August 31, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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Well, it was another pretty perfect Disney day. Robby was the only one up at 7 so he could snag us tickets to ride Guardians. By noon, it was time for us to be able to ride so we slowly started getting ready. Graham and Keaton were the first out the door so they could drive down to get some drinks for themselves before we left. 

We then all loaded up for Epcot where we had good parking-it really is the little things. The Guardians line wasn't crazy long so that was good. After we rode, we went to Mexico to ride that ride there and then on to Norway. 

It was pretty hot today. There were lots of clouds in the sky so that did help a little bit, but I would say that today was one of the hottest days-at least while we were at Epcot. We got some snacks from Noway-a mickey shaped cinnamon roll, 2 big tortillas rolled up with cinnamon and sugar inside that had some fancy Norweigian name, and a delicious chocolate chip cookie. 

Instead of eating outside in the heat, we decided to get in line for the Frozen ride. The sign said 45 minutes, but it was more like 25 which was great. We ate our snacks while we were in line. After riding, we headed to our drink spot and had a few sips of coke before walking back to the car.

By the time we got home, it was raining. We took a bit of a break before most of us left again. Graham and Whitman opted to stay back at the camper. The rest of us went to the outlet where we found one pair of Mickey ears. Then it was on to the Nike store to buy Graham some replacement socks-his on this trip have been pitiful. Each pair we see him in has huge holes. We also looked for some shoes for Anderson but didn't have much luck since he needs a wide, and we were pressed for time.

Then we walked around Ikea because why not? We bought the standard things that we usually buy-a potty brush, kitchen brushes, a foldable bag that kids use as shower bags, scissors, a candle (for Campbell), and a plant (for Reagan). These are really our standard items-I probably could have told you that we were going to buy these things before even walking into the store. We also did buy a new pillow for Keaton and Reagan which did cause Robby to have to order them new pillowcases on the way home from amazon.

We also stopped for supper there and had some meatballs. Campbell had chicken fingers, and Reagan even requested english peas. Then it was back to the camper. We had to go through some rain to get back, but it hadn't rained or rained very little at the campground. So there was lots of looping on the golf cart this evening.

Anderson had to take a test so he did that while Robby and I did laundry. I made Graham and Whitman pizza for their supper, and we have all just had a lazy evening. I think that this is our first kind of slow night. Tomorrow is our last day so it might just be a busier day but all of that depends on the rain that may or may not happen tomorrow.

August 30, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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Since we were all up past 2, this morning was a day of sleeping in. We are back in our original beds-I am not sure if I mentioned, but one night on this trip Campbell and Graham switched spots. This put Graham on the bottom bunk which we would have thought he might have liked since the bed is usually made first and it is dark. And this put Campbell on the couch which she thought she would like with more room. Neither liked the new spot, but that is not why they are no longer there.

It was nearly bedtime, probably after 12, when I heard a squeal. I got up thinking that it was Keaton since she talks in her sleep often. But no, it was Campbell squealing because Anderson decided to stand over her to scare her on his way to the bathroom. 

I do believe that it rained pretty much all night long. It was never heavy rain that I know of at least. This morning it stopped long enough for me to do some looping with Graham. Then I headed over to the Trail's End restaurant with Anderson so he could do some math. He figured out what he needed to do, and along came Reagan to work on her school work. I stayed around refilling the coke cup. 

When Anderson finished with his work, it was pouring so he had to stay a while longer. Graham eventually braved the rain to bring Reagan her backpack, and then he went back. Soon though Graham was back with Keaton and Campbell. They came just as Robby had ordered a little snack to eat. After this, the kids ran back to the camper to get the arcade card so they could play a few more games. 

I went back to the camper while Graham, Keaton, and Whitman finished playing in the arcade and while Reagan finished taking a test. Then we all loaded up and headed to Hollywood. It was nearly 7 when we arrived, but it had stopped raining which was wonderful.

We all did Rockin Roller coaster first-any ride that shoots off is not my favorite, but I stayed in line with the others. Keaton and Whitman decided that they were going to do the single rider line twice while we were in the regular line. However, they did finish way before us, but they decided to not go again. 

I am not sure why they didn't want to go again. Keaton told us that the person beside Whitman spoke Spanish and asked him something. So he looked at them and said, "No hablo espanol." I am not sure what the person beside him said, but I'm sure that he told them that he couldn't speak Spanish. Gracious me.

All of us but Campbell and Robby rode Tower of Terror. While we were riding that ride, they went to Slinky Dog. We all then did Toy Story Mania before making our way to Smuggler's Run and Rise. We knocked out some rides tonight at Hollywood for sure. Obviously, the rain all day long due to a hurricane nearby helped with the amount of people there, but I sure wish it could be like that all the time.

It was about 9:30 when we made it back to the camper. A few folks went to get drink cups refilled while Robby and I worked on supper. Graham took a shower before supper while most did that after supper. For supper tonight, we had chicken tacos. It was very good, and I really think that it is one of the kids' favorite meals.

It is now almost 12, and I am going to take my shower after everyone finishes brushing their teeth.

August 29, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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Well, today has been the day that we have been waiting for, and the day that we were worried that Idalia, or whatever the hurricane's name is, was going to cancel. However, today was pretty great! We slept in this morning-I was wide awake at 7 but went back to sleep some, read some, and played on my phone a bit.

Robby got a message that the spare tire for the tow dolly was ready so he and Graham went to pick that up. While they were out, they stopped to get some ChickFilA breakfast. I moved the laundry to the dryer and then took Bentley on a walk.

She did her business, and then when that dog realized that we were walking back to the camper, she stopped. I did ask her if she wanted to go on a golf cart ride, and she picked up her pace to the golf cart. I found Keaton inside, and she came with us.

We didn't really do too much today. Reagan is feeling a bit overwhelmed with one of her classes, so she has some work to do in it tomorrow. Anderson did a bit of school work, and I think that the 3 littles did as well. I do think that Graham didn't do any today though. I am pretty sure that there will be time tomorrow for some school catch up-though it looks like right now that we are just getting rain tonight and wind tomorrow.

Robby decided that he wouldn't be able to hang out until 5 tonight which is when we decided that we would leave for the Halloween party. He and I went over to Magic today for just a little bit. We actually just rode Small World and then walked back down Main Street and came back to the camper.

We probably looked silly this afternoon leaving the campground all wearing empty backpacks. We caught the bus and didn't have any problem getting into Magic Kingdom and getting our wristbands. About this time, it started to rain-not just a little but a lot. We hurried on along with Cosmic Rays and stayed there for about an hour.

During this hour, the party truly hadn't started yet, but the rain stopped, some of the kids rode Space Mountain, we scored tickets for Tron, and Robby ordered our supper. Anderson and I had the special chicken sandwich that had some type of Halloween name while Robby and Graham had the meatball sandwich on dark bread that kind of looked spooky. The rest of the crew just had regular food, but that was fun all of us getting supper since we usually just snack.

When we finished supper, we went to ride Tron. There was no wait at all which was nice. From there we began filling our treat bags. They give you small bags to fill with candy at each of the 8-12 candy stops. We did all of them multiple times. 

While walking around, we were able to do a few more rides-Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain (which is completely in the dark for Halloween), Ariel, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder, and Pirates for most of us, but Graham went to do Space again. 

There was special entertainment at different places, but the highlight for all of us was filling our bags with candy. Now, I know we could have bought tons of candy from Sams with what we paid for this event, but we had a blast. And even though we looked silly with our empty bags walking in, we all had full bags when we left. Robby's backpack was probably 15 pounds while Anderson's was just as heavy. We didn't make Whitman and Reagan carry too much, but they were both carting around some pretty good candy as well.

At midnight, Campbell and Whitman were the last ones in their candy line. The nice folks just filled their bags up. Robby was on the other side of the park since he walked over with Graham, and he also got his bag full. We quickly emptied those bags on my bed when we came home. It was a massive pile of candy. It took at least 10 minutes to sort it out just between chocolate and not chocolate. 

Then it took us another 20 minutes to find places to put all of this candy. Like seriously, I can not explain the amount of candy that we have. The plan was to sort it all out well tonight and divide it up evenly, but that will have to happen later. And the kids decided at the beginning that we would all just work together and share the candy that we received.

We didn't get back to the camper until after 12:30, and not it is after 2 with me working on the blog and Robby is doing some work work. I still have to take my shower, but hopefully the rain continues for a little bit longer tonight so I can hear it while I'm sleeping. 

August 28, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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This morning Robby and I were the only ones to get up for our Animal Kingdom visit. I really enjoy the safari so I wanted to see it one more time before our Disney days are over, and since the best time to see the animals is in the morning, we went early this morning.

We were there at opening along with quite a few other people, but we were only about 20th in line for the safari. We saw tons of animals this morning-the elephants and zebras are always my favorites, but the hippos and ostriches walked right past us. 

After the safari, Robby and I walked against the crowds pouring into the park to head to our car. Since we were out, we ran into Walmart. I did buy more plain bagels for the boys, but I also saw the Walmart has Hawaiian bagels-doesn't that sound interesting? I should have also bought some more cream cheese, but I'm sure there will be another Walmart trip. Or maybe we need to stay away from the stores.

Graham was the only kid awake when we came home, so Robby and I started putting away a few of the things that were outside. The weather said that some rain was going to come tonight, and then lots more in the next few days, and we don't want wet things. 

After doing that, most of the kids were still sleeping so Robby and I drove around the campground. We went around all of the camper loops-maybe about 16 of them. We knew that this was going to be a lower week crowd wise, plus the price for the camping spots this week is also the lowest we have paid which also tells us about attendance. In addition to this pesky hurricane coming, we think that this campground is 1/4-1/3 full which is really pretty empty.

Soon the kids started waking up. We are in the loop closest to the restaurant where we can go and get our drinks refilled so there was lots of that happening today. Plus lots of bike riding-Graham's chain did come off and he had to have Anderson bring him a screwdriver and water to wash his hands. Keaton walked forever with Bentley, and I think that Bentley went to the dog park about 3 different times. She should be exhausted, but she is laying beside me going to town chewing on a toy right now.

Around 1, I asked who wanted to go to the Contemporary for a snack, and had 5 takers. My only non taker was Whitman, but if everyone else was going, then he didn't get a choice. He was none to happy about this though. However, after our bus ride and then monorail to the Contemporary, he was the first to get his snack so that changed his attitude.

We then monorail hopped to the Polynesian, and the big boys had Dole whip. From there, the boys all headed back to the camper while Robby, the girls, and I went to the Grand Floridian. There Campbell and Reagan found their snacks (fries and a berry shortcake). The Grand Floridian is under a lot of construction so it was pretty sad looking. 

While we were gone, it looked like it was about to start raining, so we had the boys throw everything that was still out into the van. Thankfully, it didn't rain at all today. When we came home from that adventure, Robby and I went ahead and put everything up every well. The only things that we have left out right now is the doormat and the bikes. Hopefully, the rain (and hurricane) passes us by, and we have some more sunny days, but if not, we look forward to the adventure (I just hope I packed enough ponchos).

When we got off of the bus and were walking towards the monorail on our way to the Contemporary, Robby had all of the kid go into Magic Kingdom and then walk out. This was their tickets were able to get a Tron ride for tonight. So around 7 (maybe, I am not really sure) we all headed to Magic. 

The kids all rode Tron (Robby and I couldn't since we had gone to Animal this morning and couldn't get into Magic until 3 which I was certainly fine with.) Then the kids rode Space before the boys left. They went back to the camper and then loaded up to go and grab themselves some supper at McDonalds. I heard they spared no expense and even had ice cream.

When they left us, Keaton and Campbell rode the Speedway. Since the fireworks were happening, we were able to almost walk right on Seven Dwarfs before we rode the Carousel. Then the girls and I ended our day with dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Keaton has said a few times that she wanted to eat in the castle, and really, we aren't going to be here too many more times. I am not exactly sure if she has eaten in the castle, and Reagan and Campbell said that they don't remember it if they had so tonight was the night to make those memories. (I can't find when we ate at the castle last, but it was before 2011 which is when we when we ate with princesses in Norway at Epcot.)

Of course this meal isn't cheap by any means, and since the boys would care nothing about this, it was a girls' only trip. Seeing the princesses was fun-Cinderella was probably the most exciting to see, but we also saw Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty. The girls and I laughed that we enjoyed our meal more after the princesses had all come and talked with us-we were able to relax.

We each had one of the appetizers-braised beef (the smallest and best which I ordered), tomato soup (which Keaton didn't like), citrus salad (which Campbell didn't like), and shrimp (which Reagan did like!) Then we ordered 2 entrees of pasta and chicken (this was pretty good, but very rich) and 2 entrees of pork tenderloin (this was not as good as Pop's pork tenderloin but still really good.) Next up was dessert, and we all got the same thing-a chocolate mousse type cake along with some cold chocolate custard (maybe). The girls didn't like the custard thing so I ate theirs and then brought my cake home for the boys to split tomorrow.

Of course we had leftovers, and I did my best to move and eat slowly because I sure didn't want to be rushed during our meal. We were making memories after all. Our reservations were for 9:50, and it was 11:00 by the time we were leaving the restaurant. Since the park closed at 10, it was fairly empty. Keaton and Campbell danced around Main Street and took tons of pictures on the way out. They had so much fun doing this.

We stopped at 2 bathrooms before we made it out of the park-the food was fairly rich. Then we rode the boat back to the campground where Graham was waiting in the golf cart to pick us up. I told Graham and Robby all about the food while Reagan and Campbell went to the bathhouse to shower. 

Today was a great day full of memories, and now we are crossing our fingers for the rain to hold off until tomorrow night around midnight!

August 27, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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This morning Robby wasn't in time to get a Guardians ticket, so we decided to go to the Epcot around 12:30. So this morning was full of sleeping in, but Robby did do a load of laundry before we left. We were able to even golf cart around a few loops before hurriedly leaving.

Just like yesterday, we had to be in the park by 1 for him to try to get the tickets. After walking from the parking spot for nearly 10 minutes, we made it with about 4 minutes to spare. It was warm today, but there was occasional cloud cover which should have given us an idea that rain was coming.

At Epcot we rode Nemo and watched Turtle Talk. The kids humored us in doing those two things. We then went on Soaring and Living with the Land. While we were doing those things, it must have poured. It was raining so hard that it was even raining in the Living with the Land ride. If we would have realized it was going to rain, we would have tidied up our campground a little bit.

And speaking of rain, yep, a hurricane is coming. Or at least a tropical storm is coming. We like to keep things exciting and make our trips memorable. And of course it does look the weather will begin the night of our Halloween party. Those parties are not cheap so we would love to have lovely weather, but we have ponchos and all will be good.

After the land, we did eat some popcorn and ride Figment before dividing up. The four littles went to Connections to eat their lunch/supper while Robby and I grabbed food from Morocco and Anderson and Reagan found food in the American pavilion. We were all spread out over Epcot while eating, but we met back up with the others near Guardians and offered them some of our leftovers.

Now, Guardians is my least favorite ride here, well except for Space. It is the best ride at the parks, but it is just a little bit much for me. I survived, and I also survived on a full stomach. When we finished Guardians, we headed out of the park after having spent about 5 hours in the park. For us, that is like a super long park day!

We came back to the campground, and shook our chairs out so maybe they will dry tomorrow before it starts really raining on Tuesday. The rest of the evening was spent on the golf cart or riding bikes. Keaton did quite a bit of scavenger hunting. We just love it at this campground-the kids have some freedom, well the kids have a lot of freedom, and everyone ends up spending a lot of time together. 

Currently, it is 9:15, and Robby and I are sitting on the back porch of a restaurant in rocking chairs watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks while drinking a coke. Could there really be anything better? Anderson and Graham just left in the golf cart, and the girls were headed to take showers. It will be an early night for us-well, we won't go to bed any earlier but we do plan on getting up earlier...maybe!

August 26, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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When we went to bed last night, there was a little bit of talk about some people getting up early if they wanted to and go over to Magic. Now, getting up early meant around 9 or 10. However, at 10:30 this whole place was still sleeping-no one was stirring not even Bentley.

Once we did start moving, it didn't take us long to get up and make a few breakfasts and head to Magic. The big boys and I all had bagels (I already started my grocery list since I wasn't expecting Anderson to eat a bagel. I didn't know he ate bagels.) Whitman and Reagan had cereal, and Keaton had goldfish. I am actually not sure what Campbell ate, but I do know that Robby had a sausage biscuit. And yes, all of our breakfast eating happened when others were eating their lunches.

We walked to the boat and had to wait a good little bit. We were in a hurry because we needed to scan in to Magic Kingdom by 1 so Robby could snag us Tron tickets for later tonight. We had just about made it when I got stopped by security. Campbell had packed her glasses case, and that some how alerted security. They said that hard glasses cases do that so the next time I was to walk through holding the case way out in front of me-Robby tried that tonight, and it didn't work. We will try again tomorrow, but she may not be bringing her glasses case. (She brought it because she was worried about what she would do with her glasses on a real ride-like Tron.)

Everyone was waiting on me, but I did scan through the gate before 1 so we were able to get a Tron ride for later tonight. It was hot here today, but not nearly as hot as it was at home today. Our first stop today was at Pirates and then dole whip, chocolate ice cream, and orange whip for us all.

After we did that we moved on to Big Thunder before deciding to head back to the camper. This afternoon, Reagan and Anderson both had a little bit of school work to do. (And yes, his math is still not fixed, but he is at least able to do it.) There was more pin trading, cart looping, some scavenger hunting, and dog walking as well this afternoon.

Since we had eaten breakfast so late, some people had lunches, some had suppers (air fryer pizza), and some people are no having midnight snacks (or even midnight mac and cheese or orange chicken.) You name it, we have eaten it here today. 

About an hour and a half before all of us went to Magic Kingdom, Keaton and Campbell went by themselves. They rode the bus-on the way home Graham and Campbell went home via the bus, and they beat us by a long while. Plus the bus is the first bus so there isn't that far to walk, and the bus is air conditioned. 

Keaton forgot her magic band, but they figured out that she was able to scan in using Campbell's phone. They rode the Speedway, found a snack (cookie and powerade slush) and rode Buzz twice before meeting us at Tron. 

After riding Tron, Campbell, Keaton, and Anderson rode the Speedway again. Then we all rode Buzz where I had the high score of the family. And just as the fire works were about to go off we rode a People Mover before fighting the crowds to get out of the park. We rode the bus back all together, and then some of us went to the camper while others of us had a snack (cornbread-Robby and those of us who shared it, and strawberry coffee for Reagan.)

Currently, Reagan and Keaton are sitting outside. Reagan is eating mac and cheese, and Keaton is drinking her coke. Anderson and Graham are playing the xbox while Campbell is on her phone, and Whitman on his ipad. It is almost 11, and I am headed to bed after I take Bentley on one last loop around the block. I want her to sleep well again tonight!

August 25, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

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This morning I heard Robby moving around. It is super dark in our bedroom area so I couldn't tell if it was daylight or not, but I was praying hard that it was just 2 or something. However, I guess I forget that it was 3 when we went to bed so it being 2 wouldn't have been an option. 

It wasn't 2 or any other time that would have made my happy. It was 7:20, and he was waking me up to tell me that he was about to pull out. He doesn't expect me to get up with him, and I do trust him, but when this camper starts rolling, there is no way I could sleep.

The second Buccees was just about 30 minutes away. The kids were still sleeping, but Robby pumped gas, I took Bentley out, and Robby ran into get me a scone and him a jalapeno cheddar sausage biscuit. We had about 6 hours to go today, and we really didn't hear much from the kids at all.

We stopped once more at a gas station. There we made up their beds, and I tried to straighten things a little bit. Before too long, we were shoving Bentley to the back of the camper and checking into the campground. 

Why were we making Bentley go to the back-well, dogs are 5 dollars a day here. Once or twice we have gotten lucky and the person checking us in has not asked about a dog. Now today, we weren't so lucky-they asked so we had to say yes even though they couldn't see the dog (Anderson was steadily feeding her treats in the back).

We got one of the last 2 spots in the loop that we wanted to be in so we were super happy that we snagged it in our loop 100. We don't think that we will be able to get in this loop over Halloween because we think that it will be crazy.

Once we made it here, we unhooked the car, and I dropped Anderson and a golf cart full of people off to pick up our golf cart. We hurried to go and help Robby back in but he was already backing in by the time that we made it to him. He said that he had to hurry because it was hot.

Yesterday, when we were standing outside we could just feel the heat radiating onto our legs. Today it was hot, but not exactly that hot. The high here was just around 94 and not the 103 like at home. We were still hot and sweaty by the time we had done most things outside. 

This afternoon there were golf cart rides and bike rides. Keaton, Campbell, and Whitman decided to go swimming so I took them. When the kids were little going swimming was such a chore, and now it is like sure I'll take you and sit in a chair quietly reading while you swim. They had fun and could have stayed longer. 

Robby hasn't felt the best lately-he has had a cold, so I think that getting hot with little sleep caused him to kind of crash tonight. He didn't eat supper, but the rest of us had orange chicken. Surprisingly, we have quite a bit of leftovers. I think that is because it is just so warm that we don't eat as much as usual. 

We went to Hollywood Studios tonight with everyone else in this city. It was so crowded. Reagan and Graham chose to ride Tower of Terror. It said their wait time was over 2 hours but they were off within an hour, Campbell and Keaton rode Slinky Dog and again their wait time was much less than posted. The rest of us rode Toy Story Mania where Anderson again beat us all and had the high score.

I think the lines were shorter than they said because it was park closing time, and they wanted people to go home. It all worked out well, and we some how all finished with in 10 minutes of each other. We met up back at the car and came back to the campground.

Once back, Bentley and Reagan took a walk, some rode bikes to the pool to get a drink, Robby took a trip on the golf cart with people to get a drink, and then I did as well. Anderson and Keaton were the only ones who had their shower tonight since some had taken one earlier this afternoon. Now, after drinks and cupcakes everyone is pretty much in their beds. I still have my shower to take and them am going to catch up on some reading.