Stitch's Great Escape...A Mom and Me Birthday Celebration! *7/26 Link to new PTR*

[LindaBabe]

oh your crocigator is so CUTE! Next time, if you can venture off property for just a FEW minutes, you could take your crew to see his big brother . . . . I'll send you directions ;-)

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

What a great day you had Jay. Yes we saw the "crocigator" when we were there also. The grandsons loved it. My youngest is 10 and played at the playground and they all went to the arcade. We ended up at Cabanas 8A which worked out quite well for us as we did not need the busses at all and we were so close to the pool. My 2 younger dgs' were there one morning when they turned the water on for the slide. They do a regular ritual. What fun.
Seeing your wonderful pics makes me want to go back NOW!
I have no internet at home this week. What a bummer. They can't come till Saturday. It was out when we returned home last Saturday.
My job is suffering cause I have to have my dis time.

I love the way your Stitch looks at you with those eyes full of love. Doesn't it make life grand?
Ginny

 

[brookelizabeth]

What a great evening! That playground looks amazing, it far outweighs any we have seen as well. The pics of Stitch around the pool are precious-his happiness was evident swimming and running around, and followed up with a yummy dinner-you just can't beat a day like that in Disney World!

 

[teruterubouzu]

I don't usually feel like I wish I had kids, but oh does this trip report make me feel like I'm missing out. What a great adventure you had with your little guy.

The gator photos are great! I read about him (her?) on the CSR thread and was bound and determined that I would not run into him during my stay at the CSR. It looks like I didn't have anything to be afraid of. LOL!

 

[DisneyJo]

Wow how cool you got to spot a gator, I'd love to see one in the wild!!!!

Sounds as though you and Stitch had the perfect wind down afternoon and the dig site is pretty cool isn't it

Having turn down is fantastic and makes CSR feel so deluxe, I hope they do it at other mods!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love your pictures of the pool and playground. The Dig Site pool was a huge hit with my boys when we stayed at CSR too. I think it's one of the top themed pools in all of WDW.

On another note, I just got back from Cozumel yesterday. It was a trip with my girlfriends to celebrate my *gulp* 40th birthday. Anyway, we rented a jeep one day and stopped by Paradise Beach to take a peak - it was awesome! I thought of you as I was standing there in awe, it's just a beautiful area. We didn't spend the day since it is geared more towards families, but I did make a mental note to come back with the family someday, I know the boys would love it.

 

[pikaboo27]

Hi Jay!

I'm finally caught up! Gosh, you must be the luckiest girl in the world to get to go to WDW again! I love all the great photos and all the fun things you and Stitch have done so far. Plus the crepe thing had me giggling.

Also, your meal at GF looked so amazing! I'm going to PM you for more info because DH and I are taking my mom and dad with us on our first ever stay on our DVC points to Animal Kingdom villas in early December and we are trying to decide whether to do a Grand One fireworks dessert cruise, an intimate dinner at GF or both! Since you are now my resident expert on all thing Disney Surprises, I can't wait to hear more of your thoughts.

Also, I'm so sorry about your dad. DH just lost his father very suddenly last August, so we definately know how you feel. At least you have your wonderful family around you and I'm sure many wonderful memories.

The only bummer about being caught up is that now I have to wait for your next installment! Keep them coming!

All the best,

 

[anbouk]

Hi Jay! Chiming in to say I am still following along your trippie! Enjoying this one with Stitch, he is one character...my Chip (...and Dale) is almost the same age Stitch. Say, we are planning for a stay at AKL and I recall from another trippie of yours exploring the lodge...Can you share that link, I would love to look it overs since we will be there..Can't wait! Hopefully our roads will cross one of these days at the most wonderful place on earth...WDW Can't wait for more! for dad's memory!

 

[MouseTriper]

Hi Jay....haven't heard from you in awhile. Hope all is well with you and the family. Looking forward to reading more of this TR.

