Summer & Steven's Fairytale Wedding TR, 20th Aug SBP Baby Pics!!!

[Rain]

Summer, next installment please, we are on our way again on 27th and I just love reading them.

Just for your information I was 59 when I started reading this I am now 61!! It must be the longest trip report in history

 

[Beep]

SUMMER - A WORD IF YOU PLEASE?!

I am back on the Atkins diet (10lbs lost so far - woohoo!) and the description of the cheesecake really didn't help. I can actually taste that cheesecake now, with it's vanilla and chocolate goodness and crumbly base... Mmmmmm....

*sniff* off to find something sweet and low carb

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Hi ladies

Jus a quick update as I know you are all patiently waiting for the next instalment. I do mean to post little and often, however we have been in the process of getting a new kitchen installed, also new interior doors, so I actually haven't had much time recently. Now things are falling into place, I should have more time to devote to this TR. Our internet connection has been a bit unpredictable of late so please bear with me, I am getting there, I promise!

I must admit I love my new kitchen, too bad we are selling the damn thing!

 

[pjstevens]

Hi ladies

Jus a quick update as I know you are all patiently waiting for the next instalment. I do mean to post little and often, however we have been in the process of getting a new kitchen installed, also new interior doors, so I actually haven't had much time recently. Now things are falling into place, I should have more time to devote to this TR. Our internet connection has been a bit unpredictable of late so please bear with me, I am getting there, I promise!

I must admit I love my new kitchen, too bad we are selling the damn thing!

Summer, you are doing all these wonderful things, shame you'll be selling it! Can't wait to hear more. We'll wait somewhat patiently

 

[dizneyfreak]

Yea for getting closer to moving!!! Boo for having to leave all the new fun stuff in the house.
It will all be ok...just keep telling yourself...I will be so much closer to Disney when I move and it will make it all better!
We will all be waiting for your return Princess Summer...

Anna Marie

 

[DisneyLaura]

I still haven’t seen all of the Star Wars, so I do not ride this for that reason. If I’m honest, I’m not really a Star Wars fan. I have seen the 1st, 4th and 5th movie. I saw the first one in 2002 and was really put off by the effects. Steven wanted to see the ‘new’ ones so I obliged and went to the movies to see the 4th and 5th, but we somehow missed the last one…

I have not seen the newer Star Wars movies. I was younger when the older ones came out and me and my brother loved them as kids (Harrison Ford played Hans Solo if you didn't know that, I love me some Harrison Ford). Now my DS7 Nicholas loves Star Wars and he loved this picture I showed him. I keep them the kids little things that are at Disney for when we go next year and his eyes lit up when I showed him the Star Wars pictures.

You gave a great description of the ride.

 

[blondie7]

Hi Summer, I am really enjoying your TR I can't wait to read more. How are your plans for your move to Canada going. It is funny you are moving here and I am now going to the UK for a year. I got engaged in Oct and I am moving to England in Jan for 1 year to live with my Fiancee. We are planning a Disney wedding in 2010. I can't wait to hear all about your move to Canada nad what you think. Let me know if I can help you in any way. Your Canadian Friend.

 

[JuneChickie]

Summer , you coming back ?

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Ladies I must apologise again for my delay in getting back to this TR.

Things have been really hectic recently.

First of all, the Canada plan doesn't look like it will come together this year if I'm honest. The Credit Crunch has hit us badly over here and having recently looked in depth at the sale prices of homes in our area, it looks like we would lose an awful lot on the house (something we can't afford to do). We are now in a recession here and Steven is worried about the possibility he could lose his job (he works in the car industry). So at the moment we are just getting our house ready for the market as planned and we will put it on the market when it's ready, it will be unlikely that we would get it up for the summer. Still need to do a lot of work to it and we don't have the funds to do it yet! I am very tempted to put it up before it's finished and test the waters, but the recent house sales have been about $30,000 less than we need. If we don't get to Canada this year, my hope is that we may get over early next year. The house will definitely be up before Christmas, you never know, pixie dust may reach us somehow...

Also, on December 27th, my grandfather suddenly passed away. I am devestated by this loss as he was like a father to me and we were very close. I took some time to try and gather my thoughts and feelings and then I was struck down with a bug. I was off ill from my work for the last 3 weeks (back today) with viral gastroenteritis too, so that hasn't helped matters!!!

