My very first PTR - Can you hear the music? ~ We're off tomorrow & it's MAYHEM here!

[MinnieNurse]

$200 printer cartridge? :scared1: I would never print in color again. I was whining cause mine was $40. Okay, I promise to never whine about that again.

I think you could maybe do Star Wars in gray scale or a vintage Mickey and Friends.

I would post a thread on the Disign board of what you want and I bet someone can come up with something for you. I think gray scale will look sharp on a bright yellow shirt. :thumbsup2

[purplepeg]

OMG we're at 39 days and you are way ahead of me in the planning. :scared1: I'd best get on that:surfweb:

[inkedupmomma]

Time for an on-topic post, methinks :lmao:

So, now that we're at 74 days to go (thank you, lazy person's day calculator that I found online to figure that out for me lol), I keep thinking there's more stuff I should be doing :scared:

My "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder is now chock-full of paper. I have a "to buy" list, a carryon luggage packing list, a checked luggage list, copies of our flight e-tickets, directions to MasterPark, printout of MasterPark reservation, printout of MasterPark online discount coupons, printout of ATL airport's many concourses, copy of our WDW hotel/pass/FD reservation, printout of ASMu map with my requested room block highlighted, printout of Garden Grocer order (that is STILL not finalized :laughing:), printout of trip budget, park plan with dining ADR information, restaurant menus and directions to get home from MasterPark. Yep, it's full :rotfl:

The park days are planned, the ADRs are made (thank you, Christine!) - what else am I supposed to be doing?

Oh, I have far too many Mickey heads from our last trip that I will be getting laminated - finally! LOL

I haven't figured out what designs to choose for our two sets of t-shirts yet either.

Any thoughts on t-shirt designs? I'm doing two sets of shirts (theoretically lol) and I need the design to be in grayscale because buying a $200 colour cartridge for my printer is not in the WDW budget :lmao: My plan is to get one set of medium blue shirts (Tigger's fave colour) and one set of bright or dark yellow shirts (Mickey's fave colour). All help is appreciated!

I can't make a countdown yet for the boys until we tell them lol

What to do, what to do? :confused3

Glad your boy is ok! I love the "lazy person calculator"..so much I have one at the bottom of my screen LOL and I am where you are at right now..last year I updated every tiny bit of info.. but I was also buying a lot more and everything on the dis was mega new to me and exciting. This year I feel more put together, a seasoned pro know it all..:lmao:

I do need to make a countdown calendar, and type up a *new* packing list..Guess I could do that...we should take pics of our binders maybe??

If you are bored maybe you could start making your mousekeeping and ADR tip envelopes?

[mommytothreeboys]

Woo-Hoo!! Your binder, ahem, I mean, NOT binder sounds fabulous!! :goodvibes

Sounds like you have things pretty well under control! I agree with the pp about checking the DISign boards for T-shirt ideas. They are really talented over there! :thumbsup2

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Phew, so glad that Tigger's dental visit went well! DH is heading to one this morning and he has been freaking out all week. Sounds like Tigger was much braver than my DH! :thumbsup2

I really like the idea of doing two sets of shirts. I think printing in black will be great on those colors. Perhaps you could do something with a Partners statue silhouette (see my avatar) or maybe a Mickey head? My sister and I did shirts for our October trip. Sadly, this is the best picture I have of it:

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47092978_1963.jpg

[jcc0621]

My "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder is now chock-full of paper. I have a "to buy" list, a carryon luggage packing list, a checked luggage list, copies of our flight e-tickets, directions to MasterPark, printout of MasterPark reservation, printout of MasterPark online discount coupons, printout of ATL airport's many concourses, copy of our WDW hotel/pass/FD reservation, printout of ASMu map with my requested room block highlighted, printout of Garden Grocer order (that is STILL not finalized :laughing:), printout of trip budget, park plan with dining ADR information, restaurant menus and directions to get home from MasterPark. Yep, it's full :rotfl:

:faint: You are putting me to shame. I am about 40 days out and I have none of this done :eek: I better get moving!

[raider97]

Just wanted to add :cheer2::cheer2: for your ADR's!

Not sure how I missed this, but what is Play-N-Dine?

Enjoying reading your trip report... just had to interrupt to say "Hi" to MinnieNurse!! Texas Tech fan too. My oldest dd has a shirt with snow white with the double t tattoo on her face. I love it!! :)

Stephanie

[DisneyMomLiz]

Go Mickey, Go Mickey :woohoo: Something else for me to look forward to when DS moves on from his Big Wheel - to Bike with Training wheels - to Bike free of training wheels!! ;)

hmmm...what to do next? Mousekeeping envelopes? I found a link, in a mousekeeping thread for "pre-made"/designed ones...may use those this time. http://www.arwolff.com/heidi/

I need to make a countdown calendar too?! off to find some ideas

PS - where did you find the lazy countdown...I think I'm at 77 days, just not sure?! :rotfl:

PPS - LGMH do you just write your board name on those and laminate? :confused3

[lisalonglash]

$200 printer cartridge? :scared1: I would never print in color again. I was whining cause mine was $40. Okay, I promise to never whine about that again.

I think you could maybe do Star Wars in gray scale or a vintage Mickey and Friends.

I would post a thread on the Disign board of what you want and I bet someone can come up with something for you. I think gray scale will look sharp on a bright yellow shirt. :thumbsup2

LOL, yep, it's just over $200 - no colour transfers for me LOL Both of your ideas are fantastic - I wonder if someone could do that for me on that forum? I'd also like one of the two design sets to include baseball references - any ideas on that?

OMG we're at 39 days and you are way ahead of me in the planning. :scared1: I'd best get on that:surfweb:

Sorry, Peg :laughing: Last time, I wasn't nearly this far ahead at this point!

Glad your boy is ok! I love the "lazy person calculator"..so much I have one at the bottom of my screen LOL and I am where you are at right now..last year I updated every tiny bit of info.. but I was also buying a lot more and everything on the dis was mega new to me and exciting. This year I feel more put together, a seasoned pro know it all..

I do need to make a countdown calendar, and type up a *new* packing list..Guess I could do that...we should take pics of our binders maybe??

If you are bored maybe you could start making your mousekeeping and ADR tip envelopes?

Oooh, I could take pictures of the "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder for the PTR - great idea, Jenn! :woohoo:

Woo-Hoo!! Your binder, ahem, I mean, NOT binder sounds fabulous!!

Sounds like you have things pretty well under control! I agree with the pp about checking the DISign boards for T-shirt ideas. They are really talented over there! :thumbsup2

Thanks! They are really talented on that board, but the vast majority of the designs really seem to be dependent on colour kwim?

Phew, so glad that Tigger's dental visit went well! DH is heading to one this morning and he has been freaking out all week. Sounds like Tigger was much braver than my DH! :thumbsup2

I really like the idea of doing two sets of shirts. I think printing in black will be great on those colors. Perhaps you could do something with a Partners statue silhouette (see my avatar) or maybe a Mickey head? My sister and I did shirts for our October trip. Sadly, this is the best picture I have of it:

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47092978_1963.jpg

You tell your dh that Tigger was totally comfortable the entire time. I am really liking the silhouette idea - I think that could look really nice in grayscale :goodvibes Love the picture! :flower3:

:faint: You are putting me to shame. I am about 40 days out and I have none of this done :eek: I better get moving!

Sorry, Janet - what can I say? I'm a wacko :rotfl:

Enjoying reading your trip report... just had to interrupt to say "Hi" to MinnieNurse!! Texas Tech fan too. My oldest dd has a shirt with snow white with the double t tattoo on her face. I love it!! :)

Stephanie

Thanks, Stephanie and :welcome:! I hope you're enjoying my little PTR :goodvibes

Go Mickey, Go Mickey :woohoo: Something else for me to look forward to when DS moves on from his Big Wheel - to Bike with Training wheels - to Bike free of training wheels!! ;)

Thanks! :hug: Yep, definitely something to look forward to! We can now go biking together as a family on our local trails - cannot wait! :yay:

PS - where did you find the lazy countdown...I think I'm at 77 days, just not sure?! :rotfl:

Here's the lazy countdown calculator I found:
http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html

Enjoy! :rotfl:

PPS - LGMH do you just write your board name on those and laminate? :confused3

Well now, I never thought of writing my DISboards name on one of them, but that's a great idea! I would write the name on first, then laminate :thumbsup2

[OhioDisneyLover]

Finally got up to date! Sounds like everything is going very well. :goodvibes

Isn't it amazing how fast the Disney binders "grow?" DH suggested I get a larger one. That made me laugh! :lmao:

[Queenofallthings]

LOL....Purplepeg calls me a freak with my "binder", excel spread sheet and laminated index cards:lmao:you got me beat girl!!!:lmao:It's so nice to know there are others out there like us isn't it, makes us seem normal:rotfl:

This is why I love the boards....no one rolls their eyes, makes comments about "you're going again, you need to get a life":headache: It actually irritates me....why can people go to the exact same city, resort etc in Mexico and they don't think it's the same as us going to WDW??? Speaking of freaks.....;)

[MinnieNurse]

Enjoying reading your trip report... just had to interrupt to say "Hi" to MinnieNurse!! Texas Tech fan too. My oldest dd has a shirt with snow white with the double t tattoo on her face. I love it!! :)

Stephanie

Whoop Whoop! Reck Em Tech!!! :thumbsup2

Okay, Hijack over.:flower3:

[lisalonglash]

Finally got up to date! Sounds like everything is going very well. :goodvibes

Isn't it amazing how fast the Disney binders "grow?" DH suggested I get a larger one. That made me laugh! :lmao:

:rotfl2:

LOL....Purplepeg calls me a freak with my "binder", excel spread sheet and laminated index cards:lmao:you got me beat girl!!!:lmao:It's so nice to know there are others out there like us isn't it, makes us seem normal:rotfl:

This is why I love the boards....no one rolls their eyes, makes comments about "you're going again, you need to get a life":headache: It actually irritates me....why can people go to the exact same city, resort etc in Mexico and they don't think it's the same as us going to WDW??? Speaking of freaks.....;)

So true! :lmao:

Whoop Whoop! Reck Em Tech!!! :thumbsup2

Okay, Hijack over.:flower3:

Hijack anytime, Minnie :hug:

[lisalonglash]

More ramblings...

I can't believe we're at 69 days already!? :banana: Less than two months now before we'll be telling the boys! :goodvibes

Guess what I received in my email yesterday? Yep, the FD pin for Oct/Nov/Dec - too bad I can't use it! Regardless, it is still a thrill to see that "Disney Destinations" email address :cheer2:

I hope all my fellow Canadians had a super Canada Day on Wednesday and I wish all my American friends a wonderful Independence Day tomorrow! :yay:

I wonder what it would take for more lurkers to post? Any ideas? :confused3

Jenn & Sophia

Is meeting up at Epcot still happening? :flower3:

[OhioDisneyLover]

More ramblings...

I can't believe we're at 69 days already!? :banana: Less than two months now before we'll be telling the boys! :goodvibes

Guess what I received in my email yesterday? Yep, the FD pin for Oct/Nov/Dec - too bad I can't use it! Regardless, it is still a thrill to see that "Disney Destinations" email address :cheer2:

I hope all my fellow Canadians had a super Canada Day on Wednesday and I wish all my American friends a wonderful Independence Day tomorrow! :yay:

I wonder what it would take for more lurkers to post? Any ideas? :confused3

Jenn & Sophia

Is meeting up at Epcot still happening? :flower3:


I'm up for an Epcot meeting!!! Let's do it!

[inkedupmomma]

More ramblings...

I can't believe we're at 69 days already!? :banana: Less than two months now before we'll be telling the boys! :goodvibes

Guess what I received in my email yesterday? Yep, the FD pin for Oct/Nov/Dec - too bad I can't use it! Regardless, it is still a thrill to see that "Disney Destinations" email address :cheer2:

I hope all my fellow Canadians had a super Canada Day on Wednesday and I wish all my American friends a wonderful Independence Day tomorrow! :yay:

I wonder what it would take for more lurkers to post? Any ideas? :confused3

Jenn & Sophia

Is meeting up at Epcot still happening? :flower3:

I don't see why we shouldn't!

[lisalonglash]

I'm up for an Epcot meeting!!! Let's do it!

I don't see why we shouldn't!

Glad to hear it - looking forward to a fun mini DISmeet! :banana:

[MinnieNurse]

I'd also like one of the two design sets to include baseball references - any ideas on that?





Did you see the soccer ball Mickey head I had on my PTR? I think she has a baseball head. Here is her link. She is really quick about personalizing anything you want also.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858558

Go to the bottom of her first post and look at her photobucket stuff, if you choose sport on the left she has several different baseball things you can ask for them plain with no name or personalized. Good luck. :cheer2:

[eandesmom]

I'm in! It will take me a while to get caught up but looking forward to it:cool1:

[KathyRN137]

I hope all my fellow Canadians had a super Canada Day on Wednesday and I wish all my American friends a wonderful Independence Day tomorrow! :yay:

I wonder what it would take for more lurkers to post? Any ideas? :confused3



Happy (belated) Canada Day, Lisa!!

Whew! Lots of catching up for me to do!!

Kathy

[3princesses+aprince]

Wow, you're at 68 days out today. Oh, I remember when we were counting down around that time. The days will fly by now, you'll soon be ready to go. Well, i'm sure your ready now, but you know what I mean :goodvibes


HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, Hope you're having a nice weekend!!!

[carissanboys]

Hey Lisa - I'm finally back and mostly caught up. :thumbsup2 It's great to finally put a face to the name. You have a lovely family. :goodvibes

Only 2 months (give or take a day) until your trip! You must be so excited. :cool1:

[lisalonglash]

Did you see the soccer ball Mickey head I had on my PTR? I think she has a baseball head. Here is her link. She is really quick about personalizing anything you want also.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858558

Go to the bottom of her first post and look at her photobucket stuff, if you choose sport on the left she has several different baseball things you can ask for them plain with no name or personalized. Good luck. :cheer2:

Thanks for the link, Minnie. I bookmarked the thread :thumbsup2 Super cute designs!

I'm in! It will take me a while to get caught up but looking forward to it:cool1:

:welcome:, I'm glad you're here!

Happy (belated) Canada Day, Lisa!!

Whew! Lots of catching up for me to do!!

Kathy

Thanks, Kathy! :flower3: I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day weekend!

Wow, you're at 68 days out today. Oh, I remember when we were counting down around that time. The days will fly by now, you'll soon be ready to go. Well, i'm sure your ready now, but you know what I mean :goodvibes

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, Hope you're having a nice weekend!!!

I hope you're right - I wanna go NOW :rotfl2: I hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Hey Lisa - I'm finally back and mostly caught up. :thumbsup2 It's great to finally put a face to the name. You have a lovely family. :goodvibes

Only 2 months (give or take a day) until your trip! You must be so excited. :cool1:

Welcome back, Carissa :hug: Thanks for the nice compliment :flower3: Yes, Grumpy and I are excited - ignorance is bliss for the kids (well, more for us, but you know what I mean :rotfl:)

[lisalonglash]

New trip t-shirt mission
I'm on a new mission now - must find a Mickey ears design with Mickey at bat that would look great printed in black & white! :cheer2: All help is appreciated! :cheer2:

New binder
I might have "borrowed" one of Mickey's school binders and switched mine with his, due to an excess of paper in my "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder - the one I had was 1/2" and the new one is 1-1/2", still lime green though :rolleyes1

Great Saturday
We had a great day yesterday - went to Steveston (a little area in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver). It's sort of a fishing tourist area - quaint shops, nice boardwalk, etc. We enjoyed our special treat of lunch at PaJo's - IMO, the best fish & chips in Canada - and ate our lunch sitting in adironack chairs looking at the ocean :woohoo: We walked around the boardwalk, stopped for fresh ice cream/sorbetto and did a little bit of shopping (for Grumpy, we stopped at a British shop for some Tetley darjheeling tea (hard to find elsewhere) and an Arsenals lanyard (yes, we're big Arsenals fans!); for the rest of us, we stopped at a little candy shop and bought some fresh fudge (cookies & cream and chocolate/caramel flavours). Our last stop before going home was a fishmonger right beside the water (they buy their fish right off the boats each day - we checked out what the fishing boats were selling, but they only had prawns and great huge fish; we weren't up for paying $70 for a massive salmon lol) and came home with lovely fresh halibut and ahi tuna steaks. Grumpy barbecued the fish and it was a fantastic end to a super fun day :goodvibes

Trip groceries change
I have decided to try wegoshop.com instead of gardengrocer.com this time - I like the idea of paying the store prices and, after speaking with Marge (the local wegoshop rep for WDW resorts), I feel good about the switch. I can check out the Publix (or whatever local store) flyers online (not that I've already done that or anything :rolleyes1), make a list and send it to her. The delivery charge is US$5 more than gardengrocer, but I think we'll save more on the item pricing than that, so it's all good! I'll let you all know how it goes!

To cooler or not to cooler, that is the question
I'm debating whether or not I need to add a styrofoam cooler to the grocery list - we have a soft side collapsible cooler that I'm planning to bring, but I was thinking that we could put the critically essential coffee cream into the soft side cooler with ziploc bags of ice, then put the soft side cooler into the styrofoam cooler, which would leave room in the styrofoam cooler for bottles of water, fruit, etc. I think. So, what are your thoughts? Yes, these totally minor issues do plague me :rotfl2:

American fireworks
As usual, we could easily hear Independence Day fireworks for hours last night - I think Blaine, WA must have a really big fireworks budget LOL Too bad we couldn't see them from home, but if we'd gone down to the beach, we probably could have. Maybe we'll do that next time :thumbsup2

On a sad note
I've just been told that Tigger's goldfish (King Arthur) has gone to goldfish heaven (aka where goldfish go when they're flushed down the toilet) - Tigger's OK with it, but Mickey needed lots of information and understanding to cope with it. He's OK now, but is watching his fish (Nemo) much more often than before.

To be fair, those goldfish didn't really have a fighting chance. The boys "won" them at a local Canada Day festival (they had a bunch of childrens' games). Those fish spent the day like this - getting dumped into a childrens' swimming pool with hundreds of other goldfish, being chased around said pool by countless children taking turns catching the fish with nets on long poles, being put into a ziploc bag with some pool water after being "won" by each child, being carried around the festival for an hour on a hot day in full sunshine, having a ride home in our truck and then being put into the fish tank. Not a good start, I'm afraid. I told the boys on the way home from the festival that these were "training" fish and that these fish would teach them how to take care of fish, in order for the boys to be able to take care of "real" fish. I was trying to cushion the blow kwim?

[eandesmom]

New trip t-shirt mission
I'm on a new mission now - must find a Mickey ears design with Mickey at bat that would look great printed in black & white! :cheer2: All help is appreciated! :cheer2:


Great Saturday
We had a great day yesterday - went to Steveston (a little area in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver). It's sort of a fishing tourist area - quaint shops, nice boardwalk, etc. We enjoyed our special treat of lunch at PaJo's - IMO, the best fish & chips in Canada - and ate our lunch sitting in adironack chairs looking at the ocean :woohoo: We walked around the boardwalk, stopped for fresh ice cream/sorbetto and did a little bit of shopping (for Grumpy, we stopped at a British shop for some Tetley darjheeling tea (hard to find elsewhere) and an Arsenals lanyard (yes, we're big Arsenals fans!); for the rest of us, we stopped at a little candy shop and bought some fresh fudge (cookies & cream and chocolate/caramel flavours). Our last stop before going home was a fishmonger right beside the water (they buy their fish right off the boats each day - we checked out what the fishing boats were selling, but they only had prawns and great huge fish; we weren't up for paying $70 for a massive salmon lol) and came home with lovely fresh halibut and ahi tuna steaks. Grumpy barbecued the fish and it was a fantastic end to a super fun day :goodvibes

Trip groceries change
I have decided to try wegoshop.com instead of gardengrocer.com this time - I like the idea of paying the store prices and, after speaking with Marge (the local wegoshop rep for WDW resorts), I feel good about the switch. I can check out the Publix (or whatever local store) flyers online (not that I've already done that or anything :rolleyes1), make a list and send it to her. The delivery charge is US$5 more than gardengrocer, but I think we'll save more on the item pricing than that, so it's all good! I'll let you all know how it goes!

