We're going to WDW! Adventures of a Mom & Toddler the TR! 9/24-9/30/2010 About This Page:

[BeckiO5]

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Congratulations Becki on your new neice . I was able to check out the pictures on FB, Skyler is just so adorable. It really looks like you had an amazing trip. Sorry about your phone, hope you can get another one soon.

Thank you so much Meg. I can't wait to meet the little Angel. I'm just so excited that a new little girl is in the family so I can at least have some fun doing things I can't do with Skyler (like dress up as Princesses with her). Thank you for commenting on the pictures I had posted onf FB. Those aren't all of them, but I had to put the ones that truely were priceless, and showed how much fun the two of us had (I just wish my mom would have let me post the ones of her on there too as there really were some good ones of her with the two of us, and one I love of her & Skyler. Thank you for the very sweet comment about Skyler. I don't know what I would do without him. These may be the pictures I will love to put in his Senior Yearbook one day (at least not nearly as embarassing as some other pictures I have of him).

I did get to Walmart and got a phone to get me through the next 5 months until Erick's & My plan is up. I have to say like Princess Sharon's Misfortune with her phone getting submerged with water and getting a new phone where she could attach her curent phone plan to it, is exactly what I did, Went with one of those At&t Go Phones, and at least it works with our current plan. The only thing though is I wish I knew I could have gotten one last night when Erick returned home from work since our Walmart is now a 24/7 Store and right down the road from us. I am a little more relieved I can at least use Erick's phone to retrieve all of my important phone numbers from since he has all of my old contacts numbers on his.

[BeckiO5]

Without further delay, I give you Day 2 of our trip (thanks for haning in here with me)

9/26 :
Both Mom & I woke up at 7:30 am and Mom & I enjoyed some Mani-Pedi time and while we had started our Mani-Pedi's, Skyler had woken up, and joined us in the living room. Mom & I each ate a Banana Nut Muffin, had a cup of coffee (which mom brews cinnamon & sugar into it already, but oh my is it quite fragrant, and delicious), and some fruit for Breakfast. Skyler had 2 cups of Trix Yogurt and a sippy cup of Milk for his breakfast. I had looked on my phone to see what time The Loggerhead Marine Life Center was open from, and we waited until a little bit after Noon to head over there (they were only open from 12-4 pm on Sundays) which is located in Juno Beach, Florida (a 10 minute drive away from mom's apartment). http://www.marinelife.org/. We saw all of the turtles including all of the hatchlings. I was so tempted to adopt one in Skyler's name. They were adorible. We next took Skyler over to the children's play area they had in there, however he had more fun aimlessly wandering and running around it than playing on the play structures he was allowed to go on.

It was starting to get very hot out so we decided to head inside and see the exhibits in there, until Skyler wanted to take off and run around the gift shop. I was so afraid he was going to knock something down and break something, so we headed out, and went in search of a Subway for lunch. We got Skyler a Kids Meal 4" Turkey Sub with Apples & Fruit Punch juice box (to take to the beach if we needed extra drink for him later), Mom got a 6" Turkey Sub, and I got a 6" Oven Roasted Chicken Sub. We took lunch back to Mom's and ate in the comfort of some AC. Mom was also craving something else with her sandwich, and went to her car to grab some Vanilla Sugar Wafer Cookies and the bag of Cheetos Puffs for us to all share. We let the heat and sun die down a little bit before heading to the Beach.

We headed to Juno Beach around 3:00 PM and the sand was still quite hot for the sun not being full force. After getting our things settled on the beach and cover ups removed, we tried taking Skyler into the water for his first time. He didn't like it so much as it kept knocking him down. He headed back to our beach blankets, and had fun playing with his new Toy Story Sand Pail & Shovel I packed for him. Mom captured a video of him playing in the sand, as well as some shots of the water. After a little bit, I decided I needed a dip in that beautiful turquoise water. Skyler stayed with mom while I went in and even waived at me from the water. I probably stayed in for 10 minutes and then joined them back on the sand. I did collect some seashells for Skyler to bring back to remember his first time on the beach. After a little bit, Skyler decided he wanted to go back in the water, but it was only for a minute and decided he had had enough. He played some more in the sand until he wanted to throw the sand all over the place, and all over himself, including in all 3 of our eyes. We had decided after an hour's worth at the beach, it was time to get our stuff together and head to the showers. Skyler didn't like the showers one bit.

We decided we weren't quite done swimming yet, so we headed over to the pool which our view from the pool just happened to be directly accross the Intercoastal from the Condominium Building I lived in during High School. I asked mom to take a picture, and she happily obliged. We were in the pool enjoying it all to ourselves for 30-45 minutes when we decided it was time to pick up dinner and head back to Mom's to get ready for our trip to Disney. We stopped at my favorite Fried Chicken & Seafood place called Buds. Skyler & I shared a 3 piece Chicken Dinner (all legs, he ate 1, I ate the other 2) with Corn Fritters, & French Fries (mom ate the Coleslaw). Mom finished the rest of her Turkey Burger from our lunch the day prior at Waterway Cafe for dinner this night. Mom or Ed paid for our meals while we were by Mom, so sorry no amounts OOP. After dinner, it was baths/showers for all to get rid of all the sand and all relaxed and ready for bed for our early morning to head to WDW. I packed all of my things by 10:30 pm. Skyler had fallen asleep while I took my bath.

The alarm was set for 3:30 am as mom needed to still pack, and we needed to get everything packed into her convertible. Her car was packed to the gills. I don't think we could have fit much more in there.

**On a side note, I should add in here that somewhere during the day, my mom was complaining about tipping money, and how I didn't need to leave tips for Mousekeeping, the Bellhops, and leaving minimal tips at the restaurants, and if it was even necessary for Skyler to have his hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. She was even ranting on the tip envelopes too. I was getting so frusterated and I think we even got into a little tiff over it. Even over when I did laundry, packing the Purex Laundry Sheets that were hypoallergenic for Skyler's & my laundry as I'm super sensitive to Laundry Detergent. I think I was almost feeling like why did I want her coming with me, but just had to keep reminding myself that we were only spending a few days with her, and we don't get to see her often, so I wasn't going to let her negative comments ruin Skyler's & my vacation. Oh also, she did have to ask me again if we had to go to all of the Character Meals I reserved for us (you'll see at the end she thought it was worth it).

Pictures in next post

[BeckiO5]

Pictures from Day 2: Marinelife Center

[BeckiO5]

Pictures from Day 2 Continued Beach & Pool time:


The view directly across from the pool (The tall building on the far left was where I lived in Florida during High School, and my mom swore she could see our old front door too since we lived on the first floor)

Skyler & I in mom's convertible (which was how we got to Disney this trip) with the top down after the pool:


Up Next: Walt Disney World, here we come!!!!!!!

[Cam22]

Great update and pictures!

[Colexis Mom]

Great update and pictures!

[mpwife153]

Great updates & pics!!

[KMB733]

Glad you finally had time to post an update!!! Sounds like a good time, love the pictures!!!

[lazanya]

Looks like fun at the beach!

[mommapants]

Congrats on the new addition and great update. glad you have the time to post again.

[BeckiO5]

Thank you so much everyone. We had a fantastic day at the beach and swimming in the pool (Skyler actually enjoyed that pool more so than the pool during swimming lessons, since we were the only 3 people there). I was hoping the videos from my mom's Flip Video Camera would post on here, but unfortunately I can only post them on Facebook. Not what I was hoping, since I was going to post Skyler's reaction to going into the ocean(which was just priceless).

I do need to upload & Edit my Disney pictures on photobucket first before I can post my next update (after some house cleaning first before the next update will be posted. I finally got to burn those all to CDs last night, since I needed back ups of my own pictures, and my mom wanted them all.

