My Late May TR..late & abbreviated..deal with it!

Okay. So this is my 2nd ever WDW trip report. After the screaming success of my 1st TR (see my signature) I did a report for a short 4 day getaway I had in early May to north Georgia to attend the annual gathering of the Cabbage Patch Collector's Club (for the handmade all soft sculpture originals, not the vinyl head versions that were massed produced starting in the early 80s). The event is always held near the birthplace of the Cabbages, about and hour or so north of Atlanta. Yes, there really is a Babyland General Hospital and Mother Cabbages and you can really see a Cabbage Patch baby being born. Have I mentioned I have yet to grow up? I'm still a little girl trapped in this old person's body.

But I digress...anywhoo...with the Georgia trip report being yet another success with the online club/forum I've been active with for going on 10 years now you can well imagine that I had big plans and major ambitions for the late May trip I went on to WDW. The whole thing ended up going straight out the window, tho. I feel like such a failure. :brick: So this will be my quite late and highly abbreviated trippie. It beats nothing. For those who don't like it, well, to friggin' bad. You'll have to just deal with it.:fork:

Onward & Upward


The players were:

Me. 35 yro married mom of 2 boys ages 11 & 13. Little sister to Jerry. Aunt Kelly to Sydney & Sarah. WDW freak, planner extraordinaire, and fairly well-seasoned WDW adventurer. I'm definitely no noob to the joint.

Jerry. My 36 yro big brother by 18 months (Mom & Dad worked fast). Divorced daddy to 2 princesses: Sydney & Sarah. Fresh WDW freak, afflicted since January this year. Still feeling his away around da' World.

We were such cool Disney kids:

Sydney. My 12 yro niece, firstborn daughter to my big brother. Gifted ballerina who has even danced in New York City. Often silent but very thoughtful and sweet. Shorter than her little sister. First timer to my beloved WDW. Disney dreamer and WDW freak-in-training.

Sarah. My 10 yro niece, baby daughter to my big brother. I was actually invited into the delivery room for her birth which was totally an incredible moment to behold. Super sweet & cuddly. Taller than her big sister. First timer to my beloved WDW. Disney dreamer and WDW freak-in-training.


This was quite an adventure. Here goes:

I should start this story with when the bad news began the week before we were to depart on our journey. My hubby came home from work sick with fever & cold symptoms. 1/2 his office was deathly ill with this icky stuff. Both my boys got sick, too, although not near as bad as their dad. I was hoping beyond hope to avoid getting the crud. Just when I thought I had eeked by without catching the cooties....departure day arrived (Friday, May 22nd) and I woke up with a killer sore throat & lots of drainage. I could've choked those idiots at DH's office who don't have courtesy enough for their coworkers to stay home when they're sick. Grrr!

Jerry and I packed up the car & pulled out for Monroeville, Alabama where our parents live. It's an 8 or so hour drive from my house in Texas. We spent Friday night at our parents' house. By the time we got to bed that night I felt downright rough. Saturday morning I woke up fully aware that I was well on my way to being the big sicky. I felt awful but couldn't let it slow me down. We switched out vehicles from my Mazda3 hatchback to Mom's Jeep Liberty (I still think the Jeep is much more uncomfortable than the Mazda but neither are good for long trips). We drove an hour and a half to Andalusia, Alabama to see Sydney perform in the ballet company's big Spring Showcase and pick up the girls. Here's some pics I took on the way because the weather was so beautiful, there's not a dang thing to look at on those stupid country highways (I loathed living in small town Alabama) and I was still so mesmerized by the most awesome pedicure I've ever friggin' had:

The awesomest pedicure ever:

I also have to mention that the ballet totally rocked. I knew in my mind that Syd is a gifted dancer but I was still blown away. She has fantastic stage presence and shines in her performances. The classical ballet was beautiful. But the jazz or modern performance was the cat's meow. I swear to you, I have seen it all now that I've seen my niece moonwalk across a stage. I was out of my seat screamin' for her. It rocked! :sohappy:

So after the ballet it was time to hit the highway bound for Gainesville, Florida. Here's the girls post ballet with Sydney on the left wearing what she calls her "hideous make-up" and Sarah:

 

[mouselvrmom]

You had some totally fun pictures! I so enjoyed your report!

I totally get what you were going through without your hubby and babies, though. This time I had the hubby but not the babies and it is hard because so much reminds you of them while you're there. We did manage to suffer through it though. :lol:

 

[WDWFigment]

Very entertaining pictures and commentary. I like how you incorporated a lot of PhotoPass shots of you all, too. Really added a "Disney touch" to the report. Those madras minnie dresses are nice, and I spent the longest time trying to figure out what the various '2 cute' shirts said, but I finally saw in one of your responses to another poster. Guess I wasn't the only one who was curious! Nice report...better late than never!

 

[HollyBelle]

Holly & Xtina-

Yesterday I asked Tracey if he'd really, seriously, for real consider running a half marathon with me. He said yes. I asked if he thought he'd be up to the training. He said yes. Then I asked if it'd still be yes if it was a Princess half and he again said yes. I can't commit 100% considering the January trip. To be honest, I have a feeling January won't work out because of the kids & school. The older they get the harder it is for them to realistically miss a whole week of school and catch back up when we get home. It's not just homework, it's instruction time. The good news is their spring break starts the weekend of the marathon. It would cost more but I think it would be better for everyone. Or maybe we'll just do both trips. I still need to talk more with Tracey about it.

Xtina, would Sean run with you if y'all had someone to watch the babies? Hhhmmm...who could we rope into baby duty? I'd love to have Mr. Drill Sergeant himself barking us along.

Holly, do you really think y'all would be up to it? I gotta see Brett in a tiara! I got my old man in one! Remember this Xtina???

I was looking at the event details and was disappointed to see that they aren't doing the special hard ticket event for participants & family/friends again. I guess that didn't go so well this year.

You know what I love most about this? The fact that you already had a picture of Tracey in a tiara. :lol: It's not like you just went and snapped it with the Princess Half in mind!!

Princess Brett... it has a nice ring to it! He's totally up for it (especially the character meeting opportunities), the issue will be my work schedule. The three days prior to that weekend (Mar 3-5) are three of the six most grueling days I have at work all year (the other three are in late October). I fear I'll be crazy tired and it would pretty much have to be a 2 night trip (3 night at best). But considering how often we get to go and the fact that we can drive to WDW... I don't think that would be a huge deal. Plus we have APs so the "only" expenses will be our resort reservation, food, and the participation fee.

So yeah... while we can't commit to it yet, we are definitely considering it.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

You had some totally fun pictures! I so enjoyed your report!

I totally get what you were going through without your hubby and babies, though. This time I had the hubby but not the babies and it is hard because so much reminds you of them while you're there. We did manage to suffer through it though. :lol:

I'm glad you enjoyed the report. When we did our 15th anniversary trip sans kids in May 08 it was heavenly. The first day or so was weird and we felt like something was missing but then we got into the more relaxed pace. We talk about going without them again all the time. It'd be so nice!

Very entertaining pictures and commentary. I like how you incorporated a lot of PhotoPass shots of you all, too. Really added a "Disney touch" to the report. Those madras minnie dresses are nice, and I spent the longest time trying to figure out what the various '2 cute' shirts said, but I finally saw in one of your responses to another poster. Guess I wasn't the only one who was curious! Nice report...better late than never!

I always do the pre-purchase for the photopass cd. The last report I did I posted before the cd came in. Normally I don't edit and add the borders to all the photopass pics until I start getting the emails that they're going to expire. If I waited to get the cd it'd be a couple months down the road from the trip. I'll try to be better about ordering cd faster after the next trip so I can insert some of those with a timely report. :animwink: I know my pics don't hold a candle to yours. I was totally awestruck with your report and loved every bit of it!

You know what I love most about this? The fact that you already had a picture of Tracey in a tiara. :lol: It's not like you just went and snapped it with the Princess Half in mind!!

Princess Brett... it has a nice ring to it! He's totally up for it (especially the character meeting opportunities), the issue will be my work schedule. The three days prior to that weekend (Mar 3-5) are three of the six most grueling days I have at work all year (the other three are in late October). I fear I'll be crazy tired and it would pretty much have to be a 2 night trip (3 night at best). But considering how often we get to go and the fact that we can drive to WDW... I don't think that would be a huge deal. Plus we have APs so the "only" expenses will be our resort reservation, food, and the participation fee.

So yeah... while we can't commit to it yet, we are definitely considering it.

:ROFLOL: In a normal world it would be totally strangely random that I can produce a pic of Tracey in a tiara like that. I took that either before or after one of the inaugural Pirate & Princess Parties. My cousin's wife & I both wore tiaras for the event. The Build-a-Bear was my cousin's stand-in since he was in Iraq hence the pic with our "guys" wearing tiaras. That trip was so fun because we ran around trying to find creative ways to get vacation pics of the bear. LOL!

Princess Brett does have a nice ring to it. I think I've got an extra tiara around here somewhere.... :king:

I can't 100% commit either but I'm pushing towards it. I think it'd be so fun on many levels. We'll have to keep in touch on it. :animwink:

 

[Sydney'n'Goofy]

Hi Aunt Kelly

Thank you for coming with me on my very first Disney Adventure!!!I had a blast. I know you were sick and I am very happy you took the time to write what you could remember.I see that daddy thinks he is going to rewrite a new one ,but I'm taking over.
So if anyone was reading and wants to know more about our trip look for it under my name.Hopefully it will be up soon.I'm going to title it "Sweetpee's neices late but not abbreviated trip report"
:ROFLOL:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Thank you for coming with me on my very first Disney Adventure!!!I had a blast. I know you were sick and I am very happy you took the time to write what you could remember.I see that daddy thinks he is going to rewrite a new one ,but I'm taking over.
So if anyone was reading and wants to know more about our trip look for it under my name.Hopefully it will be up soon.I'm going to title it "Sweetpee's neices late but not abbreviated trip report"
:ROFLOL:

Yay for you, Syd! Go for it girl! Trip reports can be a lot of work but it's totally worth it. I find it very rewarding. By sharing your family, fun, and adventures and reading along with other people on their trips you start to get to know folks. There's some great people here. Have fun and don't be too hard on your old Aunt Kelly. I know I was super-whiny and pitiful without my guys...:lol:

 

[DecWDW]

Well, I'm new here and just read your TR. I gotta say, you're writing is just delightful! And imagine, I'm reading a TR from when you were sick. I can only imagine how good they must be when you're felling well! I did want to comment on something you said. It's not really the place that is the magic, but the people you're with. Sometimes I think I'd really like to go by myself as I'm pretty good at being a loner, but the last 5 years I've travelled with a group of friends and family and it seems that I totally would miss them. If I went alone, would I make myself laugh like they do? I doubt it.
Tell your niece I'm waiting for her to finish her report!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Well, I'm new here and just read your TR. I gotta say, you're writing is just delightful! And imagine, I'm reading a TR from when you were sick. I can only imagine how good they must be when you're felling well! I did want to comment on something you said. It's not really the place that is the magic, but the people you're with. Sometimes I think I'd really like to go by myself as I'm pretty good at being a loner, but the last 5 years I've travelled with a group of friends and family and it seems that I totally would miss them. If I went alone, would I make myself laugh like they do? I doubt it.
Tell your niece I'm waiting for her to finish her report!

Awww! You are too sweet. Thank you. :kiss:

If you look in my signature there is a link to the most recent trip I took with my own family back in January this year. That's a loooong trip report with lots of details and fun. That's an example of a report/trip when I'm not sick.

I used to think a solo trip would be wonderful, too, because you can go and do whatever on a whim. But I think I'd get too lonely. I'll stick to going with loved ones.

I just talked to my brother. He's going to call Sydney in a few minutes to tell her to get busy when she can. I don't know what her computer situation at home is but I'll be eagerly watching for her updates, too. :sohappy:

 

[DormaNesbit]

Sweetpea I just finished Syd's report so I came in here to read yours. Loved it! The pedicure was amazing, loved the custom tee shirts but most importantly, I love the fact that your brother and your husband are in tune with the inner princess and they are not afraid to show it! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!!!:wave::wave:

 

[Kerby626]

Holly & Xtina-

Yesterday I asked Tracey if he'd really, seriously, for real consider running a half marathon with me. He said yes. I asked if he thought he'd be up to the training. He said yes. Then I asked if it'd still be yes if it was a Princess half and he again said yes. I can't commit 100% considering the January trip. To be honest, I have a feeling January won't work out because of the kids & school. The older they get the harder it is for them to realistically miss a whole week of school and catch back up when we get home. It's not just homework, it's instruction time. The good news is their spring break starts the weekend of the marathon. It would cost more but I think it would be better for everyone. Or maybe we'll just do both trips. I still need to talk more with Tracey about it.

Xtina, would Sean run with you if y'all had someone to watch the babies? Hhhmmm...who could we rope into baby duty? I'd love to have Mr. Drill Sergeant himself barking us along.

Holly, do you really think y'all would be up to it? I gotta see Brett in a tiara! I got my old man in one! Remember this Xtina???

I was looking at the event details and was disappointed to see that they aren't doing the special hard ticket event for participants & family/friends again. I guess that didn't go so well this year.

I do remember that. We could def do it. We talked about a trip down there and I am gearing up for starting my training. We are on the hunt for a jogging stroller now that we are back from FL. I don't know who we would get to watch the babies for us. YOu will have to call about what happened at home.

 

[stuv181]

man

Man is a born child, his power is the power of growth.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Man is a born child, his power is the power of growth.

Or lack thereof. I pride myself in staying a child where I need to.

 

[Kerby626]

Hi ALL!!! Sean from Sean and Xtina here!

WOW! Disney runs this family.....If I could only get others to pull cranium from glutes we'd be great. As for me and the half marathon....If we can pull the funds I'm down. I'll wear pink like it's cool....And I'm not a drill sgt, if I could swear you'd get an earful though.

 

[MagicMegan]

Awesome trip report! I'm reading your third right now. So excited to go in 20ish days.

BTW... is your brother single. JK... kind of. He's hot.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Awesome trip report! I'm reading your third right now. So excited to go in 20ish days.

BTW... is your brother single. JK... kind of. He's hot.

What a thread revival! LOL! I'm so glad you're enjoying the reports...although I fear you'll be a bit disappointed in my 3rd one. I was. It just came off darker, not as cheerful as the others. I guess if the report has to reflect the trip, it does. Maybe it's good for people to see that not all trips are made the same. :shrug:

My brother....**sigh**....yes, he's single. He's a member here, too. I hope he doesn't see your post. He always held himself in pretty high regard when we were kids/teens. I don't want him to revert! :lol: <---I'm so gonna get smacked for that! :lol:

 

[MagicMegan]

What a thread revival! LOL! I'm so glad you're enjoying the reports...although I fear you'll be a bit disappointed in my 3rd one. I was. It just came off darker, not as cheerful as the others. I guess if the report has to reflect the trip, it does. Maybe it's good for people to see that not all trips are made the same. :shrug:

My brother....**sigh**....yes, he's single. He's a member here, too. I hope he doesn't see your post. He always held himself in pretty high regard when we were kids/teens. I don't want him to revert! :lol: <---I'm so gonna get smacked for that! :lol:

Yeah I saw him comment earlier in this thread. haha
Sorry :/

 

[MagicMegan]

And I'm still loving the third one. I want to do one when we go in a few weeks. Knowing me though, I'm lucky to take 10 pictures the whole trip, let alone take notes.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

And I'm still loving the third one. I want to do one when we go in a few weeks. Knowing me though, I'm lucky to take 10 pictures the whole trip, let alone take notes.

You should definitely do a trip report. It's not hard and is totally rewarding. I don't think everyone takes notes. I have to because I'm like the nucleus of my little family and my mind is always waaaay overfull. I forget stuff constantly unless there's a specific reason to remember it. I carry a little spiral & pen in my bag. Whenever we're in line or sitting down at a meal or to rest I whip out the notebook and just hit a few bullets on the main points I think are noteworthy. If something funny happened or there was a story to tell I just write myself a few keywords to recall it. The notes are short & sloppy. It's just enough to make me remember stuff. Not too hard. The writing doesn't start until I'm home.

 

[erstwo]

(I loathed living in small town Alabama)

For someone who loathed living in small town Alabama, you certainly dress your little girl like a true small town Southern baby!

I'm fairly certain my daughter wore this exact outfit (right down to the shoes!), only with just one, slightly-bigger hairbow.

She's wearing bloomers under that dress right? :lol:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

For someone who loathed living in small town Alabama, you certainly dress your little girl like a true small town Southern baby!

I'm fairly certain my daughter wore this exact outfit (right down to the shoes!), only with just one, slightly-bigger hairbow.

She's wearing bloomers under that dress right? :lol:

Of course! Her bloomers are personalized with her name on her bottom: Reagan Liberty. That explains the outfit. Lol! I have tons of fun dressing my dolls in all the sweet girly things I would've picked if I had daughters. Actually, since this report was initially written I've downsized my collection by half or more. I had too many & my boys needed curriculum.

Small town living....eh....I grew up in Orlando. When I was 16 I moved to a small town where everyone knows who you are, all your business, & the grocery stores (including the new Super Walmart) close at night. Talk about culture shock! Lol!