 

[wahoostampingirl]

Finally caught up. Stitch's B-day at Epcot was awesome. I can't believe how many rides you were able to do in that one day.

I just love the pictures of the Dig Site at CSR. We don't stay onsite very often because I prefer a condo to a hotel room, but the themeing at WDW resorts is hard to resist. I will have to put CSR on my list of places to try.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Jay hope everything is ok. Ready for an update when you can.

Take care

Ginny

 

[tommygirl79]

Me too Jay - been checking for updates and notice it's been awhile. While I REALLY want to read the next update - I'm just checking in to make sure you're okay...praying you're just busy enjoying your summer!

Rachel

 

[jaycns]

Sorry ya'll, I didn't mean to worry anyone. I have houseguest this week and also had a different set last week. Throw in a short escape to a local bed and breakfast with dh and you have me without a minute to spare. I promise to get back to posting just as soon as the swirl of activity dies down enough for me to sit down.

Thanks for reading and for checking in on me. I will post by early next week. Hope you are all enjoying the start of summer!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Thanks for keeping us posted Jay. Good to know you are ok, just busy. Sounds like you are set for a busy summer. Will anxiously wait for more.

Ginny

 

[MouseTriper]

Hey Jay...so glad to hear your just busy with guests and B&B's...LOL!!!! Hope your having fun! Looking forward to your next update!!!! Oh and isn't it getting close for you to start your PTR for Goofy's big birthday adventure??? hahahahahahahaha...!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Glad to hear your just busy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh, an escape weekend! LOVE IT!

Good to hear you are just busy...we'll be waiting for when you are un-busy with 4 boys.

 

[jaycns]

I can't believe you got a gator on camera. I have to show my DH. He is a reptile lover. He wondered if there were any around and kept watching for them over at POR.

CSR is a beautiful place. You have some wonderful shots of everything. Only at WDW do you get that theme stuff.

An unusual pizza combination. It looked very good. I do love shrimp.

I loved seeing a 'wild' gator. It was such a treat and I am so glad I had my camera with me, charged and with memory left!

CSR is really VERY well themed. I loved the way they pulled it all together so well!

Jay what a great update! One thing I love about all of your trip reports is how you always recognize the necessity of changing your plans and simply enjoying your surroundings! Your trip report has now convinced me that Coronado springs is the next resort we will be staying in after this september trip. It just looks so great!

BTW - I know those are coronado refillable mugs - are all of the mugs this year that nice bigger size or just at CSR??? They are cool!

I love the picture of you guys holding hands. Something so prescious about a little hand held lovingly by a child. I love that you thought to take the picture!

BTW, love the Kindle - I have never seen those - I think I now know what to ask for this Christmas!

Lastly, I love how you said you remember going to sleep smiling that night...isn't that the best feeling??? So peaceful and a moment so full of joy...

Thanks for taking us along - I so enjoyed this update!

I think that being able to let yourself roll with what is going on instead of holding tight to a schedule is the second best lesson I have ever learned about being at WDW. The first 'best lesson' was when I was pregnant with our Little Buzz and restricted as to how much I could do. I learned to love downtime at WDW. Although it is no longer required, it is ALWAYS a part of all of our WDW vacations. And usually, the memories we make while doing 'nothing' are even more magical than the ones we make in the parks or taking part in a big outing.

I love pictures of my hand holding the kids hands. Those are some of my most cherished images. NOT because they look 'special' but because they are truly special and looking at them takes me right back to the special moments we shared and the love that I felt in those tiny sweet hands.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my Kindle 2! It's my favorite 'tech' gadget ever (other than my laptop). It's such a great way to keep up with reading while I am on the run (which is almost constantly).

And yes, I remember just how I felt when I went to sleep that night...it was such an 'in the clouds' feeling of happiness. Ahhhh....what a blessed mom I am!

