We love Donald Duck, oh yes we do! - Link to the PTR - COMPLETE

[disneyfan61]

Really enjoyed all the pics & info on KSC. We have never been there but might have to make a trip in the future. It all looks very interesting!! One of the astronauts killed was Christa Mccaulif (sp). She was a teacher from here in NH. Very sad day that was!!

I had myself a Shamrock shake last night!!

 

[Donald is #1]

Wow, it sounds like you had a great time at KSC. I was like Joe and really nerding it up when I went during my 2007 WDW trip. Does Joe use his pen all the time now?

OK, I sense that there is something coming since you made that comment about Henry's rosy cheeks. This does not bode well.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

LOL! I love your ticker Brook. You are hilarious. Love the KSC pictures. I have never been but have heard very cool things. I must ask what the **** is a space pen? I must see pictures!

 

[troobabiee7]

Great update! We really liked our day at the Kennedy Space Center and I'm glad you all did too. Those star pictures are hilarious! The next time you're there be sure to spend time at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, there are lots of fun, interactive exhibits that we actually liked the best

Looking forward to the next update, although it doesn't sound too good...

 

[kschafer]

Confession: hubby and I are a couple of big nerds too so I LOVED your update!! We were supposed to go together to KSC but when some of the people in our group (who we were leaving the kids with so geeky Mom and Dad could be in nerd paradise without them) got sick (yes, it happens to others too) the bigger nerd went by himself

I love your shadow pics in front of the nebula.
That is so funny about Joe and the space pen
I adore the pictures you take of yourselves in front of reflective objects, that would never occur to me.
I am insanely jealous you are going for a shuttle launch. I SO hope to make one before they retire the fleet!

 

[angelmav]

Its official! You have made me a convert to this wonderful TR!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You have corn dog nuggets on your ticker!!!

KSC looks so super cool!!! The last time I was there was in 1987 -- wow, has it changed and grown! I am so going to have to figure out a way to fit it into a future trip -- the hard part will be tearing myself away from Disney long enough to make the journey.

I figured it was time to switch out my rotating ticker...sigh. I went through my WDW pictures, looking for something that was either very memorable or something I truly loved about Disney World...corn dog nuggets fit the bill perfectly!

KSC was really cool! It was hard to pull ourselves away from Disney (well more for me than Joe), but well worth it! KSC is a lot of fun and very interesting. I bet your kids would love it too!! In 1987 did they have the Saturn V building? One thing they kept mentioning was that ALL their buildings have been from donations and people buying food/gifts and the entry fees -not ONE penny from tax payers dollars! That urged to spend even more!

Brook what a fabulous update!!!! I so enjoy reading about your trip!! KSC looks like somewhere that Prince Phillip and I need to visit sometime we can both be nerds together!!!

Awww to poor Henry still not feeling so hot...I hope you have been able to figure out what was causing his episodes!!

Sonic...oh I have a Sonic right down the street and I usually will walk there to get a Strawberry Limeaid...oh do I love those!!

Once again I can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

I bet you and your Prince would love it! It is really fun and interesting - so much to experience and see.

We are pretty certain Henry just had some icky bug. It might have been aggravated a bit more by a sporatic sleep schedule and excitement....(it does get better!)

I wanted to try one of those Limeaid drinks while we were at Sonic, but I was distracted and ended up with a Diet stinkin' Dr. Pepper. I love me some Dr. Pepper, but I can get that anywhere! I had good reason why I was distracted though...coming up soon!

You guys had a great day at KSC!! And now you have your annual passes! Love the space pen! I had one of those, not sure what ever happened to it but it was very cool!
Ewwww for the black vultures grabbing your fries! Yuck! When we go to the beach in the summer there are kamakazi seagulls that will swoop over your shoulder and grab what it is that you are about to eat! Seriously they dive right over you and flap into your hair, grab and go.... they are very skillful little boogers! You had claws and we had webbed feet and feathers! Oh my.... now we cover our food with our hands and eat under the umbrella!
I hope Henry will be ok... pink cheeks

Yes, we are WDW AP holders and KSC AP holders this year! Crazy, and awesome! Joe looooooves his space pen - it has a cool little shuttle on the side too. Super nerdy!

