2011/2012 Reunion Cruise?

[TheTXTaylors5]

Today is the first anniversary of the death of Stacy's son. Her status on Facebook today is a tribute to him. If you have a minute, please reach out to her--she seems to be having a tough time.

Beth

I saw that. I know it will forever be tough for Stacy. My heart goes out to her. I cannot imagine losing a child. :sad1:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JsMom2]

One of the families in my squadron is going through a tough time. Their oldest son has been very sick his entire life, and they never thought he'd live past the age of 5. But he turned 18 earlier this year and is even graduating high school in June!

Now they've been told that he has less than a year left. He loves Disney, so our squadron is raising money to pay for the family's trip down to WDW in June. I was able to get them a villa with my DVC points, and they are really excited about the trip. I'm so glad I was able to help!

[TheTXTaylors5]

One of the families in my squadron is going through a tough time. Their oldest son has been very sick his entire life, and they never thought he'd live past the age of 5. But he turned 18 earlier this year and is even graduating high school in June!

Now they've been told that he has less than a year left. He loves Disney, so our squadron is raising money to pay for the family's trip down to WDW in June. I was able to get them a villa with my DVC points, and they are really excited about the trip. I'm so glad I was able to help!

That was very nice of you to sprinkle some pixie dust for this kid. :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[Pooh_Girl]

One of the families in my squadron is going through a tough time. Their oldest son has been very sick his entire life, and they never thought he'd live past the age of 5. But he turned 18 earlier this year and is even graduating high school in June!

Now they've been told that he has less than a year left. He loves Disney, so our squadron is raising money to pay for the family's trip down to WDW in June. I was able to get them a villa with my DVC points, and they are really excited about the trip. I'm so glad I was able to help!

That is so awesome you were able to do that for them!!!! :thumbsup2 I'm sure that will get them away from everyday troubles and have a great time as a family.

[BethC1952]

One of the families in my squadron is going through a tough time. Their oldest son has been very sick his entire life, and they never thought he'd live past the age of 5. But he turned 18 earlier this year and is even graduating high school in June!

Now they've been told that he has less than a year left. He loves Disney, so our squadron is raising money to pay for the family's trip down to WDW in June. I was able to get them a villa with my DVC points, and they are really excited about the trip. I'm so glad I was able to help!

What a wonderful thing to do!

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

So how has everyone been doing??

[TheTXTaylors5]

So how has everyone been doing??

:wave2: Hi Tina!

Summer is here in Texas! :cool2: Hot! Hot! Hot! We've used the pool pretty much every day for the past few weeks.

:sad2: We read about the flooding in Arkansas. I know it wasn't anywhere near you. Which is a relief.

I assume your little baby has grown from a puppy to dog by now. Like children, dogs grow up so fast. :dog:

:banana: We have a new fur baby in the family. A cat adopted us. She has been coming around for awhile. She is a stray but VERY friendly. We thought she had to be someone's pet. So, we put up flyers and no one claimed her. We made the mistake of feeding her because she looked hungry. Once you do that, they come back again and again and again. A few weeks ago, I went ahead and took her to the vet and she got a clean bill of health. So, we are now the proud parents of Minnie. :cat:

Sadly, our DISdog (JJ) has been having some health problems. A few weeks ago, he started having seizures. Without any notice, he would drop to the ground and shake all over, foaming at the mouth and chomping his teeth as if biting air. It is very scary to watch. We took him to the vet where they did blood tests. They couldn't find anything wrong with him. So, they assumed he has epilepsy. The Vet suggested an anti-seizure medicine (phenobarbital). After reading the side effects of the medicine online, we held off for a few days before giving him the medicine. But, when he had four seizures in one day, we decided it was time to put him on the medicine. He's been on phenobarbital for a few weeks now. He has been "okay" for the past two weeks, no seizures. However, he has NOT been his usual self. There's still something "off" about him. Then this past Thursday around 3 am, he started getting vicious. He was growling at me and snapping. It was very scary and not the dog I know. Bill was out of town on business. Luckily, Bill was within Texas and drove home at 3 am to help me with the dog. I coaxed him outside with cheese and a quick hand (I didn't want to lose any fingers.) We had to call Animal Control. However we live in such a small town, Animal Control is not open 24 hours. The call was routed to the Police Department. They took our info and said that Animal Control would call us at 7:30 am when they got in. Bill had to do a presentation at the conference. So, he drove back to the conference and I kept the dog outside for the rest of the night/morning. Animal Control never did call back. But, I did call the vet. The vet called a neurologist friend of hers and they think it may not be epilepsy but a tumor in his cebral cortex. So, now we are not sure if we should proceed with the neurologist (who wants to do a spinal tap) or to keep with the anti-seizure medicine. No one knows for sure what is wrong with him. :guilty: We are honestly on pins and needles with our dog because he is very skiddish. It has been a nightmare. :sad2:

:thumbsup2 Everything else is going great here. The kids are out of the summer. Bill and I both have birthdays coming up. However, Bill's celebration won't be quite as grand as last year. Last year, we were at WDW for his birthday and I gave him an Adventures by Disney trip as his present. Then again, you only turn 40 once! :cake: The kids won free tickets to Six Flags for a reading contest. So, we may go to Six Flags the day after Bill's birthday. We are heading to San Antonio for my birthday. We plan to visit The Alamo and Sea World. Sea World has a promo right now where kid tickets are only $5 with a paid adult ticket. So, I am really looking forward to the "mini" vacation next month.

:thumbsup2 My Mom has fit in very nicely with her 55+ community. She had no problems making friends. :banana: She's been a party animal with all the social functions. I told her that she needs to watch the tv show Sunset Daze. It reminds me of her community. :rotfl:

Bill is keeping busy at work. He had traveled to Washington state at least once a month the past six months. Now, we have him home for awhile. :love:

:dance3: I'm keeping busy trying to keep the kids busy for the summer. We've been having the kids friends over to swim during the week. It is nice to have them keep contact with their friends over the summer. Since they go to a Charter School, their friends live all over our town and other nearby towns.

I hope everyone is doing well. :flower3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[BethC1952]

We're finally having summer here at the Jersey Shore. Our pool is finally up and running, after having it filled completely and having to empty it because the filter was installed wrong! The babies have their own little pool, and will join the bigger people when we're in the pool.

I'm getting ready for the summer portion of my job (which is my favorite). It starts this Sunday--we start running all of our car shows, concerts and other special events. My favorite part is meeting some of my long-ago teen idols. For those of you old enough to remember, this summer's "big star" will be Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits. Security for the backstage area (and the comfort of the performers) is my responsibility at these events. I've had more fun with some of these entertainers! Of course my granddaughter squealed to Gary Puckett that I had been waiting all of my life to have my picture taken with him. He chuckled and replied that HE had been waiting all of his life to have HIS picture taken with me, because he knew that I had bought all of his records. Hmmm, I wonder how he knew that?:rotfl2: That picture hangs in a frame on my office wall now.

If any of you are going to be in the area on the evening of July 10 and would like to "rub elbows" with Peter Noone, let me know!

[Pooh_Girl]

Jennifer-
I'm so sorry to hear about JJ!!!! What kind of dog is he and how old is he?? I hope everything is going to be okay with him. Glad to hear the kids are having fun this summer!! I know my niece is having a blast going to the pool and going to karate.
You will never guess what Robby bought me?!?!?! He bought me the Dooney and Bourke large Disney purse!!!!!!!!!!!! I was SO excited!!!! I love it!!!! :woohoo::woohoo: You need to talk Bill into getting one for you. (wink wink) :goodvibes

Beth-
That sounds like such an awesome job!! I love Hermans Hermits!!! I used to listen to them as a kid with my Mom. Glad the grandbabies are having a good time this summer!!!

[plutojudy]

Tina, I thought of you over the weekend when the floods were on the news. Glad you and Robbie are all right.
Jennifer, I hope JJ gets better soon.
Beth, enjoy you summer actvities. I bet the babies are getting big.

We are thrilled here in Chicagoland with our Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. :cheer2: We have waited for this a long, long time.

[brack]

Jennifer I am so sorry to hear about JJ. I hope things work out for him. It is so scary to see our furry babies go through sickness because they can not tell you what is really happening to them. Many prayers for you all.

[Pooh_Girl]

Happy 4th of July Everyone!!!!! pixiedust:Hope everyone has fun and stays safe!!!

[JsMom2]

Just got got home from our back to back cruises on Oasis of the Seas! OMG what a wonderful ship!! They really did a great job with her, as you'd never guess there are over 6,000 people onboard. We're booked on her sister ship for December of 2011!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Wendy,

:worship: Glad you had a great cruise. Did I read correctly somewhere that RCI is coming out with another new ship?!?!?!?! One day, we will sail with them. One day ... ;)

Until then, we are excited for our upcoming DISUnplugged Podcast cruise in December on the Wonder. Do any of you listen to the DISUnplugged Podcast????? We weren't expecting to go on a cruise this year. However after traveling with the Podcast team and other DISers, we couldn't resist. :thumbsup2

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JsMom2]

Wendy,

:worship: Glad you had a great cruise. Did I read correctly somewhere that RCI is coming out with another new ship?!?!?!?! One day, we will sail with them. One day ... ;)

Until then, we are excited for our upcoming DISUnplugged Podcast cruise in December on the Wonder. Do any of you listen to the DISUnplugged Podcast????? We weren't expecting to go on a cruise this year. However after traveling with the Podcast team and other DISers, we couldn't resist. :thumbsup2

:goodvibes Jennifer

Yes, Oasis' sister ship, Allure, starts sailing this December. They'll do the same itineraries (alternating East and West Caribbean out of FLL). Oasis will keep the Saturday departure, and Allure will sail on Sundays. We're booked on Allure in Dec 2011 with my sis, but after sailing on Oasis we couldn't wait that long. We just booked Allure for March 27th of next year! The Oasis class brings cruising to a whole new level. I was shocked at how many people I met who've been on her 3-4 times, and she's only been sailing since last December!

Oh, also June is Make-A-Wish month on Royal Caribbean. They held an auction, and I won a trip up to the bridge to blow the ship's horn right before we left Labadee (their private port). It was soooo cool!!

Labadee was awesome too, I hadn't been there since the 80's, and they now have a roller coaster, loooong zipline, and an inflatable waterpark!

Between Hairspray, the ice skating show, the high divers/gymnasts/acrobats in the show at the aqua theatre, and their new production, "Come Fly with Me" they are a shoo-in for Best Entertainment at sea this year! And by the time we go on Allure, they'll have Dreamworks onboard as well.

Btw if you see any Royal Caribbean commercials, look in the background for Jas and me. We signed on as extras in the dancing scene on the Boardwalk and the 3D movie scene. We were riding the carousel on Boardwalk and must've gone around for close to an hour!

[BethC1952]

Since you were all a part of the news about my grandtwins and all the things that went on before their arrival....

DDIL has been being tested recently for a variety of things because for the last month or so she's been exhausted and uncomfortable.

Well, now they have the answer--she's pregnant! This time they needed no outside help, and she had no idea that's what the answer was! The first test showed that she had an abnormal pregnancy, with no sign of a baby. However, this week's test and ultrasound showed a tiny "bean" and a heartbeat! It appears that all is well, it was just too early to see anything last week. Her due date is March 7, which means no Disney trip for them in February as had been planned. We'll still be taking out trip along with granddaughter Shannan. We're really looking forward to our first cruise on Dream!

Beth

[JsMom2]

Since you were all a part of the news about my grandtwins and all the things that went on before their arrival....

DDIL has been being tested recently for a variety of things because for the last month or so she's been exhausted and uncomfortable.

