any November 15th eastern 7 ngt cruisers out there?

[Jo-Anne]

So glad to hear that most people use Tide & Bounce ...keeps me in a job! I work for P&G! Sink - I'll make you a deal....I'll wash your clothes if you iron mine!! I just hate ironing:o So I need to decide if I should go buy more undies for everyone or do a load of laundry half way through cruise...decisions, decisions! So Kim, are you taking all 8 pieces of luggage!? Hope DH gets better soon...nothing worse than a sick man around the house!

[lbgraves]

My day started at 6:15 am and I am just now getting a chance to sit at the computer. William had soccer games at 10 & 12. We met Mike & Kaitlyn at McD's for lunch inbetween. He got stung by a bee near the end of the first game so that was a great distraction for him. He was fine by 12. Gosh Ebay has kept me busy this week! I made an extra trip to the PO Thursday because I didn't want to have a ton of packages Friday. DH is happy because I am clearing out the garage & I am happy because I am earning a little money to buy souveniers & scrapbook stuff on our trip. :) :) :)

Cold Water Creek is expensive if you pay full price...IMO but their outlet items are great, Jo.

We also only use Tide here...even though we don't always get a deal on it. ;) Not worth the rash that DS & I get with the cheaper stuff. BTW, with the tablets you only need to use 1 per load even though it says 2. The clothes still get clean. I only use half of the recommended liquid & that works great. Guess that is how I make up for the price. ;)

We will be gone 3 weeks, so of course I am going to have to do laundry. I'm just not sure when. I don't really want to carry around a bag of dirty clothes with us from Monday - Friday so I might do laundry after we get back to the AS from Sea World. ??? That way I could leave those clean clothes in the car while we are on the ship since they will be cooler weather clothes. I will have our summery stuff packed seperately. The way we rack up clothes I will probably do laundry the day we are at St Thomas since we don't plan on leaving the ship. It shouldn't be crowded in the LRs then. I will be handwashing our formal things and then ironing them since we will be wearing them to the wedding on 11/22. I am hoping that the kids & us too don't spill anything on those outfits!!! I will probably end up doing 2-3 loads total onboard and then a couple the week we are at my SIL's. I would NOT want to get home & do laundry nonstop for a week if we didn't wash anything...not to mention it would be plain nasty after that long.

I am really looking forward to finally meeting all of you!!! Getting together & ordering a couple cheese platters sounds great. Maybe not too many people will know about the secret deck on this cruise & we can take it out there & relax with the sea air.

[sherry]

Good afternoon,
I started cleaning at 8 and just completed what I wanted to do. Still doing laundry though, not planning on doing laundry on the ship, but may end up doing a load or two. Getting ready to spend the evening outside watching marching band competition. Have a good weekend.:wave2:

Almost forgot, booked with dreams and have not received docs yet.

[lbgraves]

OK, Jo & Dana...and anyone else....AFL3112 gives you 50% off at checkout. :) Have fun & hope you find the final outfits you need for the cruise!

[SINK]

Jo-Ann, no deal. I hate ironing. In terms of P&G, love their products, Tide, Bounce and Crest, but hate what the stock have done for me (or at least my stock broker). I've brought 300 shares of P&G at $120, and my broker sold it at $60 (lost over $18,000), and now it's over $96 (with quarterly dividends). But, that's not as bad as my JDSU fiasco, lost over $80,000. I no longer have any stock portfolio except what's in my 401(k), IRA, and DW's IRA. I do have significant holdings in DVC timeshares, though.

[mcampbell_22]

Here I am. I'm just sitting down at the computer again. I checked first thing this morning (6 am) but no new posts. I start my day and lo and behold you've all be busy chatting away without me!

Had to get some of my Ebay stuff out today. I'm finishing off my last auctions this week, then no more before cruise. Hate to have loose ends. So hit post office first thing, then off to a local consignment shop that only opens on Saturday for 2 hours. Got a great vintage leather jacket, women's tuxedo blazer, 6 vintage western wear shirts, 5 vintage 70's retro blouses, and a boy scout shirt plus about 8 more items all for $2.00 (It's fill a bag for $2)!

After that came home to a house full of kids. Conor and Devon had about 5 friends over. We had scavenger hunts, played baseball (Devon took a ball to the cheek. She's ok but her entire cheek is red, hopefully won't bruise. You know the looks you get when your kids has visible bruises! Bad Mommy!). Lunch for 7 kids plus treats, drinks etc. Finally got rid of them all at 3 pm and now I have to mop the kitchen floor!

As you can see, I here and not mopping! LOL

Regarding laundry. No way am I doing any on vacation! I've packed more than enough to wear. At store closing sale last fall I bought undies for the kids in every size until they're in their teens! It was only 50¢ for package of 3 so I'm just packing 3 each unopened. I planned on 2 day outfits for the kids each day and then their dinner clothes. Packed each day into ziplocks and squeezed air out which makes them very flat. Take up much less room and easy for the kids to grab the day's bag. I did pack lots of swimsuits because there's nothing worse than putting on a damp suit. May end up using the laundry facilities on last night just to dry out any wet suits etc. before packing up suitcases.

OK, I've stalled enough the kitchen floor awaits....

[kimszath]

Actually, we're packing more than we need, too, but it seems like we always want to wear something that's in the dirty clothes basket before end of vacation... I bring enough undies for all of us, so there's no WAY we can run out. But if I do manage to work out at least 5 of the 7 days on the ship, that's a load all by itself, since I don't want to carry stinky, sweaty stuff home in my suitcase. In my NEW suitcase, that is. :-) So even though I don't plan on doing laundry, I know that I will do at least ONE load. And Luke won't be able to keep the food off his nice new clothes... won't want to let it set in, I'd think.

And no, I hope I won't be bringing all 8 pieces! I packed all of Luke's nice new stuff this morning. We dropped by Belles & Beaux and got him a new leather belt at lunchtime. He'll be quite studly for a 4-year-old!

[mkauffman]

What have I missed this morning???? I feel like I've been away for weeks without posting!

Josh had a soccer game this morning and I've been super busy all day with that. My butt is pooped right now and all I want to do is nap.

I'm not planning to do laundry. The way Garrett gets food all over him all the time (and he's 9!!), who knows what might happen. I hate doing it at home let alone on vacation.

Kim, I'll be doing the same thing you'll be doing :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: after a few pina coladas. That sounds more than good to me!! I get a little chatty after a few drinks (imagine that).

Love the Tide and Bounce. It's all I ever use.

Gotta get our aluminum cans together soon. The kids use that recycling money for their spending money on vacation.

Michelle :wave:

[lbgraves]

OK, now I wish I hadn't looked!!! I found another tropical dress but it is blue & black, which would go better with DS & DH's blue print shirts. I have a bright pink/olive/orange dress already & have a pink dress that DD might wear but I am hoping to find something for her when we get into St Marteen. HELP!!! LOL! Will bright pink & bright blue clash with our pictures that night???

[Tonydana]

well, i think i found an outfit at coldwater creek.. thanks for the code, did not work on discounted items, but that is ok, with shipping i paid $33 and change.. now hopefully the outfit will fit when it gets here..

we were a chatty bunch today :) i get so excited when i see more posts.. lame i know.. not like i have anything better to do - cleaning, laundry, etc..


talk to you all later..

dana ;)

[imgoingtodisney]

so whos still waiting for docs?

[mcampbell_22]

Michelle I just had to smile when I read your comment about the cans. It's the same for my kids. They've been collecting the cans and redeeming them for the past year. All the money they've collected they put into an old oatmeal canister they decorated to say "The Disney Jar." Devon even had a candy sale this summer and made over $50! The last time I checked my little misers had saved almost $200! Maybe I can convince them to buy Mom something nice for Christmas!!!

Still no docs. Sniff, sniff...

[SINK]

No doc's here (posted early today).

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - if you clash with your family, you can have your picture with me....I have a bright pink blouse with a pink, orange and white flowered skirt that I'll be wearing one night!! :crowded:

[lbgraves]

Jo, I will still bring it then. LOL! I posted on FFD and they said that after being a single mom so much I deserve it. :) I agreed & ordered to other dress...and another casual dress and shorts and a top. ;)

[kimszath]

Hey Lisa---that blue print shirt for your DH & DS... doesn't happen to be Mickey and Minnie and Goofy on it around the bottom, does it? Matching Father and son shirts??? I got those for Mike and Luke from Disneystore.com... wonder how many of thsoe will be walking around on Tropicali night!!! I haven't even started shopping for me yet... someone mentioned a good website a couple pages back.. I've got to go look for it now! And I HAVE heard that most folks end up buying stuff on the islands to wear that night. I'd hate to count on it, though, just like y'all. time to go shopping! God, how I love the internet.

Later! :wave:

[nedleycan]

Fun wedding. We just got back. They played a nice assortment of 80s tunes and up-to-date tunes. I danced all night!!!! I was just about to go to sleep, but notice 2 pages of entries!!!! Wow, you guys have been busy!

Hubby is not a late night person at all, and even though I am not, I still wouldn't mind going out to 80s or 70s night... anyone game?

[lbgraves]

Kim, no the guy's shirts are just regular non Mickey ones and they aren't the same. DH's is a polo that he has had & I picked up a button down cotton one for DS at Target last month on clearance. :)

Definantly check out Coldwater Creek! They have alot of tropical flowery stuff there.

Glad to hear that you had a good time at the wedding, Linda.

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - count me in for 70s and 80s night...if I"m awake...it looks like those activities don't start up til like 11:00pm (I feel like such an old lady!) I just love 80s music (do you listen to 92.5 FM?) There is a bar here in Toronto that plays 80s music on Saturday nights and one night a while ago, a bunch of us decided to get babysitters and head out for some adult time...we ended up at this 80s bar...pulled up in our mini vans with car seats and joined the line of 19 year olds...bouncers didn't ask for our IDs! We all had a blast, but alas, with kids to awake to the next morning, I think we all turned into pumpkins around midnight! I Love to dance tho DH needs a few beer in him to get "moving"! :Pinkbounc :hyper:

[nedleycan]

You must be talking about the Joker. We went there a couple of years ago and it was so much fun! We knew the words to every song and never stopped dancing. And last night driving home from the wedding we had 99.9 on Jo, where they have "Live from the Joker" and I just kept singing the whole way home (although by then my voice was gone!)

No, we don't listen to 92.5... but I will try it!

[Jo-Anne]

yep, it was Jokers! 92.5 is the new station in town that plays mainly 80s music. I love it! Glad you had a good time at wedding!:wizard: princess:

[mcampbell_22]

Count me in on the 80's dance fever! It can be quite depressing though to have all the music you grew up dancing and singing to now considered classic or oldies! The teens and twenty-somethings are now so into this music and the "vintage" (yes 80's is now considered vintage!) concert shirts that go along with it. I do quite well with my vintage concert shirts on Ebay. DH is always astounded at what they can end up going for. I guess the saying "Everything old is new again" is really true!

Ended up switching my tropical dress. I had one that was a little too loud for DH so I went with one that is more subdued. Ah the negotiations you have to do in a marriage...

[lbgraves]

DH & I love to dance but country music is our favorite. We met at a country dance bar and our wedding reception was all country. :) I even wore my camel suade boots under my dress. :) I didn't have to worry about tripping in heels or uncomfortable shoes to break in.

[lbgraves]

Well, Kaitlyn pooped on the potty Friday but it wasn't a big deal. Yesturday nothing showed up but this morning she did great and REALLY did a good job. :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: She isn't being regular about staying dry but if she can do this, it shouldn't be long. DH & I are talking about going into the club every hour to have her go on the potty just to make sure she doesn't have an accident if this situation keeps improving. :)

[SINK]

Love the 80's music. Depeche Mode, OMD, New Order are some of my favorites (but not Aero Smith or some of the rock and roll bands of the 80s). I didn't enjoy the 80's night due to the type of 80's they were playing.

[nedleycan]

Congrats on the success Lisa! If I were you, I would put a pull-up on her, and then go in every couple of hours (as you said) and take her to the washroom. That would work fine. They just don't want to change the kids, but they won't even notice if she has a tiny accident (as long as it is number one). Then, you come in and check her and change her if necessary. I would go for it! That is great news!
Hey SINK... where is your information and photo on Alex's site? We have to know what you look like, so that we can track you down! haha

[Tonydana]

congrats on the big news lisa.. that is great.. i cannot wait til we can start to potty train stephen.. oh, someday :)

i cannot remember if i told you guys, but i ordered a dress and it should be here this week, hope it fits :) and looks good too..

well, off to nap time.. mommy and daddy are going to take a nap with stephen too.. one of those rainy cold days.. :)

talk to you later..

dana

[lbgraves]

Linda, I thought that they wouldn't allow you to leave them in a pull up. Do they not check them??? If I tell them that I am planning to come in...and not really planning to leave her more than an hour or two at a time...it will be OK? Now THAT would be wonderful!!! I wouldn't expect her to be able to think about something like this with all the excitement. She has been enjoying the reward of a small cup of M&Ms. I will use whatever necessary!!!

[lbgraves]

Dana, Isn't it exciting waiting for that last special cruise dress? LOL! I should get that too. I need to find out the best smart media card for our camera & order that too this week so that it will get here in time. :) I think that is the last thing that I should have to order. I know that I want to get some more Bonine though.

[nedleycan]

I was worried last year with Cam. Even though he was toilet trained, I still put a pull-up on him at night. I would send him to the club after dinner with a pull-up under his pajamas. Nobody checked or cared. I am positive that it would be fine.

I have to go soon to get the kids from my parents. I can't wait to see them, but had a great weekend going out and also cleaning up around here. I just filled two bags of clothes to donate, one bag of Cam's clothes for his cousin and filled a bag of old clothes that are garbage... what a rewarding morning!

[lbgraves]

WOW!!! You have just given me the most amazing news!!! thanks!!!!!!!! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: They wore PJs to the club? That sounds like fun. :)

[Tonydana]

well, no nap for me here.. figures, stephen goes right to sleep and so does hubby and i am wide awake.. yuck.. :)

hopefully tonight hubby and i will start do put together our clothes.. i still have a list of things to pick up, nothing major though.. just need to do a walmart/target run.. and a trip to the mall for a watch battery and new shoes..

it is so cold and rainy here today, almost feels like winter.. definately looking forward to that warm weather soon..

does anyone know if the buffet at topsiders is open on the formal night for supper??

more later.. :)

dana

[mcampbell_22]

Dana, I agree that it's a good day for a nap. DH is taking one, the kids are entertained so I'm enjoying a few quiet moments with no one demanding my attention. I think when DH wakes up I'm going to have him light a fire in the fireplace. The first of the season! I hate these cold raw rainy days.

We made a Walmart run earlier in the day and picked up a few more incidentals to pack.

Lisa, congrats on the PT. Who knows, over the next few weeks Kaitlyn may end up doing so well you won't even have to worry about it on the cruise. A quick trip to the bathroom before dropping them off at the club may be all she needs. I know I still have to do this sometimes for Devon when I know she'll be getting involved in something and may forget to go on her own until it reaches "critical mass" so to speak. LOL

SINK, yes we're all dying to see a pic of you and the mrs. Send that photo!

[SINK]

Could you guys PM or email (sink168@yahoo.com) with Alex's email (or whomever updates the website) so I can send the pic's.

By the way, it was been so hot out here (wanted to hop over to Disneyland yesterday, but it was way to hot).


Pull-ups, the rules prohibits such, the child must be potty-trained for health issues. Would it be fair to other children to be at risk? I would suspect that the "N" would be migitated if people would consider proper hygiene.

But if the parents were to tell their "little ones" to inform the "baby sitters" to page their parents when they need to go potty, I would not have a problem with that.

[nedleycan]

The ship daycare is no difference than daycare at home. At any daycare, at any time, there are children who are fully potty trained, some in pull-ups, some in diapers, and worst yet... some that aren't trained yet but their parents put them in underwear and they make a mess all over the place. I just figure that if you come in every 2 hours, she won't even have had an accident. And if, 15 minutes before you come in, she does, it is safe and sound inside her pull-up. As a parent, this doesn't bother me at all. As I said, Cam was fully potty trained, I only put the pull-up on him just in case he fell asleep (which he never did... darn) or if he just forgot to go to the washroom himself. I think it is more responsible to put the pull-up on, than to "pretend" that your child will never have an accident. I would think they would appreciate this.

The reason that I didn't mention this earlier is because she wasn't trained yet. But if you can get her to always tell you when she has to go, then you've got it made! Good luck!

Did anyone send you Alex's info SINK?

[mkauffman]

Mary, we drink SO much soda in our house that the cans run wild. I figure the kids may as well get something out of them.

Lisa, first of all, you're a girl after my own heart. I live for my country music! I have to say I think I'm PA's biggest Tim McGraw fan. And Brad Paisley....is there anybody cuter than that??!?!

Second....way to go on the PTing. I said from the beginning that one day you'll wake up and she'll be going to the potty and that will be it. My view on the pull-ups is that even kids that are fully potty-trained need pull-ups sometimes. Kids have accidents! It happens.....it's all part of the process. If you feel that she's "just about there" by cruise time, I would not hesitate for a minute to put the pull-up on her and send her in! I would bet my paycheck that even the kids that are 4 and 5 have accidents sometimes in the clubs. I'm so happy for you! You've got just about 4 weeks to go. She could be completely potty trained by then.