The birds were totally nasty! It creeps me out completely and I'm not afraid of birds normally! I've heard many stories about seagulls on the beach-I LOVE how you called them "kamakazi"

Ewwww, I can't believe that bird stole the fry right out of your hand!

Sorry to hear about the

incidents with Henry - I hope the little guy wasn't getting sick!

KSC looks very interesting, I know my DH would love it. I thought about trying to squeeze it into our December trip, but I don't think that is going to happen - someday though!

I actually laughed out loud at the 'shadow' pictures of you acting silly!

I'm interested to hear what you thought about Sonic, seems like we have one on every corner (they started here) and we rarely go anymore for anything other than drinks. I love the cherry limeaid!

Great smiles - ESP the POOP one! Sooo funny. I think I'll steal that for a certain future update...

KSC was a lot of fun, it really does take allllll day though, so you have to peel yourself away from Disney, which is hard to do! But it just remains as another good reason to go back, right?

My review of Sonic is coming up!

Really enjoyed all the pics & info on KSC. We have never been there but might have to make a trip in the future. It all looks very interesting!! One of the astronauts killed was Christa Mccaulif (sp). She was a teacher from here in NH. Very sad day that was!!

I had myself a Shamrock shake last night!!

KSC was very interesting and a lot of fun! I really do look forward to going back in December.

That is very sad about Christa Mccaulif KSC had a picture of the entire crew that went up when the shuttle exploded, back in the 80s. I recall a teacher being on that flight-was that Christa Mccaulif? I remember watching that happen on TV when I was young-I didn't understand really what happened, but I recall all my teachers crying and crying.

Okay, before I start crying again, moving onto a happier topic - Shamrock Shakes! YUM!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow, it sounds like you had a great time at KSC. I was like Joe and really nerding it up when I went during my 2007 WDW trip. Does Joe use his pen all the time now?

OK, I sense that there is something coming since you made that comment about Henry's rosy cheeks. This does not bode well.

Yep! Joe does use his space pen allllll the time. He has it hooked to his calendar/planner for work. We work at the same place and sometimes I have to work with him, he always shows me the pen like "Look honey! MY space pen!"

Your Slueth Skillz are sharp...rosy cheeks, cliffhanger ending...

LOL! I love your ticker Brook. You are hilarious. Love the KSC pictures. I have never been but have heard very cool things. I must ask what the **** is a space pen? I must see pictures!

Thanks! I wanted something memorable and wonderful in my ticker. For some is the Castle, for others it's Mickey. For me it's corn dog nuggets!

A space pen...Joe's is silver like this one, but has a gold little shuttle icon and a clip on it:

Fancy, eh?

Great update! We really liked our day at the Kennedy Space Center and I'm glad you all did too. Those star pictures are hilarious! The next time you're there be sure to spend time at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, there are lots of fun, interactive exhibits that we actually liked the best

Looking forward to the next update, although it doesn't sound too good...

KSC was great! I look forward to going back in December! Glad you enjoyed my silliness in the hubble room...I'm just glad Joe humors me! He was groaning the whole time, yet kept taking the pictures-I think he secretly like it when I act all goofy!

I just read on my recipet (for the APs) from the Astonaut Hall of Fame about about some interactive things they offer-it sounds awesome!! December is going to be a launch day, so it will be busy, but maybe we'll do that before/after the launch instead of KSC...

Confession: hubby and I are a couple of big nerds too so I LOVED your update!! We were supposed to go together to KSC but when some of the people in our group (who we were leaving the kids with so geeky Mom and Dad could be in nerd paradise without them) got sick (yes, it happens to others too) the bigger nerd went by himself

I love your shadow pics in front of the nebula.
That is so funny about Joe and the space pen
I adore the pictures you take of yourselves in front of reflective objects, that would never occur to me.
I am insanely jealous you are going for a shuttle launch. I SO hope to make one before they retire the fleet!