Well, now they have the answer--she's pregnant! This time they needed no outside help, and she had no idea that's what the answer was! The first test showed that she had an abnormal pregnancy, with no sign of a baby. However, this week's test and ultrasound showed a tiny "bean" and a heartbeat! It appears that all is well, it was just too early to see anything last week. Her due date is March 7, which means no Disney trip for them in February as had been planned. We'll still be taking out trip along with granddaughter Shannan. We're really looking forward to our first cruise on Dream!

Beth

Congratulations Beth, that's great news!!:yay:

[brack]

Congratulations Beth! :hug:

[MrsMork]

Congratulations to your family, Beth!

[plutojudy]

Beth, great news! Congrats.

[BethC1952]

Congratulations Beth! :hug:

Congratulations to your family, Beth!

Beth, great news! Congrats.

Thank you! We're still in shock since this was not anticipated in any way!

Beth

[brack]

Beth: I just noticed that you are on the Dream one week before us! :thumbsup2 We're beginning to get excited about the new ship even if it is a short cruise for us. :banana:

[BethC1952]

Beth: I just noticed that you are on the Dream one week before us! :thumbsup2 We're beginning to get excited about the new ship even if it is a short cruise for us. :banana:
We really wanted the maiden voyage, but the timing just wasn't right. I can't wait to see the new ship! I'll take lots of pictures and post them as soon as we get back to WDW.

Since there was such a big change in our plans, I though briefly about changing to a seven night cruise, but decided not to give up the fun of the new ship.

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

Beth-
What a wonderful surprise!!! Congratulations!!!!!

[BethC1952]

Beth-
What a wonderful surprise!!! Congratulations!!!!!

Thank you! We're finally starting to get used to the idea! :cloud9:

Beth

[TheTXTaylors5]

DDIL has been being tested recently for a variety of things because for the last month or so she's been exhausted and uncomfortable.

Well, now they have the answer--she's pregnant!

party: Congratulations!!!!!! party:

How exciting! Another little baby to love and spoil. :flower3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[BethC1952]

party: Congratulations!!!!!! party:

How exciting! Another little baby to love and spoil. :flower3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

Thanks!

I look at it as another reason to buy more yarn and knitting/crocheting patterns:rotfl:!

Beht

[TheTXTaylors5]

I believe I mentioned before that our DISdog (JJ) has been having seizures for the past few months. Sadly, we had to put him to sleep this past Friday. Last week, he took a turn for the worst. He could hardly walk and yelped in pain randomly. So, we felt the only humane thing to do was to finally put him at peace. It was such a hard and painful decision to make. JJ has been such a great dog and part of our family. He was our fourth child. It just killed Bill and I to see him suffer. Hopefully, he will finally be at peace. It was hard on the children. But, the worst for Emily. She still doesn't go an hour without mentioning him. I know over time, she will get better and more at peace with our decision. She saw how much in pain he was and he was not the dog he was a few weeks ago. She surprised me by asking to swap some of his DNA off his water bowl to keep and bury in the backyard. So, he is always close to us. I thought that was sweet.

JJ was very loved by our Vet's office too. We boarded him there during every WDW trip and other trips. So, they got to know and love JJ. He was very sweet and gentle. They used to let him roam through the office in the back out of his cage. Everytime I would pick him up, they would tell me someone that came in with their own pet would inquire if JJ was up for adoption because he was friendly to everyone. He had that effect on people. I just couldn't take JJ to the Vet Friday morning. So, Bill was the one who ended up taking JJ in. He said everyone in the office was crying, including the Vet (which didn't help him any). I am glad JJ touched so many in his short life. He came to us from an abused home and could have easily been aggressive. But, he was a very special dog that appreciated our love and affection. He used to sit by my feet when I was on the computer. He would huddle under the desk where my feet go. Today, he isn't there. I miss you JJ ...

:sad1: Jennifer

JJ our DISdog
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/STP62078.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/SnowDay-February2010050.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/SnowDay-February2010048.jpg

[plutojudy]

Jennifer, I am sorry for your loss. It is very hard to say good-bye to our furry family members. I still miss our little guy and it is 15 years. We have a granddog now but still miss him.

[MrsMork]

Jennifer, our thoughts are with your family. :grouphug:

[BethC1952]

I'm so sorry to hear about JJ! I'm sure he's at peace now. It's so hard to watch them suffer when you can't explain to them what's wrong, and they can't tell you where it hurts.

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

Jennifer I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I'm glad he's not in pain anymore. Koda was sick last week and it broke my heart that I didn't know what was wrong. It's amazing how attached we get to them in such a short time.

[JsMom2]

Oh Jennifer, I'm so sorry to hear about JJ. What you did was loving and compassionate.

I hope the kids feel better soon, hugs to all!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Thank you for all your posts about JJ. :grouphug:

It is weird not having him around. He would always greet us when we got home or snuggle in bed between Bill and I. He was like a fourth child. It has been a hard adjustment. :guilty:

Thank you again!

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We went to San Antonio this past weekend for my birthday. I have a friend and her family that live there. We went to breakfast on Sunday with them at this wonderful restaurant called The Magnolia Pancake Haus. It was yummy! I got into WDW mode and took a picture of my plate. Without knowing it at the time, I made a hidden Mickey ...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/Summer2010069.jpg

We got home fairly early Sunday night because Bill wanted to make me a special birthday dinner. Bill surprised me with a Belgian dinner. Wendy will appreciate this ...

Frites with Curry Ketchup
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/Summer2010113.jpg

Croque Monsieur
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/Summer2010116.jpg

It was all just as good as it looks. Bill worked very hard. I even had a Stella Artois to make the meal complete.

For my birthday cake, he made my annual ...

Birthday Cheesecake
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/Summer2010100.jpg

Thank you Bill!!!! :love:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JsMom2]

Happy Birthday Jennifer!:woohoo:

Well done Bill!

The ABD trips for 2011 are out. I think we're going to try to do Australia in June. It'll be tricky, because we're moving next summer, and don't know where we'll be going. But one of the jobs I'm applying for is to be an ROTC Commander, and they have an opening in Denton Texas. So Jennifer and Bill we may be your neighbors next summer!

[brack]

:sad1: Bill and Jennifer I send you lots of love today. I read about your "baby" and I know how much you hurt. I still shed tears everyday over our JoJo. :hug:

[TheTXTaylors5]

we're moving next summer, and don't know where we'll be going. But one of the jobs I'm applying for is to be an ROTC Commander, and they have an opening in Denton Texas. So Jennifer and Bill we may be your neighbors next summer!

:banana: That would be great!!!!! We live in Corinth, right next to Denton. Keep me posted!!!! :thumbsup2

:goodvibes Jennifer

[Pooh_Girl]

Happy Belated Birthday Jennifer!!!!

[JoiseyMom]

Since you were all a part of the news about my grandtwins and all the things that went on before their arrival....

DDIL has been being tested recently for a variety of things because for the last month or so she's been exhausted and uncomfortable.

Well, now they have the answer--she's pregnant! This time they needed no outside help, and she had no idea that's what the answer was! The first test showed that she had an abnormal pregnancy, with no sign of a baby. However, this week's test and ultrasound showed a tiny "bean" and a heartbeat! It appears that all is well, it was just too early to see anything last week. Her due date is March 7, which means no Disney trip for them in February as had been planned. We'll still be taking out trip along with granddaughter Shannan. We're really looking forward to our first cruise on Dream!

Beth

Wow...CONGRATS!!!


Checking in here...it's been awhile...spending more time on Facebook!!

[JoiseyMom]

I believe I mentioned before that our DISdog (JJ) has been having seizures for the past few months. Sadly, we had to put him to sleep this past Friday. Last week, he took a turn for the worst. He could hardly walk and yelped in pain randomly. So, we felt the only humane thing to do was to finally put him at peace. It was such a hard and painful decision to make. JJ has been such a great dog and part of our family. He was our fourth child. It just killed Bill and I to see him suffer. Hopefully, he will finally be at peace. It was hard on the children. But, the worst for Emily. She still doesn't go an hour without mentioning him. I know over time, she will get better and more at peace with our decision. She saw how much in pain he was and he was not the dog he was a few weeks ago. She surprised me by asking to swap some of his DNA off his water bowl to keep and bury in the backyard. So, he is always close to us. I thought that was sweet.

JJ was very loved by our Vet's office too. We boarded him there during every WDW trip and other trips. So, they got to know and love JJ. He was very sweet and gentle. They used to let him roam through the office in the back out of his cage. Everytime I would pick him up, they would tell me someone that came in with their own pet would inquire if JJ was up for adoption because he was friendly to everyone. He had that effect on people. I just couldn't take JJ to the Vet Friday morning. So, Bill was the one who ended up taking JJ in. He said everyone in the office was crying, including the Vet (which didn't help him any). I am glad JJ touched so many in his short life. He came to us from an abused home and could have easily been aggressive. But, he was a very special dog that appreciated our love and affection. He used to sit by my feet when I was on the computer. He would huddle under the desk where my feet go. Today, he isn't there. I miss you JJ ...

:sad1: Jennifer

JJ our DISdog
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/STP62078.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/SnowDay-February2010050.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/SnowDay-February2010048.jpg

I am so sorry! :grouphug: It is so heartbreaking to do.

We had to put our Sandy down when he was six, due to cancer.. It was really hard. Our Ozzie is 14, and he is having trouble walking :(. He always had issues iwth his hind legs.. but at 14 it is worse. It's just a matter of time, I just can't make that call just yet.

[JoiseyMom]

Happy Birthday Jennifer!:woohoo:

Well done Bill!

The ABD trips for 2011 are out. I think we're going to try to do Australia in June. It'll be tricky, because we're moving next summer, and don't know where we'll be going. But one of the jobs I'm applying for is to be an ROTC Commander, and they have an opening in Denton Texas. So Jennifer and Bill we may be your neighbors next summer!

Texas!! DS spent loads of time traveling there, Houston, from Edwards over the last 4 years. He just got moved to Dayton, OH a few weeks ago. At least now he is a 10 hour drive away, with only 1 state between us! He also got promoted to Capitan.

[BethC1952]

Wow...CONGRATS!!!


Checking in here...it's been awhile...spending more time on Facebook!!

Thanks! I didn't post in on Facebook because Jim didn't want his parents to find out until after his father had his kidney surgery, and most of his brothers and sisters are on Facebook. His dad had the surgery Friday, it was successful, and his parents are thrilled at the very unexpected idea of being great-grandparents again!

[TheTXTaylors5]

:confused3 We had a nasty storm here this past Friday. The wind was clocked at 75 mph. It was crazy!!! Bill wasn't home from work yet. So, I parked my minivan in the garage to keep it safe. (We have a two car garage. Bill's motorcyle and our new car are kept in the garage.) There were trees and fences going down all through our neighborhood. A tree fell onto one of our neighbors cars in their driveway. By the time Bill got home, the storm was gone. So, I pulled my car back out of the garage to park it in the driveway. Wouldn't you know, that is when I cut the wheel too close to the bushes and trim out front and took out half a bush and the metal border. I almost tore my front bumper off. My car had made it safely through the storm ... :rolleyes1 It is something I can laugh about now. Luckily, Bill pushed it back into place and I only have a smallish dent in the lower section of the bumper. I can live with that until we get back. :thumbsup2 There was a news crew on our street yesterday (the devastation was THAT bad.) We got out with some minor roof damage. We're suppose to have a company come out and give us an estimate. We're hoping it will be lower than the insurance deductible. So, we'll just get it fixed ourselves. :worship: Keeping fingers crossed.

