The Disney Grump & Family Take on the World-Our '09 Christmas w/ the Mouse, COMPLETE

[SoonerGirl]

The red head in ME would have said much more than you did! Those people were beyond rude although I guess you have to chalk it up to being at the parks too long with a little one and a cranky grandma but that was overboard on taking up too many seats.

Loved the pic of the boys in front of Mexico! What a great way to end Christmas eve by watching CP

I've gotten better over the years about keeping my red head temper in check - believe me, in the past I would have let that lady have it. I've just come to realize that it's not worth it, ya know?

I was so excited when my TA was able to book us for the Christmas Eve CP, that was very high on my wish list for this trip and it didn't disappoint!

What a perfect way to spend your Christmas Eve! I just can't even imagine how special it was. The photos are beautiful. I'm appalled though at how rude that family was. They needed to go home and quite spoiling the magic at the Happiest Place on Earth. I adore your bag!!!

It was a great Christmas Eve! I was with my favorite people in my favorite place, it was perfect.

I think that family was just done, they probably needed to head back to the resort about 3 hours before they did!

What a great post!

Oh, I agree completely! And Illuminations, as wonderful as it is, would seem anti-climactic after such a moving performance.

Ooooooh! I like!

I'm looking forward to your Christmas with the Animals!

Kathy

I was a little disappointed to not see Illuminations, this was our last opportunity to see it this trip and I knew that they had a special holiday ending, but unlike the crazy bus family, we knew our limits - we knew the crowds and the bus lines would be nuts if we stayed and we just didn't want to deal with that.

What a beautiful and moving way to spend your Christmas Eve!!! I bet it was an unforgettable experience!

The picture of the boys in Mexico is precious!

What a rude family!!! Some people have no manners or common sense apparently!

Love all the purchases, but especially that D & B purse -- too cute!

The CP on Christmas Eve was perfect!

It's unfortunate that we have to deal with rude people while at WDW, but they are everywhere - sucking the fun out of everything if you let them!

I my new purse!

CP on Christmas Eve sounds like the perfect way to spend the evening!

I love the picture of your boys in front of the Mexico pavillion. That would make a great Christmas card! All your purchases are great...love that first ornament too! AND especially that DB!

I think that might be my favorite picture of them from the entire trip

I usually just buy one ornament, but I went a bit overboard this time

My son is in an Advanced placement US History class at his high school and his class will give him college credit if he passes the end of year test. He fights for his grade everyday. The teacher is a homework deamon! As much work as kids have to put into the class I seriously don't think that a meeting would hurt the problem. Heck it could even help.

Justin's teacher isn't too bad on daily homework, she does assign alot of projects though. I haven't spoken to her yet, I'm trying to figure out how I want to approach it - I don't want her to think that I think he's done no wrong - I just gotta figure out the best way to bring up the subject!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love, love, love that purse!!!
The Christmas story gets me teary eyed every year at church. Edward is such a great speaker also - I'm sure I could cry too.

Thanks - I love the purse too!

I really though Edward James Olmos was the perfect narrator - he actually 'narrated' the story, he didn't over or under tell it.

On your home matters, congratulations about your soon to be niece!!! Disney has GREAT stuff for babies!
Also, I would DEFINITELY go talk to your son's teacher. That is absolutely not fair. I can sort of see why she wanted to make a statement in front of the class-- that talking during quizzes won't be tolerated. However, to keep him at a zero is ridiculous. Especially if he had a 95 before-- he is clearly a smart, hardworking kid. I'd start at a phone call, and if she stands her ground, make a meeting with the principal.
I loved your latest update-- what a wonderful, perfect Christmas Eve. We love Edward James Olmos!

I am so excited about my niece! Mom and I have already talked about bringing along an extra suitcase for the things we might buy her while we are there

I don't know that Christmas Eve could have been any better!

What a wonderful update!!!

CP sounded like the PERFECT way to spend Christmas Eve..........we've seen and enjoyed the show 3 times now........so good! Glad you guys enjoyed it!

LOVE the picture of your boys in front of Mexico......very nice!

Your purse is too cute!

