Pbhall13, 2 princesses and the EX...

[pbhall13]

Okay everyone.........my very first attempt at a trip report. Here is a rundown of the participants:

Me (pamela)
dd8 (Sydney 8)
dd4 (Sadie 4)
Ex husband (Bud)

Okay so this is how the whole planning started. Sydney had her little league parade the last weekend in May and after the parade we always go out to breakfast. Typical of my girls the talk turns to Disney and they both ask Bud (their dad) when he was coming to Disney with us. Bud stammered a bit and said something like "your mom and I will talk about it sometime". So that afternoon he mentions it to me and I told him that I didn't have any objections to us all going together, with a few ground rules of course, and so the planning begins!!!!

We decided on a November trip and I gladly took over all of the planning, dining reservations etc. The girls and I would fly out on the 9th and he would meet us on the 11th (I like to get there at least a day earlier than I want to start going to the parks just to really relax and take in the resort)

The girls and I had a late Friday night flight.......our plane didn't land in Orlando until after midnight. All of us had an issue with our ears when we were landing and the girls were tired (they did sleep most of the flight)....all I thought was.......how am I going to get all of us from terminal A, get our luggage (suggested not to have delivered by magic express due to arrival time) Then go to terminal B to catch the magic express.

Could an exhausted, ear popping mom get this done without causing a major meltdown with either of her princesses?????? Would good win out over evil (those of you with kids know what I mean when a child is overtired).....

[ligrumpygirl]

You've got me hooked already. I want to know how you survived with the ex all week! I am on very good terms with mine...but not sure I could vacation with him!

[pbhall13]

The Gods were looking down on me and took pity......my girls were wonderful when we arrived at MCO. The even wheeled their own small luggage that they brought on the plane. We made it over to the Magical Express and a bus was there waiting for us and we headed over to POP for our first night. We did not get into our room until 2 AM!!!

I settled the girls in and tried very hard to get some sleep. We were only staying at POP for that night (well if you can call it a night!) and then we were heading over to Old Key West for the rest of our stay. We were in the 70's building....great decade....I love disco (don't shoot me!) The girls got a kick out of the big wheel outside of our builing and as we were heading down one of the paths a cute little bunny hopped out of the bushes and I swear turned and smiled at us (okay that could just be my imagination) Got to the room and Sadie (4) fell asleep rather quickly, but Sydney was bothered by a nagging cough and did not sleep well.....finally fell asleep at 4 am!! (oh yeah, good times) and then I was able to fall asleep only to be poked at at 7 am by Sadie who was ready to go (I put on disney for her and let Sydney sleep for a few more hours) Did I also mention that the previous night I only got 4 hours sleep and now I only had 3 hours of sleep.......I am dog tired, but hey it's our first day in Disney so we decided to head over to the food court and grab some breakfast. Girls got the waffles, but I got a kids meal pizza combo (since it was after 11 when we got to the foodcourt, I am not much for breakfast food) After breakfast we headed back to room to have our luggage transfered to OKW and the girls wanted to head over to the pool. On our way to the pool the girls played around in the area that have those dancing sprinklers and there was a corvette in the background. Once I load pictures I will imput one here. Then over to the pool. It was a little bit cool for me to go in, but being the kids that they are the girls jumped right in. Now is this odd or is it just me..........I was looking all over for the towels and could not find any....so I ask the lifeguard where the towel bin was and he said that you needed to take the towel from your room (never mentioned once to me when we checked in, this WOULD be useful information) and he never even looked at me when he was talking....I proceed to ask him what do I do if I have already checked out of my room and he says "I don't know maybe go to the front desk or something" and walked away........Hey thanks Joe Lifeguard, you have been extremely helpful, NOT. Thankfully I had some coverups with me for the girls, but they were still shivering!
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Went into the gift shop to look around and then decided to head over to OKW to get ourselves settled over there and use the Turtle Pond Pool and decide what to do for dinner.

Got to OKW and had a room ready right away...........we ended up going to the main pool for the sandcastle water slide and hot tub (the latter more for me...getting my joints loosened up for all of the walking that this week was going to entail)

Got back to our room and the girls took showers and I was able to get us a reservation at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney (I will do a seperate dining report for those of you who are interested) We went into a few shops and then went to dinner. Food was good.........the place was nice. I think I would have enjoyed the entertainment, but that didn't start until 9 pm and the girls were too tired (and I was too!) I love Irish music (my mom is originally from Ireland and most of her brothers all played various instruments ...accordian, harmonica, fiddle etc...so I grew up on it) Maybe next trip I will listen and have a pint

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We stopped in World of Disney, the girls then rode the little train that they have and of course stopped into Goofy's Candy store. As always the girls were like mosquitos to a light when they saw that dang sugar carousel (you know that thing you were you fill the tubes with cavity juice, I mean yummy flavors of colorful sugar) The girls had there fill (literally and figuratively) and we headed to the bus stop. Okay our first 'problem' of the trip happened. I mistakenly got on the bus that was for Port Orleans (OKW and POR share a bus stop) and I admit I was a bit sleep deprived so I shouldn't have listened to the herd of people telling me that this bus made both stops. Sadie was sound asleep on my lap and Sydney was a walking zombie. As the bus cleared out (we had been on this bus for over 30 minutes at this point...so many dang stops at POR) I asked the bus driver if he could make a stop at OKW (a longshot I KNow, but no harm in asking). He told me I would have to go back to donwtown disney and wait for an OKW bus. Well Sydney had a breakdown (it was inevitable) so I lugged the carriage, sleeping Sadie and Sobing Sydney off the bus and saw a cab outside of the French Quarter (I didn't care how much it was going to cost I just wanted to get the girls in bed and sleep myself) The cab driver was none to happy to be only taking us to OKW (right next door to POR FQ) because it wasn't worth the fare he would make, He didn't even put on his meter.....he got us to our room and just said 'give me whatever, this is a great night'....Hey buddy do you see a struggling woman with bloodshot eyes, a sleeping child and one crying...don't give me attitutude because I will WIN this one. I settled up with him and got the girls in bed (now it isn't even that late, but we had such a long night that even though it was 8:30 when we got to the room , we were all exhausted)

Next up: Our first day at The Magic Kingdom...........will it be an early morning or a late start????

