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

[brookelizabeth]

Hey there Brook! How's our sweet baby Henry doing this morning, feeling better I hope!

He is on the mend! He has been doing really well since Monday, and today has hardly even coughed! Thank you for asking!

I have to agree, that giraffe does look a bit plump. Maybe we'll have a baby soon! Great shot of the birds too - I wouldn't of had a clue what they were doing.

Love all the pics with the characters! I like how the boys' head gear changes as you scroll through the pics.

Poor Jared! But...I would of had to stifle a laugh too, it was one of those "I told you that was gonna happen!" moments. Gotta learn the hard way...

 

[disneydusted]

I'm so glad you brought your zoom on the safari! You captured some great animals there! I wonder if the rain got them out and wandering?
The details on the tree of life are always amazing to see. You are making me want to go back just to take more pictures! Cute ones of the boys too!
Those birds drying their wings... we sometimes see turkey buzzards or vultures doing that. Kind of creepy, their wing span is huge and they hang out in groups....

 

[praisehisname]

I had quite a bit of catching up to do!

Ceiling inside the temple

Gorgeous!

First, I just got off the phone with my brother and he told me that I am going to have a niece!!

Congratulations!!!

And my prized purchase of the day - my Dooney & Bourke Disney bag!

Oh my gosh, I love your bag!

So adorable!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Sounds like a fun, but quiet, Christmas morning at AK. The characters are so cute dressed in their Christmas outfits. I love the little themed trees for each of them!

Poor Jared.....that had to smart!

Can't wait to hear where you're headed to next.

I thought the characters in their Christmas outfits were really cute too and the themed trees were just another example of all the great detail Disney puts into everything they do!

Great update at AK! I loved the pic of the owl sculpted in the Tree of Life. Poor Jared - his face must have hurt for quite awhile after that! That was a cute story about the lady meeting Mickey - no matter how old we are, we should never lose the kid in us!

I hadn't ever noticed that owl before since we usually just follow the herd out after the show is over. I was glad we hung back and took everything in.

We couldn't help but feel good watching that lady getting so excited to see Mickey, I bet it was probably her first trip and maybe something she had wanted to do her whole life - it definitely made me smile

Just two comments:

1. Poor Jared!!

2. Great picture of the (elusive!) lioness!

Kristen

Jared's poor little face was so red - he really snapped it good. He had to find out the hard way that sometimes Mom knows what she's talking about.

I was excited to see the lioness! Usually if we see her at all it's just the very top of her head poking up.

Great updates! It is nice to see you had an empty park for Christmas!

An empty park for Christmas day was awesome!!

 

[reyasmommy]

Hello!

Just found your trip report and have a LOT of catching up to do. I remember your TR to Disneyland and California a couple of years ago and loved it, so I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

Going to grab myself a beverage and get to it!

 

[SoonerGirl]

In the safari at Six Flags in NJ, I've seen birds with their wings spread out for drying purposes. Every time I see them, however, I always think that they're trying to dry out their underarms because they were sweating a bit too much! Haha, not that I ever had to do that before ...

It does look like that's what they are doing doesn't it!

Your character pics were great. I saw many Christmas Card possibilities. What a fun Christmas!

Hmmmmm, can I make a 2010 Christmas card from a 2009 photo?????? I may just do that!

I love Mickey and Minnie's Christmas sweaters
Poor Jared though-- bet he stopped snapping the strap after that happened, though!

Aren't their winter sweaters cute? I love how the characters dress for the season.

Yup, I never saw him pulling on that strap again!

So, do you think that giraffe is expecting??? She seemed a little on the plump side.

Even the lioness was cooperating on Christmas Day -- now that's Disney Holiday magic for sure!

Great pictures with all the characters -- their trees are so cute with all the ornaments themed just for them!

Poor Jared!!! I can't believe that mark the strap left, but I will confess, the mom in me laughed because that is a classic "I told you so" moment for sure!

I didn't even notice how heafty that giraffe was until you said something, but yeah, I think she might be! How cute will that be if we get to see a baby giraffe out on the safari soon!

I loved the themed character trees - very cute! My boys just rolled their eyes at me and asked if I was seriously going to take a picture of every tree in Camp Minnie Mickey

I couldn't help but snicker when I saw what Jared had done to himself, I seriously lost count on how many times I warned him that it was really going to hurt if he accidentally let go of that strap.......

I'm with Jackie on that Giraffe, she does look a bit on the pudgy side...
You and Don look really spiffy in those bug glasses!

Yep, I think you girls are right, she may very well be expecting!

Yeah, those bug glasses are a real fashion statement aren't they

He is on the mend! He has been doing really well since Monday, and today has hardly even coughed! Thank you for asking!

I have to agree, that giraffe does look a bit plump. Maybe we'll have a baby soon! Great shot of the birds too - I wouldn't of had a clue what they were doing.

Love all the pics with the characters! I like how the boys' head gear changes as you scroll through the pics.

