We knew from the moment we got on the plane that this was going to be a different kind of trip than any we'd ever been on. But boy oh boy did we have NO idea.
After a decent five hour flight on Alaska airlines and a smooth Magical Express ride - we checked in at the Polynesian with no issues. In fact, we were upgraded to a Magic Kingdom view room in the Tuvalu building.
Within moments, there was a knock at the door, with our pack and play, and the floral items I'd ordered. We unpacked, and really just relaxed into the idea of being at WDW.
We knew the morning held some interesting challenges.
First - we got our annual passes - and while waiting in line - well...forever - I had my first Team Voice sighting - Jeff W - who I greeted with a big hug! But there was no time to dilly-dally - we had to get to 1900 Park Fare.
You saw the picture of Pooh yesterday. If she wasn't able to see your eyes and smile - she was TERRIFIED.
Hatter and Alice, on the other hand - she loved! And we had a great breakfast!
And then - got her ears!
Important tip - tell EVERYONE that you've brought your toddler for her first trip! They LOVE seeing them - and talking to them - and just making your princess feel so special!
But DO NOT expect to do rides rides rides. We did 3-4 rides A DAY - if we were LUCKY. Expect to slowly stroll - to park the stroller - to see cast members - to spend time with a napping baby - and to just go slowly.
And really - KNOW your attractions. For instance - Ellen's Energy Adventure - great place for a nap and some nursing right? WRONG. DEAD WRONG. The big bang (the piggy bank? the ding-dang?) woke her up bawling. And you CANNOT exit this ride. So we were stuck with a frightened baby for 37 minutes.
The expo was quick and painless once Team Voice all met up - and then it was time to focus on the race. After a GREAT AATM Dessert Party - how great to see Bryan and everyone there! But we first discovered there, that Elizabeth is not a fan of fireworks...
Team Voice met up again at Race night - and did a team cheer - met Mickey - and all said we'd do our best together. But I also had a great talk with Mike Scopa that night and the night before about HOW to get Team Voice pushed to the next level. I talked to Rae and Jeff - and have some GREAT ideas coming down the pike. And got facebook posts from folks who say I inspired them - and was feeling like I was doing something right again. And I want to capitalize on that lightning.
Let's talk about the W&D Half Marathon.
Yes. I have a medal.
No. I did NOT finish.
I was on pace, and was doing great. Except that I had to pick things up a bit at times - since I was keeping pace with the pacers. And around mile 3 or 4 I started to develop a side stitch. But I fought through it.
First note - the pacers were MUCH STRICTER than in previous races. I know I SAW some people get swept at mile 5. But not me. I was with the pacers.
But around mile 7 I was still feeling this stitch. And it wasn't getting better.
When we got to mile 10, I was in a LOT of pain. I hadn't stopped yet though. I was breathing as deeply as I could to try to break the spasm. But at mile 10.5 I decided to sit for a moment. I saw Byron go by. I stood and kept going. And just prior to mile 11, I had to sit again. Because now I couldn't draw a deep breath without pain.
I knew that if I sat 5 or 10 minutes, I could finish. But around 2 minutes in, a medical bike and van came by, asking me if I was okay. I explained the situation. I was told that there was nobody else behind me, and that I had to either keep going at that moment, or get in the van. I knew if I got up at that moment, I'd only sit back down. So I got in the van.
I was dropped behind American Adventure, given a medal, and released into the party. I quickly found Fee, Rae, Eric, Amanda, Jeff, and the team. I explained my situation, and was met with support and sympathy. And then had to walk from American Adventure through the party, through Future World, and to the EPCOT busses. I think I ended up doing my 13.1, frankly.
But I was feeling HORRIBLE - physically and emotionally.
I collapsed into bed and was asleep pretty quick.
When I woke up - I realized that I'd given it all I had. I'd left that course when I was told to do so medically. I did my best, and couldn't finish. How could I possibly be upset? I gave it my all. And we'd use this to push forward personally and with Team Voice.
So now - I knew I'd have some more goals - and would find my way to them as the week progressed. But that night - it was Halloween Party time.
High Point: Vapor the puppet coming on Haunted Mansion with me - and narrating the stretching room as the ghost host. COOLNESS.
Low Point: Discovering that Elizabeth REALLY is afraid of fireworks.
So what do you do with a crying baby? One who is just panicked? Or hungry? Or tired? Or wet?
You use the WONDERFUL Baby Care Centers. They are open from 9am until Park Closing, and are in the first aid area of EVERY PARK. They are stocked with supplies for sale, have clean changing areas, and quiet nursing rooms. They are QUIET rooms overall - books - toys - movies - but you CANNOT hear the outside noise of the parks. And you can stay as long as you need to. The cast members are WONDERFUL.
I can't say enough good stuff about these centers.
Okay - that's a great start - when I resume tomorrow or Monday morning, we'll talk about park touring - what we did - what we didn't do - and why. And where we go from here in terms of Team Voice - and my goals.
MAIN STREET AWAITS!
Ahhh....a nice relaxing Saturday. Only it'll be MORE relaxing than you realize!
You've always been there for me - and in recent years, you've let us be there for you! 
Yesterday we had a daddy-daughter day to give Amber a day off from being 24/7 caregiver. She got a nice 3 hour nap and a nice 1 hour massage - and I had about 7 hours with Elizabeth. We also shared her with Grandma yesterday. We had a nice day out running errands and seeing my grandmother (the Great Nonnie) at her memory care center.
I can't believe it's been eight months that Dad is gone now. And yesterday that realization kinda hit me hard. Not only because of how much I miss him - but because of how little progress I've made since then. It's like I've been frozen in time a bit. I've gone up and down and up and down. But mostly I've stayed around the same 10 or 15 pounds. 
We have new toys for Elizabeth and me to play with - new books to read - new things to do! We have good food in the house - ONLY. We have made meal plans and I'm sticking to them. Granted, I have one day under my belt. But one day is better than zero. And tomorrow I'll have two days.
Okay - a few things.
I'm working my way back into the swing of work and life. 
Well - the trips are over, and things are settling back into a routine.
Today my angel, you reach a milestone.
As for me - the official weigh in puts me up 7.5 pounds between Disney and Vegas. 
So - first a quick follow-up to the part one post. Lonsorama (who I think is my good friend Andy) commented that a sling or carrier makes touring much easier. I totally agree! Except that ours is BLACK - and would have killed us with heat and humidity. Regardless - we're used to commando touring - and it was really nice getting to sit a little - and enjoy the parks - and people watch - and watch Elizabeth interacting with her world.
We learned that dark rides are okay - as long as they're not too loud - and that as long as we can talk to her, or she can KIND of see us - she's happy. BUT - again - know your attractions. Figment was great. Until the "Imagination is a BLAST!" ka-boom. Then the tears flowed again.
Generally though - she was a happy-go-lucky toddler for the trip. So much so that cast members were stopping to admire her - and she never stopped making friends. Several cast members remarked on her as "the happiest baby on earth" - which I will proudly claim as her new title. :)
Ah - the parent swap. TOTALLY USEFUL. We only had to use it a few times for long lines on rides we both wanted to do - but trust me - USE IT. Go to the fastpass guy - tell him what you want to do - and one of you hops on - while the other shops. Then meet up after the ride and the shopping parent gets a free fastpass! Combine this with your NORMAL fastpasses - and you've got a GREAT set of touring shortcuts.
And as I said - as long as Elizabeth could SEE you - she loved you.
Okay - first of all - for those of you who think Elizabeth NEVER cries - here you go! :) I have to say - as bad as I felt for her when some of the characters seemed to scare her - we were always laughing through our concern. Her reaction was SO dramatic.