So again, I apologise for those of you still waiting for my next instalment. I am feeling a bit better today and I plan to get my instalment up this week. I have been working on one this morning.

I just thought I should pop in and let you know I am okay and still here, just hoping for a little miracle...

Summer xx

 

[Chilly]

Sorry to hear you've been having a bad time lots of hugs to you

 

[Pooh_Girl]

Sorry you guys are having a bad time. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope everything gets better and you start feeling better.

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

So sorry to hear about your recent loss and troubling times. It seems that 2008 has left a bad impression on many people and I hope that 2009 is much better for you (minus that nasty bug you had). Take care!

 

[pjstevens]

Summer,

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your grandfather. Praying for you during this difficult time. It's so hard to deal with a loss and the economic issues you and Steven are dealing with. I hope that some day you'll be able to move to this side of the pond.

Hugs hon.

 

[meryll83]

Big hugs to you....

 

[blondie7]

Summer I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am also sorry to hear about your delay in moving to Canada. I know what you mean about things being hard right now. I moved to the UK at the beginning of the year and finding a job is proving difficult. I hope everything turns around for you soon.
Hugs
Debbie

 

[dizneyfreak]

Summer,
You poor thing. I am sending big hugs and love your way! The economy has ruined things for a lot of people on this side of the pond as well. It will get better...I know it will with a little faith, trust, and (yea you guessed it) ! Take your time hon...we are all here for you and understand.

Anna Marie

 

[29apr00]

Summer, I'm so sorry about your grandfather. Tough times are all around us, my dh is in the auto industry too. Lots of positive thoughts coming to you guys!

 

[Chilly]

Hey Summer did you know your wedding video is on Stan's Demo DVD?

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Chilly - Thanks for the hugs, it goes a long way. Yes, someone told me that my vid was on Stans Demo disc, I keep meaning to somehow get a copy of it as I would love to have it on the demo too. I am sure Stan would think it strange if I were to order a Demo disc

Pooh_Girl - Thank you, things are carrying on as usual, just taking my time to get back to normal. I'm back at work now so getting into the swing of things again.

MUDisneyCouple - Thank you. Yes, 2008, or the tail end of 2008 wasn't great for us. However I am feeling a bit more positive, it's my birthday, I have to! I am just hoping that my next birthday is on the other side of the pond!!!

Patty - Thank you for your kind words. Yes it's been a struggle, but I am getting by, it has seemed to be all doom and gloom over the last couple of months here. Trying to stay positive though, maybe we will catch a break?

meryll - Thanks. I see you are getting on well with your planning. Glad to hear that even though things have been a bit rocky with your DF's work, you won't have to cut back anything. Good for you for saving, you sensible girl

Debbie - Thank you for the hug. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling to find work, any news on that front? Yes, my delay in going to Canada is getting me down to say the least. However I am learning to have patience and I do believe good comes to those who wait, so I'm waiting and hoping for a silver lining.

Anna Marie - Thank you again, you always could cheer me up! I know this global economy crisis is sucking the life out of everyone. I am sure it is going to get better. Canada is waiting for Steven and I to take it by storm, and we're gonna, you just wait and see

29apr00 - Thanks for the hugs. Yes, the auto industry doesn't seem to be faring well just now, I just hope that things start pulling together and the light at the end of the tunnel becomes clear. I hope your DH is in the clear soon.

So I am back, a bit later than stated but I have had some problems with resizing my pictures. We had another computer where we had Adobe installed. That computer died on us and on this laptop, we have no such thing. I have had to work out how to resize my pics using Paint and it took me ages to figure it out. I actually had my section written and ready on Monday, but I only got a chance to resize pics just now.

Anyway, it's my birthday today and birthday's always get me thinking. Deep down I am happy with most things. My wonderful husband sent me a glorious bunch of flowers with my favourites....Calla Lillies and we just intend to spend a cosy night in, just the two of us and my favourite chinese take out.

However I still can't shake the thought of something missing in my life. I still desperately want to go to Canada and I have been depressed lately (since Christmas) for a few reasons, but one of them has been the thought I may never get to Canada.
I have considered things today and decided that I have to realise that I can't control everything. I can only do as much as I can towards my goal and hope and pray that it will be enough. So we continue on, determined to get to Canada, it may not be in June as planned, but I am confident that we will get there soon. It may be that things are somewhat clearer now, or that Tinkerbell has said a brief hello, but I believe dreams do come true, my TR so far has proved that. In any case, I will be thinking of you all when I have a glass of champagne tonight and how you have all been there with me through the bad times. Thank you all again for joining me on this rollercoaster ride.