To cooler or not to cooler, that is the question
I'm debating whether or not I need to add a styrofoam cooler to the grocery list - we have a soft side collapsible cooler that I'm planning to bring, but I was thinking that we could put the critically essential coffee cream into the soft side cooler with ziploc bags of ice, then put the soft side cooler into the styrofoam cooler, which would leave room in the styrofoam cooler for bottles of water, fruit, etc. I think. So, what are your thoughts? Yes, these totally minor issues do plague me :rotfl2:

American fireworks
As usual, we could easily hear Independence Day fireworks for hours last night - I think Blaine, WA must have a really big fireworks budget LOL Too bad we couldn't see them from home, but if we'd gone down to the beach, we probably could have. Maybe we'll do that next time :thumbsup2



That sounds like a lovely day! And like I might need to check out Steveston...I don't think I've been there.

We did GG last time....WeGo sounds great but since the stores were so different it just seemed like a lot more work to me to make a shopping list for them. lol.

The creamer issue would plague my DH as well.....heck they plague him just for a tournament an hour away when we are bringing a whole thermos of coffee so we can refill our to go cups. lol!

Your trip agenda sounds great, lovely ADR list! I think I'm caught up, whew!

[3princesses+aprince]

Glad you had a nice weekend!!! We love fireworks, we go every year. And sorry about the little fish. That happened to us once actually ,but not with a fish. We were on vacation in New Jersey at Seaside Heights and the girls, with the help of my Mom won a Lizard. Yes, a Lizard. It was an anole. So we took it home in a little cage, and his days were probably just like your little fishies were, only. ........ We had a 6 hour drive home :scared1: Well, he lived for about 6 months and then died. Well, the girls fell in love with him, so we had to go to the petstore and buy more :headache: When we got to the pet store the guy who was helping us out, said "wow, you kept it alive for 6 months, they usually only last a few weeks coming from a carnival situation. So, it sounds like you did good too :goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

Hi Lisa...

well I didn't actually read thru the whole report so far :rolleyes1 but I did read all your linked installments! I like to read all the banter along the way too as some of best fun stuff is in there, but I never seemed to find the time to read uniterruppted w/ 4 kids roaming around and the taxi service I seem to service here w/ the kids camps :laughing:

so I figured I better just cut to the chase and read the meat and potatoes part before too much more time passes.

so I'm here to the end :woohoo:

I think DH has finally got home from work, so I better scoot off so he doesn't think I've been here all day :surfweb:

Can't wait for more pre fun!

popcorn::

Scrappie (J-)

[lisalonglash]

That sounds like a lovely day! And like I might need to check out Steveston...I don't think I've been there.

Yes, Steveston is pretty. We had a great day there. Funnily enough, when we lived in Richmond (where Steveston is), we didn't go there very often. I think we've been back more since we moved to WR six years ago than when we lived in Richmond LOL

We did GG last time....WeGo sounds great but since the stores were so different it just seemed like a lot more work to me to make a shopping list for them. lol.

I enjoy figuring out what stuff we can get from the Publix or wherever in Orlando. I know, I'm a wacko :laughing:

The creamer issue would plague my DH as well.....heck they plague him just for a tournament an hour away when we are bringing a whole thermos of coffee so we can refill our to go cups. lol!

Oh yes, your dh is soooo right! Having the correct coffee creamer is VITAL to an enjoyable start to one's day :thumbsup2 Just think, we are bringing our soft-sided cooler AND putting a styrofoam cooler on our grocery list - and the only thing I'm ordering that must be refrigerated is my coffee creamer :rotfl2:

Your trip agenda sounds great, lovely ADR list! I think I'm caught up, whew!

Thanks! :hug:

Glad you had a nice weekend!!! We love fireworks, we go every year. And sorry about the little fish. That happened to us once actually ,but not with a fish. We were on vacation in New Jersey at Seaside Heights and the girls, with the help of my Mom won a Lizard. Yes, a Lizard. It was an anole. So we took it home in a little cage, and his days were probably just like your little fishies were, only. ........ We had a 6 hour drive home :scared1: Well, he lived for about 6 months and then died. Well, the girls fell in love with him, so we had to go to the petstore and buy more :headache: When we got to the pet store the guy who was helping us out, said "wow, you kept it alive for 6 months, they usually only last a few weeks coming from a carnival situation. So, it sounds like you did good too :goodvibes

Oh man! They won a lizard?!!? :scared1: Incredibly, Nemo is still holding on, we have no idea how he's lasted this long, but I'm glad he has because Mickey has taken to sitting in front of the fishtank and telling Nemo how much he loves him. I'm not looking forward to the fishy funeral, let me tell you :sad2:

Hi Lisa...

Hi, Julie! :wave:

well I didn't actually read thru the whole report so far :rolleyes1 but I did read all your linked installments! I like to read all the banter along the way too as some of best fun stuff is in there, but I never seemed to find the time to read uniterruppted w/ 4 kids roaming around and the taxi service I seem to service here w/ the kids camps :laughing:

Oh, I know how busy it gets. No worries :goodvibes

so I figured I better just cut to the chase and read the meat and potatoes part before too much more time passes.

Meat & potatoes? I think I better post something pretty darn substantial then! Must think about that... LOL :scratchin

so I'm here to the end :woohoo:

:yay:

I think DH has finally got home from work, so I better scoot off so he doesn't think I've been here all day :surfweb:

:lmao:

Can't wait for more pre fun!

popcorn::

Scrappie (J-)

Thanks! :hug:

[mousescrapper]

Your welcome!

I'm glad to be here....I'm enjoying it :goodvibes

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Hey Lisa!

Have you had any luck with finding any Mickey images to work with? I found a few -- PMing you now with them.

Wegoshop.com sounds like a good option. I like the idea of paying the store prices, too. If I were you, I'd get a cooler. I like having cold water, pop, etc... Plus, the cooler would be much cheaper than renting a fridge at the hotel.

Ooh, you should definitely go down to the beach to watch the fireworks next year. You could pretend you were at the Poly watching Wishes on the beach!

[lisalonglash]

Your welcome!

I'm glad to be here....I'm enjoying it :goodvibes

Awww, you're sooo sweet, J! I'm glad you're here too :hug:

Hey Lisa!

Have you had any luck with finding any Mickey images to work with? I found a few -- PMing you now with them.

Wegoshop.com sounds like a good option. I like the idea of paying the store prices, too. If I were you, I'd get a cooler. I like having cold water, pop, etc... Plus, the cooler would be much cheaper than renting a fridge at the hotel.

Ooh, you should definitely go down to the beach to watch the fireworks next year. You could pretend you were at the Poly watching Wishes on the beach!

You are such a doll to help me out! :hug: I am so craft-challenged that it's not even funny (well, it is to other people, but not so much to me :rotfl2:). I took a look around the 'net yesterday and found a couple of other images that looked fun too (thanks to your inspiration!). I made a couple of designs in Word - is there any way to post pictures of them here for input? I can PDF them... I wonder if that would work :confused3

[WDWRocksMySocks]

No problem! I'm typically the same way when it comes to being crafty. Do you have Photoshop? I know you can convert a PDF into a JPG image on there. Otherwise, I'm not sure how to convert the Word file into something we could all see here. I'm excited to see what you've come up with!! :goodvibes

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Lisa,

I am getting caught up now. Been away from the DIS for a while. Have we picked a day for our meet? :yay:

[purplepeg]

My condolences on the fishy, sounds like the next one's going to be alot tougher:sad1:
Cooler idea sounds great, who can really live without cream in their coffee:confused3
I've never ordered from either before but I think we're going to go with GG.
Sounds like you guys had a great day!

[lisalonglash]

No problem! I'm typically the same way when it comes to being crafty. Do you have Photoshop? I know you can convert a PDF into a JPG image on there. Otherwise, I'm not sure how to convert the Word file into something we could all see here. I'm excited to see what you've come up with!! :goodvibes

You've been sooooo helpful - I really appreciate it, K! I'm still working on it - I evidently have the baseball diamond shape wrong though, so I need to figure that out :laughing:

Hi Lisa,

I am getting caught up now. Been away from the DIS for a while. Have we picked a day for our meet? :yay:

We were thinking of the Epcot day when we both have ADRs at Chefs de France - what do you think? :confused3

My condolences on the fishy, sounds like the next one's going to be alot tougher:sad1:
Cooler idea sounds great, who can really live without cream in their coffee:confused3
I've never ordered from either before but I think we're going to go with GG.
Sounds like you guys had a great day!

Thanks, Peg. Well, Nemo went to fishy heaven sometime last night too, unfortunately. Mickey hasn't noticed yet - I am so NOT looking forward to him noticing (and I imagine it will be soon because he sits by the tank and talks to Nemo a lot) :sad1:

Yes, I think we're getting the cooler - I MUST have my good coffee creamer :laughing: GG is great - I'm sure your order will go smoothly :goodvibes

[Queenofallthings]

Definitelyl go with the cooler;) I have half and half in my coffee every morning, it's the one thing I won't give up. I absolutely love my morning cup of coffee, I had to limit myself to one now not a whole pot:mad: doctor's orders.....I figure if I can only have one a day, it's going to be the way I love it:love:

So sorry about the fishies....I remember when Jasmine's hamster died, she through herself on my bed sobbing, broke my heart:sad1: She also did this when Rose let go of Jack's hand in Titanic......:laughing:

We have had no more pets since Zeke died.....I am allergic so even the hamster "lived" with my parents:thumbsup2

Hope all goes well....we'll be thinking of you as always:hug:

[MinnieNurse]

popcorn::

Just checking in to see what you've been up to.

[DisneyMomLiz]

been away for a few days, darn work :rotfl:, but all caught up again!! :thumbsup2

Definitely cooler! We're planning on bringing our soft-sided cooler and a small styrofoam one as well...I like your plan of putting the soft one inside of the styro one. ;)

[lisalonglash]

Definitelyl go with the cooler;) I have half and half in my coffee every morning, it's the one thing I won't give up. I absolutely love my morning cup of coffee, I had to limit myself to one now not a whole pot:mad: doctor's orders.....I figure if I can only have one a day, it's going to be the way I love it:love:

You're darn tootin' - good coffee cream is essential to a decent morning! :thumbsup2

So sorry about the fishies....I remember when Jasmine's hamster died, she through herself on my bed sobbing, broke my heart:sad1: She also did this when Rose let go of Jack's hand in Titanic......:laughing:

Thanks, he had a little cry and wanted to talk about Nemo several times before the fishy funeral (aka trip down the toilet) and for the next couple of days, but he's OK now. Awww, poor Jasmine :sad1:

We have had no more pets since Zeke died.....I am allergic so even the hamster "lived" with my parents:thumbsup2

Wow, that's pretty allergic! You should try a cat like my Poleybear - even though he's a long-haired cat, he's somehow hypoallergenic! My SIL who lives downstairs and a good friend of mine (both of them are HIGHLY allergic to most animals, including cats) can both pet him with no trouble. Go figure! Of course, Poley has six extra toes too (polydactyl). Yes, he must be MY cat, the freaky dude LOL :lmao:

Hope all goes well....we'll be thinking of you as always:hug:

Thanks, hon :hug:

popcorn::

Just checking in to see what you've been up to.

Just busy with life! I'm determined to get current on my PTR and the PTRs/TRs I've subscribed too though - might take me a day or two to get caught up :laughing:

been away for a few days, darn work :rotfl:, but all caught up again!! :thumbsup2

Definitely cooler! We're planning on bringing our soft-sided cooler and a small styrofoam one as well...I like your plan of putting the soft one inside of the styro one. ;)

Glad you're back! :goodvibes Yes, we've decided to do that. We'll bring the soft-sided cooler to put inside the styrofoam cooler - need to keep that coffee cream cold, dontcha know?! :rotfl2:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Hey Lisa!

How's the t-shirt design coming? If you need anymore help, let me know. I'm just so productive here at work. :rolleyes1

[winkers]

I'm trying to get caught up here.
I love how your dh surprised you! If mine had a pile of cash I'd either faint or ask what illegal thing he'd done to get it.

[lisalonglash]

Hey Lisa!

How's the t-shirt design coming? If you need anymore help, let me know. I'm just so productive here at work. :rolleyes1

Thanks for all your help! :hug:

I buckled and posted on the DISSigns board :lmao: I'll send you what Tebi did :goodvibes Oh, she also personalized a couple of other designs - now I can't decide which one to use for the t-shirts! :confused3

[lisalonglash]

I'm trying to get caught up here.
I love how your dh surprised you! If mine had a pile of cash I'd either faint or ask what illegal thing he'd done to get it.

Hi Cherie! :welcome: to my little PTR! Well, I did ask him what bank he robbed :lmao:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Ha! I don't blame you one bit. I would've done the same thing, had I known about that board. :thumbsup2 I can't wait to see what it looks like!!

[jordanyosh]

Lisa,

I say cooler. They are so inexpensive.

I'll be interested to hear how it goes with wego. I'm sure Wendy will be doing an order for our stay in Feb.

[lisalonglash]

Ha! I don't blame you one bit. I would've done the same thing, had I known about that board. :thumbsup2 I can't wait to see what it looks like!!

I've emailed you :goodvibes

Lisa,

I say cooler. They are so inexpensive.

I'll be interested to hear how it goes with wego. I'm sure Wendy will be doing an order for our stay in Feb.

Nice to see you, Jordy! :hug: I hope the wegoshop order goes as smoothly as gardengrocer! :scared:

[jordanyosh]

You'll be our guinea pig for wego.......:thumbsup2

It'll go fine. Even if it doesn't...you live, you learn.

[MinnieNurse]

Thanks for all your help! :hug:

I buckled and posted on the DISSigns board :lmao: I'll send you what Tebi did :goodvibes Oh, she also personalized a couple of other designs - now I can't decide which one to use for the t-shirts! :confused3

Can we see them too? :flower3:

[lisalonglash]

You'll be our guinea pig for wego.......:thumbsup2

It'll go fine. Even if it doesn't...you live, you learn.

Gee, thanks, buddy :rotfl2:

Can we see them too? :flower3:

Absolutely! All opinions are appreciated! All three options are shown on the post above

I've decided that I'm only making one set of t-shirts, so I need to pick from the 3 designs :scared:

[jordanyosh]

by the way...how is wego different than gardengrocer. I saw some of the explanation, but can you go into more detail.....

[lisalonglash]

We've been having a busy summer so far. Grumpy and I have planned for one fun activity per weekend this summer, which is going well! Last weekend, we went to the Space Centre and Planetarium.

Pacific Space Centre
The Space Centre was great - it has lots of interactive exhibits and games relating to space travel, lots of astronaut memorabilia (the best of which was a big display of some stuff that Dr. Robert Thirsk had with him last time he was in space; he's currently at the International Space Station on an extended mission. The boys thought it was awesome that not only is he Canadian, he's also from BC!) and even a simulator ride through space to shoot down an asteriod from Mars (I think that's what it was about; Grumpy and the boys went on that, no simulator rides for me lol). We also went to a show/lecture from one of the scientists on figuring out where you are on earth, using a GPS using a satellite, and lots of info on satellites. Great show, lots of audience participation and interaction.

Planetarium
The Planetarium was wonderful as well - we saw a show about Galileo and his telescope, his discoveries and his struggle to convince his contemporaries that his theories were correct. This was Tigger's favourite part of the day because the actor playing Galileo chose him to answer some questions about gravity (which he answered correctly) and join in the show a bit! The planetarium is cool - it's a dome theatre with chairs in a round formation around a central operations area. They project 360 degree pictures, lasers, etc. on the inside of the dome and you just recline back and enjoy the show.

After the Galileo show, we went for dinner in the area, then went for a long walk on the Seawall. I used to live in the West End of Vancouver when I was in my late teens/early 20s and walking along the Seawall was such a big part of living there! After our dinner and walk, we went back to the Planetarium for a show called "Laser Coldplay". It was an incredible laser show set to the music of Coldplay (Tigger's favourite group) - amazing!

Observatory
One of my favourite parts of the day was after the Laser Coldplay show. We went to the Planetarium's Observatory, which houses a massive telescope. The astronomer had set the telescope to view Saturn and it's rings - so amazing! Then, my favourite part happened. The astronomer told everyone to go outside the observatory and look where he was pointing. We all looked and voila, the International Space Centre flew overhead in their regular orbit (did you know the ISS orbits the earth 17 times every day? I didn't!). Magical :goodvibes

Unsurprisingly, this long day renewed our interest in space travel! We were just glued to NASA TV listening to Mission Control and watching the major preparations for the Space Shuttle Endeavour to launch. It was disappointing the two times the launch was cancelled, but it was pure magic yesterday to listen to the launch NASA TV and watch it at the same time on CNN. Awesome :cool1:

Another really amazing thing we're looking forward to is being able to Twitter with the Space Shuttle Commander while he's in space! I signed up on Twitter specifically because I read on the NASA site that the Commander was going to Twitter from the shuttle. Tigger, Mickey and I cannot WAIT until he does! We've been watching and waiting, but he hasn't yet...

I can't believe it! Tigger can now say that he's communicated with an astronaut IN SPACE!! The Endeavour Commander Twittered a bit ago and Tigger Twittered back - he's just on cloud nine now! Me too! Too amazing!

Bike Camp
The boys have been in bike camp this week and are absolutely LOVING it! Tigger's group leaves the area and goes to our local bike park, nature trails, etc., while Mickey's group stays put and has lots of fun with bike games, stories, bike course practices, etc. Tomorrow is their last day and they're not impressed by that :laughing: I think we'll put them in bike camp for two weeks next year...

[lisalonglash]

by the way...how is wego different than gardengrocer. I saw some of the explanation, but can you go into more detail.....

Yep. As I understand it, there are two main differences between them.

Gardengrocer
- you shop from their online inventory of stuff, paying their pricing (their pricing is OK, but it's definitely NOT in-store pricing)
- their delivery fee is $12

Wegoshop
- you let them know what you'd like (I used online flyers for a couple of local Kissimmee stores to figure out what to put on the list) and they go to the local store to get it, therefore you pay the store pricing, including any store sales/offers that happen to be available at the time
- their delivery fee is $16 (I think)

I've heard/read great things about both services on the DIS, so I feel fairly confident going with either option.

I figured that we would save a lot more money using wegoshop, even with their higher delivery fee, because of the in-store pricing versus the padded GG pricing kwim?

Here's hoping, anyway! :banana:

[mousescrapper]

your Space adventure...sounded really cool! and how neat to see the ISS orbit...I have never seen such a thing. very cool.

We're lucky living right outside Chicago and having the muesums and planterium practically in our back yard...it was always a favorite field as a kid too.

thanks for sharing...

looking forward to hearing how the grocery thing works out for you...we used GG for the 1st time last year...but may need a little more variety on the next trip.

[MinnieNurse]

Gee, thanks, buddy :rotfl2:



Absolutely! All opinions are appreciated! I don't know how to post the Mickey baseball one, but the other two (Darth Vader theme and Jedi Mickey theme) are on this post:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32725596&postcount=280

I've decided that I'm only making one set of t-shirts, so I need to pick from the 3 designs :scared:

I like them both. Out of the 2 my vote is for the Jedi Mickey, but the baseball one does seem neet as well. Maybe you should do 2. :rolleyes1

[lisalonglash]

I like them both. Out of the 2 my vote is for the Jedi Mickey, but the baseball one does seem neet as well. Maybe you should do 2. :rolleyes1

OK, I'm going to try to post the three pictures so everyone can help me out LOL All three of these pictures were designed by Tebi on the DISSigns board

Option #1:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/lisalonglash/MickeyMouseHomerun2.jpg

Option #2:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/lisalonglash/JediMickeyLisa.jpg

Option #3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/lisalonglash/DarthMomBW.jpg

What do you all think? Which one would look the best on either medium blue or light yellow t-shirts?

[lisalonglash]

your Space adventure...sounded really cool! and how neat to see the ISS orbit...I have never seen such a thing. very cool.

We're lucky living right outside Chicago and having the muesums and planterium practically in our back yard...it was always a favorite field as a kid too.

thanks for sharing...

looking forward to hearing how the grocery thing works out for you...we used GG for the 1st time last year...but may need a little more variety on the next trip.

Thanks, it was an awesome day! :goodvibes Here's hoping for wegosho to work out just fine. I'm actually waiting for Marge at wegoshop to call me to go over my order :thumbsup2

[Queenofallthings]

My vote is for the baseball one....I love it:thumbsup2

Ok, how cool for Tigger??? Twittering to and from space.....wow. I still remember sitting on the living room floor, with someone holding the antennae so the picture was clear....or maybe it was tin foil:rolleyes1anyhoodle....when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Amazing how far we've come in 40 years isn't it.

