Juan says "BAAAA!" - 11/20 - That's one big plate of food...

[zoegirl]

Hey Brooke,
Loved your latest update, and Henry's shirt is adorable. We just got back last Friday, and we had a blast! Lucas wanted NOTHING to do with the characters other than just looking at them, but had no fear on any of the rides we took him on including HM, and BTMRR. So wierd it's the opposite of how I thought he'd be.
I think I've read that you guys are staying AKV (Kandani) in December. Don't know if ya"ll have stayed there before but you will love it. We stayed in Jambo House with a savannah view and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Every morning Lucas would jump out of bed, throw the curtains back and yell "I see animals!!" I hope to start a TR as soon as we sort through the hundreds of pics we took.
If you dressed Henry up for Halloween, please post some pics.

~bree~

[brookelizabeth]

Hey all -

I'm very sorry about being MIA...again... I am still trying to get into the swing of things being at home, finding time to stay caught up here, and not neglect the home or family. Plus, I am really working hard on a new blog I have started that is all about saving money in the town I live in and couponing. I was able to cut our family budget by over $200 a month, and I want to share how I did it with friends (and whomever!), so I started a blog. It takes quite a bit of time and organization to do-and keep up on that as well.

Plus, we have been SO BUSY! Every weekend we have been out of town, and this week (and next) are no exception.

I do have pictures of Henry all dressed up for the church harvest party this past weekend, plus I want to get replies done and an update! I have so much more to go on this TR, and I better hurry because NEXT MONTH WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!

Ahhhh...I had to shout it out.

(I'm freaking out a bit on that trip because as of right now, my in-laws don't have a flight home! )

Tomorrow will be a DISing day during Henry's nap, I hope to get all caught up and some updates for you! I also want to get caught up on Disney news. I'm sooooo very much out of the loop and haven't really read anything, or listened to any Podcasts since late August.

Thank you for understanding, cheering me on with my new "career", and hanging out here while I figure out my schedule. I miss chatting with you all and feel completely out of the loop with my DIS buddies! I hope to remedy that soon.

[jordanyosh]

Take your time!

[A.Mickey]

Hey Brook! I would be very interested to read your Blog if you are sharing . I recently just joined the No Buy group over on the budget board, it really is helping me stick to my guns and only buy things we need!

[Stefy]

Yay, v cool that you are visiting the world next month

[Charleston Princess]

We'll be here when you get a breather from all your stuff! Hurray for heading to WDW next month -- I hope your in-laws get flights soon!

[princess&her4princes]

Hi Brook!
No worries, we're all here when you have the time!!! Hope things are going well being at home and adjusting!! Been thinking of you. I'd love to see your blog, too, if you are willing to share? I can't wait to see the pics of Henry dressed for Halloween!!! And YAY for next month trip!!!! It's sneaking up on you! What are your inlaws waiting for!?!! That would be stresssing me out!! LOL!! Take care!!

[wdwgirl03]

Next month, yay!

[SoonerGirl]

Originally Posted by brookelizabeth

I have so much more to go on this TR, and I better hurry because NEXT MONTH WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!

Ahhhh...I had to shout it out.

I'm shouting right along with you!!!!

[Lovemy3babes]

Miss ya Brook. Can't wait for an update.

[brookelizabeth]

Originally Posted by GreatBiscuit

Great update BE! Sorry Henry's first coaster did not turn out so well. BUT it could have been worse! (I think I traumatized poor Tahli at Six Flags on her first coaster!) It won't be too teriibly long until he's dragging you on Rock N Rollercoaster for the 9th time in a roll! My how they grow up quickly. I know how it is when the stop doing your favorite babyspeak. Write em all down, record them if you can and enjoy every moment. Can't wait to hear about your afternoon break!

I look forward to Henry dragging us on RnRC 9 times in a row. However, I do NOT look forward to Kali or Splash that many times! Brooksie doesn't like being wet unless I'm in the shower or in a swimsuit. But, I'll take one for the team-it will be fun because Henry is having fun!

We have recorded Henry a few times, I really should get out the video camera again to get him talking-he's starting to say sentences now! It's so fun to know what he's talking and thinking about!

Originally Posted by Connie96

Love the update, Brook! Sounds like yall had a great MK day!