Poor Jared! But...I would of had to stifle a laugh too, it was one of those "I told you that was gonna happen!" moments. Gotta learn the hard way...

There were tons of those birds out sitting like that - probably around 100 or so just in that one area. I was baffled myself at what in the world they were doing and was really glad when our driver gave us an explaination!

Yeah, the boys kept changing up what they had on their head while we waited in line - I guess they were entertaining themselves!

Jared's accident was a definite 'I told you so' moment.......I seem to have alot of those with him............

I'm so glad you brought your zoom on the safari! You captured some great animals there! I wonder if the rain got them out and wandering?
The details on the tree of life are always amazing to see. You are making me want to go back just to take more pictures! Cute ones of the boys too!
Those birds drying their wings... we sometimes see turkey buzzards or vultures doing that. Kind of creepy, their wing span is huge and they hang out in groups....

I was afraid that with the rain the animals would all be hiding, I was happy to see so many of them out and about!

I always take so many picture of the Tree of Life - it's facinating to me!

The birds were big, and there were alot of them, they were a bit intimidating for sure.

I had quite a bit of catching up to do!

Gorgeous!

Congratulations!!!

Oh my gosh, I love your bag!

So adorable!

China is such a fun pavillion to photograph - lots to look at there for sure!

Thanks for the congrats, I'm so excited for my niece to arrive!

I love my bag too

Getting such a good view of the lioness was worth the ride all by itself!

 

[SoonerGirl]

As we headed towards the AK exit, we stopped to take a few pictures of the wildlife

Then we made our way to the bus stop and hopped on one going to the Swan. We then walked across the street to

I stink at mini golf, but I have fun with it anyway, and this was a really cute course! Some pictures:

We took a picture of everyone retrieving the ball from their hole in one's

notice there is no picture of me doing this....

When we finished our round we were all given a souvenir golf ball, they have a picture of Mickey golfing on them - pretty cute! We then walked over to the boat dock at the Swan and caught a boat to DHS, then we got on a bus going back to POFQ.

When we got back, Justin & I were hungry, so we stopped in the food court and had some lunch. Don & Jared just went back to the room. After lunch the boys wanted to swim. Don was taking a nap, so I went down to the pool with them and let them swim while I caught up on my journal notes for my TR.

After I let the boys swim for awhile we went back to the room to get ready for dinner, and I also had a surprise for the boys. They knew we were going somewhere before dinner, but had no idea what we would be doing.

To be continued.......

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hello!

Just found your trip report and have a LOT of catching up to do. I remember your TR to Disneyland and California a couple of years ago and loved it, so I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

Going to grab myself a beverage and get to it!

Hi there!!! I remember you, I read your DL TR from that same year.

I hope you enjoy the report, there are links to make it easier if you want to skip all the chit chat

I see you have a PTR going right now - I'll head over soon and check it out!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Minnie looks adorable in her Christmas outfit! Poor Jared, being snapped in the face. Ouch!! Though it might be hard for me to not giggle too. Mini golf looks fun!

 

[reyasmommy]

Hi there!!! I remember you, I read your DL TR from that same year.

I hope you enjoy the report, there are links to make it easier if you want to skip all the chit chat

I see you have a PTR going right now - I'll head over soon and check it out!

Oh YAY! I'm glad you remember me.

I'm only on page 11 thus far, but wanted to add that I LOVE your pictures. Your family is so photogenic, and your boys have gotten so big since your last TR.

I had a baby boy 8 weeks ago and it's been so much fun, I can't wait till he gets older and we get to go to Disney together. We're taking him in a couple of weeks, but it just won't be the same. My DD is going to be turning 4 next month and I'm the most excited about her because she's FINALLY going to "GET IT".... She's into the princesses and knows all of her disney characters now, so it's going to be so much fun. This will be her 4th disney trip, but I know this is going to be the best of the best. I can't wait to see her face everyday.

I hope one day to go to WDW during the holidays....looks like so much fun! It's weird seeing everyone wearing jackets though. Everytime we've been it's been like 100 degrees and a little miserable.

Okay, got more catching up to do.

 

[klacey1]

We love mini-golfing, but like you, it is not exactly my forte! Can't wait to hear about this surprise!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

We played at Fantasia Garden last summer. It was so stinkin hot! I think you had a much cooler day to play! Looks like fun!
Can't wait to see where you went to eat.....

 

[Happydog]

Great photos from the rest of your AK day! And what a good idea the mini-golf! I want to do that at some point! Loved all the neat photos of the christmas trees and the christmas characters there at AK... I needed to get my guys down there! Looks like you had a really empty park. How wonderful on Christmas!

Looking forward to dinner and a surprise!

 

[RachelNinja]

What a cute idea getting pictures of everyone's hole-in-one! You probably didn't get one because you were too concerned capturing the memories with the camera! It was your sacrifice, and we DISers much appreciate it so that we could see so many pics!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Did you just pull a cliffhanger on us, Michelle??? I was all ready for the next part of the update with the surprise!

