Donna meets Eddie Bauer, aka Dadtojbj and family!
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ILuvDisney · 05-31-2003, 10:24 PM

Well, 11 months after his infamous tevas ( [img]graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] )kept me up nights at the Wilderness Lodge, I finally met the man we all know and [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] as Dadtojbj and his gorgeous family.

It started out friday with an afternoon chat and last minute detailing and clarification on directions (more to come on that later!!).

Friday evening rolled around, everyone was packed and ready to hit the road....we (me, mom, dad and my 2 nieces, Krystal and Sadie)hit the road around 7:40 on the way to Richmond. Now, I'm not the smallest girl in the world and since Mom and Pop downgraded to a Buick LeSabre, let's just suffice to say the backseat with Krystal and Sadie reminded me of sardines in a can. Especially when they were sprawled across the seat passed out asleep because Sadie finally decided to be quiet for more than a second. (If you've never met Sadie, the child is a talker!! Just ask Steve and Susan ROTFLOL!!). Sadie went on and on about how Steve's daughter, Brittany and her were supposed to have met in WDW last June and it was my fault they didn't get to cuz' I didn't call Steve back at 11 pm one night. I couldn't! I was too bowled over by those tevas. [img]graemlins/achoo.gif[/img]

So, 10 pm rolled around as we neared Richmond. The rain and fog (bad fog!!) settled in but we were doing good on time, and all was quiet (Ahhhh....Sadie was still snoozing!! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ). We cruised up 95, found I64 with no problem and were in the process of hunting down Exit 183C to get to Embassy Suites. Not sure how this happened but we ended up in DOWNTOWN Richmond at 11 pm.....totally lost!!! The crazy interstates in Virginia apparently have left exits with no warning ROTFLOL!! Admittingdly, I was a little antsy about being lost that time of night in downtown Richmond and was on the verge of hollering at Steve but after careful consideration, I decided against it because he needed his beauty sleep for the big day at Kings Dominion tomorrow. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

After a few choice words (watch it Pop!! the kids were in the car!) and a nice, unexpected tour of downtown, we managed to somehow wind our way back to I64 and continued on to our intended destination...Embassy Suites.

It was midnight when we finally found it and got checked in. By this time, Pop's raised voice woke Sadie up and she started in again about not meeting Brittany months ago. Yeah, I got it....it was my fault I didn't call them back. ROTFLOL [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

We got checked in, unloaded the car and headed up to the room. And then the sleeping battle ensued. Sadie was bound and determined to sleep with me (her big sister can be a bed hog!) in the other double bed in the room. Krystal didn't want to be by herself in the other room on the sofa bed so "Memaw" ditched Pop for the night to sleep on 84 lumber as Krystal affectionately called the sofa bed.

After sleeping arrangemetnts were made, we all brushed our teeth and got ready for bed. Finally at 1 am, Sadie was semi quiet and we all fell asleep with visions of roller coasters in our dreams (well, mine anyway! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] ).

Tomorrow: Eat and get the he$* out, and Eddie comes to life. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[ 06-01-2003, 06:40 AM: Message edited by: ILuvDisney ]

ILuvDisney · 06-01-2003, 12:14 AM

Alrighty! I can't sleep so why not finish up?? [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

I left off after we'd all fallen asleep after the big slumber battle. Morning rolled around and with my early work hours, I am accustomed to waking early. Vacation was no different! My bladder woke me up promptly at 5 am as I muddled out of bed and headed towards the bathroom, I forgot Sadie's little overnight bag was on the floor...I tripped over it and mumbled under my breath. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

I finished up in the bathroom and made my way back to bed (without tripping!) and fell back asleep for another hour or so until I heard Pop in the shower. At that, I figured I'd best get my butt in gear so I roused for good and hopped in the shower after Pop was done.

By the time I was done, Krystal and Sadie were up and in rare form. I swear, the *only* time Sadie Marie was quiet was in her sleep.