Hello my fellow nerd! Did your geek hubby love it? Hopefully you can join him next time and geek it up!

The reflective object thing started in NYC, on top of the Met actually. They had an exhibit up there called "Balloon Dog" and I could see Joe, Henry, my friend and I reflected in the art-so I had to snag a shot, thinking it would be cool an artsy...which it wasn't, BUT, it started a trend!

I REALLY hope they don't change the date or cancel the shuttle launch. It's Joe's dream!! I'm excited to be able to experience with him!

Its official! You have made me a convert to this wonderful TR!!!

Hello and welcome! Glad you are enjoying the TR - I should get more up today!

Just wanted to let everyone know....I got a "warning" from Photobucket yesterday-I am approaching my monthly bandwidth for my pictures. Soooooo....if they all suddenly disappear and are replaced by those Photobucket "you have too many views-upgrade to Pro!" icons, the pics will come back on the 8th.

 

[BellaSoleil]

Great update! I've never seen KSC, so I really enjoyed this! I hope Henry and his tummy problems are okay. (We did that with Belle for a while and finally ended up having to take her to a pediatric specialist. We've still not gotten a real answer on her strange issues. )

Anywho... I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next post.

P.S. Thanks for the can-can shout out. Did Henry find babies belly button?

 

[aceys_h0ney]

Great update! KSC looks really cool. My dad would love it if I can ever drag him to FL.

The corndog nugget ticker is the funniest thing I have seen all day. Don't worry though we understand so you are safe posting your corndog ticker here. That is also something I have added to my list. Now I have another reason why TR are a good thing. I learn all sorts of new goodies to try. Hubby thinks I am nuts reading TRs at all hours.

The bird is just nuts, I would have freaked out and probably started running around like an idiot. Your reaction sounds calm given the situation.

Sorry about the multiple bathroom trips, I am starting to think your family likes bathrooms entirely too much.

The space pen looks interesting, another thing my dad would enjoy. So you guys are not going back until Dec ? That is a bummer I love reading your TRs. How many days left on this one ?

 

[BigDogHU75]

I have finally caught up with your TR. It has been great as usual. I must admit, though, for me the report and the picture of the Shamrock Shake was the best part. I got all excited about the news. I will be searching tonight for a Shamrock Shake! Can't wait for the next update.

 

[k_reile]

ok...just found your report. I am up to the end of the tea at GF. We will be going in Feb 2010 when DS is 16 mos so can't wait to read the rest of your report.

 

[Mocharilla]

So, I was stupid. I forgot to subscribe to your TR.

But, I realized it, and it's solved!!!

I loved the updates! You're making me so excited to go back, even though our little man won't be with us.

Jacques loves shamrock shakes, too, as we learned this week. But, I'm not a big fan, personally. Too strong of mint.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great update! I've never seen KSC, so I really enjoyed this! I hope Henry and his tummy problems are okay. (We did that with Belle for a while and finally ended up having to take her to a pediatric specialist. We've still not gotten a real answer on her strange issues. )

Anywho... I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next post.

P.S. Thanks for the can-can shout out. Did Henry find babies belly button?

Yep, Henry DID find baby's belly button about 39282 times! Even today, he found it again!

I'm so sorry to hear of Belle's tummy issues! I hope she is okay and they figure out how to help her. Thankfully Henry's issues were just on vacation (and they clear up very soon!)

I am hoping to get another post up today!

Great update! KSC looks really cool. My dad would love it if I can ever drag him to FL.

The corndog nugget ticker is the funniest thing I have seen all day. Don't worry though we understand so you are safe posting your corndog ticker here. That is also something I have added to my list. Now I have another reason why TR are a good thing. I learn all sorts of new goodies to try. Hubby thinks I am nuts reading TRs at all hours.

The bird is just nuts, I would have freaked out and probably started running around like an idiot. Your reaction sounds calm given the situation.

Sorry about the multiple bathroom trips, I am starting to think your family likes bathrooms entirely too much.

The space pen looks interesting, another thing my dad would enjoy. So you guys are not going back until Dec ? That is a bummer I love reading your TRs. How many days left on this one ?

I'm glad all the DISers "get it" about the obsessiveness with various WDW things, such as corn dog nuggets! Joe thinks I'm insane.

I love reading TRs too (Joe doesn't get it either), you learn SO much! Plus, it helps tide ya over till your next trip.

I am pretty surprised I didn't run all over the place...I bet if I had been standing I would have screamed, ran away and ended up shaking on the ground!

We aren't going back until December I have been trying to possibly squeeze in a long weekend solo trip, but I really don't know if it's gonna happen or not....we'll see! But, December WILL BE ILLNESS FREE (and therefore, much, much fewer restroom stops!) Either that, or I'm gonna start taking pictures INSIDE the bathrooms and it's gonna be my "thing"!

Without looking at my PassPorter, I think there are 3 full days left in this trip. I'll be doing a PTR after this TR is complete though! I am resisting planning until this is done, but am bursting at the seams to start!

I have finally caught up with your TR. It has been great as usual. I must admit, though, for me the report and the picture of the Shamrock Shake was the best part. I got all excited about the news. I will be searching tonight for a Shamrock Shake! Can't wait for the next update.

another Shamrock Shake lova! I so understand. They are just heaven in a cup, aren't they?!

ok...just found your report. I am up to the end of the tea at GF. We will be going in Feb 2010 when DS is 16 mos so can't wait to read the rest of your report.

Hello there! Welcome! You are on MeMom's TR, right? I recognize your cute little doggy from there! Your little guy will have a ball at WDW! It's the best to see them react and "live" through them.

So, I was stupid. I forgot to subscribe to your TR.

But, I realized it, and it's solved!!!

I loved the updates! You're making me so excited to go back, even though our little man won't be with us.

Jacques loves shamrock shakes, too, as we learned this week. But, I'm not a big fan, personally. Too strong of mint.

I do that all the time. I open a TR and start to read, then end up closing the window before I either post or subscribe.

But, you are here! So welcome! Good to see you again!

Your trip is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read all about it!

Too bad about Shamrock Shakes-but I do know a lot of people that aren't big fans. I love, love, love mint, so they are wonderful to me! I was surprised Henry liked them-maybe it's just the fact that they are ice cream that our little guys like 'em?

How is Jacques doing? Is he talking up a storm? Henry has quite a few words, only one is completely accurate and completely clear and that is MOMMY! He knows sounds for things too, like car sounds, dog sounds, and monkey sounds! It's adorable!

 

[Mocharilla]

I do that all the time. I open a TR and start to read, then end up closing the window before I either post or subscribe.

But, you are here! So welcome! Good to see you again!

Your trip is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read all about it!

Too bad about Shamrock Shakes-but I do know a lot of people that aren't big fans. I love, love, love mint, so they are wonderful to me! I was surprised Henry liked them-maybe it's just the fact that they are ice cream that our little guys like 'em?

How is Jacques doing? Is he talking up a storm? Henry has quite a few words, only one is completely accurate and completely clear and that is MOMMY! He knows sounds for things too, like car sounds, dog sounds, and monkey sounds! It's adorable!

Glad to see I'm not the only one!!

I've missed you guys and your wonderful and adorable little boy!

I can't wait either!! You guys should plan an August trip, too! Although, I'd take December over August, myself...

I used to like them, but lately, they've gotten stronger and it's just too strong for me. Jacques ended up pooping green because the ILs gave him too much when they got McD's while I was at work. Yeah, I think it's the ice cream. He LOVES his ice cream!

He's doing good. He's mostly just babbling, but has a few words. "Anke" is blanket, "Num" is hungry/food, and "Ogay" is Okay. Beyond that, he's starting to get things, but not too much yet. He knows "No" but doesn't say it. And I think he's getting mom and dad, but it's mostly mamamamama at me, and dadadadada at Nic. He's starting to talk more and more these past few weeks, though.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

First off thanks for the Shamrock shake reminder. WE had one today. OMG still as wonderful as ever!!!!

