There's A Human in the Human Tank: A November 2011 Trip Report

So here we are, it’s June, and I’m just now getting around to posting our Thanksgiving trip report. Sigh.

I was MIA on the boards for the first few months of the year mostly due to chaos and craziness at work. Don’t those people know that’s when I get most of my trip reporting done?! While work has slowed down quite a bit since the first of April, we have remained crazy busy at home. We bought and moved into our house in mid-December so quite a bit of time has went into all that that entails, from painting, to making curtains, decorating, purchasing new furniture, etc. But that’s not the only thing that’s kept us busy…

Because, you see, there’s a human in the human tank!

And well, we’ve been doing our best to prepare for the little one over the course of the last few months. So, please forgive me, my time has been spent nesting, buying every adorable baby item I see, and designing/pinning the cutest nursery on the planet.

The details...
- The little monkey is a boy, and we’re keeping his name a secret for now. But rest assured, he does have one!
- I’m at the end of my 37th week… ACK! That means, full-term. So really, he’ll be here any day now.
- He’s due to arrive on July 2nd and he’ll likely be introduced to the world via Instagram! Brett’s account, or mine, you never know.

We’re already planning his first Disney trip. You know, because that’s the first thing you do when you find out you’re having a baby! Granted, after doing the math, it became apparent that he actually came home with us at the conclusion of our Food & Wine Festival trip last fall. And he’s returned twice since, which leads us to this particular trip report – so let’s get to it.

This time around it’s not just Mr. and Mrs. Hollybelle, but Mama and Papa Hollybelle, as well! Also known as Kim and Rick! Here we all are, on one of our previous vacations, at the famed Maho Beach in St. Maarten:

We planned this trip around Thanksgiving because it gave us some vacation days to work with. With Brett’s current job, he gets next to no time off, so we’ve begun to find ourselves at the mercy of ridiculous holiday pricing when it comes to booking vacations. Initially, we had made our reservations for Port Orleans French Quarter, but without an AP rate, the price was a little tough to swallow. So when my mom came across a rock bottom deal for the Dolphin, we jumped on it and switched resorts.

As has been the case with a few of my last reports, this one is going to be heavy on the photos and light on text. Heck, I’m doing good to remember which parks we went to on which days.

So, as the anticipation over upcoming summer vacays mounts, is everyone ready for a healthy dose of holiday spirit and Christmas decoration?!

 

[TakeMeThere81]

We parked ourselves in the middle of the hub for the first showing of MMY and anxiously awaited what has quickly become one of my favorite shows on property. Second only to Illuminations in my book these days...

...I really want to participate in Marathon Weekend 2013, so that is one option. In fact, what I really want to do is the full marathon, but I don’t know whether or not that is truly feasible six months after birthing a human. At the very least I would like to do the half marathon so I’m thinking that trip is on the agenda. The little man will be six months old then, so maybe we can also register for the family fun run!

...I can’t imagine us not taking our child to Disney within the first 6-12 months of his life. No way are we waiting until he’s a full-blown toddler.

Thanks for following along everyone. Until next time!

Loved it!! I am on summer break so it was perfect timing!!

First, Marathon 2013 talk...I SOOO want to run the marathon next year! I don't think my school schedule will allow it. I won't have wiggle room like in past years, as I will mention later... But I have been running a ton nonetheless. I started a marathon training plan to run my first marathon in October, the Portland, OR marathon. I haven't run for a week though because I got sick and I'm still quite congested (head pounds with every foot strike). Hopefully I will be feeling better and can get back on track soon. I am on a pretty great training streak!

MM&Y...we head to Disneyland Resort in 2 months...apparently they play MM&Y at the outdoor It's a Small World. I'm really looking forward to it! And also World of Color!

Your little man will be quite the WDW traveler! What a lucky guy! But you are right, between a stroller and an Ergo or wrap, traveling with him should be relatively easy for the first year.

Ok, so on to the TR!

Love that you enjoyed Flights of Wonder! On our very first trip to WDW back in 2007, on a hot June I distinctly remember FoW being a welcomed, fans-blowing-on-us-in-the-heat break with our kids in the middle of the day. DH and I visited it on our last trip. I think it will always be a fond part of our WDW trips, because it holds a distinct memory from our first trip. That being said, I love the birds, always tear up when they bring the bald eagle out, and shamelessly laugh at all of the cheesy jokes!

Your parents are so photogenic! I love that they fully enjoyed themselves. There is nothing better than having family who adore WDW as much as you do...and it makes picking family vacation destinations much easier!

The very segment in Soarin' that you photographed may very well be making a significant impact in our lives in the future. It's looking pretty good that my husband could get transferred to S.D. next! Woop! (although I would not be able to fully join him until after I finish nursing school...)

