Space Mountain: Clothing Optional - All done and true even if it is April Fool's

[Stacybaeasm]

Those pictures of the boys are great! There is one where they are both looking to the right and OMG, you can totally see the family resemblance!! it's weird because I have never thought your kids looked alike until that picture.

I'm so glad Baylor is coming into his own and emerging from the shadows. He has such strength of character just to carry on every day. Then, to see the joy in those pictures and the unselfconscious way he just dances...it's inspiring. It makes me want to try to live my life less on the sidelines.

I also love the pictures of the family in front of the tree. What a good looking bunch you all are. Listen, I know I'm pushing 40, but I'll wait for either of your boys. Just tell them they have a fall-back person now. I mean, I was waiting for Prince William, but he seems to have met some British chippy so I guess I will have to move on from that. Your boys seem the next logical choice!! (Oh dear. Is there a cougar/predator smilie?)

 

[DisneyJo]

The photos of the boys are fabulous, it looks like they're having so much fun and it's fantastic that Baylor is coming out of his shell

 

[Dizneydawn]

How awesome for Baylor. I know at his age all I wanted to do was fade into the background.
Good Lord - in 8th grade I was Ughhhhhly...crooked teeth and not in contacts yet...if I could scan a freaking pic I would show you...
Maybe if I read along with your weight loss thread I'd become motivated. My DH is being deployed and I need to be thinner when he comes home instead of heavier as I fear may happen.

Ok - I am glad if I start this I will not be alone...I need to let the girls know on the current thread that I am not abandoning them - just going to work alongside as well as with...

Those pictures of the boys are great! There is one where they are both looking to the right and OMG, you can totally see the family resemblance!! it's weird because I have never thought your kids looked alike until that picture.
When they were little the boys looked almost identical. My grandma used to say I gave birth twice to the same kid...Treyner has darker features and a more ethnic, long nose...Baylor and Carsyn have the same nose and face shape are more similar but Baylor and Treyner are built identical - same hands, same feet, swayback...now we will se if Baylor becomes bow legged like his horse friendly brother!
I'm so glad Baylor is coming into his own and emerging from the shadows. He has such strength of character just to carry on every day. Then, to see the joy in those pictures and the unselfconscious way he just dances...it's inspiring. It makes me want to try to live my life less on the sidelines.
Me too. My sister will not come with us on spring break because she feels too fat in shorts, swimsuit...pretty much anything. It breaks my heart because she is missing out on life. She is probably 70 pounds heavier than me (guess because she won't tell me) and she looked into bi-pass several years ago and was denied - now I think she would not be but she is not ready for the decession. I love her to pieces and just wish she would either accept herself or change herelf because the rest of us are missing out on her.
Listen, I know I'm pushing 40, but I'll wait for either of your boys. Just tell them they have a fall-back person now. I mean, I was waiting for Prince William, but he seems to have met some British chippy so I guess I will have to move on from that.

He is now not as good looking as his brother IMO - his teeth keep getting bigger as his hair keeps getting thinner.

I will let the boys know. Do you come with any sort of dowry?

 

[Leajess99]

Dawn, I am hoping you are okay and did not lose power or anything. I read on the AOL news that you are having bad weather with wind and blowing snow so please stay safe. We woke to some snow (laughable amount) and many people were in accidents today. It took me 40 minutes to drive the 6 miles back from my little one's school and in that time I watched a car go off in the ditch because he was driving too fast and waited to hit the brakes until too late (glad he chose the ditch as his other option was my lane and hitting me head on and I would not have been happy), watching SUVs and other cars slide because they were accelerating too fast, many other non driving events. It is so hard to be here after growing up in Michigan as these people cannot drive when there is even a dusting of snow.

Anyway, please stay safe and warm and check in when you can.

ETA: Well I should have finished catching up. lol

 

[Dizneydawn]

Dawn, I am hoping you are okay and did not lose power or anything. I read on the AOL news that you are having bad weather with wind and blowing snow so please stay safe.

I am north of the bad weather. The interstate is shut down for hundreds of miles south and west in Southern MN. There was a school who could not get kids home and 100 kids bunked out in the gym yesterday...even schools 1/2 hour south of here were delayed at least 2 hours due to the cold - but they are more rural than us so my kids...at school today and I went to the Y for my second day in a row of water aerobics...back on the train again!