The whole bird incident would have totally freaked me out. I would have been yelling and running in circles. Eeewwwww

My geek husband would love that space pen and a trip over there. We have yet to make it. We did however eat at a great restaurant over that way called Dixie Crossroads that Podcast Bawb recommended back in the day. You will have to check it out. It is a cool old school southern seafood joint. We have nothing like it here in the North East so it is fun to us.

I can not wait to hear what is up next.......


Love the siggy I crackedup when I saw it.

 

[jenseib]

Hello everyone!

When Maelstrom first came out, was it really popular? Is that why they have a FastPass? I'm so curious as to why...!

I am surprised you walked right on. In years past the lines were super long. Over an hour at times, and I've waited in them. I think it was redone in just the past few years, but I don't know whats different. I do remember really liking it about 10 years ago. In 2007 we went by and the line was over 45 minutes and I think the fastpasses were gone for the day or really latte, so we skipped it. Last year we went on with a very small wait. But I would still say at least 20 minutes I wasn't so impressed with it and DH thought it was dumb, so not sure if we'll go on it this year or not.

DD loved the ride in Mexico last year, but I thought it was just OK, a ride to relax, but the Mexican pavillion is gorgeous!

 

[k_reile]

yep I am on memoms report and I have seen you on Soleil's too. I have been meaning to check it out but hadn't gotten that far yet. After this one will have to check out your nov trippie. I can't wait to take Caleb in Feb. We are going with my parents and my brother/SIL and newphew who will be 3.5. we will have a blast!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Glad to see I'm not the only one!!

I've missed you guys and your wonderful and adorable little boy!

I can't wait either!! You guys should plan an August trip, too! Although, I'd take December over August, myself...

I used to like them, but lately, they've gotten stronger and it's just too strong for me. Jacques ended up pooping green because the ILs gave him too much when they got McD's while I was at work. Yeah, I think it's the ice cream. He LOVES his ice cream!

He's doing good. He's mostly just babbling, but has a few words. "Anke" is blanket, "Num" is hungry/food, and "Ogay" is Okay. Beyond that, he's starting to get things, but not too much yet. He knows "No" but doesn't say it. And I think he's getting mom and dad, but it's mostly mamamamama at me, and dadadadada at Nic. He's starting to talk more and more these past few weeks, though.

That is so funny about the green poop! But, kinda scary at the same time... I bet Henry would finish an entire shake if I let him!

"Ogay" that's soooooo cute! Henry does "Num" too, I love that. He'll even see pictures of food and say "Num, num, num" and do the sign for "eat". It's amazing to watch him learn! Henry calls JOE Mommy and I'm not sure he's figured out who I am yet!

First off thanks for the Shamrock shake reminder. WE had one today. OMG still as wonderful as ever!!!!

The whole bird incident would have totally freaked me out. I would have been yelling and running in circles. Eeewwwww

My geek husband would love that space pen and a trip over there. We have yet to make it. We did however eat at a great restaurant over that way called Dixie Crossroads that Podcast Bawb recommended back in the day. You will have to check it out. It is a cool old school southern seafood joint. We have nothing like it here in the North East so it is fun to us.

I can not wait to hear what is up next.......


Love the siggy I crackedup when I saw it.

I wish they had Shamrock Shakes all year long, but, I guess they wouldn't stay to be such a great treat then...

The bird ordeal was NASTY! It's just distrubing how I can still feel the "phantom claws" every time I think about it...ick!

KSC was really great - I'm making a note of Dixie Crossroads since we'll be back to KSC in December. We aren't big on seafood, but I'm sure we could find something anyway....and I don't know the difference of a southern seafood joint versus a normal one, might be a fun new experience!

