(WE ARE BACK! TR LINK!) The-BFF-Birthday-bash PTR turned ANNIVERSARY trip

[Cinderella's slipper]

Hello girls, I followed Karen's last family trip report and enjoyed it so much, I found my way over to the PTR with her BFF, Hope. Karen,I hope you are feeling better. I can't wait to read more about you both as the days wind down towards your upcoming trip.

My favorite Disney memory is the first time my Mom saw Disney World, through her daughter's and grandaughter's eyes. It was also the first time, at the age of 75 that she had been on an airplane.


Happy Planning!
Linda

 

[-Hope-]

Okay, I'm caught up now...good thing you didnt' get too far ahead of me.

Karen and Hope -- great intros and pictures.

My favorite Disney memory? I have so many.

I think for this I will post a "bittersweet" but favorite memory. In 2008, Mark and I went to Disney for our 25th wedding anniversary. The trip almost got cancelled because my dad passed away the week before the trip. However, my dad insisted that we go no matter what happened to him and celebrate this important milestone.

At that time, I decided to do something each year that we go to Disney that my Dad did whenever he went somewhere with our two sons and us...give a balloon to a child to brighten their day. We have now done this every year since 2008 and it brings back a piece of my dad to me every time I do it.

That is the SWEETEST tradition.

Hello girls, I followed Karen's last family trip report and enjoyed it so much, I found my way over to the PTR with her BFF, Hope. Karen,I hope you are feeling better. I can't wait to read more about you both as the days wind down towards your upcoming trip.

My favorite Disney memory is the first time my Mom saw Disney World, through her daughter's and grandaughter's eyes. It was also the first time, at the age of 75 that she had been on an airplane.


Happy Planning!
Linda

WELCOME! I love that we can keep seeing the magic no matter how old we get- especially with those we love.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Okay, I'm caught up now...good thing you didnt' get too far ahead of me.

Karen and Hope -- great intros and pictures.

My favorite Disney memory? I have so many.

I think for this I will post a "bittersweet" but favorite memory. In 2008, Mark and I went to Disney for our 25th wedding anniversary. The trip almost got cancelled because my dad passed away the week before the trip. However, my dad insisted that we go no matter what happened to him and celebrate this important milestone.

At that time, I decided to do something each year that we go to Disney that my Dad did whenever he went somewhere with our two sons and us...give a balloon to a child to brighten their day. We have now done this every year since 2008 and it brings back a piece of my dad to me every time I do it.

That is so beautiful! Thanks, it made me smile tonight!

Hello girls, I followed Karen's last family trip report and enjoyed it so much, I found my way over to the PTR with her BFF, Hope. Karen,I hope you are feeling better. I can't wait to read more about you both as the days wind down towards your upcoming trip.

Thanks Linda, I'm feeling a little better, but SO busy! I photographed a birth yesterday that took all day and then spent all day today editing the photos!

My favorite Disney memory is the first time my Mom saw Disney World, through her daughter's and grandaughter's eyes. It was also the first time, at the age of 75 that she had been on an airplane.


Happy Planning!
Linda

That's so sweet! I'm glad you are here Linda!!!

 

[Tinker326]

I'm joining in too! Karen, I love your trip reports.. you have a great ability to write & take pictures!

Also, because I'm pretty sure I'll be running the same race! I'm not 100% committed yet as this is a huge step for me because I've never done a 1/2 before. But I really, really hope that I can pull it off. It would be an amazing accomplishment for me, with a trip to my favorite place to boot!

Looking forward to keeping up to date on your upcoming trip..

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm joining in too! Karen, I love your trip reports.. you have a great ability to write & take pictures!

Also, because I'm pretty sure I'll be running the same race! I'm not 100% committed yet as this is a huge step for me because I've never done a 1/2 before. But I really, really hope that I can pull it off. It would be an amazing accomplishment for me, with a trip to my favorite place to boot!

Looking forward to keeping up to date on your upcoming trip..

