12/29/07 Western - New Year's Eve

[wackywexler]

We have booked the 12/29/07 Western, the New Year's Eve Cruise!
:woohoo: I will have just turned 40 in October and DH will be two months shy of 40. The cruise falls right in between our 40th birthdays! :teeth:
We will also have along our dd who will be 12 and ds will be 10. We are stayng in a Cat. 6 stateroom, a slight bit forward, on the port side, #6048.
Anyone else coming along? :sunny:

[wackywexler]

Bump

Anybody?????

[Aisling]

Oh well, I had to edit my original post.

We're booked, but it's the 2008 NYE. Have fun!

[JimV]

Got back from the Eastern two weeks ago and decided to plan our next cruise so DD19 (then DD21) can join us during Xmas break. SHe couldn't go with us during spring break (diff college schedule).

WHen we cruise it will be myself, DW (Ann), DD21, DD18, DS15, DS13.

That's a long time to do planning. I wonder what they do for New Year's Eve.

Weird. I can't even book airfare yet until December (in order to get the free tickets with miles).

-- JimV

[Tigger&Bubba]

Subscribing to this thread while I consider this trip. maybe we'll join you. :sunny:

[Tigger&Bubba]

Called this morning and booked our stateroom. This is going to be a fun trip.
Waitlisted for a Suite. They are all gone :sad1: I waited just a little too long.
New Years Eve on the Magic!YES :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
We have been on the Wonder for NYE and it was full of surprises.
See you here soon :wave2:

[wackywexler]

It does not seem that many dis'ers are on this cruise. It looks like we may not be either. We have also booked the westbound repo cruise. We would prefer to take the repo but are not sure that husband can get the vacation time or that we can afford the extra airfare etc. to Europe. So for now we are in a holding pattern with both booked. We'll see.

[Tigger&Bubba]

I sure hope you are able to be with us. We're a little far out (time wise) :hourglass :surfweb: pixiedust: for posting yet. I'm looking forward to some serious Dis'ing. Many of the folks are doing the Med and other "special" cruises.
For some reason the Med didn't appeal to us. :confused3 The flying is part of it. If you notice we started cruising with Disney after 9/11. Just so much hassle to fly.
Not a fear thing, just easier to drive to the port for us.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Keep posting! :wave:

[Tigger&Bubba]

It does not seem that many dis'ers are on this cruise. It looks like we may not be either. We have also booked the westbound repo cruise. We would prefer to take the repo but are not sure that husband can get the vacation time or that we can afford the extra airfare etc. to Europe. So for now we are in a holding pattern with both booked. We'll see.

Someone is booked on it! I couldn't get a suite at all and I couldn't get my favorite cabin on deck 7 either. :sad2: We are waitlisted should a suite open up. :hyper:

[Tigger&Bubba]

Did get my favorite deck 7 cabin today! :cool1: Holding out for a Suite now. How about a Dis party in it! Join me people.
Just thinking about all the Special touches on board for New Years makes me wish I was going this New Years.
I still have the porcelain ornament a CM gave me hanging from my rear view mirror! :sunny:

[tksbaskets]

I'm so glad another DIS family is going. I've posted threads twice with no takers.

DH and I will be traveling with our twin sons who will be almost 16. This is our third cruise as a family. NYE on the Wonder in 2002, 10-day Christmas cruise in 2004, and this one coming up.

We live in Michigan. We have friends going with us who have a 8 yo daughter and 10 yo son. Early dining :-) Deck 7 forward for us.


Teresa

[Tigger&Bubba]

I'm so glad another DIS family is going. I've posted threads twice with no takers.

DH and I will be traveling with our twin sons who will be almost 16. This is our third cruise as a family. NYE on the Wonder in 2002, 10-day Christmas cruise in 2004, and this one coming up.

We live in Michigan. We have friends going with us who have a 8 yo daughter and 10 yo son. Early dining :-) Deck 7 forward for us.


Teresa
:welcome: tksbaskets! Well it's up to us to get this party started :wave:

Looks like you have a mini DIS group already with 8 of you. :rotfl: The more the merrier!

Dianna

[Tigger&Bubba]

I noticed JimV and his family are from Michigan too! He has some older teens as well. You out there Jim?

Lamar and I have only one child.:love: She is grown and married we have no grand babies. (yet) So It's just us on the cruise.
I oversee the care of my DH father. He is 88 years and lives with us. He is in excellent health except for moderate dementia and cannot be left alone. It's kind of like having a five year old at home. We took him with us this past January on the Wonder, but he really wanted to be home where everything is familiar. He loves the characters and really laughed and enjoyed the children. :p We have to arrange care for him to get away or my daughter and her husband come and stay with him. It is nice for Lamar to have breakfast with his dad every morning before work and my father in law gets to do alot of things just like he did in his own home. i.e.mini golf :teeth:

[JimV]

Yup -- we are from Michigan as well. Not really active with it being so far out . Also, in the middle of planning trips to Alaska this summer with 22 high school students and Yellowstone in August 2007 with my son. So, for now, the DIS posts are minimal.

I see a couple of you have been on NYE cruises -- what do they do?

-- JimV

[Tigger&Bubba]

I Just heard from my DSIL and he and my DD will be joining us. They will be in the cabin right next door to us. :jumping1:

[MellieR]

:cheer2:Yea!! We are looking forward to the trip. We should be "looking forward" to it; there's enough time left! Hehee!

Our first trip aboard was as :bride: & :groom: and we're looking forward to another fun-filled trip. We live in St. Pete, Fla with our puppy and kitty. DH is 41 and I'm 34.

Jim, not sure about the NYE themed stuff. I can't say DH and I are well-known for our NYE celebrations but I do make extra effort to stay awake, at least! DH is the late-night one.

Mom, what's the deal with NYE-themed sails? Anything special as far as activities?
-Mellie:sail:

[Catwoman22]

We're going too! My DD and I just got home from the June 10th sailing of the Magic and booked this one on board. We took advantage of the discount and on-board credit. This time I got my verandah stateroom! :banana:

It just seems so far away.

It was our first Disney Cruise and we loved it. My dd, age 11, didn't do too much in the labs, but still loved it enough to want to go again. I thought a New Years cruise would be fun, even though I'm not big into New Years parties either. We're in Las Vegas so we'll be going out the day before; hopefully this time the flight will be less dramatic. The engine failed during takeoff out of Vegas and we had to make an emergency landing, complete with firetrucks. It was scary. :scared1: We just loved the Hyatt hotel; everything was organized and ran smoothly.

I look forward to getting to know everyone else that will be sailing with us on Dec 29'07.

Kate

[Tigger&Bubba]

:welcome: Hello catwoman and family,
We have lots of time to get to know each other :rotfl2:. You're really going to love this trip.
Wow, glad the excitement with your airline trip didn't damper your spirits. We are local so we have never stayed at the Hyatt, but use it as a meeting point sometimes and have only heard good things.
Glad to hear about your verandah. What deck are you on?

I'm not going to tell about the surprises awaiting you onboard,b/c then they wouldn't be surprises. :teeth: (Mellie, you should know better than to ask your mom).

[Catwoman22]

We're on deck 6-midship, but I forget the stateroom number.

Surprises? Sounds like fun. :goodvibes


Kate

[Tigger&Bubba]

You wouldn't want to necesarily post your stateroom #. Just wonderered if we were on the same deck. We are on deck 7 midship, starboard side. (fireworks side). :banana:

After we get back from our September Cruise maybe we can start a Cruise Roster.?? :goodvibes we can keep trac of who is going and where everyone is from etc. I have to keep reminding myself how early it is. :hourglass

I said I wouldn't tell about the surprises but I didn't say I wouldn't show. If I can, I'll post a pic of one of the surprises soon. Stay tuned.... popcorn::

[tksbaskets]

Looks like we have a small but fun group of DISers!

JimV, you live not far from my old stompin' grounds. Grew up in Hastings, south of Grand Rapids. My boys will be glad to know there are other teenaged boys on the trip. Is your son playstation crazed too? One son plays tennis, the other football and track. You have an ambitious summer planned!

Any other teens joining our group?

We are on deck 7 starboard too. Forward. Love that location!

Suprises?? We were on the Wonder for NYE. Each stateroom recieved a limited edition Don "Ducky" Williams lithograph and a special engraved clear paperweight. Of course, there was also a special NYE menu and several parties around the ship. Some for kids, family, and some adult parties. It was a blast as I recall.

[tksbaskets]

I guess we all want to sail a day early :-) There is another thread started that has our real sailing date 12/30/2006. I'm going to see if there is a way to merge the threads (any helpful moderators?)

More DIS action for our great NYE cruise!

Teresa

[Tigger&Bubba]

I guess we all want to sail a day early :-) There is another thread started that has our real sailing date 12/30/2006. I'm going to see if there is a way to merge the threads (any helpful moderators?)

More DIS action for our great NYE cruise!

Teresa

You mean year and day early right? :rotfl2:

[tksbaskets]

My bad....I'm going on the 2006 cruise...got excited that I was with all of you. I guess I'll have to report back so you can plan for the next year.

Teresa

[Tigger&Bubba]

:idea: My bad....I'm going on the 2006 cruise...got excited that I was with all of you. I guess I'll have to report back so you can plan for the next year.

Teresa

I wish you were with us. :goodvibes :sad: You'll just have to rebook on board for the next year. :idea: :idea: :idea: It is a long way out but it will be here before you know it. I have two other DCL trips before this one. Please keep posting Teresa, maybe we can get a few more DIS people on this cruise. It's a hard one because of the family holiday and it's not discounted. Well worth it though. Maybe I'll come on over and crash your thread. ;)
Dianna

[resa]

Hi all ... just wanted to chime in and say we're going to be on this cruise too. This will be our 3rd cruise ... all on the Magic. We went in 1998 and 2000 and had a great time. This time it will be myself and my husband and our (then) 20 year old daughter. It is a loooonnnnggg way out but it's never too early to start the party. party:

[Tigger&Bubba]

Welcome Resa and Family :welcome:

[MellieR]

:wave2: Welcome Resa! Welcome Kate! :wave2:

[resa]

Thanks for the welcome in. :sunny: :wave:

[resa]

Just thought I'd give this a bump ... :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[JimV]

While we have our deposit in, we are waiting to decide until we have a family chat about this in a few months when we have a better idea of finances (fully funding two kids in college right now) and see what the two kids in college think of the idea, and see how it aligns with school schedules, and see if we can get free flights with the half-million frequent flier miles I have available.

So, my wife and I are hoping to go, but will wait to get really excited about it when it is a sure thing (and then we will get REALLY REALLY excited).

Phone'r ringing -- GTG

-- JimV

[Tigger&Bubba]

Here's hoping everyone is doing well that has commited to this trip. It seems a long way off but the time seems to pass quickly when you start planning. I'm leaving on the 11 day Southern soon but I promise to post a picture of the litho we received as a gift when we sailed at New Years a few years ago. There are always special things on board for special cruises and what could be more special than to be on the Magic for the New Year. We are all in for a very magical time. :wizard: :goodvibes :wave:

[JimV]

Okay -- We were talking with the kids last month and DD20 said that she would really rather not go on a cruise. She thinks it would be boring.

She does not know we have already reserved the trip.

My wife is REALLY looking forward to having all of us on a cruise together, since DD(then 19) was in school when we went this past spring break.

Hopefully it works out!

-- JimV

[Tigger&Bubba]

Bump :thumbsup2
Need to keep track of us! Just got back and thought we had disappeared :goodvibes

[JimV]

Well DD20 wants to go. Sent up a trial balloon and it looks good. All systems are go now. :thumbsup2 Probably spring it on the kids in December on Christmas morning. Then, we will march the ones without passports to get pictures and start that process (since we will all need them when we sail).

So --- are there just two of us on this thread?

-- JimV

[resa]

no ... there's at least 3 of us :cool1: I'm glad your DD20 decided it was a go. My DD will be 20 at the time too and is really looking forward to the trip. So at least there'll be 2 20yr olds on the ship :)

[Tigger&Bubba]

We've got quite an age spread I think. Good mix of folks. I'm glad the 20's have some company. :teeth:

[JimV]

We can always invite the crew to our party :dance3:

[Tigger&Bubba]

We can always invite the crew to our party :dance3:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: The crew are very talented! They did a show for us on the 11 day. :rotfl2: IMHO As soon as this NYE cruise sails the rebooking will take care of the numbers. :goodvibes party: :jumping1:

[Tigger&Bubba]

Bump :goodvibes

[resa]

just over a year to go :cheer2:
didn't want this to fall off the boards so ... bump

:dance3:

[Tigger&Bubba]

Resa,
Thanks for the bump. No bruises. It will be here before we know it. I know our family is looking forward to it. I'm gearing their Christmas gifts this year to our trip. I can't tell you what they are, they might peek. :teeth:

[MellieR]

Christmas gifts!!!! :banana: You should know better than to mention anything here, Mom. :)

[Tigger&Bubba]

Christmas gifts!!!! :banana: You should know better than to mention anything here, Mom. :)

Hey Mellie,

Call your mom sometime :lmao: :cloud9:

[Tigger&Bubba]

Happy Halloween 2006

Trick or Treat

[JimV]

So did a cat slip out of a bag here, or what?

-- JimV

[Tigger&Bubba]

So did a cat slip out of a bag here, or what?

-- JimV

Not much Jim. The "kids" know they are joining us next year. Just some cruise related perks. As for the family dynamics we gave up on figuring those out a looong time ago. :rotfl2: :crazy:

Dianna :wave:

[JimV]

Yup. DW, for whom this trip was scheduled, is having second thoughts about taking all of the kids on a cruise next Christmas break. We shall see what happens (not cancelling yet!)

-- JimV

[resa]

Well, I've been busy planning our trip to WDW (we leave on Sat for a week) so when we get back, I'll have nothing to do :cool1: ... except plan for the cruise. :cheer2: :cheer2: Hope everyone has a great holiday and talk to you in the new year. :dance3:

[birkner]

Yup. DW, for whom this trip was scheduled, is having second thoughts about taking all of the kids on a cruise next Christmas break. We shall see what happens (not cancelling yet!)

-- JimV

Just found this thread today. We booked this cruise on our Magic March 11, 2006 cruise. My husband and I are taking daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren who ages at the time will be 13 (girl), 10 (girl) and 8 (boy). We will be celebrating 3 birthdays, mine, husband's and grandsons in WDW prior to the cruise. Son-in-law's 41st birthday is December 29. This will be a great celebration for all of us.

My daughter who will be just turning 22 prior to the cruise had just decided she wants to go along also. She will be sharing a cabin with my older daughters best friend. This will be our third Magic Cruise. Please encourage your wife to come. If I remember earlier in the thread your daughter who will be 21 is also waivering. Tell her there will be at least one other 21+ year old on the cruise.

[birkner]

Happy holidays to all our fellow cruisers!!

[birkner]

Celebrating my birthday today and realizing it will be exactly one year from today we will be leaving for WDW and Disney Magic.

Most of the Xmas gifts this year to family are cruise oriented to keep them in the Magic spirit.

[birkner]

Just giving this thread a little bump. Merry Christmas to all!

[birkner]

This is Aspen GD of Noel just checking in! WE are leaving in less than one year to go on my 3rd Disney Cruise! First we are going to WDW to play and go on rides. Then, we are going to seaworld and discovery cove to play with marine animals. Lastly, we are goin on the cruise to relax and meet everybody! Happy Holidays! :banana:

[Erin09]

Hey!! I'm new to this board, and I just wanted to say hi to everyone!!! I just got back from WDW on Sat, and it was awesome!! Since I'm someone who likes hot weather, I really enjoyed the 80 degrees during the day and 70's at night! Except for one day when it rained, the weather was perfect!! Now I can look forward to this cruise coming up in 365+ days!! :) Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!! :santa:

ps..I'll be 20 when this cruise takes off...anybody else out there around my age??

[JimV]

We let the kids know on Christmas morning that we might be doing a cruise next year. Now, the planning begins. And, can I, book tickets for FLorida using points today.

Hoping still to join you,

JimV

[Caitsmama]

Hi everyone!! :) Just found this thread today - thanks Birkner!

We are booked for this cruise! This will be our FIRST dcl cruise! :banana:
There are 11 of us traveling:These are our CURRENT ages.. as of next yr. we will all be another yr older..ugh.. :lmao:

Me (29)
DH (33)
DD (5)

MIL
FIL
Sis in Law (29)
Her DH
Their 4 kids - boy 13, girl 9, boy 9, boy 3

I am soooooooooooo excited, I hope this yr goes by fast!! We all have side by side staterooms, on deck # 5 (Forward).

[birkner]

Just booked the car through Hertz for our WDW vacation prior to the cruise. One more month til United will have December flights open. Giving my DD, SIL, and GK's our Southwest Frequent Flier tickets. Makes the cruise seem more real when you start to make airline reservations.

[birkner]

One year from today we will all be boarding the Magic!! GK's called me this morning to remind me.

:cheer2:

[Caitsmama]

YEA!!!!! :banana: I was saying that yesterday at lunch - since we are flying down a day early and staying over at the Hyatt at Orlando Airpt.

Ahhhhhhh next year at this time...................... :wizard: pirate:

I am sooooooo excited.. This is me, dh and dd's first time EVER cruising!! :woohoo:

I just started working on designs for our matching tshirts - at least i know what i am getting everyone (who is going) for Christmas next yr -- 2 or 3 tshirts!! LOL What an easy Christmas!! :rotfl:

[birkner]

The tee shirts are a great idea! Maybe I can talk my family into wearing something distinctive but we will see.

We stayed at Hyatt at MCO for our last night before flying home. I loved walking through the airport terminal with the bellman and our bags. It sure made the check-in with the bags easier.

:cheer2:

[birkner]

Anyone see that the NCL's Majesty NYE cruise scheduled to leave today was cancelled due to engine problems?

Makes one glad we are going on DCL!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Caitsmama]

OMG! Could you IMAGINE!!??? :eek: :eek:

That would STINK...LOL

But, we all know that DCL rules. :thumbsup2

[birkner]

Just giving this thread a little bump. Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's celebration.

:cheer2:

[Caitsmama]

Bumping.. Morning everyone!

[birkner]

Just a little bump to see if we have any new cruisers?

:cheer2:

[birkner]

Happy Sunday Morning to all our fellow cruisers!!

:cheer2:

[birkner]

Just a bump to see if any of the OP are still going on this cruise?? Maybe someone who has recently booked will see this thread and post???

:cheer2:

[Caitsmama]

I don't know Birkner, it might just be me and you! LMAO.. There MUST be other dissers going on this cruise -- come on! LOL

[Caitsmama]

Bumping bumping bumping................

Come on' ---- Where is everyone?!

[GreenAcres]

Just got back from the Jan 4th Wonder (part of a Land and Sea Vacation)...three days are NOT enough. So we'll be on the Dec. 29th Magic. Our DD had the best time making friends and participating in the teen activities and our DS discovered a passion for snorkling.
We'll be on deck 7, too.

At sailing time we'll be:

Me(43)
DH(53)
DD(17)
DS(12)

Looking forward to seeing LOTS of posts here!

[birkner]

Just got back from the Jan 4th Wonder (part of a Land and Sea Vacation)...three days are NOT enough. So we'll be on the Dec. 29th Magic. Our DD had the best time making friends and participating in the teen activities and our DS discovered a passion for snorkling.
We'll be on deck 7, too.

At sailing time we'll be:

Me(43)
DH(53)
DD(17)
DS(12)

Looking forward to seeing LOTS of posts here!

Great to see a new poster!! My GD is also 12 and will be on the cruise with the rest of our family. If your daughter is interested, maybe they could correspond. Our last cruise was the 3/6/07 Western Magic.

:surfweb:

[JimV]

But on a sunny Saturday in Michigan, have much to do (go scrap the ice off the sidewallk and put the Christmas lights away).

See y'all (hopefully) in <12 months!

-- JimV

[birkner]

But on a sunny Saturday in Michigan, have much to do (go scrap the ice off the sidewallk and put the Christmas lights away).

See y'all (hopefully) in <12 months!

-- JimV

Glad to hear from you!! My mom was originally from Detroit and a 1949 graduate of the University of Michigan.

Just to update, we added 2 more to our sailing. My youngest DD a(age 21)nd my middle DD's BF Arlene (age 40) in another cabin. Hope to add one or two more but only time will tell.

Now we are 9 on the cruise. The rest of ages on the cruise: myself, DH, DD (39), SIL (41 BDay first day of cruise) GD (13), GD (10), GS (8)

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[birkner]

Just giving this thread a little bump. With all the excitement generated with the Mexican Rivera and Repo Cruises, I did not want us to fall off the boards.

pixiedust:

[wackywexler]

Hi there,

I started this thread some time back and then we booked a Mediterranean Repo cruise. Well now we are cancelling both this cruise and the Mediterranean and going on the Mexico cruise. The timing and $ work out better for us and no air fare!!! :cool1: Have a very Magical time everyone!

[birkner]

Hi there,

I started this thread some time back and then we booked a Mediterranean Repo cruise. Well now we are cancelling both this cruise and the Mediterranean and going on the Mexico cruise. The timing and $ work out better for us and no air fare!!! :cool1: Have a very Magical time everyone!

I am going on this cruise and the WB Repo. Which one are you guys on?

:surfweb:

[wackywexler]

We were booked on this cruise and on the Westbound Repo from the Med, but we canceled both for the 07/13/08, 7 day Mexican Riviera. Have a great time!!

[birkner]

We were booked on this cruise and on the Westbound Repo from the Med, but we canceled both for the 07/13/08, 7 day Mexican Riviera. Have a great time!!

You are going to have a blast!! GD and I did te 6/11/05 Mexican Rivera Repo. This time DH and I are going to do the WB so we can end up back home in California.

Sorry we don't get to meet, but glad you got the cruise you wanted!!

:surfweb:

[iloveokw]

Found this thread finally. We are on the NYE DCL cruise with you. My husband (Mike) and 15 year old daughter (Melissa) will be onboard with me. This is a surprise for her 16th bday which is two weeks later. We are DVC members from Danville, IL. :thumbsup2

[Caitsmama]

Found this thread finally. We are on the NYE DCL cruise with you. My husband (Mike) and 15 year old daughter (Melissa) will be onboard with me. This is a surprise for her 16th bday which is two weeks later. We are DVC members from Danville, IL. :thumbsup2

Cool! Glad to have you here!! :thumbsup2

[birkner]

Found this thread finally. We are on the NYE DCL cruise with you. My husband (Mike) and 15 year old daughter (Melissa) will be onboard with me. This is a surprise for her 16th bday which is two weeks later. We are DVC members from Danville, IL. :thumbsup2

Welcome aboard!! This thread has been pretty quiet for awhile. I think as we get closer to the sail date, things will liven up.

:surfweb:

[JimV]

Yippee! Just got six airline tickets using points and DD21 is excited about spending Christmas break with the family. One step closer...

-- JimV

[birkner]

Yippee! Just got six airline tickets using points and DD21 is excited about spending Christmas break with the family. One step closer...

-- JimV

Wahooo!! I haven't done airlines yet but have got car and hotel reserved!!

Our plan is to spend Xmas in WDW before the cruise. DD and her family will be in their time share near Sea World. DH, DD and I will be at the Dolphin.

My DD who will be turning 22 will be joining us this cruise. She graduates in May from college and wants to take a year off before she decides what is next in her life.

:surfweb:

[JimV]

I was very glad to use points. The "good" flight times from Grand Rapids to Orlando were $1036 per ticket :eek: (Well since I had hundreds of thousands of points, I didn't look for the cheapest tickets :rolleyes1 )

DD21 (when we travel) will be half-way through her Junior year of college, with DD18 in the middle of her freshman year.

DS15 and DS13 will be along as well. We're on this cruise specifically so we can spend Christmas at home, and then take off for a all-family vacation.

Now, off to work I go...

-- JimV

(you know, the guy that hasn't taken time to put a signature block together)

[birkner]

I was very glad to use points. The "good" flight times from Grand Rapids to Orlando were $1036 per ticket :eek: (Well since I had hundreds of thousands of points, I didn't look for the cheapest tickets :rolleyes1 )

DD21 (when we travel) will be half-way through her Junior year of college, with DD18 in the middle of her freshman year.

DS15 and DS13 will be along as well. We're on this cruise specifically so we can spend Christmas at home, and then take off for a all-family vacation.

Now, off to work I go...

-- JimV

(you know, the guy that hasn't taken time to put a signature block together)


DH and I are flying United RT from SFO $387.30 each with upgrades with miles. We have tons of miles also but I save them for Asia or Europeto FC flights which take zillions of miles. We are going to CES in Las Vegas after the cruise so it works out perfect for us to fly from SFO to LAS on 1/6/08.

The balance of the family will fly SWA as we have plenty of free tickets for them to use.

My one GD will also be 13 on the cruise. She can't wait as she will be finally old enough for the Stack.

:surfweb:

[birkner]

Just doing my weekly check to see if anyone else will be joining us on the 12/29/07 NYE Magic cruise. I am wondering if this is a very small DIS booked cruise.

:surfweb:

[JimV]

Perhaps we are alone...

-- JimV

If so, you take the Roy and I take the Walt Suite

[birkner]

Perhaps we are alone...

-- JimV

If so, you take the Roy and I take the Walt Suite

Actually we ARE in the Walt!!

Noel

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[JimV]

Okay then --- you can keep it :goodvibes

I tried to get a suite, but they were gone when I made our booking. Someday I will effectively figure out the system to get in one of those rooms... Maybe when I have a 13 year-old granddaughter.

I accidently slipped the news to two of the kids during our family dinner celebrating DD18's b'day. DS14 and DD18 were very excited. They immediately began planning. DD20 already knew and boy, did my wife glare at me for letting the cat out of the bag. Then, I almost slipped on DD18's surprise party next weekend with her friends :eek:

So now I have some happy kids -- :dance3: DS14 wants to rent a tux for the NYE party.

Just reread a post -- CES -- Consumer Electronics Show? For work or fun?


-- JimV

[birkner]

[QUOTE=JimV;17083385]Okay then --- you can keep it :goodvibes

I tried to get a suite, but they were gone when I made our booking. Someday I will effectively figure out the system to get in one of those rooms... Maybe when I have a 13 year-old granddaughter.

The way we got the Walt was while on our 3/11/06 cruise. I had the girl check for the next available Walt date that would work in our situation and the 12/29/07 cruise popped up. I had to give a $3500 NON REFUNDABLE deposit right on the spot which was pretty painful committing to that amount of money so far out.

I accidently slipped the news to two of the kids during our family dinner celebrating DD18's b'day. DS14 and DD18 were very excited. They immediately began planning. DD20 already knew and boy, did my wife glare at me for letting the cat out of the bag. Then, I almost slipped on DD18's surprise party next weekend with her friends :eek:

Boy, I bet your wife was steamed! Glad that you didn't drop the ball on the surprise party!!