After we were all ready, we hightailed it downstairs to breakfast. We snagged a table and filled our bellies full of eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit and the likes. While we ate, this elderly couple that seemed nice enough sat down at the table beside us. Turns out, they were scoping our table!! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] The lady looked at Mom and said point blank, "we want this table, we have 10 people coming to eat.".

Oh boy!! Trouble on the horizon!! Mom just shot a look only a mother could have and said she would move when she got and damned ready (not to mention we were no where near done eating!). Ha! I laughed so hard at Mom, I lost a few honey nut cheerios.

We deliberatly ate slow just to irritate the old couple (mean I know but hey.....how rude were they to say eat and get the he&% up??). After we decided we had irritated them enough, we headed back upstairs for one last potty run before setting out on those insane Virginia highways.

We found our way back to I95 with minimal problems and then out of nowhere, up popped a Kings Dominion sign and before I knew it, we were in the parking lot with a closeup spot. How often does that happen?!

Krystal was bursting with nerves (and I was seriously hoping Steve and his daredevils could change her ways) and Sadie was bursting with excitement she was finally going to meet Brittany.

Since we arrived early, we just messed around the park for a few hours riding a couple of rides here and there but we were saving the big things for Steve and his crew.

Steve and I had already set 2 pm as the meet time since Susan had to work that morning. So around 1 or so, Mom and Pop decided they were hungry so we headed to the country kitchen and grabbed some lunch.

2 pm rolled around and with nervousness building, we set off towards our designated meeting place, right outside the 305 foot freefall ride, Drop Zone. With Sadie in tow and Krystal, Mom and Pop behind me, we started looking for Steve and Susan.

It only took a second to spot Steve (he had Joshy with him and I immediately recognized him from the pictures I'd seen). BTW, I will kid Steve about this from now on.....but ya'll know his love of the Eddie Bauer store, right? Well, he looked like an Eddie Bauer model that just stepped out of the catalog. ROTFLOL!!

After our intial meet and greet, we pulled the rest of our families over and introduced everyone. Steve's wife, Susan is the nicest lady and his kids are just gorgeous.

After the introductions, we got in line for the Drop Zone...this was the freefall ride with the 305 drop which happened to be Josh's favorite ride (keep in mind, Josh is 6 and possesses his Dads' daredevil instincts ROTF!). I was totally amazed Josh loved this ride. This was the one thing Krystal didn't ride....she just couldn't muster the nerve and of course my Mom and Dad watched from the sidelines. Mom snapped a picture of us on the way down..it turned out ok but the ride came down so fast, she just did miss getting Steve fully in the picture and Justin was hidden behind a pole [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] but otherwise, it turned out good.

To be honest, I totally forgot I had the camera!! We should have taken pictures to post along with the trip report..... [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] .

After the drop zone, it was off to the coasters! I was so impressed Steve actually talked Krystal into some things she never would have entertained the thought of (nice work Steve!!) like going on the hypersonic XL, a blast off coaster (a small scale Top Thrill Dragster) and the Hurler. But for all it was worth, he couldn't talk her into Drop Zone. Ah well! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Sadie has now ditched the Barlow family for the Baker family and would have gone home with them if she could have. Her and Brittany were like long lost friends...I had warned Steve of her chatterbox abilities and she didn't disappoint me. LOL!!

Not only did she talk Brittany's ears off, she apparently gave Susan's a workout too. I wasn't there for alot of that as I was in line for the coasters trying to keep up with Steve, Justin and Brittany!

Justin is Steve's oldest son who I found out was a money magnet! Not sure what was up with him (other than he was equipped with some sort of radar) but he found somewhere in the neighborhood of $.18. He was constantly picking up pennies with what seemed like every step he took...it got to the point he'd pick them up, looked at me and I just shook my head. Unbelievable!! He's my pick for a treasure hunt partner for sure. Hey Steve, maybe you ought to start a college fund with the money that kid finds. LOL!!

Alrighty....it's going on after midnight and I'm finally getting sleepy so I'm going to halt here and pick up tomorrow. Til then.... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 06-01-2003, 06:45 AM: Message edited by: ILuvDisney ]

DVC_Don · 06-01-2003, 06:41 AM

The Family:

Quote:

Steve and his daredevils

[img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Steve:

Quote:

Well, he looked like an Eddie Bauer model that just stepped out of the catalog.

