WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 5

Thursday, January 28th.

Woke up feeling like crap - but plugged on for the family and for the sake of our last full day at WDW!!

We headed to Epcot to roam around and meet our 1pm lunch reservations at Chef de France. We did the character greet where we met Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. Goofy, was a trip. He REALLY didn't seem like he wanted to be there. I don't think the kids picked up on it, but both Bob and I commented on that after we were outside.






We went on the Finding Nemo ride and looked at the aquarium afterwards.



Once the Worldshowcase opened up, we decided to walk around the countries again. We were on the look out for characters as the girls were really getting into it now. Celie and Bob had decided that they wanted to go watch the movie about China. Anna and I decided to hang out and soak in the sun. Bob and Celie came back shortly after leaving us and told us to hurry because Mulan was all by herself. The girls were able to get their pic taken with her and she signed their pillowcases.

We also saw Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Jasmine & Aladdin - but the girls didn't want to wait in line for them.



We then made it to France and waited for our lunch. It was good from what I could taste of it. Remi from Ratatoulie made his appearance at our table. It was pretty cool. He was moved around and had a person move him around the restaurant. The girls got a kick out of it.


This is a picture of the water fountain spouts looking at the Epcot Globe.


Afterwards, we decided that Bob would take the girls to the Magic Kingdom to ride GB and I would go back to the hotel to print out our boarding passes for our return home the following day. I was also going to rest a little to gain some energy for our last night. We were going to meet at the Grand Floridian for our dinner reservations at 1900 Fare Park - a character dining experience. I did not rest - I had to go to another hotel's business center to print out because I wanted to change our seats and they couldn't do that for me at our hotel - which was fine but it was some running around. When I finally met up with Bob and the girls - they did GB but Celie had a small fit, and it was less than a perfect departure. However, Bob did say that as they were leaving Magic Kingdom, both girls were saying " See you later Cinderella's castle!! We will be back soon!! Bye Mickey, Bye Minnie!!"

Dinner at the Grand Floridian was awesome (I could barely taste things, but was able to have a few tasteful bites). Bob had 4 plates of food (it was buffet style) and 2 dessert plates. The girls ate well too. But the characters were awesome. We saw Prince Charming, Cinderella, Drazella, Anastasia, and Lady Tremaine. We got pictures from everyone and signatures too (well, we forgot to ask Prince Charming for his signature, darn. next time!!!)







After dinner, we slowly headed our way back to our hotel. The girls were tired and fell asleep right away. Bob and I packed most of our things back in our boxes and took them to the front desk to be shipped back (yes, I shipped 2 boxes to ourselves. I saved $$ by not having to pay for our luggage at the airport - we also didn't have to wait for luggage at either airport - we did it on our last trip and it was a success again!). We were ready for our last 1/2 day at WDW.

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 4

Wednesday, January 27th

This day is a little foggy for me. I am not sure if it was the change of seasons, something from the plane or what, but both Anna and I started not feeling well. For me, it was more like a sinus funk, stuffed up and coughing. So, I was bummed and headed to the gift shop to see what kind of drugs they had available. Sudafed. I bought it and took it - but remembered why I don't when I am home - because it doesn't really work for me. So, I suffered along.

We ended up having dinner at the Wave at the Contemporary Resort. It was a pretty good dinner. I was disappointed because I could tell that I was starting to lose my taste buds. what a bummer!! I was on vacation and allowing myself to eat ANYTHING I wanted - and really couldn't because I couldn't taste a thing. ARGH!!!

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 3

Tuesday, January 26th

Celie woke up and was very excited to try to repeat our adventures of multiple rides on Goofy's Barnstormer. However, before we headed to Magic Kingdom, we decided that we needed a hearty breakfast. So, we headed to the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge. It is a very fun restaurant full of characters and antics. It is not a quite restaurant at all. While we ate breakfast, the girls were asked to participate in a hobby horse race - Celie had a blast running around the restaurant. However, Anna started out well, but ended up in tears because she ran into something. But overall, it was a great breakfast.



We had decided that the girls' little legs really couldn't keep up with us. So, we broke down and rented a stroller for the rest of the week. I had wanted to do this ahead of time, but we went with the wait and see approach - another lesson learned. So, yesterday I called and was able to get one delivered by 9am to the hotel. After breakfast, we picked up the stroller and headed to Magic Kingdom. The girls were happy to be riding in style. It was a sunny day and Mainstreet seemed a little busier than usual, so, I decided that I would do a little quick shopping before we headed back to Goofy's Barnstormer. I snagged some gifts that I had been wanting to get and then we were on our way. Goofy's Barnstomer, here we come. Once we got there, it was almost a repeat of the night before. We walked right on and did it multiple times. I think this time we did it 9 times. After that, we headed to the meet and greet of the Princesses. We saw Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora. The girls really enjoyed seeing them and having them autograph their pillowcases.




After the princesses - it was Tea Cup time. We actually fit all of us on the teacups. I tried to do sequence shots of Anna - much like I did with Celie 2 years ago - See?











Anna wasn't too sure about the ride and she didn't do it again after that. But Celie did. We headed back to Fantasy Land to do Dumbo and than have lunch at King Friars. It was a decent lunch.


We then went to see if we could find Tiana - the newest Princess as she has been rumored to hang out near the Paddle boat near Liberty Tree Tavern. But she was no where to be found. We headed over the Adventure Land and Celie and Bob decided to ride Big Thunder Railroad (a roller coaster that Bob has fond memories of riding when he was a kid with Papa Tony). Celie & Bob had a good time, but didn't like the wait - they were spoiled by GB (Goofy's Barnstormer). Anna & I did a little shopping and then waited for Bob and Celie to finish.


The girls on Aladdin's Magic Carpets.



We made our way through Magic Kingdom and decided to grab a snack at the MainStreet Bakery to take back to the hotel with us. It was a good morning at the Magic Kingdom, but we thought we would see what else we could find to do back at the hotel.


On our way out of the park we found Snow White - ALL by herself. She was very gracious with the girls. It was awesome.


Since the weather was on the warm side, we decided to hit the pool. We all got dressed, yes, even me, and headed to the pool area. The girls had a blast.

After the pool, we decided to have dinner at the counter service place at the hotel - Roaring Fork, then we headed to Magic Kingdom to see if the girls could wait out the Fireworks.

We of course went to Goofy's Barnstormer to see if it was open. And it WAS!!! with no line. We walked onto the ride and the girls LOVED it. When we got off the ride, Celie asked if we could ride it again. We said sure. So, we walked to the front of the ride, walked in and walked right on the next train/coaster. That was #2. We then continued this process until after #8 and my tummy was feeling it a little bit. So, we decided to give our tummies a little rest. See a theme with this ride?

We headed to Fantasy Land to do some more rides. Celie decided that she really didn't want to do any more - so Bob took her back to the hotel and Anna and I stayed. We rode the Carousel and I was getting excited because Wishes - the Magic Kingdom's beautiful firework display would be happening soon and it looked like we were going to be able to see it IN the park. I haven't done that in AGES!!!



Then, Anna looked at me and said, "Mamma, can we ride Dumbo, pwetty peas - double, double peas?" How could I resist THAT? So, of course we got in line and were riding Dumbo at 7:55pm. In the meantime, much of the park in FantasyLand had been roped off in anticipation of Wishes. So, after our wonderful Dumbo ride, I tried to find a good spot for us to watch the fireworks and more importantly, watch Tinkerbell fly from the Castle. We found our spot and the music started. I pointed to the top of Cinderella's castle and Anna exclaimed "Tinkerbell!!!" and we watched her fly away from the castle. Then the fireworks began. It was amazing. We had them going off in front of us and behind us. However, about 1 minute in, I felt a tug on my shirt. "Mama, I want to go." I said O.K. and we headed toward the front of the park. Now, mind you, were in the VERY BACK of the park. So, we had to walk to the side of the castle and then I saw the mass crowd in front of the castle and on Mainstreet looking at the wonderful presentation of Wishes. I knew that Anna's little legs wouldn't keep up and we had very limited time until the show was over and the mass exodus would begin. So, I scooped up Anna and began walking as FAST as I could through the crowd. Mind you I am VERY out of shape and walking fast could have presented its own challenges, but I was also carrying an extra 35+ lbs. to boot. I kept saying excuse us, excuse us through the crowd. I know that most people were thinking, " Really? Lady, do you have to disrupt our moment?" I could easily hear the music and knew that it was almost over. I had made it to Main Street - and the mass had cleared - but I headed to the sidewalk that was COMPLETELY cleared and picked up the pace. The ending fireworks and music had hushed the crowd. The applause happened and then the Whoosh of people turning and heading toward the entrance/exit of the park could be heard. We were ahead of the game, but I wasn't quite sure how much longer my legs and arms were going to hold up. We made it through the exit and toward the Boat Launch back to our hotel. There were about 5 people in front of us. Phew. I put Anna down and told her that she would have to walk the rest of the way. She was definitely a trooper. We made it back to the room. Celie was snoring and we told Bob all about our adventure. It was quite exciting and thrilling - yet exhausting. Anna & slept well that night and my arms ached the next day.

Disney

More Disney Vacation posts to come. I promise!!!

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 2

Monday, January 25, 2010
We woke up and had breakfast in our room and then decided to head to Disney Hollywood Studios to check things out. We ended up getting there right as the rope dropped (they opened the park). It was awesome as I heard many great things about the Toy Story Mania ride and had decided we should try it. We followed the crowd and we were not disappointed.

Here is a picture of Bob and Anna inside the ride cue for Toy Story Mania - it is basically a ride where you are shooting at carnival like games and collecting points. It is a lot of fun - oh yeah, and in 3D so they give you glasses to wear. The girls really didn't get the shooting part of it, but Bob and I had a fun time. I got more points. :)

After Toy Story Mania we decided to see what other shows, etc. might be happening. We happened to catch Mickey Mouse Playhouse production. Below is the girls waiting for the show to begin. They really enjoyed it.


After the show, we headed to where some of the characters hang out. We were able to find Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer. The girls were starting to warm up to the characters and eager for him to sign their pillowcases. Below are the girls with Mickey!!!
After Mickey, we decided to head toward the back of the park. We found the set from Honey, I shrunk the kids and the girls had a good time playing around the playground. They were able to burn off a little steam. Here is everyone on the giant Ant. It was hard to get them to leave, but we finally did to head to the Back Lot studios.


The Back Lot is like a mini movie set with various size buildings and things done in interesting perspectives to seem like a complete city, etc. Here are Bob and the girls "playing" in the middle of a BIG CITY Street.

Here I am with the girls on the step of a pretty brownstone.


The girls were kind of tired. So, Bob ended up carrying Anna (we didn't bring our stroller - but ended up calling to rent one for the rest of the week - well worth the $$ AND one of many lessons learned on this trip).

Doesn't Anna just seem thrilled by the whole situation?

We ended having lunch at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. We had a great lunch and then took the boat from Disney Hollywood Studios to Epcot's International Entrance. We were right near France in the World Showcase - so we decided have dessert at the La Patissiere. It was D-licious. I had that double chocolate mouse, the girls had a chocolate chip cookie and Bob had a chocolate raspberry cake. YUMMY!!

While in France, we spotted 2 different characters. So, we got in line to get autographs and pictures. The first was Aurora - or Sleeping Beauty. It was hard to get the girls to stand still and focus after all of that chocolate. Below are the girls with Aurora.



After Aurora, we found Marie, she is in the Aristocrats. So, the girls were thrilled to see her and get her Autograph as well.

We slowly made our way around the World Showcase. We had dinner reservations at Le Cellier in Cananda so we were just taking our time. We decided to get a pretzel in Germany and have a seat and just soak in the sun a little bit.

Here is a picture of me and the girls enjoying our pretzel. Epcot's globe is in the background.


Here is a CHEESEY picture of Anna and her doll Belle which can turn into Cinderella - tricky huh?
After our snack, we meandered through the World Showcase and then had dinner at Le Cellier. It was an o.k. dinner - not what I had expected and in my eyes, it did not live up to our expectations or came any where close to the reviews I had read. It was such a bummer, that we ended up canceling some of our other dinner reservations because we didn't want to be disappointed.

After dinner, it was getting a little chilly, so we headed back to the hotel to plan out our next day.

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 1

We arrived in Orlando on Sunday, January 24th to rather humid and warm weather. It was early afternoon and we headed straight to the hotel, Wildnerness Lodge, and then had lunch at their quick service restaurant, Roarking Fork. After a quick bite to eat, we headed to MAGIC KINGDOM!!!

It was a pleasure to see Anna's face light up when she REALLY saw Cinderella's castle for the first time - much like Celie did on our last trip to WDW. We headed toward the back of the park to have our fun on some of the rides.

Here is a picture of Bob and Anna on Main Street USA - notice Cinderella's castle in the background - and yes, that is sun shining on their faces. Something we NE Ohioians hadn't seen in a LONG time.
Celie wanted to go on Goofy's Barnstormer (it is a roller coaster for kids & adults). However, when we got there, it was closed, so we decided to see if the fairies were available. We waited in line and was transformed into Pixie Hollow where we met Silvermist, Tinkerbell & Rosetta. Each of the fairies were AWESOME and each one of them signed the girls' pillowcases and we got pictures taken as well (I thought it would be fun to have the characters sign pillowcases this time instead of a book or making a quilt like I did last time - I ironed on each of the girl's names on the pillowcases and had the characters sign them). The girls love them.

Here are the girls with Tinkerbell. It is so difficult to get them both looking in the same direction, smiling, and staying still. argh!!

After Pixie Hollow, we decided to walk through Mickey's house at ToonTown. This will soon be going away. They are totally redoing this area of the park. So, we thought we should go through it one more time before it is no longer.

Here is Bob with the girls in front of Mickey's Pumpkin patch. I want to figure out how to grow pumpkins like that. Hmmmmmmm. We might have to get Uncle Mike on this one.

After Mickey's house, Goofy's Barnstormer was STILL closed so we headed over to Fantasy Land to ride Dumbo. We then headed toward the Liberty Tree Tavern where we had dinner reservations. Liberty Tree Tavern is a family style, thanksgiving ish kind of meal. It used to be a character meal, but then they stopped that. However, The Crystal Palace - where you can eat with Pooh & his friends, was closed for renovations, so they made the Liberty Tree Tavern a Character dining experience again. We had a really good meal and saw Minnie Mouse - YEAH - Pluto, and Chip & Dale.

Here is Celie with a picture of Minnie. She kept telling Minnie how much she liked her dress. Minnie signed the girls' pillowcase too. So, did chip & dale.

After dinner it started to rain, so we decided that since we had a big several days ahead of us, it wouldn't hurt us to head back early, so we did. We took the boat back to the Wilderness Lodge and settled in for the night.

Lunch Pals

Celie, unfortunately, has been getting up earlier than her usual time this week. We are not quite sure why. But she has been fairly good about it except for this morning. Anyway, this past week, she was helping me pack my lunch for work. She wanted me to take someone to work with me. She said that I needed someone with me. Hence, she put Elmo, the Kitty, and Baby Jaguar in my lunch on 3 different days.

When she did it, I told her that I would take a picture of them at my desk so she can see that I REALLY took them to work with me. Below are her animals at work with me. I took these on my phone and emailed them to Bob to show the girls. I am sure a few of the people on the elevator inspecting my lunch bag thought I was a little off, but that is o.k. I like to keep them guessing. :)

What is a Picturematographer?

What is your best guest?

Celie has decided she wants to be one. With an Annasystem. These are her words not ours.





She wants to be a a Photographer, taking pictures in the wild with an Assistant. A lot of role playing with that one around the house. But we like the word Picturematographer much better.

Mr. Mobile Update

I have been trying to get some recent pictures of Jake, but he just won't stay still. He is literally running around the house these days. Our house is a maze of gates to keep him from climbing up the stairs, going in the bathroom, keeping him from the basement, etc. Oh, yes, he is climbing too. He can make it up to the landing of the staircase, which is 6 stairs - no problem. And then he is so proud of himself, he doesn't know what to do from there.

At his 1 year appointment, he was 95% for height but only 50% for weight. Everything else is going really well for him. He did have a slight ear infection, so he is taking antibiotics for them. I was surprised about his weight, only because he seems to eat anything and EVERYTHING we put in front of him. I guess all of that running around, really does burn off the calories.

Gotta love it - him smashing Rice Krispies into his mouth.

Stinkerbell

We often call Anna Stinkerbell, well, because she is small like a pixie and a stinker. She definitely has taken to playing in her dress up clothes and found her old Tinkerbell costume. She just had to have it on. It does come complete with wings, but some times we don't allow her or Celie to wear them because when the get "active" the wings go everywhere and some one is bound to get hurt. This is best to avoid.

She is also coming into her own and when I pull out the camera. She stops and poses and some times gets a packed on smile. But you have to love the CHEESE factor.

Flapper Ballerina

Doesn't sound like two styles that you would really want to mix and match!! However, Anna seems to pull off the impossible with her fashion sense.

These outfits were given to her for Xmas from Grammy (Kelly's mom) and she wouldn't take them off. It was hard to get her to put on a nightgown when night came. She still wears the outfit on a daily basis for part of the day.

Only Anna.

Little Man's First B-day

It was with great anticipation that we celebrated Jake's 1st birthday on Wednesday night. Bob and the kids had gone to the farm on Tuesday, so the girls and Mrs. O made Jake a b-day cake.

After dinner, we cut up the cake and sang happy birthday to Jake. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the cake. He actually dumped the cake onto the table and played with his plate and fork more than eat the cake.

As you can see, he took to SMASHING the cake onto the table. He finally decided he would try it and decided he liked it.

He disappointed us - a little bit - in that he didn't smear the frosting everywhere like his sisters did on their 1st birthdays. And they say girls are more mature. Hmmmm. :)

We broke the Curse

It is hard to believe but 2009 was the year that we broke the 1 year old b-day curse.

You see, every Ostroski child that has been born, has celebrated their first b-day in a house other than the one that they were born in (or came home to). That curse was finally broken with Jake - he celebrated his first b-day in the same house we brought him home to!!

Hopefully, things will only look better as the years go on.

Phew!!