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

We stepped out into the heat and by this time I was pretty much shot. The temperature was climbing and I was ready to go ‘home’. Steven noticed that the parade was about to start but I was burning up and was starting to feel a tad grumpy. Steven advised me that it would make for some good photographs so I reluctantly agreed to watch it if I could buy something to tie my hair up (for me to suggest this, I must have been pretty hot!).

So we marched on and I found a little cart that sold some hair ties. I thought if I’m going to buy some, then I was going to buy some pretty ones. I found two large, chunky, clear plastic, Mickey head hair ties, they were $5 each, but at this point I would have paid double that. So I paid my $10, not necessarily money well spent in the long run, as I have never used them since, but at the time they were essential.

So I put my hair in pigtails, had a drink of water from the handy bubblers located in the ‘streets’ and settled down for the parade. 10 minutes later, I was not happy. We were waiting in an area that had no shade whatsoever, the ground was cooking beneath me and I could feel my legs burning by the second. I stood and paced for a little while but the crowds that were gathering made this quite difficult. Steven seemed content so I waited as patiently as I could. It seemed like the parade was never going to start but eventually I heard the music and in the distance I could see the characters making their way down the street.

Steven managed to get several good pictures, so I was told anyway, as after I had seen about 10 characters, I decided to go wandering. I made my way to the shops near the entrance and gladly stepped into the cool air conditioned premises. I just browsed and had no intentions of buying anything. I hate shopping on holiday and would likely leave any souvenir shopping until the last day.

After a good 20 minutes or so, I found Steven again and watched the end of the parade. I admit he did get some good close ups of the characters:

The cloudless sky allowed no relief from the sun and I was desperate to go Speed Boating again. The Sea Raycers were such a wonderful experience the last time, esp as it was free, I was determined to go again. The thought of racing in the Seven Seas Lagoon, with the cool water spraying my face, was enough to make me giddy!

We boarded the bus back to The Grand Floridian and I took in the sights as we left. I still couldn’t get past the fact that I was in the happiest place on earth, it felt better than I had ever imagined. We walked slowly tour room, commenting on the splendour of our amazing resort. I know I was concerned before our arrival about accommodation, as I don’t know if you all remember how many problems I had with our Tour Operator and the mix up with the hotels? Remember how we were supposed to stay at AKL, but because of the construction we were moved (after much arguing) to The Grand Floridian? I had always dreamed of a wonderful honeymoon resort and walking around The Grand Floridian, I couldn’t have asked for any more. It was perfect.

We reached our room, went out on the balcony and looked at the Marina. It was quiet, most people were probably still at the parks. I could see a few boats out, but we would pretty much have the Lagoon to ourselves. So what would we go for, 30 minutes, an hour?

We arrived at the Marina and handed in our room card and asked for a one hour hire. We picked out our life jackets and told them we had been before so most of the explanations were skipped. Steven went out first and I followed. It is so hard to describe how free you can feel on one of those things. I felt like I was in paradise. When you reach top speed and you are trying to catch the wake of any boat that passes your way, when you leap over the minor waves you created, when you feel the wind through your hair and the spray in your face, it can only be described as magic

We managed to get some pictures again although we knew you weren’t supposed to.

We bypassed all the hotels surrounding the lagoon and waved to people on other boats, the only thing missing was a little horn, something that plays “When you wish upon a star”, just a suggestion
I thought once more how such a small thing could make me incredibly happy. In the future I would never stay at a resort in Disney if it didn’t have access to these boats.

Our hour came to an end quicker than I would have liked and we made our way back to the Marina. We parked with incredible precision, we were becoming pros and placed our lifejackets back in the containers. The man at the desk gave me back my room key and said the boats were free of charge as a wedding gift from The Grand Floridian. WHAT AGAIN??? I was speechless, well almost and I stuttered a thank you ever so much, I was grinning from ear to ear, yet more pixie dust had been scattered. This meant we could go again right? The temptation was definitely there to just head right back, but we thought it wouldn’t look right, so we just agreed to go later on in the week.

We got back to our room, sat out on the balcony and just watched. The sun was low in the sky and the earlier heat was beginning to fade. As always, I looked forward to what the next day had in store for us…

Coming up…

Dinner at Kona