The Magic Happened Here a Jan ’12 TR NEW 9/26 all of Day4)

[mousescrapper]

thank you all for the outpouring of love and sweet words of sympathy in the loss of our dog I really cannot express how much it means to me and how many smiles I recieve from the family when i say "My DIS friend...sends her love"

I'm very sorry about Maggie - she made a very lovely fairy princess!

yes that pix cracks us up still...that was shortly after moving into our current home, Rachel was almost 4 years old. I printed her that pix and she carries it w/ her to school each day

Your evening at the MK sounds like a lot of fun! Love all of your Photopass pics!

thanks we did have a blast!

before I read the new update, just wanted to say so sorry about your dog.

thank you

and thanks for your link to your blog - I love the idea of the timeline albums! I used to scrapbook but now I make books on shutterfly, lol. I know it's silly! however I do think it's a great idea to do a lineup of pictures in the same places! So far I only have a few repeat pictures though - like with a certain character or something - but maybe after a few more trips!

you're very welcome...I hope to carve out some time next week when the kids are on SB to work on my BLOG and some other Disney craft how to's

So sorry about Maggie. I know how hard that can be.


thank you

I can't believe that was only Day One!! You were busy little bees! What a great day...can't wait to hear more.

we were very busy bees...soaking up every minute we could!

Julie, first and foremost, I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. We have a 14-year old bichon who has cancer and I am dreading the day we have to do that.

thanks sadly that is why we had to put her down

I love your family night at the MK...it looks cold, but fun.

it was chilly not Chicago cold

And what a great time you had with the two older girls after the others left. Such fun.

it's a tradition!

And I love the photopass pictures, especially the "Mickey ears" one.

yes, that is cute, I had never done that before

Sorry about Maggie, that is hard, even though it's a profile shot of Nathan, you can see the sadness.

it is a precious but bittersweet picture

What an amazing girls night during EMH. Looks like you ladies had a lot of fun. Love the shot of the girls on the teacups and at the front of the park. Can't wait to read about Ohana

we did have a wonderful evening, I love being at MK late! O'Hana coming up soon

So so sorry about your dog, Maggie. The pictures brought tears to my eyes. It is so hard to lose a pet, who is a member of your family.

thank you, she really was

The "girls night" at MK looked wonderful! What incredible memories you made with your girls!

I agree...

B really looks like Nathan in this picture.

hmmm I think so too

Subbing in - great TR so far.



So very sorry about your dog. It is so hard to say goodbye to a wonderful pet.

thank you

You have a lovely family and I am amazed how much you all did on your first day at the world. Wow - that was like 2 days!

it was

Dole whips in the winter. They really are good anytime, aren't they?

yes!

Love the matching scarves and you got a lot of great PP pictures.

thanks...I had matching scarves for the Spectrum Mom trip last yr and just knew i wanted to do that for my family too...more great PP pixs to come

I bet a 2BR at BLT is amazing. Maybe someday if I ever have lots of extra points to spare.

I say it is...we love staying there...not sure we'll stay anywhere else again

I am so sorry for your loss

thank you

Way to go till the bitter end, very impressive. Pretty cute about taking the monorail, I can't imagine that really saves any time does it? A 5 minute nap?

no

Very cute and fun girls night!

thanks it was a fab way to end Day 1)

Hi Jules - I'm sorry you guys had to go through that with Maggie this week. I hope you are all doing better.

thank you...getting better

What a fun girls night! I'm so glad Bekah was open to Rachel sharing in the fun!

yes me too

So sorry to hear about Maggie. It is so hard to have to say goodbye to a loving member of the family. You will remember all the good times, though!

thank you

You all did well to keep going until you did at MK!! Not sure if I would be able to!! I tend to start fading around 9pm - that's what shift work does to you!!
Oh Im on Disney power time

I'm there 19-30 October this year - you are there earlier aren't you? I think when you are there I'll be on the Wonder somewhere off the coast of California!!

yes I'll be back w/ friend the 11-14...have fun on your trip

Looking forward to more updates when you can!!

thanks uploading pixs now and hope to get some posts typed out to get up later this week!

Julie, I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. Lots of hugs from Georgia!

thank you

Love the pictures on the teacups!

I have some other great spinning cup pixs coming up in Day 3)

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about Maggie My thoughts are with you and your family.

thank you

In happier news, that was a great update! Sounds like so much fun being out late with the older girls.

it was!

