We've Bounced Back like Tigger SB09 TR NEW 9/11 CLOSING TIME....

[hhockman]

I can't believe I missed your posts Julie! I thought I was caught up with everyone. I need to start looking for carefully.

I'm so glad you changed your mind and ended up with that wonderful last day. I have already planned that our very last park will be MK (though we'll run over to morning EMH at DHS if we feel like it). Just gotta end the trip at MK.

The well....You're right about the path from the castle. It's not the one with the Tomorrowland sign, but the next one. On the right, just before the castle. If you follow it you'll see Cosmic Rays on your right. On your left is the garden where Belle does story time (or at least she used to, does she still?) Take a left just before the little garden (if you get to that place that sells ice cream you've gone too far) and there is a path that leads behind the castle to Fantasyland (you can continue past the castle and take a similar path over to Adventureland, but you can also go right into Fantasyland. The wishing well is BEFORE you get to the castle, on the left. If you take this path you won't miss it!

Julie did a good job, but I just wanted to add a couple of details in case.

I'm so sad your TR is almost over Julie. Can't wait to start reading your new PTR though!

 

[KathyRN137]

Lucky, lucky Aldine! Another magical moment as the JC skipper!

I'm glad you went with your heart and switched to the MK... the last day should be special!

Sigh... it's so hard to leave!


Kathy

 

[hhockman]

One more thing...that lady at the end of the Haunted Mansion (the one up on that ledge) CREEPS me out too! She always has. I don't blame you for not wanting to look!

 

[Stasieki]

WOW - you got a lot done in that 1/2 day. That was a great decision to go to MK. Hope the first day of school went well!

 

[nu2wdisneyw]

Hey Scrappie!
I know tat I have been MIA...I was so far behind on your TR. However CONGRATS on becoming a DVC owner!!! That it TOOOO exciting. I am sure I already congratulated you, but I wanted to do it again.
What an awesome last day in MK!!

 

[mousescrapper]

I can't believe I missed your posts Julie! I thought I was caught up with everyone. I need to start looking for carefully.

hate when that happens too...

I'm so glad you changed your mind and ended up with that wonderful last day. I have already planned that our very last park will be MK (though we'll run over to morning EMH at DHS if we feel like it). Just gotta end the trip at MK.

it was a great day...it really worked out for the best!

The well....You're right about the path from the castle. It's not the one with the Tomorrowland sign, but the next one. On the right, just before the castle. If you follow it you'll see Cosmic Rays on your right. On your left is the garden where Belle does story time (or at least she used to, does she still?) Take a left just before the little garden (if you get to that place that sells ice cream you've gone too far) and there is a path that leads behind the castle to Fantasyland (you can continue past the castle and take a similar path over to Adventureland, but you can also go right into Fantasyland. The wishing well is BEFORE you get to the castle, on the left. If you take this path you won't miss it!

Julie did a good job, but I just wanted to add a couple of details in case.

thanks...thougt I was on the right direction... we enjoy taking those little paths...kind of like the other secret paths in MK...that not everyone takes advantage of

I'm so sad your TR is almost over Julie. Can't wait to start reading your new PTR though!

me too....I won't be starting the new PTR immediately...but probably sometime in December or early next yr. Hope you visit me on my BLOG...when I post the link in just a few posts.

I also notice you have a new countdown ticker....more FUN on the way

Lucky, lucky Aldine! Another magical moment as the JC skipper!

she certiantly was this trip...how special too to have all that magic while she still is so wide-eyed in all the magic that Disney can bring. I hope as the kids get older they will still love Disney as much as they do now...but it will change too...kwim

I'm glad you went with your heart and switched to the MK... the last day should be special!

me too...it was the best

Sigh... it's so hard to leave!

Yes just glad we are coming back soon


Kathy

One more thing...that lady at the end of the Haunted Mansion (the one up on that ledge) CREEPS me out too! She always has. I don't blame you for not wanting to look!

Ok good (not in a good way) but glad I'm not the only silly goose who get's freaked by her....


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Well today was the first day of school, and I got my 3 older ones off w/ only a few minor hitches....that morning dose of Dis (for Mom) is going to require some tweaking...

But Michael and Aldine started 5th grade today, their last yr in Elmentary school...I'm sure it will hit me later in the year...but not too sad, w/ Mae still there for 5 more years and Margaret will be heading there in 3, I have many more years at that school.

