The Ups and Downs of Labor Day weekend 2010

[SimmerBaggins]

This was kind of funny that I noticed -- when you are talking about the second PP in front of the castle, the one where you don't look as happy? Look how the clouds behind the castle have darkened, significantly!!

And, oh, about Zoe going after the little boy -- I'm pretty bad -- I probably would have secretly been glad she held her own against such rudeness...it makes me angry when parents don't look after their kids and teach them manners.

...you were really brave to go on the teacups.

...and YAY! for seats!!!!

 

[annmarieda]

9/6 had been such a nice day with little upset. (except for the phone incident) Our plan was to take a leisurely morning and end up at Epcot. We had made it an early morning each day and I thought the girls and I needed to be able to sleep in ONE day on the trip.

As luck would have it, this was not in the cards.

Remember the tea cups? Remember how my evil girls had spun my mother and I until we were each near the point of passing out? Well, this and probably the heat...and well...perhaps even a wee bit of a bug that maybe the girls and I had passed on, caused a disruption in the middle of the night.

By 5am, my mom was up and loudly was making use of the bathroom. I felt so bad for her. She was really sick. At some point I managed to get up and go to the front desk. I had packed almost everything possible....yet, no tums/rolaids. Luckily, they were happy to accommodate me and I brought some rolaids back to my mother. At this point, there was really no reason to try to go back to sleep. The girls were both up and as sad and gross as it is...mom continued to make it hard for us to be in the room.

The girls and I got ready to head out and let mom sleep. At this point, I did not anticipate her joining us later in the day. (as had become her routine)

Next Chapter;

Winging it on our last day in Epcot

 

[annmarieda]

This was kind of funny that I noticed -- when you are talking about the second PP in front of the castle, the one where you don't look as happy? Look how the clouds behind the castle have darkened, significantly!!

That day did go from bright sunny and HOT to serious rain in a very little time....but as it was...that little photo session to way longer than it should have. Too funny though!

And, oh, about Zoe going after the little boy -- I'm pretty bad -- I probably would have secretly been glad she held her own against such rudeness...it makes me angry when parents don't look after their kids and teach them manners.

Yes, I am glad she feels confident that she can stand up for herself...I just know she can be a little bit more assertive than she needs to be. Just last week...there was an incident on the playground at school. A group of boys were chasing the girls. Zoe broke off from the group and the boys surrounded her. The boys would not let her through...despite her demands. Well, this got Zoe angry and she pushed one of the boys down. The boy then got up and hit her in the face. Neither should have touched the other so I am not blaming the boy...and the boys should have let Zoe go when she wanted to..so I am not blaming Zoe for getting angry. She just needs to learn how much "force" is needed to get her point across. I think she had the right to not want to be shoved aside at WDW by an agressive boy (who did not have his parent closely watching him) and I agree that she had the right to not be held against her will or hit at school. She just needs to learn diplomacy.

...you were really brave to go on the teacups.

I know...especially with the girls who LOVE to spin. I had my head down and the world was spinning for a bit after the ride stopped. I regained my senses and was lucky I didn't end up like my poor mother. Darn those girls. I do take comfort knowing that I was a spinner...I spun away entire recesses on tire swings. I can't take that any more...and some day...those girls of mine. .... they will get theirs when THEIR kids spin them on the tea cups

...and YAY! for seats!!!!

I know, right!! Yay!!!

 

[annmarieda]

I kinda feel like I have fallen behind on this. I only have two more days to get through. I promise I will get to it soon.

Work has kept me away. I thought I was going to start having a lighter work load and then the rep in the near by territory quit. Well, I was silly enough to agree to take it over. I was scrambling this week to get it all cleaned up. Not sure what makes a person leave such a mess when they quite. I picked up supplies from the person and quite literally they had garbage mixed in with hardware and with current adds. It was ridiculous! I finally had to say I was not taking their garbage with me. (at one point I actually found some of their mail in a box with stuff ) I drive a suburban and when I finally got everything loaded in...it was packed floor to ceiling with the seats all down. If I had taken all of the boxes...I could have easily had a second load. So, while I can be happy to have just increased my hours...I have to laugh. I had it all set in my mind that I was going from having 4 stores that I manage to only 7 or 8. Silly me!! I did not count right. I will now have 9 stores. I am gonna be one busy lady.