Thank you for being worried and I hope your travel gets easier as well!

 

[lindsayp]

great TR!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Does my charming personality count as a dowry? No? Well, my dad may pay someone to take me off his hands so I guess I can't say absolutely not.

 

[wsushocker]

There was a school who could not get kids home and 100 kids bunked out in the gym yesterday...

I can feel the cringe of every teacher as they read this!!!!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

great TR!

Thanks and welcome!!!

Does my charming personality count as a dowry? No? Well, my dad may pay someone to take me off his hands so I guess I can't say absolutely not.

Alright...I wil put a check in the box labeled, "Maybe"

You crack me up!

I can feel the cringe of every teacher as they read this!!!!!!

That's what I thought...mmmm lunch room food...if the lunch ladies were still around! The local hospital brought in meds for the kids who needed them...I have a feeling some extra might have been given! Like Tylenol PM!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Chapter 5 Cont'd - "Nut Grabbing Ninjas"

When the dancing was done, we left and went to get on the Safari. This was our first frustration with Baylor’s guest access card and incase others need one or will in the future, I will let you know what we found out.

It seems since AK was the newest park built, it was built so wheelchairs can get through many lines, thus eliminating the need for the quicker access route to be used. When we went to get his access card, I explained his situation, had a doctors note for his nerve ending issues and was not told that there are different stamps they place on the access card, categorizing you into different methods of access.

The card is good for the length of your stay. Last time, we were at MK first so the issue of how they would categorize Baylor, never came up. MK is older and thus, most rides do not have handicap accessible routes in the main lines.

Well we get to the Safari, and I show the card to the CM and they tell me the line is to the left. (The main line.) I explain that he has this card because he can’t stand for long periods of time (the line wait said 45 minutes) and thus, last year we went through the FP line and why was it not the same this year?

She pointed out the wheelchair stamp on his access card and said, this means he can sit in a wheelchair and he should use it to wait in the line.

I explained he does not use a wheelchair. That I was not informed what the stamp meant upon receiving it and why would they have a wheelchair stamp on it if he was not in one. She suggested I go back and talk to guest relations, which you all know, is 4 miles the opposite direction of Afreeeeca. I was frazzled to say the least. So the kids were told to stay put, Baylor needed to sit anyway and Dan and I went huffing to Guest Relations.

In route, we passed a mercantile where a CM was standing outside, selling those jumbo balloon balls. I asked him if there was a closer guest relations, he asked what the problem was, I answered and he was beyond nice. He had me come inside, got guest relations on the phone and had me explain to them the issue. The person I spoke to explained that all she could do is have Baylor go into a wheelchair and that way he would not be standing for so long. I asked why the discrepancy from last year and that is when, I was explained that because we had gotten it from MK, they stamped it differently and thus, different access.

I said as nicely as possible how stupid this was. That if we had picked MK this day and done AK the next day, that we would never been dealing with this issue. She said there was nothing she could do about it and so, we thanked the nice CM, he said he could not believe how ignorant it was either. That there are guests with severe autism etc, that cannot stand in lines long that could walk or have okay mobility that then, would need to have a wheelchair, have the guests pay for it, make the walkways around AK more congested, for what?

Now you need to understand please that I know Baylor. I know that if I would have suggested him being in a wheelchair, he would have said, “Screw it I will go back to the hotel.” He has worked through a year of physical therapy to be as good as he is. His left leg is almost the same size as his right leg now. He is proud of the weight he has put on and goes to the Y every night if he can to keep strengthening his leg. This is a kid who just minutes before, got up in front of other people for the first time in a year and did not care if they noticed his leg. If I said wheel chair, that to him would be reversing his progress and there was no way.

Dan and I decided we would just go forward, hope the line was not too long and let him sit on the railings when he needed to. Which is against Disney rules but at this point I did not care. I would watch him for signals he was having issues, leg itching, swelling, numbness and we would exit if we had to or he could get a piggy back from Treyner or us.

We went back and found the kids. The sun was finally out and they were enjoying it. Baylor, as usual, leary of the sun on his leg, had taken off his sweatshirt and had it covering his left leg. I will say that I am most proud of him for this. He is always conscious of taking care of that leg. Always. He does not need to be reminded to cover it, sunscreen it, lotion it, ever. Period. He has just become aware of his frailty and no complaints, just does it. Makes do with what he has handy and does not gripe that he does not have something special with. He will stand and make sure his left leg is in the shade in any line or at any place we are. He will wear 3 soccer socks over his leg if it makes it feasible for him to go in the sun. He will go swimming at night, when the pool is empty of most of his friends, because last summer, he was not ready for sun exposure. He gets out of the water and reapplies his sun block and then waits for it to dry before re-putting on his sock. Even if his friends are busting his hinny for being slow and egging him on from the water.

He just has dealt with it with such grace that he makes me proud to be his Mom.

So we find them, in the sun, By Tusker House and the bathrooms and get in line for the Safari.

We enter the line and I asked the boys to stand for a pic!

It was not 45 minutes, probably closer to ½ an hour and we got ready for out ride with Cruise Director Cindy. This was one of the better Safaris we had been on. Loads of animals and she stopped a bit more than most due. We did not see a lion this time but everything else was very visible.

Well I love popcorn. Maybe I should brag about that on my bumper!

Big Birds

Dan, reflecting on the plight of the endangered 6’6 man.

Crykee…look at that lovely Shelia!

“If I fart will these freaks in the bus take a picture of the bubbles?”

Ya know what they say about males with big horns!

A very large potato gone bad.

Long Neck Bottle…

Can you see me now?

I have recently seen on those dumb hunting shows that they are going to Africa for the big game and hunting elephants. 20 feet away and a power rifle. How is that hunting? Why don’t you stand 20 feet from me and let me use the same gun and see if I can shoot you. You are a fraction of the size of the elephant, so that my dear would be hunting.

Sorry, I grew up with a dad who was a hunter, I have nothing against it but don’t sell me on the fact you are a genius in your craft by going into a preserve and shooting an animal that has been anesthetized by humans.
I cannot imagine killing one of these animals for sport. Jack wads.

We left the safari and declined the walking trail. The boys were still miffed from last years debacle in which Carsyn became one with the gorillas for hours. This was our new motto btw - we voted and majority won on what we did next.

So I suggested going to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the kids, God Bless them, caved. The train ride past the enclosures for the animals was neat and once we got off the train, we found a perfect place for naughty pictures. Now the first one is before - and horrible but you see the smirk on Treyner’s face…this is how I knew he would be up to something.

I hate I could not get them all in or out of the sun.

I was laughing so hard and at the same time, wanting them to knock it off because the normal Disney families were coming and wanted photos of a non nut grabbing Rafiki.

We saw a sheep trying to break out right in broad daylight.

Here is proof that even animals believe in public humiliation! One sheep was using the other as a dinner tray so he did not have to eat off the ground!

We went in to the main bldg and I had to use the facilities and had my camera with. So yes, I am on the can when this photo op arose of the inside of the stall but now you know the facts on poo and I have had my Bill Nye the Science Guy, needs met.

We headed back to catch the train again and missed the train just departing. This meant a wait and bored kids mean headlocks and atomic wedgies in this house so I suggested my kids play a game they learned in Burn Camp this summer called Ninja.

Ninja is awesome and you can play it anywhere. You get people to stand in a circle and the object is to hit another’s hand before they hit yours. You start by standing outside of the circle, making a goofy ninja noise and jumping in the circle with a ninja move and freezing your body in whatever position you create. Then you go around the circle and in only one move, you swing your hand to hit someone else’s hand. The person who is possibly on the receiving end has also only one move to get their hand out of the way. It takes balance, eye hand coordination and that is about it. With only three people, the rounds went by fast and believe me, they had an audience of people watching them. Little kids were curious about the game and parents were watching too. It’s a great stall tactic for waiting in lines because obviously you do not have to jump in a circle. You could simply put your hands in an area and play it as space allows.

Here is some pics of that. I hope I described it okay. The kids have brought it home with them and you can see late teens of all ages just having fun with it around my house.

 

[nutmegg]

Chapter 5 Cont'd again - Round 3

I need to find a way to transfer the video better - I tried photo bucket but it was really blury after the transfer - on the cell phone it is clear but then - something happens! Ugh!

Hi Dawn! I am really enjoying following your family's vacation. I had to catch myself a few times from laughing too loud at work while reading your Boma breakfast experience. If my brother ever intentionally tried to make me "spew" my breakfast my Mom would have definitely not have taking it as humorously as you did.

