The Darling Family Takes on Marathon Weekend: Jan at the Boardwalk Villas

[dismagiclover]

Your hubby's story got me a little choked up over here. It's funny thing what a guy can come back from, but you nailed it right on the head. A love for running wouldn't do it, neither would Disney or even a self want. Nope, for every thing that any guy has ever done which could be considered great or miraculous, it's always been for the girl he loves. Tell him we said

You are right about my guy! He really would do anything for me I feel so lucky to have someone that feels that way about me.

Wow, what a great story. Congrats to your DH on running (and finishing!) the race!

Thanks! He really did run a great race (though I still think he should have stopped for at least one picture

Oh my goodness Jenny....I remember you posting on your PTR about your husband's accident but had no idea it was that bad!

Your story of your husband's Half Marathon race was inspiring and moving in and of itself...knowing the background makes it even more special. What a great trip for your entire family.

Love your husband's Peter costume for the race...and how cute is that story about Tink!

So glad to hear you had a fantastic birthday. I would have been so nervous at that point about the Marathon though...I can't wait to hear all about it, and hear what you did to prepare and (hopefully) take it easy before the race.

Thanks Trish. I didn't talk much about the accident here on the DIS. I was just thankful that he survived and focused on that during his recovery. I was pretty worried about the marathon, but it helped that I was at Disney. Lots of things to distract me.

Your husband's story brought tears to my eyes. What a great triumph over adversary! I love that your family had such a great weekend and I can't wait to hear the story of your race.

It was a fabulous weekend and don't worry you will hear plenty about my race! It may take me 26 installments to recount the 26 mile race

 

[dismagiclover]

OK so every installment can't be about miraculous healings so let's get back to my normal old trip report, shall we?

So after the race DH hopped on a bus and headed back to the Boardwalk. He arrived a little before 9:00. We all happily congratulated him and I insisted on a picture. This is the only picture we took on the balcony at our villas. (It was too cold to use it most of the time.)

We had big plans for this day too. My brother lives in Miami and he’d come up to run the half marathon as well. (It’s such a crowded race that my brother and DH never saw each other even though they finished within just a few minutes of each other.) My brother’s family had come as well so the plan was to spend the day with them in Epcot. So DH showered while I got in touch with my sister-in-law. They were running a bit behind schedule so they told us to go ahead to Epcot and they would call us when they got there. We weren’t in any big hurry though so we didn’t leave until around 10:30. We made the short walk to Epcot and entered through the International Gateway. (I just love that.) The plan was to grab some Soarin fast passes and then eat lunch at Sunshine Seasons. Now I have to apologize in advance for my lack of picture taking this day. Once again I have to blame it on my distraction of the upcoming run. I couldn’t think of much else. It was really good that we met up with my brother’s family this day because it helped to get my mind off the race. Anyway we got the Soarin fast passes and then had lunch at Sunshine Seasons. It was right at 11:00 because they were making the transition from breakfast to lunch. I suppose lunch was yummy since Sunshine Seasons always is. Honestly though I don’t even remember what I ate. (I’m thinking it might have been a salad because I was trying to eat well for the race.) After lunch John was hankering to go on Mission Space so we headed over there. Michael was in one of his moods. Honestly, I think he was still tired from the race the day before. Anyway he was refusing to go on any rides. So DH took John and Wendy on the green side of Mission Space. Michael and I hung out in the Mission Space store for a bit. (I think he bought a couple of Star Wars pins.) Then we sat outside and waited.

The rest of the family showed up and I took a picture of John with his favorite ride.

We sent DH off for Test Track fast passes. The kids and I headed in here.

They played some mechanical thing (like I said I was super distracted so I wasn’t paying too much attention.)

DH showed up and the kids found some computer thing to e-mail themselves something. (Like all the specifics?)

I think we were killing time until we could use our Soarin fast passes. Our fast pass time was here so we headed over to Soarin.

The ride over California was great as always. I can’t help but smile on this ride. When we got out of Soarin I had a message from my brother. I called back and left a message for him. We didn’t know where they were, but my boys were begging to go meet Duffy. They have what I think is a rather strange obsession with Duffy. They met him for the first time in October, and meeting him again was on the very top of their lists this trip. I don’t quite get it, but whatever. So we headed over to meet Duffy. They were happy to see him again.

They finally let Wendy in.

So I don’t quite get the Duffy thing, but we got some cute pictures. The boys were also dying to get some outfits for their own stuffed Duffys. We bought them last October and the boys insisted we bring them back to Disney World with us. So the boys picked out outfits for their Duffys and we had them sent back to the resort. Here they are the next day with their dressed bears.

My brother called back and we finally spoke. They were over in the Innoventions building about to go into some 15 minute show. I told them we would be sitting right outside when they got out.

Next up: We spend the afternoon with my brother’s family.

 

[Shannon84]

I have yet to meet Duffy, but he is pretty darn cute in pictures!! That is too funny that they have a new obsession with him

 

[mermaid764]

Too funny how obessed your boys are with Duffy, who exactly is he anyways? I haven't quite picked up on who his character is.

Looking forward to more

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

I don't get the Duffy thing either... Is he supposed to be Mickey's stuffed bear? I haven't seen him anywhere in the parks in any of trips in the last couple of years so it seems like he came out of nowhere. He is cute though!
As for costumes for the race I have a red and white polka dot skirt to wear over my tights and I'll get one of those Minnie Mouse ears headbands. I just have to come up with some kind of Mickeyesque ensemble for Scott that he would still be comfortable in (and not feel too ridiculous).
I'm open to suggestions...

 

[PirateFish989]

Just joining in! I'm excited to hear about your marathon (congratulations!)! I just started training for my first half marathon, however mine isn't in Disney World, unfortunately. Great start! Can't wait to keep reading!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

GREAT UPDATE!!!!!

I must admit, I am a fan of the Duffy bears! I have 2 of the older Duffy bears from years ago (before they were called Duffy) and now I have 3 new ones, the ones you dress, the 2011 one, and the Xmas one. I figured it's something I'll keep and my kids like seeing them when I bring them for Show and Tell at school!

 

[liznboys]

Aw, that's great he ran as Peter. Looks like he had a very enjoyable race! And got a great time too! I'm so happy for you and he after what you all went through last summer. WTG Peter!!

Michael looks a bit happier after his shopping time. He must have gotten something! lol

My ds4 loooves Duffy too, actually all my boys enjoyed meeting him at Christmas. He bought the Duffy dressed in the 40th anniv. hoodie, so cute. Oh and I bought him a Duffy pin for his stocking. There was/is a book that's been around for awhile that tells about Duffy and Mickey, I bought it a few trips ago, maybe last summer (but it was out well before then). I liked the book, it's a cute story, and I had no idea they were coming out with the Duffy character for the park. I think he's great! They announced today that there are Duffy Mickey ears coming out next month.

Here's the book I'm talking about, it's a Golden Book:
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Disney-Bear-Magic-Kingdom/dp/B002FY5QNK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

Better pic:
http://www.disneystore.com/the-story-of-disney-bear-book/mp/1270343/1000313/

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Never heard of or seen this Duffy bear?!?!?!? Looks cute! I totally understand why you forgot to take pics, I would have been nervous as well!!

 

[dismagiclover]

I have yet to meet Duffy, but he is pretty darn cute in pictures!! That is too funny that they have a new obsession with him

He is a cute bear, but Michael now likes him even more than Pluto. I mean come on kid! Where is your loyalty?

Too funny how obessed your boys are with Duffy, who exactly is he anyways? I haven't quite picked up on who his character is.

Looking forward to more

Duffy is a bear that Minnie gave to Mickey when he was leaving for a cruise. She didn't want him to get lonely. He traveled all over the world with Mickey and that is why he has lots of different costumes you can buy (one from every country in Epcot.) We all know the reason he has so many different costumes is because Disney wants all of our money. (And it's working with my boys' money.)

I don't get the Duffy thing either... Is he supposed to be Mickey's stuffed bear? I haven't seen him anywhere in the parks in any of trips in the last couple of years so it seems like he came out of nowhere. He is cute though!
As for costumes for the race I have a red and white polka dot skirt to wear over my tights and I'll get one of those Minnie Mouse ears headbands. I just have to come up with some kind of Mickeyesque ensemble for Scott that he would still be comfortable in (and not feel too ridiculous).
I'm open to suggestions...

