Fairytale Remix:Cindy and the 3 Bears - the Trip Report Edition Final Update11/6 p 34 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

abbybeth

06-04-2007, 10:34 PM

Hi Everyone!:wave2:

Since we've officially passed into the double digits I thought I would try my hand (actually fingers ... I can't imagine attempting to type with my entire hand ... especially on a laptop) at a pre-trip report. They're fun to read, so hopefully I can live up to some of the greats and someone can get some fun out of this!

Anyways, enough with the boring, on with the excitment!:banana:

The Starting Lineup:

Me: Abby, 23, never been to The World. Possessor of both bachelor's and master's degrees and am out in the "real world" working at my first job. I can pretty much be summed up as a snarky jock who secretly kinda wanted to be a princess. Sorta. But not if it meant wearing a dress.

Mom: (Lynnielou) also never been to the world. One of the hardest working and most selfless people I've ever known. She's also one of my best friends. She's the medical transcription coordinator at a local hospital. Types faster than anyone in the world. Seriously. They should hold a competition and the prize should be a trip to the world. Then this whole party would be free!:rotfl:

Dad: (Abby's Dad) the brains behind the operation. Been to The World twice. Always wanted to take "his girls" to see The World. He's retired and works part time medical transcription to support his woodworking ship. Fantastic sense of humor and a fine appreciation of the art of sarcasm.

Bench Warmer(s):

The following character(s) may or may not come into play. They will not be accompanying us on the best trip ever. How sad for them!

Zoe - :cat: too bad she can't come stay with us for the week! She is my mischevious 8 month old kitten. Basically, I mention her because she has a tendancy to walk across my keyboard and if you see gjdhguihguirhg pop up in the middle of my post ... she walked across and I didn't catch it to edit it out :)

It's getting late and since I have a boring office job I have to be up early for, more to come tomorrow!

INDEX:

p. 1, #1 Intros (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19020257&postcount=1) - 6-4-2007 you just read them!
p. 1, #2 Show and Tell (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19040228&postcount=2) - 6-5-2007 pictures & backstory.
p. 1, #3 Making things Real (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19056508&postcount=3) - 6-6-2007 continuation of backstory, homework. Yup, still on page 1...
p. 1, #6 What's this you say? HOMEWORK?! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19057936&postcount=6) - 6-6-2007 oh yeah, on page 1, we like to talk ...
p. 1, #7 ADRs (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19058062&postcount=7) 6-6-2007
p. 1, #12 I Have a Confession to Make ... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19098004&postcount=12) - 6-8-2007 still haven't left page 1, we're thinking of moving in ...
p. 1, #13 Seeing Green (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19113660&postcount=13) 6-9-2007
p. 2, #19 It's a PARTY! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19113660&postcount=13) 6-13-2007
p. 2, #28 I'm on a Mission, a Mission from God ... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19225119&postcount=28) 6-15-2007
p. 3, #44 It's not an Addiction ... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19267699&postcount=44) 6-18-2007
p. 5, #73 A Weekend with the 3 Bears (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19267699&postcount=44) 6-26-2007
p. 5, #74 Saturday's Celebration - Part II (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19412726&postcount=74) 6-26-2007 (Also known as Ferdinand Gets Drunk)
p. 5, #75 Part III - or it's all Mel's Fault! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19412957&postcount=75) 6-26-2007
p. 7, #95 Costuming Decisions (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19539187&postcount=95) 7-3-2007
p. 7, #104 Costume Consultations and Important Decisions (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19584858&postcount=104) 7-6-2007 continued in #105 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19646259&postcount=105)
p. 10, #144 Please Excuse this Commerical Interruption (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19910378&postcount=144) 7-24-2007
p. 10, #145 Finally the Moment You've all been Waiting For ... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19922243&postcount=145) 7-24-2007 (costume reveal Part I)
p. 11, #160 Sometimes I Love Getting Mail! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19958088&postcount=160) 7-26-2007
p. 12, #169 Sometimes I Love the United States Postal Service! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20026086&postcount=169) 7-30-2007
p. 13, #182 Pins, Pins, Glorious Pins! ... and a little water too (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20170168&postcount=182) 8-7-2007
p. 13, #184 Additional Water Pics by Guest Photographer Abby's Dad (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20178391&postcount=184)] 8-8-2007
p. 13, #195 Off with your Head! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20236084&postcount=195) 8-11-2007
p. 14, #199 "At Last, The Itinerary" by Guest Columnist Abby's Dad (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20249888&postcount=199) 8-12-2007
p. 16, #235 Crafts and Kittens and Lists! Oh my! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20399260&postcount=235) 8-20-2007
p. 17, #246 Makin' the Cat Earn Her Keep ([http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20473693&postcount=246]) 8-24-2007

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

On to the Good Stuff - The Trip Report Begins!

DAY 1: Friday, September 7
p. 21, #313 Shall we Begin? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20854745&postcount=313) 9-17-2007
p. 22, #317 Oh the suspense... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20859547&postcount=317)
p. 22, #319 Our Grand Kick-Off Lunch! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20860131&postcount=319)
p. 22, #320 More Coral Reef (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20860304&postcount=320)
p. 22, #326 Day 1, continued... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20894883&postcount=326)

DAY 2: Saturday, September 8
p. 23, #331 A surprise dream ... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20913073&postcount=331)
p. 23, #335 Gear up - You Oughta be in Pictures! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20926862&postcount=335) 9-21-2007
p. 23, #336 A Long Time Ago (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20927077&postcount=336)
p. 23, #337 What time is it? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20927247&postcount=337)
p. 23, #338 ...and the show goes on... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20927486&postcount=338)
p. 23, #339 the threat of impending doom... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20928019&postcount=339)

DAY 3: Sunday, September 9
p. 24, #346 Are you Kidding Me? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21013099&postcount=346)
p. 24, #347 Le Cellier .... and finally the Castle! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21028178&postcount=347)
p. 24, #348 What happens next? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21030805&postcount=348)
p. 24, #349 Where does the time go? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21031840&postcount=349)
p. 24, #354 Thoughts from Guest Columnist Abby's Dad (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21037357&postcount=354)
p. 24, #356 Photos and thoughts from Guest Photographer Code (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21044316&postcount=356)

DAY 4: Monday, September 10
p. 24, #359 Breakfast: Royalty Style! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21048192&postcount=359)
p. 25, #371 Off to Neverland! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21093105&postcount=371)
p. 25, #372 An Evening of Elegance... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21095179&postcount=372)

DAY 5: Tuesday, September 11
p. 26, #377 Epcot - for real this time! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21150243&postcount=377)
p. 26, #381 ...the anticipated answer... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21166266&postcount=381)
p. 27, #399 Tuesday Continued! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21298544&postcount=399)

DAY 6: Wednesday, September 12
p. 27, #401 Safari! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21298884&postcount=401)
p. 27, #404 In the jungle, the mighty jungle ... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21299492&postcount=404)
p. 28, #408 Fish! and a wiley crocodile-y (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21300032&postcount=408)

DAY 7: Thursday, September 13
p. 28, #417 exploring the 100 acre woods... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21300903&postcount=417)
p. 29, #423 Spin Yourself SILLY! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21334455&postcount=423)
p. 29, #424 Grim Grinning Ghosts... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21334781&postcount=424)
p. 29, $430 Would you like a little LIME with that?! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21368960&postcount=430)
p. 29, #431 Rats! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21369251&postcount=431)
p. 29, #432 Bright, Shining Lights! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21369437&postcount=432)

DAY 8: Friday, September 14 (MNSSHP)
p. 30, #437 T.M.I.F. (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21412602&postcount=437)
p. 30, #438 Happy Halloween! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21412848&postcount=438)
p. 31, #452 Where's Belle? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21460284&postcount=452)

DAY 9: Saturday, September 15
p. 31, #465 The Saddest Day in the Happiest Place (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21532898&postcount=465)
p. 32, #474 Hold the Plane! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21551160&postcount=474)

p. 33, #484 Remix Recap: Part I (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21581592&postcount=484)
p. 33, #489 Remix Recap: Part IA: Abby's Dad chimes in! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21601432&postcount=489)
p. 34, #497 Remix Recap: Part II (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21647182&postcount=497)

abbybeth

06-05-2007, 09:50 PM

Who are we? and what's with the crazy title?

Well, Bear is part of our last name and there are 3 of us - so, the 3 bears we are! Cindy, of course is our dear Cinderella who's beautiful home we're going to see.

Make sense now? Fabulous!

This is moi: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/justme.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/655414-R1-14-18A2.jpg
I cut my hair recently, but don't have any great pictures yet, so these will suffice for now. As evidenced by the second picture, big fuzzy characters are A OK in my book. Actually, I adore large costumed characters and cannot wait to hug every one I find. I'm gearin' up for some character huntin'!

These are my amazing parents all gussied up for a wedding this past fall. They will be celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary on this trip and I get to celebrate with them (because if they hadn't met and gotten married, I wouldn't be around to GO to Disney! See, it all works out)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_0203_2.jpg
aren't they great?

and for good measure, my kitten Zoe
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Zoe/IMG_0624.jpg
She is gorgeous and she knows it. Period. Total princess :love:

Now, a little backstory...

Being a kid who grew up with Disney movies, Disney World has been the holy grail of vacation spots in my little mind. We were never able to go when I was little. My parents sacrificed a lot to support me in my highly competitive highland dancing career as well as my athletics. This meant that instead of taking family vacations, I was off at competitions and tournaments. We had a great time and got to see and do a lot along the way (Dad was a genius for finding attractions and activities to do in the various cities we visited - complete with printed itineraries ... clearly this man has been in training for a real Disney trip for years and didn't even know it!)

So no real vacations and definitely no Disney. No worries - we're one of those crazy families that can make a great Saturday out of a miniature golf course, a case of Diet Coke and some frozen yogurt. Game on!

I know that my Dad has always wanted to take my mom and I on a vacation - especially one to Disney World. In his past trips, the World left quite an impression - especially the Country Bear Jamboree. I want to see this if only because I know how much it means to my dad. (granted I secretly think it's going to be really awesome to ... but that's a side benefit!)

My parents called me a little over a month ago now and told me that I needed to come home to see them. They had something important to discuss with me that was extremely time sensitive and that had to be done in person. I was immediately concerned. I live and work an hour away, and while I do go home to see them fairly often, it's not like them to demand that I come immediately. The only explanation was that something bad had happened. Granted, while I was having this conversation with my mom on the phone my dad offered up the ever helpful "don't worry, no one's dying, we're not moving and we're not going bankrupt" in the background. Gee, thanks dad!

I drove straight home from work Friday, pretty irritated. For them to "make" me drive home unplanned was frustrating, especially with the price of gas and knowing that I would have to get up early the next morning to turn around and drive back because I had a prior commitment.

They tried to butter me up with Taco Bell (for some obnoxious reason, there isn't one in the town I live in) and wouldn't get to the point. I scarfed dinner - hey it was hot and tasty and I was hungry - and finally asked what was up. Instead of telling me, they asked "hey, let's watch a movie. Does that sound good?" :mad: Seriously. This didn't help my mood at all.

until

the movie started ....

The Disney Vacation Planning DVD

At this point, I figured that it was just a joke. They were jerking my chain. There was absolutely no way that this was happening. I sat there in my chair dumbfounded, not willing to believe that something like this was absolutely happening. The movie came to a close and my dad turned and asked the question:

"So what are you doing the week of September 7th?"

abbybeth

06-06-2007, 06:02 PM

Needless to say, I didn't really come down very quickly. There was still a big part of me that couldn't believe this was actually happening!

Dad tried to sober me up with the facts. They were looking at September 7th through the 14th at the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. They were also asking for me to contribute a small amount to the trip as well, which I thought was perfectly fair! It had been a time sensitive issue because my dad knew we needed to try to book right away and there were 3 working adults who had to coordinate putting in vacation requests. To be honest, if that week in September didn't work for one of us, the whole scheme would probably go kaput.

Well, I think that this trip has been meant to be from the get go, because none of us had any problems with our requests. Mom had put hers in before they told me and my dad and I both did ours the next Monday. Amazingly enough, no one had any problems at all! This was particularly remarkable with my job - I am a college admissions counselor and from the time the end of August rolls around through the end of November, we are on the road with visits and college fairs pretty much every day and most evenings.

My parents called me later in the week (Wednesday to be exact) to tell me that they had officially booked the trip through AAA - we really were going to DISNEY WORLD!:banana: :banana: :banana: and we got the POFQ!

Then my dad started assigning my mom and I homework ....:eek:

prncssmel

06-06-2007, 06:29 PM

Homework??? Wow, I need to know what that is.

Love the report so far. Your kitten is absolutely adorable.

abbybeth

06-06-2007, 06:33 PM

Homework??? Wow, I need to know what that is.

Love the report so far. Your kitten is absolutely adorable.

eeee! My first reader! :welcome:

I'll go ahead and post about the homework ;)

and Zoe is cute. She was a rescue kitten - someone abandoned her and her brother at a vet practice. That vet happened to be my best friend's uncle and I got to adopt her Thanksgiving weekend. She's a handful, but I love her!:love:

abbybeth

06-06-2007, 07:17 PM

Do not clean your computer screens or get your eyes tested. We had HOMEWORK to do!

Since this will be our first family vacation and there are 3 adults to keep happy, my dad has decided to go about things as democratically as possible. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of restaurants and rides and shows and attractions!:eek:

Our first assignment as a smallish one. Look at the restaurants in Epcot and pick your top three. I think I went with Coral Reef, Marakesh and Rose and Crown. I normally would not have even considered Moroccan food, but there was a slight catch to this little Disney adventure [beware: slight sidebar ahead] I am a picky eater.

Not overly obnoxious about it, but as opposed to being someone who orders something without onions, pickles, olives, tomatos, mushrooms or other personally offensive items, I just choose to not be very adventurous. Part of the deal with Disney is that I have to try new things and I have to eat things as they are described on the menu. Hence, my attempt at saying I'd try Marakesh.

Marakesh didn't make the final cut, but I will attempt to be open to new food possibilities [end sidebar]

Anyways, that was the tip of the homework iceberg. The monster of all homework assignments was looming ahead. You see, dad was going to take our opinions into consideration and see what magic he could work with the reservation CMs. We had to start tackling what parks we would go to when and what rides we needed to focus on.

Bring on The List.

That's right, compiled by park and alphabetized, we were given the assignment of looking through each ride and attraction and prioritize what we wanted to see on a scale of 1-5

1 - absolutely HAVE to see/do no matter what
2 - would like to see if at all possible
3 - would be nice to see
4 - Would go if everyone else wanted to
5 - Definitely not interested at all

5 whole pages of things to rank. Thankfully we weren't limited to the number of 1s or 2s or other rankings we wanted *whew <--- sigh of relief*

That was a couple weeks ago now ... dad's still trying to weed through it, but I'm confident that he'll come up with good solutions. However, one crisis has arisen out of the ranking process.

I ranked Spectromagic as a 1. Spectro is only showing twice during our stay, the first night is the night that we have an ADR at Victoria & Albert's, so that's not a possibility. The other showing is our last evening there. We have an 8pm ADR at Narcossee's that I am unashamed to admit we are going to so I can have what is apparently the best lobster in WDW. (yes, I :love: lobster!) but Spectro starts at 8....

what's a girl to do? :confused: any input here would be great. I think for now we're going to see if we can move the ADR up. If that's not possible, we'll do some figuring out as to how close to the dining time we can still cancel because it would be nice to hold on to it in case it rains and Spectro is cancelled. I know I can get lobster a lot of places, but can't get Spectro anywhere other than WDW... decisions, decisions...

At this point, we are doing 2.5 days in Epcot, 2.5 days in MK and a day each in AK and MGM. I need to find where my dad posted our ADR list ... apparently searching by poster's name doesn't actually work...

I've been bitten by the WDW bug and bitten hard .... up next, what supplies does one need for a trip to The World?

abbybeth

06-06-2007, 07:23 PM

Go figure, as soon as I give up and post, I finally use the right combination of search terms and jedi mind tricks and find the tread...

As posted by my dad to someone else who had just completed their ADRs:

"Congrats on getting your ADRs! Just finished the last of ours today . We will be staying at POFQ 9/7 - 9/14 for our 26th wedding anniversary, and these are our ADRs:
9/7: Coral Reef for lunch
9/7: Rose & Crown for dinner and IllumiNations

9/8: Hollywood Brown Derby & Fantasmic

9/9: LeCellier for lunch
9/9: Cape May Cafe for dinner

9/10: Cincerella's Royal Table for breakfast
9/10: Victoria's and Albert's for dinner

9/11: Chefs de France for lunch
9/11: LaNouba followed by dinner at Raglan Road

9/12: Tea at the Grand Floridian
9/12: California Grill for dinner and Wishes

9/13: Crystal Palace for breakfast
9/13: Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch
9/13: Narcoosee's for dinner

The free DDP came in handy - WDW will still probably get at least as much money from us, but it certainly allowed us to go overboad otherwise. And the CMs at reservations were great in getting me through this

Looking forward to a magical time."

We are eating A LOT! But the logic is we've never been able to do something like this, there's no telling if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again and we want to make the most of this trip! We do have the DDP, but as dad said, Disney is still going to be making a pretty penny off of us!

I have bee looking at the pictures on the restaurant board, and man I can't WAIT to eat at some of these places!:yay:

abbybeth

06-08-2007, 12:08 PM

Then back to our regularly scheduled pre-trippie adventure of me working to catch up to the present...

As of 10-something last night, it looks like Narcoosee's is officially off the list!

When it comes down to it, we are going to Disney to see Disney, we are not going to Disney to eat .... it's just a side benefit.

This just means that I have one more excuse to go back, right?

***

I'll try to do my next installment tonight, but that depends on my kitten. Something seems to be wrong with her eye. It got better last night, but this morning it looks not so great again ... we may be packing it up to go see the parents and go to her vet (which is in the same town as the parents) which is an hour away and if we do that, we might as well stay and visit for the weekend. I'll try to take my laptop with me though :surfweb: but here's hoping my kitten is ok!

Avivasmom

06-08-2007, 01:58 PM

prncssmel

06-08-2007, 04:16 PM

eeee! My first reader! :welcome:

I'll go ahead and post about the homework ;)

and Zoe is cute. She was a rescue kitten - someone abandoned her and her brother at a vet practice. That vet happened to be my best friend's uncle and I got to adopt her Thanksgiving weekend. She's a handful, but I love her!:love:

It totally understand on the handful thing. We have a little dog, and sometimes i think trouble is her middle name. :laughing:

Go figure, as soon as I give up and post, I finally use the right combination of search terms and jedi mind tricks and find the tread...

:rotfl:

As posted by my dad to someone else who had just completed their ADRs:

"Congrats on getting your ADRs! Just finished the last of ours today . We will be staying at POFQ 9/7 - 9/14 for our 26th wedding anniversary, and these are our ADRs:
9/7: Coral Reef for lunch
9/7: Rose & Crown for dinner and IllumiNations

9/8: Hollywood Brown Derby & Fantasmic

9/9: LeCellier for lunch
9/9: Cape May Cafe for dinner

9/10: Cincerella's Royal Table for breakfast
9/10: Victoria's and Albert's for dinner

9/11: Chefs de France for lunch
9/11: LaNouba followed by dinner at Raglan Road

9/12: Tea at the Grand Floridian
9/12: California Grill for dinner and Wishes

9/13: Crystal Palace for breakfast
9/13: Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch
9/13: Narcoosee's for dinner

I have bee looking at the pictures on the restaurant board, and man I can't WAIT to eat at some of these places!:yay:

Your ADR's look fantastic. I swear sometimes I am literally drooling look at all the food pics on the DIS.

This just means that I have one more excuse to go back, right?

That's right. :thumbsup2

I'll try to do my next installment tonight, but that depends on my kitten. Something seems to be wrong with her eye. It got better last night, but this morning it looks not so great again ... we may be packing it up to go see the parents and go to her vet (which is in the same town as the parents) which is an hour away and if we do that, we might as well stay and visit for the weekend. I'll try to take my laptop with me though :surfweb: but here's hoping my kitten is ok!

I am crossing my fingers for Zoe. Hope everything is okay. :goodvibes

abbybeth

06-08-2007, 09:06 PM

How cool...a family trip as adults. I planning a trip with my father, me and my dd for her 7th birthday in January!!!

You have some great meals planned. When we go in Nov. Dh and I are going to California Grill for our anniversary, we did it once before and doing it timed with Wishes. Hoping for a Window seat...got one last time.

Cannot wait to read more.

:welcome: glad you stopped by! But there's none of these "adults" you speak of around here! As far as we're concerned we're just 3 big kids ... kinda like that Orlando commercial that's been running where the parents turn in to kids while at The World :rotfl:

It would have been really neat to go when I was younger, but I'm just as thrilled (if not MORE) now that I'm grown up. The Cali Grill pictures I've seen look delicious, so I'm really looking forward to that one!

abbybeth

06-08-2007, 09:31 PM

First things first, I'd like to say hi to my mom and dad who now know about the thread and will probably be popping in here from time to time :wave2:

Mel - I've yet to figure out the magic of the multi-quote. I am yet a padawan learner in the ways of the DIS.

Zoe seems to be much better, her eye has improved tremendously. Right now it seems like she just accidentally scratched herself and it'll be ok without a trip to the vet.

Dad has done a fabulous job on the ADRs ... I don't even know which I'm looking forward to the most, they're all so different! I've taken to spending too much time on the food porn thread ... doesn't look like there's a bad bite to be had in the entire World! It's a good thing that we'll have to walk so much, otherwise we'd all come back 15 pounds heavier at least!
*****

Now, I suppose I should let you all in on my shame. You see, I, Abby, have Croc shame.

chorus: Hi Abby

(yes, the scene is set at a Croc Shame-a-holics Meeting. We meet the 5th Tuesday of every month)

By this point I had been up and down the boards and all the threads and picture evidence pointed to Disney = Crocs = Disney. Crocs look like boat sized clogs and what's with those holes? Then the 'rents discovered the DIS and began extoling the virtues of Crocs (and how did they know? They didn't have any yet either!)

On one of my trips to visit them, we decided to stop by a Hallmark store after dinner so that we (read: Mom and I ... the store didn't carry my dad's size) could figure out our sizes. They were still trying to talk me into them and even tried to sway me with images of mickey head cutouts and various color options.

This girl wasn't budging ... then I spotted a potential compromise.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0980.jpg

Croc Flops!

I still thought that they were a tad odd, but not nearly as "offensive" as Croc Crocs. AND they came in blue. Those stinkin' Disney Crocs didn't come in blue unless you were a tiny child.

On the bright side, this officially marked the beginning of shopping for Disney!:lmao:

*present day perspective: likin' the Croc Flops, they may be a winner...but were they a gateway shoe?*

abbybeth

06-09-2007, 10:53 PM

Now, like any good member of the female species I came to the realization that vacation = clothes. This is especially true as we are from Michigan and will be traveling to Florida. Climate change much? I haven't bought "summer clothes" in years. The last pair of shorts I bought was from my freshman year of college ... over 4 years ago. Granted, they still fit, but that's not really the point. It just goes to show how few opportunities I take to wear shorts, other than when I'm outside running/mowing the lawn/etc. We won't, however, get into how much I hate shorts .... I'll save that for it's own special post!

Back to the task at hand. Shopping has taken on a whole new dimension. Now the qualifying question is not "Do I need this?" but "Do I need this for Disney?"

It started innocently enough. I didn't even know that I was shopping for Disney clothes, I just went to Kohl's to buy a pair of shoes. Honestly!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0966.jpg

Of course, you have to walk through all of the clothes to even GET to the shoes and the wall o' t-shirts in the juniors section is at least 50% Disney.

*must show self restraint, must show self restraint, must show... oooh Cheshire cat!*

Who doesn't love a good dose of Cheshire? On super soft cotton with tie dyed blue?

Then, I found a solid tee for $5 that seemed a decent option for the ToT meet with the DISers ... yup, lime green(ish). I don't like green. I like blue. Oh the sacrifices required by my online message board and "imaginary" friends <insert dramatic back-of-hand-to-forhead & sigh combination here>

The pink shirt came from the kids department at Wal-Mart. Guess that's why they have the toothpaste and shampoo on one side of the store and force you through the merch to get to the groceries...

The 2 character shirts have brought me to another dilemma though... they both have great back designs. Cheshire boast the entirety of the literary genius that is "The Jabberwock" as demonstrated by Zoe, who has to be in almost every picture I take...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0968.jpg

and the back of pink shirt is actually the large Mickey image shown in the first picture ... there's just "Mickey" printed vertically on the shirt front. What am I supposed to do for a bag?! Everyone here raves about the Baggalini or at least some form of backpack-y type number, but a backpack will cover up the awesomeness of the shirts! :scared: What's a Disney fashionista to do?

What's next? Will our heroine fall into a pattern of obsessive shopping? Will she solve her park bag crisis?

Tune in next time to find out!

prncssmel

06-10-2007, 10:14 AM

Love the Cheshire cat shirt! I did not know Kohl's had Disney shirts, too. I will have to plan a trip there now. :thumbsup2

If you haven't solved the bag dilemma yet, here are 2 shoulder/across chest options from Baggallini. And they're cute!

http://baggallini.com/product1.asp?product='CTY289'

http://baggallini.com/product1.asp?product='UTC308'

I looked;they both come in blue. :)

Glad Zoe is okay! :goodvibes

abbybeth

06-10-2007, 10:51 AM

Love the Cheshire cat shirt! I did not know Kohl's had Disney shirts, too. I will have to plan a trip there now. :thumbsup2

Glad Zoe is okay! :goodvibes

They had tons of cute ones ... I managed to only walk out with the Cheshire, but they had a wide range of Tink ones (including some that portrayed Tink as a bit overly sexualized, but they had some "normal" ones too) some Pirates, and ones with individual characters, like Thumper. There was a better selection of Disney in the juniors section than the kids section! (and yes, for shirts I sometimes shop in both :rolleyes1 )

and thanks for thinking of Zoe ... it was just the oddest thing, it looked so bad and went away on it's own. I think she accidentally scratched herself...

Thanks for the links - I'll look at them. I'm in a bit of a bind with the bag too, because I will be dragging some of my camera equipment with me ... but those are quite cute, especially the second one!

lynnielou

06-12-2007, 08:37 PM

Boy oh boy Abby what a wonderful job you are doing! Your pictures are super great and BTW you have the prettiest kitty (Zoe is my grankitty, so of course she is pretty:lmao:

I have decided to jump in and put in a little of my thoughts here. We are all getting preparations underway and accomplishing necessary things before September. This last Saturday I did 2 things. The first thing was going to my local eyeglass store and ordering some prescription sunglasses. I got new glasses last December, but at the time I did not get the sunglassses, why? The cost of one pair of glasses with bifocal lenses is enough. Well now there is WDW and also I am driving more going to work whereas prior to September of 2006 I used to work at home, not much driving. :) Got a really good deal on the specs, very excited to get them and also they are an early birthday present to me from my Hubby (B-day 6/21).

That was the first thing. The second thing I did on Saturday to get ready to go to WDW was after much thought, contemplating, and being true to my inner self - I went and got a Tinkerbell tattoo!. Do you believe it? I do and I really like it. Abby called me, wanted to know what I was up to and I told her. Her response ??? YOU DID WHAT? :scared1: I had mentioned the thought of getting a tattoo to her earlier, but she was still quite suprised at her mother's behavior. Abby has not seen the tattoo yet but I am sure she will think it is okay. She told me over the phone is is okay.

Time to close this out for now.

prncssmel

06-13-2007, 11:24 AM

They had tons of cute ones ... I managed to only walk out with the Cheshire, but they had a wide range of Tink ones (including some that portrayed Tink as a bit overly sexualized, but they had some "normal" ones too) some Pirates, and ones with individual characters, like Thumper. There was a better selection of Disney in the juniors section than the kids section! (and yes, for shirts I sometimes shop in both :rolleyes1 )

Hey, sometimes the kids do have better shirts, so I am totally with you on that. I love Thumper! The closest Kohl's is like 30 min. from me (it really makes no sense for it to be like this considering where I live, but that's another story.) I wanted to get there last weekend, but it didn't happen. I must get there this weekend, though.

Thanks for the links - I'll look at them. I'm in a bit of a bind with the bag too, because I will be dragging some of my camera equipment with me ... but those are quite cute, especially the second one!

DF kind of looked at me crazy when I told him how much money I wanted to spend on a bag just for WDW, but I have convinced him it is a necessity. I will be ordering one next week; now I just have to decide which one. :laughing:

I have decided to jump in and put in a little of my thoughts here. We are all getting preparations underway and accomplishing necessary things before September. This last Saturday I did 2 things. The first thing was going to my local eyeglass store and ordering some prescription sunglasses. I got new glasses last December, but at the time I did not get the sunglassses, why? The cost of one pair of glasses with bifocal lenses is enough. Well now there is WDW and also I am driving more going to work whereas prior to September of 2006 I used to work at home, not much driving. :) Got a really good deal on the specs, very excited to get them and also they are an early birthday present to me from my Hubby (B-day 6/21).

I think it's great to have both of you on here to hear both your perspectives on stuff. :bday: next week!

That was the first thing. The second thing I did on Saturday to get ready to go to WDW was after much thought, contemplating, and being true to my inner self - I went and got a Tinkerbell tattoo!. Do you believe it? I do and I really like it. Abby called me, wanted to know what I was up to and I told her. Her response ??? YOU DID WHAT? :scared1: I had mentioned the thought of getting a tattoo to her earlier, but she was still quite suprised at her mother's behavior. Abby has not seen the tattoo yet but I am sure she will think it is okay. She told me over the phone is is okay.

Ooooooh, I really want to hear more about this tattoo. Details?

Abby's Dad

06-13-2007, 01:25 PM

I think it's great to have both of you on here to hear both your perspectives on stuff.