Wow those pictures of CSR are amazing! The playground and the pool look like so much fun. Its so cute that Stitch was wishing his brothers were there to play with. As a parent, don't you love those moments when you realize that your children truly like spending time together? And not just because they are stuck with each other! Its sounds like your kids are the best of friends, so you know you are doing something right! Now as long as they don't all gang up on you!

Ha ha ha, I was happy to hear him say he missed/loved his brothers. I think a part of it is our homeschool lifestyle, but all four boys are very close...and I wouldn't have it any other way. They are almost always each others biggest fans and rarely do the fights break out (although when they do...I do consider running for cover myself HA HA). And they do all gang up on me (including dh...actually, he is usually the ring leader). Being the only gal in a house full of guys is an interesting way to live. Then again, I am the only gal in a house full of guys...I get all of the flowers anyone picks, I get all of the "Will you be my Valentines", I get all of the special dances and pretty much I get to be the princess whenever one is needed.

Can't believe you saw a gator. I am a a huge chicken and probably would have freaked out. You did get some really nice shots of him.

The pool area at CSR is so nice, hard to believe it is a mod.

Oh he was so not scary (cause he couldn't get to where I was...if he could have, he would have been more monster than friend ).

I'd have FREAKED at the sight of the gator! Not where i would like him to be!

Your trip just sounds so magical! I would give anything for that kind of special time with my kids!

What I have learned is to just do it. It doesn't matter if it's a weekend away at a local motel with visits to parks and a favorite pizza place or if it's a week at Walt Disney World. The one on one time together is priceless. I am chomping at the bit to start Goofy's trip!

 

[jaycns]

What a great relaxing day. That gator was scary....I bet Stitch was amazed!

He really was amazed. Both of us were, actually. We could barely tear ourselves away. We loved Crocagator!

Awesome way to relax after your amazing park day. I am impressed with the themeing of the resort. Well done.
Sweet picture of the hands together. I love pictures like that, it sort of freezes time.

The CSR is a great example of what Disney does with themes!

And you are right, it does freeze time...I will always love that picture because of the moment in time it captures!

I can't believe I am so far behind. I loved the MK update. Magic Kingdom is my favorite park. The tuna sandwich from Columbia Harbor House looked so good.

I will have to show my 12 year old the alligator pic. She is determined to see an alligator but has yet to see one. We usually look to help her but even if we do see one by the time we tell her we are passed it and it is too late. Even last fall when we went off property she still didn't see one. Maybe this Sept. she'll finally see one.

Great pictures and update!

Oh that tuna! YUM! It was really good! I really enjoyed it!

I was so excited to see the alligator. I think I am a lot like you daughter, I had been looking and looking and looking but came up short. Even when dh saw one once, I missed it (we were on the monorail and it was past us before I turned my head).

Thanks for reading along!

Hmm, before this I had never considered staying at CSR. Now, it's on my list! The pool area and playground look great, and Pepper Market sounds wonderful! Great pictures of Stitch in the playground. I was wondering if he got bored without his brothers - but I guess you can always find kids to play with at Disney!

Ha ha ha, he did miss them but there was never a lack of other kids running around to play with! The pool area was great. I think it's one of the very best on property.

Oh wow Jay, I can't believe you came across "crocogater"...lol...!!!! I would have freaked but I love the pictures you got. Your Stitch sure is a little sweetie, I love the picture of him holding your hand!!! You had another one like that in a previous trip report....wasn't it at the MK with Goofy??? So sweet.

My DD was here while I was looking at your update and she wants to go to that pool and that playground!!!! She says she wants to play with "Stitch" there!!!!! She said she will be his friend since he was there all alone...LOL.

Loved the update!!! Looking forward to the next one!!!!

Ha ha Why,YES, I do have another hand holding picture....and it was with Goofy (at MK during MNSSHP). WAY GOOD MEMORY! I am very impressed!

How totally cool that you guys got to see a gator, hubby so badly wanted to see a wild one when we were there.

Oh and I love the pic of you and stitch holding hands.

