Three Knuckleheads and a weekend in December

Here we are, the three knuckleheads….

Me, Jen 39, Disney lover
Nate 16, Mild Disney liker (I'm trying to talk him into the College Program)
Trev 14, Mild Disney liker

We stayed at POR from Dec 9th-12th. The premise of this trip: Trevor decided after my solo trip in January (see sig) he wanted to do a Disney weekend as well. Nathan then decided to join. Brett (college son) and hubby said “Thanks, but no thanks.” Thus, I was off on an adventure with 2 of my sons.



Dec 9th
Could time at work/school move any slower? We had a 3:50pm flight out of Chicago and I swear by noon the clock had just stopped moving. Finally the time came. Hubby dropped us off at the airport, gave us all big hugs, and drove off into the sunset for his “bachelorhood weekend.” Our flight was set to arrive at 7:30pm, and the hope was to to catch ME quickly to get to the hotel and then EMH at EPCOT until 12:30am. Unfortunately this did not happen. We were high fiving that we were on the ME bus by 7:45 (below picture), but then did not pull out until 8:15.

We then proceeded to stop at Saratoga Springs and POF before POR, and all without the video playing on the ME bus! Sacrilegious! Talk about disappointment. Once we got to the hotel, checked in, got into the room and ate “dinner,” it was almost 10pm. The boys decided to hit the sack and get to HS for EMH at 8am the next morning. Thus came the issue of 3 people needing to shower in a one bathroom. Hmmm….I showered and the other two knuckleheads took a dip in the pool and called themselves clean. Gotta love vacation!

Dec 10th
Alarm goes off at 6:30am (which is really 5:30am home time) to make it to HS by 8am RD, and the boys are suddenly re-thinking the 8am RD idea. I agree, as I know they will hit a wall later, but they ultimately decided to get up and get moving. Here’s Trev getting going…take a look at the shorts as there is a story coming with them later.

After a quick breakfast, and a picture in the lobby

We are awaiting a bus to HS

We Made it! I haven’t seen a Disney Christmas since 2007. It is really something to see, and truly gets you in the spirit.

So, did we get in the mob to do the TSM rush? Yes! OMG, people are just crazy! Nate was right there with them and willing to dodge/run to get to the ride. Trev and I said “No way.” Once we approached the ride, I wanted to skip the fastpass as I had not seen Mr. Potato Head in the normal line. After a 7 minute wait and a giggle at Mr. Potato Head, we rode. When it was over, we all agreed that while the ride is fun, it is not worth the insanity. We did not get fastpasses for later. We then headed over to RnR & TOT. Here is a hijacked pic of TOT (Trev doesn’t ride). Nate and I always challenge each other to put our hands up. Last time we were in Disney (July 2010), he did not follow through. As you can see--center back--he did this time. I only have one hand up as I was hanging onto my DSLR with the other hand.

We then meandered to the other side of the park to ride the new Star Tours. Talk about an upgrade!! Being the huge Star Wars fans that we are, we thoroughly enjoyed and planned on riding again later. Here is Nate rockin’ a look…

More to come, hopefully sometime this week! Thanks for reading!

 

[puntagordabob]

sounds like you all had a lot of fun!

 

[enchanted_belle]

Ahhh I think that's a great look for Nate, he should wear it more often!! :lol: Can't wait to read more!

 

[jhoff3405]

sounds like you all had a lot of fun!

We did! More to come later this week.
Where in Punta Gorda are you? My in laws were on Burnt Store road in PG right by a KMart. When the hurricane came through a few years back, they lost their place and ended up selling the lot in the park.

Ahhh I think that's a great look for Nate, he should wear it more often!! :lol: Can't wait to read more!

I will have to tell him you said so! He doesn't yet know that I am posting regarding him...I'm sure he will be thrilled!

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Love the TR so far!! and I love Trev's shirt. The Bruins are my favorite hockey team but I am a huge Blackhawks fan, too!!

Cant wait to read some more!! :wave:

 

[jhoff3405]

Love the TR so far!! and I love Trev's shirt. The Bruins are my favorite hockey team but I am a huge Blackhawks fan, too!!

