You just lost 80 pounds! What are you Going to do next? Ending TR

[TarzansKat]

Wow, you are on fire with house reno! I have a bathroom that I just do not like, so I understand how you feel about wanting something done now...or yesterday, as the case may be.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

We finally made it to POP....

...but I know how cute they are currently because this is what I'm hearing from the mouth of my baby, my little girl, my little macka-doodle, my little bug.

So VERY dreading the first time I hear such a phrase.

...well, actually Brook requested for us,

It's good to have friends in high places.

Once we were checked in we made our way out back of the Classic Hall building to this.....

I remember that moment well. Stepping out to see the Hippy Dippy for the first time, an entire week ahead, kids all excited....nothing beats it!

We kept walking and take pictures, well, I kept taking pictures.

Well, that sounds familiar...

Of course more annoying pictures were taken, much to the chagrin of my daughter.

As does that.

I won't bore you with too many, it's not like you haven't seen a POP room before.

No, but it never hurts to have another look...

 

[Millie12591]

So VERY dreading the first time I hear such a phrase.

Trust me, nothing can prepare you for it. Although, there is one nice thing about being the dad....you more than likely won't hear it. That's the lovely gift us mom's have the privilege of hearing.



It's good to have friends in high places.



I remember that moment well. Stepping out to see the Hippy Dippy for the first time, an entire week ahead, kids all excited....nothing beats it!

I couldn't agree more.

Well, that sounds familiar...

As does that.

No, but it never hurts to have another look...

You are cracking me up with my new names. I love it!!

 

[Millie12591]

Completing Day 1......

When I last left you we were strolling our way through AofA by way of Generation Gap Bridge, we were on our way to Landscapes of Flavor. I had a hungry girl on our hands and I had to make sure she was feed, kid with full tummy makes for a happy kid and a happy mom.

I won't lie when we got in there and saw the menu options I was having some anxiety about what to order, but I finally gave up the ghost and got the Surf and Surf with sauce on the side (I at least wanted to taste it) and I'm pretty sure Mackie got the Meatball sandwich.

Now just a warning, I'm not writing anything that I think should be anyone else's opinion, this was our experience and it's not meant as anything but that.
That being said, I think (if you've gotten to know me at all) you know I'm not a complainer, so for me to say anything negative is really saying something.

We sat down and started eating our food and decided we weren't impressed. I had high hopes, but as I thought it might happen, I was no longer able to enjoy Disney food as I once had in the past. Too many months of eating very little sodium and sugar had left me with a bad taste in my mouth, (pun intended) especially when it came to eating this meal. Or so I thought.

Mackie soon spoke up and said she didn't care for their fries because they were too salty, now I knew something was off and it wasn't just me. This girl loves salt, thanks to her daddy, she's also not a complainer so I knew it wasn't just me at that point.
I then asked if she was enjoying her sandwich, to which she said.."Not really, I've had better from Subway."
Alllllrighty then!!
Well, maybe this was just a fluke and we'll have better luck here next time.

We finished up and decided we'd make our way back to the room for a rest, we had been up since before the crack of dawn and we thought we'd nap or rest until the luggage got there. I feel like such an old fart for saying I took a nap.

We made our stroll back to the hotel and loved every minute of walking through AofA again and back across the bridge, smelling the beautiful flower laced air and soaking in as much of the cool air as possible. We figured it wouldn't last so we better take it in and enjoy it while we could.

We finally made our way back up to the room, Mackie watched Stacey and I cat napped while we waited on luggage to arrive.

The luggage finally made it to the room around 6:30, we both jumped up to answer the door since we knew this would be swim time!!

I also knew I had a couple of presents I wanted to give to Mackie and had been saving, now that we had our luggage I could give them to her....





Since Merida has become Mackenzie's new favorite Disney Princess, I bought her a Merida towel and doll. I don't have a picture of the doll on the trip, but here's one I took of her here at home.



Poor thing....I didn't realize when I bought the doll her legs were twisted, they make her feet go backwards. I told Mackie I'd take her back, but she insisted she liked her just the way she is and that she thought it was kinda cool that she had a Merida doll with feet that went backwards.
That's my kiddo! She's not one to conform, she likes what she likes and no one can tell her any different. She's also a Dr. Who fan, if that explains anything to anyone.

Mackie loved her new doll, I was a bit worried she would think it was too kiddish to be given a doll, but she loved it and slept with it every night since. She also loved her towel, she used it the entire trip.

We finally made our way to the pool, I sat by (covered in towels) and watched Mackie swim. It was waaay to chilly for me, so I sat that swim out.
A decision I knew I was going to regret after I saw how lonely Mackie was , I realized my girlie isn't one to get into the pool and make her own fun, not like she use to do when she was little.
She was at that age where she needed a friend along with us, I made a note to myself right then and there that the next trip we went on together had to be with a close friend of hers.
This trip was proving to be a fruitful trip with information about my girlie, I think she and I are going to have to take more trips together.

It wasn't long before I was ready to go back to the room, I could see on Mack's face she wasn't too keen on being there for much longer either, so I gave her the signal and we headed back up to the room.
I took a picture of course.



Mackie took a quick bath, put on some pj's and we decided to walk over to Classic Hall and share a dinner. I tried to talk her into going to Down Town Disney or the Board Walk for dinner, but she insisted we keep it simple and to stay close.
We made our way over to Classic Hall and got the parm crusted chicken and the pasta, then something dessertie for Mackie, I'm pretty sure it was the tye die cheese cake , I told her all that food coloring was going to make for an interesting outcome. Yes, yes I did go there. She of course did her typical...."MOOOOM!"

Sorry, there aren't any food pics, I was just talking with Mackie about some of our photos and we both realized I didn't really take many pics of our food, at least not on this trip. I think I took pics of almost everything last time, but not this time. Not sure why, just didn't.

Once we were done we took a leisurely stroll and made our way back up to our floor to look out over the pool again, it was such a pretty night.




The breeze was certainly jacket and sweat pant worthy <--of which I didn't bring thinking it would be blistering hot most of the time.
Oh well.

We headed up to our room, made sure everything was put back into our suitcases and organized since we'd be heading over to AofA the next day!! We were fast asleep before we knew it.

I promise I'll have more pictures for my next post. In the mean time I hope y'all are having a great week and I thank you for reading along.

 

[MEK]

Poor Merida with her twisted legs. I think she's perfect!

Funny how Disney food feels like overload when you are used to eating healthy. Unfortunately, it doesn't take me long to sucked in by the Disney food all over again.

Love the view of the pool. What a nice afternoon/evening.

 

[scottny]

Great update and pics.
I loved the surf and surf burger but it got cold really quickly.
I hope I don’t have issues in December once I start to lose the weight.

 

[WDWaddictt]

Looks like fun!

My daughter loves Merida now too! She had to get the Animations doll last time we where there. Love the towel!

I agree with the food at AoA, we went for breakfast one morning and I didn't really enjoy it. Something seemed off about it. (just my opinion)

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome pics!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

When I last left you we were strolling our way through AofA by way of Generation Gap Bridge, we were on our way to Landscapes of Flavor. I had a hungry girl on our hands and I had to make sure she was feed, kid with full tummy makes for a happy kid and a happy mom.

Is that how it works? I always thought it was "If Mama ain't happy..."

We sat down and started eating our food and decided we weren't impressed. I had high hopes, but as I thought it might happen, I was no longer able to enjoy Disney food as I once had in the past. Too many months of eating very little sodium and sugar had left me with a bad taste in my mouth, (pun intended) especially when it came to eating this meal.

I'm on the all-sodium and sugar diet, so I haven't noticed anything like this.

Poor thing....I didn't realize when I bought the doll her legs were twisted, they make her feet go backwards. I told Mackie I'd take her back, but she insisted she liked her just the way she is and that she thought it was kinda cool that she had a Merida doll with feet that went backwards.

Whew! That does seem to be a quality control problem...

We finally made our way to the pool, I sat by (covered in towels) and watched Mackie swim. It was waaay to chilly for me, so I sat that swim out.
A decision I knew I was going to regret after I saw how lonely Mackie was , I realized my girlie isn't one to get into the pool and make her own fun, not like she use to do when she was little.

That's understandable. I have trouble just sitting around a pool too.

I'm pretty sure it was the tye die cheese cake , I told her all that food coloring was going to make for an interesting outcome. Yes, yes I did go there.

Nothing but the best for our little fart blossom.

 

[KatMark]

What a fun, little update, Camille.

Sorry the sandwiches were not very good (I'm not a fan of most of the sandwiches at food courts). The pool looks really cute...I love how it looks at night with the lights.

