Monday August 18th dawned sunny and bright (um maybe, it was still dark out when I woke up
). Jims brother dropped Andrew off on his way to work around 7:30 am and the waiting began. Jim and Jimmy woke up shortly after. We ate breakfast and just hung out for a little (I believe I may have signed onto the DIs for a little bit). Around 10:30 we left to take Tinkerbell (our 5 year old puggle) to the place we were boarding her and to do the last bank run. We had a light lunch and the boys hung out watching TV and playing video games (Andrew declared it the longest day EVER
) and I went to get a pedicure. All of this was accomplished by 2:00pm. What should do with the rest of the day
All the suitcases were packed and ready with their ME tags, all the carryons were packed and ready, all of the electronics were charging
there was nothing else left to do. We did what any normal parents who were having their house gutted while on vacation did. We let the kids start tearing down the wallpaper and writing all over the walls. Hey, it was fun and it killed some time.
A little later we went to Friendlys for dinner and were back early so that BIL and SIL could come over after work to say goodbye to Andrew. Jimmy was bathed, in bed and asleep by 9:00pm. Andrew was determined he was just going to stay up all night since we had to get up at 3:00 to leave for the airport at 4:00. He lasted until about 12:30. I did some last minute Dising
and headed to bed.
That 3:00 alarm came early but were all up and raring to go.
Even Jimmy got up without too much trouble. Jim loaded the car and we are on the road by 4:00
right on time. We get to the airport Valet place and are at the airport by 5:00. I had printed up the boarding passes the night before so we were able to curbside check the luggage and were through security with lots of time to spare. We stopped at BK for breakfast and then Jimmy played in the playground until it was time to board.
We took off on time and landed 15 minutes early. (Not bad considering Tropical Storm Faye was doing everything in her power to ruin Fockerfest and all of our well laid plans
.)
We head to the ME counter (praying that all of our luggage made it this year) when I get a text from my DIs Friend Kykatt making sure we were okay. I let her know we had arrived at the ME counter and would send more info (Not sure if I ever did or not). ME check in was a breeze and we were the first on the red carpet for the bus to Pop Century.
After the ride and commercial (I mean video
) we arrive at Pop Century and are greeted by sunshine and my parents. I was very happy to see them. As some of you know my dad was in the hospital a couple of weeks before our trip. I was glad to see him up and around. We checked in, the room was ready AND I got my room requests
80s section, 2nd floor (and I requested a non-pool view!(Guess they didnt realize I was a Focker
) I love this area. We were in room 9251. Not far from Classic Hall, the bus stops, or the Hippy Dippy Pool! We dump our stuff in the room and head to Everything Pop for some food. We caught up with mom & dad for a bit and then they headed out.
The plan called for swimming and then dinner at 1900 Park Faire. TS Faye had other ideas so we spent a little while in the arcade and then headed back to the room to see if ME had brought our luggage. The refrigerator was in the room so I called and had them bring the Garden Grocer Order. They also brought our luggage and ALL 4 suitcases arrived.
Magical Express was truly magical this year
The plan was for mom to come back to POP to pick us up and drive to the Grand Floridian for dinner. We spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and watching Stacy (Jimmy loves Stacy
).
Next up: Dinner at 1900 Park Faire
Here are a couple of pics from this day!
Andrew - I guess staying up so late caught up with him
Jimmy - He was really good and thought going to the bathroom on the plane was the coolest thing
Get Well!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!! 