Oh I hope you do! I've never done it either, in fact, I've only ever done 4 miles and with intervals...and I'm injured, so it's a big deal, but I REALLY want to do it! We have a year! We can talk training together! Tinker, what's your actual name??!?!? Or I can just keep calling you Tinker.

 

[ditsypixie]

Hi girls! Karen, I hope you are feeling better! I hope you and Hope get together soon to plan you first Disney day. I bet you two are so creative that I can't wait to hear about it!

I do have several favorite Disney memories but one really stands out. (I tried to upload the picture but the computer is not cooperating right now.) Anyway, it was our first trip and we were having lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. My 3 year old son was not happy about seeing the princesses. Such a boy, even then! But he quickly changed his mind when Snow White came around to the table, his eyes lit up and she gave him a huge kiss on the cheek, lipstick and all. We have a picture of him, holding his cheek! He wouldn't let us wash it off. It was such a sweet moment

 

[Tinker326]

Here's a balloon picture for you: Taken on our way out of Mickey's Christmas Party in 2009.

I have so many, many wonderful memories of Disney. Unfortently none of my pictures to go with it (they are all at home on a harddrive).

My favorite is probably when my oldest was 4, she just started trading pins. She loved it.... and we had about 10 pins on her little princess lanyard. Well, it fell off in the park & we lost it. SHE WAS CRUSHED (so was I, man that thing was like $150 worth of pins and stuff).

We went to Guest Services on Main Street to see if anyone turned in it... no on had. A CM looked and saw my crying daughter.. and sent out another CM who came out and got down on her level and asked her who her favorite character was. She told them Tinkerbelle...and the CM told us to wait just a few minutes.

10 minutes later she came out with a brand new pink princess lanyard FILLED (like 15 of them) with new Tinkerbelle pins. They were special edition pins, cast member only pins, big pins... I swear I just started bawling right there.... it was just an amazing, magical moment that ONLY Disney could give my daughter. She's 10 now & many trips later- she STILL talks about that!

This is not from that moment... this is my other daughter... but I picture I love nonetheless!

I realize my pictures are huge. I'm sorry. I didn't have to resize them to websize.

 

[Tinker326]

Oh I hope you do! I've never done it either, in fact, I've only ever done 4 miles and with intervals...and I'm injured, so it's a big deal, but I REALLY want to do it! We have a year! We can talk training together! Tinker, what's your actual name??!?!? Or I can just keep calling you Tinker.

Yes, we can talk training together, although I'm far, far below you on my starting level. I'm more of a speed walker (I did the 3 day, 60 mile last year)...but really want to amp it up and make it a personal fitness goal to GET in shape! So I'm starting the couch to 5K program today... and comitted to running the 5K on Castaway Cay in June. That's my starting point! I am pretty convinced I might die on the 1/2 marathon!

My actual name is Nicole. Hi!

 

[-Hope-]

Hi girls! Karen, I hope you are feeling better! I hope you and Hope get together soon to plan you first Disney day. I bet you two are so creative that I can't wait to hear about it!

We have SO much fun with these! I'm excited to do another.

I do have several favorite Disney memories but one really stands out. (I tried to upload the picture but the computer is not cooperating right now.) Anyway, it was our first trip and we were having lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. My 3 year old son was not happy about seeing the princesses. Such a boy, even then! But he quickly changed his mind when Snow White came around to the table, his eyes lit up and she gave him a huge kiss on the cheek, lipstick and all. We have a picture of him, holding his cheek! He wouldn't let us wash it off. It was such a sweet moment

So sweet!

Here's a balloon picture for you: Taken on our way out of Mickey's Christmas Party in 2009.

I have so many, many wonderful memories of Disney. Unfortently none of my pictures to go with it (they are all at home on a harddrive).

My favorite is probably when my oldest was 4, she just started trading pins. She loved it.... and we had about 10 pins on her little princess lanyard. Well, it fell off in the park & we lost it. SHE WAS CRUSHED (so was I, man that thing was like $150 worth of pins and stuff).

We went to Guest Services on Main Street to see if anyone turned in it... no on had. A CM looked and saw my crying daughter.. and sent out another CM who came out and got down on her level and asked her who her favorite character was. She told them Tinkerbelle...and the CM told us to wait just a few minutes.

10 minutes later she came out with a brand new pink princess lanyard FILLED (like 15 of them) with new Tinkerbelle pins. They were special edition pins, cast member only pins, big pins... I swear I just started bawling right there.... it was just an amazing, magical moment that ONLY Disney could give my daughter. She's 10 now & many trips later- she STILL talks about that!

This is not from that moment... this is my other daughter... but I picture I love nonetheless!

I realize my pictures are huge. I'm sorry. I didn't have to resize them to websize.

Welcome, Nicole! That is SUCH a fantastic memory! And you are absolutely right- no one but Disney could have- or would have- done that!

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

Karen, I love the picture you took of the Mother and baby! It melted my heart as you realize how important that moment is, and how she will have it forever.
Linda

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Sorry it took me so long to respond! I've been busy and I'm in a bit of a funk. My 39th bday is coming up Monday and I'm frustrated that I'm feeling old and depressed and cannot do ANYTHING about it b/c I cannot exercise b/c of my feet.

Hi girls! Karen, I hope you are feeling better! I hope you and Hope get together soon to plan you first Disney day. I bet you two are so creative that I can't wait to hear about it!

I do have several favorite Disney memories but one really stands out. (I tried to upload the picture but the computer is not cooperating right now.) Anyway, it was our first trip and we were having lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. My 3 year old son was not happy about seeing the princesses. Such a boy, even then! But he quickly changed his mind when Snow White came around to the table, his eyes lit up and she gave him a huge kiss on the cheek, lipstick and all. We have a picture of him, holding his cheek! He wouldn't let us wash it off. It was such a sweet moment

Awww! That is so sweet! Sometimes I think about what it would have been like to go when my boys were little, I bet they would have loved it!

Here's a balloon picture for you: Taken on our way out of Mickey's Christmas Party in 2009.

Ahhhh! CHRISTMAS BALLOONS!!!!!! I may have to find a way to get there during the Christmas season just so I can get shots like this!

I have so many, many wonderful memories of Disney. Unfortently none of my pictures to go with it (they are all at home on a harddrive).

My favorite is probably when my oldest was 4, she just started trading pins. She loved it.... and we had about 10 pins on her little princess lanyard. Well, it fell off in the park & we lost it. SHE WAS CRUSHED (so was I, man that thing was like $150 worth of pins and stuff).

We went to Guest Services on Main Street to see if anyone turned in it... no on had. A CM looked and saw my crying daughter.. and sent out another CM who came out and got down on her level and asked her who her favorite character was. She told them Tinkerbelle...and the CM told us to wait just a few minutes.

10 minutes later she came out with a brand new pink princess lanyard FILLED (like 15 of them) with new Tinkerbelle pins. They were special edition pins, cast member only pins, big pins... I swear I just started bawling right there.... it was just an amazing, magical moment that ONLY Disney could give my daughter. She's 10 now & many trips later- she STILL talks about that!

I LOVE that about Disney, there's just no other place that can do magic like them!

This is not from that moment... this is my other daughter... but I picture I love nonetheless!

I realize my pictures are huge. I'm sorry. I didn't have to resize them to websize.

Yes, we can talk training together, although I'm far, far below you on my starting level. I'm more of a speed walker (I did the 3 day, 60 mile last year)...but really want to amp it up and make it a personal fitness goal to GET in shape! So I'm starting the couch to 5K program today... and comitted to running the 5K on Castaway Cay in June. That's my starting point! I am pretty convinced I might die on the 1/2 marathon!

My actual name is Nicole. Hi!

Hi Nicole!!!!! No, I'm not at ANY level now, I'm going to have to start all over when I can run again, it's been too many weeks, I will have lost most of my training. My feet are still bad, so there's no way I'll be training anytime soon. It's kind of depressing, actually.

Karen, I love the picture you took of the Mother and baby! It melted my heart as you realize how important that moment is, and how she will have it forever.
Linda

Thanks Linda! I really enjoy shooting births, you can really capture such emotion! It's really rewarding.

 

[jodi90]

Hello Hope and Karen

I'm joining in. I've stalked and enjoyed both of your PTRs and your TRs. They are so much fun and I love both of your amazing photos.

Karen~your talk of the 1/2 marathon has really got me thinking about doing it myself. I've always secretly wanted to run a marathon but I'm so far out of shape that I'm not sure that I ever will be able to. However, you've planted a seed. I'm turning 40 this year and the goal of running the 1/2 marathon might just be the thing to help me get through this year.

Jodi

 

[-Hope-]

Hello Hope and Karen

I'm joining in. I've stalked and enjoyed both of your PTRs and your TRs. They are so much fun and I love both of your amazing photos.

Jodi

Hi Jodi!

 

[KatMark]

Karen, Happy Birthday. You are not old!!! When you reach my age, you can start talking about getting old.

Hope you have a magical day.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Hello Hope and Karen

I'm joining in. I've stalked and enjoyed both of your PTRs and your TRs. They are so much fun and I love both of your amazing photos.

Thanks Jodi! You totally aren't a stalker though, I remember you!


Karen~your talk of the 1/2 marathon has really got me thinking about doing it myself. I've always secretly wanted to run a marathon but I'm so far out of shape that I'm not sure that I ever will be able to. However, you've planted a seed. I'm turning 40 this year and the goal of running the 1/2 marathon might just be the thing to help me get through this year.

Jodi

You can TOTALLY do this! ANYONE can train and run a 1/2...well, apparently except me. You have plenty of time and you can build yourself up. I am going to limp the thing if I have to, I'm still having all kinds of feet pain, so until my plantar Fasciitis clears up, I'm just sitting here wanting to train and not being able to. It's a bummer.

Karen, Happy Birthday. You are not old!!! When you reach my age, you can start talking about getting old.

Hope you have a magical day.

Thanks! I know the number isn't old, I just FEEL old b/c my body is kind of failing me right now. Hopefully I can get moving here at some point and not be in pain all the time!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Ok, so it's my Birthday and I'm a bit down b/c of this plantar fasciitis keeping me from training, so let's talk resorts!!!!!!

Now, believe me, Hope & I have spent hours going back and forth on resort choices for our BFF trip, and just when I think we have settled on somewhere, a little trickle of a thought starts back up in my brain! I know you are surprised.

So the last time we talked, we had pretty much settled on POFQ, we just LOVE the idea of the boat to DTD and I think that gives the resort a one-up on other moderates. (insert gorgeous pic of POFQ here...IF I HAD EVER BEEN THERE AND TAKEN ONE! LOL) I did think briefly that Rey & I might take a 3 night trip at the beginning of November and stay there, which would make me want to try somewhere new with Hope, but I think we're going to spend our money on house stuff and things we need around here this year.

So, all decided, right? Mehhh....that would be too easy for me!

So when Hope & I had originally talked about the trip, I was thinking Deluxe b/c it might be the only time I could afford to do one, since we were splitting the cost, but it ended up being more expensive than I thought and we decided on a mod instead...but I'm thinking I may be able to pull off the cost to upgrade to Deluxe. In THAT case, we would be HERE:

I've wanted to stay at Boardwalk for a long time, and the thought of being walking distance to WS just keeps messing with my head! So...I have a question for those of you following. Would you give up a day to stay at Boardwalk over POFQ? We're not sure on 5 nights or 4 at this point but I'm thinking we will just book POFQ and then if I have the money to upgrade, I will. What do you think?

And, last but not least, since my feet are giving me trouble, Hope and Kya are just coming over to hang out with us today, instead of going anywhere that I would have to walk. I'm crazylucky to have such a great friend!

Oh, and I thought I would share the last picture I have of Hope & I, it was from Christmas, obviously. Our friend Summer is in the middle, we're pretty much the three musketeers.

I never know whether to start a table of contents in PTR's. Hope, what do you think???

 

[-Hope-]

OMG- I can't believe you put up that pic. Remember how many times we had to take it to get it right!

We can talk resorts/days this afternoon for sure. I have to admit that I'm feeling a little guilty over here that you aren't going on a solo trip with Rey and are with me!

I think a TOC is a good idea. I won't join in on a PTR after it gets too long without one because I don't want to wade through 20 pages of chatter that is already over.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

OMG- I can't believe you put up that pic. Remember how many times we had to take it to get it right!

We can talk resorts/days this afternoon for sure. I have to admit that I'm feeling a little guilty over here that you aren't going on a solo trip with Rey and are with me!

I think a TOC is a good idea. I won't join in on a PTR after it gets too long without one because I don't want to wade through 20 pages of chatter that is already over. :

You totally shouldn't feel guilty! They are two separate things, and we may still take a weekend in St. Louis or something, but the man won't bend and wants to spend WAY too much money on a couple's trip, so he'll have to wait if he wants to throw money around like a maniac.

I guess I'll add a TOC at the end of my intro/first post? Just tell me when you want to add stuff to it and I'll add it!

 

[Tinker326]

Happy Birthday Karen! Hope it's great!

Jodi- I don't run either.. I'm pushing myself to train and it won't be easy because I don't like to run. But I'm a pretty determined person so... I'm hoping that's the kicker. I started the Couch to 5K training which is gradual. Hoping that will work for me! Darn it, I WILL be in that 1/2 next year!!!

As for resorts? Well, I hear POFQ is beautiful. But if you get a chance to go deluxe because you are splitting the cost... well, I might say go for it! Being that close to Epcot is soooooo tempting! I really want to push to stay at Beach Club- that's my goal for next Feb. If we can't save enough for that- we'll probably end up at POFQ too! Maybe we'll be neighbors!

Hope, I looked through your trip report linked- you are also amazing with your photo skills! I need lessons from you both! I have a Canon Rebel xTi and really would like a new lens (I use the kit lens..and it doesn't seem as sharp).

Happy Monday. Happy Birthday. Happy Everything!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Happy Birthday Karen! Hope it's great!

Thanks Nicole!

Jodi- I don't run either.. I'm pushing myself to train and it won't be easy because I don't like to run. But I'm a pretty determined person so... I'm hoping that's the kicker. I started the Couch to 5K training which is gradual. Hoping that will work for me! Darn it, I WILL be in that 1/2 next year!!!

couch to 5K is a GREAT program, it's what got me started running! It really builds you up slowly. I also suggest interval running if you feel running the whole time is too much. It can be especially helpful for longer races, you can go longer if you are doing a run/walk interval, run 2 min, walk 1 minute is usually a good place to start!

As for resorts? Well, I hear POFQ is beautiful. But if you get a chance to go deluxe because you are splitting the cost... well, I might say go for it! Being that close to Epcot is soooooo tempting! I really want to push to stay at Beach Club- that's my goal for next Feb. If we can't save enough for that- we'll probably end up at POFQ too! Maybe we'll be neighbors!

Yay! I think we are going to stick with POFQ, we crunched the numbers today and it's 300$ more EACH to stay at Boardwalk, so I'm thinking Mod for us it is!

Hope, I looked through your trip report linked- you are also amazing with your photo skills! I need lessons from you both! I have a Canon Rebel xTi and really would like a new lens (I use the kit lens..and it doesn't seem as sharp).

Happy Monday. Happy Birthday. Happy Everything!

Thanks!!!!!