Just found your TR and am really enjoying it. You have some really great photos. What kind of camera do you use?

Oh thank you and

cameras nothing special we have a point and shoot Cannon Power Shot SD600 that is old but in good shape and a Nikon Coolpix L105 its like a mini DSR

I am reading along to see how the GAC works with the rides. My DD and her family are going with us in august and my DGS has never been dianosed but we are all pretty sure he is on the spectrum. He has sensory issues and is a "flight" risk when he is on overload. Crowds, noises and bugs all impact him but he is really looking forward to the trip.

our son nathan still occassionally is a flight risk too....The GAC is wonderful, there is a lot of sticky info about it on the disABILITIES threads too...

generally how it works is on your first park day have your DD and her son go to the parks GS tell the CM that he needs a GAC to help w/ the crowds in the attraction lines.

they will issue a GAC that works for your length of stay up to 6 people in ypur party can use it.

you then use it at the FP line or accessible line...feel free to PM for more info

we couldnt do Disney w/out it

So sorry about your furbaby. I will be making that last walk soon with my mom's dog and my furbaby Nikki won't be far behind. It's not a walk I am looking forward to taking.

thank you and hugs to you and your situation

Looking forward to more of your adventures.

coming up soon

 

[disney<333]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Julie! Hugs to you!!
Sounds like a fun night! I love splitting up in Disney with just one kid. Less people=less opinions.
It must be so nice to be able to walk back from MK or take the monorail. Beautiful pics of your family in front of the castle! What a long, but successful first day.

 

[mousescrapper]

so needless to say the last few weeks have been horrible...not that I'm playing my pity me card here... but I just know you all will appreciate this story...

let's start w/ just over 3 weeks ago and I was venting to some supported DIS friends about some struggles I am having w/ Bekah's case manager (she is autistic and stuggles w/ time management and impulsisvity of words = ugh power struggle in the Middle School setting)

I was trying to figure out how to best approach this...when we find out Maggie has cancer and it is bad...happend just too quick

add to this Matt is still suffering now w/ consisitent neck and shoulder pain again (he has had 2 spinal fusion sugeries)

then after a draining week, Nathan has a problem at school which ends my week practically yelling at the Assist Principal at school....

I'm still trying to figure out how to help B

still trying to help Matt w/ his pain and dealing w/ the hard fact Maggie was dying...

and now need to argue w/ the school re Nathan ugh so do not need this

I was so looking forward to the weekend coming up (St. Pat's) having my family over and cooking up some "Irish grub" and of course the desperate need to get out on Saturday w/ Matt, my SIL and some friends to drink up some good 'ol green beer....although Matt declares no self respecting Irish man would drink beer died green so he stuck w/ Black and Tan

Oh yes I had fun...maybe a bit too much fun

but back track to the previous weekend before last and I sat on the couch saying out loud in a desperate plea:

"We NEED to go back to DISNEY!"


ok is Matt's repsonse...um that's all the fuel I need

I hit the SWA app icon on my ipad and began seaching dates and prices....

"so how much can we spend on airfare?" I ask

$1200

ok yeah right

I spent over 30 minutes punching in dates and dates and looking this way and that way hoping I could squeeze two flights together for 6 people in that price point...

I was WAY serious and Matt was amusing me

I looked all around the dates that my DIS pals Amy and Heidi are going next month...looked at the beginning of May around the twins 13th birthday...even post on my FB Disney group for suggestions....

but well reality set in big time...hmmm we really don't have that money

dang bills

we really shouldnt take the twins out of school for a trip

dang school (don't tell them I said that)

Matt doesn't have ANY vacation time

dang need for money

we don't really have points to use

dang should have bought more


so I let this little pipe dream go and then well after a not so productive meeting at N's school, that same day we said good bye to Maggie and well

even though we can't escape from the stinkiness that is around us right now...I will find a way to bring that Disney Magic here to us....

now what to do....

ideas?

J~​

 

[DisMomAmy]

I wish I had some suggestions for you Julie! Looks like you have a serious case of the Disney blues...

 

[Marshay]

First, I'm so sorry to hear about Maggie. We put my first cat of my own (15 years) to sleep b/c of bad health in the fall and still nearly 6 months later we think about him a lot...the girls tell me they miss him. Even last night, as we were watching tv, I caught movement in the corner of my eye and my first thought was, "Oh, it's just Butterscotch coming into the room."

I'm just sharing this with you to let you know that when pets are such important members of our families -- it hurts!! But you won't forget them. Part of me was afraid I would or the girls would.

So here's some more hugs for you and your family!

Ok, on to Disney -- the photo of Bekah and Rachel on the tea cups is just PRICELESS!! I love that picture -- it is so precious!

Cool for staying out so long with the girls -- what a great mom-daughter gift for all of you!

The moon must have been wonderful to look at, that low in the sky.

As for getting some Disney magic without blowing the budget or missing school, I can only recommend planning a full weekend and going someplace local to enjoy...then dress up in Disney clothes that weekend and try to replicate Disney things -- get ice cream and call it Dole Whips, walk around a garden area and call it the Flower and Garden Festival, etc.

Or just enjoy wherever you decided to go.

We just spent the weekend at our local National Harbor (Gaylord Hotel) and went into DC to see the Cherry Blossoms and museums/monuments. We had a blast and it was so fun. Normally we just do it as a day trip, but this time we spent Friday and Saturday nights at a really super-cool hotel and acted like tourists! It was so fun, relaxing and the perfect "get-away without going away" staycation!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I can very much relate to the feeling that you just need a little magic! Sometimes real life is such a drag.

Maybe plan one of your fun Disney nights. Who says you need to have a trip in the works to have a family Disney celebration?!

I hope that all the issues with the school work out. It can be so hard to be your child's advocate when it feels like you are the ONLY one! Hang in there and know that you are making a difference...for your kids and for those coming behind your kids with the same or similar issues.

Being mom is a tough job...you're doing great!

 

[teekathepony]

I'm so sorry you're having a rough time right now. I know that feeling all too well, needing to get back and not being able.
I always find if you are having a string of bad luck, if you can do just one good thing to turn everyone's mood around, the luck will turn around too. A really great Disney theme night perhaps?
Feel better soon.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear about everything you guys are going through!!

It definitely sounds like you guys are in need of some Disney magic! How about doing a Disney night, watching a Disney movie and all of that fun stuff? Maybe having a meal based on one of your favorites there? I always make sure to have Mickey head sprinkles in stock in my cabinets, they always bring me some Disney cheer. I know that the Walgreens by us normally stocks some Disney-themed treats (Mickey and Minnie cookies, cards, etc.)

 

[lledman]

Is there a Disney on ice or Phineas & Ferb live coming to your area??????

We have a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge planed coming up - it's an indoor water park - not Disney but still a lot of fun.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Take a three day weekend and go somewhere within driving distance, and stay at a fun hotel that is disneyesque. I agree with seeing if there is a Disney on Ice Show coming to your area or to an area close to you. Sometimes just getting out of town can help. While on your three day weekend visit the Disneystore, eat out, dress in Disney attire. Take fun Disney games and such with you. I know it's so not the same, but it could still be a fun family weekend. Lots of hugs and pixie dust

 

[dara00]

aw, I feel for you with your need for Disney! We are going to Disney on Ice this Sunday - it's a surprise for my kids - and I'm hoping they love it!

 

[KathyRN137]

Bumpity-bump!

Sending nothing but good vibes to you and the gang....


Kathy

 

[Charleston Princess]

Sorry to hear about everything that is going on -- it seems like it never rains but it pours, doesn't it?

 

[mousescrapper]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Julie! Hugs to you!!
Sounds like a fun night! I love splitting up in Disney with just one kid. Less people=less opinions.
It must be so nice to be able to walk back from MK or take the monorail. Beautiful pics of your family in front of the castle! What a long, but successful first day.

thanks so much

yes less opinions but usually since mom does the planning it's my plan

we love the walk to BLT!

I wish I had some suggestions for you Julie! Looks like you have a serious case of the Disney blues...

the fog is starting to lift...thanks

First, I'm so sorry to hear about Maggie. We put my first cat of my own (15 years) to sleep b/c of bad health in the fall and still nearly 6 months later we think about him a lot...the girls tell me they miss him. Even last night, as we were watching tv, I caught movement in the corner of my eye and my first thought was, "Oh, it's just Butterscotch coming into the room."

thanks

I'm just sharing this with you to let you know that when pets are such important members of our families -- it hurts!! But you won't forget them. Part of me was afraid I would or the girls would.

So here's some more hugs for you and your family!

Ok, on to Disney -- the photo of Bekah and Rachel on the tea cups is just PRICELESS!! I love that picture -- it is so precious!

I know I have a ton of great pictures this trip!

Cool for staying out so long with the girls -- what a great mom-daughter gift for all of you!

I agree

The moon must have been wonderful to look at, that low in the sky.

As for getting some Disney magic without blowing the budget or missing school, I can only recommend planning a full weekend and going someplace local to enjoy...then dress up in Disney clothes that weekend and try to replicate Disney things -- get ice cream and call it Dole Whips, walk around a garden area and call it the Flower and Garden Festival, etc.

Or just enjoy wherever you decided to go.

great thoughts...

I can very much relate to the feeling that you just need a little magic! Sometimes real life is such a drag.

that it is lately

Maybe plan one of your fun Disney nights. Who says you need to have a trip in the works to have a family Disney celebration?!

yes that has popped in my head...need to get DH on board might help lift his spirits too!

I hope that all the issues with the school work out. It can be so hard to be your child's advocate when it feels like you are the ONLY one! Hang in there and know that you are making a difference...for your kids and for those coming behind your kids with the same or similar issues.


Being mom is a tough job...you're doing great!

thank you

I'm so sorry you're having a rough time right now. I know that feeling all too well, needing to get back and not being able.
I always find if you are having a string of bad luck, if you can do just one good thing to turn everyone's mood around, the luck will turn around too. A really great Disney theme night perhaps?
Feel better soon.

that is a great thought one good thing

Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear about everything you guys are going through!!

thank you

It definitely sounds like you guys are in need of some Disney magic! How about doing a Disney night, watching a Disney movie and all of that fun stuff? Maybe having a meal based on one of your favorites there? I always make sure to have Mickey head sprinkles in stock in my cabinets, they always bring me some Disney cheer. I know that the Walgreens by us normally stocks some Disney-themed treats (Mickey and Minnie cookies, cards, etc.)

fab ideas....it's our Spring break this week and although we won't be able to do much during the day since i work, re reading through youyr replies is making me think I could come up w/ several Disney nights to brighten our home and week get the kids on board to help too!

Is there a Disney on ice or Phineas & Ferb live coming to your area??????

that's a great idea...they usally always come into Chicago...I will have to look into it

We have a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge planed coming up - it's an indoor water park - not Disney but still a lot of fun.

oh yes i know what you are talking about, we havnt been to that one but to The Wilderness Lodge...we are hoping to pull off a long weekend at the Dells later this summer

Take a three day weekend and go somewhere within driving distance, and stay at a fun hotel that is disneyesque. I agree with seeing if there is a Disney on Ice Show coming to your area or to an area close to you. Sometimes just getting out of town can help. While on your three day weekend visit the Disneystore, eat out, dress in Disney attire. Take fun Disney games and such with you. I know it's so not the same, but it could still be a fun family weekend. Lots of hugs and pixie dust

yes we will for sure being getting away for several mini weekends this summer...just need to figure out something for right now

aw, I feel for you with your need for Disney! We are going to Disney on Ice this Sunday - it's a surprise for my kids - and I'm hoping they love it!

Bumpity-bump!

Sending nothing but good vibes to you and the gang....


Kathy

thanks kathy

Sorry to hear about everything that is going on -- it seems like it never rains but it pours, doesn't it?

it is pouring lately...the sun will come out again

 

[mousescrapper]

Start of Day 2) Monday January 16th

MLK day

Plan of the Day:

* Sleep in

* O’Hana Breakfast

* Epcot

So back in the planning phase of this trip, we decided that one character meal was a must and we decided on O’Hana for the proximity to BLT, price, characters, food and that we haven’t been since 2008. I decided that a late morning ADR would be perfect after a full day in the park and travel. I had originally scheduled wake-up around 8/8:30 am and leaving the room by 9/9:15 am…

So Matt’s alarm went off around 6:30 am to give Nathan his medicine and we fell back to sleep I think I woke up about an hour later but then rolled back to sleep…next time I looked at the clock it was 9:15!

Matt it’s 9:15 we need to get up…


MATT IT’S 9:15 WE NEED TO GET UP!

We quickly got up and I jumped in the shower and we got the twins up and in showers and somehow we managed getting all dressed and ready to leave just before 10 am (that would never happen on a school day ).

I snapped a picture of our door before leaving:

Waiting impatiently for the elevator

We quickly headed over to CR and the monorail station as we saw one just pull out and then we waited…and waited…and waited…

Ugh! This usually never happens, but apparently there was some track delays AND a training session going on…so after a 20 minute delay we made it over to the POLY and got checked in at 10:30, a ½ hour past our original ADR. I thought for sure we have some horrible long wait but luckily it really wasn’t that bad.

On our way…can you tell they are hungry and still a bit tired…the monorail was packed too!

Little better of a picture on the way back to CR later that morning…and

here’s Bekah:

We took the obligatory staged photo before going in and decided it was too cute to pass up so we bought the package (I think it was $30+ w/ tax)

We were seated at a nice table near the windows, no view of the castle, but still a nice spot! Here’s our view:

We took a few pictures of everyone sitting around the table as we awaited the food to arrive.

The chef came out very quickly to discuss Naomi-Ruth’s food options and a platter of her own was quickly returned by the chef. She had the bacon, potatoes and her own Mickey waffles. She quickly got started on the bacon:

Our platter came out after the fruit (they really needed to give us more) and the bread. We also got the juice (is it called O’Hana juice?) well whatever is I love it, so cool and refreshing!

cont. next post​

 

[mousescrapper]

As we started to fill our plates w/ the eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, and fruit the characters arrived. First up was Stitch…

I loved how he petted and “licked” the kids and made some cute Stitch like noises…he was so fun and played along w/ them for a quick minute.

Up next was Mickey Mouse:

He was so sweet giving smooches and hugs to each of the kids and I just think it’s so adorable how his head is tilted in the posed shot

He next saw Bekah sporting her own Mickey ears and gave her a huge hug! She loved it!

Luckily our server was nearby and we were able to get this fun group shot of all 6 of us w/ Mickey:

I love to compare it to the 1st time we ate here 4 years ago and how little the kids look:

Pluto came out next and it’s the “Where’s Nathan?” shot…

I had printed out a group autograph page that I could use later in a scrapbook, but realized I didn’t bring the best autograph pen nor a hard surface to write on…Pluto had some trouble getting his “paw print” on it…but we applauded him when he was done!

Here’s the signed sheet (I traced over the siggies in a black flair):

I will share w/ you all later when I use it in a scrap layout

As Pluto was finishing up, the music began to play for the kids to join in the parade, so Bekah and Naomi-Ruth went to it:

Last to show up was Lilo

Bekah had a quick one-sided chat [wink] when she was 6 she just loved Lilo

We finished up eating as the Mickey waffles had finally arrived I think between Pluto and Lilo…that would probably be our only complaint of the meal…they were pretty backed up brining those out and our tummies were quite full by that point. Our server was very nice and accomadating bringing us out extra juice, tea, eggs and pineapple too. She was extremely busy so we appreciated it. I had asked if I could take NR waffles w/ us and she slipped us an empty paper cup and said “If I don’t see it then I don’t know” since you are not suppose to take food to go at a buffet…we snuck in a few pieces of bacon too [hehe]

We slowly wandered out as the restaurant was emptying out and closing up for the morning. We all took a rest stop before heading back to the monorail.
Matt helped Nathan take a picture of the traveling gnome by the water garden first:

It was now time to head back over to our room (it was about 11:55 am) and get ready to head out to Epcot for the day…

Stay tuned for more MAGIC…and “I’ve been waiting my whole life to ride this…”

Thanks for reading. J~​

 

[JPFamilyMom]

LOVE your breakfast experience and pictures. Joey came running over to see all the characters.

I love the comparison of your photo from 4 yrs ago to now.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I just showed the pictures to Danica because we will be having breakfast here next month...I don't know if she was more excited to see the bacon or Mickey !

 

[teekathepony]

I'm trying to get my DH to do 'Ohana and I have to show him your pictures!! It looks awesome! Everyone looked like they had so much fun. I love your family staged shot at the very beginning!

 

[jannel80]

Hi, I am just joining in but am really enjoying your posts so far! Can't wait to read more! Thanks for sharing your trip!