[img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I'm sooooo glad I found this. Sooo much ammunition.

You may continue Donna. [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

AKLRULZ · 06-01-2003, 07:49 AM

Oh boy...bring it on. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] We did have fun meeting Donna and her clan - but I won't steal her thunder - maybe though I can have time for a rebuttal after all is said and done? [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

ILuvDisney · 06-01-2003, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wheatenwalker:
This is sooo interesting but wouldnt more people read down in Beaner land? Sheila

Oh golly!! I am sorry to have offended anyone with this trip report but, after reading the description of this particular forum, "Planning a trip around the globe, or just away for the weekend? Ask your general trip planning questions and share your experiences." I'd say this was the appropriate forum for my experience at Kings Dominion with Steve and his family but perhaps I will link it to Beaner's forum even though it wasn't a publicized meet. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

wheatenwalker · 06-01-2003, 05:52 PM

I wasnt offended, just thought more people would be able to enjoy this most intersting meet with one of the board 'legends'if it were in another spot- Sheila
And I am so sorry that my suggestion caused you so much stress!!!!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 06-01-2003, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: wheatenwalker ]

ILuvDisney · 06-01-2003, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wheatenwalker:

And I am so sorry that my suggestion caused you so much stress!!!!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

ROTFLOL!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 06-01-2003, 07:33 PM: Message edited by: ILuvDisney ]

ILuvDisney · 06-01-2003, 07:24 PM

Here comes the end!! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

I left off saying how Steve came off the swings a little, umm, shall we say green?? LOL!! That was definitely a bit of humor in my day as I'd been hearing for MONTHS how he could ride anything. Well, he did ride any and everything (he just had a nice green hue after this particular ride!) LOL!

After the swings, it was on to the Grizzly per a request from Josh. That coaster is stuck so far back in the woods we would have missed it had the tourguides not been there! On this one, it was me, Krystal, Steve, Josh, Justin and Brittany. It was a classic wooden coaster that we got a pleasant 2nd surprise ride on! I was totally amazed at the virtual non existance of the lines that day! When we pulled into the station, there were 2 people in line none of which were in the stations that belonged to our seats so we zipped around for a second spin.

Not long after that, everyone was giving in to hunger and Josh elected pizza as the dinner selection for the evening, or azzip as he declared while sitting inside the restaurant looking at the stained glass windows reversed LOL!!

We had a nice dinner but quite honestly, I was loving life when Steve tried his darndest to get his kids to profess their undying love for Animal Kingdom Lodge.....but being the diplomats they were, they said they liked Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge both but Susan declared her preference for WILDERNESS LODGE!! Yeah, uh huh!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] She totally sold ole' Eddie down the river. ROTFLOL!!

We finished up our pizza, headed outside to find the sun had come out (finally!!)and Steve asked if anyone wanted to ride the Drop Zone again but he quickly became obsessed with a non-existent cut on his lip he said came from ice. Whatever!! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Susan smoothed over the non-existent cut issue and again, it was Steve, Susan, Justin, Josh, Brittany and me on the Drop Zone for the second time. While we were standing in line, we were people watching the folks coming off the ride and cracking up and some of the faces! After we got put on our little colored spots, just before loading, one last ring dropped and there was this one lady who was facing towards us that had this look of pure fear. LOL!! One thing about this particular ride, you were literally able to hear the screams from the riders all over the park..my voice was certainly added to them along with a nice scream from Steve interjected with, "OH NO!! I JUST DROOLED." ROTFLOL!!

Susan died laughing when she found out what he did! Boy, wouldn't that have made for a funny onride photo?! Speaking of! There were 2 totally hilarious onride photos....the one of Steve and Brittany on the hypersonic coaster. Brittany looked like she had stuck her hand on a static globe ball and my picture came out looking as if I were talking on the phone...not sure what that was about. Unimpressed by the ride I suppose. Ha!! Yeah right...it was a mini-top thrill dragster. ROTFLOL!