Getting to see the CP on Christmas Eve was such a joy! We did enjoy it very much. Have you always had a good narrator when you've seen it? I've heard that they really make a difference.

Great picture of your boys in Mexico! The lighting is so nice

The purse is WAY cute!

Looks like a great way to spends Christmas Eve except for crazy rude family

Isn't the purse awesome! I just love it. Even my non Disney loving friends (I know - I can't believe I have them either ) like it.

GREAT UPDATE! Love it! I have been researching the Candlelight Processional ALL DAY and I am so happy you updated about it

It looks just great. I KNOW I will cry. I cry at pretty much anything So, I know that beautiful Christmas music will do me in.

How great is it that your kids can ride together!?? Can't wait for mine to be old enough to do so!

UGH I totally agree about the rude family. Sorry that happened to you!

LOVE all of your purchases. Your ornaments are great and your purse is to die for!!! Can't wait to hear about Christmas Day at AK

I tend to cry easily too, I never did before I had kids, but I became a sap when I got pregnant with Justin - seriously, commercials would make me cry - and it just kinda stuck!

I love that the boys can go ride something together without Don or I tagging along. I wouldn't let Jared go alone, but Justin is almost 14 and is familiar enough with WDW that I felt just fine letting them ride without us. And it was nice to sit and chat with Don for a bit

At first I was pretty angry with the crazy rude family, but Don calmed me down and had me laughing in no time. I look back on it now and I kinda feel sorry for them - I mean if they spent their vacation so angry and edgy I doubt they had a good time

 

[MaryAz]

Before I forget (again) can you tell me the name of yor cute camera bag.

CP on Christmas Eve sounds perfect. What a great way to celebrate. Adding it to my list for our trip. Great pic of the boys!! Very cute purse and jacket.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I've always wondered if it would be weird to be away from home on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day but your TR makes me think it was a wonderful way to spend the holiday. I got my parents a gift certificate for the CP a few years ago when they were there while it was being performed and they couldn't stop talking about it. I absolutely plan to see it in person one day myself!

Love all your purchases too, especially your new bag. DD is another place we won't miss. Love the shopping and the eating opportunities there!

Good luck with your son's teacher. Confrontation can be difficult but is sometimes necessary (as with the rude family on the bus!)

I will admit that it was very different not being home for Christmas. It was far from our normal holiday, but it was a great way to celebrate!

What a great gift to give your parents! You most definitely need to see it for yourself some day

I love DTD - I could spend an entire day there easily, the rest of my family - they are good with just a couple of hours!

Love your new D&B bag!

I would try talking to the teacher first, it's always a good idea to go that route before going to the principal. Hopefully she will be reasonable!

Thanks - I love the bag too!

I will definitely talk to her first, I would never go to the principal without hearing her out first. I'm hopeful that it won't come to that!

Wow!! I just got all teary-eyed reading your update!! The CP sounds beautiful! I cannot wait to see this show! And what a PERFECT way to spend Christmas Eve hearing about the reason we celebrate Christmas--our Savior who came to Earth to save the world! It gives me chill bumps just thinking about it!!

I just LOVE the pic of your boys in Mexico!! I especially like the raincoat, ornaments, frame, and purse--GREAT choices!!

I'm anxious to hear about Christmas Day!!

The CP was beautiful and I really can't think of a better way to spend Christmas Eve. Usually we go to my mom's to open gifts, then go to service at our church. I'm sure the kids missed the opening gifts part of the night, but I can honestly say that I didn't - it was so nice to just focus on the true reason for our celebration! Don & I discussed this while we sat waiting on the kids to ride TT, we were both so happy that in this age of political correctness, Disney still offers a Christian experience for their guests - just another reason why I love them!

Congratulations on the niece!!! That is very exciting!!! There are so many sweet little girl things at WDW, I bet you'll have a ball shopping!

Thanks - I'm so excited!

I can't give much advice on the school situation, being I have a 2 year old and am not a teacher - but it does seem a bit extreme for a mistake. And a 95 to an 81 with just that one quiz?!?! Perhaps the teacher can take that one question off his quiz - he automatically gets docked for it, or something more reasonable. I sure hope it works out!