:goodvibes Jennifer

[brack]

:confused3 We had a nasty storm here this past Friday. The wind was clocked at 75 mph. It was crazy!!! Bill wasn't home from work yet. So, I parked my minivan in the garage to keep it safe. (We have a two car garage. Bill's motorcyle and our new car are kept in the garage.) There were trees and fences going down all through our neighborhood. A tree fell onto one of our neighbors cars in their driveway. By the time Bill got home, the storm was gone. So, I pulled my car back out of the garage to park it in the driveway. Wouldn't you know, that is when I cut the wheel too close to the bushes and trim out front and took out half a bush and the metal border. I almost tore my front bumper off. My car had made it safely through the storm ... :rolleyes1 It is something I can laugh about now. Luckily, Bill pushed it back into place and I only have a smallish dent in the lower section of the bumper. I can live with that until we get back. :thumbsup2 There was a news crew on our street yesterday (the devastation was THAT bad.) We got out with some minor roof damage. We're suppose to have a company come out and give us an estimate. We're hoping it will be lower than the insurance deductible. So, we'll just get it fixed ourselves. :worship: Keeping fingers crossed.

:goodvibes Jennifer

:eek: WOW! Glad all is well. My DS didn't say a word about this storm.

[Pooh_Girl]

Jennifer-
Glad you guys are okay!! Storms like that are so scary.

[brack]

How many here use Facebook too? :surfweb:

[Pooh_Girl]

How many here use Facebook too? :surfweb:

Robby and I both do.

[BethC1952]

How many here use Facebook too? :surfweb:
I do! And Twitter, too, although not nearly as often.

Beth

[brack]

Robby and I both do.

I do! And Twitter, too, although not nearly as often.

Beth

Send me a "Friend" request. :thumbsup2 (Brack Dodd Jr ... just in case you didn't know :lmao:)

[BethC1952]

Send me a "Friend" request. :thumbsup2 (Brack Dodd Jr ... just in case you didn't know :lmao:)
Done!

How on earth did we live all those years without cell phones, email and social networking;)???

Beth

[JoiseyMom]

How many here use Facebook too? :surfweb:

Robby and I both do.

I do! And Twitter, too, although not nearly as often.

Beth


Guilty also, Facebook!!

[Pooh_Girl]

I'm so addicted to those crazy games on facebook!!! I can't stop playing them!!!!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

How many here use Facebook too? :surfweb:

:thumbsup2 Bill and I are on Facebook.

:goodvibes Jennifer

[brack]

Done!

How on earth did we live all those years without cell phones, email and social networking;)???

Beth

I could live without cell phones but I love FB and email.

[BethC1952]

I'm so addicted to those crazy games on facebook!!! I can't stop playing them!!!!!
I have to admit at I've only played one game (Bedazzled), and I only played once. My secretary is addicted to Farmville. She told me the other day that she couldn't answer the phone because she had to harvest one of her fields (or something like that). My boss and I got even with her, however. We sent her out to the Community Garden (a real one, with dirt and bugs and things) to check on the progress of the tomatoes. We lost the whole crop last year to a tomato blight, and I want my fresh Jersey tomatoes!

Beth

[brack]

I'm so addicted to those crazy games on facebook!!! I can't stop playing them!!!!!

I played some games for awhile but never got too far into them EXCEPT "Vampire Wars"! :scared1: I was so addicted to that game that I was spending hours EVERY day. :surfweb: Finally I had to stop cold. :confused3 Now I play none of them but I still have the urge to go back to Vampire Wars! :upsidedow

[MrsMork]

I played some games for awhile but never got too far into them EXCEPT "Vampire Wars"! :scared1: I was so addicted to that game that I was spending hours EVERY day. :surfweb: Finally I had to stop cold. :confused3 Now I play none of them but I still have the urge to go back to Vampire Wars! :upsidedow

Dennis too got hooked first on Mafia Wars then gave that up for Farmville and Zoo. He too quit cold turkey when he realized just how much time he was spending on it. :surfweb: Me....I just DIS alot! :goodvibes:grouphug:

[brack]

:surfweb: Me....I just DIS alot! :goodvibes:grouphug:

While Facebook is still my number one online habit :surfweb: I am spending more time here on the DISBoard. :lovestruc I have even started posting my photos again. :3dglasses

[plutojudy]

While Facebook is still my number one online habit :surfweb: I am spending more time here on the DISBoard. :lovestruc I have even started posting my photos again. :3dglasses

I always look forward to your photos!!!!

[brack]

I always look forward to your photos!!!!

:hug: Thanks :flower3:

[BethC1952]

I played some games for awhile but never got too far into them EXCEPT "Vampire Wars"! :scared1: I was so addicted to that game that I was spending hours EVERY day. :surfweb: Finally I had to stop cold. :confused3 Now I play none of them but I still have the urge to go back to Vampire Wars! :upsidedow
My DS and DDIL are hooked on "Vampire Wars". They spend hours playing while the little ones are sleeping. They're hoping the new baby will be a good sleeper so that their "play cycle" won't be interrupted!

Beth

[brack]

My DS and DDIL are hooked on "Vampire Wars". They spend hours playing while the little ones are sleeping. They're hoping the new baby will be a good sleeper so that their "play cycle" won't be interrupted!

Beth

I was getting up 15 minutes early to "check on my vampire", logging on for a "few" minutes throughout the day at work and then spending several hours each night on Vampire Wars. :surfweb: I had to stop. :confused3

[TheTXTaylors5]

The kids went back to school today ...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/Personal%20-%20Jennifer/VistaAcademy2010-2011007.jpg
Emily (2nd Grade) and Will (5th Grade)

:cool1: Jennifer

(I am homeschooling Cole this year for Kindergarten. TODAY is his 5th birthday!)

party: Happy 5th Birthday Cole! party:

[BethC1952]

The kids went back to school today ...



:cool1: Jennifer

(I am homeschooling Cole this year for Kindergarten. TODAY is his 5th birthday!)

party: Happy 5th Birthday Cole! party:

They're getting so big! Happy Birthday to Cole!

I wish all three of them a good school year!

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

Happy Birthday Cole!!!!!
I can't believe how big the kids are getting!!!!

[TheTXTaylors5]

They're getting so big! Happy Birthday to Cole!

I wish all three of them a good school year!

Beth

Thank you! :hug:

:sad1: They grow up too quickly! You for one know that with the twins. It seems like they were just born yesterday. When you post pictures of the grandkids, I can't believe how big they've gotten and now you're family is growing even more! :dance3:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JoiseyMom]

I hope Cole had a very happy birthday! They look so cute ready for school! Rachel has her first day of HS on Thursday, it's a 2 hour day. They both start regular schdule on Friday, Paul is going into 4th grade. Time flies.

Hectic weekend coming up. Aaron is getting married on Saturday :goodvibes. Talk about all grown up! Jeff came in from Ohio (not sure if I mentioned that is where the AF sent him for his next stop), this past Thursday for the Bacehlor Party weekend :woohoo::rolleyes1. This week we have nails, pick up tuxes, the rehearsal etc... And the family drama that ensues. Gotta love family!! LOL.

On a sad note, we put Ozzy down a week ago Friday. He was 14, it was so hard to do. We got him when Rachel was 6 weeks old.

[BethC1952]

Good luck with the wedding! I will have my share of family wedding drama next month over the Columbus Day weekend. My sister is getting married (for the second time) and it's a high-society Manhattan weekend bash. Not my cup of tea, really, but I guess I have to go! My brother and sister-in-law are coming from Jacksonville, FL. We haven't l been together in 3 1/2 years.

I still have to find something to wear for the wedding, and Jim still has to get a suit. This is going to cost me more than my own wedding did!

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

Well Robby and I got back in from Vero Beach and Orlando yesterday. I was so sad to drive back to Arkansas. :sad1: If you ever get a chance to spend some time at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, do it. We had 3 wonderful days there. It's just so relaxing. Ahhhhh...
We actually didn't do WDW this time!! I know...It was really sad...We actually did SeaWorld this time. It was my first time to SeaWorld, and it was really great!! I will always prefer Disney, but SeaWorld was really cool. The shows were phenomenal. We also did Aquatica. I'm not big on water parks, but it was fun.
Hopefully, we will have pictures to post this week.

[brack]

Well Robby and I got back in from Vero Beach and Orlando yesterday. I was so sad to drive back to Arkansas. :sad1:

We actually didn't do WDW this time!! I know...It was really sad...We actually did SeaWorld this time.

Hopefully, we will have pictures to post this week.

Welcome home .... hurry back! :hug:

We did Sea World .... once many years ago. It was good to say that we had done it (bucket list and all). I don't see us going back anytime soon but then again we might if family wants to. :confused3 We've only been to Universal once since moving here and only once before in over 25 years of visiting Florida. Die Hard Disney Fanatics!

When you all finally move to Florida let us know and we'll meet up! :thumbsup2

[BethC1952]

We did Sea World once, too, on our very first visit to Florida in July, 1978. Jim got terrible sun poisoning, was sick for the rest of our vacation, and I had to drive all the way home from Sanibel Island because he was too sick. For some reason, he just never wanted to go back!:rotfl2:

Beth

[brack]

It's been awhile since anyone has posted about the "real" subject of this thread ..... a reunion cruise! :confused3

We are booked on two cruises for 2011. February 13th on the Dream for 4 days and July 26th on the Wonder for 7 days to Alaska. :banana: Anyone up for a "Reunion"? :grouphug:

2012 is wide open but I know Annette and I loved the TA! We would really love to ride the Magic back to the USA next time. pirate:

[Pooh_Girl]

We are going on a b2b on the Dream the week of Labor Day next year. Anyone going on that one?? As of right now, that's all we have planned. Hopefully the next thing we will be planning will be how to move our stuff!! LOL

[BethC1952]

We're on the Dream on 2/6/11. I guess we're the first ones of this gang to sail on her?

Our next Disney vacation will probably be in Sept., 2011. That will be another "family extravaganza" with our son and his gang, including "Bean", the expected arrival. They still insist that they want to camp, but I think that maybe once they figure out that it's not going to be easy camping with two year old twins and a six-month old baby, they may change their minds! I think a cruise would be the perfect vacation, but what do I know?

We thought about a TA cruise, too. We've never been to Europe, but might consider flying over to cruise back!

Beth

[brack]

We thought about a TA cruise, too. We've never been to Europe, but might consider flying over to cruise back!

Beth

:thumbsup2 We would love to do this!

[Pooh_Girl]

So I think I'm going to take a solo trip to WDW the week of Veterans Day. Robby and his brother are going on a "guys trip". Anyone going to be down there then??

[BethC1952]

So I think I'm going to take a solo trip to WDW the week of Veterans Day. Robby and his brother are going on a "guys trip". Anyone going to be down there then??

Not this year! I thought about it myself (solo), but I have a business trip to Atlantic City the next week, and I'm going to to be out of my office all of that week, and I'm taking the days before Thanksgiving off as well. The last time I took that much time away from my office, it took forever to catch up again!

We're still heading down in February, but I'm having an awful time planning this trip. We had everything all set to go right to the airport Hyatt, cruise from there and then go to WDW. Then we decided to go to WDW before the cruise, get free dining, have fun on the cruise, then go home. Of course, you can't go right home from the cruise, so it was back to Pop Century for a night. 40% discount turned that into five nights! Now I think back, poor Jim still won't have enough vacation time to spend all that time away since he's going with me to Atlantic City this year, so I think it's back to Plan A--stay at the airport Hyatt before the cruise, go back to Pop Century after the cruise, but spend seven nights instead of five. No free dining, but the room discount makes up for that!

And, of course, we're starting to think very seriously about that TA cruise. We can combine that with our first trip to Europe. Maybe by then Jim will be able to save up some vacation time!

Beth

[brack]

So I think I'm going to take a solo trip to WDW the week of Veterans Day. Robby and his brother are going on a "guys trip". Anyone going to be down there then??

We're in town that week and could "pop" over to the World! :thumbsup2 I don't think I've been on a Veteran's Day before. :confused3

[Pooh_Girl]

We're in town that week and could "pop" over to the World! :thumbsup2 I don't think I've been on a Veteran's Day before. :confused3

That would be great!!!! Just let me know when you guys would want to meet up and maybe we can have lunch or dinner somewhere!!

[MrsMork]

We just returned from the TA and are at WDW for another 8 days. Anyone in the area?

[brack]

That would be great!!!! Just let me know when you guys would want to meet up and maybe we can have lunch or dinner somewhere!!

I just have to make sure that I mark my calendar for November 11th. :surfweb:

[Pooh_Girl]

So is it just me, or is anyone else a little disappointed in the Fantasy itineraries???

[MrsMork]

So is it just me, or is anyone else a little disappointed in the Fantasy itineraries???

It seems lots of folks are happy that there will be 7 day Caribbean cruises in the summers now. :) I'm waiting to see what the Magic and Wonder are doing in 2012.

[brack]

So is it just me, or is anyone else a little disappointed in the Fantasy itineraries???

Actually I was kind of happy. :goodvibes It will be nice to know that my opportunities for a Disney cruise are year round.

[plutojudy]

So is it just me, or is anyone else a little disappointed in the Fantasy itineraries???

I was hoping they would have some new ports, like maybe Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, St Kitts, or St Lucia (something different). We liked St Croix, it was nicer than St Martin.

[BethC1952]

I'm really not fussy about which ports. We cruise mainly to enjoy the ship, so if the weather's good (and we haven't been very lucky with that lately), that's fine with us!

We had some good news today! Our expected grandchild will be another girl! Wilhelmina Grace is expected to arrive on March 7. If (and only if) she arrives on St. Patrick's Day (Shannan was 10 days late, so it could happen) she will be named Mary Elizabeth after my DIL's great-grandmother, who was born on that date many years ago. That will make three granddaughters and one grandson, and they say that's all there will be!

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

I'm really not fussy about which ports. We cruise mainly to enjoy the ship, so if the weather's good (and we haven't been very lucky with that lately), that's fine with us!

We had some good news today! Our expected grandchild will be another girl! Wilhelmina Grace is expected to arrive on March 7. If (and only if) she arrives on St. Patrick's Day (Shannan was 10 days late, so it could happen) she will be named Mary Elizabeth after my DIL's great-grandmother, who was born on that date many years ago. That will make three granddaughters and one grandson, and they say that's all there will be!

Beth

That's wonderful news Beth!!! Congratulations!!! I know you guys are going to be super excited no matter what.

I knew the Fantasy would be doing the 7 day caribbean itineraries, and I really wanted to do a Western Caribbean cruise, but now that they've shortened some of the port times, I don't know what we will do. I really want to be on that ship, so I guess we'll just see what will be offered in the latter part of the year. I was also hoping they would be offering some different ports. Oh well...I'm sure we will be on it one way or another. :goodvibes

[TheTXTaylors5]

Hi All!

I hope you are all doing well.

Congratulations to Beth on the upcoming birth of another precious granddaughter. :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[BethC1952]

Congratulations to Beth on the upcoming birth of another precious granddaughter. :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

Thanks! I guess this means that I'll have to plan yet another grandparent-grandchild WDW/DCL trip!

I can't decide whether the twins should have a trip together, or separately. I guess I'll wait until they're old enough and see how they feel about it. Right now they're inseparable!

Beth

[plutojudy]

I went to see Lion King again last week and it was cute to see all the Grandma's there with their granddaughters. Hard to tell who was having more fun...little kids or big kids.

[brack]

I knew the Fantasy would be doing the 7 day caribbean itineraries, and I really wanted to do a Western Caribbean cruise, but now that they've shortened some of the port times, I don't know what we will do. I really want to be on that ship, so I guess we'll just see what will be offered in the latter part of the year. I was also hoping they would be offering some different ports. Oh well...I'm sure we will be on it one way or another. :goodvibes

Our next cruise (on the Dream) is our 10th (yes finally Platinum). :banana: I really do not care much about the ports at all. :confused3 Now I am more into the shipboard experience. If I go ashore it will be for a quick tour but not any activity like swimming or such. :cool2:

I am looking forward to the Alaska cruise but even there I am looking for what I see from the ship.

[JsMom2]

Congratulations Beth!!

I was bummed to find out we'd need to cancel our Veteran's Day cruise! But luckily we have insurance that covers revokation of military leave. I was looking for another option in January/February and found out that the Dream inaugural is still available! So we've booked that, and have been getting excited checking out the ship online.

Is anyone else on the inaugural?
Wendy

[Pooh_Girl]

Wendy,

Unfortunately we aren't going to be on that cruise. We just couldn't justify the price. We aren't going until the week of Labor Day and doing a b2b.

[JsMom2]

Wendy,

Unfortunately we aren't going to be on that cruise. We just couldn't justify the price. We aren't going until the week of Labor Day and doing a b2b.

Yeah I hear you on the price! But I was looking for the date that worked best for us. I didn't even realize it WAS the inaugural at first :confused3:lmao:

And since I don't know where we'll be moving next summer, I figured better jump onboard while we can! This'll probably be the only inaugural we ever do, so we'll definitely make the most of it!

[BethC1952]

Congratulations Beth!!
Thanks!



Is anyone else on the inaugural?
Wendy

We really thought about it, but the non-refundability didn't work for us because I wasn't sure I could get that particular time off. It turns out I couldn't, so we'll be on the 2/6 sailing. We're taking our older granddaughter with us for some special "grandparent time" before the new baby comes. We'll take the twins when they're old enough to leave home for a while, and I guess now we'll have to start thinking about a third grandparent cruise!

Please make sure to post some pictures as soon as you get back from that cruise so we'll know what to expect!:goodvibes

Beth

[brack]

I was looking for another option in January/February and found out that the Dream inaugural is still available! So we've booked that, and have been getting excited checking out the ship online.

Is anyone else on the inaugural?
Wendy

We're not on the inaugural but are on the Dream about two weeks later.

[brack]

Yeah I hear you on the price! But I was looking for the date that worked best for us. I didn't even realize it WAS the inaugural at first :confused3:lmao:

And since I don't know where we'll be moving next summer, I figured better jump onboard while we can! This'll probably be the only inaugural we ever do, so we'll definitely make the most of it!

It didn't matter to Annette but I really wanted to be on the inaugural .... until I saw the price. :scared1: I just couldn't justify the difference in price so I took a four day on the Dream a couple weeks after the inaugural.

[TheTXTaylors5]

:surfweb: I love to do Trip Reports. I have started a Pre-Trip Report for our Podcast Cruise and Christmas at WDW extravaganza.

Come on over (it's kind of lonely over there) ...

Check it out HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38611048#post38611048").

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

It didn't matter to Annette but I really wanted to be on the inaugural .... until I saw the price. :scared1: I just couldn't justify the difference in price so I took a four day on the Dream a couple weeks after the inaugural.

By then, they should have all the kinks worked out! :thumbsup2

Please come back and post lots of pictures. I have to live vicariously through you until we get to sail on her next December. :woohoo:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

And since I don't know where we'll be moving next summer, I figured better jump onboard while we can!

So, are we going to be neighbors????????

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

I went to see Lion King again last week and it was cute to see all the Grandma's there with their granddaughters. Hard to tell who was having more fun...little kids or big kids.

It has been so nice to have my Mom move here. She has really taken to doing things with the kids. She is enjoying being "Granny". Bill's Mom's alzheimer's has progressed. So, she can't do anything with the kids anymore (she doesn't recognize them). It is very sad. :sad1:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JsMom2]

So, are we going to be neighbors????????

:goodvibes Jennifer

I still have absolutely no idea where in the world I'll be moving next summer, but I may find out as early as next month! The waiting is the hardest part. After awhile you don't care where you go, you just want to know where you're going. :confused:

[BethC1952]

By then, they should have all the kinks worked out! :thumbsup2

Please come back and post lots of pictures. I have to live vicariously through you until we get to sail on her next December. :woohoo:

:goodvibes Jennifer

I'm hoping that the kinks will be worked out before our cruise, which is two weeks before Brack's. Then again, I'm hoping for a few kinks because that will really make the trip memorable! Either way, I'll be taking lots of pictures.

Since we're not doing anything that requires advance reservations, I'm not paying the trip off until the last possible day. I like earning a little bit of extra interest on that money, and the interest is going towards booking our next cruise while we're on board! I want to cruise again in September, since we're still looking at a complete family trip then to replace the one we aren't taking in February due to DIL's by then very advanced state of pregnancy!

Beth

[brack]

By then, they should have all the kinks worked out! :thumbsup2

Please come back and post lots of pictures. I have to live vicariously through you until we get to sail on her next December. :woohoo:

:goodvibes Jennifer

I will be sure to post a lot of photos of the Dream. After nine cruises on the Magic I am looking forward to new photo ops! :banana:

[brack]

I still have absolutely no idea where in the world I'll be moving next summer, but I may find out as early as next month! The waiting is the hardest part. After awhile you don't care where you go, you just want to know where you're going. :confused:

This is a quick move for you isn't it? :confused3 I thought that you moved there just last year.

[TheTXTaylors5]

:confused3 I know that the Fantasy itinerary hasn't been posted past August 2012. However, we do know that the Fantasy will be doing the longer Caribbean cruises (Eastern and Western itineraries) out of Port Canaveral.

:confused: Does anyone want to plan our "Reunion Cruise" for the Fantasy in early December 2012 (Eastern itinerary)????? We have plenty of time to plan and save. :thumbsup2 Please let me know what you think!

:goodvibes Jennifer

[Pooh_Girl]

We're game!!! (Now I just have to convince Robby that we are...hehe...) I think that would be great!! Has anyone heard when they are releasing the
2nd half of the itineraries??

[BethC1952]

:confused3 Does anyone want to plan our "Reunion Cruise" for the Fantasy in early December 2012 (Eastern itinerary)????? We have plenty of time to plan and save. :thumbsup2 Please let me know what you think!

:goodvibes Jennifer

We would consider that! While I really want to do a Trans-Atlantic cruise, the amount of time it would take eliminates Jim from the mix. He's finally caught up from 2007 and will actually have enough days for our February cruise!

Dec., 2012 will be our 40th anniversary. Maybe I can convince my son that he needs to give us a cruise as an anniversary gift:lmao:! I will also have just celebrated my 60th birthday a few months before, so that's just another reason to celebrate! I might even book while I'm on board Dream in February, and get the onboard booking discount. That would be a good thing!

Beth

[JsMom2]

This is a quick move for you isn't it? :confused3 I thought that you moved there just last year.

Yep, I did. But command is a 2 year tour. We won't move until next summer, but hopefully I'll find out soon where....

[JsMom2]

:confused3 I know that the Fantasy itinerary hasn't been posted past August 2012. However, we do know that the Fantasy will be doing the longer Caribbean cruises (Eastern and Western itineraries) out of Port Canaveral.

:confused: Does anyone want to plan our "Reunion Cruise" for the Fantasy in early December 2012 (Eastern itinerary)????? We have plenty of time to plan and save. :thumbsup2 Please let me know what you think!

:goodvibes Jennifer

I think that'd be a perfect time to travel, now I'll just have to see where I'll be stationed and if that time will work with my job....

[brack]

Dec., 2012 will be our 40th anniversary.

Beth

February 2012 is my 60th birthday .... January 2013 is Annette's 60th birthday ..... March 2012 is our 40th anniversary :thumbsup2 so much to celebrate ... too little money to cruise them all ... but we can try! :banana:

[MrsMork]

We love cruising the first of Dec. We would be up for this!

[JoiseyMom]

Hi all! Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Sorry, I havent been around this thread much.

Congrats Beth on the newest grandbaby!!

[BethC1952]

Congrats Beth on the newest grandbaby!!

Thanks! Life should get VERY interesting in my house!

Beth

[plutojudy]

:confused3 I know that the Fantasy itinerary hasn't been posted past August 2012. However, we do know that the Fantasy will be doing the longer Caribbean cruises (Eastern and Western itineraries) out of Port Canaveral.

:confused: Does anyone want to plan our "Reunion Cruise" for the Fantasy in early December 2012 (Eastern itinerary)????? We have plenty of time to plan and save. :thumbsup2 Please let me know what you think!

:goodvibes Jennifer

We would like to but prefer a Western.

[BethC1952]

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Beth (and Jim)

[Pooh_Girl]

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!!!! I am very thankful I got the chance to meet all of you!!!

[brack]

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!!!! I am very thankful I got the chance to meet all of you!!!

How's the migration effort coming along? :flower3:

[Pooh_Girl]

How's the migration effort coming along? :flower3:

It's getting there. :thumbsup2 We are working on some little stuff around the house to get it ready to sell. After we can get it sold, then we just have to find jobs. Here's hoping we can find jobs quickly!!

[brack]

It's getting there. :thumbsup2 We are working on some little stuff around the house to get it ready to sell. After we can get it sold, then we just have to find jobs. Here's hoping we can find jobs quickly!!

:hug: Good luck!

When you do make it we will have to plan a date to meet up at WDW. :thumbsup2

[Pooh_Girl]

Well we did it...We made the plunge and put the house up on the market yesterday!!!!!! :banana::banana: We're excited and nervous all at the same time. Hopefully here in the next few weeks we will get some offers on the house so we can start looking for jobs. Cross your fingers and say some prayers that everything works out for us!!

[plutojudy]

:wizard: Good luck! I hope you have a speedy sale.

[BethC1952]

Well we did it...We made the plunge and put the house up on the market yesterday!!!!!! :banana::banana: We're excited and nervous all at the same time. Hopefully here in the next few weeks we will get some offers on the house so we can start looking for jobs. Cross your fingers and say some prayers that everything works out for us!!

Good luck with the sale! I hope it sells quickly and you find your dream home and dream jobs in Florida, and then invite all of your friends to visit;) !

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

Thanks guys!! We had someone come to look at the house today and we have another scheduled for Wednesday!! :thumbsup2
All of you guys are welcome anytime!! :hug:

[JsMom2]

Well we did it...We made the plunge and put the house up on the market yesterday!!!!!! :banana::banana: We're excited and nervous all at the same time. Hopefully here in the next few weeks we will get some offers on the house so we can start looking for jobs. Cross your fingers and say some prayers that everything works out for us!!

Good luck with that! I need to get mine on the market in the next month or so. I still don't know where I'm going next summer, but hopefully will find out something soon.

We were supposed to leave for Peru last Sunday, but Jasmine started throwing up on Thursday, and by Saturday night I was sick as well. Luckily I bought travel insurance, since the trip is non refundable. We're bummed about missing the trip, but thankful that we got sick here at home rather than on vacation.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!:santa:

[brack]

Well we did it...We made the plunge and put the house up on the market yesterday!!!!!! :banana::banana: We're excited and nervous all at the same time. Hopefully here in the next few weeks we will get some offers on the house so we can start looking for jobs. Cross your fingers and say some prayers that everything works out for us!!

:hug: Good luck!

[Pooh_Girl]

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!!party:

[BethC1952]

Happy New Year from the two of us!

[brack]

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!!party:

Happy New Year from the two of us!

Happy New Year! :grouphug:

[TheTXTaylors5]

party: Happy New Year! party:

:flower3: Jennifer (& Family)

[TheTXTaylors5]

Well we did it...We made the plunge and put the house up on the market yesterday!!!!!! :banana::banana: We're excited and nervous all at the same time. Hopefully here in the next few weeks we will get some offers on the house so we can start looking for jobs. Cross your fingers and say some prayers that everything works out for us!!

:banana: Yea! That's the first step! :worship: Good luck for a speedy sale.

:wizard: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Good luck with that! I need to get mine on the market in the next month or so. I still don't know where I'm going next summer, but hopefully will find out something soon.

We were supposed to leave for Peru last Sunday, but Jasmine started throwing up on Thursday, and by Saturday night I was sick as well. Luckily I bought travel insurance, since the trip is non refundable. We're bummed about missing the trip, but thankful that we got sick here at home rather than on vacation.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!:santa:

I'm so sorry to hear about Jasmine. Please give her our best. :flower3: There's been a case of "something" going on over here too ...

We headed home from WDW this past Sunday. About thirty minutes into the roadtrip, Emily says that her belly hurt. She assured us she was going to be fine. She may just be hungry. But, not thirty minutes later ... Yes, you guessed it ... Bill's new SUV has been "broken in". Poor thing. (Emily I mean not his truck! ;) ) It was VERY cold that day. I was trying to clean her up and get her changed in a parking lot. It was a mess! Poor thing threw up probably five more times that afternoon. Luckily, I happened to have some extra gallon zip lock bags. We stopped and got her some over the counter meds which seemed to help a bit. She seemed fine by the time we stopped at a hotel for the night. There were a lot of people that got sick after our cruise and after the cold then warm temperatures in the Caribbean and at WDW. It was a weird trip weather-wise.

Once we got home, she was back to her normal self. Luckily, no one else got as sick as her. But, Cole had a cold for most of our second week at WDW. He progressively got better on over the counter meds thank goodness. We do have a doctor in Celebration, FL we've used in the past for a Pediatrician when in Florida. Thankfully, we didn't have to pay him a visit this trip. We did make it to Celebration for some yummy clam chowder. :thumbsup2

I've got all our pics loaded into the computer. I plan to start my Trip Report tomorrow. If you want to follow along, click the link in my signature. It was an AMAZING trip. We got to meet Jodi Benson, Bob Gurr and Charles Ridgway. Believe it or not, Bob Gurr was the "coolest" Imagineer I have ever met. He was a real down to earth guy and even did Drink Around the World with us at Epcot and was out at Wavebands one night with us. What a trip! There are lots and lots of great stories we will be telling from this trip for years to come. Great memories! :wizard:

:flower3: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:banana: Today, Bill just booked us on a three night cruise in November on the Dream. Initially, we were booked on a four night cruise on the Dream in December for just the two of us for our 15th Wedding Anniversary. But, we decided to bring the kids along. We won't see them too much with all the kid activities onboard. So, it will be like we are alone anyways. ;) Since, Cole's Annual Pass for WDW expires the week of Thanksgiving. We want to spend some time at WDW the week before Thanksgiving and before the cruise. Then, hop on the cruise on Thursday and then back to WDW on Sunday. We will be at WDW for our normal Thanksgiving visit. :woohoo: But, get most park days done before Cole's AP expires (November 22, 2011). The rest of the families AP expire in December. One year, we will all have the same expiration date! :headache:

:thumbsup2 Bill also called and booked our lodging. Right now, we are booked at Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village for before and after the cruise. We stayed here for the first time last week and LOVED IT!!!!! I am very glad we made this our home resort. If I "had" to stay there every visit, I wouldn't mind one bit. The kids had a blast at the water play area and we dined at Sanaa for lunch one day. One word ... YUMMY! We may try to change to the Beach Club Villas for after the cruise. We had some issues with the Boardwalk Villas this past trip and I think I want to go back to an old favorite (Beach Club Villas).

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Initially I mentioned a Reunion cruise for the month of December in 2012. However, Bill has been having discussions with Tracey Whipple (a former employee of Dreams Unlimited and now owner of a new travel company). She is offering (kind of how DISboards/DU hosted the cruise we just went on) a seven-night cruise special on the Fantasy in October of 2012. While onboard, we booked a "dummy date" to be moved to a real 2012 cruise on the Fantasy. We're just waiting on the exact dates and pricing from Tracey. If you want, I will pass this information on to y'all. We plan to go on this cruise and support Tracey's new venture. If you've ever used DU in the past for a DCL cruise, you most likely were in contact with Tracey. She is great! But sadly, no longer with DU (for reasons I will not go into on this forum).

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JsMom2]

Jennifer so sorry to hear about Emily, what a challenging trip home! So glad she's feeling better. Yes, definitely keep us in mind for the Oct 2012 cruise!

After we started feeling better, I booked a last minute trip on Allure of the Seas over New Years eve! It was a great time. Allure is beautiful, but I like Oasis better, just because Hairspray is a more fun musical than Chicago. But they did have some cool improvements in the cabins like alarm clocks with iPods docks, and a charging station right on the vanity/desk/counter in the stateroom.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!

[MrsMork]

We have a dummy date booked for Dec of this year. Keep us informed of Oct 2012. That will be our 45th anniversary! :dance3::hug:

[Pooh_Girl]

Jennifer-
I'm so glad you guys had a good time on your trip. I'm so sorry the kids got sick though. :sick:
Definately keep us in the loop about that cruise next year. I really want to go!! :goodvibes

Nothing yet on the sale of the house. We had one person look at it a couple of weeks ago, but nothing since then. Our realtor called today and she is going to have an open house for the other realtors tomorrow. Cross your fingers that something good comes out of this!!! I also applied for a Secretary I position at the Vero Beach resort on Sunday!!! I couldn't pass up the chance to apply for that. Hopefully I will get a call about it. I've been checking my phone every 15 minutes since Sunday!! :lmao:
I'll keep you guys updated on what goes on!!!

[JoiseyMom]

Jennifer-
I'm so glad you guys had a good time on your trip. I'm so sorry the kids got sick though. :sick:
Definately keep us in the loop about that cruise next year. I really want to go!! :goodvibes

Nothing yet on the sale of the house. We had one person look at it a couple of weeks ago, but nothing since then. Our realtor called today and she is going to have an open house for the other realtors tomorrow. Cross your fingers that something good comes out of this!!! I also applied for a Secretary I position at the Vero Beach resort on Sunday!!! I couldn't pass up the chance to apply for that. Hopefully I will get a call about it. I've been checking my phone every 15 minutes since Sunday!! :lmao:
I'll keep you guys updated on what goes on!!!

Good luck on the house and the job!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Merryl - I sent you a message on facebook. :thumbsup2

:goodvibes Jennifer

[BethC1952]

Initially I mentioned a Reunion cruise for the month of December in 2012. However, Bill has been having discussions with Tracey Whipple (a former employee of Dreams Unlimited and now owner of a new travel company). She is offering (kind of how DISboards/DU hosted the cruise we just went on) a seven-night cruise special on the Fantasy in October of 2012. While onboard, we booked a "dummy date" to be moved to a real 2012 cruise on the Fantasy. We're just waiting on the exact dates and pricing from Tracey. If you want, I will pass this information on to y'all. We plan to go on this cruise and support Tracey's new venture. If you've ever used DU in the past for a DCL cruise, you most likely were in contact with Tracey. She is great! But sadly, no longer with DU (for reasons I will not go into on this forum).

:goodvibes Jennifer
I'm interested in the cruise information! You can PM me here or message me on Facebook!

Beth

[JsMom2]

Just found out that I will most likely be going to Andersen AFB on Guam, or Lajes AB in the Azores! So I'll either be living on an island in the Pacific or an Island in the Atlantic!

Both sound like fun, I'm hoping to find out this coming week.....

Taking off next weekend for an weekend cruise on Monarch of the Seas - chance for an adult weekend! Got a great rate on a single cabin!

Take care everyone!
Wendy

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just found out that I will most likely be going to Andersen AFB on Guam, or Lajes AB in the Azores! So I'll either be living on an island in the Pacific or an Island in the Atlantic!

Both sound like fun, I'm hoping to find out this coming week.....

Taking off next weekend for an weekend cruise on Monarch of the Seas - chance for an adult weekend! Got a great rate on a single cabin!

Take care everyone!
Wendy

Okay, how many cruises have you been on? Everytime I read, you have just been on a cruise or on your way to another cruise. Are you going to retire on The World? ;)

Bill almost taught for DoDDS in Guam when we first got married. Guam and Germany were two of the places they mentioned he might have been sent to. Guam looked very tropical. Are you still a Recruiter? If so, how does that work in Guam?

