic! I love the picture of the purple hippo!

 

[KatGarcia]

Beautiful shots of spectro with the lighted castle in the background! Really nice frame-able(is that a word?lol) shots you got of everything!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Yea Hillary!!! Wonderful pictures of Spectro and Wishes!!! I was so excited to have finally seen Spectro this past trip!!! We kept missing it in the past!! I really wanted to see it!!

 

[KittyKat08]

Hi! I just found your TR and I'm all caught up now. I love all your pictures and I can't wait for the rest.

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Sounds like a great evening.
Oh! Your pictures made me miss Disney World sooooo much. Agh! But they're really beautiful. I especially like that multiple castle shot.
Only 3 weeks til your next trip. How lucky!

Thanks! My camera could sometimes take really good pictures, and sometimes not. I"m excited to take my new one and see what it can do! Yes, its coming so quick, it's weird to be going back so soon, but we're def. excited!!

I love the MK at night. My favorite is the twinkling lights in the trees in Fantasyland.

me too!!!

So glad to see your next trip report! I followed your wedding planning, honeymoon, and now anniversary! How time flies!! Best wishes to you!

Wow, thanks for following me along!! And you are SO right about time flying, sometimes it feels like I had JUST gotten engaged. crazy. Thanks for reading!!!!

I also love your Christmas decorations! You have a knack for decorating!

Wow, thanks for following me along!! And you are SO right about time flying, sometimes it feels like I had JUST gotten engaged. crazy. And thanks for the compliments, I get the decorating bug and have fun with it.

Thanks for reading!!!!

What is this, chores on vacation I always end up doing "chores" too, mostly laundry for the kids which I am sure I'll be doing that on the next trip to save suitcase space.

Anyway Wishes looked great. I can't wait to go back with the kids and my mom in November and see all the Christmas decorations. I'm hoping to get a nice picture of the kids with Mickey for our Christmas card for that year (that's always been my dream and it's coming true this year ). Tell your DH that I love the Muppets too, I used to watch them every Sunday night when I was younger and still love watching their show today. I need to buy some their seasons. My kids think I'm nuts.

Yup, but I actually enjoyed doing laundry on vacation. I'd rather do it there than at home!

You will LOVE all the decorations. It's overwhelming if you've never been that time before I think. And I'll def. tell him he's not alone with the Muppets. You must get some of the dvds, I got him Season 1 for Christmas last year and he loves it. Its so fun.

Yay Wishes! and Spectromagic! I love the picture of the purple hippo!

I have a thing for purple hippos. It's nuts. I'll have to post a picture one day of my collection...
thanks for reading!

Beautiful shots of spectro with the lighted castle in the background! Really nice frame-able(is that a word?lol) shots you got of everything!

Thanks!!

Yea Hillary!!! Wonderful pictures of Spectro and Wishes!!! I was so excited to have finally seen Spectro this past trip!!! We kept missing it in the past!! I really wanted to see it!!

Spectro is awesome, we were the same way, had missed it previously even though I'd seen it, I really wanted to see it w/DH.

Hi! I just found your TR and I'm all caught up now. I love all your pictures and I can't wait for the rest.

hi, thanks for joining in!!!

Thanks for reading everyone!!!! HAPPY FRIDAY! I hope you all have a great weekend!!! In a non-trip related update, we are very excited right now, we are looking at buying a house soon!!!!! This is something we've been waiting for, for quite some time now. Nothing is for sure of course, we are still looking around for something we like, but its exciting to say the least!!! So that is what we'll be doing this weekend!

I am going to try and get this TR moving along faster, I want to be done before our NEXT trip, which you can see is in just a few short weeks! GAH, crazy!!! I want to post the details of that trip as well!!

Any guesses to where we're staying?!?!?!?!?

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[tinkgurl]

Ahhhh a house! How exciting for you!

Hmmm....are you staying at OKW or WL?

 

[mypotato]

I have just caught up on your trip report. I love all your pictures and can't wait to read more. It must be so exciting that you get to take another Disney trip soon!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I love your shots at the MK! They came out so beautiful.

FWIW...I agree with you about the wheelchairs/scooters...and my DH is in one. There have been many times we told DH to go ahead and we'd catch another bus just because we're courteous like that, but not all people care or think that other folks might have been sitting there forever. I guess in the end Disney feels it all evens out because there are many times that having DH in a wheelchair we have to wait for numerous busses...I wish there was a better system though.

I can't believe that your going back again already! I can't wait to hear the details on that trip as well.

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Ahhhh a house! How exciting for you!

Hmmm....are you staying at OKW or WL?

Thanks!
Nope, wrong on both of those!

I have just caught up on your trip report. I love all your pictures and can't wait to read more. It must be so exciting that you get to take another Disney trip soon!

Welcome, and thanks for joining in!

I love your shots at the MK! They came out so beautiful.