 

[lhuggi1]

Congrats Camille on your incredible weight loss, Fabulous !!!! Big prayers for your momma. I too am recently dealing with fighting thyroid cancer so I know how difficult living with the BIG "C" can be!!! At 31 I definitely didn't think I would be fighting for my life. Also during this time I have lost 14 pounds and decided to slowly try weight watchers points so I am on the right track 38 more pounds to go for my goal weight !!! Thank you Thank you for posting your incredible journey with us !!!! I am glad that I have people to relate to and know we're kinda all in this together God is great

 

[Millie12591]

Poor Merida with her twisted legs. I think she's perfect!

Mackie thinks so too. Merida in person was a lot of fun, can't wait to share those pics and the fun story that goes along with it.

Funny how Disney food feels like overload when you are used to eating healthy. Unfortunately, it doesn't take me long to sucked in by the Disney food all over again.

Let me tell you....I'm just now starting to get a handle on my eating habits since we've been back, thought I had a handle on it a few weeks ago, but it snuck up on me again. I've battled serious sugar, salt and fried food cravings. And the sad thing is....I was pretty dang conservative with what all I ate, but as you know....it doesn't take much. Irritating as all get out!!
It just furthers my point about how addictive certain additives in foods can be, it's why I hardly eat out and cook at home most of the time.

A few weeks before we went to Disney we had to go over to Wal-Mart (dread that store) for a few WDW supplies, mole skin, band aids that sort of thing, and Mackie was dying for McDonalds fries.
Now, I totally understand the draw to their fries, as a kid I loooved their fries, and since we almost NEVER eat there (there "food" is sooooo bad for you) I figured I better give in or she'll be a total glutton for all things bad for her when she moves out on her own.
As a kid I use to joke that they must be laced with something that is addictive so you'll keep coming back. Well, I'm more convinced than ever....I had three, count them three fries from Mackie's order, I battled wanting something fried for two solid weeks after that! EVERY STINKIN DAY I wanted something fried after having those dang fries.
So there ya go, even though I've come so far with my eating habits, it only takes a few times of eating things that aren't good for you and you are back to battling the monkey on your back called fast food.

Love the view of the pool. What a nice afternoon/evening.

I sure hope so, it's about the only dang picture I put in this post!
I do too actually, it was such a beautiful evening and the pics for the next morning were beautiful too, I promise they won't be of the pool.

Great update and pics.
I loved the surf and surf burger but it got cold really quickly.
I hope I don’t have issues in December once I start to lose the weight.

Thank you!! I think I would have liked it more if it didn't have the spices it had on it, they were a strange combination of flavors to me, and yes, it did get cold really fast. What's up with that?!?
I hope you don't either, but I strongly send caution to try and eat at a few of the nicer places and less of the quick service places, better selection of foods to pick from. I think next trip we'll be doing more places like The Wave and buffets where I know I can get fresher foods, not to mention a few of the 2 credit table service places. Going to Disney is just going to be a challenge for me until I figure out some of the better restaurant choices for the way I choose to eat. They don't exactly make it easy for you either, there are no nutritional guides to be had or found. Maybe I'm wrong on this. Anyone know?

Looks like fun!

My daughter loves Merida now too! She had to get the Animations doll last time we where there. Love the towel!

I agree with the food at AoA, we went for breakfast one morning and I didn't really enjoy it. Something seemed off about it. (just my opinion)

There was an over all vibe of get it out and not worry about the quality or content. When we ordered the fries they barely put any in the basket, and they were stale and cold.
When we asked for more and for fresh fries they seem to have an attitude about it. Just because they are Disney and can charge and arm and leg for everything, doesn't mean they should try and get away with what ever they can throw at us and expect us to like it. I kindly let them know I didn't like their attitude.

Awesome pics!

Thank you!

 

[Millie12591]

Is that how it works? I always thought it was "If Mama ain't happy..."

That applies until you have teenagers, just you wait. Your time is a coming.



I'm on the all-sodium and sugar diet, so I haven't noticed anything like this.

Well no wonder!!


Whew! That does seem to be a quality control problem...

Nooo, not at all!


That's understandable. I have trouble just sitting around a pool too.

It's fun when they are little.





Nothing but the best for our little fart blossom.

That's right! I figured with her daddy not there, someone had to say it!
You should try it next time you are there. That or the ice cream that has the really bright colors in it, have the kids eat it and then let them be surprised about the out come.
"Hey! How did a rainbow get in there?!?"

 

[Millie12591]

What a fun, little update, Camille.

Thank you Ms. Kat.