My nephew is currently in Marines Basic Training in San Diego, CA. :worship: I hope he is sent to Guam instead of Afghanistan.

Good luck wherever you end up!

:goodvibes Jennifer

[JsMom2]

Okay, how many cruises have you been on?

32 and counting! :sail:.

Are you going to retire on The World? ;)
No, but I may decide to work on a ship after I retire from the military. The pay for officers is great, and you get up to 50% of your time as paid vacation!

Are you still a Recruiter? Yes, I'm still in Recruiting here, but once I leave I'll go back to the regular Air Force.

My nephew is currently in Marines Basic Training in San Diego, CA. :worship: I hope he is sent to Guam instead of Afghanistan.
I was stationed in San Diego for 3 years, you should try to get out there for his graduation, it's beautiful!

Good luck wherever you end up!

Thanks! Btw, loved the photos of your snow covered palm trees!

:goodvibes Jennifer
:)

[brack]

We're just waiting on the exact dates and pricing from Tracey. If you want, I will pass this information on to y'all.
:goodvibes Jennifer

Please send me the info :thumbsup2

[brack]

Jennifer-
I'm so glad you guys had a good time on your trip. I'm so sorry the kids got sick though. :sick:
Definately keep us in the loop about that cruise next year. I really want to go!! :goodvibes

Nothing yet on the sale of the house. We had one person look at it a couple of weeks ago, but nothing since then. Our realtor called today and she is going to have an open house for the other realtors tomorrow. Cross your fingers that something good comes out of this!!! I also applied for a Secretary I position at the Vero Beach resort on Sunday!!! I couldn't pass up the chance to apply for that. Hopefully I will get a call about it. I've been checking my phone every 15 minutes since Sunday!! :lmao:
I'll keep you guys updated on what goes on!!!

:grouphug:

[JsMom2]

Just left OKW, and are on our way to the Dream right now! :cloud9:

[plutojudy]

Have fun! Let us know what you think about the adult pool.

[brack]

Just left OKW, and are on our way to the Dream right now! :cloud9:

:hug:

[BethC1952]

Just left OKW, and are on our way to the Dream right now! :cloud9:

Have a wonderful cruise! Pictures please???? I'll be boarding on 2/6!

Beth

[JsMom2]

Last day on the Dream. I've taken lots of pictures, and will try to upload them as soon as I can.

plutojudy - The adult pool is pitiful! Everyone I spoke to agrees that they really messed that one up. The area by the pool is cramped and crowded. There are more adult areas up on deck 12 and 13, but there's not a lot of shade there.

We sailed up next to the Magic while she was docked at Castaway Cay yesterday and the ships took turns blowing their horns. It was pretty cool.

Overall the Dream is a beautiful ship, but just doesn't have the charm of the Magic or Wonder. The aquaduck is a lot of fun, and the Midship Detective Agency game is cool - kind of like Kim Possible at EPCOT. But you really end up scratching your head at some of the decisions they made with this ship.

I'm anxious to hear your opinion Beth. Oh by the way, be sure to bring an card with a magnetic strip that you can use to keep the lights on in your room.

After I get back, I'll have to tell you about all the riots that have broken out over the souvenirs - which are already on Ebay by the way.
Wendy

[BethC1952]

I'm anxious to hear your opinion Beth. Oh by the way, be sure to bring an card with a magnetic strip that you can use to keep the lights on in your room.

After I get back, I'll have to tell you about all the riots that have broken out over the souvenirs - which are already on Ebay by the way.
Wendy

I just found a whole collection of old key cards from previous trips. I tucked a few of them in my wallet for the lights.

I had read about the riots over the souvenirs. I have a few friends who have asked me to get them a "Dream" pin. I told them I'd do what I could, but no guarantees! I don't plan on ruining my trip over some pins!

I'll be taking tons of pictures, too. I'm actually doing some "scouting" for a travel agent friend of mine who wants to be able to show his prospective clients a view of the ship from a passenger, not a travel professional.

I can't wait to see your pictures!

Beth

[brack]

After I get back, I'll have to tell you about all the riots that have broken out over the souvenirs - which are already on Ebay by the way.
Wendy

I had read about the riots over the souvenirs. I have a few friends who have asked me to get them a "Dream" pin. I told them I'd do what I could, but no guarantees! I don't plan on ruining my trip over some pins!
Beth

:eek: Sad! :sad2:

[Pooh_Girl]

Wendy-
I hope you guys had a great time!!! My BIL and SIL just got back from a pre-inaugural sailing for my SIL's conference. They loved the ship too, but said there were some things they liked about the Magic better.
They also told us about people and the souveniers. That's just insane!!!
We've already bought a couple of the Maiden Voyage wine glasses from ebay!! lol I would rather buy it there than have to be in the middle of a knock down drag out fight.
Can't wait to see tons of pictures!!!

[JsMom2]

Just found out today that we're moving to England next summer!

I'll try to post Dream pics this weekend. Beth may get her pics up before I do!

Wendy

[BethC1952]

Just found out today that we're moving to England next summer!

I'll try to post Dream pics this weekend. Beth may get her pics up before I do!

Wendy

I'm hoping I get there! They're predicting another storm for Saturday. I've got my ear on the weather, and if it looks like it's going to impact travel, I'm going to try to change our flight to the latest one I can get on Friday.

I'm going to put some pictures on Facebook on Sunday when we board (I hope). I can't post a link here, but I think most of you are already on my friends list. My phone gets a bit fussy about posting stuff here, too. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. I'm not going to have internet access on the ship, but I'll have it as soon as we get back to Pop Century! Of course, yesterday I realized that I can't find the charger for my digital camera, and I haven't seen it since we moved. Maybe I'll be buying myself a new camera on the cruise!

Beth

[JsMom2]

Finally got my Dream pictures posted! I'll put an abbreviated version on FB, but here's a link that includes sub-albums of the different areas. Just look for the list on the right side of the screen. Enjoy!
Wendy

Click here for Dream Photos (http://s204.photobucket.com/albums/bb302/WendyBirch/Disney%20Dream%20Maiden%20Voyage/)

[Pooh_Girl]

Wendy-
The pictures are great!! Thanks for posting. I can't wait to go!!

[plutojudy]

Just found out today that we're moving to England next summer!


Wendy

Wow, closer to Disneyland Paris!

[TheTXTaylors5]

Have a wonderful cruise! Pictures please???? I'll be boarding on 2/6!

Beth

Bon Voyage!!!!!

:tinker: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Finally got my Dream pictures posted! I'll put an abbreviated version on FB, but here's a link that includes sub-albums of the different areas. Just look for the list on the right side of the screen. Enjoy!
Wendy

Click here for Dream Photos (http://s204.photobucket.com/albums/bb302/WendyBirch/Disney%20Dream%20Maiden%20Voyage/)

:hug: Thank you for the link. Great pics! OMG! I can't believe how much Jasmine has grown. What grade is she in this year?

I am very excited for you that you'll be heading back over the pond. Where will you be stationed? Many moons ago, I attended a Speech and Drama Festival at Lakenheath in England.

Good luck wherever you end up! :flower3:

:tinker: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

Just left OKW, and are on our way to the Dream right now! :cloud9:

How was OKW? Did you stay in a renovated room? We had some friends that stayed there in December and they were in a building being renovated. Not fun! We want to stay there once they complete the renovations. :thumbsup2

:tinker: Jennifer

[JsMom2]

Wow, closer to Disneyland Paris!

We were just saying the same thing! We're a 2 hr train ride from London, and from there you can grab the train to Disney!

:hug: Thank you for the link. Great pics! OMG! I can't believe how much Jasmine has grown. What grade is she in this year?

I am very excited for you that you'll be heading back over the pond. Where will you be stationed? Many moons ago, I attended a Speech and Drama Festival at Lakenheath in England.

Good luck wherever you end up! :flower3:

:tinker: Jennifer

Jas is in 7th grade this year - can't believe it! We'll be at RAF Menwith Hill in Northern England, just a couple hour train ride from Edinburgh, Scotland!


How was OKW? Did you stay in a renovated room? We had some friends that stayed there in December and they were in a building being renovated. Not fun! We want to stay there once they complete the renovations. :thumbsup2

:tinker: Jennifer

I doubt it was renovated, because the bathroom showed some signs of wear. We were in a 1Br, and the place was huge! We were right across from the Turtle pond pool, which was perfect because that's where the DIS bbq was. Last time we stayed across from the main pool, which was more convenient for a longer stay, and also had an elevator.

[JsMom2]

Waiting to hear about Beth's cruise on the Dream! popcorn::

[BethC1952]

We're back! We had a great time. The weather was perfect, the sea was as smooth as glass. We're at Pop Century now, and we're both exhausted. I can't figure out how doing nothing but eat and sleep for four days can make me so tired!

I'm just going to post the highlights (and lowlights). I'll post some more details and pictures over the weekend. We're going to spend the day tomorrow at Epcot.

On the whole, we loved the ship. It's certainly huge! We thought the attention to detail was great.

We really loved the new Animator's Palette show. Over the weekend I'll tell you the story of how Jim ended up serving coffee to our Head Server (Simone from Italy), our server (Wemick from India) and our Assistant Server (Walter from Italy). It was a riot. We attracted a lot of attention last night in Animator's Palette!

"The District" was amazing. Even though we never actually found time to go there for a drink, we did get lost twice and ended up in there. Once, we couldn't figure out how to get out again, which brings me to my first complaint about the ship. The wayfinding signage isn't very good. There are very few signs giving directions to anywhere, and you're kind of on your own to figure out where you need to be!

Our room was great. We were in a 5D (6076) which was next to the mid-ship elevator. The location was very good, and we enjoyed having the verandah! Once we got used to having to use a card to turn on the lights, we were fine with it. What we didn't think was fine was the air conditioning. It seems to work like the resorts--if there's no movement in the room, it switches to a low-energy mode, which left the room very hot and humid in the middle of the night. I guess the people who thought up this system must be very active sleepers?:confused3 Another problem is the wake-up calls. The instructions supplied with the phone don't work. So Jim called Guest Services and asked for a wakeup call. We wanted a wakeup call at 7AM. Not a problem, right? Well, the first call came about five minutes after Jim hung up from Guest Services. He called them and they told him that they were having some trouble getting the system to accept the calls, but all was well and we'd get our call in the morning. Sometime around midnight we got another wakeup call. Fortunately, we hadn't gone to bed! Guest Services apologized (again). We did finally get our call at 7AM!!

In the "What on EARTH were you thinking?" department--what genius decided that the perfect place for the basketball court is upstairs from Palo and Remy? I can't imagine paying the fee for Remy to sit there and listen to kids playing basketball over their heads during dinner!!!! We had brunch there yesterday. The brunch was wonderful, and the room is absolutely beautiful. However, the continued thumping of the basketballs and running of the kids ruins the peaceful, romantic atmosphere.

And, of course, there's the adult pool area. The pool is definitely much too small (you were right, Wendy!). We were able to use it both times we wanted to, but I think that's because the ship wasn't full. And having families parading through the area all the time really takes away from the "adult only" concept. There were at least two times when families with children had to be asked to leave the pool and the hot tubs. Who thought of putting the adult area right at the forward elevator? Bad decision. On the other hand, we did love the idea that we could look down through the floor of the hot tub and watch people reboarding the ship in Nassau. That was kind of cool.

Overall, it was a great time. In fact, if you look at my ticker, you can see that we had enough fun to rebook for December. And yes, we're doing the Western before, then spending a night at WDW and heading back for the four night! We thought about back-to-back Eastern/Western, but decided we'd rather do it this way and have different restaurants and shows for the second part of our trip!