Thanks, I adore that picture too! And tell your dh not to give up hope, I finally got to see my 'wild croc'.

oh your crocigator is so CUTE! Next time, if you can venture off property for just a FEW minutes, you could take your crew to see his big brother . . . . I'll send you directions ;-)

OH LINDA...I do need to get directions. I also need to whisper in your ear about some possible future plans to see if they cross dates with yours. I AM DETERMINED to have more than a chance meeting! We need a meal at least to sit and catch up!

What a great day you had Jay. Yes we saw the "crocigator" when we were there also. The grandsons loved it. My youngest is 10 and played at the playground and they all went to the arcade. We ended up at Cabanas 8A which worked out quite well for us as we did not need the busses at all and we were so close to the pool. My 2 younger dgs' were there one morning when they turned the water on for the slide. They do a regular ritual. What fun.
Seeing your wonderful pics makes me want to go back NOW!
I have no internet at home this week. What a bummer. They can't come till Saturday. It was out when we returned home last Saturday.
My job is suffering cause I have to have my dis time.

I love the way your Stitch looks at you with those eyes full of love. Doesn't it make life grand?
Ginny

Yep, love does make life grand...in fact, for me, it's what makes life worth living in the first place!

What a great evening! That playground looks amazing, it far outweighs any we have seen as well. The pics of Stitch around the pool are precious-his happiness was evident swimming and running around, and followed up with a yummy dinner-you just can't beat a day like that in Disney World!

That was a great playground. I wonder if any of the other Disney resorts even come close theme wise. None that I have seen. It was a great surprise for us!

I don't usually feel like I wish I had kids, but oh does this trip report make me feel like I'm missing out. What a great adventure you had with your little guy.

The gator photos are great! I read about him (her?) on the CSR thread and was bound and determined that I would not run into him during my stay at the CSR. It looks like I didn't have anything to be afraid of. LOL!

LOL, he was a sweet looking gator (from way up on the bridge with him having no way to get to me).

Thanks for reading along!

Wow how cool you got to spot a gator, I'd love to see one in the wild!!!!

Sounds as though you and Stitch had the perfect wind down afternoon and the dig site is pretty cool isn't it

Having turn down is fantastic and makes CSR feel so deluxe, I hope they do it at other mods!

I don't even know if turn down was normal at the CSR, our friends stayed there two weeks ago and didn't have turn down for even a single evening. Maybe we just hit some sort of lucky magical Disney jackpot?

Love your pictures of the pool and playground. The Dig Site pool was a huge hit with my boys when we stayed at CSR too. I think it's one of the top themed pools in all of WDW.

On another note, I just got back from Cozumel yesterday. It was a trip with my girlfriends to celebrate my *gulp* 40th birthday. Anyway, we rented a jeep one day and stopped by Paradise Beach to take a peak - it was awesome! I thought of you as I was standing there in awe, it's just a beautiful area. We didn't spend the day since it is geared more towards families, but I did make a mental note to come back with the family someday, I know the boys would love it.

OH... PARADISE BEACH! Ahhhh. I wish I were there right about now! I am so happy you thought about me there. I really love that little slice of heaven on earth!

 

[jaycns]

Hi Jay!

I'm finally caught up! Gosh, you must be the luckiest girl in the world to get to go to WDW again! I love all the great photos and all the fun things you and Stitch have done so far. Plus the crepe thing had me giggling.

Also, your meal at GF looked so amazing! I'm going to PM you for more info because DH and I are taking my mom and dad with us on our first ever stay on our DVC points to Animal Kingdom villas in early December and we are trying to decide whether to do a Grand One fireworks dessert cruise, an intimate dinner at GF or both! Since you are now my resident expert on all thing Disney Surprises, I can't wait to hear more of your thoughts.

Also, I'm so sorry about your dad. DH just lost his father very suddenly last August, so we definately know how you feel. At least you have your wonderful family around you and I'm sure many wonderful memories.

The only bummer about being caught up is that now I have to wait for your next installment! Keep them coming!