I am surprised you walked right on. In years past the lines were super long. Over an hour at times, and I've waited in them. I think it was redone in just the past few years, but I don't know whats different. I do remember really liking it about 10 years ago. In 2007 we went by and the line was over 45 minutes and I think the fastpasses were gone for the day or really latte, so we skipped it. Last year we went on with a very small wait. But I would still say at least 20 minutes I wasn't so impressed with it and DH thought it was dumb, so not sure if we'll go on it this year or not.

DD loved the ride in Mexico last year, but I thought it was just OK, a ride to relax, but the Mexican pavillion is gorgeous!

Ah ha! So it did/or sometimes does have long lines! THANK YOU for letting me know that! I've never ever seen a line over 5 minutes, but we go in off seasons, so maybe that is why.

What are the changes they did to it?

Mexico IS beautiful! I hope to get on the ride in December.

yep I am on memoms report and I have seen you on Soleil's too. I have been meaning to check it out but hadn't gotten that far yet. After this one will have to check out your nov trippie. I can't wait to take Caleb in Feb. We are going with my parents and my brother/SIL and newphew who will be 3.5. we will have a blast!!

It will be GREAT to travel with family and a little one. Then you and your DH can still go on rides more easily and take a date night, or two! Plus, seeing your Caleb and the nephew run around and soak in Disney...that will be so memorable and wonderful!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I last left you with Joe suggesting we drive to a Sonic located just 10 miles away to pick up some dinner. I whole heartedly agreed to this, I was very excited about my first trip to Sonic!

A note to my readers: there are very few pictures in this update...sorry! You'll soon see why...


So, we did five diaper changes while at KSC (the first one being unecessary, the other four being very necessary). We were there about 6 hours total. This is more than average...usually we do five in a full day. And these were not pleasant diapers. BUT, Henry was still acting totally fine. We figured whatever bug he had caught was on its way out (literally ) - and Henry hadn't had milk or milk products all day and had very, very few previous days (since we linked the throwing up and dairy).


We are in the car, headed to Sonic. Or at least trying to get to Sonic. I take a wrong turn out of the Astronaut Hall of Fame...which prompted the GPS to say "recalculating" 836 times.


Remember when I spoke about the road that is about 3 miles long with water on both sides?

This road:

Well, the wrong turn I took sent me down that road. And since you cannot turn around on it, I ended up driving across it twice more!


Our "quick trip" to Sonic just doubled in time.

I HATE being turned around and lost. The only reason I agreed to the trip outside of WDW was because we owned a GPS that always kept me right on track. (and of course my dear husbands strong desire and excitement over KSC!)

I took a deep breath while driving the extra miles. We weren't lost. We just had to drive a bit longer, the GPS would guide us as it always had. We were hungry, but it would be fine, we'd get there!


After coming back toward the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Joe and I fully expected the GPS to have us turn at a stop light, but it said to keep going straight-right on past KSC...ooookay....who are we to guess, we've never been here before!

So onward we went and suddenly we found ourselves at a big 'ol government gate complete with barbed wire and an armed guard!



No joke!

I started laughing, could this trip get any more crazy?!

I rolled down my window, and the guard asked where I was going.

I let out a slightly nervous/slighty crazed laugh, eyed the gun, and said "Sonic!" half throwing up my hands.

He laughed along with (or maybe at?) me!

Apparently, the road used to go this way, but it's now a high security restricted area for NASA (hence the large gun and fence!) In a kind, but firm voice he told me to turn around and make the turn at the stop light near the Astronaut Hall of Fame!! We knew it!!

So, turning around again...we followed the gun man's directions to the new road in hope our GPS would recognize it.

I have a feeling we aren't the only ones to end up there...

I was a tad annoyed at this point. Our 10 mile drive was creeping on about 30 minutes between the turn arounds. But thankfully our GPS picked up on where we were headed.

We drove, and drove, and drove. The road we took was parallel to the 3 mile water on both sides road, Joe and I both wondered out loud if we could have just taken that and the GPS would have picked up on a new path...but all well...we would make it, right?!

