Wait, do we have a Fast Pass for that? Final Update, Final Thoughts and Favs 1/26

[ddstratton]

Sorry to hear that you all had to deal with a meltdown. Not easy in normal day-to-day life, but magnified when on vacation. Kudo to Lorelai for breaking the tension with a TENNESSEE!! shout. Sounds like the day got better, though.

Poor kid, being sick. And right before school starts. Glad he was feeling better, and was able to enjoy your waterpark vacation.

 

[KatMark]

I am so sorry Ethan got sick. Whatever has been going around is nasty. I've been sick for over two weeks and the tylenol/codine the doctor gave me is NOT working and I'm off to see her in two hours.

It looks like you all had a great time on your mini-vacation.

 

[PrncessA]

I'm so sorry that Ethan's ADHD was rearing it's ugly head. As you know, with John's epilepsy, we run into some of those same issues. It's really tough on the caregivers/parents/spouses to remain calm when all you want to do is make it better. Good for Lorelai shouting out TENNESSEE! It made everybody stop and have a little giggle. I'm happy that the air conditioning and change of environment helped Ethan before his pirate makeover.

Thank you!! I know that you completely understand. It really is hard when you see the person you love struggling to deal with something that you just can't fix for them, you can only try and make it better, and even that doesn't always work.

Your plans for February look great. Sounds like a fun trip you're family is planning.

ugh it's so hard when a kid has a meltdown and it's hot and there are so many people around. When my older son (who is 9 now) was 5 and we went to WDW we had a similar experience during Spring Break (which we have vowed never to go during that period again), he was still in the stroller, but the meltdown started and shoes flew out of the stroller and we were frantically trying to get out of the park, we took a wrong turn and landed at the baby center, and that calmed him down (a little a/c, toy story movie, and little toys to play with). I tell everyone Baby Center saved our day. so I feel for you and can totally relate.

Looking forward to your evening and the kids spending an evening as pirate and princess

I wish I had known about the Baby Center when my kids were younger! It is amazing what AC and a quiet place can do for a meltdown!

I so feel for you. You've read about our tantrum adventures in my TR but my little brother, who is now 13, has severe ADHD too and my mom has gone through many of the same things with him. We've all had those moments when we think we are not making the best decisions in parenting but it seems like you handled it like a pro. It can be hard when other people are around and watching but I figure that if they have kids, they get it and if they don't have kids, there is no way they could understand so I try to ignore judgement and staring.

I'm glad he enjoyed the Pirate's League. It really is so much fun. I'm sure Lorelei will enjoy it next year too. It's too bad you lost your pictures. All the more reason to take tons on the next trip! I hope you were able to hold on to your BBB and CRT pictures. Looking forward to hearing about it. I'm always jealous of anyone that can experience BBB since it won't happen for me unless I have a niece or granddaughter to take...both of which are very far away.

I was so judgmental of parents before I was one, now I feel like an idiot that I wondered why people couldn't wipe their child's face off before they went in a store. If I had only known that a smudged face was the least of a parent's worried.

I'm so sorry about the situation with Ethan, but it appears to me that you and DH did great and things turned around. I imagine it is hard with other people around who don't understand the situation, etc.

I can't wait to see how the pirate turned out and the princess.

Thanks! Coming up soon!

 

[PrncessA]

I feel for you. Our son is on the autism spectrum and ADHD. At times, we simply feel like we don't know what the heck we are doing where he is concerned.

We often feel helpless when we are dealing with him. Sometimes there are days that go by and he seems like a easygoing child, and then we quickly remember that easygoing is not a way to describe him. Sometimes we feel that we are doing more harm than good, which is frustrating.

We just met with his teacher for the new year last night, and I am terrified. She is "old school" and doesn't seem like she will make many conccessions. It looks like it is going to be a long school year. I am praying I misread her.

Hi! I just finished catching up on your family adventure! You guys are a lot of fun!

Thanks!


Glad you got some pixie dust at YC; CL sounds like a dream! And I did want to comment on how beautifully your daughter explained your son's use of the word stupid; you all are doing something right when your child not only recognizes when a word should be used, but is also able to, quite eloquently, explain why. I say bravo to good parenting!!

Thank you, I am very proud of my kiddos!


I am sorry for your sons melt down. My sis was never diagnosed with ADHD or anything, but she was, what my mama called, "an easily agitated child." We had our fair share of rough moments growing up. But again, it seems like you guys know how to sooth your little man; I'm sure in the moment it was awful, but it seemed to pass without too much going array. I can't wait to see what else you guys did on your trip, and to see the rest of your plans for February!!

