December 11, 2022-Disney in December

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Let's start on one of the things that I forgot to mention last night. Reagan and Keaton were out driving, and when they came back, Keaton was kind of acting funny. We had asked where they went, and Keaton said, "Reagan can tell you." 

So we asked, and Reagan told us that she picked up some hitchhikers. Yep, thankfully, we are on gated Disney property and she was just driving a golf cart. We did discuss how normally we shouldn't pick up hitchhikers. 

In Reagan's defense, she said that they were old so she was doing a good deed. She told us all about them so I guess they had a pretty good conversation on their 2 minute drive. I am sure that Keaton was weirded out though for sure.

This morning Robby and I woke up right before 7 so we could snag tickets to ride the new Epcot ride. We again used the boys' phones and while trying with 3 phones plus mine watching the government time, we were able to get tickets. (Our second time this trip and we are going to try again in the morning.)

We managed to get an earlier boarding group today, so we left the camper around noon. Now, there wasn't a lot that happened before noon around here. We were moving quite slowly which was perfectly fine. We have hit the parks early and hard for quite a few mornings so it is certainly ok to relax and turn this into a vacation and not a marathon.

That is a luxury that you can do when you do have passes. Otherwise, we would have to be hitting things much harder. I am glad that the kids are so easy going-everyone enjoys the parks, but they also enjoy the campground so whatever we suggest is fine (most of the time.)

At Epcot, we rode Guardians which is Anderson and Graham's new favorite ride at Disney. It is indeed pretty good. Robby had actually been doing some reading-there is a reason that the trash cans don't have lids at the end of the ride. Yep, I can believe that for sure. I probably could actually get sick on that ride, but I try to focus on the laughter and scream of delight during the ride so I don't completely panic.

After the ride, Keaton and Whitman rode the spinny space ride. Then half of us walked and half of us rode the little boat to France. There we bought ourselves 4 bagguets and made some sandwiches. Most people probably don't bring in ham, turkey, 4 different types of cheeses, peanut butter, mustard, ChickFilA sauce and jelly into the park-but we did. The bagguets are good, but by the time I was done, my jaw was sore from all of that chewing.

Next up was the Beauty and the Beast Sing a long-this is a fun one for me. I didn't snooze during it at all, and the kids have been singing the songs for the rest of the day. We did ride Spaceship Earth on the way out today. For some reason, Whitman really enjoys this ride. I don't mind it either-since I went sound to sleep on it. Seriously, I was pretty impressed with myself sleeping through that whole thing.

Then it was back to the campsite. Today was a super dreary day-it was cloudy and chilly (high 60s). We still did some bike riding and cart looping this afternoon. Around 7, we left to go to Hollywood Studios. We so enjoy just popping into the parks-this time we rode Toy Story Mania along with the new Mickey and Minnie's Railway ride.

By this time, it was 9:30, and we quickly made it to Disney Springs. Tonight we had the big birthday supper at House of Blues. Most of the time when Robby and I eat out, we leave saying "well, we don't have to do that again." And that is what we would also say for this place. The only really redeeming part of the meal was the server not charging us for drinks and they had a passholder discount. 

In all honesty, it was decent. The kids enjoyed eating out, but Robby and I decided that we both really prefer snacky food more than we like a big meal. Keaton and Whitman had pizza, Campbell had bbq nachos, Reagan had pasta and so did Robby and I (we split ours), Anderson had a burger and Graham had fried chicken.

It was around 11 when we finished our supper. Our parking spot was wonderful, so we quickly made it back to the car. When we got back to the campsite, Robby started taking the lights and tent down. This made me incredibly sad. We have had a lot of trips lately, but this one has been one of the absolute best. We still have a full day tomorrow, so who knows where all we will end up.

Christmas Ornament Countdown 2022-13 Days Until Christmas

This is my 11th year to do a Christmas ornament coundown. This is also the first year that I am haven't started on December the 1st since I do not have enough ornaments. I still think you might enjoy this countdown-or maybe you won't and can scroll on.

This year we have set up 6 trees in the house. I don't think that number is quite accurate since the one in the boys room is just 2 feet high, has no ornaments and isn't even plugged in. Campbell and Keaton helped me do most of Christmas this year with Reagan and Whitman helping a little as well. We spread it out over a few days which made things much more pleasant, though when we put things up (I'll try to wait until the 26th, it will not be over a few days, but just a few hours.)

Back to why we are here-the first and tackiest Christmas ornament of the year: a Buccee's stufffed animal beaver. It was at the top of the tree, but has fallen so now I have pushed him inside of the tree a bit more. It is not that I am trying to hide him or anything, but he is definitely a uniqute Christmas ornament. The kids, even Reagan, were pretty adament that we needed to purchase him.

Buccee's is a place that we all enjoy stopping at when we are nearby. My favorite from there is the scones but the apple pie isn't half bad either. The bbq is a standard grab some and have supper as we continue driving meal. It is definitely a destination! I don't really have a link for this ornament since we frequent Buccee's whenever we drive past one-but just imagine all 8 of us with icee drinks in our hands as well as bags of bbq sandwhiches and other gas station delights.

December 10, 2022-Disney in December

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This morning was an early one. We were all headed to the boat by 7:30. Robby on foot, Reagan, Campbell, Whitman and me on the golf cart, and Keaton, Anderson and Graham on their bikes. We don't really have far to go-by the time that the cart was parked, Robby had arrived.

We took the boat over to Magic Kingdom and headed right to the Seven Dwarfs line. When the park did open, the line looked super long, but we really moved right through it. Afterwards, we walked to Pirates and then Splash Mountain and rode it. Then we thought that Big Thunder was going to open so we went there, but it never did.

Instead we went to eat a few snacks-funnel cakes, homemade potato chips, and chicken and waffles. This was all delicious, and we especially enjoyed the chicken and waffles. Though the potato chips were pretty delicious too. 

Next up was some down time at Tom Sawyer's island. The kids all played their version of tag. Robby and I sat and ate some more with the kids stopping to eat some of their packed lunch too during their games. When we finished there, we went in a Christmas shop before taking another castle picture. 

The kids then opted to go back to the camper. That was fine with Robby and I-went to the Carousel of Progress. I'm sorry to say that I slept through the whole thing. After my nap, I mean the ride, I had energy to walk to the ice craem place where we split a brownie sundae.

Robby and I then went back to the campground. This was where things were nice-Anderson was waiting with the golf cart when we arrived, and Keaton was getting us drinks as well. Bentley was already waked and had been to the dog park to play as well. 

This afternoon there was scavenger hunting-the kids found quite a few things. Enough that the decided to stop finding things so they could leave things for others. I gave out my last stocking gifts in stocking as I drove by.

I am not really sure how we spent our afternoon. Oh, we did do some laundry, and I did have a 30 minute nap again. Soon, we were out driving some loops before we made supper. Tonight's supper was quesadillas and street tacos. 

The only problem was right before eating, we were at the dog park. I was talking to some people while Bentley was playing, and I got eat up with mosquito bites. So while Robby was cooking, I had to take a shower to help with all of my bites. Thankfully, that did the trick and all was well after that.

After eating, we drove around some more-I can not say this enough, these people are crazy here. And since this is the weekend, it is much more festive. Ninty percent of campers have at least one blow up. For the msot part, if people have more than 1 blow up, then they have 5-100. And again, I am not exagerating on the 100.

Also, the gofl carts. People have them decorated with blow ups on top. And everyone has Christmas lights. Everything is just extreme here. For example, the golf cart we followed around some tonight, had a foam machine on top so foam was shooting out the back as it drove down the road.

Around 8:30ish we headed back to Magic Kingdom. The boat was crowded because the Hoop Do Doo Revue just let out, but we managed to snag a seat on the second boat. Then the crowds were crazy at Magic, but at least everyone was trying to leave.

Magic was open until 11 tonight. Our first stop was the Speedway followed by Buzz. We did watch a few videos, and I think that most of us earned our highest scores yet. Now, even though a lot of people were leaving, the lines were still a bit longish.

It was nearing 11 so we had some options-Anderson, Campbell, and Keaton went to Big Thunder, Graham, Robby, and Whitman went to Splash, and Reagan and I went to Small World. When those rides were over, the Big Thunder people rode their ride again while the rest of us met at Peter Pan and did that one.

By this time, it was well after 11 so we had to fight the crowds to get back to the camper. When we did get back, the kids were pretty tired so it was lights out pretty soon. I actually have no idea what time it is now since my computer clock says 9:55. I know we are nearing 1 though-maybe.

December 9, 2022-Disney in December

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I don't remember this morning becuase there is no tired like Disney tired! Well, not all of that is a true statement-I do kind of remember this morning, but yes, there is no tired like Disney tired. I did have another nap this afternoon so I am not completely exhausted right now.

This was our earliest morning to leave the camper: 7:15. Robby is usually the one who is awake before me and is usually in the bathroom when my alarm starts ringing. Today, I was the one that had to stir him. The kids had less than the usual 30 minutes today, but we did manage to leave right on time.

Today's park was Hollywood Studios. The ride that we were going for this morning was Tower of Terror. Campbell abhors that ride, so she took my phone and headed off to ride Slinky Dog. She had a long line to wait in which was fine, but we didn't have a line at all to wait in since our ride was shut down.

We went on to Rock N Roller Coaster and rode that ride, and then went to meet Cambpell. We saw the line for Toy Story and jumped in it. Campbell then finished her ride, and then she had to pass all of the people in the line to catch up with us. (If you are keeping count: Anderson was the big winner on that ride today while Reagan was the other day when we rode it.)

After Toy Story, we went back to Tower. Robby and Campbell went to the Frozen show while the rest of us waited in a "105 minute wait" line for Tower of Terror. Thankfully our wait was just at 60 minutes so we soon joined Robby and Campbell.

We had some snacks and some kids had ice cream. We were going to go to a Beauty and the Beast show, but the first one was cancelled so we headed out of the park. We went to have ourselves a feast at Sams. Pizzas, pizza pretzels, pretzels, churros, ice cream and drinks-all of 20 dollars. Of course the 9 dollar sundae Robby had bought earlier in the day looked just about as good as the 1.50 one he bought at Sams. 

After doing a bit of shopping at Sams, we then headed back to the camper. This afternoon people took Bentley to the dog park about 7 different times. We have debated and discussed if this is the best loop or what a better loop might be-but for Bentley, she loves this loop. We are right by the dog park. 

She is loving it! The dog loves playing with the other dogs. She is worn completely out though-right now she can not keep her eyes open. Bentley wasn't the only one playing with other-on the way to the pool, Whitman saw an organized game of dodgeball so he joined them. Keaton and Graham also joined us when they came along on their bikes.

This trip we just rented one golf cart. That has been just fine since the kids are sure getting the use out of their bikes. They are riding everywhere. Now, they love the golf cart but when it isn't there or when they want a bit more independence, then they are off on their bikes. They are using them much more than they did the last time that we were here.

After dodgeball, Whitman went to the pool where I stayed with him until he was finished swimming. Robby joined us and read some of his book. This afternoon there was more stocking filling, pin trading and Christmas light looping happening as well. 

Around 5:30 we left for Animal Kingdom. We hustled there to ride Everest and then some folks rode the river ride. When they finished this, it was 6:50. The park closed at 7 and we had to walk just about forever to make it to Avatar before the park was closed.

We jumped in line at 6:57 with 3 minutes to spare. The line was long, but it was no where near the 130 that the sign said. We were leaving the park after riding the ride by 8:20. Then it was back to the camper for supper-meatballs and mashed potatoes. 

When we cleaned up from this, Graham, Keaton, Whitman, Campbell, Robby and I went to the dock to watch the Electrical Light Parade along with the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. Then it was back to the camper to take lunch orders and get everyone in bed-tomorrow is one of our last early days.

December 8, 2022-Disney in December

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This was a different day-instead of going to the parks early in the morning and late in the evening, we went in the afternoon. At 7 this morning, Robby grabbed the boys' phones plus ours, and we were able to snag reservations for the new Gaurdians of the Galaxy ride at Epcot. This was the first time that we were able to get the reservation on our first try (can try at 7 or at 2 and spots fill up within a second.)

Anderson's hone was the one that snagged the ride tickets for us. Robby then returned those phones, and we all went back soundly to sleep. It was a wonderful morning. I don't think that folks really stirred around here until about 10. It was wonderful-did I already say that? It was.

Everyone started getting up and having their breakfasts. Soon we were on golf cart rides-we did some looping looking for more stockings to put things in along with the answer the 3 more scavenger hunt clues (we just need 2 now.)

Even though we had just eaten breakfast, we then started on our lunches while looking at the phone watching our boarding group for our ride get closer. We left around 1 (maybe-I don't really remember) and went straight to Gaurdians of the Galaxy. 

That is one of the kids most favorite rides. All of the kids love it-I love it and I hate it. After this, Keaton and Whitman took my phone and heaed off to ride Mission Space. While they were there, the rest of us found a table, and Robby bought 2 more cookies (yes, we are buying 10 different cookies so we can get 2 for free-Dave Ramsey would not be proud.)

Then we walked to another spot and did the same thing-more cookies. This time we added some mousse and 2 cakes. Next we took a few pictures with Minnie and Pluto and rode the Figment ride before taking the boat to Morocco.

From there we walked the US Pavilion where we bought two more cookies, some catfish, a bbq sandwich, a hamburger with bbq on it and sushi. This sushi was not from the America area, but Reagan has been really wanting some. It was quite good actually. Though the bbq was delicious and not as scary as the sushi.

After this eating stop (yes, all we have done today, and really all week so far, is eat), we walked through the countries and left Epcot. Our original plan was to go on the Animal Kingdom, but by the time we made it to the car we decided that we would do that tomorrow night.

So tonight, we have walked a few loops with Bentley, watched the horse drawn sleigh rides go by, washed a load of laundry, rode bikes all around the campground, and filled up our drink cup.

The orginal plan was the see the electric light parade. However, this has been a day of changing plans. No one has minded though because Keaton even asked if we were going to have another day like today. Instead of watching the parade, Robby, Graham, Keaton and I rode the boat to Magic Kingdom, and then took the monorail to the Polynesian so we could eat some Dole Whip. From there we rode the boat back to Magic Kingdom and then took the bus back to the campground. 

The laundry is now folded and put away and everyone is in bed. Tomorrow is supposed to be our earliest morning so we all need some rest.

December 7, 2022-Disney in December

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We keep thinking that it is much later in our trip than it really is-this is just our second full day. We stayed in bed until the very last minute today. Robby went out to walk Bentley while I was making the rest of the kids' lunches. The first kiddo climbed out of bed around 7, and we left around 7:30 so we did pretty good on that front.

When people are getting ready there are just 2 areas to do this-by our bed or the bathroom. So in the mornings I am constantly saying "the bathroom is open" or "the back is open" trying to move people along. 

Today's morning park was Animal Kingdom. We decided to rope drop the Dinosaur ride. This is a ride that no one really rope drops, but all of the other big rides there we have done plenty of times. So to the Dinosaur ride we went.

Some rode it twice before we moved on to ride Everest. We all rode that ride twice before we then moved on to the raft ride. Keaton, Anderson and Reagan didn't ride becuase they wanted to be the ones to shoot the water at their brothers and sister. 

It was about 9:30 or maybe 10 when we were walking around Animal Kingdom trying to decide what we wanted to do next. One thing was certain-Whitman wanted an icee. He does get a Disney snack since he didn't get all of his alloted snacks last trip, but Robby offered him a 7-11 slushie later and that made him perfectly happy. 

I wanted to go to the bird show, but it was still an hour away so we went to It's Tough to Be a Bug. After watching that, we mosied on through the gift shop and headed to the car. It is pretty odd to be walking to the car when people are piling into the park. 

Part of me feels bad for leaving early, but then the other part doesn't. We were all pleased with what we had done and 7-11 was calling. Not only did we get slushies on the way home, Robby picked up Panda Express for our lunch. 

We did laugh because Disney prices kind of make you think everything else is cheap. We bought 6 drinks at 7-11 for what one icee at Disney costs. And the 40 dollars spent on lunch that all 8 of us ate with even some leftovers seemed almost free to the one box of fried rice at Disney that would have been 8 dollars. We had originally bought lunch with the plans of eating it along with some bbq from our favorite restaurant at the park. However, our different morning was fun (and really, Panda Express is one of my favorite restaurants.)

After lunch, the kids all took off. I really can't remember where everyone was-I do think that Whitman was the only one in the camper. Robby was outside working so I snuck in and went sound to sleep. I had left my phone with Robby and told him to wake me in 30 minutes, and soon Keaton was waking me up.

I soon headed off with Campbell, Keaton and Whitman in the goft cart looking for clues for a scavenger hunt around the fort. Anderson and Graham kept up with us on their bikes. We also looked for some more stockings to fill, but we didn't see any. There were also some scavenger hunt items found-a dog bone for Bentley and another Christmas ornament. 

Eventually this afternoon, Robby, Keaton and I went to Disney Springs for some quick shopping. All of the kids have a gift card to Disney, and she spent hers today. She didn't spend it at a Disney store, which was fine, but she was super pleased with her purchase. I also did a bit of Christmas shopping for one of the kids. 

Back at the camper, we started on our supper-tonight's supper was grilled sandwiches on chibatta bread. They were super delicious-pretty much everyone had different things on their sandwiches. Robby grilled himself some meat (whatever goes on a Philly cheesesteak) while most folks had cheese with ham or turkey. We had that along with mac and cheese so our smaller supper ended up being quite filling.

Then it was back to the parks. We parked at Hollywood and then rode the skyliner to Epcot. There we went in and walked to Canada where we bought a cookie-2 actually. It was a snickers cookie-it was probably good but it immediately gave me indigestion.

After eating our cookies and eating the little bowl of soupy roast on mashed potatoes that Robby bought (it has a fancier name than that), we walked to the Boardwalk. There we went into the hotel to look at their gingerbread house. The gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian is large enough that it also doubles as a store. This one was a let down-it looked like one that I might could make.

It was still fun exploring though. Then we walked on back to Hollywood which was about a mile. We entered the park, and they all did Rock n Roller coaster. I didn't do it since they were in the single ride line, and I like the ride enough to ride with my family but not enough to ride sitting by strangers.

After this, we high tailed it to the back of the park to ride Slinky Dog before the park closed at 9. We did that and then left the park. Back at the camper, some folks had showers, some folks drove the golf cart to the restaurant to fill our drink cup (even though we have plenty of drinks here-I guess ours are not that much fun.) Right now, everyone is in bed and I am the only one who needs to take a shower. Tomorrow might just be a slower day-slower than even today!

December 6, 2022-Disney in December

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The alarms did ring early for us this morning-6:30. The 6 hours of sleep was much better than the 4 hours of sleep the night before. Tonight will be another 6 hour night, and I didn't get my nap in today either. We are doing pretty fine with just the 6 hours of sleep, but I tell you the kids were sure hard to wake up this morning.

Robby an I were the first ones awake. He got ready and then I did. Next Robby took Bentley on a walk while I started making noise to wake everyone up. I would sing and hum and call people by name and tell how much time we had left and open and shut cabinets and turn lights on. None of that really worked well. 

Finally, Keaton was the first one to wake up. Whitman is the hardest to wake up-and he always is. Well, Anderson isn't too easy either. The problem with waking Whitman in the camper is that I can't reach him. I can talk to him, but I can't get my hand to him to start patting him or even pulling the blankets off of his head (how he sleeps).

We had wanted to leave at 7:30, and we were pulling out at 7:35 so that was definitely a win. Today we went to Magic Kingdom. Our rides were Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Pirates, and Big Thunder. 

Plus we went over to Tom Sawyer's Island for a little bit. This is what Whitman really wanted to do on this trip. We first all sat down and ate our lunches over there. Then the kids went off to play a game similar to hide and seek. They did this twice, and then they joined Robby and I as we walked around the island. 

By this time, there were quite a few folks at the park so we headed on our way. I did forget to mention that we did get some Dole whip to enjoy while we were there today. On our way back to the camper, Anderson, Graham, Campbell and Keaton went on the boat back to the campground while Robby, Graham, Reagan and I went to the Wilderness Lodge on their boat.

We did some exploring at the Lodge-and by exploring I mean eating. Graham and Reagan split a mousse while Robby and I ate a massive bear claw. The fire alarms were being tested while we were there so it was interesting for sure-they just kept beeping over and over again.

It didn't take long for us to take the bus back to the campground, and Anderson came to pick us up in the golf cart. The rest of the afternoon was spent driving around, filling stockings (like I'm almost out of what I have brought to put in stockings), refilling our cup full of coke by the pool, bike riding and vegging.

Before supper, we did a load of laundry. Supper consisted of chicken enchiladas, which Reagan and Anderson did not like at all. They aren't fans of mushy things. While we were eating, the girls saw a post on the scavenger hunt page saying that they were giving out a backpack.

We were on it-we drove to the site in the cart. Then they had to sing the 12 Days of Christmas song to earn the backpack. They did this, and soon they were taking turns while carting that bag throughout Epcot. How fun! Later in the evening, Whitman went back, but he just claimed a trading pin and was happy with that gift.

At Epcot, some of the kids rode Test Track in the single ride line. Then we stopped to have a gingerbread cookie which is part of the cookie stroll. (Cookie stroll-buy 5 cookies from around Epcot and get one for free.) Next we rode the Mexico boat ride and Frozen. By this time, it was nearly park closing so we could go to Soaring or just go back to the camper.

The kids didn't care, so we headed back to the camper. Reagan had her shower earlier today, but everyone else took theirs tonight-most in the bathhouse. Then Robby and I had a walk while Keaton and Campbell donned headlamps and did some bike riding. It is 11:15 and I am going to take my shower before falling sound asleep.