FWIW...I agree with you about the wheelchairs/scooters...and my DH is in one. There have been many times we told DH to go ahead and we'd catch another bus just because we're courteous like that, but not all people care or think that other folks might have been sitting there forever. I guess in the end Disney feels it all evens out because there are many times that having DH in a wheelchair we have to wait for numerous busses...I wish there was a better system though.

I can't believe that your going back again already! I can't wait to hear the details on that trip as well.

Thanks, sometimes I'm happy w/my pics, sometimes not.

that's true about the busses. I usually dont mind a bit but this night it was just a bit much. I agree, too bad there isn't a better system.

Details coming soon!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Wow a house! So EXCITING!!! you have to keep us updated on your house hunt.


Can't believe how close your next trip is! I bet you are so excited. I was going to guess you were staying at the WL but I see I'm wrong. How about the Poly?

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Thursday December 18, 2008

Our plan for today? Just to relax around the resort, and swim for the morning. And then the afternoon was kind of up in the air. We were both looking forward to some down time, and just hanging out. This is probably what I love most about having an annual pass. No worrying about whether or not we are getting our money's worth, because I obsess over things like that. We could go when/where we wanted, and it didn't matter. I loved that.

So. I had read before we left that using the laundry facilities at a DVC resort is free, so I had planned ahead and brought some detergent from home, just in case we decided to do some laundry. We were getting ready that morning, and had quite a pile of laundry in the closet so I decided to take it with us and do it while we swam. Free? I'm in. I knew it would make it that much easier on me when we got home, having half of our clothes washed already.

So we got dressed, grabbed our mug, and headed down to the pool. I think I brought my breakfast with me, since I wasn't hungry yet and decided I'd eat it later. A banana and some peanut butter, I believe. We found a table not too far from the laundry room and put our stuff down, and I headed in to start a load. It took me a minute to figure it out, the button kept sticking but I got it and separated out two loads. I was nice though and only did one at a time.

DH was already in the pool. It was warmer this day so the water wasn't quite so cold. I took a few pictures....

looking back at the buildings. so pretty.

Eventually they opened up the slide, and DH and I went down quite a few times. I figured out how to keep my feet down so I wouldn't come flying out like I did that first day. It really was fun.

I got out for a little bit to lay in the sun and just relax and enjoy myself. It was so nice out there, warm, and truly one of the most relaxing times we had.

self portrait

of course I had to take more pics of my view...

pool to the left

our table in front of me

pretty trees

to my right

DH walking to our table

Somewhere in there I finished up that load of clothes and switched it out with the other one. I was so excited about getting to do laundry for FREE on vacation. I'm a huge nerd. But it really was helpful.

More pictures

And just so you know, that last chair is the one I was laying in. And that's the laundry room right behind it. How convenient is that for families?!? Right there at the pool, and FREE! I was shocked that I was the only person in there that morning. moving along....

We swam for a few hours, and went in the hot tub a few times. I don't have alot of notes, but we spent most of the morning there, just relaxing, talking, sliding, and having a dang good time. I miss it.

The sun came out really bright and I took more pictures because it was just !so beautiful out there, SUCH a pretty day!

ahhhhhh Old Key West, I love you so.

Around lunch time we decided to head back to the room and shower and clean up and decide what to eat for lunch. I had really been wanting to do some shopping at DTD. I had my rewards card from my Disney Visa, and some bday money I'd saved. PLUS I knew I got my discount with the Disney Visa. So we decided what better place to go eat then...for Earl of Sandwich!!

I forgot to add this in from the other day. The day we checked in, or maybe the next? We were in our room one morning and the phone rang, the guy was asking for the name of the family I had rented points from. It was their DVC guy, just calling to say hello and check in on them. I told him who we were, and he was SO nice, just telling us about some of the DVC things we were able to do, like the holiday parties and stuff. very cool. He asked if we would be interested in recieving some information in the mail, and we said sure. He mentioned a tour and I told him we were planning on doing one (we never got around to it though). Well, after we got back from the pool and were getting ready this day, my mom called to tell me that we had gotten a slip on our door from FedEx (she was checking our mail). She went to get it and it was this huge DVC thing. Including the Dream book!!!!!!!! That was half the reason I wanted to do the tour, was to get the book. Anyway. I had to throw that out there. I need to take a picture of it, its so cool. end sidenote.

cont in next post...


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[Hillary12.8.07]

We got ready and headed down to the boat dock to ride over. We had to wait maybe 20 minutes or so, not a big deal. While we were waiting, DH's brother called. He had gotten home the night before (he's in grad school in Pittsburgh) and was just catching up. I took pictures while they were on the phone of course...


this is going into the main area. I just LOVE it.

It was starting to get HOT out there in the sun, and I was regretting my decision to wear jeans! I knew we'd be out later that night and I'd been getting cold, but dang! I talked to BIL for a few minutes, and finally out boat came to pick us up!!

I was excited to ride, we hadn't ridden it during the day time so I was wanting to see what it all looked like. And of course, pics..

us riding the boat..

I got VERY excited when I could see these...

the new Treehouse DVC villas!! I would LOVE to stay in one of these one day!!