Ok so I spilled it! My big news is that I got accepted into the nursing program at my school! It's really, REALLY competitive so I'm so excited! I start in the fall and it is a full 18 months, with minor breaks. Then I will get to take my state boards to finally become an R.N. And I'm thinking as a gift...possibly some DVC love!

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Love the TR Holly!! Looks like you had a great time despite not being able to do any of the thrill rides. What a good wife though, letting Brett get his fill of them!!

Since you mentioned the viewing spot for Wishes, I'll tell ya, Ashley and I had a GREAT spot last month. Right in front of Casey's they put tape down as a crosswalk from Casey's across Main St to the ice cream parlor. CM's won't let anyone stand in the crosswalk. So we stood just behind the tape and no one could stand in front of us. It was nice even though people were walking in front of us, but since no one could stop, that meant the closest person standing in front of us was about 20 feet in front of us. Best spot we've had for sure!!

My parents took me to WDW when I was 6 months old. They said I loved it and was not scared of any of the characters or dark rides. My first ride was Pirates. Talk about a super dark ride!!! lol. I can only hope my children won't be scared of the characters or dark rides either!! Your little Prince will be spoiled with two Disney loving parents like you and Brett and that toally is not a bad thing!!

 

[SarahBella82]

I love this trip report as I've loved your others. Congratulations on the impending babe. My daughter was a July baby last year, and I "took her to Disney" last April. (She loved it, I'm sure.) I think you'll surprise yourself with just how much you can do with a young one at the parks and how, in some ways, it's a brand new experience. I took my daughter out-of-utero last month (she was nine months old), and she enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds.

Looking forward to your February TR. Take care and good luck over the next few weeks.

 

[joanna71985]

I still have one more trip report to write (February 2012) before I’m fully caught up from my whirlwind year of Disney trips. I don’t know when I’ll get around to it, but with this little hiatus in our trips, I’m sure I’ll get to it before we go back. Speaking of… we’ve thrown around a couple of different options for our next trip. I really want to participate in Marathon Weekend 2013, so that is one option. In fact, what I really want to do is the full marathon, but I don’t know whether or not that is truly feasible six months after birthing a human. At the very least I would like to do the half marathon so I’m thinking that trip is on the agenda. The little man will be six months old then, so maybe we can also register for the family fun run!

The other idea we’re toying around with is sometime during the Food and Wine Festival this year. He’ll be 3-4 months old at that time. And Momma likes wine! Don’t worry though, I fully realize that these trips will be at a completely different pace and are for us and not him… but really, I can’t imagine us not taking our child to Disney within the first 6-12 months of his life. No way are we waiting until he’s a full-blown toddler.

Well....if you decide you need a babysitter....

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Hi, Jess! Oooh, you're someone who can totally attest to my awkwardness in blurting out pregnancy news. Seeing as how I did the same thing to you and your mom, too.

I don't think I knew you had a November trip coming up... you're gonna love Christmas at Disney - it's high time you get back... 10 years since your last Christmas trip.

Awww it was fine! I can imagine that would be a strange thing to get out to people so don't worry We were so happy to hear it and so excited for you and Brett!!!!

Yes, we decided we wanted to go back for Christmas..and seeing that i have almost 2 weeks vaca at my new job (it will be 2 weeks next year..just a little less this year since I started in March) the 3 days in September and a week in Nov is perfect! We'll be there from 11/25-12/2 and it's definitely high time we get back for Christmas! When we went then the Osborne lights were still going down Residential Street! And that was back when they were giving free pictures during MVMCP! Things have changed greatly since then, but it will still be alot of fun!

I have to say I loooooove your leggings! I will definitely have to go searching for a pair of those!

What a special experience too on the Segway tour!

I can't wait for one day to stay in the EPCOT resort area...within walking distance of the Studios and World Showcase??? YES PLEASE.

Can't wait til your next report!!! And for the little guy!!! I'm very curious to hear what his name will be!!!!! And I know he will just looooove Disney with two awesome Disney loving parents like yourselves!

 

[HollyBelle]

Who knows with that kid. Actually he's looking to start grad school, so he very well may not get a great amount of training in. We shall see! You're totally right that the nursing podcast thing was bizarre, but it ended up working out for him - he passed the test he was studying for on the first try. Smartypants.



I think that's a good call. I've never transfered myself, but I know it's done a lot at other races, so if they are offering that service it doesn't seem like it should be an issue. You're smart to call ahead of time. And I just looked on the site...the half is now 51% full, and the full is 57% full! Would Brett be running, or are his distance race days over?

EDITED TO ADD: Eh? Where't the shrugging icon??




That is true about the WWoS surprise being a good pick-me-up. I'm with you...the part in the Studios was SO disappointing as far as characters go. If I recall correctly, none were new to me.



Thanks for the S&D tip...sounds like a good option for a last-minute trip. And I will avoid that cream puff! BOO!



Who's doing what now?!

You're doing awesome too...don't think I don't stalk the "What Did You Do?" thread, even if I don't post often.



He was in better shape than I was last year, so we'll see.

Huh... looks like they updated the capacity sometime between yesterday morning and afternoon. I also saw that the pricing goes up from the first tier today, so I'm sure a lot of people are trying to get their registration in right now. It'll probably lull again for awhile after today.

I think Brett's distance days are over. If he does anything, it'll be the half. In fact, we talked about him doing the half while I baby wrangle and then swap roles the next day so I can do the full, but I guess we'll see. I'd be pretty stoked to see the two of 'em out on the course cheering me on. I think that would be the coolest!

Aw, the report's over already?! Sadness.

Ah, Starring Rolls...so good. Those pastries look delicious! Really strange that you guys had such problems finding breakfast options at the Studios.

Love that Rescue Rangers shirt! I need to find that for Will. Did Brett end up buying it?

Your night shows look really great, they seem to have improved a lot. I really love them!

Again, so glad that you posted this! Enjoy your last few days as a family of 2!

Yeah... it was a quick report - sorry about that. The Rescue Rangers shirt is awesome, and yes, Brett ended up buying it as soon as he saw it!

I totally forgot to mention this in my introductions, but your comment about my night shots reminded me... I upgraded! Ginger has a big brother now, his name is Monstro. I treated myself to an early Christmas present last year and purchased a Canon 7D. Seeing as how my ISO capabilities went from maxing out at 1600 to maxing out at 6400, I'd say that made a big difference in the night and low light photos. So, thank you for noticing!! While I'm fully in the "the camera doesn't do all the work" camp, upgrading bodies has allowed me to get some shots that I couldn't have otherwise gotten with my former set up.

Awww, bummer! I'm going the first part of September. We probably would have waited until later in Sept. to go but we're planning a big family trip again. My parents and my brother (Uncle Matt) and his wife are coming, so we had to work around their schedules. Glad to hear you're planning a trip with your baby. Don't let anyone scare you out of it. Yes, it will be different to what you're use to (but such is life after a child comes along) and it could be difficult... but it will be worth it. If you change your expectations and go at your child's pace you will have a wonderful time! I look forward to hearing when the little dude arrives. Make sure you update this thread or something! Do you have the nursery done? And pics to share? *bats eyelashes*

Great TR and thanks for sharing!

That trip is going to be so much fun - with Uncle Matt and the wifey along for the ride. I'm excited to read about that one. Thanks for the reassurance on taking such a wee one to the World. We really don't have any qualms about doing it, and like you said, if we go at the baby's pace/schedule then things should work out just fine. In fact, I'm really looking forward to the change.

The nursery isn't quite done yet. My mom and I (mostly my mom) are making all the bedding/curtains/fabric-related pieces, and we've run into a couple snafus along the way. All the essentials are there, but once I get it fully put together I plan to write up a blog post with lots of pictures (and maybe even submit it to Apartment Therapy). I promise to come back to this thread and link to it for anyone who is interested!

I'm sad the trip report is over!!! Next one!!! We already have our big family trip in the first stages of planning for next June, BUT I got a free dining pin code for December, and I'm debating on taking them up on that. Mine will be 3 months-ish, and with Ian's job, he wouldn't be able to make it down with me, so it would probably just be me and the kiddos for a few days. Dunno if that would be too much or not, but with Brett going to be ten, maybe not so bad??

Have not yet seen Magic, Memories, and You. Looks beautiful. Illuminations is def my favorite, so it would be difficult to live up to!

That free dining pin code sounds rather enticing! You could always book and then see how things go with Brett and the little one after he is born, and then make your decision at that time as to whether or not it'll be doable for you. Where's Steph?! I'm sure it wouldn't take much arm twisting to get her to tag along and help.

Oh yeah... Illuminations is #1 and always will be for me. But the MMY is pretty great, too. Not Illuminations great, but what is?!

Those legging rock! Do not deny the fabulousness of them, you must wear them in public!!! They are totally hipster worthy!!

Thanks so much! Maybe I'll be able to get back in them in another month or two!

 

[angieandtrevor]

WOW Holly, what wonderful news !! I am sure so many have told you this before but being a mom is the most amazing thing in the world, there is nothing better than seeing things through your babies eyes for the very first time. Oliver is almost 2 now and it is so hard to believe how quickly the time is passing. He is just such a joy; he is so funny and makes us laugh every single day, well almost.....he does have his moments J

Well you are definitely on the home stretch and before long you will be snuggling your beautiful little boy. I wasn't sure I would know what to do with a little boy but it is amazing how quickly you figure it all out

I love how you can now say you have the best Disney souvenir ever !! Oliver came home with us after a cruise and we only waited 6 months before taking our cruise baby on his 1st cruise, hee hee.

So we finally booked our Disney trip for the end of September, this will be the first trip for my hubby and Oliver and it is 10 years since I have been there. We are doing 7 nights at AOA and 7 nights on the Fantasy. I am SO very excited and scared to death all at the same time, travelling with a toddler will be very interesting but I know it will be worth it when I see his little face light up when he sees Mickey Mouse for the 1st time.

Wonderful trip report as always, it looks like you had a great time and your parents just seem like they are so much fun to travel with. I am sure it won’t be too hard to convince them to go back for Baby Boys first trip to Disney. Definitely do a trip in the fall if you can swing it, when they are little they are super easy to travel with, so much easier when they can’t run away from you, haha.

Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy, be sure to come back and let us know how everything went. I will be praying for a quick and easy delivery for you J

 

[HollyBelle]

Loved it!! I am on summer break so it was perfect timing!!

First, Marathon 2013 talk...I SOOO want to run the marathon next year! I don't think my school schedule will allow it. I won't have wiggle room like in past years, as I will mention later... But I have been running a ton nonetheless. I started a marathon training plan to run my first marathon in October, the Portland, OR marathon. I haven't run for a week though because I got sick and I'm still quite congested (head pounds with every foot strike). Hopefully I will be feeling better and can get back on track soon. I am on a pretty great training streak!

MM&Y...we head to Disneyland Resort in 2 months...apparently they play MM&Y at the outdoor It's a Small World. I'm really looking forward to it! And also World of Color!

Your little man will be quite the WDW traveler! What a lucky guy! But you are right, between a stroller and an Ergo or wrap, traveling with him should be relatively easy for the first year.

Ok, so on to the TR!

Love that you enjoyed Flights of Wonder! On our very first trip to WDW back in 2007, on a hot June I distinctly remember FoW being a welcomed, fans-blowing-on-us-in-the-heat break with our kids in the middle of the day. DH and I visited it on our last trip. I think it will always be a fond part of our WDW trips, because it holds a distinct memory from our first trip. That being said, I love the birds, always tear up when they bring the bald eagle out, and shamelessly laugh at all of the cheesy jokes!

Your parents are so photogenic! I love that they fully enjoyed themselves. There is nothing better than having family who adore WDW as much as you do...and it makes picking family vacation destinations much easier!

The very segment in Soarin' that you photographed may very well be making a significant impact in our lives in the future. It's looking pretty good that my husband could get transferred to S.D. next! Woop! (although I would not be able to fully join him until after I finish nursing school...)

Ok so I spilled it! My big news is that I got accepted into the nursing program at my school! It's really, REALLY competitive so I'm so excited! I start in the fall and it is a full 18 months, with minor breaks. Then I will get to take my state boards to finally become an R.N. And I'm thinking as a gift...possibly some DVC love!

CONGRATULATIONS, Melanee!!! I'm so excited for you. And, boy, do you have the right idea... DVC love as a gift?! Yes. Please. That is so great that things are going so well for you and the fam. San Diego would be a pretty fabulous place to live for awhile. Doing the long distance thing would be excruciating, I'm sure, but I have no doubt that you guys can make it work!

I'm totally with you on how your first experience with a certain attraction/show/etc. can immediately turn it into something nostalgic for future trips. I absolutely love it when that happens. That's how the MMY was for us. As for Flights of Wonder, my mom adores birds so that was one of the reasons why we made sure to hit it up - who knew it was so great!

Have fun at Disneyland! We were supposed to be making the trek this August/September, along with Brett's parents, but you know, things changed! And I'm sure you are going to rock that marathon in October! Good luck pushing aside the cold and getting back up to speed.

Love the TR Holly!! Looks like you had a great time despite not being able to do any of the thrill rides. What a good wife though, letting Brett get his fill of them!!

Since you mentioned the viewing spot for Wishes, I'll tell ya, Ashley and I had a GREAT spot last month. Right in front of Casey's they put tape down as a crosswalk from Casey's across Main St to the ice cream parlor. CM's won't let anyone stand in the crosswalk. So we stood just behind the tape and no one could stand in front of us. It was nice even though people were walking in front of us, but since no one could stop, that meant the closest person standing in front of us was about 20 feet in front of us. Best spot we've had for sure!!

My parents took me to WDW when I was 6 months old. They said I loved it and was not scared of any of the characters or dark rides. My first ride was Pirates. Talk about a super dark ride!!! lol. I can only hope my children won't be scared of the characters or dark rides either!! Your little Prince will be spoiled with two Disney loving parents like you and Brett and that toally is not a bad thing!!

Thanks, Darolyn. You know, my mom and I stood somewhere nearby that same area (just behind all the people walking) a couple trips back and I remember thinking it wasn't a good place to stand because everyone around us was talking and not really paying attention. I attributed this to the location, but I guess that doesn't really make sense as you can find yourself in that position anywhere you watch. We'll have to try this area again. And I'm guessing it puts you in a pretty prime location to escape afterwards, too! Woot!

Hooray for starting you out so young! I'm thinking we'll take him at 6 months for sure. And hopefully before, as well. How fun that your first ride was Pirates! With my and Brett's character love, I'll be devastated if he spends years upon years afraid of the characters, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I love this trip report as I've loved your others. Congratulations on the impending babe. My daughter was a July baby last year, and I "took her to Disney" last April. (She loved it, I'm sure.) I think you'll surprise yourself with just how much you can do with a young one at the parks and how, in some ways, it's a brand new experience. I took my daughter out-of-utero last month (she was nine months old), and she enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds.

Looking forward to your February TR. Take care and good luck over the next few weeks.

Thanks, SarahBella! I'm thinking taking a baby may actually be easier than taking a toddler. And 9 months sounds like a good age to me. Really, they all sound like good ages!

Well....if you decide you need a babysitter....

This. I'm liking this idea!

Awww it was fine! I can imagine that would be a strange thing to get out to people so don't worry We were so happy to hear it and so excited for you and Brett!!!!

Yes, we decided we wanted to go back for Christmas..and seeing that i have almost 2 weeks vaca at my new job (it will be 2 weeks next year..just a little less this year since I started in March) the 3 days in September and a week in Nov is perfect! We'll be there from 11/25-12/2 and it's definitely high time we get back for Christmas! When we went then the Osborne lights were still going down Residential Street! And that was back when they were giving free pictures during MVMCP! Things have changed greatly since then, but it will still be alot of fun!

I have to say I loooooove your leggings! I will definitely have to go searching for a pair of those!

What a special experience too on the Segway tour!

I can't wait for one day to stay in the EPCOT resort area...within walking distance of the Studios and World Showcase??? YES PLEASE.

Can't wait til your next report!!! And for the little guy!!! I'm very curious to hear what his name will be!!!!! And I know he will just looooove Disney with two awesome Disney loving parents like yourselves!

Giving away FREE pictures at the Christmas party?! I think I just about choked on my cereal bar! I'm sure MVMCP was also more economically friendly. Along with so many other things. But you're right, you're going to love the way they do up the holidays now and the Osborne Lights are absolutely breathtaking!

I got the leggings from Forever 21 so start there. Although, you may be able to find them elsewhere, as well.

The Epcot resort area is absolutely amazing and the Swan & Dolphin are the "cheapest" way to get into that area, so they get points from me for that reason alone. You should definitely try it sometime, especially with your love of the Studios - you'll never want to stay anywhere else.

 

[HollyBelle]

WOW Holly, what wonderful news !! I am sure so many have told you this before but being a mom is the most amazing thing in the world, there is nothing better than seeing things through your babies eyes for the very first time. Oliver is almost 2 now and it is so hard to believe how quickly the time is passing. He is just such a joy; he is so funny and makes us laugh every single day, well almost.....he does have his moments J

Well you are definitely on the home stretch and before long you will be snuggling your beautiful little boy. I wasn't sure I would know what to do with a little boy but it is amazing how quickly you figure it all out

I love how you can now say you have the best Disney souvenir ever !! Oliver came home with us after a cruise and we only waited 6 months before taking our cruise baby on his 1st cruise, hee hee.

So we finally booked our Disney trip for the end of September, this will be the first trip for my hubby and Oliver and it is 10 years since I have been there. We are doing 7 nights at AOA and 7 nights on the Fantasy. I am SO very excited and scared to death all at the same time, travelling with a toddler will be very interesting but I know it will be worth it when I see his little face light up when he sees Mickey Mouse for the 1st time.

Wonderful trip report as always, it looks like you had a great time and your parents just seem like they are so much fun to travel with. I am sure it won’t be too hard to convince them to go back for Baby Boys first trip to Disney. Definitely do a trip in the fall if you can swing it, when they are little they are super easy to travel with, so much easier when they can’t run away from you, haha.

Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy, be sure to come back and let us know how everything went. I will be praying for a quick and easy delivery for you J

Hi, Angie! Thank you! I knew you were planning a land and sea trip, but didn't know it was so soon! You are going to have a blast. Dedicating one whole week to the parks and one whole week to the cruise is definitely the way to go, especially seeing as how your husband has never been and you've not been in a decade!

It's hard to believe that your son is already 2 years old. Ahhhh... time really flies by entirely too quickly. So it's good that you're taking the time to do all these wonderful things with him, like cruising at 6 months! We're booked on the Fantasy for next May, which would put us around the 9 month mark. I don't know if we'll keep this reservation or push it out a bit further, but for now I'd like to think we'll keep it.

Being in the home stretch is nice... although, I do hope he stays put in the oven for the next two weeks. I could use a little more time to get things ready!

 

[corey154]

I'm so happy for you! I haven't been on in awhile and what a pleasant suprise to find there's a baby on the way!

 

[fractal]

See, I was right. Another great TR! Loved the pics and also some of the special "editing" you did on a few.

Best wishes with the newborn!

 

[enchanted_belle]

How did I miss this already ENDED. Gee, I start reading it, and then it's done. (really could use that shrug icon right about now)

Anyway, you just made me really miss Disney big time, and that means the next 101 days cannot come soon enough. Can't wait to hear about baby's (NOT babies ) first trip! SQUEEEEE

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Holly! I finally made it back over to the trip report section! Congratulations again!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you. Can't wait for the big news!!

The view from your room was awesome! I love it!

Brett should have had your back and while you were thinking about how to spill the beans, he should have had the camera ready! I would have loved to see your mom's face!!

Speaking of, your pictures are fabulous as usual. I love the tree details and the instagram photos too!

And a Segway tour!! How fun!! You're showed your Dad an exellent time!

The bag in the face pictures cracked me up.

I can't wait for the next report, but I know you've got a little going on! So I will be patient!


My fonts are crazy in this reply!!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Giving away FREE pictures at the Christmas party?! I think I just about choked on my cereal bar! I'm sure MVMCP was also more economically friendly. Along with so many other things. But you're right, you're going to love the way they do up the holidays now and the Osborne Lights are absolutely breathtaking!

I got the leggings from Forever 21 so start there. Although, you may be able to find them elsewhere, as well.

The Epcot resort area is absolutely amazing and the Swan & Dolphin are the "cheapest" way to get into that area, so they get points from me for that reason alone. You should definitely try it sometime, especially with your love of the Studios - you'll never want to stay anywhere else.

Yes I know. Makes me crazy thinking about it too...how times have changed ::insert former shrug smiley here::

Definitely will try it sometime. My dream is to stay at the Boardwalk, just love that resort so much. And your right, once I stay in that area I'll never want to go anywhere else!

Good luck with all the rest of your nursery furnishings!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I'm so sad that it's over...I feel like I just started reading. Oh well.

First- LOVE the leggings! Sure, they may not be something you wear outside of WDW...well, at least in most areas, but they were so perfect and cute.

Secondly, love that the baby's first plush is Donald. He's always been my fave...and I think I might be swaying DD3 into bumping him into 2nd place after Pooh. Duffy has totally grown on us as well. DB and SIL bought our girls Duffy bears back in 2010 and while I was skeptical, they have become part of the top tier plush toys for the girls... i.e. they often are their bedtime choices.

That's incredible that you got the Segway tour all to yourselves. We have some time before we can do that, but I will definitely try and remember to do the early morning one. That just looked so great having the place to yourselves.

Your trip dates and the crowds after Thanksgiving have me feeling pretty thankful (LOL) that I opted to end our upcoming trip the day before Thanksgiving. I mean, I know it will be crowded, but not Friday after Thanksgiving crowded (I hope).

Sad...I was getting pretty hyped up over the Dolphin and Swan, but then we had the deal breaker surface...double beds. I know- sounds crazy, but DH feels cramped in a queen. He can tolerate it, but not a double. So high maintenance!!! So, it's looking like we're going to switch to Beach Club.

I wish you guys all of the best with everything with the baby!!! And just think, WDW will be like this brand new adventure when you start taking him. Congrats again and can't wait to read your next TR!

 

[Ariel484]

Huh... looks like they updated the capacity sometime between yesterday morning and afternoon. I also saw that the pricing goes up from the first tier today, so I'm sure a lot of people are trying to get their registration in right now. It'll probably lull again for awhile after today.

I think Brett's distance days are over. If he does anything, it'll be the half. In fact, we talked about him doing the half while I baby wrangle and then swap roles the next day so I can do the full, but I guess we'll see. I'd be pretty stoked to see the two of 'em out on the course cheering me on. I think that would be the coolest!

Yeah... it was a quick report - sorry about that. The Rescue Rangers shirt is awesome, and yes, Brett ended up buying it as soon as he saw it!

I totally forgot to mention this in my introductions, but your comment about my night shots reminded me... I upgraded! Ginger has a big brother now, his name is Monstro. I treated myself to an early Christmas present last year and purchased a Canon 7D. Seeing as how my ISO capabilities went from maxing out at 1600 to maxing out at 6400, I'd say that made a big difference in the night and low light photos. So, thank you for noticing!! While I'm fully in the "the camera doesn't do all the work" camp, upgrading bodies has allowed me to get some shots that I couldn't have otherwise gotten with my former set up.

I was sort of expecting that they would update the capacity numbers again this morning, but they haven't yet. Princess Craiggy finally signed up yesterday...I've been bugging him for weeks! I think the prospect of saving $50 and possibly getting shut out finally pushed him over the edge.

Great idea to switch off baby-wrangling duties during marathon weekend...I think the only thing I would be concerned about would be the wake-up calls both days. But how fun to have your own little cheering section out on the course!

Welcome Monstro! Now that you mention it I think I remember you saying you had a new camera in your last report. Congrats on the new purchase! I'm sure it'll come in handy for some precious baby shots. Maybe I'll update someday too, but for now I am happy with my (nameless) Canon Rebel. What's Ginger up to these days?

Speaking of photos...I love this idea for baby photos. It seems like it would take a bit of planning and it's likely a week here or there would be missed (life happens), but the end product is so adorable:

http://www.younghouselove.com/photo-gallery-2/claras-weekly-photo-project/

I thought this seemed like something that's up your alley since I know you love photography and are good with Photoshop. I think I'd like to attempt something like this when we have a baby...whenever that may be. Who knows though, it might be the kind of thing that seems like a neat idea but is way too hard to actually execute.

 

[tehSAC]

I love your report, and congrats on the future addition! I love reading your reports, and look forward to your February TR.

 

[HollyBelle]

I'm so happy for you! I haven't been on in awhile and what a pleasant suprise to find there's a baby on the way!

Thanks, Corey!

See, I was right. Another great TR! Loved the pics and also some of the special "editing" you did on a few.

Best wishes with the newborn!

Thanks, Chris. Are you referring to the various square pictures when you say special "editing"? If so, those were all shot by Brett and uploaded to Instagram via his iPhone. I should've probably mentioned that at the beginning of the report. It's the best app ever!

How did I miss this already ENDED. Gee, I start reading it, and then it's done. (really could use that shrug icon right about now)

Anyway, you just made me really miss Disney big time, and that means the next 101 days cannot come soon enough. Can't wait to hear about baby's (NOT babies ) first trip! SQUEEEEE

Yeah it was a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of report! 101 day countdown?! You'll be there in no time.. and for a runDisney event! Huzzzah!

Holly! I finally made it back over to the trip report section! Congratulations again!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you. Can't wait for the big news!!

The view from your room was awesome! I love it!

Brett should have had your back and while you were thinking about how to spill the beans, he should have had the camera ready! I would have loved to see your mom's face!!

Speaking of, your pictures are fabulous as usual. I love the tree details and the instagram photos too!

And a Segway tour!! How fun!! You're showed your Dad an exellent time!

The bag in the face pictures cracked me up.

I can't wait for the next report, but I know you've got a little going on! So I will be patient!


My fonts are crazy in this reply!!

Thanks again, Tammy! We really did have an amazing room, although, every time we walked back to it at the end of the day it seemed like the hallways went on forever.

Brett gets credit for all those instagram shots... I didn't get my iPhone until December - so those are all him. You know, now that you mention it, it would've been great to capture their faces at that very moment. Oh well, maybe next time?!

As for the bag in the face, I didn't realize how often I probably do that until I took that picture of my mom and thought "oh my, that looks so funny," but when you're looking through the lens you don't even realize it.

Maybe I'll find the time to write up that next report while I'm on maternity leave. Then again, maybe not.

Yes I know. Makes me crazy thinking about it too...how times have changed ::insert former shrug smiley here::

Definitely will try it sometime. My dream is to stay at the Boardwalk, just love that resort so much. And your right, once I stay in that area I'll never want to go anywhere else!

Good luck with all the rest of your nursery furnishings!

Thanks, Jess! Slowly, but surely, the nursery is coming together. Nothing like the last minute!

I'm so sad that it's over...I feel like I just started reading. Oh well.

First- LOVE the leggings! Sure, they may not be something you wear outside of WDW...well, at least in most areas, but they were so perfect and cute.

Secondly, love that the baby's first plush is Donald. He's always been my fave...and I think I might be swaying DD3 into bumping him into 2nd place after Pooh. Duffy has totally grown on us as well. DB and SIL bought our girls Duffy bears back in 2010 and while I was skeptical, they have become part of the top tier plush toys for the girls... i.e. they often are their bedtime choices.

That's incredible that you got the Segway tour all to yourselves. We have some time before we can do that, but I will definitely try and remember to do the early morning one. That just looked so great having the place to yourselves.

Your trip dates and the crowds after Thanksgiving have me feeling pretty thankful (LOL) that I opted to end our upcoming trip the day before Thanksgiving. I mean, I know it will be crowded, but not Friday after Thanksgiving crowded (I hope).

Sad...I was getting pretty hyped up over the Dolphin and Swan, but then we had the deal breaker surface...double beds. I know- sounds crazy, but DH feels cramped in a queen. He can tolerate it, but not a double. So high maintenance!!! So, it's looking like we're going to switch to Beach Club.

I wish you guys all of the best with everything with the baby!!! And just think, WDW will be like this brand new adventure when you start taking him. Congrats again and can't wait to read your next TR!

Thanks, Sandy. Donald Duck, or at least this particular Donald Duck, has been dubbed Rattle Butt around here... and seeing as how he's the first purchase we made for the little man, I think he's going to always hold a special place with me. He's in the ready-and-waiting hospital bag now!

What is with Duffy, huh?! I'm totally in love with him now and I really was not a fan at all when he was first released. There's just no denying that he's the cutest teddy bear EVER.

So smart to be leaving just before Thanksgiving - the weekend after was complete chaos. Seeing as how we weren't really trying to ride anything, it was fairly manageable, but I wouldn't want to do it with two little ones. Have fun on your trip - it's too bad the bed situation at the Swan and Dolphin won't work out for you. The king rooms are great, but that doesn't exactly work either. Of course, the Beach Club absolutely trumps S&D any day of the week, so I'd say you're making out just fine in the end.

I was sort of expecting that they would update the capacity numbers again this morning, but they haven't yet. Princess Craiggy finally signed up yesterday...I've been bugging him for weeks! I think the prospect of saving $50 and possibly getting shut out finally pushed him over the edge.

Great idea to switch off baby-wrangling duties during marathon weekend...I think the only thing I would be concerned about would be the wake-up calls both days. But how fun to have your own little cheering section out on the course!

Welcome Monstro! Now that you mention it I think I remember you saying you had a new camera in your last report. Congrats on the new purchase! I'm sure it'll come in handy for some precious baby shots. Maybe I'll update someday too, but for now I am happy with my (nameless) Canon Rebel. What's Ginger up to these days?

Speaking of photos...I love this idea for baby photos. It seems like it would take a bit of planning and it's likely a week here or there would be missed (life happens), but the end product is so adorable:

http://www.younghouselove.com/photo-gallery-2/claras-weekly-photo-project/

I thought this seemed like something that's up your alley since I know you love photography and are good with Photoshop. I think I'd like to attempt something like this when we have a baby...whenever that may be. Who knows though, it might be the kind of thing that seems like a neat idea but is way too hard to actually execute.

Just checked and they did end up updating it today... Goofy is at 82%, the full at 61%, and the half at 54%. Looks like I may have to make a decision before I'm ready to. I was hoping to get to the end of the summer and into a routine before I gauged how much training I could fit into my new schedule. As much as I want to do the full, I may end up going for the half to be on the safe side.

Ginger is still in the fam. I contemplated selling her, but just couldn't do it. In fact, she's sitting on a side table in our den with my Sigma 30 permanently attached. I have a feeling the combination of she and Monstro will come in very handy when this baby arrives. Being able to keep the fixed focus lens on one camera will probably result in more variety in my pictures, seeing as I won't have to go to the trouble to change out lenses as often.

So funny that you linked to YHL... their blog has remained a staple in my blog reader for some time now - I'm a big fan of their writing style as much as anything else. As far as photo projects go... I do have one in mind and hope I can carry it out, but we'll see. I'd like to attempt a picture a day for the first year (all different types of every day things to keep it as real as possible) - a 365 project, if you will!

I love your report, and congrats on the future addition! I love reading your reports, and look forward to your February TR.

Thanks so much, tehSAC! Maybe I'll get to that February report before next fall.

 

[fractal]

Thanks, Chris. Are you referring to the various square pictures when you say special "editing"? If so, those were all shot by Brett and uploaded to Instagram via his iPhone. I should've probably mentioned that at the beginning of the report. It's the best app ever!

Yes - for example the "Gertie" pic and the "Mary Poppins Balloon" pic. I like the look of them.

 

[HollyBelle]

Yes - for example the "Gertie" pic and the "Mary Poppins Balloon" pic. I like the look of them.

Yep! That'd be Instagram. I linked to each of our accounts in the very first post if you'd like to see more shots like those. It's super fun and easy to use - after you take your picture, there are a host of "filters" you can use on the image. It allows for some super quick creativity. I'm rather obsessed with it these days.