Skyler's a happy camper today as he is having a reminder of his favorite food at Disney. He loved the Mac & Cheese at Play & Dine at Hollywood & Vine Lunch and at Crystal Palace, so what did I specially buy for him last night on a baby wipes run, none other than his own Stauffers's Mac & Cheese (which if I remember correctly was what he loved and ate seconds of at both restaurants). My mom even loved it too (I knew she would as she always used to have Stauffer's Mac & Cheese stocked for her & Dsis). More on that though in our next couple of posts. I figured it would be a nice treat for him since I know he's missing both of his Grandma's right now (and DMil is staying in Kentucky for a few weeks to help out with baby Maddy).


I am also extremely pleased to say, I think I have noticed a big change in my little guy, he's actually now gaining weight (Yay). Both my DSis & Our family doctor suggested I give Skyler PediaSure twice daily, and he actually wants it 3 times daily, with food of course. That has been a miracle in helping him gain weight. I know I had probably mentioned that at his visits before our trip he still weighed less than 30 lbs., which is underweight for his age, but I think this is helping to get him caught up. We actually have been lovingly referring to him as a baby Elephant, since he's gained the weight. I don't think Erick & DFil have noticed it that much since I know the two of them can lift a lot of weight, but DMil & I certainly have.

I will get the next update up to our trip, however the pictures may be entered later today. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

[BeckiO5]

Before I start my next update, I forgot to mention somewhere in my last update while we were at my mom's, that I had said something that brought her to tears (happy tears this time). Since she doesn't live in either of the homes where my sister & I grew up in anymore and downsized to a 2 bedroom place, just the right size for her (which I spent one of my College Spring Breaks helping her move from the Condo I have pictured, into her new place). I actually told her "It doesn't matter if you're still living in the past two homes I still have fond memories of growing up, it still feels great to be back home, and your new home is still home to me." I didn't expect her to go speechless or into tears, but I don't think she really realized how much I miss Florida, but more importantly how much I miss being in Florida with her.

[BeckiO5]

Walt Disney World, here we come!

9/27:
Mom and I were up at 3:30, everything was packed into her car. We then ate a muffin each and had a cup of coffee. She even brewed a second pot for us to bring with in To-Go Mugs for the road. We woke Skyler up around 5am. We were all on the road by 5:25 am. We made some great timing. We had one rest stop about an hour away from WDW, and a second stop a few minutes later as I was having tummy troubles (probably from the coffee, as I'm not a regular coffee drinker). Once we got into WDW Property, we had noticed mom's GPS was bringing us to SSR. We did go in and ask how to get to ASMv. The nice man at the gate for SSR gave us a map and told us how to get there. We had gotten turned around a couple of times, but finally made it to ASMv around 8 or 8:30. I had no wait whatsoever once I entered the line for Online Check-in, however there was some confusion getting mom added to the room. Dawn, the CM who had helped me, got a Supervisor, whom was quite rude and abrupt and told me it was going to cost me an extra couple hundred dollars to add mom to just the room. I then nicely asked her if he was a manager, and she said she would get the Manager for me. The Manager Gabriella showed up a few minutes later and I guess the confusion was since I booked a package deal for Skyler & I, that I needed to add mom to the package. I did nicely tell her I had confirmed with the reservations line 10-20 times that it wouldn't be a problem to add mom to the room portion only at no additional cost, since she already had 2 1-Day Tickets, and she would be paying for her meals OOP (she wouldn't let me pay them for her). Gabriella called the Reservation line and they confirmed what I had told them, and added mom to the room. I didn't want to start my Disney Vacation on the wrong foot, so I was trying to stay positive. Dawn handed me my welcome package, our buttons, a coloring sheet, Safety Booklet, stickers, & Crayons for Skyler too. Our room was ready, however we did head directly over to DHS, so we could go to Guest Relations for 2 things, and hopefully get some FPs for TSMM, which were for much later, but that didn't bother us, and our 11:00 ADR at Play & Dine at H&V.