Cant wait to read some more!! :wave:

Thanks for the read!
Trev typically only wears hockey attire as he is a goalie and has played for 9 years. As a mom, there are times I get tired of seeing the hockey attire and would love to see him in a button down shirt! Second note, Trev's 2nd favorite team after the Hawks is the Bruins!

 

[jhoff3405]

I am a big Muppets fan as I have such fond memories of watching the Muppet Show when I was younger. My boys do not share the same sentiment. The closest I got to the show was the following pictures. During the taking of these pictures, I decided that my DSLR would be shifting to Auto mode for the remainder of the trip as there was no way I could concentrate enough in my novice DSLR status to shoot manual & try to keep up the Nate & Trev.

You may be wondering why I allowed the boys to skip the Muppet show? Well, as any parent of teenagers know, you can only get so many "favors" while keeping spirits uplifted. I was saving my request for the Osborne Lights. Yes, I was that mother when they were younger that would put them in the car and drive around looking at holiday lights. Must have overdone it back then, as none of my kids care about holiday lights now. To set the premise, we walked down Streets of America during the day. Nate noticed the cool globe shadow on the building...

We then headed over to the backlot tour, which really needs some updating. Obligatory picture...wonder how many of these I have?!

Nate & Trev were winding down on what they wanted to do in HS. Neither wanted to do One Mans Dream, but Nate did vote for one more ride on ToT. I told him my 39 year old body had had enough, but we would wait for him. The line was up to about 20 minutes, so Trev and I took a few pictures.

Trev remembered Arnold from our trip in 2007 and wanted a pic with him.

Trev also wanted a pic in front of the car. Take a look at the shorts...here comes the story I referenced earlier. See the nice ripped hem? This son of mine only packed 2 pairs of shorts, and this was one of them! Turns out the other pair of shorts he packed were too small since he has grown since the summer. Thus, these shorts were worn EVERY DAY of the weekend. Seriously, I am surprised that people weren’t trying to give us change since he looked as if I couldn’t afford to clothe him! I can hear people’s thoughts now: “Geez, she brings her kid to Disney, but she won’t even get him a decent pair of shorts!”

Still killing time waiting for Nate on ToT, I took the plunge into the Vinylmation arena. I decided I wanted either Buzz or Woody from the Toy Story line. I let Trev pick the box. I was surprised to open it and discover Woody inside! Great pick Trev!

We called DS “done” until the Osborne Lights later, and headed over to EPCOT. We took the boat ride (which I never knew was there) and had a very relaxing trip over to the globe. I had a proud parent moment where Nate and Trev both offered their seats to an elderly man to sit. Boy, in the parenting world there are many times you wonder if you are doing things right, then you see something that validates what you have done. Amen.

Once in EPCOT, I used my Lines App (LOVE IT!) and discovered that it was in our best interest to get fastpasses for Test Track. After getting the fastpasses, we had about an hour to kill. So, we hit Mousegears, watched the Jamminators (awesome) and did the Sum of all Thrills. Have never done before, it was really cool! We took the following pictures on our way to Club Cool and Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Check out the lovely color of the sky in this picture!

Finally Test Track time. Love that ride! After TT, we did Mission Space Orange and decided to head out to the room for a rest a 4pm.

Hopefully another update today. Thanks for reading!

 

[jhoff3405]

During our rest, we watched “Jack Frost” on ABC Family. The boys had never seen and really enjoyed it. I actually slept! Six thirty quickly came and I roused the guys to head back to HS for Osborne Lights. They were not overly thrilled, but agreed to go. I took some pictures of POR grounds on our way…it is just so peaceful.

Hey boys, stop so I can take a picture!

Hey boys, can you stop now???

Garland!!

Ahh, flip flops in December. Living in the midwest, we "hide our toes" over the winter. It is so liberating to have them free!

Toenail color is OPI's “Waca,Waca” in honor of the Muppets. Ripped shorts in the picture as well.