First we decided to go to World of Disney. That was my main shopping place, mainly due to the discount. I knew I wanted a new frame, and a pen. We were also discussing some new coffee mugs. I just LOVE that store. We wandered around forever, just looking at everything. We picked out a frame, here it is at home...

I found a pink Minnie Mouse pen as well. And a keychain...its so cute, it looks like a small key, but it looks like it's wearing a Minnie Mouse dress, if that makes sense. I will take pictures. And then we found matching mugs. I have a thing for big oversized mugs, because we LOVE our coffee. So DH got one with Mickey and I got Minnie. We love them, and use them on the weekends. And I got one of those magic towels, which seriously, is one of my favorite things. I use it everyday in the bathtub. I have decided it is going to be my new must have souvenir every trip. I shall start a collection. We paid for all our goodies, and walked over the the Lego store, at DH's request. He's obsessed...

We walked around in there some, he didn't find anything he wanted. Then we went to Basin. I have never been in there before. WOW. I was, in heaven. I have another thing for bath stuff, it's really bad. I wanted everything in there. DH said he'd let me be, he could tell I was in overload, lol. He said to have fun, and sat outside. I walked around and around, couldn't decide what I wanted. I KNEW I wanted some of the mickey soap, the holiday ones. But I loved the bath balls too. agh. too much. I was really hungry, and knew DH was too, so I walked back outside to get him. He said he couldn't believe I didn't buy anything. I told him I couldn't think straight, so we'd go eat and come back. haha.

We went in to Earl, and it wasn't too busy. We decided to split a salad again and get 2 sandwiches. DH got the same, meatball sub again. If he really likes something he doesn't try anything else! I decided to get something new, and they were advertising this holiday special, I don't remember what it was called but it was turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce stuff, and gravy. It sounded good, so I decided to try it. SO GOOD. oh man. SO much better than the barbeque one I'd had. Two thumbs for the Earl!

I was ready to face Basin again. I decided to get a few soaps and a few bath bombs. Well, I saw that they had these gift sets for the holidays, already wrapped. It had a bar of the peppermint soap which I knew I wanted, and the gingerbread, also what I wanted. And then three of the big bath bombs...I forget the smell, but its the orange color with mickey confetti. SCORE. So I got that, and was a happy girl The soaps of course are gone, but I'm saving the bathbombs for a special day. I shall be buying more of those next trip though!

We were shopped out by this point! We decided to go to Epcot for the evening, but wanted to drop off our bags first! How convenient that boat was back to the resort!! We rode back over, and DH ran across the street to put our bags in the room while I did...something. I guess I just waited? We were headed for Epcot for some fun and Illuminations!!! Stay tuned!











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[tinkgurl]

Ahhhh a day lounging at the pool. *sigh*

 

[IluvXU]

Another fantastic update. Love the hidden mickey on the slide! I am putting Basin on my summer to do list--- I deserve a relaxing bath, right?

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Sounds like a great relaxing day!! I keep walking by Basin and controlling myself not to go in. When we stayed at GF last year DH told me that he was very impressed I never went inton Basin White. LOL! I told him the walking past it and smelling it just made me happy and I would save the $ for other stuff

 

[tinkerbell87512]

It's always so fun lounging around the pool. Looks like you guys had a nice time relaxing. Ohhh and I love the pictures that resort looks so nice!

I'm like you...loving the oversized mugs and cups for that matter. Plus drinking out of them adds a little bit of Disney to your day! Can't wait for more!

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Wow a house! So EXCITING!!! you have to keep us updated on your house hunt.


Can't believe how close your next trip is! I bet you are so excited. I was going to guess you were staying at the WL but I see I'm wrong. How about the Poly?

I will keep everyone updated, we're not sure if we are or not, but talking about it some. It changes every day, lol.

and I WISH we were staying at the Poly!!

Ahhhh a day lounging at the pool. *sigh*

seriously. ahh.

Another fantastic update. Love the hidden mickey on the slide! I am putting Basin on my summer to do list--- I deserve a relaxing bath, right?

Yes mam!!! Especially with three small kids! Go getcha some girl!

Sounds like a great relaxing day!! I keep walking by Basin and controlling myself not to go in. When we stayed at GF last year DH told me that he was very impressed I never went inton Basin White. LOL! I told him the walking past it and smelling it just made me happy and I would save the $ for other stuff

You NEED to go in. But you do have the right idea, saving money for other stuff. But I was actually surprised that it wasn't super expensive...I'd always heard about it but never gone in.

It's always so fun lounging around the pool. Looks like you guys had a nice time relaxing. Ohhh and I love the pictures that resort looks so nice!

I'm like you...loving the oversized mugs and cups for that matter. Plus drinking out of them adds a little bit of Disney to your day! Can't wait for more!

Definitely relaxing, one of the reasons OKW is now in my top two favorite resorts. SO beautiful.

Exactly, I love pulling my Minnie mug out. And I HAVE to drink out of huge mugs...most of ours are the HUGE Fiestaware ones, I won't use the small ones, lol.