If she doesn't want to budge on the zero, I'm even open to him doing some extra credit work or something to make up for it. I just hope she'll be open to it....

We loved the CP too (someday I'll get that far in my TR ). It was such a moving show!

Great pic of your boys in front of Mexico!

Who did you have for your narrator? Well, nevermind - I'll wait for that part of your report - I know you'll get there eventually

Those bus people.... First, if you have a stroller and aren't going to fold it up PRIOR to the bus arriving, step aside and fold it, don't make everyone wait behind you! Ugh. Sometimes one of us will board with Henry while the other stays behind and folds the stroller. We never, ever make people wait for us. Seriously. And if there are only a few people in line, what difference does it make who loads first?!?! Okay, rant over...

I really think those people were new to WDW, like you said they were totally unprepared for how the bus works - I think they thought they could just wheel her in through the back since there were no steps there. They didn't even wait for everyone to get off the bus before they were trying to get on. Like I said a couple of posts back, I do kinda feel sorry for them, I bet they had a crappy vacation!

My DSIL bought that same jacket, but in black. I love how it's Mickey, but not IN YOUR FACE Mickey....if that makes sense. And the bag...adorable!!!!! I think I like it even better than the white one!

Looking forward to Christmas morning!

I really like that about the jacket as well, I love the little Mickey heads in the lining!

I've only seen pictures of the white bag, I'd love to see it in person - I might need them both

Your D&B bag is so much fun! i would enjoy having that! How did you know it was there?
Have you talked to the teacher yet? I agree with everyone, it was a bit extreme to give him a 0. I think some grace should be given here.
I bet it was nice to sit with your drinks while the boys rode TT. Sometimes it's just nice to sit.
Now that rude family... wow, you never quite know what sets a person over the edge.... sometimes it is a mystery
Can't wait to see what happens when the boys see their stockings in the morning!

I have a friend from another board, well actually I first met her here, anyway she bought the white D&B bag and I fell in love with it! She told me where they were being sold, and the white bag is the one I was expecting to find. Imagine my surprise when I saw a whole new design! I'm very happy with it though.

I haven't talked to the teacher yet. Don just got back in town and I wanted to discuss it with him first, see how we want to approach it...

It was good to just sit for a bit - there were hardly any people over there at all, everyone was in WS waiting for Illuminations, and it was a very nice evening - not cold at all!

People are a mystery - I've quit trying to figure out what makes some people tick!

Christmas morning update will be coming soon - I have to upload my pictures to photobucket and it's been a pain lately so I'm dreading it.....

 

[SoonerGirl]

Before I forget (again) can you tell me the name of yor cute camera bag.

CP on Christmas Eve sounds perfect. What a great way to celebrate. Adding it to my list for our trip. Great pic of the boys!! Very cute purse and jacket.

It's made by Mimi - I found it through an advertisment in Creating Keepsakes scrapbooking magazine, but I bet if you google it you can find it. If not, let me know and I'll try and find the invoice from when I purchased it to see exactly who I ordered it from.

It was a great Christmas Eve, and the CP was so good! Have you heard any news yet on your latest contract??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that the 3rd time is the charm!

 

[stace208]

Before I forget (again) can you tell me the name of yor cute camera bag.

You can purchase it from Amazon for a very good price. Just search Mimi Oasis. As of a few weeks ago they had both the zebra and giraffe print. Now, how I know all this, well.....

 

[stace208]

Hi Michelle!
Just trying to catch up...
Love the CP! I bet that was a fantastic way to spend Christmas Eve.
I love your souvies but your jacket and that purse are my faves!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi Michelle!
Just trying to catch up...
Love the CP! I bet that was a fantastic way to spend Christmas Eve.
I love your souvies but your jacket and that purse are my faves!

It was a great way to spend Christmas Eve.

The purse is my favorite souvie from the trip as well

 

[SoonerGirl]

Friday, December 25th, Christmas Day

I had set the alarm the night before for 6:30 because we had every intention of being at Animal Kingdom when it opened at 8:00. The alarm went off and I got up and jumped in the shower. When I got out I started the coffee and that got Don up and out of bed. When we were both about ready we woke the boys. They were fully dressed and ready to go before Jared noticed that their stockings had been filled!

Here's what they got. Justin:

A necklace, backscratcher, Disney trivia game for the Wii, an ornament for the tree he has in his room at home, two pins (one of which was a limited edition pin that he had been eyeing the day before that I told him he couldn't have because it cost too much ), and of course, some candy!

Jared:

He also got a necklace, a pencil with all the presidents on it, a set of 4 young Jack Sparrow books, a pirates puzzle, an ornament for his tree, a limited edition Splash Mtn pin, and candy.

Then Don surprised me and pulled out a gift he had purchased for me. (This is what he did while the boys and I rode TSMM without him on Wednesday) It was a Jim Shore Santa Mickey, and I love it!

I did feel awful though, because I hadn't gotten anything for him. He told me he didn't want anything for himself, he and the boys just wanted to give me something to thank me for all the work I had done planning our trip. Awwwww, see he's not so Grumpy all the time!

It was at this point that we opened our curtains and realized that it was POURING outside. And after just being thanked for planning such a wonderful trip, I felt awfully stupid because I had forgotten to pack ponchos. Yes, me: list maker, queen planner, stalker of the DIS boards, forgot a basic must have on any Disney vacation! So, instead of being at the park by 8am, we had to wait around for the gift shop to open so that we could buy ponchos.

We still managed to arrive at the park by 8:30. The boys are both wearing their Design Your Own Tees today

We couldn't believe our eyes - I was totally prepared for a crazy busy day, but the place was a ghost town! We took a few photopass pics in front of the Christmas tree and the Tree of Life.

Then we headed towards Asia and Expedition Everest.

We had planned on getting FPs but that was completely unnecessary, we walked right on to the ride - our train wasn't even full, that's how few people were there! When we got off, we walked right back through and rode again!

Jared then wanted to go ride Dinosaur since we had missed it earlier in the trip.

It was deserted too - this was seriously starting to feel creepy! There was only us and one other family in the entire queue!

Continued in the next post

 

[SoonerGirl]

After Dinosaur we headed over to Primeval Whirl.

Even though I had taken a Bonine that morning, the back to back EE rides followed by Dino had me feeling a bit off , so I decided to skip this one. Don waited with me because he hates this ride anyway, so the kids ran off to ride. Believe it or not, this had a longer wait than EE & Dino, a whole 5 minutes!

Afterwards we went back to

and it was still basically a walk on, so the boys and Don rode again. After they got off EE we decided to go ahead and go over to Tusker House and see if we could get in early for our breakfast ADR. I took a few photos on the way over

We got checked in and then took a seat at one of the outside tables. We had a very nice conversation with the two photographers there. I remarked to them that we were surprised at how empty the park was. One of them said that the rain was keeping people away and that a lot of times Christmas day is a late arriving crowd since many people stay in their rooms and open gifts in the morning. He assured us that it wouldn't be like this all day!

Justin was playing with my camera and snapping pictures, one of the photographers jumped into the view when he was taking one and this is what he got - I thought it was pretty funny!

Soon we were led to our table. First up to visit us was Goofy

Then Mickey

At one point when Justin had gone to get more food, I looked up and saw him coming back to the table with an escort. He was walking arm and arm with Daisy! It was so cute, but of course I didn't have my camera ready and by the time I got it out she had let him go and had headed into the room next to ours. I was bummed that I missed out on the photo op! Don said she had met him as he was leaving the buffet and had walked all the way back with him, Justin was loving all the attention!

Next up we saw Donald. I've noticed in most TRs that I've read lately that Donald has been out front taking pictures before you enter, but that was not the case with us. The photo they took before leading us to our table was just of our family. Donald was walking around greeting in the restaurant.

Then Daisy. She had fun with the boys trying to show them exactly how to link their arms - my boys are not very good escorts!

The little flirt had to give both of the boys a big kiss too!

Mickey & Donald came around again before we left.

We enjoyed our breakfast very much, especially the Jamba? Jungle? Juice - whatever it's called, it was good! We walked out of the restaurant, and wouldn't you know it - it was raining again.

Stay tuned - coming up: Animals, Characters & Bugs!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

How cool that the park was soooo empty for you all! Again we were right next door at Jambo House having breakfast at Boma!
We might just have to try Animal Kingdom next year for Christmas day.....
You sure have me thinking anyway!

I love it that Justin had a Daisy escort, a picture would have been priceless!

 

[MHTeacher]

He told me he didn't want anything for himself, he and the boys just wanted to give me something to thank me for all the work I had done planning our trip. Awwwww, see he's not so Grumpy all the time!

Awwww, that's sweet!

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas day morning. You've got me thinking....It wouldn't be too bad to be away from home on Christmas, if you're at Disney!

I love that juice too! Delish!

 

[MeMom]

The boys' shirts are great!

How nice that you got to walk on the rides and got in at Tusker House. My oldest son was just in Animal Kingdom today, but he said it was pretty crowded. He's at Magic Kingdom right now, but I haven't gotten a crowd report. I'm guessing if AK was crowded, MK is pretty bad.

Your guys better just go ahead and practice their escort skills now. Before you know it, there will be some sweet little girls on those arms at various school functions. You can look back and say they got their skills from Daisy!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a great Christmas morning. That was awfully sweet of Don to get you the Jim Shore Mickey! He will make a great addition to your Christmas decorations.

Gotta love an empty park especially on Christmas morning! Daisy is too cute kissing the boys!

 

[RachelNinja]

I love the things that Justin and Jared got in their stockings! I think it'd be really fun to stuff the stockings for my kids and see them take everything out. I love all the Disney stuff! How is the Disney Think Fast game?

BTW, I don't know if it's just my imagination, but Justin looks so much taller in these pictures than the earlier ones in your TR! Would that be possible?!

As much as I don't want it to rain on a day that I'm at one of the parks, I think it would be pretty fun if the rain kept people away!

 

[MaryAz]

You can purchase it from Amazon for a very good price. Just search Mimi Oasis. As of a few weeks ago they had both the zebra and giraffe print. Now, how I know all this, well.....

I remember both of you talking about it-thanks

 

[MaryAz]

Great update-note to self-AK early on Christmas morning! Nice character pics.

 

[stace208]

What a wonderful Christmas morning, rain and all! I love the boys' stocking stuffers and their shirts are cool too! Gonna have to check out that store.
That Jim Shore Mickey is adorable-how sweet of Don to get that for you!
Can't wait to hear more.

 

[Happydog]

WOW! SO much to say!

Okay your Christmas eve looks just wonderful! It is funny that we were all at Epcot in our own circles! The pics of China are amazing! We are seeing the real warriors here in DC next week! I Love the photo of your sons in Mexico, I agree very very cute! Adorable! Love it when a photo works just right! Your purchases are FABULOUS! That Wii game! Cool! Is it fun? I think those pins are great! My boys have pins too, but they are on and off again about them, they don't want to wear them often, I think because of the weight, but maybe as they get older!

That PURSE too too cool! I saw it at World of Disney this week too, very sharp, I agree the black is classy.

Your Christmas at the AK seems totally perfect! Great photos and wasn't it a warm day despite the rain??!!

Oh! And I love the Jim Shore Mickey, how thoughtful of the men! Big brownie points!

Oh, re the teacher, definitely speak with her. Not reasonable to give him a zero -- he wasn't being deliberate. There is a difference. To drop his class grade from and A to a B is not an appropriately weighted consequence in this case. As most said, you have the right to speak with the teacher and take it higher if need be.

AND lastly, that family... so sorry that you experienced that. I have seen lots of families and kids that way, it is tough. It is frustrating when people take it out on others for no reason. Glad your DH helped you shrug it off!

Looking forward to more!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

 

[JenAusty]

What a great Christmas morning and Christmas Surprise!! That stinks that it was rainy and gloomy.. but at least you got to the park pretty early still and it was empty so no long waits or chaos. I actually LOVE the parks being empty and having no waits, or pushing, or crowdedness or any of that. hehe