Waiting for a bus with the Natester… (he really is not a hoodlum as this picture appears)

Well, the bus came and it took us almost an hour, yes an hour, to get to the Studios. There was so much traffic trying to enter HS parking lot that the bus sat in the turn lane for about 45 minutes waiting to turn! Couple this with 2 teenage boys that are not thrilled to be going to see lights in the first place, double it with standing room only on the bus (and we were standing), triple it with a small one year old walking all over our feet while the parents think he is “so cute,” and yes quadruple it with a hungry teenager.….this equals some serious teenage crankiness! I did consider busting out a Three Stooges move and knocking their heads together, but instead struggled to find my inner peace and maintain calm. In my head I patted myself on the back for my award winning patience, and told myself I was sooo much better than my hubby, who would have probably round-house kicked the boys by now!! By the time we got off the bus, the boys wanted to turn around and head back to the hotel. I am sure any of you parents reading can imagine how this conversation went. Attempting to be the master manipulator, patient parent, I offered the room key to them…all the while guessing they probably didn’t remember what stop to get off at the hotel and find the room. Score one for mom, as my guess was correct and they decided to stay. Woot!! Crisis somewhat averted, I offered food (that always seems to work) and tried my best to turn their moods around.

Moaning and groaning was still occuring, but not at such a break neck rate. We finally made it to the lights after stopping and purchasing pretzel dogs and watching a bit of the American Idol show on the large screen...very cool.

Mmmm. Pretzel dogs make us happy. Lets text dad this picture…

Back to star tours, awesome…

And hotel return. We were in bed by 10:30 with the decision for Day 2 to begin at AK. I must admit, WDW is really all about Magic Kingdom for me…and on this short trip we will have been in every park except MK. I must have been looking as if I was trying to smile through the thought of going to AK instead of MK in the am, cause Nate said, “Don’t worry mom, we will go to MK after we do the few things at AK.” Thanks kid!

 

[jhoff3405]

Dec 11th

Next morning, big breakfast at the hotel and off to AK.

We were there 35 min before rope drop, and killed time reading an app I have with Disney trivia. Anyone know how often they have to “refresh” the leaves on the tree of life? Could not find that answer.

Once the park opened, we were on the 2nd Everest train. Nate wanted to be the crazy person that pushed their way to the front to be the first one on the ride, Trev and I passed so Nate decided to stay with us. Once we were in line, Trevor decided to ride. He is not a roller coaster fan. It is really funny, because he will do “Summit Plummet” at Blizzard Beach and not blink an eye, but ask him to go on a roller coaster and he pumps the brakes. He says it has something to do with being strapped into the ride. Anyway, Trevor decided he was still not a fan after riding the coaster. Nate even managed to put his hand in front of his face for the picture.

Once we got off, Nate went right back into the single rider line.

We headed over to dinosaur. Talk about loud! Trev is trying to cover his ears in the pic.

Headed back towards Everest and Nate rode 1 more time. As I get older, I just can’t keep up with that!

We then took a time out to look at the map and decide what else we wanted to do in the park. The only other thing we came up with was the Safari. Try as we might, we just are not a AK family. The walkways seem so closed in and tight, it almost makes me feel a little claustorphobic.
So, off to the Safari. It was by far the BEST one we have ever been on.

More safari to come...

 

[fractal]

Really enjoying the TR - and I can relate to the teenagers - I love the ripped shorts, definitely something my son would do.

Funny you should mention the 3 stoogies ( knock heads together ). I often threatened that to my two oldest and actually did it once when they really got me mad. Their heads were pretty close together so it didn't really hurt - more like stunned them. Now when I get mad they say " Oh no, Dad's got that "knocking heads together" look."

It's always nice to see your children act mannerly - it must of been a proud moment when they gave up their seats - a sign of good parenting!

I hope they enjoyed the Osbourne lights after all that trouble. Getting to WDW during the holidays is something I haven't done but want to do.

Looking forward to more!

 

[LeCellier.Lover]

I'm loving your son's shirt! I'm a HUGE Blackhawks fan!
Enjoying your trip report so far, can't wait to read the rest

 

[jhoff3405]

Really enjoying the TR - and I can relate to the teenagers - I love the ripped shorts, definitely something my son would do.

Funny you should mention the 3 stoogies ( knock heads together ). I often threatened that to my two oldest and actually did it once when they really got me mad. Their heads were pretty close together so it didn't really hurt - more like stunned them. Now when I get mad they say " Oh no, Dad's got that "knocking heads together" look."

It's always nice to see your children act mannerly - it must of been a proud moment when they gave up their seats - a sign of good parenting!

I hope they enjoyed the Osbourne lights after all that trouble. Getting to WDW during the holidays is something I haven't done but want to do.

Looking forward to more!

Yes, the ripped shorts gave me something to smile about...and it's great to tell the story!
With our 3 boys, I also feel we have had many Three Stooges moments. Sometimes a light head knocking in a joking manner can really ease the tension and re-direct in a positive way.
They did enjoy the lights, I wouldn't say "loved" them as they have seen them before...but they agreed it was worthwhile. Disney at the holidays is really special, I would love to go back myself!
Thanks for reading!

I'm loving your son's shirt! I'm a HUGE Blackhawks fan!
Enjoying your trip report so far, can't wait to read the rest

You will see a hockey shirt every day with this boy...it is all he wears. I swear sometimes I think I live in an alternate world called "hockeytown."
Thanks for reading!

 

[lbrad]

GREAT TR!!!

I have stayed at POR and love it (although I prefer POFQ because it's smaller & has only 1 bus stop) ...lol

Tis a "proud mom" moment when our kiddos "give up" their seats ..KUDOS

Love The Osbourne Lights!!! Hope to get back to Disney again over the holiday season. Hard to do since DH is a school teacher & I work in healthcare. Our time off never seems to coincide
Maybe I'll leave him home and go solo

Looks like you all had a fun trip.

 

[jhoff3405]

GREAT TR!!!

I have stayed at POR and love it (although I prefer POFQ because it's smaller & has only 1 bus stop) ...lol

Tis a "proud mom" moment when our kiddos "give up" their seats ..KUDOS

Love The Osbourne Lights!!! Hope to get back to Disney again over the holiday season. Hard to do since DH is a school teacher & I work in healthcare. Our time off never seems to coincide
Maybe I'll leave him home and go solo

Looks like you all had a fun trip.

I do love POR, the grounds are just so peaceful.
Yes, the proud mom moment was really great!
I know what you mean about time off not coinciding...I am in the school system as well, and none of my boys breaks are the same as mine! I feel as if our getaways have been reduced to long weekends. But you take what you can get!

Solo trip--go for it!
Thanks for reading!

 

[jhoff3405]

So, more of the fantastic safari we were on…

Here is the absolute best part of our safari. Look at the giraffe at the truck in front of us…

Then at our truck! Trev could have reached out and pet her!

One more giraffe…

That experience was so neat. As we got into our truck to start our safari, both boys and I had made the comment that in all of our safari's we have never seen much animal action. At this point we were now laughing at each other and cracking jokes such as "Now, thats what I'm talking about!" I'm sure the other families around us either found us amusing, or wished we would be quiet! :ROFLOL:

Onto the elephants…

Love the mama and the babies. They had apparently just been fed, and were very active.

Ostrich eating his morning meal as well...

After our fantastic safari, we decided our time in AK was done. I was secretly thrilled as I couldn't wait to see MK. We discussed a quick stop at the hotel to pick up sweatshirts as we were going to MVMCP that evening. The boys opted against making a "quick" stop as they refused to wear a sweatshirt tied around their waist until evening time since they feel it does not look "manly." Whatever...

So, we all grabbed a drink (iced coffe for me without a lid? The CM said they don't give lids for iced drinks??) and a pretzel and headed out to the buses.

Obligatory shot...

We walked right up to a bus that was pulling away to TTC. We were high fiving each other on that one. It was 11:15am...2 hours and 15 minutes in AK and we were out! By the time we caught the monorail over to MK and walked inside it was almost noon. The majority of the magic for me is housed in MK. As we were walking in, I was attempting to keep it together and not embarrass my boys.

Hello beautiful sight…

 

[gjpjtj]

Really enjoying your trip report! We are leaving in a few days for the marathon weekend, and your report is really getting me in the Disney mood!

You mentioned using a line app at Epcot, what app is that? Would love to use it on our trip!