All the best,

I say, if you can swing it, DO BOTH! Although, it wouldn't work to do a fireworks cruise the same night as the dinner cause part of the fun of dinner was eating dessert while watching the fireworks from the balcony. I am sure you could schedule an earlier dinner...but you would miss out on a great fireworks vantage point and a fun part of the intimate dinner experience itself.

I am sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Losing a someone special is so hard. I guess there is never an easy way to say goodbye to someone we love.

I might be at AKL in early December (fingers crossed). What are your travel dates?

Hi Jay! Chiming in to say I am still following along your trippie! Enjoying this one with Stitch, he is one character...my Chip (...and Dale) is almost the same age Stitch. Say, we are planning for a stay at AKL and I recall from another trippie of yours exploring the lodge...Can you share that link, I would love to look it overs since we will be there..Can't wait! Hopefully our roads will cross one of these days at the most wonderful place on earth...WDW Can't wait for more! for dad's memory!

Here is the link. I have it posted along with links to my other trip reports on the first page (in case you need it again and don't want to search through all of the posts to find it).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1585715

I really miss AKL. I am having fun exploring the rest of the "world" but my heart belongs to AKL!

Hi Jay....haven't heard from you in awhile. Hope all is well with you and the family. Looking forward to reading more of this TR.

I miss you too! MSN? Email me and let me know when...and YES you did it. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THOSE NAPKINS BEFORE! I laughed so hard. You did make dh scratch his head over why someone would send napkins in a card. I was DELIGHTED! And have set them up so that only I can use them. LOL THANK YOU!!!

Finally caught up. Stitch's B-day at Epcot was awesome. I can't believe how many rides you were able to do in that one day.

I just love the pictures of the Dig Site at CSR. We don't stay onsite very often because I prefer a condo to a hotel room, but the themeing at WDW resorts is hard to resist. I will have to put CSR on my list of places to try.

This trip was all about the thrill rides (and the snacks). I now know those are the things that my little Stitch craves. I don't think I could have kept up the pace he was setting much longer though. HA HA. He was really a force of nature as he buzzed from ride to ride.

Jay hope everything is ok. Ready for an update when you can.

Take care

Ginny

I will have the next update up soon. I finally got all of the photos uploaded, sorted and in order. Now I just need to find the time to write the words. I have plans to do that later tonight or tomorrow.

Me too Jay - been checking for updates and notice it's been awhile. While I REALLY want to read the next update - I'm just checking in to make sure you're okay...praying you're just busy enjoying your summer!

Rachel

Thanks, Rachel! Yep, just way too busy. But busy in a great way. We had two weeks of family visiting, dh took me to a bed and breakfast for my birthday and on top of all of that we have swim, soccer, pottery and camp for the boys. Phew. I am tired just typing what we have been doing the past three weeks.

Thanks for keeping us posted Jay. Good to know you are ok, just busy. Sounds like you are set for a busy summer. Will anxiously wait for more.

Ginny

Busy is good. As busy as I let myself get is maybe not so good. Ha ha ha. I have a thing about empty calendar days, they seem to need to be filled...then I get to having to live those filled up days out and I wonder why I ever thought twice about an empty day.

Hey Jay...so glad to hear your just busy with guests and B&B's...LOL!!!! Hope your having fun! Looking forward to your next update!!!! Oh and isn't it getting close for you to start your PTR for Goofy's big birthday adventure??? hahahahahahahaha...!!!!

Thank you again for the card! YES, I am having lots of fun!

Glad to hear your just busy!

Busy as a bee. Ha ha ha. That's me! Sorry about the delay. I will post the next update very soon.

Oh, an escape weekend! LOVE IT!

Good to hear you are just busy...we'll be waiting for when you are un-busy with 4 boys.

I loved our get away at the bed and breakfast. It was very nice and relaxing. Having my family here we were able to sneak away and know that the boys were still well cared for and loved. It was a win-win situation!