Saturday, June 12, 2010

PARKER'S CELEBRATION

PARKER AND THE CAPTAINS OF THE SHIP
First off, ANYWHERE WITH PARKER is FUN. This cruise post is a little long, so hang with me.
We started the day with his favorite hair LADY giving him a trim, then off to Dallas to stay two nights at his favorite HOTEL, where he got to swim and watch movies. WE even made a few stops at GAME STOP for new games for his DS. Early, VERY EARLY as in 4 AM we headed to DFW to catch our flight. The hotel was nice to shuttle us to the airport and keep our car...a nice way to pay no parking AT DFW
Parker NEVER minds waiting as he always has a game with him....plus he just got a new IPOD TOUCH
We landed in Orlando and the Magical Express was waiting to take us to the Disney Wonder that would SAIL at 5 PM
WELCOME ABOARD


Checking out the SHIP


HIS FIRST MEAL AND THE FIRST OF MANY PIECES OF CHEESECAKE and OTHER DESSERTS

THE FIRST NIGHT TURN DOWN

THE OCEANAIRE CLUB that he had been reading about!

AND A WELCOME FROM BUZZ

SOME Of OUR FAVORITE FRIENDS

THE BEST KID EVER

A PLACE PARKER SPENT LOTS OF TIME. THERE WAS FUN GOING ON IN HERE ROUND THE CLOCK!
SOME NEW FRIENDS HE MADE THE SECOND DAY
THEY GOT TO GO TO A MIDNIGHT SHOWING OF
THE PRINCE OF PERSIA!

A BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR THE BIRTHDAY BOY AT DINNER
ONE NIGHT!


WELCOME TO CASTAWAY CAY, DISNEY'S ISLAND
A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND

PARKER LOVED THE LITTLE SPECIAL THINGS
THE WAITERS DID EACH NIGHT AT DINNER

PARKER DID NOT LIKE THESE TWO PICTURES
BUT THESE LADIES WERE SMITTEN WITH HIM
ONE Of PARKERS FAVORITE LEADERS IN THE OUT AND
ABOUT GROUP...This was a great program that gave kids
freedom to do all kinds of things. They had a pager and we had a pager, so
we knew where he was at all times. One PLUS of the CRUISE!
FUN ACTIVITIES ALL DAY
Normally I would have lots more pictures, but Parker is NOW at that age that the camera is NOT something he loves for me to have in my hand. AND I RESPECT that as much as I can..
OK, remember the next part of this post is from someone that is a DISNEY ADDICT, who visits the PARKS at least once a year and sometimes MORE OFTEN. This was our FIRST DISNEY CRUISE! Would I do it again? Probably NOT. Somewhere between the parks and the boat, they LOST the MAGIC. And the MAGIC is what I LOVE. There were some pluses...Parker had more freedom, there was a lot less walking, (but also a lot less to do), food was easier to access...not sure if that was a plus or not, the shows at night were good, but to me not better than at the parks, you were close to your room at the end of the day, (although I LOVE that special time when everyone is leaving the parks at night after a fun day)! Maybe this is why I have been a little hesitant about writing this post. I missed all the fireworks shows, WISHES,missed FANTASMIC, missed all the parades, all the SHOPS!
If you have any questions I would be glad to answer them..BUT, I WILL TAKE THE PARKS for my next VISITS WITH MOUSE. THERE WAS JUST NOT ENOUGH MICKEY FOR ME.

36 comments:

Unknown said...

I smiled throughout this post, Teresa! The pictures were great. To see Parker's deep dimples as he experienced the adventure was priceless.

I'm with you on going to Disneyland. I've never been on a Disney cruise but nothing can replace the magic of being at Disneyland. It's in the air, is the only way I know to describe it.

Welcome home!

Wiz said...

Looks like a great vacation!

Sunny Sue said...

A Disney cruise is something that I have always wanted to do. Hearing your dislikes actually made it a tiny bit easier for me to deal with the fact that it is not in my near future. :-)
Know y'all had a good time with grown up Parker, though. Happy Birthday to your little grandman!

Beth E. said...

I think it's important to try new things, but I don't believe I would ever want to take a cruise. I have vertigo, so I can't imagine how that would work on the ship. Plus, I prefer to keep my feet on solid ground, thankyouverymuch! ;-)

I'm glad you had a good time...the pics are great!

Courtney said...

Looks like lots of fun. I have always wondered what a Disney cruise was like.

Gosfam said...

I am jealous :) I would take a DISNEY trip to a park or the cruise. We haven't been able to go to any, but I am hoping to take our daughters before they get too old. Parker is a cute kid. How lucky he is to have you as a Grammy.

He & Me + 3 said...

OMGosh that looks like the best time. Disney really knows how to make a trip. Looks like overall he was a happy camper...except posing with the princess' lol

MamaBear said...

Looks like the birthday boy had a great time! I'm not a cruise person - don't like open water or heights and I get sea sick. It was fun to experience through your eyes though : safe and sound in my comfy chair :)

p.s. I wasn't sure where to put my entry for the pioneer woman cookbook, but I'd love to be entered! Thanks!

Bacardi Mama said...

It looks and sounds like a wonderful time. All except that part about being out in the middle of the ocean in a big boat.

billypandnikkysmom said...

Very Nice!!

Justabeachkat said...

Yep, I understand about grandchildren not wanting their photos taken. Plus my kids are REAL particular about what they want posted.

Parker is a doll though. Every single photo is good.

Hugs,
Kat

Coleene VanTilburg said...

One very lucky little boy to have such an adventurous Grandma like you.
I am sure anywhere with Parker is a good time. The pictures were great. Thanks for sharing. Coleene

ShanaM said...

SOunds like funfun

myletterstoemily said...

well, it looks like you have given him
the memory of a lifetime. thank you
for all the wonderful photos of great
happiness.

blessings,
lea

Missy said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sounds and looks like you had a great trip. I did a lot of traveling with my grandparents, so he will surely remember fondly these times together.

Laura Burciaga said...

What a fun trip! I love Disney World! Thanks for stopping by my blog too! Also the cook book looks like a great addition to my cook book library!

Jenn said...

Nice pictures! I just wanted to let you know that i left you a special award on my blog!

Jennifer @ Life with the Lebedas
www.lebedafamily.blogspot.com

Life Happens said...

Thanks for sharing the Disney cruise pictures. Parker is one handsome kid.

I would love to enter the drawing for the pioneer woman cookbook. I'm assuming I just leave a comment here to be entered??

Have a great day!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Just wanted to pop in for a quick minute! Your Disney cruise looked great! Parker is such a cutie... Wonderful memories made.

Blessings & Aloha!
(Now you need a little vacation from your vacation :o)

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

It's must have been 16 years when I took my girls to Disney land from Singapore. It was fun, but we didn't document the trip like you have done. You have one lucky boy.

COUNTRY MOM said...

Teresa, Love all the pics. Looks like such a fun trip.

Thank You for such a nice comment and Anniversary wishes. Have a great week. Blessings,

Ashley said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a message. I enjoyed reading about your Disney cruise! How fun!

Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

Looks like a great trip! My parents came with us when I took my kids to Disney this past winter. We had a blast!

Thanks for following Single Mom in the South!

Anonymous said...

Hi Teresa! Oh, what a wonderful time for Parker. What a handsome young man and it sounds like he's a very good little guy! Give him time - he'll love those pictures with Cindy and Snowie! :)
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Joyce said...

The people I know who love the Disney cruises have never been to the park and in that case it probably is wonderful. I'm with you though-I like the parks. One of our favorite memories from an early early trip is my youngest waking up every morning crying because she missed the tram ride out of the park...she didn't obviously, just slept soundly thru the whole thing. Sweet times : )

Carole Burant said...

Parker is such a wonderful young man and it's no wonder you're so proud of him. His birthday looks like it was a lot of fun and the cruise itself sounded fabulous. I can imagine, though, how different the Disney Cruise was compared to actually being in the park...at least now you know that there IS a difference and that you prefer the park itself:-) Loved seeing all the pictures, makes me want to go find Mickey!! hehe xoxo

Anonymous said...

Parker is a very lucky young man to have you as his Grammy :)
Looks like he had a great time, pity it didn't live up to all your expectations though :(
Take care
xxx

Anonymous said...

Looks like a fabulous time!

Lavonda Pflug said...

Sorry the cruise was a bit of a let down for you, but the food did look way too yummy! Glad you got to be with family though. That is always a blessing.

1 Funky Woman said...

Even without Mickey, it still looks like you all had a great time! I loved the pictures taken with the princess gals! You might have to use those someday for say his first date, or prom!

Thanks for stopping by. You really must try Craigslist. I will warn you it can be addicting but so worth it!

Megan

Unknown said...

Fun & fabulous, Teresa.

TTFN ~Hugs, Marydon

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

What a wonderful trip! I agree, though, I'd rather be at the parks. Parker looks like a wonderful young man.

2003beachbunch said...

Ok I am officially jealous! That looks like an AWESOME time!!

Channa, Oh its the Coachs Wife said...

How special! What a fun trip, I want to go now!!

a little bit of everything said...

Hi, Followed you back from your visit to my blog. Our family is also very fond of Disney - we purchased the Vacation Club membership when it began in '91 and with our first grand child due next month, we are looking forward to future visits with the next generation.
Also noticed your grandson's hat - GO RED SOX !

yul said...

please bring me along to see the mouse :P