We Ditched The Kids! - UPDATE (7/22 - NYC trip)

[jandlinz]

What a fun update. I love your monorail picture and pictures of the fireworks. You're right, for $6.99 it better be more than a forkful!!!

 

[Shannon R]

Just started reading your report and I am super excited for the day my husband and I can take an adults only trip! Our children are 3, 2, and 9 months, so I think we have a few years before we can pull it off. For now, Ill live vicariously through you and others!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Please, in the next update, can you rub it in a bit more?!

We didn't have the kids....we didn't have the kids...

Did she enjoy it enough to go on again in the future?

Yeah, I think so. It wasn't her favorite ride, but she would probably do it once a trip or so. Or wait while I take the big kids. Either way.

Ooh that does sound good. We've never actually stopped there before, except to hide from the rain one time.

I bet you'd like it! Nice on a warm Florida day.

Still haven't seen them! But we did FINALLY make a stop at this pavilion for the first time in history this past trip! We're so unAmerican.

What are you, a Communist or something? Next time, pay tribute to all nations but mostly America.

There are times when I wish I could ride a scooter through some tour groups that take up most of the walkways. It's a dream of mine

Kind of like my dream to freely be able to use a taser whenever/wherever I want.

Yay glad you got to meet up with Alison and that you got a chance to meet Fran!

It was nice to finally see both of them together.

Ugh, but Vanilla is so Vanilla.

Is this still a 'thing' to say? I know it was a few years back. If not, i'm bringing it back right now, starting with you. Hope you feel special Mark!

Don't mess with the classics, man!

Yeah no joke, it looks like they're just going to stand right up and walk over to me. Way too creepy for a resort like that!

I have no idea why those things remain. Maybe they ate whoever tried to remove them.

I'm a sucker for Spaghetti and Meatballs. It's so hard to turn that meal down when at an Italian restaurant! Although this looks pretty solid, I must say!

Mmmm...spaghetti and meatballs is a classic, no doubt.

That's how DH feels about some of his entrees he gets at Disney.

I usually eat very well there, but to call that little trifle a dessert...come on, now.

Third times a charm, you got some great pics with no obstructions

Thanks!

But, but I don't want to know the secrets!

Did you know Main St. is built with forced perspective?

I'm sure these were for your kids.....

Um...yes. Yes, they were.

Peyton Manning would be proud

Epic comeback starts right here!

Bombolini looks good, but I will stick with the version at my local Italian restaurant.

Hopefully they give you more than one.

I have never seen the full Illuminations show. It's the price I pay for a few kids who don't like loud noises.
Your pictures are great. I need to up my photography skills before my next trip.

It's a nice day when the kids outgrow that phase. And thanks! I actually took these with my phone!

Well Done! Good Job!

Thank you, sir!

A lovely end to a lovely day. You could go at your own pace, have a lovely DISmeet and got some awesome IllumiNations pictures. Yes that holiday tag is wonderful.
When I went with my friends years ago that was the first thing we did and the response was " That happens every night?" Yes , Yes it does.... Well the holiday tag happens only at holiday time but the fireworks show YUP.

The holiday tag was totally worth the price of admission! Just awesome.

Then we moved on to EMH things.

Of course.

IllumiNations is very special to me.

I like it a lot. My only complaint is that the middle of the show gets very dull--too much time spent on the globe without much of anything else going on. Needs more explosions!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

But a very good one.

That's where I got the combination I use on my luggage.

Remember the urban myth (disproven) about the guy who put a jato on his car?

I remember watching the Mythbusters test that one 3 or 4 times!

Still looking like a possibility.
No schedule yet, but Montreal is from the 14th - 18th so won't interfere.

Back to read...

Good news so far!

Great. Awesome. Terrific.

Seriously, you're welcome.

One does not simply "walk" out of Biergarten.
One waddles. Usually with the traditional "holding of the belly" and occasionally accompanied with groaning.

How about being wheeled out on a hand truck? Does that count?

May have been mentioned. Not sure.

By the way, we were alone without the kids.

Terrific shot. Frame worthy.

Thank you, sir!

toss up?

oh. I was close.

Don't even joke about that!

If you can't mess with your DW once in a while, what's the point?

I mean, there has to be some benefit here.

Ah, yes. There's always that.

Maybe I'm just a big softie.

It's gotta be someone's fault. Someone else's fault.

Well, sure. That's how society rolls these days.

Good!
But would she do it again?