You summer plans sound amazing......:dance3:

[DisneyMomLiz]

I can't believe it! Tigger can now say that he's communicated with an astronaut IN SPACE!! The Endeavour Commander Twittered a bit ago and Tigger Twittered back - he's just on cloud nine now! Me too! Too amazing!

That is so neat!! :thumbsup2 The whole space adventure sounds like it was wonderful!

OK, I'm going to try to post the three pictures so everyone can help me out LOL All three of these pictures were designed by Tebi on the DISSigns board

What do you all think? Which one would look the best on either medium blue or light yellow t-shirts?

I think all three would look great in b/w on the blue esp. but also on the yellow too. But maybe Tigger, the big hitter, would enjoy the baseball one the best...all 3 designs are so good though, it must be a tough choice :)

My DH would absolutely love the DarthDad one. If you don't mind my asking, how do you transfer the DISsign (so not a crafty person so forgive my ignorance)? and how do you get Tebi to personalize it for you? never been to the DISSign part of the boards, going now though! :rotfl:

TIA :worship:

[lisalonglash]

My vote is for the baseball one....I love it:thumbsup2

Ok, how cool for Tigger??? Twittering to and from space.....wow. I still remember sitting on the living room floor, with someone holding the antennae so the picture was clear....or maybe it was tin foil:rolleyes1anyhoodle....when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Amazing how far we've come in 40 years isn't it.

You summer plans sound amazing......:dance3:

I KNOW! It's really too cool - Tigger twittered with him again last night :woohoo:

Thanks, I hope the rest of the summer is as fun as it's been so far!

That is so neat!! :thumbsup2 The whole space adventure sounds like it was wonderful!



I think all three would look great in b/w on the blue esp. but also on the yellow too. But maybe Tigger, the big hitter, would enjoy the baseball one the best...all 3 designs are so good though, it must be a tough choice :)

My DH would absolutely love the DarthDad one. If you don't mind my asking, how do you transfer the DISsign (so not a crafty person so forgive my ignorance)? and how do you get Tebi to personalize it for you? never been to the DISSign part of the boards, going now though! :rotfl:

TIA :worship:

It was a great day, that's for sure :goodvibes

That's 3 votes for the baseball design :thumbsup2 I showed Grumpy the three options last night, but then forgot to ask him what his opinion was :lmao:

Aren't those designs great?! She's very talented! :worship: Here is a link directly to Tebi's design thread - you just post and ask her to personalize whichever design(s) you'd like and she posts them on the thread when she's finished. Sooo nice of her to share her talents! :goodvibes

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2182331

There are a lot of talented people in that forum - good thing for me, as I'm admittedly very craft-challenged :rotfl2:

[MinnieNurse]

My vote is for the baseball one!!

That is cute, did you do that or did someone on the boards make it?

[lisalonglash]

My vote is for the baseball one!!

That is cute, did you do that or did someone on the boards make it?

Thanks! Oh no, I didn't make them (very craft-challenged :lmao:) - Tebi on the DISSigns board did them all :worship:

[jordanyosh]

I like the Darth Mom one the best, but also like the baseball one as well.....

[eandesmom]

that sounds like a great outing!

I like them all but would probably vote for the baseball one just in terms of what might get worn the most after the actual trip again. I also like that one on your color t's the best.

[lisalonglash]

I like the Darth Mom one the best, but also like the baseball one as well.....

Thanks, Jordan! If I ever remember to ask Grumpy what his opinion is, I'll be all set :rotfl2:

that sounds like a great outing!

I like them all but would probably vote for the baseball one just in terms of what might get worn the most after the actual trip again. I also like that one on your color t's the best.

The general consensus does seem to be the baseball one. Great point about the wearability of the shirts :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

I still crack up at seeing Darth Mom.....too funny.

[winkers]

Twittering with nasa! How cool!
I'm sure that's something he'll always remember!

You're lucky to live near so many things to do...here to do in the middle of no where it's at least 2 hours to get anywhere. And we have practicaly zero culture here....other than beer and boating.;)

[DisneyMomLiz]

It was a great day, that's for sure :goodvibes

That's 3 votes for the baseball design :thumbsup2 I showed Grumpy the three options last night, but then forgot to ask him what his opinion was :lmao:

Aren't those designs great?! She's very talented! :worship: Here is a link directly to Tebi's design thread - you just post and ask her to personalize whichever design(s) you'd like and she posts them on the thread when she's finished. Sooo nice of her to share her talents! :goodvibes

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2182331

There are a lot of talented people in that forum - good thing for me, as I'm admittedly very craft-challenged :rotfl2:

Lisa, Thank you, thank you for the info :woohoo: Tebi's designs are amazing. I asked and she already personalized some for us...pirate mickey/minne and Darth for family (hope you don't mind)...still haven't decided which we'll do but DH would so love the Darth I just had to ask for that one too!

Can't wait to see your final t-shirts popcorn:: Less than 2 months...it's coming, it's coming...finally :laughing:

[lisalonglash]

I still crack up at seeing Darth Mom.....too funny.

It is funny, but I'm thinking it might be too dark on a t-shirt kwim? May the force be with you, young Jedi Jordan! :lmao:

Twittering with nasa! How cool!
I'm sure that's something he'll always remember!

You're lucky to live near so many things to do...here to do in the middle of no where it's at least 2 hours to get anywhere. And we have practicaly zero culture here....other than beer and boating.;)

It really is incredible! He's Twittered (or is it Tweeted? who knows lol) with the Commander a few times now and, I'll tell you, it's a thrill every single time! :banana:

We are lucky - Vancouver and area has a kazillion neat things to do. I'm glad we're playing pretend tourist and showing our boys more of what's available :goodvibes

Beer and boating, hey? If it's imported beer, that could count as culture, couldn't it? :rotfl2:

Lisa, Thank you, thank you for the info :woohoo: Tebi's designs are amazing. I asked and she already personalized some for us...pirate mickey/minne and Darth for family (hope you don't mind)...still haven't decided which we'll do but DH would so love the Darth I just had to ask for that one too!

Can't wait to see your final t-shirts popcorn:: Less than 2 months...it's coming, it's coming...finally :laughing:

You're most welcome, Liz! She's great :thumbsup2 Oh no, why would I mind? Great minds think alike ;) I still haven't remembered to ask Grumpy which design he'd prefer - maybe I can remember tonight :rotfl:

It's finally getting closer - took forever, didn't it?! We're nearly there, Liz!!! :)

[jordanyosh]

I do know what you mean.....

[jcc0621]

Lisa - THat is so cool. When I told DH that your kids were twittering with shuttle astronauts he was jealous!;):goodvibes

[purplepeg]

OH Lisa, Geodoc is a kindred spirit. He, too, is twittering and we have gone outside to see the ISS pass overhead last year I believe. I'm sure the neighbors thought we were weird staring up at the sky:confused3 Right now he is listening to the live feed of the moon landing from 40 years ago! I was 6 when that happened and I remember being bored out of my mind and my parents saying "this is history in the making!" Whatever...it wasn't cartoons:rotfl2:

So sorry to hear about Nemo, is he ok now?

[3princesses+aprince]

Hey, I haven't been on in a while, just coming on to check on everyone's pre trip reports!! Glad to see you're having a nice summer, we are too. I LOVE SUMMER!!!

I like you're Tshirt designs, I enjoyed making our shirts so much, can't wait to start making more for our next trip!!!

[carissanboys]

Sounds like you guys have had lots of fun so far this summer! :thumbsup2

I'm a huge Coldplay fan, too. ;)

I like the baseball design, but I'm a big sports/baseball fan. They're all cute! :goodvibes

[lisalonglash]

I do know what you mean.....

I knew that you would LOL

Lisa - THat is so cool. When I told DH that your kids were twittering with shuttle astronauts he was jealous!;):goodvibes

He can do it too! He just has to sign up on Twitter :goodvibes It was neat, NASA did a Twitterfest yesterday afternoon and the astronauts from STS-125 answered a bunch of questions both from Twitter-ers(?) there in person and from those Twittering on the 'net :banana:

OH Lisa, Geodoc is a kindred spirit. He, too, is twittering and we have gone outside to see the ISS pass overhead last year I believe. I'm sure the neighbors thought we were weird staring up at the sky:confused3 Right now he is listening to the live feed of the moon landing from 40 years ago! I was 6 when that happened and I remember being bored out of my mind and my parents saying "this is history in the making!" Whatever...it wasn't cartoons:rotfl2:

So sorry to hear about Nemo, is he ok now?

It really is awesome! :cool1: Tell Geodoc that Tigger thinks it's neat that he's Twittering with the Commander too! :yay:

No, Nemo has gone to the great fishbowl in the sky :sad2: Mickey is OK with it now, but it took a lot of talking! :hug: We'll be getting two "real" fish (not "training" fish like I told them the two goldfish were) probably next weekend.

Hey, I haven't been on in a while, just coming on to check on everyone's pre trip reports!! Glad to see you're having a nice summer, we are too. I LOVE SUMMER!!!

I like you're Tshirt designs, I enjoyed making our shirts so much, can't wait to start making more for our next trip!!!

Hi there, nice to see you! I'm glad you're having a great summer too :goodvibes Thanks, now I just have to figure out how to get the design printed - I need to find someone nearby with an inkjet printer (we have a laserjet) LOL

Sounds like you guys have had lots of fun so far this summer! :thumbsup2

I'm a huge Coldplay fan, too. ;)

I like the baseball design, but I'm a big sports/baseball fan. They're all cute! :goodvibes

Thanks, yes we are having a good summer. It sounds like you are too! :goodvibes Oh, then you'd have loved the Laser Coldplay show!

I think I'm going with the baseball design, but I still haven't remembered to ask Grumpy what he thinks :laughing:

[lisalonglash]

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. I'm trying to cope with some serious health problems in my family and nothing else is holding my attention kwim?

My mom started to feel extreme fatigure a few days ago (a BIG red flag because she is NEVER tired) and is resisting going to the doctor (stubborn!! :headache:). Between me and my FIL, I think we've convinced her to go get checked out today. She's barely ever sick with even a cold, so I'll admit I'm freaking out some.

Also, my grandpa has been hospitalized with viral pneumonia :sad1: I spent most of every single summer with my Grandpa & Grandma until I was about 14yo - he taught me everything and truly had a large part in raising me. He had a heart attack last year and recovered perfectly, but pneumonia scares me way more than a heart attack. I've worked in seniors' homes for years and far too many seniors are hospitalized with pneumonia and have the worst outcome :sad1:

Any prayers/vibes/good thoughts/whatever you can spare would be appreciated - this is a tough time. Thanks :hug:

[carissanboys]

:hug: for you Lisa. Hope whatever is up with your mom isn't serious and she's feeling like her normal self soon.

None of my blood grandparents are still alive (still have a step-grandmother), but I know how lucky I was to have them play such a big roll in my life growing up.

[DisneyMomLiz]

:hug: my thoughts and prayers are most definitely with you!! Sending all the :goodvibes your way!

[lisalonglash]

:hug: for you Lisa. Hope whatever is up with your mom isn't serious and she's feeling like her normal self soon.

None of my blood grandparents are still alive (still have a step-grandmother), but I know how lucky I was to have them play such a big roll in my life growing up.

Thank you, Carissa :hug: I hope so too!!!!

:hug: my thoughts and prayers are most definitely with you!! Sending all the :goodvibes your way!

Thank you, Liz :hug:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:hug: Hope that everything turns out alright. It is scary now knowing what is wrong with a loved one. People in my family are big for the not going to the doctor/not telling others they are feeling badly routine. :sad2:

[MinnieNurse]

:hug:I hope your Mom and Grandpa make a quick and smooth recovery.

[lisalonglash]

:hug: Hope that everything turns out alright. It is scary now knowing what is wrong with a loved one. People in my family are big for the not going to the doctor/not telling others they are feeling badly routine. :sad2:

Thank you, Lessa :hug: It's so frustrating for my step-dad and for me :headache: Why do they do that?!

:hug:I hope your Mom and Grandpa make a quick and smooth recovery.

Thank you, Minnie :hug: I sent you a PM a few minutes ago.

[Queenofallthings]

Will say a special prayer for both and sending you lots of :hug: Jasmine is very close to my parents...she used to spend every Wed and Fri night at their place for sure, some weeks it was more!!! There is such a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren...we are thinking of you and praying all will be well. I'll be checking in frequently to see if you have updated.....

Wish there was something we could do......

:hug:

[oregonmommyof2]

I hope everything works out for your family... I know how hard that can be... :hug:

[lisalonglash]

Will say a special prayer for both and sending you lots of :hug: Jasmine is very close to my parents...she used to spend every Wed and Fri night at their place for sure, some weeks it was more!!! There is such a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren...we are thinking of you and praying all will be well. I'll be checking in frequently to see if you have updated.....

Wish there was something we could do......

:hug:

There is something you can do - and you just did it. Thank you, my friend :hug:

I hope everything works out for your family... I know how hard that can be... :hug:

Thank you, Toni :hug:

[jordanyosh]

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. I'm trying to cope with some serious health problems in my family and nothing else is holding my attention kwim?

My mom started to feel extreme fatigure a few days ago (a BIG red flag because she is NEVER tired) and is resisting going to the doctor (stubborn!! :headache:). Between me and my FIL, I think we've convinced her to go get checked out today. She's barely ever sick with even a cold, so I'll admit I'm freaking out some.

Also, my grandpa has been hospitalized with viral pneumonia :sad1: I spent most of every single summer with my Grandpa & Grandma until I was about 14yo - he taught me everything and truly had a large part in raising me. He had a heart attack last year and recovered perfectly, but pneumonia scares me way more than a heart attack. I've worked in seniors' homes for years and far too many seniors are hospitalized with pneumonia and have the worst outcome :sad1:

Any prayers/vibes/good thoughts/whatever you can spare would be appreciated - this is a tough time. Thanks :hug:

Working at a church exposes me to the many joys and sorrows in people's lives. I will be praying for your family....:grouphug:Hugs to you and your family...

[lisalonglash]

Working at a church exposes me to the many joys and sorrows in people's lives. I will be praying for your family....:grouphug:Hugs to you and your family...

Thank you, Jordan :hug:

[jordanyosh]

Thank you, Jordan :hug:

Anytime Lisa, anytime.

[lisalonglash]

OK, I have a health update on my mom and grandpa now, after speaking with my stepdad (about my mom) and my dad (about my grandpa).

My mom has been diagnosed with lower lobe bacterial pneumonia (diagnosis has not yet been confirmed; the doctor she saw today had her get a chest x-ray) and she is now on antibiotics. As this is one of the contagious kinds of pneumonia, we have decided not to go visit just yet (we were tentatively planning to drive there on the August long weekend - my dh suggested this to ease my panic. Lord, I love that man!!) as I do not want my babies to get pneumonia! My mom and stepdad didn't know that we were planning to visit, though. I am determined to see them soon though - I miss my mommy :sad1:

I'm unsure if I can call my mom having bacterial pneumonia good news, but I am glad that we now know what's going on!

My grandpa had a better day today. His breathing is better and he has been taken off oxygen :banana: For some reason, they have decided to do a colonoscopy on him (my dad thinks this may have something to do with them trying to figure out why he's had horrible lower back pain for months now). So, they got him ready for the procedure, then realized that it was scheduled for tomorrow and not today. Yeah, you read that right. So, he is reportedly mighty ticked off. His forceful reaction makes me happy somehow - it's like if he was REALLY sick, he wouldn't really care about this kwim?

These crises aren't over yet, but I'm feeling a tad bit less panicky about what's going to happen...

Thank you all for your prayers! I'm sure they helped and are helping, and I truly appreciate your support :grouphug:

[jordanyosh]

Glad to hear things are looking a bit better.:grouphug:

[jcc0621]

Glad things are getting better:hug:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Oh, Lisa! :hug: I'm happy to hear that things are going better for your mom and grandpa. I'll definitely keep them in my thoughts and prayers. How are you holding up?

[Queenofallthings]

Boy what a difference it makes when you know what you're dealing with. We will continue to pray for your family members and you....don't forget to look after you....am I nagging, cause I don't mean too....unless it works.

Thinking of you my friend:hug: Jasmine wants me to send you another:hug:

[lisalonglash]

Glad to hear things are looking a bit better.:grouphug:

Thanks, Jordan, you're a good guy :hug:

Glad things are getting better:hug:

Thank you, Janet :hug:

Oh, Lisa! :hug: I'm happy to hear that things are going better for your mom and grandpa. I'll definitely keep them in my thoughts and prayers. How are you holding up?

Thank you, K! :hug: I'm holding up OK, thanks. I felt somewhat better after speaking with my mom last night and this morning - oh, and I gave her heck for scaring me and my stepdad half to death! :laughing: She's not feeling much better yet, but I'm hoping the antibiotics that she started yesterday will kick in soon so that she can feel more like her regular self :goodvibes I haven't gotten an update on my grandpa yet, my dad doesn't call until the afternoon when those visiting Grandpa in the morning check in with him.

[lisalonglash]

OK, how about an actual trip date :banana:

Disney Maps - thanks to Minnie!
I have received my Disney maps, thanks to MinnieNurse (who is so awesome that she let me have Disney send the maps to her (US address) and she mailed them to me! How sweet is that?!?!? :hug: to Minnie!).

Possible way to surprise the boys?I'm thinking of using the maps when we decide to tell Tigger and Mickey. I was thinking of just leaving the envelope (it's all Disneyfied lol) on the kitchen table one morning and seeing what happens :rotfl2: Too much "surprise" probably wouldn't go over all that well with Tigger, so I'm hoping the low-key approach might work better. What do you all think?

My "to buy" list now has one less thing on it
I have managed to convince Grumpy that I need to begin buying the things on my "to buy" list for our vacation - no small feat, I assure you! :lmao:

So, the first thing I bought were water shoes for the boys. Good thing I did too, as the water shoes selection was dismal and will soon be non-existent, I'm sure! Only $8 each pair! :woohoo:

Next up will be stuff in the travel aisle at Wal-Mart across the line in Bellingham, WA - I'm thinking they'd have the single-use laundry soap and stuff like that? I can't find that here :eek:

This weekend - BBQ, Moms at bat & Mariner's game
We've got another busy weekend coming up. Saturday will be Tigger's end of baseball season BBQ (they waited to plan this because they wanted the boys to concentrate on the finals). We're all really looking forward to that! One funny thing they have planned is that each boy will be pitching to their moms - I hope I can hit a homer for the boy :rotfl: Sunday, we are driving to Seattle for a Mariners game. We'll stop on the way for breakfast and eat lunch at the game. The boys cannot wait for three reasons: (1) they get to see their first MLB game (we don't have a major league team here :sad2:); (2) they get to go across the border (they love this, don't ask me why, no clue LOL); and (3) the extra stuff for this particular baseball game (they each get an Ichiro jersey and they each get to run the bases on the field after the game). Gonna be fun! :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

They should have single use detergents. They now have those 3 in 1 detergent sheets that you put in the washer for your wash/softener and then put in the dryer as your anti static sheet.....I gotta get me some!

You're right about summer type things being non-existent or hard to find after summer--even here in southern cal. Thanks for reminding me I gotta be on the look out for new swim trunks and some new shorts.....

[winkers]

I'm glad you at least have an idea about what's going on with your mom. Not knowing is always harder.

So, your Grandpa got all "cleaned out" for his colonoscopy a day early?:scared1: Does that mean he has to do it again? I'd be mighty ticked myself.

[lisalonglash]

They should have single use detergents. They now have those 3 in 1 detergent sheets that you put in the washer for your wash/softener and then put in the dryer as your anti static sheet.....I gotta get me some!

You're right about summer type things being non-existent or hard to find after summer--even here in southern cal. Thanks for reminding me I gotta be on the look out for new swim trunks and some new shorts.....

I have heard of those, but haven't seen them yet. At this point, I'd be happy if I could find single-use laundry soap - I can bring Bounce sheets with us.

We in the middle of summer, why isn't there more summer stuff still out? :confused3

I'm glad you at least have an idea about what's going on with your mom. Not knowing is always harder.

So, your Grandpa got all "cleaned out" for his colonoscopy a day early?:scared1: Does that mean he has to do it again? I'd be mighty ticked myself.