So now I have some happy kids -- :dance3: DS14 wants to rent a tux for the NYE party.

Here is a picture of my three men last cruise:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/tuxedojunction.jpg

Just reread a post -- CES -- Consumer Electronics Show? For work or fun?

DH always goes for work. He is chip guy lately in a new starup.

Noel

[JimV]

"Your three guys"...

Well, two are of marrying age. The youngest could be a son, but since you said you have a granddaughter....:crowded:

Okay, I give up. There are too many ways I could be wrong on this, so, how are those three guys related to you?

-- JimV

[birkner]

"Your three guys"...

Well, two are of marrying age. The youngest could be a son, but since you said you have a granddaughter....:crowded:

Okay, I give up. There are too many ways I could be wrong on this, so, how are those three guys related to you?

-- JimV

My DH, my DD's husband and my GS!!

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Hey guys, i am still here and going on the cruise with my other 10 fam. members! LOL I just got home from 10 days in Disney HHI! Ahhhh.. back to reality.

[birkner]

Hey guys, i am still here and going on the cruise with my other 10 fam. members! LOL I just got home from 10 days in Disney HHI! Ahhhh.. back to reality.

I think we are the only three DISers so far on this cruise. Shall we have a party in the Walt???

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

I think we are the only three DISers so far on this cruise. Shall we have a party in the Walt???

:surfweb:

That would ROCK.. LOL, My inlaws stayed in the Roy Suite last year, but, i have never been on a DCL, so i haven't got to see either.. :rolleyes1 :flower3:

Ahh, as i look out today to 3-5" of snow --- how i DREAM of Castaway Cay!! :cloud9: :love:

[WiscBill]

We just decided to join this cruise today: DW, DD-5, and me. :cheer2: This is our second Disney cruise (we did the Eastern in Jan 2006) and had a blast. DW is a scuba diver so she is always looking for dive buddies. Her birthday is Dec 27, so we will be celebrating on the 30th (so don't tell her). Right now, we are on the late seating which may be a problem for DD, but that usually gets straigtened out from what I can see before you sail most of the time. Now I just have to get my 90 day countdown timer going:hourglass

[Caitsmama]

Welcome!! Our DD's will be close in age.. Mine will be 6 (just about 7) at time of the cruise.. Glad you joined us!

[birkner]

We just decided to join this cruise today: DW, DD-5, and me. :cheer2: This is our second Disney cruise (we did the Eastern in Jan 2006) and had a blast. DW is a scuba diver so she is always looking for dive buddies. Her birthday is Dec 27, so we will be celebrating on the 30th (so don't tell her). Right now, we are on the late seating which may be a problem for DD, but that usually gets straigtened out from what I can see before you sail most of the time. Now I just have to get my 90 day countdown timer going:hourglass


Welcome aboard!! We will be celebrating many bdays in December 2007!! Mine is Dec. 20, DH is Dec. 27, GS is Dec. 28 and Son-in-law is the day we board, Dec. 29. This will be our 3rd DCL cruise and we are in the Walt with cast and crew of 7!! DD and middle DD's best friend are on deck 5.

My GS will be 8 on the cruise and loves the pool. It is hard to pry him out of it to go to any of the clubs!!

Sorry no certified divers in the group. Youngest DD was certified but let it lapse but who knows, maybe she will want to reup!!

:banana: :banana:

[birkner]

Just met a couple of other going on this cruise on the cruise critic board!! Hope I can convince them to come over here to this board and post so we can get this thread moving!!

:surfweb:

[JimV]

We have December birthdays as well -- DD21 on the 23rd and DS13 on the 18th. With DD18 and DS15 in the middle. DS15 wants the scuba cert, but here in snowy Michigan, not much opportunity to practice (or dive).

Our second cruise here -- first was spring break 06 Eastern. Oops -- gotta get on con call...

-- JimV

(too lazy for a proper signature)

[Fawn]

Hi Ya'll

We've decided to join up on this cruise! We will be in cabins 6120 and 6122. There will be myself, DH, DD (17), DD (16), possibly DS (18)...and there's always a chance one of our other crew will decide to join up before then!

This will be our 10th (Yikes!) Disney Magic Cruise! Yeah, we're hooked! Our girls turn 17 and 18 in mid-January, which is our usual cruising time. But I've always wanted to do a New Year's Eve Cruise!!

My girls would love to IM with other teens from the cruise beforehand. They do this every cruise, and it's always a lot of fun knowing other kids the day they get onboard. So, if there's anyone's teens that want to get involved, let me know!

We will be staying at the Radisson the night before. Anyone else?

Joanna

[Caitsmama]

Welcome Joanna!!

We are staying at the Hyatt the night before..

[birkner]

Welcome Joanna!!

We are staying at the Hyatt the night before..

We will probably take a limo from the airport after we turn in the cars. No sense having a car just sit at the port for a week.

Our family stayed at the Radisson last year for our March cruise. Here is a picture of the GK's at the pool.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/radissonpool.jpg

pixiedust:

[JimV]

Not sure where we are going to stay yet, we were thinking of near WDW since we would like to see the Christmas lights at MGM the night before we go on the cruise. Just our thought - - we stayed at the Hyatt MCO last time.

-- JimV

[birkner]

Not sure where we are going to stay yet, we were thinking of near WDW since we would like to see the Christmas lights at MGM the night before we go on the cruise. Just our thought - - we stayed at the Hyatt MCO last time.

-- JimV

We will have to plan a DIS party in the Walt for all of our fellow DISers. Any suggestions on the night?

Noel

pixiedust:

[WiscBill]

We will probably stay at the Embassy Suites near the airport. We met several families going on the cruise there last time. The kids played in the atrium while the adults enjoyed the free happy hour. It's also close to shopping for last minute items ( and wine) . We will also probably rent a car at the airport and turn it back in at Port Canaveral. We haven't decided whether or not to add a few days at WDW or the DVC at Vero Beach yet.

Given the number of birthdays we seem to be celebrating in December, we should think about taking over one the bars one night (or better yet the private room at Palo's).

[birkner]

We will probably stay at the Embassy Suites near the airport. We met several families going on the cruise there last time. The kids played in the atrium while the adults enjoyed the free happy hour. It's also close to shopping for last minute items ( and wine) . We will also probably rent a car at the airport and turn it back in at Port Canaveral. We haven't decided whether or not to add a few days at WDW or the DVC at Vero Beach yet.

Given the number of birthdays we seem to be celebrating in December, we should think about taking over one the bars one night (or better yet the private room at Palo's).

Since we will be in WDW the week before, we won't need the car again, so I think we will just limo to the airport. We are going to ship wine ahead and have plenty of time to shop for water, etc. we probably won't need to stop.

Since we are in the Walt, I am sure we can get the private Palo room for a December birthday party.

If everyone interested out there has a date in mind and we all agree, I can email my TA and reserve. Just either post here or pm me.

DH and I are also going on the WB repo and have the first sea day reserved for a private palo brunch. Of course, you never know for sure until 30 days before but it is good to get a ressie in ASAP.

Noel

[WiscBill]

We will have to plan a DIS party in the Walt for all of our fellow DISers. Any suggestions on the night?

Noel

pixiedust:


That would be wonderful and most kind. We got a chance to see the Roy suite on our previous cruise (another gracious DISer who had done what you had: booked onboard right away for the first cruise that fit their schedule in order to get in). Normally, I would say the first at sea day, but that's New Years Eve and I suspect they will be doing something special that night. How about the night we leave Grand Cayman?

[WiscBill]

Hi Ya'll

We've decided to join up on this cruise! We will be in cabins 6120 and 6122. There will be myself, DH, DD (17), DD (16), possibly DS (18)...and there's always a chance one of our other crew will decide to join up before then!

This will be our 10th (Yikes!) Disney Magic Cruise! Yeah, we're hooked! Our girls turn 17 and 18 in mid-January, which is our usual cruising time. But I've always wanted to do a New Year's Eve Cruise!!

My girls would love to IM with other teens from the cruise beforehand. They do this every cruise, and it's always a lot of fun knowing other kids the day they get onboard. So, if there's anyone's teens that want to get involved, let me know!

We will be staying at the Radisson the night before. Anyone else?

Joanna


Welcome!! It sounds like a great group. I dont' think we'll every get to 10 cruises, but I think we are going to try. We are across the hall from you in 6624. Wanted to try the fireworks side this time ( along with sleeping backwards).

[birkner]

That would be wonderful and most kind. We got a chance to see the Roy suite on our previous cruise (another gracious DISer who had done what you had: booked onboard right away for the first cruise that fit their schedule in order to get in). Normally, I would say the first at sea day, but that's New Years Eve and I suspect they will be doing something special that night. How about the night we leave Grand Cayman?

Sounds like a plan!! I will get our TA to see what the deal is with a private party in the Walt.

pixiedust:

[Caitsmama]

ohhhhhhhhhhh..i will pack my fancy-smancy dress for this one!! -- One small request though-- can i bring my mother in law? She is paying for us to go on this wonderful cruise, and she doesn't have internet/ computer access, or i know she would be a dis'er!! LOL, and she wouldn't forgive me if i partied without her!! She is a disney freak like me!! LOL

[birkner]

ohhhhhhhhhhh..i will pack my fancy-smancy dress for this one!! -- One small request though-- can i bring my mother in law? She is paying for us to go on this wonderful cruise, and she doesn't have internet/ computer access, or i know she would be a dis'er!! LOL, and she wouldn't forgive me if i partied without her!! She is a disney freak like me!! LOL

Of course, she would be welcome. I will get a list going here pretty quick. We can have about 14 people at a private brunch or dinner. Any preferences? Plus, we will have at least one private party in the Walt.

pixiedust:

[Caitsmama]

hmm.. I would guess to say a brunch, only b/c this is our first time on the DCL, so i don't want to miss any scheduled dinners... LOL.. But, i am flexible to whatever... like i said, this is our first time, so i don't know much. (Meaning i am not much help.) LOL

[JimV]

:faint:

Oh no. Heads spinning. Hadn't planned on having to make a decision about dining, seating, or options this soon. OH NO!!

Yes -- would be happy to join the gang. Would a lunch thing work best so that people don't miss their character breakfast day? We have six in our group, but maybe this will just be for the big people :)

I'll be happy to help, as long as it doesn't mean I have to tell DW how much I am on the boards already planning the cruise ;)

-- JimV

[JimV]

Just got a message that the person at our travel agency that we really liked and worked with on several things has left, and the TA did not send out any note to say things changed, etc even though it has been since December. I was just getting upset that she was not returning my emails.

Turns out that we are not in the part of the ship that we thought, and when I made the reservation, she was going to keep checking to see if a better pair of adjacent (not connecting) rooms were available. We want 2 in one room (DW and me) and four in the other for the kids. Ouch.

So, see if the new guy comes through and if not, I might switch the reservation and see what else can be done.

-- JimV

[birkner]

hmm.. I would guess to say a brunch, only b/c this is our first time on the DCL, so i don't want to miss any scheduled dinners... LOL.. But, i am flexible to whatever... like i said, this is our first time, so i don't know much. (Meaning i am not much help.) LOL

We can do brunch or whatever. Brunch is quite spectacular as you may have read.

:faint:

Oh no. Heads spinning. Hadn't planned on having to make a decision about dining, seating, or options this soon. OH NO!!

Yes -- would be happy to join the gang. Would a lunch thing work best so that people don't miss their character breakfast day? We have six in our group, but maybe this will just be for the big people :)

I'll be happy to help, as long as it doesn't mean I have to tell DW how much I am on the boards already planning the cruise ;)

-- JimV

I would love some help and I promise not to tell DW how much you are on the DIS boards!!

As a side note, we are on the WB repo for 5/08. We have linked dinner ressies, transportation, hotels, matching fish extenders, (already received) bracelets, bunko, and wine tasting already planned!!

Just got a message that the person at our travel agency that we really liked and worked with on several things has left, and the TA did not send out any note to say things changed, etc even though it has been since December. I was just getting upset that she was not returning my emails.

Turns out that we are not in the part of the ship that we thought, and when I made the reservation, she was going to keep checking to see if a better pair of adjacent (not connecting) rooms were available. We want 2 in one room (DW and me) and four in the other for the kids. Ouch.

So, see if the new guy comes through and if not, I might switch the reservation and see what else can be done.

-- JimV

What a bummer!! Did your TA go to another agency? I am assuming your ressie is through the agency. That would make me mad enough to spit nails if someone had not been returning my emails. Have you tried calling the manager of the agency and explain the situation? Sometimes if you get the highest person involved somehow magically things can change. Best of luck!!

[Fawn]

Welcome!! It sounds like a great group. I dont' think we'll every get to 10 cruises, but I think we are going to try. We are across the hall from you in 6624. Wanted to try the fireworks side this time ( along with sleeping backwards).


Yeah, my name is Joanna, and I'm a Disney Cruiser! LOL If just one person in our family didn't like it, we probably wouldn't go so often. But we all LOVE it!!

I've never stayed on the 6th floor, so should be interesting. Never care about the side I sleep on...that ship just rocks me to sleep like a baby whereever I am!!

No other teens yet?

[birkner]

Yeah, my name is Joanna, and I'm a Disney Cruiser! LOL If just one person in our family didn't like it, we probably wouldn't go so often. But we all LOVE it!!

I've never stayed on the 6th floor, so should be interesting. Never care about the side I sleep on...that ship just rocks me to sleep like a baby whereever I am!!