After checking in, I did head into the gift shop in our resort to purchase 2 Autograph Books for Skyler (one came in handy at MNSSHP as I couldn't locate the other one), and some mouse ears for both of us. We then reunited with mom in the parkinglot and made our way to DHS. While we were getting out of the car, and I put Skyler's Autograph Books into his Backpack, and handed out our buttons, Mom threw another hissy fit asking me "Is that what you bought in the Gift Shop in the Hotel? They're such a waste of money, and it's none of our Birthdays and neither of our 1st Trips, only Skyler's." This was where I broke into tears and felt like she didn't appreciate the fact that since I haven't celebrated her birthday with her in quite a few years in person, and Skyler has never been able to celebrate her Birthday with her, that we wanted to do it while we were there. Even when I was trying to get info on our last day about DVC, the sweet CM helping me even said "at Disney we don't care when people celebrate Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Special Occasions together." This is probably where I snapped (not intentionally at her) and told her if she didn't want to wear them, she didn't have to, but I did remind her this was her first trip to Disney as a Grandma & mine as a Mom. She did finally wear the Buttons, I wore mine, and Skyler was the only one not wanting to wear them. I wasn't going to fight with him thoguh. I did also tell her I bought his Autograph Book there (although I knew they were the same price all throughout the Resort) so incase we saw any characters near the Front Gates, I had it ready to go for him. That she actually understood. Also I wanted him to feel surprised when I presented him with his first Autograph Book for the Characters to sign, the same way my parents surprised my sister & I on our first trip for our First Character Autograph.

We had to stop at Guest Relations after bag check to get a GAC/Stroller as Wheelchair Tag for Skyler, as he does have sensory issues, and his speech therapist & doctor strongly suggested using our Stroller as much for him and he may feel more comfortable with it, as he did. We also needed to have a $10 Disney Gift Card replaced, which they did as well. We soon made our way into DHS and I high tailed it after locating H&V to TSMM for FPs. We didn't have much time to ride anything, so we made our way to H&V. Sorry the only food pic here is of Skyler's plate. He had Mac & Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, & Broccoli, with Apple Juice. Mom and I each had plates full of stuff (sorry can't remember all what of, but it was all delicious). First out for Characters to visit our table was Leo, followed by June, JoJo, & last but not least Skyler's favorite Handy Manny. Skyler was shy around Leo & June, however loved JoJo. I did tell her I missed not seeing her on PHD. She is honestly the cutest clown ever, and even gave me a kiss and hug too. She was so touched she had her own special page in Skyler's Autograph Book to Sign. Handy Manny didn't dissappoint. He loved Skyler's Handy Manny Outfit, loved his page in the Autograph Book too, and even loved us asking where the tools were, as Skyler was looking for them. He mimed they were taking a nap. The characters were so cute dancing too. We did get Skyler up and dancing with them too, and he had a blast dancing with Handy Manny. I can't remember our server's name, however we do have a picture with her. The people at the table next to us were asking where we found Skyler's Autograph Book, and I did tell them I made it, but couldn't take credit for the Autograph Pages or cover design. We used 2 TS Credits here, and I left a $15 tip, since we had Free Dining, and I left the tip for Mom too.

Next after lunch we headed over to the Anamation Building. We waited in line to meet Sorcerer Mickey, followed by Lotso, whom I did have to ask if he was being nice to Buzz & Woody, then it was onto Mr. Incredible & Frozone. From there we headed to VoTLM. We all loved the show, and my mom even had me cracking up when Ursula made her grand appearance as she said it was my dad's mom/dad's former step-mom. As mean as it was, it was just fitting. From there we headed to wait to meet Buzz, although Woody was coming into the rotation. Skyler was in his glory meeting Woody. They had the Pixar Place area closed up as TSMM was closed down for a little bit. We then got to meet the Green Army Man, and headed over to Backlot Express area for a snack, or to sit. We didn't find anything there snackwise, so Skyler & I shared nachos (he just ate the chips), a coke and some water. We used 2 Snack Credits here. After eating our snacks, I tried bringing Skyler over to HISTK Play Set, and he felt overwhelmed. We saw a 10 minute Standby Wait for Backlot Tour, so we took that. Skyler had fun playing with a car I brought with to keep him occupied in long lines. He did quite well and stayed close, using our Skyler/Mommy Buddy Sysstem (the Opair beltbag type parent/child harnass). I did ask mom to take a picture of the Hannah Montana the Movie Chicken Coop as I love that movie. We then headed back to meet Buzz and both Buzz & Woody were there. Skyler was so excited to meet Buzz. We then rode TSMM. Mom did some major butt whooping. All 3 of us loved shooting the targets and racking up points. I have a picture of our scores. Mine being quite pathetic!

