Snow Days....Smow Days! I AM BACK 6/12

[Lidian]

Oh I can relate! My DD is a girl scout and we just finished up our cookie sales! I was getting pretty sick of looking at cookies!!!

Lucky! I swear our cookie booths will never be over with.

And the bad part ... at our meeting last night, the leader brought in cookies for a treat (not GS ones, just store brand chocolate/marshmallow cookies) ... and everyone was "Ugh... cookies."

 

[mtgirl29]

I am glad to see others are feeling my COOKIE pain....
I swear I have gained 5 lbs. since the cookies sales started. I will be so glad when it is all over and our troop's money is in the bank. Then I can start focusing more Jay's upcoming bday and our vacation. DS-Jay's bday is March 23rd and he will truly be 5. I put 5 for him on my siggy, since he will officially be 5 for our trip and we will be celebrating his birthday while we are there..... I tried to talk him into do a Mickey themed bday, but he wanted a Monster Truck theme. That kid is all boy, I am telling you!!!

Well, today we got a surprise in the mail. DH ordered Toy Story III Vinylmation series. One tidbit and not sure if anyone else is into these Vinylmations, but the packages they come in have a very odd almost stinky smell to them when opening them up. I am assuming it is from the vinyl. Has anyone else experienced this???? They are very cute figurines....I didn't know what to expect when hubby showed me on the internet. Apparently, you can trade for other Vinylmations at select shops in Disney. I am still a little confused with the whole aspect of this, but I am sure I will soon figure it all out. DH -Mike thinks it will add to the magic of our trip.

Here is a picture of our Toy Story III Collection -

These are Jay's favorites - Bullseye and Buzz

These are Kay's and Dexter (The dog's) Faves -Wheezy and Buttercup

As promised I was going to share our meltdown experience at Sci-Fi with Jay. Background info. is that at the time he was only 3 and very sleep deprived since he was not getting his usual daily nap. He was just napping on the go while we toured around WDW. We did not have ADR for Sci-Fi so we just put our name in and waited for what seems like weeks or maybe days....okay it was only about an hour and a half, but it seemed like a lifetime when you are with a toddler who is on the verge of a melt down. We did get him to finally fall asleep while we were waiting and when we finally got called for a table Jay was sleeping soundly on hubby's shoulder. So we climbed into our car put in our orders and let him sleep on the seat for while we waited for our food to arrive.

Here is some pics of us in the car (you can see Jay's knee by Hubby )

Here is Jay sleeping. He is out cold....

When our food arrived we thought we better attempt to wake up Jay, so he could eat his food while it was still warm. He has been known to be a bit of a bear when he gets up too prematurely, before he is fully rested.
For the ones who haven't been inside Sci-Fi, it is kind of dark and relatively quite since most people aren't really visiting they are trying to watch the clips of the old movies on the big screen.
So, Mike tries to gently wake him to let him know it is time to eat and.........

Jay finally wakes and pops up in his seat with this crazy look on his face.
and shouts very loudly, "This is my mad face!!!!" we felt like all eyes were on us at that point....THE MAGIC OF DISNEY It can cause small children to melt down....
It was a very memorable experience and we can now get a good laugh out of it. I just hope that he is old enough to go more with the flow on this trip and can deal with alittle sleep deprivation.

Up next.....
Some character encounters....since that is HUGE part of the magic of Disney!!!

 

[britt_ji]

hehe...Jay's "mad face" picture is priceless I've been looking at some of the vinylmation figures at the Disney Store website. I thought we might get one for each of us, and trade whenever we decided to shop for souveniers. I love the Toy Story 3 set you got, but I don't think I would be able to part with them. They're just too cute

 

[mrssmith06]

That mad face is priceless!

 

[lbuzz52]

i love that Sci-Fi story! i imagine i'll have one (or ten) of those napping while touring wears you out moments next trip too! Teh shirts you made are great!
PSA on the Disney store buzz shirt- i bought that one too, as did my friend. Her's ran pretty badly in the wash so you may want to prewash it or something. She took her's back but then again she didn't *need* it for an upcoming trip.