They looked so grown up though standing at the 5th grade doors in comparison to Mae stating her 1st day of 1st grade...she lined up at Door 1 today a bit nervous and a little shy, but I just know she'll have a wonderful year.

After hangin out at the school for the PTA activity fair and catching up w/ several other Mom's, Margaret and I walked back out to the car and before I even started the car she asked "Pick up Aldine?"

awww, I think Margaret is going to miss those kids more than me...I then answered each next question of where Mae and Michael were and then sadly had to tell her "no sweetie you don't get to go to school yet..."

Hope everyone's kids who are back to school or are starting soon have great first days and so do you Moms and Dads

J-

 

[mousescrapper]

WOW - you got a lot done in that 1/2 day. That was a great decision to go to MK. Hope the first day of school went well!

Yes I was quite impressed....as MK was listed not a best park choice for that day on the UG's touring plans....but I think we knew which rides to hit and didn't do any major big one's.

and thanks, the first day of school, as far as drop off it went well...(read above) I'll get the full report in about an hour or so when they get home. Letting them walk home today, since rain is in the forcast for the next 3 days....

Hey Scrappie!
I know tat I have been MIA...I was so far behind on your TR. However CONGRATS on becoming a DVC owner!!! That it TOOOO exciting. I am sure I already congratulated you, but I wanted to do it again.
What an awesome last day in MK!!

No worries...you leave for WDW in 4 DAYS!!!!!!

thanks for the congrats on our DVC purchase or splurge as I like to call it right now...but after we take that first trip, I just know how much we'll love it...and besides I have already ran prelimnary #'s on the budget for the '10 trip and it is but just thinking of adding in the resort cost too...YIKES

J-

 

[jmamom]

Happy first day of school!!! So cute about Margaret missing the others. My littlest was always so sad when her brother and sister went off to school - and that lasted about a week. Then she would start to enjoy having me and the house all to herself, and by vacation she would be mad that they were home!! This year she's off to kindergarten and I get to enjoy the house to myself!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

So today
Aldine and I finished her little American Girl Tours WDW Scrap Album

I love how this little album turned out! What a cool project and so fun that she can add to it on future trips! Nice job, Mama Scrappie!

We wanted to take our time walking up and then back down, but this couple behind us, was a bit grumpy and not into the magic of this classic exhibit...so that kinda spoiled it for us...if memory serves me correct Missy had the same issue too.

We did, but we just tried to stand off to the side and let people pass. Side note...the boys had not seen the Swiss Family Robinson movie before our trip, so I'm not sure they fully appreciated the attraction. We found it on a pay-per-view channel last week and watched it together!! YAY!!

Plus got to see PUSH for just a minute:

We've never managed to find PUSH..it's a goal for next trip!



and sometime along the way Aldine stopped to make a wish in Cinderella's fountain:

Aww...I want to make a wish in Cinderella's fountain!

Love this! My kids go back on September 8 so we have a couple more weeks of summer to enjoy.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Aww-that photo of the kids going back to school is both lovely but makes me want to cry...they grow up so quickly don't they?

I'm glad you went with your gut and did the MK the last day-and a very successful day it seemed to be too... (I love a last day at MK...)

Aldine has the luck this time around-doesn't she?

 

[hhockman]

That's a great back to school picture of the kids. I didn't realize Aldine was so much taller than Michael. I'm sure he'll eventually have a growth spurt and catch up. So cut that Margaret joined in the fun. Sad that she missed the kids, but jmamom is right-she'll be glad to have you to herself soon.

I will TOTALLY join you on your blog as soon as you post the link. Sadly, I haven't updated my blog in about two months. At least not my personal one. Too much time on the DIS.

 

[mousescrapper]

Happy first day of school!!! So cute about Margaret missing the others. My littlest was always so sad when her brother and sister went off to school - and that lasted about a week. Then she would start to enjoy having me and the house all to herself, and by vacation she would be mad that they were home!! This year she's off to kindergarten and I get to enjoy the house to myself!

Yes today when I dropped the kids off, she was disappointed she couldn't get out of the van w/ Aldine... she didn't want to go home, but now it's just a quiet peacful rainy day here...what will we do?

I love how this little album turned out! What a cool project and so fun that she can add to it on future trips! Nice job, Mama Scrappie!

Oh thank you....I've got several little fun Disney scrapping projects I hope to get started on soon....help pass the time in my quiet house

Aww...I want to make a wish in Cinderella's fountain!

You do that on the next trip!



My kids go back on September 8 so we have a couple more weeks of summer to enjoy.

enjoy the last couple weeks w/ the boys!