[bs4free]

I am loving this report thank you!! I can not wait to see what happens next!!!

[pbhall13]

You've got me hooked already. I want to know how you survived with the ex all week! I am on very good terms with mine...but not sure I could vacation with him!

We are on very good terms, so I figured I could do this for the girls (I have a lot of guilt about them not having the type of family memories that I have with my WHOLE family, so this gave us a great opportunity......now will I always feel this way.........not sure...........you'll have to read my complete trip report to find out!!!

[linanglab]

Great report so far! I know we have discussed this before, but it is SOOO nice to see exes getting along and letting the kids enjoy a family vacation! Cannot WAIT to read the rest! I have been anxious for another report!

[Sunni]

I love this report. Can't wait to hear more.
Have a great day and lots of fun!

[coastalgirl]

Can't wait for more!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[pbhall13]

The Magic Kingdom (Day One of Parks)

Well I set my alarm for 6:30 am so that I would be showered and ready to go early (thought I would let the girls sleep in a bit since they had showers the night before)......of course Bud (EX) called my cell phone before 6:30 am with some questions before his flight that morning.....Ugh....how does a grown man get to the age of 40 and not be able to find out flight information on his own!!! I figure out how to solve his boarding pass problem and off to the shower I go................girls eventually get up and we are out to the bus stop by 8:30. I know we are cutting it close if we want to see the MK opening, but I have to relax and just go with the flow...as we get off bus at MK I can see the train pulling out of the station (and I realize we missed the 'official' opening, but the girls don't really care)....I can feel the excitement in the air........and we are off!!!

As we enter until the walkway and come into the opening there is the double decker bus just waiting for us (now I have to tell you I had a plan and even told the girls no stopping for autographs or pictures until we after noon time) I could not resist the double decker, since we had never done this I thought it would be great to get a lift to the Castle. I asked the driver if we could sit up front with him, 'No problem Mam......have the girls get on up and settle yourself in'. Great, the girls are happy!!

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We then headed over to Fantasy Land and rode Peter Pan, It's a small world and then my favorite The Tea Cups (the girls sit back and I do all the spinning). We decided to head over to Toon Town and ride Sadie's favorite The Goofy Barnstormer! We walked right on and even got to stay on for 2 more rides before we had to get off due to a line finally forming and what do you think happened as we were heading off the ride going down the ramp.......I saw someone in Dream Team attire just waiting for .....I just about jumped out of my skin with excitement....what could it be.....We were awarded Dream Fast Passes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How great is that ....not even in the park for 1 hour and we got the Dream Fast Pass for MK!! Myself and another dad were hooting and hollering and broke out into loud clapping (our kids just looked at us with those expressions that they give us when we are embarassing them) As we walked off the ride I explained to the girls how great this was and then they finally got it!!!!! The started to jump up and down and clap too! So glad I made the decision to ride the double decker bus and shift my 'set in stone' plans a bit.....it really paid off....now I didn't have to worry about fast passing the rides (although this did put me in a little situation as Bud was going to arrive this afternoon and at night we were coming back to MK for extra magic hours...what to do!?) I still saw the dream team squad and asked them what to do and they said I could still go around at my leisure and pick up fast passes for him OR as one nice cast member whispered to me "most of us will let on a family member if they did not get the dream fast pass with the rest of the family....we can make an exception, because what fun would that be if a family member couldn't be part of all the fun!" EXCELLENT, problem solved.


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Since we had all of our fast passes we went into get some pictures with the characters. We saw Goofy, Minnie and Pluto. Girls were thrilled and I put the photopass to use (I am in on a share so I will be getting the CD) We then took the train over to Adventure land to ride Splash Mountain. This was great since Sadie is now tall enough to ride it. Of course as we were starting the ride we got left sitting at the bottom so that when a log came down the hill we were in direct shot of all of their water.........and you guessed it who got wet!!!!! MEEEEEEEEE. It was a bit comical to see me put my hands up as if I was going to deflect all of the water......I mean I was soaked to the bone...........again roll with the punches and I say to my girls "well now I don't have to worry if I am going to get wet when we go down the hill!" they thought it was great that I was dripping wet....nice kids, huh! The ride delivered all the thrills as usual and off we went to decide if we were going to go on Big Thunder Mountain or hold off..........and Sadie wanted to save that for tonight........so off to Columbia House for some lunch........since it was only just a few minutes after 11 no one was in there........tuna sandwich was great as usual and girls had mac n cheese. We were well fed and ready for some more fun. Off to Tomorrowland. We rode on Buzz (I kicked butt with my score, by the way, well at least for me) and then we went on Carousel of Progress. My girls love this one.......we were all singing along like dorks, but happy dorks. We did a few more things in tomorrowland, ran into PUSH (first time my girls saw this) and then headed to Main Street so I could get my Iced Latte and we poked into a few stores. Bud had called and he was already at OKW, so we headed to the bus stop to meet up with him and recheck into our one bedroom (when it was just the girls and I we had a studio, but needed bigger quarters: remember I had some ground rules for this trip)

Got back to OKW and got our new room.........got the location we wanted (near Turtle Pond) and unpacked. We didn't have dinner plans until 6:10 (at Kona) so we thought we would let Bud unwind a little from plane ride. Now he had been battling some weird virus before we left for our trip....it causes vertigo and bad headaches.....he said that the plane ride wasn't bad but his head was killing him and he really couldn't look up without everything spinning........I think to myself Great!! He's going to be a lot of fun on this trip (now mind you I had an outer ear infection that started this moring, but there was no way I was going to let that get in the way...I suffer from chronic ear infections, but of course I didn't bring anything with me to help out...prescription wise). I decide I was going to call Bud "Sunshine" (no slight to any of us!!) on this trip and the girls got a big kick out of that.

With Bud still not feeling well and suggesting that we just go to dinner and not to the MK (or only go for 1 hour!!) I am fighting an internal battle, do I give in to him since he is not feeling well or do I just follow my plans.....we still had all of our dream fast passes left, since I wanted to save them for ALL of us to go on the rides together).......

What should a girl do????????

[bs4free]

What did you do.....

[linanglab]

I am on the edge of my seat! Can't wait to hear more

[coastalgirl]

What did you do????:confused:

[pbhall13]

Let's get real. We all know what I did!!! WE headed over to MK so we could get our EMH bracelets and went on Pirates...........then we headed over to the Poly for our Kona dinner (let's face it, he was going to not feel great either in the room or in a park, my thought suck it up and let's go!)

Dinner at Kona was very good as usual, but Bud was putting a little bit of a damper on it because he was a little cranky (again I chose to ignore it....remember don't give too much attention to a situation and then a person tends to stop talking about it!)

Okay so now we are all very happy with our bellies full and off to MK we go........girls are always happy riding the monorail (I was a little sad, just for a moment because we were suppose to stay at the Poly for some of our stay, but I opted to cancel and complete full stay at OKW, I let that sad feeling to and now I am fine) Bud took Sadie to find her some popcorn....you know that is the only thing that that child asks for while we are in Disney! She loves that stuff.....

The castle looked just beautiful with all of the twinkle lights all over it.....supposedly this was the first night that they had them on (I know that they tested them, but never during park opening) It was such a great site when walking in.
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Nice, huh!!!

So off to use up our dream fastpasses. We hit Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pans Flight, Winnie the Pooh, The Teacups, Goofy Barnstormer, Carousel of Progress, Buzz, and Space Mountain (Sydney's first time on this....I have to admit I had not rode on this one since 2001, so I was just excited as she was) We got to see the fireworks and do a bunch of other random stuff. When everyone seemed quite satisfied we headed home for the night.....

I took my obligatory picture of the girls in front of the water fountain and we were ready to go catch some ZZZZZ's for our big day at Epcot

My girls hamming it up in front of fountain

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[LuvMyBoys]

Enjoying the report, can't wait to read more!! :sunshine:

[pbhall13]

EPCOT (day 2 in parks)

We got off to a great start this morning. Everyone was well rested, Bud's vertigo was subsiding (although my ear infection was not my friend today!)

We got to the park just after opening (I kept telling the family that we were going to make it to all of the parks opening ceremonies, but when you have someone in your party who is a worry wart ....note Bud.....and they have to make sure every light is off, oven off, door locked it gets you a bit behind schedule)

We went straight for our fast passes for Soarin......very exciting since we haven't riden this one in a few years and Sadie is now tall enough! WE decide to head onto the Nemo ride
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and then hit future world in all it's glory. We pretty did everything that could be done there and then we wanted to get an early lunch (but not before we fast passed Test Track) We ate at the Electric Umbrella (haven't been there since it first opened) and took in some of the sites from the outside sitting area. Sydney could not wait to take her dad over to the coke store to try some of the sodas from around the world..........she couldn't wait to see his face after drinking 'beverly'
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Sad thing is he actually didn't think it tasted that bad! Figures!

We decided to head over to the countries starting in Mexico.......did the new ride, girls liked it, I am partial to the old one. Shopped a little inside and they even had someone doing photopass pictures....the girls put on some sombreros and had the fountain in the background...very cute.

Now we were on our way. Norway next. Malestrom always a fun one. Girls even enjoyed the short film at the end. they were excited to see everyone going in to meet the princess', we have ressies for breakfast on Friday.


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We make it all the way to Italy and then decided to get ourselves over to Canada for our early 4 pm dinner ressies at Le Cellier. We originally were bummed that we had such early dinner time, but after the fact we were really glad.......we could make it an early night (or at least miss the mad rush to bus one fireworks are done) Dinner was great, although last November they had a great pork loin that was not on the menu this time. Sadie was a little ansy and had a field day with the butter and bread sticks!

After dinner we went over to England to pop into the shops for the girls. And then it was off to our rides that we saved for the end.....Soarin and Test Track. We got ourselves over the The Land and went directly to fast pass return, no passing go . Boy do you have to walk a long way just to get to the front of the line (my dogs were barkin'....of course I had to hear it from Bud all week "why didn't you bring sneakers, those shoes are going to kill you" Mind you these are the same shoes I always bring to disney and I have never had a problem!) We got the first row dead center for Soarin..........what a great ride and to see the girls expressions were priceless. I love the 'smell' aspect of this ride. Bud really liked it as well, his first time.

Now off we go to Test Track. Bud said he did this before when he had a conference in disney 2 years ago, but the girls and I have never done this ride. Not sure what to expect and we really enjoyed it. Of course I put that photo on our photopass! Sadie declared it her new favorite ride! We headed towards the entrance of the park, stopped off to pick up complimentary disney visa photo with mickey, minnie, goofy
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took a few more opportunities with the photopass people and we were headed to our bus stop. No fireworks tonight...honestly I am not a big fan of fireworks and my oldest isn't either and the other two could have cared less. So back home we go.....

the girls decided to go in the jacuzzi tub and once they fell asleep so did I!!!

Another fun filled day and I forgot to get my margarita in Mexico....drats!!!! Maybe on Friday..........maybe, maybe, maybe

[bs4free]

I am really enjoying this TR and thanks for uping the photos! they are great so what did day 3 bring....

[Sunni]

I love your report and the pictures are specular. Your cuties look like they are having a grand time. Can't wait to hear more!

[cglaura]

I too am really enjoying this report. I agree w/ PP that it is nice to see EX's getting along (and a little envious!).


:clap: to you for putting everything aside and making the trip so nice. Can't wait to read more.

[m4travels]

EPCOT (day 2 in parks)
..... I forgot to get my margarita in Mexico....drats!!!! Maybe on Friday..........maybe, maybe, maybe

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Granted, you've got some things going on, but NEVER miss that margarita!!! It probably would have cured that ear infection!!!

[bbangel]

Can I just say kudos to you for making this work. Not many people would be strong enough to do this, even for their kids.

[pbhall13]

MGM (day 3)

Okay so today it is off to the Studio for some fun. We (well really I) decided that we would go for the morning, come back to swim and then head back again at night to see the Osborne Lights after dinner at Sci Fi.

We enter the park and head straight for Tower of Terror. Bud's vertigo is still there so he decides to sit this one out, but my dare devil Sadie declares that she is going on the Tower of Terror with her mom and Sydney. I am shocked by this, but figure okay she is tall enough and determined to get on. I then send Bud over to Rockin Rollercoaster for some fastpasses. (Bonus here since Bud is not riding it and Sadie is not tall enough that means that Sydney and I will have 4 fast passes to use!!)

So up the elevator shaft we go........of course we get front row (very lucky on this trip) and Sadie is right next to me, holding on tight. I had a moment of panic where I thought to myself "what kind of mother am I to let my little girl get on this ride" She is so thin that when I had my arm around her and we were making the drops I could feel everything in her body pulsating! What a bad mommy.....when the ride ended I asked her if she wanted to ride again she flat out said "NO", but when the girl behind us asked her how it was she said "That rocked". Well at least she can go home and tell all of her older cousins (who all chickened out of Tower or Terror) that she rode it!

I dust us all of and over to Rockin Rollercoaster........Sadie hangs out with Bud and gets a tatoo (Ariel) and Sydney and I head on the ride......loved it as always.....we definately are coming back to ride this before dinner.

Next up....High School Musical 2 . Front row and me in a skirt having to sit on the ground.....what we do for our kids. Sydney is my shy one so she would NOT get up when asked, and Sadie my outgoing little star wouldn't get up without her sister (she felt bad) just sat and shook what God gave her from her front row spot. It was very cute and glad we were able to see it! Girls ate their frozen rasberry lemonade to cool off and we checked out some pins.

We then head over to Star Tours and just the girls go on (honest to goodness if Bud doesn't start going on some rides I am going to have to hurt him). Sadie really enjoyed her first ride on Star Tours. Bud was very content watching the little show that they put on outside. After this we decided to call it a morning and head over to the pool.

Of course Bud forgot to bring his bathing suit....are you kidding me....I had to pack for 3 people and he only need to pack for himself (don't forget I also planned and booked everything for this trip) and he forgot a bathing suit on a trip to Florida. He went to the gift shop and he said that they didn't have any in his size....I asked him if he had them check out back and he said "oh I didn't think to ask".. Duhhhh (honestly we really do get along.....but come on how could he be so Dopey)

Girls are loving the pool and we have our lunch right there. Boy did it feel good to just float around for a few hours.

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We all wash up and go back to MGM to conquer RnR again.....no one wanted to go on ToT. We also caught the Beauty and the Beast show. Always enjoyable. We did a few more show/rides and photopass opportunities and then headed to Sci Fi for our dinner. Meal was adequate, but the girls enjoyed the movies/clips. Especially the Tom and Jerry one. That is a favorite of theirs.
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After dinner we headed straight for the Osborne Family Spectacular.....and were they ever!!! Every year I miss them by one night so I was so happy to finally see what all the hype was about. Well worth the wait. The music playing, lights dance to the beat....absolutely the right way to get you into the holiday spirit (note to self.....when you get home send off secret santa gift!)
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The other thing that my girls fell in love with was the umbrella (singing in the rain) we had never taken picturel with it and boy did the girls have fun. I think Sadie loved it the most because whenever I took pictures of her after this and she was near a pole she struck the 'umbrella' pose.

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So we go some great photopass pictures of all of us, some of just the girls, a few with bud and the girls (thinking christmas cards for him) and we headed out towards the front of the park.

although we had a nice day I don't tend to LOVE MGM. It is fine, but I could just spend half a day there and be happy. We didn't do everything, but since this was our 3rd trip this year I don't feel like we missed anything either.

Back to the room for some rest and planning for the next day.

Will the animals be ready for us at Animal Kingdom tomorrow or better yet will my animals be ready for the OPENING of AK?????

I am determined to make one of the parks openings...........do we make it finally or do they all sleep in????

[pbhall13]

Can I just say kudos to you for making this work. Not many people would be strong enough to do this, even for their kids

Feel very lucky about this.........the girls will ALWAYS have this memory and for that I am very happy and, dare I say it, proud of myself and Bud for making it happen.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Granted, you've got some things going on, but NEVER miss that margarita!!! It probably would have cured that ear infection!!!

Tell me about it!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so bummed............it definately would have cured the ear infection, at least for that day!

[bs4free]

I just love the photos of the world all decked out for christmas! thanks for shareing I hope you and your Animals are ready to go LOL and the Park too!

[coastalgirl]

Your girls are adorable! Hate ya missed your Margarita :(

[bbangel]

I love the umbrella picture. Great pose and the lights behind it make it fantastic. I admit I had some fun the umbrella pose myself. :rotfl:

[LuvMyBoys]

I'm so there with you on the bathing suit thing!!! :confused:

I planned our entire trip, booked everything, packed for me and all 4 boys and do you think my DH could even manage to successfully pack for himself?! :confused:

MEN!!! :rotfl:

[pbhall13]

Animal Kingdom (day 4)

I finally accomplished one of my goals............we were off and ready and out the door before 8:20. The night before I laid out all of our clothes (not ex's!!) and decided I would not shower this morning (Ughhhh I know I HAVE to shower everyday, but I thought we are only going for the morning, coming back to swim and then I will shower before we head back over to AK for evening hours and our dinner at Boma's)

Now mind you my ear is killing me and I have a massive migrane (why oh why when I am away!), but tough cookies I am off to see the opening of AK. I use my secret entrance thru Rainforest to bypass everyone else waiting in the long lines and we are in. We make it a few rows back from the rope. hear come the bus with minnie, donald and goofy. Yes we did it, and my girls and ex were happy....it was very cute and the girls got a kick out of it.

Okay now time for my plan to fall into place. I tell Bud that he is going to be the runner for Everest (take all of our tickets and get the fastpasses, again bonus because Sadie isn't tall enough to ride, we can get a rider switch pass if needed...don't hate me for this tactic....so Sydney makes out in the deal and will be able to ride at least 3 times) I am worried about sending Bud because he is not the most assertive person, now I don't mean that I want him to push his way thru a crowd or run over small children, but he would let everyone and his/her brother cut in front of him (nice yeah, but not when your 8 year old really wants to ride Everest in the morning!).

I take the girls to Dino world and as we are passing by we see Piglet and Pooh...no line girls, hop in for autographs and picture.
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Now we walk right on to ride for the ride (cannot remembe the name of it) with the dinosaur with the up and down motion. We rode that 5 times in a row since it was dead.......while up in the air my cell rings and it is Bud. Mission Accomplished! The girls spot him and are yelling for him. The ride ends he and I switch places so he can continue ride with Sadie and I head onto Triceratop Spin with Sydney. Let me tell you not the smartest choice on my part with an outer ear infection AND migrane....but I was the better choice since Bud was saving energy (vertigo issues still) to go on Everest with Sydney at least once. Well Sydney had so much fun that they let us go again right away (Yeah me! UGHH)

We finish up and plan on heading over to Everest, but as we are walking by Nemo Show we notice people walking right in. Now in the past I have not even attempted to wait in line for this show (I am a brat and refuse to stand in line for over 40 minutes +, it is just not going to happen). The show starts in 20 minutes so we all decided Heck Ya. let's go in and check it out. I know we already have fast passes for everest and we still have to wait a bit until we can get another set for the Safari.

Let me tell you great seats again. dead center right behind the 'cental booth of controllers'. The show was really great! I had heard some mixed reviews, but Wow I was impressed. Bud thought it was one of the top things we did of this trip.

Show over, now EVerest. My head is killing so Bud goes on Everest with Sydney. I decide to get our fastpasses for Safari, so off Sadie and I go. That is where I notice that Yak and Yeti and it's counterservice part are officially open.....great we can try counterservice there for lunch.

I secure fastpasses and Bud calls and I tell him to meet me at Yak & Yeti. We were hungry and figured better to eat now instead of dealing with long lines when ordering. We ended up being the 10th customer. Food was not bad. Although I did taste garlic the rest of the day! (I will be doing a food report later) We sat in the new seating area and talked about what we wanted to do the rest of the day. Now I am feeling awful!!!!! I can barely see, but don't want to ruin it for the girls. We decide to just spend the rest of the time here (safari, rafike planet watch, everest) and then call it a day....we don't even think we will come back for extra hours and I am debating if I will even make it to Bomas (yeah that is how bad I was feeling)

As we were heading to Rafiki's we all ran into DEVINE (I have seen her before,but no one else) Sadie was scared out of her pants, Bud and Sydney intrigued and I was off with my camera to get some good pictures!! (migrane or not I wanted a good picture...hey I got thru childbirth without drugs, what taking a few pictures when you can't see straight)
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Rafiki's was fine, girls did a few things up there (honestly we had never done this before so glad we made it this time) When we go back to AFrica we only had a few minutes to kill before our fastpasses for the Safari were ready. Off to the Safari. Girls always love this one.........lots of animals out, but the driver was kind of a jerk..one of the passengers asked him if he knew how many elephants there were on property, and his response, "look man I don't go out there and count them everyday." Odd response, not very helpful, and definately rude!

We head over to Everest so I can go on with Sydney and Bud takes Sadie to Dinoland to play some games and get her favorite snack, popcorn! Sydney and I did Everest 2ce and then met up with them in Dinoland. I am about ready to collapse........I should not have done that ride the second time (I love it, but not when you are sick!)

We are done and I am definately canceling Boma (sad because I really wanted to try it there) Get back to resort and Bud kindly takes girls to the pool for a swim and I take a nice bath, which was not best choice since i felt like i was going to pass out. I rested a bit and we decided to just eat at Resort. Olivia's is okay and it filled our bellies and i was able to have an early night. Since we were going to MMVCP the next night I wanted to try to shake off the migrane.

Checked out the gift shop and got our magical express set up while over at the Hospitality House.

Heading home for bed and we are even going to attempt to sleep in tomorrow morning..............go to the pool and then off to MMVCP, Since I didn't make a dining reservation for this day what were we to do? Would anythng open up???? Or do we just wing it??

[pbhall13]

Your girls are adorable! Hate ya missed your Margarita


Thanks I think so too, but I may be biased!!



On a side note once I get my photopass CD I am going to do a Photopass trip report also!!!

Just a few highlights of the trip, because I really didn't take many pictures this trip (usually over 700 , but this trip only 240) I figured with all of the 'professional' photopass pictures I didn't have to take as many!

Thanks everyone for reading this report. I am having fun reliving the trip (even though I have only been home a few days!!)

[Hedy]

Can't wait to hear about MVMCP. And kudos to you and Bud for making the trip work.

[bs4free]

I can not wait for the rest, and the dining and photopass report!

[linanglab]

So sorry that you were not feeling well. I have dealt with MANY ear infections in my lifetime and....yuck....not sure I would have done as well as you! What a trooper! I hope you got feeling better by the next day or so. Can't wait to read the rest!


And your girls are adorable. They look like they were having SOOO much fun! And so far, I have not heard of any meltdowns!

[3dog2kidmom]

Pamela, I am really enjoying your report :) It makes me so anxious for our trip coming up!

[pbhall13]

And so far, I have not heard of any meltdowns!


Believe it or not...............no tantrums YET!! Did the streak continue....you'll have to stay tuned in to find out.........

[bs4free]

Pamela when is the movie coming out... this is so good... I can not wait for more....

[pbhall13]

You crack me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoping I haven't been boring anyone..........I am trying so hard to remember everything that happened (not always a good thing....can get boring) and want to share hightlights.........and I know that the people on this Forum are a great audience...........

I so love reading trip reports and really wanted to give it a try for the first time.

Stay tuned............

[ligrumpygirl]

More more more!!

[bs4free]

More more more!!
Great TR i Can not wait for more !

[pbhall13]

I promise this weekend I will try to do some more......the Holidays started have put me behind on this!!!!!

I will have more soon!!

[linanglab]

Anxiously awaiting........

[nurseminnie76]

I'm loving your trip report. It is getting me so excited for our next trip -- 11 more days!! Can't wait to read more.

[pbhall13]

MMVCP (at night)

We had decided that today would be a pool day and we would only go to the park for the Mickey Christmas party. I did not want to overdo it and we really were looking forward to spending time at the pool.

the girls really love the themed pool at OKW. They have so much fun. The headed right for the waterslide they have there. Bud went on it with them....not me....ear still bothering me....

Oh the hot tub..........my haven. I could not wait to soak in it....my feet and joints really needed it. Of course while the family is in the hot tub (and let me start by saying I do not let the girls stay in for more than 7 minutes...although it says you can stay in up to 15) and Bud (nervous nilley) overhears a mom explaining to her son why kids cannot stay in the hot tub for a long time because of body temperature regulating differently than an adult (which I know) and I can see Bud's mind at work......good god I know I am in for it.

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We all get out and have a quick bite to eat (actually it was just the girls but bud and I picked at their stuff.......I had made all of them a big breakfast in the morning and they were not really that hungry, but I wanted the girls to be at least somewhat fed so that they could stick to my plans for the night and not complain about being hungry....gosh those pesky kids expecting us to stop to eat....do they know anything about a schedule!!)

We finish up at the pool and decide to head back to the room to shower up and get ready for our Christmas party.......do some rides, see some shows, watch the PARADE (you will understand why this is in caps in a bit) and get some pictures taken.

We were all set and wanted to get to MK by 4 (that is officially when partygoers can get in).......but as we are getting ready to leave Bud decides he doesn't like the way he looks in his Jeans (are you kidding me!) and wants to run back to room..........Look it Mister I am on a schedule and I have been planning this for months......suck it up and wear the gosh darn pants you have on ....who do you think is going to check you out!

I try to be a sport and 'go with the flow' and tell him, fine, but the girls and I are heading over to the bus stop and if a MK bus comes we are getting on and he can meet up there! He says OKAY and as luck would have it...he made it to the bus stop in time for the MK bus.

Now on the bus ride Bud brings up the 'NEW' information about the hot tub (remember from earlier in the day) and asked if I knew this ahh YES. Now it starts....do you think the girls are okay....feel Sadie she seems warm...no she is cool as a cucumber.......I know I am going to be hearing about this some more tonight and tomorrow!!

We reach our destination.......YES! As we enter under the arch of the train station I can feel the excitement.......I love MK, but it is so beautiful when it is all decked out for the holidays.......

We headed over to Columbia house for a quick bite.......but before we eat I wanted to get the paper cut out profiles of the girls (I did this 3 years ago and wanted a new version) Over to get our food......food is always good....and literally there were 5 other people in there with us......love that we could get in quick.....

Decide to go on the haunted mansion.......the headed over to Big Thunder Mountain.......no wait......walk right on...great.....hey lets do it again.....yeah....back seat as well.........such fun!!

Now where....oh wait I have to check Sadies temp...UGHHH>> Space mountain is up next.......no wait lets go to Goofy Barnstormer........big hit...love it......Sadie just laughs the whole time. .

Lets go over to TomorrowLand......but not before hitting the Tea Cups....just the girls and I....bud didn't want to jinx his vertigo issue.....I spin us into oblivian and realize that that was not a good idea since we only ate 30 minutes ago......great....but I will prevail........now Buzz Light year.....rats....Bud beat my score again......drats.....I'll have to get Zurg after him.

We still had time for the Carousel of Progress.........very enjoyable all except for some annoying early 20'ers who thought they were funny hooting and hollering like they were on a rollercoaster with their arms in the airs everytime the ride moved........now I am no fun sucker (although some people may say otherwise!) it was just annoying because there were young families there and it just took away from the 'show' because the small kids were so distracted....I decided to just sing along to the song (not in a loud voice, but Sadie loves to sing it, so I joined in....see not a fun sucker)....I can recover from the annoying group...and hey we walked right in on the Twas the Night Before Christmas Show.......no lines........great aisle seats and there was great interaction with some of the castmembers.....they were great with all of the kids...... I really enjoyed the show..........excellent singing and dancing...fun characters.....and the girls liked it.....got us right into the christmas spirit....it was a quick show as well....not too quick, but just enough....

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Okay lets find our stroller (oh yeah....another thing I loved about this night...we planned on renting a double stroller tonight....and they were free to partygoers....great!!)


Now on to Space Mountain for Sydney and I ......Sadie and daddy went to find a snack.....of course no line, but it broke down when we were only 20 people away from getting on........took at least 15 minutes to fix and then right on.......meet the other two and Sadie has a big smile and shows me her cotton candy.........she is a real sugar junkie

Okay....I think I want some hot chocolate and cookies.. we get our fix.....sugar cookies...yummy....hot chocolate...not bad either.

Now we decide to head back over to Frontierland for one more thrill ride...and we have to cross paths and fight thru crowds waiting for the first parade....I figure great we are planning on second parade and it should be quit in Frontierland.......we make it accross Main Street just in time (we actually saw some of the first float) and find a photopass photog....let's stop.....

As we go thru adventure land (which is dead) we see one of the bears from the Country Bear Jamboree and he stops for a picture with my girls.......head over to Pirates.....always a good ride........then we see The Genie and Baboo from Alladin....girls want picture and autograph....

Now over to BTM and we can pretty much walk right on.........back cart again!!! Girls are thrilled........now what.....Bud starts complaining that the girls are tired (look this is why we slept in this morning and just lounged around all day......it isn't even quite 9 pm and I want to see the fireworks and 10:30 parade........are you kidding me) I was so mad.......but I was mad with restraint....don't want to ruin anyone elses vacation (I hate seeing fighting families when I am at disney...I know it happens...but I still hate it) We are now near the riverboat and the girls want more hot chocolate....Sadie is tired but she had the whole double stroller to herself and is loving it........Sydney wants to stay and is on the verge of tears that her dad wants us all to leave.......oh look at that Sydney the fireworks just started (trying to distract her ) ....bud is coming out with hot chocolate and he started to yell (not loudly, but in a stearn/mad voice) at Sydney for something or other regarding her sister, which she did nothing and that is all Sydney needs........the tears start......and who comes over to give her a big hug the Bear from Country Bear Jamboree and he gives her a big hug and kiss and tries to cheer her up.....I thought this was really nice.....and I just gleared over at Bud and in my head thought.....you @##, a person dressed up in a costume is cheering up your daughter who you just upset....I am sure that point was lost on him).....
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Sydney pulls it together ...I told her to sit with me as we watched the fireworks (but she is still mad that Bud wants to forgo the parade).......I tell her we are going to go pick out our ornament (like we do every trip).........she is okay now and I am resigned to the fact that I am not going to see the PARADE!!!!!!!!!! It just wasn't worth me listening to him complain the whole time and I played it off to Sydney like it was no big deal (although to me it really was a big deal).....we bought our ornament and just to be a nooge (sp??) as we were leaving the store there was a photo op outside the christmas shop and Sydney hopped up on the sleigh and so did I (Sadie was asleep so I didn't wake her)...........

I also decided to saunter out of the park........I was not going without a fight (at least the fight going on in my head)........took a few more pictures and headed to the bus............

it really was a good night up until Bud decided he wanted to end the night (I swear he did this because he knew it was the one thing that I really really wanted to stay all the way until the end.........hey we ended every other night early and I never complained once about that, but tonight I did want to close the park..........the next day was our last day for cry eye)

Back to the resort and I decided to do some laundry and pack so that in the am we could relax until our breakfast at Norway (not until 10:20 )

[coastalgirl]

I hate that you did not get to see the parade-(what a terd!)Can't wait to hear about the girls and their Princess breakfast!!! I love the girls headbands-did you get those there??

[pbhall13]

I hate that you did not get to see the parade-(what a terd!)Can't wait to hear about the girls and their Princess breakfast!!! I love the girls headbands-did you get those there??

Yeah......I was sad that we didn't see the parade (especially since this was really the only parade we were going to watch while at disney....I got those headbands at our local CVS.......Sadie picked them out on the day we were leaving...I think they look very Minnie-ish......they even have little bows at bottom of each cane!)

[linanglab]

Sorry about the parade. You are better than me. I think I would have fought for that one.....But good for you that you did not.

Sounds like such a fun night! Hoping SOMEDAY to go to a Christmas party.

[bs4free]

Thanks for the update, So sorry you did not get to see the parade, but it sounds like you had a lot of fun and did alot... I hope someday you will get to see it... I can not wait to see what your last day brings, Going home is always hard..

[coastalgirl]

Yeah......I was sad that we didn't see the parade (especially since this was really the only parade we were going to watch while at disney....I got those headbands at our local CVS.......Sadie picked them out on the day we were leaving...I think they look very Minnie-ish......they even have little bows at bottom of each cane!)


Thanks, I may have to check out our CVS and see if they have any of those!! They are so cute!!!

[pbhall13]

Our Last Day

When we got up in the morning all we needed to do was get ourselves ready and head off to Epcot for our Norway Princess breakfast (I am not a breakfast person, but again not being a fun sucker I 'allowed' us to have one breakfast out!!:) ) We said our goodbyes to our room (sad...and you know when you feel like you have to check every crack and crevice to make sure you didn't forget everything.) Okay that is done and we make it to Epcot by 10.......I send Bud on our Covert Operation....to obtain fastpasses for Soarin (this is the only ride the girls wanted to do today)

I forgot to mention that our last day of a disney trip we typically spend at the resort swimming, maybe head over to downton disney, but don't do a park......it is our wind down day. But the weather forcast for today was to be in the 60's and I refuse to go in water at that temp........so for the first time we opted to spend the day at Epcot since we would be there for breakfast anyway. We wanted to finish up with some of the countries and I really wanted to see the show in America (haven't seen this in quite a few years since everyone always says no to me....not this year though...plus Bud likes this show as well)

The girls and I make it to Norway and put our name in. They said only a few minutes and I figure Bud should make it back in time.........as we are outside waiting....who comes over to us but Mary Poppins in the flesh (please say this with your best Burt accent...that is how I am writing it)

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I love her......it is one of my favorite movies of all time......it reminds me of my mom (she was born in England ...although she is Irish....long story....11 kids in her family....4 born in Ireland, 3 born in US, 4 in England....hey it was during the time when you traveled to find work....God Bless my Nana Callahan) Any hoo.....we get some pictures with her and autographs......girls are happy.........and then who do we see coming panting his way over to us, but Bud........

Great fastpasses in hand we can now relax and mosey about for the day (or flight does not leave until 8:45 pm.....magic express isn't until 5:50)

Breakfast was very good......I have to say all of the fresh fruit is great....that is the one thing I miss when I am at disney...I don't eat enough fruit........the buffets are the best for that (note to self make sure we go to at least 3 buffets during next trip) I really love the hashbrown pototoe thing...girls were thrilled to see all of the princess'......Sadie was in her glory....

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We then head out and explor the World Showcase.........the girls played the drums (normally where Africa food cart is during F&W festival) and we buy a few minnie dolls (Japan Minnie for Sadie, France Minnie for Sydney...I am a francophile...or so I think, I minored in it in college and backpacked around France when I was 24 ..alone....) Sydney also got some really cute minnie earrings (she had them on today when she went off to school....we had a snow delay this morning..just thought I would let you know!)

Checked out some more of the stores in Italy and then in japan I remembered that the next day Sydney had a birthday party to go to and I did not have a present.........I have an idea....they have tons of Hello Kitty stuff....all 8 year old girls love this stuff.......so Sydney and I picked out a few things for her friend and then we saw the pick your own pearl booth......I thought about doing this, but Sydney wasn't sure about it........I told her I remember doing this in Hawaii when I was a teenager and I still have the ring..........she said...How about on our next trip....Now this is what I like about sydney...she isn't greedy and has to do everything right now....she likes to think about it and have something new to look forward to on our next trip....can I say this about my little one.....let's just say she is the kid who is constantly saying to the tv commercial..."I want that, I want that..." I even caught her in her sleep saying that line over and over again...if she wasn't so cute....

I finally am able to see the show in America.......I love it....and I do cry everytime I see it...what a sap....I take after my mom.....we cry at commercials and movies, but put a real life crisis in front of me and I go into commando action and don't breakdown until it is over) Next off to the gift shop.......I saw this great book that is a pop out with cristmas traditions from around the States......was thinking of buying it for my mom and then I got distracted and forgot....dang!

A little more walking and we run into a few characters...even some we saw last night.....boy are they busy bears.....

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Now we (okay I ) spot another photopass photog and it is near Morocco and she takes a few pictures of the girl with the water and ball behind them. Cute. She then tells us that Jasmine and Alladin are about to come out (we notice another family with 4 girls waiting...the 1 boy not soo happy to wait) and we decide to hang there for an autograph and picture....


We end up in France and I see someone with a slushie orange drink (orange being my favorite color) and I have to have one......remember I never got my margarita in Mexico so I figure it is after noon I can have a drink (what's the saying "it's 5 o'clock somewhere....okay that works for me).....it had something in it....chambord I think....it was okay and after just a few sips my head was spinning...gosh I am a light weight...well the girls and bud want their chocolate mousse and who am I to pass up chocolate mousse...the girls each get a mousse and bud got some creme filled thing....I didn't get anything since I have my fancy orange drink/slush (and I know that the girls will share with me...although I will say they were a bit reluctant...Sadie kept saying...just drink you ralchol thing!) Isn't she cute.

head over the bridge into England....wait photo op on the bridge for the girls (Bud just thinks I am nuts, but hey I am getting the photopass...remember sharing it with others...and they usually come out pretty good)....check that off list..

Now into merry old England........what's that I see....another photographer...and to my girls delight he is taking pictures of some family hanging off of, you guessed it, a lamppost...remember how much they loved the Singing in the Rain Umbrella at MGM....we must stop.

This photographer was great.....he walked us all around the town square and took multiple pictures.......I really like this guy....

Okay where to now........Canada.......we had bracelets made out of leather for the girls the first day we were there (Monday) and they wanted to check out the music and see if they had a new selection of bracelets (I don't know why they thought they would keep changing designs, but whatever, we were there let them look)

I double checked with everyone to see what else they want to see before we headed over to Soarin.......everyone was good....off to The Land.......Soarin is always a hit........front row again......girls loved it......Now Sadie wanted to go on Test Track one last time, but the wait was too long, so I bargained with her that on our next trip we would ride it 3 times....she bought it and we headed to the front of the park, but not before, you guessed it, photo ops.......

We debated about heading to downtown disney because there were a few presents we wanted to buy for my parents, but it was getting close to 3 and there wasn't a bus from Epcot to DTD. I did want to go to Sandwich of Earle, but we didn't want to feel rushed so we went back to OKW and had lunch by the waterway and shopped in gift shop........it was a good decision on our part......nice and leisurely, that is until Mr. Worrywort decides that we have to be sitting on the benches out front of resort 40 minutes before the bus was to arrive......now come on.......have you ever been to OKW. The Hospitality House, store, is so small......I want my, I mean the girls and I want our traditional last Mickey Bar before the bus leaves.......he is getting aggrivated, so I ask the Bellman if I had enough time (which of course we did) and he just chuckles and says we have Plenty of time....Sadie and I head to get our bars......Sydney sits with her dad to keep his nervous butt company and we come back skipping and I feel like....luck it mister don't take this away from me......I sacrificed not seeing the parade...let me have my mickey bar fix........the girls and I started eating ours....Sydney and I shared, not Sadie...remember loves sugar......the bus comes and we are all settled and ready to go....if you could see the anxiety in Bud's face.. I don't know why he stressed so much.........we had plenty of time........he can worry the fun out of anything.....

Now I am sad when we get to the airport........yes it was a good vacation, contrary to some of the minor difficulties towards the end.....truely a great family vacation......I feel blessed that we were all (meaning the adults) able to make this happen for our girls........there were lots of laughs, genuine laughs and good times..........would I change anything.....NO (okay I would have liked to see the parade, but that was minor in comparison to seeing the joy on my girls faces during the whole trip). They are such good kids and maybe someday we can all do this again together....remember maybe.

Thank you all so much for following along with me as I relive my family vacation....hopefully I didn't ramble on too much..........this was a fun journey and for my first trip report I enjoyed it!!!

Once the photopass pictures come in I will do a report with those.

[linanglab]

So glad it was a wonderful family vacation! Loved reading your report, and sad that it is over! Can't wait to see the pictures!

[bs4free]

Wow what a great report Thank you so much for shareing with us....

I am glad you had a great time..

[ligrumpygirl]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I loved it. I am glad you were able to make it all work....:sunshine:

[Hedy]

Great report! What a great memory for the girls!

[nurseminnie76]

I loved reading your trip report. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm so glad that your girls will have wonderful memories of a trip to Disney with Mom and Dad. I think you are an awesome Mom to put aside your differences and have a fun trip together. :sunshine:

[pbhall13]

I loved reading your trip report. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm so glad that your girls will have wonderful memories of a trip to Disney with Mom and Dad. I think you are an awesome Mom to put aside your differences and have a fun trip together. :sunshine:

You are too kind..........I just did what, as parents, was the right thing....we really did have a great time.........I think this was one of our best trips together (adults I mean) and Bud and I spent part of our Honeymoon at WDW!!!!! How funny is that.........I can honestly say this trip was more enjoyable in so many different ways.....the girls really bring out the best in each of us!

Thanks for following along on our journey.

[coastalgirl]

You are too kind..........I just did what, as parents, was the right thing....we really did have a great time.........I think this was one of our best trips together (adults I mean) and Bud and I spent part of our Honeymoon at WDW!!!!! How funny is that.........I can honestly say this trip was more enjoyable in so many different ways.....the girls really bring out the best in each of us!

Thanks for following along on our journey.

Wow you are an amazing woman. I wish my parents could have gotten along half as good. They still 25 years later can not and will not be in the same room together. I hope that if I am ever in your position I can handle it with half of your grace! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!! Your girls are beautiful!