 

[mtgirl29]

Jay even laughed at the "mad face" picture. He is such a cool kid when he gets enough sleep!

I cannot believe I am officially in the 70's now (as in days) until our trip!

 

[ARmom30]

I love your son's mad face. Lol. That is so something mine would do. Our trip to the world is scheduled for 6/5-6/11. So we'll be there the week after you.

 

[mtgirl29]

I love your son's mad face. Lol. That is so something mine would do. Our trip to the world is scheduled for 6/5-6/11. So we'll be there the week after you.

He is a bit of character. He is very comical most days, but don't want to mess with him when he is tired. He is a real GROUCH!

I bet you are getting very excited about your trip!


Thanks for stopping by!

 

[mtgirl29]

Okay! I am now feeling a little bit discouraged. Just worked on this post for 45 min. or more and went to preview and the computer locked up and all was lost. So bear with me while I try to re-create what I had.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed again and yet another obstacle has reared its ugly little head. I thought I was pretty much on the road to calm land until vacation with only Jay's bday next week to focus on until our vacation and then Poof! something else....it is ALWAYS something.

Yesterday, I attended a workshop at the Girl Scout camp to learn to cook over an open fire with a dutch oven and a homeade box oven. It was very interesting and lots of fun!!! Our GS Leader was there, also, taking another workshop on Campfire Songs, Ceremonies and Geocaching. Well after the workshop all the Leaders and Co-Leaders gathered and went over the upcoming personal items drive we are having in April mapping out neighborhoods and such. I thought our Leader was going to head this up, since I had managed the whole cookie sales event from beginning to end by myself. The cookies is a huge endeavor for anyone taking it on.
I am thinking I am done with my portion and would just help out with the drive anyway I could, but wasn't overly concerned until.......the Leader called me when we got home from the workshop and said she had a baby shower that day, that she HAD to attend and that I would have to be the one to coordinate with our troop to drop off bags, pick up items/bags and coordinate with the Food pantry's and shelter. What?????? Why am I the Co-leader/Assistant again???
I hate to say it, but I am considering pulling Kay out next year. I just feel we don't have any parent involvement and the Leader is trying to get out of every project and comes up with excuse after excuse. Alrighty then....I am off my soapbox. I guess I am just crabby today and need to veg out for a while. On top of it I have a touch of a stomach bug.

I am really feeling the need to escape for a while and what is the best way. Going down memory lane, of course and posting some pics of some character encounters. It really gets me into that Magical place. We are also staying at the beach for a week after our Disney trip to rest up.... So I guess I can handle this knowing that I have a wonderful vacation to look forward to. I will just dream in the mean time.

Love this pic of the family. Donald is hubby's favorite character.

Minnie and the kiddos at AK -

Goofy and the kids -

The kids and the Head Cheese

One of my favorites!! Kiddos with Pluto

All these pics were from our 2009 trip. I have a few more to add from 2007. Kay was sooo little in those and I love seeing them.

Well, I guess I will stop here. Not sure if this is even going to post since I had all the trouble before.

I am feeling a little today. I am also really upset about all the devastation in Japan. It is sooo tragic watching the news and videos of the tsunami and earthquake. I cannot imagine what they are going through. Prayers going out to them, as well.

Until next time and hoping to be a little less crabby.....

 

[mrssmith06]

Love the pictures!!!

Yeah I hate working on a long post and then it crashes!! I've learned now that if I have a big post typed out, to highlight it, right click and "copy" before I hit "submit"... that way if it messes up I can just get a new post and paste everything I typed!!

I don't blame you on the girls scouts thing either!! Our troop leader is not so great either and I am constantly getting frustrated with things she does (or doesn't do!). I'm not sure if I will keep my DD in for next year or not...!

 

[britt_ji]

I had my first experience with losing half of my post a while ago, and I've been highlighting and copying everything since. Just in case. The pictures you've posted of the family are so cute. I love the characters in their safari gear. Hopefully, you feel better soon...

 

[mtgirl29]

Yeah I hate working on a long post and then it crashes!! I've learned now that if I have a big post typed out, to highlight it, right click and "copy" before I hit "submit"... that way if it messes up I can just get a new post and paste everything I typed!!

I don't blame you on the girls scouts thing either!! Our troop leader is not so great either and I am constantly getting frustrated with things she does (or doesn't do!). I'm not sure if I will keep my DD in for next year or not...!

I had my first experience with losing half of my post a while ago, and I've been highlighting and copying everything since. Just in case. The pictures you've posted of the family are so cute. I love the characters in their safari gear. Hopefully, you feel better soon...

Yes, I think I have learned my lesson. I almost had a heart attack when I thought I had lost it again on my last post. I think copying it is very smart idea.

 

[mtgirl29]

I am day dreaming of my first day in Disney. We will be arriving around 12:30PM and checking in at CBR. We will probably check out the resort, do a little unpacking and check out our pirate room and then jumping immediately on the bus to MK.

Must do's that first day:

Grab Fast passes for Space Mt. (this ride was closed on our 2009 visit so Jay has never been able to experience it) I hope he doesn't freak, because he won't be easy to comfort the way the seats are one in front of the others and it is so dark in there.

Then ride Carousel of Progress. I think either people love it or hate it. WE LOVE IT!!!! We make this our first ride when come into the park, since there usually isn't a wait.....we know we are IN Disney when we hear....."It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow!!!" OMG! I am so excited, just picturing it!!!

Maybe try to ride the Teacups again. Jay looked like he was about ready to pass out last time on these. I had told Mike-DH not to spin them too fast since Jay was so little. Well, anyway he didn't listen and Jay had a bad experience and now he is a little scared to ride them. He agreed to try them again and we told him if he didn't like them that he wouldn't have to ride them again (until next trip.....)

Here is a pic from 2009 of Kay and Jay in the Teacups

LOL! Jay looks a little apprehensive even before DH started spinning. Bless his lil' heart.

Mike and I in the Teacups

Kay took that pic. Got love the shot from underneath....doesn't do much for trying to hide a double chin.

We have ADR at Grand Floridian Cafe.

The restaurant does look gorgeous, but not sure about the menu. Hubs wants us to step out of our comfort zone and try some new things. Let's see if we do it!!!

Here is the dinner menu:

Dinner (Updated: 01/11)
Appetizers/Starter

Shrimp appetizer for two - Citrus poached, tomato basil, champagne Scampi over Lobster bread pudding - $14.99
Steamed Mussels - Tomato garlic fennel broth and grilled Crostini - $12.99

Soups/Salads

Caesar Salad - Crisp Romaine lettuce in a classic dressing. - $5.49
Chevre and Tomato Salad - Red pepper garbanzo puree, Lavosh, Mache and Balsamic glaze - $5.99
Chicken Noodle Soup - A rich chicken broth with chunks of chicken and veggies. - $4.79
French Onion Soup - Served traditional style - $6.99
Strawberry Salad - Field greens wit crumbled Feta, cashews and strawberry vinaigrette - $5.99

Entree/Main Course

Grand Floridian Burger - Angus chuck burger, lobster, asparagus, and Horseradish-chive hollandaise. served with tomato salad - $17.99
Grilled Pork Chop - Roasted corn grape tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and stone ground mustard Demi - $21.99
New York Strip - Served with a Red Wine Glaze, Blue Cheese Butter, Red Bliss mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. - $27.99
Oven roasted Half Chicken - With braised leeks, fingerling potatoes , baby carrots and chicken jus. - $16.99
Prime Rib - Slow roasted, served with seasonal veggies, Red Bliss mashed potatoes, and natural juice. - $25.99
Salmon - With asparagus, Cremini Mushrooms, leeks and Potato Chive sauce - $20.99
Shrimp and Prosciutto Penne Pasta - Served with Asiago cheese sauce and asparagus tips. - $17.99
Spice Dusted Tuna - With warm roasted pepper garbanzo Puree, fennel spinach salad and kalamata olives - $21.99

Dessert

Chocolate Fondue - Dark chocolate ganache, accompanied by diced fruit for dipping. - $6.99
Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake - Topped with more chocolate - $3.29
Key Lime Pie - Chocolate crust, topped with caramelized sugar. - $3.29
No Sugar added Berry Pyramid - With Mango sauce - $4.99
NY-style Lemon Cheesecake - Rich, New York Style - $3.29
Tiramisu - Lady Fingers and mascarpone - $3.29


I am planning on doing some food "porn" while on my vacation to post some of it in my TR. I just hope I can remember before I dig in! Kay is supposed to remind me to take pics before we even pic up our forks....

Not sure if there is any EMH that day for MK....will have to find out soon, though.

Well, that kind of sums up what I hope happens our first day in Disney. We will have to see how it goes, since it usually doesn't go as planned, but it will still be amazing and I am soooooo excited!

 

[Corrine 1973]

MK does have EMH on Sunday, May 29th. It is open till 2am.

We are going to MK that day to.

 

[mtgirl29]

MK does have EMH on Sunday, May 29th. It is open till 2am.

We are going to MK that day to.

Thanks so much for the info!!!! There will some extra celebrating that first day. I hope we can make it until 2am. Don't want any melt downs, though....

 

[mtgirl29]

Placed an order to the Disney Store today! Kay was a little upset because they didn't still have the Tinker Bell shirt with the removable wings.
They had Mickey totes for $2.50 and kids sunglasses for $3.50 cannot beat that. I will post pics of the items when I get them in. Cannot wait!!!

75 days until D day!!

 

[mtgirl29]

Our second day will be our first full day in Disney and will be at Epcot. Mike-DH's absolute favorite park. He loves The World Showcase....the kids...not so much. The kiddos favorite ride is Test Track, so I am sure we will have to run and get FP's as soon as we get there. I love Soarin' but the kids didn't seem too thrilled with it. But they WILL ride it, because Hubs and I LOVE it and it's sorta, kinda about the kids, right??? No ADR for this day.....so we will be footloose and fancy free that day. So we will probably try to use up some of our CS credits. Does anyone have suggestions on where to get a quick bite to eat there that is tasty? We will be eating at San Miguel in Mexico on Thursday for an ADR and that will be a sit down dinner.

We road Spaceship Earth for the first time on our 2009 trip. In 2007, it was closed for renovations. Kay and I were so bummed about it, too. So it was quite a treat to actually to get inside that big, huge golf ball this past trip. I really didn't know what to expect....since I had never rode it. It seemed a little dated, but still fun! Jay was only 3 when we went and he thought it was the bee's knees. Everyone loved the little movie at the end that took your face and put it on the character. We tried to email it home, but we never received it. Hoping for more luck with that this year.

Here is some Epcot pics -

The shark that ate the family pic -

Funny hat pics at the WSC -

Pic of Mike and Kay in the phone booth -

I was reading some where that you can get the # for this phone booth and call it. I might have to get the number and call the kids from the cell when the go inside.
That would be so funny!

Well, as you can see we had a great time last time in Epcot! Cannot wait to do it again!

Up next........ Day #3 in Paradise!

 

[Lidian]

Loved the Epcot pics! Your kiddos are precious!

We've only eaten at the Japan QS counter in Epcot - and we loved it. So can't really give you any suggestions - outside of that. I can't recall the name of the place (Yakitori House maybe?), I just recall it was in Japan. We did grab a cup of the red bean ice cream in China though. Yum! Epcot is where we like to use up all our ADRs.

Sorry I can't be more suggestive!

 

[mrssmith06]

Great pictures!

 

[mtgirl29]

Loved the Epcot pics! Your kiddos are precious!

We've only eaten at the Japan QS counter in Epcot - and we loved it. So can't really give you any suggestions - outside of that. I can't recall the name of the place (Yakitori House maybe?), I just recall it was in Japan. We did grab a cup of the red bean ice cream in China though. Yum! Epcot is where we like to use up all our ADRs.

Sorry I can't be more suggestive!

Awww! Thanks about the compliment on the pics. I looked at Yakitori House and it looked like it had some yummy selections. Especially, the orange chicken.
Red bean ice-cream sounds very interesting. As long as it doesn't have any peanut contamination, we may give it try. It is so hard since a lot of things are made on the same equipment and such. They are SUPER great about answering our questions there, though. That is another thing I love about Disney.