This was, hands down, the longest 10 mile drive I've ever been on in my life. After the long road we were taken down all these crazy back and side streets. I seriously thought the GPS was playing a trick on us!


But, low and behold, there I saw the sign glowing in the night sky!

WE MADE IT!

It was now past 7:30 pm. I think our drive to Sonic took over an hour with the wrong turn and government gate ordeal.


We pulled into Sonic and Henry realized we weren't just driving in circles all over Florida. We were getting FOOD.

And he was HUNGRY.

He started to cry. No, scratch that, he started to scream.

SCREAAAAAAAAAAAM.

And a reminder - Joe can't read the menu on his own due to his low vision.

And he's a tad indecisive sometimes.
Henry is screaming in the back seat.
I don't know the menu.


GAH! I was frantically trying to console Henry, turning around in our roller skate of a car, read the menu, and figure out what I want. It all completely stressed me out.


Eventually we figure out all of what we want and place the order. Thankfully at Sonic someone doesn't come to your car until you push a button and tell them to, so we took all the time we needed.

Henry is still screaming and crying as we order the food.


The food comes out fairly quickly and we pay, we ended up with like 4 beverages for some reason (I think we ordered waters and soda?) and there was ONE cup holder in the car. Doh!

The server offers to go find a box, but Henry is still crying, so I told him not to worry about it.


Joe attempts to start feeding Henry and he refuses the food!


Seriously!?!?!?

AHHHHHHHHHH!


Then we heard it.


A VERY loud toot.







And he's quiet.


Uh-oh.


He was not hungry at all.

Matter of a fact, I think food at that moment was the last thing he wanted. His stomach was cramping and giving him some serious issues.


I asked about a bathroom at Sonic and there wasn't one - so I grabbed the GPS and saw a Winn Dixie just a block away - perfect!

Oh, I believe I failed to mention we had run out of wipes on our last change at KSC! A Winn Dixie would have wipes, and we wanted to get him some Pedialyte along with a couple other items as well....


I throw the car into gear, Henry is crying and screaming again, Joe comments about how his stomach feels hard. I'm a total wreck about it...

and I make ANOTHER WRONG TURN!


I shut off the annoying GPS that kept telling me "recalculating" and "when possible, make a U-Turn". I opted to keep going and figure I'll find a gas station or something close by.


In what seemed like 20 minutes (but was more like 5) we ran across a ghetto gas station. And when I say ghetto, I mean g-h-etto. With a capital G ghetto.


Whatever, I don't care!

My child is in pain, and he NEEDS a diaper change STAT and we need wipes!


I fly inside and find wipes in seconds flat (it was amazing how sharp my Mommy-Radar was at that moment, I remember walking up to the gas station and spotting the wipes through the glass door!). I pay about $89.00 for 6 wipes (okay, slight exaggeration) and go back out to the car and grab Henry - who, thankfully was not crying anymore. (Must have tooted again! )


I go inside and head straight to the bathroom. Which was no less ghetto than the rest of the station.

Matter of a fact, I think it was even more ghetto if humanly possible.

Nasty, nasty.


and...



THERE IS NO CHANGING TABLE!




I come out of the bathroom and Joe is standing there, I grab the diaper bag and whip out our portable changing mat right there in the cooler aisle, in front of the Diet Pepsi and energy drinks, and got Henry's shorts off him.


Joe gets the picture and opens the wipes and starts helping me out.


Imagine this. Crazy Mom in cooler aisle. Poopy, slightly crying baby standing pantless on changing mat.

Nice, huh?




I rip off his diaper and start cleaning him up.

Now Crazy Mom has a half naked poopy baby in the cooler aisle.


I soooooo did not care at the moment. All I cared about was my poor little guy being in pain and his heiny needing to be cleaned off. I felt HORRIBLE. We were in the middle of nowhere. It was an hour back to the resort and Henry was not feeling well.

Eventually, Henry is clean and changed (thankfully we had extra clothes with, I learned my lesson at MK!). I do a side-glance smile at the clerk as we exit Ghetto Gas. I am sure that clerk had a fun story to tell his family that night!