She would! Maybe not every trip, maybe not repeatedly, but she would go again.

I would suggest conserving your strength as much as possible and drinking plenty of water.

Or hard pineapple cider?

I will not be making jokes at each mileage tally.

But to get to Beijing, one must ensure to walk Oslo.




okay, no more.

Thank you! I'll be here all week. Try the veal.

One of the things one must do.

It's like a magnet for the camera.

What? Never heard of that! Sounds like something I'd like to try.

I think it was worth trying. I'm a sucker for pineapple-flavored things, though. And I liked it, but I wouldn't feel the need to get it all the time.

Ah! So it's back. It was hidden from view when I was there with Kay last summer.

It feels like something isn't right when the model train village isn't there. At least I think it does.

I still haven't done that. And it's something I really want to see/hear.

Well, you always need to have goals for the return trip.

This does not surprise me one iota.

I know, right? Must be something about California.

Is she as witty as she sounds like she is?

Absolutely! We enjoyed her company.

I don't get that. Say it again, Sam... I mean Mark.
(I presume you know that the line "Play it again, Sam" which is arguably one of the most quoted lines in film history was never actually said?)

I did know that one. And +1 for spotting the movie quote.

Figuratively speaking.

Who's on first?

Whoa. Didn't know about this either.
I need to get out more.

I have to give @Leshaface credit for pointing out this snack for us.

Sometimes there's a reason why some things are a classic.

"What did you have?"
"I had the peach ice cream with a soupcon of rum bitters and a dash of custard."
"Wow! How was it?"
"Not good. I really wanted vanilla and chocolate, but it's so cliché."

Exactly. I have some go-to dishes at my favorite restaurants, and every time I decide to branch out and try something else on the menu, I end up disappointed that I didn't just go with my favorite. If it ain't broke...

Sounds like a Victor(y).

Verily, it does.

No one wants to see your underpants, dude.

Good point.

We are nothing if not a classy nation.

That's why we get along so well! Here, pull my finger.

To torture them with. Gotcha.

Is there any other reason?

If you can still feel your legs in the morning, you haven't done enough.

You can sleep when you're dead!!

what the heck are those???

Your worst nightmare!

Yep. It'd be new to me, too.

I figured as much.

Husbands. The bane of wives everywhere.

It's right there in the job description.

No. No I do not.

Aw, come on. Please?

Dang it!!

(maniacal laugh)

You had to say that... that.... ride.

So I'm taking it the answer is yes?

Wow! That looks like it was really good! Too bad you took the shot when you were almost done eating it all.

Seriously. That ice cream looks like it was accidentally dropped off a spoon there.

So disappointing. I've seen more cream in those little disposable cups by the coffee at hotel breakfast areas.

Would you go back?

I would. I wouldn't call this my favorite meal on property or even of the trip, but I enjoyed the entree. It was solid.

Good.
And terrific shots BTW. What lens and settings did you use?
(Oh, and is your camera APS-C or full frame?)

Thank you!

We have a Canon Rebel T3i, which I believe is APS-C. I really love wide-angle shots and would probably prefer a full-frame camera, but there are always budgetary issues at play and this one has worked well for us. Julie likes to do portraits and close-ups and is good at those. She also took a class on photography that really paid off in terms of teaching her how to modify the aperture, shutter speed, etc. Generally in these TR's if you see a big wide-angle shot of a landscape, it's probably one that I took or at least asked for. We have a Sigma 18mm-270mm zoom lens we got a couple years ago that is pretty good as an all-around lens so we don't have to keep changing it out. We do have a 50mm fixed lens that Julie likes to use for portraits and close-ups sometimes.

However...and I'm a little ashamed to admit it...

The fireworks photos above all came from my phone. (Except for the close-up of the torch and the "fireballs on the water" photo.)I was really pleasantly surprised by how they turned out. By virtue of being taller and having less weight to lift, I was able to get these photos just over the head of the guy in front of me. Julie had a tougher time where she was standing, so the photos from the "good" camera were more obstructed.

 

[Leshaface]

We didn't have the kids....we didn't have the kids...

Hey, I specifically stated next update, not reply!

What are you, a Communist or something? Next time, pay tribute to all nations but mostly America.

Sam Eagle would be appalled at our touring style

Kind of like my dream to freely be able to use a taser whenever/wherever I want.

Did you know Main St. is built with forced perspective?

I have to give @Leshaface credit for pointing out this snack for us.

 

[pkondz]

I remember watching the Mythbusters test that one 3 or 4 times!

I sooooo wanted it to work.
I was really bummed when I found out the Darwin award winner wasn't real.

How about being wheeled out on a hand truck? Does that count?

Counts.

By the way, we were alone without the kids.

What? You were? How did that happen?

Don't even joke about that!

Queasy?

I mean, there has to be some benefit here.

There isn't anything else.

Well, sure. That's how society rolls these days.

Man, you just said a mouthful.
I've never seen an entire generation(s) that is nothing but excuses for why it's not their fault.

She would! Maybe not every trip, maybe not repeatedly, but she would go again.

Good!

Or hard pineapple cider?

yessss

Thank you! I'll be here all week. Try the veal.

I did. It was tough.

It's like a magnet for the camera.

I think it was worth trying. I'm a sucker for pineapple-flavored things, though. And I liked it, but I wouldn't feel the need to get it all the time.

Okay. Gotta remember to put it on the list.

It feels like something isn't right when the model train village isn't there. At least I think it does.

Yup. I really missed it last time.

Well, you always need to have goals for the return trip.

And there are always new goals.

Absolutely! We enjoyed her company.

Who's on first?

What? I don't know.

Exactly. I have some go-to dishes at my favorite restaurants, and every time I decide to branch out and try something else on the menu, I end up disappointed that I didn't just go with my favorite. If it ain't broke...

Yup. Been there. Done that. A lot.

That's why we get along so well! Here, pull my finger.

Okay!

Yeah... ya got me.

Is there any other reason?

No.

You can sleep when you're dead!!

My sentiments exactly.

It's right there in the job description.

Below "handyman".

So I'm taking it the answer is yes?

I refuse to answer the question.
Or even consider it.

I would. I wouldn't call this my favorite meal on property or even of the trip, but I enjoyed the entree. It was solid.

Good to know. I rarely do desserts anyway. Usually too full.

We have a Sigma 18mm-270mm zoom lens

Whoa. Massive range there.
But is it dead slow?

The fireworks photos above all came from my phone.

What a great promotion for carrying around a heavy DSLR!

 

[glennbo123]

Wow, you really did a lot of walking! Miles and miles and miles. I haven't eaten at Trattoria al Forno, even when staying so close by. Guess I missed out on the palate cleanser.

I think your Illuminations pictures are fantastic!

I'm going to have trouble forgiving you for bringing up that "chicken parm" jingle.

 

[wasnotafan]

...
I had a lovely date for the evening. Too bad she was stuck with me.

She must have felt sorry for you.

...
We ordered “bombolini”. This was described as basically donuts with dark chocolate and ice cream on the side. For $6.99, sounds like heaven on a plate. Here’s what we got:

Isn't that cute? I'm still in the quantity over quality stage of food consumption..

 

[franandaj]

I would have a hard time going to Disney and just sitting in my room. But maybe that's what owning DVC does for you. For me, I feel like I'm paying a premium to be in the parks, so I'd better get my value out of it!

I don't think it's DVC, but the Southern California Resident syndrome. Yes there are some rides at WDW that can't be done at DL, but since most can be done there, I'm more interested in what we don't have at home. Total immersion in the Disney phenomenon. With my pass, WDW is a bonus, I have other ways that I need to feel like I get the benefits (which includes bestowing pixie dust on my friends who visit in California). I love the resorts and how you feel so "away" from the rest of the world. I don't get to do that often at DL, so I like to soak it all in at WDW.

As far as the update. I'm having to be brief on my comments because I don't have a lot of time, but I don't want to get back from this trip and be tragically behind.

I never realize what it must be like traveling with young children. Most of my friends have teenagers or older. I'm not sure I could handle the whineyness of young kids, but yours did really well at Disneyland a couple summers ago.

I hope Julie liked Mission Space. I love the Orange Team. Nice take on all the walking you needed to do. I'm glad you could squeeze all those thousands of miles into a 1.4 mile loop!

Nice photo pass pictures, and the Chicken Parm looked really good, much better than the one you had in Moab, was it?

Great fireworks shots! Nice trails and everything!

 

[franandaj]

I'm going to have trouble forgiving you for bringing up that "chicken parm" jingle.

Must be an East coast thing. I didn't even recognize it, but I figured it had to be something people would know since it kept getting repeated, ad Nauseum.

 

[franandaj]

Late in the concert, we saw Alison come zipping through the doors on her scooter. She plowed through a dozen kids and parked herself in the front row

In my defense they jumped in front of me! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

This does not surprise me one iota.

Yes, this sounds exactly like Alison!!

I know, right? Must be something about California.

Is she as witty as she sounds like she is?

Absolutely! We enjoyed her company.

Yes, she is very witty! She has her moments and then she is quiet. Kind of like sleeper cell of wit.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I've heard of these a few times now but I've never had one. Looks good. I think it needs to go on my list.

Definitely! It's a unique treat, worthy of a stop. Also, ice cream.

I prefer L'eau de moose sweat, but whatever floats your boat.

Do you have Wet Dog? How about Low Tide?

I've seen these chairs before. Just bizarre. As nice as the rest of the lobby is, I can't quite understand that decorating choice.

I think they eat whoever tries to remove them.

Italian is always my go-to meal. I have not been down since this restaurant opened, but the reviews seem good. Your picture chicken parm looks good at least. Something else for "the list". (that list keeps getting longer the more trip reports I read)

Amazing how that works, isn't it? My parents had been here earlier in the year and raved about it, so we gave it a shot. I think it was good, but wouldn't need to go back every visit.

Hmmm....I wonder exactly what you're expected to do with the chocolate skid mark? Is it an invitation to literally lick your plate? If I paid $6.99 for it, I think that's what I'd do.

So overall, my impression of Trattoria Al Forno is "great entree, but go to Boardwalk bakery for dessert"!?

"Chocolate skid mark"

Sounds like a fair assessment!

I love Illuminations. I think it's my favourite* of all the fireworks shows. It would be awesome to see the holiday tag someday.

*special edition Canadian spelling dedicated to the DisDads, especially @AirGoofy

Nice work. Any time you can bug Norm, you gotta do it.

I like Illuminations a lot. The only complaint I have is that it really drags in the middle when the music is slow and all you see for several minutes is spinning globe.

Joining in for the fun!
I'm so jealous...I dream of an adults only trip for DH and I. Maybe one day!

Thanks for joining in and saying hi!

Oh, oh, don't let the Berlin local @nodnol know that you called the Germany pavillion at Epcot "Berlin"!!! It so very much does not depict Berlin at all!! Germany is rather split into two very distinct regions, the South and the North. The architecture, the food, even the religion (South catholic, North protestant) is very different. And it is a current source of displeasure for any of the Northerners that somehow in the internation perception of Germany only the South is being recognized. Epcot's Germany is very much Southern German. And Berlin is Northern German.

You know, I think I remember you explaining that in one of your earlier TR's, and shame on me for not remembering. I was trying to put the chapter together quickly and was running quick mileage calculations on Google Maps for the first city that came to mind.

Still, after all that time tearing down the wall between East and West, now you want to divide unified Germany into North and South?

The amount of snow appears to be very accurate to the amount of snow we had in the last three winters...

This seems to have been a warm winter all around!

Yes, this sounds exactly like Alison!!

Doesn't it?

Lovely picture!!

Thanks!

Yes, it is so new that your's is the first trip report where I am reading about a meal there. But it sounds like the meal there was a success (with the exception of dessert size).

Yes, that's about right. I wouldn't go back on every visit, but I wouldn't hesitate to eat there, either.

And you even had a third reason that you seemed not to know about: the holiday tag! However, I am surprised that it was so crowded.

Disney has done a very good job of attracting people to the parks all year long. I had heard of the holiday tag before but it was another thing altogether to experience it.

Fantastic fireworks pictures!

Thank you!

I love the holiday tag! illuminations is not my favourite show, but the tag is amazing and definitely worth waiting for!

It really made the show better!

Artful is not what that looks like.......

I guess you're in the chocolate skid mark camp as well?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

What a fun update. I love your monorail picture and pictures of the fireworks. You're right, for $6.99 it better be more than a forkful!!!

I was expecting Disney prices, but usually you at least get some quality for the price!

Just started reading your report and I am super excited for the day my husband and I can take an adults only trip! Our children are 3, 2, and 9 months, so I think we have a few years before we can pull it off. For now, Ill live vicariously through you and others!

Thanks for joining in! I hope you get the chance to go with DH someday!

Hey, I specifically stated next update, not reply!

Oops. My bad.

(No kids!)

Sam Eagle would be appalled at our touring style

Seriously. You don't want to be on Sam's bad side. Actually, does he have a good side?

More stunning revelations to come!

I sooooo wanted it to work.
I was really bummed when I found out the Darwin award winner wasn't real.

Yeah, me too. I can picture it in my mind, and it's awesome.

What? You were? How did that happen?

I dunno. I just do whatever Julie tells me to do and it seems to work out.

Queasy?

Not today, but thanks for asking.

Man, you just said a mouthful.
I've never seen an entire generation(s) that is nothing but excuses for why it's not their fault.

I'll stay off the soapbox, but I'm with you. It gets so frustrating.

I did. It was tough.

Dang. Shouldn't have asked you to try something new on the menu.

Okay. Gotta remember to put it on the list.

The list just keeps growing!

Yup. I really missed it last time.

Makes sense to me. Model train villages are awesome.

What? I don't know.

Third base!

Yup. Been there. Done that. A lot.

You'd think we would learn. We have our favorite dishes for a reason.

Okay!

Yeah... ya got me.

Sorry about the smell.

My sentiments exactly.

At Disney, definitely.

Below "handyman".

I feel like they always over-rate us in that regard.

I refuse to answer the question.
Or even consider it.

Better put your earbuds back in.

Good to know. I rarely do desserts anyway. Usually too full.

We usually try to split one. Splitting this was...next to impossible.

Whoa. Massive range there.
But is it dead slow?

No, we're really happy with it. It was a fairly new lens for them--I think it came out 2-3 years ago. It was recommended in Consumer Reports and one of the notes they listed was that it was pretty quick for auto-focus. I know the experts say you lose some image quality when you have a zoom lens with that range, but I'm not really expert enough to know what to look for in that case. I think it works well as a walk-around lens.

What a great promotion for carrying around a heavy DSLR!

Isn't it? Go figure.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Wow, you really did a lot of walking! Miles and miles and miles. I haven't eaten at Trattoria al Forno, even when staying so close by. Guess I missed out on the palate cleanser.

A Dole Whip is certainly a much better value.

I think your Illuminations pictures are fantastic!

Thanks, Glenn!

I'm going to have trouble forgiving you for bringing up that "chicken parm" jingle.

Sorry. Just think "It's a world of laughter, a world of tears" instead.

She must have felt sorry for you.

Story of my life!

Isn't that cute? I'm still in the quantity over quality stage of food consumption..

Why not both?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I don't think it's DVC, but the Southern California Resident syndrome. Yes there are some rides at WDW that can't be done at DL, but since most can be done there, I'm more interested in what we don't have at home. Total immersion in the Disney phenomenon. With my pass, WDW is a bonus, I have other ways that I need to feel like I get the benefits (which includes bestowing pixie dust on my friends who visit in California). I love the resorts and how you feel so "away" from the rest of the world. I don't get to do that often at DL, so I like to soak it all in at WDW.

I was figuring if I had DVC, I'd be on Disney property more often and would probably take more advantage of slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere. Since my time at Disney parks is limited, I'm more apt to run out and "see all the things!" But I can see how the differences at WDW would appeal to you so much.

As far as the update. I'm having to be brief on my comments because I don't have a lot of time, but I don't want to get back from this trip and be tragically behind.

I can understand that feeling!

I never realize what it must be like traveling with young children. Most of my friends have teenagers or older. I'm not sure I could handle the whineyness of young kids, but yours did really well at Disneyland a couple summers ago.

Thanks! I'm proud of our kids--they really travel well. There will always be whiny-ness and temper tantrums and bumps in the road, but that's true for any group of people traveling together. The reward of it comes from watching their faces and reactions when they see some of these special places for the first time. That never gets old.

I hope Julie liked Mission Space. I love the Orange Team. Nice take on all the walking you needed to do. I'm glad you could squeeze all those thousands of miles into a 1.4 mile loop!

Julie enjoyed it well enough, but I don't think you'll ever see us riding the Orange Team side.

You have to put in the effort to travel the world!

Nice photo pass pictures, and the Chicken Parm looked really good, much better than the one you had in Moab, was it?

Oh my goodness, there was no comparison whatsoever. That Moab place was disappointing.

Great fireworks shots! Nice trails and everything!

Thanks a lot!

Must be an East coast thing. I didn't even recognize it, but I figured it had to be something people would know since it kept getting repeated, ad Nauseum.

Probably more of a football thing. It's from a Peyton Manning commercial for Nationwide insurance. He keeps singing different words to the Nationwide jingle.

In my defense they jumped in front of me! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Hey, I'm not here to judge!

Yes, she is very witty! She has her moments and then she is quiet. Kind of like sleeper cell of wit.

I'm still cracking up over her answer to the British soldiers near Pirates.

 

[afwdwfan]

That’s stuck in your head now, isn’t it? You’re welcome.

But at least it isn't that song from the ride with the dolls.

I signaled the CM to put us in the Orange Team line when Julie’s back was turned.

Whew, that's a relief.

Just kidding. I’m not suicidal.

Oh, I mean, that would just be cruel...

Usually when we ride, I like to give the Navigator crap for guiding us right into an asteroid field. In this case, I was the Navigator. So I gave the Pilot crap for not following my directions properly. Anyway, Julie handled the ride like a pro!

Always pass the buck.

Gee, that was a long way to travel just for a topiary. Onwards! 4,368 miles from Oslo to Beijing.

And the snowman isn't even Olaf!? I thought he was taking over Norway.

D’oh! I forgot, no Christmas decorations in China. Oh well, let’s get an obligatory shot of the temple while we’re here.

Very vertigo inducing.

Although I have to admit, I love the expression of the guy in the back row, third from right. He looks like he can’t wait to clock out for the day.

A very well timed picture.

Late in the concert, we saw Alison come zipping through the doors on her scooter. She plowed through a dozen kids and parked herself in the front row.

I knew it!

Just kidding. She politely made her way around the back. But you have to admit, the first version was more exciting.

Oh, you mean Alison doesn't run innocent bystanders over? Well, that's no fun.

I know what you’re going to ask: did I walk on the wild side and get cookies & cream? Ha, ha. Laugh it up, fuzzball.


The answer is no. Because they didn’t have cookies & cream.

So we lived dangerously, and got vanilla. With chocolate syrup. Hey, sometimes you don’t mess with a classic.

I can't argue with this logic. I like trying different flavors of ice cream, but it's really hard to top the time tested classic chocolate on vanilla.

We were headed to the Boardwalk. Because we hadn’t done enough walking yet.

Yeah, I mean you've got to make sure you get that step count up. It isn't a day at EPCOT if you don't have at least 20,000 in.

Inside the lobby, it seemed a little muted. I don’t know if we were expecting a Christmas explosion everywhere, but it was tastefully done. They did have a gingerbread house, or at least a stand with a gingerbread roof. And they had some nice trees around the fireplace.

Yeah, I kind of agree. I think a lot of the hotels seem "muted" in their décor when you compare them to places like GF, WL or AKL where you walk in and see some massive 40' tall tree. The other places just can't match that.

Man, those things give me the creeps. Let’s go get some dinner before they spot us.

How have they not been pushed into the fireplace yet?

You can really never go wrong with Italian food.

You've got that right!

Julie was feeling very unoriginal, so she got the same thing. The verdict? Come on, say it with me now. You know you want to.

Chicken parm, you taste so good.

I can't eat it without saying it.

Anyway, overall the food was good. It’s just that in the case of dessert, there wasn’t enough of it.

That isn't an uncommon issue though. Especially at higher end restaurants. They tend to charge a lot and give a little. I prefer the mom and pop type diner that charges 2.99 for a piece of pie that turns out to be about 1/4 of a pie.

The hour passes much more easily when you can sit in quiet conversation and people-watch instead of chasing kids down, taking them to the bathroom after you passed 3 on the way there, answering “five more minutes” every time they ask how much longer, etc., etc.

Anyway, the show started right on time, and although we had to dodge a few heads now and then, we got better results this time.

It was worth it. Great pictures!

From there, we got extra fireworks galore, culminating in a huge finale of pyrotechnic glory.

Isn't that just awesome???? I mean, when you can feel the shockwaves vibrating through your chest, you know you've got some good fireworks.

 

[pkondz]

Yeah, me too. I can picture it in my mind, and it's awesome.

Not today, but thanks for asking.

Give it time.

Dang. Shouldn't have asked you to try something new on the menu.

Stick with the classics.

The list just keeps growing!

Oh, Lord. I know... I know!

I feel like they always over-rate us in that regard.

"Honey, I accidentally left the gas stove on all night and blew up the entire house. Can you fix it?"

We usually try to split one. Splitting this was...next to impossible.

Well, they split the atom. So give it a few more years and who knows?

 

[juniorbugman]

Hi Mark - I have been reading your trips reports and have never commented before but I had to comment today to let you know that is it National Chocolate covered raisin day - I know that you will just love that -Judy

 

[wasnotafan]

...Why not both?

$$$

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Wonderful update. ANd now I am caught back up!