Sorry the sandwiches were not very good (I'm not a fan of most of the sandwiches at food courts). The pool looks really cute...I love how it looks at night with the lights.

Naaa, if that was the worst thing that happened to me on the trip then it's a darn good trip. Now I know why you don't like the sandwiches, I'll be keeping that in mind in the future. Well, all but for the Starring Rolls sandwiches, those were pretty darn good. But that's not a food court, so never mind. I'm such a goof.

Congrats Camille on your incredible weight loss, Fabulous !!!! Big prayers for your momma. I too am recently dealing with fighting thyroid cancer so I know how difficult living with the BIG "C" can be!!! At 31 I definitely didn't think I would be fighting for my life. Also during this time I have lost 14 pounds and decided to slowly try weight watchers points so I am on the right track 38 more pounds to go for my goal weight !!! Thank you Thank you for posting your incredible journey with us !!!! I am glad that I have people to relate to and know we're kinda all in this together God is great

God is great! Aaaaaall the time.

Thank you for coming aboard!! I hope you are getting something from my experience, and I hope to hear more about yours!! We can all learn from one another.
Thank you so much for the prayers for my mom , she seems to be doing well right now, but as you know it can change in a flash.
Prayers going up for you too, my mom also dealt with this a long while back, same with my sister in law. My SIL was 21 when she was hit with it, praise God she's okay now. I'm sure you'll come through it too, just be the warrior God made you to be!!

 

[Princess Bree]

Hi Camille,

Thanks for posting about your journey. I had already decided to lose 40 lbs for my Jan 2014 Disney trip, but had been slacking off after the first ten pounds. You have given me the boost I needed to get going again. You are on MY inspiration board, hope you don't mind being a role model! Thank you so much for sharing your pictures. It really helps me to visualize myself at a lower weight.
Best Regards, Brenda (PrincessBree)

 

[eandesmom]

Bummer that the meal was so meh. Nothing like paying resort prices and having it fall flat. Oh that age, it's tough. Little kids who still like dolls and stuffed animals at times and teens who just want to be with friends. It's an awkward and at times lonely age. We've had this conversation many a time at different points with each kid and the "need" for a friend.

I love the towel and poor little twisted Merida is special in her own way.

 

[lovethattink]

Love that you felt the need to explain Mackie being a Dr. fan. We are Dr. Who fans too. (Sh, don't tell JJ, but I may be a bigger Dr. fan than a Star Wars fan.)

That will be nice for her to have a friend on vacation in the future.

Very sweet about the Merida feet.

 

[Alysa]

We sat down and started eating our food and decided we weren't impressed. I had high hopes, but as I thought it might happen, I was no longer able to enjoy Disney food as I once had in the past. Too many months of eating very little sodium and sugar had left me with a bad taste in my mouth, (pun intended) especially when it came to eating this meal. Or so I thought.
I've had this experience too and I know what you mean. They do use a lot of salt and sugar.

That's my kiddo! She's not one to conform, she likes what she likes and no one can tell her any different. She's also a Dr. Who fan, if that explains anything to anyone.
I knew I liked Mackie!


We finally made our way to the pool, I sat by (covered in towels) and watched Mackie swim. It was waaay to chilly for me, so I sat that swim out.
A decision I knew I was going to regret after I saw how lonely Mackie was , I realized my girlie isn't one to get into the pool and make her own fun, not like she use to do when she was little.
Sniff! It's so hard when they start growing up!

This trip was proving to be a fruitful trip with information about my girlie, I think she and I are going to have to take more trips together.

So sweet!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hello my friend! I'm back from our trip and all caught up! We had a wonderful time - couldn't have gone better with two very different kids with very different family styles - so thankful to God for giving us this awesome opportunity.
I am loving how you are really connecting in new ways with your girlie! Too bad your first meal was not so good I felt the food was disappointing in a lot of places, this trip too. And the salt content was ridiculous. Maybe they do it on purpose so you'll buy lots of drinks in the park

Okay I'm back - you can start writing again!

 

[TarzansKat]

I don't know why but your expression "gave up the ghost" just tickled me.

Boo to a lackluster meal! I hope they get better.

I love the picture of Mackie with the towel, she looks so cute in her bathing suit! I'm glad you all got to enjoy the pool, even if it was super cold. I love the photo you took of it from above.

My older son and I were just talking about the Hippie Dippie pool yesterday, so seeing your pictures made me nostalgic!