"Easily agitated" is a wonderful way to describe Ethan!

More is coming up soon!

Let the adventure continue....

Poor little man, you can tell from the pictures that he wasn't feeling well. Sleeping it off, I guess.

The end of the Summer trip looks like it was a lot of fun. Glad that Ethan was feeling well enough to enjoy himself. Miss Lorelai is grinning from ear to ear wasn't she?

School is back in session here too but, for some reason, our chaos hasn't settled down any.

His voice is still horse, but it is getting better. Boo to summer viruses!

They had a blast! While we were waiting to eat one night Ethan said "When I grow up and am bored, I am going to think about when I was a kid!" It is important to Erik and I that the kids realize just how LUCKY they are to have vacations, and multiple vacations at that, every year.

Right now I am living in a dream world, where the chaos that surrounds the beginning of school doesn't exist! I start on Monday as well, so chaos is definitely coming!

Sorry to hear that you all had to deal with a meltdown. Not easy in normal day-to-day life, but magnified when on vacation. Kudo to Lorelai for breaking the tension with a TENNESSEE!! shout. Sounds like the day got better, though.

Poor kid, being sick. And right before school starts. Glad he was feeling better, and was able to enjoy your waterpark vacation.

Thank you! It did get much better, hopefully I will be able to post about it today.

I am so sorry Ethan got sick. Whatever has been going around is nasty. I've been sick for over two weeks and the tylenol/codine the doctor gave me is NOT working and I'm off to see her in two hours.

It looks like you all had a great time on your mini-vacation.

I hope that your doctors appointment helps and you are already feeling much better!!

 

[PrncessA]

When last we left of a meltdown had occurred and we were all recovering! But things were looking up for our family…

I am warning you, this update is VERY picture heavy; I might have to break it into a few updates!

After leaving the boys, Lorelai and I strolled through some gift shops, watched BBB photos being taken and did a little window shopping before we finally found our popcorn. We didn’t actually talk that much, I think after Ethan’s 2,000 words a minute marathon we needed a quiet break! We found a table outside Gaston’s Tavern and relaxed for a bit and ate our popcorn. It was very relaxing, but HOT! Then we headed over to the princess gift shop again and picked out a Merida tiara to go with her Merida dress and then somehow ended up sitting beside the entrance door to Mickey’s Philharmagic and watching people play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom for a little while.



I could have been the AC pumping out of the doorway, creating a breeze...

About the time we were heading into BBB to check in, Erik called me and said he and the new pirate were on their way over! We would have had plenty of time to have stayed for Ethan’s makeover and make it to Lorelai’s!

I got Lorelai all checked in and as we were looking for a place to sit in the very crowded room, guess who showed up??





Erik and Ethan could not say enough praise about the Pirates’ League! It was a hit to say the least, although Ethan was not thrilled with his pirate name “Nate Killgood”! Erik added a “Captain Jack” hat and Ethan was thrilled!! He had originally wanted another look, but it would have required using a thicker makeup that would have been uncomfortable with the heat, so Erik talked Ethan into this one and it was great. Super spooky! He was refusing to smile since zombie pirates don’t smile!




Someone was getting excited!



After a few minutes they called Lorelai back to change into her dress and we headed back out to the lobby to wait for or FGIT! As we waited the lobby cleared out a bit, which was great while we were waiting, but made it crazy again once we went into the makeover room and that is where everyone was!!







Finally Lorelai was called back and introduced to her Fairy Godmother in Training, Jenny. She was okay, but not really that talkative or jolly. The FGIT next to her was a hoot! I kind of wish we would have gotten her instead, but it was fun either way. Since Erik saw both the PL and the BBB, he says that PL was much more fun and interactive. Lorelai didn’t care though, she was in heaven! (She has however said that she wants to do the PL next time instead.)





She picked out her hairstyle and of course went with the “Disney Diva” with pink hair. I was expecting it, especially since we had just got her hair cut.





Erik and Ethan were not that happy with waiting for a place to sit.



Continued in next post

 

[PrncessA]

I will let the rest of the process be told in photos of which there are tons!




















And finally our photopass pictures and the big reveal:













The big reveal!!



(I think she liked it! )



We paid and were giving a large Minnie Mouse shopping bag to take the rest of her makeup and nail polish home in. They didn’t say but I am guessing they were out of the BBB purses or backpacks which was a bummer.

Continued in next post

 

[PrncessA]

Of course we needed to take a few photos of our Pirate and Princess!