Duffy just came into the parks last Fall. See my answer above for his backstory. I guess he's real big in Japan. He even has a girlfriend there. I love your outfit for the half. You'll be so cute. Definitely have to do a trip report when the time comes!

Just joining in! I'm excited to hear about your marathon (congratulations!)! I just started training for my first half marathon, however mine isn't in Disney World, unfortunately. Great start! Can't wait to keep reading!

Welcome and congratulations on being in training. Your first half is exciting no matter where you do it! Then your second can be at Disney

GREAT UPDATE!!!!!

I must admit, I am a fan of the Duffy bears! I have 2 of the older Duffy bears from years ago (before they were called Duffy) and now I have 3 new ones, the ones you dress, the 2011 one, and the Xmas one. I figured it's something I'll keep and my kids like seeing them when I bring them for Show and Tell at school!

My boys now want you for their teacher The Xmas one is really cute. My boys wanted that, but they wanted costumes for their original Duffys more. They didn't like that they were naked

Aw, that's great he ran as Peter. Looks like he had a very enjoyable race! And got a great time too! I'm so happy for you and he after what you all went through last summer. WTG Peter!!

Michael looks a bit happier after his shopping time. He must have gotten something! lol

My ds4 loooves Duffy too, actually all my boys enjoyed meeting him at Christmas. He bought the Duffy dressed in the 40th anniv. hoodie, so cute. Oh and I bought him a Duffy pin for his stocking. There was/is a book that's been around for awhile that tells about Duffy and Mickey, I bought it a few trips ago, maybe last summer (but it was out well before then). I liked the book, it's a cute story, and I had no idea they were coming out with the Duffy character for the park. I think he's great! They announced today that there are Duffy Mickey ears coming out next month.

Here's the book I'm talking about, it's a Golden Book:
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Disney-Bear-Magic-Kingdom/dp/B002FY5QNK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

Better pic:
http://www.disneystore.com/the-story-of-disney-bear-book/mp/1270343/1000313/

DH's race really went great. It was great he ran as Peter and believe it or not he came up with the idea all on his own. He becomes more of a Disney convert all the time. Soon he'll be giving your DH a run for his money. And I saw those Duffy Mickey ears. I have to confess I hope the boys have outgrown them by the time we get back to the parks.

Never heard of or seen this Duffy bear?!?!?!? Looks cute! I totally understand why you forgot to take pics, I would have been nervous as well!!

Duffy is new. He was introduced to the parks last Fall. My boys just took a real liking to him, especially Michael. I can't believe how few pictures I took this day. Especially later when we were with my brother's family. I really was nervous.

 

[skiwindham]

Wonderful story! Thanks!

 

[Stefy]

Aww bless, cute Duffy pictures and cute outfits too. Sounds like a pleasant Epcot day, no rushing around, just taking your time

 

[Stefy]

Aww bless, cute Duffy pictures and cute outfits too. Sounds like a pleasant Epcot day, no rushing around, just taking your time

 

[Stefy]

Sorry for the double post, Disboards is really playing up this morning

 

[dismagiclover]

Wonderful story! Thanks!

Welcome and Thank you!

Aww bless, cute Duffy pictures and cute outfits too. Sounds like a pleasant Epcot day, no rushing around, just taking your time

Sorry for the double post, Disboards is really playing up this morning

I was doing my best to take it easy this day. I needed to conserve all the energy I could Don't worry for a second about the double post. It just makes me seem more popular because I have more replies

 

[carissanboys]

Definitely good that you had something to distract you that day. I was glad when the race was finally over so I could just relax.

We saw Duffy in passing on our way to Teppan Edo and Liz had to explain who he was to me.

 

[princessjv]

We never saw the "Dufster" on our last trip.

Duffy is really cute... However the odd thing is that wouldn't he be smaller than Mickey? Man that is one lug of a teddy to carry around, Mickey!


Glad your dh was up and moving fine and dandy after his race!

 

[dismagiclover]

Definitely good that you had something to distract you that day. I was glad when the race was finally over so I could just relax.