As soon as we exited, we made our way over to Muppets 3D. Mom did get some pictures of the Kermit statues outside the gift shop too for Erick. We had a 5 minute wait, and enjoyed our show. We then proceeded to the gift shop, so I could purchase Erick's Kermit Doll. We wanted to eat at TSPP, however they closed at 5:30 this evening, so we headed to whatever was back on our way toward the front of the park. We stopped at ABC Commessary. Skyler had the kids Chicken Nuggets with Carrots, Apples, & a bottle of Water, & I had the Fish & Fries with Water, & Chocolate Mousse. 2 CS Credits were Used for our food. Mom had the Chicken Sandwich with Fries. We actually thought our meal was quite edible, actually all of our food was quite edible. We did get stuck inside while waiting out the little bit of rain we hit. Next we rode GMR. It was a walk on. We got the Gangster Version, and Skyler wasn't scared one bit. We then made our way to Streets of America and mom agreed to allow me to ride ToT for the first time. There was a 10 minute wait. All I can say is I loved ToT. I didn't buy the ride picture, however there will be no convincing to get me to ride it again. I next was going to head to RnR, however Skyler was a sleep with mom, and there was a 30 minute wait. After being up since 3:30 am, I thought it was best for us to head back to the resort and call it a night. We left an hour before EMH's ended at DHS, but it was a very long and fulfilled day. Mom took a video of Skyler while I rode ToT sleeping and even mentioned I was on ToT and could hear screaming and hoped I wouldn't get stuck in "The Twilight Zone".
After getting back to ASMv, we took 2 trips to get our things out of the car (I didn't have any time to sport my Bears Jersey this night, as I was hoping to change mid-afternoon had we taken a break for The Bears Monday Night Game. It was worn, no proof sorry, but it was our last day, and it helped at Security at MCO as the man who checked our tickets was a Bears Fan and sent us to a short line). After taking baths/showers, and after Skyler got back to bed, I packed up our backpack for Day 2 at MK and got our shirts and shorts laid out in a drawer for MNSSHP (they didn't get worn, more on that later though).

I will add in that since Mom had forgotten to bring her camera with, and I brought both with (she had noticed this when we took a Bio Break up at the front of DHS after lunch), she said she would happily take over taking pictures of everything and anything I wanted, so we would have plenty of pictures from this trip. I'm sorry if it does seem like I'm complaining about my mom in the past couple of posts, but I will say that she just was trying to let the magic of our trip dissappear, and the only thing I wanted was for us to just be happy (no fighting), and have the most magical time we could for Skyler's 1st Trip. It did wind up that way, but I was feeling like all the hard work of planning my first real vacation anywhere by myself, and with all of your help (thank you again) was starting off a little less than magical.

Pictures to follow later for this post.

[BeckiO5]

Our Drive to Disney Pictures (I appologize some may be blurry as they were taken with my phone):

This was how Skyler was sleeping when we went to wake him up to go to Disney
& one of the two Hidden Mickey's I had found in my mom's home (there was another candle I spotted it in, however she thought I was crazy).

Skyler sleeping in the car to Disney; And who do we spot in the Rest Stop? None other than the Big Cheese himself. We had to have a picture taken, as it was very fitting to where we were heading.


All of the signs on the road pointing us in the right direction to Walt Disney World, and.....

WE'RE AT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!

More pictures to come as I still need to upload and resize DHS pictures for this update.

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update!