We make it back to the car where Henry is still not interested in food at all. But he's fairly content and quiet. Whew.


I take a breather (or two!), dig into my meal, and figure out where we are and have the GPS navigate us out. (and a side note: I'm a total germ freak. I HATE eating without washing my hands, so I washed them at Ghetto Gas, but still felt dirty so I bathed in hand sanitizer again! )


We make it back onto the road and Henry fusses some, but we can tell he isn't having gas pains anymore. He is just overtired (oh, aren't we all?).

I scarf down my cold Sonic dinner. It was "eh", but I imagine that is only because I 1) ate it so fast I barely tasted it and 2) it was cold. I don't have the receipt from the meal, and while I thought "We gotta take pics!" it was just NOT happening at that moment, but I know I did have some sort of chicken sandwich on sourdough bread. I'm sure it was great hot! And, I'm sad to say, out of our four beverages not a one was a limeaid. I don't know why we didn't get a limeaid, I think through the stress of it all I might have just missed it and wasn't thinking clearly! (good reason to go back, right?! )

Henry eventually fell asleep and slept SOUNDLY all the way back to Orlando. We found a Winn Dixie and Joe ran in to grab some things (wipes! Pedialyte, some bottled water, etc.) while I drove around the parking lot with a sleeping Henry.


Back in the car we decide that as long as Henry is sleeping, we would drive through Celebration.

Joe had suggested this earlier in the evening, but I shot it down because Henry was not feeling well, I was exhausted, worried and stressed. But, during the smooth ride home, things relaxed, Henry was sleeping-I was more calm, so we took advantage of the rental car.


In college I studied to be a City Planner and one of the neighborhoods we studied was Celebration. I had always wanted to see it! We pulled into the area and drove around for quite sometime just admiring the architecture and wishing it were daytime so we could better enjoy it fully. It really is a beautiful area! The homes are breathtaking...and our pictures are not!

I wonder how many people drive slowly past these houses snapping pictures?


After Celebration we drove back to SSR, Joe took our sleeping little guy into the resort while I returned the rental car. I took the longest possible route to the Dolphin (more wrong turns, I didn't think I needed the GPS at this point, duh!) but, saw several "backstage" areas on my journey. That was kinda cool!


The same valet WAS working and took the car and I left him with a hefty tip, as I promised myself earlier in the day. I am pretty certain he remembered me, so he was very thankful.


The bus at the Dolphin came very quickly and I was back at SSR soon. Henry was changed into his jammies and sleeping peacefully in the Pack & Play. Joe said he went right down without any problems at all.


I know that night we discussed, once again, on taking him into the doctor. I was fearful of him being dehydrated with all the throwing up earlier in the week and the "Montezuma's Revenge" for the past couple days-and today was really bad - it was the first time Henry actually showed that he didn't feel good.


Joe calmed my fears and reminded me of how much water he had been drinking, and reminded me he picked up Pedialyte. If things got worse, then we would take him in. Besides, it was very late and there wasn't a whole lot we could do at the moment. I just felt like a horrible, horrible mother. My poor child was sick and I was "dragging" him around Disney World. Joe reminded me too, that was not the case. Henry was acting just fine, except that evening, and was always ready and raring to go, very happy and excited and loving every moment.


So, with my emotions calmed, we were off to bed.

Despite the crazy evening, it was a really fun day, with a few stressful moments mixed in. That's what makes it memorable, right? We truly enjoyed KSC and look forward to going back in December (and hopefully it will have fewer diaper changes and wrong turns involved! )


Reflections on day six: The water was PERFECT! In the 70s. The best thing about today was seeing my husband in his element. The worst thing about today was Henry crying and screaming because his little tummy hurt. The funniest thing about today (looking back, it IS funny) was changing Henry in the gas station! The most magical moment about today was Henry finally falling asleep soundly, Joe getting to experience KSC and get his long-sought after Space Pen. Nerd.


Up next: An intercontinental DIS meet!