 

[jhoff3405]

Really enjoying your trip report! We are leaving in a few days for the marathon weekend, and your report is really getting me in the Disney mood!

You mentioned using a line app at Epcot, what app is that? Would love to use it on our trip!

Ohhh..are you running the marathon? That is on my bucket list! My ultimate bucket list would be the Goofy Challenge, but I just don't know if my body is up for that type of training.

I used the "WDW Lines App" from TouringPlans.com. You pay the $10 subscription for the website for the year and get the app for "free." I have always bought the book "Unofficial Guide to DW" previously for 20 bucks, so I figure I am $10 ahead. I found the wait times to be very accurate (more accurate than the app from Verizon and Undercover Tourist) and the chat forum is a lot of fun...though I mostly lurk! It also gives you a 10 day forecast of each parks individual crowd calendar. Lastly, you can optimize your own individual touring plan for each park and check off once you have accomplished something. Again, I found it very accurate and the boys and I had a lot of fun messing with it. Wow, with everything I just wrote you would think I work for them or something!

 

[gjpjtj]

Ohhh..are you running the marathon? That is on my bucket list! My ultimate bucket list would be the Goofy Challenge, but I just don't know if my body is up for that type of training.

I used the "WDW Lines App" from TouringPlans.com. You pay the $10 subscription for the website for the year and get the app for "free." I have always bought the book "Unofficial Guide to DW" previously for 20 bucks, so I figure I am $10 ahead. I found the wait times to be very accurate (more accurate than the app from Verizon and Undercover Tourist) and the chat forum is a lot of fun...though I mostly lurk! It also gives you a 10 day forecast of each parks individual crowd calendar. Lastly, you can optimize your own individual touring plan for each park and check off once you have accomplished something. Again, I found it very accurate and the boys and I had a lot of fun messing with it. Wow, with everything I just wrote you would think I work for them or something!

Thank you for your reply! My wife is running the Marathon (her first!), the kids and I will be cheering her on.

Thanks for the info on the app, I am downloading it now! Looking forward to more of your report.

 

[bow0303]

Dec 11th

Next morning, big breakfast at the hotel and off to AK.

We were there 35 min before rope drop, and killed time reading an app I have with Disney trivia. Anyone know how often they have to “refresh” the leaves on the tree of life? Could not find that answer.

Once the park opened, we were on the 2nd Everest train. Nate wanted to be the crazy person that pushed their way to the front to be the first one on the ride, Trev and I passed so Nate decided to stay with us. Once we were in line, Trevor decided to ride. He is not a roller coaster fan. It is really funny, because he will do “Summit Plummet” at Blizzard Beach and not blink an eye, but ask him to go on a roller coaster and he pumps the brakes. He says it has something to do with being strapped into the ride. Anyway, Trevor decided he was still not a fan after riding the coaster. Nate even managed to put his hand in front of his face for the picture.

Once we got off, Nate went right back into the single rider line.

We headed over to dinosaur. Talk about loud! Trev is trying to cover his ears in the pic.

Headed back towards Everest and Nate rode 1 more time. As I get older, I just can’t keep up with that!

We then took a time out to look at the map and decide what else we wanted to do in the park. The only other thing we came up with was the Safari. Try as we might, we just are not a AK family. The walkways seem so closed in and tight, it almost makes me feel a little claustorphobic.
So, off to the Safari. It was by far the BEST one we have ever been on.

More safari to come...

Great report so far. I would pick those 4 rides in AK if I had a choice. Looking forward to reading more.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Yes, I'm desperately trying to catch up on all the TRs I've been neglecting. Let's see what I got here....

I am a big Muppets fan as I have such fond memories of watching the Muppet Show when I was younger.

You dang skippy! Me, too! Luuuuurrv me some Muppets! I also have a very soft spot for the Fraggles. Unfortunately, I only have season 1 of each on DVD. Need to get crackin' on those...

You may be wondering why I allowed the boys to skip the Muppet show? Well, as any parent of teenagers know, you can only get so many "favors" while keeping spirits uplifted. I was saving my request for the Osborne Lights. Yes, I was that mother when they were younger that would put them in the car and drive around looking at holiday lights.