Tony and I went to 70s night last time and it was a blast! The CMs make it so much fun. We should definitely plan to do that.

Dana, I'm sure your dress is going to be beautiful. I'm really glad you found something that you liked.

Kim, was it www.hilohatties.com that you were looking for?

I'm really starting to stress about semi-formal night. I have my black dress for formal night, but as I was packing my garment back tonight (yeah...I started packing!!), I realized that I'm not really sure what I'm wearing for semi-formal night. I WAY over-think things!

Michelle ::yes::

[alexturner74]

SINK, I sent you a PM...

[lbgraves]

I tried to send a PM to you earlier but the board shut down on me. Glad that Alex took care of you. :)

Just wondering here if any other ladies here are going to wear a long dress for formal night. I have a plum colored tank style dress that I got back in February that I planned to wear and got a black lace shawl in case it is a little chilly but I am thinking about wearing that black wool crepe dress that I got from J Crew. See, we are all thinking about this stuff now! LOL! It is so much nicer to know people who are going to actually be there instead of trying to think all this thru on my own. I could ask DH but...well, you guys are asking us too. ;)

[kimszath]

Michelle--Yep, that was the site. I found it last night and bought two dresses! (This'll be abreviated... I just spent 20 minutes typing a reply here, and silly website kicked me out and didn't save the post!) Anyway, they're got great stuff (some really expensive), so if anyone still needs something tropical, they've got it. Oh, and if you don't want to be my twin, DON'T order the Ginger Tapa Sarong dress or the Hibiscus Pareo Tank dress (I pray at least one of them fits me... really pretty on the website!) and if you DO, let's make sure we get a picture together! ;)

I still don't have anything for semi-formal night. Guess that's a good excuse to go shopping again this weekend! Probably need to head up to OK City for a day... haven't been up there in ages. They've got REAL shopping!!! There's not much else within 2 hours of me... little podunk town.

Anybody been on this cruise, or a Carib cruise this time of year? Can we get by with mostly shorts and maybe a light sweater for the evenings on deck?

[mcampbell_22]

Good morning! Just adding my 2 cents to the wardrobe chat. I'm wearing a long dress for formal night and still not sure on semi formal night. I've packed a long and a short dress and will decide on ship (probably based on how much I've eaten and how well each one fits!). Thankfully they don't take up much room in the suitcase so I don't feel guilty packing extra.

I also decided to pack another slightly fancier dress for when DH and I eat at Palo's for dinner.

What are all the "sons" wearing for formal and semi formal nights. Conor is wearing a black suit with vest and tie for formal night and a blue suit with tie for semi formal. I think he's really looking forward to dressing up like dad. I know all the little princesses will be decked out to the nines! Can't wait to see everyone!

[Tonydana]

good morning everyone.. had to say hello before we are off to the library for story time..

anyways.. as far as the formal night, tony and i are not doing that.. he hates to get dressed up and wants to eat at topsiders for supper (hope it is open).. so we compromised and are just doing the semi-formal..

for the semi formal i am wearing just a black dress, tea length - it is really not fancy, but hard to explain.. stephen is wearing a blue suit with a vest and tie.. thank heavens for my step mom.. she just loves buying him all kinds of clothes - can you tell he is the first grandchild :) and tony will wear a pair of tan dockers, navy blue sports coat my dad gave him - shirt and he said he would wear a tie (yes!!!!)..

well, gotta run.. talk to you all later.. hope i come back and there is a ton of post..

oh yeah - kim congrats on the dresses, i took a look at that place too, they have some great stuff.. :)

and lisa - go for the pull ups.. like someone said (sorry, cannot remember who) even the kids that are 4 and 5 i'm sure have accidents - i say, better safe than sorry.. i'm sure you won't be the only parent who has a child in there that wears the pull ups.. :) good luck though, maybe you will be pretty much all set by the cruise, and if not, don't sweat it.. hey, i gotta pack enough diapers for 9 days - talk about luggage :)

ok, really running now... have a great day everyone.. :)

dana

25 days til we leave

[mkauffman]

25 days....Dana, you're not counting are you?? ;) Just kidding. My family teases me every single day because I always know what the countdown is. They think I'm obsessed. :teeth:

I'm glad I'm not the only who still isn't sure about what to wear! I'm even second-guessing the boys and I really thought I was on top of all this! They both have crisp white shirts, black dress pants and ties. How far apart (what nights) are formal and semi-formal nights? I could look it up but I'm afraid of getting bounced out (that's so frustrating when you already have a reply started!!). I really promised myself that I wasn't going to stress about the "dress code". It would almost be easier if I had girls.

Dana, I'm starting to think you have the right idea about skipping formal night! BTW, I'm not sure about Topsiders.

Kim, glad to hear that you got your dresses. They certainly have a wide price range on that site, don't they? Also, average highs are 85F and lows are 74F, if I remember correctly. I know it can be breezy on deck, but we're not taking a lot of warmer clothes. I'm thinking maybe a sweat/sweatshirt for each of us and that's it. There won't be room with my shoes!!! I was getting my clothes together last night and I just can't narrow my shoes down. Honestly, I need certain shoes with certain outfits!!! My husband is just going to have a fit!

Eeeewwwww....I actually have to work today!

Michelle :tongue:

[lbgraves]

I am pretty sure that topsiders is open every night for dinner. I knwo that I have read people saying that si an option if you don't want to dress up so it must be. I believe Formal night is Monday and Semiformal is Thursday??? William will be wearing the same suit both nights...navy blue with a tie. He looked so handsome at the wedding in it. :) Since he will be wearing it 4 times in a month and a half I think that I am getting my Ebay money out of it. :)

[mkauffman]

Ok, so if I make my boys wear the same outfit (**GASP**) on semi-formal and formal nights, they're far enough apart that no one will know???

Michelle :wave2:

[lbgraves]

LOL! Michelle, DH is also wearing the same suit to both nights. I think that the guys can get away with it anytime. That's ok with me though...I get to buy more pretty things. :)

[mkauffman]

Lisa, you just made my day! All morning I've been thinking and re-thinking and frankly I'm tired of thinking! I just want to be packed already!

Michelle :crazy2:

[Tonydana]

i say wear your outfits more than once.. i know we are.. i am planning on bringing 3 pants for hubby and shirts for all nights though and the same for stephen.. me - i am pretty sure i am bringing 3 outfits, plus the semi and will just wear them twice.. first, i don't have alot of dressy clothes and second, i don't want to carry them... i think someone said awhile back - a sahm's wardrobe consists of sweats.. nice comfy clothes..


well, off for an afternoon walk. went and got weighed in today and down another two pounds. - woo hoo.. i only wish i had started this sooner and i would really be one hot looking babe in a bathing suit (not.. ) i hate bathing suits :)

dana ;)

[SINK]

Alex:

Thanks for the PM. I will email the pic's to you this evening.

Hilo Hattie, excellent Hawaiian shirts, great material and workmanship. DW and I have a couples outfit, however, my shirt was stolen out of my rental car's trunk in Orlando back in July (along with all my Disney pin colletion). Maybe I will order another matching outfits.

Weather in Los Angeles: It's about 100F today.

[mcampbell_22]

I agree that it's harder with the "boys". Conor wants to wear black suit with bow tie for formal night to look like dad and semi formal it's going to be blue suit and tie. For DH he's got the tux and another suit that he'll wear for semi-formal and Palo (just different ties) and slacks the other nights.

I did have to go out and buy new tan chinos for Conor for the casual nights. I was getting ready to pack his and they all had grass stains on the knees that can't' be removed. Boys!

Dana, keep up the good work on the weight loss. You'll look great in a bathing suit. Maybe too good, remember that commercial where the little girl is telling everyone in the elevator about their Disney cruise and how her little brother is nicknamed Mommy's "little souvenier!" LOL

[nedleycan]

I will be bringing one dress for formal night (hopefully the black long velvet dress from co-worker who just got married on Saturday... will have to wait another 1.5 weeks to find out), and one for semi-formal. I will wear one of these for Palo and then have many sundresses for each night. I don't dress up a lot, but we go down south every year, plus I go to Vegas every year for work, so I have a fair amount of dresses.

Brian is bringing black suit for formal and Palo, another jacket and pants for semi-formal, then lots of nice pants and sport shirts.

Meghan has too many dresses... typical princess!

Cam has black dress pants and tie for formal, blue pants and tie for semi-formal and lots of khakis for other nights, including one pair of long walking shorts that I think are fine for a 4 year old in AP or PC.

We always bring lots of clothes, but I don't see a big deal with this. There was more than enough room in the closets, and it is just luggage to put into the rental car, then Disney takes care of the rest!

Beautiful fall day today! Leaves look so nice and it was warm and sunny today! I love this time of year, as it means that ski season is around the corner!!!! Sorry guys, but I am one of the strange people who love winter sooooo much! Can't wait!

[kimszath]

Geez... our kids are gonna look better than WE are! :smooth:

Somebody's post reminded me that I don't have a jacket for Luke... He's got quite the assortment of long and short-sleeved Polo shirts, and a tie, but I need to find him a sport coat, probably. I'm not going to put him in a tuxedo, though he'll get to wear one the week after we get off the ship! He's got a couple pair khaki's and a nice pair of dark blue Polo chino's. I should probably just try to find him a dark blue sport coat, right? As soon as we get the family picture done and get seated, he'll want to take it off, I'm sure. That ought to suffice for semi-formal night, as well. Assuming he doesn't want to stay in the Oceaneer Club for BOTH nights!

I think I've got hubby talked into a trip to OK City on Saturday--told him I really need a cocktail dress. Another pilot in my squadron is going with us--messed up his leg at a squadron party (yep, it was rough!) and can't drive for long distances--just wants to get out of town. He and Mike can talk trash while Luke and I go dress shopping for Mommy. Then maybe I won't feel rushed! Hmm... I bet there's a Children's Place and a Gap Kids up there... think they'd have little boys' sport coats???

[alexturner74]

Here's some of what we wore for dinners on our cruise last year:

Cruise dress (http://alexturner74.home.comcast.net/alexandjessica/cruise/cruisedress.htm)

I brought two suits, and one or two pairs of khaki's, and wore all of them at least twice. I didn't see a problem with this since I was only in them for a couple of hours each day, and when you change out the shirt/tie, no one would ever notice. Of course, my wife had a different outfit for every night...

Good luck to all deciding what to wear! Have fun packing. :)

[nedleycan]

You and your wife look so nice!

Kim, I really don't think it is necessary to get Luke a jacket, unless you want to. I found it hot in the dining rooms (although some people did find it cold... depends on the person) and I can't imagine a little boy wearing the jacket at all. Although... it would look really cute in photos! Our problem right now is that Cam doesn't have dress shoes. He never has to dress up, so we have never bothered. Also, he is so fussy with what he wears, he is going to hate any shoes we pick... I may have to bribe him! haha

[mkauffman]

Great pictures, Alex. Thanks for sharing.

Linda, bribing usually always works. I bought Garrett's shoes at Payless (do you have those?). Something was marked wrong, either the box or the computer, but the shoes rang up for $3!! It was a steal. I almost felt guilty...almost being the key word!

Dana, no one likes the way they look in a bathing suit! Of course I'm not a size 4, but I've always hated wearing swim suits. Don't worry...we're all friends...and women definitely understand! When we go to the beach I just tell myself that no one there is ever going to see me again and you know what, there's ALWAYS someone that looks worse than you do!! :p

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Michelle, you know you are so right!!! I worry about my gut after these kids have stretched it out & wont wear a 2 piece anymore or biker shorts or leggings. I ALWAYS see people who shouldn't be wearing those things more than me & they just don't care. We are our own worst critic.

On a good note, I ordered a 128MB for the camera last night and picked up some a battery recharging set that works in the car :) today at WM. I also picked up a safer container of nail polish remover that wont spill all over the place by accident if I decide to do my nails. I know that there are other things I wanted to pick up but couldn't remember them today. I looked for the big ziplock bags but couldn't find any. If anyone has found them where were they????

[mkauffman]

One of my most favorite things to do in life is people-watch. There's nothing better than sitting on the beach, or in the middle of the mall, and watching people! There are some strange ones out there.........and just like MAGIC....they make you feel better about yourself! Works every time! You need a quick pick-me-up...go to the local country fair. Right there next to you will be a guy without his front teeth or a really overweight woman with striped stretch pants and a flowered shirt on!

:teeth: :teeth: Ok, I'm being goofy. But you do realize I live in the country...so I'm allowed to make fun of my own! :teeth: :teeth:

Ziplocks...do they come bigger than the one gallon?? I want to get those, too. I have a whole list of silly little things that I want to remember to pack. One thing I thought of that I hadn't seen posted anywhere was a lint remover brush. You always need those when wearing black!

Michelle

[Tonydana]

i just bought a couple of boxes of the two gallon ziplocs at my grocery store (shaws).. let me know if you guys cannot find them, i'd be happy to grab them and send them off..

dana :)

[lbgraves]

Just added it to my list, Michelle!!! Thanks! I have only checked WM but will try Target & HT this week, then LYK if I still need them Dana. Thanks for the offer!

[mcampbell_22]

Michelle, you are so right about the people watching. It can sure be a morale boost when you need one.

I picked up my 2-gallon ziplocs at Walmart. The box really isn't that different from the 1 gallon so you may have just overlooked it. I had to look a few times before I saw them.

[Tonydana]

wow, sure is quiet today.. you can tell i have no life - i have checked back about 20 times since lunch.. :)

put all of our tips together today in my disney envelopes that i made.. did not seal them though so we can add extra if we want.. also put together some envelopes for room service.. i remember last time we went, everyone loved to get the neat disney envelopes.

i have all of my clothes and tony's clothes pretty much together now - not dress clothes though.. what a horrible mom i am though, i was looking over what i had together for stephen and realized i had not put out any socks :) lol.. i would have caught it eventually..

ok, that's all for now.. off for a walk.. please post something - i need my groupie fix here :)

dana

[SINK]

Alright, Dana, just to make you happy. Here's a post about gratutities. Even though it's nice to give your servers/stateroom hosts cash, you should think about just charging it to your stateroom the night before (or the day of) the final night. This way, you are earning disney reward dollars. I hope that everyone has their Bank One Disney Visa. I'm a Day 1 member, applied for the card before they released it.

[mcampbell_22]

Sorry SINK, we don't have the Disney Visa, as a matter of fact we don't use credit cards at all - haven't in probably 6 years. Closest we come is a Debit Card with MC logo. It certainly makes for a lot less mail every month. It's also nice to know that other than our house (vacation house has no mortgage) we have no debt (paid cash for both cars too!) My next big goal is to have the house paid off in 10 years so we can retire without worries on that end.

Good news! TA just called and our docs are in. I'll go and pick them up tomorrow morning (didn't feel like packing up the kids to run down - too close to dinner). Can't wait to get my grubby little hands on them...

[Tonydana]

thanks sink for the advise.. that would have been too much thinking on my part to think to put the tips on my WONDERFUL disney visa.. :) lord knows i pay for everything else with that thing, why i never thought to do that with my tips - i don't know..

so help me out here.. can we go to guest services anytime on our cruise to square away the tips or does it have to be the very last day.. i would hate to have to deal with the crowds.. and will they just give me a slip that i can put in my cute envelopes??

thanks so much for the advise and info.. can't wait to meet all of you..

oh yeah and stephen's socks don't fit.. mental note with a hundred other things - buy my son new socks :)

dana

[SINK]

Cruise Gratuities:

You can go to Guest Services anytime to put the gratutities to your room if you so choose. However, you will get a lot of heat from them (they don't like to generate the vouchers too early in the cruise). The day at sea (Thursday) would be a good time to go (no lines), especially if you have Palo's on Friday evening. This way, you can give the vouchers to your servers on Thursday.

Even Friday morning would not be bad at Guest Services (everyone else is rushing to Castaway Cays).

You should wait until Thursday, this way, you will get to know your servers a lot more, and could adjust the gratuities accordingly.

Way to go on the Disney Visa (even though I love my Amex). I have earned $110 thus far (although those darn thieve(s) stole my previous WDW Reward Vouchers). Now, instead of issuing vouchers, they are issuing a "prepaid, refillable" card which can be used anywhere Disney (just like Disney Dollars).

[nedleycan]

I will check out Payless (yes we have them here, but most of the shoes are really cheap and my son would say they are uncomfortable). I think he is very sensitive to fabric and comfort, as he always complains unless his shirts are really soft cotton (unless they have Spider-Man on them, then they can be any fabric!) haha I know my nephew will wear anything his mom pulls out for him (and they are the same age)... so I must be blessed with "fashion boy"... just like his father!

I am hoping to find black running shoes, as they may be more comfortable for him. Then, he may wear them some other time. And if I don't let him wear them until the cruise, then they will look all shiny and new. I will check it out this week. Thanks for the suggestion!

[nedleycan]

I just went on the payless site and found some black suede slip-on shoes that look nice and aren't too expensive, and Cam would wear them again! Yeah! I will go there this week... hopefully! haha

I just realized that I think Meghan could use some fancy shoes. Maybe I will take advantage of the "Payless 1/2 price for second pair" deal.