OK, I'm heading off to sleep now. We want to get an early start since tomorrow will be our only park day!

Beth

[TheTXTaylors5]

We are officially booked for the following cruise ...

Ship: Disney Fantasy
Embark Date: 20-Oct-2012
Debark Date: 27-Oct-2012

---------- Cruise Itinerary --------------
20-Oct-2012
PORT CANAVERAL

21-Oct-2012
AT SEA

22-Oct-2012
AT SEA

23-Oct-2012
ST MAARTEN

24-Oct-2012
ST THOMAS

25-Oct-2012
AT SEA

26-Oct-2012
CASTAWAY CAY

27-Oct-2012
PORT CANAVERAL

:worship: I hope y'all can travel with us.

:tinker: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

If you are on the fence about traveling to Walt Disney World in October, here are two bonuses when visiting WDW in October ...

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

and

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party

Also, low crowds and "decent" weather.

(Just trying to persuade some of you to take the plunge and travel with us. ;) )

:tinker: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We're back! We had a great time. Beth

:thumbsup2 Thank you for the update! It sounds like you had a great time. It makes me even more anxious to sail on her. We have to wait until November. That seems so far away!!!!! Lucky you to have already rebooked for another cruise. I am sure it will take a few cruise under people's belts to see the whole ship. She looks to be massive!

I hope you had fun at WDW too!

:tinker: Jennifer

[brack]

We are officially booked for the following cruise ...

Ship: Disney Fantasy
Embark Date: 20-Oct-2012
Debark Date: 27-Oct-2012

:tinker: Jennifer



There are some from our 2006 DISGeek cruise that are talking about the cruise after this one which goes over Halloween. :idea:

[BethC1952]

Hi, all!

We're finally back home and caught up on things like sleep and laundry! We got home late Wednesday night, and that's when I discovered that my wireless router wasn't working too well! It took until today to get everything working properly again.

We had a fantastic vacation. The cruise was great, and our stay at Pop Century was wonderful. For a change, we had good weather for almost the entire trip! It was raining when we left the Hyatt, and still raining when we got to the terminal. By the time we boarded the rain had stopped, and it never rained again the whole vacation. That may be a first for us!

Sometime over the next day I'll be uploading my pictures and writing my trip report. I can't seem to find the notes I made--I think I put them away with all of the receipts.

We'll be doing a "back-to-back" comparison of Magic and Dream, starting with the 11/26/2011 Western Caribbean on Magic and the 12/4/2011 four-night sailing on Dream!

Beth

[Pooh_Girl]

Beth-

So glad you guys are back and had a great time. Can't wait to see your pictures and find out how you liked the ship!!

[Pooh_Girl]

Great news guys!!!! We had an offer and acceptance on our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::woohoo:
Tonight we will be filling out application online like crazy people, so wish us luck!!!!!

[brack]

Great news guys!!!! We had an offer and acceptance on our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::woohoo:
Tonight we will be filling out application online like crazy people, so wish us luck!!!!!

:banana::woohoo::grouphug::cheer2::thumbsup2

[JsMom2]

Great news guys!!!! We had an offer and acceptance on our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::woohoo:
Tonight we will be filling out application online like crazy people, so wish us luck!!!!!

Awesome news Tina! Congratulations!!

[BethC1952]

Beth-

So glad you guys are back and had a great time. Can't wait to see your pictures and find out how you liked the ship!!
I haven't forgotten. A bit of upheaval in real life got in the way, but pictures and impressions of the ship are coming soon!

Great news guys!!!! We had an offer and acceptance on our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::woohoo:
Tonight we will be filling out application online like crazy people, so wish us luck!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!

Beth

[TheTXTaylors5]

Great news guys!!!! We had an offer and acceptance on our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::woohoo:
Tonight we will be filling out application online like crazy people, so wish us luck!!!!!

YEA!!!!! Good luck on the job search! :wizard:

:tinker: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

:goodvibes Bill and I just got back from San Diego for my nephew's USMC Graduation. I still can't believe he is a Marine. He looks so skinny! When he first got to see us on Family Day, he was not very talkative at first. He said he was in shock a bit. He's had someone in his face and yelling at him for three months. After about an hour, he relaxed a bit more and ate like I have never seen him eat before. All the guys were hungry!!! He only got ONE meal during the previous three days of their last exercise called the Crucible. I guess if your Platoon didn't make it in time, you didn't get your one meal for the day.

One of our country's newest Marines ...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04570.jpg

FAMILY DAY
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04497.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04515.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04521.jpg

The graduation ceremony was very cool. They're were six Platoons graduating with about 75 guys in each. Kameron said nine people had dropped out of his Platoon over the past three months. It was a very grueling training. Which makes me even prouder he was standing there graduating. It's not for everyone.

GRADUATION DAY
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04673.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04690.jpg

We have two boys. I would be very proud if at least one of them joined the Marines or another branch of the military. Our family has always had someone active duty for as long as I can remember (Dad - National Guard, Step-Dad - Army, Father In-Law - Navy, Sister - Air Force, Nephew - Navy, Niece - Air Force and now a Marine in the family). Cole, even so young, said he wants to play football AND be a soldier. Maybe, we have a future Air Force Academy graduate on our hands?!?!?!?!

We had an amazing time on the MCRD Base and in San Diego. The weather was perfect. It was in the 80's everyday!!!! Bill and I came home with some nice tans. Our hotel was near the bay and a marina. So, we had a great view from our balcony of the Navy ships and yachts. Now, Bill wants to move to San Diego and get a boat!

View from our room.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04693.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04742.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04758.jpg

We got to visit some local touristy places too. We visited Mission Beach (Belmont Park). I got to breathe some fresh ocean air. I could sit there for hours just looking at the ocean.

Mission Beach
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04714.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04724.jpg

On Sunday, we toured the USS Midway in downtown San Diego. That ship is really neat. If you're ever in San Diego, it's worth a visit. We had some yummy seafood while downtown at a place called Anthony's. I highly recommend it! :thumbsup2

USS Midway
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04830.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04775.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04815.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04789.jpg http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04788.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04777.jpg
(Bill was warned numerous times ... Watch your head! :rotfl: )

We could see our hotel from the ship. Great view!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/TXTaylors5/March%202011/DSC04822.jpg

Now, we're back home getting ready for a roadtrip next week. We're heading west again, only this time WITH the kids. My Dad is getting married in Vegas next weekend. The kids have Spring Break next week. So, we're making a roadtrip of it. After visiting Las Vegas, we're going to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley (UT), Arches National Park (UT) and then a few days in Colorado. It was very tempting to visit Disneyland this trip. But, we decided to save that for when they have completed the construction at DCA. We have a "tentative" trip planned to DL when Cars Land is open. :woohoo:

Off to finish more laundry and get re-packed. I know, a good problem to have! :rotfl:

:tinker: Jennifer

[JoiseyMom]

Great news guys!!!! We had an offer and acceptance on our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::woohoo:
Tonight we will be filling out application online like crazy people, so wish us luck!!!!!

Congrats!! When do you guys plan on moving?

[Pooh_Girl]

Congrats!! When do you guys plan on moving?

Thanks!!!! As soon as we find jobs we are outta here!!! :woohoo:

[JsMom2]

My house just went on the market yesterday...popcorn::

[Pooh_Girl]

My house just went on the market yesterday...popcorn::

Good Luck!!!!!!! :thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

My house just went on the market yesterday...popcorn::

Good luck for a quick sale!!!! :wizard:

:tinker: Jennifer

[Pooh_Girl]

Well guys...We did it!!!!!!!!! We sold our house today!!!!! Luckily the guy that bought it from us is using it for rental property and is letting us rent from him until we find jobs in FL. So we didn't have to move!!! Who knows when we will get jobs though. I'm getting really frustrated. It's been almost a month and we've applied for a lot of jobs, but nothing. So if you guys will keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we would really appreciate it.

[brack]

Well guys...We did it!!!!!!!!! We sold our house today!!!!! Luckily the guy that bought it from us is using it for rental property and is letting us rent from him until we find jobs in FL. So we didn't have to move!!! Who knows when we will get jobs though. I'm getting really frustrated. It's been almost a month and we've applied for a lot of jobs, but nothing. So if you guys will keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we would really appreciate it.

We will keep you in our prayers!

What are you looking for in way of jobs? You're looking to move to Vero Beach, right? How far would you commute?

[Pooh_Girl]

We will keep you in our prayers!

What are you looking for in way of jobs? You're looking to move to Vero Beach, right? How far would you commute?


Thank you Brack!! We really appreciate it!!

We are really looking for anything that will pay the bills. We are not picky at all. Yes, we are looking at the Vero Beach area, and really don't want to have to commute more than 20-30 minutes especially with gas prices the way they are. If gas prices weren't so bad, I would commute to Orlando if I had to!!! lol Do you know of something??

[brack]

Thank you Brack!! We really appreciate it!!

We are really looking for anything that will pay the bills. We are not picky at all. Yes, we are looking at the Vero Beach area, and really don't want to have to commute more than 20-30 minutes especially with gas prices the way they are. If gas prices weren't so bad, I would commute to Orlando if I had to!!! lol Do you know of something??

We have a unit in Vero Beach and I know the Officer's in charge. I will ask them to help me look for something.

My email is: majorbrack@aol.com Write me with anything in particular that you are looking to do and make.

[TheTXTaylors5]

Well guys...We did it!!!!!!!!! We sold our house today!!!!! Luckily the guy that bought it from us is using it for rental property and is letting us rent from him until we find jobs in FL. So we didn't have to move!!! Who knows when we will get jobs though. I'm getting really frustrated. It's been almost a month and we've applied for a lot of jobs, but nothing. So if you guys will keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we would really appreciate it.

Sending lots of pixie dust your way in finding jobs in Florida. Have you applied at WDW?????? Then again, that may be a silly question. Have you tried contacting Dreams Unlimited (sponsor of this website) to see if they are looking for new agents? It would be an at-home job that you can do anywhere. ;)

Good luck on the continued job hunt. :wizard: (All three of the kiddos will be in school next year. I may have to break out the classified ads myself soon ... :surfweb: )

Back when I was job hunting, I used the below websites to submit my resume to various companies. I got a job from one of my monster.com submissions. So, you never know ...

careerbuilder.com (http://www.careerbuilder.com/)
monster.com (http://www.monster.com/)

:tinker: Jennifer

[Pooh_Girl]

Sending lots of pixie dust your way in finding jobs in Florida. Have you applied at WDW?????? Then again, that may be a silly question. Have you tried contacting Dreams Unlimited (sponsor of this website) to see if they are looking for new agents? It would be an at-home job that you can do anywhere. ;)

Good luck on the continued job hunt. :wizard: (All three of the kiddos will be in school next year. I may have to break out the classified ads myself soon ... :surfweb: )

Back when I was job hunting, I used the below websites to submit my resume to various companies. I got a job from one of my monster.com submissions. So, you never know ...

careerbuilder.com (http://www.careerbuilder.com/)
monster.com (http://www.monster.com/)

:tinker: Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer!!! We haven't applied at WDW even though I really want to. It would be way to far for us to to drive everyday.
I haven't thought about Dream Unlimited though. Being a TA would be a blast and the benefits are awesome!!

[BethC1952]

We'll be on the June 10, 2012 Magic sailing out of New York to Canada!

When I was little girl (back in the dark ages;)) my parents used to take us kids to watch the cruise ships sail out of New York Harbor. I always wished that I would be on one of those ships. Even now, I can often see ships sailing towards the harbor when I'm on my way to work.

The prices are a little higher than a similar cabin (11C, the old 12's) on the Caribbean routes, but there's no other expenses--no flight, no hotel before and after. I can be at the port in an hour and a half from my house!

Beth

[MrsMork]

We are booked for Hawaii!! Anyone want to join us? Just a little over $100 per day, per person in a Cat11B.:banana:

[TheTXTaylors5]

We are booked for Hawaii!! Anyone want to join us? Just a little over $100 per day, per person in a Cat11B.:banana:

Hawaii has always been on my "wish list" of places to visit. When I read that DCL was sailing there in 2012, I gave Bill "the look" . . . :rotfl: However, we will be getting DCL closer to us in 2012 with the cruises out of Galveston. So, in addition to our Fantasy cruise in October, we way "try" and book the Thanksgiving week cruise out of Galveston.

More Disney Cruise Lines ships with new and exciting itineraries, means more options and more of Bill's hard-earned cash going into Disney's pockets. :lmao: I have to admit, it is fun being a DCL fan this year. :wizard:

I know you will have an amazing cruise. Hopefully if it all goes well, they will offer it again . . . :cloud9: Then again, if we do go to Hawaii, it will most likely be with DVC. :worship: The new resort looks amazing!!!!!

:tinker: Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

We'll be on the June 10, 2012 Magic sailing out of New York to Canada!

When I was little girl (back in the dark ages;)) my parents used to take us kids to watch the cruise ships sail out of New York Harbor. I always wished that I would be on one of those ships. Even now, I can often see ships sailing towards the harbor when I'm on my way to work.

The prices are a little higher than a similar cabin (11C, the old 12's) on the Caribbean routes, but there's no other expenses--no flight, no hotel before and after. I can be at the port in an hour and a half from my house!

Beth

:woohoo: Yea!!!! I was happy to see that y'all got some cruises out of New York next year. It will be a tease not to go on more than one having the port so close to home.

I was happy to learn that . . .

:banana::banana::banana: DCL will be sailing out of Galveston, Texas in 2012!!!! :banana::banana::banana:

We live about 3 hours from Galveston. We really want to cruise on DCL at least once while it is here in Texas to give them some business. So, they come back in the future . . . :cloud9:

:tinker: Jennifer

[BethC1952]

:woohoo: Yea!!!! I was happy to see that y'all got some cruise out of New York next year. It will be a tease not to go on more than one having the port so close to home.



Jim is already saying that since it's so close, maybe we should cruise again at the end of the summer. I guess he thinks I'm made of money!!!!:rotfl:

Of course, he also thinks we should try cruising out of Galveston, just to say we did it. He's never been to Texas, and I think he thinks it's a lot closer than it is. I guess maybe I need to start buying lottery tickets!

Beth

[JoiseyMom]

I just booked the 8/25 out of NY to the Bahamas. Not 100% sure if we are going to do it yet. It is a bit pricey, but we shall see. :)

[TheTXTaylors5]

I just booked the 8/25 out of NY to the Bahamas. Not 100% sure if we are going to do it yet. It is a bit pricey, but we shall see. :)

I assume it is more money than out of PC. But, at least you don't have to pay airfare. :thumbsup2 Also, having only one day at WDW might keep some money in your wallet too. ;) I read that some people may even just stay on the ship while it's at Port Canaveral. To me, that is just too close NOT to visit WDW. :goodvibes

:scared1: I couldn't believe my ears when Bill said, "Maybe, we should book one of the Galveston cruises while onboard in November to get the 10% discount". I think Bill is weakening on the idea of sailing with DCL out of Galveston next year. :woohoo: It is just too tempting having it so close and not sailing on it. I am not willing to give up our other cruise in October 2012 though (that's an Eastern). It has taken me since our cruise to get back on an Eastern Caribbean cruise. The ones out of Galveston will be western itineraries. It will be fun to see new places. I will miss CC though. :guilty:

:tinker: Jennifer

[Pooh_Girl]

One week from today we will be at WDW!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! :banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:

[BethC1952]

One week from today we will be at WDW!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! :banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:
Have a wonderful time! It's a great time to be at WDW. Of course, ANY time is a great time to be at WDW!!!:rotfl:

[Pooh_Girl]

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!!!! Hope everyone has a great day of rest and relaxation!!!

[Pooh_Girl]

So guys...I've got some good news...I've got a phone interview for a Teller Supervisor position for PNC Bank at Vero Beach on Tuesday!!! I'm so nervous!! Say some prayers and wish me luck!!!! :thumbsup2

[BethC1952]

So guys...I've got some good news...I've got a phone interview for a Teller Supervisor position for PNC Bank at Vero Beach on Tuesday!!! I'm so nervous!! Say some prayers and wish me luck!!!! :thumbsup2

Good luck! I'll say a few quick prayers for you until then.

Beth

[MrsMork]

Jim is already saying that since it's so close, maybe we should cruise again at the end of the summer. I guess he thinks I'm made of money!!!!:rotfl:

Of course, he also thinks we should try cruising out of Galveston, just to say we did it. He's never been to Texas, and I think he thinks it's a lot closer than it is. I guess maybe I need to start buying lottery tickets!

Beth

There are places in Texas that are not even close to other places in Texas!! :lmao: Not only is it a great state, it is a great BIG state! :thumbsup2

[Pooh_Girl]

Had my interview this afternoon and it went really well!! Please keep saying prayers for us that this works out. :grouphug:

[JsMom2]

Had my interview this afternoon and it went really well!! Please keep saying prayers for us that this works out. :grouphug:

Tina,
Hope the interview went well! We had a wonderful week on Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral last week!! Now we're on the road to our new home in Wichita. We're excited to finally get settled.

Take care everyone!
Wendy

[TheTXTaylors5]

Hi Wendy!

I assume you are all moved by now. How's your new home?

:goodvibes Jennifer

[TheTXTaylors5]

I wanted to throw it out there again, in case others are interested . . .

Disney Cruise Line
Date(s): October 20, 2012 - October 27, 2012
Ship: Disney Fantasy
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Disney Fantasy - Itinerary A:

Day Port
1 Port Canaveral, Florida
2 At Sea
3 At Sea
4 St. Maarten
5 St. Thomas/St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
6 At Sea
7 Castaway Cay, Bahamas
8 Port Canaveral, Florida

If interested, please send me a PM. I am working with an amazing Travel Agent with a great deal and top-knotch customer service. You won't be disappointed! However, if you aren't able to make this cruise and are interested in a GREAT Travel Agent, don't hesitate to contact me for their information. :thumbsup2

[TheTXTaylors5]

So guys...I've got some good news...I've got a phone interview for a Teller Supervisor position for PNC Bank at Vero Beach on Tuesday!!! I'm so nervous!! Say some prayers and wish me luck!!!! :thumbsup2

Sorry, I haven't been on the DISboards in awhile. How did it go? Inquiring minds want to know . . . :goodvibes

[Pooh_Girl]

So.....Great and Fabulous news everyone!!!!!!! Robby got a job in Port St. Lucie, FL at Verizon!!!!!!!!! He got the offer today at lunch and of course accepted it. His official first day of work will be August 1st. I'm SOOOO excited!!! :banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo: I will hang tight here until my last day of work on August 2nd, then drive on down to home sweet home, and try to find a job for me. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and advice through all of this from everyone. :goodvibes

[MrsMork]

Yay for you Tina!!! :woohoo::dance3:

[plutojudy]

So.....Great and Fabulous news everyone!!!!!!! Robby got a job in Port St. Lucie, FL at Verizon!!!!!!!!! He got the offer today at lunch and of course accepted it. His official first day of work will be August 1st. I'm SOOOO excited!!! :banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo: I will hang tight here until my last day of work on August 2nd, then drive on down to home sweet home, and try to find a job for me. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and advice through all of this from everyone. :goodvibes

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer2:

[BethC1952]

Congratulations! That's wonderful news!!!

Now you can relax and enjoy your new life!

Beth

[TheTXTaylors5]

So.....Great and Fabulous news everyone!!!!!!! Robby got a job in Port St. Lucie, FL at Verizon!!!!!!!!! He got the offer today at lunch and of course accepted it. His official first day of work will be August 1st. I'm SOOOO excited!!! :banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo: I will hang tight here until my last day of work on August 2nd, then drive on down to home sweet home, and try to find a job for me. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and advice through all of this from everyone. :goodvibes

:banana: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! :banana:

I am so glad things are falling into place.

[TheTXTaylors5]

:headache: It's another over 100 degrees day here. We are seriously considering a move to Washington state. This weather stinks! I'll take the rain over this heat anyday. :goodvibes

[BethC1952]

Right now it's 105 degrees here, which is down a degree from about an hour ago. The heat index is 117. It NEVER gets this hot this close to the beach!

The good side is that I should sweat off my last 20 pounds on my two mile walk to get home this afternoon. ;)

Beth

[plutojudy]

Very hot and humid here all week too. But, we are leaving Sunday for Vancouver and sailing to Alslaka on the Wonder Tuesday. :cheer2: We are very excited.

[MrsMork]

:headache: It's another over 100 degrees day here. We are seriously considering a move to Washington state. This weather stinks! I'll take the rain over this heat anyday. :goodvibes

The constant rain and overcast becomes very tiring very quickly. Trust me on that one. We spent 21 years in the Portland, OR area. Montana would be a much better choice for you!! :thumbsup2 We have hit 90 twice only. Mostly in the mid to upper 80's this summer so far. We have had more rain than usual, but it comes in thundershowers that pass quickly and that BIG sky with the puffy white clouds returns. :goodvibes:cloud9: I love it here!

[Pooh_Girl]

Thanks guys!! We are almost done with the packing. Luckily we had a lot of stuff still packed from when we sold the house back in March and we thought we were going to have to move. So it hasn't been TOO bad.
We will be loading up the truck Tuesday night and Wednesday Robby will be driving down there. I will be driving down Friday night after work and help him unload everything and then fly back to Arkansas Sunday morning to finish up my two week notice at work. Hopefully by Thursday the 4th I will be down there permanently!! It really hasn't sunk in yet, but I'm sure next weekend it will hit me like a ton of bricks!! :rotfl: Now lets just hope that it won't take me too long to find a job.

[JsMom2]

Congratulations Robby! I'm sure you'll find something soon Tina, it sounds like things are coming together nicely for you!!

[BethC1952]

Thanks guys!! We are almost done with the packing. Luckily we had a lot of stuff still packed from when we sold the house back in March and we thought we were going to have to move. So it hasn't been TOO bad.
We will be loading up the truck Tuesday night and Wednesday Robby will be driving down there. I will be driving down Friday night after work and help him unload everything and then fly back to Arkansas Sunday morning to finish up my two week notice at work. Hopefully by Thursday the 4th I will be down there permanently!! It really hasn't sunk in yet, but I'm sure next weekend it will hit me like a ton of bricks!! :rotfl: Now lets just hope that it won't take me too long to find a job.

Good luck with your move! Before long you'll be all settled and enjoying the Florida lifestyle! Enjoy it!

Beth

[JoiseyMom]

Thanks guys!! We are almost done with the packing. Luckily we had a lot of stuff still packed from when we sold the house back in March and we thought we were going to have to move. So it hasn't been TOO bad.
We will be loading up the truck Tuesday night and Wednesday Robby will be driving down there. I will be driving down Friday night after work and help him unload everything and then fly back to Arkansas Sunday morning to finish up my two week notice at work. Hopefully by Thursday the 4th I will be down there permanently!! It really hasn't sunk in yet, but I'm sure next weekend it will hit me like a ton of bricks!! :rotfl: Now lets just hope that it won't take me too long to find a job.

Good luck with the move! Safe driving, and pixie dust for your job hunt! Keep in touch with us. Let us know here or FB that you arrived safely!!

[Pooh_Girl]

Hello All!! This is the first chance I've gotten to get online since I got here. We are all moved in and settled. Yay!!! If I have to do one more load of laundry I'm going to scream!! :lmao: Now another day on the job hunt. Wish me luck!!

[BethC1952]

Congratulations on the move and good luck on the job hunt!

Beth