Now wait a minute - let's not forget the big guy:rotfl2:

And the tattoo was the other part of her early birthday present - and it is VERY cute. Hopefully pictures soon!

abbybeth

06-13-2007, 06:08 PM

Officially let's :welcome: BOTH my mom:tink: and dad:goofy: to this little pre-trippie party!

I have to say, I'm still a bit surprised/but still not entirely surprised about the whole mom tattoo thing. What can I say? I've had one for a while now (will be 4 years in October) and decided to reveal my "little" secret when I found out about my mom's.

*warning! tangent not related to Disney!*

You see, my parents have not always been so fond of the permanent body art. I did my research and pondered my decision for a good 4-5 years before I took the plunge. I decided not to make a big deal out of it or let them know because it was something that I had done for me - and I didn't see any reason to throw something that potentially stressful and argument inducing into the pot just for kicks :stir:

I have toyed on and off with the idea of getting a second, which my parents are kind of encouraging for a strange parallel universe type of feeling. Here is my current work, something that I designed myself based on several celtic crosses found in various places throughout Scotland (I am Scottish, spent my formative years as a highland dancer and am proud of my Christian faith)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/tattoo.jpg

Now, anymore surprises from the peanut gallery? :lmao: Good! Back to your semi-regularly scheduled trip report!

[BTW, I will see if I can get a picture of aformentioned Tink tattoo when I go home next weekend for the father's dad/mom's birthday dual purpose celebration - with the added addition of mom's identical twin! riotous fun shall ensue! *and it will probably involve beer:ssst: *

*ahem*clears throat*

Pre-Trip Report! Yay! (I mean, that's what you people are all here for I presume)

I'm almost caught up to present time. I wrestled (figuratively, not so much literally) with the idea of doing a pre-trippie for a little while and of course much Disney planning, scheming and pillaging took place in the mean time. Hopefully with this update I can hustle up and get up to date - especially as the 'rents pop in with their insights which will likely be in real time ...

The next acquisition started easily enough. I was involved in a present exchange arranged through an online cat owners community to exchange mystery boxes of toys and treats. (this, by the way, was very fun and Zoë was very spoiled by our exchange partner!) I went to Staples to send off the box o' fun and naturally, I had to walk around and peruse all of the brightly colored pens and markers afterwards.

And then I saw it.

The most perfect, lightweight, organizational device. In perfect DISboard lime. This was certainly not a luxury, but a necessity integral to our Disney success. What you ask, was this gift sent from heaven?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0962.jpg
a 1" binder (with inner pockets - no binder is worth it's salt if it doesn't have those inner pockets!)
Those unruly park plans and ADR confirmations have no chance at escape now!

Their counterparts sharing the glory in that photograph are LGMHs in 3D! Otherwise known as antenna toppers...:rolleyes1

I have a Disney store in the local mall and I was having a need for a Disney fix ... I only went in to absorb the atmosphere - honest!

And of course I got distracted by something shiny (again, figuratively ... while radioactively bright, the heads are sadly not shiny ... yet...;) )
I picked up 3, because if you've read this far, you know that there are 3 of us and I will be running them through their spongy little not-quite-there skulls with my jewelry awl to make hanging decorations for our bags we carry in the park (mom and dad have both already secured their DIS-approved lime green Baggalini Messenger Slings (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/messenger_sling_bagg_rip_stop_nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644) for the trip)

It looks like at this point, I will be giving in to the Baggalini messenger sling. *le sigh* [that's French for sigh, in case you were wondering]

I would love to bring my Peacock Vera Bradley messenger bag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_0634.jpg
but it's all cotton and dad doesn't think it's the best choice (wouldn't keep my camera and such dry on water rides ... but it's so cute! Maybe it'll still make the trip down with me and we'll see what happens *insert shift eyes here*

I've been working on doing Sunshine Rewards and they have a $25 eBags gift card you can turn in your credits for, so if I do that and wait until there's another 20% off + free shipping sale I'm looking at $3 for the Baggalini, so if I resort to that, at least I won't be out much money...

This is getting long-ish, so I'll leave a little mystery for next time ...

and more pictures. I think I'm going to aim for at least one picture in each post. Because it's fun.

Up next: Is it really stealing or completing a mission?

lynnielou

06-13-2007, 08:56 PM

Hello all, (by all means let's not forget Goofy, aka the big guy. Fred I love you, wonderful husband of 26 years!)

Good job with the installment Abby! Your pictures are SO Cool!. So many decisions to be made about the attire and trying to look fashionable all at the same time, and lets not forget comfort in the heat of Florida. I have purchased some clothing already and do antiicipate just a little bit more. I need about 2 more pairs of shorts. I am leaning more towards cotton as opposed to knits and I think they breathe better.

I will ask others out there another question -- what does one with naturally wavy/curly hair do in Florida with all the humidity? Right now I really think that my hair is going to be up in a clip 80% of the time!!!! I am afraid that if is left to its own desires, we will have one huge frizz ball!:sad2:

Ooooooh, I really want to hear more about this tattoo. Details?

As far as more details regarding my tink tatto -- She has about 4-5 colors, vertical orientation, with wand and some stardust. Like Abby said in her previous post from tonight there may be photos forthcoming before too long. I am very pleased with it. The tattoo artist did indicate that he has "done a ton" of Tinkerbell tattoos. He was surprised that I had my first tattoo done at the age of 51 - "awesome and cool". Tinkerbell is positioned in the innner upper quadrant of my left breast. She can be seen just peering over a bra line. There really was not much pain involved, certainly nothing more than somewhat of a burning or a scratching type of feeling.

I am a HUGE sports fan and last night when I was posting I had the Detroit Tigers game on the TV and did not even realize I was watching history in the making. Justin Verlander threw a no-hitter. How exciting. He has been my favorite Tiger for the past few years now. Go Tigers, perhaps the Word Series Champions this year!:cheer2:

ANTSS2001

06-14-2007, 10:10 PM

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh huh !!! Found it !!!:woohoo:

abbybeth

06-14-2007, 10:44 PM

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh huh !!! Found it !!!:woohoo:

:banana: the party can REALLY start now! wheee!

ANTSS2001

06-15-2007, 12:37 AM

Just got home.... :car: Great pre trippie report!!!

:wave2: lynnielou and abby's dad !!!

prncssmel

06-15-2007, 11:20 AM

Now wait a minute - let's not forget the big guy:rotfl2:

And the tattoo was the other part of her early birthday present - and it is VERY cute. Hopefully pictures soon!

Not forgetting you at all, I promise! :thumbsup2

Officially let's :welcome: BOTH my mom:tink: and dad:goofy: to this little pre-trippie party!

I have to say, I'm still a bit surprised/but still not entirely surprised about the whole mom tattoo thing. What can I say? I've had one for a while now (will be 4 years in October) and decided to reveal my "little" secret when I found out about my mom's.

*warning! tangent not related to Disney!*

You see, my parents have not always been so fond of the permanent body art. I did my research and pondered my decision for a good 4-5 years before I took the plunge. I decided not to make a big deal out of it or let them know because it was something that I had done for me - and I didn't see any reason to throw something that potentially stressful and argument inducing into the pot just for kicks :stir:

I have toyed on and off with the idea of getting a second, which my parents are kind of encouraging for a strange parallel universe type of feeling. Here is my current work, something that I designed myself based on several celtic crosses found in various places throughout Scotland (I am Scottish, spent my formative years as a highland dancer and am proud of my Christian faith)

:lmao: What a hilarious way for them to finally find out. I love the detail on it.

BTW, I will see if I can get a picture of aformentioned Tink tattoo when I go home next weekend for the father's dad/mom's birthday dual purpose celebration - with the added addition of mom's identical twin! riotous fun shall ensue! *and it will probably involve beer:ssst: *

Identical twin . . . seriously?

The next acquisition started easily enough. I was involved in a present exchange arranged through an online cat owners community to exchange mystery boxes of toys and treats. (this, by the way, was very fun and Zoë was very spoiled by our exchange partner!) I went to Staples to send off the box o' fun and naturally, I had to walk around and peruse all of the brightly colored pens and markers afterwards.

That is a really cool exchange idea.

And then I saw it.

The most perfect, lightweight, organizational device. In perfect DISboard lime. This was certainly not a luxury, but a necessity integral to our Disney success. What you ask, was this gift sent from heaven?

a 1" binder (with inner pockets - no binder is worth it's salt if it doesn't have those inner pockets!)
Those unruly park plans and ADR confirmations have no chance at escape now!

Okay, I ahve added binder to my very long checklist of waht to buy. All my papers are just strewn all over the place now.

Their counterparts sharing the glory in that photograph are LGMHs in 3D! Otherwise known as antenna toppers...:rolleyes1

I have a Disney store in the local mall and I was having a need for a Disney fix ... I only went in to absorb the atmosphere - honest!

Okay, I totally need a Disney store by me b/c I need those. Hmmm . . . I wonder if I can order them online.

And of course I got distracted by something shiny (again, figuratively ... while radioactively bright, the heads are sadly not shiny ... yet...;) )
I picked up 3, because if you've read this far, you know that there are 3 of us and I will be running them through their spongy little not-quite-there skulls with my jewelry awl to make hanging decorations for our bags we carry in the park (mom and dad have both already secured their for the trip)

It looks like at this point, I will be giving in to the Baggalini messenger sling. *le sigh* [that's French for sigh, in case you were wondering]

I would love to bring my Peacock Vera Bradley messenger bag but it's all cotton and dad doesn't think it's the best choice (wouldn't keep my camera and such dry on water rides ... but it's so cute! Maybe it'll still make the trip down with me and we'll see what happens *insert shift eyes here*

I totally vote for Vera Bradley. That thing is gorgeous!

Up next: Is it really stealing or completing a mission?

Ooooh, I think I know what you got. I am making a countdown calendar out of them this weekend if it is!

I will ask others out there another question -- what does one with naturally wavy/curly hair do in Florida with all the humidity? Right now I really think that my hair is going to be up in a clip 80% of the time!!!! I am afraid that if is left to its own desires, we will have one huge frizz ball!:sad2:

Okay, this sounds crazy, but my hair actually works better curly with the humidity. The air is so dry here that getting my hair to curl rather than just be a limp wavy takes a lot of product. With the humidity, it curls into real curls. I just use a lot of anti-frizz product and make it curly. Or sometimes I take the 2 hours to blowdry and flat iron and way more anti-frizz stuff. But that is only when I am too exited to sleep and am up at 4 a.m. ready to go!

As far as more details regarding my tink tatto -- She has about 4-5 colors, vertical orientation, with wand and some stardust. Like Abby said in her previous post from tonight there may be photos forthcoming before too long. I am very pleased with it. The tattoo artist did indicate that he has "done a ton" of Tinkerbell tattoos. He was surprised that I had my first tattoo done at the age of 51 - "awesome and cool". Tinkerbell is positioned in the innner upper quadrant of my left breast. She can be seen just peering over a bra line. There really was not much pain involved, certainly nothing more than somewhat of a burning or a scratching type of feeling.

Wow, it didn't hurt? It sounds really cool.

abbybeth

06-15-2007, 01:49 PM

lmao: What a hilarious way for them to finally find out. I love the detail on it.

Thank you, I think I still have my original drawing somewhere, I should try to find it this weekend just for kicks. The guy did a really great job on it :)

It actually was really funny. I had been talking to my mom on the phone about it and she had to go do something, I don't know and was like "here, talk to you dad for a minute" and he was explaining the whole process and I was kind of playing dumb and he was describing what mom said the sensation was like and I finally went:
Me:you know, by the way, I know what it feels like
Dad: Oh? (in the I'm-not-surprised-I-kinda-figured-as-much-but-I'm-not-mad tone) really?
Me: yeah, actually almost 4 years ago! haha

it was a great bonding conversation!:lmao:

Identical twin . . . seriously?

Oh yeah! they even dressed alike for their recent high school reunion. Identical right down to their voices and manerisms. And they're left-handed identical twins, which gets them much teasing from us superior righties.... We were actually trying to see if Lori (the twin) could come with us, but it didn't work out with her vacation time ... we'll have to find some pictures of them .. I know I have some from St. Patty's day.... <insert evil look here>

That is a really cool exchange idea.

It was a lot of fun - I'll definitely do it again when the community does the Christmas sign ups. Zoë probably liked the box everything came in the best, but I think she was pleased!

Okay, I ahve added binder to my very long checklist of waht to buy. All my papers are just strewn all over the place now.

Yes, get thee to Staples!

Okay, I totally need a Disney store by me b/c I need those. Hmmm . . . I wonder if I can order them online.

I don't know if they're online, but mine here had plenty, I'd be happy to pick some up for you - they also had some other colors and a pirate one and a princess and probably a few more! I can do that this weekend and send them your way - just let me know!

I totally vote for Vera Bradley. That thing is gorgeous!

I :love: it - it's actually my camera bag, but I think it deserves to see The World ... right? I have to be stylish for my first meeting with the Mouse - they say first impressions stick with you!

Ooooh, I think I know what you got. I am making a countdown calendar out of them this weekend if it is!

Okay, this sounds crazy, but my hair actually works better curly with the humidity. The air is so dry here that getting my hair to curl rather than just be a limp wavy takes a lot of product. With the humidity, it curls into real curls. I just use a lot of anti-frizz product and make it curly. Or sometimes I take the 2 hours to blowdry and flat iron and way more anti-frizz stuff. But that is only when I am too exited to sleep and am up at 4 a.m. ready to go!

oh good, there's hope for me too then. I got smacked by life with the curly hair stick too :/

Wow, it didn't hurt? It sounds really cool.

I'll vouch for that one, I didn't really think it hurt. For mine, the only part where it was kind of irritating was the very center of the cross - but there really isn't much "padding" right there because it's on my lower back and that center part is right on my spine, but even that wasn't bad at all!

Hey look I multi-quoted ... but I didn't do it right, I just pasted in the [quote] manually because I apparently still can't figure out the multi-quote tool. I need DIS boards for Dummies!

momof2boyz12

06-15-2007, 02:43 PM

abbybeth

06-15-2007, 09:49 PM

Great trip report! I am enjoying this one. We are going in July, and I still haven't gotten the nerve up to write a pre-trippie or trip report.

Where in Michigan are you? I am from Michigan as well. Keep up the goo work!

I live in Grand Blanc/work in Flint. I'm from Port Huron. Where are you at?

Thanks for stopping by - I hope that you'll stick around and enjoy the rest of it!:cool1:

abbybeth

06-15-2007, 10:16 PM

err.... ummm... a Mission from a Mouse

no, that's not quite right...

umm... a Mission FOR a Mouse?

That's right, Operation: Liberation is in full swing. :thumbsup2

Hello, my name is Abby and it is my God-given duty to rescue those poor lonely Mickey Mouse heads from their prison at Home Depot and bring them into an environment where they can truly realize their potential!

It began with just a handful,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0998.jpg
I swear, they reproduced on their own .... (current population of LGMH: 137)

then it became more of an addiction ... or as I like to call it, a "passion" :rotfl:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1006.jpg

Naturally, with a stash like mine I've had to hire my own security to ensure it's safety

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1003.jpg
BACK OFF! I'm trying to work here! Miss Zoe has it all under control!

Oh the things Disney makes you do! It's okay officer, Disney made me do it! However, the tragedy of tragedies is being spoken of on this board! Apparently some, if not all HDs are swiching out the Mickey heads for "normal" paint chips ... mine today was fully stocked (until I came in with my impressive stealthiness and secured my new additions!) but if the rumors are true I think I'll be going again tommorrow while I'm out running errands.

Disney has also forced my to compromise my fashion ideals, as alluded to in a previous entry. I bought these.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0996.jpg

Yes, in addition to my Croc Flops, I now own Croc Crocs. In pink.

At least they have mickey cut outs, right? :confused3

ANTSS2001

06-15-2007, 10:32 PM

abbybeth

06-15-2007, 10:38 PM

A B B Y !!!!!! :faint:

Yes? you called? :laughing:

BTW my parents contributed to the stash as well ... both on a team trip and with a trip on their own ... and from 3 different HDs ...

it's ok, they're pretty!

Avivasmom

06-15-2007, 11:45 PM

Love the Crocs...DD has the same ones!!!! Are they really comfy? Wondering if I should get myself a pair.

abbybeth

06-16-2007, 08:22 AM

Love the Crocs...DD has the same ones!!!! Are they really comfy? Wondering if I should get myself a pair.

So far so good, I haven't really gotten the chance to wear them all that much. My mom also got a pair (exactly like mine) and my dad got a pair of the regular Crocs in khaki. I know they've both been wearing theirs a lot and have said nothing but good things about them. They feel pretty comfortable to me, though it's odd to walk in them because it's just like everyone says - it does feel like you could walk out of them! (even though you don't!)

I've been wearing my Croc Flops (the Athens) more often and I am really liking those.

I guess if everyone else is Disney is wearing funny shoes than they won't notice that I am wearing funny shoes too!:confused3

For me, I think that the jury may still be out, but my parents are stopping by this thread pretty often and will probably give their input too ... I think that they both have been really pleased.

Abby's Dad

06-16-2007, 10:05 AM

Croc-A-Doodle-Doo!:cool1:

I do like the Crocs, and as Abby knows, I hate having anything on my feet, prefer barefoot, will put on a sandal if I have to, and heaven-forbid, will put on a pair of socks and real shoes when forced to (see wedding picture, and picture a gun to my head). The CROCS are amazingly light - I have the 4XL (you know, the sizes that are only availabe direct from the company), and I can hold one by the hole in the end with just my little finger, with no stress. And wearing them is the closest that I have come to going barefoot and still having something on my feet - I am sold. I am even beginning to think that they don't look ugly!

Now Abby, umm... a Mission FOR a Mouse?
Are we on the same mission? No wait, it is the mousse that I'm on a mission for - at Boulangerie Patisserie.

Anyway, now that I have the footwear, have my bagalini messenger bag, have reservations up the .... anyway, now I need a hat to protect my hair-coverage-challenged head - needs to provide good coverage, well ventilated to keep me cool on those 90-degree days, and need we say it, it needs to be dapper as well! Any suggestions on that?

The planning for this trip has been a lot of fun, especially when we three get a chance to get together and talk. We have been accumulating a number of more necessary things (well, of course the LGMH's are necessary!), such as very lightway monopods to aid in the picture taking, very compact umbrellas to go in our bags (from Totes - I haven't measured, but they can't be much longer then 4 inches, and have a lifetime warranty. Those lifetime warranties always both me - it breaks, you take it in, and they say, well, it looks like it is time for a funeral, because that umbrella's lifetime is over!), and some lightweight but yet sturdy rain ponchos to fit in the bagalini very nicely. Also, in antipation of taking lots of pictures (party at Lynn and Fred's - oh .... their showing their vacation pictures again!), we have researched various means to enhance our picture storage while in the World - and we got a Wolverine Flash Pac - it is essentially a miniature 60 Gb hard drive with card reader slots built in for all the major camera cards, all in a package that is like 2.5 x 0.5 x 5 inches (don't hold me to that - I didn't measure, just guesstimating.). Also got a great price on Canon batteries for our new camcorder from Adorama camera in New York - half the price of everybody else's best price - we we've got that covered (it is a brand new model from Canon, I think the number is DC-230, just out in April, and has like a 30X optical zoom (hoping for a room overlooking the pool :rotfl2: ), records to a DVD, but also has built-in still picture capability and takes a 1Gb mini-SD care for still pictures. Now to learn how to use it.

Well back to the devious planning mode - there are plans going through this mind that won't be fully revealed until the post-trip report, some of which are in a conspiracy with the Abbybeth, but some that even she knows nothing about!

Til next we meet ..:dance3:

abbybeth

06-16-2007, 10:14 AM

Now Abby, Are we on the same mission? No wait, it is the mousse that I'm on a mission for - at Boulangerie Patisserie.

Well back to the devious planning mode - there are plans going through this mind that won't be fully revealed until the post-trip report, some of which are in a conspiracy with the Abbybeth, but some that even she knows nothing about!

Til next we meet ..:dance3:

muahahahaha! :maleficen (had to go with Maleficent. Apparently there's no devious smilie. That needs to be fixed)

I love evil scheming! :love: It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

I like the sounds of the Mission for Mousse ... though I've heard their eclairs aren't too shabby either!

ANTSS2001

06-16-2007, 10:29 AM

now I need a hat to protect my hair-coverage-challenged head - needs to provide good coverage, well ventilated to keep me cool on those 90-degree days, and need we say it, it needs to be dapper as well! Any suggestions on that?

Til next we meet ..:dance3:

Hello Abby's Dad... putting my 25 cents in.... a few of my friends DH uses this kind for head gear and they said that it worked well with the Florida weather:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/coolibar_1952_5211211

theyn mentioned Macy's has a good kind for $10 less that WDW is selling... but if you are compelled to buy the one from the mouse it is also all over the WORLD... esply AK and AKL and DTD!!

Hope this help....

Abby's Dad

06-17-2007, 11:43 AM

Thanks for the heads-up, Ants2001. DW and I went to the local Macy's last night, and they had it (different color hatband, but that is to be expected), and ON SALE! WooHoo! Looks like it will work great, and DW says that it meets the dapper qualification. One more item checked off thanks to you!

Abby's Dad

06-17-2007, 11:48 AM

Lo and behold - what came in yesterday's mail but some Pixie Dust from Tinkerbelle - and as I pointed out to the DW, this was not something sent by DD or by me - it had an Orlando postmark, obviously from the Tink herself (probably greatly impressed by DW's Tink Tat, or T3, if you will). What a great amount of fun, and so thoughtful - it would be just so cool if Tink would show up at the Tower of Terror (T2) meet! With all of the magic of WDW and this group, who knows - it could happen, couldn't it?!?

ANTSS2001

06-17-2007, 09:12 PM

ANTSS2001

06-17-2007, 09:13 PM

Glendamax

06-18-2007, 01:22 AM

Abby's Dad

06-18-2007, 08:55 AM

Hi Glendamax!

Nice to have another one from the upcoming Tower of Terror meet over here. I think we're having a pretty good time passing the time here, and finding a way to keep our excitement focused. I know that we are all looking forward to meeting you and ANTSS2001 down at the World - now we need to get the rest of the ToT party over here!

abbybeth

06-18-2007, 06:51 PM

Hey Abby! I'm hereeee!!!! Why am I always LATE to fun reports?!

Well I havent finished everything yet, but wanted to say . . .
1. The shoes your Mom wore to the wedding were very cute.
2. You look like a peppy cheerleader in your picture! :cheer2:
3. Beware of pre-trip shopping. It IS addictive! (I have 5 pairs of crocs AND own glow in the dark necklaces)

Now I have to go back and read the rest . . .

Wheee! Another DIS "celebrity"! :welcome: Glendamax! I should give you the cold shoulder for the cheerleader comment though!:lmao: j/k ... sorta ... but not really ... but maybe ...

haha I was and always have been the anti-cheerleader. I was an athlete through high school and college - I'm of the school of thought that cheerleading is not a sport! haha. That picture was from Greek Week my senior year though, so I was out supporting my sorority and our fraternity partner (but hey, we won the wheelbarrow race because of my dive at the end!)

and you're not late! You're just in time - things are just starting to pick up around here :) And besides you can borrow an appropriate quote from The Princess Diaries Two "The Queen is never late, she arrives exactly when she means to"

and maybe we're all early ... the countdown is still in the 70s! :laughing:

pre-trip shopping IS addictive. The question of "could I use this for Disney?" has become some sort of mantra in the back of my mind ... but it's ok cause I like shopping! The rents are also quite clearly getting the Disney Trip Shopping bug too - so it's ok!

I'm glad you're here, hopefully I can be entertaining enough! :)

lynnielou

06-18-2007, 08:04 PM

Well yes, the whole fam-dam (wait a minute, we will get this right) The whole family is here. How is everyone? :cool1:

Glendamax said, "The shoes your Mom wore to the wedding were very cute."

Thanks for noticing. We got them at a DSW (a big-box shoe store) and they actually were comfortable for the height of the heel. I may bring them to wear with the dress, as that may be the dress that I wear to Vic and Al's. It is a material that will pack well and you can tell from the top part that it will do well in the heat.

I was so bummed out when I got to work this morning as I realized that my "Show and Tell" for the day - being my post card that arrived in Saturday's mail from Tink - was left on the coffee table. I am going to take it in to work with me on Wednesday as I have a day off tomorrow. I get warm and fuzzy just thinking about my reaction when I saw that card come in the mail on Saturday. What fun! Thanks Tink, I really, really do enjoy you and all of your magic. These feelings go back to when I was a little girl and our family tradition was to watch Wonderful Word on Disney on Sunday nights, before Bonanza!.

Abby said: "maybe we're all early ... the countdown is still in the 70s! "

The day will be here before we know it. I am still at times in disbelieve that we will be going to WDW. Never in my life did I ever dream of taking a vacation to WDW.

Antss2001 posted: "Love the Crocs...DD has the same ones!!!! Are they really comfy? Wondering if I should get myself a pair."

Yes the crocs are very comfortable. I wear mine around the house and everywhere, a lot. I even did my grocery shopping in them today. They have good "cush" and that helps me a lot right now and I have a case of plantar fascitis (heel spur problem) on my right foot. They are so light, feels like you have nothing on your feet, yet they give more support than flip-flops.

Time to close for now. TTFN:yay:

abbybeth

06-18-2007, 08:51 PM

... it's not an obsession ....

It's a DISNEY-FUELED PASSION!

Hello, my name is Abby and I feel the need to acquire necessary items for my Disney vacation!

*group* Hi Abby! :grouphug:

Exhibit A:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1001.jpg
Ah, how I love TJ Maxx ... and randomly wandering through the children's section to find this little beauty to be the only Disney shirt there and it's the kiddie size I wear! Yay! Marie! :D The only problem may be that it's black and will soak up the sun like there's no tomorrow!

Exhibit B & C:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0995.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_0994.jpg

Yes, that's right! One for the girls and one for the boys! We 3 bears are gonna cheese it up and match for at least part of one of the days we're down there:rotfl: after all, we already have funny looking shoes!

but I draw the line at fanny packs. Any member of our little party even THINKS of a fanny pack and I will ....umm.... punish them somehow.

At any rate that should round out the character shirts with the exception of the fact that I need a BATB/Belle shirt. I may end up ordering one of the customizable ones from Disney Shopping - has anyone done this before? How is the quality of the image? It doesn't say if it's actually screened on or just a heat transfer and a screened image will last a lot longer - for $15, I want the silly shirt to last a while!

As dad has posted, he has acquired a "dapper hat" and is so pleased that he thinks mom and I need to also acquire hats. Of an acceptable nature.

Apparently my baseball hats are not acceptable and will be too warm. Have you seen the women's straw hats? Big floppy J-LO circa 2001 floppy things? :rotfl2:

Although, perhaps it IS an excuse for a little more shopping!

.... now if only I didn't look like an albino when wearing shorts ... but I guess you can't have everything!

Sorry this wasn't one of my award winning entries that you have all come to love and adore :love: I had a meeting all day for work and am a bit fried ... I promise I'll come back from this weekend get together with some new great material - and PICTURES!!! :banana:

ANTSS2001

06-18-2007, 11:19 PM

We got them at a DSW (a big-box shoe store)

I was so bummed out when I got to work this morning as I realized that my "Show and Tell" for the day - being my post card that arrived in Saturday's mail from Tink - was left on the coffee table. I am going to take it in to work with me on Wednesday as I have a day off tomorrow. I get warm and fuzzy just thinking about my reaction when I saw that card come in the mail on Saturday. What fun! Thanks Tink, I really, really do enjoy you and all of your magic. These feelings go back to when I was a little girl and our family tradition was to watch Wonderful Word on Disney on Sunday nights, before Bonanza!.

Antss2001 posted: "Love the Crocs...DD has the same ones!!!! Are they really comfy? Wondering if I should get myself a pair."

Yes the crocs are very comfortable. TTFN:yay:

:wave2: hello lynnielou .... Love DSW... we were there this morning for a quick shoe replacement... I am a big fan of New balance but cant get myself to pay the regular price that Dicks sporting goods and new balance Store sells... saw this one shoe... "all terrain" my new addiction ... one of the few I have... :lmao: and it was $75 :faint: but I really want it so dsis said... she'kk buy it as a summer gift!! so off she go and pay for it... and was stunned when she was only charged $22 ... only then we realized they are having a big sale... :banana: So I feel much better by the time we leave the store...

it was Avivasmom who had commented about the ""Love the Crocs...DD has the same ones!!!! " .... sorry

Ahhhh I love postcards!!!:upsidedow

Glendamax

06-19-2007, 02:26 AM

AGPrincess

06-19-2007, 09:37 AM

I just found your TR today!!

It is soo much fun that your whole family is on here!

I'm all for the croc flops too...though those pink mickey ones are pretty cute...

Your mickey paint chip collection is HILARIOUS. And my dad yells at me for stealing five!

Love, love, love the hula shirts. And hey. Matching isn't cheesey. My mom sometimes makes my four brothers (ages ranging from 4 to 20) wear matching shirts. ;)

Abby's Dad

06-19-2007, 09:53 AM

Your mickey paint chip collection is HILARIOUS. And my dad yells at me for stealing five!

We do not STEAL! We are LIBERATING them. There acquisition and departure from the prison known as Home Depot is accompanied by singing M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E, and chants of "FREE MICKEY! - Ah yes, visions of the 60s and 70s - OUT NOW!, etc.

I did forget that you ARE a part of the TOT crew!

And I can hardly wait to meet you and the other DISers - people that don't know about the boards like the DIS (which certainly seems to me to be the best) are just missing out on so much - after all you have to make reservations so far in advance, you've got to have something to do while you are waiting, and this has been so much fun!

Well, Lynn is calling - it seems that it is time to take pictures of THE tattoo!

ANTSS2001

06-19-2007, 11:48 AM

prncssmel

06-19-2007, 02:39 PM

Wow, you are just cruisin' along here. :thumbsup2 I had lots to catch up on.

