The Disney Grump is taking me on a DREAM vacation! TR Link, pg 30

[SoonerGirl]

Great pictures! I love that resort so very much.. I can't wait til I can stay there. And Bumba Gumps shrimp sounds amazing. Maybe someday I'll venture off. hehe

I've visited AKL twice, once to eat at Boma and once to eat at Jiko, but I've never stayed there. I'm really looking forward to it, I just wish we had more time!

Thank you so much for that link! I have no idea why it didn't occur to me to check Amazon. Did you look at the sample pictures that people have posted that they took with that camera? There are some really awesome pictures in there! I mean REALLY awesome! But when I ran across this one, I just wondered if it was a sign!

I think it is a sign for sure that I need that camera, don't you? I am going to check into that Olympus too though. Thanks for the help!

I've also been reading about a waterproof Kodak camera that just came out this month. It is only $80 though and there are no reviews b/c it is so new so I'm not sure if it would be a decent camera for that price or not. Anyone here know anything about it???? Here's the link to it:

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/SPORT_Camera/productID.222433400

I looked at some of the sample pictures but I didn't see that one, definitely a sign!

I hadn't heard about the new Kodak. The biggest difference that I saw is that it's only waterproof to 10 feet as opposed to 30 with the Canon, but I wouldn't be diving with it anyway. Also I didn't notice it being shockproof, if it gets hit on something or dropped. My biggest thing is that I want it to take good pictures inside AND outside of the water, I worry with the price that it might not do that, ya know? Wish there were some reviews we could read, but I'm afraid there won't be many before I have to buy.

I've heard good things about the Canon as well.

My DSLR is a Canon and I love it, so I'm pretty comfortable going with that brand.

I would be interested in finding this out too. DS will be 10 1/2 on our cruise in Aug, and he would probably rather be with the older kids. I just hope he tries out the clubs. On our last cruise, he didn't spend a whole lot of time in the clubs.

I've looked at alot of the stuff on the kids clubs and while I think there are a few things in the Oceaneers Club/Lab that I think he would like, I think he would enjoy the Edge more. He's also a bit of a shy kid when you first meet him, he may not want to go to the clubs at all, I hope he will though, I think he'll have more fun if he does.

We are trying Universal in Aug, before our cruise! It will be DS's first time. He's excited! DH and I have been before. this will be our first time staying onsite.

One day we'll have to get over there, I know they'd have fun!

Sadly, I've got no trips planned...but have just finished my TR for California (DLR to San Francisco). I have some food porn from Bubba Gumps at the start...

I love the design you've gotten for your countdown link! It's fabulous.

Good grief, where I have I been, I don't think I even knew you were to DLR & San Francisco! I went through a bit of a funk last year and was off the DIS for a bit and I got so behind on everything, obviously I never caught up!

On June 2nd we have a 1:00 lunch at Le Cellier then we are free for the rest of the afternoon....
How about we spend it at the pool?
I'll PM you with the details on getting your wristbands for entrance to the pool.

I think that would work great! Thank you!

You're always at Beach Club. I think it kinda belongs to you!

Oh, and thanks for letting us come over and visit when we're there. You have a real nice place.

The cruise countdown links are fun, my fellow Oklahoma friend.
I need to get out there one of these days and find the place I was born.

She and Christine should have a plaque somewhere at least! One day I will stay there, but in the mean time I'll just have to be content to visit.

You were born here? We moved to Oklahoma when I was in the 3rd grade, my dad was in the Air Force. My parents divorced while we lived here and Mom just stayed. I like it here, except for days like today when the wind is blowing 100 miles per hour!

One thing about my Olympus, it does NOT take good indoor photos.......

Boo! I bet almost all of the underwater cameras are like that though. And I don't think I'd be using it inside much, if at all.

 

[SoonerGirl]

So last night we had Justin's very first high school sports banquet. It was for basketball. At first we weren't sure if we even wanted to go, I mean he is a freshman and these things are varsity driven (as they should be). We talked about it and Justin decided that he missed the guys, he hasn't spent much time with them since baseball started, and he wanted to go. Justin's ticket was comped and mine was as well since I ran the concession stand all season, so we just had to buy Don's. So we decided to go and see what these banquets are all about.

We took a few pictures before we left. First with dad, I wouldn't be surprised if he's taller than his dad before the end of the summer!

With me. I'm wearing 3" heels and he's still taller than me! It amazes me how much he's grown in the past year!

And Jared took one of the 3 of us

I threw my camera in my purse, but like an idiot I never got it out, I figured there was no way a freshman would get an award......



BUT HE DID!!!!

It was for Newcomer of the Year. I remember thinking before the coach announced the name of the winner that he sure was saying some nice things about that kid, imagine my surprise when I heard him say Justin's name at the end of it all! We had a senior transfer student that was the starting point guard for varsity, I thought for sure that was who the coach was talking about!

So, since I was an idiot and didn't have my camera out to capture him receiving the award I did the next best thing and took one when we got home

We are very proud of him!

Oh, and I was also hit up about being a board member for the Swish Club next year

 

[Happydog]

Oh, I do, too!!! I have been waiting for the new cruises to get released online -- I have been looking at the ones already available and all the "cheap" rooms are already booked. So...I need the new cruises with all the room types available to choose from.

I would think that was the objective... twist twist twist....

 

[Native NYer]

Congrats on the award!
How fantastic.

 

[Happydog]

Congrats to Justin! How cool!!! That is nice to see coaches recognizing the younger students on the team. Makes a big difference I am sure!

OH you are getting so close!!!! I bet you are anxious beyond! I am packing like mad today for our spring break overseas... TOO much to do!!!!

Kids are with DH taking dog to "grandma's"... House is to myself, lots to do... and well, here I am... Okay okay self discipline is not my forte, but I will extract myself from my laptop now!!! I have already done two loads of laundry so this is just a break!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks again for the costume!!!

 

[MeMom]

You were born here? We moved to Oklahoma when I was in the 3rd grade, my dad was in the Air Force. My parents divorced while we lived here and Mom just stayed. I like it here, except for days like today when the wind is blowing 100 miles per hour!

Yep, and I don't know a thing about it. My dad was AF, too, so we were at whatever base is at/near Ardmore. What is it? I moved as a baby, but it's kind of neat to be from there. I would like to go out and see it one of these days.

It was for Newcomer of the Year. I remember thinking before the coach announced the name of the winner that he sure was saying some nice things about that kid, imagine my surprise when I heard him say Justin's name at the end of it all! We had a senior transfer student that was the starting point guard for varsity, I thought for sure that was who the coach was talking about!

We are very proud of him!

I can always relate so well when you talk about stuff like this. Trent always 'played up' and got awards, too, and I would be totally oblivious. One year he got District Tournament MVP, and one of the dads poked me, like 'Here it comes, they're going to say Trent', and I had no clue what he was alluding to until they said Trent's name. I was going to be happy if he even got All-Tournament, but I never dreamed about him being MVP.

I think Justin has a fun high school career ahead of him. Congratulations to him! I'm betting he'll have a room full of trophies and plaques by the end of his senior year. You have every reason to be proud of him. I just know he is a great kid. Did I already ask you which he likes better - basketball or baseball - if he decides to really get serious about one?

Good luck with your Swish Club duties.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the pics of you guys! They sure do grow tall pretty quick - my sister is taller then me and I hate it!

Yay on Justin winning the award!!

P.S. Thanks for pointing out that mickey head - it sure is easy to spot once you know it is there! Am going to be rubbish at Disney!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Congrats to Justin!!!! What an honor! I know you are very proud.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I would think that was the objective... twist twist twist....

I think we should all plan a cruise together, how much fun would that be?! Come on Jackie, let's do it!!!

Congrats on the award!
How fantastic.

Thanks, he was pretty excited about it!

Congrats to Justin! How cool!!! That is nice to see coaches recognizing the younger students on the team. Makes a big difference I am sure!

OH you are getting so close!!!! I bet you are anxious beyond! I am packing like mad today for our spring break overseas... TOO much to do!!!!

Kids are with DH taking dog to "grandma's"... House is to myself, lots to do... and well, here I am... Okay okay self discipline is not my forte, but I will extract myself from my laptop now!!! I have already done two loads of laundry so this is just a break!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks again for the costume!!!

Our coach does a good job of recognizing the younger talent that he has coming up. He goes to the Jr High's and watches those kids play and talks with them about their future. He invited Justin, along with a couple of other kids, to play in a high school summer league after his 7th and 8th grade years. So many coaches dismiss the younger kids, I'm so glad he isn't like that!

I AM getting sooo excited, just 7 weeks until we leave! It sounds like a lot, but I know it will be here before I know it!

You are going to have such an awesome time on your spring break trip, I can't wait to hear all about it!

Yep, and I don't know a thing about it. My dad was AF, too, so we were at whatever base is at/near Ardmore. What is it? I moved as a baby, but it's kind of neat to be from there. I would like to go out and see it one of these days.

Hmmmmm, not one anywhere around Ardmore anymore. I've never known of one there, and you had me curious so I googled it, looks like it closed in 1959. Ardmore is about an hour and a half from us, we go down there nearly every year for a big baseball tournament. I can tell ya there ain't much to see there!

I can always relate so well when you talk about stuff like this. Trent always 'played up' and got awards, too, and I would be totally oblivious. One year he got District Tournament MVP, and one of the dads poked me, like 'Here it comes, they're going to say Trent', and I had no clue what he was alluding to until they said Trent's name. I was going to be happy if he even got All-Tournament, but I never dreamed about him being MVP.

That's so funny! I'm the same exact way! While I can appreciate Justin's skill, I'm always so surprised when someone else does. I guess I just think that I believe he's good cause I'm his mom, and I'm supposed to, ya know?

I think Justin has a fun high school career ahead of him. Congratulations to him! I'm betting he'll have a room full of trophies and plaques by the end of his senior year. You have every reason to be proud of him. I just know he is a great kid. Did I already ask you which he likes better - basketball or baseball - if he decides to really get serious about one?

Youth sports have given that boy more trophies than he will ever need, one of the downfalls of being on good teams I guess We boxed up alot of them a couple of years ago, but the shelves above his desk are still completely full. He is pretty proud of this one though, he wanted to hang it up in his room as soon as we got home

If he were forced to choose between basketball and baseball, he'd pick basketball no question about it. I hope we don't get to a point where he has to choose, because I'd sure miss watching him play baseball!

Good luck with your Swish Club duties.

Well, I haven't agreed to it yet! They wanted to publicly nominate me for President last night but I put a squash on that plan. Myself and another mom who helps out quite a bit told them that we wanted to meet with them and find out what all is involved before we committed. I don't mind helping out in anyway that I can, but I'm not sure that I want an actual title.......

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love the pics of you guys! They sure do grow tall pretty quick - my sister is taller then me and I hate it!

Yay on Justin winning the award!!

P.S. Thanks for pointing out that mickey head - it sure is easy to spot once you know it is there! Am going to be rubbish at Disney!

He really shot up over last summer, I think he grew like 4 inches in a matter of months! He wants to hit at least 6 ft, and he's just 2" shy of it, I think it's pretty safe to say he'll get there.

The hidden Mickey's are easy to see once you know where they are aren't they? Don't worry, another DISer actually pointed it out to me, I had no idea it was there when I took the photo!

Congrats to Justin!!!! What an honor! I know you are very proud.

Thanks Erika! We were all pretty excited about it!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Congratulations! I know you are very proud. Nothing like a proud mom moment, is there? And I am the same way with my DD. She has won four awards through her sports leagues over the years and I wasn't prepared for any of them. I just sat there like a numbskull, without my camera in hand, wondering who they were saying such nice things about. I've promised myself that next time I will be video taping it no matter what kid wins, then I'm covered either way! I agree with you that sometimes I wish I could see my child the way other people see her and not through my own prejudices.

But I tell you what... I think you are going to have a girl problem on your hands all too soon b/c if he is that good at sports AND cute as can be to boot, you're going to have to beat them off with a broom! I just don't look forward to those teenage days at all!!

BTW, I just finished reading your mother/daughter TR and it was great! You two really did it up right! You ate at some great places, saw CDS, took the segway tour, etc.... what a great trip. I really enjoyed reading about it! But I want to know if your mother has shown any interest in going back? If so, that might have to be the solution to your grump problem.

 

[MeMom]

Hmmmmm, not one anywhere around Ardmore anymore. I've never known of one there, and you had me curious so I googled it, looks like it closed in 1959. Ardmore is about an hour and a half from us, we go down there nearly every year for a big baseball tournament. I can tell ya there ain't much to see there!

I guess that's the reason we left then. I was born in 1957, and we left there when I was little. I think we went to a base in northern Florida after that, then TN, then GA, then FL, then GA again. When he was ready to retire after 20 years, we all wanted to go back to St. Pete, because we had an awesome church and church friends there, but he felt like he should do the responsible thing and come to TN to live near his elderly mother. He was her only living son. Of course, I understand all of that now, but back then, I was pretty mad that we weren't going back to St. Pete.

Next time you play baseball in Ardmore, you'll have to send me a picture.

 

[PrincessInOz]

YAY Justin. Way to go!

You know, I've been seeing pictures of your kids for about a year now. I'm sure some of the earlier ones were from a couple of years ago.

Holy Canoli!! Do Teenagers just grow and grow and grow? It's like they have a stretching drug! I cannot believe that Justin is as tall as Don.

 

[photographymom517]

What a great update!!! Wow!!! I am shocked like others -- teenagers really DO grow like weeds, don't they!?! Justin has grown so much since I started reading your trip reports!

You & Don both look like such proud parents before you left for the banquet -- I bet you were even MORE proud after it was over!!! Congrats to Justin!!!!

Your cruise is sooo close now!!!! I can't wait to hear about it & see pictures of that beautiful ship!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Congratulations! I know you are very proud. Nothing like a proud mom moment, is there? And I am the same way with my DD. She has won four awards through her sports leagues over the years and I wasn't prepared for any of them. I just sat there like a numbskull, without my camera in hand, wondering who they were saying such nice things about. I've promised myself that next time I will be video taping it no matter what kid wins, then I'm covered either way! I agree with you that sometimes I wish I could see my child the way other people see her and not through my own prejudices.

Don't you just hate it when that happens?! Mostly because you can't recreate the moment, it's gone. I'm still kicking myself for not having my camera out of my purse!

But I tell you what... I think you are going to have a girl problem on your hands all too soon b/c if he is that good at sports AND cute as can be to boot, you're going to have to beat them off with a broom! I just don't look forward to those teenage days at all!!

I think he's actually a little afraid of girls, either that or he just doesn't want a girlfriend. He has tons of friends who are girls, but he has only had one girlfriend and that didn't last very long, less than 2 months. There was a girl recently that was flirting with him like crazy and coming to his baseball games, but he either didn't catch on that she liked him or he didn't like her, I don't know which! I can wait on the whole girlfriend thing, that scares me!

BTW, I just finished reading your mother/daughter TR and it was great! You two really did it up right! You ate at some great places, saw CDS, took the segway tour, etc.... what a great trip. I really enjoyed reading about it! But I want to know if your mother has shown any interest in going back? If so, that might have to be the solution to your grump problem.

Thanks for reading it! We did have a really great trip, just having to pay for myself allowed us to do quite a few extras and it really was a great trip. My goal was to try and make Mom a WDW lover as well and I know I succeeded in at least making her like it a lot. I'm sure she would go on another trip. I just have to figure out a way to fund it and still be able to take a nice family trip. I've been kicking around the idea of looking for a part time job recently....

I guess that's the reason we left then. I was born in 1957, and we left there when I was little. I think we went to a base in northern Florida after that, then TN, then GA, then FL, then GA again. When he was ready to retire after 20 years, we all wanted to go back to St. Pete, because we had an awesome church and church friends there, but he felt like he should do the responsible thing and come to TN to live near his elderly mother. He was her only living son. Of course, I understand all of that now, but back then, I was pretty mad that we weren't going back to St. Pete.

Next time you play baseball in Ardmore, you'll have to send me a picture.

Yup, I bet you're right, you guys probably got transfered out of there when it closed! All that moving around can be hard on kids I know. If my parents had stayed married our next destination would have been Germany for 3 years! As it was I did get to go spend a summer there with my dad, that was pretty awesome.

Going to Ardmore at the end of the month, PM me your number and I'll send you a pic, of course it might just be of the ballfield If we have time I might to find where the old base was though!

YAY Justin. Way to go!

You know, I've been seeing pictures of your kids for about a year now. I'm sure some of the earlier ones were from a couple of years ago.

Holy Canoli!! Do Teenagers just grow and grow and grow? It's like they have a stretching drug! I cannot believe that Justin is as tall as Don.

The growth spurts that boys go through is crazy! It's hard on the pocketbook too when they outgrow everything in a matter of a few months. You just wait, your DS will be there before you know it!

What a great update!!! Wow!!! I am shocked like others -- teenagers really DO grow like weeds, don't they!?! Justin has grown so much since I started reading your trip reports!

You & Don both look like such proud parents before you left for the banquet -- I bet you were even MORE proud after it was over!!! Congrats to Justin!!!!

Your cruise is sooo close now!!!! I can't wait to hear about it & see pictures of that beautiful ship!!!!

The hardest thing right now is buying him clothes! Do you have any idea how hard it is to find dress slacks for a kid with a 28/29" waist who needs a 32" length?? Yeah, it wasn't fun, ended up having to spend $50 on those stupid slacks. I told him he was wearing them on the cruise whether he wanted to or not

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ah, congratulations to Justin!!! That is so awesome that he was named Newcomer of the Year! I am glad he decided he wanted to go to the banquet!

He has grown so much this past year! I can't believe how tall he has gotten!

 

[karajeboo]

Congrats to Justin! You sound like such the proud mama!!!

 

[JenAusty]

Congrats to Justin! That is such an amazing award to receive as a Freshman or at any grade. This shows that they see his hard work and his potential to be great! I bet you were one proud mommy!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Justin must be such an talented young man! I think it's wonderful that the coach recognizes and appreciates his ability!
What a great evening! I'm predicting a presidency in your future....

 

[kschafer]

Way to go Justin! It's so nice for parents to hear nice things about their kids, I've sometimes gone to conferences and wondered if they were talking about my kid I've been known to ask Patrick why he can't be that good at home