I love that you've included Henry-speak in your posts. We speak 2-yr-old at our house too. Erin says "horse" just fine, but what cracks me up is the word "dinosaur", otherwise pronounced "dyna-horse". I have to try really hard not to adopt that particular Erin-ism for myself.

Erin is already a ride FANATIC. We went to the local fair a couple weeks ago and she wanted to ride ALL of the carnival rides! "I ride diss one! I ride diss one!" And, she's crazy tall (38 inches at 2yr5mo), so she could ride lots of stuff. And, if they'd let her ride alone, she wanted to ride alone. She and I rode one teeny rollercoaster and she was just grinning and squealing the whole time. We've started thinking about taking her to "Holiday in the Park" at Six Flags in a couple months. I really want to take her on Barnstomer, but I don't know if we'll get there before they shut it down next year for the Fantasyland expansion. I hope that Henry is able to ride it in December and really ENJOY it before it disappears.

Looking forward to more!

Dyna-horse, I love it!!! So stinkin' cute! Henry just roars when he sees dinosaurs, and lately he not only moos at horses, but calls them cows.

Erin sounds like my cousins little guy, tall and ready for ALL the rides! He could ride all day long too! Henry is a tad more on the cautious side-but he gets that honestly. I didn't even try a roller coaster until I was about 12 years old and Joe was the same way. Now we are thrill ride junkies!

Originally Posted by SoonerGirl

Awww, poor Henry on Barnstormer - he looks so traumatized! I can just hear his little no, no, no's! I'm so glad he enjoyed everything else though, and you never know what he's going to like until you try it, right? Sounds like you had a great morning!

I know, I'm a horrible Mommy, aren't I? It was fun though, I'm glad we did it, like you said, you never know what he's going to like until we try! We recently were at the Mall of America and he didn't like the carousel...so who knows with a 2 year old!!

Originally Posted by PopArtGal

Awe, that pic of you two on the train, with you looking at Henry so tenderly is great.

he's my baby cakes!

Originally Posted by tiggrbaby

Such a cute update! Henry was such a brave lad!

He was! But, I'm thinkin' he'll pass on Barnstormer in December....I really wish they weren't taking it away!

Originally Posted by jordanyosh

great MK pix! I love the one of the balloons and for some reason the one of you looking at BLT. I'm imagining what you were thinking as you were looking at it....

Great memories made with Henry on all those rides.

I was thinking, "drooooooooooooooooooool."

Originally Posted by moparop

What a darling morning! Our first trip on Barnstormer went much like that too. It sounds like other than that, Henry had a great time, which I am sure made you and Joe have one as well.

Yep! We had a really great morning. Good breakfast, ride and after with very little wait. And Henry finally got to try a few things that we've been anxiously waiting for him to experience!

I wonder if they are going to have a new little coaster instead of the Barnstormer? I would love to have Henry actually ENJOY it at some point...but maybe we'll just have to wait until he can brave BTMRR.

Originally Posted by MeMom

So many great pictures!

Henry held up a little better than Brooklynn did on Barnstormer. She finally decided this time she would try it again, but we never got to it, since she decided it during MNSSHP, and we had other things to do. Maybe in December.

Thanks for the balloon warning.

I bet Henry would love for Santa to bring him one of those Tomorrowland Speedway cars. They are a bit loud, but don't you know little boys are in heaven when they are driving them!

I completely agree with you on the fall decorations on Main Street - they add something special to the experience.

I was thinking of Brooklynn and you guys the entire time! Joe and I were laughing though, so there was no concerned MeMom scolding for traumatizing the child.

I think it would be a while before Henry would brave it again too. Perhaps after he is 3. Too bad it will be gone by then, eh? I hope Brooklynn enjoys it in December if she chooses to ride again!

Oh goodness yes! Henry would LOVE one of those cars! Grammy and Poppa have a battery operated car he can ride in with his cousin-they looooove it! Thankfully it's just slightly quieter than the Tomorrowland version!

[brookelizabeth]

Originally Posted by jenseib

Love the updates. Poor Henry on Barnstormer. But he may like it next trip. I swear claire changes her likes each trip.

I was thinking that too-Henry does change his likes/dislikes very often. December might be too soon though. We'll see! When does the refurb start for Fantasyland?

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

I just love your mega updates! H is just so darn cute even while saying "nonononononono" on the coaster. Way to go on that, H -- you're braver than I am!

Hurrah for your first afternoon break!

Thank you! I cannot possibly get an update into one post. I want to include too many pictures, and it would take me a YEAR to do a TR if I broke it up that much!

Henry was a very brave little boy, wasn't he? Hopefully we didn't scar him for life on coasters!

Originally Posted by Lady Lallie

I have NEVER noticed Gus Gus and Jaq on the sign for Cinderella's Carousel! And I call myself a DISer! Pfffft!

A wonderful update. Henry is as adorable as ever, especially while picturing those little no no no's on Barnstormer.

Goodness! I have never noticed them either, and I have a picture! They are so cute, aren't they? Gotta love that detail!

Originally Posted by jenjolt

Another great update Brook!! Henry is too cute for words!! So glad he enjoyed his first ride on Dumbo and of course the carousel!!!! Loved the picture of him and the Sword in the Stone...too cute!!!!! Hopefully in time he will learn to love the Barnstormer!!!!

Love his hat!!! And his sleepy face!!

Can't wait for more!

Every time I look at that picture of him pushing the sword down, I giggle. He was even grunting!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Hmmm...if Henry were a little bit older you could tell him I feel his pain about the Barnstormer...I think that little Coaster packs a bit of a punch...
(I'm just older so instead of saying no, no...I scream...) In a year or two he'll love it and as I'm typing this I realize that it's going bye bye...

Really sweet photos-Glad Henry got into Dumbo, that Carousel is so pretty...I'm with you on the Pooh ride-so sweet but parts of it are a little...- Hefflehumps and Wuzzles well-scary when you're little...Love that shop that you get dumped out after Pooh......really cute stuff...

But he looks really content on the train......

I have four words for you-I see in your future...

Thomas the Tank Engine....

The Barnstormer DOES pack a punch! We were very surprised! Both Joe and I were like "whoa!" when we first took off, we were expecting it to be a breeze!

I really wish they weren't getting rid of the Barnstormer. A refurb, fine, but to axe it altogether?

Good 'ol "Tom" the choo-choo is actually a new beloved character of Henry--within just the last few weeks. Every time we are in Target he looks for "Tom". They have a Thomas toy that talks and chugs along. (too bad it's $50!) He's only seen the show twice, but we have checked out a few books from the library. It's such a cute show!

Originally Posted by princess&her4princes

Whoa Brook, what an update!!!!!! Loved it and all the pics, but my fav was the one of you and Henry on the train ride looking at BLT, it just looked soo peaceful and calming after Henry's big trip on Barnstormer!! What a trooper that little man is!!! Too cute!

You spoiled us today...can't wait for more!!!!!

The train ride really was a peaceful ride around the park. The breeze felt sooooo good and Henry was thrilled to ride the big train! We will definitely be riding it again in December. Might be easier than fighting the crowds around MK anyway.

[brookelizabeth]

Originally Posted by KatMark

Great update, Brook. And way to go Henry...your first coaster ride. The next time will be easier yet.

I really hope he decides to ride again in December. Perhaps with his Grammy or Poppa it will be much better.

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

Brook, what a great update! Your Dumbo pictures are wonderful -- such great angles! I have to agree with you about the heat in the stands at the Speedway -- unbelievable! I couldn't help but giggle about Henry's nos on the Barnstormer -- I feel like that, too, when I am on it.

I believe I told Joe after I met up with them after the speedway, "Well, I just discovered what he-l-l is like, glad I'm not going there!" It's nutsy hot! It just must be how the sun is beating down right there in the morning...

Barnstormer is a pretty vicious coaster! We were really surprised at how much it whips you around. I think in ways its pretty equal to BTMRR even!

Originally Posted by mickeysmyboy

Awww!! I love your update! So many cute pictures!!

It's so sad that Henry isn't calling horses ju ju anymore!! I hate when the little ones start to grow out of some of their baby talk!! DS6 used to call DH's parents e-ma and p-pa, it was sooooo cute!! But he grew out of it!! Ryan calls DD Thea, because Dorothy is kinda hard for a 2 year old, and I think it's so cute!! I know one day soon he's going to stop doing it because every once in a while he'll actually say Dorothy.

I wish they wouldn't grow up so fast

It is sad when they outgrow the baby talk. Henry calls his Grammy, "KK" - which is actually what we call Joe's sister (a nickname). He's just got them confused, it's kinda funny. We were at their house on Halloween and he got all excited about something and was shrieking "KK!" Joe's sister was not there at all...it was adorable. I know one day soon he'll figure it out though. I also love how he says belly button "balbow" and elbow is "belbow". Combine in "mombine". Ahhhh...I'll miss it!

Dorothy is a tough one!! I wonder if Henry would even attempt that one.

Originally Posted by PNO4TE

Loved Henry's reaction to Barnstormer! When we had our family reunion at WDW in 2007, my brother took my 4 year old nephew on that ride and it was my 52 year old brother who was screaming, "NO, NO, NO, NO!" the whole time.

Oh, too funny!! He's not alone though! That ride can whip ya pretty good!

Originally Posted by MaryAz

Great update! Loved all the pics and stories behind them.

Thank you! More coming soon---I'm really trying for today!

Originally Posted by Stefy

Great update, love the castle pics. Henry looks so cute in his Cars hat

The Sword in the Stone pic is cute, lol'd when you said he was trying to push back in, rather than pull it out

Gotta love the Pooh Bear ride pics, cannot wait to ride this next year I want that tshirt

Shame about the Barnstormer, but maybe next year when he's a little bit older. What is/was his fav ride so far?

He was pushing it in, and grunting. It was so funny!

Isn't that shirt cute?! If I remember correctly it's a bit of a fitted style too, so it will be very flattering.

I think Henry's favorite ride so far of this trip would have been the Tomorrowland Speedway. Overall, he REALLY enjoyed the TTA in both November and January of our previous trips. He would giggle and laugh the entire way through. Nemo (coming up!) is also a big hit.

Originally Posted by praisehisname

Great update, Brook! Sorry Henry didn't like Barnstormer. I hope you can talk him into it December!

Denise

I hope I can too! I have a feeling it will be a big "NO!" but we'll see....

Originally Posted by wdwgirl03

Great updates! Looks like you had a lot of fun in Fantasyland. Henry's got me beat, I didn't go on my first roller coaster until I was 10! Brave little boy even if he didn't like it.

When you were talking about Dumbo it made me think of the Jon and Kate Plus 8 when they were in WDW and all Collin wanted to do was "fly Dumbo!" haha

I didn't go on my first one until I was about 12! I very much remember my best friend of the time on her knees BEGGING me to ride the Corkscrew at Valleyfair with her. I finally gave in, and looooooved every single second! Since then, I've been a junkie!

That's so cute about Collin! I remember seeing the episode, but don't recall the details (except the whole ice cream meltdown ordeal...).

[brookelizabeth]

Originally Posted by IBelieveInTheMagic

Oh the Dumbo pictures are so great and truly capture the magic of Disney! I love taking it all in and seeing the castle while riding up there with my DS! Those are happy times!

Too funny about Barnstormer and I gotta tell ya when we first rode it this past Sept/Oct during our MNSSHP night, I thought it was very jerky and was really rough. It actually made my spinal bones in my back (is that right?) hurt for the next day! And then, just like that - it was over! Good for him for braving it and it'll be interesting to see what he says next time when he sees it!

Heather

ps. - I did something a little Disney crazy yesterday - I put a trip in April on hold! My DS has several days out of school for teacher work days and my brain got to working and then the fuzzy Disney math came in - YOU KNOW! I was thinking about you though because I made us another 8am before the park opens ADR at CP for our MK day!

I love the view from Dumbo too! It's so fun to spin around up there and soak it all in. I look forward to it being a double spinner, and being faster loading - hopefully it can become a tradition for every trip!

The Barnstormer is a rough ride! We were very surprised at how much it whips you around. Good thing it is short!

Are you keeping the April trip?!?! That is SO GREAT!!! And a early ADR at CP...ahhhhhh!

Originally Posted by shebaxric

Okay, Henry's t-shirt is absolutely adorable! Does Joe have one, too? If not, hey, it's a mom thing, right?

I really love your pictures of the train. I just took a photography class last Saturday and one of the things we learned was about "Leading Lines". Basically, you take pictures along natural lines so people's eyes will follow the entire picture. You had some really beautiful leading lines shots! Sorry for the sidetrack, I just had to get that in there!

I'm hoping that Henry will like Barnstormer in December. . . we'll see right?

That would be hilarious if Joe had one!!! I love it!! But sadly, no....

Thank you for the compliments on the pictures! I took a few photography classes in the past, but don't really think about methods when I'm in Disney World-I just wait for a good shot and snap like crazy to capture it exactly. Maybe all those rules are ingrained in me though? I'd like to think so!

I hope he likes Barnstormer too!!

Originally Posted by blessedby3

Wow, I feel like I havent been on the computer in so long. Ive been catching up on your TR- great pictures!! I love the Dumbo ones- and I love this classic ride
I also love the one of Henry with the sword! He is such a cutie
Sorry he didnt love the Barnstormer- yet! Im sure he will love it in time
Cant wait to read the next installment

No worries on catching up-I'm so far behind it's embarrassing. Always playing catch-up lately, so I perfectly understand! Glad to see you though.

I love Dumbo too. I think it would make a great first ride for every vacation. Hopefully that will be more feasible with the refurb!

Originally Posted by MEK

I love your latest update, even though I am two days behind in reading it. I am so psyched that I can actually see your pictures at work. What a bonus!

The balloon picture is absolutely gorgeous. The detail is amazing. I love that pic!

Henry is cuter than ever. He looks so happy on Dumbo and so scared on the Barnstormer. Poor thing! I guess its really hard to know when a kid is really going to love their first roller coaster. I bet he loves it next time. I love the Dumbo pictures.

You had such an awesome morning in the MK. No wonder Henry got tired and had to take a nap. I hope you get a nice break and get to go back into the MK later.

No worries about being 2 days behind. I'm like 8 days behind in replying to most TR updates and my own replies. Glad you can see my pics! I use SmugMug (thank you LL for the recommendation) and I LOVE it. Photobucket was driving me bonkers. SmugMug you have to pay for, but it's worth it!

It was a great MK morning! All the excitement of CP followed by a bunch of rides with very little wait time! Afternoon break is coming up soon....!

[brookelizabeth]

Originally Posted by disneyfan61

What a big boy Henry is riding Barnstormer!! Not that he really liked it that much huh?? Also love the Dumbo pics. I bet you are so enjoying your time home with him.

Nope, he wasn't a big coaster fan. Hopefully that will change though! I'm sure it will, as both Joe and I are very big fans.

I am REALLY enjoying being home! It's a lot of hard work, and holy cow, I'm sooooo tired at the end of the day. Physically DRAINED. But, at least I don't feel half insane like I did with working full-time plus having the house/family to take care of.

Originally Posted by Lovemy3babes

I'm glad little Henry conquered Barnstormer! Good job little dude.

I was so proud of him! He made it!

Originally Posted by Lamping3

Pics on Dumbo are so precious!

Can't wait for more!

Thank you!! It was a fun ride!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

I'm so excited... I just saw Zee Fronk (is that how you spell it?) today... while I was flipping channels...

When I saw him I knew who he was from your PTR...

(He was funny and cute......and that's the way I think I must sound when I'm speaking French...but probably not quite that good...)

We've been watching way too much tv around here with everyone sick and whatnot...

but it was fun to see him...

Isn't he fun? Henry likes to watch him too. And what great cooking tips, huh?

Sorry to hear about the sickies. I hope things are cleared up by now. I need to catch up on your report to find out!

Originally Posted by CJsMom

Hi Brooke! I have been MIA so I missed the end of the September pre-trip, so I'll try to catch up on the actual trip!

Originally Posted by CJsMom

Me again -thanks to your links on the first page, I got caught up really quick! Great trip so far! I love the pictures of Henry with his birthday cupcake!

Are you enjoying having only one job (Mom) instead of two? It's nice to be able to focus on the kids when they are little and not have to do the incredible amount of juggling that a job requires. I went back to work last year when my youngest went to first grade, and I don't regret staying home all those years (well, except that we incurred some extra debt, but I guess it was worth it ). I was able to return to the job I left in 2000, which was nice, and they let me come back part-time. It's still a juggling act, but much easier with the kids being older. These years go so fast - I hope you have a great time!

Hello there!!! How are you? Good to see you again!

Wow! That is SO nice about your job hiring you back! I would like that situation if we still live around here when I'm ready to go back. I am certain we will have more children eventually, so it will be a good while before I'm ready though.

I am really enjoying staying at home. It's more physically exhausting since I'm chasing a toddler, cleaning, cooking, etc. but wow - I'm getting things done that have been neglected. My house is NOT a complete sty, and we are eating better, I feel more balanced...Henry seems happier-he's less whiny, and sleeps even better! It's been a good move for all of us!