This weekend, Zach has drill. (military reserve duty) It is about an hours drive away (and no my son doesnt drive) He had to be up there at 7am. I didn't want to drive home only to have to drive back to get him, so I stayed with Kira in that general area till he was done. Then we had to get him home so he could take his girlfriend to her homecoming dance. The pictures I took are absolutely horrid. It was cold and rainy so the girls didn't want to stand still for pictures. My camera takes horrid night shots. The red eye editing I did is atrocious as well. Nevertheless, I have a shot to share with you all.

So I will post an update soon, but for now I am tapped. I have to have my son up to drill first thing in the am again.

 

[onescgirl]

I AnnMarie! I just caught up with your TR! Looks like you had a very eventful & fun week!

That was priceless that Zoe was picked for 'Storytime with Belle'.

I love how you fixed Zoe's hair! What website did you go on for the hair style ideas?

At this point, I am so upset that I too am near the point of tears. I have put so much into this trip. I have planned for months. I just wanted everyone to have a good time. I start to feel sick to my stomach. I too then lay on the floor near the bathroom (in case) and fall asleep.

Discouraged, we start 9/3 in Epcot.

I just wanted to give you a BIG hug when I read this!


Was that woman that had Kira's phone on crack or what!!!! I can't believe she wanted to meet you the next day to return the phone. And, why did she even have it? Just give the phone to a CM to turn in to Lost & Found!!!


I'm sorry your mom got sick during the night.

Going on trip with your daughters & mom may have been stressful a few times, but it will also give you priceless memories!

 

[KatMark]

You are going to be one busy girl!!!

I love the homecoming picture...I think it looks great.

 

[annmarieda]

I love how you fixed Zoe's hair! What website did you go on for the hair style ideas?

I just wanted to give you a BIG hug when I read this!

Was that woman that had Kira's phone on crack or what!!!! I can't believe she wanted to meet you the next day to return the phone. And, why did she even have it? Just give the phone to a CM to turn in to Lost & Found!!!

That is so sweet of you. I really needed a hug that night. Luckily, that was the lowest point and it was over and done at the beginning of the trip.

As for the website for hairstyles.... http://www.princesshairstyles.com/2009/09/flower-girl-hairstyle.html

I wondered about the woman too...I would have thought turning it in to the nearest cm was the most logical...oh well.

You are going to be one busy girl!!!

I love the homecoming picture...I think it looks great.

Thanks so much. I don't think my son is impressed...but

 

[annmarieda]

So the night before, mom didn't fair too well. We really had intended to sleep in and take it slow. Since mom was ill, we figured we should get out of the room asap.

We had not done much exploring at Pop, so we decided to head over to the Goofy Jets to let Zoe have a run at them. Even though it was early, I didn't mind if she got wet. With the heat, I knew it would not be long til she was dry again.

This was our last full day and since we didn't have hopper tickets, we chose Epcot for the day. We got to Epcot early enough that we were able to get on Test Track with little wait. I had missed doing this on our previous day so I was happy to get to ride this. You can really tell by this pic that all on it are seasoned riders.

Since we now had done all the rides we wanted to, we decided to take the day to walk around WSC and eat...shop, let Zoe complete the Epcot Mask and watch those little travel promos Since we wanted to try something at each country we decided we would share credits and thus food.

First up was France. We got a ham and chees sandwich and a napoleon.

I also purchased some candy. Once the show was over, we got a call from my mom. She was almost to the park. She was feeling better!

We met mom and the entrance to the park and then started our trip around the world over again.

This time, first up was Mexico. Now, as I have mentioned a few times...I take a medicine that could cause a blood sugar drop if I have alcohol. It has happened. It is horrid. I pass out and it is very unnerving. Because of this I don't drink. Well, I USUALLY don't drink. I have been known to take a sip off of dh's drink..usually with that little amount still leaving me with a horrid headache. I am not sure why, but I thought I could just get a margarita and not drink all of it. I had had a fiesta margarita in WDW before (prior to getting on this particular med) and I had so enjoyed it. With the heat and all the stress of the trip...it called to me. I did in fact drink the entire thing. Luckily, I only experienced the bad headache thing. Ironically, it was only as bad as when I had the sips off of dh's drinks. Since we had done Mexico the previous day in Epcot, we were then done.

Next, Norway...rice cream and school bread. I thought my mom would be more impressed with the school bread...but I think she was kinda getting tired of the sweets. We didn't make any purchases (although I was tempted by a couple things) Zoe had already done this country's mask station, so we were done with Norway and off we went.

Next, China... Cinnamon apple egg roll. I am not sure why I thought this might be tasty. It wasn't. Even though, we had been there on 9/3 we had more shopping to do. That store has the most inexpensive items in all of WDW. Mom loved it and found more trinkets that she could bring home for her friends. I was able to pick up a little pink umbrella for Zoe. (which is in heavy use now since we are entering the rainy season here) It was uch a good deal. Only $3!!! I got a pink rhinestone necklace/ear ring set. Again, a great bargain for only $12! Next it was time for Zoe to compete her kidcot.

Next chapter;
Frustration with the rude people

but first, a snapshot of this little guy. Look familiar to anyone?

 

[onescgirl]

I love the picture with Zoe & Goofy. I've never seen the picture of the Camero at Pop before - too cool!

I am so glad that you didn't pass out after reading about you drinking the Margarita. I was afraid that was what you were going to say!

That food looks so good! But, it is my lunch time right now & all I have at work is a yogurt. So, anything looks good to me right now!

I must have missed that store in China!!!! I can't believe you found a umbrella just for $3!

 

[annmarieda]

I am so glad that you didn't pass out after reading about you drinking the Margarita. I was afraid that was what you were going to say!

That food looks so good! But, it is my lunch time right now & all I have at work is a yogurt. So, anything looks good to me right now!

I must have missed that store in China!!!! I can't believe you found a umbrella just for $3!

Honestly, it probably wasn't the smartest idea to have the margarita...but I figured with how many desserts I was having my blood sugar was bound to be on the high side...so a drop would be a good thing

I hear ya on food looking good. I sometimes drool over the food pics on the boards and then I realize I haven't had anything to eat.

That store in China is worth a stop. Lots of items...not disney, mind you...but... some of it kinda cool. In February, I needed to pic up a pair of shoes for Zoe and I was balking at the cost of the crocs throughout the park. When I went there, there was a cute little mary jane style...croc type shoes that were around $10. I also picked up souvenirs to bring back for friends there. This time, my mom picked up a metal wall plaque for the little girl she watches. It was only $2. So...as you see...very very cheap items.

 

[annmarieda]

Sorry this is going to be such a quick update. I thought I should break up the day a bit and since this was a down I thought it might as well have its own chapter.

In the last post, we were in China. We were enjoying some shopping and were about to have Zoe complete China's kidcot station.

We walked up to the station and took our place at the end of the line. The line started directly in front of the cm. As soon as we were the next in line, a person came up to stand to one side of the cm. I didn't think much of it at first. Then something happened. The line formed behind THAT person and they became next.

Okay, so as frustrating as that was, it was only a few people and I figured that my mom was still shopping so... I moved us to that line. It wasn't long before guess what happened??? The line formed in front of the cm again! At this point I am really a bit overheated and wonder if I have some sort of "don't stand behind me in line" look about me.

I shouldn't have...but since the center line was moving again and I was standing looking like I was in the wrong place, I moved us again. Guess what? It wasn't long before we were again next in line. Guess what happened??? A person came up to the side again and was intent on being next. I was very agitated by this point.

This left myself in front and the other person to the side. Up walked another family. I was ready to fight...but something happened.... The family lined up behind ME!!! I was so thankful, I told them how much I appreciated it. I told them how I had been up next then had to move only to be up next again and had to move again. The mother that I was speaking to was a little louder than I was about the rudeness of people as the person that jumped in line to the side finished up with her child.

As we wait for the last of the rude people in the side line to finish, the line continued to form behind me. Soon it was Zoe's turn. (well, soon is kinda not the right way to put it...more like FINALLY)

After all that, I got a picture of Zoe at the station. As you can see, there was a second station. I am not sure what made the people do that, maybe the heat melted their brains. I know mine (and my patience) were nearly gone by the time we left to view the movie.

Next Chapter;
Our afternoon on 9/7

 

[KatMark]

I was two updates behind. Love the pool pictues at Pop -- especially Goofy.

I found this trip last month to be full of excessively rude people -- kids and adults. And in 99% of the cases, I blame it on the adults for just being downright selfish or for not teaching their kids better.

In any event, I'm glad you finally got up to the Kidcot station and Zoe could do her mask.

 

[Joyciemc]

That is the kind of thing that always happens to me. I try to follow the rules and wait how you're supposed to, and end up missing out because other people are pushy.

I agree that folks were having a hard time minding their manners in WDW last month!

 

[tinacaplan]

Wow! I missed a lot. Glad to hear you had such a nice last MK day. Sorry your mom got sick. Getting sick on vacation, especially a Disney vacation, is the worst. But I'm glad she rallied pretty quickly. As for rude people, I don't get people who think they're going to go to Disney and not wait in lines. Part of what makes it all manageable is everyone being respectful. Rude people are so annoying, but unfortunately, they are everywhere.

 

[annmarieda]

So how creative is that title? I am not sure if my enthusiasm for this trip is dwindling since it was almost 2 months ago...or if there seems to be a lack of readers... but I guess I didn't try to hard with that title. Sorry...

So in my last installment, I had just dealt with the rude people at China's kidcot station. Normally, I have found lines at Disney to be very civil. I am surprised by how no civil people were on this trip. That being said, there were tons of nice people. It is just sad how a few bad apples really can influence the moment.

Next stop on our trip around the world was Germany. We had Bavarian cheesecake, bratwurst and sauerkraut. It was ever so yummy. We had managed to get a table inside of Sommerfest and we were so lucky to have done so. It was afternoon and what happens in the afternoon in Florida? DOWNPOUR! I had packed ponchos for this trip. Unfortunately, when I asked Kira to pack them in the stroller for this particular day, she only grabbed 2. It wasn't a big deal for me since I really was warm and a bit of rain wasn't going to make a big impact. My mom definitely needed one. (remember, she doesn't like wet hair. ) With ponchos on, we strolled through the shops.

I know Kira wanted to find a German Donald for her df and mom was on a never ending hunt for souvenirs for the little girl she watches...but I can't remember if anything was actually purchased there. What I do remember is that a drink was spilled. Mom gets to looking at racks and tends to set things down. Zoe tends to get up out of the stroller when you are not expecting thus sending it flying backward as the weight shifts. Somehow the drink mom had been carrying was precariously sitting on a rack and the stroller hit and a full sized drink was all over the carpet. I was very embarrassed. I guess I should have been more on top of it. After all, Zoe wanted/needed to do the kidcot station and mom was on a mission with her shopping. Oh well, time to move on.

Next stop was Italy. Since the rain was still coming down a bit we immediately went to the kidcot station. The shops there are more about fragrance (which my mom hates) and wine (which isnt on my list of to do's) Luckily, there is two other things to enjoy in Itally. One is the candy (which I made a purchase of) and the other is the entertainment. We sat and watched as the rain dried up. Sorry the pics are not that clear. My camera doesn't do well with the humidity.

Next up was America. It was important to Kira to see the show, which is only aired at certain times (in my notes I put that it only had one show that day...not sure that is right). We had to wait. This was fine since it gave us not only time to do the kidcot, but to take a potty break. We did not try anything to eat cause..well...there wasn't anything unusual to try. We caught the preshow performers. (who had amazing voices)

The show itself was enjoyable, but we preferred HOP more.

Onward to Japan.... Kira loves sushi and so she HAD to get a spicy tuna roll. None of the rest of us like this so she had it all to herself. (no sharing this time) We did share the ginger cake. I remember liking it much more at Tepan Edo. The shopping we did was fairly uneventful. I think going to uwajimaya (sorry, can't remember the spelling) made it so we didn't need to do a lot here. I was tempted to pick a pearl. I think for sure next time I will have to do that! Zoe got her mask stamped and the cm wrote her name in Japanese. They did this at China too. Very neat. I have back up a moment here to share a funny story. So while at some stations, the cm will convert your name into their countries language...most don't have any difference. We were standing at one station (I think Germany) when a father was quite adamant that the cm write his dd's name down. The poor cm insisted that she could write the girl's name, but it would be the same as in English since they use the same alphabet and...well...it is the same name. Too funny... the poor father was so irritated.

So after Japan came Morocco. I had wanted to try the TS restaurant there, but Kira really was opposed. I made a deal with her that we would at least get a cs there. We got the chicken and lamb plate and baklava. I am not sure if it just wasn't that great of baklava or if the humidity was contributing, but it seemed too gooey. Mom and Kira loved the rest of the food though. Kira was fascinated by the meat on a stick so she took this pic.

While were were eating inside, the street performer did her dance. I was sad to miss it, but at least we could hear it. After the meal, we wound our way through the shops. I thought I would be funny and sneak up on my mom while she was hard at work in her quest to find more to buy.

It didn't work so well, it was only a second that I was able to sneak and then she caught me and immediately posed.

One thing I really enjoy about this area is the attention to detail.

Next Chapter;
Gotta Go, Gotta Go..we need to get to Le Cellier!

 

[onescgirl]

Looks like ya'll had a fun day shopping & snacking around the world! How do you eat so much food & stay skinny?

 

[annmarieda]

Looks like ya'll had a fun day shopping & snacking around the world! How do you eat so much food & stay skinny?

LOL! thanks for saying you think I look thin. And as for eating so much...keep in mind we were sharing So when we got a cs meal, we all just snacked off of it. (except the tuna roll...Kira ate that all on her own)

 

[annmarieda]

So this should be a quick update. I took the day off to clean my house and am taking a wee bit of a break.

So after we went to Morocco, we were off to France. The girls and I had started there in the morning, but since I knew of some discounted tshirts there, I knew my mom would want to stop. First, we picked up a crepe for Kira and Zoe to share while mom and I stopped in the shops.
Mom and I each took a picture of each other using her disposable camera.

Next up was the UK. We didn't want to eat too much since we were getting closer and closer to our destination, Canada. In Canada, we had an ADR for you know where! Still, we tried some mint aero chocolate. Nummy! Since we really had not seen many characters, I really wanted to let Zoe get in line for Pooh and Tigger. It was stressing Kira out something fierce. She did NOT want to miss our ADR. She also wanted to see the show in Canada so this was also making her stress out. Kira getting upset at the wait was well worth the pics and time with Pooh and Tigger.

Onward to Canada! We only had an hour until our ADR, so we opted to forgo the shopping and just watch the show. It is probably one of the best of those "travel promos"

Next Chapter;
Le Cellier

 

[onescgirl]

That picture with Tigger & Zoe hugging is priceless!

 

[annmarieda]

That picture with Tigger & Zoe hugging is priceless!

That is one of the pp pics that made me buy the disc. It was so frustrating. For the number of pics that I wanted copies of, the cost was the same as if I just ordered the lot on disc. Next time, I am going to make better use of those pp photographers!!