[lbgraves]

I checked out their site and found some black sandels that would look nice so I will be going there today. :) I didn't think that I would be able to get sandels this time of year. The silver ones that I got earlier this year are a little tight.

Linda, if you can't find any I have a pair of boy's dress black shoes size 9-10 I think. LMK if these would help & I will pack them to give you on the cruise.

[nedleycan]

Lisa,
Thanks so much for the offer! That is really nice. Unfortunately, Cam is a size 11 (big feet like his dad.... hmmmmm). haha I am sure that I will find something, I just hope not to spend tons of money for something he will wear once or twice on the cruise. Hopefully the black suede slip-ons at Payless will work. I am sure he will wear them again some time.

[mkauffman]

These are exactly the kinds of shoes that we buy at Payless....the kind that my kids will most likely NEVER wear again! That way if they don't like them, or if they're uncomfortable to wear (they only have them on for two hours at dinner), I won't care. Heck, I only spent $3 on them!!! I can't complain even if he only wears them once. :D

Dana, you can go to guest services anytime. I plan to do this several times through the week anyway, just to check on what my kids may have spent. We've had the talk and they know the rules, and believe it or not, they both listen really well, but we all know that kids will be kids. Those smoothies are hard to pass up!

Michelle :sunny:

[mkauffman]

I just saw my countdown timer and it's 23 days....I get butterflies in my stomach just seeing it!

Michelle :boat:

[nedleycan]

I will consider buying some really cheap shoes just to "throw away after" if that is all I can find. But, I have never seen shoes for $3 before! That is fantastic! The cheapest I have ever seen (even at Payless) is probably $15 (Canadian). Anyway... I hope to go today, as I will have a little time in between a meeting and picking up the kids.

[lbgraves]

Well, no luck with the shoe shopping here. :( Everything had heels. I am shopping for some space saver bags today. I looked at them a couple months ago but couldn't bring myself to spend that much money. Now that we are going for 3 weeks I think this will definantly help me out space wise.

[mcampbell_22]

Well I've got my little "suitcase" of documents right in front of me. Not as bad as I thought in terms of what has to be filled out. I'm just so thrilled to finally have it. Makes it all seem so much more real!

Lisa, I thought of buying space bags but I found that you can get the same effect from squeezing the air out of ziplocs. Just fill them, zip almost all the way, I put in on the floor and kneel on them to squeeze out the air and then while still kneeling, zip it shut. Should be flat as a pancake and much less expensive!

It's icy cold here today and they're saying possible snow tomorrow! Yikes, I'm not ready for that this early in the season. Hope it's not too cold on Halloween. Kids hate to have to be so bundled up you can't see their costumes.

Well, I'm going to start on the docs. Talk to you all soon.

[lbgraves]

I can't find the 2 gallon ziplocks anywhere & with the big bags it looks like I will be able to get alot of stuff in each one. I was thinking of getting these to use with our winter bedding too so they will help us out yearround.

I got the new tropical dress today!!! SO glad that I decided to get it. :) :) :) I am willing to wear it for tropical night for at least 3 cruises to get my money's worth out of it. :) Sound like reasoning to you? LOL! Just another point to bring up when I tell DH I want to rebook onboard. The next trip will save us money since we will already have all the clothes we will need. ;)

[nedleycan]

I bought Cam some shoes today. Actually... I bought him two pairs. I found some nice ones at Payless (although they cost 24.00 Cdn.)... but I think I better get him a bigger size, so that they fit for a while. And I also bought him a pair of really cool running shoes that are black, that will work if necessary from Zellers (just like Walmart).

I am very happy with these purchases! I am going to do their passports tomorrow, then all I need is a tropical shirt for Cam and a tropical dress for me (which may be imposssible). I do have one floral dress that will work in a pinch.

I also need to find them more "airplane" toys. I got them Disney sticker books. I would like to get them other activity books too. BTW: on the weekend, I went to the Disney store and got Meghan a nightie that was regular 34.50 Cdn., 75% off, 8.50 total price! Unfortunately, she was with me, so she is wearing it already... no surprise for the cruise, but she is excited to bring it with her.

[Jo-Anne]

HI everyone I'm back! Did lots of clearance shopping in Cinci...best find was an Ocean Pacific button up shirt for Michael for Tropical Night...$2.50! We got our docs today as well! Good homecoming! Now I've got to sit down to figure out what to fill in. SInce we don't have transfers to Port with Disney, when do we put those yellow luggage tags on...just when we arrive at port and they take our bags? This weekend I must lay out all our clothes..I can't believe how close we are!! Lisa - how's the PT going today? Great news that its all coming together right now! Linda, have fun using your fastpass with the passports tomorrow! Good to know you can skip the 2 hour line! It's funny when I was in Target, I kept looking for the 2 gallon ziplocks since I haven't seen any larger than 1 gallon in Canada, but couldn't find them....Linda do you know anywhere to get 2 gallon ~7.4L) baggies up here?

[nedleycan]

Maybe at Costco? I will check next time I am there.

Glad you had a good time in Cinci! Maybe I will find a shirt for Cam in vegas. I am really looking forward to jumping to the head of the line tomorrow... yeah me!!!!

Can't wait to meet you all in three weeks! I was telling my sister all about you guys tonight. I told her how everyone is so nice and there isn't anybody weird in our group... except in a good way! haha

[alexturner74]

SINK's info has been added to the site!

[nedleycan]

Hey SINK! I imagine that you and your wife are the couple on the left-hand side of the photo? Great photo! Looks like everyone was having a great time!
Thanks for submitting!

[SINK]

Thanks Alex for loading our pic's and info on your site.

Linda:

Good guess, but nope. DW and I are on the right. The pair on the left are my uncle and his wife. Two kids in the middle are my nieces.

We took this picture onboard Celebrity's Century back in Aug 03 (Eastern). Our service team, Nevyl and Angie, were the best we've had thus far. They took excellent care of us and we returned the favor.

[mkauffman]

Still no docs for me. I was hoping I'd have them by the end of this week. :(

Just about 3 short weeks away. Time is really flying!!

Michelle :boat:

[mcampbell_22]

SINK, just checked out the pic. Good looking family! Looks like you all had a great time.

If anyone's still looking for 2-gallon ziplocs let me know. I can pick some up and pop them in the mail. Goodness knows I'm always at the post office anyway! Going this morning with a whopping 25 packages to mail! Told myself this was my last batch of auctions before the cruise but then I found a gorgeous nautical St. John jacket and just had to list it. Help, make me stop!!! LOL

Well, docs are all filled out. Not as much as I thought. TA even gave the kids Disney autograph books as a little gift. I'll leave them in the cabin for the kids as a "special gift from Mickey."

[lbgraves]

Mary so glad that you guys got your docs!!!! :) It did surprise me how little info is needed for the docs after reading so much talk about it. Nice surprise for the kids from the TA. Maybe he felt badly about getting them to you so long after everyone else? I am trying to not do anything cruise related today. I need to go thru my unsold auctions & decide what I am going to relist tonight to end next Tuesday. That will be it for me!!! I have some little errands planned for tomorrow to pick up a few things.

The weekend will be busy for us. Saturday morning I have a breakfast shop to do with all of us, then William's last game is at 11. They are only playing until 11:30 since both teams have the same coach & they are playing a full game tonight at practice. Both teams are going to Cici's pizza to celebrate. They will get little trophies & give the coach a gift then too. After that, they need to take their naps because I got a babysitter so we can go out to dinner for our 6th anniversary!!!!! This will be the first time DH & I have gone out without any kids in 5 years. :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: Hey, if we don't get to go to Palo, this will be just as great for me this year. :)

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - Happy Anniversary!! Jo

[sherry]

:wave2: Congrats ladies on all your great shopping deals.

Still no docs here.:(

Lisa and dh--Happy Anniversay::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo

Starting to make my "piles":Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Jo, way to go on your $2.50 OP steal!! Lisa, happy anniversary. It's nice to get out without the kids every once in a while and for you it sounds like a LONG time in the making!

Do you all have any idea what crepe pants are?

Michelle :tongue:

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, happy anniversary! Six years, you're still practically a newlywed! Enjoy the dinner. I envy you.

We're going to be celebrating our 15th on the ship (actual date is te 12th) but we've now been together 20 years. Since I'm 39, we've now been together longer than we've been apart. Yikes!

We don't go out much without the kids either so we're planning on Palo and a brunch alone on the ship as our anniversary "gift" to each other. We'll probably end up talking about the kids!

My latest search is for small mickey or disney theme gift bags to put the kids "gifts from Mickey" in. I have Disney pillow boxes for the t shirts I've picked up but the small gift bags would be great for the pins. Why can't I stop????

Just reserved a local indoor swimming pool for Conor's birthday party. We'll have it on the Sunday before the cruise. Just another thing to plan and organize. Felt guilty for trying to talk him out of a party at home saying we'd celebrate on the ship. "What about my friends though?...Ahhh OK we'll have a party." Lately all his friends have had parties that used up all the "easy" themes. (Bowling, soccer, baseball, arcade etc.) Thankfully I thougt of this pool and they had an opening otherwise I would have had a house full of boys just when I wanted to keep it clean! Pool doesn't allow food so it looks like we'll be boxing up cupcakes individually to give to each kid. Another thing to feel bad over. I'll just add a little something extra to the loot bags to make up for it.

Oops, Devon's bus in due. Gotta run. Talk to you all soon.

[Tonydana]

hey everyone.. cold here today - bitter cold.. yuck, makes me want that warm weather even more :)

sounds like everyone is pretty much piling all their clothes now.. i have just been - setting up piles of clothes and misc. things that need to be packed..

i have to make another walmart run, so if anyone does need those two gallon bags, i would not mind sending them too..

ok, got my dress from cold water creek - it is very nice, but not sure if i like the way it looks, so i ordered another one from hilo hatties this morning.. :) could not resist..

i have a code for free shipping at cold water creek - WRC3953 - good through 11/22 if anyone can use it.. they shipped very fast, i ordered on saturday and got the dress yesterday..

well, off to bundle up for our walk.. more later..

oh yeah, happy anniversary lisa :) enjoy your dinner


dana ;)

[lbgraves]

Mary, I am also having to plan William's party before we go. :rolleyes: I am hoping for a sunny warm day because I have gotten permission to have it on the playground at the preschool after class on 11/5. That Saturday would just be too stressful for me to deal with & noone would have much fun. We made up the gift tins back in September when we put Kaitlyn's together. It is one less thing to have to do. :)

I think that I am going to plan on us going by our friend's house after dinner. They are building in a new neighborhood that has big yards & is great!!! I want to talk to him about moving. :)

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, if you're interested, maybe we can plan on some sort of "celebration" for the boys' birthdays at dinner. I know I plan on asking the Head Waiter for the Birthday Pin on our first night but maybe if we bring candles, party hats, etc. we can use them for cake/dessert and have a little birthday bash at dinner.

Let me know what you think and I can pick up (or check in my big box where I keep all the party goods I buy at close out etc) and put something together. I know I have X-men items if William likes them, but I can find something appropriate. (I also have mini stick balloons, confetti poppers and some table decorations). Boy am I a pack rat or what.

Thank goodness I sell on Ebay so I can get rid of some of my stuff. Can't imagine what the house would look like if I didn't "purge" some stuff by selling it.

"Hi, my name is Mary and I'm a shopaholic. But I only buy on sale. Never retail!" LOL (Can you say justification!)

[lbgraves]

Mary, OK first of all we have it arranged to have William get his birthday cake the first night too. :) What a festive table we will have! :) The party favor idea sounds great!!!

Secondly, it is too scarey how much alike we are!!! :eek: I have 3 medium boxes of party stuff in the garage. Over the past 2 years I have collected a full set for Barbie including edible cake topper, 2 Harry Potter parties (1 for each kid) and alot of any theme stuff. :) I also have tons of party favors that I go thru to fill up the gift bags with all for under $1 each & these are real toys. I just picked up the party favors for the HP parties last month at WM. They had the kites on sale for .50 each and there were HP ones. I bought 34 of them. :)

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa,

It is scary! I'm sure our DHs think that we are the only ones that act this way. I also have a huge stash of "party favor" gifts. For this party Conor will have helicopters and Z-cards along with pencils, candy, stickers etc. All the kids friends love to come to our parties because they know they'll leave with enough stuff to make it seem like it's their birthday! Brian kids me and says that I'm cheap, miser etc. I like to think of myself as "savvy." He certainly doesn't mind when he's the beneficiary of my bargains (i.e. the $1.00 tux). Although now he wants a motorcycle. I'm sure he'll bring it up with the guys on the trip trying to garner support and try to convince me that it's "an investment." Ha big LOL!

I did realize after writing the last post that we should probably have Disney themed party goods! I'm such a dingbat sometimes. I mean how funny would it look to be on a Disney cruise and have X-men, spiderman or other character party goods! LOL

What did you have to do to arrange the cake? I would love to do the same thing for Conor and maybe even have one for our anniversary if they do that too.

Are you and Mike exchanging gifts for anniversary? We usually end up getting one big purchase item that we both have been wanting. No, this year WON'T be a motorcycle!

[mkauffman]

Mary my dear........you admitted your addiction. That's the first important step to recovery. Of course the key is that you have to WANT to recover!! :crazy:

My MIL's birthday is on the 18th. We're going to have a cake for her, too. This is going to be a grand celebration!!

My mom found the 2 gallon Ziplocks today at Wal-Mart (that's been a household word today because of the news!). She also bought us the Purell hand gel and the Lysol wipes. We should be good and santitized! :p

No docs yet......how much longer must I suffer? :(

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Michelle...You have NO idea how much I shop & save. LOL!!! I look at it as my job and last year just with groceries, diapers for 2, HBA, & cleaning stuff I saved over 8k with coupons & sales. I figure it is my way of being "paid" to stay home & manage the kids & house...although they think that they are controlling me. ;)

Mary ~ you are right about the party stuff. What the heck! I'll try to find something at the party store in the am with Mickey. :) You know, if we just had plain horns & stuff it would be fine too. We could make the guys birthday crowns or something like that. DS will love all the attention. LOL! Better make his adjustable. ;)

All I did for the cake was mention it when I called for the reservations at first. They asked me if it was a special occasion & I told them not exactly because we didn't want to be ending our cruise on DS's birthday & the person told me that they could do a cake & sing to him anyway our first night out. You should be able to have your TA call Disney & arrange it. :)

As far as gifts...this cruise is my Anniversary gift this year. It also covered last Christmas, Vday, bday, Easter...well you get the picture. ;) I'm not complaining at all though.

[lbgraves]

OK guys! Here is an example of my deal hunting. LOL! I got the link from another board but here is something that the kids will bring for their friends on the ship at the DIS meet. They love giving gifts & trust me this isn't costing alot. :) I am getting them a full set for stocking stuffers and thought that I would pass the info along since all the kids will have one...they may want more. Anyhow, these are selling for 5xx on sale for 2 packs & this is a much better deal. :) LMK if anyone in Canada wants them & I can get them here & pack them up to give you when we see you in a few weeks. :)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00007IT5J/ref=ase_fishingfordeals/103-2728623-4539836?v=glance&s=toys

[Tonydana]

good morning everyone!!!

3 weeks from today, i will be flying out on that jet plane to come and meet all my new dis friends.. can't wait :)

anywho.. going shopping for the day with my stepmom and bringing stephen.. doing our annual christmas shopping trip.. i want to be done before the cruise - hopefully.. i am usually done by thanksgiving though..

lisa, a woman after my own heart.. i feel the same way about saving money.. makes me feel like i contribute since i stay home with stephen too.. as a matter of fact, went to our local grocery store a few weeks ago, had all my coupons, knew how much i should save and watched this young kid try to scam me and not scan all of my coupons, then when i said something, he had the nerve to say "oh, you were paying attention".. anyways, alot more happened in the store that day too, but i was so mad - i wrote a letter to the manager and he sent me a gift cert for the store to apologize.. free money.. thank you.. can always use that..

sounds like each one of us is celebrating something on the cruise.. happy birthday to all those kiddos.. they will have a blast i'm sure..
well, just wanted to say hello.. wish me luck shopping today.. hopefully i can pretty much finish except for stockings.. :)

have a great day everyone..

dana :)

[mkauffman]

Dana, have fun shopping. I hope you finish everything you want to finish. It's still really cold here, but at least the sun is shining. 3 short weeks and we'll be soaking up the sun.

You guys are like the master bargain finders! I love it. I'm learning so much about saving. I really need to get better at my coupon clipping.

Michelle :wave2:

[lbgraves]

I FOUND DD A TROPICAL DRESS!!!! I ran into GW just to see if they had anything & I found 2 that might work. The one I like is pink with island sceans on it. That may be a little big but the other is cute too. I know that I want to find a blue one for her in St Marteen but if we don't end up making it to that port I will have something. Little kids don't exactly have to match us anyway if they look cute...right? :)

I also found the 2 gal bags at WM. They were behind a huge concrete post. I picked up a couple space bags & a neat fold up laundry basket/bag. I was going to get a mesh bag but now I can fold the clean clothes up & carry them back to the room easily. All these things are investments that we wont have to buy again for the next cruise. :)

Hope you have a great shopping day Dana & finish everything up. I was suppose to wrap everything this week but that didn't happen. This house has gotten away from me with all the Ebay stuff so I have to clean it.