We saw Duffy in passing on our way to Teppan Edo and Liz had to explain who he was to me.

I was really distracted by the race. In many ways the first few days of the trip just seems like a blur to me. I'm glad Liz was there to educate you in all things Disney

We never saw the "Dufster" on our last trip.

Duffy is really cute... However the odd thing is that wouldn't he be smaller than Mickey? Man that is one lug of a teddy to carry around, Mickey!


Glad your dh was up and moving fine and dandy after his race!

The Dufster, huh? My boys would like that name. I agree with you it is kind of strange that he is so giant. I guess it's kind of like Meeko. We are just supposed to suspend disbelief. DH had no problem with his race recovery. It was a different story with me

 

[dismagiclover]

We were sitting an the couches in Innoventions when my brother’s family walked up. We happily greeted them and the kids immediately headed off to the nearby computers with their cousins. Meanwhile I snapped a picture of the two runners.

Notice DH’s shirt. Lightning. He wore it for the benefit of my brother who was also hit that day. Just down the hallway from here the Disney Visa Meet ‘n Greet was going on so I talked everyone into heading over for a group shot with some characters. Here is what we got.

After our photo shoot we decided to head on over to the Piggy Bank activity so the kids could learn some fiscal responsibility.

The girls saved enough to redecorate the house, but the boys aren’t going to college. I just hope they don’t end up in my basement. After this we decided to head over to Test Track. It was a bit of a dilemma trying to decide who would ride with who. Michael was still in a refusal to ride mood so DH agreed to sit out with him. All the girls came with me and the boys rode with my brother and sister-in-law. Here is a shot of the boys’ car.

Our ride was very entertaining. My 13 year old niece is not a thrill ride lover and she’d never been on this ride. She was really nervous. Both Wendy and I told her it wasn’t too bad. Wendy and her two cousins sat in the back row together. What did they do?

They screamed only as 10 and 13 year old girls can. It just cracked me up because I’ve never heard Wendy scream like that on Test Track. They all admitted loving it after we got off. After our Test Track adventure we decided to head over to the World Showcase for a Kim Possible Mission. Here we are assembled outside Norway where we picked up our Kimmunicator.

The kids put their heads together to figure out the mission.

We had to go to China. Now we have another example of my preoccupation with the upcoming race. I let DH follow the kids around China. I found a bench and plopped my self down so that I didn’t overdo before the big race. My sister-in-law joined me and we had a nice chat. But I have no pictures to share of the China mission and I can’t tell you a thing about it. Sorry. Anyway after the kids saved China, our ADR time was approaching. So we said goodbye to my brother’s family. It is always fun to see them. We headed over to Italy. That is right. It was time for me to carbo load. This was our first time at Tutto Italia and I thought it was a lovely restaurant. Our server was excellent and he even taught Wendy some facts about the Romantic languages. (She was supposed to be learning something everyday because she was skipping out on school.) What did the boys eat?

Pizza, of course. Wendy actually got an adult meal which she said was quite tasty.

I had the lasagna. By this point I was beyond nervous so I wasn’t thinking about how the food tasted, but from what I remember it was good. Our server took a family shot.

I ordered the cannoli for dessert and thought the presentation was lovely. (Again I don’t really remember how it tasted.)

Wendy had the chocolate cake which she said was delish.

Overall the meal was very nice. We were on the dining plan so we didn’t mind the high prices. I don’t know if I’d eat here if I had to pay OOP. Wendy was hoping she could talk DH into meeting back up with the cousins and staying for Illuminations. I was heading back to the hotel because of the big day I had ahead of me. Unfortunately for Wendy, DH was pretty tuckered out. Remember he’d been up since 3:00 am and ran 13 miles. So we all headed back to the room. I took this final shot of Epcot on the way out and thought, “The next time I’m here I will be less than a mile away from finishing a marathon.” It was a bit of a surreal thought.

Once back at the room I laid all my clothes out for the next morning and headed to bed. The next day I was going to do something I had once thought impossible.

 

[mickeystoontown]

How nice to be able to meet up with family members while at Disney. I am sure that your kids were excited to spend time with their cousins.

I don't blame you for not remembering how your meal tasted. If I were running a marathon the next day, I'd have been as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.