Aww-that photo of the kids going back to school is both lovely but makes me want to cry...they grow up so quickly don't they?

thanks...yes they do grow fast, the 3 yrs till Margaret is in K, will probably blow right by...and that will mean the twins will be in their last yr of middle school....ahhhhh

I'm glad you went with your gut and did the MK the last day-and a very successful day it seemed to be too... (I love a last day at MK...)

thanks I couldn't have asked for more....

Aldine has the luck this time around-doesn't she?

she certiantly did! and hey welcome BACK!

That's a great back to school picture of the kids. I didn't realize Aldine was so much taller than Michael. I'm sure he'll eventually have a growth spurt and catch up. So cut that Margaret joined in the fun. Sad that she missed the kids, but jmamom is right-she'll be glad to have you to herself soon.

yes as you can imagine it irks him a bit....but yes I imagine he'll catch up one day if not be slightly taller too...most pople when they see the kids automatically assume she is the oldest....well only by 9 minutes

I will TOTALLY join you on your blog as soon as you post the link. Sadly, I haven't updated my blog in about two months. At least not my personal one. Too much time on the DIS.

thanks....hence why I have yet to post the link, cuase I need to get this TR done to actually devote some time to it....

thanks for reading y'all (no I'm not from the South, just find that "word" cute)

J-


get another post up real soon....

 

[ljcrochet]

That was a great shot of them on the first day of school.

 

[Stasieki]

I'm from the south so "ya'll" is all I know. It is funny, though. Now, that I have a DD, I try to catch myself. My 3.5 year old already speaks with a southern slang. My mother-in-law watched her for us this last year when we first moved to TN and she speaks very southern so Abby has picked up a lot of it. I love different accents. Looking forward the the rest of the report.

 

[mousescrapper]

That was a great shot of them on the first day of school.

we were in a rush and it was a quick pose and get in the van...I'm so glad it did turn out cute!

I'm from the south so "ya'll" is all I know. It is funny, though. Now, that I have a DD, I try to catch myself. My 3.5 year old already speaks with a southern slang. My mother-in-law watched her for us this last year when we first moved to TN and she speaks very southern so Abby has picked up a lot of it. I love different accents. Looking forward the the rest of the report.

I have a few friends orginally from the South...and I love how they still have some of that good twang...

J-

 

[DisMomAmy]

First I want to say Happy Belated 15 months!! It'll be here before you know it!

Second - Great last day at the MK! I love all those little bits of trivia about previous rides and the little secrets left behind. I'll be on the lookout next time.

This is a great picture!! But why does Margaret look the happiest?

I'm glad the first day was a success - I'm counting the minutes until Monday morning.

 

[shebaxric]

Very nice first day of school picture! Poor Margaret, she has to get back into the routine just like the other three.

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

What a great picture!!! Happy belated start of school and 15 months until Disney!!

My DS starts preschool in September. This will be his first "school" experience outside of 2 weeks at day summer camp this July (prep for preschool as it was at the same school). Previous to this he's been with my grandparents during the day. Oh boy...they grow up so fast

Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the next update and to your blog

 

[mousescrapper]

First I want to say Happy Belated 15 months!! It'll be here before you know it!

thanks...I sure hope so...

Second - Great last day at the MK! I love all those little bits of trivia about previous rides and the little secrets left behind. I'll be on the lookout next time.

I'll have more fun tid-bits to share, now that I'm reading my Hidden Secrets book...really makes you appreciate those Disney Imagineers more!

This is a great picture!! But why does Margaret look the happiest?

thanks! cute huh? she likes being part of the group...if you couldn't tell already.

I'm glad the first day was a success - I'm counting the minutes until Monday morning.

I know that feeling...

Very nice first day of school picture! Poor Margaret, she has to get back into the routine just like the other three.

thanks....she and I are getting there...today we ran two quick errands and of course a little Disney was invloved. We went to Sears to return a pair of shoes I had ordered Mae from Lands End (too big) and then a gift she recieved from my husbnads Aunt, it was the cutest outfit and such but too small, so she picked out a cute dress, shirt and then Minnie socks.

Then to one of my favorite stores Archivers (scrapbook store) to stock up on some Disney papers, etc and use up a g/c I had and Margaret picked out a sheet of Mickey stickers.

What a great picture!!! Happy belated start of school and 15 months until Disney!!

thank you too. Yes I love seeing that ticker keep going down...it will be wonderful when it says 12 months!!!!