No other teens yet?

My GD will be 13 on the cruise and tried to start a kids thread for this cruise but nobody responded. Maybe if you posted there you guys could get the thread going.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310196

[birkner]

What a wonderful warm sunny day here in Northern California. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!

Just wanted to give this thread a bit of a bump.

Jim, hope you got all of your trip issues worked out with your TA.

Let me know when you guys are ready to make more cruise plans like brunch etc.

Noel

:surfweb:

[Catwoman22]

My daughter and I are still going!:goodvibes

I haven't posted since June when we returned from our last cruise. We discussed going to WDW instead of the cruise, but we decided to stick with the cruise. My daughter will be 13 when we sail and is a little nervous about going to the stack vs the clubs. I think she would love to make friends on the boards so she feels that she knows other kids onboard.

Add one more birthday to the list, mine is Dec 6.

Sounds like a great group. We should have tons of fun. I can't wait.

Kate

[birkner]

My daughter and I are still going!:goodvibes

I haven't posted since June when we returned from our last cruise. We discussed going to WDW instead of the cruise, but we decided to stick with the cruise. My daughter will be 13 when we sail and is a little nervous about going to the stack vs the clubs. I think she would love to make friends on the boards so she feels that she knows other kids onboard.

Add one more birthday to the list, mine is Dec 6.

Sounds like a great group. We should have tons of fun. I can't wait.

Kate


Kari:

We are going to have a great time!!

My GD Aspen will also be 13 on this cruise and would love to correspond with your DD. I would be happy to pm her email address to you if she is interested. I started a kids thread for her here on the DIS if she wants to post just here.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310196

Are you guys up for a private party in the Walt and maybe even a private brunch at Palo's? If we have 14 (four adults in our party) we can arrange for a private party in Palo's. Several other members of the DIS thread have expressed interest.

We are in the Walt, so I am hoping this will be fairly easily arranged by my TA. I have already arranged for a brunch (fingers crossed) for several of my fellow DISers on the 2008 WB repo cruise. In any case, we will not know for sure until 30 days before the cruise.

Noel

:surfweb:

[Catwoman22]

Nice to meet you Noel,

My DD would love to e-mail your GD and have a friend on-board. PM her e-mail address and they can hook up.

Count us in for the party in the Walt and Palo brunch. I didn't get to go to Palo on our last cruise as it was just me and my daughter. I can't wait.

Kate pirate:

[birkner]

Nice to meet you Noel,

My DD would love to e-mail your GD and have a friend on-board. PM her e-mail address and they can hook up.

Count us in for the party in the Walt and Palo brunch. I didn't get to go to Palo on our last cruise as it was just me and my daughter. I can't wait.

Kate pirate:

Kate:

I sent you a pm with GD's email address. If you can PM me back her name, I will email her that your DD will be emailing her.

Noel

[JimV]

Looking forward to seeing everyone -- especially that get together in the Walt (shucks birkner, looks like the cruise is a little more full than we thought).

Things are almost straightened out with the TA. We ended up on deck 2, but with the adjacent outside rooms that we wanted. Oh well. We'll see if something opens up between now and then.

Just waiting to make sure some DST fiasco doesn't nail any customer's systems...

-- JimV

[birkner]

Looking forward to seeing everyone -- especially that get together in the Walt (shucks birkner, looks like the cruise is a little more full than we thought).

Things are almost straightened out with the TA. We ended up on deck 2, but with the adjacent outside rooms that we wanted. Oh well. We'll see if something opens up between now and then.

Just waiting to make sure some DST fiasco doesn't nail any customer's systems...

-- JimV

Jim:

I was beginning to think we were going to have the boat to ourselves with a few other DISers. I was glad to hear things are better with your TA! Hope you get the rooms you want in the end.

I think we are all going to have a great cruise!! Lots of plans yet to make!! DH and rest of family are not yet as excited as I tend to be.

Noel

[Caitsmama]

Man, we are excited as ever! We went last week and applied for our passports, and then it really hit me!! LOL I can now start spending that $200 shipboard credit!!! LOL

[birkner]

Man, we are excited as ever! We went last week and applied for our passports, and then it really hit me!! LOL I can now start spending that $200 shipboard credit!!! LOL

I know just how you fee about being excitel!! Already planning which wines my friend with the wine store will ship for me, looking at shore excursions and most important DIETING!!

I am way behind planning for this cruise. Actually, I have more things planned for the next cruise, WB Magic repo in May!!

Noel

:surfweb:

[Catwoman22]

Yea, I'm with you on the dieting.

Knowing the cruise is less than 10 months away should motivate me to get moving. I need to find the time and energy to start exercising.:banana:

Take Care
Kate

[birkner]

Yea, I'm with you on the dieting.

Knowing the cruise is less than 10 months away should motivate me to get moving. I need to find the time and energy to start exercising.:banana:

Take Care
Kate


Here, here!! I just need to get motivated to exercise more!!

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Here, here!! I just need to get motivated to exercise more!!

:surfweb:

absolutely second that!!!!!!!!! :yay:

[birkner]

absolutely second that!!!!!!!!! :yay:

The weather is so beautiful here today that I am typing as I sit by our swimmng pool!!

[iloveokw]

It's even nice here in Central Illinois - over 70! Supposed to cool off this weekend - we are off to Nashville, TN, for Show Choir Nationals with Melissa's show choir, but hopefully spring will be back next week. :thumbsup2

[Caitsmama]

ohhhh.. have fun in Nashville! That is a great city!
it's supposed to be about 65 here today! Which is unheard of for this time of year! But then, ahhh..cool right back to the 40's for the rest of the week/end.
Man.......it's just CRUEL to tease us with this weather!!

[birkner]

ohhhh.. have fun in Nashville! That is a great city!
it's supposed to be about 65 here today! Which is unheard of for this time of year! But then, ahhh..cool right back to the 40's for the rest of the week/end.
Man.......it's just CRUEL to tease us with this weather!!

Hope Melissa's show choir does well in Nashville!!

I wish it would stay warm here!! We had 80 degree temps for a few days but going back down today to mid 70's. I hate the cold and want 80 degrees all the time.

:surfweb:

[iloveokw]

Thanks for the good wishes - we will have to introduce Melissa and Aspen after we board (if I can keep the secret that long) cuz Aspen will be in the teen club, too. Melissa gets along with kids of all ages - no teen snobbery in her (so far).

Kathy

:thumbsup2

[birkner]

Thanks for the good wishes - we will have to introduce Melissa and Aspen after we board (if I can keep the secret that long) cuz Aspen will be in the teen club, too. Melissa gets along with kids of all ages - no teen snobbery in her (so far).

Kathy

:thumbsup2

Aspen (under my screen name) started a kids thread but no one as of yet has responded.

Here is the thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310196

[Catwoman22]

Mikayla plans on checking out the kid's thread this weekend. She's been so busy with homework and softball there just isn't enough time for her to get to the computer often.

It's been in the 80's here too and I'm just not ready for summer yet. I don't mind the 80's, it's the 100's+ that I mind, and I know it's coming.

Any idea of how warm it will be on the cruise in Dec? Hopefully it will be warm enough for the girls to enjoy the pools and ocean.

Kate

[birkner]

Mikayla plans on checking out the kid's thread this weekend. She's been so busy with homework and softball there just isn't enough time for her to get to the computer often.

It's been in the 80's here too and I'm just not ready for summer yet. I don't mind the 80's, it's the 100's+ that I mind, and I know it's coming.

Any idea of how warm it will be on the cruise in Dec? Hopefully it will be warm enough for the girls to enjoy the pools and ocean.

Kate

Aspen told me she email Mikayla and told her she is in 12 and under softball also. Did Mikayla email her back? I hope they can become good friends before the cruise.

As for weather according to my research, during the early morning hours of an average December day in the Caribbean, you can expect the temperature will be in the vicinity of 73.9 degrees. The temperature will rise over the course of the typical December day, reaching somewhere around 81.9 degrees by early afternoon. By early evening, temperatures in the Caribbean generally decline to around 76.5 degrees. Temperatures in the Caribbean average around 77.8 degrees during December.

With the average temperature in Orlando being about 73 high and 51 low, we are going to have a terrific Xmas and NYE cruise!! Can't wait.

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

ohhhhh.. those temps are PERFECT!! Bring it on!

[birkner]

ohhhhh.. those temps are PERFECT!! Bring it on!

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood here!! Temps close to 80!!

One of the other fellow cruisers on my WB repo is already buying clothes for the cruise!! Not me as I am determined to loose a few pounds before the next cruise!!

Too many tempting sales but I am letting the SCALES be my guide!!

Noel

[birkner]

This is going to be a ski week/weekend for my family.

DD and GK's are in Carbondale, Colorado near Aspen, Colorado for the week.

Youngest DD is spending four days at Big Bear in southern California.

DH and I are going to Squaw for the weekend and when he goes home, I will go to Reno until Tuesday.

Everyone have a Happy St. Patricks's Day and weekend!!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/leprechaun.jpg

[WiscBill]

I'm really jealous. We are going through another ice storm here in New York (follwed by a Nor'Easter with 3-6 inches of snow later tonight). We were all sent home form work early. Right now, I can't wait for those 80 degree days on the cruise. (Can't wait for the martinis and caviar in Sessions either)

[birkner]

I'm really jealous. We are going through another ice storm here in New York (follwed by a Nor'Easter with 3-6 inches of snow later tonight). We were all sent home form work early. Right now, I can't wait for those 80 degree days on the cruise. (Can't wait for the martinis and caviar in Sessions either)

Sorry you guys are having such lousy weather. It acutally feels like summer her and is 80 here in Woodside, CA. I am sitting by the pool as I type. What strange weather we are having this year!!

DH wants a couple days of skiing. DH and I will be joining you for the martinis and caviar in Sessions.

:surfweb:

[Catwoman22]

Count me in for the martinis and caviar too. I can't wait.

We've been busy this week with my DD's homework and softball. During softball season it seems like I don't have any free time. My DD is getting excited too-she's been telling her friends all about the cruise.

It's supposed to cool down this week - thankfully. 90's in March is just a little too hot too soon for me. It's hard to believe we're so hot while others parts of the country are still freezing.

Have a great week everyone.

Kate

[Caitsmama]

Ya......... i'll trade you some 90's for some 30's??!! LOL

[Catwoman22]

I'm orginally from Chicago, I've done the 40 below wind chills, but I went from one extreme to the other. Now it's 100+ during the summer. The heat really hasn't been bothering me until last year, but I don't think I can face wind chills again!

Stay warm!

Kate

[birkner]

I'm orginally from Chicago, I've done the 40 below wind chills, but I went from one extreme to the other. Now it's 100+ during the summer. The heat really hasn't been bothering me until last year, but I don't think I can face wind chills again!

Stay warm!

Kate


Kate:

I can't stand either extreme. I like the temps to be the 80's myself. We had beautiful weather for two weeks now it is cooler and the rain is coming back toward the end of the week!!

Noel

:surfweb:

[birkner]

Home from Tahoe. Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day and weekend!!

Just checking in...

:surfweb:

[iloveokw]

Survived our trip to Nashville with Show Choir - both groups did well and at least the parents had a blast at Wildhorse Saloon!!!!!! Looking forward to dancing on the ship!

It is almost 70 today here in central Illinois.

Tommorrow night are Parent/Teacher conferences - report cards. On Friday we head out to visit our parents - different towns 100 miles apart cuz we haven't seen them much because of all of Melissa's activities - they are all in their mid 80's.

Next Friday we head to WDW (Old Key West) and Vero for Spring Break - almost as good as a DCL cruise!!!!!!! Especially Vero.

Have a great week.

Kathy

:thumbsup2

[birkner]

Survived our trip to Nashville with Show Choir - both groups did well and at least the parents had a blast at Wildhorse Saloon!!!!!! Looking forward to dancing on the ship!

It is almost 70 today here in central Illinois.

Tommorrow night are Parent/Teacher conferences - report cards. On Friday we head out to visit our parents - different towns 100 miles apart cuz we haven't seen them much because of all of Melissa's activities - they are all in their mid 80's.

Next Friday we head to WDW (Old Key West) and Vero for Spring Break - almost as good as a DCL cruise!!!!!!! Especially Vero.

Have a great week.

Kathy

:thumbsup2

Congrats on doing well with the Show Choir in Nashville!!

Dancing on the ship sounds like a blast!!

Have fun visiting your parents. I wish mine were still living. My sisters and I lost them both in the last three years.

We are going to rent Electric cars on the cruise in December in Key West. We are hoping to do the mini submarine also.

Talk to you soon.

Noel

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Ohhhh. ..i loved Wildhorse saloon!! Great food/fun!!

Have a blast in WDW!

[birkner]

Ohhhh. ..i loved Wildhorse saloon!! Great food/fun!!

Have a blast in WDW!

So pray tell, what is so wonderful about the Wildhorse Saloon? Who knows may someday be in Nashville and want to know the scoop!!

:surfweb:

[iloveokw]

Well, we enjoyed it because it was closed to the public when we were there this past weekend from 6 - 9:30 for 1500 show choir kids and parents. They had a live band, simple, but nice buffet, no alcohol (so we didn't have to worry about anyone drinking something they shouldn't), & no smoking! I think the mom's had as much fun dancing as the kids. :thumbsup2

[Caitsmama]

It's just a famous saloon in Nashville, where lots of stars have played, just a really cool place.. I will post a pic..

[Caitsmama]

Here ya go..

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/sundries/saloon.jpg

[birkner]

[QUOTE=Caitsmama;17702117]Here ya go..

Loved the pic!! Off to the airport to spend weekend with DD in San Diego for a Theta Mom's weekend. Will check in later today!!

Noel

[Catwoman22]

Have fun in San Diego, I love that city. Mikayla loves Sea World, but we haven't been there in a while. I have to fit that trip in too.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Kate

[birkner]

Have fun in San Diego, I love that city. Mikayla loves Sea World, but we haven't been there in a while. I have to fit that trip in too.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Kate


Whole family has season passes to Sea World. All the GK's love Journey to Atlantis. Are you guys going to spend any time in Orlando at Sea World? GK's want to go there and to Discovery Cove again.

Noel

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Ohh.. birkner, i might have to chat with you about seaworld san deigo! we are going to So.Ca. in Feb, and we might drive down to San Deigo. My dd has never been to sea world, and it's been about 20 years since i have been!! LOL

[birkner]

Ohh.. birkner, i might have to chat with you about seaworld san deigo! we are going to So.Ca. in Feb, and we might drive down to San Deigo. My dd has never been to sea world, and it's been about 20 years since i have been!! LOL

Will your whole cruising family be going with you or just your DD? My GK's have favorite rides, places to eat etc. that I would be happy to share with you our San Diego recommendations.

http://www.seaworld.com/SWC/default.aspx

Remember, there is also a Sea World in Orlando associated with Discovery Cove.
http://www.seaworld.com/SWF/default.aspx
http://www.discoverycove.com/default2.aspx

Some of the rides in both parks are too intense for a 5 year old but not the other members of your cruising family.

Let me know and I will be happy to help with San Diego or Orlando

Noel

[Caitsmama]

Just me and my dd will be going to San Deigo, along with my mom and sis (who are not cruising with us).. We have tons of family in CA, mostly Garden Grove / Anehiem, Venice Beach area... Can't wait to go back!

[birkner]

Just me and my dd will be going to San Diego, along with my mom and sis (who are not cruising with us).. We have tons of family in CA, mostly Garden Grove / Anaheim, Venice Beach area... Can't wait to go back!

Anal person that I am, I corrected your spelling of "Diego" and "Anaheim" Now back to the recommendations!!

I was born in Pasadena and my father was born in Alhambra so we are "native" southern Californians.

First off because of DD's age this time, I suggest you skip the Behind the Scenes Tour and the Animal Spotlight Tour until she is older.

You DD is really too young for the Dolphin Encounter and hopefully, when she is older, I suggest you go to Discovery Cove in Orlando versus Sea World San Diego. You can watch people in the Encounter but in my mind way too expensive for what you actually do.

Plenty of tidepools and feeding opportunities for her to pet dolphins, manta rays etc. Plus, there are all kinds of attractions like the Rocky Point Preserve, Shark Encounter tank, Forbidden Reef, Manatee Rescue exhibition, California tide pool and the various Aquariums.

My recommendations for rides that you can do with DD age 5 are to try Shipwreck Rapids (if it is a warm day), the Skyride and the Skytower.

I suggest doing a meal (either breakfast, lunch or dinner with Shamu) and book ahead of time as soon as you know when you are going. Afterward you can view Believe, the Shamu show. If you go for breakfast, you are let into the park before it opens.
Here is the breakfast menu:
Fluffy French Toast
Savory Scrambled Eggs
Machaca
Bacon
Sausage
Potatoes
Fresh Fruit
Orange and Apple Juice
Hot Chocolate
Assorted Pepsi® Products
Iced Tea
Hot Tea
Coffee

Cost for 1 adult and 1 child would be $40. Breakfast usually lasts one hour. We have gone between 10:00-11:00 AM. Children under three are free but must be registered. Food is all you can eat and you are checked into the park before the park opens. Something to do once.

Dine With Shamu Menu for lunch:
Beef Bourguignon
Seafood Creole
Chicken Dijon
Creamy Garlic Tortellini
Pecan Rice Pilaf
Fresh Garden Vegetable Medley
Caesar Salad
Oriental Salad
Freshly Baked Rolls & Butter
Assorted Fresh Baked Desserts
Assorted Pepsi® Products
Iced Tea, Hot Tea
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Select Anheuser-Busch® Beverages

Children's Menu:
Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken Pieces
All Beef Hot Dogs
Fresh Fruit Salad
Shamu Cookies

Cost for 1 adult and 1 child is $54.00. Children under three are free but must be registered. Buffet is all you can eat. I have seen children eat from the adult menu without any problem. On a Saturday, they typically have three times, 12:30, 3:00 and 5:00 PM


Of course the shows are great. We love Pets Rule, Clyde and Seamon, the Dolphin Discovery and Cirque de la Mer (summer only). Be sure you watch where you seat as in the "splash zone" you can get really wet. The only show I suggest you avoid is the R.L. Stine Haunted House as the 4D scares most kids.

What we do when we enter the park is check all the daily show times and mark using a highlighter what times we are going to do what shows.

Of course, we make a daily lunch time trip to the beer tasting and the special Clydesdale horse viewing which is held at certain times during the day. Of course, you can just walk through the barn area and see the horses at any time during the day.

Shamu's Happy Harbour which is where you can play your way through a crazy water maze, splash down cool slides, climb a two-story net or create your own sand castle in more than 200 tons of sand is always good for running around and has bench areas for parents to just relax.

Hope this helps.

Noel

P.S. Here is a picture of Aspen at Discovery Cove during her Trainer for a Day experience:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/Aspen-1.jpg

[birkner]

Saga of a Sorority Mom's Weekend - LONG

Here is the latest on my San Diego Theta Mom's weekend.

I flew in early yesterday to wait for the DD who was still sleeping when I called. Ok, normal, so I wait 45 minutes for her to pick me.

Finally in the car, she takes me to the hotel Hyatt Islandia where I normally stay to discover the hotel in undergoing a MAJOR renovation. No concierge floor etc. even though I am booked in this now nonexistent room. Apologies are offered and rate is greatly reduced.

http://islandia.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

After the front desk lowers the rate, I check in. I unpack and iron for a bit and since I am tired and want to relax, I decide to take a shower. NO HOT WATER!! Well, I am in a bit of a hurry as we have lunch ressies in La Jolla so I take quick cold shower and call the front desk. No problem, they tell me, will be fixed when I return.

Samantha picks me up and we go off to get her hair done in La Jolla while I stroll the streets. I am along for the bill paying at the end of the hair assignment. Once the bill is settled, we drive up the hill and pick up her HS best friend Shawn from her condo.

Back to downtown La Jolla, we have lunch at George's at the Cove in the Ocean Bistro. $80 lunch for 3 including tip for DD, myself and her HS best friend Shawna plus $8 for parking. Don't even ask about what we spent clothes shopping. Drop off Shawna back at her condo and off we go.

http://www.georgesatthecove.com/ocean.php

Next we are off to the car wash and to fill up her car with gas. Of course car is totally filthy and below empty. She proceeds to leave her Trish McEvoy makeup bag at the car wash so we have to rush back, grab makeup bag. She runs home after she takes me back to hotel room where water is still ICE COLD. I take a quick cold shower, change to cocktail attire, call front desk again and get profuse apologies and another promise that problem will be fixed.

Sam returns and we go to the cocktail party which is held on the terrace of the Joan Kroc (yes, as in McDonald's) Institute for Peace and Justice terrace. 100 Thetas mom and DD's gather to chat and eat a few veggies, a bit of cheese and drink punch for $15.00 each. However, we had to pick up our Theta Mom's race shirt so not a total loss. Needless to say by 7:30 PM DD and I are starving!!

http://www.sandiego.edu/about/virtualcampustour/

We drive to Old Town in San Diego, miraculously find a parking space and proceed to have another miracle, immediate seating at DD's favorite Mexican restaurant, Cafe Coyote. DD insists I take off my phone and Bluetooth and relax which I do putting both on the chair next to me. Then, DD convinces me since she is driving to have a Million Dollar Margarita made with Don Julio Repaado, Cointreau, Grand Marnier shaken with fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice and served on the rocks before dinner and a glass of Sangria with dinner. Both were JUMBO size. At this point, mommacita, is very happy. If you check the picture on the website, we were sitting right behind the lady making tortillas.
http://www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com/

Dinner costs about the same as lunch and we leave to go back to the hotel and to drop off DD. As soon as we arrive at DD's condo, I discover I have left Bluetooth and phone on chair. We immediately call restaurant and they say nothing has been found. DD says we are on our way!!! I have visions of $2K worth of calls to Mexico at this point. Arriving 10 minutes later at restaurant, DD jumps out of car and rushes inside. Two minutes later she comes back beaming with both items in her hand. It seems the hysteria in my voice had convinced the head waiter to go back to the table and sure enough on the chair is sitting both items. A HUGE SIGH.....

DD returns me to hotel and I surf the DIS boards briefly before falling asleep as I have a 6:30 AM wakeup call for the Breast Cancer Walk.

6:30 arrives and you guessed it, NO HOT WATER!! Another quick cold shower and a call to front desk who assures me that they are not going to charge me for last nights stay and offer me a free dinner in their restaurant. What am I going to say at this point? Fine, BUT FIX the water. I am stylishly dressed in Theta Mom's shirt, workout pants and tennies.

DD in the same attire picks me up at 7:00 AM and we are off to sign up. We meet the rest of the other stylish dressed mom's and DD's, take a group picture and chat before the race. DD runs the 5K and I walk the 3K. We are cheered at the finish and get our Pink Medals. Now back to the car to rush back and change for the mini meet at the Park.

http://www.cityofhope.org/walkforhope

Back to the hotel for a quick shower and of course, still no hot water. At this point, I call for the third time, get the manager and more apologies. However they do send someone from maintenance who tells me that all will be fixed by this evening. We shall see!!

Presidio Park is the location for the mini meet. Located above Old Town San Diego, it has a great museum. For us, we are directed to picnic benches to sample fresh fruit, orange juice and bagels. DD and I grab a bagel and some fruit and chat with the other moms. For this "meal", I have only had to pay $5.00 each.

http://www.sandiegohistory.org/mainpages/locate4.htm

After the "meal", we must dash to make our mani/pedi appointments in La Jolla. If you have ever been to La Jolla, you know there is tons of traffic going down Torrey Pines Blvd and parking is never easy. Luckily, the parking fairy is again looking down and sprinkles her pixie dust. We find a parking (free) space right across from the Salon which is above the Hard Rock Cafe.

Two blissful hours later and over $100 poorer, we emerge full rejuvenated but hungry!! Off to Zanzibar in Pacific Beach for a fabulous Asian Salad for me and a Mango Chicken Salad for Samantha.

http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/m...-2764683.shtml

Reinvigorated, Sam drops me back at the hotel so I can rest up for a late Thai dinner with her and her friend Jocelyn. So here I am typing away and getting ready for a quick browse of the DIS before I take a short power nap.

My life as a Sorority Mom continues with a brunch tomorrow. Will their be hot water????

Stay tuned.

Noel

[birkner]

Where we last left off, I was taking a power nap before the Thai dinner.

Waking from the power nap, I dressed and was ready when Samantha and Jocelyn picked me up to go to Karinya on Garnet in Pacific Beach.

http://www.karinyathaicuisine.com/index.html

We had:

Tom Yum Goon with seafood


Tom Kung Calamari Salad with calamari with green onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers mixed with a special lime sauce.

Kang Kari with chicken which has a Mild, yellow coconut milk curry sauce with potato, carrots, and onions.

Goy Cee Mee with vegetables and tufu with rispy egg noodles with sauteed baby corn, mushrooms,celery, onions, and carrots topped with our chef's gravy.

(sorry could not find a pictures)


YUMMY DINNER!!

After dinner, we went out for a drink at the Pacific Beach Bar and Grill. A little too wild for me but the girls love it.

http://pbbarandgrill.com/

Two drinks and all the noise and I ready for bed!! Girls drop me off to go party into the night!!

Back at the hotel, I drop into bed and am also instantly asleep!!

Alarm goes off at 8AM which feels like 6AM.

HALLELUJAH...there is hot water!! I take a lovely long shower. How glorious!!
Afterward I repack and get ready to go to brunch. DD calls and I go downstairs to check out.

Most of the bill has been compted due to noises, inconvenices and no hot water. I am very happy but have cancelled ressies for all family and friends to stay at Hyatt during graduation.

Samantha picks me up at 10:15AM and off we go. Of course, the directions are completely wrong and we end up driving around in circles. Finally, I call the restaurant and we get correct directions, arriving 50 minutes LATE.

Since everyone else is seated and only one empty table is left. DD is very unhappy being seated by ourselves but low and behold, another Mom and her DD are even later than we are!! Deidra and her DD Elizabeth, a sophmore Theta are seated with us and it turns out they are from Palo Alto, a suburb right by our hometown.

Deidra turns out to be an attorney for the City of Palo Alto and DD Elizabeth and Sam have many friends in common. Perfect timing since DD is weighing going to law school.

Food is absolutely terrible!! We eat one or two bites. Waiter brings Deidra coffee in a water glass as he tells her they have "run" out of cups. The Boathouse has a great reputation but clearly can not handle group meals. Since we paid $20 each, I am not a happy camper.

http://www.boathouserestaurant.com/

DD and I leave to go what else, shopping. She needs a new straightener, groceries, and of course, more gas in her car. Considerably poorer, we head back to her condo.

Once back at the condo, it is time to do what I always do when I visit, help her clean the place. You can imagine what it is like with five girls who claim they have no time to clean. The microwave takes DD a half hour to clean while I clean the top of the counters and stove. DD also cleans out refrig ,takes down two huge yard garbage bags and then mops floor.

We then tackle the real disaster, her room and bathroom. DD has probably not hung up clothes since the last time I helped her clean room. I clean closet, organize shoes and fill up dirty clothes hamper. DD starts the first load of six loads of wash. We change sheets on the bed and DD cleans the bathroom disaster. Finally finish dusting and vaccuuming, I heat up leftovers from Thai dinner last night for lunch.

Finally at 6:30 PM, we are done!! DD has a Theta excutive meeting at 7:00 and I have an 8:55 flight. Off to the airport, where I collapse at the bar, have a gin and tonic and chat with a fellow who is also going back to the SF Bay area.

On the plane at 8:55, landing by 10:15, DH is circuling the wagons as I grab my bag. Perfect timing as he drives us, I walk out and off we go home. We are home and in bed by 11:00 PM.

I love traveling and visiting my DD. However, I always need a day or two to get caught up when I get home to read the DIS!!

Hope you guys enjoyed reading my Blog.

Noel

[Caitsmama]

birkner, thanks for your spelling corrections! LOL.. i must have been short on coffee that day! LOL..
BTW, my dd will be 7 when we travel, not 5.. i don't know if that makes any difference in your opinions or not..

I just picked up the copy of the unoffical guide to DLR today!

[birkner]

birkner, thanks for your spelling corrections! LOL.. i must have been short on coffee that day! LOL..
BTW, my dd will be 7 when we travel, not 5.. i don't know if that makes any difference in your opinions or not..

I just picked up the copy of the unoffical guide to DLR today!

Not really as the rides like Journey to Atlantis can be pretty intense even for a 7 year old unless she likes roller coasters!!

Very kewl you got the guide!!

My youngest GS will also be 7 on this cruise!!

Noel

[WiscBill]

Back to downtown La Jolla, we have lunch at George's at the Cove in the Ocean Bistro. $80 lunch for 3 including tip for DD, myself and her HS best friend Shawna plus $8 for parking. Don't even ask about what we spent clothes shopping. Drop off Shawna back at her condo and off we go.

[We drive to Old Town in San Diego, miraculously find a parking space and proceed to have another miracle, immediate seating at DD's favorite Mexican restaurant, Cafe Coyote. DD insists I take off my phone and Bluetooth and relax which I do putting both on the chair next to me. Then, DD convinces me since she is driving to have a Million Dollar Margarita made with Don Julio Repaado, Cointreau, Grand Marnier shaken with fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice and served on the rocks before dinner and a glass of Sangria with dinner. Both were JUMBO size. At this point, mommacita, is very happy. If you check the picture on the website, we were sitting right behind the lady making tortillas.
[


OK, I wasn't jealous with the whole Walt Suite thing or the 80 degrees by the pool thing, but eating at George's and Cafe Coyote is just too much!!! George's is one of the great restaurants in the world, if not just for its smoked chicken, black bean soup (which my wife will not let me make considering the two cups of heavy cream) alone. Cafe Coyote in Old Town is the place for margaritas. Sorry about the Hyatt. I never stayed in that one, only the one in LaJolla, which did have a great pool.

How many days left till we can drink by the adult pool?

[birkner]

Back to downtown La Jolla, we have lunch at George's at the Cove in the Ocean Bistro. $80 lunch for 3 including tip for DD, myself and her HS best friend Shawna plus $8 for parking. Don't even ask about what we spent clothes shopping. Drop off Shawna back at her condo and off we go.

[We drive to Old Town in San Diego, miraculously find a parking space and proceed to have another miracle, immediate seating at DD's favorite Mexican restaurant, Cafe Coyote. DD insists I take off my phone and Bluetooth and relax which I do putting both on the chair next to me. Then, DD convinces me since she is driving to have a Million Dollar Margarita made with Don Julio Repaado, Cointreau, Grand Marnier shaken with fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice and served on the rocks before dinner and a glass of Sangria with dinner. Both were JUMBO size. At this point, mommacita, is very happy. If you check the picture on the website, we were sitting right behind the lady making tortillas.
[


OK, I wasn't jealous with the whole Walt Suite thing or the 80 degrees by the pool thing, but eating at George's and Cafe Coyote is just too much!!! George's is one of the great restaurants in the world, if not just for its smoked chicken, black bean soup (which my wife will not let me make considering the two cups of heavy cream) alone. Cafe Coyote in Old Town is the place for margaritas. Sorry about the Hyatt. I never stayed in that one, only the one in LaJolla, which did have a great pool.

How many days left till we can drink by the adult pool?

We go often to Georges and Cafe Coyote as DD is in school there and also often stay the Del Coronado. Ever had brunch at the Del? We have a few other favorites. Plus, love to stroll the streets in La Jolla after DD gets her hair done.

As for hotels, the Hyatt Islandia is usually just fine, just under major renovations without any notice on website.

277 Days

= 6648 Hours
= 398880 Minutes
= 23932800 Seconds

Noel

[Caitsmama]

277 Days

= 6648 Hours
= 398880 Minutes
= 23932800 Seconds

Noel

:lmao: :lmao: I gotta tell my MIL this!

[birkner]

:lmao: :lmao: I gotta tell my MIL this!

Glad you enjoyed the information. I am called the "Goddess or Queen" of knowledge on my other trip board.

:surfweb:

[JimV]

That's where I stay when I am in San Diego on business. Great place. I'm not there for weekend brunches, but my wife and I were there for one many years ago courtesy of Compaq -- they asked me to come and present at an executive event there. They covered the place, the plane (1st class), the meals, activities for DW during the day (massage, tableside chef meal prep in Oldtown, etc.). It was a very nice long weekend and my intro to the hotel. Visited or stayed there everytime since then.

-- JimV

Not counting down yet. Many things to do before then. This weekend, chaperoning a robotics team at competition (raising another generation of geeks, I am).

looking forward to meeting y'all!

[birkner]

That's where I stay when I am in San Diego on business. Great place. I'm not there for weekend brunches, but my wife and I were there for one many years ago courtesy of Compaq -- they asked me to come and present at an executive event there. They covered the place, the plane (1st class), the meals, activities for DW during the day (massage, tableside chef meal prep in Oldtown, etc.). It was a very nice long weekend and my intro to the hotel. Visited or stayed there everytime since then.

-- JimV

Not counting down yet. Many things to do before then. This weekend, chaperoning a robotics team at competition (raising another generation of geeks, I am).

looking forward to meeting y'all!

My DH and I absolutely love the Del also.

DH asked where is the robotic teams competition. He is a fellow geek but in chips not robotics.

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Guys... it's almost April 1!! That means another month closer!! Whoo hoo!

[birkner]

Guys... it's almost April 1!! That means another month closer!! Whoo hoo!

April 1 is DH's sister birthday!! We are taking her out for a nice brunch in San Francisco.

:surfweb:

[JimV]

We were in Chicago two weeks ago, at our local meet this past weekend and at Nationals in Atlanta in two weeks. It can get pretty intense as these high schools compete to complete tasks with the robots that they design, build, program, etc. in only six weeks.

Here's a video that shows that kind of thing that we build...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiEkurF5uiA

Once we get through the season, then, I begin thinking about graduation open house for DD18...

-- JimV

[birkner]

We were in Chicago two weeks ago, at our local meet this past weekend and at Nationals in Atlanta in two weeks. It can get pretty intense as these high schools compete to complete tasks with the robots that they design, build, program, etc. in only six weeks.

Here's a video that shows that kind of thing that we build...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiEkurF5uiA

Once we get through the season, then, I begin thinking about graduation open house for DD18...

-- JimV



DH and I loved the video. DH wants to know what kind of remote control do you use? Is it DD that is building robots? What place did you take in the competitions?

We are planning our youngest DD's University graduation party for May with whole family.

Noel

[JimV]

Nope -- DS15 is involved in robotics. The controls are multichannel RF tied into their own programs, and control systems that they design. They also can attempt to program the robot to do the task independently without human control and they can get extra points if they can do that.

Our team hasn't done very well this year. But it is still a great experience for Alex to have. On to Nationals in Atlanta in two weeks.

-- JimV

DD18 is entirely different than my son. But that is another story for another thread. She is the one graduating this year.

[birkner]

Nope -- DS15 is involved in robotics. The controls are multichannel RF tied into their own programs, and control systems that they design. They also can attempt to program the robot to do the task independently without human control and they can get extra points if they can do that.

Our team hasn't done very well this year. But it is still a great experience for Alex to have. On to Nationals in Atlanta in two weeks.

-- JimV

DD18 is entirely different than my son. But that is another story for another thread. She is the one graduating this year.

My DH says that it sounds like a great experience for future technology wizards. Another question if you don't mind. What processor are you using? Intel, AMD,or ARM?

Can you tell DH is fellow geek? John wanted to be an EE starting at 7 years old reading the Boys Book of Electronics.

I also have a DD age 21 who is sailing today on a Spring Break Cruise with 40 other University friends on the Carnival Pride. As you said, another story with girls versus boys.

Noel

.

:surfweb:

[iloveokw]

:thumbsup2 Hello again everyone! Just back from our WDW (Old Key West) and Vero Beach trip. Boy, the parks were so busy - worse than the week after X-Mas this year. Glad I am cruising in December :thumbsup2

[birkner]

:thumbsup2 Hello again everyone! Just back from our WDW (Old Key West) and Vero Beach trip. Boy, the parks were so busy - worse than the week after X-Mas this year. Glad I am cruising in December :thumbsup2

Wow, I have heard they were busy!! Hope you guys still had a great time!!

Happy Easter to you all!!

Noel

[Catwoman22]

I hope you still had fun at the parks! Did you get to do everything you wanted?

Happy Easter!

Kate & Mikayla

[iloveokw]

We are very lucky and have been there MANY times and have Annual Passports. We always have a great time - especially by the pool. For the most part if you got there when they opened you could do some rides, but it was the worse I've ever seen it and I've been going since 1972!!!!! I just felt sorry for people that came for their one and only trip.

[birkner]

We are very lucky and have been there MANY times and have Annual Passports. We always have a great time - especially by the pool. For the most part if you got there when they opened you could do some rides, but it was the worse I've ever seen it and I've been going since 1972!!!!! I just felt sorry for people that came for their one and only trip.

People should know that if they travel ANYWHERE during Spring Break everything will be crowded. My youngest DD went on the Carnival Pride over Spring Break with 45 other University friends. No thanks for me cruising on Spring Break on Carnival!!

[birkner]

Today is a rainy day!! Sure does make me wish that December would come faster!!

:surfweb:

[iloveokw]

They are forcasting snow tonight in central Illinois - Chicago has been hit all day. Wish I was back at Vero :)

[birkner]

They are forcasting snow tonight in central Illinois - Chicago has been hit all day. Wish I was back at Vero :)

Today is a Winnie the Pooh blustery day and one to surf the net!!

:coffee:

[WiscBill]

They are promising we will see spring again by May here.

Say, does anyone know if the Christmas decorations will still be up for our trip?

I understand they hold the New Years Eve party in the atrium (where the Christmas tree resides), so I would think not.

[Caitsmama]

My MIL was told by a DCL person, that the decorations will be up from Christmas, that they come down -- i believe -- the day we get back in (Jan 5th) .

[birkner]

My MIL was told by a DCL person, that the decorations will be up from Christmas, that they come down -- i believe -- the day we get back in (Jan 5th) .

Too kewl!! We are celebrating my DSIL's 40th bday the day we sail!!

[Caitsmama]

Oh, that is so cool!! We were originally supposed to cruise later in Jan, for my dd's 7th bday (the day we would have left would have been her bday), so i will admit, i was a bit bummed when we changed dates, but, on the other hand i was happy b/c it bumped up our vacation by about 3 weeks, and now we will get to be there for NYE.. So, it was mixed emotions.. and, this way, my dd will miss only 3 days of school ( i think) vs the other way she would have missed 5.. So, it all worked out.

[birkner]

Oh, that is so cool!! We were originally supposed to cruise later in Jan, for my dd's 7th bday (the day we would have left would have been her bday), so i will admit, i was a bit bummed when we changed dates, but, on the other hand i was happy b/c it bumped up our vacation by about 3 weeks, and now we will get to be there for NYE.. So, it was mixed emotions.. and, this way, my dd will miss only 3 days of school ( i think) vs the other way she would have missed 5.. So, it all worked out.


Maybe you should have an "early" birthday party on board???

[Caitsmama]

Ya, I had thought about it.. I am definately going to order my dd a basket and have it delivered by Shirley.. I am compiling a list of things to add in the basket..
We'll see..

[birkner]

Ya, I had thought about it.. I am definately going to order my dd a basket and have it delivered by Shirley.. I am compiling a list of things to add in the basket..
We'll see..

I am not sure what we are going to do either as we will be in WDW the week before celebrating Xmas and three other birthdays!!
:surfweb:

[JimV]

Spring Break on the Magic wasn't so bad last year (with Cirque the night before we left).

Anyway, just thought I would say hi to everyone. The question about the decorations at WDW made me think. Our plan is to hit MGM for the Osbourne lights the night before the cruise. On the 5th, it will be off the ship and on to the plane to go back to the sunny and warm state of Michigan ;)

(And just for the record my kids and I had a snowball fight yesterday)

Now off to file taxes...

-- JimV

[Caitsmama]

I know.. doesn't this weather suck for April??! We got that nasty wind/rain noreaster storm yesterday and today -- there is all kinds of damage, trees down, power out, etc.. Great day for me and my dd to head off to the mall to Dave & Busters and Build A Bear.. LOL

[birkner]

Spring Break on the Magic wasn't so bad last year (with Cirque the night before we left).

Anyway, just thought I would say hi to everyone. The question about the decorations at WDW made me think. Our plan is to hit MGM for the Osbourne lights the night before the cruise. On the 5th, it will be off the ship and on to the plane to go back to the sunny and warm state of Michigan ;)

(And just for the record my kids and I had a snowball fight yesterday)

Now off to file taxes...

-- JimV

We are going to spend the week at the Dolphin. Any suggestions as to what should not be missed?

Noel

[WiscBill]

Same thing down here with the Nor'Easter. Lots of roads still flooded. It looked for awhile like we were going to lose power, but after a few intermittent black outs, we were ok.

Noel, if you are going to WDW at Christmas for the first time, the lights at MGM are a definite don't miss. There are also some great displays at EPCOT on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase. All the parks have a Christmas tree (totally artifical, but still good looking). For a low stress activity, try eating (or just visiting) at different hotels, as each is decorated with an appropriate tree and theme ( I seem to remember Beach club having a Little Mermaid theme).

[birkner]

Same thing down here with the Nor'Easter. Lots of roads still flooded. It looked for awhile like we were going to lose power, but after a few intermittent black outs, we were ok.

Noel, if you are going to WDW at Christmas for the first time, the lights at MGM are a definite don't miss. There are also some great displays at EPCOT on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase. All the parks have a Christmas tree (totally artifical, but still good looking). For a low stress activity, try eating (or just visiting) at different hotels, as each is decorated with an appropriate tree and theme ( I seem to remember Beach club having a Little Mermaid theme).

We had rain on Saturday but yesterday and today are sunny. I am sure we are going to have drought conditions this summer with our lack of rain this winter.

Thanks for the great suggestions. I know the parks like DL here in California will be jammed but we want to be sure we don't miss the special things that WDW does at Xmas time for the GK's age group.

[birkner]

I know.. doesn't this weather suck for April??! We got that nasty wind/rain noreaster storm yesterday and today -- there is all kinds of damage, trees down, power out, etc.. Great day for me and my dd to head off to the mall to Dave & Busters and Build A Bear.. LOL

Hope your weather gets better!! We had rain on Saturday but are back to sunshine though a bit windy and chilly.

:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Oh birkner, you HAVE to visit the beach club/ and yacht club lobbys!! Last year, we stayed at the YC, and they had an awesome mini train set all set up, it was so cute!! And the BC, they have that wonderful mini carousel. All made from gingerbread/chocolate!! It is a must see. As well as the Gingerbread house at the Grand.. that is unbelieveable..
We go every year for Thanksgiving, and it is all decked out.. It's funny, b/c that is the only time of year we go -- so , we are just used to seeing WDW all decorated! To us, it is our "norm". LOL It just feels like coming home..for the holidays. But, better! LOL

[birkner]

Oh birkner, you HAVE to visit the beach club/ and yacht club lobbys!! Last year, we stayed at the YC, and they had an awesome mini train set all set up, it was so cute!! And the BC, they have that wonderful mini carousel. All made from gingerbread/chocolate!! It is a must see. As well as the Gingerbread house at the Grand.. that is unbelieveable..
We go every year for Thanksgiving, and it is all decked out.. It's funny, b/c that is the only time of year we go -- so , we are just used to seeing WDW all decorated! To us, it is our "norm". LOL It just feels like coming home..for the holidays. But, better! LOL


I will make sure we hit the lobbies!!! I taped all the specials on the Travel Channel on WDW for my GK's. The one on the Food Channel with Raven showed all the holiday treats that we want to see!!

Thanks again for the tips!!

Noel

[JimV]

Great, now I feel guilt :laughing:

I had my plan. Enjoy Christmas at home with family. Fly in the night before. Stay in some non-descript hotel, see the lights and go. We get in around 4:00 PM so that we leave at a comfortable time from home (no 6:00 AM departures). It was all about it being an easy, no-stress day.

Now, compulsive vacation-planner mode kicks in:


I need to see the lights
I need to see the hotel lobbies
I need to see the park Christmas decorations
I wonder what Epcot does at Christmas?
And so on, and so on...


Once again, my friends on the DIS RUIN MY LIFE (Thanks Caitsmama and WiscBill) :santa:

-- JimV

(still too lazy for a proper signature)

[Caitsmama]

Ha!!! You are quite welcome!! LOL .. Seriously though, it will put you in such a great mood to see everything.. although, to be honest.... If you are getting in that late, you are probably best off seeing just MGM then going over to the hotels.. As that time of year, some of the parks aren't open too late ( I think Epcot is about 9 or 9:30pm).. So,there's not a ton of time.. However, the hotels are open 24/7..lol. So, do the Osborn lights first - those are an absolute MUST.

Then again, being the obsesive planner i am, i would have that 6am flight.. I live on the early flight syndrome! LOL

[birkner]

Great, now I feel guilt :laughing:

I had my plan. Enjoy Christmas at home with family. Fly in the night before. Stay in some non-descript hotel, see the lights and go. We get in around 4:00 PM so that we leave at a comfortable time from home (no 6:00 AM departures). It was all about it being an easy, no-stress day.

Now, compulsive vacation-planner mode kicks in:


I need to see the lights
I need to see the hotel lobbies
I need to see the park Christmas decorations
I wonder what Epcot does at Christmas?
And so on, and so on...


Once again, my friends on the DIS RUIN MY LIFE (Thanks Caitsmama and WiscBill) :santa:

-- JimV

(still too lazy for a proper signature)

Too funny Jim!! I can't believe that I am worrying about what I am going to do for Xmas and it isn't even May!!

[birkner]

Ha!!! You are quite welcome!! LOL .. Seriously though, it will put you in such a great mood to see everything.. although, to be honest.... If you are getting in that late, you are probably best off seeing just MGM then going over to the hotels.. As that time of year, some of the parks aren't open too late ( I think Epcot is about 9 or 9:30pm).. So,there's not a ton of time.. However, the hotels are open 24/7..lol. So, do the Osborn lights first - those are an absolute MUST.

Then again, being the obsesive planner i am, i would have that 6am flight.. I live on the early flight syndrome! LOL

I am leaving at 1:05PM California time on my birthday and not getting in until 9:30PM. Will go straight to the hotel and collapse!!

[Caitsmama]

Birkner, your staying on WDW property right?? If you can muster the strength, you HAVE to go over and check out the BC/YC lobbys, its just a short walk.. I have faith in you!!!

BTW -- OT -- But, i just booked a second DCL cruise!! LMAO, i haven't even been on our first one, but i just booked the 5 night Double Dip with my inlaws, we are staying in a concierge suite -- I am so excited!!

[Caitsmama]

Too funny Jim!! I can't believe that I am worrying about what I am going to do for Xmas and it isn't even May!!

I know! :rotfl: I feel so bad wishing away the summer, but .. i am! LOL Hey, they'll be other summer's! LOL :rotfl2: I got lots of Disney trips coming up!! :banana:

[birkner]

Birkner, your staying on WDW property right?? If you can muster the strength, you HAVE to go over and check out the BC/YC lobbys, its just a short walk.. I have faith in you!!!

BTW -- OT -- But, i just booked a second DCL cruise!! LMAO, i haven't even been on our first one, but i just booked the 5 night Double Dip with my inlaws, we are staying in a concierge suite -- I am so excited!!

We are staying in the Dolphin which I believe qualifies as WDW property except for charging purposes. I will be checking out those lobbies!!

DH and I are on the WB May 2008 repo in a cat. 3.

[birkner]

I know! :rotfl: I feel so bad wishing away the summer, but .. i am! LOL Hey, they'll be other summer's! LOL :rotfl2: I got lots of Disney trips coming up!! :banana:

Well, I don't want to wish the summer away quite yet!! Part of the fun of a DCL vacation is the obsessive planning!!

[Caitsmama]

Ok, then, i won't wish the summer away, but this "so called Spring" we are having can DEFINATELY be wished away, the weather here is terrible!! LOL

Yes, Dolphin is definately WDW prop! It's a beautiful hotel.. and only a 2 min walk to either the YC or BC (well, maybe more like 10 min walk to BC) and so close to the Boardwalk too.. I love the BC/YC we have stayed there 3 times.. It just feels like home.

[Caitsmama]

DH and I are on the WB May 2008 repo in a cat. 3.

I am very excited to be in a cat.3, as when we go in Dec, we are staying in a room with just the porthole window, so to have a huge balcony will definately be a treat! :love: And, my MIL took pics of their suite last time and i just keep staring at 'em! LOL.. But, i am soooo excited to be going this december as well! I think NYE is gonna be a blast!! :dance3:

[birkner]

Ok, then, i won't wish the summer away, but this "so called Spring" we are having can DEFINITELY be wished away, the weather here is terrible!! LOL

Yes, Dolphin is definitely WDW prop! It's a beautiful hotel.. and only a 2 min walk to either the YC or BC (well, maybe more like 10 min walk to BC) and so close to the Boardwalk too.. I love the BC/YC we have stayed there 3 times.. It just feels like home.

Have you stayed at the Dolphin? I choose it because it is a Starwood hotel and wanted the points? We will be walking around a bit as we need to exercise off all of the Xmas treats!!

[birkner]

I am very excited to be in a cat.3, as when we go in Dec, we are staying in a room with just the porthole window, so to have a huge balcony will definately be a treat! :love: And, my MIL took pics of their suite last time and i just keep staring at 'em! LOL.. But, i am soooo excited to be going this december as well! I think NYE is gonna be a blast!! :dance3:

We are really excited to stay in the Walt in December. For DH and I, cat 3 is just fine for the WB repo but if a cat. 1 or 2 comes up, who knows?? :banana: :banana:

NYE cruise will be great. Even DH who is in a secret porthole room is very excited!!

[GreenAcres]

I'm so sorry to hear about everyone's rough weather....Here in Louisiana it's sunny and warm (upper 70's). I love hearing how excited everyone is about the NYE cruise. Y'all will make the wait so much more bearable for me!

Lisa

[Caitsmama]

No, we have never stayed in the Dolphin or Swan, but have walked by it.. LOL It is a pretty hotel.. My inlaws just choose not to stay there, they like the "disney" theme hotels, that's all.. and we stay with them, so our decision is pretty much made up. LOL Actually -- We love the BC/YC for the pool -- it is bar none the best on WDW property! Beautiful!!!!

But, i am sure you will be thrilled with the Dolphin.. It's great, cuz the hotels in that area are so close to each other, and to the Boardwalk and MGM and Epcot, it's just a great central location.

[Caitsmama]

I'm so sorry to hear about everyone's rough weather....Here in Louisiana it's sunny and warm (upper 70's). I love hearing how excited everyone is about the NYE cruise. Y'all will make the wait so much more bearable for me!

Lisa

Hi Lisa! :) Could you PLEASE send some 70's over this way!? It's in the 40's here and cold, rainy and windy.. Still from that nor'easter. YUCK. However, good day to stay in and read the DIS. And, from the looks of it, it will be in the low 60's and sunny for Fri-Sunday.. and that's what counts for me! When it's nice out - the customers come, when it's rainy and cold.. man, I eat mac and cheese for dinner! LOL :lmao:

[birkner]

I'm so sorry to hear about everyone's rough weather....Here in Louisiana it's sunny and warm (upper 70's). I love hearing how excited everyone is about the NYE cruise. Y'all will make the wait so much more bearable for me!

Lisa

Lisa:

Here is where my thoughts are today!!

Noel
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/bcparadise1.jpg

[Caitsmama]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh........... I think my body temp just rose about 20 degrees! LOL
Thanks for that pic!!

[birkner]

No, we have never stayed in the Dolphin or Swan, but have walked by it.. LOL It is a pretty hotel.. My inlaws just choose not to stay there, they like the "disney" theme hotels, that's all.. and we stay with them, so our decision is pretty much made up. LOL Actually -- We love the BC/YC for the pool -- it is bar none the best on WDW property! Beautiful!!!!

But, i am sure you will be thrilled with the Dolphin.. It's great, cuz the hotels in that area are so close to each other, and to the Boardwalk and MGM and Epcot, it's just a great central location.


One of the reasons for staying at the Dolphin is we can use points for at least a couple of the nights. I am all for saving money to spend elsewhere!!

DH and I have stayed at both the GF and the Poly with youngest DD when we use to go on the Big Red Boat, the old Disney cruise line.

[Caitsmama]

One of the reasons for staying at the Dolphin is we can use points for at least a couple of the nights. I am all for saving money to spend elsewhere!!
.

Absolutely, :thumbsup2 I'd put that extra saved money to use in say - Shutters! LOL... :)

[birkner]

Hi Lisa! :) Could you PLEASE send some 70's over this way!? It's in the 40's here and cold, rainy and windy.. Still from that nor'easter. YUCK. However, good day to stay in and read the DIS. And, from the looks of it, it will be in the low 60's and sunny for Fri-Sunday.. and that's what counts for me! When it's nice out - the customers come, when it's rainy and cold.. man, I eat mac and cheese for dinner! LOL :lmao:

About 68 here and windy...want 80 degrees!!

:surfweb:

[birkner]

Absolutely, :thumbsup2 I'd put that extra saved money to use in say - Shutters! LOL... :)


Maybe Martini tasting..Margarita tasting...:banana: :banana:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/martini.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/passiontini.jpg

[Caitsmama]

hmmmm.. margarita's and martini's don't do much for me, but now, mention a "Bahama Mama" or "Pina Colada" - and you got my attention! LOL

[birkner]

hmmmm.. margarita's and martini's don't do much for me, but now, mention a "Bahama Mama" or "Pina Colada" - and you got my attention! LOL


Your wish is my command!!
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/bahamamama.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/pinacolada.jpg

[Caitsmama]

oh ya.......... NOW i am drooling!!! LOL I can *almost* taste it! I'd better start drinking more before hand, so i can build up my tolarance.. LOL Since i am not a big drinker!

[birkner]

oh ya.......... NOW i am drooling!!! LOL I can *almost* taste it! I'd better start drinking more before hand, so i can build up my tolerance.. LOL Since i am not a big drinker!

I am not a big drinker either. Just like my evening glass of wine with dinner. However, on a cruise one tends to indulge more than usual, doesn't one?

DD is coming home in a week for the weekend as she has a couple of job interviews on Friday and Monday. Getting closer to joining the "real" world for awhile before going on to graduate school.

:surfweb:

[birkner]

Packing away this morning for a flight at noon to Reno. We are going to visit some friends this weekend.

We had dinner last night with my nephew and his family at Buck's (you might want to check out the website as it is an interesting restaurant).

http://www.buckswoodside.com/

Rob is in town for the Web 2.0 Expo 2007 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco:

http://www.web2expo.com/

Monday, April 16, 2007 7:21 PM PT Posted by Ramon G. McLeod

Web 2.0: Viddler Lets Users Add Video, Text Comments to Movies

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/birkner_album/viddler1.jpg

Viddler.com, a rapidly growing YouTube competitor, launched new features at the Web 2.0 conference Monday that allow users to add both text and video comments to videos at at any moment in the film.

Launched in December, 2006, the Bethlehem, PA site demonstrated the new features during the San Francisco event and can be seen at the company's demo site. http://www.viddler.com/explore/sandieman/videos/135/13.00/

"Both the author and visitors can pop in a comment any where on the video's timeline," said Robert Sandie, the company's president. "You can see where this would be really valuable, if for example, you had a long video of your kid and you wanted to point out the highlight moments. You can place a comment as can the visitor," he said.

Sandie also said that the ability to place commentary, whether in the form of a video or text, could be very useful for businesses by allowing end users, both internal and external, to note the important points, weaknesses, and strength of the content at the places in the timeline where they choose.

In a sense, the new features mimic the popular Flickr.com tool that allows photo viewers to put comments directly on places in the picture they find of most interest.

[Caitsmama]

Hey guys!! Hows everyone doing? Bumpin us up here.. we were too far down! Well, in exactly 8months, i will be boarding a plane to MCO!!!!!! Whooo hoo!

[birkner]

Hey guys!! Hows everyone doing? Bumpin us up here.. we were too far down! Well, in exactly 8months, i will be boarding a plane to MCO!!!!!! Whooo hoo!

I am well. DD is home for the weekend to do interviews with potential employers today and Monday.

:surfweb:

[GreenAcres]

A coworker is leaving in four weeks and I'm excited for him (can't wait for him to get back and tell me all about it). Sure makes 8 months seem like a long time, but the anticipation (and everyone else's trip reports) is half the fun! Okay, maybe not HALF, but still fun. It's sunny and 80 here for the next few days...I'll pretend I'm on CC. Y'all have a good weekend now, y'hear!

Lisa

[WiscBill]

Thanks for the bumb. I was enjoying the nice weather we had last weekend. I assume you're having the same rain and thunderstorms up in RI that we are having here down on Long Island today.

My next goal is booking the airline tickets on Southwest when they go on sale in June. My daughter keeps us me to take here Mexico so she can try speaking Spanish (shades of Dora the Explorer). I talked it over with my wife and we've decided not to tell her till November at the earliest about the cruise or that there are other children in her age group from the families on the board. She already knows how to open Internet explorer and go to Disney websites. I can see her chatting away now (except I'd have to type it all)

[Caitsmama]

Thanks for the bumb. I was enjoying the nice weather we had last weekend. I assume you're having the same rain and thunderstorms up in RI that we are having here down on Long Island today.

My next goal is booking the airline tickets on Southwest when they go on sale in June. My daughter keeps us me to take here Mexico so she can try speaking Spanish (shades of Dora the Explorer). I talked it over with my wife and we've decided not to tell her till November at the earliest about the cruise or that there are other children in her age group from the families on the board. She already knows how to open Internet explorer and go to Disney websites. I can see her chatting away now (except I'd have to type it all)

Yes, we got that lovely weather today!! YUCK.. totally spoiled with monday and tuesdays weather!! Wow.. it was beautiful!!

How old is your dd? Mine is 6 - she will turn 7 when we get home from the cruise.. She is the same way with the computer, i set her up with a user on the opening screen, and she gets herself on, and has a favorites list that she uses and more.. i can't believe it.. lol. I didn't have a computer til i was 21! :rolleyes: I am sure she would love to chat with others as well.. but like you said, I would be the one typing it all ! :surfweb:

[birkner]

A coworker is leaving in four weeks and I'm excited for him (can't wait for him to get back and tell me all about it). Sure makes 8 months seem like a long time, but the anticipation (and everyone else's trip reports) is half the fun! Okay, maybe not HALF, but still fun. It's sunny and 80 here for the next few days...I'll pretend I'm on CC. Y'all have a good weekend now, y'hear!

Lisa

80 here also. Just got back from taking DD to two interviews in SF, last one is nearby in Palo Alto at Wilmer-Hale. We stopped in at Starbuck's for a quick tea for me and iced green tea for DD.

Anticipation is more than HALF the fun!!
:surfweb:

[birkner]

Thanks for the bumb. I was enjoying the nice weather we had last weekend. I assume you're having the same rain and thunderstorms up in RI that we are having here down on Long Island today.

My next goal is booking the airline tickets on Southwest when they go on sale in June. My daughter keeps us me to take here Mexico so she can try speaking Spanish (shades of Dora the Explorer). I talked it over with my wife and we've decided not to tell her till November at the earliest about the cruise or that there are other children in her age group from the families on the board. She already knows how to open Internet explorer and go to Disney websites. I can see her chatting away now (except I'd have to type it all)



I bought our tickets on United using miles in December. We have 3 GK's coming on this trip. GD will be 12, next GD will be 10 and youngest GS will be 8.

[Caitsmama]

[COLOR="Blue"]80 here also. Just got back from taking DD to two interviews in SF, last one is nearby in Palo at Wilmer-Hale.
:

DID SOMEONE SAY PALO??!!!??? :lmao: OK, sorry, DCL on the brain!! :laughing:

[birkner]

DID SOMEONE SAY PALO??!!!??? :lmao: OK, sorry, DCL on the brain!! :laughing:

Correction Palo Alto...P.S. Sam had another EXCELLENT interview!!


:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

Wow.. good luck to her, she'll be hired before you know it!

[birkner]

Wow.. good luck to her, she'll be hired before you know it!


We are very excited for her!! Three more interviews on Monday before she flies home!! Stay tuned!!

:surfweb:

[WiscBill]

Yes, we got that lovely weather today!! YUCK.. totally spoiled with monday and tuesdays weather!! Wow.. it was beautiful!!

How old is your dd? Mine is 6 - she will turn 7 when we get home from the cruise.. She is the same way with the computer, i set her up with a user on the opening screen, and she gets herself on, and has a favorites list that she uses and more.. i can't believe it.. lol. I didn't have a computer til i was 21! :rolleyes: I am sure she would love to chat with others as well.. but like you said, I would be the one typing it all ! :surfweb:

My DD is 5 and will turn 6 in February after the cruise. They should be in the same age group (5,6,7) for the clubs.

I agree that it is time to start thinking about that Palo brunch again.

[birkner]

My DD is 5 and will turn 6 in February after the cruise. They should be in the same age group (5,6,7) for the clubs.

I agree that it is time to start thinking about that Palo brunch again.

Boy will I have to be dieting until December if I want to go to another Palo brunch!!

:surfweb:

[birkner]

How To Cha-Cha Slide Real Smooth

"TO THE LEFT NOW": GRAPEVINE LEFT WITH TOUCH
1,2 Step LEFT to left side; Cross RIGHT behind Left
3,4 Step LEFT to left side; Touch RIGHT beside Left

"TAKE IT BACK NOW": STROLL BACK WITH TOUCH
1,2 Step back RIGHT; Step back LEFT
3,4 Step back RIGHT; Touch LEFT beside Right
(Option: try mashed potato steps back, or a rolling turn back)

"ONE HOP THIS TIME": HOP FORWARD
1 Hop forward on Right, hitching LEFT
(Option: if you don't like to hop you can scoot forward on both feet. The number of hops Casper will ask you to do will vary throughout the song)

"RIGHT FOOT LET'S STOMP": RIGHT STOMP FORWARD
1 With weight on Left stomp RIGHT forward
(Option: you can spread your arms to add attitude with each stomp)

"LEFT FOOT LET'S STOMP": LEFT STOMP FORWARD
1 With weight on Right stomp LEFT forward
(Option: you can spread your arms to add attitude with each stomp. The number of stomps Casper will ask you to do will vary)

"NOW CHA-CHA": JAZZ BOX (WITH ATTITUDE)
1,2 Cross RIGHT over Left; Step back LEFT
3,4 Step RIGHT to right side; Step forward LEFT
(Option: you can do mambo rocks, or anything else you feel fits. Casper will ask you twice or more so keep listening)

"TURN IT OUT" OR "LET'S GO TO WORK": ¼ TURN LEFT INTO GRAPEVINE RIGHT WITH TOUCH
1 Make ¼ turn left stepping RIGHT to right side
2-4 Cross LEFT behind Right; Step RIGHT to right side; Touch LEFT beside Right

"CLAP": HAND CLAPS
1-16 Clap your hands in time with the music
(Option: some people like walk around while doing their claps)

"KRIS KROSS": JUMP APART, JUMP & CROSS
1,2 Jump feet apart; Jump feet together crossing RIGHT over Left

"SLIDE TO THE LEFT": LEFT SLIDE
1,2 Step LEFT to left side; Slide RIGHT to touch beside Left
(In part of the track Casper will ask you to "reverse" the slide steps)

"SLIDE TO THE RIGHT": RIGHT SLIDE
1,2 Step RIGHT to right side; Slide LEFT to touch beside Right
(In part of the track Casper will ask you to "reverse" the slide steps)

"HOW LOW CAN YOU GO": LIMBO/TWIST DOWN
1-16 Limbo/twist down (make sure you can get up again)

"BRING IT TO THE TOP": STAND UP WAVING ARMS
1-16 Rise arms up waving to the beat

"HANDS ON YOUR KNEES": KNEE KNOCKS
1-8 Knock knees together, criss crossing hands on knees

"CHARLIE BROWN": CHARLIE BROWN
"Jazz Jump" (2 footed jump). In the Cha-cha Slide, the jumps can be forward and back, or from LEFT to RIGHT while nodding your head, or turning your head from side to side

"FREEZE": STRIKE A POSE
1 Strike a pose and freeze

BEGIN DANCE AGAIN

[Catwoman22]

Boy will I have to be dieting until December if I want to go to another Palo brunch!!

:surfweb:

I'm trying to diet, but not having much luck. I'll need to step it up in May and start exercising too. I just never seem to have time to fit everything in that I need to do, but the cruise will be here soon. The school year is almost over and summer will go quick! Time is just flying by.

It got hot here real quick-90s and climbing.

Kate

[birkner]

I'm trying to diet, but not having much luck. I'll need to step it up in May and start exercising too. I just never seem to have time to fit everything in that I need to do, but the cruise will be here soon. The school year is almost over and summer will go quick! Time is just flying by.

It got hot here real quick-90s and climbing.

Kate

Only in the 70's here. GK's are coming over for a bar-b-que while their Dad practices at his old high school with his old baseball team. They have an alumni baseball game he plays in every year.
:surfweb:

[Caitsmama]

birkner, thanks so much for posting those lyrics! I am a visual person though,and wish i could see a video of the dance so i will be prepared! LOL.. Reading the steps is a lil' confusing....... Does anyone know of any video on the internet that shows this dance?? Or am i asking too much.. ;) LOL

[birkner]

birkner, thanks so much for posting those lyrics! I am a visual person though,and wish i could see a video of the dance so i will be prepared! LOL.. Reading the steps is a lil' confusing....... Does anyone know of any video on the internet that shows this dance?? Or am i asking too much.. ;) LOL

Sorry I did not post this earlier as been very busy this week.

Cha Cha Slide video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eRboGbkPNM

[Caitsmama]

LOL Thanks Birkner.. i actually found that video that first day i posted, and i am confident that i will be a "Cha Cha Slide" pro! LOL ;)

[birkner]

LOL Thanks Birkner.. i actually found that video that first day i posted, and i am confident that i will be a "Cha Cha Slide" pro! LOL ;)


You are welcome!! Glad you found the video!! I have just finished packing as going to Reno for a few days. We will have brunch and dinner with some friends who live nearby. I will do a Fiji scub and wrap before dinner on Sunday night. Plus I will get my hair cut and colored on Monday before I come home on Tuesday. Love to have a few days of beauty!![

Noel

[Caitsmama]

ohhhhh, that sounds so nice!! Have fun!

[iloveokw]

Noel:

When is the first date you can do a ressie for Palo brunch? My brain is tired - drove 7 hours roundtrip to see the parents/grandparents today in their late 80's. Just want to make sure Mike and I are included. Thanks. Kathy :cheer2: