Trip Number 9 ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year ~ Christmastime at the GF & Poly

[Lovemy3babes]

How cute are all those kiddos hanging out together! How fun for them and how nice for their parents. They all look like great kids!

I cannot believe the curling iron just died. Ugh! What a pain Shelly! But I'm so glad that you had an alternative. I'd be the same way if my flat iron died. My hair would be a hot mess!

Great update! I love all the photos!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Oh my gosh THE FOG!!!

Remember that movie when we were, *ahem*, teenagers by that same name? The Fog would come rolling in and people would wind up missing or dead?

Yeah, the fog that morning was just as intense. Minus the dead bodies of course.

I don't remember ever seeing it that bad anywhere! It was weird -- we could hear the train whistle, hear the music......... and see nothing past a few feet into the lagoon. Our plans! Our wonderful peaceful plans that were months in the making were dashed.


Well at least the kids had a blast. They were running around the resort like they owned it. So fun for them. And the dang paparazzi pics-- it was too much. So funny!!

I can't believe your curling iron was zapped. Thank goodness you were able to get one from the drug store! What a handy phone # to keep close.

For some reason I guess the electricity on that breaker box was messed up bc later that night- when we got caught in the deluge in Epcot- our shoes were soaked and Tuesday morning I took both of our hairdryers out and had them jammed into Belle's shoes to dry them out-- and POOF!! The circuit blew and we had no electricity in the bathroom. My apologies to anyone that may have had an issue that morning. We called immediately to have it fixed, though-- please don't be mad!

Great update! Even if we were sticky and our hair was messy!! It was fun re-living our time togther that morning.

I should have taken a picture of that nasty fog from the boat dock! That was crazy. But yes, at least there were no dead bodies!!

It was still a fun morning. Not quite what we had planned, but I'm still glad we had the time!

And the kids had an absolute blast! They felt so grown up. And yes, acted like they owned the place!

OMG I can't believe the circuit blew from your hairdryers. I never lost power to my bathroom when my curling iron blew, but I did have to press the little button thingy to get power back to that outlet. Strange.

Wow! That was quite some heavy fog that morning.

You can tell from the pictures that the kids were enjoying being together and the freedom that came with there being safety in numbers.

The fog was crazy!!

Oh yes, the kids had the best time!

How cute are all those kiddos hanging out together! How fun for them and how nice for their parents. They all look like great kids!

I cannot believe the curling iron just died. Ugh! What a pain Shelly! But I'm so glad that you had an alternative. I'd be the same way if my flat iron died. My hair would be a hot mess!

Great update! I love all the photos!

Thanks Kelli! Yes, the kids all get along so well. I think they all feel like they've known each other forever!

Yeah, it was a really good curling iron too. Wait till you see the cheap thing the drug store sent over!! But I still had my flat iron and my steam rollers, so it was all okay. Just inconvenient!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

The GF is so pretty at Christmas! I love that gingerbread house.

That delivery service is a nice little tip to know! Thanks for sharing that. I am writing that one down for sure. I'm glad they could fix you up! I forgot my curling iron on our last trip. I just did the best I could without it. After I got home and saw all the pictures.... let's just say, I should've used that delivery service!

 

[Soarin4Disney]

I'm in and all caught up!! Looking forward to more of your adventures.

 

[mickeystoontown]

The GF is so pretty at Christmas! I love that gingerbread house.

That delivery service is a nice little tip to know! Thanks for sharing that. I am writing that one down for sure. I'm glad they could fix you up! I forgot my curling iron on our last trip. I just did the best I could without it. After I got home and saw all the pictures.... let's just say, I should've used that delivery service!

Rinky, I just wanted to say that it's so good to "see" you on the Disboards again! We miss you!

 

[ronnmel]

I can imagine the kids had fun being on their own for a while!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Rinky, I just wanted to say that it's so good to "see" you on the Disboards again! We miss you!

You are too sweet! I have missed everyone here so much too! I have just had WAY too much on my plate. I will no longer be keeping kids anymore as of next month though and I think that's going to be a big help to me. I'll be broke, but happy. I sure hope I can get back into the swing of things around here. I can't believe they haven't closed my TR yet. Maybe that's my sign that I need to get my fanny over there and finish it!

I hope you and your family have been doing well! I think about all of you guys so often!

 

[mickeystoontown]

You are too sweet! I have missed everyone here so much too! I have just had WAY too much on my plate. I will no longer be keeping kids anymore as of next month though and I think that's going to be a big help to me. I'll be broke, but happy. I sure hope I can get back into the swing of things around here. I can't believe they haven't closed my TR yet. Maybe that's my sign that I need to get my fanny over there and finish it!

I hope you and your family have been doing well! I think about all of you guys so often!

Given how things with the last little girl you kept went, I can see why you'd want to stop keeping kids. Sometimes, broke and happy is a lot better than rich and miserable.

Heck yeah, you need to get back to your trip report and start posting again. I'd love to see you again.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The GF is so pretty at Christmas! I love that gingerbread house.

That delivery service is a nice little tip to know! Thanks for sharing that. I am writing that one down for sure. I'm glad they could fix you up! I forgot my curling iron on our last trip. I just did the best I could without it. After I got home and saw all the pictures.... let's just say, I should've used that delivery service!

The gingerbread house is awesome!

Yes, definitely write that down. You never know!!

OMG with the humidity and dense fog on this trip I needed to keep curling my bangs every chance I got to keep them up out of my eyes.

I'm in and all caught up!! Looking forward to more of your adventures.

Welcome! Lots more to come!

Rinky, I just wanted to say that it's so good to "see" you on the Disboards again! We miss you!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I can imagine the kids had fun being on their own for a while!

Well when you are a pre-teen & a teenager it's always more fun when mom & dad aren't around apparently!!

 

[T*Bird]

Hi Shelly! Sorry I've been absent. I've had a lot of stuff on my mind recently and just haven't gotten around to posting.

I love this update! You and Jodi have such precious children. (I'm glad you got at least one unobstructed pic of Belle! ) How fun for them to have friends who live many states away........and then get to meet up a couple of times a year at the happiest place on earth! You can tell they were having a blast being on their own to explore without the parents! Especially for the non-teenagers - getting to hang with the big kids!

Too bad the fog changed up your and Jodi's plans. At least y'all got to spend some time without the kids (hey, it works both ways! ) And by the way, y'all look like you could be teenagers yourselves!

That is too funny about the curling iron. Well, I don't mean it's funny your curling iron broke. What I meant was that when you talked about how that phone number would come in handy later in the trip, I assumed you meant it would be for medicine for your DS's rash! Of course, a curling iron (or blow dryer for me - good thing they have those in the rooms!) is not something you can do without on vacation. I would spend double for one to be delivered to me, too! Money well spent!

 

[hebbynan]

Charleston girl, born and raised and then left when Mark and I got married and haven't lived there since.

If you decide to stop in, just let me know and I'll try to help you out. Will you go to the Biltmore in Asheville?? Haven't been there in ages but it's wonderful.

Oh yes-- my MC is heading to college in the Fall. She is all and I'm all



I come from a long line of parent puller out-ers for the kids school. Growing up my mom sometimes would wake me up and say- instead of going to school let's just go to Myrtle Beach. It happened a lot actually. One year I missed 40-ish days of school.



Still managed to graduate and become a nurse so I suppose it didn't hurt me any.
So yeah--- I pull my kids out for trips often.

HI! I've been lurking here, but I just have to say YAY to parents who take their kids out of school!! We do too.....but this will probably be the last time we do it as our oldest DS will start highschool in 2014. BUT ...since this is our last trip - we decided to stay the one place we always wanted to stay...the POLY! I notice you are going around the same time...we check in on the 18th. When do you check in and is it at the Poly?

Also - Charleston is AWESOME! I have relatives that live on James Island. It's so beautiful down there!!

-Heather

 

[JoBird]

Well when you are a pre-teen & a teenager it's always more fun when mom & dad aren't around apparently!!

They sorta hurt my feelings.

I mean, I think we're pretty fabulous, but maybe I'm biased?

 

[JoBird]

Hi Shelly! Sorry I've been absent. I've had a lot of stuff on my mind recently and just haven't gotten around to posting.

I love this update! You and Jodi have such precious children. (I'm glad you got at least one unobstructed pic of Belle! ) How fun for them to have friends who live many states away........and then get to meet up a couple of times a year at the happiest place on earth! You can tell they were having a blast being on their own to explore without the parents! Especially for the non-teenagers - getting to hang with the big kids!

Too bad the fog changed up your and Jodi's plans. At least y'all got to spend some time without the kids (hey, it works both ways! ) And by the way, y'all look like you could be teenagers yourselves!

That is too funny about the curling iron. Well, I don't mean it's funny your curling iron broke. What I meant was that when you talked about how that phone number would come in handy later in the trip, I assumed you meant it would be for medicine for your DS's rash! Of course, a curling iron (or blow dryer for me - good thing they have those in the rooms!) is not something you can do without on vacation. I would spend double for one to be delivered to me, too! Money well spent!

Hey T! I know I'm not Shelly, but I was wondering where ya been. Hope you are okay.

That's so kind of you to say our kids are precious! They are getting big and stinky now, so I truly appreciate it when someone says mine are .... precious.

And yes- Belle-- what the heck? I know she's shy but seriously? Hiding behind a bagel?????
And meanwhile Drew has his "I'm a handsome actor" pose going on.

 

[JoBird]

HI! I've been lurking here, but I just have to say YAY to parents who take their kids out of school!! We do too.....but this will probably be the last time we do it as our oldest DS will start highschool in 2014. BUT ...since this is our last trip - we decided to stay the one place we always wanted to stay...the POLY! I notice you are going around the same time...we check in on the 18th. When do you check in and is it at the Poly?

Also - Charleston is AWESOME! I have relatives that live on James Island. It's so beautiful down there!!

-Heather

HI!!

Yay for a trip in September!

Looks like we are a couple of weeks apart-- We check in on August 30, and we are staying at the Grand again. We have stayed at the Poly before and really loved our visit there. We were in Fiji-- marina side, 3rd floor and it was a perfect location for us. We could see the boats, the volcano, the Contemporary, and Space Mountain! As good as it was, I truly think the whole Polynesian resort is wonderful and you will have a great time there. But be warned--- it won't be your "Last time".


James Island---- awwww. I miss my home.

What part of PA are you from? We lived there for a bit- near PGH.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I love being at Disney with friends! So fun!!

That's great that the kids got to hang out w/ out parents and better yet... You were kid free for a while.

To bad the fog ruined your plans.

And there's no safer place for the kids to hang out in my opinion.

Even when DS15 wants to stay at the room or go on a ride by himself, I feel more comfortable at WDW.

On a side note I got flights last night for FL for Feb. vacation. DH and I are going down for a few days to look at condos. I am so excited, I've never been in Feb. it will be a great break from the frigid temps we've been having. I need warmth!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi Shelly! Sorry I've been absent. I've had a lot of stuff on my mind recently and just haven't gotten around to posting.

I love this update! You and Jodi have such precious children. (I'm glad you got at least one unobstructed pic of Belle! ) How fun for them to have friends who live many states away........and then get to meet up a couple of times a year at the happiest place on earth! You can tell they were having a blast being on their own to explore without the parents! Especially for the non-teenagers - getting to hang with the big kids!

Too bad the fog changed up your and Jodi's plans. At least y'all got to spend some time without the kids (hey, it works both ways! ) And by the way, y'all look like you could be teenagers yourselves!

That is too funny about the curling iron. Well, I don't mean it's funny your curling iron broke. What I meant was that when you talked about how that phone number would come in handy later in the trip, I assumed you meant it would be for medicine for your DS's rash! Of course, a curling iron (or blow dryer for me - good thing they have those in the rooms!) is not something you can do without on vacation. I would spend double for one to be delivered to me, too! Money well spent!

Teri -- where have you been??? I was about to PM you. Just to check on you. Not the usual stuff.

Hope all is well.

Oh my goodness. Well thanks for saying our kids are precious! That is very nice of you. But perhaps you should meet them before you say such a thing! No really, I happen to think they are precious too. Sometimes!

I know, who would have thought I would have needed the pharmacy number for a curling iron??? But yes, I got totally ripped off, but it was worth it for the convenience! If I would have had to get a cab it would have cost me a fortune and wasted my vacation time!

HI! I've been lurking here, but I just have to say YAY to parents who take their kids out of school!! We do too.....but this will probably be the last time we do it as our oldest DS will start highschool in 2014. BUT ...since this is our last trip - we decided to stay the one place we always wanted to stay...the POLY! I notice you are going around the same time...we check in on the 18th. When do you check in and is it at the Poly?

Also - Charleston is AWESOME! I have relatives that live on James Island. It's so beautiful down there!!

-Heather

They sorta hurt my feelings.

I mean, I think we're pretty fabulous, but maybe I'm biased?

I know, right?!! I happen to think we are the most awesome and coolest mom's ever. Who wouldn't want to be seen with us?!! Dang kids!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I love being at Disney with friends! So fun!!

That's great that the kids got to hang out w/ out parents and better yet... You were kid free for a while.

To bad the fog ruined your plans.

And there's no safer place for the kids to hang out in my opinion.

Even when DS15 wants to stay at the room or go on a ride by himself, I feel more comfortable at WDW.

On a side note I got flights last night for FL for Feb. vacation. DH and I are going down for a few days to look at condos. I am so excited, I've never been in Feb. it will be a great break from the frigid temps we've been having. I need warmth!!!!

I know, it is the best!

Yeah, I know what you mean. We felt totally safe letting the kids roam the resort. And they really loved their parent free time!

Well that will sure be nice to get away from this nasty cold and go to Florida next month! Will you take the kids? Will you make it to WDW at all? Maybe DTD?

 

[lala3291]

Wow, I have missed a lot over the past few days! I have been super busy with work, and we had a party at our house for the Patriots game on Sunday, so I've been swamped! Sorry Shelly!

Off to read now!!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Just found your report aqnd looking forward to what you say about the time of year as we are going Dec 7-14,2013. I have read your other Tr and I feel like I have watched your boys growing up. Love the tree picture