My DS starts preschool in September. This will be his first "school" experience outside of 2 weeks at day summer camp this July (prep for preschool as it was at the same school). Previous to this he's been with my grandparents during the day. Oh boy...they grow up so fast

they sure do...hope preschool will be wonderful for him!

Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the next update and to your blog

your welcome, last trip-telling post coming up next:

Scrappie

 

[mousescrapper]

The end of Day 8) Saying Good-bye for now….


So we just parted ways w/ the most magical place on Earth and headed back to CSR for one last time before heading back to MCO….

Why is this always the hardest and worst part of the trip…we should be happy and full of joy over the wonderful days we just had and all the money we just spent on souvenirs

It was probably around 3:00 ish when we got back to CSR and made our way over to the DME pick-up area and saw my parents waiting there. DH & I gathered all our bags from luggage hold and I had some final re-organizing of stuff from the park bags to checked luggage, etc. I think I was a bit frazzled and then at one point I thought we were missing Margaret’s CARES seatbelt for the plane, but DH reassured me it was in his lap-top bag…whew…Michael was extremely antsy at this point, he had had a great day up to this point, but the end of the trip melt-down was upon us. DH went to take him off to walk around and expend some energy and “chill”, as well he went to obtain just a few last minute pictures of some CSR signs.

I was a bit distracted and was also worried having DH go off so far, close to our DME pick up time (which I think was around 4:30 ish), when some lady comes up to me and says:

“Excuse me, I know this will sound strange, but are you MouseScrapper?”​

Now that is not something I hear everyday and I think for a split second I wondered what she was talking about….but it came to me and I answered:

“Yes, I am!”​

It was IndianaJ (Jennifer), we had found each other though a March 2009 trip thread on the Dis and realized we were both staying at CSR during the same dates…unfortunately though it never worked out to have that Dis-meet…or I thought.

She and her family were waiting for their DME bus and we were able to chat real quickly about our trips and I was quite amazed w/ her will power not to buy any souvenirs but just do pin-trading . It was a much unexpected surprise and a nice way to end our trip.


If you at all remember she posted back before the TR began that we met ( a hint to this Dis-meet):

"I met the famous mousescrapper while waiting for the ME. What a lovely family!"​

It was while I was talking to Jennifer that I realized like a big dope I packed the DME return info in a checked bag….ugh! Luckily I knew which bag, but of course it was on the very bottom and I got it out, but then I couldn’t quite get that bag re-packed the same way…why does that always happen?

I was very anxious at this point (not to go home) but to get on the bus and not have a repeat of the last two returns to MCO…being dropped off late at the wrong terminal (05) and almost missing the bus (08).

Matt and Michael did return and the bus did come and we all got on w/ no major issues and sadly we were on our way home….

The drop off at MCO went smooth, though we had some trouble w/ not getting all our boarding passes printed at the terminal and then we were charged for an overweight bag….too many Mickey ears I guess. We couldn’t get our Debit card to go thru and so I had to use the only cash left ($25.00) to pay for it…there went “dinner”. Luckily I had our Chip n Dale snacks….


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DEPARTING>>>>

Airport blues and Brrr it’s cold:



We made our way over to the gate and did the waiting game till our plane arrived…which I was worried it was going to be late because it didn’t show up till the very minute we were suppose to be leaving…we didn’t leave too far off schedule. We ate our snacks, Matt, I and the kids got changed into our jeans and put on our sweatshirts and Margaret entertained some other lady waiting to leave in a chair behind me. She didn’t really do anything, but the lady sure liked smiling at her and trying to get her to play peek a boo….

I had Matt get Margaret a cup filled w/ soy milk from the Starbucks shortly before we needed to line up. I was really hoping for a smooth ride home. Matt would be sitting w/ the little girls and I was going to sit w/ the twins. We opted to utilize SouthWest’s early boarding assistance for Michael and I wish that would have been enough….

The end of a long day, long week, and now waiting in a boring airport, just took its toll on him. The plane we were told was arriving and that as soon as the people were off we could board and we could now line up. There were 3 other people who required pre-boarding assistance in front of, 2 in wheelchairs and one elderly gentleman w/ a walker. So we were 4th…

There we were the 6 of us standing near this railing in between that and a row of seats of other people waiting to board, we had a tired 2 yr old (no longer in her stroller) and poor Michael.

He was stimming w/ noises, flapping his arms, tapping the rails, hanging on me, annoying his sisters and gaining looks….

I tired to do everything I could for him, he had his hood up over his face and head, w/ the sound canceling headphones on, plus chewing on the chewy, I was trying to wrap his arms across his body w/ my own to apply relaxing pressure or rub his back…

It was rough…and scary.

The plane arrived and after another agonizing 10 minutes for Michael we were able to board, we didn’t have as much luck w/ row placement this time, due to people already on the plane (this was a layover stop, but they didn’t have to get off) so we ended up closer to the wing and engine….

I got Michael situated in his sit near the window and then Aldine on the aisle and me in the middle….

I was hoping the worst was behind us, but it was not….


We hit turbulence…it wasn’t horrible (at least I think, I haven’t experienced much) and therefore you could not be advised to get up and use the lavatory and the drink service was delayed…and what 2 things did Michael need and require more than anything over the next 2 hours…but that.

What could we do?

I was nervous to allow him to go in case we hit a bad patch and he panicked or worse got hurt, and UGH! I had nothing to drink w/ us…(new note to self …always have some water for plane!!!!)

Michael was trying his best to be calm and I kept sending backward glances over to Matt with help in my eyes….

We had a small moment of reprieve and a very nice lady let Michael go ahead of her to use the lavatory and as the drinks were tying to get passed out, it looked like they were going to have to stop again…I was like “Matt get him something, tell them he is Autistic!!!!”


These 2 stewardesses actually served almost the whole plane against Captain orders and Michael eventually got his drink…

The row my parents were sitting in plus 2 others were the only ones not served, btw

He was able to settle down at this point w/ probably about 45 minutes left in the flight, I was actually able to relax for a few minutes myself too.

But then unfortunately he feel asleep, which you’d think is a good thing, but no…bad….

I tired to keep him from falling to far into a deep sleep, but it didn’t work…I think his system was so worn out after the Autistic part of his brain took over system control. And then the cabin lights were returned to normal and I had my back turned for one second to then hear him screaming and violently kicking the seat in front him where an older man was still sitting.

I freaked! I grabbed him and got him to clam down, he had completely forgotten where he was and didn’t remember we were on the plane…I was able to get him off the plane and sighed.

I so felt like crying….

Matt was able to find the man sitting in front of Michael and explain and apologize…TTL that he was not mad at all and said no apology was needed.

We now were “home” in Chicago at Midway airport and needed to retrieve our luggage, go to the right pick up area and call for our shuttle back to the car lot. We managed all of that w/ a few minor glitches.

We definitely knew we were back in Chicago quite quickly when we stepped outside into the very brisk cold 40 degree night air and a slight rain as well…oh Chicago. I was freezing and the car fume smells didn’t help either I was doing my best to shield my face and keep Margaret wrapped up and covered in her stroller plus standing in front of it to block the wind.

We got packed (most illegally) into the shuttle w/ several other families and people, back to the car lot and there was our van waiting to take us home….

Matt later pointed out to me he saw in a window of the building in the car lot a man smoking a hookah ….oh brother


We hugged and said goodbye to my parents and then arrived home a short time later. We unloaded the van full of bags and 4 sleeping children, before hitting the sack ourselves.

The trip was now over.​

****Please note****

What I’m about to say is true and honest (not that anything else I have written has not been). I know many of my readers have children on the spectrum or have worked w/ children on the spectrum. I also know some of you have children that are not or do not have kids or are just newly pregnant.

I didn’t retell the struggles of Michael’s experiences waiting for the plane or on the flight home to gain sympathy or for anyone to think “man Julie has it rough, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have an Autistic child.”

In most moments on most days, Michael is a happy “normal” 10 yr old boy (whatever you call normal), but in that moment and others before and since…Matt and I looked at Michael differently for just a mere second as we blinked our eyes.

He “looked” Autistic….

I know that sounds bad and can sound like a stereotype of what you may think an Autistic child “looks” like….

But in that moment he did.

Not everything we do in life is sugar-coated or covered in pixie dust…though we wish it was.

I’m not trying to educate or give an example to or for anything…but this was part of our trip, and yes I could have left it all out (it felt worse than how it comes across in writing)

Michael is my child, a gift…I must take good care of this precious gift I have been given. He’s not broken and doesn’t need fixing, maybe just a band-aid every once in awhile.

Thank you for taking this journey w/ me and my children and I truly hope you will come back for more when the MouseScrapper family embarks upon WDW again in Nov of 2010!


I’ll be back….

Thanks in much love ,

Julie

Up NEXT: Our trip in re-cap form….the good, bad, and everything in between….