Day 8 - September 28 - Going home
We woke up at 5am and finished packing up.
We had 7 eggs leftover, so we boiled them and planned on eating them for breakfast at the airport while we waited to board. There was a bin by the front door for non-perishable food items that are donated to a local food pantry. I told Jilian to carry the applesauce and the eggs. When we got to the bin, I told her to put the eggs down and put the applesauce in the bin. I never noticed that she put the eggs in the bin also. When we got to the airport, we realized that the eggs were in the bin. Gross! Oops!
We dropped off our rental car, checked in, and boarded the plane.
We flew into Milwaukee at 9:30am (we gained 1 hour back - yippee!). We stopped and picked up Stanley on our way home.
We are home and it's nice to be back!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 7
Day 7 September 27
Today we went back to do a few things that we didn't have time for.
First we went to Epcot, and focused on the science-type activities. We went to "Future World" and went through "Spaceship Earth." It gave us an idea how our future was formed...it was really neat. Jilian loved it!
Next we went through Innovations East and Innovations West. We took a 20 minute guided tour through a "green" house and saw some of the newest ways to live "green."
We also went through "The Great Piggy Bank Adventure". The girls each got to pick a goal (Laney picked college and Jilian picked an extreme bedroom makeover). They got piggy banks and learned how money can be saved and put into different investments. Then they saw how inflation takes some money. They had to play games to save their money and in the end that they both reached their goal!
We went back to the hotel so the girls could nap and Pete and I went out for dinner at The House of Blues in Downtown Disney.
We got back from dinner, woke up the girls, and headed to Magic Kingdom. It was raining, but we got lucky and it stopped after ten minutes! Pete, Jilian, and I went on Space Mountain (a roller coaster) while Mom and Laney went to a funny show.
Pete left and went back to the room so he could finish drinking the rest of the beer in our refrigerator. Mom, Jilian, Laney, and I stayed for the Electric Parade and the fireworks. Beautiful is an understatement! They were amazing!!!
The park closes as soon as the firework show is over, so everyone headed for the main gate to leave. By the time we got to the metro, went to the transportation parking lot, and got back to the resort, it was 10:45pm!
We finished packing, drank the rest of the alcohol, and went to bed.
Today we went back to do a few things that we didn't have time for.
First we went to Epcot, and focused on the science-type activities. We went to "Future World" and went through "Spaceship Earth." It gave us an idea how our future was formed...it was really neat. Jilian loved it!
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| Jilian and Pete playing a futuristic game |
Next we went through Innovations East and Innovations West. We took a 20 minute guided tour through a "green" house and saw some of the newest ways to live "green."
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| Working together to try and smash a TV screen with a mallet - just one of the ways they test products before they can sell them in stores.... |
We also went through "The Great Piggy Bank Adventure". The girls each got to pick a goal (Laney picked college and Jilian picked an extreme bedroom makeover). They got piggy banks and learned how money can be saved and put into different investments. Then they saw how inflation takes some money. They had to play games to save their money and in the end that they both reached their goal!
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| Jilian with her Piggy Bank |
We went back to the hotel so the girls could nap and Pete and I went out for dinner at The House of Blues in Downtown Disney.
We got back from dinner, woke up the girls, and headed to Magic Kingdom. It was raining, but we got lucky and it stopped after ten minutes! Pete, Jilian, and I went on Space Mountain (a roller coaster) while Mom and Laney went to a funny show.
Pete left and went back to the room so he could finish drinking the rest of the beer in our refrigerator. Mom, Jilian, Laney, and I stayed for the Electric Parade and the fireworks. Beautiful is an understatement! They were amazing!!!
The park closes as soon as the firework show is over, so everyone headed for the main gate to leave. By the time we got to the metro, went to the transportation parking lot, and got back to the resort, it was 10:45pm!
We finished packing, drank the rest of the alcohol, and went to bed.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Day 6
Day 6 September 26 Hollywood Studios
Today we went to Hollywood Studios. It was 92 degrees with a dew point of 64. Very hot and humid.
We went and watched the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which was really neat. They had puppets, actors, movie clips, and special effects.
After the show, Laney wanted to meet Winnie the Pooh. Jilian wasn't interested in him, but Laney was thrilled.
Pete went to get Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania, but they weren't giving out any more that day. We were pretty bummed that we were going to miss it, but we also didn't want to wait in line for 65 minutes. Oh well - there was plenty to see!
We took the Backlot Tour and saw how many special effects are done. We also got to see movie props from Herbie, Pirates of the Carribean, etc.
One of the best rides, was Star Tours. It was a 3D Star Wars destination ride that took you through a thrilling adventure in outer space!
We went back to our lockers, got our lunch, and enjoyed lunch near a pond with some ducks (that Laney talked to).
Mom waited for us while Pete, Laney, Jilian, and I went on the Tower of Terror. It was a blast! A 13 story drop, and up again, and drop again......Laney was a little freaked out because of the dark and the Twilight Zone theme, but she loved it.
We had to wait 45 minutes for our Fastpass to work for the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (featuring Aerosmith). So, we sat at a table and had lemonade (Pete had beer) and ice cream. Pete, Jilian, and I went on that rollar coaster (Laney was too short). It was the best ride yet! WhooHoo!
We ran (literally) to the shuttle and went back to the resort. We ate supper and enjoyed a few beverages by the pool until it was time for bed. (I also did 2 hours of homework - yuck).
Today we went to Hollywood Studios. It was 92 degrees with a dew point of 64. Very hot and humid.
We went and watched the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which was really neat. They had puppets, actors, movie clips, and special effects.
After the show, Laney wanted to meet Winnie the Pooh. Jilian wasn't interested in him, but Laney was thrilled.
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| She loved her hug from Pooh "Mama, he was so soft!" |
Pete went to get Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania, but they weren't giving out any more that day. We were pretty bummed that we were going to miss it, but we also didn't want to wait in line for 65 minutes. Oh well - there was plenty to see!
We took the Backlot Tour and saw how many special effects are done. We also got to see movie props from Herbie, Pirates of the Carribean, etc.
 |
| Up ahead - New York skyline! Not really - it's cardboard. |
One of the best rides, was Star Tours. It was a 3D Star Wars destination ride that took you through a thrilling adventure in outer space!
We went back to our lockers, got our lunch, and enjoyed lunch near a pond with some ducks (that Laney talked to).
Mom waited for us while Pete, Laney, Jilian, and I went on the Tower of Terror. It was a blast! A 13 story drop, and up again, and drop again......Laney was a little freaked out because of the dark and the Twilight Zone theme, but she loved it.
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| Hollywood Tower of Terror |
We had to wait 45 minutes for our Fastpass to work for the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (featuring Aerosmith). So, we sat at a table and had lemonade (Pete had beer) and ice cream. Pete, Jilian, and I went on that rollar coaster (Laney was too short). It was the best ride yet! WhooHoo!
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| Jilian acting scary in the Tower of Terror |
We ran (literally) to the shuttle and went back to the resort. We ate supper and enjoyed a few beverages by the pool until it was time for bed. (I also did 2 hours of homework - yuck).
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Day 5
Day 5 September 25th Epcot
Today we took our time going to Epcot, because we wanted to stay for the IllumiNations show that started at 9pm. We got there around 2pm, and spent the entire day there.
Our first stop was at Innovations West. It had a lot of fun things for kids to do; fire safety, etc.
We headed to the left and started to walk around the world. We passed a fountain that shot water to the beat of the music. Jilian said it was the neatest thing she has ever seen.
We stopped in Mexico and met Donald Duck. He was very silly and wouldn't give Jilian her autograph pen back.
We continued to walk through Norway and China. When we got to Germany, we stopped for a snack. Pete and I had beer, Mom had wine, and the girls had lemonade. We all shared a pretzel.
We went to Italy and stopped in The American Adventure to hear the drum and fife band play. Jilian was one of the kids who stood with the band and led the group during the Pledge of Alliegence.
We continued on to Japan (good beer) and Morocco. We stopped in Morocco so Jilian could meet her favorite Princess, Jasmine.
Next was France (there wasn't any good beer here).
As we were walking into the United Kingdom (good beer), we spotted Mary Poppins!
We went back to our locker, got our cooler, and had a picnic lunch before we went to Soar. Soar was a ride that took you soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge, mountains, rivers, etc. It was the neatest ride!! You actually felt like you were flying! As we flew over an orange orchard, you could actually smell oranges!
After Soar, we headed back to the bridge between the United Kingdom and France to watch the IllumiNations show. It was full of fire, lasers, and fireworks.
When the show ended, we went back to our condo for the night.
Today we took our time going to Epcot, because we wanted to stay for the IllumiNations show that started at 9pm. We got there around 2pm, and spent the entire day there.
Our first stop was at Innovations West. It had a lot of fun things for kids to do; fire safety, etc.
We headed to the left and started to walk around the world. We passed a fountain that shot water to the beat of the music. Jilian said it was the neatest thing she has ever seen.
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| The fountain that was in sync with music |
We stopped in Mexico and met Donald Duck. He was very silly and wouldn't give Jilian her autograph pen back.
We continued to walk through Norway and China. When we got to Germany, we stopped for a snack. Pete and I had beer, Mom had wine, and the girls had lemonade. We all shared a pretzel.
We went to Italy and stopped in The American Adventure to hear the drum and fife band play. Jilian was one of the kids who stood with the band and led the group during the Pledge of Alliegence.
 |
| Jilian is 4th from the right in the back |
We continued on to Japan (good beer) and Morocco. We stopped in Morocco so Jilian could meet her favorite Princess, Jasmine.
Next was France (there wasn't any good beer here).
As we were walking into the United Kingdom (good beer), we spotted Mary Poppins!
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| Look at Laney's face - she was star struck! She just stared at her.... |
We went back to our locker, got our cooler, and had a picnic lunch before we went to Soar. Soar was a ride that took you soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge, mountains, rivers, etc. It was the neatest ride!! You actually felt like you were flying! As we flew over an orange orchard, you could actually smell oranges!
After Soar, we headed back to the bridge between the United Kingdom and France to watch the IllumiNations show. It was full of fire, lasers, and fireworks.
When the show ended, we went back to our condo for the night.
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| Notice what Pete is doing (dork)..... |
Monday, September 24, 2012
Day 4
Day 4 - September 24 Animal Kingdom
Today we got on the shuttle at 11:30 and headed to Animal Kingdom.
When we got there we went to "Asia" and boarded a little train that took us behind the scenes. It would have been great but a small child, screamed and threw a tantrum the entire 5 minutes that we were on the train. It was the longest 5 minutes of my life. I have never heard a child scream that loud for that long, ever. Laney leaned over and said to me, "Mom, that girl is being a real cry baby." ha ha!
After our wonderful train ride, we walked around "Asia and the girls were able to participate in a little scavenger hunt.
We headed to "Africa" and went on the Kilimanjaro Safari. We boarded safari vehicles and drove around African habitat and saw some great animals. We saw a few baby elephants and a little baby while rhinoceros. It was so cute!
We ate lunch and then went to Camp Minnie-Mickey and got some autographs. I'd like to note that when the girls hugged Minnie and Mickey, they each gave the girls a kiss (you could hear the smooch noise). We also watched "Festival of the Lion King" which was amazing.
Pete, Jilian, and I headed back to "Asia" to ride "Expedition Everest." While waiting for the ride, we had to go through the Yeti Museum. It had evidence of the Yeti's existence; cast footprints, pictures, etc. "Expedition Everest" was Jilian's first roller coaster! It went backwards, had sharp drops and turns, and even a real Yeti sighting! I must report that as much fun as she said she had, she kept her eyes closed and her head down the entire time.
Grandma Em and Laney went to "Tough to be a Bug", which was an interactive 3-D showing of a day in a bug's life. It was neat, but Laney got freaked out when a poisonous bug spit venom on them (water), the stink bug squirted them (fog), and a bee stung them (puff of air in their backs).
We headed to "Dinoland, USA" and went on a few more rides. The ride, "Dinosaur" mimicked time travel back to the days of the dinosaur. Pete, Jilian, Laney, and I went (Grandma Em has a severe case of motion sickness). The time machine took us back to the prehistoric era of dinosaurs. It was dark, foggy, and the dinosaurs were mean and scary. No one cried or screamed, but we all jumped when a large dinosaur jumped out at us!
After a long, exhausting, HOT day, we went back to our condo for a nice spaghetti dinner, a few "fancy" beers, some swimming, and are getting ready to watch the Packer game! Go Pack Go!
Today we got on the shuttle at 11:30 and headed to Animal Kingdom.
When we got there we went to "Asia" and boarded a little train that took us behind the scenes. It would have been great but a small child, screamed and threw a tantrum the entire 5 minutes that we were on the train. It was the longest 5 minutes of my life. I have never heard a child scream that loud for that long, ever. Laney leaned over and said to me, "Mom, that girl is being a real cry baby." ha ha!
After our wonderful train ride, we walked around "Asia and the girls were able to participate in a little scavenger hunt.
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| Rafiki! |
We headed to "Africa" and went on the Kilimanjaro Safari. We boarded safari vehicles and drove around African habitat and saw some great animals. We saw a few baby elephants and a little baby while rhinoceros. It was so cute!
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| A giraffe eating |
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| Some sort of antelope - I forgot the correct name of them |
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| A rhino! |
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| A termite mound! |
We ate lunch and then went to Camp Minnie-Mickey and got some autographs. I'd like to note that when the girls hugged Minnie and Mickey, they each gave the girls a kiss (you could hear the smooch noise). We also watched "Festival of the Lion King" which was amazing.
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| A fire show during "Festival of the Lion King" |
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| Festival of the Lion King |
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| Us with Minnie (yes, my red skin is from sunburn) |
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| Grandma Em, the girls, Mickey, and I |
Pete, Jilian, and I headed back to "Asia" to ride "Expedition Everest." While waiting for the ride, we had to go through the Yeti Museum. It had evidence of the Yeti's existence; cast footprints, pictures, etc. "Expedition Everest" was Jilian's first roller coaster! It went backwards, had sharp drops and turns, and even a real Yeti sighting! I must report that as much fun as she said she had, she kept her eyes closed and her head down the entire time.
Grandma Em and Laney went to "Tough to be a Bug", which was an interactive 3-D showing of a day in a bug's life. It was neat, but Laney got freaked out when a poisonous bug spit venom on them (water), the stink bug squirted them (fog), and a bee stung them (puff of air in their backs).
We headed to "Dinoland, USA" and went on a few more rides. The ride, "Dinosaur" mimicked time travel back to the days of the dinosaur. Pete, Jilian, Laney, and I went (Grandma Em has a severe case of motion sickness). The time machine took us back to the prehistoric era of dinosaurs. It was dark, foggy, and the dinosaurs were mean and scary. No one cried or screamed, but we all jumped when a large dinosaur jumped out at us!
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| Laney on the Tricera Top ride |
After a long, exhausting, HOT day, we went back to our condo for a nice spaghetti dinner, a few "fancy" beers, some swimming, and are getting ready to watch the Packer game! Go Pack Go!
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| Laney waiting for our shuttle back to the condo...she was so tired! |
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| Drinking our beer in wine glasses to make us feel like we are drinking "fancy beer" |
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Day 3
Day 3 September 23
Today we drove to Clearwater Beach to spend the day at the beach and with our family friend, Brooke Glorioso. It was a very hot day today - the high was 90- so it was perfect!
The water was so warm! Laney and Jilian loved to jump the waves.....who am I kidding? We ALL loved to jump the waves! Pete and I got knocked over a few times, but who cares?! It was a blast!
We left the beach and drove the 1 1/2 hours back to the resort (boo).
Today we drove to Clearwater Beach to spend the day at the beach and with our family friend, Brooke Glorioso. It was a very hot day today - the high was 90- so it was perfect!
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| My pretty toes loved the sand and water |
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| Swimming |
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| Strike a pose |
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| Brooke, Mom, and Dominic |
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| Grandma Em holding Dominic, Pete, Me, Jilian, and Laney |
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| In the car on the way back - exhausted, zonked out - |
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