Thanks, Cherie :hug: I've spoken to her multiple times every day and, unfortunately, she doesn't yet feel any better. Her doctor has confirmed that it is lower lobe pneumonia and told her that she should expect it to take at least a month for her to feel "normal" again! :scared: She's not impressed :sad2:

Yes, that what it means :sad2: He did have the procedure yesterday and the results were normal, so that's good! On the other hand, they've discovered that the two sides of his heart beat at different rates, so they're trying to find a blood thinner that will fix that :sad1:

[lisalonglash]

So, I've been thinking seriously about getting the Guide to the Magic for Kids book. It looks so neat and I know the boys would love it! I posted in the Theme Park forum looking for other's opinions about it and the responses have all been very positive. Here's the thing though - it's US$25+tax+shipping and, unless I get it shipped directly to ASMu, it would be ridicuously expensive to get it shipped here (again punished for being in Canada LOL). I've been communicating via email with the author and he says that it's no problem to get it shipped to the resort to save shipping costs, which is great. I know it's a minor expense, but I've never dealt with that company before and am hesitant to pay online with a credit card kwim? What do you think? I've posted the link below.

http://www.guidetothemagic.com/shopping.htm#kids

[MinnieNurse]

So, I've been thinking seriously about getting the Guide to the Magic for Kids book. It looks so neat and I know the boys would love it! I posted in the Theme Park forum looking for other's opinions about it and the responses have all been very positive. Here's the thing though - it's US$25+tax+shipping and, unless I get it shipped directly to ASMu, it would be ridicuously expensive to get it shipped here (again punished for being in Canada LOL). I've been communicating via email with the author and he says that it's no problem to get it shipped to the resort to save shipping costs, which is great. I know it's a minor expense, but I've never dealt with that company before and am hesitant to pay online with a credit card kwim? What do you think? I've posted the link below.

www.guidetothemagic.com

Can you pay through Paypal? I am not familiar with that company either, I just always feel better using Paypal.

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Lisa,

I just read the first half of your thread and wanted to say hello...:goodvibes

I'm really enjoying it-your boys are really cute...and I think the way DH let you know about the money for the trip was just lovely...:lovestruc

From what I've seen of your plans so far they look great...we're going to be eating at Chefs-and I'm looking forward to it...I love French food-We've been to Paris several times and are hoping to be able to go as a family in the Spring...(with a day trip to Disneyland Paris of course...;) DD is taking French in school and whenever we watch the film in France-even though it is a little old and corny we get a little weepy...:sad1: I'd love to be able to go to Provence and the Cote d'Azur someday-I''ll bet Nice was wonderful...

looking forward to reading more...popcorn::

[chicagoshannon]

Ok I think i"m all caught up. I hope your mom starts to feel better really soon.

Hopefully your grandpa will be up and about soon also. :)

[purplepeg]

So sorry I'm behind, glad the family members are starting to feel a bit better and you know what's wrong.

Are the maps worth it? Do they look great?

I was wondering about Kids Guide to the Magic too!

I think I'll head over and check your thread!

[lisalonglash]

Can you pay through Paypal? I am not familiar with that company either, I just always feel better using Paypal.

I could sign up for Paypal, but getting dinged twice (once from Paypal and once from the credit card company) has kind of put me off :headache:

I don't know what to do. I think I'll just wait a few weeks and see if I still want to buy it kwim?

Hey Lisa,

I just read the first half of your thread and wanted to say hello...:goodvibes

:wave:Hi Patricia! :welcome: to my little PTR!

I'm really enjoying it-your boys are really cute...and I think the way DH let you know about the money for the trip was just lovely...:lovestruc

Thank you for the compliment :flower3:

From what I've seen of your plans so far they look great...we're going to be eating at Chefs-and I'm looking forward to it...I love French food-We've been to Paris several times and are hoping to be able to go as a family in the Spring...(with a day trip to Disneyland Paris of course...;) DD is taking French in school and whenever we watch the film in France-even though it is a little old and corny we get a little weepy...:sad1: I'd love to be able to go to Provence and the Cote d'Azur someday-I''ll bet Nice was wonderful...

We love French food too - delish! Grumpy and I are banned from Paris (a self-imposed ban). That's our "fighting" city :rotfl2: We'll be doing Rosetta Stone French for Homeschool Level 1 this year - hopefully, we'll all be fluent quickly! You definitely should go to Nice - it's a gorgeous city! Full of history, fabulous food, friendly people, gorgeous scenery, etc. Monaco was a blast too - my boys and Grumpy got the biggest kick out of driving the race route for the Monaco Grand Prix (so much so that they drove it multiple times during the five times we went to Monte Carlo :lmao:). We miss the region and hope to be able to go back soon. Honestly, we'd love to LIVE there (it's very difficult to move there permanently, unfortunately - we've looked into it).

Ok I think i"m all caught up. I hope your mom starts to feel better really soon.

Hopefully your grandpa will be up and about soon also. :)

Thank you, Shannon :hug: I'm happy to say that my grandpa was allowed to go home yesterday afternoon and is feeling a lot better :love::banana:

So sorry I'm behind, glad the family members are starting to feel a bit better and you know what's wrong.

Thanks, hon :hug:

Are the maps worth it? Do they look great?

They sure were worth it - they're free if you get them mailed to a US address. Thanks to MinnnieNurse for letting me use her address and mailing them to me for free (:hug: again, Minnie!). They're neat looking - two large pages with one park on each side, a welcome letter with "tips" and a little sheet of circles to mark the maps. :goodvibes

I was wondering about Kids Guide to the Magic too!

I think I'll head over and check your thread!

Here's the link to the thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2238266

I'm just so cheap that this is actually a debatable purchase for us :rotfl:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Great Saturday
We had a great day yesterday - went to Steveston (a little area in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver). It's sort of a fishing tourist area - quaint shops, nice boardwalk, etc. We enjoyed our special treat of lunch at PaJo's - IMO, the best fish & chips in Canada - and ate our lunch sitting in adironack chairs looking at the ocean :woohoo: We walked around the boardwalk, stopped for fresh ice cream/sorbetto and did a little bit of shopping (for Grumpy, we stopped at a British shop for some Tetley darjheeling tea (hard to find elsewhere) and an Arsenals lanyard (yes, we're big Arsenals fans!); for the rest of us, we stopped at a little candy shop and bought some fresh fudge (cookies & cream and chocolate/caramel flavours). Our last stop before going home was a fishmonger right beside the water (they buy their fish right off the boats each day - we checked out what the fishing boats were selling, but they only had prawns and great huge fish; we weren't up for paying $70 for a massive salmon lol) and came home with lovely fresh halibut and ahi tuna steaks. Grumpy barbecued the fish and it was a fantastic end to a super fun day :goodvibes

...


...On a sad note
I've just been told that Tigger's goldfish (King Arthur) has gone to goldfish heaven (aka where goldfish go when they're flushed down the toilet) - Tigger's OK with it, but Mickey needed lots of information and understanding to cope with it. He's OK now, but is watching his fish (Nemo) much more often than before.

To be fair, those goldfish didn't really have a fighting chance. The boys "won" them at a local Canada Day festival (they had a bunch of childrens' games). Those fish spent the day like this - getting dumped into a childrens' swimming pool with hundreds of other goldfish, being chased around said pool by countless children taking turns catching the fish with nets on long poles, being put into a ziploc bag with some pool water after being "won" by each child, being carried around the festival for an hour on a hot day in full sunshine, having a ride home in our truck and then being put into the fish tank. Not a good start, I'm afraid. I told the boys on the way home from the festival that these were "training" fish and that these fish would teach them how to take care of fish, in order for the boys to be able to take care of "real" fish. I was trying to cushion the blow kwim?

I've caught up-lots of fun so far...

1. You live in the Vancouver area? I've been trying to convince DH that Vancouver would make a great family vaca-I've read lots of great things about Vancouver-beautifully situated physically-water, mountains, great city-modern architecture, awesome food, lots of culture...I'd love to see the area...

how lucky are you to get fish that fresh?

2. Speaking of fish-poor little goldfish-I agree that those "carnival" goldfish don't stand much of a chance...I'm not sure that goldfish are all that hardy to begin with though...:confused3...Before we had a cat and dog-we had goldfish for my dd (ds wasn't born just yet...) we had Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George and Hagrid and they all died within a week of each other-I think Hagrid was the last to go...it would have been comical if it hadn't been sad...:confused3

We've been having a busy summer so far. Grumpy and I have planned for one fun activity per weekend this summer, which is going well! Last weekend, we went to the Space Centre and Planetarium.

Pacific Space Centre
The Space Centre was great - it has lots of interactive exhibits and games relating to space travel, lots of astronaut memorabilia (the best of which was a big display of some stuff that Dr. Robert Thirsk had with him last time he was in space; he's currently at the International Space Station on an extended mission. The boys thought it was awesome that not only is he Canadian, he's also from BC!) and even a simulator ride through space to shoot down an asteriod from Mars (I think that's what it was about; Grumpy and the boys went on that, no simulator rides for me lol). We also went to a show/lecture from one of the scientists on figuring out where you are on earth, using a GPS using a satellite, and lots of info on satellites. Great show, lots of audience participation and interaction.

Planetarium
The Planetarium was wonderful as well - we saw a show about Galileo and his telescope, his discoveries and his struggle to convince his contemporaries that his theories were correct. This was Tigger's favourite part of the day because the actor playing Galileo chose him to answer some questions about gravity (which he answered correctly) and join in the show a bit! The planetarium is cool - it's a dome theatre with chairs in a round formation around a central operations area. They project 360 degree pictures, lasers, etc. on the inside of the dome and you just recline back and enjoy the show.

After the Galileo show, we went for dinner in the area, then went for a long walk on the Seawall. I used to live in the West End of Vancouver when I was in my late teens/early 20s and walking along the Seawall was such a big part of living there! After our dinner and walk, we went back to the Planetarium for a show called "Laser Coldplay". It was an incredible laser show set to the music of Coldplay (Tigger's favourite group) - amazing!

Observatory
One of my favourite parts of the day was after the Laser Coldplay show. We went to the Planetarium's Observatory, which houses a massive telescope. The astronomer had set the telescope to view Saturn and it's rings - so amazing! Then, my favourite part happened. The astronomer told everyone to go outside the observatory and look where he was pointing. We all looked and voila, the International Space Centre flew overhead in their regular orbit (did you know the ISS orbits the earth 17 times every day? I didn't!). Magical :goodvibes

Unsurprisingly, this long day renewed our interest in space travel! We were just glued to NASA TV listening to Mission Control and watching the major preparations for the Space Shuttle Endeavour to launch. It was disappointing the two times the launch was cancelled, but it was pure magic yesterday to listen to the launch NASA TV and watch it at the same time on CNN. Awesome :cool1:

Another really amazing thing we're looking forward to is being able to Twitter with the Space Shuttle Commander while he's in space! I signed up on Twitter specifically because I read on the NASA site that the Commander was going to Twitter from the shuttle. Tigger, Mickey and I cannot WAIT until he does! We've been watching and waiting, but he hasn't yet...

I can't believe it! Tigger can now say that he's communicated with an astronaut IN SPACE!! The Endeavour Commander Twittered a bit ago and Tigger Twittered back - he's just on cloud nine now! Me too! Too amazing!



My DS has just started reading about space and we were talking about Apollo 11-how cool to be twittering with a real astronaut...:thumbsup2



I've spoken to her multiple times every day and, unfortunately, she doesn't yet feel any better. Her doctor has confirmed that it is lower lobe pneumonia and told her that she should expect it to take at least a month for her to feel "normal" again! :scared: She's not impressed :sad2:


It's really hard to be patient but her doctor is spot on...I only had walking pneumonia last year and it took me at least 4-6 weeks...to feel truly better-what do they say-time is the best healer in this it is true. :flower3: I hope she starts to feel a bit better-it will perk up her spirits...

I can't wait to read more! :cool1:

[DisneyMomLiz]

I hope that your Mom and Grandpa are getting better and better!! :hug: you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers!!

I've heard only great things about the "Guide to Magic" book...tempted myself, but my DS is still a bit young, although, I'd love it, I'm sure! :rotfl:

I think leaving the maps for the boys to find is a great way to surprise them! :yay: Those maps are beautiful, I ordered some a few years back and was so surprised they were so good and free?! :goodvibes

[winkers]

I use paypall for anything I can...it doesn't cost anything and I'm not charged extra on my credit or debit card. You can also take it from your checking account. I like it because it's an extra level of protection.

[lisalonglash]

1. You live in the Vancouver area? I've been trying to convince DH that Vancouver would make a great family vaca-I've read lots of great things about Vancouver-beautifully situated physically-water, mountains, great city-modern architecture, awesome food, lots of culture...I'd love to see the area...

Yes, we live just south of Vancouver, very close to the WA State border crossing. It is a beautiful area, I agree :goodvibes We're planning to go to Mount Seymour or Grouse Mountain this weekend for our family outing - I love the fact that we can go to the ocean (beach is 5 minutes away) and go to the mountains (about 45 minutes away) on the same day; same morning even :laughing:

I hope you are able to visit - this is most definitely a tourist-friendly city! :thumbsup2

how lucky are you to get fish that fresh?

I know! It's very handy :)

2. Speaking of fish-poor little goldfish-I agree that those "carnival" goldfish don't stand much of a chance...I'm not sure that goldfish are all that hardy to begin with though...:confused3...Before we had a cat and dog-we had goldfish for my dd (ds wasn't born just yet...) we had Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George and Hagrid and they all died within a week of each other-I think Hagrid was the last to go...it would have been comical if it hadn't been sad...:confused3

Yep, I agree on all counts! :hug:

My DS has just started reading about space and we were talking about Apollo 11-how cool to be twittering with a real astronaut...:thumbsup2

It really is awesome! I must admit Tigger and I are going just a wee bit Twitter-crazy though - we now have most of the Harry Potter cast, the Endeavour Commander, Buzz Aldrin, Canadian astronaut Julie Payette (she's on Endeavour), Adam Savage from Mythbusters, Coldplay, Obama, PM Harper, amongst several others on our following list. Yep, we're out of control LOL :rotfl2:

It's really hard to be patient but her doctor is spot on...I only had walking pneumonia last year and it took me at least 4-6 weeks...to feel truly better-what do they say-time is the best healer in this it is true. :flower3: I hope she starts to feel a bit better-it will perk up her spirits...

Thank you, Patricia! :hug: Yes, she is starting to feel better now, thankfully! Now she's just annoyed that she can't physically do all the stuff she's used to doing :rotfl:

I hope that your Mom and Grandpa are getting better and better!! :hug: you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers!!

Thank you, Liz! :hug: My mom is starting to feel better, but my grandpa has been readmitted to the hospital, unfortunately. I'm getting regular updates from my dad though, so that helps me cope.

I've heard only great things about the "Guide to Magic" book...tempted myself, but my DS is still a bit young, although, I'd love it, I'm sure! :rotfl:

Yes, I think I will be buying it and having it shipped to the resort for our arrival. The difference in shipping it to the resort vs. shipping it here was ridiculous, truly :headache:

I think leaving the maps for the boys to find is a great way to surprise them! :yay: Those maps are beautiful, I ordered some a few years back and was so surprised they were so good and free?! :goodvibes

They really are pretty, aren't they?! :goodvibes I do think I'm going to do it that way - low-key is the best approach to use with Tigger if you want a good outcome, so that seems like it would work (I hope!).

[MinnieNurse]

I use paypall for anything I can...it doesn't cost anything and I'm not charged extra on my credit or debit card. You can also take it from your checking account. I like it because it's an extra level of protection.

I have never been charged extra for paypal either? Why would you get an extra ding from them?

[lisalonglash]

I use paypall for anything I can...it doesn't cost anything and I'm not charged extra on my credit or debit card. You can also take it from your checking account. I like it because it's an extra level of protection.

Hmm... the terms for Paypal Canada said that there was a surcharge, but maybe I misunderstood it? Here's the link to the terms page (the fees are number 8):

https://www.paypal.com/ca/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/ua/ua_pop-outside&popup=1#payments-policy

I think it says I have to pay 2.9% + fixed fee (1%) + 0.30 + 2.5% currency conversion fee.

Or I'm just loopy and I'm reading it wrong (sooo possible!) :laughing:

[mousescrapper]

Hi Lisa,

sorry I got a bit behind...:guilty:

1st :hug: and :angel: for your Mom and Grandpa and I hope they will both be on the mend soon!

2nd, I am pretty sure both DisMomAmy and KathyRN (don't know if they read your TR I think :confused3 but read mine, both ordered books from them I assume on their website. I'd say if you have proper and updated security on your computer and it's a locked page when you enter your info you should be OK.

I'm thinking about getting my kids those too next yr, they look so cool! :thumbsup2 I want to read it!

Your upcoming baseball weekend (it didn't happen yet right) sounds so cool! Can't wait to hear about it. I love going to ballgames.

Your laundry stuff, just something I used on our last trip which was helpful Shout brand Color Catcher. It's little slips you put in the wet load to keep colors from blending. When you can't really split all your colors and to conseve luandry $ and time. worked great.

Surprise! I think the envelpoe w/ their morning breakfast would be so fun, and maybe even some ballons and Disney Music in the background!

looking forward to more planning, love the shopping part and checkin off the lists, oh you know why there is no more summer stuff, becuase the back to school stuff has been going out since right after 4th of July here CRAZY!

[eandesmom]

Hey Lisa,

You can always arrange a pre-trip DIS meet in Seattle (if you need to hit another mariners game or soemthing!) and have the book shipped to my house lol!

:rotfl2:

Very wierd on the paypal, I've had a few issues here and there over the years but they were resolved quickly and weren't really paypal issues, but vendor issues.

[winkers]

Hmm... the terms for Paypal Canada said that there was a surcharge, but maybe I misunderstood it? Here's the link to the terms page (the fees are number 8):

https://www.paypal.com/ca/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/ua/ua_pop-outside&popup=1#payments-policy

I think it says I have to pay 2.9% + fixed fee (1%) + 0.30 + 2.5% currency conversion fee.

Or I'm just loopy and I'm reading it wrong (sooo possible!) :laughing:

I forgot you're in canada, I guess that makes a difference.

[lisalonglash]

Hi Lisa,

Hi, J! :wave:

sorry I got a bit behind...:guilty:

Oh no worries! I get behind in my DISsing a lot! :guilty:

1st :hug: and :angel: for your Mom and Grandpa and I hope they will both be on the mend soon!

Thanks, hon :hug: They are both doing much much better, I'm happy and grateful to be able to say :banana:

2nd, I am pretty sure both DisMomAmy and KathyRN (don't know if they read your TR I think :confused3 but read mine, both ordered books from them I assume on their website. I'd say if you have proper and updated security on your computer and it's a locked page when you enter your info you should be OK.

Yes, I think I'm just going to go for it :woohoo:

I'm thinking about getting my kids those too next yr, they look so cool! :thumbsup2 I want to read it!

Honestly, I want to read it too! :rolleyes1

Your upcoming baseball weekend (it didn't happen yet right) sounds so cool! Can't wait to hear about it. I love going to ballgames.

Yes, that was last weekend. It was a lot of fun!! :banana:

Your laundry stuff, just something I used on our last trip which was helpful Shout brand Color Catcher. It's little slips you put in the wet load to keep colors from blending. When you can't really split all your colors and to conseve luandry $ and time. worked great.

You are seriously SO much more organized than I am - I do laundry every day, but I never separate it, whatever fits goes in :laughing:

Surprise! I think the envelpoe w/ their morning breakfast would be so fun, and maybe even some ballons and Disney Music in the background!

Thanks, J. I think it would work well for them too - can't tell you much I'm looking forward to it! :cool1:

looking forward to more planning, love the shopping part and checkin off the lists, oh you know why there is no more summer stuff, becuase the back to school stuff has been going out since right after 4th of July here CRAZY!

It's so frustrating! It is my fault for waiting too long though (well, really, it's Grumpy's fault for being El Cheapo :headache:)

Hey Lisa,

Hi! :wave: (love that smiley!)

You can always arrange a pre-trip DIS meet in Seattle (if you need to hit another mariners game or soemthing!) and have the book shipped to my house lol!

Aww, how sweet! We're going to get it shipped to the resort, but thank you for offering :hug: I think it'll be a while before we go to a Mariners game again, they stunk pretty badly :lmao: Just kidding!

Very wierd on the paypal, I've had a few issues here and there over the years but they were resolved quickly and weren't really paypal issues, but vendor issues.

I think I'm just going to use the credit card and forget about the PayPal. Our credit card has buyer protection on it, so we should be fine.

I forgot you're in canada, I guess that makes a difference.

Does that mean I post like an American? :lmao:

[jcc0621]

Hey Lisa,

Try Biranbaums Kids Guide. Jimmy has this one and loves it. Lot's of pictures, and now he can read some of the descriptions himself:cool1:

[Mickey_Mom]

:wave: Hey Lisa... fellow Canadian subbing in! Just got caught up on your PTR (via the links :blush:)

For our first trip, we kept it a surprise from our then DS11, DD10 and DS1 until two weeks before. (Man was that hard keeping it a secret! :laughing:) It was DS11 birthday and it was his last present of the day. We wrapped a piece of luggage and inside the birthday card was a note that said he had to find four small boxes hidden inside the luggage. The boxes were numbered and he had to find them and open them in order. When he found and opened the small box #1, inside was a folded piece of paper that said,

"In two weeks we are going on an airplane...",

box #2 said, "for a vacation....",

box #3 said, "to...." (so mean, he actually groaned when he read that one :rotfl:) and

box #4 said, "Walt Disney World!!!"

:littleangel: Good to hear about your Mom and Grandpa.

[Queenofallthings]

I used to buy the Birmbaum's for kids by kids, Jasmine loved it!! The one you're talking about sounds great though too.

Good luck with getting it, I have never used Paypal so I am absolutely useless to you on this subject...probably other subjects too, but we'll keep it at this one for now.

Jasmine and I were just playing the "this time next week auntie and uncle and the girls will have just landed in Toronto"...we're down to single digits today, can you believe how fast this has come up..:confused3

[joelp]

Subbing ... and slowly catching up ...

How to surprise the kids?

We're not telling our DD this time ... until she's strapped into the car!! :rotfl:

Once a week or so - when we see something on TV or wherever about WDW - she tells me she wants to go back ... :thumbsup2 ... so I'm expecting lots of :woohoo: :yay: :cool1: :banana: ... when she finds out ....

Last year we gave her box on her birthday (1 month before we were leaving) with a countdown chain in it ...

... she was underwhelmed ... :confused3 ... and was more interested in her new Barbies ... :lmao:

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Checking in, since you so kindly are reading my 1st PTR attempt:flower3:....we'll be there right before you!

I am actually starting for freak out a bit now that it is getting so close!!:dance3:

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Lisa! I feel like I've been gone forever, but I'm caught up and back on board!

Funny fish story...

We go to a County Fair/Carnival at my grandma's house every year and they have the standard fish game for the kids. One year, about 2 years ago, we decided to walk down to the park where the fair was held on Sunday morning...after the fair was packed up and gone. We figured we might find some cool stuff. Apparently, the carnival worker running the fish game no longer needed the fish he didn't give away as prizes and decided to dump them in the creek. Unfortunately for the fish, he just threw them over the creek bank and missed the actual water with most of the fish. My boys went on a rescue mission! We must have rescued about 100 fish. My mom and gram kept some and we put the rest in a large jar to take on our 3 hour trip home. Needless to say, the majority of the fish did not make it. HOWEVER...one hearty goldfish is still alive today! After 2 years, being dumped on the creek bank, enduring the carnival......he's alive and well! At least the rescue mission wasn't a complete failure!

So exciting that you got your maps and have begun your shopping. That makes the trip so REAL! I think using the maps to tell the boys is a great idea! Can't wait to hear how they handle the surprise! :thumbsup2

[mousescrapper]

Hi Lisa :wave:

just stopping by to say HI and wonder if any new stuff for the trip or whatever was going on...popcorn::

[lisalonglash]

Hey Lisa,

Try Biranbaums Kids Guide. Jimmy has this one and loves it. Lot's of pictures, and now he can read some of the descriptions himself:cool1:

That one looks great too - thanks, Janet! :flower3:

:wave: Hey Lisa... fellow Canadian subbing in! Just got caught up on your PTR (via the links)

Love the links - so handy!

For our first trip, we kept it a surprise from our then DS11, DD10 and DS1 until two weeks before. (Man was that hard keeping it a secret!) It was DS11 birthday and it was his last present of the day. We wrapped a piece of luggage and inside the birthday card was a note that said he had to find four small boxes hidden inside the luggage. The boxes were numbered and he had to find them and open them in order. When he found and opened the small box #1, inside was a folded piece of paper that said,

"In two weeks we are going on an airplane...",

box #2 said, "for a vacation....",

box #3 said, "to...." (so mean, he actually groaned when he read that one :rotfl:) and

box #4 said, "Walt Disney World!!!"

That's fantastic!! :banana: Unfortunately, that would be a little much excitement for Tigger, but I'm working on how to surprise them...

Good to hear about your Mom and Grandpa.

Thanks :hug:

I used to buy the Birmbaum's for kids by kids, Jasmine loved it!! The one you're talking about sounds great though too.

Hmm ... gonna have to look at that one - two recommendations now!

Good luck with getting it, I have never used Paypal so I am absolutely useless to you on this subject...probably other subjects too, but we'll keep it at this one for now.

Thanks, Paypal confuses me :laughing:

Jasmine and I were just playing the "this time next week auntie and uncle and the girls will have just landed in Toronto"...we're down to single digits today, can you believe how fast this has come up..

Wooohoooooo!!!! Happy dance of joy for you and Jas! :dance3:

Subbing ... and slowly catching up ...

Welcome, Joel! :cheer2:

How to surprise the kids?

We're not telling our DD this time ... until she's strapped into the car!!

I wish we could do it that way, but that wouldn't work at all for Tigger, I'm certain :sad2: I can't wait until you post about how excited your dd is!

Once a week or so - when we see something on TV or wherever about WDW - she tells me she wants to go back ... :thumbsup2 ... so I'm expecting lots of :woohoo: :yay: :cool1: :banana: ... when she finds out ....

Teehee, isn't it fun keeping it secret?! :cool1:

Last year we gave her box on her birthday (1 month before we were leaving) with a countdown chain in it ...

... she was underwhelmed ... :confused3 ... and was more interested in her new Barbies ... :lmao:

LOL, kids are funny!

Checking in, since you so kindly are reading my 1st PTR attempt....we'll be there right before you!

I am actually starting for freak out a bit now that it is getting so close!!:dance3:

Welcome to you! :flower3: Yeah, I'm freaking out a bit too!

Hi Lisa! I feel like I've been gone forever, but I'm caught up and back on board!

Welcome back! I know how it is - it takes me forever to get caught up when we're busy! I've spent over two hours so far today - and I'm only caught up on half of the PTRs and TRs I'm following! I'll get caught up eventually :rotfl2:

Funny fish story..

We go to a County Fair/Carnival at my grandma's house every year and they have the standard fish game for the kids. One year, about 2 years ago, we decided to walk down to the park where the fair was held on Sunday morning...after the fair was packed up and gone. We figured we might find some cool stuff. Apparently, the carnival worker running the fish game no longer needed the fish he didn't give away as prizes and decided to dump them in the creek. Unfortunately for the fish, he just threw them over the creek bank and missed the actual water with most of the fish. My boys went on a rescue mission! We must have rescued about 100 fish. My mom and gram kept some and we put the rest in a large jar to take on our 3 hour trip home. Needless to say, the majority of the fish did not make it. HOWEVER...one hearty goldfish is still alive today! After 2 years, being dumped on the creek bank, enduring the carnival......he's alive and well! At least the rescue mission wasn't a complete failure!

Wow, that's awesome!!! I'm glad the one fish is a hardy soul :goodvibes

So exciting that you got your maps and have begun your shopping. That makes the trip so REAL! I think using the maps to tell the boys is a great idea! Can't wait to hear how they handle the surprise!

I can't wait either! I'll be sure to post about it though :woohoo:

Hi Lisa :wave:

just stopping by to say HI and wonder if any new stuff for the trip or whatever was going on...

Hi, J! Yes, there is a bit to post about, but I just haven't gotten to it yet. I will today at some point though :laughing:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I can't believe you only have 36 days left until your trip! :banana: Did you ever decide which shirt design you are doing? How are your mom and grandpa doing?

[Diamondintheruff]

I can only imagine how big your "it's not a Disney" Binder is by now.

[DisneyMomLiz]

Hi Lisa,

I went to your "TRULY Final Itinerary..." thanks to your handy dandy links ;) Yay, we match up for sure on Thurs, Sept 16 (MK Day), but we may have some other overlaps if we decide to get DS's ticket as a park hopper...leaning towards it but have to check on $$

:banana: let me know if you have any ideas for where/when to meet up? popcorn::

[inkedupmomma]

Lisa, 35/36 days for us!! Can you believe this??:banana:

[Queenofallthings]

I can't believe you have a little over a month until your trip:woohoo: By the time we get back, you'll have your suitcases out and ready to start packing.

When are you planning on telling them? This gives me butterflies, I love surprises:rolleyes1

[carissanboys]

:wave2:

[lisalonglash]

I can't believe you only have 36 days left until your trip! :banana: Did you ever decide which shirt design you are doing? How are your mom and grandpa doing?

Yes, I decided on the baseball shirt, due to majority voting here :laughing: Thankfully, my mom and my grandpa are both doing very well - thanks for asking hon :hug:

I can only imagine how big your "it's not a Disney" Binder is by now.

Hmm? What binder? Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Willis? :lmao:

Hi Lisa,

I went to your "TRULY Final Itinerary..." thanks to your handy dandy links ;) Yay, we match up for sure on Thurs, Sept 16 (MK Day), but we may have some other overlaps if we decide to get DS's ticket as a park hopper...leaning towards it but have to check on $$

:banana: let me know if you have any ideas for where/when to meet up? popcorn::

Cool news, Liz!! :goodvibes Hmmm... were you thinking to meet up for a ride or for a snack or ... ? It would be great fun to meet up for a ride or two, wouldn't it?! :confused3:thumbsup2

Lisa, 35/36 days for us!! Can you believe this??:banana:

It's so weird - only 31 days now?! :banana::banana:

I can't believe you have a little over a month until your trip:woohoo: By the time we get back, you'll have your suitcases out and ready to start packing.

When are you planning on telling them? This gives me butterflies, I love surprises:rolleyes1

I hope you and Peg and fam are having an awesomely wonderful time!!! :woohoo:

I'm planning on telling them (well, it'll be more letting them figure it out lol) on August 29 or 30 - I chose the weekend so that Grumpy would be home to watch it unfold too :lovestruc

:wave2:

Hi Carissa! :wave:

[lisalonglash]

Thanks to everyone!
First and foremost, I'm sorry for my absence and I truly appreciate you all sticking with me :hug: I've just been feeling not-very-Disney-like lately (not for any particular reason though) and trying to catch up on the PTRs/TRs that I follow just seems impossible! I'm trying though...

Trip update
Now, on with the show lol

Grumpy and I were talking about the grocery order and we decided to cancel our order with wegoshop. We just didn't want to have to receive the groceries in person (which I think we'd sort of have to do with wegoshop, since we don't know how much the total is until she comes with the groceries kwim?) and wanted to get the groceries paid for now, while the CDN$ exchange is still decent. I felt badly emailing Marge (and I didn't know how to word it, so I fibbed a wee bit and said that we'd decided to get the groceries ourselves), but I do feel better about our decision now. The groceries are now paid for and I don't have to worry about it anymore. Oh, the things that plague my mind :rotfl2:

So, the receipt has now gone into the "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder - one more thing checked off the list! :banana:

We'll be getting the things on our "to buy" list this weekend sometime, hopefully. I have to say that it's difficult to buy stuff for WDW without tipping the boys off - they're too smart sometimes! :eek:

I cannot WAIT to tell them we're going!! It'll be so awesome to watch their faces as they figure it out :banana:

Baseball weekend
Our baseball weekend was fantastic! First was the end of season bbq for Tigger's team, which involved a baseball game played by EVERYONE there. Now THAT was funny LOL I'm proud to say that I did eventually hit the ball both times I was at bat (I'm blaming the bad pitching since Grumpy was the pitcher :laughing:). However, running the bases wasn't my finest hour - I couldn't run at all in my sandals so I took them off. Turns out I can't even run in bare feet either :lmao: We all earned that yummy bbq dinner afterwards LOL

The next day, we drove down to Seattle for the Mariners game. It was an unusually peaceful drive down - because my MIL had both of our boys in her van :rotfl: Had a good giggle when we met up for breakfast though - it seems that Mickey asked my MIL when they were going to be in Africa! Yes, the boy was tired and meant America :laughing: The Mariners lost miserably, but it was a good time. The boys received free Ichiro jerseys (not bad quality, either!) when we entered the stadium and were able to run the bases after the game (they received certificates for that - so cute!).

Grumpy and Tigger were able to go to a Vancouver Whitecaps game last week as well - soccer is so family-oriented; it was great, lots of playing around, watching the game and free posters! Oh yeah, they lost miserably too. Maybe we shouldn't go to any more professional sports events? LMAO!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I don't blame you for wanting to take advantage of the good dollar. I would do the same thing. Before I left in May I took out $500 in American cash when the dollar was at 85 cents. Well I get back from the trip and find out that pretty much as soon as we left the dollar went up into the mid 90. :headache:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I know what you mean about not feeling very Disney-esque. I was like that for a long while and just had a hard time keeping up-to-date with my PTR and all the ones I follow. Glad to see an update!

Who did the Mariner's play when you saw them? I think that'd be a lot of fun. DH and I are HUGE baseball fans but we haven't had a chance to see any games this year. :sad1: We do have the MLB package so we get to watch a game EVERY night. So, that helps.

[lisalonglash]

I don't blame you for wanting to take advantage of the good dollar. I would do the same thing. Before I left in May I took out $500 in American cash when the dollar was at 85 cents. Well I get back from the trip and find out that pretty much as soon as we left the dollar went up into the mid 90. :headache:

It's always a crap shoot trying to predict what the dollar will do, but at least this way, we chose what exchange rate we paid, right? Sorry you got snookered in May - totally sucks!

I know what you mean about not feeling very Disney-esque. I was like that for a long while and just had a hard time keeping up-to-date with my PTR and all the ones I follow. Glad to see an update!

Who did the Mariner's play when you saw them? I think that'd be a lot of fun. DH and I are HUGE baseball fans but we haven't had a chance to see any games this year. :sad1: We do have the MLB package so we get to watch a game EVERY night. So, that helps.

Oh, thank you!! I'm not alone then :hug:

They played the Cleveland Indians and boy, did the Mariners ever lose badly LOL We do watch an occasional game on TV, but it's a lot more fun to be there :banana: I wish it was a little cheaper - I'm sure we'd all go more often! :thumbsup2

[carissanboys]

A Mariner's game - how fun! :cool1: Who were they playing? Any pictures?? :goodvibes

[carissanboys]

Oops. Just saw it was the Indians. Cool. :thumbsup2

[mousescrapper]

glad you had fun at the games...even if they lost...

didn't know that about wegoshop....but paying in advnace certaintly makes more sense...

[PracPerfPatricia]

Don't worry about not feeling Disneyish...it happens...everyone is still here...:hug:

Sounds like the baseball was fun...:goodvibes...whether or not you won...I'm not a super sporty girl-although I did send DS for a week of morning basketball camp for 5-7s and I'd definitely love to go to some baseball games as a family...I like all the lore and stories surrounding it...our local team, you may have heard of them -the Phillies didn't do to poorly last year...:woohoo:

Wow I'll bet you are having glorious weather right now...probably not too hot or humid...we were about 95 and something like 75% humidity yesterday-:confused3 (Yeah and ask me why I'm going to Disney next week...:confused3-cause it never feels as hot there as it really is...:rotfl2:)

I am so impressed that you've kept the secret from the boys...you're good-I don't know if I could do it...:cool2:

[lisalonglash]

A Mariner's game - how fun! :cool1: Who were they playing? Any pictures?? :goodvibes

It was fun :goodvibes

Oops. Just saw it was the Indians. Cool. :thumbsup2

The Indians certainly kicked some Mariner hiney that day :rotfl2:

glad you had fun at the games...even if they lost...

didn't know that about wegoshop....but paying in advnace certaintly makes more sense...

Yes, it's just one less thing to stress about kwim? I felt so badly emailing Marge (and then she called to make sure that I wasn't cancelling because I was unhappy with her service :eek:), but I made the right decision for us.

Don't worry about not feeling Disneyish...it happens...everyone is still here...:hug:

Sounds like the baseball was fun...:goodvibes...whether or not you won...I'm not a super sporty girl-although I did send DS for a week of morning basketball camp for 5-7s and I'd definitely love to go to some baseball games as a family...I like all the lore and stories surrounding it...our local team, you may have heard of them -the Phillies didn't do to poorly last year...:woohoo:

Wow I'll bet you are having glorious weather right now...probably not too hot or humid...we were about 95 and something like 75% humidity yesterday-:confused3 (Yeah and ask me why I'm going to Disney next week...:confused3-cause it never feels as hot there as it really is...:rotfl2:)

I am so impressed that you've kept the secret from the boys...you're good-I don't know if I could do it...:cool2:

Thanks, Patricia :hug: Yes, the family baseball game was fun - I don't think anyone was even keeping score LOL Yes, our weather has been glorious for the most part. We had a stretch of very high temps and humidity recently (for which hardly anyone here is prepared, not many have home A/C!), which were about what your temperature and humidity are - but we're back into our normal summer now, thankfully! Warm, but not scorching, and regular humidity (our humidity level is usually fairly high, but we're right beside the Pacific, so that's normal for us) :thumbsup2 Keeping the secret from them has actually been pretty easy on our part. It's when we're trying to buy trip stuff that we have to be really careful that they don't clue in :rotfl:

[DisneyMomLiz]

Cool news, Liz!! :goodvibes Hmmm... were you thinking to meet up for a ride or for a snack or ... ? It would be great fun to meet up for a ride or two, wouldn't it?! :confused3:thumbsup2


Lisa, definitely a ride or two would be great, sounds like a lot of fun! Let me know if you have any ideas which rides/area for our meet-up. :goodvibes Can't believe it's only 34 more days for us! :banana: even less for you :cool1:


ETA: ?? have you received your Mickey Mail with the luggage tags, etc. We've never been to WDW with a package so this will be our first time getting that particular coveted piece of Mickey Mail and I'm not sure when it is supposed to arrive? I think I read somewhere about 30 days from trip, well I'm almost there so I'm getting worried, probably for nothing?! :confused3

[eandesmom]

ugh, that Indians game was brutal!

Although tonight is pretty bad. My dad took DS10, they still aren't home but UGH! Darn Yankees. And bad M's pitching decisions.

FREE Ichiro jerseys? DS10 would be VERY jealous! We always end up with Bobbleheads or frames....

Wow.

I loved knowing our groceries were paid for, between that and the DDP it really reduced our OOP costs. Which is not to say we didn't have any

:rotfl:

[joelp]

Just taking a look at your "final" itinerary to see if we'll bump into each other ...


So, with my abject apologies :flower3: (may a thousand camels spit in my eye for changing it again!), here is the final itinerary! I hope this one matches up better with everyone for a meet up or two or three!

Sat., Sept. 12 - ASMu/DTD, WCC dinner (playing softball in NJ)
Sun., Sept. 13 - DAK, TH breakfast (recovering from play softball ... )
Mon., Sept. 14 - MK (day off -last minute shopping for WDW ...)
Tues., Sept. 15 - Epcot, Biergarten (I'll be at work - only day this week!!)
Wed., Sept. 16 - ASMu/DTD, Boma dinner (very last minute shopping and packing ...)
Thurs., Sept. 17 - MK, CP breakfast (WDW here we come!! - we'll be at AKL if you wanna stop by ...)
Fri., Sept. 18 - DHS, Sci-Fi dinner (Epcot for us ... )
Sat., Sept. 19 - Epcot, Chefs de France dinner (MK day ...)
Sun., Sept. 20 - Departure day, CM breakfast (AK ... and then flying home, too ... maybe we'll see you at the Disney store in the airport :lmao: )


Any changes to your "final" intinerary? If not - I guess we'll just have to wave to each other as we pass on WDW buses ... :laughing:

[lisalonglash]

Lisa, definitely a ride or two would be great, sounds like a lot of fun! Let me know if you have any ideas which rides/area for our meet-up. :goodvibes Can't believe it's only 34 more days for us! :banana: even less for you :cool1:

Yes, I'd love that, sounds so fun! :banana: Hmm... I'll PM you my cell phone number and we can figure it out :thumbsup2

ETA: ?? have you received your Mickey Mail with the luggage tags, etc. We've never been to WDW with a package so this will be our first time getting that particular coveted piece of Mickey Mail and I'm not sure when it is supposed to arrive? I think I read somewhere about 30 days from trip, well I'm almost there so I'm getting worried, probably for nothing?! :confused3

Our wickedly awesome TA let me know last week that she has now received all of our documents from Disney :woohoo: She has popped everything into the mail for us (in a plain manila envelope, with only a return address, no company name - all in the name of not spilling the secret - yes, one more reason to :love: her!)

Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be getting fun mail this coming week! :cool1:

ugh, that Indians game was brutal!

Although tonight is pretty bad. My dad took DS10, they still aren't home but UGH! Darn Yankees. And bad M's pitching decisions.

Yep, it was brutal :eek: I hope your dad and ds had a great time at the game! :goodvibes I think we should be banned from attending professional sports events - we've been to three different events this year (Mariners game, Whitecaps game and Canadians game) and the home team lost every single time :rotfl2:

FREE Ichiro jerseys? DS10 would be VERY jealous! We always end up with Bobbleheads or frames....

Wow.

Yes, they're really cool! Decent quality too. I'll try to get a picture of them to post :thumbsup2

The boys got a teensy soft-sided Canadians lunch bag last night at the game. The jersey is definitely a better freebie :lmao:

I loved knowing our groceries were paid for, between that and the DDP it really reduced our OOP costs. Which is not to say we didn't have any

:rotfl:

Yes, between free dining and having snacks/water in the room, I think we're all set. I hope! :eek:

Just taking a look at your "final" itinerary to see if we'll bump into each other ...

Any changes to your "final" intinerary? If not - I guess we'll just have to wave to each other as we pass on WDW buses ... :laughing:

Nope, no changes (incredible, I know LOL). Sorry Joel - looks like we'll be waving only.. :sad2:

[lisalonglash]

Nice news update

We went to our local Vancouver Canadians baseball game last night for our weekend family treat. Even better, we received free tickets from the Little League Association our boys play on (along with about 120 other Little League families). It's nice to get little perks now and then kwim? :goodvibes

So, Grumpy bought a few 50/50 tickets just for fun. Each boy had one ticket and Grumpy and I each had two tickets. Well, incredibly, one of my tickets was the winner! We won $600! So, what that means is....

- I can go to bingo with my two SILs and my aunt-in-law (what a funny term lol) guilt-free on Monday. Haven't been to bingo in months and months - hope I can remember how to play! :rotfl2:

- I can go get everything on my "to buy" list for the trip this weekend, including going to Michael's (local craft store) for t-shirts for the transfers! :banana: Now, I just need to find someone here with an inkjet printer LOL

- The rest will go into our regular account :thumbsup2

Countdown Calendar
I managed to clandestinely make a countdown calendar for our boys last week. I made a 14-day calendar and put Disney characters and how many sleeps left in each box, then put Mickey heads on each box for the boys to take turns taking off each day. It was tricky to do it without them noticing, but I managed :lmao: I'll post a picture when the boys have pulled off a couple of Mickey heads :goodvibes

Low ticker alert

Only 26 sleeps left!!! :yay::cheer2:

I hope you are all having an awesome weekend and thanks for sticking with me here - I appreciate you all :grouphug:

[eandesmom]

Nice news update

We went to our local Vancouver Canadians baseball game last night for our weekend family treat. Even better, we received free tickets from the Little League Association our boys play on (along with about 120 other Little League families). It's nice to get little perks now and then kwim? :goodvibes

So, Grumpy bought a few 50/50 tickets just for fun. Each boy had one ticket and Grumpy and I each had two tickets. Well, incredibly, one of my tickets was the winner! We won $600! So, what that means is....

- I can go to bingo with my two SILs and my aunt-in-law (what a funny term lol) guilt-free on Monday. Haven't been to bingo in months and months - hope I can remember how to play! :rotfl2:

- I can go get everything on my "to buy" list for the trip this weekend, including going to Michael's (local craft store) for t-shirts for the transfers! :banana: Now, I just need to find someone here with an inkjet printer LOL

- The rest will go into our regular account :thumbsup2

Countdown Calendar
I managed to clandestinely make a countdown calendar for our boys last week. I made a 14-day calendar and put Disney characters and how many sleeps left in each box, then put Mickey heads on each box for the boys to take turns taking off each day. It was tricky to do it without them noticing, but I managed :lmao: I'll post a picture when the boys have pulled off a couple of Mickey heads :goodvibes

Low ticker alert

Only 26 sleeps left!!! :yay::cheer2:

I hope you are all having an awesome weekend and thanks for sticking with me here - I appreciate you all :grouphug:

WOW! what great baseball Karma!

They have DEFINITELY upped the "swag" at the M's games. DS10 came home with a Tshirt, pins, pens and an inflatable baseball bat. Cute Tshirt. All BING branded but still cute. Of course they played much better last night but DS still had a great time, love it when my Dad has an extra ticket!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:woohoo: I wish I would win $600! Congrats!

[carissanboys]

Congrats on winning $600!! How wonderful!! :goodvibes

Can't wait to see the countdown calendar! :thumbsup2

[PracPerfPatricia]

Yep-Congrats on winning the $600-I'd be excited to win $60....:goodvibes

I can't wait to hear what the boy's reaction is...:cool1:

[OhioDisneyLover]

Congrats on the $600 win!

Post a picture of the calendar!

Can't wait to meet you!!!

[lisalonglash]

WOW! what great baseball Karma!

They have DEFINITELY upped the "swag" at the M's games. DS10 came home with a Tshirt, pins, pens and an inflatable baseball bat. Cute Tshirt. All BING branded but still cute. Of course they played much better last night but DS still had a great time, love it when my Dad has an extra ticket!

Thanks! Awesome freebies for your son - good stuff! :goodvibes

:woohoo: I wish I would win $600! Congrats!

Thanks! Sending you good luck, Lessa :thumbsup2

Congrats on winning $600!! How wonderful!! :goodvibes

Can't wait to see the countdown calendar! :thumbsup2

Thanks! It won't be until a couple of days after Aug. 28 or 29 (probably be Aug. 29 so that Grumpy can be there for the surprise) :banana:

Yep-Congrats on winning the $600-I'd be excited to win $60....:goodvibes

I can't wait to hear what the boy's reaction is...:cool1:

Thanks! Yes, it was really exciting, I couldn't believe it! :yay: Oh, I can't wait to see their faces when they figure it out :cloud9:

Congrats on the $600 win!

Post a picture of the calendar!

Can't wait to meet you!!!

Thanks! I will! Me too! :cheer2:

[mousescrapper]

:woohoo: on the win! very cool...and what great timing too.

Can't wait to see the countdown, it is getting close :cool1:

[3princesses+aprince]

Hey I haven't been on in a while, but how exciting, your trip is so close, and congrats on winning that money. Unexpected $$ is always nice.

Can't wait to see the countdown!

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Congrats on winning $600 -- how cool!! :thumbsup2

I can't believe your trip is getting so close. It feels like we've both been waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!! :goodvibes

[DisneyMomLiz]

Hooray :banana: on the $600 Win :)

Can't wait to see the countdown calendar!!

Yes, I'd love that, sounds so fun! :banana: Hmm... I'll PM you my cell phone number and we can figure it out :thumbsup2


:woohoo: can't wait...we're in the 20's...just barely, but I think that deserves a :dance3: i'll PM you with my cell too so we'll each have it to meet...looking forward to it!! :goodvibes


Our wickedly awesome TA let me know last week that she has now received all of our documents from Disney :woohoo: She has popped everything into the mail for us (in a plain manila envelope, with only a return address, no company name - all in the name of not spilling the secret - yes, one more reason to :love: her!)

Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be getting fun mail this coming week! :cool1:


:yay: We got it in the mail that night...I knew I was worrying for nothing?! :rolleyes1 So fun to see it in print...our "vouchers", so official!!

[lisalonglash]

:woohoo: on the win! very cool...and what great timing too.

Can't wait to see the countdown, it is getting close :cool1:

Thanks, J! It is great timing :goodvibes Only 24 more sleeps until we go! :banana:

Hey I haven't been on in a while, but how exciting, your trip is so close, and congrats on winning that money. Unexpected $$ is always nice.

Can't wait to see the countdown!

Nice to see you and thank you! :hug:

Congrats on winning $600 -- how cool!! :thumbsup2

I can't believe your trip is getting so close. It feels like we've both been waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!! :goodvibes

Thanks! We HAVE been waiting forever! :laughing:

Hooray :banana: on the $600 Win :)

Can't wait to see the countdown calendar!!

Thanks! I'll be posting that in a couple of weeks - it's sooooo hard to wait now :rotfl2:

:woohoo: can't wait...we're in the 20's...just barely, but I think that deserves a :dance3: i'll PM you with my cell too so we'll each have it to meet...looking forward to it!! :goodvibes

Yes! 25 sleeps!!!! Looking forward to it too - it's going to be such fun! :banana:

:yay: We got it in the mail that night...I knew I was worrying for nothing?! :rolleyes1 So fun to see it in print...our "vouchers", so official!!

Whew! I'm glad you got yours, one less thing, right? :goodvibes We'll be getting our envelope some time this week - must make sure I beat the boys to the mail this week until it comes :rotfl:

[inkedupmomma]

Lisa, I typed up a big long reply and idk what happened to it, but POOF gone :( so now I will just say..HOLY CROW, 24 days left!

[hhockman]

Hi Lisa!

Well, it took 2 days, but I'm all caught up. Even on the chit chat. ;)

I didn't realize when you posted on my PTR that our dates overlap. Just by a little bit, though. It doesn't like we're going to be in the same place at the same time anywhere. It does mean that I won't get to read your TR until I get back from my trip, though. Oh well. It will be fun to read and write at the same time, right?

I don't think I can remember 27 pages worth of comments, but it's been a fun read. My boys are the same distance apart as yours, but three years younger (they're 7 and 4). My DS7 is just learning to ride his bike too. :thumbsup2

My boys also play baseball. DS7 is pretty serious. He played All Stars last year and this year. Our regular season ended in May, but All Stars just ended about 3 weeks ago. Good thing I love baseball! DS4 played t-ball this past Spring, but is hopefully playing Coach Pitch this fall (as will DS7). I think the games start in about 2 weeks. We'll miss one while we're at Disney. We've got our priorities, right? :rolleyes1

We are also suprising our boys, but I'm hoping to not tell them at all. I seriously want to see their faces as we drive through the "Welcome to Disney" arch. We're also taking a friend of DS7's whose never been to Disney. We're planning to tell them all that we're going to the beach for the week. Hopefully they won't figure it out. I will say that so far they've both been totally clueless. Despite the fact that I have two boxes full of Disney stuff in my computer room with me, am on the DIS all the time, am reading the UG and have been writing in my Passporter. I guess it helps that they're younger? :confused3

Congratulations on the $600! I know that will come in handy. What a great thing to happen just before your trip!

I'm glad to see that your mom and your grandpa are better.

Looking forward to seeing your boys reactions in a couple weeks! popcorn::

[jordanyosh]

Congrats on the money!

I can't believe you're under a month!

[Diamondintheruff]

When's the official day your telling your kids again?

I'm sure they will love the countdown calendar.

[lisalonglash]

Lisa, I typed up a big long reply and idk what happened to it, but POOF gone :( so now I will just say..HOLY CROW, 24 days left!

Oh man, I hate it when that happens! :headache: Woohooo, it's 20 sleeps now!! :banana::cool1:

Hi Lisa!

Well, it took 2 days, but I'm all caught up. Even on the chit chat. ;)

Hi Heather! :wave: Whoa, two days?! That's persistence! LOL

I didn't realize when you posted on my PTR that our dates overlap. Just by a little bit, though. It doesn't like we're going to be in the same place at the same time anywhere. It does mean that I won't get to read your TR until I get back from my trip, though. Oh well. It will be fun to read and write at the same time, right?

Aww, I'm sorry our trip plans don't overlap - it would have been good fun to meet up! :sad1:

I don't think I can remember 27 pages worth of comments, but it's been a fun read. My boys are the same distance apart as yours, but three years younger (they're 7 and 4). My DS7 is just learning to ride his bike too. :thumbsup2

Aww, good for your ds!!! It's so neat to see them master a new skill :goodvibes

My boys also play baseball. DS7 is pretty serious. He played All Stars last year and this year. Our regular season ended in May, but All Stars just ended about 3 weeks ago. Good thing I love baseball! DS4 played t-ball this past Spring, but is hopefully playing Coach Pitch this fall (as will DS7). I think the games start in about 2 weeks. We'll miss one while we're at Disney. We've got our priorities, right? :rolleyes1

Good for your big boy!!! Your little All Star! :cool1:

We don't have coach pitch here (I assume that means the coach pitches? :laughing:). My boys both play Little League - it's a pitching machine until age 9/10, when the kids pitch. There are no Little League All Star teams here until age 9/10 - Tigger decided not to try out this year, but he may try out next year. Mickey playing baseball could definitely not be described as serious - at least half of his team was sitting down or dancing when they were in the field :rotfl: Seriously, I found it was soooooo much more fun to watch Mickey play than Tigger though - no pressure and just fun kwim?

We are also suprising our boys, but I'm hoping to not tell them at all. I seriously want to see their faces as we drive through the "Welcome to Disney" arch. We're also taking a friend of DS7's whose never been to Disney. We're planning to tell them all that we're going to the beach for the week. Hopefully they won't figure it out. I will say that so far they've both been totally clueless. Despite the fact that I have two boxes full of Disney stuff in my computer room with me, am on the DIS all the time, am reading the UG and have been writing in my Passporter. I guess it helps that they're younger? :confused3

Oooooh, I'm looking forward to reading about their reaction when they figure it out, hopefully not until you drive through the welcome to Disney sign! :banana:

Congratulations on the $600! I know that will come in handy. What a great thing to happen just before your trip!

Thanks! Yes, it sure was a welcome surprise! :cheer2:

I'm glad to see that your mom and your grandpa are better.

Thank you :hug:

Looking forward to seeing your boys reactions in a couple weeks! popcorn::

Me too! :lmao:

Congrats on the money!

I can't believe you're under a month!

Thanks, Jordan! I know! 20 sleeps left! :dance3:

When's the official day your telling your kids again?

I'm sure they will love the countdown calendar.

It will probably be next week (Aug. 29, I think) - I want to make sure Grumpy is there to see their reactions :love:

[uprivermama]

Wow, I just read all your posts (sorry everybody, I skipped all the witty banter in between, but don't take it personally!:flower3: I'm just in a hurry!) I kept getting more and more excited, because I keep recognizing all the places you're talking about around where you live!

I replied to your post on my PTR (shameless plug here) that I thought we might be neighbors, but now I know we are! And you homeschool your two boys, (I used to homeschool my two boys), and you shop at the Bellingham WalMart (so do I, on occasion), and you have suffered through a humiliatingly painful Mariners game at Safeco Field (Good thing the garlic fries and the atmosphere are so good--the M's are stinky).

So, my friend, I'm excited for you and your family for the quickly approaching trip. Enjoy!

[lisalonglash]

Wow, I just read all your posts (sorry everybody, I skipped all the witty banter in between, but don't take it personally!:flower3: I'm just in a hurry!) I kept getting more and more excited, because I keep recognizing all the places you're talking about around where you live!

It's always neat to see that a DISser lives nearby kwim? :banana: So many of the Canadian DISsers on the board are in Ontario that those of us in the West are totally outnumbered! :laughing:

I replied to your post on my PTR (shameless plug here) that I thought we might be neighbors, but now I know we are! And you homeschool your two boys, (I used to homeschool my two boys), and you shop at the Bellingham WalMart (so do I, on occasion), and you have suffered through a humiliatingly painful Mariners game at Safeco Field (Good thing the garlic fries and the atmosphere are so good--the M's are stinky).

Your PTR is great! :thumbsup2 How funny how many similarities we have! Must be a good sign :rotfl2:

So, my friend, I'm excited for you and your family for the quickly approaching trip. Enjoy!

Thank youp :hug: Grumpy and I are excited too! The boys aren't excited yet, but that's only because they don't know yet :lmao:

[lisalonglash]

OK, time for an update!

Trip budget news
Well, I'm happy to say that when I reviewed my trip budget the other day, we are CDN$1,000 UNDER budget - due to:
~ our awesome travel agent who gets us every discount possible and always gives great advice
~ my ... um ... thriftiness when deciding what is necessary and what isn't :rolleyes1
~ the fact that the boys don't know yet, so haven't been adding to our shopping lists yet with their requests for trip stuff :laughing:

Surprising the boys
I have decided how we're going to surprise Tigger and Mickey. We're going to do it this Saturday (only 4 more sleeps for me and Grumpy until the surprise!). As usual, we have a fairly busy Saturday planned - Tigger has a dentist appointment, then we will be going to our local soccer sale (can't wait for that! Buying cute little soccer things! :goodvibes).

I'm going to bring the personalized WDW maps (thank you again, MinnieNurse! :hug:) and the 2-week Mickey head countdown calendar I made with me into our truck. While Tigger is in with the dentist, Mickey and I will go for a walk (the area is cute, it's the main street Smallville uses/used?). Before our walk, I'm going to put the envelope with the maps between their seats in the back. When we meet up with Tigger and Grumpy again (Grumpy will stay with Tigger at the dentist, of course), everyone will get in the truck to go to the soccer sale. I wonder how long it will take for them to notice the envelope and start asking questions? :banana:

When they get close to figuring it out, I'm going to give them the countdown calendar. THAT should help them really see what's happening :lmao:

I figured this was a pretty low-key way to surprise them without stressing Tigger out about it. Here's hoping! I also wanted to make sure Grumpy was there to see their faces too :love:

Room fridge
I registered for the two free fridge swaps for the AS resorts months and months ago, but our dates were solidly booked and confirmed on both swaps. Honestly, I'd put the swaps out of my mind because the swappers who had the fridges booked were confirmed.

Well, imagine my happy surprise to get an email the other day from one of the free fridge swap organizers to let me know that the swapper who had our dates booked had backed out of the swap! So, now we'll have a free fridge in our room from Sept. 13-20 and I was able to delete the cooler from our Garden Grocer order :yay:

******************************
More updates to post, but work is interrupting again. How rude! :rotfl2:

I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the rest of your summer! :goodvibes

[hhockman]

That is an awesome way to surprise them!!! Just low key enough for Tigger, but still a lot of fun. I can't wait to hear their reactions! Cool! :cool1:

:thumbsup2 about the fridge. That was definitely an unexpected blessing.

We're getting closer and closer....

[winkers]

Great idea for the surprise!

Sadly, we've done that too many times to our kids, so now it would take a hollywood production to really get them.

[inkedupmomma]

yay for being in a good budget spot! i should check how much I have now.. LOL! I wanna go to a soccer sale! I don't even know what it is, but I love Kayla playing soccer!

I can NOT wait to hear about how the boys took the news.. PLEASE be kind and get on the boards asap Saturday night! thanks!

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Lisa! :wave: I finally made it over and I'm all caught up!

Congrats on the extra $600 in your pocket! Woo-Hoo!!:woohoo: And you're under budget! YAY!!

The surprise sounds so fun. I can't wait to hear all about it! :surfweb:

Good news about the Fridge Swap....things are just working out great for you! So close now! HOW EXCITING!! :yay:

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Can't wait to hear/read their reaction!!

Question about the frig vs. cooler....

I don't want to pay $10 a night for frig and was thinking of doing a cooler. Have you done that before? I am wondering how much of a pain it will be to keep everything iced down in a collapsible cooler.

My son is Autistic and we eat only certain things. The past two visits my sister, who lives in FL, brought us groceries for him and we had a frig in our room.

I may have to use Garden Grocer now that my sister is on the fence about coming that weekend. Do you suggest ordering a cooler from them or just bringing a collapsible??

We only have a 2hour flight so I could attemt to use a hard cooler as a carry on but that seems even more of a pain. Oh heck! I may end up getting the frig in the end just to be less stressed!:laughing:

Thanks in advance!

[DisneyMomLiz]

:yay: for being under budget!!

Sounds like a great way to surprise the boys :banana: can't wait to hear about their reactions!!

:thumbsup2 for the free fridge swap! That's awesome. One less thing to worry about (keeping ice in the cooler) :goodvibes

We're getting so close now...I think we deserve a few :dance3: party: and I know he's your favorite... :dancer:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Aww-I love a good surprise I can't wait to hear about their reactions...:cool1:

You're getting so close...and I've just finished...:guilty: for now...;)

[cjackearl]

Hi Lisa!:wave: I hope you don't mind me adding your PTR to my subscriptions, although it's almost over!:cool1: How exciting that you have less than 3 weeks until visiting our happy place.:goodvibes I'm going to try to catch up but may have to skip some chit chat in the middle and then I'll have a bright, shiny new TR to look forward to.:thumbsup2

[mousescrapper]

Lisa wonderful news about the fridge swap finally working out for you. how very exciting!!!! and now you're saving even more $$ :cheer2:

Can't wait to hear how the surprise goes and the boys reactions...popcorn::

J-

[lisalonglash]

That is an awesome way to surprise them!!! Just low key enough for Tigger, but still a lot of fun. I can't wait to hear their reactions! Cool! :thumbsup2 about the fridge. That was definitely an unexpected blessing. We're getting closer and closer....

Can't wait for Saturday!!! Thanks! The fridge news was so unexpected - it's like a present! Yep, 14 days now! :cool1:

Great idea for the surprise! Sadly, we've done that too many times to our kids, so now it would take a hollywood production to really get them.

Thanks, C. I hope it works! LOLOL - I'm sure you could pull off a surprise on them!

yay for being in a good budget spot! i should check how much I have now.. LOL! I wanna go to a soccer sale! I don't even know what it is, but I love Kayla playing soccer!

I can NOT wait to hear about how the boys took the news.. PLEASE be kind and get on the boards asap Saturday night! thanks!

Thanks! It should be fun at the soccer sale - we've never been to one, but both boys are registered for fall soccer, so they need stuff LOL

I promise I will report on the reactions on Saturday night :goodvibes

Hi Lisa! :wave: I finally made it over and I'm all caught up! Congrats on the extra $600 in your pocket! Woo-Hoo!! And you're under budget! YAY!! The surprise sounds so fun. I can't wait to hear all about it! Good news about the Fridge Swap....things are just working out great for you! So close now! HOW EXCITING!!

:welcome: - I'm glad you made it! Thanks - it was tough to do sometimes, but I'm really glad we're under-budget! I will post on Saturday night about their reactions to the surprise Thanks! I'm excited too! :cheer2:

Can't wait to hear/read their reaction!!

Question about the frig vs. cooler.... I don't want to pay $10 a night for frig and was thinking of doing a cooler. Have you done that before? I am wondering how much of a pain it will be to keep everything iced down in a collapsible cooler. My son is Autistic and we eat only certain things. The past two visits my sister, who lives in FL, brought us groceries for him and we had a frig in our room. I may have to use Garden Grocer now that my sister is on the fence about coming that weekend. Do you suggest ordering a cooler from them or just bringing a collapsible?? We only have a 2hour flight so I could attemt to use a hard cooler as a carry on but that seems even more of a pain. Oh heck! I may end up getting the frig in the end just to be less stressed! Thanks in advance!

Hi there! Well, we were planning to bring our collapsible cooler and had also ordered a styrofoam cooler from Garden Grocer. I figured a collapsible cooler took up so little space that it was worth doing both kwim? We're still bringing the collapsible cooler (to keep my all-important coffee creamer cold!) because we won't have the fridge swap fridge until the evening of the 12th (the day we arrive in the morning).

If you go to the Budget forum, there are two fridge swaps for the AS resorts and several for Pop - just post on each thread that you're interested for whatever dates. Fingers crossed for you! :wizard: Saving US$10+tax/day is a huge savings! :cool1:

:yay: for being under budget!! Sounds like a great way to surprise the boys can't wait to hear about their reactions!! :thumbsup2 for the free fridge swap! That's awesome. One less thing to worry about (keeping ice in the cooler) :goodvibes

We're getting so close now...I think we deserve a few :dance3: party: and I know he's your favorite... :dancer:

Thanks, Liz! I'll let you know :goodvibes Thanks - so happy about the fridge swap working out!

Awww, thank you - both for the dance and for remembering that the dancing dude is my favourite, you're very sweet! :hug:

Aww-I love a good surprise I can't wait to hear about their reactions... You're getting so close...and I've just finished... for now...;)

Thanks, I'll post on Saturday night. Awww, but I know you had an awesome time, right?! I'm going to have some time today and I'll get caught up on your TR :yay:

Hi Lisa!:wave: I hope you don't mind me adding your PTR to my subscriptions, although it's almost over! How exciting that you have less than 3 weeks until visiting our happy place. I'm going to try to catch up but may have to skip some chit chat in the middle and then I'll have a bright, shiny new TR to look forward to.:thumbsup2

:welcome: - I'm glad you're here! That's what the handy-dandy links are for - and I've already been to your TR and used YOUR handy-dandy links to get caught up! Your TR is great, very entertaining :woohoo: I will post later today.

Lisa wonderful news about the fridge swap finally working out for you. how very exciting!!!! and now you're saving even more $$ Can't wait to hear how the surprise goes and the boys reactions...popcorn::

J-

Thanks, J! Yep, saving more money makes me :goodvibes I'll post on Saturday night. I'm ridiculously excited about Saturday - I hope it all goes well! :eek:

********************************************
Sorry everyone, I had to delete some smileys to get under the single post smiley limit!

[Mickey_Mom]

Hey Lisa :wave: !

I'm caught up and will add my smiley filled congrats for the 50/50 win and being under budget! :dancer: :cheer2: :dance3: :banana:

Great news on the fridge swap too :woohoo: Coming together for you nicely! I cannot wait to hear how your kiddies react to the surprise!

[hhockman]

Just 2 more "sleeps" till the big reveal! I can't wait to "see" their reactions! I have to live vicariously through you since we're not telling mine. :lmao:

Can't wait til Saturday night!

[purplepeg]

Phew, I think I'm all caught up after being away. Way to go on the winnings and being under budget:woohoo:Does that mean more money for Grey Goose Slushies? Can't wait for the big reveal. Oh I can't wait:yay:Sounds like everything is coming together!

[lisalonglash]

Hey Lisa :wave: !

I'm caught up and will add my smiley filled congrats for the 50/50 win and being under budget! :dancer: :cheer2: :dance3: :banana:

Great news on the fridge swap too :woohoo: Coming together for you nicely! I cannot wait to hear how your kiddies react to the surprise!

Hi there! :wave: Thanks! There's been a change to the surprise. Will post above :laughing:

Just 2 more "sleeps" till the big reveal! I can't wait to "see" their reactions! I have to live vicariously through you since we're not telling mine. :lmao:

Can't wait til Saturday night!

Now you (and I!) don't have to wait until tomorrow :rolleyes1

Phew, I think I'm all caught up after being away. Way to go on the winnings and being under budget:woohoo:Does that mean more money for Grey Goose Slushies? Can't wait for the big reveal. Oh I can't wait:yay:Sounds like everything is coming together!

Welcome home, Peg :hug: Thanks! You betcha that's what it means :banana: See update above, timing has changed :rotfl:

[lisalonglash]

OK, there's been a change to the surprise timing :laughing: Grumpy got home yesterday from work and said "so, let's go out for dinner tomorrow for the "thing" (we were speaking in code, both boys were around LOL!). I said that I had planned it for Saturday. Then I looked at his face. Hmmmm.... is that disappointment I see? :eek: Hmmmm... He's requested so few things (dinner at "the place where you eat in the theatre" aka Sci-Fi and "the French place" aka Chefs de France) that, in the interests of keeping him excited about WDW, I buckled :rotfl2:

So....

We'll be telling them tonight. I'll be using the same method though. I'll get Grumpy to delay them getting in the truck and I'll slip the WDW maps between their seats and I'll give them the countdown calendar when they get close to figuring it out. One addition to the plan now though; I'll be bringing my "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder because I KNOW Tigger and Mickey (well, mostly Tigger LOL) will have a million questions and the binder is just stuffed full of answers :rotfl:

I had to laugh. Grumpy suggested going to The Pantry (nearby family restaurant) until I pointed out that we'd probably need something a little noisier tonight with two excited kids. I believe we're going to Boston Pizza :rotfl2: As a bonus, Boston Pizza has a summer deal going on - both kids' meals are free when two adult meals are ordered. The only downside to that is that we have to get an appetizer or two to make sure Tigger actually gets enough to eat (he's been ordering off adult menus for a couple of years now). Hmmm... so I guess we probably won't save any money. But, it will be noisy LMAO

I'll post tonight! :goodvibes

[PookieB]

How awesome! I can't wait to hear all about it! :goodvibes Mmm.. pizza sounds good for dinner. popcorn::

[oregonmommyof2]

Oh yay!! :yay::yay:

Have fun tonight!!! I so want to be there!! :laughing:

[Mickey_Mom]

Yay! Can't wait to hear! :woohoo:

[DisneyMomLiz]

:banana: have fun tonight!! Can't wait to hear all about it popcorn::

[joelp]

Well - how was the dinner surprise??? :3dglasses

[lisalonglash]

How awesome! I can't wait to hear all about it! :goodvibes Mmm.. pizza sounds good for dinner. popcorn::

Don't shoot me, but I'm not a big fan of pizza. If we go to BP, I'll prob have ribs or pasta :rotfl2:

Oh yay!! :yay::yay:

Have fun tonight!!! I so want to be there!! :laughing:

Hopefully, I'll be able to post enough detail so that you can sort of feel like you were there! :thumbsup2

Yay! Can't wait to hear! :woohoo:

I'll post later!

:banana: have fun tonight!! Can't wait to hear all about it popcorn::

Thanks! Will post later!

Well - how was the dinner surprise??? :3dglasses

It's 4:17pm here - dinner isn't for a while :laughing:

************************************************** *****
I'm all ready for the surprise, but a couple of things to do first:
~ I guess we should wait until Grumpy gets home from work LOL
~ Mickey has an optometrist appointment I'll be taking him to
After that is done, we'll be off to dinner and surprise and mayhem :yay: and :eek: at the same time! :rotfl:

[purplepeg]

oh the suspense is killing me:surfweb:Too bad about the 2 hr time difference:scared1:

[hhockman]

Man! So it's still only like 7:20 there? Get done eating already...I can't wait! :cool1:

[lisalonglash]

oh the suspense is killing me:surfweb:Too bad about the 2 hr time difference:scared1:

Sorry about that time difference :laughing: I'm posting an update now!

Man! So it's still only like 7:20 there? Get done eating already...I can't wait! :cool1:

Yep, we're slow here :rotfl2:

[lisalonglash]

Well, it's done. The surprise has been revealed! :woohoo:

All went according to plan. Grumpy got home from work and I took Mickey to the optometrist for his appointment. When Mickey and I returned, all of us left to go to the restaurant for dinner.

Grumpy distracted them for a second so I could put the personalized Disney maps between their seats in the truck. :thumbsup2
I brought the "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder in the truck and managed to do it without either boy seeing it (tough to do when it's lime green LOL :thumbsup2) The surprise should've been a snap, right? :confused3

As it turns out, my sons are a little slow on the uptake! :rotfl2:

They immediately looked at the maps and, with Grumpy and I asking questions like "gee, I wonder why Disney sent us maps with our names on them?", tried to figure out why the maps were in our truck. :laughing: After a few minutes of this and realizing that they were NOT going to figure this out from the maps, I brought out (what I thought were) the big guns - the countdown calendar. They looked at that and puzzled it over for a while. To no avail. :headache: Even with Grumpy and I asking such subtle questions as "it looks like a vacation countdown calendar, doesn't it?".

Yeah, turns out Grumpy and I have done a really good job of deflecting any and all questions about ever returning to WDW. Such a good job we've done of it, in fact, that the mere possibility of having another vacation at WDW somehow did not even remotely register with either of them. Yeah, it really was funny for Grumpy and me! :lmao:

So, now we're actually at the restaurant, sitting in the booth holding menus. Grumpy and I are STILL trying to pierce the thick shell of WDW vacation realization resistance, truly to no avail LOL

At this point, Grumpy kept looking at me and saying "what else do you have?" :rotfl2: I, however, was determined to use the two items I had planned to use - the maps and the countdown calendar - only lol

The funniest point (for us) was when Tigger decided that the countdown calendar was "for us on our Disney vacation". Eureka, we thought. Yeah. No. He added "you know, for last year". That's right, honey, we made ANOTHER countdown calendar for a vacation we already took - last year! :rotfl:

We literally had to say point-blank "the countdown calendar is for you two boys. We're going back to WDW!" before they actually allowed the thought to register in their cute little brains.

And then, we finally got what we were hoping to see. Sweet boy faces that went from confusion (that one lasted a LONG time lol), comprehension (finally!) and, the best of all, pure joy. Seriously, pure joy. :cloud9:

Tigger had a million questions, but that's why I brought my binder :thumbsup2 After dinner, I decided that Tigger and I would walk home instead of driving home with Grumpy and Mickey. This decision was wise for two reasons - one, it gave him a chance to really let out his excitement and get more information without interruption from anyone else (we stopped several times so that he could look at something in the binder himself) and two, it gave me a chance to walk off some of the yummy dinner! :rolleyes1

All in all, it was a great evening and I can safely say that we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. :dance3:

[oregonmommyof2]

How cute... You guys must have done a really good job of making them think a trip was not gonna happen!!

[hhockman]

I can only HOPE that my boys will be as clueless as yours! Hopefully actually driving under the Welcome to Disney World sign will clue them in though! :rotfl:

I'm glad they were so excited once they finally figured it out. Just the reaction you wanted! :thumbsup2

I'll bet you really enjoyed the nice walk home with Tigger too. :goodvibes

Looking forward to the boys being included in your plans now!

[carissanboys]

Oh my goodness - that was too funny Lisa! :rotfl: I love to hear stories of surprise trips. Our 2nd trip wasn't a surprise, but the fact that we were leaving a day early WAS. The boys came home from school and we gave the boys a letter from Mickey saying we were leaving right then instead of the next day. I had the videocamera going and everything. What happened? Sully didn't want to leave because he was planning on playing with friends! :sad2: It just never works out exactly how we imagine it.

How exciting that they now know about the trip! :cool1:

[inkedupmomma]

Lisa, did you cry?? i would have cried! I am such an emo like that lol! BTW, my kids are soooo thick skulled it is ridiculous.. I'm actually happy to hear your boys didn't get it! I guess that is normal lol! Although Kayla is ALWAYS suspicious of me doing something lol

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Awwww, great story. That's nice you took the walk home....that will makes the memory even better I am sure with some one on one time:goodvibes

[Mickey_Mom]

Oh what a great story! Those kind of memories are the absolute best and I too would have been crying or desperately fighting back tears. :goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

:banana: they know.....

how fun....that was cute about how long it took before they got it!

so glad they are excited and that you and Tigger had a fun chat and he is excited.

Now it's real huh? :goodvibes

funny btw note....

Aldine is working on some homework and one question was "what careers could you see yourself doing?" and she asked me my opinion....so I said "How about a TOUR GUIDE at DISNEY WORLD...."

fitting since Michael wants to be a Food Critic down there :rotfl:

Julie

[mommytothreeboys]

YAY!! The secret is out!! :dance3::dance3:

Great story! So funny that they really didn't get it for so long! And your DH asking, "what else have you got?"!! LOL! :lmao:

[winkers]

That's a great story! I can't believe he thought you made a count down for the last trip.:rotfl2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:woohoo: I bet you are glad the secret is now out and that the boys are super excited!

[PracPerfPatricia]

You are such a good surprise keeper that your guys didn't even believe it when you tried to reveal it...I'm impressed that you are able to keep secrets like that...:cool1: I think my children would have sniffed out any mail from Disney before I even had a chance to hide it...:lmao: Bravo!

[WDWRocksMySocks]

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

I was laughing so hard when I read your big reveal story. I bet it was all worth it once it finally registered with them. Did you happen to get any pictures once they finally realized? Btw, I'm still amazed you were able to keep it a secret as long as you did. Good job!!!

[lisalonglash]

How cute... You guys must have done a really good job of making them think a trip was not gonna happen!!

Thanks! :goodvibes

I can only HOPE that my boys will be as clueless as yours! Hopefully actually driving under the Welcome to Disney World sign will clue them in though! :rotfl: I'm glad they were so excited once they finally figured it out. Just the reaction you wanted! I'll bet you really enjoyed the nice walk home with Tigger too. :goodvibes Looking forward to the boys being included in your plans now!

Thanks, I hope yours are too :rotfl: I really did enjoy the walk home with him

Oh my goodness - that was too funny Lisa! :rotfl: I love to hear stories of surprise trips. Our 2nd trip wasn't a surprise, but the fact that we were leaving a day early WAS. The boys came home from school and we gave the boys a letter from Mickey saying we were leaving right then instead of the next day. I had the videocamera going and everything. What happened? Sully didn't want to leave because he was planning on playing with friends! :sad2: It just never works out exactly how we imagine it.

How exciting that they now know about the trip! :cool1:

Thanks! Awww, it never does work out exactly as expected, hey? :eek: That's the main reason we didn't wait until the day we were leaving to tell them - that would NOT have worked well for Tigger

Lisa, did you cry?? i would have cried! I am such an emo like that lol! BTW, my kids are soooo thick skulled it is ridiculous.. I'm actually happy to hear your boys didn't get it! I guess that is normal lol! Although Kayla is ALWAYS suspicious of me doing something lol

Nope, Grumpy and I just did a lot of :rotfl: Thanks!

Awwww, great story. That's nice you took the walk home....that will makes the memory even better I am sure with some one on one time

Thanks! We enjoyed our walk home :thumbsup2

Oh what a great story! Those kind of memories are the absolute best and I too would have been crying or desperately fighting back tears.

Thanks! It was a lot of fun for us, but we were too busy :lmao: to cry LOL

:banana: they know.....

how fun....that was cute about how long it took before they got it! so glad they are excited and that you and Tigger had a fun chat and he is excited.
Now it's real huh?

funny btw note....
Aldine is working on some homework and one question was "what careers could you see yourself doing?" and she asked me my opinion....so I said "How about a TOUR GUIDE at DISNEY WORLD...."

fitting since Michael wants to be a Food Critic down there

Julie

Thanks! Yep, it's finally real and we don't have to whisper about it anymore! :thumbsup2

Awww, the whole family could work done there - THAT would be fun!

YAY!! The secret is out!! Great story! So funny that they really didn't get it for so long! And your DH asking, "what else have you got?"!! LOL! :lmao:

Thanks! Yes, Grumpy was making me laugh nearly as much as the boys were :rotfl2:

That's a great story! I can't believe he thought you made a count down for the last trip.:rotfl2:

Thanks! Yep, we couldn't either. A gifted child and he thinks that we made another countdown calendar for last year's trip :laughing:

:woohoo: I bet you are glad the secret is now out and that the boys are super excited!

Thanks! Yes, it's a lot more fun now!

You are such a good surprise keeper that your guys didn't even believe it when you tried to reveal it...I'm impressed that you are able to keep secrets like that...:cool1: I think my children would have sniffed out any mail from Disney before I even had a chance to hide it...:lmao: Bravo!

Thanks! Well, I took precautions on the mail front. Our awesome TA put all our travel documents in a plain manila envelope and covered the agency name and address (which the boys would have recognized from last year) with labels and wrote her own return address on it! It's like being a secret agent :rotfl2:

:lmao::rotfl2:

I was laughing so hard when I read your big reveal story. I bet it was all worth it once it finally registered with them. Did you happen to get any pictures once they finally realized? Btw, I'm still amazed you were able to keep it a secret as long as you did. Good job!!!

Thanks! Nope, no pictures :rolleyes1 (I know! I promise I'll be a good picture-taker on the trip - we already made sure we have adequate memory cards and batteries). It was actually pretty easy to keep the trip secret from them - and, frankly, only being asked multiple times a day about the trip for two weeks is a lot easier to enjoy than being asked multiple times a day about the trip for months and months :laughing:

[cjackearl]

Argh, I'm not quite caught up due to life getting in the way, but I read your big reveal and I was laughing out loud! How cute that you had to spell it out for them.:laughing: I bet they're so excited to be knee deep in the planning with you now.:goodvibes Only 1 1/2 more weeks! I better shake a tail feather to get caught up before you leave!!

[DisneyMomLiz]

:dancer: Yay, they know. Too funny :laughing: about the "WDW vacation realization resistance" lasting so long!!!

Great idea, walking home with Tigger! :woohoo: Perfect way to get all of his questions answered :dance3:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I just noticed your ticker...I can't believe you're just TEN days away from your trip!!!!!!!!!! :woohoo::yay::woohoo:

[cjackearl]

Yea, I did it! All caught up thanks to your handy dandy links.:thumbsup2 I hated missing out on the chit chat though, so I may go back and read some.:laughing:

Your DH is AMAZING! Can he please call MY DH and encourage him to surprise me like that? Seriously, that's just awesome.:cool1:

Your boys are simply adorable, and I just love the picture of Tigger with the grinch!:rotfl:The boy has a future in the theatre, for sure.

I love your it's not a Disney binder honey binder.:laughing:

Your ADRs look great! We loved Sci Fi and CP breakfast. Oh, and Biergarten last trip.

You can get fresh halibut and tuna? Lucky!!

Bike camp and twitters from astronauts=awesome!!:yay:

Oh, and
10 Days Until Disney!!:banana:

[OhioDisneyLover]

Well, it's done. The surprise has been revealed! :woohoo:

All went according to plan. Grumpy got home from work and I took Mickey to the optometrist for his appointment. When Mickey and I returned, all of us left to go to the restaurant for dinner.

Grumpy distracted them for a second so I could put the personalized Disney maps between their seats in the truck. :thumbsup2
I brought the "it's not a Disney binder, honey" binder in the truck and managed to do it without either boy seeing it (tough to do when it's lime green LOL :thumbsup2) The surprise should've been a snap, right? :confused3

As it turns out, my sons are a little slow on the uptake! :rotfl2:

They immediately looked at the maps and, with Grumpy and I asking questions like "gee, I wonder why Disney sent us maps with our names on them?", tried to figure out why the maps were in our truck. :laughing: After a few minutes of this and realizing that they were NOT going to figure this out from the maps, I brought out (what I thought were) the big guns - the countdown calendar. They looked at that and puzzled it over for a while. To no avail. :headache: Even with Grumpy and I asking such subtle questions as "it looks like a vacation countdown calendar, doesn't it?".

Yeah, turns out Grumpy and I have done a really good job of deflecting any and all questions about ever returning to WDW. Such a good job we've done of it, in fact, that the mere possibility of having another vacation at WDW somehow did not even remotely register with either of them. Yeah, it really was funny for Grumpy and me! :lmao:

So, now we're actually at the restaurant, sitting in the booth holding menus. Grumpy and I are STILL trying to pierce the thick shell of WDW vacation realization resistance, truly to no avail LOL

At this point, Grumpy kept looking at me and saying "what else do you have?" :rotfl2: I, however, was determined to use the two items I had planned to use - the maps and the countdown calendar - only lol

The funniest point (for us) was when Tigger decided that the countdown calendar was "for us on our Disney vacation". Eureka, we thought. Yeah. No. He added "you know, for last year". That's right, honey, we made ANOTHER countdown calendar for a vacation we already took - last year! :rotfl:

We literally had to say point-blank "the countdown calendar is for you two boys. We're going back to WDW!" before they actually allowed the thought to register in their cute little brains.

And then, we finally got what we were hoping to see. Sweet boy faces that went from confusion (that one lasted a LONG time lol), comprehension (finally!) and, the best of all, pure joy. Seriously, pure joy. :cloud9:

Tigger had a million questions, but that's why I brought my binder :thumbsup2 After dinner, I decided that Tigger and I would walk home instead of driving home with Grumpy and Mickey. This decision was wise for two reasons - one, it gave him a chance to really let out his excitement and get more information without interruption from anyone else (we stopped several times so that he could look at something in the binder himself) and two, it gave me a chance to walk off some of the yummy dinner! :rolleyes1

All in all, it was a great evening and I can safely say that we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. :dance3:

:yay::yay::yay: Yay, surprise revealed! :woohoo::woohoo:

I can't wait to meet you...Hmm, what do we have, like say maybe less than 14 days now? :goodvibes

[lisalonglash]

Argh, I'm not quite caught up due to life getting in the way, but I read your big reveal and I was laughing out loud! How cute that you had to spell it out for them. I bet they're so excited to be knee deep in the planning with you now. Only 1 1/2 more weeks! I better shake a tail feather to get caught up before you leave!!

Oh, I know about life getting in the way - it's doing it to me too! :headache: Yes, excited would be an understatement LMAO

:dancer: Yay, they know. Too funny about the "WDW vacation realization resistance" lasting so long!!! Great idea, walking home with Tigger! Perfect way to get all of his questions answered :dance3:

It really was funny for Grumpy and me :rotfl2: I don't know about ALL of his questions, but I did answer the questions he asked me that day (and Saturday and Sunday and yesterday and today so far :laughing:)

I just noticed your ticker...I can't believe you're just TEN days away from your trip!!!!!!!!!! :yay:

I know!!! :yay:

Yea, I did it! All caught up thanks to your handy dandy links.:thumbsup2 I hated missing out on the chit chat though, so I may go back and read some.

Oooh, well done! :worship: If you do have some time, the chitchat is good fun! :goodvibes

Your DH is AMAZING! Can he please call MY DH and encourage him to surprise me like that? Seriously, that's just awesome.:cool1:

Yeah, I guess I'll keep him for another year :love: I told him the other day that I should trade him in for two 20-year-old rich guys! We're goofy :laughing:

Your boys are simply adorable, and I just love the picture of Tigger with the grinch! The boy has a future in the theatre, for sure.

Thank you :hug: Yes, he's very dramatic, that's for sure!

I love your it's not a Disney binder honey binder.:laughing:

Hmmm... what binder? :rolleyes1 LOL

Your ADRs look great! We loved Sci Fi and CP breakfast. Oh, and Biergarten last trip.

Thanks! We're really looking forward to ADRs this trip!

You can get fresh halibut and tuna? Lucky!!

Yes, we are lucky to live here, I agree. Not that we wouldn't move to the South of France in a heartbeat though! :thumbsup2

Bike camp and twitters from astronauts=awesome!!:yay:

It's been a lot of fun! We've been tweeting with one of the astronauts on the International Space Station and one of the astronauts on the current shuttle mission too :cool2:

Oh, and
10 Days Until Disney!!:banana:

Thanks!!! :cool1:

:yay:Yay, surprise revealed! :woohoo:

I can't wait to meet you...Hmm, what do we have, like say maybe less than 14 days now? :goodvibes

Thanks! Can't wait to meet you too!!! Ooooh, getting sooooo close now! :cheer2:

[MinnieNurse]

:yay::yay:

Yay for the big reveal, even though it took a little while. :rotfl::rotfl: I love the look of joy on DS face. :cloud9:

I cant believe how close your trip is. :dance3:

[Queenofallthings]

I have some catching up to do....back to read all about the reveal!!! I'm so excited, I can't believe your trip is literally right around the cornerpopcorn::

[hhockman]

10 days!!! Woo Hoo!!! :yay:


Did you do online check-in? I can't wait to do online check-in!

And I LOVE that you're so close 'cause that means we're close too. Sweet!

[jordanyosh]

Are you doing the single digits dance yet? according to your ticker, you're at 9 days!!!!

[lisalonglash]

:yay::yay:

Yay for the big reveal, even though it took a little while. :rotfl::rotfl: I love the look of joy on DS face. :cloud9:

I cant believe how close your trip is. :dance3:

Thanks! :hug: It really was fun for Grumpy and me :laughing: I know! Only 8 sleeps left!!!! :cheer2:

I have some catching up to do....back to read all about the reveal!!! I'm so excited, I can't believe your trip is literally right around the cornerpopcorn::

Thanks! I can't wait to read about your adventures!!! :yay:

10 days!!! Woo Hoo!!! :yay:


Did you do online check-in? I can't wait to do online check-in!

And I LOVE that you're so close 'cause that means we're close too. Sweet!

Thanks! Yep, did the online check-in yesterday - soooo easy! :thumbsup2 Woohoo for you being close too! :dance3:

Are you doing the single digits dance yet? according to your ticker, you're at 9 days!!!!

Yep! We're dancing like fools here! :rotfl2: Getting soooo close now! :goodvibes

[hhockman]

I get to do online check-in on Monday. Or Tuesday. I can't remember which. Maybe it's Tuesday. In any case, it's next week. Less than a week from today. Yay for little goals, right! :yay:

Glad it's easy. Just one more thing to check off the list.

YOU'RE SO CLOSE!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm surprised you could actually carry your "it's not a disney binder" without a wheelbarrow on the way home LOL!

Glad it worked out for you. Your reveal reminded me of when Dh I revealed to out families at a restaurant that we were engaged. I started with a clipping of the reception hall we had choosen. Even after we brought out my engagement ring we still needed to actually say the words. So you never know what's going to make the connection for people.

[DisneyMomLiz]

6 days and 13 hours for you according to your ticker!! Hooray, you're in single digits :cool1: :dance3: :cheer2:

See you soon!! Heck meet you soon :rotfl:

(so cool to be able to say that...:goodvibes)

[lisalonglash]

I get to do online check-in on Monday. Or Tuesday. I can't remember which. Maybe it's Tuesday. In any case, it's next week. Less than a week from today. Yay for little goals, right! :yay:

Glad it's easy. Just one more thing to check off the list.

YOU'RE SO CLOSE!!!

It gave a little thrill to do the online check-in, honestly! :banana: Can't wait for you to be able to do it too! :yay:

I'm surprised you could actually carry your "it's not a disney binder" without a wheelbarrow on the way home LOL!

Glad it worked out for you. Your reveal reminded me of when Dh I revealed to out families at a restaurant that we were engaged. I started with a clipping of the reception hall we had choosen. Even after we brought out my engagement ring we still needed to actually say the words. So you never know what's going to make the connection for people.

Good thing I have strong biceps! :laughing: Yep, you really never know, hey? Took WAY long than we thought it would for them to "get" it :rotfl:

6 days and 13 hours for you according to your ticker!! Hooray, you're in single digits :cool1: :dance3: :cheer2:

See you soon!! Heck meet you soon :rotfl:

(so cool to be able to say that...:goodvibes)

Tomorrow, we'll be able to count our remaining sleeps before WDW on ONE HAND! :dance3:

Can't wait to meet you and your crew!! :cool1:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Doesn't the online check in make it so much more real???:goodvibes

Hurray for under a week!

[Mickey_Mom]

Who's going to Disney World soon? .... Eh? .... Anyone?

[hhockman]

6 DAYS!!!!

that is UNREAL! I'm so excited for you I can't stand it ('cause I'm excited for me too :goodvibes). You have 6 days and I have 12. So on your first day, I'll have 6 days. :cool1:

Are the boys excited?

[OhioDisneyLover]

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

So close......................

[Queenofallthings]

Isn't it funny how fast our trips seem to come upon us....before you know it you'll be planning the next one:cool1: Always something to look forward to.

I can't honestly believe it's only 6 days until you leave....I'll be living vicariously through you the whole time you're gone.;)

[lisalonglash]

Doesn't the online check in make it so much more real???:goodvibes

Hurray for under a week!

It does, you're so right! Yay! :woohoo:

Who's going to Disney World soon? .... Eh? .... Anyone?

We are, we are! :banana:

6 DAYS!!!!

that is UNREAL! I'm so excited for you I can't stand it ('cause I'm excited for me too :goodvibes). You have 6 days and I have 12. So on your first day, I'll have 6 days. :cool1:

Are the boys excited?

I'm excited for you too! :cheer2: Are the boys excited? Bahahahaha, they're insane :rotfl2: Tigger has already tried three times to bring up the suitcases from storage to start packing - the first time was the day after we told them! :lmao:

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

So close......................

We're nearly there - ONE HAND counting now! :dance3:

Isn't it funny how fast our trips seem to come upon us....before you know it you'll be planning the next one:cool1: Always something to look forward to.

I can't honestly believe it's only 6 days until you leave....I'll be living vicariously through you the whole time you're gone.;)

It IS, Queen! Sadly, I think it will be quite some time before the next Disney trip, but never say never, I suppose.

That seems fair since I was living vicariously through you and Peg while you were gone :laughing:

[mousescrapper]

:yay: Lisa and family...it's almost Disney time for you all again!!!! :yay:


Tigger has already tried three times to bring up the suitcases from storage to start packing

You mean you haven't started packing yet :confused3

girl, I start packinga month in advance...I'm so bad...:laughing:

Happy days till you go, hope you get everything done and ready to go!

Scrappie (J-)

[eandesmom]

one hand, how exciting!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

I see by your ticker that you're leaving real soon. In case I don't have another chance to check in with you I want to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful trip.

Sending some pixie dust your way!:wizard:

[PracPerfPatricia]

2 Days?

That feels like it went so fast...probably to me not you...:lmao:

I hope that you and your family have an absolutely Magical Vacation with lots and lots of...pixiedust: pixiedust:...

[hhockman]

2 days!!! WOW!!!

That's just crazy! I'll bet the boys can't stand it right now. See there's a method behind my madness. My boys still don't know! ;)

I hope you guys got all those last minute things done and are just about ready to go. Safe travels and have a GREAT time!

[Queenofallthings]

Have you started packing? Wow, I'm so excited you guys. If I don't get on here again, or you're too busy packing and getting ready, have a magical, wonderful vacation....enjoy!!! We will be thinking of you....hey, did you check out my photos on facebook, you get a sneak peek:cool1:

[cjackearl]

Do you have one more day, or one more sleep until your trip? Either way, YEA!!!!:banana: I'm so excited to have your TR to look forward to when you return.:goodvibes

[inkedupmomma]

OMG!!!!!!!!!! 1 more sleep for both you and I!!

[mommytothreeboys]

ONE MORE DAY!!!

:donald::donald::dumbo::dumbo::tigger::tigger::mic keyjum:mickeyjum:goofy::goofy::stitch::stitch::sim ba::simba:

How's the packing coming? ;)

[SwansLoveDisney]

ONE DAY!?!?!

YAY!!!!!! :yay::woohoo::banana:

[3princesses+aprince]

1 MORE DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Oooo, Lucky you!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't been on much over the summer but I got my PTR for 2010 going recently and have been checking out everyone else's when I came upon yours.

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DISNEY TRIP. AND I LOVE THE "SURPRISE REVEAL" TOO FUNNY!!!!!

[lisalonglash]

Thank you everyone for the nice posts - can't believe we're going to WDW tomorrow!!!! I'm very sorry I haven't had time to DIS - between the boys going mental with excitement, trying to get my work done before we go, trying to get the house in some semblance of order, getting organized for this year's homeschooling, getting two weeks of homeschooling reporting submitted before we go, trying to finish packing with WAY too much "help" :laughing:, Tigger taking over my computer in the evenings because "I have to look at the food picture thread, Mommy! I need to know what things look like before I can pick what I want to eat!" :rolleyes:, I have NO TIME :lmao:

My computer will be going into the hospital (aka the computer store) for servicing while we're gone - Grumpy will be taking it in this evening, so I will be without a computer again until the morning of Sept. 21 :eek:

All in all, I feel pretty much like this: :scared1:

But it's all good - cuz we're goin' to Disney World tomorrow!!!! :cheer2::woohoo: Can't wait to meet some DISsers!!!! So exciting!!! :banana::cool1:

Have a wonderful week and a half, everyone!!!! :dancer::dancer::dancer::dancer:

[inkedupmomma]

Thank you everyone for the nice posts - can't believe we're going to WDW tomorrow!!!! I'm very sorry I haven't had time to DIS - between the boys going mental with excitement, trying to get my work done before we go, trying to get the house in some semblance of order, getting organized for this year's homeschooling, getting two weeks of homeschooling reporting submitted before we go, trying to finish packing with WAY too much "help" :laughing:, Tigger taking over my computer in the evenings because "I have to look at the food picture thread, Mommy! I need to know what things look like before I can pick what I want to eat!" :rolleyes:, I have NO TIME :lmao:

My computer will be going into the hospital (aka the computer store) for servicing while we're gone - Grumpy will be taking it in this evening, so I will be without a computer again until the morning of Sept. 21 :eek:

All in all, I feel pretty much like this: :scared1:

But it's all good - cuz we're goin' to Disney World tomorrow!!!! :cheer2::woohoo: Can't wait to meet some DISsers!!!! So exciting!!! :banana::cool1:

Have a wonderful week and a half, everyone!!!! :dancer::dancer::dancer::dancer:

I need your cell phone number!! Unless sophia has it??

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hope you have a fantastic trip!

[hhockman]

Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

See you when you...well when WE get back. ;)

:cool1::thumbsup2:rotfl::woohoo::yay::dance3:

[eandesmom]

Have a wonderful trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Lisa, see you soon! Safe travels.

Jenn, I have Lisa's number. :)

[joelp]

Have a great trip!! :dance3:

Maybe we'll see you down there ...

[mommytothreeboys]

Have a MAGICAL trip Lisa! :wizard:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hurray! You're there!...:cool1:

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I hope you guys are having a wonderful time! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return. :goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

Lisa and Family....

really hoping you guys are having a most MAGICAL time at WDW.... pixiedust: :cool1: :woohoo:

can't wait to hear all about it!

Scrappie (J-)

[Mickey_Mom]

:cheer2: You're there! :cheer2: You're there!


I'm not. :headache:




:rotfl: Hope you're having a blast!!!!

[cjackearl]

Hope you're all having an extra magical time!!!!!:goodvibes

[eandesmom]

Hope you are having a great trip, can't wait to hear about it!

[jcc0621]

Sorry I missed you. Hope you are having a wonderful trip and I can't wait to read all about it...after September 21st :faint:

[lisalonglash]

Whew! My PTR thread is now unlocked (thanks, Mari!) :cool1:

Thanks for the nice posts, everyone! We had a fantastic trip!! I'm looking forward to sharing it with you all and will start a TR this week (I'll post the link when I create it).

Mickey and I have wicked colds (Tigger has one too, but not as bad as ours), so everything is taking me a bit longer than normal :laughing: Personally, I think the fact that our colds all started the morning of our departure day means that we should have never left Florida! :thumbsup2

Edited to add link to TR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33675719#post33675719

[eandesmom]

welcome back! I'll keep my eyes peeled for your TR! I hope the weather is as lovely up there today as it is here, wow!

[lisalonglash]

Well, we're back :sad2: I had a lot of fun with my first PTR, so I thought I'd try my first TR too! :goodvibes

For those who are just joining in, here is the cast of characters (and I mean characters LOL). If you'd like to check out my PTR, here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2171235&page=34

Me – Lisa: wife, mom, homeschooler, lover of travel, stay-at-home mom, self-employed doing p/t at-home office administration. My favourite Disney character is, without a doubt, Pluto – I :love: him!

Dh – we’ll call him Grumpy: husband, dad, lover of travel, isn’t all that “into” Disney, but knows how much fun we all have there so tolerates it well. His favourite Disney character is Tinkerbell – if :tinker: was actually a real person, my marriage would be in trouble! lol

Ds#1 – we’ll call him Tigger :tigger:: 10yo, gifted academically, handsome dude, extremely spirited, very active! His favourite Disney character is Pluto with Mickey a close second.

Ds#2 – we’ll call him Mickey :mickeyjum: 7yo, also a handsome dude, very smart, very sweet and loving, loves his big brother to bits, loves playing baseball and gets unnaturally attached to pants that are too short for him! His favourite Disney character is Mickey.

Trip details:
Our dates at WDW were Sept. 12-20, 2009, staying at ASMu preferred.

Let's get this show on the road! :woohoo:

Handy-dandy update links:

Departure day - part 1 "Are we going to make it???" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33676292&postcount=6)
Departure day - part 2 "What did he just say? LOL" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33703493&postcount=25)
Departure day - part 3 "You did NOT forget THAT on the plane?" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33769360&postcount=46)
Arrival day - part 1 "We're finally here!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33837961&postcount=68)
"It's hard to extract boys from there!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33866288&postcount=82)

[jcc0621]

My eyes are better...things are getting back to normal here and I'm first:cool1:

Can't wait to read more!:yay: