There's a First Time for Everything! A Christmas In November TR

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Well, we skip the shows out of habit, quite honestly. I didn't like the shows when I was like, 11, or 15, or something like that, and I never went back! So I do want to try again!

And yes, I'm leaning toward, "when it doubt, do it twice" as well! (That and other excuses, such as, "she may be my only girl!" or "she's only little once!" or, "she could be our last!" or "life is short!" that sort of thing!)

Yes, give the shows another chance. Disney really does them up right! The costumes alone are just mind blowing.

Well, I guess I will get to see you do the PAP since I just noticed a little something in your signature! I'll be heading over there after I get caught up here!

Just ordered my carriage necklaces for the girls for our July trip!!! This will be a great surprise!! I even got one for me too!! Thanks for the link! Now I am on the hunt for a new Vera backpack !

Well, I hope you like the pendants. I think they are great for kids and adults! Enjoy!

I feel bad for asking. I thought we were waiting until 2011, but then friends of ours in Jacksonville are having a wedding reception in the fall so I told DH there is no way I will be 2 hrs from Disney and not go. I need to try to make it a budget friendly trip. If the numbers don't add up right, we won't go.

Don't feel bad. I was just joking. I do wish I could go back, but I know that I am incredibly blessed weather I go back 100 times or never again!

If I got within 2 hours of WDW, I would have to go too! I hope you can work it out with your finances so that you can go! It would be a shame to be so close and not get to see Mickey.

We have snow in the forecast for tomorrow, too! I want that 60 degree weather back!

Isn't that insane! I'll believe it when I see it though. But if it does snow, at least it will just be pretty to look at and won't stick to the roads. That I can deal with.

Disney landscaping for me, too, please. Wouldn't that be the coolest thing?

Christmas Minnie is cute. Lucky girl to get to do all that traveling!

I wonder what my neighbors would think if I sculpted our bushes into the shape of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Oh that's right, we don't have any bushes!

Memom, I fixed those frozen pastry strips (dumplings, whatever) tonight and I thought of you while we were eating them. Man they were GOOD! You've got to try them!

Awww, I am loving all the flashbacks!!! Keep em coming girl, keep em coming!!

I'm glad you are sticking around for the flashbacks! I am trying to hang onto this thing for as long as possible............ like someone else I know! (Just kidding, I've loved reading about all your non Disney updates!)

I just signed up so that I could post and say thank you so much for doing this trip report. I can only imagine the time it takes to do all of this.

I spent the last two evenings reading the entire thing. Your family reminds me A LOT of ours and I got teary eyed in a few places. Your DD is just beautiful too, she reminds me of Punk Brewster!

Aww, that is so sweet and I appreciate that so much!! You are too kind! Now that you are signed up, you'll be an addict like the rest of us! It has taken a lot of time but I have really enjoyed it. It makes the joy of your vacation last a little bit longer. I'm just sad that it is almost over! I am so glad that you came out to say hello though! I hope you will stay for the flashbacks and post as often as you like. The people on the TR boards are very nice and would love to have you join in the fun.

 

[jenseib]

I am so excited. I got my coach neacklaces today! Thanks so much for giving us that info!

 

[MeMom]

I wonder what my neighbors would think if I sculpted our bushes into the shape of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Oh that's right, we don't have any bushes!

Memom, I fixed those frozen pastry strips (dumplings, whatever) tonight and I thought of you while we were eating them. Man they were GOOD! You've got to try them!

I do have bushes. Maybe I'll get out there with my clippers and see what kind of creation I can come up with.

Not! My neighbors would be like !

I haven't thought to look for the dumplings yet. I will, though. I'm glad to hear that they were good.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I am so excited. I got my coach neacklaces today! Thanks so much for giving us that info!

ME TOO!! Ditto!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I am so excited. I got my coach neacklaces today! Thanks so much for giving us that info!

Yay! I'm glad you liked them! I hope Claire enjoys doing the PAP with you. I can't wait to read all about it!

I do have bushes. Maybe I'll get out there with my clippers and see what kind of creation I can come up with.

Not! My neighbors would be like !

I haven't thought to look for the dumplings yet. I will, though. I'm glad to hear that they were good.

Yes, my neighbors already think we are weird b/c we love Disney so much. If I carved topiaries in the yard, they may have me committed! But as much as you will be going to Disney now, you can just enjoy all their hard yard work!

ME TOO!! Ditto!

I hope all of you enjoy doing the PAP. I can't wait to read all about it in upcoming TRs!


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Sorry that I haven't gotten an update done yet. I've got the pictures loaded and most of it is ready to go, but I had to take time to do my taxes. It was bothering me that it is almost March and they were not done yet. I usually have them done in January, but I've been a little preoccupied with my TR! Anyway, don't jump ship on me yet. Even though I have a very busy day today, I hope I can get it posted before going to bed tonight!

 

[MeMom]

Yay! I'm glad you liked them! I hope Claire enjoys doing the PAP with you. I can't wait to read all about it!

Yes, my neighbors already think we are weird b/c we love Disney so much. If I carved topiaries in the yard, they may have me committed! But as much as you will be going to Disney now, you can just enjoy all their hard yard work!


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Sorry that I haven't gotten an update done yet. I've got the pictures loaded and most of it is ready to go, but I had to take time to do my taxes. It was bothering me that it is almost March and they were not done yet. I usually have them done in January, but I've been a little preoccupiued with my TR! Anyway, don't jump ship on me yet. Even though I have a very busy day today, I hope I can get it posted before going to bed tonight!

You have exactly twelve hours to get a new post up,

or

I

am





sticking around for longer.


Whenever you get to it, it's all good.

Tax filing precedes us. My accountant friend has mine. I'll be glad when it gets back to me so I can get it sent off and hurry up and get my money to pay for our summer trip.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Can someone tell me why you practically need a PHD to do a personal income tax return these days!! We have one house, one car, and one income, so why did it take me 3 days and 6 Tylenol to get my taxes done! Insert insane, hair pulling smiley wearing a straight jacket right here!!!

I do have a bit of good news that came out of the tax return rubble though. Thanks to the $7000 worth of medical bills we had to pay last year, we are getting a very unexpected refund! I am really shocked! In fact, the amount we are getting back is almost the exact amount I spent on my '09 Disney vacation! So you know what I was thinking ............................................................................... for about 5 seconds anyway! However, DH and I have already agreed that any extra money we make this year will be used to pay off our car. That is going to be the hardest check I have ever written. Actually DH may have to do it because I may accidentally fill in "Walt Disney World Travel Company" in the "pay to the order of" line, if he leaves it up to me! Doesn't it stink to have to be a mature adult?!

Ok, back to the flashbacks. This was our only Animal Kingdom day. I have decided after two trips that we need more than one AK day. There is so much to see and do and the park is so big that one day just isn't enough for us.

The AK tree is one of my favorites. I adore the ornaments.

I really like flamingos! I don't have any plastic ones in my yard, but I love to see them at AK!

The way they were positioned it looks like one bird with two heads!

I love the scenery at AK. One day I am going there by myself and spend several hours snapping away on my camera!

I wish I could have seen this at night.

We took a ride through the Yeti’s house!

IN THE FRONT SEAT!!!

You are going to be shocked, but I didn't think it was that bad. There isn't a big drop like I was expecting and the backwards part didn't bother me too bad. I think Splash Mountain was far worse than EE. I know that makes me very odd, but it's that drop. I just can't take it!

Then we had a little safari action!

You will notice there aren't a lot of animals. We had a MUCH better safari in '09. We still enjoyed it though.

Continued in next post..................................

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Doesn't it look just like a real African savannah? They did such a great job with this attraction.

Leaning palms

The AK Christmas parade. I think they just add some Christmas touches to the regular parade and maybe add a few holiday floats as well.

We rode KRR. We were chickens though and wore our ponchos!

We watched the Nemo show. We thought is was great but we love live performances. I just think Disney has the most awesome shows!

Time for It's Tough to be a Bug. I was worried that DD would be scared, but she wasn't. But the maggots or whatever they are that are allowed to "exit first" totally grossed me out! It is very funny though!

What a nut!

Dung heap anyone?

Continued in next post..................

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We also watched Festival of the Lion King. This show is awesome too! I think we like it better than Nemo but we loved them both!

The AK tree at night

We had dinner at “a wild place to shop and eat!” And wild, it is!

Check out these bar stools!

This guy was hanging right over our table!!!! I almost asked to be moved. I am not into reptilian things.

The backside of water

I don't know what DD was doing here but I thought a big ‘ol pile of frogs was cute!

Our food at RF cafe was just ok. It was a little pricey and not really worth the cost. The decor though is out of this world. All those creatures you saw are animatronic, and they move and make sounds. It really is like a jungle in there. Very cool! If we go back, we may just share the volcano dessert and skip the main course. We had to pay out of pocket for this meal since they are not on the dining plan.

DD wanted to have a caricature drawn back at the resort. This guy was very talented. He did a great job. DD chose the mermaid, which worked out perfectly because I framed it and hung it up in her room, which is Ariel themed.

We found another great surprise when we got back to the room. Our mousekeeper really went above and beyond. We had something like this waiting for us every night of our trip!

More Magic Kingdom coming up next!

 

[morgtroy]

Hey, I haven't been on lately. I've got major catching up to do.
But wanted to tell you my daughter loved the coach necklace. It's so pretty.
Thanks for the info
Have you been scrapbooking?

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

You have exactly twelve hours to get a new post up,

or

I

am





sticking around for longer.


Whenever you get to it, it's all good.

Tax filing precedes us. My accountant friend has mine. I'll be glad when it gets back to me so I can get it sent off and hurry up and get my money to pay for our summer trip.

Thanks for the chuckle. I really needed it after doing my taxes.

I wish I could use my refund for a trip. It's going to be very hard to be mature about this! I am looking forward to all your upcoming trips though.

Hey, I haven't been on lately. I've got major catching up to do.
But wanted to tell you my daughter loved the coach necklace. It's so pretty.
Thanks for the info
Have you been scrapbooking?

I've been wondering where you had gotten off to! I thought about sending you a PM but I didn't want to seem pushy! Take your time catching up. I know how that is. I'll be here for several more updates before I'm done.

I haven't had a free minute to even think about scrapbooking this month. There's been so much going on. I'd love to though. Maybe next month things will slow down some. I have looked at some of those web sites you sent me though and boy is there some cute stuff out there! I have got to set aside some time to get going on it. Thank you again for sending me all those links!

 

[micandminforever]

The caricature of your DD was wonderful. I love souvenirs that you can not only enjoy, but use when you get home. I know every time you see the caricature it reminds you of Disney fun.

 

[sharonW]

WONDERFUL PICTURES! The Caricature of you dd
is excellent!! You just have to relent and use some
of that tax $$$ for another trip, next fall won't be the
same if you don't!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Love the pictures.

I know ALL about the Drs. Claire had her tonsils out this summer, and Skip had his hip replaced this fall.....in total the bills were around $97,000.00, out of pocket we lucked out at just over $4,000 for the year I beleive. Thanks goodness for Insurance.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Beautiful pictures of Animal Kingdom! I do so love that park and all its wonderful theming! Your pictures are so crisp and clear -- what kind of camera do you have?

I know only too well what you mean about being a mature adult, but just think how much more money you will have every month without a car payment! Although, I would be like you and yearning to write WDW Travel Co. in the line!

 

[lexmas]

Great pictures!

My friend used to be a tour guide in Africa so she's been on plenty of safaris and even she was impressed by the Safari at AK. They got it right!

I love a parade, and a Christmas-themed one seems dreamy!

No matter how many photopass pictures I see with baby Simba, I love them every time. Too sweet.

You are braver than I. I will not do Kali, even with a poncho. I hate being wet, I'm very much like a cat that way. My skin breaks out at any hint of water, even when I sweat I get a rash, it's terrible!

Rainforest Cafe looks like fun! I'm impressed that you braved that snake for an entire meal though, I'm not sure I would have been happy about that! I love the barstools though...how do I get those for my kitchen table?

The caricature is so cute. But now I want to see her "ariel themed room"! Lol. I'm sure it's beautiful!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

The caricature of your DD was wonderful. I love souvenirs that you can not only enjoy, but use when you get home. I know every time you see the caricature it reminds you of Disney fun.

I loved the caricature. I was so glad she wanted to do it and glad she picked the mermaid. You're right, those are the best souvenirs. And they are one of a kind!

WONDERFUL PICTURES! The Caricature of you dd
is excellent!! You just have to relent and use some
of that tax $$$ for another trip, next fall won't be the
same if you don't!!!!

No, it won't be the same, but I am excited about paying off the car too. We are trying to send my DD to private school starting in August and I really need to free up some money in my budget to be able to afford the tuition. Our schools around here are horrible and I can't stand the thought of sending her to them. So, for now, it just isn't in the cards. But DH and I are talking seriously about me going back to work when school starts back this fall so that could change everything.

Love the pictures.

I know ALL about the Drs. Claire had her tonsils out this summer, and Skip had his hip replaced this fall.....in total the bills were around $97,000.00, out of pocket we lucked out at just over $4,000 for the year I beleive. Thanks goodness for Insurance.

Don't medical bills stink! But you are right, I'm thankful for the insurance. $7000 is a lot of money, but I'm sure they charged over $100,000 for my hospital stays and surgery. I would be devastated if I was stuck with that kind of debt. And it was all very unexpected. One week I was fine, the next I was in the emergency room and headed for surgery. We just were not prepared for it. We have a Health Saving Plan now so that won't happen to us again.

So sorry to hear about all your family medical problems as well. I hope everyone is doing fine now and I hope you were able to pay your bills without too much financial stress. We were very fortunate to be able to sell our storage building and my husband's truck to pay ours off. Having debt for things you want is bad enough, but debt for medical bills is the worst!!!

Beautiful pictures of Animal Kingdom! I do so love that park and all its wonderful theming! Your pictures are so crisp and clear -- what kind of camera do you have?

I know only too well what you mean about being a mature adult, but just think how much more money you will have every month without a car payment! Although, I would be like you and yearning to write WDW Travel Co. in the line!

Yes, you do know where I am coming from! I really hate you can't stay at the GF. And I hate that you are having so many financial issues right now. That can be a very stressful thing. For the life of me, I cannot understand why they want to rip teachers off when they already don't get paid enough for the crap they put up with. DH an I have been seriously talking about me going back to teaching this fall. After reading about your issues, I don't know if that is what I should do or not.

On the camera.......... those pictures were taken with a Kodak Z740. I don't use that anymore though. I got a new camera right before our '09 trip b/c I wore the Kodak out (great camera though). I have a Canon SX10 IS now. All the '09 pics were taken with the Canon. They both were just fancy point and shoots. I paid about $300 for each camera. I like them so much better than a SLR b/c they are simple, lightweight, have a large zoom and take good pictures without all that lens changing mess. Who wants to deal with that at Disney?

 

[englishrose47]

Wonderful Pix and Update !!! I have never eaten at RFC or T>Rex as they are not on the DDP!!But the Theming at RFC is Awesome !!! We may have to go for a dessert !!! Would you need ressies for dessrt!!!???

 

[sharonW]

Like I said Tinky...we just need a $$$ tree and we would
be set!!! It would be like disney 4 times a yr or more!!!

 

[lmillercrew]

Yay for your tax return! My thoughts would've gone in the same direction as yours did... Disney vacation! But, someone has to be the practical one. So, props to your husband.