I also loved all the pictures of Treynor and Baylor dancing together! You should try to frame one of the pictures for each of them - I'm sure they would love it!

Regarding your video dilemma, how did you transfer the file to Photobucket initially? Did you email the file to yourself and upload it, or do you have cables for your phone to automatically download everything onto your comp? I'm not an expert, but I will try to help you out if I can!

 

[Dizneydawn]

I just found out from the kids Dad that a cousin died unexpectingly.

32 years old and we have no info yet. His brother is in Haiti right now in the navy - nobody can get ahold of him. I am just so sad. His Dad died in a car accident, comming home from the hopsital the night he was born and he had fought through some pretty serious emotional baggage to become a good dad and husband. His brother is not going to take this well at all and to be alone in Haiti with all that devastation and find this out is more than I can imagine. 3 little kids and a wife left behind.

I am trying to figure out flights for Treyner home for the funeral, assuming it will be next week. I will try and post an update when I can. Just such a cr@ppy thing.

 

[winkers]

Oh, Dawn that's awfull!

I'll keep you and the family in my prayers.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Oh, Dawn that's awfull!

I'll keep you and the family in my prayers.

Thanks - just found out he collapsed at work late morning. He worked for Budwesier as a distributor for grocery stores. They will do an autopsy. His brother in Haiti can only call home once a week so his brothers wife is at the base now trying to figure out what to do.

Flights for Treyner would be cheaper if he drove to Atlanta then flew home. We just do not know anything about a date and can't until obviously his brother is back from Haiti - rest of the family is in the states.

I hate feeling helpless. The kids do not have school on Friday so I am sure they will go down for the weekend at least with their Dad. I will go to the funeral/wake and go down seperately.

 

[askelton]

What a terrible loss. The wife may be able to get in touch with the brother in Haiti through the Red Cross, although I'm sure the base will know how to get in touch with him.

 

[kbheap]

The pictures of the boys dancing are priceless! Your first day is off to a great start.

My prayers are with your family's lost cousin.

 

[DisneyJo]

I'm so sorry about the cousin, I hope they can make contact with his brother soon


The rules for the GAC seem daft, I hear of loads of mobile people getting them so why do they suddenly require a wheelchair

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Dawn,
I'm so sorry to hear about the death in your family. I know I am fairly far away from Treynor, but let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

On the TR side, the ninja game worried me until you described it. In my mind, I just pictured your 3 (plus Dan) dressing up in head to toe black outfits and jumping out at people, probably with swords. Which made me chuckle, then say "But that can't be safe." After you explained it, I still think it would be better if they dressed in black and had swords.

 

[Dizneydawn]

What a terrible loss. The wife may be able to get in touch with the brother in Haiti through the Red Cross, although I'm sure the base will know how to get in touch with him.

Great idea and I let their family know. So many details to worry about at a time like this.

The pictures of the boys dancing are priceless! Your first day is off to a great start.
We had an amazing time.
My prayers are with your family's lost cousin.

Thank you.

I'm so sorry about the cousin, I hope they can make contact with his brother soon

Me too.
The rules for the GAC seem daft, I hear of loads of mobile people getting them so why do they suddenly require a wheelchair

Because if standing is the issue, at AK - they have wide enough lanes for a wheelchair in the standby lines. That is what they told me anyway. So even if your medical issue is not a wheelchair issue, it will become one.

Dawn,
I'm so sorry to hear about the death in your family. I know I am fairly far away from Treynor, but let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
I will. Biggest issue is finding out when they will have a funeral and trying to find affordable airfair to get him there. The bereavement flights are more expensive then Priceline.
On the TR side, the ninja game worried me until you described it. In my mind, I just pictured your 3 (plus Dan) dressing up in head to toe black outfits and jumping out at people, probably with swords. Which made me chuckle, then say "But that can't be safe." After you explained it, I still think it would be better if they dressed in black and had swords.

Totally would be but that...is probably the line in the sand that the kids would not cross for self humiliation.

 

[DONTMINDME]

I'm so sorry for you and the whole family, I hope you can get Treynor a flight without too much hassle. Life just doesn't seem to be very fair does it? My heart goes out to the whole family.