S.O.C.K. and Stitch Return to the World with a Dog **New 6/14** Day 8/9 The End p. 19

[MeMom]

That was fun, since I've never seen Legoland before.

Poor Baxter. I know he missed his family. Glad you could at least have him close to see him often. I'm sure he's happy to be back home with all of his people.

 

[DrMomof3]

Awesome pics of Legoland! It makes me want to go...

Amanda

 

[carissanboys]

Great Legoland updates. Their creations are amazing!!!
We have one out here in So Cal, but I've never been.

What a cute Bunny!!!

Look forward to the next update.

You should go to LEGOLAND! Take that nephew of yours.

Loved the pictures of Legoland.

Did Legoland get rid of the glass bottom boats?
Did they get rid of the Cyprus Garden Walk?
What about the ladies that walk around in Southern Bell costumes?
This is from my memory of a 7 year old when LegoLand used to be Cyprus Gardens.

Didn't see any glass bottom boats. They still have the Cyprus Garden Walk I believe, but we didn't get a chance to see it. No ladies in costumes.

Love all the pcitures of legoland. I fear I'll never make it until I have grandkids which will be a LONG LONG time from now so it's fun to at least see pics.

The apple fries sound good, I'd love to try them

Oh no, I hope Baxter is fine and was just missing his peeps.

I liked that the apple fries were something different.

I love your LEGOLAND pictures!!! While I am a DIS girl at heart, I also have a special place for Vegas. What a neat display!

They were very cool. I could have spent even more time looking at them all.

That was fun, since I've never seen Legoland before.

Poor Baxter. I know he missed his family. Glad you could at least have him close to see him often. I'm sure he's happy to be back home with all of his people.

Some days I wondered if it was harder on him to see us every day and not go home with us. But overall, I think it was easier on him with us visiting.

Awesome pics of Legoland! It makes me want to go...

Amanda

You should! It's such a nice park.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Wow....those Lego creations are awesome! I love the Capitol building.

Granny Fries sound kind of tasty. Were they sweet like apple pie?

Poor Baxter misses his family!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

All caught up! I love your little bunny!! So cute I've had a few bunnies in my life and I think that one of them was the same kind as yours. They are very sweet.

Legoland looks amazing! I've never been, but I didn't know that there was so much to it. I can't believe how many rides they have. The lego structures are what really impress me though, it really takes talent to build those things!

I'm glad that you are finally feeling better and off of your medication now!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

If I got this job, it would only be 15 hours a week and a lot of it would be taking calls at home. The older two would continue to be homeschooled (they turn 13 and 11 this month so can be home alone for periods of time with no problem) and Connor has already decided he wants to try public school in the Fall. The bus stops right outside our house every morning and his friend already attends. I'm not sure how long he'll want to stick with it once he experiences the reality of school, but I feel I should give him the chance to try it. He's very excited about it.

There's a possibility we'd have to move at some point depending on where Chuck gets a job. Right now all of the interest in him is from companies that are about 4 hours north of us (Washington D.C. area). If he gets a job up there, he'll find an apartment to stay at during the week and come home on weekends. We just don't want to give up the house yet and that area up there is so expensive to buy a house in. We lived up there for 6 years and could never afford to buy.

Hope you hear about the job soon and fingers crossed Chuck gets something a wee bit closer to home that means you don't have to move . Funny that Connor wants to try school (kids always think they're missing something). I wonder what he will make of it? It's good he's going with a friend for company. Do you remember the madness I endured a couple of years back getting my youngest into a good school locally? Cant believe he's finishing his second year there! He loves it but also loves to moan every single morning about getting up to go Thankfully it has a very child-centred approach to learning and helps bring out the best in all the kids who attend.


LEGOLAND looks amazing-one of these days we will have to go visit either in orlando or perhaps a park closer to home! Hope Baxter perked up when he saw you.

 

[carissanboys]

Wow....those Lego creations are awesome! I love the Capitol building.

Granny Fries sound kind of tasty. Were they sweet like apple pie?

Poor Baxter misses his family!

They weren't real sweet because they were made with granny smith apples.

All caught up! I love your little bunny!! So cute I've had a few bunnies in my life and I think that one of them was the same kind as yours. They are very sweet.

Legoland looks amazing! I've never been, but I didn't know that there was so much to it. I can't believe how many rides they have. The lego structures are what really impress me though, it really takes talent to build those things!

I'm glad that you are finally feeling better and off of your medication now!

Thank you! It was a long month!

Hope you hear about the job soon and fingers crossed Chuck gets something a wee bit closer to home that means you don't have to move . Funny that Connor wants to try school (kids always think they're missing something). I wonder what he will make of it? It's good he's going with a friend for company. Do you remember the madness I endured a couple of years back getting my youngest into a good school locally? Cant believe he's finishing his second year there! He loves it but also loves to moan every single morning about getting up to go Thankfully it has a very child-centred approach to learning and helps bring out the best in all the kids who attend.


LEGOLAND looks amazing-one of these days we will have to go visit either in orlando or perhaps a park closer to home! Hope Baxter perked up when he saw you.

I do remember that. I'm glad he's enjoying it.

The interviews he had yesterday both went well (one was on the phone and one he had to drive 4 - hours each way), but as most of these jobs seem to be, they're for a contract that's been bid on and doesn't start until later. One doesn't start until January and they haven't even been awarded the contract. The other is a pretty sure thing, but won't be awarded until August. We could hold out until August financially, but not if we aren't sure he can get the job. It's kind of frustrating.

 

[allaboutthemouse]

Following along, really enjoying your report. Can't wait to see how your visit was with Winter! We have three boys as well, one very much in love with dolphins so we are vacationing in Anna Maria Island soon and plan on driving up to see Winter. I also REALLY want to visit Fort Wilderness, maybe next summer if we can get a reliable tow vehicle to drive all that way with our camper.
Keep it coming!
BTW, my nephew's name is Sullivan - they spell it Sulle

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

The interviews he had yesterday both went well (one was on the phone and one he had to drive 4 - hours each way), but as most of these jobs seem to be, they're for a contract that's been bid on and doesn't start until later. One doesn't start until January and they haven't even been awarded the contract. The other is a pretty sure thing, but won't be awarded until August. We could hold out until August financially, but not if we aren't sure he can get the job. It's kind of frustrating.

Sounds crazy to be interviewing candidates for jobs for a January contract but as you say the economy stinks right now Hopefully he gets the one you both want (or both and then you get to pick ). Who knows maybe something else will come up before then. You know there's a saying that you know your Irish when your Granny lights a candle to get you through life's ups and downs (mostly exams/interviews). I'll tell my mum she has officially adopted some Americans in need of an Irish Granny and get her to light a candle for you Every little helps Keep your chin up it will all work out soon hopefully!
On a different note I came across a book of Irish names which says Connor (with 2 n's ) means you are either a descendant of the Kings of Ireland or a lover of hounds Guess Baxter is lucky to have an official "hound lover" in the family

 

[catherines_mama]

YAY i am finally caught up. I hate coming to the party late.

Hi Carissa. I don't know why it took me so long to come across your report or PTR, but I am glad I did. Your boys are adorable. We have same family size so I very much feel your pain on trying to find places to sleep along the way. To be honest, I'm usually dishonest. We travel with an air mattress and I just look for rooms that are enough sq footage that DS can fit in the corner with the air mattress. Lately DD likes sleeping on it, which works, but then it splits DH and I apart It's just a night while on the road, so it's okay.

My DD12 has a boyfriend and it's the same thing, so I get it. They're both very mature and responsible 6th graders but it's cute. We brought him back a Monsters Inc basketball from our last Disney trip. LOL We get the questions and sometimes judgement that they are only 12, but it's not like they actually DATE. They just like eachother more then they like their other friends who are boys/or girls.

Now, DS11 expects he gets to have a girlfriend next year (when he is in 6th) but his maturity level is SOOOO not there. It'll be interesting.

I love hearing about the cabins. Before we bought DVC we had to do 2 rooms everywhere b/c of our family size and POFQ became our favorite. But the cabins and the campfire activities etc., sound amazing!

I cant wait til day 3 and more pics of Best Friends. We are thinking about using it in July with Einstein. We usually board him here, his vet has an amazing facility that we use. We feel good about it because it is run by his vet, so if something happens, they know him already. But it'd be nice to have him close. I've looked at $ and it isnt that much more than the kennel at home, not enough more to deter us. I think it would just depend if my sister is coming with us in July or not. How much room we'd have in the car, and if he'd be squished or not

Legoland looks really cool. It's just really weird. I grew up not far at ALL from there. And growing up it was Cyprus Gardens. I was even a Cyprus Belle for a Day as a little girl and its just SO different now. The miniland is just amazing. I wonder how they maintain them all!

Hope Baxter was okay... cant wait to hear. He was prob just homesick. I know Einstein won't eat on a daily basis until we are at the table eating. That pack mentality.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Oh poor Baxter! I hope he was OK.

I LOVE your F&G pin! I had a hard time finding a good one. I went to the Festival Center to get the special Annual Passholder pin but they were all out. The CM told me they might still have some left at the pin shop but I never made it there. I did find one to add to my collection, but not the AP pin... I don't know when I'll be back during Flower & Garden. Definitely not next year.

I'm glad you enjoyed Lego Land... Zach has heard about it and wants to go but we haven't been yet.

The cabins look like such a fun, relaxing place to stay! I love what your mousekeeper was doing with your little friends!

 

[carissanboys]

Following along, really enjoying your report. Can't wait to see how your visit was with Winter! We have three boys as well, one very much in love with dolphins so we are vacationing in Anna Maria Island soon and plan on driving up to see Winter. I also REALLY want to visit Fort Wilderness, maybe next summer if we can get a reliable tow vehicle to drive all that way with our camper.
Keep it coming!
BTW, my nephew's name is Sullivan - they spell it Sulle

I'm sad to say we didn't make it to see Winter. I think I mentioned in an earlier post that we decided not to go, but I'll explain more when I get to that point (which is coming up soon).

How cool! I come across the name every once in a while, but not too often.

Sounds crazy to be interviewing candidates for jobs for a January contract but as you say the economy stinks right now Hopefully he gets the one you both want (or both and then you get to pick ). Who knows maybe something else will come up before then. You know there's a saying that you know your Irish when your Granny lights a candle to get you through life's ups and downs (mostly exams/interviews). I'll tell my mum she has officially adopted some Americans in need of an Irish Granny and get her to light a candle for you Every little helps Keep your chin up it will all work out soon hopefully!
On a different note I came across a book of Irish names which says Connor (with 2 n's ) means you are either a descendant of the Kings of Ireland or a lover of hounds Guess Baxter is lucky to have an official "hound lover" in the family

I'd love your Irish Granny to light a candle for us!

Were they all spelled "or" instead of "er"? It's funny but a year or so ago, Connor started telling me his name should be spelled Conner because Connor is pronounced con-NOR and Conner would be pronounced conn-ER. Silly boy.

YAY i am finally caught up. I hate coming to the party late.

Hi Carissa. I don't know why it took me so long to come across your report or PTR, but I am glad I did. Your boys are adorable. We have same family size so I very much feel your pain on trying to find places to sleep along the way. To be honest, I'm usually dishonest. We travel with an air mattress and I just look for rooms that are enough sq footage that DS can fit in the corner with the air mattress. Lately DD likes sleeping on it, which works, but then it splits DH and I apart It's just a night while on the road, so it's okay.

My DD12 has a boyfriend and it's the same thing, so I get it. They're both very mature and responsible 6th graders but it's cute. We brought him back a Monsters Inc basketball from our last Disney trip. LOL We get the questions and sometimes judgement that they are only 12, but it's not like they actually DATE. They just like eachother more then they like their other friends who are boys/or girls.

Now, DS11 expects he gets to have a girlfriend next year (when he is in 6th) but his maturity level is SOOOO not there. It'll be interesting.

I love hearing about the cabins. Before we bought DVC we had to do 2 rooms everywhere b/c of our family size and POFQ became our favorite. But the cabins and the campfire activities etc., sound amazing!

I cant wait til day 3 and more pics of Best Friends. We are thinking about using it in July with Einstein. We usually board him here, his vet has an amazing facility that we use. We feel good about it because it is run by his vet, so if something happens, they know him already. But it'd be nice to have him close. I've looked at $ and it isnt that much more than the kennel at home, not enough more to deter us. I think it would just depend if my sister is coming with us in July or not. How much room we'd have in the car, and if he'd be squished or not

Legoland looks really cool. It's just really weird. I grew up not far at ALL from there. And growing up it was Cyprus Gardens. I was even a Cyprus Belle for a Day as a little girl and its just SO different now. The miniland is just amazing. I wonder how they maintain them all!

Hope Baxter was okay... cant wait to hear. He was prob just homesick. I know Einstein won't eat on a daily basis until we are at the table eating. That pack mentality.

Thank you for taking time to get caught up and comment on so much. I'll have to head over and check out your PTR.

Oh poor Baxter! I hope he was OK.

I LOVE your F&G pin! I had a hard time finding a good one. I went to the Festival Center to get the special Annual Passholder pin but they were all out. The CM told me they might still have some left at the pin shop but I never made it there. I did find one to add to my collection, but not the AP pin... I don't know when I'll be back during Flower & Garden. Definitely not next year.

I'm glad you enjoyed Lego Land... Zach has heard about it and wants to go but we haven't been yet.

The cabins look like such a fun, relaxing place to stay! I love what your mousekeeper was doing with your little friends!

That's too bad about the pin. I have two F & G pins from the two times I've been but this one is definitely my favorite.

I bet your boys would love LEGOLAND!

 

[allaboutthemouse]

Sorry! I didn't see that - I have not been reading comments, just your links. Too bad, I was hoping to get a little feedback from that - oh, well! Don't worry, I will still keep reading I like your writing style Any more info and pics you have of FW and the pet place would be awesome. Like I said, I hope to camp there and while we would bring our dog in the camper with us, I like to have the available facility for her to go just in case. Thanks!

 

[scottny]

Cute bunny.
LOL. The pic of the shark mouth.
OMG! I love the Star Wars.
That whole miniland looked awesome. Love to take photos there.
The apple fries look good.
Poor Baxter. Hope he is better when you get there.
All caught up.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Okie doke candle has now been lit in your honour Connor is always spelt OR here but some people only put 1 N in it My son has 2 Ns and according to my late mother-in-law that is the proper way to spell it There are a lot of people with the surname "O'Connor" here also! Kids are so funny when they are trying to assert their authority

 

[Goofster57]

You should go to LEGOLAND! Take that nephew of yours.

I should, I mean for his sake of course.

 

[carissanboys]

Sorry! I didn't see that - I have not been reading comments, just your links. Too bad, I was hoping to get a little feedback from that - oh, well! Don't worry, I will still keep reading I like your writing style Any more info and pics you have of FW and the pet place would be awesome. Like I said, I hope to camp there and while we would bring our dog in the camper with us, I like to have the available facility for her to go just in case. Thanks!

I was disappointed to cancel our trip to Clearwater Aquarium, but it was a good decision. There are definitely more pictures of Best Friends (coming up in the next update) and FW.

Cute bunny.
LOL. The pic of the shark mouth.
OMG! I love the Star Wars.
That whole miniland looked awesome. Love to take photos there.
The apple fries look good.
Poor Baxter. Hope he is better when you get there.
All caught up.

Connor actually asked me to take that picture of him in the shark's mouth. And he's not one to like getting his picture taken!

Okie doke candle has now been lit in your honour Connor is always spelt OR here but some people only put 1 N in it My son has 2 Ns and according to my late mother-in-law that is the proper way to spell it There are a lot of people with the surname "O'Connor" here also! Kids are so funny when they are trying to assert their authority

Awwww. Thank you!

I should, I mean for his sake of course.

He'd probably be ready to leave and you'd be there with your big camera taking pictures of miniland, saying "Just one more shot!"

 

[carissanboys]

We left Legoland and drove straight to Best Friends to check on Baxter. I remembered to take a few more pictures this time to share with you all. When we arrived and Baxter was brought to us, we found out Baxter had eaten all of his food. 

The front of the building:



This is as you’re heading out the back doors to the walking path and dog park:



A few pictures of the dog park:







There is a walking path along the back of the fence to the dog park. It isn’t very long, but each day we started there and then entered the dog park.

A happy Baxter:



On this particular day, a lady came out with her two smaller dogs. One she put in the dog park, unsupervised, and the other she took for a walk. Then a man showed up with his larger dog. Both dogs were fine with the boys and with Baxter, but didn’t seem to like one another. At one point, both of those dogs were next to Owen and the smaller dog nipped at the bigger dog. Owen ended up in the middle and got nipped on his leg. It broke the skin a bit, but he was okay. The lady apologized, but as we were leaving she tried to blame it on Owen for intervening. We didn’t say anything and just left but I was not happy that she’d had her dog in there unsupervised. I realize things like that happen with dogs and we knew the dog wasn’t trying to nip Owen. He just got in the way. We made sure to clean his small wound very well when we got back to the cabin and kept an eye on it.

Once back at the cabin, we needed to see what Stitch and Big Muffin had been up to! This is how we found them:



We also wondered what they did all day while we were at the parks. Here are some pictures that captured their adventures:







Everyone took some time to rest for a while and I headed to the Meadow’s Trading Post for some supplies. While I was gone, Chuck started the grill. We brought along one of those individual bags of charcoal that you just have to light. Worked great! I made it back in time for burgers. We decided to eat out on the deck for dinner.



The boys made s’mores for dessert:



A few notes about the cabins…

Mousekeeping replaced the coffee/filters every day along with the dishwasher powder packets. Also, the cabins have no cookie sheets and no pot holders.

We chilled out some more before heading to the settlement. Here is the view from our bus stop near us:



On the bus:



I’m going to stop here because I’ve reached the point where photobucket starts giving me problems. I would update more often if it wasn’t such a pain! So maybe if I do shorter updates I can get them out faster.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Aww...so glad Baxter had eaten and was so happy to see you! He's a cutie!

Too bad about Owen getting nipped by the dog. I would have been very nervous with two strange dogs in the dog park. I don't tend to trust dogs a lot due to a couple of bad experiences as a kid. I'm glad he was okay though!

So, can you not have actual campfires at Fort Wilderness? Just curious! I love that you can grill and eat out on the deck...so fun!

Looks like Stitch and his bear friend had some great adventures! So cute!

 

[carissanboys]

Aww...so glad Baxter had eaten and was so happy to see you! He's a cutie!

Too bad about Owen getting nipped by the dog. I would have been very nervous with two strange dogs in the dog park. I don't tend to trust dogs a lot due to a couple of bad experiences as a kid. I'm glad he was okay though!

So, can you not have actual campfires at Fort Wilderness? Just curious! I love that you can grill and eat out on the deck...so fun!

Looks like Stitch and his bear friend had some great adventures! So cute!

I believe you can have campfires at the campsites, but you have to bring your own firepit. The campsites and cabins only have grills.