[sherry]

Congrats on your finds.

I received excursion info today, not as good as documents, but it will hold me for a few days!:wave2:

[Jo-Anne]

Yikes just 3 short weeks to go! We'll be setting off on our journey on the Thursday to get to Buffalo to stay overnight before catching Friday morning plane to Orlando! Got lots to do from now til then! Going for my pre-cruise hair cut tomorrow morning...needs 3 weeks to look "normal" again! Also must book precruise manicure and pedicure and maybe leg waxing if I can stand the pain! I've actually stopped biting my fingernails in honour of the cruise, so just need to last a few more weeks without chipping or backsliding! I sure type a lot slower now with nails!! Katie and I tried on a lot of her clothes last night and I'm thinking she's going to need a new pair of sandles...do you think the Targets in Florida carry white sandles year round...all Canadian stores have long packed up any summer shoes! What beaches are folks heading to on St. Marteen? This is one stop where we haven't figured out which beach to hit. Think we'll be going to Meghans Beach in St. Thomas. Well back to work for me! Jo

[mkauffman]

Sherry, you've not received your docs yet, either??

Jo, I would say the stores in FL have sandals year round. You should try shopping online first just in case. How about the outlet store at JCPenneys.com?

I found pants today that I just fell in love with. I can't explain them, so I won't try, but I love them! They're kind of like a black crepe, flowy material. Now I just need a top!

I also have my manicure/pedicure appt. set for Nov 14. It's been set for months. My nails are also getting way too long but I don't want to trim them now. I was going to tan last night and I just didn't feel like getting undressed and dressed again. Talk about LAZY! I'm planning to go tomorrow morning. I have thought about the leg waxing thing. I haven't found the courage to do it.

Michelle :hyper:

[Jo-Anne]

Michelle - if I lived in the States, I'd be all over the internet shopping thing. However, the shipping to Canada (we're considered international!) is a killer. I really saw a lot of good stuff on Coldwater Creek.com at 50% off, but it would probably cost me another $30 USD to ship it...whenever they say free shipping, its also only to US locations! Not sure if you're aware of the exchange rate difference, but every price we Canadians see in US dollars, we have to add another ~35% onto it for Canadian dollar conversion! Guess I'll have to wait until day before cruise to see if we can get her sandals..we'll take the old just in case! Glad you found a great pair of pants. I'm spending so much time preparing and shopping in advance, hope I don't get that let-down feeling when the trip starts!! Planning is half the fun! JO

[mkauffman]

You're right...I wasn't even thinking about the exchange rate and shipping! What size does she wear?

I know exactly what you mean by the let-down feeling. I'm terrified of being depressed as we disembark the ship! I guess that's how they get people to rebook before they leave!

Michelle :tongue:

[sherry]

Yes, Michelle, I am still waiting :confused: . I will probably call DU if I don't see them by the middle of next week.

JoAnne, I never thought about how much things cost to ship to Canada, I don't order online unless I think the shipping is fair.

I cut my fingernails the other day, so I hope they are a nice length when we go, don't want to scratch the little ones I watch!
Haircut due next Thursday!!

I am a total basket case, because already I am thinking at this time next month, I'll be home (not that it's a bad place, just would rather be in Florida:earsboy: )

Have a good weekend all:grouphug:

[lbgraves]

DON'T RUSH IT GUYS!!! We will be on Castaway Cay in four weeks! That is a wonderful thing to think about. :) I guess that the wedding & family week for Thanksgiving will help us ease out of the vacation mindset. :( Such depressing things to think about. :(

[mkauffman]

Ok, you're right!! :D Thanks for bumping us back on track, Lisa! We still have 3 weeks to enjoy the planning and then a whole, wonderful week onboard.

No negative thoughts...no negative thoughts...no negative thoughts...

I feel like Dorothy. :teeth:

Michelle :wave2:

[sherry]

:Pinkbounc Ok, think 3 weeks away, not 4!!!!:Pinkbounc

[SINK]

Ha.

Even in four weeks, we will be staying at Old Key West's Grand Villa!!! A significant increase in living space, from 214 sq ft to over 1,000 sq ft. Had this GV booked with the 11 months window.

We will be returning home five weeks from today. However, we will be taking a short weekend cruise six weeks from today.

[nedleycan]

I have had such a bad week... can't wait until the cruise. I run a program for our client, which employs 9 people. I had to let 5 of them go today. I was horrible! But... finally it is done!

3 weeks! Yeah! And only 1 more week before I go to Vegas... for a little pre-cruise fun!... oh ya, and work! haha

A friend at work lent me some dress shoes for Cam that are perfect! They are like "little man shoes". He didn't like them when he saw them, but when I put them on him, he seemed okay. She also lent me a vest and dress pants for him. They might be a little big, but if they work, he will look great!

We will stay at the beach right where the cruise ship lands in St. Martin. I like that beach, as there is lots of action (and planes flying over-head which Cam will like). In St. Thomas, we are probably going to go to Coral Beach and Magen's bay. We will be renting a car in St. Thomas, but not St. Martin (the streets are so busy there, that it takes forever to get anywhere.

[sherry]

:bounce: :bounce: Docs arrived today!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Sherry :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc so glad that you are doing the doc dance with us now!!! :)

Linda (((HUGS))) that must have been so stressful for you today. Was there no idea that it was happening? Have you known about it very long? Now you can focus on the cruise!!! :)

Gosh I feel the stress pressing in now. I have 2 weeks to get us all packed & ready to leave. :tongue: Is anyone else having trouble sleeping? I haven't been able to get to sleep for a couple weeks now. :( There is so much that I need to do before we leave.

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - hope your weekend gives you time to decompress from the rotten week...take it easy and unwind! Yeah Sherry for getting the docs! Steve & Michelle did yours arrive yet? Michelle - Katie is about a size 11.5 or 12 right now, and the white sandals she's wearing are a 10! How could I not notice that her heel sticks out the back!! Bad Mom! I'm sure we'll be able to get something on the Friday. Jo:eek:

[Jo-Anne]

oh ya, just saw on another post that the show we were all hoping to see...Golden Mickeys...will premiere on Dec 11 Magic. So sad we won't be seeing it as it sounds great. Past cruisers - how are the other shows?

[lbgraves]

I think that I saw that last week. :( Just another reason to rebook for next year!!! ;)

Gosh I am bouncing off the walls here tonight. I have started putting up a stick on border in our room & of course since DH is sleeping right now I can't work on it. LOL! It is all seperate pieces so I have to have time to set it out how I like it for each section. Waiting for the clothes to dry a bit more & then will try to get some sleep. I forgot that DS's soccer uniform is in there.

[SINK]

Got our doc's when we've returned this evening. No upgrades here.

Golden Mickey not until 12/11, look at it this way, for those who has yet to sail on the Magic's 7 nighter, catching the final Morty's might be nice. Furthermore, the delay in the premier of Golden Mickey's provides us with another reason to sail again (or at least something to look forward to on our future DCL sailing).

[mkauffman]

No docs here! I think I'm officially the last one. :(

Linda, I'm so sorry to hear your news. What a nasty thing to happen! At least you have vacation to look forward to! Not all is lost.

Josh had his second district playoff game today...they won 2-1. These games are going to give me a stress attack! Now we move on and play again on Tuesday. These games are do or die, so if we lose, it's over for the season. Wish us luck!

I picked up swimtrunks from my SIL's house today (she has a pool and we spend most of the summer over there, so we always end up leaving our pool stuff at her house). I'm really ready to pack now! That will be my evening's plan...pack, pack, pack!

Ok, it's Saturday night and I should have better things to do than check these boards. :teeth:

Michelle :wave2:

[Tonydana]

hey guys..

just a lazy day here, laundry, etc.. made out half way decent christmas shopping.. i bought more stuff for stephen that he needs now than anything.. got some really good deals though.. :) always love a bargain..

michelle - good luck with those games.. hope josh's team wins !!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc

i'm still putting stuff together.. have everything for clothes laid out pretty much now..

well, off to relax for the evening.. tony is on an ambulance call now so i might try to put stephen to bed early.. when he is home he gets him all fired up... :)

have a great night..

dana

[Tonydana]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc good morning everyone.. looks like it is going to be a nice day here.. thank god.. it was so cold yesterday - it is about 30 degrees warmer today..

well, off to do some more packing and cleaning this house.. tony is on a 24 today, so we won't see him til tomorrow morning.. hopefully i can get this house cleaned.. although, i have no energy today.. everyone remember to set there clocks back.. that extra hours sleep was great :)

more later.

dana ;)

[mkauffman]

Good morning!!

I'm hoping I go back to work tomorrow and get an email from my TA. This may be the only time I've looked forward to a Monday.

It's supposed to rain here today through Tuesday, although it hasn't started yet. One of my breakers blew and I have to run to Home Depot to get a new one (the washer is hooked up to it or else I wouldn't do it today!). Yuck. That's not how I wanted to spend my Sunday. Garrett has a game at 4:00 this afternoon so I must get going soon.

Dana, I'm glad you had a successful shopping trip and thanks for the well wishes!

Have a great day everyone! I'll check back later.

Michelle :wave2:

[lbgraves]

How did you get an extra hours' sleep with kids?!?!? DD was up at 6 so really 5. :( I am getting ready to take a nap since she is sleeping now. DH took DS to the local firehouse for their fire safety fest. They have hotdogs, soda, ice cream and can ride on the fire truck.

I realized that I have to get DD some black tights since hers were too stretched out to stay up at the wedding. LOL! They fell down to her ankles just like the diaper. :( I taped that up but not the tights. Anyhow, I am going to go thru the kid's clothes this week and pull out some of what we will use. DS has some Disney.com PJs that he doesn't know about yet. I will pack them for him to wear on the cruise. :)

Oh, is anyone going on an excursion in St Thomas? DH & I got to talk about this trip & I told him that I didn't care to go thru the tender with the kids but if he wanted to do an excursion I wouldn't have a problem on my own for a few hours. He hasn't looked into them yet. He would probably be interested in a snorkeling trip or the sailing thing. I might be able to talk him into something more if someone in the group is going too.

[Tonydana]

lisa - we are not doing any excursions - we checked into doing one on st. maarten and when i called to book it they said that i could not bring the stroller on the bus.. no way i am carrying stephen around, to heavy..

luckily stephen is a good sleeper, he went to bed at 8 last night and got up at 7 this morning.. he usually gets up at 7 anyways... i think he must be getting teeth or something though - he slept for an hour this morning and went down for a nap at 12:30 and is still sleeping... unfortunately - i have no energy to do much of anything.. ugh, always works that way..

dana

[mkauffman]

I do my best work around the house first thing in the morning. If I let it go too long in the day, forget about it! I often do dishes or laundry or something like that before I leave for work in the morning. As the day goes on, I get lazier and lazier.

We're not doing anything in St. Thomas, either. We are doing the Golden Eagle Catamaran in St. Maarten. We figured we'd figure out St. Thomas as we get there. I would prefer just to lounge around on a beach!

Michelle :tongue:

[lbgraves]

Dana,

The stroller thing is the reason we aren't doing any excursions either...that and the cost and chance that their attention span just wont cut it. :( Oh well, there's always next time right? ;)

Maybe we can plan to get the kids together at the pool or something else on the port days...if I can get DS out of the club. :) DH would be going on his own to St Thomas & he isn't a beach guy, at least without the kids to entertain him. LOL! Maybe he can do something at CC like the banana boat ride or the parasailing?

[lbgraves]

LOL for the day! I just got an email notice for Jo posting to this thread on 10/7/03. :p If they are just sending them all out...watch out! Our boxes are going to be filling up tonight. LOL!

[nedleycan]

Yeah! I can't wait! I need this break so much.

We closed our cottage today (it is summer access only) and we went to a lobster roast on the lake on Saturday night... stayed up until 2:30 a.m.... in-laws had the kids overnight. My goodness, I am soooo tired!

Jo, I have to get Meghan some sandals too. I just checked and her dressy sandals that she usually wears are a size 10.5, and she was measured a couple of weeks ago at 12.5.... bad mom!!!! I am quite sure that we will still be able to find some, somewhere. I am going to check in Vegas, otherwise, I will bite the bullet and go to Panda and other fancy shoe stores, as I know that they always have dressy shoes in many colours. We also have an outlet shoe store out by me, just off the QEW around Erin Mills Pkwy. I think they will have something. I'll let you know.

Glad that more of you are getting your docs.

[kimszath]

Hey y'all! It's getting so close!!!!!!! Final big shopping trip to OK City yesterday was a pretty good one, though I didn't have enough time to do all I wanted. LISA---I did find a jacket for Luke--just perfect! It's a Class Club jacket from Dillard's and goes with his pants just perfectly! I went ahead and got it in a size 6, which ought to fit him through next year.

Also, I found a really nice "little black dress" for the semi-formal night. It's not sexy, but definitely classy--probably be 5 more like it on board, but hey--it's really pretty! I had been through the entire formalwear department with no luck (well, okay... I found a gorgeous little black sequined number for $230, but it didn't fit me perfectly, and I'm NOT spending full retail for something I'd have to take in!) The one I did get was a Liz Claiborne, and fit me like it was made for me. Very nice. I still gotta get SHOES!!! Debating about pantyhose.. have read so many threads about NOT wearing them. Then found a pretty Tropical dress on the clearance rack today--only $14 down from $79... already had two nice dresses from Hilo Hattie's, but couldn't pass up the bargain. Oh well... I'll have a night to wear it, I'm sure!!! Pretty casual, but really pretty, and a STEAL! :tongue:

Oh... the good news and the bad news... when you lose 50 pounds, you definitely lose some in the ****S.... guess mine aren't big enough to do this anymore ---> :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

(Sorry, couldn't resist!) It was a good excuse to invest in 4 new Victoria's Secret bras, though!!!!!

[lbgraves]

LOL, Kim!!! :) Hey, when you stop nursing you really lose it there too. :( Sounds like you had a really nice shopping trip today! Great job!!! So you DON'T need the suit? Just want to make sure before I mess up because of a misunderstanding. :)

I might be going on DS's fieldtrip to the library tomorrow morning so pulling the kid's clothes out will have to wait a day. I did get the border finished in our room though. :) :) :) It was all self stick flowers & ribbon connectors & I had to pretty much design it myself. It matches the comforter really well.

[nedleycan]

hahaha Kim! I definitely think you deserve to visit Victoria's Secret!

Good job on the shopping too! I wish I could find a tropical dress. Oh well, I do have an okay dress, if it becomes necessary.

[mcampbell_22]

Kim, crack me up about the "southern pull" of our chests. Thank goodness for underwire that pulls everything up and puts it where it used to be naturally. DH still doesn't quite believe that weight loss and nursing both kids can result in having smaller chest than when we met 20 years ago! The incredible shrinking chest! LOL

I'm finding it hard to wait now. With 99% of the packing done and docs here and filled out I don't know what to do with myself. How am I doing to make it through the next 3 weeks with nothing to do but wait!!! Today is the last of my Ebay auctions I'll have running before the cruise, so I won't even have that to occupy me. UGH, maybe I'll just clean the house from top to bottom.

[mkauffman]

Kim, mine still feel like they're big enough...I'll be happy to lend you some! :teeth:

My entire group FINALLY got our docs today!!! Yeah! Now I have to go deliver them tonight.

Michelle :hyper:

[Tonydana]

kim, you crack me up.. omg, i needed that laugh today.. i have lost about 15 lbs now, but still have the :bounce: :Pinkbounc , i wouldn't mind losing some of them, of course tony minds :)

it has been really quite here the last few days.. what has everyone been up to.. same here, need to clean, still need to do that walmart run too..

well, off to check out some more of hubby's clothes :) talk to you all later..

dana ;)

[nedleycan]

So... I went back to the passport office today with the new photos (finally got around to it). They feel I have a 50/50 chance of being rejected! Again! I gave them to them anyway and they are going to call if there is a problem, then I will have to have the photos done again! URRRRR! Anyway, the good news is that if they are not done in time (which they say will not happen) the kids are fine traveling on their birth certificates.

Also, I got black heeled sandals for Meghan today... for $5.00!!!! Jo, I got them at the Shoe Club. I don't know if you have one in the East End. It was a very small clearance area and there was only one pair left. And they are made in Italy and appear to be leather!!!! I am thrilled!

Michelle, glad your group all has their docs.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE REPLY BACK TO ME ON WHETHER YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO FOR HIGH TEA AS A GROUP. GIVE ME YOUR CABIN NUMBER, YOUR NAME AND HOW MANY (I THINK IT IS JUST THE GIRLS, BUT GUYS ARE WELCOME). What day were we planning on going? I can't remember... Sunday?

[SINK]

Originally posted by nedleycan

IMPORTANT: PLEASE REPLY BACK TO ME ON WHETHER YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO FOR HIGH TEA AS A GROUP. GIVE ME YOUR CABIN NUMBER, YOUR NAME AND HOW MANY

(I THINK IT IS JUST THE GIRLS, BUT GUYS ARE WELCOME). ...

Thanks for adding the guys are welcome.

By the way. Just one suggestion on the first DIS meet. How about meeting right after the safety drill at the family pool (we could claim our seats for the sail away party). And not all services are back in operations (the kids club is not open until after dinner). The counselors will all be at the sail away party.