Sadie expressed her desire to ride a water ride (I bowed out because it was a little on the cool side!) so myself, Susan, Justin, and my parents sat that one out while Steve, Josh, Sadie and Brittany braved the cold water. While waiting for them, Susan noticed a power surge and said how odd that was but no one noticed any changes in the park....the rides were still going and everything and Justin finds, MORE MONEY! (like I said, he's my pick for a partner in a treasure hunt).

We all reunited after the flume ride and decided to head over towards Sponge Bob Square Pants (not sure if that was a movie or what!) but it looked as if we had just missed the last showing of it. So we decided we should call it a day...it was getting towards 8:00, we were all tired and Steve, Susan and the kids had to get up early for church on Sunday.

It was on the way towards the front of the park that we realized that power surge was more than we had imagined....the park had no power LOL!! No lights and no water fountains! That was the first time in my life I'd ever known that to happen. Oh well, ya'll know what they say, there's a first time for everything!

Pop turned in his ECV and out of the park we headed....at that, we exchanged a few more pleasantries and everyone died laughing at Steve when he wiped the end of Susan's nose. She looked at him (priceless face Susan!!) like he was insane and said, "I love you too, dear". OMG, EVERYONE was rolling!!!!

At that, we strolled towards the exit gates, said our goodbyes and headed towards our cars. We had so much fun! I've already told Steve this but I have to repeat it here because it's classic!!

As I mentioned, my first impression of Steve was that he looked like an Eddie Bauer catalog model....well, Krystal, my oldest niece turned to me as soon as they were out of earshot and said, "He looks good to be as old as he is!". LOL!! She apparently thought he was years older than me and was floored when I told her he was 2 years older than me. Kids!! Gotta love em!! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

Well, that wraps up the report! Happy reading. [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

[ 06-01-2003, 07:40 PM: Message edited by: ILuvDisney ]

wheatenwalker · 06-01-2003, 07:42 PM

Donna, I was trying to respond to your last PM and answer the question you asked but somehow, I am on your ignore list!!!!! Again, I am so sorry that such an innocent suggestion caused you to be so upset! Sheila

ILuvDisney · 06-01-2003, 07:53 PM

Apology accepted Sheila!! Now, let's get on with the FUN!! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

iloverags2 · 06-01-2003, 08:58 PM

Great report Donna...thanks for sharing! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

You guys sound like you had a wonderful time, and both you and Steve and your families sound as wonderful as you seem here on the boards. Glad you all had a good time and that the girls got along so well.

Good to see another trip report here in globetrotting. There have been quite a few in the past (me included!)...always look forward to more. Thanks!

DVC_Don · 06-01-2003, 09:13 PM

Quote:

but Susan declared her preference for WILDERNESS LODGE!! Yeah, uh huh!!

HAAAA!!!!! This is gold here! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Quote:

my oldest niece turned to me as soon as they were out of earshot and said, "He looks good to be as old as he is!".

I'm crying over this TR [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

*Pixie*Dust* · 06-01-2003, 09:24 PM

Wow Donna, it's sounds like you all had a great time. It must have been a blast getting to meet Steve and his family [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] !
Why didn't your fiance join in on the fun? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

ILuvDisney · 06-01-2003, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Happy&Grumpy:
Wow Donna, it's sounds like you all had a great time. It must have been a blast getting to meet Steve and his family [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] !
Why didn't your fiance join in on the fun? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

Don't get me started on Jason. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] We had it all planned out with the last word I got from him, gave me the impression he was coming. Then while we were at Kings Dominion that MORNING, he called on my mobile and said he wasn't coming because he had to get ready to back out on a sea test for the USS Reagan that he helped design. That was last Saturday....he is still not forgiven. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] He's not a rider either (never even set foot on anything!)so he would've been a stick in the mud anyway. LOL!!

Janet 46 · 06-01-2003, 09:54 PM

Fabulous trip report Donna! I'm sure the rebuttal will be quite interesting too! Hey, Eddie, where are you? We need to hear your side! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] I bet he will deny any signs of green after the rides. I'm glad all of you had a good time!