I am trying super hard to get caught up here - honest!
I even uploaded pics last week with the intention of doing updates on Sunday morning... Then Sunday morning came and I realized it was Mother's Day.
: Soooo - that didn't happen. I seriously need to get a move on - I am running out of time!
Rest assured - I did buy a new notebook last week... So, there will be a TR, even if the PTR was less than stellar.
So glad to have found this report today
Aruba looked amazing D and your plans for upcoming trips sound like a lot of fun!
You look absolutely fabulous and while it might not be happening as fast as you’d like, your progress is stunning!
Thank you!
Happy to have you here and following along.
Think D~ ran away?
Come back D~ we miss you!!!!
Hello...Hello...is there anyboD~ out there???
Again - thanks for trying to keep things lively here.
Hey, D! I hope you have been able to dig out of the snow by now. It stinks that y'all got such a late snow! As you know, we just got back from Tokyo
Disneyland and Sea. It was great. A little cold, but not unbearable. Our PCS date is quickly approaching, and I feel like the next 2 months are going to fly by. I can't remember if I said on here or not, but we are moving to Coastal North Carolina; Jason will be stationed at Camp Lejeune. We are trying to buy our friends' house in Cape Carteret. The sad part is that they are moving to Hawaii and we were so looking forward to being near them. Ah well, it's a good reason to go back to Hawaii (as if a person needs more reasons, LOL). The good part is, we will be a 5 minute drive to the beach! (if you need a cheap beach vacay, I can hook you up!) The girls and I will be leaving around mid-June to do all the paperwork on the house and visit with family. Jason will stay behind until mid-July to do turnover with his replacement. I'm sure the time will go by fast but we will not be together for my 40th birthday.
Ah well, we can just add it to the long list of holidays and birthdays we've been apart for over the years.
Your trip is fast approaching! You should be getting close to your 60 day window? You all are going to have such fun. I can't wait to hear your FP strategy. Cheers and stay warm!
Ahhh Brandi.... It's been too long already, sorry my reply took forever.
Yes - the snow is gone, way gone.
I am in full-on tanning mode at the moment - in an effort to get a decent base tan before we leave and #hopefullynotburn Fingers crossed.
You have to be SO CLOSE to PCSing by now???? I feel like my Disney dates and your PCS dates are very close together?
How did the house purchase go??? Did you get it? I didn't see anything on FB...
So sad that Jason has to stay behind and miss your birthday - but I know the feeling... We have been apart for far too many special events too, it's no fun. But these days - hate to say it - I look forward to the weekends that Josh goes to the lake... Over the years, I kinda got used to having "me time" - so while I love spending time with him, I also love sitting at home all day in my PJs and being sloth-like.
I feel like there's two sides to that coin - both nice and both sad at the same time.
Sending hugs and lots n' lots of pixie dust for your PCS to go smoothly!
Yes... Our 60 day window has passed. LOL I am such a slacker! I have SO MUCH updating to do!!!!
Hi -- I'm back! I hope you've been able to dig out from the snow...we're going on day 2 of continuous, hard rain here...and that's after snow and an inch of hail last week. The weather was so much nicer in Florida....
My friend and I were able to do everything we wanted to do at WDW with the exception of four rides (RNRC (single rider line was crazy long), EE (she didn't really want to ride it after we finished in Pandora - she said it would be a let down after Flight of Passage), Dinosaur (closed in the time frame we were going to ride it), and Jungle Cruise (crazy long lines). Not bad! It was two very long days -- arriving each morning about 45 minutes (at least) before rope drop. We stayed at Coronado Springs. I didn't think I would like the newly refurbished rooms because they looked so sterile, but I actually really did like it. The tower there are building there is HUGE.
Day 1 was DHS and Epcot...we rope dropped Slinky Dog (waited about 30 minutes in line), then rode Alien Swirling Saucers stand by (about 20 minutes) and then used our FP+ for TSMM. (I won!) Then we rode Star Tours (my first time -- I've been too afraid in the past but I did it and I liked it!) and she used her FP+ and mine for ToT, then tried to ride RNRC but the single rider line didn't move for 30 minutes so she gave up and we left DHS. Took the boat over to Epcot and did the UK side of Flower and Garden on our way to Figment. Booked day-of FP+ for Living with the Land and Nemo, then did single rider for Test Track (about 25 minutes) and stand by for Soarin' because there were no FP+ available. We waited about 40 minutes for that one. Then we headed back to World Showcase to finish off the Flower and Garden stuff and rode the Three Caballeros ride. It was starting to sprinkle so we headed out and rode Spaceship Earth on our way out. We missed Illuminations but with the thunder and lightning we weren't sure they were going to show it. The park was closing right after that anyway. We saw the gondola system...that will not be my chosen form of transportation!!!
Day 2 was MK and AK -- because we had our FP+ at AK in the evening so we could experience Pandora at night, everything we did at MK was stand-by. Fortunately they had extra magic hours that morning. We rode one of the Main Street vehicles up to the castle and then rope dropped SDMT, waiting about 25 minutes. Then did Haunted Mansion (10 minutes), BTMRR (15 minutes), and Splash Mountain -- another first for me, and I liked it! We waited about 20 minutes for that one. Then Pirates with a 15 minute wait. Then we headed over to do Buzz Lightyear (I lost), Carousel of Progress, People Mover, tea cups, and IASW. Then it was time to head over to AK. We got there and did Bug's Life (first time for me...didn't love it), Kilimanjaro Safari, walked a couple of the trails, saw the bird show, noticed that a lot of the quick service places were closed at dinner time which seemed odd to us, then went over to Pandora and rode Flight of Passage (absolutely amazing ride but even a full dose of Dramamine wasn't enough for me -- I felt queasy the rest of the night) and Navi River Journey, then watched the lights on the Tree of Life, did some shopping, and headed out at park close. It was a jam packed two days -- we had so much fun and it was much needed.
Yup - the snow is gone... Thank God... I was so OVER it. As I am every year! Now I am in "tanning mode" - trying to get a good base tan before we leave on our trip - so I hopefully don't burn too badly while we are there.
It's a good excuse to take an hour off of work every day to lay in the sun and catch up on my vitamin D too.
Bummer that you missed out on some of my favorite rides... EE and FoP are so different - EE will always be my favorite (behind Splash Mountain) - it's just a classic! FoP - I can take it or leave it... Definitely would't wait in any sort of line for it.
So did you end up getting FPs for FoP? Or did you wait in stand-by? I am guessing you had FPs?
I am anxious to *hopefully* see some of the Riviera while we are there... I am secretly praying that the Skyliner will be running, as I am dying to ride it. Even though I am afraid of heights... eeek! I've been watching this anxiously and with each new unveiling - I am hoping they'll start testing... Sadly, I just don't think it will happen for this trip.
Wait!!!! You've never ridden Splash Mountain before????? NO WAY!!!!! Isn't it the best????? Seriously - it's my favorite and I am so excited it will be open for this trip (it was under refurb last time - so we haven't ridden it since October 2016).
It sounds like you were able to get almost everything done in 2 days - or at least hit all of the highlights.
That is awesome!
Bummer about getting sick on FoP - I also have motion sickness issues - but I seem to do OK on that one, as long as it's the only ride I do with the goggles... I can't do all of the rides at US, just because most of them have goggles - and they make me so sick.
But AK at night... Swoon!!! Nothing better! We'll get to experience it twice on this trip and I cannot wait!!!
Again - sorry it took me so long to respond... I hope you'll forgive me!
And I am so happy you took the time to share your trip with me... So when is your next one??? And how is the new house??? (which isn't so new anymore) And the girls???? I've been following along on FB, and all looks ok???
Hi, D. I haven't commented on one of your trip reports in some time, but I do periodically try to catch up when I see you have a current report. I should do better with commenting. My, your girls are all grown up! I hope all is going well with their jobs, school and, well everything else. I think the last time I was regularly keeping up with your updates, you were redoing your kitchen and staircase in preparation for A's grad party! I hope, too, that your dad is still doing well.
You look great! You should be so proud of yourself!
I don't know if I caught the timing of your next trip, but it sounds like it's early summer? My DH, DD12, and I (fellow Minnesotans--Woodbury) will be at BCR July 4--13. I've never stayed at or even visited BC, but am excited about the pool and to be within walking distance of Epcot and HS. My DD and I are also planning to do the Regatta Run at BC, which will be new to us.
HDDMR is a great way to celebrate your birthday! We enjoy it so much. The first time we attended, my DD (8 at the time and her first trip to WDW) belly-laughed throughout and listed it as the #1 must-do for our next trip--above all attractions, princesses, etc. Two years ago, I took my sister and niece with us on a girls' trip, and at HDDMR we were seated at the front and center table. At one point, my daughter was laughing so, so hard. Six Bits made eye contact with her, causing him to start laughing uncontrollably. Every time he tried to move to his next line, DD would laugh harder and then he'd bust out again. When he finally regained control, he told DD that she can attend for free any time. (I should have got that in writing.
)
Anyhow, I wanted to say "hi" and send good wishes.
Hi there!!! Thanks for stopping by!
The girls are doing well... thanks for asking! Soooo busy!!! Like, really busy. LOL Both of them are in college full time (and just finishing up finals this week)... They are also both working full time (Allison was promoted last year to an Activities Aide at the Assisted Living facility she has been working at for a few years... And V is still at the Daycare) + they also are working part time (Allison is still very busy with her photography business, and V is still working at her high school job - the pizza place - picking up hours like crazy!)... So, my opportunities to see them are few and far between! Both girls are still in serious relationships... Allison is still dating Gus (they are on something like 5 years now??? With a year break in the middle) and V is still dating Carter (they have been together for 1.5 years) - both good guys.
I was very happy to have both of the girls and both of their guys here for two meals this last weekend - made this momma's heart SO HAPPY - especially on Mother's Day weekend.
.
That's right! We live close to each other! I knew I remembered you! LOL Forgive this old Momma brain. I was just in Woodbury last week - Surprisingly, I go there quite often - It's just as far for me to go there as it is to go anywhere else. LOL Besides - I like to hit the new TJMaxx store in CG. LOL
EEEEK! Your trip sounds exciting too!!! How fun to stay at that resort! We hope to do some resort hopping while we are there this trip... and that is one of the resorts we hope to hit!
Your experience made me super excited (all over again) to be doing HDDR! I cannot wait. I feel like I *kind of* know what to expect, after doing the Dinner Show in Paris - but at the same time, I've been trying to stay away from spoilers too, so we can just enjoy it for the first time. We are very excited! Allison is probably most excited about the "free unlimited sangrias"
LOL I know her - and she will likely have 1 and done. LOL
Thanks for stopping by! It was great catching up with you! I hope you have a great trip!
So how’s everyone doing? How was Easter?
Awwwh Jen... LOL I feel terrible... Easter was like, a month ago, and here I am trying to catch up. LOL
Our Easter was good, how about you? It was a little crazy with Allison's birthday being on the same day - but otherwise, it was very nice and the weather was super good!
Hi D!
Sorry I've been missing for so long! Life has been crazy!
So happy to hear A & V are doing so well! And how exciting that you've got another trip with them booked!!!!
Sounds like you had a great time in Aruba-how beautiful!
Hope Josh is feeling a lot better!
It's been a crazy busy year with Joe this year. I was really pushing him to get his Eagle Scout-I knew he would regret it the rest of his life is he didn't do it. He aged out January 10th. He got his application in (work all complete) on January 8th.
But all is good! He actually holds to current record for his troop for number of merit badges.
Last summer for family vacation we visited a few schools for Joe in Maine & NY taking the scenic route through Quebec. Gene & Joe also went to FL in September to visit 2 schools there. He ended up applying to 6 schools. I was a bit worried about some as he applied for Aeronautical Engineering and math isn't his strongest subject. He ended up getting into all 6 schools. Joe & I went back to FL in March for an accepted student day at Florida Tech. It was his number 1 before we visited but they just didn't go a great job organizing the day. We did an accepted student day and he stayed overnight on campus 1 night at Clarkson University in Potsdam NY. That's where he's going. It is a very good fit for him. The campus is close to the Adirondack Mnts and has a very active outdoor club. I think he'll really love it there plus they have really strong support to make sure kids graduate on time. Potsdam NY is just 25 miles farther from home than Lizzy in Oswego but Potsdam is 125 miles Northeast of Oswego-closer to Ottawa, Canada than Oswego and just to make things fun the two schools schedules are off about a week.
This summer Joe will be working at the High Adventure Base he went to last summer in Alaska as an assistant trek guide. They are allowing him to arrive a few days late so he can attend his graduation on June 1st but I'm sure he'll be flying out on your birthday to Alaska. They pay his airfare, provide room & board and pay him. Such a great opportunity for him. He will return just in time to go on a preorientation trip for freshman to the Adirondacks with Clarkson.
Lizzy applied for and got a position working on campus this summer so she won't be home either.
I guess we need to get used to a very quiet house with just Emma. Emma had been saying she didn't want to go to college but is now saying she wants to do band instrument repair. There are only 4 programs in North America-one very close to you at Southeast MN State College. She'd be relatively close to her cousin there. Iowa also has a program and they have dorms on campus so that might work better for her. OR she might change her mind in 2 years.
Lizzy took an EMT class this semester at college and has been active with the student volunteer ambulance on campus. She really loves her EMT class. She'll test at the end of the course to be a certified EMT. She needs a certain number of patient "contacts" for her EMT class and wasn't getting them with just the campus service so she's done a few ride alongs with the town service and helped out on a few serious calls. She's been calm and effective on those calls-it's not something I would want to do but it's great that someone can do it. She will continue to get her Meteorology degree. She's always going to be attracted to living in the middle of nowhere so this experience should serve her well wherever she ends up.
No worries - as you can see, I haven't been here much either. I've been feeling a lot of guilt over it. Just trying to catch up though so I can get some updates in before this PTR needs to turn into a TR. LOL
It's great to see you Bernadette!!! As always! I was just looking through pics the other day - of our November 2015 trip... Gosh has it been that long already?
OK - so did Joe make Eagle Scout??? You said he got his application in on time - just barely... And what did he choose for his project?
Congrats to Joe on getting accepted to 6 schools - that is amazing! And I am glad to hear that he chose one a bit closer to home than FL... I don't think I could handle being that far away from the girls! LOL I am glad he found a good fit though - that is awesome!
What an amazing opportunity for Joe in Alaska too!!! WOW!!!! I remember when all our kids were just young teens... and now they are all grown up and in college - living their own lives. It's crazy to think about! Congrats to Joe - he has so many fantastic opportunities in front of him!
Of course - I'd vote for Emma to come to MN, LOL... It would be neat to see you all in my neck of the woods.
And congrats to Lizzy for all of her accomplishments as well - it sounds like she is really carving her own path and will be very successful! My foster-sister just took a job as a (gosh, I am gonna get this wrong, I know it) - but as a flight nurse??? She has been a paramedic for many, many years... She is also a RN... So, her and her wife are currently selling their house and moving across the country so Sarah can work her dream job. Super proud of her! Such a hard job - not something that just anyone can do - it seems like Lizzy is right in her element though! So proud of her - as you must be!
Thanks for checking in Bernadette... I was so happy to be able to catch up with you!
Just got caught up! I love that you are going to HDDR for your Birthday
that is the perfect place to go to celebrate. What amazing pixie dust in Aruba! Wouldn’t it be nice to spend a month there?!?
Monica
Me too! LOL Still catching up... I haven't even scrolled down any further than your reply. I need to get caught up here badly.
Sooo excited for HDDR - like, sooooo excited!!! Something we've never done and just so out of the ordinary for us!
OK - I think I could live in Aruba... Or at least, visit often. LOL It was a FANTASTIC trip. We are already planning our next visit there.
I am still having slight aversions to sea food - LOL and I LOVE sea food. Hopefully I get over it soon.
Super excited that you will be in WDW with us!!!
The girls and I can't wait to see you!
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OK all... I made a deal with myself that I MUST HAVE ALL OF MY REPLIES DONE BEFORE I CAN DO AN UPDATE... As you can see - I am not doing well with that. LOL
Our trip is fast approaching and I need to get some updates done - like serious updates. So, I've made the executive decision to just do an update (or two) and try to catch up on replies... Otherwise, this PTR will be over before I get my updates done. Seriously.
So, hang on to your hats... Updates coming right up.
D~
They are my size, so now they are mine.
(or at least after I pick up Liam from school.
Maybe a game of Disney Trivia??? D wont mind if we take over here PTR. It's not like we haven't done it before.