Furthermore, meeting on Sunday might not work for everyone due to potential Palo brunch (it's only offered on sea days, Sunday, Monday, and Thursday) booking.

[lbgraves]

Linda, Count me in for High Tea! :) Lisa Room 7010

So glad that you found some shoes that will work. I have decided that I am going to work with what I have. I do need to get Kaitlyn some black tights though. I ended up going on a field trip to the library with William's class so that kept me from running any errands in town. I will take Kaitlyn with me tomorrow.

I finally got to nap for a bit today so maybe I will start feeling better tomorrow. I am going to go by the clinic Wednesday to see if this is more than allergies. Hoping that they can give me something to clear my head & stop me from coughing all night. I HATE tickles in my throat! I have time to get rid of whatever it is before the cruise though. :) I am thinking probably a sinus infection after 3 weeks. :(

[nedleycan]

I am fine with meeting after the drill, we will go directly to the sailaway anyway, so if we all wear our badges, we will find each other. Last time, it was beautiful weather, so everyone was at the sailaway, but still, we would have found everyone, if there were name tags. Great idea!

SINK: you are more than welcome, and I hope you were not offended... there was talk earlier about most of our husbands not wanting to attend, but it isn't like we don't want them there. Please come! And we would love it meet your wife!

I think it would be fun to meet at the sailaway, as the kids will all dance together and get to know each other.

Jo, I can't believe we haven't spoken on the phone yet, and we only live 20 minutes away from each other. Kinda funny!

I bought an "over-the-door" shoe sorter today. Last time I didn't have one, and I didn't really miss it, but thought it would be good for shoes and other stuff. Got it at the dollar store.

[nedleycan]

It is going to be so much fun! I will add you to the list!

Were we talking about doing brunch too? I have a note about that. I don't mind booking all kinds of stuff, as I said, I will be first in line anyway... haha... just try to beat me! haha

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - count me in on the tea and thanks again for taking the lead on this one! Cabin 6099..Jo-Anne Desveaux. I'm open for either timing of meet...even tho I'm a Logistics Manager, I'll leave it to those who have cruised before to make this decision since I can't really picture how crowded it might be on either the Sat after fire drill, or Sunday am for all of us to find a place to gather. Linda - the Shoe Place sounds familiar and there might be one down on Eglinton & Warden - I'll have to check it out! I can't believe the fiasco you're having with the photos on passports! I'd be panicky by now! When do you leave for Vegas? Which hotel are you staying in? You're right it does seem strange that we haven't talked on phone...it just seems way too easy to email...the computer age has taken away the fine art of conversation...although it appears we'll have a "few" things to talk about when we all get together! Dana - it's too funny how your :bounce: :Pinkbounc show up on your post! I think thats how mine look now after the two kids...all stretched out that way...my :bounce: :Pinkbounc are the reasons I don't jog or golf (well atleast that's my excuse!). Lisa - take care of yourself...I keep telling my family - stay healthy, but we all have sniffles and my lower back pain flared up today...we will be healthy, we will be healthy!:sunny:

[lbgraves]

Well, we had talked about possible meeting after the drill but most people said that it would be too rushed since alot of us have early seating & young kids. Chance meeting would be fine but Saturday would actually give us some time to sit, relax & talk. We planned on 11-12 on Sunday to give the guys & kids a chance to meet.

Brunch was asked about but noone talked about what day or anything. We wont be doing brunch this trip.

Linda, it sounds like you have your battle plan drawn up already for the Palo resies. :) Go gettem!!!! LOL! I am looking forward to it since it will be my only chance at getting in Palo. It will also be a break for me from the kids.

Oh, update on PT here...Kaitlyn has been dry since she went to bed last night! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc I have a Dora feltboard waiting for her if she makes it until bedtime! Yes I believe in bribery! LOL! She actually told me that the peepee was coming this morning & made it!!! She asked the teacher at PS to go to the bathroom 2 times today & went for the first time at school!!!! We could be getting somewhere serious here! :)

[nedleycan]

I think meeting after the fire drill could work. As I said, after the drill, we went back to the room for 5 minutes, just to get the camera, then went back on deck. We hung around for a while before the sailaway happened. So it might be a good time.

Jo, also try The Shoe Company. I saw a few pairs there for $19.99 and $24.99 that were nice. My problem is that Meghan has skinny ankles like her mom (really it isn't bragging, because I have always hated them) and so many shoes don't fit her. It they don't have a buckle at the back, or if they are "narrow", they don't fit her. I was truly lucky here. I bet there is one at Warden and Eglinton. They seem to have lots of outlet-type stores.

Everyone better be feeling good for the cruise, so rest up!!!!

[nedleycan]

That is fantastic! It looks like you will make it!

I think I may have said something about it being too rushed after the drill, but I forgot about the sailaway party. As long as everyone went straight to the party after the drill (other than getting cameras) then we should be fine. It is something you don't want to miss anyway, so you will want to be there... we might as well set up a meet!

I have a funny feeling that most of us will see each other at the port. We know what each other looks like (at least most of us), I am sure that we will bump into each other there.

Lisa, you should really consider doing Palo for dinner. We loved it! I am sure the kids will be fine in the club. You can always book Palo for later in the week, then cancel (or give us the ressie... haha) if things don't work out.

HOW MUCH LONGER!?!?

[SINK]

I vote for meeting 15 minutes after the safety drill by the family pool portside (this way, the kids can grab some pizza before the sailaway) and we could grab a few tables. Typically, the safety drill starts at 4:00 PM sharp and last about 15/20 minutes. The sailaway party starts at 4:45PM and last about 30 minutes. You should have plenty of time to get changed (casual night for those who don't have the LAP rotation). And since the only activity that the kids have prior to dinner is the pool, but you could do the pool thing before the drill (just remember to pack your swimwears in your carryon, and don't forget the suntan lotion).

Our typical schedule (depending on the boarding time) is to hit the Top-sider buffet (before 1PM), then while the rest of the group is finishing up, I will rush out to do the Palo ressie's followed by kids cub registration. After the rest of the group finish their leisurely lunch, DW would take the nieces to the mickey's pool. Then by 3:15/3:30, they will come back (well, I would actually have to pull them out of the pool) to get ready for the safety drill. Then we would lounge around (or meet other DISers) before the sail away party.

[sherry]

Congrats Lisa on the pt-ing.

Michelle, congrats on getting all docs.

Congrats to all the shoppers who are finding just what they want!

[nedleycan]

Sounds like a plan!

Hopefully everyone will join us. It would be an ideal time to meet, then we can try again on Sunday from 11-12.

Jo, does your friend want to come to High Tea with us?

[lbgraves]

Linda, I guess that I am just not letting me set myself up for a big disappointment. It is going to be pushing it anyway if Kaitlyn will go to the club. I wonder if the toilets in the club are as bad as the ones in the cabins? If so, DS isn't going to want to go near one as it is and he has been trained for 1 1/2 years. If all goes well we could always put our name on the waiting list and if it works out...SURPRISE! I fully intend on us to rebook for next fall on board ~ probably for the special itinerary of Antigua or San Juan.

I am actually looking forward more to having Kaitlyn join William in the club after dinner when the kids are in their PJs watching movies while meeting up with some of you guys. I think that we are going to be seeing each other alot around the ship, especially those of us who aren't planning on doing excursions. We seem to like gab fests from the way this thread has grown. LOL! Who is the person with the cat 5 or 6??? What time is the wine & cheese? ;) JK! It will be nice to see some of the other cabins.

[mkauffman]

Oh my gosh........you guys are on a roll today! I am so excited just reading all these posts. This is really, finally happening, isn't it?? I have the same 'ol goosebumps all over again.

I honestly cannot wait to meet you all. It's part of the great anticipation I have for this whole trip! :sunny:

Lisa...WTG on the PTing. Maybe it was meant to happen this way. I'm also a huge fan of bribery. I hope you get rid of the tickles soon. They're nasty.

Linda, count me in for high tea. Michelle Kauffman, room 7537.

The sail away party, does that phrase just make everyone tear up?? Anyway.....I'm game for spotting you all there. Steve, you had a great idea about getting tables. I'll have my tag on.

Did we decide to meet outside of Topsiders on Sunday from 11-12??? I need to make a list of all these dates and times. I'm terrified of forgetting something. Maybe someone can write it all down in one message and then I'll remember it. So, it's a meet for anyone interested on Saturday after the sail away party, a meet Sunday from 11-12 outside of Topsider's and high tea on Sunday at 3 p.m. Is that right??

Then we have bingo, walks around the deck and a party in Linda's room...

Just kidding, Linda. :teeth:

I have a question about the Castaway Club party if anyone knows. What is the dress for this? Is it formal? Is it a seperate night from formal night?

We're in the TEENS now!!!

Michelle :wave2:

[mkauffman]

Lisa, you and I must have been posting at the same time and we both posted about Linda's cabin!!! Isn't that funny. ::yes::

Great minds think alike! :bounce:

Michelle

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - nice of you to ask about my friend for high tea. We're travelling with my best friend and her family...they live in Peterborough (where we grew up), and we don't see each other that often anymore, so we're looking forward to some great times with our families! I've told her about my cyber friends and she knows of my Disney planning obsession, so she expects that I'll be spending some time with you guys, and I thought you folks might want to keep the tea amongst ourselves. Is anyone else bringing other folks to the tea? Lisa - great news about Kaitlyln - I"m keeping my fingers crossed for you so DH and you can have some "quality" time however you choose!
Just like Michelle, I'm going to require a recap (and a map - where the heck is portside!!). So is it Saturday ~4:30 at Goofy Pool (or is it Mickey pool) and then additionally Sunday 11-12 outside Topsiders and then Sunday 3:00 High tea?

[kimszath]

Hey!!!! Glad to see I didn't ofend anyone (SINK???) with the incredible shrinking chest info... thanks for making me feel better! Hey, I'm still in a C!

Lisa--you're right--I don't need the suit loan, but thanks again SO much for offering! Nice to know so many of our boys are about the same size!

Well, I found nice dress shoes for Luke tonight, but still none for me. I'm gonna have to go back to the mall this weekend. I REALLY want to be done with the shopping so I can concentrate on the PACKING! Still waiting for hubby and Luke's Hawaiian shirts to show up--any day now from Hilo Hattie's. We'll all match. Oh, and if anyone's trying to recognize folks during boarding activities, I doubt there will be a whole lot of couples with one little boy and Grandma along! I'll try to get a picture to Alex's site this week--I keep using the computer that doesn't have any of our pictures on it, so I'm remiss in getting that done.

Yes, add us to your High Tea ressie list--me and my Mom.
Kim Szathmary and Neida Higgins--Cabin 7074

So when's then best night for Palo reservations? Is it your formal night just when you rotate through Lumiere's? Or is it formal night for everybody, regardless of restaurant, on Sunday? When is semiformal night? Is that the Captain's Gala? I need to read my stuff all over again. I get so excited and read everything the minute I get my hands on it, then forget half of it.

[lbgraves]

Jo, I think that everyone is invited to the tea...just be sure to warn them. LOL! I wonder if we are going to have enough people to book the private room? I doubt it but would hate to bother the rest of the place with our gabbing. :) Anyone who ends up on our dining rotation will know we are there when we celebrate the boy's birthday Saturday night. :)

Have to share this too. DS loves to play with his hot wheels. He lines them up & they go to school, the store, whereever. He has them talk to each other too. :) Today I overheard him telling all of them to get ready to go to the Mickey Mouse boat. ::MickeyMo I think that they are getting just as excited about this trip.

OMG!!! I can't believe that WE are leaving here in 13 days!!!!! :crazy: I have to get packing!!!!!! Plans are for Wednesday morning when both kids are in school.

[kimszath]

Hey!!!! Glad to see I didn't offend anyone (SINK???) with the incredible shrinking chest info... thanks for making me feel better! Hey, I'm still in a C!

Lisa--you're right--I don't need the suit loan, but thanks again SO much for offering! Nice to know so many of our boys are about the same size!

Well, I found nice dress shoes for Luke tonight, but still none for me. I'm gonna have to go back to the mall this weekend. I REALLY want to be done with the shopping so I can concentrate on the PACKING! Still waiting for hubby and Luke's Hawaiian shirts to show up--any day now from Hilo Hattie's. We'll all match. Oh, and if anyone's trying to recognize folks during boarding activities, I doubt there will be a whole lot of couples with one little boy and Grandma along! I'll try to get a picture to Alex's site this week--I keep using the computer that doesn't have any of our pictures on it, so I'm remiss in getting that done.

Yes, add us to your High Tea ressie list--me and my Mom.
Kim Szathmary and Neida Higgins--Cabin 7074

So when's then best night for Palo reservations? Is it your formal night just when you rotate through Lumiere's? Or is it formal night for everybody, regardless of restaurant, on Sunday? When is semiformal night? Is that the Captain's Gala? I need to read my stuff all over again. I get so excited and read everything the minute I get my hands on it, then forget half of it.

Going to bed... gotta get up at 4:30 in the morning to go fly-probably my last flight until I get back from the cruise! I have two new students who have never flown the C-17 before (one coming to us from little Lear jets, the other from F-15 fighters--always scary on Fly 1!) More tomorrow! :wave2:

[kimszath]

Sorry--same one posted twice... not sure how that happened... looks like it went before spell check.. sorry! G'night!:eek:

[mkauffman]

Kim, you amaze me.

Linda, I'll try to let you know tomorrow if anyone else in my group wants to join us for high tea.

Lisa, very funny storry about the hot wheels. Isn't it funny to sit back and listen to your kids talk to themselves?

I'm very confused about formal night, semi formal night (are they the same nights for everyone.......that's a great question), Captain's Gala and our Passport to the Magic says something about the Captain's Cocktail Reception. On top of this, I have this Castaway Club cocktail party. I'm REALLY confused! How do I know what to wear to each??

Michelle :teeth:

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - Michael will be taking his purple monkey with him and I'm sure a collection (limited by Mom who will have to end up keeping track of them!) of Rescue heros and cars! He will just be in heaven if the Club has any assortment of truck and cars and will be very excited if another little boy or two will play with him! Kim - wow, you fly planes and spell-check too...I didn't even know we could do that!! I'm sure the kids will be in awe when you tell them you fly planes...can you bring a photo of you in "action"!:smooth:

[lbgraves]

Kim, Formal night & semiformal are on the same nights for everyone. It seems that they flip flop between Sunday & Thursday nights. If we don't do Lumiere's on either of these nights I still plan on dressing up a bit since it is a more elegant atmosphere.

Michelle, I wouldn't worry as much about what to wear to the CC reception. Just that those people wont necessarily be seeing you in the same outfit at dinner.

Also, Kim, I think that you are going to see alot of GPs & kids on the cruise. :) We will be wearing navy blue Ts and jeans or jean shorts when we board. They have Disney spelled out with the characters. I just emailed our family picture so you will know what DH & I look like.

Looks like we are out of sudifed so tonight will be "interesting." Definantly going on the list for tomorrow!!!

[lbgraves]

Jo, LOL! The boys will get along just fine! Actually so will Kaitlyn! Both kids love RHs! WIlliam had a RH party last year & with 27 kids here let's just say that he got alot of them. He already had a few & Santa was prepared to bring them each a few more. We have the ship & the original command center. Anyhow, with the dups that we returned to WM, he picked up the airplane and the helicopter...for Kaitlyn believe it or not. I told him that this was HIS birthday money & he didn't have to buy anything for her but he insisted. I was a proud mommy that day! Is your son into Thomas? The kids both like that as well but the last train things will be showing up for Christmas this year. They will have more than enough to build a track over the entire family room floor then! :rolleyes: Add the loving family dollhouse & vans to the list and that is pretty much their main entertainment.

Will Michael be in the 3-4 year group in the clubs? That is what I am signing William up for even though he turns 5 the day before. He is in the 4 yo class at PS and is good with kids that age. Also, in order to have a better chance of getting Kaitlyn to stay in the club, the kids will need to be together. It looks like Kim's son & Julie's son will be in the 3-4 group also. Looking at the navigators it seems that the 5-6 group gets together with them for some activities so they will have the chance to see Mary & Linda's kids then.

[SINK]

As Lisa stated:

Sunday: Semi Formal
Thursday: Formal
Captain's Club Cocktail: Sunday or Monday (45 mins before "first" seating dinner). So, you can load up on the cocktail before heading to dinner (and then two fists it and bring it to the dining room).

We are planning to do Brunch on Sunday, Tea on Monday, and Dinner on Tuesday.

[SINK]

Cabin tours:

Let's arrange for a cabin tour on Monday.

We can start with the Cat 5/6, then with Cat 7, Cat 8/9, Cat 10, and Cat 11. Then we can order cheese and sit at Linda's veranda. Who's bring the wine?

[nedleycan]

We are in a category 5. It is the same as a cat 6, just on a different deck. Yes, we would love to have a cocktail party in our room. We can order a cheese tray, and we will have wine, so come on over!!!! We can plan the time later at our meeting.

Jo, I am going to Vegas from Sunday to Thursday, staying at New York New York. I try to stay at a different hotel every time I go, and have never stayed there before. I love the deuling piano bar at that hotel, so thought I might as well stay there.

[lbgraves]

The cabin tour sounds like a blast!!! :) We are in an 8 so sign us up for that! LOL! Maybe we could work it out so we end up in Linda's room instead of backtracking? I am thinking of bringing some extra stuff now for possible get togethers like cookies or such. We probably have some wine here put away. We don't drink much at all and it would be nice to share it with our DIS friends. :)

[mcampbell_22]

Boy, I get busy for a few hours and look what I missed!

Linda, count me in for high tea - Cabin 7512.

Meeting after drill sound fine too, as does meeting up again on Sunday.

We'll have to put together a "list" of dates, times and places.

Can't believe it's almost here. Looking into getting a digital camera to take along. Any recommendations?

[nedleycan]

We bought a digital camera in St. Martin 3 years ago. It is a Minolta and is good. But, we are both very much into photography (I took courses in college) and wanted something closer to our SLR camera. So, just last week, Brian bought a new Canon that takes all our old SLR lens, so we have wide-angle and zoom lens for our digital. It is the Canon EOS Rebel digital. It can do very high resolution, which is important in my job. I use it to photograph images for posters and flyers, etc. and need a good camera. So it was worth the expence.

The most important thing (in my opinion) is that it has a large range of optical zoom. Otherwise, everytime you zoom into something, it will use digital zoom which makes the resolution worse. Our first camera is very small, as that was important for skiing and hiking. So now we have a choice!

There are some good web sites that rate cameras. If you want the name of one, I can ask hubby.

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - you have entered sainthood for entertaining 27 boys at a birthday party!! Sounds like our kids have the same toys! Michael got the Rescue Heros command center ship for his birthday along with a bunch of RH. We also have a ton of "dinky" toy cars and DD has the loving doll house. Michael will be in the 3-4 Kids Club and Katie (and our friends DD Brooke) in 5-7. Love the idea of cabin tours - we are in 11 so we can start in ours if you want - just give me notice so I can throw all dirty clothes in closet! I know DH will be bringing red wine aboard (he loves wines - and I can't stand wine - give me rye & coke or a fancy drink instead! I call him my wine snob!). I assume if we are taking wine/alcohol outside our rooms, it would have to be in a plastic cup? Feels like high school parties all over again!! Jo

[Jo-Anne]

FYI - if anyone is interested in a good summary of St. Martin - where to go, what to do, beaches overviews, I found this on the internet http://www.geocities.com/seadroo/sxmnotes.html

[mkauffman]

Cabin tour sounds great....great idea Steve! We're also in a cat 11, so you're welcome anytime! We can discuss in detail once we meet.

I would really love to take some soda and beer onboard, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. All of our docs say no coolers allowed!

Michelle :sunny:

[mkauffman]

I just re-read Steve's schedule. So high tea is on Monday? Why was I thinking it was on Sunday?

Michelle

[Jo-Anne]

I think that's Steve's family's schedule. Think we're still on for DIS Tea on Sunday.
Also, have read other posts about the coolers. It appears that its the hard sided larger coolers that are not allowed. Lots of people talk about bringing on those smaller, soft sided coolers. Thats what we're taking. However, you can't have ice in coolers when you board. Jo

[mkauffman]

That's exactly what I wondered, Jo. Were they talking about the hard sided or the soft sided coolers. My inlaws are flying down the day before and I was thinking about having them get soda and/or beer down there and then just take it to the port with them.

Michelle :bounce:

[lbgraves]

Regarding the soda & beer, don't put it in your checked luggage. You need to carry it on but it can't be exposed so in your CO bag would be great. We will probably put a small soft sided cooler in the suitcase folded up.

OK so for the tour we have:
cat 11 Jo
cat 8 Lisa
cat 5 Linda

Does anyone have a different category to share?

DIS stuff:
SAT 4:30 meet on deck for sail away
SUN 11-12 meet at topsiders
SUN 3-? high tea at Palo
MON ??? cabin tour

I got some magnetic paper to make up a birthday thing for William and will try to do something about sailing with our DIS group. Michelle, did you do the nametags? Could you email me the Disney design you used for them. If it works, I could do something for us to put on our doors.

[mcampbell_22]

Michelle, I asked my TA about coolers and she said soft sided are OK. They just don't want people bringing open containers (drinks) and perishable food on board in ice packed coolers.

We're also considering bringing a 12-pack of beer on board for DH. Haven't yet decided if there's room and if we want to carry it.

Ditto here on the Rescue Heroes. Conor also has the Aquatic command center with a ton of figures, vehicles etc. He's recently become enamored with GI Joes. Guess what he's asking for his birthday. He also likes Bionicles, Mega Blok figures. I LOVE them because they keep him occupied for hours!!! Devon is a true girly girly with a million dolls, barbies, stuffed animals etc. Such a little "mama." She loves to take care of them and is asking for a Mommy's Little Patient for christmas. Don't think we'll bring along much in the way of toys but Devon has a special "blankie" that she sleeps with that has seen more travel than most adults!

Oh, I just got back from a trip to Walmart and picked up a box of the mini bubbles (like they use at weddings) in great primary colors that the "kids" can use for the sail away party. The box contains 24 which I think will be enough. Haven't actually counted us all up yet! LOL

I also picked up some sugar free lemonade and ice tea powder mixes to bring along. From what I understand the drinks at the drink stations are all sugared. I'm not wasting my calories on that! No way! We're bringing along our Disney mugs from past trips to use for drinks so we can just mix it up in them.

Linda, thanks for the info on the cameras. Is the savings in St. Martin worth waiting to buy one there? You'd think I'd have a decent digital camera what with selling on Ebay and all but I just use the camera on our video camera. It takes decent pics and holds a ton of photos (have taken almost 300 and there was still more room).

[nedleycan]

We are bringing a soft-sided cooler, packed in our luggage. We will take our wine and fit it in with our clothes (to protect the wine). The cooler isn't completely necessary, as we found the "fridges" in the room worked fine for us, plus you can always get ice for the sink, if necessary.

I am going to try to make up a "schedule" for us (if I have time). Then, I will send it to everyone. Sound good?

[nedleycan]

The savings were okay, but don't bother waiting... it wasn't that great. Plus, you will miss the sailaway party and the first couple of days.

Cameron loves Rescue Heroes too! He has probably 8 of them (and Meghan has Wendy Waters). We have 2 airplanes, helicopter, snowboard, surf board and other stuff. Cam also loves his Spider-Man figures and he has a Spider-Man "hide out" that he loves to play with. He also loves anything that flys (as Kim knows). He wants to be a pilot or astronaut and is obsessed with space.

Meghan loves her barbies, but we are wondering how much longer she will like them, since she is 6.5. She is asking for more barbie stuff for Christmas, but we might decide not to get it for her, as it might be a waste. She also loves Polly Pocket and I just bought a Polly Pocket set at Costco yesterday for her. She is a huge crafts person. She will do crafts all day long. She also loves doing school work and teaching her brother or her dolls to write, read and do math... it is very cute! haha She is now very much in love with Avril Lavigne, mainly because of her 8 year old cousin.

Your schedule sounds right Lisa.

You just reminded me that I have not printed out our name tags yet. I need to do that!

[mkauffman]

Thanks a bunch for the schedule. I printed it and I'm going to stick it in my Disney folder. I knew I came to the right place for my cooler questions. You guys rock. Now I just need to decide what to do.

Lisa, I just emailed you the name tags that I used. Let me know if you can get the logo off it (that's what you wanted, right?).

Michelle :sunny:

[lbgraves]

OK I am working on magnets for our doors but I also just got those Disney racers from Amazon. PLMK what Disney movies / characters your kids like. :)

[Tonydana]

hey guys..

busy day here.. went shopping with a neighbor.. got my dress from hilo hatties.. it fits, but i'm way too pale to be wearing this i think.. oh well..

anyways.. are we sticking to that schedule then.. it sounds good.. i really want to do one of the tours that are on the ship..

funny, i picked up a box of bubbles for us to give out to you guys on the cruise too.. hey, the kids will like them all.. i got the box of the small birthday ones too...

we are bringing a sm soft sided cooler too, but not with anything in it.. i figured we would get room service and bring sandwiches, etc. off of the ship on our port days.. :)

hubby wants me to call and see if we can get a cake to celebrate our anniversary.. but he is very shy, does anyone know if they are going to sing to us.. he won't be too thrilled..

gotta run.. more later.. i cannot wait to meet you guys.. so excited.. :)

dana

[mkauffman]

Dana, I don't know if they sing or not (they won't if you ask them not to), but you should do it! Live it up!

I think I'm definitely packing the soft-sided cooler, but I need to figure out how to take the beer/soda. Someone said I can't pack it, right?

Can't wait for the sail-away bubbles!! :teeth:

Michelle

[SINK]

Sorry for the confusion on Palo's. I was providing our family's plan.

We are in a Cat 7 (7624). So, add us to the touring schedule.

[mcampbell_22]

Dana, go ahead and call Disney to let them know you're celebrating your anniversary. I've called and arranged for Birthday cake for Conor on our first night at sea and I've packed some party decorations for the table (Lisa has done this too for William) and I've also arranged for a cake to celebrate our anniversary on Sunday (the formal night). Not sure if they do anything else but what the hay. It's not often we make a big deal over "our" days as adults, so go for it!

Well, DH is working late tonight so I'm off to a Tiger Cubs meeting. Talk to you all soon.

[SINK]

Dana:

The walking tour of the ship is not a big deal. I can take you around and give you some of the interesting facts on the ship.

Cakes for special occasions: First let your TA know, then follow-up with your servers (usually, your servers will "confirm" with your party as to the who/when/what and not how and not where you wanted to celebrate. the special occasion.

[JulieGS]

Hi Everyone!

First of all, something was screwed up with my e-mail, so I didn't receive any notices about new posts. I thought we were just having an unusually quiet weekend... LOL! I should have known better... when I checked in I had five pages to read!

Now for the exciting news! My TA called and left a message to call her about the cruise. I'm a natural pessimist, so I assumed something awful had happened... the Norwalk virus had returned... the cruise was canceled... the ship sank... but we were upgraded to a Cat 5!!!! I'm so excited!!! :hyper:

We're in 7586. Count me in for tea, Linda! Woo hoo! I do have one concern, though. I can just picture one of the boys climbing up the railing and pitching overboard. (See, I wasn't kidding about the pessimist thing.) Does anyone know if that's possible? In addition, I really don't think we deserve a nicer cabin. I'm reading all the packing posts in awe! I haven't even thought about what we're wearing when. I don't have any bubbles, I don't have any decorations, I don't have any magnetic stuff. I wasn't planning to bring a cooler, we're getting the wine package on board, and I'm going to rent a tux for DH because I've never seen one for $1 ANYWHERE!:magnify: I'm not worthy.

Julie

P.S. The new room is across from the laundry, so I volunteer our cabin for folding! :)

P.P.S. I'm still nursing Leif and my :bounce: :Pinkbounc were just barely a B before nursing my first son for a year and a half, so I'm picturing a return to pre-pubescent levels by the time Leif is done. DH would love to have them "detailed" too!

[mcampbell_22]

Julie, congrats on the upgrade! I know the feeling about getting a "call" from TA when you're not expecting it. You always think it's bad news, never good. So happy for you. Looks like we're adding your cabin to the tour!!!

[nedleycan]

That is fantastic! What cat. were you originally? Wow, an upgrade, and still almost mid-ship. That is great! We are almost neighbors!

Don't worry about the balcony. I too have some concern, but they have a high lock on the door, so unless you open the door, the kids can't get out. Also, the door is heavy. Only take the kids out with you, and otherwise close the door.

What does "PLMK" mean Lisa?

[lbgraves]

PLMK Please let me know :)

Julie, Sounds like we are in the same boat. Makes it really difficult when your clothes don't fit you right anymore. :( Congrats on the upgrade!!!

Hey guys, I am working on a works document listing everyone's cabins so that if we want to get in touch on the ship we will have most of them handy except for any last minute upgrades. :) I am getting the info from Alex's website and yes, Julie, I made the change for you. :)

[Jo-Anne]

Julie - until I met the 11/15 bunch, I thought I was one of the most organized Disney planners north of the border. However, this group puts me to shame. I too had not thought about decorations, door magnets, bubbles and still have 8 different small piles of stuff and clothes scattered around the house that will need to get packed somehow...oh ya, I also have 30 pounds to lose in the next 19 days to catch up with all you amazing women who have lost a whole bunch weight over the last year!! Julie - when you volunteered your room for laundry folding, does that mean someone in your cabin is going to fold my clothes for me!!;) I think we are going to put some juice boxes, beer and wine in our soft sided cooler and use it as a carryon. I was going to take some bottled water, but have heard the water at 9th deck drinking station is very good, so I'll take one bottle and just keep filling it up. ALso heard great suggestion (was it from this group?) on taking a wide mouth water bottle and some powdered mixes to mix with the water since it appears the ship is limited on juices, flavoured ice tea etc. Linda - my kids like Mickey, Minnie, Buzz, Tink, Cinderella - pretty familiar with most of the current characters. Mickey and Minnie to them are still like Santa - they talk about them as tho they are real and not just a cartoon character! Jo

[nedleycan]

Cam loves Buzz!!!! He keeps saying "Is Spider-Man Disney?", I keep on saying, "No, just Buzz and Monsters Inc and Lilo and Stitch"... but he really, really wants Spider-Man to be Disney. I think I will talk to the "Disney People" about this! haha

Meghan loves Belle and Sleeping Beauty. Last year she loved Snow White and Cinderella, but now she thinks they are babyish.

[nedleycan]

I just read another thread where high tea was booked up right away. Now, I plan on being at the reservation station early, so this shouldn't happen, but if it does, should I try for Monday?

[lbgraves]

Well, it looks like I have less than anyone done as far as the packing goes! I have a small pile of summer clothes for me folded in our room. Not sure when this week I will get to the kids since Mike is leaving in the morning for 2 days. This allergy mess seems to be reacting well to the Advil so I will hold off on the doctor unless it comes back this weekend. Finally got some sleep!!! :)

I now have the cards that I wanted for the digital camera & thought that I was all set. Well....Mike was looking at the WM ad tonight & said that maybe we should get a small camcorder so that we wouldn't have to deal with the big one that we got years ago. :bounce: Normally I would be estatic about this & deal hunt but there isn't time. WM has a Panasonic for 238xx. We will probably just get it there although I could get it at Amazon for $30 less but have to wait for it. I wasn't going to pack the VHS one because it is too bulky to lug around.

Linda, as far as I am concerned, any day is fine for High Tea. We could always meet for an hour or so at the coffee bar on another sea day. I was going to suggest that anyway. So Sunday, Monday, or Thursday...right?

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - I also read about high tea booking up quickly, but I also read on other posts that when people get to high tea, there are very few people in the dining room. I think since it's "free", people book and then don't bother to cancel which is a real shame. I was taking a look at the Aug 2003 navigators and the high tea is 3:30-4:30 on the sea days. I also took a look at the different activities during that time, and Sunday does look like the "least active" activity time (unless you are planning on entering the ping pong tournament or doing pool games!). Monday has the wine tasting from 2:30-3:30 if anyone is planning on going to that (I know the 3 other adults in my group will be there)....you could hop from wine tasting and sober up at high tea!! Thurs at 3:30 the final bingo jackpot starts and I know there are a couple of bingoholics aboard!! So, since there is so much to choose from, and we won't be able to do it all, I'd suggest trying for Sunday and if that's not available, book one of the other days and whoever can make it can make it! Coffee bar is also another great alternative which I'm up for if High Tea is booked. Thanks again for doing the High Tea marathon for us! I'll most likely be at port at 10:30 as well, so if we're both up front, we might be able to divide and conquer on our personal Palo reservations and the group high tea! Jo

[mkauffman]

Julie, congrats on your upgrade! Everyone deserves and upgrade! Also, you're cracking me up with the :Pinkbounc :bounce: !!

Linda, I'm also fine for any day. Just let us know what happens. We know we're in capable hands.

Jo, love your comment about "sobering" up at high tea! Did we sound like a bunch of AA members when we talked about cabin hopping?? :D

Lisa, I'm happy to hear that you're feeling better. None of us can be sick....I just won't have it! ::yes::

We lost our game tonight, which normally would be a very bad thing.........but I'm almost relieved! Don't tell my hubby I said that. I have so many other things I need to be doing!

Michelle :wave2:

[kimszath]

Hey Cruisers!!! :smooth:
Well, my fighter pilot thinks the big jets handle like the little ones... I'm thankful to still be here... :Pinkbounc The weather was so windy here this morning that we had to go over to Amarillo TX to get our stuff done. Maybe my last flight before the cruise! Also, went to WW tonight and had some WONDERFUL soul ask me if I was a Lifetime Member at goal... it was all I could do not to POP!!! Still about 20 pounds more than I'd like to end up (we're still walking in the mornings, right?)
Was so tickled to hear about how many of you guys have Rescue Heroes fans in your homes. Luke adores them. Santa's big gift last year was the aircraft carrier command center, and I think Luke has around 30 heroes. His room is overloaded with them--we only found Warren Waters about a month ago--I wondered if he actually existed as a hero, or just as a feature of the command center! He's also into Thomas the Tank Engine, newly discovering Power Rangers (wearing the Red costume Friday night), and he adores Lilo & Stitch. I just ordered a load of personalized stuff from the newest Disney catalog for him--Lilo & Stitch stuff--and it arrived today. I'm hoping to sneak alot of it into suitcases and let him find different things on his bed everyday when we come back to the cabin. He's trying to get me to pack his Scooby slippers, but I keep hiding them, since Stitch slippers will be Day 1!

Julie--so happy about your upgrade! We booked a Cat 5 cabin from the start--military special had just started when I booked, so I got a great deal. I was about to ask the same thing, but someone beat me to it--you actually do the FOLDING??? :hyper:

Also, for anyone putting together any more lists, we have the Early seating now--were wait listed, but I called and begged politely on the day I paid in full--they were MOST helpful. Suppose I should update Alex' site with that info and a picture... I did send one to most of you via e-mail... jumping on the bandwagon.

Had another friend tell me today to bring bottled water... hadn't heard about deck 9 drink station... might bring some anyway so we have good stuff for tooth brushing every day, at the minimum!

[lbgraves]

I have updated the info on the list. :) Glad that you guys got your wish to go to early seating! We are bound to have someone in the dining room with us with that many people. Looks like we have deck 7 pretty well covered too. LOL!

I have been cleaning like a madwoman this morning upstairs. I even got a shower in. Laundry is in process and hopefully I will get the downstairs done this afternoon. I can keep tabs on the kids better than if I am upstairs. Bug man is spraying in the morning so I hate to have a cluttered house when anyone shows up here. I dropped off the last of my boxes from Ebay at Fedex this morning. Now if my last 2 payments don't come in I will NPB them this week and deal with listing more stuff when we get home.

Tomorrow Kaitlyn & I will drive down to Havelock to pick up a special order at the grocery store down there & hopefully find some black tights for her. I picked up what I thought were winter weight ones at Target but they are leggings with no feet. :( They aren't thick enough to be worn like pants though. Oh well!

Have to run & pick up the kids but wanted to pop in. Anyone packing? LOL!

[mkauffman]

It looks like we're all on decks 6 and 7 (and most of my family, 7 out of 9 staterooms) are on 7. Between us we probably took up the whole deck! How do we spell party?? :eek:

Lisa, you're going to have a shining house before you leave! That's great. Less to do when you get back!

I'm trying to pack what I can. I need to get my summer stuff out. I have the garment bag packed with the dress stuff. It's supposed to be in the 70s again this weekend! Go figure!

How many days until paradise?

Michelle :boat:

[lbgraves]

WOW Michelle! I didn't realize that you were having a family reunion onboard. We wouldn't be able to get enough people to fill that many rooms. Heck at most we could get one more room of people. LOL! That's fine with me though. ;)


Still trudging thru the cleaning here. I HATE the dust here in NC. It starts collecting the second you wipe it up. With all of us having allergies it is a never ending cycle. Definantly looking forward to the fresh air & sunshine on the cruise.

As I was vacuuming the stairs I thought of a question...still thinking. :) What do you do at WDW when it rains...I mean downpours? We had 3.46 inches of rain yesturday. I hadn't thought to look into that but would love to have suggestions from those of you who have been to WDW before of things to do indoors as a backup plan. THANKS!!!

The kitchen calls me....

[SINK]

Chances of heavy downpour (rain) during Nov at WDW are minimal. However, just in case of "heavy downpour", Disney Quest is an indoor interactive "theme park" located in Downtown Disney. Or watch a movie at the AMC. For those who are staying at a DVC resort, members can check out videos.

[lbgraves]

I looked at that but the kids are too young for the activities. I'm sure that we will find something to do. I am picking up some compact umbrellas to stick in our backpack just in case though. It is nice to know that there are videos available at the resort. :) Thanks for the info!

[SINK]

Lisa, the VCR are in DVC resorts (Old Key West, Broadwalk Villas, Villas at the Wilderness Lodge).

[nedleycan]

As Steve says, it probably won't rain really hard in November (didn't I read somewhere that November is one of the driest months in Florida?) It rained last year (first week of December) while we were at Animal Kingdom and MGM (did both in one day... not really impressed with either, for small kids) and we bought a poncho (better than an umbrella Lisa) and just kept going. The best thing is that it isn't as busy when it rains. Don't worry about it Lisa. It is actually kinda fun!

[kimszath]

Wow! 2 weeks from right now, I'll be all settled in at the Contemporary!!! We're getting so excited about the trip, even hubby, who would die before he'd act like it. Needs to get this kind of attitude ---> :bounce:

Well, he decided to start the Atkins Diet on Monday. He's a little grumpy, so I hope that subsides in the next couple of weeks. At least I'll have Mom and Luke along! The box of Disney stuff was MOST excellent. I'm packing this weekend, I hope. Still gotta find those sexy black high heels. Anybody know a good website for SHOES??? BACK to Dillard's. Again. I should buy stock. Oh, and I ordered some of those SpaceBags for packing--they arrived today. If anyone has the urge, their website says 3-4 weeks for shipping, but I just ordered them last week and they're here. Don't pay for express shipping! Haven't tried them yet, but I hear they're cool, kinda like high-tech ziploc baggies. I need all the help I can get, especially since I usually pack the whole closet. princess:

I think I have too many packing lists. I'll never get through all of them. Oh, if anyone gets Cruise Travel magazine, there's a cool picture of the Paradise Point Tramway on St Thomas in an article about the island. That was the only excursion my Mom wanted to go on, and now we have to take a taxi. Reminds me... gotta cancel the Butterfly Farm tour.

[nedleycan]

Yeah! I think I have a tropical dress! Someone at work brought in two dresses for me today. One is a beautiful (did I say sexy?) red dress... size 5/6... way too small... darn (she says... "it will fit, it is stretchy" I don't think so)!!!! But, she also brought in a black spanish-looking short dress with exotic looking flowers on it. It looks nice, however is tight and very sexy (I guess she is a sexy person!). I will have to go bra-less (sorry for all the detail Steve). Brian looked at it and said "ya, looks great... if you will actually wear it without a bra! You never go bra-less!" Well, I consider that a challenge!!!! Meghan said "I like that dress, can she make one for me?" I explained that she didn't make it, she bought it... but Meghan still wants one... hmmmm... should I be worried? haha

So, now I have a dress for semi-formal, a dress for palo, a dress for tropical night and a few other dresses. Now I just need formal night. The girl at work who I hope will lend it to me is on her honeymoon. She comes back on Monday, and will hopefully say "yes". I love the dress she has, and I know it fits. Cross your fingers.

Kim, we were on the Atkins, and that is how I lost my 12 lbs in about a month, and Brian lost 20 lbs. total in about 1.5 months. It is a great diet, but I wouldn't do it near cruise time... although, if he sticks to it, he will probably lose 10 lbs. in the next 2 weeks. Then, he can take it easy on the cruise, and restart after the cruise. Good luck! We were never grumpy, but we saw the results really fast, so it kept us going. I am so pumped about the weight I have lost. I am sure he will be fine soon.

[kimszath]

Linda--glad you mentioned dresses... I hadn't even thought about getting a dress to wear to Palo's. Actually, I may have to wear my awesome new pants... paid as much for my pair of pants as I did for the "little black dress!" They feel almost like velvet, but are some kind of neat brushed rayon, or something like that. They're covered in jungle animals... lions, tigers, giraffes, the like. I saw them on the rack and thought they were the coolest thing ever, though there was only one pair left (she'd just gotten one of each size two days before), and they were a size smaller than I'm wearing right now. Luckily, she said they ran a little big--to take them home and at least try them on (it's a small town where the shop owners trust you to take them "on approval" and bring them back or come back and pay!) I tried them on at home that evening, and it was like they were custom made just for me! Wonder if it'll be cold in Palo's... I need to wear them with a sleeveless black shirt. That still gives me an excuse to shop for another nice dress, though! While I'm searching for SHOES...

So how are you guys packing? I think I'll just have to make space for 9 days, and lay stuff out for every day to make sure I'm covered. I'm so afraid I'll forget something really obvious and important... like underwear... AAARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!:wave:

[lbgraves]

You know, we have some ponchos in the garage. They are on my list to pack. When I looked into all the parks I thought that for a 3 & 5 yo MK would be the only one to really interest them. That is good because it leaves alot for later visits. :)

It sounds like everyone is finishing up their dress hunts. :) Wont we look nice! We will have to try to get a group shot one night when we are all dressed up...maybe after early dinner / before the later show??? Let's see how the timing goes. 6 might work too.

[nedleycan]

Our kids were approx. the same age as your's last year, and we found that MK was by far the best. We will only have one Disney day this year, and we will go to MK for sure.

[SINK]

Originally posted by nedleycan
It rained last year (first week of December) while we were at Animal Kingdom and MGM (did both in one day... not really impressed with either, for small kids)


We were at WDW from 11/28/02 to 12/5/02 (before hopping on the Wonder). I didn't recall that it rained during our stay. Can't speak for Thurs through Sunday (since we were on the Disney Wonder). The first few days were extremely cold at night, but by Sunday, things warmed up a bit. We even did the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (not worth the extra $, just go to WDW during Xmas/New Years, and it's the same if not better and no extra $ but have to deal with the crowds).

[nedleycan]

We were on the Wonder from December 1st - 5th. Then, on the 6th, we did AK and MGM. That is the day it rained. Our cruise was unbelievably beautiful weather. The workers on the cruise said that we were the first cruise in 4 weeks to have such great weather. It was over 80 degrees every day, and perfect sunny days. It was only when we returned to Florida that it got yucky. It wasn't hard rain, just a constant drizzle all day... but we didn't care! The only bad thing was the photos, as we always had a hood or poncho on. Sorry that your cruise was cold at night Steve, we had really hot nights, that we would walk around the deck... just shows you that you never know what kind of weather you are going to get... you just make the best of it!

[mkauffman]

We were in Florida the week before Christmas last year and it was rainy and chilly. My uncle (who lives in Orlando) said that it was unusually crappy weather (for lack of a better word). I guess you just get it in your head that FL is supposed to be beautiful and it's a little bit of a let down when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Kim, I'm like you. I'm more afraid of not packing something really obvious than I am of not packing my dinner clothes! I'll forget something stupid like contact solution (speaking of, I must buy!).

Linda, are we going to see a sexy side of you that doesn't "pop" out often (sorry, couldn't help myself)? :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Lisa, I would love to have pics taken with all of us. That's a great idea.

Sherry, what day are you guys getting into FL?

Michelle :yo-yo:

[SINK]

Opps. Forgot to clarify. It was chilly the first few nights during our stay at WDW (Nov 28 - Dec 1, then it warmed up a bit Dec 2 - 5th. The cruise was beautiful (Dec 5 - 8). We had better weather on the Dec 5th sailing compared to one earlier late May last year. We had awful weather late March/early April on our Western this year, so, hopefully this time, the weather would be great. One bad, one good, one bad, one good...

[sherry]

Hi everyone:wave:

Michelle, I am now getting into FL on Saturday morning. My youngest daughter's senior recongnition for band fell on Friday night, after 4 years of competition band and all of her hard work, we couldn't miss that! Hopefully flights will go as planned, we arrive at 10:12. When we get back we are staying at the Swan until Monday evening.:sunny:

We had a drizzly day at sea last time we sailed at approximately the same time of year, the rest of the weather was beautiful.

[nedleycan]

You may just see something that isn't seen very often. haha

I am sure everything will work out fine Sherry!

Michelle, I will have plenty of solution if you run out! I am sure between all of us, we will be covered!

[Tonydana]

hey guys.. been a crazy few days around here, and it is going to get worse..

anyways - congrats on the upgrade julie... that is wonderful.. don't worry about the bubbles, i'm sure there will be plenty for all, i know i bought a box of 24 i think, so i'll hand them out too.. as far as the boys jumping ship over the verandah.. believe me, i have had nightmares about stephen already.. i had to get the verandah room, tony and i had it last time and i cannot go backwards.. it was awesome.. i'm sure they have really good locks, etc.. i think i'm more afraid of being on deck and him trying to get away, he is starting to run/walk.. he couldn't wait another few weeks till we got back could he.. :)

michelle - sorry you guys lost the game.. although i know the feeling of almost being relieved that you did..

kim - i'm up for walking too on the ship - what time are you guys planning on doing it.. also, if you guys don't mind, hubby and stephen might join us too, depending on the time.. you will love the contemporary - we stayed there a few times.. love it.. hey, if you find any great deals for black shoes online, let me know.. i need some too and don't know when i will get to the mall.. ugh.. too much to do..

linda - go without the bra.. i'm not daring believe me, hubby gives me a hard time alot cause i really hate anything tight, try a 38D... yikes.. and they were worse when i had stephen.. anyways, sorry for the graphics.. but if you can get away with it.. go for it..

lisa - i definately want to get a picture of all of us.. and i thought maybe one of just all the kids would be cute too... :)

think that is it for now.. off to do some real cleaning today.. more later guys.. have a great day..

dana ;)

[Tonydana]

do you guys know if we can get reprints of our cruise pictures when we get home or can we just make reprints on our own???

dana ;)

ps.. who is really off to clean now..

[nedleycan]

I really doubt that you can get reprints after you leave the ship. They take so many pictures every day (wait until you see it!) that they could possibly keep them for very long.

If you found a place that would do reprints from an original photograph, then you could, but most places won't do that, they will require a negative, just so you don't "rip-off" the photographer.

[sherry]

I don't know how to put the link in, but there is a release form for shutters photos on *******************.

[mkauffman]

Sherry, I'm certainly hoping you'll be fine because Mary and I don't get in Orlando until 11:45 a.m.!! I refuse to think about anything bad happening. Only sunshine thoughts from here on out. :sunny:

I would love to walk some mornings, too. I have to admit that I'll never get my butt out of bed early every morning, but I'll try.

I tanned (i.e. burned) last night. It was a new bed with new lights. WOW. It felt so good, though. I love to bask in warm heat.

Michelle :wave2:

[Jo-Anne]

Hi everyone - I think there is a standard walking group that DCL leads that goes every morning I think around 8:30-9:00. I would love to walk each morning and will most likley be up by 8:00 at the latest! Well I'm off to Skate Canada Grand Prix competition tonight until Sunday...I just love figure skating - did it for 13 years in my young and fit days! My Mom and Katie are going to share the other ticket so we're going to have a great time doing more girl bonding and figure-skating watching!! My daughter is infatuated with Sasha Cohen from the US and will be thrilled to see her skate live! I will have to dedicate all next weekend to packing! Linda - have a blast in Las Vegas. I can't believe we are soooooo close! Jo

[mcampbell_22]

Just a quick hello. It always seems like I just finish reading the posts and it's time for Devon to get off the bus! So much for my "alone" time!

Regarding pictures, I wonder if it's possible to scan the pictures into our computers and then either print them out ourselves if we have the printer or "send" them to someplace like Walmart etc. to have digital pics printed out. (You can have them mailed to you or pick up store). An idea, although I'm not sure of the "legality" of it.

I too have a few dresses that call for going bra-less!. Unfortunately at my age I NEED them to fit a little tight in order to keep it all "in"! LOL not that there's much left to keep in!

We've been talking so much about flights/times of arrival but what is everyone's return schedule like. Delta changed our return flight from 2:30 to 4:30 so we're going to have some time to fill. Considering booking the day rate at the airport Hyatt. Anyone else in this predicament?

Michelle, are you reserving Palo, spa etc. With our arrival time we may be doing a mad dash to get in line to make ressies. I'm still hoping for cancellations for the dolphin swim excursion so we can do that. Cancellations must be made 2 days prior or you're charged so I'll keep calling to check in. You never know, I may get lucky. (Fingers crossed!)

I just found a gorgeous vintage hawaiian dress and am contemplating bringing this along too. Sometimes packing too early can lead to adding more than necessary! Think I'll need to add another pair of heels too!

Off to get the bus. Talk to you all soon.

[mkauffman]

Mary, we've rented a car and are going to Downtown Disney on the 22nd. We don't fly out until 4:10. We're not doing Palo or spa ressies, so I'm not real concerned about that. I just want our flights down to go smoothly so we don't miss the ship!! :eek:

Keep your fingers crossed. You might be able to get the dolphin swim. People do cancel for unknown reasons.

I think my parents are re-thinking the banana boat ride on CC. It might be too rough.

Michelle :sunny:

[Tonydana]

will i ever keep up with all the posts.. i should be cleaning, but can't get away from this computer..

anyways.. tony and i are not doing spa or palo either.. so we won't have to worry about that.. our flight home does not leave orlando til something like 7:30 pm or so.. my cousin is picking us up at the port and we are spending the day with her and her husband.. they live 10 minutes from the port and said they would drive us back to the airport too.. :) i want to be back there by 4:00 though that way we can get supper and get settled, etc..

our flight coming in gets in orlando around 2:30 on the 14th.. we are spending the night there though so we will just hang around and look at all the shops, etc. that afternoon..

well, talk to you all later..

dana ;)

[lbgraves]

We will be leaving for JAX ASAP after being able to leave the ship. BIL's wedding is at 3 so DH & his brother will be leaving the house at 1 and I will be leaving with the kids & SIL & her kids at 1:30. The rest of the day will hopefully go smoothly and we should be back to the house & in bed by 10...I HOPE!!! I will be able to check in on my SIL's computer...but don't really want to think about that. :( I read over the Navigators last night & got so sad when I reached the last day.

About the shutters pictures, you just need to print out the release on the site that was posted & take it with you to the Target or WM with the Picture maker thing. There shouldn't be a problem.

[nedleycan]

We are flying in on the 14th around 3:00 p.m. Going to Downtown Disney Hilton for the night. Fly home on the 23rd in the morning. We will be going back to the Hilton on the night of the 22nd. We will be going to MK on the 22nd.

[Jo-Anne]

we've got the 11:40am flight from Orlando to Buffalo. By all accounts, as long as the boat docks on time, we should have no problem getting off ship by 8:30 and arriving at MCO by 9:15, so should have plenty of time! We've hired a towncar to pick us up at port and do the driving to airport, so I don't have to worry about shuttles, parking lots etc. I know there are other flights later that day if things just don't line up right!

[mkauffman]

Wow. It sounds like everyone is coming from different places at different times. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as we all make the sail-away party, right? :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

I can't wait to hear "Celebration"!!

Lisa, you aren't even going to have time to breathe after debarking. I'll be thinking of you as I head back to cold PA!

We all must make promises to keep in touch! I'm going to miss you guys so much!

Ok, back to the sunshine I promised myself.........

Michelle :sunny:

[lbgraves]

I forgot to say that we are arriving in Orlando on Wednesday 11/12, going to DT Disney & spending time around the hotel. I can't wait for the kids to see the GIANT Buzz! :) We are planning to go to MK Thursday & Seaworld Friday. Friday night I will probably do laundry so that I can leave what warmer clothes we used in the car. Hopefully we wont be needing alot of long pants on the cruise!

[mkauffman]

Lisa, you guys are going to LOVE that hotel. We had a ball there. Now I want to check out the new Pop Century. Maybe next trip.

Michelle :tongue:

[nedleycan]

I had to pack for Vegas tonight, as we are leaving here to go up north (to our ski chalet - Collingwood, Jo) tomorrow around 4:00, so that we can be there for trick or treating. Then, the family is dropping me at the airport on the way home Sunday afternoon. Feels like another vacatin. I will miss you guys next week, and am almost worried about the amount of posts that will happen between Sunday and Thursday.

[nedleycan]

I couldn't find our thread and had to use an old link to find it... let's see if this post will make it appear.... weird.

[lbgraves]

Hope that you have a good trip, Linda. Sounds like a nice weekend ahead for your family. :)

Mike got home early last night so I had help with putting the kids to bed. I had forgotten about the kid's Halloween parties this morning, so I wont be getting any packing done. :crazy: Just about down to a week for us now!

[mkauffman]

Linda, have a great time in Vegas. I hope the weather is fantastic for you!

Lisa, I'll bet it was nice having Mike home.

Michelle :sunny: (it's beautiful in Central PA today)

[mcampbell_22]

Linda, I couldn't find the thread either. It looks like they started a new thread at the top of the page called Cruise Meets where all these types of thread will now be kept.

It's a gorgeous day here in MA and they're predicting it will be in the 70s tomorrow! Glad the kids won't be freezing for trick or treating tonight. Just got back from dropping off goodie bags to the kids' classes for them to hand out. Conor made me promise not to wear a costume when I dropped them off! Said I would embarass him! Ah, so it begins "Mom! Not in front of my friends!" LOL

I remember a few pages back talk of rain ponchos. We pick ours up at Walmart or off price stores for around 50¢ I think. They're the clear one-time use kind but work in a pinch and are very small in terms of packing space. When we went to WDW with the kids still in strollers they worked great to cover up our stuff when going into rides so everything stayed dry. Don't feel so bad throwing out a 50¢ poncho as opposed to the much more expensive yellow Disney ones. I've packed a few just in case although my kids are known to swim in any kind of weather. "We're going to get wet anyway!"

[mkauffman]

Mary, the embarrassment thing definitely gets worse the older they get. Then amazingly one day they need you again. My mom always told me that's how it works. It's really hard to let go, though.

I think the new Cruise Meets thread is great!

Michelle :sunny:

[lbgraves]

Well, I am totally enjoying not being able to embarrass my kids yet. LOL! I went to both of their Halloween parties this morning...makes it nice when they are right next door to each other. :) When I have a chance to upload the pictures I will send them out. William is a fireman & Kaitlyn is a pretty princess. What are your kids dressing up as today?

[sherry]

My "kid" who is almost 17 went to school as Hermine (sp)from Harry Potter. We are having a gathering at our house tonight and she is going to be the girl from Pirates of the Carribbean, can't remember her name. Her boyfriend is being the part of Orlando Bloom. Sorry, I am terrible with names:(

[mcampbell_22]

We're just about ready to start getting dressed to go our trick or treating. Hoping DH gets home so he can walk them around the neighborhood! Conor is going as a mummy and Devon is Snow White. Can't wait to see my little blondie as a brunette!

I was going to go out as Cinderella but, again, the boy has asked me not to! "Mom you're so weird. None of the other Moms will be dressed up!" BOO HOO!!!

[lbgraves]

AWE!!! Poor Mary! :) Maybe next year he will chill out. Hope everyone had fun tonight! The kids had a ball filling their pumkins. Mike has to work on the car tomorrow so I am going to try to accomplish some packing while I am stuck here.

[mcampbell_22]

HELP!!! We have tons of candy! LOL

Kids has a terrific time last night. Weather was perfect for Trick or treating. Devon did comment "Snow White's feet are killing her." So I did end up carrying her when there was a great distance between houses. Just call me "Martyr Mary" LOL She still hasn't quite learned that pain and sacrifices women make to look beautiful.

Conor look great as a mummy. Got lots of compliments. Did start unraveling a bit as we walked. I tried to tack him back together but eventually just let me "drag" his rags behind him (actually looked pretty authentic!) but made sure to keep him away from all the lit jack-o-lanterns!

I'm going to put some of the candy into ziplocs and pack it for the cruise. That way we'll have snacks for the "kids" during shows, movies etc.

Gorgeous 70 degree day here so I'm going to go with the kids for a bike ride. Talk to you all soon.

[lbgraves]

Mary, GMTA!!! I also decided that with the kids' haul last night I am going to take out the good movie snacks like M&Ms & such to take with us on the ship. :) They eached filled their pumpkins & we don't need all that candy around the house!

Well, I have pulled out clothes for the kids & myself. Theirs are on the dining room table...at least half of it in piles. ACK!!! IDK how I am going to pack this!!!!! William is pretty easy. 6 pairs of jean shorts & a ton of Ts. :) That along with his clothes for dinner are all set. I think that I am going to have to get him more underwear though since unless there is a ton of it in the laundry now...he has lost some. The same thing with his socks.

Kaitlyn has been more difficult. I think that I have it all pulled out though. I tried to pick a few extra tops & shorts that would be easy to change if one or the other got wet or dirty instead of the entire outfit. I did find some white striderite sandles in the garage that I had planned to Ebay but will pack them up for dinner sandles. I have to see if the Nemo ones I picked up at the beginning of the summer fit her yet. She didn't like them when we got them but when payless has B1G1/2 you HAVE to get the 2nd one! LOL!

I also tried on my dresses to make sure they fit & see what accessories I would need with them. :) The one that was for formal night got a neg from DH so it will stay home. I have decided to wear the black wool crepe dress for formal night & the wedding. Since DH will be in a black tux for the wedding we will probably get some nice pictures then too. I haven't gone thru my casual clothes yet.

I think that I am just going to pack some long pants & tops for our week in FL after the cruise & can clean the summery things that we brought on the ship if we need them. I am trying to cut back as much as possible. My SIL said that she hasn't worn a jacket or long sleeves yet. :þ Sorry but that just means that in another 4 weeks it COULD be cooler weather. Guess that we will just have to go shopping if I didn't bring enough of the right thing? ;)

I know that DD's outfits will go into ziplocks since they are 2 pieces mainly & DH just can't seem to match them up all the time. I don't think DS's will matter that much though. Hopefully I will get theirs done tonight & then finish my stuff tomorrow!

I didn't find Tide tablets at Target or WM today :( so I am thinking about measuring out the powder into snack sized ziplocks and then putting them all into a bigger ziplock. Do you guys think this will be safe in the suitcases.

Well, time for a dinner break...then more packing! :crazy:

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, I noticed some travel packs of the detergent tablets in the area where they keep travel size lotions, toothpaste, deodorant etc. I think the pack may only have one or two in it but that's probably all you'd need.

If you have some handy (I use these for lots of things), I would put some powdered detergent into film canisters and then into the snack ziplocs. Just a little more reassurance. I love these little holders. Use them for quarters, aspirin, vitamins etc. All the little things that I don't want to take the whole jar of but only a few in case of emergencies.

Also, I'm taking a survey. We're not big drinkers so just wondering what kind of wine everyone is partial to so that we can pack a bottle to have for the "cabin tours". Suppose we should also think about cups. Maybe some disposable plastic wine glasses? There's always Disney dixie cups! LOL

[lbgraves]

I don't drink either & I think that we are bringing Corona for DH. I can bring some red cups if we need them.

I do have a bunch of those canisters. I have been saving them to do lipgloss stuff with DD someday. :) I love the Kid's Concoction books. I looked in the travel sections & at the registers with no luck. That's ok. I have one box of the powder that I don't usually use at home. Are we the only ones at home this weekend???

[mkauffman]

Nope, I'm here!!!

Those film canisters work miracles for little things. I made a trip to Target and Kohl's today for ALL my last minute things. Those last minute things cost me $150!! Can you believe it? I thought I was just about done with the small stuff. Anywho... Now I can really finish up my packing.

We're not wine drinkers, so we probably won't know the difference no matter what you choose to bring. Surprise us! Oh, and the Disney Dixie cups will be just fine. :crazy:

We're officially under the two week mark now. Yippee skippee!!!

Michelle

[Jo-Anne]

I'm here now...just got back from the skating competition....Sasha Cohen of US won ladies and was wonderful...Katie just loves her and am so glad she got to see her in person. So this week, the suitcases will begin appearing in our guest room and clothes and toiletries, meds etc. will take over the floor! I don't want to pack clothes yet to avoid as much wrinkling as possible - I'm trying to pack our good clothes in the dry-cleaning plastic as it really helps keep wrinkle free, and I've just thrown some Downy Wrinkle Releaser into my "to pack pile"! My DH is the only wine drinker here and he's into red wines and we'll probably buy something down there when we get to port and carry it on! Think he and my friends are also planning on ordering the wine dinner package as they all like a drink with dinner....since I don't have to be the designated driver, I'll probably sample a few "fancy drinks" along the way! Lisa - if I were you, I'd do like Mary and pack the powder into something more secure - I've done it before by putting into a small tupperware container. I've always wondered if customs would think this white powder was something more suspicious than Tide!! Got to get to bed...more skating tomorrow! Night

[Tonydana]

good morning everyone.. :)

Lisa - I bought a sample pack of wisk tablets at target in the sample/travel section.. it says use 2 to a load, i only use one, so i will have 4 left.. i'll pack them all if you want and you can use them.. if not, bring your own.. i have done that tons of times in disney - only i never have the film canisters so i just double ziplock bag them :)

well, we had a great halloween here.. stephen was simba and so cute.. :) but i am glad it is over, cause we ran all over the place so everyone could see him.. i'm tired..

i have so much to do this week - yikes.. still need to pack, but right now i have to concentrate on two parties that i still need to do.. one friday night and one sunday afternoon.. so after those two - i will be all set.. :)

hope everyone is doing well.. oh - i found my black shoes finally.. and paid 1/2 price at payless.. stephen needed new boots so bought boots and shoes for $21.. bargain to me :) considering the same looking shoes were sold at filenes for $49.. i'm sure they were probably made better, but for the amount of time i'll use them they will last me for years.. :) my wardrobe consists of jogging pants and sneakers...

well, gotta run..

dana ;)

[lbgraves]

OMG!!! I have been packing all day and am not finished yet! :crazy: I can't believe how much time this it taking. :eek: We stayed home this morning so I gained at least 2 hours work time. I did the kid's clothes first and except for underwear & socks are finished. I have a suitcase for WDW & Seaworld for 3 days and another filled with their cruise clothes. I think that I have mine over half ready now and just need to pick a few cooler outfits for our stay in JAX. I am thinking that I will probably fill a suitcase on my own, along with DH having his own suitcase. It looks like we will use the small one for everyone's shoes. ACK!!! I thought that I would be completely finished today. I also pulled out enough snacks to take with us for the trip up & back, stay at WDW, and some for the ship as well. Right now I have no idea how we are going to get all this on the ship...oh yes...the porters! I will definantly make sure that I have tips ready for them!!! Since we will be using our luggage topper we will probably have enough room to bring K's jeep stroller to use. We'll have to see. I need to wrap the Christmas gifts for the rest of the family that we didn't deliver in May too. Well, off to order a pizza & keep on packing!!!

[Tonydana]

:crazy: omg lisa, sounds like you have been busy today.. looks like it is just you and i around today.. i have all of our clothes laid out.. made the final walmart run the other day.. still need a couple of little things though that i can get at the grocery store.. i'll really concentrate on packing after these two parties that i have to do this weekend..

well, off for bathtime.. have a great night..

dana ;)

[lbgraves]

I quit!!! For tonight anyway I can't stand the sight of another zip lock bag. LOL! I guess that I am over half way there but still have alot to do. This time next week I will be :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: !

[mkauffman]

Good morning everyone!! :sunny:

It's SO warm here. It's almost creepy. I'm wearing capris again today for work! That's insane. I want it to get really cold before we leave next weekend!

Lisa, sometimes the best thing to do is take a break from what you're doing. You'll feel like getting back into it today. You know what's even worse than packing...........UNpacking! Yuck. Can't even think about that yet.

Dana, what kind of parties are you doing?

Jo, how'd the rest of the skating go? I love watching figure skating, although I've never been on a pair of ice skates in my life!

I put my back out yesterday while raking leaves. Last night it was horrible sleeping. :(

Michelle

[mcampbell_22]

Michelle I feel your pain! I'm sore from raking too. I have a fracture in my back to start with and always seem to over do it. Lots of lying flat today. On top of this, when I looked out the window this morning, the rain/wind storm of last night blew leaves all back to where we just raked!!!

My packing is pretty much done but I've been spending alot of time getting my Ebay stuff ready to list when we return. The area around my desk looks like the dressing room of a store after a big sale. What a mess!

Also been working on making a few magnetic decorations for our cabin door to celebrate Conor's birthday. Also preparing "loot" bags for his birthday pool party this weekend. Did have to go and dig out swimsuits for the kids after packing them away.

For those of you who have cruised before, do we (should we) bring along a couple of our own towels or is this totally unnecessary? I don't want to bother packing them if you really don't need to.

I think we've decided to hold off of purchasing a digital camera before the trip. Friends have offered to let us use their Canon G3 for the cruise. This way we can try it out and not feel rushed into getting one that maybe doesn't have everything we want. Still trying to locate another wheeled carry on (we only have 3) so DH can bring along a 12-pack. No way I'm going to bring that along without being able to wheel it!

Well, off to start my day. Talk to you all later.

[mkauffman]

Mary, personally I wouldn't take up the room (or the energy packing) to pack your own towels. I think the ones that the ship lets you use are perfectly ok. Unless you really LOVE your towels and can't live without them...... :p

Michelle :bounce:

[Tonydana]

oh michelle, sorry about your back.. that is horrible.. raking leaves - yuck.. tony and i have cut down most of our trees - my husband can be a little crazy at times - we have a very long driveway and he tends to go out there with the leave blower everyday if he can and get rid of them all.. only thing is they keep blowing back.. but it makes him feel better :)...

as far as packing towels.. we went in 99 and never packed our towels.. i agree.. i would not take up the room..

well, off to the library for story time.. talk to you all later..

michelle - i am a consultant with creative memories (scrapbooking).. so i make a little extra money and get my fix of scrapbooking too.. :)

have a great day everyone.. beautiful here right now.. mid 60's :)

dana

[sherry]

So sorry to hear about your backs, get lots of rest. Halloween was a lot of fun around here, my daughter had a small party, since most have junior licenses, it had to end at 10:30, which is great. Their band won their chapter championships, next Sunday we go to Scranton PA for the east coast championships, I hope they do well....it is her last competition, she is a senior. I got a lot of little things done for our trip, Saturday will be get it all organized day!!!!

Have a good Monday:wave2:

[mkauffman]

Sherry, CONGRATS to your daughter. The weather is supposed to dip down in the 40s this weekend! Is the band competition outside, I assume? Enjoy the 80 degree weather in Central PA today!

My son went to his girlfriend's birthday party on Saturday night and I called him at 10:00 and said "I'm coming to get you". I was so tired I couldn't stay awake anymore! I'm so old. :eek:

Michelle

[sherry]

Thanks, Michelle. The competition is outside, but we are fortunate that one of the parents has invited us to be in his company's private box, so we can get warm when we want. My dh stayed in the box last year even though it was warm, I like to be outside so I can see and hear the bands better.

I am so enjoying the weather, we'll be spending all afternoon outside.:Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Dana, I forgot to say that I used to do the home party plan thing, too. I was a consultant for Heart Warming Creations. It's a lot of work!

Michelle :Pinkbounc