Oh yeah! they even dressed alike for their recent high school reunion. Identical right down to their voices and manerisms. And they're left-handed identical twins, which gets them much teasing from us superior righties.... We were actually trying to see if Lori (the twin) could come with us, but it didn't work out with her vacation time ... we'll have to find some pictures of them .. I know I have some from St. Patty's day.... <insert evil look here>

Well, we definitely need pics of that! That is so great. And I should mention I am proud to be a superior right-hander, though I can only ride a scooter left handed b/c that's how my dad taught me when I was little.

I don't know if they're online, but mine here had plenty, I'd be happy to pick some up for you - they also had some other colors and a pirate one and a princess and probably a few more! I can do that this weekend and send them your way - just let me know!

They do not have the green ones online. PM me if you think you might get a chance to get some soon for me. Thanks!

I :love: it - it's actually my camera bag, but I think it deserves to see The World ... right? I have to be stylish for my first meeting with the Mouse - they say first impressions stick with you!

Exactly, you need the Mouse to know you are fashionable.

oh good, there's hope for me too then. I got smacked by life with the curly hair stick too :/

People always say they would love to have curly hair, and I always tell them they really don't. It is so much more work than people think. :sad2:

Hey look I multi-quoted ... but I didn't do it right, I just pasted in the [quote] manually because I apparently still can't figure out the multi-quote tool. I need DIS boards for Dummies!

You are multi-quoting a lot now, so I assume you figured it out. :thumbsup2

err.... ummm... a Mission from a Mouse

no, that's not quite right...

umm... a Mission FOR a Mouse?

That's right, Operation: Liberation is in full swing. :thumbsup2

Hello, my name is Abby and it is my God-given duty to rescue those poor lonely Mickey Mouse heads from their prison at Home Depot and bring them into an environment where they can truly realize their potential!

It began with just a handful,

I swear, they reproduced on their own .... (current population of LGMH: 137)

then it became more of an addiction ... or as I like to call it, a "passion" :rotfl:

:rotfl: I think I have over 200 now b/c we have had to go to Home Depot a lot lately. Today DF called me from there to ask me a question. I made him pick me up some more while he was there!

Naturally, with a stash like mine I've had to hire my own security to ensure it's safety

BACK OFF! I'm trying to work here! Miss Zoe has it all under control!

:lmao: Princess thinks the mickey heads are toys for her and keeps running off with a pile of them.

Oh the things Disney makes you do! It's okay officer, Disney made me do it! However, the tragedy of tragedies is being spoken of on this board! Apparently some, if not all HDs are swiching out the Mickey heads for "normal" paint chips ... mine today was fully stocked (until I came in with my impressive stealthiness and secured my new additions!) but if the rumors are true I think I'll be going again tommorrow while I'm out running errands.

Disney has also forced my to compromise my fashion ideals, as alluded to in a previous entry. I bought these.

Yes, in addition to my Croc Flops, I now own Croc Crocs. In pink.

At least they have mickey cut outs, right? :confused3

You gave in???? No, we were like the last hold outs on this board. I feel like the melting Wicked Witch. I refuse . . . I refuse . . .

Now Abby, Are we on the same mission? No wait, it is the mousse that I'm on a mission for - at Boulangerie Patisserie.

Where do I sign up for that mission? :thumbsup2

... it's not an obsession ....

It's a DISNEY-FUELED PASSION!

Hello, my name is Abby and I feel the need to acquire necessary items for my Disney vacation!

*group* Hi Abby! :grouphug:

Exhibit A:
Ah, how I love TJ Maxx ... and randomly wandering through the children's section to find this little beauty to be the only Disney shirt there and it's the kiddie size I wear! Yay! Marie! :D The only problem may be that it's black and will soak up the sun like there's no tomorrow!

Love the Marie shirt. Crap, I just realized I still haven't made it to Kohl's.

Exhibit B & C:
Yes, that's right! One for the girls and one for the boys! We 3 bears are gonna cheese it up and match for at least part of one of the days we're down there:rotfl: after all, we already have funny looking shoes!

but I draw the line at fanny packs. Any member of our little party even THINKS of a fanny pack and I will ....umm.... punish them somehow.

Ooooooh, make them walk the plank!

At any rate that should round out the character shirts with the exception of the fact that I need a BATB/Belle shirt. I may end up ordering one of the customizable ones from Disney Shopping - has anyone done this before? How is the quality of the image? It doesn't say if it's actually screened on or just a heat transfer and a screened image will last a lot longer - for $15, I want the silly shirt to last a while!

I haven't ordered from them before, but I think I am getting shirts for my bridesmaids there. I will let you know how they turn out.

Apparently my baseball hats are not acceptable and will be too warm. Have you seen the women's straw hats? Big floppy J-LO circa 2001 floppy things? :rotfl2:

Although, perhaps it IS an excuse for a little more shopping!

I vote for the J-LO hat. I am thinking it would be way sexy on you! :laughing:

.... now if only I didn't look like an albino when wearing shorts ... but I guess you can't have everything!

3 words for you: spray on tan. Total lifesaver for the major whiteness that is me.

abbybeth

06-19-2007, 03:10 PM

This thread is trully a treat! I feel like I've been at a family dinner! :goodvibes
Can't believe all of you are here! And since I read so many threads on here, I did forget that you ARE a part of the TOT crew! So I'd better make sure that I'm there on 9/13 to see the family! I cant wait to tell my Mother about this: "Well Ma, even though I didnt plan on going to MGM that day, I HAVE to go cuz Mom, Dad and Sissy (:cheer2:) will be there!"
My Mom ---> :confused: "My daughter IS in a cult!"

Can I offer you some Kool-Aid?
We're not a proper cult without offering Kool-Aid! :rotfl:

We're glad to welcome you to "the table" we're all a little mad here ....:ccat: The TOT meet is going to be a riot. I can already tell!

But hey, at least my feet will be comfy!

I have yet to go to DSW! I have a hard time finding shoes because I have very narrow feet. So shoe shopping is NOT something I enjoy doing.

Comfy feet = good thing! :) DSW is kind of a crazy place - shoes, shoes, shoes! You really have to be "in the mood" to go there otherwise it can be a bit overwhelming, but they have a fantastic selection - and usually have a great selection of widths, so I would highly recommend it!

Love the Disney shirts you bought! Did you know that if you just show your Disney Visa at World of Disney, that you get a discount? I believe it's 10%. That's how I bought my total down.

Thanks! The Marie one was only $6! I've heard that Disney is a tad price happy on their souveniers ... and sounds like their sizing is REALLY off! eeps!

But at least my little Ariel card will get me a teensy price break - discounts are always good news to me! :)

I just found your TR today!!

It is soo much fun that your whole family is on here!

Your mickey paint chip collection is HILARIOUS. And my dad yells at me for stealing five!

Hi!:wave2: I've been reading your TR too! I don't think I've commented on it yet though - you make the Poly sound SO amazing!

Dad definitely doesn't mind my Mickey paint chip habit. He helps! :banana:

Oh, and like ANTSS2001 mentioned, the Disney store has all their "tiki" themed stuff at least 25% off, with the Tiki and Hula themed t-shirts at $5 each!

(btw, I have an American Girl too - I have Molly!)

We do not STEAL! We are LIBERATING them. There acquisition and departure from the prison known as Home Depot is accompanied by singing M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E, and chants of "FREE MICKEY! - Ah yes, visions of the 60s and 70s - OUT NOW!, etc.

Well, Lynn is calling - it seems that it is time to take pictures of THE tattoo!

hahaha :lmao: it's a true story. Not only do we undertake solo Mickey liberation adventures - we team up too! I grab the paint chips, Mom pretends to be interested in the brochures of room examples and dad is on hand to provide decoy employee interaction and do a quick clean up of any LGMHs I may have missed.

Then we saunter out to the car and do a victory counting. We're fun!

It's merely a side benefit that CiCi's Pizza Buffet is right next door to HD!

Abby's Dad

06-19-2007, 03:17 PM

abbybeth

06-19-2007, 03:34 PM

Well, we definitely need pics of that! That is so great. And I should mention I am proud to be a superior right-hander, though I can only ride a scooter left handed b/c that's how my dad taught me when I was little.

I'll see what I can arrange ;) muahaha

Exactly, you need the Mouse to know you are fashionable.

Seriously!

People always say they would love to have curly hair, and I always tell them they really don't. It is so much more work than people think. :sad2:

OH I KNOW!!! 2 of my best friends have wonderful silky straight hair and swear they'd rather have mine. They have NO clue! rawr!

:lmao: Princess thinks the mickey heads are toys for her and keeps running off with a pile of them.

I did catch Zoë trying to gnaw on the corner of the bag .... though maybe she was just trying to "damage" the corners to make them less appealing to would-be thieves?

You gave in???? No, we were like the last hold outs on this board. I feel like the melting Wicked Witch. I refuse . . . I refuse . . .

Well, the parents ordered mine with theirs. I couldn't stiff the parents, so I paid the people and now have Croc Crocs. Jury's still out. I don't think you'll be able to get me to admit that I like them (especially since I'm not actually sure yet if I DO like them ...) but Croc Flops are good!

Where do I sign up for that mission? :thumbsup2

Apparently you've won a ticket to that mission by being the 50th post! Congratuations!

Ooooooh, make them walk the plank!

BRILLIANT! (best said like the guys from the Guinness commercial) That's the perfect answer ... I like the way you think! If thee dons a fanny pack, it's the plank for ye! pirate: yarrrr!

I haven't ordered from them before, but I think I am getting shirts for my bridesmaids there. I will let you know how they turn out.

yes, yes, keep me posted ... and post pictures! I want to see what they look like!

I vote for the J-LO hat. I am thinking it would be way sexy on you! :laughing:

Oh baby! hahaha .... I might not be able to keep the men off of me and that would be SUCH a distraction to the vacation that it would be entirely inappropriate! I'll suppose I shall have to find other hat alternatives for the greater good of the group .... and really, the brims on those are so large, the darn hat needs it's own 3 feet radius... though that might be an effect means of retaining personal space in a crowd! and excuse me is this seat saved? Yes, I need the spot for my hat! :rotfl:

3 words for you: spray on tan. Total lifesaver for the major whiteness that is me.
good call - I haven't delved into the world of fake tans since high school prom ... any recommendations for me?

Abby's Dad

06-19-2007, 10:03 PM

OK, it seems as if it is finally time for Tink to make her appearance - let's see if I can post a picture:

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/T3003.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/T3012.jpg

That's it - she's part of the family now!

ANTSS2001

06-20-2007, 12:30 AM

ANTSS2001

06-21-2007, 08:09 PM

Abby.... Lynnielou... Abby's Dad ... where are you ??? Didi you leave without us ???:sad1:

Abby's Dad

06-21-2007, 09:21 PM

Abby.... Lynnielou... Abby's Dad ... where are you ??? Didi you leave without us ???

NOT A CHANCE ANTSS! I think a lot of it was just the end of the work week and things that have to get done, plus the Abster has a sick car that she had to take to the car hospital today - fortunately nothing fatal, but 'tis a bump in the road.

I spent a part of my day today finding numerous appropriate E-Birthday cards for DW, who turned 52 today, and as I told her in one of the cards, she is at least as beautiful now as she was when I married her - and an even better friend! Was also playing around with the home computer network trying to get everybody on speaking terms - we have 3 that are hard-wired, and one that is wireless. The wireless recently got upgraded to Vista (I had it talking to everybody before that), and now it seems to have taken an attitude and will only talk to itself.

While I was looking for cards for Lynn I came across what I will be getting tattooed on me - unfortunately, nothing Disney, but more related to my Scottish heritage. Medically, I probably shouldn't be considering the tat - but I may just say to heck with it for this one! Just a teaser here MIK.

Have not put aside all planning for the Big Trip though, just that most of what I am working on will hopefully be a surprise, and won't be revealed publically until the post-trip report DD23 knows of some of it - we have been pretty good co-conspirators over the years, and some of it I had to let her in on, or she might have been working on it herself behind my back (no sir, nobody pulls anything off behind my back!). There are menus to look at, and pictures to scan, and miles to go before I sleep - wait a minute, this is only a test - pick which one does not belong.

Looks like you have picked up another rider for the ToT event - that's OK, between Glendamax and myself, we can hang onto lots of peoples belongings - bring 'em on!

I have also busied myself with a group of fanatics who follow a Celtic band called Bridgid's Cross, who with any luck, will be playing here in Port Huron next weekend. They are scheduled, and a number of their fans have already booked hotel rooms and are planning on participating in some of the things that I have planned out for them - now we just need the Irish pub to open - they are supposed to be open in time, having already missed a couple of other openings, but we've got our fingers crossed for this one, because I've developed quite a thirst - governor, draw me pint of Smithwick's with a Guinness head :drinking1 . You see, I'm not just Scottish (but the Abster thought so until I broke it to her this past St. Paddy's day - granny was Irish, gramps was a Scot - no wonder they got divorced after only 40 years!). Needless to say, there will definitely be two places that you will have a good chance to find me down at WDW - Raglan Road or in Epcot for Off Kilter (those are my kind of guys - you know, maybe a nice summer weight kilt would be more comfy than shorts) - either way - basically never have anything covering my lower legs - absolutely hate it!

Have gone on long enough - need to raise a bottle (yuk - but what can you do) of Smithwick's to the birthday girl! :drinking1

abbybeth

06-21-2007, 09:45 PM

NOT A CHANCE ANTSS! I think a lot of it was just the end of the work week and things that have to get done, plus the Abster has sick care that she had to take to the car hospital today - fortunately nothing fatal, but 'tis a bump in the road.

She should come out of surgery just fine. I should know tomorrow afternoon. Poor little Taurus, she needs to hang in there!

The wireless recently got upgraded to Vista (I had it talking to everybody before that), and now it seems to have taken an attitude and will only talk to itself.

Sometimes talking to yourself is the only intelligent conversation you can get!:lmao: clearly Vista has unleased the laptop's superiority complex that it didn't know it had!

DD23 knows of some of it - we have been pretty good co-conspirators over the years, and some of it I had to let her in on, or she might have been working on it herself behind my back (no sir, nobody pulls anything off behind my back!).

Quasi-Evil partners in crime. We're like the Diet Coke of evil and also drink Diet Coke in great quantity when scheming and plotting evil. Hey deviousity becomes us ....

because I've developed quite a thirst - governor, draw me pint of Smithwycke's with a Guiness head :drinking1 .

Yeah, me too ... count on your parents to get you hooked on expensive tasty beer!

You see, I'm not just Scottish (but the Abster thought so until I broke it to her this past St. Paddy's day - granny was Irish, gramps was a Scot - no wonder they got divorced after only 40 years!). Needless to say, there will definitely be two places that you will have a good chance to find me down at WDW - Raglan Road or in Epcot for Off Kilter (those are my kind of guys - you know, maybe a nice summer weight kilt would be more comfy than shorts) - either way - basically never have anything covering my lower legs - absolutely hate it!

It's true, He wears shorts even in Winter, and yes we live in Michigan where often the snow is measured in number of feet ...

and I didn't really take the revelation of my newfound Irish heritage that well ... Scots and Irish aren't supposed to like each other and I'd been brought up as a proud Scot!

Have gone on long enough - need to raise a bottle (yuk - but what can you do) of Smithwycke's to the birthday girl! :drinking1

Hey! I want one! :sad2:

and don't worry - I'll be back in full force after this weekend with lots of fun stuff ... we'll have beer and twins! We'll be living our own beer commercial!

abbybeth

06-21-2007, 09:47 PM

Abby.... Lynnielou... Abby's Dad ... where are you ??? Didi you leave without us ???:sad1:

no ...

there's still like 77 days to go! *wails with despair*

ANTSS2001

06-21-2007, 09:50 PM

no ...

there's still like 77 days to go! *wails with despair*

Ohhhhhhhhhhh Abby... stat'ue ??? I was about to send a search party for your Tribe! :hug:

abbybeth

06-21-2007, 09:54 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhhh Abby... stat'ue ??? I was about to send a search party for your Tribe! :hug:

I'm alive .... hangin' in there ....

NEVER FEAR! THE ABBYBETH IS HERE!:banana:

*dons super hero cape*cue theme song*

ANTSS2001

06-21-2007, 10:04 PM

I'm alive .... hangin' in there ....

NEVER FEAR! THE ABBYBETH IS HERE!:banana:

*dons super hero cape*cue theme song*

well good to know that work had not kept you away from all the fun....:dance3:

abbybeth

06-22-2007, 04:28 PM

Abby's Dad

06-22-2007, 08:46 PM

Weekend plans are now cancelled.

Ah, Abster, you knew that we couldn't let the plans go down the drain - we would have come and got ya, and we wouldn't have even charged you too much for gas! Are we going to watch Fantasia this weekend? Got to get up to speed for playing golf on the Fantasia course.

abbybeth

06-22-2007, 09:04 PM

Are we going to watch Fantasia this weekend? Got to get up to speed for playing golf on the Fantasia course.

Yours or Mine? The Fantasia Anthology DVD collection arrived today courtesy of eBay - I have Fantasia (remastered with super surround sound), Fantasia 2000 and an entire bonus DVD with like 8 more hours of stuff.

I win.

:rotfl:

I'm bringing presents of the Disney variety. But my anthology isn't on of them ... I had to work eBay a long time to nab one at a good price!:woohoo:

Abby's Dad

06-22-2007, 09:46 PM

Yours or Mine? The Fantasia Anthology DVD collection arrived today courtesy of eBay - I have Fantasia (remastered with super surround sound), Fantasia 2000 and an entire bonus DVD with like 8 more hours of stuff.

OOh-OOH! I bet yours would have sound that is worthy of our sound system - ours is just the VHS one, so last century!

AGPrincess

06-22-2007, 10:55 PM

Oh, and like ANTSS2001 mentioned, the Disney store has all their "tiki" themed stuff at least 25% off, with the Tiki and Hula themed t-shirts at $5 each!

Thanks for the tips, you guys! I just went to the mall today & there were the $5 tiki shirts! I don't think they had any of the Minnie hula ones left, but I got the Tinkerbell one (so cute!).

(btw, I have an American Girl too - I have Molly!)

Hooray for American Girl dolls!

lynnielou

06-23-2007, 10:31 AM

Well, the "patient" (the Taurus) is still in the dirty car hospital. They are having difficulty locating the correct organ for transplant.

No car till at least Monday. Weekend plans are now cancelled.

I'm off to sulk some more. And I can't even go out and get ice cream to drown my sorrows in because that requires a car...

EDITGod Loves me. And so does Marv.

Marv continued to keep calling places to find the part and located it in the next town over. I got a call at 4:45 that he could go get it and I COULD get my car today! YAY MARV!!! You see, I had told him that I was supposed to go home to celebrate Father's day and my mom's birthday. Turns out he has a soft spot whe it comes to moms ... and he pushed to go the extra mile (well in this case, ike 10 miles) for me. LOVE Marv!

I have my car, my wonderful blue car, and the weekend is back on. I'll be headed home as planned when I get out of the office and collect Miss Zoe and our things!

YAY!

Well the "high spots" of the bathroom have been cleaned so I guess my twin sis and daughter can arrive as planned and let the party begin!:cool1:

We look forward to a great time hanging out, enjoying each other's company, having a celebration dinner out, (father's day, and our birthdays. 29 and holding, LOL) :bday: and oh yes! watching Fantasia. :banana: :happytv:

During the afternoon hours we are going to head south of Port Huron and take in a fine arts fair along the waterfront. The weather is absolutely gorgeous to be outside, we will enjoy!. :cheer2:

Take care! :grouphug:

Abby's Dad

06-23-2007, 10:44 AM

So I think it is time to order the customized maps - we gotta know where the Bears are going when they go to visit Cindy. Any particular tips or suggestions for this, or is it pretty straight forward?

Abby's Dad

06-23-2007, 11:33 AM

Well lookee here at who just got his ears! I am just so proud - I have to be, because nobody else is going to party over it!:banana: party: :earsboy:

ANTSS2001

06-26-2007, 01:09 AM

:confused3 :surfweb:

abbybeth

06-26-2007, 10:15 AM

:confused3 :surfweb:

Just hopping on at work real quick to let everyone know that there will be an update tonight - with pictures! I had homework for my online class to complete last night!

abbybeth

06-26-2007, 09:03 PM

and one honorary Bear, since my aunt (lynnielou's identical twin Lori) was also with us!

Now, I do apologize for the lull the this lovely adventure took. I told you - work was eating my brain! Apparently my brains are some sort of delicacy because work continues to try to get at them!

I went home, cat in tow, to celebrate the twin's birthday and father's day - yes there was temporary drama with the car (that turns out isn't quite over - they somehow managed to bump the connector for the engine temp gauge and I have to take it back in so they can reconnect it correctly this time :mad: )

We didn't really have a lot of plans for the weekend, we just knew that I had to work Saturday morning and would arrive sometime in the early afternoon. We decided to go to a local art fair and wander around and enjoy the beautiful weather. The art fair overall was a bit disappointing - it used to be a fairly decent caliber art fair, but they're apparently accepting any and all applicants ... there were only a couple artists that actually caught our attention. More on that later!

We went to dinner at the family favorite Applebee's so that we could catch the end of the Tigers game (we won!) though I was secretly pulling for Red Lobster. You see, I have an unhealthy borderline obsession with lobsters. Not only are they strangely adorable, but they are also delicious! :banana: I think I've decided to theme my kitchen around lobsters .... some people have apples or cows or chickens. I want lobsters. Tastefully done lobsters ...

Anyways, back to the weekend. Dinner was fairly tasty, though perhaps not the greatest I've had there. It was Killian's all around :drinking1 ! and then off to the mall to digest and make room for dessert! A little shopping and then we headed down to the river. Now for those of you not familiar with Michigan, we have great access to the Great Lakes. Port Huron, where we're from is located on Lake Huron (lightbulb moment - yup, that's where the city's name came from!) and there are plenty of places to go down by the river that feeds into the mouth of the lake. One of the businessmen in town, Acheson, has given a lot back to the city in recent years. One of his projects was to build a place where people could go down by the river and watch the water and ships go out into the lake and come back in. Said place also offers coffee, donuts (one of which is named after my best friend's dad and is custand filled!) fries, ice cream and wireless internet. What is this wonderous place? Vantage Point. If you're ever in Port Huron, check it out, it's wonderful.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1011.jpg
Getting tasty ice cream ...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1010.jpg
The main building has flags from all of the major shipping lines that go out into the lakes as well as various other flags... apparently Captain Jack has come by our way a few times .....pirate:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1012.jpg
I just like taking pictures, the flags were fun....

The Birthday Girls :cake:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1015.jpg
Aunt Lori's been out golfing a lot already, so is much tanner than the rest of us!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1016.jpg
My handsome dad and I ... apparently I forgot to smile for the picture I was taking of myself.... haha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1017.jpg
and the lovely view. That's Sarnia, Ontario (Canada) across the way. You can all commence being jealous now since you can't possibly have as wonderful and relaxing of a place in your town! :thumbsup2

what was our topic of discussion? Why Rosie is the worst choice ever for the Price is Right and how George Hamilton isn't eligible for the job because they wanted someone younger than Bob and it's recently been found out that George Hamilton is so old that he actually turns out to be Bob Barker's father! :rotfl2:

I have lots more pictures, so I'll continue in another entry

abbybeth

06-26-2007, 09:18 PM

So after we relaxed with our ice cream down by the river (but not in a van down by the river!) we packed it in and headed back home.

For more BEER!:drinking1

Smithwicks all around this time - gotta love Irish beer, so tasty!

Even Ferdinand, mom's art fair acquisition felt the need to imbibe...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1019.jpg
He's a wild little fella - mom's gonna have to keep an eye on him when he's loosed in the future rock garden. He got a bit tipsy and giggled all the way through Fantasia 2000!

Mom also nabbed a garden dragonfly from the same artist and I got several small leaves to hang on the wall of my apartment. I'll take a picture of those a bit later, they're gorgeous!

After dinner and ice cream it was not only beer time, but show & tell time and present time as well!

Here indeed is evidence of Tinkerbell's fondness for my parents...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1027.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1028.jpg

no mischief until September, huh? What fun is that? *pouts* well... she told THEM no mischief ... she didn't say anything about me!

On the subject of Tink, here is a newer picture of lynnielou's Tink, she's basically all healed now and just needs a couple tiny touch ups.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1031.jpg

Of course, Zoe didn't understand why all the fuss wasn't being made about her!:confused3
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1029.jpg

Presents and Preparations in Part III (how's that for alliteration?)

abbybeth

06-26-2007, 09:30 PM

That's right - it's Mel's fault!:lmao:

Well, sort of. I offered ...

Mel wanted a lime green 3D Mickey head like I posted about earlier and I offered to get her one since she didn't have a Disney store near her.

I swear I didn't know it was their Semi-Annual Sale!:eek:

I snagged the only 2 lime green heads left in the store. And if you're already there, you may as well look around, right? Well 5 Mickey heads, 3 tshirts, 2 hats, and several miscellaneous items later I'm $35 lighter. Really, that's not too bad!

So presents all around!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1024.jpg
The Cinderella and Fantasia shirts are mine (to wear at breakfast at CRT and MGM for Fantasmic respectively) the mickey and minnie one is mom's. Hook's bait shack is for my dad. Mom gets the Tink hat, dad gets the Mickey hat.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1025.jpg
The pencils and extra heads are mine. Don't ask me what I'm doing with them, I have no idea, but I couldn't really pass them up. Especially not the fluffy, sparkly Belle pen. I really should take that in to work and use it on the college transcripts for our transfer applicants!:lmao:

So it's kind of indirectly Mel's fault - so thanks Mel - I've had my eye on that Cindy shirt since I knew we were going to Disney (so over a month) and I wasn't going to pass it up for $6! :)

While I'm at it, here are the parents Baggalinis, in the team color and dad's dapper hat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1032.jpg

once again, Zoe thnks that we should be paying more attention to her than this silly Disney she keeps hearing about!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1023.jpg
Craziness!

Up Next: There's Disney around every corner ...

ANTSS2001

06-27-2007, 12:37 AM

hey!! wait a minute !! so it was lynnielou's bday ???

Belated :bday:!!! Did you save a slice of the :cake: :dance3:

abbybeth

06-27-2007, 09:36 PM

well there was cake left when I left! haha

I'll see you all on the other side of the weekend - I'm going on a training flight!

You see, I've never flown before. Anywhere. Disney was going to be my first time, but I'm attending my sorority's national convention this weekend and it was better for my wallet and the well being of my car to fly. So I'll be a first timer. By myself. :scared1:

I'll just keep telling myself it's practice for Disney .... see you all on Sunday!

ANTSS2001

06-27-2007, 10:17 PM

abbybeth

06-28-2007, 10:49 AM

:cool1: ohh where r u going ???:3dglasses

Indianapolis

Not as exciting as Disney, but should still be fun! :woohoo:

Abby's Dad

06-28-2007, 09:31 PM

Did you save a slice of the

Well ANTSS - saved a slice, triple layer chocolate with a nice chocolate ganache icing, but you didn't show up - so I ate it! UMM-Good!

OKAY - the trip question of the moment - since we leavy WDW on 9/14, and the first Mickey halloween thingie is that night - should we stretch another day and stay for it? We're starting to think a solid maybe.

Abby's Dad

06-30-2007, 12:49 PM

Good Saturday mes amis, fellow trippers (not that kind!), and traveling companions:

It is official, we have extended our stay at the World, and will now be there from 9/7 to 9/15, and we have our tickets for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party :mickeyjum on the 14th. How did this happen, all of a sudden-like? Well, DD23, aka Abbybeth, last weekend did the puppy dog eyes look, and said gee dad, if we could only stay one more night we could go to MNSSHP (eyes go, BLINK, BLINK). Abby's Dad's heart melts, and he determines to see what he can do. If you will now kindly go to exhibit 1, you will see that the Abster has a thing for costumes, and that Abby's Dad and the Abster have a history when it comes to Halloween. Exhibit 1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/9491227@N05/sets/72157600569332938/ Thumbnails, go ahead and click on them - you know you want to!

Listen up dear readers (and even if you aren't dear - I just want to get it out now that I, the alleged master trip planner made a big Goofy mess-up :goofy: here!) Get it together before you make your reservations, people! I spent half of my day off yesterday in the AAA office with a cute lady (OK, it could have been worse - well, actually it was - I had just spent the other half of my day off in the eye doctor's office, and that wasn't so good) getting the MNSSHP tickets, the addition to our MYM tickets, another room night, and changing the flight home (Think of the song, Please Mr Custer, I don't wanna go!). Tickets good, especially the MYM tickets - the extra day on those only cost us $2 each - very good. Unfortunately, staying another day - like there is no room in the inn, we've got to move to a Deluxe (CR), and there aren't that many choices there. Tried to talk them into a deal to move the entire thing to a deluxe for a reasonable fee - well, like the goat in the AFLAC commercial says - NAH! NAH! NAH!). And reservations to include the free dining are over so couldn't get that added on for the last day (or their quota was filled, since some people have said that they got an extra day of free dining added, but different dates that I was booking). And the airline - still got a NS coming back Saturday night, but it seems that the ticket prices have gone up since we originally reserved and got a really great rate - KA-CHING!, and oh, there is a $50 per ticket change fee, KA-CHING, KA-CHING, KA-CHING! But puppy dog eyes come to mind, and it's all good, we're staying and partying with the mouse! Who else is with us on this? party:

Oh, and exhibit #2 (since you can't have a list with only 1 item, yada yada yada - I know that!). Exhibit #2:wizard:

abbybeth

07-01-2007, 10:05 PM

I have returned and have conquered flying!

My convention was amazing! Such a great time and so wonderful to meet my sisters from across the country! I won't go into tons of detail since this is the DISboards, not the Alpha Xi Delta boards! But here are a few pictures from the weekend - Indianapolis is a great town, with a fabulous downtown area. The hotel our convention was at was literally in the heart of downtown and was attached to a huge mall by a skywalk and was in walking distance of TONS of stuff.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/AZD%20Convention%202007/IndyWarMemorialAZD072.jpg
This is the War Memorial in the middle of downtown - played with the Photo Stitch option on the camera for the first time and it's pretty neat how it works! It was massive and very beautiful - Indy had a lot of great older buildings with fantastic details.

The Colts are also working on a new stadium and we got to see the construction from the restaurant on the top of the hotel (it was really neat! The restaurant rotated - it made a full revolution once an hour and had a fantastic view!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/AZD%20Convention%202007/IMG_1090.jpg

We also got a chance to visit our National Headquarters, which is based in Indianapolis along with a lot of other National Panhellenic and International Fraternity Council organizations. All of the buildings are in their own cluster on Founders Drive, which is really cool to see!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/AZD%20Convention%202007/IMG_1068.jpg
This version of our crest was hanging outside of one of the office areas - beautiful!

I was also pleased to see that my sorority supprts my beverage of choice - Diet Coke!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/AZD%20Convention%202007/IMG_1067.jpg

Our final event of convention was our Rose Banquet, our closing awards banquet where we also installed our new national executive board and had a chance to mingle one last time with our sisters.
This is the group from my alumni association:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/AZD%20Convention%202007/IMG_1110.jpg
myself, Barb & Betty (who are also biological sisters) and Amy our chapter president

and to prove that this is DISNEY-related ... This is me with our newly installed national president Deanna Detchemendy,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/AZD%20Convention%202007/IMG_1112.jpg
who just happens to be the Vice President of Counsel for the Walt Disney Corporation in Burbank, California! I got to chat with her a bit and mentioned that I was looking for a new job and would LOVE to work for Disney and she asked me what I was interested in and even though it's not her area, to let me know whenever I apply for something and she would see what she could do for me!

abbybeth

07-01-2007, 10:15 PM

Now, back to business!!!

We have a Halloween party to begin to plan for!:cool1:

I will be making my costume, but am not sure what to go as. Here are my current options... please give opinion!

1. Belle in her yellow ball gown
2. Belle in her blue provencial dress
3. Princess Leia in her white dress from A New Hope

if you have rogue, off the list suggestions, I would like to go with either Star Wars or BatB ...:thumbsup2

ANTSS2001

07-02-2007, 01:14 AM

Exhibit 1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/9491227@N05/sets/72157600569332938/ Thumbnails, go ahead and click on them - you know you want to!
:wizard:

thanks Abby'sDad.. now we trully are family!!! :p Abby

Now, back to business!!!

We have a Halloween party to begin to plan for!:cool1:

I will be making my costume, but am not sure what to go as. Here are my current options... please give opinion!

1. Belle in her yellow ball gown
2. Belle in her blue provencial dress
3. Princess Leia in her white dress from A New Hope

if you have rogue, off the list suggestions, I would like to go with either Star Wars or BatB ...:thumbsup2

if you can find a light material for the yellow Belle Gown I think that be awesome but taking the weather in consideration... the blue provencial dress will be perfect also.. either way you can manage to CARRY the Belle outfits :thumbsup2

And just in case I get stuck at work... let me be the 1st to share this with you... Abby'sDad and lynnielou!!

http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/full/ap/3057604/graphic1.jpg

Happy Fourth!!!

Glendamax

07-02-2007, 02:33 AM

I will be making my costume, but am not sure what to go as. Here are my current options... please give opinion!

1. Belle in her yellow ball gown
2. Belle in her blue provencial dress
3. Princess Leia in her white dress from A New HopeI pick #2 - Belle in her blue dress. I think you would look nice in blue! OH WAIT!!!!! Can adults dress up like the characters? I remember reading a thread that they couldn't. But maybe the rules are different for Halloween. Check it out before you get dressed up!

Thanks for sharing some of your pics from your trip! :goodvibes

abbybeth

07-02-2007, 08:58 AM

I pick #2 - Belle in her blue dress. I think you would look nice in blue! OH WAIT!!!!! Can adults dress up like the characters? I remember reading a thread that they couldn't. But maybe the rules are different for Halloween. Check it out before you get dressed up!

Thanks for sharing some of your pics from your trip! :goodvibes

Yup! Apparently, MNSSHP is the one occasion where adults can be dressed up in the MK :) Very exciting!

Mom is going as Tinkerbell, that was a given.

Dad is debating between Peter Pan, Braveheart or one of the "Men in Kilts" from his icon.

My vote is as one of the Men in Kilts :)

Abby's Dad

07-02-2007, 11:13 AM

:banana: WooHoo! Happy Days Are Here Again:cheer2: In between loads of :laundy: this morning I decided to look on the WDW site to see if by chance a room had opened up at POFQ for our last day to not only save money, but also to avoid the hassle of moving to a different resort for one stinkin' day! :thumbsup2 indeed - there is a waterview room available. I get on the phone to my girl over at AAA, she makes the call, and sure enough, we are in, and have just saved $200:woohoo: !

After that I made a call to Dining Reservations and got an ADR for Tony's for dinner that Friday night for the MNSSHP!. Ah, life is good!

Now if only they would let me in the park with my Claymore, then I could come as braveheart, but that's not likely, and it really messes up the MIK outfit. It may be Peter Pan - mostly because he will go well with Tink, but it is also minimal clothing, which moves it way up the list for September!

Thanks for the wishes for the 4th, ANTSS!. Happy 4th to you and the rest of the trippers also. With any luck, the rain will stay away, and we will be watching the fireworks from a park alongside the St. Clair River (see some of Abby's previous pictures for the pictures of this little ol' river).

lynnielou

07-02-2007, 08:44 PM

Hello everyone!
Boy it is so hard for lynnielou to keep up with the posts of DD and DH. I mean both in the number of the posts and their creativity. I will do my best to stay in the competition. :confused3

So glad to see you Antss and Glendamax. :yay: Thanks so much for the 4th of July card Ants. :cheer2:

We hope to see more fireworks down by the river on the 4th. We did go downtown Port Huron Saturday night and wouldn't you know it, the fireworks were late getting started and then well the rain came (we could see the black cloud cover coming) which delayed the start even longer. :mad: DH and I packed up the camera equipment, folding chairs and we headed for cover in our vehicle and waited out the rain. Approximately 10 minutes later we got back outside and got DH a hot dog and I said "look, they are going to do the fireworks now". We stayed for the fireworks, they were pretty nice, but not as special as I thought they should have been, after all, it was 150th birthday for the city of Port Huron. How often does that come? Really!

DD, DH and I will venture out on the 4th for more fireworks as DH and DD hope to get some practice under their belts with camera/video equipment in preparation for WDW. I definitely anticipate that once seeing all the firworks at WDW that the local ones will be quite piddly in comparison.

In the midst of posting "grandma" is kitty-sitting for DD cat, so every now and then I have to stop and do some investigating to see what mischief Zoe is up to. I have truly forgotten how curious cats are! Zoe definitely is a keeper but has made life interesting for the last 4 days. Abby comes back home tomorrow night after work and will stay through the 4th, before returning back to her apartment, taking Zoe with her. It has been nice to kitty-sit the grand-kitty but as with true grandkids, it is nice because from what I hear from others, you can eventually send them home.

Time to close this out for now. I am so excited that we are staying for MNSSHP! :yay: Anyone else counted in for the MNSSHP??

Glendamax

07-03-2007, 01:48 AM

hmillerbarilla

07-03-2007, 09:34 AM

Abby's Dad

07-03-2007, 10:31 AM

Glendamax: I'm sorry that you can't stay too, G-Max, but I understand getting back into shape for work. I will be the first one of our group back to work, as we will get in late Saturday night, and I start work 3:30 p.m. on Sunday (but only for 4 hours - got to be honest about that!). But I really think it was necessary to add this time on and do the halloween party - ya never know how long it will be before we get back. On the other hand, if a certain person in our family lands a job with Mr. Mouse, hard telling what benefits filter down to family members! Anyway - I bet that you would have been fun to go trick-or-treating with!

hmillerbarilla: Welcome to Cindy and the 3 bears! Looks like your countdown clock has to be getting pretty short too! Sorry you can't make the ToT meet (not that I would even consider getting on that! No way! Like I told DW the last time that she offered to drive on a long trip, I may be tired, but I'm not suicidal!) Will you be doing the Halloween party on the 14th?

hmillerbarilla

07-03-2007, 10:49 AM

No, we won't be at MNSSHP either! We are one of those families that plans our lives around food,popcorn:: and we'll be at Le Cellier that night so, it is an EPCOT evening.:love:

We will be covered in LGMHs though, so be on the lookout for us! I'll be with my sister (smiller on the boards) and my mom, her best friend (who has never been to Disney) and my two kiddies. We're leaving the guys at home for this trip. Can't wait!!!!:banana: :banana:

Abby's Dad

07-03-2007, 11:16 AM

We are one of those families that plans our lives around food

Totally understand that! After making the resort ressie, the very next thing I did was do the ADRs. Had to settle for a luncheon ressie for Le Cellier, but I wouldn't be too interested in giving that up either!

Will probably post what park we will be in on what day as it gets closer in time, as well as times and places of other known meet-ups (I've got to tweak the timeline some now that we have added a day, and will probably move some of the park days around a little).

abbybeth

07-03-2007, 12:33 PM

Good morning everyone! :coffee: And, Hello Abbybeth! :wave2: I found your pre-trip report!! I'm so excited!!! :yay:

Sounds like you have done so much planning, and I think that really makes a sucessful trip. Then all you have to do is ENJOY it!!!!!! :woohoo:

I'm at the world the same week (9/9 - 9/15) but there is no way I can make it to the TOT to see the rest of you. :sad2:

also, this is a great pre-trip report. It is so fun to read! :goodvibes

HI!!! :yay: I'm glad you wandered over here! I haven't mentioned the CG potential meet up yet - I'm dropping over to the parent's house tonight for the holiday (and to pick up my kitten!) and will talk to them then.

We're kinda OCD planners, at least my dad and I are. My mom is more go with the flow as long as there's some sort of base plan to work with ... dad and I have to have EVERYTHING, EVERY LITTLE DETAIL planned! It's a sickness, but apparently serves one well in the Disney world.

Hope you stick around, the report has slowed down a touch, but should pick up with extra Halloween preparations!

abbybeth

07-03-2007, 06:02 PM

Well, naturally, I've pretty much done nothing in the Disney-pondering department that HASN'T revolved around my costume for the party. I think that I will be going with the blue provencial dress Belle wears throughout most of the movie. This pains me though. As in actual phantom physical pains.

I LOVE her yellow dress.

and consequently am having a much easier time finding sewing patterns that I could modify to make a good one.

However.

We are flying in from Michigan. In order to do a great replica of the dress, it will require petticoats and possibly a crinoline. Additionally, it would need to be made out of the special occasion fabrics - aka things that would need to probably be steamed, though I could get around this as the skirt has all over ruching and the bodice fits tight enough to make wrinkles maybe not be an issue. However, it would be difficult to get it down there. I would either have to carry it on in one of those large boxes that people use to transport their wedding dresses, crumple it into the suitcase and hope for the best or ship it down. Then I'd have to figure out how to ship it back. And where to store it for the other 364 days a year I'm not wearing it (though I suppose I could start a side business of doing princess party appearances! I'm a professional Belle!:rotfl: )

The blue dress would pack easier by far and would probably be more light weight. However (there always seems to be a however) I'm having a much more difficult time finding a pattern that I'm happy enough with to think of modifying. I know I'll still have to have a few layers to get the right look with this one too, but even with that the layers will be cotton or muslin as opposed to heavier satins and such.

Either way, I'm also going to need to buy hair extensions - since I had perfect Belle-length hair a couple months ago, but decided to chop it all off. I don't think I can grow it back long enough in time.

The blue dress also requires a small basket, which may also prove difficult to pack, but I can probably figure it out.

Let's see just how difficult I can possibly make this! and did I mention I'm an absolute perfectionist? This ought to be very interesting...

ANTSS2001

07-03-2007, 08:50 PM

abbybeth

07-04-2007, 10:08 AM

:eek: .... :rolleyes1 .... :faint: .... :p

What? These are important decisions that MUST BE MADE!!!

*puts on serious face*

*puts hands on hips and narrows eyes*

Am I the only one taking this seriously? My halloween future is at stake here!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I am hitting up JoAnns today to look through their patterns though, so maybe I can find something useful!

AGPrincess

07-04-2007, 10:22 AM

I completely sympathize with your costuming deliberations, abbybeth! ;) My mom is considering taking us down for MNSSHP for the week I have off of college in October...I'm already trying to think of who I could dress up as -- and it's still all hypothetical!

Maybe you could come up with some compromise between the blue and yellow dresses? Like the pink or green dresses Belle wears in the movie? They're fancier than the blue dress, but they don't have the puffy skirt of the yellow dress. Plus, there would probably be NO one else wearing them.

Whatever you decide you can't go wrong! Belle's dresses are the gorgeousest!

ANTSS2001

07-04-2007, 12:35 PM

What? These are important decisions that MUST BE MADE!!!

*puts on serious face*

*puts hands on hips and narrows eyes*

Am I the only one taking this seriously? My halloween future is at stake here!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I am hitting up JoAnns today to look through their patterns though, so maybe I can find something useful!

you mean like this ??? MNSSHP 2004

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m68/antss2001/mt.jpg

:rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

abbybeth

07-05-2007, 12:42 PM

you mean like this ??? MNSSHP 2004

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m68/antss2001/mt.jpg

:rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

YES!!! Ooooooh you should totally wear it again and we'll be all coordinated :)

I managed to secure most of my supplies for the costume this weekend ... progress is being made!

babieemelly

07-05-2007, 10:38 PM

abbybeth

07-06-2007, 09:08 AM

Hey Abby! I just got all caught up and I'm LOVING your report. You remind me so much of myself when I was planning my trip to Disney in the summer of 2005. My first trip was in 1992 with family (when I was only five!) and my second was in 2001 with only friends, so I was PSYCHED to plan my family's first trip back down there together in over ten years. I planned out every little detail and just couldn't wait! I'm still psyched for our upcoming trip, but there's nothing like that first trip (or at least that first trip in a while).

Keep those updates coming, your family is so cute and seems like so much fun!

Hellooooo!!! :welcome: I'm glad you found us over here! We're a little OCD with the planning - but what else are ya gonna do until you get there, right?

The fam is a good time - admittedly we all get along much better now that I'm grown up and moved out and hang out by choice instead of cohabitation! Our sense of humor is a little bit "off" we're a touch snarky and always sarcastic ... but rarely dull.

And we enjoy commericials more than any group of people ever should. But hey, like I said, we're far from dull!

I see you've got a report of your own, so I'll definitely be reading that this weekend! Hope you stick around!

Abby's Dad

07-06-2007, 09:26 AM

And we enjoy commericials more than any group of people ever should.

COMMERCIALS - well, I guess you could call them that. I call them the only decent writing on TV, interrupted by monumental drivel that is referred to as the programming (except when we are watching a Tigers game ROAR!).

It is a different relationship now, but a good one - when the youngest of the 3 bears was living at home, that was the time to lay down lifelong foundations - now we just can enjoy the relationship (and yes, you did learn those foundations well!).

Looks like this weekend will be more homework - hope to watch Cars, the original Fantasia, and maybe Peter Pan.

Working on finalizing budgetary matters, and getting the list ready for reconfirming everything. Trial packing will begin this weekend also (you've already heard that I have a little problem with OCD, right ?:rotfl2: Now I just wish that September would get here and I wouldn't have to keep anything secret from you folks anymore (well, I c-o-u-l-d tell you, but there is a certain mama bear that reads this board, and we don't want to let any surprises out if we can help it).

abbybeth

07-06-2007, 09:48 AM

Well, since my parents took Zoë for me for the weekend, I went home Tuesday after work to pick her up and spend the holiday with them. We were planning on going to the fireworks at the next town over, partly so that I could practice taking pictures of fireworks with my camera in preparation for Wishes and Illuminations and Hallowishes.

I'm an idiot.

I got about 20 miles from my apartment and it hit me - I had managed to pack the tripod but very intelligently forgot the camera. I muttered a few choice words to myself but decided to keep driving - I already had had to work late and wanted to get home before dark. :sad2: Not one of my prouder moments. That wasn't the only thing I managed to forget, but was the most important.

When I got to the house, Zoë seemed pretty happy to see me. We snacked on kettle corn and discussed Disney. That's pretty much what we do these days. What on earth we'll talk about when we get back is beyond me. I now have no idea what we did with our time before we were planning this trip. I'm sure we just sat around and stared at each other.

Much talk revolved around costumes. Specifically my costume, since I am the difficult one. Mom's going as Tink and has found a sufficient costume online. Dad will likely be going in Highland dress and has also found a sufficient costume through the 9th wonder of the world, eBay. I, again being uber difficult, will be making mine. When I last left you I was torn between the perfect, yet completely impossible, yellow ball gown and the nice and responsible packable blue town dress. AGPrincess, a girl clearly after my own heart, brought up the green and pink dresses as well. That lead to a good couple hours of my deliberations and having several screenshots up on the computer at once comparing and contrasting and agonizing.

Because my Halloween future rests on this decision!

The green dress is my least favorite of Belle's wardrobe options. I almost got swayed over to the pink side, but again, I'm a perfectionist and I couldn't get a good feel for what kinds of materials were used in the dress. There was also the dilemma of loving the idea that no one would have my costume. I like to be unique - just like everybody else!:rotfl: but then there was the dilemma of no one knowing who I was at all. I know when I look at someone's costume, I like to be able to tell who or what they are dressing up as.

so .... here is the beginnings of my costume...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1117.jpg
It shall be the blue dress.

and Zoë HAD to be in the middle of it. She has to be the center of attention at all times!

I also secured a basket and will scour my personal library for an appropriate book to carry with me as well.

As Zoë is demonstrating for us, the blue fabric I found is a tad shiny. I plan on using the "wrong" side of the fabric which is what she's laying on, but you can see the back left corner is the "right" side of the fabric - which is a little too much Belle does Las Vegas!

You see, I had found the PERFECT fabric at JoAnns ... a slightly heavier weight cotton with the tiniest bit of stretch for 60% off in the PERFECT shade of blue.

I needed 5 yards. They had 3.5.

and there was much saddness.:sad:

I found the Disco Diva Belle fabric at Wal-Mart in the $1/yard section. My mom and I figured that I could make the dress, see how it looks and if I hate it I'm only out $5, and we're planning far enough ahead that I'll have time to make a new one. I think I'll still head out to the JoAnns here this weekend to see if they by chance have the first fabric. I thankfully was able to find 2 different patterns that won't require extreme modifications for her blouse and dress. I still need to get a zipper (should be able to get one on the JoAnns run this weekend) and possibly look into solid brown flats. I have brown flats, but they are brown tweed, not solid brown like Belle wears, so that will depend on what I can find that I might feel like wearing again and what kind of sale I can find.

Naturally, while out looking for fabric, one also looks at scrapbooking supplies. It's the American way.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1118.jpg
woohoo:woohoo: Hobby Lobby and their half off sticker sales that include the fancy ones! and the white backed ones are actually those face tattoos that you apply with water, but I like using them in scrapping ... makes for neat accents. Go Dollar Store for those babies!

and I couldn't resist the neat paperclip accents
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1119.jpg

I figure it's probably cheaper to get some of this stuff here instead of paying for it WAY marked up in The World...

so we'll see what kind of fabric fun I can find this weekend. I'm still a bit iffy on my blue fabric, because the "wrong" side still has some sheen to it, and it would look better as matte cotton (because I'm sure Belle didn't feed the chickens while wearing a dress made from fabric from the 'special occasion' section, though she did have rockin' style!)

abbybeth

07-09-2007, 07:46 PM

Hello?

hello....hello...hello...

Is there an echo in here?

Everyone left me :sad1:

Guess I'll carry on anyways ...

I nabbed brown flats to complete my Belle outfit - Thank you Payless, Shoe Source of cheap happiness!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1133.jpg

mom also got some violently green flats that we're going to glue sparkly cat toys on for her Tinkerbell shoes. We're resourceful, especially with a glue gun! No pictures of the shoes yet!

We're going to start on my costume the weekend of the 21st (also the weekend of the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race) should be good times.

Zoe also wanted to show off her new fancy collar and name tag!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Zoe/IMG_1124.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Zoe/IMG_1131.jpg

It still kind of freaks her out because it makes some noise, but I feel better with her having it. She's just starting to get curious about where "that door" (aka the front door) leads to ... better to take the precautions available, at least until she gets microchipped.

Where is everyone? We're all going to Disney World, let's get happy people!:banana:

AGPrincess

07-09-2007, 08:05 PM

abbybeth

07-09-2007, 08:18 PM

Hey, I'm still here. :wave2: Sounds like a good start on your costume! Have you considered how you're going to do your hair like Belle's? It's a very interesting ponytail...it's almost like it's the hair is twisted along the front... (lol -- you know you've got too much time on your hands when you start pondering the mysteries of Disney princess hairstyles!)

ah yes, the ponytail is going to be a challenge. Since I cut my hair, I will probably be buying some sort of hair extension piece to use to get back the length. As for the front part ... that's going to take a lot of experiementation, teasing, hair spray and bobby pins. Don't feel bad about pondering the mysteries of princess hair, I myself have been pondering this muchly over the past weekish or so that I've known I'd be attempting Belle. Maybe that would have been a plus for the yellow gown - easier hair...

With all the aformentioned hair manipulating items, I should be able to achieve something hopefully similar to hers *wishful look* If the practice runs fail miserably, there are some Belle-ish wigs on eBay, though wigs kinda freak me out more than extensions do ....

decisions, decisions ....

And I loove all your expensive Disney stickers. I always wanted to get the Belle one, but, of course, A.C. Moore never puts them on sale... :sad2:

and that, my dear, is why you go to Hobby Lobby and buy them when they have their 50% off sales! I couldn't justify them otherwise!

BTW, I loved the establishment of the Jane Austen club in the AKL concierge lounge .... maybe some day I can aspire to adding my name to the back cover!

lynnielou

07-09-2007, 08:20 PM

Hello?

hello....hello...hello...

Is there an echo in here?

Everyone left me

Well not everyone, Mom is here for you!. :cool1:

Your brown flats are oh-so-cute. I am really excited about your costume and we are going to have a great time together sewing it.

Yes, I do have the green flats and Abby will be posting a picture of them in the future.

Looks like this weekend will be more homework - hope to watch Cars, the original Fantasia, and maybe Peter Pan.

We did not get our homework done this past weekend, at least not "that" assignment. My other assisgnment was to practice packing. I do not know if anyone else has done this or not, but this is what I did. I did a clothing inventory and pretended to pack everything in my suitcase and what do you know? It all fit!.:cheer2: For trip of 9 days and 8 nights I have at least 10 bottoms and 10 tops, dress-up clothes for Vic and Al's and any other restaurant that I know might need to be dressed up a bit little for, and also then there will be only 2 pairs of shoes, my pink disney cros and the dressy up shoes. Everything else is small and easily packed (which is quite nice for summertime clothes. They are much smaller than winter jackets, boots, scarves, mittens, hats, flannel nightgowns, etc. that is the norm in Michigan).

Now that I have everthing kinda set aside and know what I am taking, I have left those clothes on a shelf. If I want to wear anything in the meantime, it gets washed and then put back in the "trip stuff". (Thanks so much DH for that wonderful idea).

We are continuing to work on the costume situation for MNSSHP. DH found out after dinner that my first choice tink costume was not in stock (even though the website indicated it was). The second choice tink costume has been ordered. I should still be quite cute though, after all I have green shoes!. :rotfl2: I am just SO EXCITED to be going to WDW, and we are going to have such a great time. This is truly a once in a lifetime vacation for me and am so looking forward to sharing it with DH and DD, not to mention the fun we will have meeting fellow DISers!. This board is so much fun!. :grouphug:

Take care everyone and it is so nice to read all of your posts in our pre-trip report. I feel a real sense of community here and I thank you.

I have to add one other little thing - my boss gave me a little something for by B-day (belated gift) today at work, it is for crafts or scrapbooking, they are various colors and sizes of mickey mouse head buttons. Just adorable. My boss got back from WDW in April, after going down as part of her son's high school band trip. She is a real WDW trooper, I think this was her third or fourth trip down. She wants me to pick up for her on my trip some scrapbooking scissors that the blades are shaped like mickey's ears. What do you tell your boss, "NO"?

Time to close, bye for now.

abbybeth

07-09-2007, 08:34 PM

Well not everyone, Mom is here for you!. :cool1:

well, that's cause God pays you to be! :lmao: j/k

I have to add one other little thing - my boss gave me a little something for by B-day (belated gift) today at work, it is for crafts or scrapbooking, they are various colors and sizes of mickey mouse head buttons. Just adorable. My boss got back from WDW in April, after going down as part of her son's high school band trip. She is a real WDW trooper, I think this was her third or fourth trip down. She wants me to pick up for her on my trip some scrapbooking scissors that the blades are shaped like mickey's ears. What do you tell your boss, "NO"?

Time to close, bye for now.

are they like the multi colored mickey buttons I have?

lynnielou

07-09-2007, 08:42 PM

abbybeth Quote:
Originally Posted by lynnielou
Well not everyone, Mom is here for you!.

well, that's cause God pays you to be! j/k
I would not have it any other way my darling!.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lynnielou
I have to add one other little thing - my boss gave me a little something for by B-day (belated gift) today at work, it is for crafts or scrapbooking, they are various colors and sizes of mickey mouse head buttons. Just adorable. My boss got back from WDW in April, after going down as part of her son's high school band trip. She is a real WDW trooper, I think this was her third or fourth trip down. She wants me to pick up for her on my trip some scrapbooking scissors that the blades are shaped like mickey's ears. What do you tell your boss, "NO"?

Time to close, bye for now.

are they like the multi colored mickey buttons I have? EXACTLY, but I did not tell her that. She also gave me a Detroit Tigers ink pen, for holding down the department while she was on vacation last week. Also for July 4th, she went to the Tigers game and stayed for the firworks afterwards, which were totally awesome she said. :yay:

hmillerbarilla

07-09-2007, 11:55 PM

myrsfmly

07-10-2007, 01:41 AM

Wow - Just found your report and read it beginning to end!! Looks like you'll be arriving shortly after I leave:sad2: ! Disney is the best place on Earth! Enjoy your first trip... you'll be hooked for life

Glendamax

07-10-2007, 01:53 AM

I'm still here too! I have a bit of catching up to do! :coffee:

Hedy

07-10-2007, 09:37 AM

Hmm...
You're 23 like me
You have a kitten
You like Belle...
I'm subscribing to this trip report. :)

abbybeth

07-10-2007, 07:31 PM

I'm still here too! :wave2: I am afraid I am NO help in the costume planning. I've never sewed anything ever and going to Hobby Lobby freaks me out. :scared1: I am not crafty at all. And your mom scrapbooks? That freaks me out too.:eek: I wish I did, my pictures just sit on the memory chip in my camera. They don't even get printed!!!!! I have like 10 pictures of my DS's first year of life!! Help!:scared:

I really admire that you can do all this! It's amazing to me! The shoes really are perfect Belle shoes--they're fantastic.:thumbsup2

Looking forward to seeing the final result! :goodvibes

oh I can spend hours in Hobby Lobby/Michaels/JoAnns - and don't let me near a quilt shop! :rotfl:

Mom doesn't scrapbook yet ... I've been scrapping since the end of high school (off and on, I'm kinda off right now) I think she'll give in eventually ... but she's really into sewing as well and the "one stroke" painting. Dad's a woodturner - we're all artistic apparently!

But don't be scared of it! scrapbooking really is something you can't screw up - it's just arranging things in a way that looks nice to you and I like to add in some "journaling" - I like to put in at least the date and occasion and some of the details of whatever I took pictures of! There are also some programs that let you scrapbook all on the computer! Even easier. I really just like playing with the stickers and metal thingies and I just got a thing that puts star imprints in paper :)

But as far as printing the pics off, I've been using Snapfish.com they're rates are great and shipping is fast - you just load your pictures on the site and choose which ones you want to print in whichever sizes you want, so you can pop them into a photobook or what have you ... :)

If we cross paths at the Cali Grill with our little crocs, we'll take a picture!

abbybeth

07-10-2007, 07:49 PM

myrsfmly and Hedy :welcome:

I love it when more join the party party:

No, seriously, it makes me all happy and giddy. :dance3:

I'm glad you're both here - I know the past couple installments haven't showcased the brilliant and humorous insights that were available in my first few installments, but that should pick back up shortly!

Wow - Just found your report and read it beginning to end!! Looks like you'll be arriving shortly after I leave:sad2: ! Disney is the best place on Earth! Enjoy your first trip... you'll be hooked for life

I'm sorry we'll just miss each other - guess that means your countdown clock is spinning even faster than ours! I can't believe how fast it's gone. We started around 135 - something like 4 months and a week or two. As of today we're down to 58 days - I can't believe it! I'm so, so excited to go ... but I'm afraid you're right. Once I get down there, I'm going to be hopelessly hooked. Bye bye future salary raises, I hardly knew ya!

Hmm...
You're 23 like me
You have a kitten
You like Belle...
I'm subscribing to this trip report.

I like you already! From your countdown, looks like you're working on your second solo trip?! Color me jealous! I think I'd like to do a solo trip sometime, I think it'd be really neat! Look at me, I've not even stepped on property yet, and I've already got like 3 or 4 more trips in the mental planning stage ...

Do you have a kitten/cat too? Let's see pictures!

I'm still here too! I have a bit of catching up to do! I'm glad you're still here - I hadn't seen you around the boards at all much and was starting to worry/wonder ... :hug: yay!

ANTSS2001

07-10-2007, 08:17 PM

:upsidedow still here... just trying to get everything ion order IRL. Work and check up had thrown me a curve ball, hopefully this is just temporary...

I am so jealous you can saw, I know I cant which wish I do since I really want a JoJo Circus Costume :sad: Oh well let's see whatI can find at the back closet. I know it will be somthing light... The past Party it was fun but I was sweating like theres no tomorrow. Well back to work for me...

:wave2: lynnielou and Abby'sDad !!!

abbybeth

07-10-2007, 08:42 PM

crgfsu1

07-10-2007, 10:11 PM

Hi! I just came accross your pre-trip report (I have been reading AGPrincesses report and found you there)...so far, brillant!! Your family seems so great. I am just loving that you are all involved so much in the planning.

I am planning a trip for 9 people in October and am getting very little input from others. Oh well, if they dont like what I plan, they can do it next time.:upsidedow My cast includes the following:
Me / DH / DD (2)
Mom
Sister / BIL
MIL / FIL
SIL
Yep, 9 adults and a 2-year old - lots of babysitters!!! The most input I am getting is from my sister, all the others just say "yeah, that sounds just fine - whatever everyone else wants". We are going 10/3 - 10/10; we are planning to go to MNSSHP on the 8th. I probably wont cress up - none of the adults will. We all (at one point or another) lived in FL and are HUGE Florida State fans, so I think that my DD will be a FSU Cheerleader (sorry, I ready your thoughts on cheerleaders, but hey, shes only 2). I dont know how long she will last that night so I didnt want to put too much in to her costume.

Anyway - this is your report!!! I found it today after work and have read it all - I will stay on board for the duration.

BTW - Happy Belated Birthday Lynnielou. (you and my DH share the same birthday) and funny, my aunt's name (who used to live in MI) is Lenna Lou! They live in Milan - do you know where that is? I was born in Ann Arbor and lived in Milan, but we moved from there when I was 5. Oh, and Mickey head sissors - I have seen those at AC Moore. I dont think you need to get them at WDW.

And..I do have 2 cats. One was abandoned at birth at a local VET and the other was found at a co-workers house. I got them both as kittens (about 8-10 weeks old).:cat:

Have a great night - glad to be a trippie with you, dad and mom!!

Cathy

abbybeth

07-10-2007, 10:31 PM

:welcome: Cathy (crgfsu1)! I have managed to add some fabulous people tonight :) which again, makes me giddily happy! I love reading active Pre-TRs/TRs ... so I've been hoping mine would be too, and it is! :cool1:

Hi! I just came accross your pre-trip report (I have been reading AGPrincesses report and found you there)...so far, brillant!! Your family seems so great. I am just loving that you are all involved so much in the planning.

Emma's report is great! I'm sad it's gonna have to come to a close soon. Why, oh why, do Disney vacations have to end?

I am planning a trip for 9 people in October and am getting very little input from others. Oh well, if they dont like what I plan, they can do it next time.:upsidedow My cast includes the following:
Me / DH / DD (2)
Mom
Sister / BIL
MIL / FIL
SIL
Yep, 9 adults and a 2-year old - lots of babysitters!!! The most input I am getting is from my sister, all the others just say "yeah, that sounds just fine - whatever everyone else wants". We are going 10/3 - 10/10; we are planning to go to MNSSHP on the 8th. I probably wont cress up - none of the adults will. We all (at one point or another) lived in FL and are HUGE Florida State fans, so I think that my DD will be a FSU Cheerleader (sorry, I ready your thoughts on cheerleaders, but hey, shes only 2). I dont know how long she will last that night so I didnt want to put too much in to her costume.

:scared1: :eek: :scared1: wow! That's a lot of people and a TON of planning but will be so much fun! I'm sorry that they're not inputting much - do what my dad did - assign Homework with DEADLINES! and no Dole Whips if you don't complete it!

as for cheerleading, I've lightened up on it in my old age :laughing: and I'm sure your DD will look absolutely adorable. My best friend would have to disagree with your selection of school to cheer for though (she graduated from UF in 2005) We're actually not a big halloween family - we kinda were when I was little as evidenced by the lovely pictures my dad linked to - we haven't done anything Halloween related in years, but we figured we may only get to do this MNSSHP thing once so let's do it up!

and you'll be in The World on my birthday - 10/9!

Anyway - this is your report!!! I found it today after work and have read it all - I will stay on board for the duration.
Yay! :cheer2: (see, I even put in a cheerleader!) Hopefully I'll manage to keep you entertained! and feel free to post about your plans and stuff too - I keep a pretty open TR policy :) and I love to hear about other peoples' plans and thoughts and WDW experiences! I can use all the input I can get!

BTW - Happy Belated Birthday Lynnielou. (you and my DH share the same birthday) and funny, my aunt's name (who used to live in MI) is Lenna Lou! They live in Milan - do you know where that is? I was born in Ann Arbor and lived in Milan, but we moved from there when I was 5. Oh, and Mickey head sissors - I have seen those at AC Moore. I dont think you need to get them at WDW.

I know where Milan is! I went to grad school at Bowling Green State University, so I had to drive past the exit everytime I traveled back and forth! I don't know if we have an AC Moore around us, I'll Google it, that's my solution to everything ;)

And..I do have 2 cats. One was abandoned at birth at a local VET and the other was found at a co-workers house. I got them both as kittens (about 8-10 weeks old).:cat:

oooh names and pictures please!

Thanks for joining the party:

prncssmel

07-11-2007, 12:56 AM

:banana: party: :cool1: party: :banana:
DING! DING! DING! We have a winner folks! prncssmel has just posted post #50 in this thread! DING! DING! DING!

The prize, obviously there has to be a prize, doesn't there? will be moussing over France at that Balisterie place - time to be arranged!

There had better be a prize!

Hmmm, I think I will be moussing on the evening of September 13 to end our lovely day in Epcot. You?

I did catch Zoë trying to gnaw on the corner of the bag .... though maybe she was just trying to "damage" the corners to make them less appealing to would-be thieves?

Yes, i am sure that is what she as doing.

Well, the parents ordered mine with theirs. I couldn't stiff the parents, so I paid the people and now have Croc Crocs. Jury's still out. I don't think you'll be able to get me to admit that I like them (especially since I'm not actually sure yet if I DO like them ...) but Croc Flops are good!

Okay, well, I guess I will accept that excuse . . . this time.

Apparently you've won a ticket to that mission by being the 50th post! Congratuations!

Thanks. It sounds like an important mission.

BRILLIANT! (best said like the guys from the Guinness commercial) That's the perfect answer ... I like the way you think! If thee dons a fanny pack, it's the plank for ye! pirate: yarrrr!

I love the Guiness brilliant!

good call - I haven't delved into the world of fake tans since high school prom ... any recommendations for me?

If you are worried about doing it, go with the air brush spray on. The person sprays it on rather than a machine, so it comes out much better.

Hooray for American Girl dolls!

I always wanted an American Girl doll,but my mother always thought they were too expensive. I should get one now . . . just because I can.

some people have apples or cows or chickens. I want lobsters. Tastefully done lobsters ...

:rotfl: Okay, I am now wondering what not tastefully done lobsters look like.

That's right - it's Mel's fault!:lmao:

Well, sort of. I offered ...

Mel wanted a lime green 3D Mickey head like I posted about earlier and I offered to get her one since she didn't have a Disney store near her.

I swear I didn't know it was their Semi-Annual Sale!:eek:

I snagged the only 2 lime green heads left in the store. And if you're already there, you may as well look around, right? Well 5 Mickey heads, 3 tshirts, 2 hats, and several miscellaneous items later I'm $35 lighter. Really, that's not too bad!

So it's kind of indirectly Mel's fault - so thanks Mel - I've had my eye on that Cindy shirt since I knew we were going to Disney (so over a month) and I wasn't going to pass it up for $6! :)

Yes, it was my fault. It was all part of my evil plan of Disney world domination. Mwahahaha.

What on earth we'll talk about when we get back is beyond me. I now have no idea what we did with our time before we were planning this trip. I'm sure we just sat around and stared at each other.

You will be talking about your next trip, of course. It's an addiction. You have gone to far to turn back now!

so we'll see what kind of fabric fun I can find this weekend. I'm still a bit iffy on my blue fabric, because the "wrong" side still has some sheen to it, and it would look better as matte cotton (because I'm sure Belle didn't feed the chickens while wearing a dress made from fabric from the 'special occasion' section, though she did have rockin' style!)

Whatever . . . I would feed chickens only in a sparkly dress. I am totally loving your perfectionism (is that even a word?) on the costume.

She wants me to pick up for her on my trip some scrapbooking scissors that the blades are shaped like mickey's ears. What do you tell your boss, "NO"?

Okay, maybe I am slow. But I am totally trying to figure out how you would cut anything with a blade curved like Mickey's head. :confused:

ETA: Okay, I have figured you must mean it cuts the mickey head shape. Confusion over. :laughing:

I can't believe that now that we have decided not to go to MNSSHP, you are going. Ugh. I think the WDW fates are against us finding a time to meet.

Glendamax

07-11-2007, 02:12 AM

Hi! I just came accross your pre-trip report (I have been reading AGPrincesses report and found you there)...so far, brillant!! Your family seems so great. I am just loving that you are all involved so much in the planning.
Cathy
Hey Cathy! I really enjoyed your post! Your trip sounds like alot of fun. I wish I could get more of my (favorite and fun) family members to go too!

OFF TOPIC . . . . I just have to say, that I am VERY excited that the Spice Girls are getting back together. I think I'll do a cheer! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Abby's Dad

07-11-2007, 10:57 AM

Welcome aboard Cathy, and all the other new trippers!

October should be a great time for your visit to WDW - My first trip there was in October, and the weather was beautiful (of course, I only spent a half day - I mean, how long can it really take to do this Disney thing anyway. We'll do the half day since we will be in Florida just so that we can say we went. RIGHT! Made another trip back for 3 days a couple of years later - at that time there was only the MK, and now decades later, I am finally returning, only this time with my girls:cool1: )

I'm no expert (and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Express last night, at least I think not, let me check ........... nope, I was home), but it does seem like a good idea to try to get input from the other adults - I've seen too many times where everybody said we'll do whatever you want to do, until it came time to do it. I have asked, and received input from my traveling partners, :tink: and :ccat: , on restaurants and what they want to see most. If nothing else, it keeps them involved and a part of the process, and contributes to their anticipation. For what to see and do, I did a list of everything by park, and had them rate everything on a 1 to 5 scale, with the assumption that you could potentially have all 1s (Have to see or do), or not likely (at WDW, anyway), but possible, all 5s (No interest whatsoever), and that if even 1 person had a 1, that was enough votes to get that included, and the same would, if possible, hold true for 2s. Threes got worked in where possible. If you would like, I could dig out the list and e-mail it to you. Also used a worksheet from Passporter to accomplish the same thing (a little more high tech, with drop-down boxes, etc.).
What kinds of tasty places to you have planned for dining? (as was mentioned here, like some others, we have an eating orientation).

Abby's Dad

07-11-2007, 11:45 AM

There had better be a prize!
Hey, I said there would be a prize, and if I say there will be a prize, there will be a prize! and I would post a picture of the prize, but apparently the chocolate mousse is so light and airy that it is impossible to photograph, because I couldn't find a decent, in-focus picture of it here on the DIS! The 13th may be a good prize day - though there are still matters to be settled for the 3 bears, and possibly others, on that evening that may interfere, but cannot be discussed in a public forum. I'm rearranging our park plans now, since we have added a day.

I can't believe that now that we have decided not to go to MNSSHP, you are going. Aw, c'mon, you know you want to, Mel! Haunted Mansion, Trick or Treat, Cruella de Ville - good times.
There must be room for the two of you - and you have time to do costumes - OK, with work, wedding, etc., maybe no costumes, but come on along and have a good time anyway - I know just the perfect costume - you could go as TOURISTS! Yeah, that's the ticket!

BRILLIANT!
While I enjoy the gentlemen from the Guinness commercial (and even have a version of it for a screen saver), I'm not a huge (no cracks about my size here) fan of stout, though I have been known to down a pint :drinking1 of Guinness from time :drinking1 to time :drinking1 . My preference is for a Half and Half at least, but really go for a pint o' Smithwicks (pronounced Smith-thicks) with a Guinness head - now we're talking :drinking1 , and we'll find out just how good a pub this Raglan Road place is!

I'll try to get my dates together and put up where we'll be and when, and try to get that coordinated with the two of you with da tree of us (oh-oh, spent too much time in the last paragraph!)

Time's getting short - must be a relief in some ways and terror in others, but your cake sure sounds good!

prncssmel

07-11-2007, 12:23 PM

Hey, I said there would be a prize, and if I say there will be a prize, there will be a prize! and I would post a picture of the prize, but apparently the chocolate mousse is so light and airy that it is impossible to photograph, because I couldn't find a decent, in-focus picture of it here on the DIS! The 13th may be a good prize day - though there are still matters to be settled for the 3 bears, and possibly others, on that evening that may interfere, but cannot be discussed in a public forum. I'm rearranging our park plans now, since we have added a day.

Okay, I am reworking everything again, too. So, we'll figure out soon when we can meet up.

Aw, c'mon, you know you want to, Mel! Haunted Mansion, Trick or Treat, Cruella de Ville - good times. There must be room for the two of you - and you have time to do costumes - OK, with work, wedding, etc., maybe no costumes, but come on along and have a good time anyway - I know just the perfect costume - you could go as TOURISTS! Yeah, that's the ticket!

I am getting tempted. Then I will have to redo everything again! Actually, I like the whole re-planning thing b/c I am crazy obsessive like that. Excellent idea on the costume. Seems simple enough. I need to decide very soon, though, so I can at least order matching shirts.

While I enjoy the gentlemen from the Guinness commercial (and even have a version of it for a screen saver), I'm not a huge (no cracks about my size here) fan of stout, though I have been known to down a pint :drinking1 of Guinness from time :drinking1 to time :drinking1 . My preference is for a Half and Half at least, but really go for a pint o' Smithwicks (pronounced Smith-thicks) with a Guinness head - now we're talking :drinking1 , and we'll find out just how good a pub this Raglan Road place is!

I hate Guiness. Ugh. Of course, I am much more of a sweeter drink person. I just love the commercial.

abbybeth

07-11-2007, 08:34 PM

Thanks. It sounds like an important mission. it is. It's very serious business.

I always wanted an American Girl doll,but my mother always thought they were too expensive. I should get one now . . . just because I can.
If you get one, I would recommend one of the historical dolls, they're my fave and the books that go along with them are pretty great! I'll be posting a blast from the past AG picture after I finish my responses

:rotfl: Okay, I am now wondering what not tastefully done lobsters look like. I'll try to find you some evidence, but believe me it can be done. Oh yes, my friend, it CAN be done!:laughing:

Yes, it was my fault. It was all part of my evil plan of Disney world domination. Mwahahaha.
at least you own up to it!:lmao: :rotfl: :lmao:

Whatever . . . I would feed chickens only in a sparkly dress. I am totally loving your perfectionism (is that even a word?) on the costume.
good point. the sparkly stays!

I can't believe that now that we have decided not to go to MNSSHP, you are going. Ugh. I think the WDW fates are against us finding a time to meet.

no! Our joint plotting for word domination must overcome this temporary setback!:eek:

and yes Mel, it seems like a restructuring of the plan is called for for all! hop to!

and Glenda, I can neither confirm nor deny that I have a Spice Girls song on my iPod. :rolleyes1

abbybeth

07-11-2007, 08:44 PM

crgfsu1

07-11-2007, 09:12 PM

:welcome: [B]Cathy

thanks for the welcome!

Emma's report is great!

she is a fabulous story teller, for sure!

:scared1: :eek: :scared1: wow! That's a lot of people and a TON of planning but will be so much fun! I'm sorry that they're not inputting much - do what my dad did - assign Homework with DEADLINES! and no Dole Whips if you don't complete it!

I am just trying the best I can - I will try not to stress too much about it. It might be hard to get all 9 of us to agree on what to do anyway - I imagine we will break into groups part of the time. You dad offered to send me his planning sheet - I might take him up on that. & try it!

as for cheerleading,.... (she graduated from UF in 2005)

your poor unfortunate friend :)

and you'll be in The World on my birthday - 10/9!

10/9 is the day I will be having breakfast with the princesses at CRT - I will think of you and make a special "wish" for you!!

oooh names and picture7s please!

Molly - she is black with white paws and a white chest. She is a total social cat - where ever you are, she is too. Sometimes it is waayyyy annoying. I have said - "Molly, this house has 2000 square feet in it - cant you go fine one other than the one I am occupying!" Molly has a interesting story - the VET employees came to work one morning and she was on the doorstep - umbilical cord and all. They thought OMG - I cant believe people, but at least they brought her here. Then later that morning, another kitten showed up - same way. Finally, a momma cat and and third kitten came to the door & stayed. The momma cat was bringing her babies to safety!! Amazing, huh? Anyway, that is her story. She is also my first "uncaged" animal. It was a bunch different having her in lieu of a bird, fish or hamspter. Oh, she is about 7 years old. We gave her a birthdate of Halloween, 1999.

Claire - she is a yellow tabby. Cute!!! She has a crooked tail at the tip. Maybe it was broken before birth??? She has a totally different personality than Molly. She is timid & does NOT even think about coming downstairs un my DD is in bed. She (claire) FREAKS OUT when someone comes to the front door and she is on the opposite side of the stairs from the door - she just hi-tails it up the stairs! I could leave the front door open and she would never evenconsider going outside, Molly on the other hand makes a mad dash for the door everytime it opens. (neither are outside cats - Molly is just stubborn). Claire is 5; we gave her a birthdate of July 4, 2002. She was found at a wo-workers house; he is NOT an animal person & had traped the kittens (4 of them) and was planning to dump them in the woods! UGgh!!! I took over and found them all homes. That was fun having 4 kittens at once - even if it was for only a week.

I will try to get some pictures uploaded sometime.

Thanks for joining the party:

I forgot one HUGE VERY IMPORTANT detail...my DD's name is ABBY :goodvibes (Abigail, actually; well..Abby-gail according to her!)

Cathy

abbybeth

07-11-2007, 09:14 PM

I forgot one HUGE VERY IMPORTANT detail...my DD's name is ABBY :goodvibes (Abigail, actually; well..Abby-gail according to her!)

Cathy

oooooh that IS a HUGE VERY IMPORTANT and VITAL detail! and she spells it correctly!

and I too am actually an Abigail who goes by Abby - what is her middle name? I'm Abigail Elizabeth!

crgfsu1

07-11-2007, 09:18 PM

oooooh that IS a HUGE VERY IMPORTANT and VITAL detail! and she spells it correctly!

and I too am actually an Abigail who goes by Abby - what is her middle name? I'm Abigail Elizabeth!

Abigail Catherine

Catherine is my first name, my mom's middle name, my grandma's middle name, and more and more and more!!

PS - did you read the rest of my post above (I dont know how to do the multi post so it is messed up, but I sent the story of my cats)

crgfsu1

07-11-2007, 09:25 PM

abbybeth

07-11-2007, 09:36 PM

Abigail Catherine

Catherine is my first name, my mom's middle name, my grandma's middle name, and more and more and more!!

PS - did you read the rest of my post above (I dont know how to do the multi post so it is messed up, but I sent the story of my cats)

Abigail Catherine is a beautiful name! I'd never thought of that combo - and the family history just makes it better!

eeps! I missed the kitties stories! They sound so different! That's one thing that my parents and I have realized over the years, that cats have such different personalities - yours sound like a handful, but in a good way.

and what a brave momma cat to bring all her kitten to safety - isn't it amazing how sometimes they just "know"? I'm so glad that your babies have such happy stories :) Can't wait to see pictures sometime!

crgfsu1

07-11-2007, 09:37 PM

Hey Cathy! I really enjoyed your post! Your trip sounds like alot of fun. I wish I could get more of my (favorite and fun) family members to go too!

OFF TOPIC . . . . I just have to say, that I am VERY excited that the Spice Girls are getting back together. I think I'll do a cheer! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Thanks for the welcome Glendamax!! :cutie:

AGPrincess

07-11-2007, 10:15 PM

As promised... here is a blast from the past - Molly, my American Girl, and I back in the day

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Abby_Molly.jpg

enjoy!:goodvibes

*special thanks to the dad for scanning and sending me the pic*

AAaaawwww....soo cute! Did you buy that outfit from AG? They don't sell the "meet" outfits anymore -- just the nightgowns now -- but they did back in the day. I have a pic sorta like that only it's of me in Felicity's "Meet" dress with Felicity! :thumbsup2

Don't feel bad about pondering the mysteries of princess hair, I myself have been pondering this muchly over the past weekish or so that I've known I'd be attempting Belle. Maybe that would have been a plus for the yellow gown - easier hair...

hmmmm...it still would've had that weird bang sort of deal in the front, though you're right...with the pony tail, you've got two twisted-bang-sort-of-things, one up top and one below. I wonder what the Disney imagineers were thinking when they came up with this hairstyle...obviously they weren't thinking practically...:rolleyes1

With all the aformentioned hair manipulating items, I should be able to achieve something hopefully similar to hers *wishful look* If the practice runs fail miserably, there are some Belle-ish wigs on eBay, though wigs kinda freak me out more than extensions do ....

Wigs creep me out too. :eek: I'm sure you'll think of something...I'll keep thinking too...:goodvibes

BTW, I loved the establishment of the Jane Austen club in the AKL concierge lounge .... maybe some day I can aspire to adding my name to the back cover!

I hope you can!!! I can't wait to go back to the AKL Concierge just to check on the club!;)

Abby's Dad

07-12-2007, 10:21 AM

Thanks Abby's Dad for the welcome! (btw - I am an Abby's Mom - my DD is alds and Abby)

I would very much like your planning sheet if you can find it. I will PM you with my e-mail address. So far, I have gotten some input on dining from my sister and MIL. Here is what we are doing:
Kona
Cap'n Jacks
Rose & Crown
Hollywood & Vine
Liberty Tree Tavern
Cinderella's Royal Table (breakfast)
That is it so far - the rest we will probably just do counter service meals or take our chances on what we can get. This takes care of the 7 TS credits we have on the DDP. Any thoughts??

Cathy

Just let me know an e-mail to send them to, Cathy, and the sheets will be on their way. Your ADRs sound tasty - are you doing Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch or dinner? Either sounds good - we are doing lunch, just because that's the way it worked out, but their family style feast at dinner sounds wonderful. We will also be doing the Rose & Crown and timing it to coincide with Illuminations. Cincerella's Royal Table for breakfast sounds great, and I think that both Abby's will love the princesses. Are you thinking of taking your Abby to the Bibbitty-Bobbitty-Boutique? She might be too young to fully enjoy it, but then again, maybe not. One of the things with the CRT breakfast - its seems that a lot of people don't use their DDP there for the breakfast, but rather pay out of pocket, since the value that you could get for those 2 credits elsewhere if a lot more than the cash price. Just a thought.

AAaaawwww....soo cute! Did you buy that outfit from AG? They don't sell the "meet" outfits anymore -- just the nightgowns now -- but they did back in the day. I have a pic sorta like that only it's of me in Felicity's "Meet" dress with Felicity!

And Emma, yes she had other outfits, including a beautiful dress (well, you know how it goes, matching dresses) that they wore to an AG tea - a really lovely time. I think that Abby and Molly also had matching PJs too, but I can't remember for sure.

And Mel, I totally agree with you about Guinness, it is not my first choice by itself, but it does add a lot to a good Irish stew, and Smithwick's topped off with a little Guinness is great - they should be able to do that at Raglan Road (I understand that they have both Guinness and Smithwicks's on draft - and Smithwick's is a red ale, not a stout like Guinness). But sweet drinks seem to be in abundance at WDW. If I get a lapu-lapu (did I get that right), does that count as two full fruit servings out of my daily requirement, or is it more?

crgfsu1

07-12-2007, 11:53 AM

Thanks Abby's dad for the suggestion about paying OOP for the CRT Breakfast - that does save us 2TS for other meals, that we were going to have to pay OOP anyway - you are soooo smart! ;)

I called today and got all of my ADR's done - I didnt know I could do it 180 days out - so I ran into a few snags. Here is what I have:

Kona Cafe' 5PM
Cap'n Jacks 5:30PM
Rose & Crown 5PM
Hollywood & Vine 4:50PM
1900 Park (Cinderella's Gala Fest) 4:30PM
CRT (breakfast) 10:10AM

If we pay CRT OOP, then I need one more dinner resie & one breakfast or lunch TS ressie - any suggestions? I was thinking Chef Mickey on morning or may Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner? Thoughts???

Thanks!
Cathy

Abby's Dad

07-12-2007, 12:20 PM

If we pay CRT OOP, then I need one more dinner resie & one breakfast or lunch TS ressie - any suggestions? I was thinking Chef Mickey on morning or may Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner? Thoughts???

Sure I have thoughts - the question is only whether they are good enough. But first of all :yay: :yay: CONGRATULATIONS FOR TAKING US TO PAGE 10!:woohoo: ! Somehow that just seems monumental.

Anyway - from what I have read, Chef Mickeys sounds like a place that I would have fun at, so I imagine most any other kid whose age is in single digits would enjoy it as well:rotfl2: . I have read good reviews as to the food and the character interaction.

Another character breakfast that is popular is Crystal Palace, which from what I understand, is the only character eating place with Pooh characters, and we will be taking that one in :tigger: :eeyore: pooh: - what else can I say (Thanks for noticing me).

Raglan Road has good Irish food, and if you get in the main dining room, they have an Irish band and a dancer. A rollicking good time!

We will also be doing Coral Reef, which tends to be different with the aquarium.

As to being smart - as the goat in the AFLAC commercials says: NAH!, NAH!, NAH! - I have gained so much from the people on the DIS board, I couldn't pay for the information that I have gained. The hint about breakfast at Cindy's came from a number of sources here, but one in particular was the Pre-Trippie from PrincessMel - a definite good read also. Have e-mailed you the planning sheets - LMK if you don't get them!

abbybeth

07-12-2007, 08:25 PM

AAaaawwww....soo cute! Did you buy that outfit from AG? They don't sell the "meet" outfits anymore -- just the nightgowns now -- but they did back in the day. I have a pic sorta like that only it's of me in Felicity's "Meet" dress with Felicity! :thumbsup2

Yup - definitely from AG, and old school AG at that! oh yes! I had the green velvet Christmas dress at least 2-3 Christmases in a row and the PJs as well. I always wanted the birthday outfit, but alas neither Molly or I got that one. It's sad that they only do the PJs now. I haven't seen a catalog in a really long time.

I always liked Felicity - I have her book set :) (and Addy's too, though Molly's is the only one in hardcover)

hmmmm...it still would've had that weird bang sort of deal in the front, though you're right...with the pony tail, you've got two twisted-bang-sort-of-things, one up top and one below. I wonder what the Disney imagineers were thinking when they came up with this hairstyle...obviously they weren't thinking practically...:rolleyes1

definitely not the most practical style for a provencial/country girl. I'm thinking some combination of hairspray, teasing specific sections of my hair and bobby pins should *hopefully* do it. le sigh. Her hairstyle was definitely done by a guy animator!:laughing:

Wigs creep me out too. :eek: I'm sure you'll think of something...I'll keep thinking too...:goodvibes
no wigs! The hair extension idea should work and I'll be able to redeem my coke rewards points for a $25 gift certificate to Sephora, so that can defray some of the cost.

Kona Cafe' 5PM
Cap'n Jacks 5:30PM
Rose & Crown 5PM
Hollywood & Vine 4:50PM
1900 Park (Cinderella's Gala Fest) 4:30PM
CRT (breakfast) 10:10AM

yum! I've heard great things about Cap'n Jacks (lobster on the DDP? score!) and all the others you've got down - if you haven't already go over to the restaurant board - they have a "food porn/pictures of Disney food" thread that will make you drool and I've seen many, many pictures from the restaurants you've got listed. Can't go wrong!

as for Chef Mickeys v. Whistling Canyon - I can't be much help since I've not been to either AND all the things I've read about both are great. CM has the great characters and the food is supposed to be yummy, but WCC seems to really have a lot of funny stuff they do, with the ketchup and drinks and stuff and that also looks yummy, and WCC does all 3 meals. With all but one being adults, if you think they might get into character overload, WCC might be fun, though it seems like they ask more out of the diners to participate in activities/jokes

and Mel & I's plots for world domination may be merging... I may have swayed her back over to the dark side known as MNSSHP :darth: I win!

er, I mean. . .

LOOK! something shiny!:jumping3:

and the car is still sick. She has to go to a new car doctor. Will be without her for an undetermined amount of time, but my parents are being AMAZING...

lynnielou

07-16-2007, 09:04 PM

Hi everyone

We were able to accomplish some "homework" this weekend. There were two movies on the agenda. We watched Cars on Saturday night. What a wonderful movie. I myself am a big Nascar fan so I got a real kick out of the whole movie.

On sunday night we watched Cinderella, which was super. I had forgotten so many parts of it and certainly had forgotten how mean the stepmother was to "Cindy". :eek:

DD will be here this next weekend and our next "homework" will be Mary Poppins. That one may have to be an early matinee - so no one falls asleep before the ending!

Continuing on with preparations for our trip. My costume for MNSSHP arrived on Saturday and I tried it on as soon as I got done working to make sure that the fit was right and we would not be doing a return. Tinkerbell fits me very well!:cheer2: DH and DD approve as well. At this point I also have my green shoes and DD and I stopped by and also picked up pom-pons to hot glue on the green flats as tink does have those on her shoes as well. :tinker:

MNSSHP here we come!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abby's Dad
Hey, I said there would be a prize, and if I say there will be a prize, there will be a prize! and I would post a picture of the prize, but apparently the chocolate mousse is so light and airy that it is impossible to photograph, because I couldn't find a decent, in-focus picture of it here on the DIS! The 13th may be a good prize day - though there are still matters to be settled for the 3 bears, and possibly others, on that evening that may interfere, but cannot be discussed in a public forum. I'm rearranging our park plans now, since we have added a day.

Okay, I am reworking everything again, too. So, we'll figure out soon when we can meet up.

Quote:
Aw, c'mon, you know you want to, Mel! Haunted Mansion, Trick or Treat, Cruella de Ville - good times. There must be room for the two of you - and you have time to do costumes - OK, with work, wedding, etc., maybe no costumes, but come on along and have a good time anyway - I know just the perfect costume - you could go as TOURISTS! Yeah, that's the ticket!

I am getting tempted. Then I will have to redo everything again! Actually, I like the whole re-planning thing b/c I am crazy obsessive like that. Excellent idea on the costume. Seems simple enough. I need to decide very soon, though, so I can at least order matching shirts.

Mel, have you made a final determination, are you in MNSSHP? I hope so. It would be so fun catch up with the two of you.

It is amazing how fast the time is counting down, we will be packing our suitcases for real before we know it. I am still very excited. In speaking with different individuals who has been to WDW, it seems that the emotions are wide-ranging as to what one feels upon first settng foot on the property and seeing the castle for the first time. I can only think that I will still not believe this is happening to me - this once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

That is all for now folks. :cool1:

abbybeth

07-18-2007, 10:22 PM

Dear Readers:

I apologize for the delay in updates on my Pre-TR. This is in no way any indication of how excited I am about my trip or how much I adore each and every one of you. Instead it is a reflection of my current frenetic pace of life. To let you in on some of the goings-on I will allow you to read a letter I have written to my car.

Love,
Abby

Dear Taurus:

I realize that you have become an "experienced" car and I am sure that sometimes you get tired of driving around every day. However, I really thought that we had something special. Since I first laid eyes on your shiny, baby blue exterior, I knew you were the car for me. We have had some great times and some great road trips - heading to college, heading to grad school, moving out on our own. We really had something. I've babied you and given you the best that I can: regular oil changes, baths, the best regular unleaded fuel money can buy. Then you got other ideas. I don't know why you didn't want to work anymore. I called our friends in Port Huron and they were very concerned. It's not like you to misbehave, you've always been so great, and they thought it might be too dangerous for us to make the trip. So we went to a place here in town. Once, twice, no need for a third strike :(

I knew I needed to take you to the best place I knew of, which was back in Port Huron. Of course you decided that you didn't want to go. In fact you downright refused for over an hour! You fought and fought, but we managed to make it to Port Huron by a miracle. Then you promptly decided to start working again for Frank, the nice mechanic. Is he the one who's taken care of you and loved you these past three years? NO! Yes, he did have a little visit with you in November of 04, but nothing that would establish a serious relationship between you two.

Guess I was wrong. I fear your love has shifted, since you didn't misbehave once for him in the 4 days he's had you. We'll be reunited this weekend, but I'm a bit aprehensive. We should have some great quality time left together and I don't want that to end anytime soon! Think things over and reconsider. I hope that you'll decide that you want to work things out between us. Perhaps we should consider professional counseling and if you behanot ve nicely I'll even get you a nice oil change and you've got a new set of tires to look forward to too!

not a whole lot of love,
Abby

In other news, big sailboat race this weekend! That's right it's the annual Port Huron to Mackinac race :) cross your fingers for great winds and a spinnaker start!:boat: I'll have a great update for you all after the weekend!

AGPrincess

07-18-2007, 11:06 PM

Dear Taurus:

I realize that you have become an "experienced" car and I am sure that sometimes you get tired of driving around every day. However, I really thought that we had something special. Since I first laid eyes on your shiny, baby blue exterior, I knew you were the car for me. We have had some great times and some great road trips - heading to college, heading to grad school, moving out on our own. We really had something. I've babied you and given you the best that I can: regular oil changes, baths, the best regular unleaded fuel money can buy. Then you got other ideas. I don't know why you didn't want to work anymore. I called our friends in Port Huron and they were very concerned. It's not like you to misbehave, you've always been so great, and they thought it might be too dangerous for us to make the trip. So we went to a place here in town. Once, twice, no need for a third strike :(

I knew I needed to take you to the best place I knew of, which was back in Port Huron. Of course you decided that you didn't want to go. In fact you downright refused for over an hour! You fought and fought, but we managed to make it to Port Huron by a miracle. Then you promptly decided to start working again for Frank, the nice mechanic. Is he the one who's taken care of you and loved you these past three years? NO! Yes, he did have a little visit with you in November of 04, but nothing that would establish a serious relationship between you two.

Guess I was wrong. I fear your love has shifted, since you didn't misbehave once for him in the 4 days he's had you. We'll be reunited this weekend, but I'm a bit aprehensive. We should have some great quality time left together and I don't want that to end anytime soon! Think things over and reconsider. I hope that you'll decide that you want to work things out between us. Perhaps we should consider professional counseling and if you behanot ve nicely I'll even get you a nice oil change and you've got a new set of tires to look forward to too!

not a whole lot of love,
Abby

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Maybe Taurus is jealous that you're going to Disney without him!

Hedy

07-19-2007, 10:20 AM

Bad Taurus.

abbybeth

07-19-2007, 10:39 AM

Bad Taurus.

very, VERY bad Taurus.

we're going to have to have a very serious heart-to-engine discussion when I see it tomorrow night!

Maybe Taurus is jealous that you're going to Disney without him!

Perhaps. Maybe living in the hard Michigan winters with the snow and the salt has finally driven her insane and she is now longing for retirement in the warm sun of Florida. sigh.

maybe buying her some jumpsuits and depends would make her happy again!

abbybeth

07-24-2007, 10:38 AM

Sorry for the delay everyone, I had to work on my Belle costume and then I had to read Harry Potter - I've been avoiding most of the internet like the plague so I wouldn't have to worry about coming across spoilers!

But now that I have finished my book, we can start ramping things up around here!:banana:

say it with me: 44 days to go!:yay: :yay: :yay:

I will post pictures of the costume progress this evening when I get home from work. It's almost done :) It's time to get down to business. Here are my upcoming projects (which may not have my *full* attention until after my online class is done on the 6th since I have a final paper and an essay test to deal with)

Mousekeeping Envelopes
Window & Door Decorations
Assorted LGMH Projects
Packing List for Clothes According to Activity
Order Trading Pins from the DizPins Board

So really there is quite a bit yet to get done. August is going to be an extremely busy month, as of right now it looks like all of my weekends have been spoken for up to the weekend of the 31st/1st. The time is going to fly!

and tomorrow should be the big special cashout on Sunshine Rewards, so if I get in fast enough in the morning, a $100 Disney gift card will be on it's way to me to pay for our MNSSHP tickets!:banana:

abbybeth

07-24-2007, 09:13 PM

It's time to reveal the progress on the costume...

but first!

I need to introduce a new member of the Disney Vacation team:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1156.jpg

Courtesy of my extremely generous parents, I present the final and now most important member of my personal luggage team. The Delsey Helium 200 Lite 25" Suitcase, which joins it's little brother the 21" suitgase and the garment bag. They make such a beautiful cobalt family.

To accessorize, nothing less than the nicest luggage tag money can buy, also in coordinating cobalt blue.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1162.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1161.jpg
Oh yes, your eyes do not deceive you - it has a middle section that slides out to reveal your name and contact information, but then slides back in so that it's not out on display all the time. Very clever! Picked that little baby up at convention last month - and my dad wanted to know why I only got one! Guess I'll order a couple more from HQ ;)

I now have a proper sized suitcase to be able to bring my wardrobe to The World. It's not quite big enough to smuggle one of Mary Poppins' Penguins back with me - that would have required the 29" suitcase and would have put me over the airline weight limits, but it'll be perfect for everything else!

As you all know, I went to see the parents this weekend for Mackinac sailboat race festivities, costume construction and general merriment. Naturally, the involved going down to Vantage Point again (aforementioned nice place down by the river seen in pictures in prior post) only this time indulging in a BBQ pulled pork sandwich and this delicacy that is so delicious and so fantastic it's probably illegal:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1134.jpg
Oh yes, those are fresh, piping hot french fries from the Anchor Fries wagon draped in a blanket of melted motzerella cheese and topped off with a velvety helping of hot gravy. Perfection! I would love to have some right now!

Mob: Stop yapping about all this extra stuff and get to the costume woman! That's what we're all actually here for!

ok, ok! Just put down the pitchforks and torches, I'll show you the costume!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1155.jpg

That is the progress so far. We have the blouse done except for the button (we were working out the buttons vs. velcro dilemma depending on how fitted the dress was) The dress is done, including the inset zipper in the back which was a challenge. All that's left is to hem the dress and the apron, make a white underskirt and the blue hair bow to match the dress. That's it! Perhaps modeling pictures will follow when it's all done.

OR

maybe I'll make you all wait until the TR to see the pictures from MNSSHP that come at the END of the week! muahahahahha!:rotfl:

decisions, decisions.... ;)

With that, I figured that I would post the beginings of my little pin collection.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1164.jpg

The pin in the package I bought from someone on DizPins, it's the 2002 October month pin featuring Belle. Since I <3 Belle and my birthday is in October, it needed to be mine!

The Tigger pin is my first pin. My sorority big sister brought it back for me from her Spring Break trip to Disney World in 05. That's what first piqued my interested in pin trading to - I was curious and went to the website on the bottom of the backer card and have had it in the back of my mind ever since.

The Beauty & the Beast pin w/ Stitch. Bought this off of eBay because I had to have it. Love BatB, Love Stitch AND the chandelier swings!

needless to say those 3 pins will not be accompanying me to Disney as they are not available to trade.

The pink card of pins was a generous gift from another DizPins member. I had contacted her because I wanted to buy her Si & Am and framed Belle cast lanyard pin. She surprised me and said that she'd like to send them to me to start my collection - when it arrived she had added a few more pins to the group to start my stash of traders. The full profile Belle is from Disneyland Paris and also won't be eligible for trade. The other three: Koda, Alice and Firefighter Donald will go down to WDW to be traded.

and the Tigger mechanical pencil is a little gift from my mom's boss, a Disney veteran (her daughter has been down there for several band trips)

Within the next couple of weeks I'll be procuring the rest of the traders that will inevitably kick off a ridiculous obsession for my mom and I. While my dad sits back and laughs at us (in a good natured way though - not a making fun of us way)

Also, Zoe discovered the wonders of the yarn ball this weekend as well. I think we may have a gymnast on our hands!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Zoe/IMG_1151.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Zoe/IMG_1152.jpg

Well people, let me know your thoughts on the costume - I don't want to be walking around MK with people thinking I look like a complete idiot in a costume I made in my parents basement with some scraps and a couple safety pins. (Though I did actually do all of the fabric cutting and pinning in my parents basement, but that isn't actually the point ...)

Discuss amongst yourselves!

hmillerbarilla

07-24-2007, 09:18 PM

abbybeth

07-25-2007, 07:00 AM

Your costume is FANTASTIC. It looks like the real Belle dress! well done!:thumbsup2

Can't wait to see the modeling pics since I'll miss the MNSSHP extravaganza.

I can't believe how soon the trip is... I have to do all those little finishing details too, like the LGMHs and the envelopes... oh so much to do!:goodvibes

thanks :) the collar was a real challenge - we didn't have a pattern for it and had to wing it! Can't wait to see it all together myself...

I didn't realize how much I still had left to do until I posted the list - it's gonna come up fast, maybe too fast.... but I guess it can't really come too fast!

Glendamax

07-25-2007, 07:23 AM

Good job on the costume, and congrats on the new luggage!

I'm still here - just been lurking - it's been a bit busy on my end! :wave:

abbybeth

07-25-2007, 07:35 AM

Good job on the costume, and congrats on the new luggage!

I'm still here - just been lurking - it's been a bit busy on my end! :wave:

thanks! I don't know if everyone would be so excited about luggage, but this set is my first "real" luggage and it's blue, therefore it's awesome :D

I hear ya on the being busy, I've not been around as much lately either due to "real life" getting in the way ... should be around a lot more since we're getting so close and there's so much to get done yet.

Abby's Dad

07-25-2007, 09:29 AM

Ah yes, the :hourglass countdown continues! Final payment was made last week (OK, I know it wasn't due until this week, but I'm hoping to get the rest of my paperwork quicker - I am not a patient person!). We now have in hand our tickets for LaNouba, MNSSHP, and the airplane (Flying AirTran, and we splurged the extra $5 per seat to get assigned seats - we'll be sitting together going and coming back). I continue to work on my various secret missions - hopefully completing them this week.

As to the "dish" that DD craves - it is known as Poutine, and originated in Quebec, but is pretty much ubiquitous in Canada now. Being a border city, we tend to have a mixture of cultures (which is fun) - myself, I stay away from the poutine, but have been known to have my fries with the brown gravy, but prefer them with vinegar. There is a very interesting article on Poutine in Wikipedia.
Poutine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine)

My costume is basically complete for MNSSHP - just need to find the right shirt - I am sure that my fellow DISers will approve of my choce (and color).

Time to scan some pictures!

Hedy

07-25-2007, 04:39 PM

Great job on the costume. I love the luggage tag-do you know the company that makes them?
I'm dying to hear about La Nouba.

crgfsu1

07-25-2007, 07:20 PM

Hi Abby!

Love the luggage, love the dress, love the pins, dont like the looks of the fries though...must be a northern thing. (heehee - I can say that since I am originally from MI)

Cant wait for more updates! How was Mary Poppins? You know, I have never seen that?

Cathy

abbybeth

07-25-2007, 07:38 PM

Great job on the costume. I love the luggage tag-do you know the company that makes them?
I'm dying to hear about La Nouba.

Thank you! I looked at the luggage tag and couldn't find a company name or anything useful - it didn't even have the typical copyright China! :laughing: and a quick Google search didn't yield anything. I'm going to order a couple more, I can shoot HQ an email when I do and see what I can find out. I'm surprised I can't find anything out about them....

I'm dying to see La Nouba - I've wanted to see a Cirque show F-O-R-E-V-E-R! It's going to be amazing + din din at Raglan Road after. eeeeee!:banana:

Hi Abby!

Love the luggage, love the dress, love the pins, dont like the looks of the fries though...must be a northern thing. (heehee - I can say that since I am originally from MI)

Cant wait for more updates! How was Mary Poppins? You know, I have never seen that?

Cathy

Well it's a Canadian/French Canadian/delicious thing! I grew up spending a lot of time in Ontario and was exposed to them when I was really young. May not look appetizing, but it's oh so delicious!:love:

As for Mary Poppins, it hasn't made it through the homework rotation. Tigers games take priority in our house, and sometimes when the games done it's pretty late and MP is a longer-ish movie. We may get to it next weekend. I highly recommend it - it has dancing waiter penguins and that's all you really need for an excellent movie! (and Julie Andrews isn't too bad either)

lynnielou

07-25-2007, 08:31 PM

Hi

I best get my fingers moving to keep up with the other members of the 3 bears. DD and DH are so on top of things.!

As you can tell and see from Abby's post we have been very busy. I am very pleased with her costume. I am even more grateful that Abby and I have such a good relationship. I enjoy spending time with her and being together, even if it is to sew. :banana: All that is left to finish is the finer details like the hem, underskirt, and the bow for Belle's hair.

Now that Abby's costume is "good to go" we will next concentrate on DH's shirt for his costume and also we need to shop for regular clothes for the trip for him.

DH is working hard during the day to finalize the itinerary. I am getting the sense there are surprises in store. I am told that I ask too many questions, just wait and see, and then you will find out. I am not a good detective and I am sure that DH and DD are in cahoots to keep me from finding out too much information ahead of time. We will be celebrating our 26th anniversary and this is the year of a million dreams, so I can't begin to imagine what suprises and/or magic are in store for us all. :flower3:

Time to close for now - I am still trying to earn my ears - do you think I can accomplish that before we leave? :woohoo:

abbybeth

07-25-2007, 09:54 PM

I best get my fingers moving to keep up with the other members of the 3 bears.

aren't you the expert typer though? You shouldn't have a problem getting those fingers goin'!:lmao:

I am not a good detective and I am sure that DH and DD are in cahoots to keep me from finding out too much information ahead of time.

Cahoots? What would ever give you that idea? We never plot things ...:rolleyes1

Time to close for now - I am still trying to earn my ears - do you think I can accomplish that before we leave? :woohoo:

well hey, you're at least in double digits now though!

crgfsu1

07-25-2007, 10:05 PM

I am still trying to earn my ears - do you think I can accomplish that before we leave? :woohoo:

I was wondering where you went - we havent heard from you in a while. Keep posting, you'll ear those ears eventually!! (maybe I will too!!) :cheer2:

***I just looked it up - we will become Mouseketeers at 75 posts! Let's go!!! :)
Cathy

lynnielou

07-26-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by lynnielou
I am still trying to earn my ears - do you think I can accomplish that before we leave?

I was wondering where you went - we havent heard from you in a while. Keep posting, you'll ear those ears eventually!! (maybe I will too!!)

***I just looked it up - we will become Mouseketeers at 75 posts! Let's go!!!
Cathy

Cathy - Thanks for the encouragement. I will try and "pick away" and post replies and ask questions of these experts here on the Dis. What a fun group and DH keeps saying how much helpful information he has obtained. So, "I will if you will" we can keep each other company. :yay:

Abby: aren't you the expert typer though? You shouldn't have a problem getting those fingers goin'! Yes I am but therein lies the problem -- I work my fingers to the bone and my eyes are all squinty from being in front of the computer all day at work. The last thing I want to do in the evening is to work the fingers some more. We are not complaining, however, and this is much more fun stuff!:rotfl: :rotfl:

Ah yes, the countdown continues! Final payment was made last week (OK, I know it wasn't due until this week, but I'm hoping to get the rest of my paperwork quicker - I am not a patient person!). We now have in hand our tickets for LaNouba, MNSSHP, and the airplane (Flying AirTran, and we splurged the extra $5 per seat to get assigned seats - we'll be sitting together going and coming back). I continue to work on my various secret missions - hopefully completing them this week.

See what I mean - yes there are secret missions being planned. I love DH very much and know that he will definitely have something(s) special planned. He actually should be an "event organizer/manager" when he grows up and decides what he wants to do for a living!:rotfl2:

Time to run for now.

Abby's Dad

07-26-2007, 05:27 PM

He actually should be an "event organizer/manager" when he grows up and decides what he wants to do for a living!

I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys 'R Us kid :clown:

abbybeth

07-26-2007, 06:10 PM

I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys 'R Us kid :clown:

It's overrated - and besides Peter Pan said we don't have to! :cool1:

abbybeth

07-26-2007, 06:33 PM

Well, I got home from work today, got my mail and found this!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1169.jpg

My very own set of heavy weight, personalized WDW maps! Of course my dad already ordered his and has had them for a couple weeks now. Now I have my own (moving out and having your own address has its perks sometimes!)

I'm very impressed with these. The packaging is great, the maps really are beautiful, though with them being printed back-to-back I'll have to wait out my 6 month period and order another set for optimal scrapbooking usage.
Here are a few more pictures

Guess what?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1170.jpg
Kitten-BUTT!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1172.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1173.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1174.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1175.jpg

I love that it includes the page of tips and a sheet of dot stickers and a Sorcerer Mickey to add to the maps :)
If you all haven't ordered your own set, go over to the Disney website and go into the travel part and order them. THEY'RE FREE!!!

And this is what my new cobalt blue beauty has been up to:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1165.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1168.jpg

Zoe has decided that it's actually her pedestal and spends almost every available moment on it. She's on it as I type this right now. Cats! lol

In other news, I cashed in on Sunshine for my $100 Disney gift card for $95 during our special cashout, so with the other $25 card I have from there earlier, I'll be able to pay for the MNSSHP tickets (well reimburse the rents for them ...) and if I'm lucky I'll be able to earn enough for a $50 before we leave! One more task off of the list ...:rolleyes1

Tonight I may work on cleaning, or maybe my quilt. Or maybe I'll be a bum. Haven't quite decided yet!:happytv:

QUESTION: To Pal Mickey or not to Pal Mickey? Discuss amongst yourselves...

abbybeth

07-27-2007, 08:25 AM

Our trader pins have been ordered thanks to Rocke01 over at DizPins!

Now I have to figure out what else I need to order and when I need to place those orders. I know I need to order my hair extensions soon to allow some extra time in case I don't like the color I chose. I also need to order my Baggallini and have a $25 gc from SR to use, but I've been trying to wait for some sort of sale or free shipping or sale + free shipping to take best advantage of it. I know they ship quickly, but I don't want to leave it completely til the last ... I just know that the day after I place my order, they'll have a sale :confused3

Can't wait til everything starts comin' in! It'll be like Christmas! Only better cause we're going to Disney World - in 41 days!:dance3:

Hedy

07-27-2007, 11:38 AM

I am going to need to go roller-thingy crazy on my suitcase before I go-Oscar has decided it's his bed.
I wanted a Pal Mickey until I heard it talk, honestly. I decided it would drive me nuts. YMMV.
I'm off to order maps-can't believe I haven't done it!

abbybeth

07-27-2007, 11:52 AM

He'll be your new best friend!: 0
You'll stuff him in your suitcase or rip his head off: 1

I am going to need to go roller-thingy crazy on my suitcase before I go-Oscar has decided it's his bed.
I wanted a Pal Mickey until I heard it talk, honestly. I decided it would drive me nuts. YMMV.
I'm off to order maps-can't believe I haven't done it!

Yeah, the poor suitcase is gonna need the sticky-roller treatment as well. She does everything from there now, except eat drink and poop. It's like it's her new pedestal or something.

Yes, off with you! Go get yourself some awesome maps! :) Don't forget to pick out your favorite things to have highlighted on the maps - I can't believe it's free :)

Abby's Dad

07-27-2007, 02:18 PM

41 days, 16 hours, and 26 minutes (assuming that AirTran is on time, which I hear they usually ?are), but whose counting?

Finished up one of the secret missions today, and though DD thinks she knows, she does not know everything. :rotfl2: I am sure that you will be reading all about this in Day #1 of the Post-Trip edition, but Stephanie is really sweetheart and another great co-conspirator! Spock out!

abbybeth

07-27-2007, 03:34 PM

Spock out!

BLASPHEMY!!!!!!

You know we do it Star Wars :darth: style around here!

Up with Star Wars! Down with Star Trek!

really Dad, you should be ashamed of yourself. But since you completed a mission, I'll let it slide. This time.

maybe.

lynnielou

07-28-2007, 11:16 AM

Good morning!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abby's Dad
Spock out!

BLASPHEMY!!!!!!

You know we do it Star Wars style around here!

Up with Star Wars! Down with Star Trek!

really Dad, you should be ashamed of yourself. But since you completed a mission, I'll let it slide. This time.

maybe.

It is SO CUTE! When the two of them go back and forth. I love them both. :wave2: :love:

I guess you could say that DH and I did some "home work" last night. Our local Golden Corral opened this week and we decided to give it our best shot on a Friday night. Yes there was a line and it took a few minutes to find a place to park but we did manage to get seated and filled our plates on 3 to 4 passes up to the buffet. So our homework was to stretch our stomachs in preparation for the dining at Disney. Mission accompilshed. :thumbsup2 The food was good but I am sure that there is much finer dining in store for us come September. I am really looking forward to it. I have visited, only briefly, some of the threads regarding the dining (food porn) and also Princess Mel's trip report, among others. Thanks for sharing so much information, it really is helpful.

abbybeth Our trader pins have been ordered thanks to Rocke01 over at DizPins!
Thanks so much for doing that. I am REALLY looking forward t the whole pin trading thing!. I have talked to my boss, who got into the pin trading on her trips down and she was even kind enough to bring her lanyard with pins on it to work to show it to me. It is such a blast she said and the pin designs are so very cool and the quality of the pins is right up there.

Can't wait til everything starts comin' in! It'll be like Christmas! Only better cause we're going to Disney World - in 41 days!
Yes we are and not only will christmas come early but we will be celebrating 26 wonderful years of marriage (9/4/1981) - 3 days before we fly out.

Abby's Dad 41 days, 16 hours, and 26 minutes (assuming that AirTran is on time, which I hear they usually ?are), but whose counting?

Finished up one of the secret missions today, and though DD thinks she knows, she does not know everything. I am sure that you will be reading all about this in Day #1 of the Post-Trip edition, but Stephanie is really sweetheart and another great co-conspirator! Spock out! I am sitting here with bated breath!. So I am to assume that the first surprise is on the very first day???, night???, upon arrival??? -- when????? Only in the year of a million dreams right? I keep looking at the large post card that we received from AAA on our first visit -
"This Disney Vacation is so incredible, it must be Magic!

It truly is and full of pixie dust too, I am sure. :tinker:

Back to accompilshing things for the greater good around the household (can you say a little bit of cleaning?)

Zoe has decided that it's actually her pedestal and spends almost every available moment on it. She's on it as I type this right now. Cats! lol
Can't forget the "gran-kitty", isn't she just adorable?

Bye for now.

Abby's Dad

07-30-2007, 01:42 PM

According to my countdown calendar a single digit dance is appropriate today :banana: :woohoo: :banana: , since as of today we have 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day until we leave for WDW! :cool1: :yay: :cheer2:

lynnielou

07-30-2007, 04:06 PM

Abby's Dad According to my countdown calendar a single digit dance is appropriate today , since as of today we have 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day until we leave for WDW!
07-28-2007 11:16 AM

Is anyone else going to join in the dance with us? I can't believe how fast the time has gone up to now and also how fast I know it will go in the next month!. It will be here very soon.!

party:

abbybeth

07-30-2007, 09:25 PM

Oh yes, as infuriating as they can be, today was better than Christmas and full - absolutely bursting full of pixie dust!

I know I said/thought I was done purchasing clothing for this trip.

I was wrong.

I'm a girl, I should have known better. It's in my hard wiring to support the retail industry. Resistance is futile, I know.

Anyways, this little beauty came to me today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1179.jpg

How many shirts depicting these little villains have you seen? None? That's what I thought. Now, by now you all have figured out that I am rather fond of penguins. (and upon further evaluation while my new blue suitcase isn't large enough to smuggle back one of Mary Poppins penguins, it IS large enough to smuggle back a Sea World penguin ... ) I am also quite fond of Si & Am. Who doesn't love villainous siamese cats? You see, one of my best friends and I have a thing for Si & Am. We met in college and after our graduations have always been at least a couple hours apart. We always ended up plotting our various visits and adventions and for whatever reason, we started giving our visits titles. Naturally, we then segwayed into having covert operations. Makes perfect sense.

And then, Operation: Si & Am was born.

I, Abby, am Am. Because my name starts with an A. Also because Eren sometimes refers to me as Abu (because clearly, I resemble a tiny Indian monkey ...) and that also starts with an A. Eren is Si because that is the other one. We plot in tandem and general silliness and have a fabulous time.
Here we are at Si, er I mean Eren's wedding

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_0204.jpg

So, you understand why I had to buy the shirt. I'm trying to convince her to buy one too. It can be our team uniform.

But that wasn't the only goodie that came in the mail today!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1180.jpg

A box full of 100 Disney pin traders, that I have committed to not open until my mom and I can sort through them together. It's a bit difficult to see it sitting there just begging me to open it ...

I also got my $100 SR gift card which finishes my commitment to buy the MNSSHP tickets and a free sample of Mr. Coffee coffee ... who doesn't love free coffee!

So today was a great day at the mailbox, but tomorrow will be a very long day at work, probably be about 8am-8:30pm or so. I'm glad that everything arrived today so I won't have to worry about anything sitting outside of my apartment all day long.

oh, and I ordered my Baggalini today ... what color did I get?

Hedy

07-31-2007, 01:25 PM

Lime green?
I was wondering about the shirt-you mentioned it on SR but I didn't see it here yet! Where's it from? And what's this magical site of pins?

ANTSS2001

07-31-2007, 02:16 PM

abbybeth

07-31-2007, 03:55 PM

Lime green?
I was wondering about the shirt-you mentioned it on SR but I didn't see it here yet! Where's it from? And what's this magical site of pins?

Not telling on the color - makin' everyone guess. It's supposed to arrive on the 8th.

All I know is that I got 10% off + free shipping from SR and used my $25 gc I earned there, so my out of pocket for the bag was only like $6.50 :banana: I'll show you all the color when it arrives ;)

The Si & Am shirt is from www.babygirlboutique.com which has a few Disney shirts, a lot of Hello Kitty and a lot of repro vintage clothing. Definitely some cute things on there - They were awesome with emailing me and shipped my shirt the day I bought it. They also left a cute little note with it that said I got 1 of the 2 Si & Am shirts left - lucky me!

I used a seller on DizPins.com It's another message board site, only all about pins. There are some neat people over there as well and very helpful and knowledgable about the whole pins thing. If you're looking for traders, PM me and I'll let you know who I worked with. They were very quick and responsive and had about the best deal I could find price wise with TONS of references from pleased customers. Fast shipping, again, shipped the day I sent payment. I'll post pictures when I open the box and let you know what I think about the selection and quality, but I expect it'll be top notch.

41 days for me so excited to see the 3 bears!!!

woohoo! And the 3 bears are excited to see you too! :banana: :banana: double banana time - 37 days here + 6 = TOT meet! (I think I counted that back correctly ... I'm not a math major!)

Red Wings Fan

08-02-2007, 10:59 AM

crgfsu1

08-02-2007, 01:38 PM

[QUOTE=abbybeth;20040283]Not telling on the color - makin' everyone guess. It's supposed to arrive on the 8th.

All I know is that I got 10% off + free shipping from SR and used my $25 gc I earned there, so my out of pocket for the bag was only like $6.50 :banana: I'll show you all the color when it arrives ;)

I am guessing it is BLUE?????

Cathy

abbybeth

08-02-2007, 08:25 PM

Great pre-TR Abby....

I'll eventually work my way thru the whole thing, but until then I'll have to refrain from skipping to the end.

BTW, love the pics of PH. I was born there, but moved away when I was 2-ish. Lots of family still there. Also, the DW's family has owned a place in Lexington for the past 40 years, so we get to pass through some.

TTFN....

Tony

Hey Tony - :welcome: :) That's kinda fun to "bump" in to someone from P-Town. I'm actually headed back there this weekend to meet up with my parents and see my best friend from high school (she'll be in town from Texas) so there'll be more PoHo pictures to come! and we love Lexington, especially Wimpy's :)

I am guessing it is BLUE?????

no telling ... I shall reveal all mysteries in due time ...

Red Wings Fan

08-03-2007, 07:22 AM

...so there'll be more PoHo pictures to come! and we love Lexington, especially Wimpy's :)

Absoultely love Wimpy's (stomach may not agree sometimes, but...)!!! We'll be heading through there this weekend. In-laws are having a get together in Lexington and my GMa's 80th B-day on Sunday @ Fogcutter.

Yikes! just looked @ the trip countdown. I guess I better start to get organized. Never seems to be enough time.

abbybeth

08-03-2007, 09:11 AM

Absoultely love Wimpy's (stomach may not agree sometimes, but...)!!! We'll be heading through there this weekend. In-laws are having a get together in Lexington and my GMa's 80th B-day on Sunday @ Fogcutter.

Yikes! just looked @ the trip countdown. I guess I better start to get organized. Never seems to be enough time.

WOW! you are getting close - lucky!:banana: :banana: :banana:

Enjoy your weekend, the weather should be nice. I'm going out on the Huron Lady this evening with my parents. My best friend's parents own it and are having their annual friends & family party, so it should be a good time. Hopefully it'll be nice and warm because we usually anchor for a while and swim out in the lake.

Have a burger at Wimpy's for me if you get a chance and enjoy the Fogcutter - that's a lovely restaurant with a great view :)

Red Wings Fan

08-03-2007, 09:29 AM

I'm going out on the Huron Lady this evening with my parents. My best friend's parents own it and are having their annual friends & family party, so it should be a good time. Hopefully it'll be nice and warm because we usually anchor for a while and swim out in the lake.

Lucky girl!!! Have a great time.

crgfsu1

08-04-2007, 09:45 PM

Hope you are having a good visit with the parents this weekend. I am anxious to see the contents of you big box of pins - have you opened it yet?

Your count down is getting smaller...mine too, I am at 60 days now!! Yee-haw! (is that southern enough for ya?)

I ordered my customized maps to day - thanks for that heads up. They look pretty darn cool. I think my mom is going to order a set too! And dare I actually use them in the park??? NO!!!! :goodvibes

Cathy

Hedy

08-05-2007, 02:09 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/57222323_04b444fbf1_m.jpg
You asked for a picture of my cats: Oscar's the big white one, Belle is the little black one.

abbybeth

08-07-2007, 08:50 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/57222323_04b444fbf1_m.jpg
You asked for a picture of my cats: Oscar's the big white one, Belle is the little black one.

OH! They're so CUTE - I just want to reach through the computer and huggle them :) give them some scritches from Zoe and I. Thanks for posting that, I always love seeing pet pictures, especially if they're cats!

Hope you are having a good visit with the parents this weekend. I am anxious to see the contents of you big box of pins - have you opened it yet?

Your count down is getting smaller...mine too, I am at 60 days now!! Yee-haw! (is that southern enough for ya?)

I ordered my customized maps to day - thanks for that heads up. They look pretty darn cool. I think my mom is going to order a set too! And dare I actually use them in the park??? NO!!!!

Cathy

The visit was good, but time just disappeared ... it went very quickly! I did open the box - I'll be posting it in the update after I finish this response.

I can tell you for certain that my little map set won't be setting one little papery edge inside the state of Florida, much less the hallowed grounds of WDW. I agree - they are so neat. Not entirely sure what I'll do with them, may go into the scrapbook, may wind up as something else. I do know that I'll be ordering another set when my 6 month moratorium is up!

abbybeth

08-07-2007, 09:18 PM

Well, the weekend was very nice! Didn't seem to get a ton of stuff done, but it went by so fast. I left work at 1pm Friday, and it was great to get out a bit early. I came back to my apartment to pack up the last few items and gather up the furbaby. Needless to say, that was an adventure - she loves the destination, hates the travel.

And we all know who wears the pants in this relationship!

except for the fact that she does't wear pants. And would probably bite me if I so much as showed her a pair of pants. Actually she did try to bite my foot this morning when I was putting on my own pair of pants.

No pants for Zoe. Got it!

We arrived at my parents house in an uneventful manner, waited for my mom to get back from work and set out for the boat. The Huron Lady II is a tour boat based out of Port Huron www.huronlady.com that goes down the St. Clair River and out to the mouth of Lake Huron. It's owned by my best friend's parents - so Friday was going to be an awesome day. Not only would I get to go out on the boat, but I would get to see Mary because she came up for the weekend. We met our freshman year of high school at basketball tryouts and have been great friends ever since ... after she graduated she moved to Texas to take a job with an engineering company and I only get to see her every 3 or 4 months.

She's my evil twin :)

Anyways, enough of my yammering ... on with the photographic evidence!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_1185.jpg
Mary and I on the boat - apparently I need to work on my posture!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_1182.jpg
A view of the two blue water bridges from the boat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_1181.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_1184.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/IMG_1186.jpg

It was a perfect day, hot, still and gorgeous. We anchored off one of the beaches and jumped off the boat and swam for a while and gorged ourselves on food and beer! And no, we didn't obey the 30 minute waiting time between jumping and swimming. That rule is for wimps.

After close to 5 wonderful hours on the Lady, the rents and I headed home for a bit before I went back out with Mary. And we reached the point in the weekend you've all been waiting for.

The contents of the mysterious box o' pins.

Well - feast your eyes upon this!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1200.jpg

I am extremely pleased with the selection. Great variety (only 3 dups in the entire 100 pin lot) with a bunch of cast lanyard pins, limited edition pins and other special pins. The normal pins were from WDW, DL, DLParis and DLHong Kong. We should have NO problem finding fun CMs who will want to trade our pins! Naturally, my mom and I found a few in the lot that will go straight into our budding collections, but most of these babies will be released back into their natural habitat in exchange for their cousins who will fit in better with the other residents of our pin zoo. You may notice that the 2 pins at the bottom are the 2 YOAMD pins from the dream lanyard - niiiice! That made me very excited!

YAY PINS!

Now we just have to pick up lanyards when we get down there and figure out what we're going to try to focus on. My primary interests are the Mary Poppins penguins, Si & Am and BATB. Other than that I will be looking for pins that reflect rides and places in the World that we'll do as part of our trip.

Another Disney surprise arrived today, right on time. It's time to congratulate the winner of the Baggallini color guessing contest!

drumroll please .......

Congrats to crgfsu1! It was BLUE!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1205.jpg

However, I don't know if I'm happy with it. The color is periwinkle. However, in person it gravitates much more to the purple end of the periwinkle spectrum and in the picture on the eBags site it gravitated towards the blue end of the periwinkle spectrum.

I don't think I like it.

Zoe won't even LOOK at it...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Zoe/IMG_1203.jpg

In other news - I will be in Epcot at this exact moment one month from now! Today is 1 month to go:banana: :banana: :banana:

hmillerbarilla

08-07-2007, 10:06 PM

Hi Abbybeth!:wave2: My sister likes your pins. Great collection! Anyway, sorry you are not crazy about your baggallini. I ordered one last week and it should arrive any day. Mine will be lime green!:banana:

I can't believe how quick the trip is coming up! And I still haven't done any of my "last minute" things. I can't wait!!:goodvibes

Also, your pre-trippy is fabulous. Great job!:thumbsup2

Abby's Dad

08-08-2007, 11:39 AM

Hi Abbybeth! My sister likes your pins. Great collection! Anyway, sorry you are not crazy about your baggallini. I ordered one last week and it should arrive any day. Mine will be lime green!

We tried to get her to to buy lime green to match ours! Oh, well - I do think it is pretty. And the pins were great fun to look through - I think that Abby definitely selected a good seller. It was fun looking up some of the stranger pins - one of the pins is from a limited edition of only 250!

Now to demonstrate that DD was not the only one on said boat trip, and to verify that others do have a camera (and need to practice with it before Disney World :) ), we have more pictures:woohoo: .

First, for those who wonder about DD and whether she truly did sew her Belle dress, her she is had at work at the sewing machine:http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/20a3781e.jpg

And now to the boat: This is the Highlander Sea, Port Huron's own tall ship. She is 180 ft long, twin masted schooner. Unfortunately she is well over a mile away in this picture, had hoped for her to get closer, but no such luck.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/efd86b5d.jpg
This is a 32 ft Carver which was anchored aft of the Huron Lady - as you can see, anchoring offshore is pretty popular, even though we do have a lot of beaches. Sorry I don't have a picture of the Huron Lady, but it is available on their web site, but she dwarfs the Carver at 73 feet, with 3 decks. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/3edbf3f2.jpg

This is a picture from later in the afternoon when the Carver decided to leave (and take part of the scenery with it) http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/74d173c8.jpg The water was very clear, and about 15 to 20 feet deep here. The younger folks were diving in from the upper deck of The Lady, and swimming around the boat.

For those unfamiliar with Lake Huron, she is one of the largest of the Great Lakes, running much of the Eastern shore of the state of Michigan, with Ontario, Canada forming the eastern side of the lake (and also the St. Clair River in other pictures here). As you can see, the lake looks pretty calm, which she was that day, with waves mostly in the 1 to 2 ft range. Unfortunately though, that is not always the case, as the number of shipwrecks that she holds can attest. During some storms waves have reached 35 feet out on the lake - and yes, that is 35 feet!

Coming back in, we see the Ft. Gratiot lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse on the great lakes. You can see her light as far out as 17 miles into the lake. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/7d69d231.jpg Next we pass the Edison Shores Condominiums - if you have a spare million dollars, you to can live here. This was the brainstorm of a previous city manager, who convinced the city to build these - and then coincidentally, was the first to buy one (purchase price confidential - hmmmm) http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/f6b8a0c0.jpg But as you can see, there is still plenty of public access. The boardwalk running along the river (St. Clair River) extends for over a mile, and is enjoyed year round, by walkers, joggers, and people just enjoying the water. Next, we pass the Huron lightship. She was the last operating lightship on the Great Lakes, and used to be anchored out near where the picture of the Highlander Sea was - they were used as lighthouses before technology developed allowing permanent lighthouses to be built in the lake.
She is now a museum, and tours are available of the Huron lightship, the Ft. Gratiot lighthouse, and the USCG Bramble (retired). http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/3ef5d83b.jpg. Continuing downriver we pass the USCG Hollyhock, a 240 ft buoy tender/ice breaker, and one of the most highly advanced technologically of the Coast Guard fleet. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/38c56f7e.jpg. One of the things that people come to Port Huron to see is the freighter traffic on the river - there are few places where you can get closer to these ships while they are under way, and ships from around the world pass by here in a continuous parage. This ship is a Canadian lakes freighter, empty in this picture )which is why the bow is up so high, and probably heading to the upper lakes for a load of grain. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/06cc8834.jpg This next picture is of the same ship, but as she approaches the Blue Water Bridge (actually twin bridges - that carry commercial and noncommercial traffic between the US and Canada - one of the biggest commercial crossings in the country), which as you can imagine, is quite high to allow passage of these boats, which have a height above the water of better than 10 stories. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/2de8465f.jpg.

Remember the previous city manager mentioned earlier? Well, the city owned this beautiful piece of property on the river - many felt that it should be developed into a convention hotel and bring income to the city, but he wanted an office overlooking the river, and so what locals refer to as the Taj Mahal was built - Port Huron's City Hall. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/d06b290f.jpg. The boardwalk mentioned earlier continues here, and this is a very popular fishing spot, with catches of salmon, perch, and walleye among other the most popular fish.

As we approach The Huron Lady's port on the Black River, we see Vantage Point, which is a neat place to sit and watch the ships, either inside (where they have great coffee and sandwiches, as well as free wireless internet access and radar screens showing the traffic on the river) or outside, and enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, or french fries (DD's previous post about poutine) from the outdoor stands. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/345fae6e.jpg. This is a view of the Canadian shore (Sarnia, Ontario) from the area of Vantage Point. The river is roughly about a half mile wide at this point. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/3e9d6cf4.jpg. At this point we are in the Black River, approaching the Huron Lady's dock. We are passing a Pilot Boat, shown here, which takes Pilots out to the ships which need them, which are mostly the ocean-going ships. All captains of ships travelling the Saint Lawrence Seaway system, which includes the Great Lakes, must be licensed for each area they travel through. Lacking a license, you have to hire a licensed pilot to pilot the ship through the area. This exchange of pilots takes place while the ship is underway (commercial traffic doesn't want to lose any time) by the pilot boat pulling alongside the ship, a rope ladder is dropped down the new pilot climbs up the ladder to the ship, and the departing pilot climbs down to the pilot boat. The pilot boat also brings mail or other items that may be waiting for the ship. http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/da035ac3.jpg.

OK, so I am a little overboard on this area - I fell in love with the boats here when visiting a classmate a long time ago, and vowed then that if I ever got the opportunity, I was moving here. That opportunity came along 26 years ago, and we still love it here, and enjoy being so near the water. And now that we are :banana: :banana: SHORT-TIMERS :banana: :banana: (Brief interruption here - pre-trip pertinent - AAA just called and interrupted this moment - Our Documents Are Here For WDW! :woohoo: ), most of the planning is done, so there isn't really much left except the packing and leaving. I will be posting our itinerary next - so stay tuned, and I hope you have enjoyed this little Port Huron tour. Watch your step as you depart the ship.

crgfsu1

08-08-2007, 01:33 PM

Another Disney surprise arrived today, right on time. It's time to congratulate the winner of the Baggallini color guessing contest!

drumroll please .......

Congrats to crgfsu1! It was BLUE!
:

I won, I won!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cathy :yay:

crgfsu1

08-08-2007, 01:35 PM

Hey Abby's Dad -

Thanks for the tour! I left my life jacket on the boat for next time :)

Cathy

crgfsu1

08-08-2007, 01:39 PM

"We tried to get her to to buy lime green to match ours! Oh, well - I do think it is pretty. And the pins were great fun to look through - I think that Abby definitely selected a good seller. It was fun looking up some of the stranger pins - one of the pins is from a limited edition of only 250!"

Abby -

I am going back and forth about pin trading, can you get me the name of your supplier so I can further check into it?

Cathy

Abby's Dad

08-08-2007, 01:44 PM

Hey Abby's Dad -

Thanks for the tour! I left my life jacket on the boat for next time :)

Cathy

Well I'm certainly glad that it fit - after all I didn't know what size to reserve for you! And one has to wonder if you had an unfair advantage in the bagalini color contest - after all, you do have your very own Abby!

We do enjoy anytime we get to go out on the Huron Lady - They do an evening cruise downriver to a very nice riverfront restaurant, where they dock, everybody disembarks and has a nice dinner in the restaurant (it's part of the Chuck Muer national group), then everybody gets back on the boat for a leisurely star-filled cruise back to Port Huron, with coffee and dessert. Abby gave us that cruise last year for our 25th, and it was absolutely lovely.

lynnielou

08-08-2007, 09:12 PM

Hello,

How do I compete with DH and DD? I don't really do pictures so I cannot add them to my post (s). Thanks for posting the pics you two. I was there and I still enjoy seeing everything again. That is me in the background of the one picture of Abby and Mary on the boat (the one with the curly ponytail and over-sized looking upper arms). The earrings are nice thought, (can you say made by Abbybeth?)

Yes, we are getting closer. :banana:

(Brief interruption here - pre-trip pertinent - AAA just called and interrupted this moment - Our Documents Are Here For WDW! ), most of the planning is done, so there isn't really much left except the packing and leaving. I will be posting our itinerary next - so stay tuned, and I hope you have enjoyed this little Port Huron tour. Watch your step as you depart the ship.

I stopped on my way home from work at AAA and got the documents in my hot little hands. We now have in our possession the luggage tags among other important papers. I have given them right do DH, for safe-keeping. I do not want to be responsible for these important documents. I trust him totally. :yay:

Time to close for now, need to keep a fresh mind to stay on top of items at work - that way things will be all set for the boss while I am away. Sleep is important for me at this point.

Thanks to all of our readers, we enjoy reading all messages. :tink:

Glendamax

08-09-2007, 01:32 AM

The Pictures are gorgeous! I wanted to jump into the water!

I sent one of my pin-collecting friends the pic of your pins. I know she will be salivating! Can't wait to hear from her!

Red Wings Fan

08-09-2007, 07:48 AM

Abby's Dad

08-09-2007, 12:34 PM

Abby's Dad:

Thanks for posting those pics. I am always amazed seeing the freighters work their way up and down the narrow waterways there. Brings back some great memories of me @ the grandparents in Marysville watching them go by. :thumbsup2

Tony

Hey Tony!

How was Wimpy's? Were you able to get in with the crowd from the art fair?

Marysville was where I fell in love with the river. Had a former classmate that was renting a duplex on the river in Marysville, spent an afternoon in their living room visiting and watching the freighter traffic - fell in love right then and there. And even without ships, the river undergoes so many changes, so many "moods." As much as part of me would like to move to Florida and get a job with Mr. Mouse, I don't know that I could give up the river (especially in exchange for palmetto bugs:eek: ).

Glad you enjoyed the pics - tomorrow I will get around to the itinerary - honest, I will!

AGPrincess

08-10-2007, 08:03 PM

Hooray for pins! Man, you got a really good bunch...did you get them off ebay? Can I trade for some of the princess ones? :thumbsup2

I liked your boating report...and the baggallini too!

abbybeth

08-11-2007, 02:35 PM

The Pictures are gorgeous! I wanted to jump into the water!

I sent one of my pin-collecting friends the pic of your pins. I know she will be salivating! Can't wait to hear from her!

hehe, we DID jump in the water and it was awesome - very warm and inviting! I'm happy with the pins. Our selection is good, now we just have to hope that the CMs have an equally good selection to work with so we can get some pins that are up our alley!

Abby's Dad:

Thanks for posting those pics. I am always amazed seeing the freighters work their way up and down the narrow waterways there. Brings back some great memories of me @ the grandparents in Marysville watching them go by. :thumbsup2

Tony

Hope you had a great time last weekend running around Lexington and Port Huron - and you're going to be in The World in just a matter of days - here's a happy single digit dance for you! :dance3:

Hooray for pins! Man, you got a really good bunch...did you get them off ebay? Can I trade for some of the princess ones? :thumbsup2

I liked your boating report...and the baggallini too!

I actually used a seller on www.DizPins.com because I had heard too many bad things about people getting scrappers off of eBay auctions. That wasn't a risk I was willing to take and I also got a better deal on price per pin and shipping going through someone that I knew would be sending me 100% tradable pins. I may be open to trading some princesses after we get back and I see what we're able to do when we get down there. I won't be trading away the princesses down at the World lightly, especially since they're pretty much all from Disneyland Paris. So they may come back home with me if I can't find much to trade for down there, I will let you know for sure! Are you on PinPics? Glad to see you started your next TR.

abbybeth

08-11-2007, 02:40 PM

So what does one do with a few hundred Mickey Head paint chips from Home Depot?

Prepare for a mass beheading!:scared1:

*da-dum, da-dum, da-dum da-dum ......<I was trying for the Jaws music. Just use your imagination!>*

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1206.jpg

The beginning of the ceremonial beheadings...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1207.jpg

in process...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1213.jpg

HEADS!!!!! :eek:

They are now currently being flattened. Boy do I know how to use torture methods! Why wasn't I born in the medievil times? :lmao:

It's taken the last 4 Harry Potter volumes, a Dostoevsky and Philip Lesly's Handbook of Public Relations to handle all of the heads that need to be flattened. I'm tempted to see if I can iron them ....

Once they're flat it's game one. I have paint, cardboard and mod podge. Don't mess with me!

Now: For the interactive portion of this pre-TR. My dear readers, I pose you not one, but two questions.

1. Do I exchange my purpley periwinkle baggallini for the turquiosey-bright blue one?

2. To autograph book or not autograph book? I'll be character stalking for sure - will I regret not doing autographs?

Talk amongst yourselves! (said in Linda Richman "Coffee Talk" voice. if you have no idea what I'm referring to ... I'll post a YouTube nugget for you below)

It's a little glitchy, but the line appears around the 2:30 mark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrb_45O1iCU

hmillerbarilla

08-11-2007, 04:40 PM

Hedy

08-11-2007, 06:11 PM

I love my autograph book for characters..plus, you never know who'll you'll run into at a Disney park-I have Ashley Tisdale (pre-HSM) and Brenda song from Disneyland in 2005-they were just chilling in the lobby.
I'd exchange, as I'd say life's too short to spend money on a bag you're not in love with, *but* I might look for a local bag as your trip is coming up soon.

crgfsu1

08-12-2007, 09:15 AM

OK, what the heck are you doing to your mickey heads? How did you do that??

Autograph Book: we are not doing one this time - I dont think my DD is old enought to care. She might not even like the characters yet :scared:

Bag: I like the bag you have BUT, you dont, so if I were you, I'd get the one you do like. No need to be stuck with something you arent happy with. Do you have time to exchange it?

Cathhy

Abby's Dad

08-12-2007, 01:45 PM

OK, I've said it would be posted, and today is the day that it will be done.

Now sing with me, On The First Day Of Our Vacation, My True Love Gave To Me ............ oops, wrong plan. OK, here it is on the The Rusty Scupper WDW Planner:

Day 1:

We will be getting up very early (or not going to bed), and taking AirTran out of Flint, arriving in Orlando about 9:30. We are skipping the Disney Magical Express to maximize our time at WDW - we'll be taking a limo from the airport to POFQ. Time to dump the luggage, get checked in (no tickee, no parkee), and then off for Epcot, where we will be for the rest of the day, until they kick us out. Lunch will be at 1:00 at The Coral Reef. I know that among other things that day, we will be planning on seeing Off Kilter (no wisecracks, I know that that isn't a surprise to anybody here:rotfl2: ) Dinner will be at 7:45 at the Rose & Crown for Illuminations. This day will include the first of the various surprises that have been planned for various people in this party - yessir, something for everyone! Look for more on day #1 of the actual trip report.

Day 2:

Off to MGM/Disney for the morning and the afternoon. We will probably grab breakfast at the food court at POFQ, lunch at the ABC Commissary (looking forward to trying the curried chicken - I love curry). Dinner will be at 5:15 at the Brown Derby, with the Fantasmic package, so you know what we will be doing after dinner. After Fantasmic, I 'spect that we will wander over to DTD to check that out.

Day 3:

Breakfast, maybe grab something to go from the food court, as I'm thinking that we may be on our way to a surprise this morning, ooh, ooh, - time will tell:woohoo: , then we'll head over to the Epcot for the rest of the morning. Lunch at Le Cellier at 1:45 pm (that was the only ADR I could get there all week), and then over to MK, and it is looksing like Pinocchio Village Haus for dinner (cannolis for dessert), and fireworks in the evening, maybe Cape May Clam Bake for dinner. But who knows, maybe a surprise this evening - and I know that there are people reading this who know about the surprise, and will even be part of the surprise - :goodvibes ). Maybe we'll end up heading to DTD for a pint at Raglan Road :drinking1 .

Day 4:

Breakfast with Cindy (CRT) at 8:45. then MK for the morning, lunch at the Columbia Harbour House. Planning to go back to POFQ and veg for the afternoon, maybe a little pool, but figuring that the ladies in the party will be wanting to get ready for dinner. Oh yeah, dinner at 5:30 at Victoria & Albert's - my jacket please! Probably spend some time at DTD walking off the dinner afterwards.

Day 5:

Breakfast at the food court, and heading to Epcot for the morning. Lunch at 1 pm at Les Chefs de France (is it OK if I just point to what I want on the menu? If they make me pronounce it correctly I guess I will have to starve).
Back to POFQ for the afternoon, and it looks like today is :laundy: day for me. Then off to LaNouba, early show, front and center, followed by dinner at Raglan Road at 8:15. OK, maybe more than dinner.:drinking1 , some entertainment too, and OK maybe some :drinking1 . Now we're tallking, a pint of Smithwick's with a Guinness head, maybe a nice single-malt (not the good stuff unfortunately - $40 to $50 a shot is way beyond me).

Day 6:

Breakfast at Boatwright's - sweet potato pancakes! Then off to AK for the morning, until time to go for tea at the GF at 2:15. Then we will roll ourselves over to POFQ to lounge around like beached whales for the afternoon, then off to The California Grill for dinner at 7:45, followed by Wishes from there. I am feeling full, and all I am doing is writing about it!

Day 7:

Everybody awake? - this vacationing thing is wearing me out:rotfl: . Anyway, up early this morning, breakfast at the Crystal Palace:tigger: :eeyore: pooh: at 8 am. Then MK for the day, with lunch at LTT at 1 pm, and we'll be grabbing hotdogs at Casey's for dinner (with sauerkraut, please), and Spectromagic. Or will it be Narcoosee's - we do have a ressie there - or could this be another potential surprise night. Who knows - well the nose knows, what the nose knows, so speak beak - that was a saying that we had back in high school. One of the classmates, well, had a rather large nose. I don't want to say it was huge, but he lived in Illinois, and our school was in Milwaukee, and he could still be at home when his nose would arrive at school. OK, maybe that is a little bit of an exaggeration:rolleyes1 . Anyway, time will tell, won't it.:hourglass .

Day 8:

Time for some more beignets at the foot court and then off to the AK for the daytime hours, with lunch at the Flame Tree BBQ. Then back for MNSSHP and dinner at Tony's Town Square Rest. The costumes all seem to be in order - you know that DD will be Belle (and a wonderful Belle at that), and DW will be Tinkerbelle (who else?), and I will be :cool1: , well, shall we say a very noticeable DISer:clown: .

Day 9:

Food court for our last beignets, check out, and then hit the world for anything that we might have missed. I'm hoping that we will be able to get lunch at the Earl of Sandwich. Our flight out will be at 7:30, and we'll take the ME to the airport.

Picked up a lot of miscellaneous things yesterday, inluding some nice small misting fans from wally world. Looks like it is time to be off to work for me, so have a good afternoon, as well as a great new week!

lynnielou

08-12-2007, 03:29 PM

Why wasn't I born in the medievil times?

Because. we are old - but we are not THAT old.
:lmao:

crgfsu1

08-12-2007, 08:20 PM

Wow, ABby's Dad...I am tired after that!! It sounds like a lot of fun and VERY well planned. So many secrets too - exciting :)

Cathy

abbybeth

08-12-2007, 08:46 PM

I love the autograph book. :love: Since I'm not a scrapbooker person I really like the princess book that has the place for the picture on the opposite page. So, next to each signature, we have a picture of us getting our book signed with the character. It is very fun.

I'm going to look into the pins now.:goodvibes

well... I picked up a little spiral bound book tonight to decorate for autographs. I'll give it a try :) If I don't like it, then I can leave it in hotel room. I also picked up a big, fat sharpie for those gloved characters to use!

I love my autograph book for characters..plus, you never know who'll you'll run into at a Disney park-I have Ashley Tisdale (pre-HSM) and Brenda song from Disneyland in 2005-they were just chilling in the lobby.
I'd exchange, as I'd say life's too short to spend money on a bag you're not in love with, *but* I might look for a local bag as your trip is coming up soon.

I can't decide if the turquoise is what I want either! :confused3 :rotfl:

OK, what the heck are you doing to your mickey heads? How did you do that??

Autograph Book: we are not doing one this time - I dont think my DD is old enought to care. She might not even like the characters yet :scared:

Bag: I like the bag you have BUT, you dont, so if I were you, I'd get the one you do like. No need to be stuck with something you arent happy with. Do you have time to exchange it?

Cathhy

I have time, but I think I'd need to do it at the beginning of this week.... it's not that I DON'T like the periwinkle, but I don't love it either. I'm so complicated ....

Day 6:

Breakfast at Boatwright's - sweet potato pancakes! Then off to AK for the morning, until time to go for tea at the GF at 2:15. Then we will roll ourselves over to POFQ to lounge around like beached whales for the afternoon, then off to The California Grill for dinner at 7:45, followed by Wishes from there. I am feeling full, and all I am doing is writing about it!

This is the day that we also pick up our croc, Fauna, from the Croc exchange from Tiggerbell. We'll get her on our walk over to Boatwrights! Fauna may get to meet her twin sister Flora, who will be in Heather's (Hmillerbarilla) custody at the Cali Grill that evening...

Day 7:

Everybody awake? - this vacationing thing is wearing me out . Anyway, up early this morning, breakfast at the Crystal Palace at 8 am. Then MK for the day, with lunch at LTT at 1 pm, and we'll be grabbing hotdogs at Casey's for dinner (with sauerkraut, please), and Spectromagic. Or will it be Narcoosee's - we do have a ressie there - or could this be another potential surprise night. Who knows - well the nose knows, what the nose knows, so speak beak - that was a saying that we had back in high school. One of the classmates, well, had a rather large nose. I don't want to say it was huge, but he lived in Illinois, and our school was in Milwaukee, and he could still be at home when his nose would arrive at school. OK, maybe that is a little bit of an exaggeration . Anyway, time will tell, won't it. .

This is the day of the Tower of Terror meet at MGM at 3ish. We'll be handing off Fauna to mcdee1980 there as well.

And be careful of identifying traits - whether it be noses or being left handed, we have no fear! We'll make fun of you everyday! :rotfl:

hmillerbarilla

08-13-2007, 01:09 AM

Red Wings Fan

08-13-2007, 08:08 AM

Hey Tony!

How was Wimpy's? Were you able to get in with the crowd from the art fair?

Honestly, I stayed away from "downtown". It's not like I don't like the art fair, just way too many people and I like to be up there for the peace and quiet. Just spent the day relaxing @ the beach with the kiddies.

Glad you enjoyed the pics - tomorrow I will get around to the itinerary - honest, I will!

Great plans!! :thumbsup2

We are going on quite the opposite theory this trip. Minimal ADR planning (no DDP...lots of junk food/counter service, I guess) and staying ofsite part of the time has kind of messed up my normal planning routines.

abbybeth

08-13-2007, 11:30 AM

Abby's Dad, your schedule is intense! We will be in the MK the morning of your fourth day, and we're doing lunch at CHH too, so mayble we'll run into you there as well!:goodvibes

Abbybeth-I really want to try to find you at Cali Grill. Maybe you and the P's want to check out the Contemporary before your ressie (it is very fun to hang out in the shops & the concourse) and we can meet you either at the bar at CG or in the hotel while we're switching the kiddies. :) Remember my mom & her best friend are watching my kiddies while my sister & I are at the CG and then they're dining at 7:30. very fun! It would be nice to get a shot of the crocs going somewhere fun for a beverage. It seems like they prefer the pool bars. :drinking1 We could introduce them to a "signature lounge".

My sister is here tonight and she's telling me what to write. :rolleyes: Can't wait!!!:jumping1:

Well, I think that our trip motto will be "Go hard or go home!" :lmao: Gosh darn it we're going to squeeze every last spec of pixie dust out of this vacation!

It would be awesome to meet up at the CG - I do want to check out the resort myself. That was the resort my dad stayed at the last time he was there, and from what he's said about it from time to time, it sounds really, really cool.

and beside I think those croc girls need a little class in their lives. All that lounging by the pool, hitting on cabana boys ... we'll have to show them how to take it up a notch! I'll PM you my cell number and hopefully we'll meet up at CHH too! I don't know what all these crazy people are talking about when they say they don't run into any DISers down at WDW ... they obviously aren't trying hard enough!

pierresgirl

08-13-2007, 12:37 PM

abbybeth

08-13-2007, 03:47 PM

abby- I only just started reading your and love it, what a fun read! I don't know if you've made a dress decision yet but if you want the blue one maybe you could find an Alice In Wonderland dress pattern. they aren't too far off each other so you could alter it easily. Zoe is adorable, you can tell her I said so!

oops, posted too soon! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress you got! Where did you order it from? My DD is only interested in seeing Belle in her blue dress and begged for it last Halloween but we couldn't find it.

Thanks for the compliments on the dress. I made it! We got a pattern for a blouse that had the "right sleeves" and I winged the collar and we got a pattern for a German dirndl dress that I modified (fairly heavily) and it didn't turn out too badly. It's a bit loose around the waist, but the apron cinches it in a bit and I wish I had elongated the torso, but it'll do it's job! :thumbsup2

I couldn't find the blue dress anywhere online and to be honest, wasn't exactly thrilled about the available yellow dress options either. I came across one "custom" on eBay or a personal website that didn't look too bad, but was only for smaller kids, maybe the 2-6yr age range.

I have to do the underskirt and hair bow yet, may actually get off the DIS and do it tonight after work! :lmao: and I see you have a pre-TR started as well, so I'll be catching up on that hopefully tonight as well! Welcome aboard!

pierresgirl

08-13-2007, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the compliments on the dress. I made it! We got a pattern for a blouse that had the "right sleeves" and I winged the collar and we got a pattern for a German dirndl dress that I modified (fairly heavily) and it didn't turn out too badly. It's a bit loose around the waist, but the apron cinches it in a bit and I wish I had elongated the torso, but it'll do it's job! :thumbsup2

I couldn't find the blue dress anywhere online and to be honest, wasn't exactly thrilled about the available yellow dress options either. I came across one "custom" on eBay or a personal website that didn't look too bad, but was only for smaller kids, maybe the 2-6yr age range.

I have to do the underskirt and hair bow yet, may actually get off the DIS and do it tonight after work! :lmao: and I see you have a pre-TR started as well, so I'll be catching up on that hopefully tonight as well! Welcome aboard!

It looks amazing, you did a wonderful job and I can't wait to see the pics of all 3 of you dressed up for MNSSHP. Hop onto my report, I have loads of pics on there!

lynnielou

08-13-2007, 08:24 PM

pierresgirl Quote:
Originally Posted by abbybeth
Thanks for the compliments on the dress. I made it! We got a pattern for a blouse that had the "right sleeves" and I winged the collar and we got a pattern for a German dirndl dress that I modified (fairly heavily) and it didn't turn out too badly. It's a bit loose around the waist, but the apron cinches it in a bit and I wish I had elongated the torso, but it'll do it's job!

I couldn't find the blue dress anywhere online and to be honest, wasn't exactly thrilled about the available yellow dress options either. I came across one "custom" on eBay or a personal website that didn't look too bad, but was only for smaller kids, maybe the 2-6yr age range.

I have to do the underskirt and hair bow yet, may actually get off the DIS and do it tonight after work! and I see you have a pre-TR started as well, so I'll be catching up on that hopefully tonight as well! Welcome aboard!

It looks amazing, you did a wonderful job and I can't wait to see the pics of all 3 of you dressed up for MNSSHP. Hop onto my report, I have loads of pics on there!
Welcome and thanks for posting. I am sure that between DH and DD there will be plenty of photos from MNSSHP. I need to finish up my green shoes for my tink costume. I have pom-pons to finish them up. The homework for this weekend will be to get them glued into place. As far as the hair goes, I can do an up-do/pony, just not blond, but may attempt some bangs. What fun. Did I tell you DH and I watched Peter Pan a couple of weekends ago? I do not remember as a kid the movie being so fast-paced. Fun:happytv:

abbybeth Quote:
Originally Posted by hmillerbarilla
Abby's Dad, your schedule is intense! We will be in the MK the morning of your fourth day, and we're doing lunch at CHH too, so mayble we'll run into you there as well!

Abbybeth-I really want to try to find you at Cali Grill. Maybe you and the P's want to check out the Contemporary before your ressie (it is very fun to hang out in the shops & the concourse) and we can meet you either at the bar at CG or in the hotel while we're switching the kiddies. Remember my mom & her best friend are watching my kiddies while my sister & I are at the CG and then they're dining at 7:30. very fun! It would be nice to get a shot of the crocs going somewhere fun for a beverage. It seems like they prefer the pool bars. We could introduce them to a "signature lounge".

My sister is here tonight and she's telling me what to write. Can't wait!!!

Well, I think that our trip motto will be "Go hard or go home!" Gosh darn it we're going to squeeze every last spec of pixie dust out of this vacation!

It would be awesome to meet up at the CG - I do want to check out the resort myself. That was the resort my dad stayed at the last time he was there, and from what he's said about it from time to time, it sounds really, really cool.

and beside I think those croc girls need a little class in their lives. All that lounging by the pool, hitting on cabana boys ... we'll have to show them how to take it up a notch! I'll PM you my cell number and hopefully we'll meet up at CHH too! I don't know what all these crazy people are talking about when they say they don't run into any DISers down at WDW ... they obviously aren't trying hard enough!

I say let's go for it. Party hearty or stay home! We can do it, we are the three bears!:dance3:

And be careful of identifying traits - whether it be noses or being left handed, we have no fear! We'll make fun of you everyday! Are you picking on me? BTW did you know that today is left-handers day, officially?

The time keeps ticking away!

Lease

08-13-2007, 08:41 PM

abbybeth

08-13-2007, 09:07 PM

I say let's go for it. Party hearty or stay home! We can do it, we are the three bears!:dance3:

Are you picking on me? BTW did you know that today is left-handers day, officially?

The time keeps ticking away!

BTW did you know that every day is make fun of left-handers day?

Great report so far! Sounds like you have a very busy and well planned trip ahead of you. I came over from the TOT meet, can't make that but we'll be at POFQ Sept 5-13th so odds of running in to you have increased. It'll really increase if it's planned on.
I'm totally jealous of your sewing skills the dress is going to look amazing. I wish we could stay just a bit longer for MNSSH, it looks like a lot of fun.

Lisa

PS your kitty is adorable

Hello and officially :welcome: ! We're a little OCD with the planning, but it's a group OCD effort! If you can't make the TOT meet, then it is a requirement for us to meet up - ESPECIALLY IF WE'RE AT THE SAME RESORT!!! :banana: We have to check out the Scat Cat club for sure :)

I have to attribute my sewing prowess to my mom, who has taught me well despite her being left handed. :rotfl2:

(and :ssst: we added a night to go do MNSSHP... :rolleyes1 )

and I will pass on the compliments from you and Pierre's Girl to Miss Zoe who is preening next to me as I type!

Abby's Dad

08-14-2007, 10:01 AM

Great report so far! Sounds like you have a very busy and well planned trip ahead of you. I came over from the TOT meet, can't make that but we'll be at POFQ Sept 5-13th so odds of running in to you have increased. It'll really increase if it's planned on.
I'm totally jealous of your sewing skills the dress is going to look amazing. I wish we could stay just a bit longer for MNSSH, it looks like a lot of fun.

Lisa

PS your kitty is adorable

Welcome aboard Lisa - looking forward to meeting you and Cody while we are down there - and who knows, maybe the two of you would like to participate in one of the surprises that have been mentioned in this Pre-Trip?

We added a day on for MNSSHP - Like an idiot, I hadn't even looked at the fact that it started so early, and originally we were scheduled to leave on the 14th.

We do have a lot of planning, but we all also realize that there are times to step back and say, let's throw in a little more pool time here or there, and maybe let's skip dinner tonight (just not CG or Vic & Al's).

Is it too early to start packing my suitcase?:lmao:

Abby's Dad

08-14-2007, 10:09 AM

Honestly, I stayed away from "downtown". It's not like I don't like the art fair, just way too many people and I like to be up there for the peace and quiet. Just spent the day relaxing @ the beach with the kiddies.

Great plans!! :thumbsup2

We are going on quite the opposite theory this trip. Minimal ADR planning (no DDP...lots of junk food/counter service, I guess) and staying ofsite part of the time has kind of messed up my normal planning routines.

WHOA! 3 days for you as of today!:woohoo: :banana: :woohoo: !!!

You guys have a safe and magical trip, and tell Mr. Mouse that we'll be there soon. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

And we actually prefer the beach in Lexington to Lakeside in PH - nice beach, and very relaxing.

And for everybody else - there are a number of people here who's tickers are working their way down (not as far as Tony's, unfortunately), so start getting those cameras warmed up so that we will have pictures to see when you do your trip reports (you are all planning trip reports, aren't you? - if not, we will settle for you just having a great time). An exciting time for everybody - even more anticipation than waiting for the Heinz ketchup to come out of the bottle!

Red Wings Fan

08-14-2007, 12:40 PM

WHOA! 3 days for you as of today!:woohoo: :banana: :woohoo: !!!

You guys have a safe and magical trip, and tell Mr. Mouse that we'll be there soon. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

And we actually prefer the beach in Lexington to Lakeside in PH - nice beach, and very relaxing.

Thanks!!! We're getting pretty pumped. I was up very early (5-ish) for work this morning and there's DD reading in her bed, unable to sleep she says ::hyper:. Gonna be a long couple of days for her, I think.

The beach was very relaxing. The waves were some of the biggest I've seen up there in a long time. My DS wanted to be thrown into each wave that came in. My arms will never be the same.

Hopefully we'll blaze the trail and get everyone pumped for you guys! That reminds me....better check flightstats.com to make sure NWA isn't cancelling flights this early in the month. ::rolleyes:

Here's to lots of picture taking!!! Maybe the heat index will drop below 105 :scared1: and we won't have sweat rolling down the camera.

crgfsu1

08-14-2007, 01:18 PM

An exciting time for everybody - even more anticipation than waiting for the Heinz ketchup to come out of the bottle!

hahaha - I am not 100% sure what a tag fairy is but I sure hope she reads this!!! It cracked me up! :rotfl2:

Cathy

Lease

08-14-2007, 08:56 PM

Welcome aboard Lisa - looking forward to meeting you and Cody while we are down there - and who knows, maybe the two of you would like to participate in one of the surprises that have been mentioned in this Pre-Trip?

Surprises? We like surprises :) Our pre-TR should be started tonight and I'll put up our itinerary. Like yours it's a wee-bit packed, but we planned a midday nap/swim/relax each day. Well except for the day at Discovery Cove.

Oh and there is nothing wrong with starting to pack now. I haven't actually packed anything, but I have a full list of each item of clothing that will go in the suitcase and carry-on. There is no such thing as over-prepared right?

Abby's Dad

08-15-2007, 09:53 AM

Surprises? We like surprises :) Our pre-TR should be started tonight and I'll put up our itinerary. Like yours it's a wee-bit packed, but we planned a midday nap/swim/relax each day. Well except for the day at Discovery Cove.

Oh and there is nothing wrong with starting to pack now. I haven't actually packed anything, but I have a full list of each item of clothing that will go in the suitcase and carry-on. There is no such thing as over-prepared right?

I like the way you think - do we have missing family in Utah?:rotfl:

Lease

08-15-2007, 08:45 PM

I like the way you think - do we have missing family in Utah?:rotfl:

Depends, are you looking to adopt? I understand you take your kids to Disney :) If that's the case sign me up!!

Abby's Dad

08-16-2007, 08:55 AM

Depends, are you looking to adopt? I understand you take your kids to Disney :) If that's the case sign me up!!

:rotfl2:

ANTSS2001

08-16-2007, 11:02 AM

g'morning peeps!! I have not abandoned the ship... just been busy with aches and pains (playing Wii is a tad bit dangerous)... but alas... I am updated with the Bears!!! :surfweb:

Abby's Dad

08-16-2007, 12:18 PM

g'morning peeps!! I have not abandoned the ship... just been busy with aches and pains (playing Wii is a tad bit dangerous)... but alas... I am updated with the Bears!!! :surfweb:

Always good to see ya Timmy! And it will be even better in person:woohoo:

Won't be long now before you get to meet the three bears, or is it the three Cababearos - Yeah, that's it, and there is a ride with us over at Epcot, in Mexico :rotfl:

ANTSS2001

08-16-2007, 06:00 PM

Always good to see ya Timmy! And it will be even better in person:woohoo:

Won't be long now before you get to meet the three bears, or is it the three Cababearos - Yeah, that's it, and there is a ride with us over at Epcot, in Mexico :rotfl:

Yeah!!! I already have posted a picture of my shirt for the TOT Meet and my names on it so you have the 1st opportunity to run away before I spot you three :hippie:

abbybeth

08-16-2007, 07:37 PM

Yeah!!! I already have posted a picture of my shirt for the TOT Meet and my names on it so you have the 1st opportunity to run away before I spot you three :hippie:

Your shirt is fabulous! The little alien guys from TS are adorable :) I promise not to run away. I'll be wearing a lime green tank top, so I'll be spottable too!

Glad you're having fun with the Wii - they look like they're a total blast!

almost there .....

abbybeth

08-16-2007, 07:39 PM

Depends, are you looking to adopt? I understand you take your kids to Disney :) If that's the case sign me up!!

well it's not totally scott free, but the trip does come at a VERY nice discount ;)

the rents make for a pretty good time, but if you're gonna join the fam, you have to be able to make fun of left handers!

ANTSS2001

08-17-2007, 07:20 AM

Have a nice weekend Peeps!

Abby's Dad

08-17-2007, 10:08 AM

Have a nice weekend Peeps!

You too, Timmy! DW and I are going over to DD's for the night, and then to an outlet mall to finish up some shopping tomorrow. Went over to your pre-trip, and the shirt is awesome, as are the buttons. Now I am faced with a dilema - do I want the wimpy, er, I mean, waited button, or do I suck it up and go for the conqueror! Would have posted over there, but didn't know whether I was supposed to jump into the blog or what - isn't a blog where they grow cranberries - oh wait, no, that is a BOG!

Hedy

08-17-2007, 10:14 AM

Noticed it's THREE weeks to your trip! Woohoo! :cool1: :cool1:

Abby's Dad

08-17-2007, 11:18 AM

Meant to post to Hedy's pre-trip, going there now ......:confused3

abbybeth

08-17-2007, 11:57 AM

Noticed it's THREE weeks to your trip! Woohoo! :cool1: :cool1:

oh yes, in three weeks, I'll be eating yummy food at Coral Reef instead of my Diet Coke, doritos and thing of yogurt (I didn't have enough time before work this morning to make my usual culinary treat of PB&J, so I had to scavenge for what I could!)

I.CAN'T.WAIT!!!

and I'm glad you started your pre-TR too - everyone, go check it out! Weigh in on the camera dilemma :)

and as for TOT, I will have a conquer pin, and I will wear it PROUDLY on my Baggallini, color yet undecided...

ANTSS2001

08-18-2007, 10:42 PM

You too, Timmy! DW and I are going over to DD's for the night, and then to an outlet mall to finish up some shopping tomorrow. Went over to your pre-trip, and the shirt is awesome, as are the buttons. Now I am faced with a dilema - do I want the wimpy, er, I mean, waited button, or do I suck it up and go for the conqueror! Would have posted over there, but didn't know whether I was supposed to jump into the blog or what - isn't a blog where they grow cranberries - oh wait, no, that is a BOG!

A Conqueror or a Waiter :lmao: I will make sure a furry friend :rolleyes1 will be there to acompany you... you will never have to do this by your lonesome plus your Diser family will be there!!!

Julianna07

08-19-2007, 05:10 PM

I don't know why it took me so long to get over to your pre-trippie. I am here now! I can't wait to meet you all on the 13th. :cool1: I still need to pick up my Dis identifying T-shirt.

DH and I will also be at MNSSHP on the 14th. If I was as talented as you with a sewing machine, I may have also tried to create the blue dress that Belle wore. Alas, I will be createing a poodle skirt (hopefully soon) since there isn't much to creating one. I just have to figure out the dimensions for my body type. DH will be in his 50's style clothes as well white T, jeans with large cuffs and black shoes.

abbybeth

08-19-2007, 10:14 PM

A Conqueror or a Waiter :lmao: I will make sure a furry friend :rolleyes1 will be there to acompany you... you will never have to do this by your lonesome plus your Diser family will be there!!!

but his heart doctor would strongly encourage he be the conquerer of the stuff ... :rolleyes1

I don't know why it took me so long to get over to your pre-trippie. I am here now! I can't wait to meet you all on the 13th. :cool1: I still need to pick up my Dis identifying T-shirt.

DH and I will also be at MNSSHP on the 14th. If I was as talented as you with a sewing machine, I may have also tried to create the blue dress that Belle wore. Alas, I will be createing a poodle skirt (hopefully soon) since there isn't much to creating one. I just have to figure out the dimensions for my body type. DH will be in his 50's style clothes as well white T, jeans with large cuffs and black shoes.

hello, hello and :welcome: ! Glad to have you over here :) We can't wait for the TOT meet either, it should be great fun to meet all of our newfound imaginary internet friends! I think that they're also trying to set up some sort of meet at the MNSSHP too, don't think anything is set in stone quite yet though. I'm sure that the poodle skirt will look great - and it'll be so cute that you and DH will coordinate. Google/internet search for patterns for poodle skirts (or a basic circle skirt), it wouldn't surprise me if there are some free ones out there that you could work with. I still have some finishing things to do for my costume, but can hopefully get them done this week/coming weekend

pierresgirl

08-20-2007, 06:58 AM

The TOT meet sounds like fun, I need to get in on one!

abbybeth

08-20-2007, 12:54 PM

The TOT meet sounds like fun, I need to get in on one!

Pop over to the DIS meets thread - there are tons of meets over there and I would be shocked if there WASN'T one while you were there :D

BTW everyone, if we could take a moment. . . we have lost one of our happy crew, though hopefully temporarily. Our friend Tony (and family) is not in our midst because he is currently in Walt Disney World! So, while we have lost him for a while, let us celebrate and send good thoughts his way! : pixie dust :

THERE WILL BE AN UPDATE TONIGHT!

abbybeth

08-20-2007, 10:38 PM

Well, I'm here for a little quick update, since I promised one and I always keep a promise ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1223.jpg

The head garland is taking shape. I was relegated to working in the kitchen because Zoe wanted to "help" and I don't think that I wanted her muzzle glued shut. She's too cute for that! Multiple coats of Mod Podge later, they are shiny and laquered into some semblance of submission. The Dad was kind enough to drill the holes into the top of the wooden circles during their visit this weekend, so the next step will be to figure out the spacing. Anyone know the dimensions of the Disney resort windows? Ballpark figure?

After this I'll need to put together the rest of the window decs and our door decs. Dad has taken on the task of our mousekeeping envelopes and LGMH tags. I had folded up some fancy mousekeeping envelopes, but we decided that they might not be "obvious" enough that they were tip envelopes ... guess I'll save those for gifts and stuff. :confused3

The To-Do List is now as follows:

Finish Garland
Finish Window Decs
Do door decs/door sign
Re-select Baggallini color: Lime v. Turquoise
Finish Belle Underslip & Hair bow
Finalize packing list

There are probably some other loose ends in there as well. I feel like I'm running out of time!

Also, I feel weird and ashamed, but as much as I'm looking forward to this, there's a little part of me that isn't ready for it to come, because once it does then it'll be over. Is that strange? :confused3

I did spend Saturday evening and Sunday with one of my friends from college (Eren, the previously mentioned Si to my Am) and we've been talking about a Disney trip with us two since the rents and I started planning this one. We've been able to hammer out a more definite goal time period. We're going to look to go in 2010, once the Harry Potter park is open at the-Park-who-shall-not-be-names ...:rolleyes1 That way we can geek out over HP, do Disney and drink our way around the world in Epcot ;) So I suppose there will be a little light at the end of the tunnel ...

we're in the "teens" in the countdown - it's so odd!

smiller

08-20-2007, 10:56 PM

pierresgirl

08-21-2007, 07:11 AM

Abby- are you going to hang the Mickey Heads in you room window? Very cool! I ordered myself some of the custom maps yesterday, I love the way your came out so I had to!

abbybeth

08-21-2007, 09:37 PM

:wave2: Hi abbybeth, I'm smiller! (hmillerbarilla's sister - we're super creative with names.)

I've enjoyed hearing about all your planning adventures from my sister, so I'm finally joining in!

I totally recommend the turquoise Baggallini - I got one a few months back and it's very cute. :thumbsup2

I hope we get to meet at the California Grill (Heather won't stop talking about how good that place is). :upsidedow

Love what you're doing with the Mickey heads - maybe this will inspire Heather to get crackin' on ours! :banana:

I'm really having a hard time deciding between the lime and the turquoise ... leaning towards turquoise, but I know I have to make the decision SOON! at any rate, :welcome: I've "heard" many mentions of you from Heather, so I'm glad you're joining in on the fun as well. It would be awesome if we're all able to meet. I'm sure we'll be able to work something out.

Abby- are you going to hang the Mickey Heads in you room window? Very cool! I ordered myself some of the custom maps yesterday, I love the way your came out so I had to!

Yup, I just finished tieing the ribbon (lime green of course) to the painted & shellacked wood circles. It turned out decently enough. Now I have to focus on the rest of our decor. I still don't have my plans set in stone, but I know that I have to get a move on it. I also need to stop making quilt blocks and finish the last things on my costume.

Glad you ordered the maps, I think they're awesome, especially for the price ;) the paper is really nice and thick too!

Hedy

08-21-2007, 09:42 PM

Love the Mickey Heads!

Lease

08-21-2007, 10:52 PM

The Mickey heads are awesome. I've been trying to figure out what things I can do with my recently liberated stack :) I think we may carry some with us around the parks for other Dis-ers to sign with their usernames for scrapbooking and such. Your door and window are going to look awesome. Send some of your creative mojo my way :cool1:

Lisa

lynnielou

08-22-2007, 08:15 PM

Hi everyone,

Things have been moving right along and the time is flying by. We still have our little "to do lists" and such. My next project is to finish up my shoes for the tinkerbell outfit for MNSSHP. :thumbsup2 They will be green with some pompons on them, just like the real tink I HOPE!

I think the time has come to start making my list and writing down things that I do not want to forget when I start packing. I have this big fear that I will forget something that I just can't live without and there is no such thing as "running to the corner store, meijer's, etc. :scared:

Lease The Mickey heads are awesome. I've been trying to figure out what things I can do with my recently liberated stack I think we may carry some with us around the parks for other Dis-ers to sign with their usernames for scrapbooking and such. Your door and window are going to look awesome. Send some of your creative mojo my way

Lisa
Yesterday 09:42 PM DD does certainly have some of that creative mojo. She is very good at coming up with ideas and having them turn out tremendously.

smiller Hi abbybeth, I'm smiller! (hmillerbarilla's sister - we're super creative with names.) Like Abby said welcome, we are glad you are here.:dance3:

Julianna07 I don't know why it took me so long to get over to your pre-trippie. I am here now! I can't wait to meet you all on the 13th. I still need to pick up my Dis identifying T-shirt.

DH and I will also be at MNSSHP on the 14th. If I was as talented as you with a sewing machine, I may have also tried to create the blue dress that Belle wore. Alas, I will be createing a poodle skirt (hopefully soon) since there isn't much to creating one. I just have to figure out the dimensions for my body type. DH will be in his 50's style clothes as well white T, jeans with large cuffs and black shoes. Looking forward to seeing you, can't wait to see all the adults dressed up. Watch out, I might have some pixie dust for y'all. :cool2:

Abby's Dad Quote:
Originally Posted by ANTSS2001
Have a nice weekend Peeps!

You too, Timmy! DW and I are going over to DD's for the night, and then to an outlet mall to finish up some shopping tomorrow. We did finish up shopping on the weekend, managed to get some luggage locks and some additional shorts and a couple of shirts for DH, we want him to look his best for our ADRs!.

Code

08-23-2007, 03:07 PM

I finally got caught up over here, and have just one thing to say:

Wow, that is a lot of Mickey heads :rotfl2:

Getting very close for the both of us, 2 weeks doesn't seem like long at all!

Hedy

08-24-2007, 09:40 AM

Two weeks! :woohoo: :woohoo:

prncssmel

08-24-2007, 11:47 AM

The contents of the mysterious box o' pins.

I am kind of wishing I was into pin trading now, as you have 2 that I love in your lot!

However, I don't know if I'm happy with it. The color is periwinkle. However, in person it gravitates much more to the purple end of the periwinkle spectrum and in the picture on the eBags site it gravitated towards the blue end of the periwinkle spectrum.

I like the periwinkle, but I love the turquoise. Well, I love the color of it online. Appparently, they are not the same in real life.

The beginning of the ceremonial beheadings...

Wow, you liberated even more heads than I did! Impressive work, Scout.

It's taken the last 4 Harry Potter volumes, a Dostoevsky and Philip Lesly's Handbook of Public Relations to handle all of the heads that need to be flattened. I'm tempted to see if I can iron them ....

Hey, I think I have that PR book in my basement.

OK, I've said it would be posted, and today is the day that it will be done.

Now sing with me, On The First Day Of Our Vacation, My True Love Gave To Me ............ oops, wrong plan. OK, here it is on the The Rusty Scupper WDW Planner:

Hopw is it that our plans only match up once? That one time better be fabulous, I tell ya.

Surprises? We like surprises :) Our pre-TR should be started tonight and I'll put up our itinerary. Like yours it's a wee-bit packed, but we planned a midday nap/swim/relax each day. Well except for the day at Discovery Cove.

Oh and there is nothing wrong with starting to pack now. I haven't actually packed anything, but I have a full list of each item of clothing that will go in the suitcase and carry-on. There is no such thing as over-prepared right?

Hey, it is someone else from Utah! Wow, there will be 4 families of us at least there at the same time. I am off to read your pre-trippie now.

Looking forward to seeing you, can't wait to see all the adults dressed up. Watch out, I might have some pixie dust for y'all. :cool2:

Okay, now I am actually wondering whether you will really have pixie dust with you.

Abby's Dad

08-24-2007, 12:43 PM

Hopw is it that our plans only match up once? That one time better be fabulous, I tell ya.

Well, those are the formal plans, some of which are fake, and others are subject to change, for example, dinner at Tony's the night of MNSSHP - if we can't get a way earlier ADR that will be scrapped for a CS - or it still could be scrapped for a CS anyway. But I was kind of looking forward to DW nudging the last meatball over to me with her nose :lmao: . And there is the matter of a certain chocolate mousse prize to be awarded, that needs to be worked out.

Hey, it is someone else from Utah! Wow, there will be 4 families of us at least there at the same time. I am off to read your pre-trippie now.

And what is this with the Utah thing - is everybody out there young, attractive, witty, interesting, and nice? Or did we just run into the only ones. Lease and Code are a pretty good find - and they are staying at POFQ. :banana:

Okay, now I am actually wondering whether you will really have pixie dust with you.

DW always has her pixie dust with her (came with the tattoo), anyway it seems that way, because every afternoon when she gets home my afternoon magically gets better :love:

The engagement pics were great - can hardly wait to see the bridal pics!

And two weeks from this very moment we will be sitting in the Coral Reef, and surprise #1 will have been revealed by this time - Like I keep saying, stay tuned for Day #1 of the Trip Report.

abbybeth

08-24-2007, 10:54 PM

Well, since I haven't had a ton of time to work on our window decorations, I decided that it was time for Zoe to earn her keep. She doesn't pay rent, she doesn't clean, so I put her in charge of the next stage of our window decorations ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1231.jpg

guess those paws are more dexterous that originally thought!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1235.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1238.jpg

I think she did a pretty decent job, especially for a kitten who was more interested in chewing the ENDS of the pencils than focusing on her task! We have to decide if we're going to add some glitter to Tink's wings ...

We also have to decide what title to put on our banner as well ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1239.jpg

Any opinions?

The 3 Bears!

The 3 Bears Have Arrived!

something else?

So, thanks to Zoe for her assistance with this project. Now, I need to decide if I'm going to cut them out and mount them on black posterboard or just leave them as cut outs. So many decisions :confused3

I also re-ordered the Baggalini. After much though (more thought than should really have gone into it really) I chose the Lime. It actually seems like it will clash with fewer of my clothes than the turquoise. Many of my clothes are blue and might look odd with the turquoise. Besides, I needed to order more luggage tags and decided to pick up a sling backpack as well (it was $6!) and I still plan on taking my Vera Bradley sling bag, so I'll have several bag options for my using pleasure (as well as taking a black clutch for our fancy dinner)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1242.jpg
BTW, this is the PERFECT color of blue! If the stupid Baggalini had come in that color it wouldn't have been a hard decision!

Hello, my name is Abby and I love purses. Lots of purses ...

also, our window garland is done ... but it'll be held up with suction cups, not drafting tape!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/abbybeth/Disney/IMG_1224.jpg

lynnielou

08-25-2007, 06:38 AM

Abby

WOW!!!!!!!!!

How awesome with the decorations. I absolutely love the mickey heads!

GOOD WORK! :thumbsup2

Time to get to work, need to punch in!

Love Mom

pierresgirl

08-25-2007, 07:20 AM