New Year, New Experiences! A January 2016 TR - I’m here at WDW! 3/25

Sweet video, Alicia. Finally had time to sit and watch it. :) I WILL get to Aulani someday!

Vannelope looks like a super sweet doggy for your little family. Pretty dog!
 
Hi Alicia! It's been way too long for me getting caught up here. I started re-reading from the beginning since I couldn't remember where I left off! Thanks for sharing your Aulani video. Makes me contemplate using our points there sometime in the not too long future. :-) I hope all is well.
 
Loved the video! So glad to see you back...I too am in the boat of starting a TR I haven't finished haha
Dontcha love how busy life gets in the way of more important things, like DIS'ing? ;)
I hope your health is doing better - I miss our little group!
 


So awesome! Great idea on the video TRs. Whatever it takes to allow you enough free time to interact with us, I'm just glad to see you're back!

And I don't blame Q for reacting that way. I'd be freaked out a little bit by this group too.

Thanks Andy! Glad to be back but I feel I won't 'officially' be back until i'm giving you a hard time again :teeth:

Haha I know, he looks shocked doesn't he!

TK sounds much better all around. Does Calvin like it? My nephew loves goes to school.

Sweet Percy, I can understand why he’s grumpy :laughing: most older dogs are like that with puppies.

Your MiL brought 15 pairs of shoes??? :faint:

We had Aulani booked for last May but had to cancel. Its back on the list, but probably will be a few years before I can go. I’ll get there one day.

Calvin LOVES school, which is amazing. Q on the other hand, acts like he's dying when I drop him off at nursery at church:scared: There may be with issues with him, I think lol.

YES SHE DID! We had to stick some of her shoes in Dan's luggage :rotfl2:I think she said she only ended up using maybe 4 pairs of them! Thank goodness there's not much shopping at Aulani, she wouldn't have had any room!

So glad to see you're back! I did watch the first part of the video, but since my DIS time right now is severely limited I don't often watch videos. 1) because I'm usually on my phone and somewhere that I can't turn up the volume. 2) I read TRs in a piecemeal format usually from my phone. I might get through the first part of the update while I'm waiting in a Doctor's office, I may read the middle in a parking lot before I go into the grocery store, and the last while I'm by myself in a private room at home. :rolleyes1 There are dozens of other places that I catch up, while the conductor is working with another section in band, at long stoplights when I'm driving, but you get the point....

It's not just your videos, but most of the time when someone posts them I skip them over (unless they are required for a contest...) I understand how it could be easier, and if that's how you choose to do your updates, I will try to find times when Fran isn't with me that I can go over your TRs. She also does not approve of my DIS time, so I have to sneak it in while she is asleep. I've even learned to write my TRs in Google docs and I edit and upload the photos when I'm on the computer and she is asleep or out of the room. Then I can write the TR from my phone or the computer! I hope at some point things get less crazy, but for right now my time is super limited, so I've developed these coping mechanisms so I don't have to drop off the DIS. Even now I'm still falling miserable behind. I watched the video shortly after you published it and this is the first time that I've been on my computer (and coherent) to give you a reply!

Looking forward to hearing more about your trips and if you're coming to DL anytime soon, I would love to meet up!

Yay Alison!

Both you and I totally get each other right now then :hug: For me, I hate reading anything from my phone, but I have DIS'ed from the phone before. It's just not the same for me, but totally understand why people would have/want to. I love seeing pics/videos on the 'big' screen.

Ugh, I don't even know when our next DL trip will be:sad: I'm hoping next Spring? We have a couple trips (family and medical) going on after we return from WDW so we'll just have to see!

The kids are getting so big! Aulani looks amazing....I need to get there some of these days!

Jill in CO

Oh Jill, you must! It's so relaxing and it's not far from other fun things to do and see!

Really enjoyed your video! Such a beautiful place. I've been reading your TR's since you took your first DS to WDW as a newborn. Glad to see you back!

Aw thank you so much and thanks for the welcome!

Sweet video, Alicia. Finally had time to sit and watch it. :) I WILL get to Aulani someday!

Vannelope looks like a super sweet doggy for your little family. Pretty dog!

Thank you L! You really, really do! I totally get the hype now. Absolutely beautiful!

She is a crazy dog that's for sure!:joker:

Are the fires anywhere near you? Are you guys ok?

The really big fires are a ways from us in Napa and Santa Rosa (4 hours North) but a few weeks ago, there were some fires about 1 hour East of us. My Brother, who lives about 4 miles from us, was able to see them from just outside his house

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Thanks for asking about us :goodvibes

Hi Alicia! It's been way too long for me getting caught up here. I started re-reading from the beginning since I couldn't remember where I left off! Thanks for sharing your Aulani video. Makes me contemplate using our points there sometime in the not too long future. :-) I hope all is well.

At least we get to 'see' each other on FB! Your hubby's a hoot, BTW! You MUST go and try the spa! We had two massages during our 6 day stay!

Loved the video! So glad to see you back...I too am in the boat of starting a TR I haven't finished haha
Dontcha love how busy life gets in the way of more important things, like DIS'ing? ;)
I hope your health is doing better - I miss our little group!

I miss us four girls and our antics:sad: We still have our FHC though. And our insanely, obnoxious, but awesome tagging on John Stamos' IG! :rotfl2: Gah, we are such pervs and creepers :magnify::tiptoe:
 
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Hi Alicia! Great to see you around here again! We've missed you!

Thanks, i've been missing all the antics far too much!

When are you going to WDW? Mine is 5 days! :banana: and :eek:

Yay for F&W! :love:I'm assuming you're not packed yet??:rolleyes1

We'll be there NYE through Jan 7, I believe.

I’m so glad you’re not closer to the fires. I can’t imagine how scary that is.


You’re coming to WDW!? :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Thanks Pam!

And yes! There will be quite a bit of us this time around. DM, DH, Cal, Q, DMIL, DFIL, maybe DSIL and then me!:eek: We shall see how this goes. Definitely not used to this many people so hopefully I won't be too stressed.
 
Because of my long hiatus, I was completely unaware that PB had pooped on all of us. I had uploaded all of my 2016 trip pictures to that site a looong time ago and would still like to finish that TR. Andy had mentioned Flickr. Any other recommendations of websites that allow third party sharing?
 
Yay for F&W! :love:I'm assuming you're not packed yet??:rolleyes1

Well I have clothes in the closet that are selected to take along, but I have not gotten the suitcases out of the closets yet. I plan to start that today.

We'll be there NYE through Jan 7, I believe.

Cool! I miss going in January. So nice and temperate not hot, hot, hot like it will be next week!

And yes! There will be quite a bit of us this time around. DM, DH, Cal, Q, DMIL, DFIL, maybe DSIL and then me!:eek: We shall see how this goes. Definitely not used to this many people so hopefully I won't be too stressed.

Yikes! I hope you have a two bedroom or a Grand Villa!

Because of my long hiatus, I was completely unaware that PB had pooped on all of us. I had uploaded all of my 2016 trip pictures to that site a looong time ago and would still like to finish that TR. Andy had mentioned Flickr. Any other recommendations of websites that allow third party sharing?

Karin is using SmugMug. It's not free, but it isn't $400 either. I'm using our website (longproperties) so that doesn't help you....
 
Because of my long hiatus, I was completely unaware that PB had pooped on all of us. I had uploaded all of my 2016 trip pictures to that site a looong time ago and would still like to finish that TR. Andy had mentioned Flickr. Any other recommendations of websites that allow third party sharing?

I'm still using PB, but only because I paid a small amount so can use it for another year or so.
Haven't looked at alternatives yet.

Karin is using SmugMug. It's not free, but it isn't $400 either

Hmmm... Might have to look into that.
Huge job changing everything over, though. Sigh.
 
Alicia! I'm so happy to see you back! I loved your video update. The kids are so big. (I see them on fb too but it's not the same as seeing them on the Dis :laughing:) Aulani looks awesome. I hope you'll post more updates about all of your Disney trips :goodvibes
 
Well I have clothes in the closet that are selected to take along, but I have not gotten the suitcases out of the closets yet. I plan to start that today.

That's what I always do as well a few days before. Have the clothes at least selected in mind, cause that's always what takes the longest, is the selecting.

Cool! I miss going in January. So nice and temperate not hot, hot, hot like it will be next week!

Oh no is it?!

Dan just told me that it's going to be a high of 88 here next Wednesday! Hate all this change in weather - allergies are killing me!

Yikes! I hope you have a two bedroom or a Grand Villa!

2BR AKV Kidani Savannah view ;) I think if we had a firm 'yes' on my SIL, we may have looked at a GV. But i'm sure we wouldn't have had enough points to even borrow, since we had to borrow for our Aulani trip :eek:

Karin is using SmugMug. It's not free, but it isn't $400 either. I'm using our website (longproperties) so that doesn't help you....

Forgot about smugmug, thank you!

I'm still using PB, but only because I paid a small amount so can use it for another year or so.
Haven't looked at alternatives yet.

I had looked at that too, but my pic files are so large it would only last a month i'm afraid.

Alicia! I'm so happy to see you back! I loved your video update. The kids are so big. (I see them on fb too but it's not the same as seeing them on the Dis :laughing:) Aulani looks awesome. I hope you'll post more updates about all of your Disney trips :goodvibes

Heather!:cool1:They are so big now it frightens me (for my sanity, that is):rotfl:Definitely more updates soon! I'm trying to make sure I get on here at least once a day even if for ten minutes to keep myself caught up. So good to see you :hug:
 
Awesome about your trip, its coming up soon :cool1: I know you’ll be super busy with that many people but hopefully I can come out and see you for a little bit? I understand if its too much.

A 2 BR at Kidani will be fabulous. I think its the only place besides VGC that has 3 bathrooms? I’m sure everybody will be comfortable.
 
Awesome about your trip, its coming up soon :cool1: I know you’ll be super busy with that many people but hopefully I can come out and see you for a little bit? I understand if its too much.

A 2 BR at Kidani will be fabulous. I think its the only place besides VGC that has 3 bathrooms? I’m sure everybody will be comfortable.

Yes, let's be in touch for sure!

Yep, three bathrooms :yay: I agree, I think we'll be just fine with this arrangement. I'm super excited!
 
Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Festival of Fantasy





After our amazing gender reveal with Mickey, we weren’t sure what to do next! Calvin, on the other hand, still had no idea that he was getting a baby brother









We thought about heading over to Frontierland, but on the way, we got stuck behind a small group and while trying to maneuver around them, we heard a CM say, “The front of the parade line will be right there” and saw this small group dash over to where she pointed. I thought quickly. Sleeping Child. Nothing to do. Front row for parade.



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We sat right at the corner behind the taped line, front row and we were seated where the parade would be turning










Seriously, perfect timing and there was only about 20 minutes left until the start of the parade.





Calvin woke up less than 10 minutes till the parade started and thank goodness it wasn’t any longer than that. He had had a great nap and was ready to move around, which obviously wasn’t going to be the case for the next 20 minutes










Then the parade started!





































Have always wanted to see this parade after seeing the reviews from many friends on here but never thought I’d get a chance to see it. It was fantastic and we all enjoyed it.





We took a few photos in front of the castle with our new investment. I mean if we’re going to pay that much for a balloon, we better be seeing more of it:laughing:


















Continued in next post

 
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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

The Waiting Game




*Woah, LARGE PICS AHEAD! Sorry I didn't realize I had uploaded these so large. Still trying to figure out Flickr, but will upload smaller pics for the following day update*



Continued from previous post



I guess we headed towards Tomorrowland…with everyone else




And went on the Peoplemover!





Once we got off, I noticed that there was going to be a dance party with the Incredibles so we stuck around





And the party got underway in no time! But while we were hanging around, I made the mistake of getting some popcorn o_O Calvin was much more interested in eating then dancing





But DM got him out there





And a PP photographer showed up









Then he came over for more popcorn :rolleyes1 I thought maybe if I danced with him he would dance. But it was pretty much me putting in all the work :rotfl2:


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We used the restrooms right after my recital :lmao: and while everyone was taking turns, we saw this in the planters!




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Now what? We had nearly two hours to kill before our 6:30 dinner at The Plaza. Time to get dizzy! Them, not me ::yes::







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Followed by a grand circle tour on the Railroad and being silly while waiting








It was still 30 minutes before our scheduled ADR but it had been nearly 5 hours since we last ate (popcorn does not count, people!) and I was rather peckish





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So we checked in early





And waited.




And waited.




And…





waiting.gif




15 minutes AFTER our scheduled ADR we got called. Which kinda sucked because we also had FP’s for Wishes and let’s face it: Wishes waits for no one. We had been viewing the menus while waiting so we knew exactly what we wanted and put our orders in along with our drinks.





I noticed I had a view of the castle behind DH and DM so took a pic








I meeeean :confused: I know I didn’t tell them I was taking a picture of the castle, but they’re in my shot and you’d think being in Disney would make ones soul feel overjoyed. So I told them could they look nicer please:laughing:







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Third time’s a charm…partly.





Thank goodness I didn’t have to deal with them anymore and work on this fine specimen.






It was exactly what I needed. It was cold out and this was warm and comforting.


Cal took some of everyone’s plate and did fairly well





And as you guys know, no matter how little time I have, there’s always time for dessert




DM was not interested in seeing the fireworks and wanted to go through the shops :scared: so she took care of the bill for us (thanks DM!) and the three of us split as soon as we were done with our milkshakes.


Luckily, we were right around the corner from the viewing area so we didn’t have to run far, but we had scanned our MB’s right as the show started and got a very nice viewing spot considering how late we were





And very un-HD video, I’m afraid.


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I’m so glad that Cal was able to see it, now that it’s gone, but I’m excited to see the new HEA (thanks for the abbv. definition @afwdwfan ) since the boys have been watching it on YT since its release.


I got in contact with DM and told her our plans to hit up Adventureland but she was still shopping

oh no.gif

so we continued on without her.


The Jingle Cruise was a 5 minute wait!!!





And directly over to POTC after, with no wait either!





One more ride to end the night on the Magic Carpets (Actually, we rode it twice! Where was everyone?! Actually, I don't care ::yes::)





It was time to call it a night. Luckily, DM had texted me and said she was sitting on a bench near the front of the park while we were loading for our second ride on the Magic Carpets.








This day was a very exciting and long day for us at MK. We were there for 12 hours! Lots of rides, a gender reveal, a parade, and fireworks!





Tomorrow was going to be an early morning with a breakfast ADR at O’hana’s and it was our last full day :sad:
 
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After our amazing gender reveal with Mickey

Mickey! For heaven's sake! Pull your pants up!!!

I'm so sorry you had to see Mickey's gender revealed.


Yep. Totally excited there.

I thought quickly. Sleeping Child. Nothing to do. Front row for parade.

Sweeeeet.

Seriously, perfect timing and there was only about 20 minutes left until the start of the parade.

Very nicely done, Alicia.


:laughing: Great shot!


Whoa! Nice capture!

Have always wanted to see this parade after seeing the reviews from many friends on here but never thought I’d get a chance to see it. It was fantastic and we all enjoyed it.

It's a really good parade, isn't it?

We took a few photos in front of the castle with our new investment. I mean if we’re going to pay that much for a balloon, we better be seeing more of it:laughing:

Balloon... or college... balloon... or college.....


Balloon.

*Woah, LARGE PICS AHEAD! Sorry I didn't realize I had uploaded these so large. Still trying to figure out Flickr, but will upload smaller pics for the following day update*

How are you finding working with Flickr?
I'm going to have to do the switch too, I guess.

I made the mistake of getting some popcorn o_O Calvin was much more interested in eating then dancing

popcorn:: > :dancer:


Awww....

We used the restrooms right after my recital :lmao: and while everyone was taking turns, we saw this in the planters!

eb92367f-bd7d-4dc9-884c-469e4d65449d.jpg


Time to get dizzy! Them, not me ::yes::

Smart girl.


:laughing: So why didn't you do that?


So...... did you have to wait?

Third time’s a charm…partly.

Partly nice photo. :)


Good Lord! Want!


Nevermind... want more!

DM was not interested in seeing the fireworks and wanted to go through the shops :scared:

What??? That's unforgiveable!

so she took care of the bill for us (thanks DM!)

And..... forgiven!

The Jingle Cruise was a 5 minute wait!!!

No way! Nice!

One more ride to end the night on the Magic Carpets (Actually, we rode it twice! Where was everyone?! Actually, I don't care ::yes::)

When you do it 7 times in a row, we'll talk.
 

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