Epcot

Yesterday was another long day.   We got on the bus at 8:00 a.m. and returned at 11:30 p.m. It was 85 degrees and humid but we still enjoyed the day.  The day began with a princess breakfast with four of Disney's most popular princesses...Cinderella, Snow White, Arielle, and a fourth I don't remember.  Breakfast was served semi-buffet style.  Pastries, fruit, and cheeses were on the buffet and eggs, potatoes, sausage and bacon was served family-style.  It was all delicious.  As we were eating, the princesses would walk to each table, sign autographs, and take pictures with adoring little girls.  Katie loved it.

We walked around the world showcases until it was time to ride our first ride.  We rode "Soarin" and Journey to Imagination.  Both were nice.  Carol and I had reserved a meal at. Mexican Restaurant for supper, followed by a performance of The Processional.  The restaurant was dark and intimate and the food was delicious us.  We waited in line for an hour for The Processional but it was worth it.  While waiting we talked to a very nice mother and daughter.  It made the time pass so much more quickly.  The Processional told the Christmas Story with an orchestra, three huge choirs, six herald trumpets, and The Voices of Liberty choral group.  It was wonderful and a meaningful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We met John, Linda and the kids to watch the Illimination of Nations fireworks display.   It was worth waiting for.  It was cool because of a wind blowing across the lake.  A jacket would have been nice. Unfortunately, Aidan had some seizures and ended up sleeping through the entire display.  I think Katie slept, too.

At 11:00 p.m. We boarded the bus and returned to our resort.. On the bus we sat by a lady and her teenage daughter who had been to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and because The Magic Kingdom was open to 3:00 a.m. were returning there.  Then at 11:00 the next morning they were taking a Disney cruise.  They had flown from Alaska to do this.  Disney's Magic reaches far and wide.

I can't believe we were out so late but it was a another great day and worth it.  I hope my feet can hold out for two more days.  When we got back to the resort, we took showers to wash the sticky off and went to bed.  Too tired to write a blog.

Katie and Cinderella.

Katie and  Aidan with Snow jWhile

MIckey waffles for beakfast.

This is the Mexican World at Epcot  Inside this building was the restaurant we ate it.   The food was delicious.

Gate to the entrance of the China World Showcase.

Building in the Italy World Showcase.

This  building was made of gingerbread.

Carolers at the United  State World Showcase.

Nighttime at Epcot

We Can Charge and Post Pictures

Today our mission was to find chargers. We were told to try at the Business Office at the Contemporary Resort so we picked up the boys, rode the bus to the Magic Kingdom and then transferred to the monorail.  The monarail makes a grand circle from the Magic Kingdom to the first three original resorts.   Those are the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridan.  It is so amazing to see how Walt Disney's original Disney World has been transformed to be a huge,  wonderful vacation destination.  Carol and I visited here the first time in October, 1971 just days after it was opened.  Some of the rides weren't even completed. The boys enjoyed riding the monorail and seeing the Contemporary Resort.  Our mission was partially successful because we were able to buy a charger for the I-Pad but not our phones.  Linda said the have an extra charger and if it fits our phones, we can use it until we leave then we can use our car charger.  I have been turning off my phone but I am down to 20% so hopefully I can charge it up tomorrow.

Today we spent another 13-hour day at the Magic Kingdom with Kara, Jason, Hunter and sometimes Keegan.  Keegan had a rough day.  We think he was overstimulated yesterday resulting in a meltdown today.  The only thing he would do was ride the train that encircles the park.  He wasn't eating much and was extremely grumpy.  Anyway, after lunch Jason took him back to the room where he stayed until supper time.  Hunter, on the other hand, had a ball.  He rode Splash Mountain two times along with other rides.

We watched Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade.  At the end of the day, our feet were screaming but it was a great day.  The weather was sunny and warm.  There was a high of 85.  It was getting humid, as well but no rain so we are thankful.

Tomorrow we will spend the day with John, Linda, Katie, and Aidan in Epcot.  Our first thing to do is eat breakfast at a restaurant where Katie can meet several Disney princesses.  It will be fun.

I am posting pictures without comments.

Their towels were in our bed when we arrived.  We each received buttons letting people know that we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.  Everywhere we went people would wish us happy anniversary.  Even some of the participants  on the parade would see our button and wish us happy anniversary.

On the day we arrived.  Keegan had already made his first purchase.  A Jack Skellington pen.

The first day at Walt Disney World.

Hunter was happy.  Keegan not so happy.

Our first view of Cinderella's Castle Monday, December 21.

Aidan, Keegan, Hunter, Katie

It was so hard to get all four grandkids looking at the camera/

Keegan and Mommy riding Dumbo.

This was a small splash pad/water park.  The kids really enjoyed cooling off in the water.

Keegan enjoyed driving his own car.

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner was at the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom.
Tigger had just made a swingby.

Hunter, Keegan and Ewyore.

Hunter, Keegan and Tigger.

Hunter, Keegan and Piglet.

The big guy "Pooh Bear" with Hunter, Katie, Keegan, and Aidan.

Trying to take a picture showing Hunter's hand holding the Castle.  Didn't quite make it.

The castle decorated with snow.

Evening fireworks.

Big  Thunder Train Ride.  

Goofy at "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade."

Donald Duck joined the parade.

Daisy Duck

MIckey and Minnie Mouse - the stars of the parade.

A royal ride for Cinderella.

Olaf from "Frozen."

Clarabelle

Woody

The grand finale...Santa Claus

How to do the Magic Kingdom in 13 Hours

Carol and I were up at 5:00 a.m.  We explored the French Quarter Resort until Kara and family met us and road the bus to the Magic Kingdom.  There was heightened security...police with dogs, every bag checked, metal detectors.  It wasn't too bad. We 10 spent the day together.  At 8 it wasn't too crowded so we rode the Haunted Mansion and Its a Small World before getting a quick lunch.  We also rode Dumbo, Barn Stormer Roller Coaster, Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea, and the Train.  By early afternoon it began to get more crowded and by supper time, it was packed.

We had a wonder 50th celebration dinner at the Crystal Palace.  The kids enjoyed meeting and having pictures taken with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet.  We watched a show at Cinderella's Castle which ended with the castle being covered with snow, ice and twinkling lights.  We ended our day with fantastic fireworks and riding the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train and Splash Mountain.  Hunter and Katie rode every ride and enjoyed each one.

I am not posting pictures because of the low battery situation.  We were told by Disney personnel that we could possibly replace some chargers at the Contemporary Hotel but we didn't t have time to go there today.  Maybe tomorrow.  It was a wonderful day.  The weather was dry and in the mid 80's.  The rest of the week looks like the same.

We got back to our room around 9:30.  We are tired but it is a good tired.  The day was very enjoyable.  We enjoyed spending it with the whole family.

The Happiest Place on Earth!I

We were on the road by eight.  We started out with both boys.  The temperatures increased as we headed south.  The traffic was much better.  At times it would slow down but never to a complete stop like yesterday.  There was a lot of traffic but as long as it kept moving we were happy.  We ate lunch at Valdosta Burger King.  Service was slow and traffic was bad but we managed to get back on the interstate.

We checked in on line and were assigned room 4111 in building 4.  We arrived at the New Orleans French Quarter resort about  5:30.  Our room is on the first floor which is a big plus.  Kara and Jason are in the same building on the third floor.  We were all tired so we ate at the food court here at the resort.  Everyone was able to get something different from jambalaya to hamburgers, pizza, Mac and cheese and meatloaf.  When we got back to our room we had a surprise delivery fron the kids and grandkids.  It was a very nice soft-sided cooler filled with munchies and drinks.  Carol and I had a good cry.  We are all looking forward to this week of being together in the "happiest place on earth."

On the down side, we discovered that we have misplaced the bag that carries all our electronic chargers...phones and IPad.  I called the motel from last night but have not heard back.  We may have to replace the phone chargers tomorrow.

No pictures because I want to conserve battery power.

A Traffic Nightmare

We were on the road by 7:00 a.m.  We met Kara and Jason at the MacDonalds in Vandalia for breakfast.  It was very relaxing...so far!   The boys rode with us until we stopped for lunch just outside of Paducah, KY.   It was another MacDonalds!   Both boys wanted to ride with mom and dad so we made the switch and headed on.  Then in Nashville, traffic came to a complete stop and inched along for what seemed an hour.  Construction caused three lanes to one lane and then eventually that one lane had to merge onto three other lanes.  It was horrible.

From then on, the traffic was nearly bumper to bumper but moved until we got about 30 miles outside of Chattanooga.  Again, we crept along.  This time there was no apparent reason for the slow down. I guess it is just normal for I-24.  There were huge signs over the highway telling us to expect slow and stopped traffic.

We finally arrived at Calhoun, Georgia at 8:15 EST.   We had driven 12 hours.  According to Google the trip should have taken 9 hours!  Thank heavens, the boys were real troopers.  We are all tired, especially the drivers.  We are at the Country Inn and Suites.  Carol and I plan to stay in the room and rest.  Jason went out with the boys to Wendy's and will bring us back a sandwich.

Our plans are to be on the road by 7:00.  Google says it should take a little over 8 hours but if the traffic continues like today, it will be another 12 hour day.   The good thing is that tomorrow we should be at Disney World!!!

Nashville skyline.

I couldn't get a picture of the "Welcome to Georgia" sign because it was dark.

Tomorrow we tackle Atlanta...that is scary!  If today is any indication of the traffic, Atlanta will be another traffic nightmare.

Twas the Night Before Disney

It is hard to believe that nearly 14 months ago we were just beginning to plan the Disney trip and tomorrow we will begin the trip. This has been a busy day.  Packing for this trip has been very different...only suitcases.   We received an email from Disney with the weather forecast for the time we will be there.  Temps are going to be in the 80's every day; however, today in Decatur it is in the 30's.  That means clothes for cold weather for the first two days and then warm weather while in Disney.  The big news concerning Disney is the new security that has been implemented.  It is reported that there will be metal detectors and along with K-9's patrolling.  I have been told that already, bags had to be checked.  Too bad we have lost the freedoms we had in the 50's.

This afternoon we brought Hunter and Keegan to our house to spend the night and begin the trip in our car.  Mom and Dad needed to be kid-free this evening so special deliveries from Santa could arrive.  They went with us to take Sandy to "Almost Home Pet Motel."  We always hate to leave her in a kennel but sometimes it is necessary.  The boys are so excited about the trip.  I hope they are able to sleep tonight.  Our plans are to be on the road by 7:00 a.m.  We plan to meet Kara and Jason at MacDonalds in Vandalia for breakfast and the travel together to Disney.  Our first stop will be Calhoun, Georgia for the night.  By the time I post again, we will have one travel day under our belt.

Our bags are packed but there is one more thing to do before we can leave for Disney.   This is a picture that shows what happens in millions of homes in 2015 before a road trip.