Mini-golf on Christmas Day -- that is a great way to spend the afternoon!

We'll have to pay attention to whether a baby giraffe is born soon.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Did you just pull a cliffhanger on us, Michelle??? I was all ready for the next part of the update with the surprise!

Mini-golf on Christmas Day -- that is a great way to spend the afternoon!

We'll have to pay attention to whether a baby giraffe is born soon.

I happen to know someone that can check in just over three weeks.....

 

[kcandbella]

I love that mini golf course, it looks like so much fun! I wish we had time to play while we were there. We have too much else going on though!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I happen to know someone that can check in just over three weeks.....

If you could do that, I would appreciate it immensely!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Minnie looks adorable in her Christmas outfit! Poor Jared, being snapped in the face. Ouch!! Though it might be hard for me to not giggle too. Mini golf looks fun!

I know it had to hurt, which is why I felt so bad to laugh at him - not sure if you can tell in the pic or not, but I had him laughing too with all the 'I told you so's'.

My kids LOVE miniture golf! The only thing that would have made them happier would have been for Don to take them to a real golf course. They wanted to play the fairways side, but I had to squash that idea - I really would have made a fool of myself!

Oh YAY! I'm glad you remember me.

I'm only on page 11 thus far, but wanted to add that I LOVE your pictures. Your family is so photogenic, and your boys have gotten so big since your last TR.

I had a baby boy 8 weeks ago and it's been so much fun, I can't wait till he gets older and we get to go to Disney together. We're taking him in a couple of weeks, but it just won't be the same. My DD is going to be turning 4 next month and I'm the most excited about her because she's FINALLY going to "GET IT".... She's into the princesses and knows all of her disney characters now, so it's going to be so much fun. This will be her 4th disney trip, but I know this is going to be the best of the best. I can't wait to see her face everyday.

I hope one day to go to WDW during the holidays....looks like so much fun! It's weird seeing everyone wearing jackets though. Everytime we've been it's been like 100 degrees and a little miserable.

Okay, got more catching up to do.

Of course I remember you - and your beautiful little girl too! And how exciting that a baby boy has been added to your family!

Reya is at a perfect age for a Disney trip, you're right she's old enough to really get what she is seeing. I bet it will be an awesome trip.

WDW has so much to offer during the holidays, I highly recommend going during the month of December. Yes, it can be a little chilly at times, but seeing WDW all dressed up for Christmas is worth having to dress in layers!!

We love mini-golfing, but like you, it is not exactly my forte! Can't wait to hear about this surprise!!

I'll have my moments where I don't totally embarrass myself trying to play, but mostly it's not good. Jared beat me this time for the first time ever.......it's pretty bad getting beat by a 9 year old

We played at Fantasia Garden last summer. It was so stinkin hot! I think you had a much cooler day to play! Looks like fun!
Can't wait to see where you went to eat.....

We did have great weather for mini golf! We had one brief rain shower, but it only lasted like 2 minutes, then it was gone.

Great photos from the rest of your AK day! And what a good idea the mini-golf! I want to do that at some point! Loved all the neat photos of the christmas trees and the christmas characters there at AK... I needed to get my guys down there! Looks like you had a really empty park. How wonderful on Christmas!

Looking forward to dinner and a surprise!

Honestly, it was crazy empty! I couldn't believe it. The crowds were starting to arrive as we were leaving, but it was almost as though we had the park to ourselves that morning.

The mini-golf was something I had planned on doing, I tried to get some non park fun built into the schedule late in the trip so that we could get a break from the crowds.

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a cute idea getting pictures of everyone's hole-in-one! You probably didn't get one because you were too concerned capturing the memories with the camera! It was your sacrifice, and we DISers much appreciate it so that we could see so many pics!

Yeah, that's exactly why I didn't get one, of course!

Did you just pull a cliffhanger on us, Michelle??? I was all ready for the next part of the update with the surprise!

Mini-golf on Christmas Day -- that is a great way to spend the afternoon!

We'll have to pay attention to whether a baby giraffe is born soon.

Hmmmmm, did I pull a cliffhanger? Really, I didn't plan it that way, it was either stop there or have a really long update that I didn't have time to complete. I'll do my best to finish out the day tomorrow.

Mini-golf was fun!

I happen to know someone that can check in just over three weeks.....

Oh, quit braggin' little miss 4 tickers!

I love that mini golf course, it looks like so much fun! I wish we had time to play while we were there. We have too much else going on though!

It's a really cute course. We've done the 'winter' side of Winter/Summerland before as well. Not sure which one I liked better - they are both really fun. It can be hard to fit in the stuff outside the parks, but I'm trying to stop doing the commando thing at the parks and slow down a bit......

If you could do that, I would appreciate it immensely!

Wonder what the gestation period is for a giraffe?????