SOOZE's Grand Gathering... it's so good, I have to bevel! Update! 2/3

[Sooze]

Here's my annual theater update! We opened the Indianapolis premiere of "Curtains" last weekend and it was absolutely wonderful! Such a great cast to work with and the audiences seem to love the show!

Of course, it has been putting a HUGE damper on my ability to get to this TR! And, once again, I apologize!

Thought you might like to see a few pictures from the show!

Here I am with my 'romantic lead'

And here we are having a moment...

Oh, and here's another moment...

Here is a big all-cast number. Pardon some of the unfinished junk on the stage... it was a dress rehearsal night!

And another Oklahoma-like number

Fun stuff! I just LOVE performing with community theater. Such an amazing outlet!

I WILL be posting an update tonight!!! YAY!! See y'all soon!

 

[micandminforever]

It looks like a fun play. The pictures were great.

 

[Sooze]

It looks like a fun play. The pictures were great.

Thanks! It has been such a humbling and fun-filled experience!

 

[Sooze]

The whole family made their way to Future World. We were able to secure some FPs for Soarin' and were giddy with excitement to experience this ride together for the first time!!

Before that, though, we headed to this iconic ride:

As was the norm on this trip, we had a short wait for the ride:

One of the best things about this trip for me, was that whenever we waited in line, there was always a TON of conversation. Here is Uncle Ben asking the girls something deep and thought-provoking, I'm sure:

Pretty soon, we were zipping through the FP line in Soarin', ready for takeoff!

Well, almost. For those of you who have read my TRs before, you know we NEVER sit ANYWHERE except the top row, center. So after politely asking the CMs if we could wait for the next round, we had a moment to catch this cute family picture of ABC, complete with more adorable face from Avabelle!

Once we were placed on our gliders, the girls couldn't contain their happiness.

They just had to bevel!

We had the most amazingly wonderful flight! It was such a joy to share this for the first time for Mahna, Cindy, and Avabelle. I spent most of the ride watching THEM. Them and their wide, glowing smiles!! It was awesome!

Soon, we were on our way out and I was able to catch another quick shot of the brothers with their girls (can you see them holding hands? How cute!):

We made it to WS in time to catch Illuminations. As you know, this is our personal family favorite, and we often find a spot an hour ahead of the show. Not today. Again, this vacation was about our whole family, not just us and our traditions. We were too busy maxing things out! So we just stood at the entrance to WS and watched the show. I'm not sure if the family enjoyed it as much as they should've, but when you're watching from behind 5 rows of standing people, it just can't be the experience we wanted it to be. Avabelle still enjoyed it!

Everyone was pretty beat and quite exhausted from dodging the rain, and just having a really long day. Of course, Tyson was on a Disney high, and was nowhere near ready to leave. Plus, there were EMH at Epcot tonight! Our solution? Everyone went home... except for Tyson and me!! It was time for me to get my Epcot thrills on!!

The first stop:

We flew to Mars, and I had to listen to Tyson reciting the ENTIRE ride, word for word, along with Gary Sinese. Geeze, I'm thinking he may have ridden this one too many times...

We then scurried over to the single rider line at Test Track. Both times, we ended up in the same car! We also snagged a few fun ride photos:

Ride 1

Ride 2

We felt fufilled and decided to head back to the Boardwalk. I had the most wonderful time strolling through an emptying Epcot. And I mean strolling... we were just taking it ALL in. On our way out, we saw a pretzel stand still open and decided to stop for a late-night snack! I have such wonderful memories of sitting with my boy and enjoying this perfect night!

We finally made it home and crashed with the rest of the family. Luckily, we were able to sleep in the next day. We all dreamt of the wonderful experiences waiting for us... princesses and space shuttles.... and RAIN.... oh my....

 

[Sooze]

From our visit with Rapunzel and Flynn:

Auntie Cindy getting in on the action!

Why not? Me too!

Time for Tiana:

And I love that the PP Photographer turned and snapped this one:

So serious!

Aren't the hug pictures just the best?

That does it for day 3!

 

[micandminforever]

It is great that you and Tyson got EPCOT thrill time together. The Test Track picture are priceless, and the girls with the princess are magical.

 

[glennbo123]

Looked like a fantastic day....what a wonderful family you have! You can really see how you enjoy each others' company.

The photopass pictures from earlier in the trip are adorable.

 

[zipadeepixie]

OMG - those princess picutures are the cutest ever!!! I wish my daughter was little still! Well . . . she only 7 .. . going on 18!!!! I remember when she was 3 and thought they were real princesses! So cute!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

How great that you and Tyson got a night to yourselves. I am sure there was some great memories made there.

Love the princess photos! Just precious.

 

[jordanyosh]

peep

 

[Sooze]

It is great that you and Tyson got EPCOT thrill time together. The Test Track picture are priceless, and the girls with the princess are magical.

Such an awesome day! We still talk about it!

Looked like a fantastic day....what a wonderful family you have! You can really see how you enjoy each others' company.

The photopass pictures from earlier in the trip are adorable.

I have been blessed, for sure. Love every single one of them so much!!!

OMG - those princess picutures are the cutest ever!!! I wish my daughter was little still! Well . . . she only 7 .. . going on 18!!!! I remember when she was 3 and thought they were real princesses! So cute!

I was super pleased with PhotoPass this trip. They captured so many precious moments with those princesses.

Wait a minute.... the princesses aren't real!?!?

How great that you and Tyson got a night to yourselves. I am sure there was some great memories made there.

Love the princess photos! Just precious.

He still talks about that night. I know he loved having his OWN time with me, since that is so rare in our lives. And you can bet I loved having my own time with HIM, too!

peep

Love me some Jordan peep!!

 

[Sooze]

The entire family was needing a sleep-in morning, and, thankfully, we had just that planned for today. Today was going to be different for all of us. Mahna and Pahta were going to drive over to the Kennedy Space Center with Tyson, while the rest of us were headed to Epcot for the Akershus Princess breakfast.

We prepared for our meal by getting the girls all dolled-up in their princess dresses and glittery eyes. I was able to use a new bandana that my sister gave to me.

How perfect is that?

Soon, we were all on our way to our day’s adventures. Here are the royal princesses awaiting their escort to Norway:

And here comes one of my favorite shots of the entire trip. It’s another one of Shae and Avabelle, but Avabelle was pulling on her face, playing with her sunglasses. She just so happened to be using her longest fingers. I grabbed this picture as fast as I could! It’s awesome!

I really want to crop and zoom and blow that one up… frame it… and give it to Ben and Cindy for Christmas! Wouldn’t that look beautiful hanging in their living room! HA HA HA!

Soon, we had bid farewell to Mahna, Pahta, and Tyson, and were on our way to the Princess breakfast. Ben and Cindy had decided to surprise Avabelle this morning. She knew she was going to eat breakfast, but had no idea the princesses would be there! We were all so excited to see her reactions.

After checking in, the girls had a few more moments to pose while we waited our turn to enter:

We were finally escorted into the line. If you’ve eaten here before, you know the line starts well outside. It takes a while and a twist or turn or two, before you finally can see Belle awaiting you. Cindy happened to glance around the corner and catch a glimpse of the beautiful yellow gown and perfect princess…. And immediately got emotional.

Well, here… see for yourself:

Isn’t she just adorable! We sure don’t have to wonder where Avabelle gets it from, do we?

Here she is trying to guess what would happen next!

Soon, she found herself in the presence of her very favorite princess. The ‘awwwwws’ were plentiful as the two of them interacted. Such a beautiful moment!

Next, it was Shae’s turn.

And a quick video of the interaction. She was much more subdued… such the Disney pro. I think she feels like Belle and she are just old friends who haven’t seen each other in a while.


We were quickly seated and able to get right to the buffet. Avabelle was over joyed but still had no idea that MORE princess were coming. Imagine her precious face as the parade of royalty started filtering into the room. And then when she realized that they were ALL going to PERSONALLY visit HER?!?! Pretty dang awesome!

Shae knew all along, and was so good at helping us keep the secret!

And, just in case you were wondering how fabulous the glitter eyes looked… here you go:

Soon, the personal visits began. I always feel like these whoosh by much too quickly, but we still have the pictures and memories!

1st up, Cinderella:

The ever-classic Aurora:

Snow White and her princess pose:

Beautiful red heads:

And Avabelle’s turn with the mermaid:

Soon it was time for the Princess Promenade around the restaurant. It was so nice that the girls had each other and had no qualms about leaving the table to join in the fun!

Another quick video of the promenade:


I can’t even tell you what we ate!! Of course, we NEVER do this meal for the food. It is what it is… typical Disney breakfast buffet fare. They DO throw in a bit of a Norwegian twist with some kind of fish stuff… but ICK! Not for me!

I know that we had a wonderful time, watching our little princesses absorb every second of pampering and magic. It was also nice that Tyson didn’t have to sit there and watch the girls get all of the attention. He was in his own spotlight with his grandparents, which made us all feel fantastic!

Until the rain came… and came…. and came…

What should we do with a wash out of a day? How bad was it at Kennedy Space Center?

Stay tuned!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Oh my goodnesss.....that was such a great post! Those little faces just say it all....what a great shot with Belle....she's my fav too!!! I agree, at a princess meal, it's never about the food

 

[micandminforever]

The princess pictures are great. Shea and Avabelle are adorable in their princess glitter and dresses.

 

[Sooze]

Oh my goodnesss.....that was such a great post! Those little faces just say it all....what a great shot with Belle....she's my fav too!!! I agree, at a princess meal, it's never about the food

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the princess extravaganza!

The princess pictures are great. Shea and Avabelle are adorable in their princess glitter and dresses.

Thank you! We are enjoying these years when they love to get fancy!

 

[glennbo123]

(In my best Goofy voice) Aw shucks, that was sweet!

I'm glad the girls had such a good time with the princesses.

 

[jordanyosh]

so neat to see little peeps 1st visits to various locales at WDW especially when it includes their favorite princess. Belle is mine too. I don't cry when I see her though...at least not anymore.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Aww, what an awesome update with CUTE pictures!!! The one with the "long" fingers made me laugh out loud. That is hilarious!!

I miss DS being so young. We only got to do the princess breakfast once when he was 3. I thought I should fit it in back then before he got old enough to tell me no. Oh how I miss the magic of him getting his sword to protect the castle and then closing his eyes to wish upon his wishing star!!

Now he would be happier going off like Tyson. Which is fine. But now mommy has no princess time at all! BOO!!!!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Awww, how precious! I love the looks on all their faces.

I think this was the day we were supposed to meet and didn't make it.

Hope you are having a great week in Florida!

 

[Sooze]

(In my best Goofy voice) Aw shucks, that was sweet!

I'm glad the girls had such a good time with the princesses.

I can totally hear the Goofy voice... and it fits perfectly!

so neat to see little peeps 1st visits to various locales at WDW especially when it includes their favorite princess. Belle is mine too. I don't cry when I see her though...at least not anymore.

Oh... you're a big tough guy now that you're a midwesterner.... I see how it is.

Aww, what an awesome update with CUTE pictures!!! The one with the "long" fingers made me laugh out loud. That is hilarious!!

I cropped it on just her and her 'gesture' and sent it to her parents. That'll be a great one to frame for the living room!

I miss DS being so young. We only got to do the princess breakfast once when he was 3. I thought I should fit it in back then before he got old enough to tell me no. Oh how I miss the magic of him getting his sword to protect the castle and then closing his eyes to wish upon his wishing star!!

Now he would be happier going off like Tyson. Which is fine. But now mommy has no princess time at all! BOO!!!!!!

It's awesome and horrible at the same time to watch our little ones grow up, isn't it? Just think, in about 10 years, he might want those princess meals again... especially if Jasmine is around.

Awww, how precious! I love the looks on all their faces.

I think this was the day we were supposed to meet and didn't make it.

Hope you are having a great week in Florida!

I think it was that day, too... I hate it when my Disfriends and I are in the World at the same time and we just can't make it work... sigh. Someday...