Turning into a Gustav Report! - We're home!

[DisneyTiger]

WOW! What a beautiful resort. I didn't find your update till this afternoon. I went to bed early last night. I like the washer and dryer, any mom would appreciate that. Did they charge you for Aubrey's tickets when they found out she was three? I like the way you keep the updates coming. I hate having to wait a month for an update. Thank you.

I was supposed to go to be early tonight but oh well. I took a power nap earlier today which is usually very hard for me to do but I was exhausted from working out!

No, they did not charge us for tickets. It was weird. It did affect the meal plan but I will get into that later. We were very confused for a while.

How is grace doing? Is her infection almost gone. How's everything else? PM me if you need to

 

[DisneyTiger]

Ohhhhhhhhh....it's beautiful!

I agree with coteau chick....thanks for having regular updates!

It was beautiful and I wish I was back there right now!

I LOVE doing updates, I just don't want to get through our trip too fast. When this report is over, I will probably go through another depression just like after our trip was over! I'm too excited to wait though. Glad you like it so far

 

[DisneyTiger]

I was so anxious to get out of the door so we loaded up and headed out. Before we left the lobby, we walked over to the conscierge to ask about the extra $80 that was charged on our meal plan. We spoke to Derek who, upon first speaking to, seemed to be pulling a -1 on the magic scale. DH explained to him that we were charged exactly $80 more than I had been quoted. I showed him the price that I had written down. It was something like $607.48. I had the specific number which is why I found it odd that we were charged $687.48. Derek listened quietly and I fully expected him to give us the ole shoulder shrug and say have a magical day but lo and behold. With a few clicks on his computer he said, "you have your $80 back." Woo hoo! I was so impressed. The magic had come through for us once again. Alright, lets hit the road!

Our original plan was to head to DTD our first night there but after seeing Brendan's reaction to the bus, we thought we may just walk over to the Boardwalk for dinner. We headed out towards the boardwalk and as we were walking there, I realized the main reason we had planned to go to DTD - because there were no quick service meals on the Boardwalk Ooops! We could have kept walking and just said oh well and paid for dinner, but I was determined to stick to our dining plan and not spend unnecessary money. We did a 180 and headed to our bus stop...

Here are the kids in the stroller waiting for the bus. They had no idea how much time they were about to be spending in this stroller for the next week! I have not put them in it since we've been home. BTW, I had such stroller drama in my PTR and I was very happy with the Jeep. It worked out great and the kids seemed to be very comfortable...

This bus ride went pretty well. I'm not sure if it's because it was something new so the kids didn't complain or because I was too excited to remember any tantrums! We pulled up to our destination...

We headed straight to Wolfgang Puck Express. It was now about 5:00 or 5:30 and the kids were starving. Well, Aubrey was. Brendan was still not feeling well. We were hungry too since we didn't have a real lunch! WPE is the very first place DH and I ate on our very first trip to Disney. It's the first time we've been there since then and it had changed a lot. I think they made it bigger. Anywho, Aubrey was demanding pizza because she smelled it in the airport and had been asking for it ever since then! DH got a BBQ chicken pizza and I decided on the roast beef and gorganzola pocket sandwich. It was awesome. These are some of the few food pics that I remembered to take on the trip. I only remember after DH had eaten a piece of the pizza...

My sandwich was sooooo good and it came with some yummy chips...

We all filled our tummies and were ready to do a little exploring. More to come from DTD!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Yum!

I like your DTD photo. Seeing it makes me realize that I don't remember the last time I've been to DTD during daylight! It's always twilight or dark when I'm there! ALWAYS! It looks nice in the day....I should try it!

I think that even with your regular updates it will take a while to get through your trip. I think each update is only covering about a 30-60 minute time frame! I love it!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Yum!

I like your DTD photo. Seeing it makes me realize that I don't remember the last time I've been to DTD during daylight! It's always twilight or dark when I'm there! ALWAYS! It looks nice in the day....I should try it!

I think that even with your regular updates it will take a while to get through your trip. I think each update is only covering about a 30-60 minute time frame! I love it!

I really do love starting out our trips at DTD. We've done it pretty much every time we've gone. I don't know, I guess it's just turned into a bit of a tradition. I just find it hard to go into a park after half the day is gone. I'm very stingy with my park tickets!

I really don't mean to be doing such short segments of time, but you're right! I guess it is working out that way and as long as everyone is happy, that's probably what I'll keep doing. It just seems that every time I start a post, I have to cut it short becasuse something comes up. That's what life is like raising a 3 year old and an 18 month old! Always something to do!

 

[DisneyTiger]

After dinner, I was so anxious to show the kids some of the sights and sounds of DTD. First, I had some business to take care of. My sister, a fellow Disney addict, had asked me to pick of a carved ring for her DD. They had all gotten one on their last trip and DD lost hers I was happy to do it. Side note - this particular sister has recently started reading my TR. She's here but she's a lurker! Sure would like to hear from you. Don't be scared. We don't bite Anyway, ordered the ring and headed over to the Lego store. Aubrey got such a kick out of the Lego family and dragon in the water...

The kids had a ball playing in the Lego building area. This was the first of many things that we noticed for the first time. I had no idea this was here. It was also at this time that I decided to get out my new, big, intimidating camera. I got this camera literally the day before we left Baton Rouge.

I actually almost left it at home because I was nervous about using it. I'm sooooo glad I didn't. You'll have to go back and compare the picture quality. I think the resort pics were taken with the new camera but all the other ones were taken with my old camera. This new camera takes amazing, professional looking pictures! I can't wait to show you some of my favs! For now, here are the kids building their hearts out with Legos!

There was a little racing ramp that the kids were able to roll their creations down. The only problem was that wheels were the hot item and very hard to find. Aubrey wanted so badly to build a little car to roll down the ramp, but I told her that there were no wheels so we could not do it Aparantly, one of the CM's overhead me and came up to us. He pulled a set of wheels out of his pocket and said "now you can!" He was super nice and I considered this our first "dream". Here we are trying out our creation...

After we left the Lego area, we wandered around and came upon these statues. Again, something I've never noticed. Aubrey was soooooo excited! It was her first "character" sighting. She had no idea what was in store for her in the next few days. She probably thought this was as good as it got!

After taking these wonderful picures of the back of her head, we started to make our way back to the bus. It was around 6:00 and we wanted to be back to the resort for the nightly campfire singalong on the beach! On our way out, Aubrey was sprinkled with pixie dust. It was so cute!The CM aka Fairy Godmother told her "Bippity, Boppity, Boo!" as she sprinkled her head. Aubrey was beyond thrilled.

This wrapped up our stay at DTD. We headed off on the bus for "home". Up next, our campfire experience and celebrations on the balcony!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

That picture of your two kids building the legos is great! The others are too, but I think that was my favorite of that post.

I have SO MANY PHOTOS clogging up my laptop. I'm spending this weekend going through 10GB+ of photos (mind you, I got this computer in spring 2007) and organizing them. Next step is backing them up...none of them are yet!

This update was a great break from that activity! And after I'm done with the 10GB+ on this computer, I get to go to the other computer and do the same thing. And I'm sure I'll take a few photos next weekend too in New Orleans. *sigh*

I need one of those cool SLR cameras (and a class on HOW to use one!)

And to your sister: We don't bite! (I may ramble, but I DON'T bite!)

 

[DisneyTiger]

That picture of your two kids building the legos is great! The others are too, but I think that was my favorite of that post.

I have SO MANY PHOTOS clogging up my laptop. I'm spending this weekend going through 10GB+ of photos (mind you, I got this computer in spring 2007) and organizing them. Next step is backing them up...none of them are yet!

This update was a great break from that activity! And after I'm done with the 10GB+ on this computer, I get to go to the other computer and do the same thing. And I'm sure I'll take a few photos next weekend too in New Orleans. *sigh*

I need one of those cool SLR cameras (and a class on HOW to use one!)

And to your sister: We don't bite! (I may ramble, but I DON'T bite!)

Uhhh, I hate worrying about pictures. I need to back all of mine up too! It's an act of love. Good luck with it!

The SLR is well worth the investment. I really need to learn how to use it and get my money's worth!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Sorry guys, I am a little distracted from my TR today. It's game day and that means all of Baton Rouge has one thing on their minds... LSU Football. We have a huge game tonight against the Florida Gators. As much as I love the state of Florida, the Gators are a completely different story. I'm off to start celebrating! Have a good day everyone and I will post tomorrow! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!


Oh yeah, tragic news. There is another hurricane headed to Florida, Gainsville in particular...

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

*WINCES*

OUCH. Just...OUCH!

I think you need a hug...

 

[coteau_chick]

Great update. It brings tears to my eyes watching your babies soaking it all in. I can't wait to take Grace when she is old enough to know where she is.

Bye the way Grace is fine. I really think it was a spider bite. I think the doctor needs glasses. She didn't have a mark on her leg before we went to the park and when we were there I saw it and it just got worse. It was almost invisible the morning after we went to the doctor. I don't think a staff infection goes away in 24 hours.

Yesterday was one the one year anniversary of my nephew's death. We had a mass for him today and we all got together at my mother in laws for gumbo. My brother in law looks so bad. His daughter looks bad too. She is back in college and she has two little girls. Her oldest is four and her youngest is 18 months. I am so proud of her. She made a 97 on her algebra test this week. WOW! With all she is going through. I continue to pray for God to strengthen her and carry her through this horrible time. Thanks for asking.

 

[DisneyTiger]

*WINCES*

OUCH. Just...OUCH!

I think you need a hug...

Thanks, I needed that!

Great update. It brings tears to my eyes watching your babies soaking it all in. I can't wait to take Grace when she is old enough to know where she is.

Bye the way Grace is fine. I really think it was a spider bite. I think the doctor needs glasses. She didn't have a mark on her leg before we went to the park and when we were there I saw it and it just got worse. It was almost invisible the morning after we went to the doctor. I don't think a staff infection goes away in 24 hours.

Yesterday was one the one year anniversary of my nephew's death. We had a mass for him today and we all got together at my mother in laws for gumbo. My brother in law looks so bad. His daughter looks bad too. She is back in college and she has two little girls. Her oldest is four and her youngest is 18 months. I am so proud of her. She made a 97 on her algebra test this week. WOW! With all she is going through. I continue to pray for God to strengthen her and carry her through this horrible time. Thanks for asking.

Wow, you should be very proud of her. She sounds like a strong woman. You and your family are in my prayers

 

[DisneyTiger]

Well, I have been punished for my over confidence. Not only was the LSU game horrible, I also got very sick last night. We were at my sister's getting ready for the game to start. There was so much good food: home made chicken nuggets, muffelettas, gumbo... YUM! I knew something was up when looking at all of the wonderful food made me nautious. It go so bad that I asked my SIL to drive me home. Well, lets just say that I didn't make it to the bathroom! My son had been sick earlier in the week and DD got sick during the night last night too. Uhhhhhhhhh, it's been a long day and I just now had enough energy to do a quick post. I am going back to bed. Hopefully tomorrow I will be feeling better.

 

[jake&samsmom]

Poor thing, I hope you feel better soon. I'll be looking out for an update tomorrow I am really enjoying your TR!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Well, I have been punished for my over confidence. Not only was the LSU game horrible, I also got very sick last night. We were at my sister's getting ready for the game to start. There was so much good food: home made chicken nuggets, muffelettas, gumbo... YUM! I knew something was up when looking at all of the wonderful food made me nautious. It go so bad that I asked my SIL to drive me home. Well, lets just say that I didn't make it to the bathroom! My son had been sick earlier in the week and DD got sick during the night last night too. Uhhhhhhhhh, it's been a long day and I just now had enough energy to do a quick post. I am going back to bed. Hopefully tomorrow I will be feeling better.

Ohhhhhhhh...... Just a tough night all around, huh?

That game WAS horrible. I had to stop watching part way through the 2nd quarter because it was so painful to watch!

I hope you will feel better tomorrow. I know what 1 of the 3 things are that your sister had to eat! (Next weekend could be enlightening!)

 

[DisneyTiger]

Poor thing, I hope you feel better soon. I'll be looking out for an update tomorrow I am really enjoying your TR!

Thanks. I am really enjoying doing it! I am feeling much better today. Whew.... that was not fun!

Ohhhhhhhh...... Just a tough night all around, huh?

That game WAS horrible. I had to stop watching part way through the 2nd quarter because it was so painful to watch!

I hope you will feel better tomorrow. I know what 1 of the 3 things are that your sister had to eat! (Next weekend could be enlightening!)

Yeah, the game was a joke. Oh well, can't win em' all I guess! You will definitely have to try some gumbo and a muffuletta when you come down to NO. I just realized, DH will be in NO next weekend. We are going to an engagement party and staying the night. We just may run into each other. You never know!!!!

 

[DisneyTiger]

On our way out of DTD, we passed by the fountains. I had convinced myself that I was going to cut loose and let the kids have a field day. Even if it meant wet clothes! I brought a change of clothes for each of them. We walked up to the fountains and told the kids to go crazy. Well, they looked up at us like WE were crazy. Here's a pic of them thinking about it...

Brendan warmed up to the idea a little bit...

But Aubrey just wasn't convinced...

I have to admit that deep down inside I was relieved. I was worried about them wanting to jump into every fountain that we saw which would wreak havoc on my strategically planned wardrobe choices for the week. Ok, I know I'm a freak.

After this, it was off to the buses and then to the campfire. When we got back to the resort, we noticed that they were setting up for a big shindig on the main beach. I was worried that the campfire was going to be canceled that night but we were reassured by a CM that it was just moved to the smaller beach directly across from SAB. YAY I don't know why I was so excited about this. It just seemed like such a neat thing to do. We got to the beach, but only after we stopped at Hurricane Hannah's for an ice cold beer! Yum, that tasted good after a long day in the heat. We pulled our beach chairs around and waited for the camp fire to start. Here are a few pics from the beach...

One of the CM's came and started singing songs. The kids loved this. Aubrey chose to sit back and watch. Brendan was half asleep so I don't have any pics of this. Then it was time to roast some marshmallows. Here are daddy and Aubrey...

I think this was the first roasted marshmallow that Aubrey has ever had and she LOVED it!

After the kids were good and sticky, we headed up to the room for baths. FYI...roasted marshmallows + sand = BIG MESS! We put them straight into the big tub which the got a hug kick out of. I have pics of this but I am not going to share them. Don't think anyone wants to see pics of their little booties. Just know that they had a blast playing in the jets and the bubbles. It was so cute. After baths, Brendan could barely keep his eyes opened. We put him in his comfy crib and he was off to neverland. Now it was time for Jason and I to celebrate - another moment I had been waiting forever for. I had a bottle of champagne shipped ahead with our other items and it had been chilling all day in the fridge. We usually have a bottle of champagne the night before we leave for our trips so this was a little twist on this tradition! I brought our glasses and the bottle out on the balcony. Jason proudly popped the cork and we were in business!

I should mention that Aubrey was much to wound up at this point to be able to sleep so she joined us for the festivities. No biggie. She got a big kick out of it! We poured our glasses and gave a toast. Aubrey had to join in. Notice the sippy up at the bottomf of the pic!

I decided to let DH take a pic of me. I had not been in one all day I don't think! Well, I look exhausted but so relaxed.

I was so happy to be here. My dreams had come true. No more sleepless night wondering what this was going to feel like. I was now living it and it was just as magical as I could have hoped. Yes, a few things did not go exactly as planned, like having a 3 year old at our champagne balcony celebration but for the most part, it was absolutely perfect. And this was a perfect ending to a perfect day! Now it was time for bed in our big comfy king! We have a queen at home so this was a treat! I think we were all asleep before our heads hit the pillow! Nighty night and more magic tomorrow!

Up next... our first park MAGIC KINGDOM of course. Do we make it to the opening???

 

[coteau_chick]

I sure hope you are feeling better todayl.

Great update, once again. I am not sure if my kids would have played in the fountain either. Sand and marshmallows, what a mess!!! Did you have to use a brilo pad to get it off? Sometimes three year old have plans of their own. Unfortunately their plans over rule ours.

You should have bought some bath bombs at Downtown Disney. I wanted to get some when we went. Courtney wanted some too but Faron had enough shopping and we had to leave. He would have had a fit if we went into one more store. Next time I am going to Downtown Disney without him. He HATES shopping. The rest of us LOVE it. Well, Brennan doesn't love it. He likes to shop for himself and get what he wants then he is ready to leave.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Another great update! (And I'm glad you were able to figure out that yes, I HAVE heard of chicken nuggets and it was the other two I was talking about! )

I love all the pictures, but I think my favorites were the pondering the fountain and the 2 marshmallow roasting ones...especially where they were blowing on them to cool them off. So precious! The champagne ones were great too.

Your trip really got off to a great start!

 

[DisneyTiger]

I sure hope you are feeling better todayl.

Great update, once again. I am not sure if my kids would have played in the fountain either. Sand and marshmallows, what a mess!!! Did you have to use a brilo pad to get it off? Sometimes three year old have plans of their own. Unfortunately their plans over rule ours.

You should have bought some bath bombs at Downtown Disney. I wanted to get some when we went. Courtney wanted some too but Faron had enough shopping and we had to leave. He would have had a fit if we went into one more store. Next time I am going to Downtown Disney without him. He HATES shopping. The rest of us LOVE it. Well, Brennan doesn't love it. He likes to shop for himself and get what he wants then he is ready to leave.

Thanks! Fortunately the marshmallow/sand combo was no match for the jets in our whirlpool tub! Uhhh, I am learning more and more every day just how tough it is to live with a 3 year old! God grant me patience

So, what are bath bombs?? Yay, something new to discover on our next trip! Jason does not like to shop at all but he's a good sport most of the time!

BTW, so glad to hear Grace is feeling better. Yeah, that does sound a little strange that the "staff infection" went away so quickly Oh well, at least it's getting better right?!

Another great update! (And I'm glad you were able to figure out that yes, I HAVE heard of chicken nuggets and it was the other two I was talking about! )

I love all the pictures, but I think my favorites were the pondering the fountain and the 2 marshmallow roasting ones...especially where they were blowing on them to cool them off. So precious! The champagne ones were great too.

Your trip really got off to a great start!

I am quite perceptive! You are going to love the food down here. Just remember, it may sound weird but at least try it. And it's going to be spicy. Make sure to have a glass of water at all times. I will be very proud of you if eat some hogs head cheese or fried gator

The campfire was really cute. And to think that they do it every night. It just blows me away. I must point out though that the marshmallows were not free. $3 a bag! There was a smores kit also for $7. Oh well, whatya gonna do