Ethan cracked us all up in the BBB photo shoot area. After Lorelai got all of her photos taken, I ask the photographer if she would mind taking a few of Ethan and Lorelai together. Ethan was standing behind me a bit and the photographer was looking at him and just cracked up laughing.

Apparently when I ask Ethan started shaking his head and mouthing “no” to her! So no photos of Ethan there!

















We headed outside and since we had yet to ride the Carousel (ever) we decided that would be our first adventure! Even Erik and I got on a horse, which was the real adventure let me tell you!

After our ride we spotted a photo pass photographer who wasn’t busy. She was so nice and took a lot of photos for us! It was like a personal photo shoot for our family in the middle of the Magic Kingdom!





















Now that we were all photo’d out, we had a Fast Pass that we needed to attend to before it expired! Where? Well if you were a princess in the Magic Kingdom who would you visit? First up is Belle of course!


Next up: A Princess and Pirate take on the Magic Kingdom and dine in the Castle!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ethan's makeover was great and he was totally playing the part of a mean old pirate well. ARGH!!!!

Lorelai's makeover was just as great and the reveal pictures are adorable.

That Ethan was too funny mouthing "NO" to the photographer. He wasn't having any part of taking BBB pictures that's for sure.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Looks like a fun mini getaway before school started back.

WOW! What a fun update filled with loads of GREAT PP photos for memories.
Both kids makeovers turned out great. Ethan looks so cool and Lorelai so pretty.

Can't wait to read what adventures the pirate and princess have the rest of the evening.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Both kids look great! Curious to hear how Belle was. I have a DD (5) who is not really into the princesses so I'm wondering if it will be worth it to do. My DS (8) would probably be happy to skip it!

 

[petals]

Luvin all the BBB pics. Ethan looks great as a pirate as well. Sorry bout his meltdown... it happens to the best of us!

 

[MissMaryQC]

The kids both look great! I'm glad they both had so much fun with their make-ups. The PP photos are wonderful, I especially like the Magic Shot of your daughter and Tinker Bell!! Can't wait to see how dinner at CRT goes!

 

[amberg93]

I'm sorry that Ethan had such a bad situation, but it sounds like you managed to handle it really well all things considered and it's a plus that he still got to be a pirate.

And he does look great as a pirate too. Sounds like a fun experience.

Sorry for the kinda meh FGIT but Lorelai turned out looking great and if she had fun then that's the best part too.

I laughed about Ethan mouthing 'no' to the photographer.

Great family pictures too. It's always awesome when a PP photographer goes the extra mile to get lots of pictures for your family.

 

[ddstratton]

Great pictures!! Looks like both make-overs were a hit. I can just picture Ethan mouthing NO to the photographer- too funny!

 

[PrncessA]

Ethan's makeover was great and he was totally playing the part of a mean old pirate well. ARGH!!!!

Lorelai's makeover was just as great and the reveal pictures are adorable.

That Ethan was too funny mouthing "NO" to the photographer. He wasn't having any part of taking BBB pictures that's for sure.

It was such a wonderful experience all around! Definitely worth the money at least once, twice I guess for the Pirate's League. Both kids are asking to do it when we go in February.

Ethan was not having any photos taken in a "princess" room.

Looks like a fun mini getaway before school started back.

WOW! What a fun update filled with loads of GREAT PP photos for memories.
Both kids makeovers turned out great. Ethan looks so cool and Lorelai so pretty.

Can't wait to read what adventures the pirate and princess have the rest of the evening.

It was a lot of fun to have a mini-getaway!

Thank you!!!

It was definitely one of our most magical evenings during the trip that is for sure!

Luvin all the BBB pics. Ethan looks great as a pirate as well. Sorry bout his meltdown... it happens to the best of us!

Even the adults have meltdowns... as seen later in the night.

Both kids look great! Curious to hear how Belle was. I have a DD (5) who is not really into the princesses so I'm wondering if it will be worth it to do. My DS (8) would probably be happy to skip it!

If she is a Beauty and the Beast fan at all, then it would be fun. If not... I say skip it. My son could have easily went the whole trip without it and not missed it.

 

[PrncessA]

The kids both look great! I'm glad they both had so much fun with their make-ups. The PP photos are wonderful, I especially like the Magic Shot of your daughter and Tinker Bell!! Can't wait to see how dinner at CRT goes!

Thank you!!
Lorelai actually gave a copy of that photo to my mom yesterday and made sure to tell her it was "magic" that Tinkerbell was in her hands!

I'm sorry that Ethan had such a bad situation, but it sounds like you managed to handle it really well all things considered and it's a plus that he still got to be a pirate.

And he does look great as a pirate too. Sounds like a fun experience.

Sorry for the kinda meh FGIT but Lorelai turned out looking great and if she had fun then that's the best part too.

I laughed about Ethan mouthing 'no' to the photographer.

Great family pictures too. It's always awesome when a PP photographer goes the extra mile to get lots of pictures for your family.

It was touch and go for a minute on whether the entire makeover would happen that is for sure! I am glad we were all able to calm down, since it was such a great experience.

We met some great CM's on this trip!

Great pictures!! Looks like both make-overs were a hit. I can just picture Ethan mouthing NO to the photographer- too funny!

It was hilarious! You can always count on Ethan to make you laugh!

 

[KatMark]

What great photos from Pirate and BBB. The kids look great. As you know, we loved our experience at the Pirate League with Avery. They do a great job and all were very friendly.

Love your own "photopass" photo op...they are all great.

 

[Nena2007]

Super late to the game but I'm loving reading along here You were so not in the wrong, calling a kid stupid is not good... but thats not what happened. I hope my 3 year old is done dropping f-bombs by the time we go I have no idea where he gets that from...... lol

Regardless, you are a better woman than me, I would have said something snarky on my way out.

Surprisingly even after pouring ourselves into bed at close to 4:00am after a full night at the Magic Kingdom, I was up before my alarm went off at 9:00am and the rest of the family followed pretty quickly. To get around E’s usual morning talking blitz I woke him up, gave him his medicine and his tablet to watch cartoons on with headphones. We all got dressed and then as Erik and Lorelai headed down to the lounge I got E away from the cartoons and dressed and we headed down after them.

The kids sat at the kid’s table in front of the TV playing Disney cartoons and Erik and I sat at the table closest to them and enjoyed our breakfast. Erik finished before me and had to run back to the room for some reason, I can’t remember why. So I was just enjoying my breakfast, checking facebook when I heard Ethan say in a stern voice, “I did not say a bad word!”, then the boy across the table said something, and Lorelai piped up “That is not a bad word!!” Well, I didn’t think that Ethan would have used a bad word and if he had, Lorelai would have been the first person running to tell me, so I didn’t think anything about it. I did keep a close eye on the table from that point on, and none of the kids said a word to each other, at all.

A good 10 minutes later the other kid (probably 7 years old or so) gets up and walks over to his parents who were a table away from me and announces very loudly. “That boy said a bad word.” The parents were very loudly making remarks about how they were sorry that he had to deal with that, and they didn’t want him sitting next to kids like that, etc. I was getting pretty offended, but if Ethan had said a bad word, he was in trouble. So I called Ethan over to me and ask him what he had said. He had said that “That was stupid.” after one of Goofy’s cartoons. So I called Lorelai up with him and ask her and she confirmed what he had said, adding “stupid isn’t a bad word, you just can’t call people stupid, that is bad.”

Well she had a point. And there are sure a lot of bad words out there that I would have been upset at (and I am sure they have heard a lot of them at school or on TV), but calling a Goofy cartoon stupid wasn’t one of them. So I sent them back to finish breakfast. The family next to me continued discussing “bad parenting”, until I got fed up and left. We never saw the family again, but it really upset me how judgmental people could be. Am I wrong on this? Should I have been more upset at Ethan?

All “bad parenting” aside, we headed down to catch the boat for DHS! This was one of the few days that we did a full park day, with no rest in the middle. This makes my memory of the order of rides and details a bit fuzzy, I would put it together through pictures, but between Photopass, my camera and my phone they are all jumbled up! I will put together the day depending on whether E is wearing his new hat or not! LOL The kids were really excited to get to DHS and to ride ToT and RRC! It was a beautiful morning and we all were in good moods.
!

 

[heathsf]

Joining in I need to go back and catch up now!

 

[PrncessA]

What great photos from Pirate and BBB. The kids look great. As you know, we loved our experience at the Pirate League with Avery. They do a great job and all were very friendly.

Love your own "photopass" photo op...they are all great.

Thanks! Pirates seem to be very popular in our house right now!

Super late to the game but I'm loving reading along here You were so not in the wrong, calling a kid stupid is not good... but thats not what happened. I hope my 3 year old is done dropping f-bombs by the time we go I have no idea where he gets that from...... lol

Regardless, you are a better woman than me, I would have said something snarky on my way out.

Don't you just love when kids latch on to a word or a phrase that you don't want them to, but forget please and thank you!!

Joining in I need to go back and catch up now!