I'm with ya. It's called "Choosing Your Battles". You gotta pick-n-choose where to lay low and where to stand firm. Oh yes. I know this! We were the parents that piled the kiddies in for the great Christmas decoration seeking rides and special park ride-thru's at City Park in New Orleans. Love the ride-thrus at parks because you can do the bath & jammies before piling in. When the kids are little cheap entertainment is a big premium. Just ask my boys about cruising the airport to watch the "big ol' jets" and eating "booger icecream" (<--aka mint chocolate chip).

We then headed over to the backlot tour, which really needs some updating. Obligatory picture...wonder how many of these I have?!

Yep. Me, too. There's certain things I've arrived at refusing to photograph anymore. How many pics do we need of the exact same thing, right? I'm glad I'm not the only one who goes thru their pictures and thinks "How many pics do I really need of that?!" LOL!

Nate & Trev were winding down on what they wanted to do in HS. Neither wanted to do One Mans Dream, but Nate did vote for one more ride on ToT. I told him my 39 year old body had had enough, but we would wait for him.

Word. Nothing makes you feel as old as not being able to hack-it running circles on thrill rides with your teens. Okay, maybe when your "babies" start driving but I digress.... LOL!

Trev also wanted a pic in front of the car. Take a look at the shorts...here comes the story I referenced earlier. See the nice ripped hem? This son of mine only packed 2 pairs of shorts, and this was one of them! Turns out the other pair of shorts he packed were too small since he has grown since the summer. Thus, these shorts were worn EVERY DAY of the weekend. Seriously, I am surprised that people weren’t trying to give us change since he looked as if I couldn’t afford to clothe him! I can hear people’s thoughts now: “Geez, she brings her kid to Disney, but she won’t even get him a decent pair of shorts!”

The shorts thing can totally be played-off by the fact that when I find an acceptable, cool pair of shorts that one of the boys really likes at a great price it's not unheard of for me to buy 3 of the same thing. It's just easy/lazy. Not a thing wrong with that. I'm feelin' ya on how the teens will pack for themselves. Chandler gets all bent out of shape when I insist on checking everything he's packing to make sure he's got enough and everything coordinates properly. Oh well. If I didn't he'd be right there with your son wearing the same shorts/jeans 3 days in a row. Then again, I believe the boy would gladly go 3 days without showering, brushing his teeth, changing underwear, or even taking the shorts in question off if I'd allow it. Boys are just so odd....and gross.... LOL!

We called DS “done” until the Osborne Lights later, and headed over to EPCOT. We took the boat ride (which I never knew was there) and had a very relaxing trip over to the globe. I had a proud parent moment where Nate and Trev both offered their seats to an elderly man to sit. Boy, in the parenting world there are many times you wonder if you are doing things right, then you see something that validates what you have done. Amen.

Raising gentlemen takes effort. When you see the pay-off it's a major score and a huge moment for a momma. I'm with ya. Amen, sistah!

Toenail color is OPI's “Waca,Waca” in honor of the Muppets. Ripped shorts in the picture as well.

Bam! Are the OPI Muppets colors not da bomb?!?! I had my toes done in alternating 'Fresh Frog of Bel Air' and 'Gettin Miss Piggy With It' for Christmas! Love love love the colors and the glitter is over the top. While in Tennessee I bought 'Animal-istic' in a little boutique. See?! The Muppets are the shiz-nit! Those younger whipper-snappers need to get with the program!

Well, the bus came and it took us almost an hour, yes an hour, to get to the Studios. There was so much traffic trying to enter HS parking lot that the bus sat in the turn lane for about 45 minutes waiting to turn! Couple this with 2 teenage boys that are not thrilled to be going to see lights in the first place, double it with standing room only on the bus (and we were standing), triple it with a small one year old walking all over our feet while the parents think he is “so cute,” and yes quadruple it with a hungry teenager.….this equals some serious teenage crankiness! I did consider busting out a Three Stooges move and knocking their heads together, but instead struggled to find my inner peace and maintain calm. In my head I patted myself on the back for my award winning patience, and told myself I was sooo much better than my hubby, who would have probably round-house kicked the boys by now!! By the time we got off the bus, the boys wanted to turn around and head back to the hotel. I am sure any of you parents reading can imagine how this conversation went. Attempting to be the master manipulator, patient parent, I offered the room key to them…all the while guessing they probably didn’t remember what stop to get off at the hotel and find the room. Score one for mom, as my guess was correct and they decided to stay. Woot!! Crisis somewhat averted, I offered food (that always seems to work) and tried my best to turn their moods around.

Big kudos to holding onto your inner-peace and rolling with the teen crankiness. Yeah, Tracey woulda been on the round-house kick, too. He tolerates next to none of it which is prob'ly why they don't do that very much in front of him. I hear ya. Us mommas have that Jedi Mind Trick going on with the teenagers. We can work those boys like Silly Putty on the Sunday funnies. ((Did I just totally date us?!)) I really did identify with this part. Glad to know my 2 aren't the only ones....

I must have been looking as if I was trying to smile through the thought of going to AK instead of MK in the am, cause Nate said, “Don’t worry mom, we will go to MK after we do the few things at AK.” Thanks kid!

Oh yeah. This is where the extra mom effort pays off some more. Both times I was pregnant I wanted girls but God saw fit to give me boys. I sure am glad. These moments are the ones I live for...when one of my boys can look at me, know where my heart is, and say the thing I need most. I love my boys. Yours seem to have the tune-in with their momma, too. Isn't it another of the pay-outs for all the hard work?

We headed over to dinosaur. Talk about loud! Trev is trying to cover his ears in the pic.

See?! Another of those little things where Disney is totally missing the money-train. They need to sell ear plugs for those who don't think to bring them. Seriously. The attraction is improved immensely with ear plugs. Or maybe Disney should turn the volume down some....

Headed back towards Everest and Nate rode 1 more time. As I get older, I just can’t keep up with that!

Yep. I can do it once, maybe twice also. I'm getting old. It happens.

Really enjoying the TR - and I can relate to the teenagers - I love the ripped shorts, definitely something my son would do.

Funny you should mention the 3 stoogies ( knock heads together ). I often threatened that to my two oldest and actually did it once when they really got me mad. Their heads were pretty close together so it didn't really hurt - more like stunned them. Now when I get mad they say " Oh no, Dad's got that "knocking heads together" look."

It's always nice to see your children act mannerly - it must of been a proud moment when they gave up their seats - a sign of good parenting!

Teen parents UNITE! Yep. Ripped shorts. Mindless packing. Yep.

I'm taking notes on the Stooges head-knocking. I don't think the boys have watched that show before. Maybe the new movie will be a crash course, no pun intended. However, I know they're both very aware of the speed in which a mother can whip a flip flop off her foot then reach out and 'touch' them with it. Whatever it takes, right?

That experience was so neat. As we got into our truck to start our safari, both boys and I had made the comment that in all of our safari's we have never seen much animal action. At this point we were now laughing at each other and cracking jokes such as "Now, thats what I'm talking about!" I'm sure the other families around us either found us amusing, or wished we would be quiet! :ROFLOL:

I've become more and more aware of the things that come out of my guys' mouths while in close quarters like on rides and buses while at WDW. I, too, wonder and I'm fairly certain people around us would love my guys to shut up. I know I do frequently. Ooooooh...did I say that???? Yes I diiiiiiid! LOL! I love that you had one of those moments, too. Again, good to know I'm not the only one.....

After our fantastic safari, we decided our time in AK was done. I was secretly thrilled as I couldn't wait to see MK. We discussed a quick stop at the hotel to pick up sweatshirts as we were going to MVMCP that evening. The boys opted against making a "quick" stop as they refused to wear a sweatshirt tied around their waist until evening time since they feel it does not look "manly." Whatever...

Yep. Your boys are on the "manly" pursuit, too. Good. "Manly" keeps ya warm when it gets chilly outside. Didn't ya know??? It's more mom ammo when the discomfort sets in. These are the moments when it's really not that hard to force them to say the words, "You were right and I was wrong. I'm sorry. Teenagers do not know everything."




Looooovin' your report! This was an easy one to catch up on and fun for a fellow mom of teen boys. You're rockin' it, girl! :sohappy: