any November 15th eastern 7 ngt cruisers out there?

[lbgraves]

Gosh the morning just flew by!!! I dropped the car off at the dealership & a friend brought me home so that I didn't have to waste the morning waiting. Managed to get a couple last minute things at Target & Claire's. Printed up the magnets for William's birthday & all the DISers on the cruise. Now I will have to do something for Kaitlyn with Cinderella on it or she may be disappointed that her name isn't on the door too. :)

I can't believe the weather here. :( I got us dressed at 7:15 when it was 67 outside. When we walked outside I had to run upstairs & get the kids different shirts because it was already very warm at 8:30. I wish it would stay the same so that we could adjust & not keep getting sick.

William has his 5 year checkup in a bit & will be getting 2 shots so I don't know what I will get accomplished this afternoon...if anything. We will go to Wendy's for frosty's on the other side of the parking lot for some comfort for him. I don't have the heart to tell him before. He would be a basketcase by the time the doctor got into the room. I also need to make his bday cake this afternoon so that I can decorate it tomorrow.

Hope everyone's back is feeling better this afternoon. I have been putting off going to the chiropractor myself. Kaitlyn bore down on my pelvic bone for 7 months & all thru delivery so needless to say it is messed up. I haven't found out if anything is cracked yet, but the next time it flares up I am making an appointment.

[mkauffman]

I just came back from lunch (kicking and screaming the whole way back!). Man.....it is so gorgeous out! :sunny:

I really wrestled with calling the chiropractor today, too. I swore if I woke up this morning feeling like I felt last night, I was calling. I do feel better today, though.

How did William make out with the shots? Frostys always work!

Michelle

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - do you realize that your reply was number 1,000 on our thread! A chatty bunch we are! Jo

[Jo-Anne]

MIchelle - the skating competition was fantastic, and to top it all of Alexi Yagudin, who just announced he's retiring from competitive skating showed up to do a suprize tribute to his Canadian fans! Well, I gues you kind of have to be the skating fanatic that I am to appreciate that one!! It's also pretty balmy here in Toronto and on Wednesday they say to expect around 70, but since yesterday, we've had a lot of constant drizzly rain. Now all of us have sniffles, coughs etc. My mother is on our case to gargle with salt water and pump up the Vitamin C...mom knows best! With everyone's backs, sniffles, and pre-cruise stress, I think we'll all be good and ready to unwind next Saturday!
Lisa - hope the needles went ok. Our doctor is really good at giving them and kids don't even realize what happened sometimes! Hope this is the case for William!

[mcampbell_22]

Thanks for the towel advice. I'm going to leave them home and save the space.

It's absolutely gorgeous here today. So, what do I do after raking all day yesterday and wrecking my already wrecked back? I've just planted 500 bulbs and I still have 200 left to go!!! I keep checking over my shoulder for the padded van to arrive and take me away in the crazy backwards jacket!!! Certifiable. LOL

Walmart had bulbs on clearance for 50¢ per bag. Some of them where even the big 50 pc bags! Needless to say I bought @700! I love to garden and have probably about 1,000 perennials, shrumbs, etc. and usally add bulbs each year but this is way over the top even for me! Had to stop for the day as the BIG blister on my palm burst. Ouch! There calling for another mild day on Wednesday so I guess I'll finish then. You'll be able to recognize me on the ship. I'll be the one perpetually hunched over! LOL

Lisa, frosties or other goodies always work for my two, too. Devon was so brave earlier this year when she had to get stitches in the back of her head when she fell off the couch and landed on the two plastic balls on her hair elastic. At first we thought she had just bumped her head and gave her the old "suck it up" speech. When I went to re-brush her hair, it got stuck and that's when I noticed the whole back of her head was bloody! Yah, good mom! She wasn't even fussing until she found out there was blood, then I swear she started swooning! Drama Queen. Had to get 3 stitches, but the worst was the 5-6 shots of Novacaine they had to put around the wound first. Poor baby. You can be sure that night and the next few days, she got whatever she wanted!

Off to see if I can get some more Ebay work done. Talk to you all soon.

[lbgraves]

Well, we survived the doctor's office. :smooth: I only knew about 2 of the shots but there ended up being 4. :( William and I talked about how they give his body medicine so that he doesn't get sick & he knows they only hurt for a few minutes. He said he wasn't going to cry but I told him that it would hurt & he could cry if he needed to. The nurse came in to give them to him & she was really sweet and quick with the needles too. He screamed more with each one but only cried for maybe a minute. He walked around like she told him to then went out to get a sticker. He enjoyed the frosty of course. When the doctor told me that he might break out in 7-10 days from the measles vacination & up to a month for the chicken pox I got worried. I am bringing his shot record with us just to make sure if he gets the rash & they question it.

Jo, I can totally appreciate the importance of the performance. I have always been an ice skating nut. I enjoyed doing it myself but only got so far without being able to have the time for lessons. I have seen Stars on Ice several times and truely enjoy it. :)

[kimszath]

I almost enjoyed commiserating with you guys... I called our immunization clinic on base (I'm feeling your pain!) and asked them if it would be smart to get the flu shot before the cruise--she said 'Yes! Yes! A bit of added protection is always a good thing the way the NV has been going around the past couple of years.." So I called hubby, and he and Luke and I went this afternoon and got our shots. Luke was such a big boy about it--he still hasn't cried for a shot, though he had to get the 5-pack at his 4th BD checkup earlier this year and that about did him in. Anyway, I had to give up one of the toys I was saving for him as a cruise surprise--reward for being such a big boy about the whole thing (I did tell him he didn't have to get it, but that it might keep him from getting sick this year). Now we're just crossing fingers that whatever we get from the shots (I'm one of those people that invariably gets sick every year immediately after getting the shot--I don't care what they say!), hopefully it clears up in less than a week!

You guys are killing me. I have done NO packing yet. Well, I do have some of Luke's clothes folded neatly in a suitcase, but that's it. I feel so behind!!! 8 days until we catch a plane! :Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Kim, What are you guys doing before the cruise? Sounds like your little guy is definantly a trooper! :) I worked on my packing a bit more...got the clothes in ziplocks at least & I am thinking that DH & I can pack our cruise clothes in one big suitcase & a garment bag. That would be 2 cases, GB, and a couple carryons...which is much less than I thought we would use. I still have to pull some of the cooler weather things for me but besides that I think that I am doing pretty good. I will have to get after DH to pull his favorite shirts out tomorrow so that I can fold them & fit them into the suitcase. LOL! I want this done ASAP so that I don't have to think about it anymore. :)

[lbgraves]

Good morning everyone!!! Just checking in before getting the kiddos off to school. They were both put on the snack schedule for this month. :p Noone can seem to understand that we will be GONE until December after this Friday. Oh well, when they don't show up for a few days in a row...maybe they will figure it out? LOL! I need to borrow a couple eggs from a neighbor to make William's cake today. DH made an omlette this weekend & used 5 of the eggs I had. I don't want to leave 10 eggs to rot while we are gone. This week we are trying to clean out the fridge. I think that we will be eating out by the weekend.

Happy packing everyone!!!

[mkauffman]

Kim, I got my flu shot last week and I worried about the same thing.....getting sick from the shot! I figured if I was going to get something, I'd get it from the shot itself. I wasn't going to do it, but work paid for it and I figured it would be silly to not take it. I'll have my fingers crossed for you.

Lisa, we're trying to clean out our fridge, too. I hate having stuff in there while we're on vacation, but I also hate coming back to an empty fridge and knowing that I have to go to the grocery store right away! It's a double-edged sword. :D

Another 80 degree day here in Central PA. I've been tanning and I'm starting to think that I should have just laid out in my yard (and freaked my neighbors out a little!). :sunny:

I got butterflies in my stomach this morning for the first time. I was thinking that this is our last weekend at home before the cruise and I got so excited! I knew you guys would understand that! :teeth:

Michelle

[sherry]

Hi Michelle, It is also an 80 degree day in east PA. I told my daughter I was getting my November tan yesterday. I have a busy day, some of my "graduates" will be here, schools are off for election day. I'd rather a few of them than just one, they play together very well, they've grown up together. Happy Tuesday everyone:wave2:

[Jo-Anne]

Kim & MIchelle - I got my flu shot last week, and other than a sore upper arm for 3 days, had no ill effects. I too am feeling butterflies about leaving next week, but it more of a panic feeling right now....still lots of small errands to run; pack; need to ask next door boy to take care of cat and mail - can I trust that a 15 year old boy will remember to feed my cat everyday...I'm also asking my sister to drive to our house every 3 days to check to see that cat not starving!! I'm also desperately trying to find one of those cheap glow in dark travel alarm clocks..being in an inside cabin, I want to be able to see what time it is without getting out of bed...have I slept until noon, or is it really just 5:00am!
I'm going through mental block on the soft sided cooler issue - can we pack beer, wine in them (without ice), or do they have to be empty? Also, did anyone see any luggage restrictions from DCL. I saw measurements about carryon luggage, but did anyone see weight, size restriction on the checked baggage? Jo

[mkauffman]

Sherry, I have to admit that I'm torn between loving this weather :sunny: because I LOVE the sunshine, and wanting it to be true November weather because it makes me feel more like going to the Caribbean. I'm a winter-hater, though. I hate snow, ice, cold weather, bundling up in winter clothes, wearing coats into the mall and grocery store......I hate it all. I don't ski, build snowmen or ice skate. I need sunshine to make me happy.

Ok, that's more than you all needed to know! :sunny:

My kids have school today. They do have 1/2 day off this Friday and a teacher in-service day on Monday. Then, of course, they'll be off for the cruise. Garrett brought home assignments from one of his teachers last night for while he's on vacation........HE DID IT ALREADY!!! He's my little straight-A guy. My oldest one........well, let's just say that's another story!! :eek:

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Jo, I also have the same mental block on the soft-sided cooler issue. I have one with wheels that I was going to carry-on with us, no ice, but I want to make sure it's ok to carry alchohol on board Delta and Disney. Anyone know for sure??

I also bought one of those glow in the dark alarm clocks over the summer for when my oldest went to soccer camp. Believe it or not, I bought it at the drug store. It's little and it packs well. I did notice when I threw it in the suitcase that it makes a slight ticking noise. Do you think that will set any alarms off?? I don't want to be hauled out of the airport by security!

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Well, I have to say that I am glad that I am not the only one with a mixed up tummy from all the excitement. LOL! It's been going wild on me for 2 weeks now.

I think that I have read that you can put the soft sided cooler in the suitcase folded up & carry whatever beer, wine, etc on with you as long as it is in a bag. Some people had it out & a CM gave them a bag to put it in. I don't think that we will be taking the big one but we do have a small lunchbox sized one that will be nice to have when we go on St Marteen for a walk & at CC. I know that we will be using it at WDW & SW before the cruise.

I for one do NOT like the mid 80s that we had at 8 am this morning. :( I have packed up most of the summer stuff & the rest of it is waiting for our trip. I like wearing my long sleeved tops, tnecks, and sweaters. It's always like this though here until around Christmas.

The kids have off Monday & Tuesday here...which is why we decided to leave for FL on Monday. Hmmm...wonder if Sunday would be a good day...would just have to ask SIL & I'm sure it would be ok. LOL!

I'm trying to decide if we want to bring our Jeep stroller with the big basket underneath or get the rental strollers at WDW & SW. I am thinking that DD wont be sitting in it for long at the terminal so I'm not sure about getting one on the ship to use in St Marteen. Are the streets to the shopping area paved or do you have to deal with alot of sand? If they are good roads then we could use our own strollers fine probably. DECISIONS! DECISIONS! :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I'm with you on the clothes. I do like wearing warm, comfy clothes. I just don't like wearing big, bulky coats. You guys are actually leaving on Monday?? I'm envious. ;)

Another silly question....would beer or soda cans put off the detectors at the airport/port?

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Don't be too envious. LOL! We are driving all day Monday and staying at my SIL's Tuesday. We don't hit DTD until Wednesday morning sometime. ::MickeyMo

Regarding the cans, I don't think they would be a problem if they did. You would have to put them in your carryon & they would only have to open it to see that it is a drink. :)

[mkauffman]

Could our cruise be SOLD OUT?? I was just playing around DCL's website and it says my dates are no longer available for booking!

Hmmmm....

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Michelle, It sure looks that way! I even tried it for just 2 adults with no kids. It could be that they have turned over the open rooms to travel agencies.

I wrapped the kid's cars up this afternoon & decorated William's cake tonight. This is really coming together!!! I also folded up some long sleeved shirts. :) I mentioned to DH that we should think about driving down to FL Sunday instead of waiting and he said to check with SIL. LOL! That could be happening!!!

Please pray for sunny skies here in NC tomorrow at least until 2pm. I CAN'T have the party at the house!!!

[kimszath]

Michelle & Jo-Anne--
Thanks for the support on the flu shot! Luke felt a little queasy last night at bedtime, but okay this morning, and I only have a sore arm so far. Luke says his doesn't hurt--SO glad. Hubby hasn't complained at all, either. YEA!!! Hope that's the last of it.

I worked out double at the gym today--my "coach" says pumping up the metabolism before I leave, and getting right back into the routine as soon as I get home will prevent any holiday poundage from sticking to me. I hope he's right! I did eat too much tonight at all-you-can-eat fajitas night at the local restaurant. I only had the one-time plate while hubby had the AYCE, but I still wish I'd stopped at ONE fajita!!! Banking up those WW Points!! (And NO, I'm not counting points on the cruise!)

I'm getting a little fluttery in the tummy about the trip as well. We can't wait! Have all of us said that at least 20 times yet??? I still have done NO packing. I'm off during the day on Friday (on the flightline from 5 PM until 2 AM, though). Hoping I'll get alot of it done while Luke's in school and not under my feet. Wondering if DH will help, or just let me do it...

Lisa--you asked what we were doing before the cruise... we will arrive in Orlando on Wednesday afternoon and check in at the Contemporary Resort for a couple days of WDW--probably MK on Thursday, and maybe Animal Kingdom for part of Friday, then dinner at Rainforest Cafe--we love that place. My Mom will drive up from South Florida sometime that early evening, so we should be back in the room by 6:30 or 7 PM. Wondering if we should actually plan dinner at California Grill in the Contemporary, since they say the fireworks are spectacular from there. We haven't seen my Mom since early Spring, so we'll probably spend the night catching up and getting giddy over the cruise! And packing her car, I'm sure, since she's driving us to the port. Bless her heart--I called her with bad news last night--my very best friend in the whole world broke the news to me last night that after two years of tests, her doctor says she has MS--early stages, and hopefully stopped with medication. Well, my sweet Mom tells me to let my girlfriend go with us in HER place--she'll gladly hand over her tix. Can you believe that? My Mom needs this trip more than my dear friend, however. I just thought it was so sweet of her to offer. Anyway, Mom is coming on the trip, and I'm so excited that we were able to give her this trip with us--what a great deal.

Enough. I suppose I should be making lists, or packing, or sorting out stuff... so much to do and I don't know where to start. And now my hubby's best buddy is coming to visit Thursday and Friday--so happy to see him, but wondering if I'll get anything done, or much less, any HELP from DH while the guy's visiting!

[lbgraves]

Michelle, saw your post on the movie thread. Maybe we can go see Chicago one night. I doubt that DH would be interested in going so I was going to see it solo.

Mary, I just realized that I have NEMO birthday party stuff from Kaitlyn's party if we want to do something with a Disney theme Saturday night. LMK!

[Jo-Anne]

Kim - sorry to hear about your friend and what a nice offer from your Mom. Hopefully now that your friend knows what she's up against the medical profession can get her to a better place physically. Not to worry about the packing cause you're in good company with me! I do have some piles on the guest room bed, but I need to rethink every day, every dinner, every theme etc. to ensure we're all covered - literally! I really want to bring this black pair of capri pants, but don't want to pack another pair of shoes just to go with these capris...oh the decisions I have to make!! Anyone flown with Southwest? One of our luggage bags measures out to 64" and their site says max of 62". I really want to take this bag, but don't want to pay any charges...anyone have experience to know how strict they are on baggage dimensions? Thanks, Jo

[lbgraves]

Kim (((HUGS))) to you and your friend. It was so sweet of your mom to offer to have her go with you instead but I know that you have also been looking forward to this trip with her.

We will be at the All Star Movie Resort Wednesday night & will be going to MK on Thursday also. We will be going to DTD Wednesday afternoon/evening and go to Seaworld on Friday. I haven't been to WDW before & don't know how easily we could arrange to meet if we were there the same day.

[lbgraves]

OK guys! I really need your good thoughts today. It is looking nice outside right now but the forecast is calling for rain starting around 9 am. :( William's party isn't until 12. Please send some PD down here to keep the rain away until at least 1. DS will appreciate it so much!!! It is suppose to get worse until Friday evening so there is no other day for us to have it. :(

[sherry]

::MickeyMo I would like to send pixie dust to everyone who needs it. Yesterday, I had extra kids at my house, school was off. After making dinner and cleaning up....I was saying how hard it was to believe in 10 days I really won't have to be doing anything!

So pixie dust and good wishes go out to all today and anyone you have relationships that also need it. ::MinnieMo

[Tonydana]

lisa - i'll be praying that the rain holds off for the party.. it was supposed to be raining here already and it is still not, so maybe that is a good sign..

kim - i'm sorry about your friend.. that was so nice of your mom to offer to let her go in your place.. i cannot wait to meet her, she is quite a lady :)

ok, question - anyone have any problems with motion sickness?? i'm horrible, went and go the patch to try it, put it on yesterday and all was well, but this morning i am really feeling kind of blah.. i don't think it is from the patch, as i feel like throwing up most of the time (sorry about the graphics here).. :) i can get sick getting out of bed too fast, which is what happened this morning i think.. so, does anyone have any ideas?? i don't want to be sick for the trip...

talk to you all later.. off to get my haircut and highlited this afternoon so i can be a babe for the cruise :)

dana

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I would love to see Chicago with you as my DH won't want to see it, either! You have yourself a date. Doesn't it just figure about the rain!! It's been beautiful for four days and now it's raining! I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have a backup plan available? You've got all the PD I can send.

Sherry, I see you survived your extra kids! I think you're a doll for WANTING extra kids in your house a week before your cruise. :p

Kim, you made me tear up with your story about your mom and your friend. Bless her heart! The best part about that story is that you know she actually MEANT it. What a soul she must have.

Dana, I'm working on my babe-ness, too. I have my hilight tomorrow and my manicure and pedicure next week. How many men do you think will notice on a Disney cruise with kids in tow??? :D

We all take Bonine (except Garrett who's too young..he takes Dramamine), so I can't help with the motion sickness question. We're not even sure if we get motion sickness...we just don't take the chance.

Jo, I have the same shoe/clothes dilemma. I want to stop packing shoes but I need certain shoes for certain outfits (a point that men don't get!). My dad was having a cow last night because my mom had gotten 10 pair of shoes out to pack! :p Capris would be perfect to pack, though.

Looks like we're going to have a very full ship...and we're VERY close to the single digit dance!!

Michelle :wave2:

[mcampbell_22]

Kim, so very sorry to hear about your friend. Sounds like she will have a terrific support system. Your Mom is such a sweetheart for her offer. Lots of love all around!

Our bad news today is that we woke up to the water heater going. We have well water so after my shower (thank goodness I got one!) DH noticed that the pump was still running. Went to the basement to check it out and found a flood! It's getting replaced as I type but it's a big $850 expense we weren't expecting. Yuck! I suppose the silver lining in all of this is that it happened now and not when we were on vacation. If it happened then, the pump probably would have kept running for a week! Imagine the water damage then!!!

Lisa, Nemo party goods sound great if you have left overs. Conor just picked out a Nemo cake for his birthday party this weekend. I'm off to order it now.

Another thing for some of us to think about. I'm getting an oil delivery this week. Make sure to check your tank levels (unless you have auto delivery) so that you won't run out over vacation.

Have a great day all.

[sherry]

Mary, you are right to look at the bright side of the water heater. It might have done a lot of damage had it happened while you were gone.

[mkauffman]

Mary, I can feel your pain. We had MAJOR vehicle work done just a few weeks ago and I was so upset that it happened right before vacation! My husband takes everything in stride....I worry about everything!

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[sherry]

Michelle, We are just like you and your dh, I worry constantly and my dh worries about nothing. We are opposites, but we seem to complement each other.

[Cruising canuck]

My wife (Lorraine)and 6 year old daughter (Carly) will be cruising on the 15th we arrive on Thurs night and we will be spending Fri at the Magic Kingdom. We are looking forward to our first Disney cruise and also looking forward to meeting some new people. Hope to meet some of you guys there!!

Gordon Knox

[mkauffman]

Welcome, Gordon!! Very nice to meet you! We've all become really great friends and it's nice to add someone new to our family. Would you like to be included in our DIS meet?

Michelle

[Cruising canuck]

That would be great what is dis meet?

[sherry]

Welcome Gordon, Lorraine, and Carly. There are a great bunch of people going on this cruise and it looks like a pretty full ship. I look foreward to meeting you. :wave2:

[mkauffman]

Gordon, the DIS meet is just a bunch of us that have met here on the boards getting together on ship to finally meet. We have several fun things planned. I'm going to PM you with some information.

Please feel free to share some personal information about yourself and your family.

Michelle :Pinkbounc (we're so close I'm feeling a little bouncy today!)

[Cruising canuck]

Thanks guys, we are all dying to get there, well maybe me the most, because I farm for a living and we have 4-5 inches of snow now so my days are pretty much spent at home with our 22 month old girl. L and I are Dis and Dis World veterans (8 times in the past 12 yrs) it is a major trip from up in Canada each time. But this is our first time with Dis cruise line. As long as the food is great the ship could stay at sea forever as far as I'm concerned. 8 more sleeps!!!

Gord

[mkauffman]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

4-5 inches of snow!!!! OMG...you need this vacation in the Caribbean more than the rest of us!

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Gordon, I just realized that you said you stay home with your 22 mo. old. Does that mean she won't be going on the cruise since you didn't mention her originally? By the way, I love the name Carly!

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Gordon, welcome from Massachusetts! My DH and I, along with our DS Conor who is turning 7 next week and DD Devon who is 5 will be cruising with you. Hope you will join us for our DIS meet and some of the other "events" we have planned.

Is Carly going to be doing the kid's club? I'm signing my 2 up so I think they'd be in the same group.

Well, the water heater has been replaced and the old one (along with a lot of $$$) has been removed. I told DH that we should always remember to shut the power off to the well pump before we go away to avoid any flooding disasters. Better safe than sorry!

[Jo-Anne]

Gordon - welcome, you are the 4th Canadian family on this cruise. My family (Jo-Anne - me Dave-hubby, Katie-7 and Michael -4) are from Toronto, and Linda and her family are from just outside Toronto, and my friend's family is from Peterborough, Ont. I'd heard that Alberta was getting snow...looks like you'll be good and ready for this cruise!
Dana - I'm prone to motion sickness, especially when not sitting in front seat of car and have no idea if a big ship will affect me in any way - I have no problem in a boat at cottage, but you never know! I used to live on gravol as a kid whenever we had car trips! I'm taking the sea bands, ginger gravol, bonamine, liquid gravol for kids...all just in case. I'm going to start out on the Saturday wearing the sea band and taking a ginger gravol - I'll probably want a celebratory drink that night, so will stick with the natural stuff unless it really gets to me;)

[Cruising canuck]

Michelle
Our 22 month old is Vanessa and no she is not coming on the cruise and is staying with my parents.

Mary
We are putting Carly in the kids club, she is ga-ga about crafts, dressing up, puppet shows and all that jazz, so I hope she loves it. Also I see that you needed a new water heater, we replaced ours in Jan. 2001 and the building code up here is all new water heaters have to be installed with a pan that the water heater sits in and has a drain pipe which goes to the floor drain. This is so that if the water heater bursts and no-one is around the drain pan catches the water and it is drained away to the sewer only about a $20.00 item but priceless in that no floods will occur.

Jo-Anne
We are connecting thru Toronto on Thurs. Nov.13 on the 7:40pm flight to Orlando, don't know when you guys are getting there but hope to see you down there.

Gord

[Jo-Anne]

Gord - whereabouts are you in Saskatchewan? Is it a long journey down to Orlando between driving and at least two flights? We're actually going to drive to Buffalo to catch a flight from Buffalo to Orlando on Friday morning...way cheaper - the taxes on Canadian flights just kill you! We're saving at least $800 by going from Buffalo and its only a 1.5 hour drive from TO. I must have missed it in the messages, but how old is Carley? It's turning cold here in Toronto today, but please keep the snow in the West! Way too early for snow anywhere..hope its not staying for you!

[mcampbell_22]

Gordon, sounds like your Carly and my Devon are cut from the same cloth and will get along famously!

Can you guys believe we're into the single digits!!! I'm soo excited. Finding that I'm lying awake at night with lists running through my head and butterflies in my stomach!

Gordon, also want to ask if you are celebrating any special occasions on this cruise. Our "cast of characters" have quite a few. Off the top of my head there's my and DH's 15th anniversary, Conor's 7th birthday, Lisa's son William's 5th birthday, Kim's pending retirement, Julie & Glen's 10th (i think) anniversary, their son Leif's 1st birthday, Dana & Tony's 10th anniversary, and Chuck & Sherry's 25th anniversary. Whew! Quite a few reasons to raise a glass and eat cake!!!

The majority of us are in early seating for dinner and eating together. Are you going to be there with us?

Well off to get some things done so I can cross them off my list (notes for bus drivers, teachers, homemade luggage tags and thumbnail travel info/numbers etc list - gotta love laminators!).

Have a great night all. Talk to you tomorrow.

[lbgraves]

WHAT A DAY!!! :crazy: Yes that is probably what I look like. LOL! Thanks for all your PD!!! The skies cleared & the sun came out. It was 85 at noon! Whew! We were all in shorts in November!!! William had a great time. We were done by 12:50. Now I can handle a 50 minute party where I don't have much to clean up. :)

:wave: Gord & family. If you would like to send me your information, I will add it to our list. Alex maintains the website, but since he & Jessica had to cancel and he has been promoted he has been busy. Has someone sent you the password? Email me at graves@ncfreedom with your names again (sorry I am bad about that with so many post), cabin number, and dinner seating. I am sending out a works list with the times we are getting together. In addition to the sail away and DIS meet on Sunday, the ladies are meeting for High Tea on Sunday afternoon. We are also planning a cabin tour on Monday so that we can get a chance to see other categories. We are ending in Linda's cabin & visiting with wine & cheese.

This is a great group of people and I think that we are going to have a blast on this trip!!! :) I was talking to some of the moms at the party today & they asked me what group I was going with. I laughed & tried my best to explain to them that I met all of you on the board after we booked the cruise. They said that the way I talked about us all getting together & celebrating birthdays & anniversaries, then putting together the goodies for the kids along with the magnets...it sounded like a reunion of some kind. I can't wait to meet all of you FINALLY!!!

I am just about done packing for myself & the kids. Now I have to light a fire under DH!!! I told him to pull the clothes he wants to take & I will pack them up but I wanted to take care of that tomorrow & be DONE with this!!! I am going to warn him that if he doesn't do this by tomorrow night, I am packing whatever I think should go Friday morning. I am going to need to pack up the car Saturday & clean the house. I want it ready to put up the tree when we get home.

OMG!!! We are leaving here in less than 3 days!!!!:hyper: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :earseek:

[Cruising canuck]

Jo-Anne

We are from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, temp. here today
high -14C or about +5F. Quite cold for this time of year but I have seen it colder. Am quite ready to blow this pop stand.
We booked the cruise in Feb and we are flying on Aeroplan Air Canada and arrive in Orlando on the 13th, staying at AS Movies before and after the cruise. Not bad flights leave Regina, SK at 1:05 pm and get into Orlando at 10:30 pm. Only 40min drive for us to airport.

Mary

No special occations on this trip just booked it for our yearly goal of something to work for.

IBGraves

Sorry don't have your first name but we are spending fri. at the Magic Kingdom and we have a Town car booked for the transfer to port. Our cabin # is 6585 Inside (our first inside cabin) but we got a great deal so WTH. No password has been sent but Michelle was going to e-mail me something today. I will send you the details though.

Boy it sounds like you guys sure have got things planned just from getting to know each other on this site (wish I had found it way earlier) I am driving the rest of the family nuts talking about leaving next week so thanks to you guys I can channel some of my excitement your way. Talk to you soon!!!!

Gord

[kimszath]

Thanks to all of you for the kind words about my friend and my sweet Mom. Can't wait for you all to meet her! Of course, my DS will be so thrilled to see her that I may not be able to get Mom out to see the ship! He adores Grandma Neida. :teeth:

Happy to hear that I'm not the only one who hasn't started packing, too! Hey Dana--have you "tanned" yet? I'm gonna have to use mine, looks like, as I haven't had time to go to the tanning place in a week, and I'm fading.

Lisa--it would be so cool to run into you guys at MK on Thursday! I wouldn't necessarily set a time/place yet, but maybe we can get in touch once we're all in town! I'll send you a PM with my number and the like--maybe we can get in touch while we're there! I have no idea when we'll head over there, or what we'll do first. I usually map it out with Luke, tentatively of course, the night prior. He loves the geeky little "People Mover" in Tomorrowland, and that's usually an easy place to find folks. You've never been to the MK???

More tomorrow guys--it's way past my bedtime. I've been cleaning every minute this evening getting ready for hubby's friend to arrive tomorrow for a couple of days. (Did I get any help? Of COURSE NOT. Oh well... he better buy me something nice in St Thomas!)

[lbgraves]

Kim, No, we have never been to ANYTHING Disney before. :bounce: :Pinkbounc Sounds great to try to meet up Thursday at MK or maybe even Wednesday at Downtown Disney. We are planning on stopping at the Lego store & checking out the McD's. :) IDK about many other places. We are pretty much just going to pick up a few things like autograph books & some pins.

Gord, Sorry, I'm Lisa. The kids are acting up this morning so no time for intros but I will check back today. I have added you to the list. :) We are also staying at the AS Movies Wed - Friday nights. We will be in the Toy Story section. I can't wait to see the look on the kid's faces!!! :earseek: We are going to MK Thursday and Seaworld Friday. I'm not sure about the hours at SW yet but maybe we can meet for a quick hello Friday. Afterall, I doubt many of us will be getting much sleep that night. :hyper: I have plans to do laundry after being away from home 6 days already but besides that, nothing else is planned.

[mkauffman]

Kim, you better get something nice in St. Thomas for cleaning for your HUSBAND'S friend! It's bad enough to clean for your OWN friends.

Gordon, I sent you an email with the original document that Lisa made for us. Lisa, if you make changes to it and add Gordon's info, feel free to send it back out. I know you're leaving in a few days and are really busy. Gordon gave me his email address and I can PM you with it.

Gordon, the references of early and late are dinner seatings, in case you didn't know.

On a funny note.......Garrett told me this morning that he'd be quite happy if he could just sleep until he wakes up and it's time to leave for the cruise (he wasn't ready to wake up for school)!

Michelle :wave:

[lbgraves]

OK, popped in for a quick bio. DH Mike is an aero space engineer working on the V22 program. I am a SAHM with our 2 kids William soon to be 5, and Kaitlyn 3. We live in Eastern NC.

Off to start packing DH's clothes. :( I refuse to do that this weekend!!! DD is watching Blue now so I need to take advantage of the time. :)

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I PM'd you with Gordon's email address.

Good luck packing hubby's clothes. That's the one thing that isn't done in my house, either!!

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Thanks Michelle. I added him to my group email list & just sent out a revised copy of our plans for the ship with them included. Well, the packing wont get done afterall. I looked for his tropical shirt first...he must be wearing it. :rolleyes: I will be bugging the heck out of him tonight!!!

I have gotten a few things done off my list though so that is good.

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by lbgraves
I looked for his tropical shirt first...he must be wearing it.

At least you know he's getting good wear out of it!! :D

Michelle

[lbgraves]

LOL! He actually got this shirt a couple years ago. It's a golf style with a neat blue & moss gree pattern of ferns. I figured that it would be easier to get him to dress for a theme if he liked the shirt. :)

[Cruising canuck]

Thanks Lisa and Michelle we got the updated info and we can't wait to meet everyone!! We are wondering if we are to bring anything special.

Snowing up here again today, GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!:(

Gord

[mkauffman]

Gord, I love the way you have us down to how many sleeps we have! It's great! :p

I'm feeling your pain with the snow. 7 sleeps and you'll be basking in the sun. Hang in there!

Michelle :sunny:

[Cruising canuck]

Lisa

Just a quick note about AS Movies, we don't know where are room is but we may check out the pool if it is still open fri night, Carly will probably fall asleep on the way home from MK on the bus but if your up for a late coffee feel free to call our room if it's not too late.

Also just wondering if anyone of the group plays Cribbage, I will bring my board only if there is someone to play with L doesn't know how and I almost certain they won't have it on the ship.

Something just brief about us I have farmed our family farm full time for the last 6 years, part time for 20 years before that. Lorraine works at a local Post Secondary School in the registration office. The rest of the time she is a consultant for Partylite Gifts (candles, brass, glass that kind of stuff).

Gord

[mcampbell_22]

Just wanted to drop in for a quick "HI" to everyone.

We decided to take our friends up on their offer to let us borrow their digital camera (Canon G3) for the cruise. This came after we had to shell out all the green backs for the water heater! At least I'll get to try one out before making any decisions.

Busy day. Working on getting a bunch of Ebay auctions ready to go once we return. Shooting to have 200 ready so that the first weeks back I'm not feeling stressed trying to get back in gear!

We're now going to decorate and fill the "Loot" bags for Conor's party. Yes, I know you're all thinking why didn't she just buy goodie bags, well.....I must be a masocist! We're a crafty, make it yourself family (I love to get the homemade presents from the kids). The kids really enjoy doing the crafts and feel a great sense of pride when they give out their gifts. I'm such a sentimental old fool! I keep EVERYTHING! Each kid has a memory box (not to mention scrap books) that are already pretty full. Ask DH what I keep, he'll tell you the crazy "only you Mary" things I keep! LOL

Can't wait to see you all in 8 days!!!

Have a good night.

[Jo-Anne]

Gord, I'm not a cribbage player, but love Euchre and my DH doesn't play that, so our friends and I will be looking for another partner if we can get a card game going one night! Can't believe my DH is from Cape Breton and doesn't know how to play cards! I was talking to a co-worker in Alberta today and he said it was going to be a high of -4 and I couldn't believe the snow was still on the ground...what wacky weather we've had this year! Hang in there. I'm heading off to Walmart to get a bunch of last minute things and have brought the luggage bags up from basement...progress! Gord just the 30 second skinny on us...I am a Logistics Manager at Procter & Gamble in Toronto and Dave just accepted a new job yesterday and when we get back wil be working for Robin Hood/Multifoods as their Packaging Engineer Manager for Canada (he's currently Sales Manager for a Robotic Equipment Company). Katie is 7 and in grade 2 and Michael is 4 in Junior Kindergarten. We love to travel and spend time at cottage in summer. What type of farming do you do? I know farmers in West have had a rough time over last few years with the weather and other factors - hope all is well in your corral!

[lbgraves]

Gordon, sorry neither of us knows how to play cribbage but there is bound to be someone in the group who does. As far as bringing anything...whatever you want to. Some have talked about bringing wine or treats for the cabin tour. A couple people have gotten boxes of the little bubbles for the sailaway. My kids are bringing a small goodie for their friends at the meet on Sunday. Oh, I have made magnets for the door too. I just added it to my list to make one for your door!

Mary, I don't do the crafts with the kids that much but I do put my own goodie bags together. The kids always like what they find & I can fill one with real toys for under a dollar with my yearround bargain hunting. :) I also love scrapbooking, but it is down on my list of things that I can do at the moment. I have a book all ready to go when we come home & hoped to have a bundh of stickers & papers ready by now too but haven't been able to make the hour trip to the nearest store. :(

Jo, congrats to your DH about the new job. Great timing! He will start that one refreshed from the cruise! :)

Mary again, I hoped to have more things ready for Ebay but I just haven't been able to do it. I have gotten some major clearing out done with paperwork though so at least I can see the difference with that. :) I picked up some good finds at Target yesturday for Halloween next year though so the stashing has already begun again. :)

[kimszath]

....and thanks for the reminder--I'll have to stick it to my DH about cleaning up for his buddy. I'm fixing to go out there and make up a bed for him. He's leaving early, so I suggested DH take him to breakfast at 6 AM.... without me! I have a good excuse--I'm on the flightline until nearly 3 AM tomorrow night. Gives me the day to start packing and hopefully go find one last pair of casual shoes! The only ones I have are too big and clunky--take up too much space. Hoping to find a nice Brighton pair that I can wear with or without socks.

I'm gonna have a whole suitcase full of stuff like extension cords, clocks, Zicam, kid's medicine for just-in-case, over-the-door hangers, duct tape... anybody else wondering if they over-planned? How are we gonna fit it all in... gotta look at my docs again. We can take two suitcases per person, plus the one carry-on, right?

I just can't wait to be unpacked and lounging on deck in a nice deck chair, awaiting the sail-away party!!! Assuming our bags show up in time to get unpacked... Who was going to make the High Tea ressies?? We sent that ifo already, right? I'm starting to lose track. We leave in 5 days!!!:wave2:

[lbgraves]

OK, first of all I have great news...wonderful news in fact. Kaitlyn has been dry for over 24 hours now!!! I only changed her pull up tonight because she had it on since bedtime last night. :bounce: :Pinkbounc She got a little prize tonight for being so good about it all day. She didn't even go when I told her to try. She was so funny...stopped right in the middle of a sentance & shouted "peepee is coming!" then bolted for the bathroom. I was reading them a story before William went to bed tonight & she said that then rushed down the stairs. Now, we do have 2 toilets upstairs but her Blue's Clues seat was down here so...that is definantly going with us on the trip. LOL!

Now for my rant! ACK! DH finally pulled his clothes out & put them in the living room. I am so glad that I told him that I would pack them up!!! I can't believe what he has there...or rather what is missing. He has his 2 suits out for dinner with ties...but there is no long sleeved shirt with them. *** Is it OK for him to wear a short sleeved shirt with a suit? Does it look funny with no cuff showing? I also need to get some jeans and denim shorts out. And get this...no swim trunks!!! No way am I going to be handling the kids at the hotel pool & in the ship pool & at CC. :crazy: Calgon!?!?!?!

I am torn between ironing his shirts tomorrow then folding them neatly or having to do all the ironing when we are on the ship. I am trying to keep us down to the 2 suitcases, garment bag, & a couple carryons. That will lead to wrinkles anyway. I am going to go to a dry cleaner in the morning & get some of those wire hangers that I hate so that I can fit as many things as possible in that bag. Those space bags are being of no help to me so they will probably be taken back after we get home. They are already back in the box. I have a suitcase for us for the 3 days at WDW and one for us to keep in JAX for before & after the cruise.

I am trying to get the thank you notes done tonight from William's party so they don't have to wait 3 weeks to go out too.

[Cruising canuck]

Jo-Anne

We are strictly grain farmers, livestock means you have no time for family, camping in summer or holidays anytime. We grow Durum Wheat (made into pasta), green peas and Lentils on 4100 acres. Not a bad year I have been through worse, good rains but not timely. Busy at this time of year marketing and delivering the grain harvested this year. Will live to see another year it is always 'next year country' when you farm. I am the only boy of 8 kids in my family so I got the chance to farm, belive me it is great to work for yourself. Dad is still there full time with me he is 71 but we get along well together. Can't afford to have him retire just yet and besides it is not in his plans.

Lisa

Lorraine is madly into scrapbooking too, so you two will have something to talk about.

Looks like the weather for next weekend might be perfect, cross our fingers!!

Talk to you tomorrow
:wave2:

[sherry]

:Pinkbounc Hooray for Kaitlyn:Pinkbounc

I am planning to have some things pressed on the ship, my dh doesn't want me to do it, and I'm not going to argue:sunny:

Gordon, sorry we don't play cribbage.

Well, this time next week, I'm going to be bouncing off the walls!!

Have a good Friday everyone and anyone leaving soon....have a safe trip:wave2:

[sherry]

Someone on the cruise boards asked about where to look for available cabins and I went to each site people suggested and none of them had any availability for our cruise. Looks like we do have a full ship.:boat:

[mkauffman]

Good Friday morning everyone!!

Is a full ship a good thing or bad thing?? I don't even care as long as I'm on that ship NEXT Saturday waving goodbye to everyone on land! :wave2:

Lisa, take a deep breath and count to ten. You only have a few days and you're off, you lucky girl. You got some great news with Kaitlyn! I think hubby's short sleeve shirt will be fine if he's wearing a jacket. Who's going to know (except all of us! :p ).

Gord, I checked the weather for next weekend in Orlando and it does look great. Last cruise during our sail-away party it was sprinkling and cool. Let's keep all of our fingers crossed, especially for you! I guess anything above 0 degrees F is a good thing for you, right?? :D

Kim, I feel like I'm over-planning, too! My husband and all my friends tell me that I'm obsessed, but I can't help it. I had a cruise list with all that stuff on, extension cord, post its, highlighter, business cards, address labels, Downey wrinkle releaser, Febreeze, etc.... I've crossed off all the stuff that I've gotten (or stolen from work!). I think we need an extra duffel bag just to handle it all! JK. I just don't want to NOT having something that would be really handy. I'm pretty sure I'm over-doing it but I can't stop myself! ;)

Sherry, it's getting cold here again!

Linda.......are you back yet??

Michelle

[mkauffman]

I had to share this because of our Kaitlyn and Conor....


SHOULD CHILDREN WITNESS CHILD BIRTH?

Due to a power outage at the time, only one paramedic responded to the call.

The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic asked Katelyn, a 3 year old girl, to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he
could see while he helped deliver the baby.

Very diligently, Katelyn did as she was asked.

Heidi pushed and pushed, and after a little while Connor was born.

The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom.

Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Katelyn for her help and asked the wide-eyed 3-year old what she thought about what she had just witnessed.

Katelyn responded, "He shouldn't have crawled in there in the first place. Smack him again."

[Jo-Anne]

Yeah for Kaitlyn (and Mommy!). I too feel like we'll have just one suitcase for non-clothing items - kids & adults just-in-case medicines, sand toys, film, Downy Wrinkle Release, suntan lotions etc. etc. ANyone else bringing juice boxes aboard for their kids - mine aren't soda drinkers and want to make sure they have juices at their disposal. Dave is going to put out all his clothes this weekend on the bed and then I"ll double check them! When we went away this past summer, he blamed me for not packing all his underwear...he only had 2 pair for a 7 day vacation (in his bachelor days, he would have found that quite acceptable:eek: )!

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by Jo-Anne
he only had 2 pair for a 7 day vacation (in his bachelor days, he would have found that quite acceptable:eek: )!

:p :p :p

My youngest still thinks that's acceptable!!

Michelle

[nedleycan]

I got back last night, and just spent the past 1.5 hours reading the boards. WOW... you guys have a lot to say! haha

Michelle, I am still laughing from reading your joke. That is hilarious!

Vegas was good, but we are so busy at work, that when we weren't in seminars, we were working at the hotel... but, I still got a chance to shop, and bought tons of stuff. Most of it is winter clothes, but I got a couple t-shirts and tanks.

Gordon, welcome to another canuck! We are from Mississauga, Ontario. My daughter Meghan is 6.5 years old and seems to like the exact same as your daughter. She is doing crafts constantly! I will tell her all about Carly tonight.

I will be doing a final count of who is coming to High Tea, tonight. So let me know if you are interested. So far, this is who I have marked down:
Lisa - 7010
Jo-Anne - 6099
Kim and Neida - 7074
Mary - 7512
Julie - 7586
Me!

Gordon, do you think your wife would be interested? I am making the reservations, so need to know before next Thursday.

I get to pick up the kid's passports on Monday. Yeah! Finally! I am going to start laying out my clothes tonight. Hubby will do his own on Thursday night... I am sure.

We are not usually people who use the laundry service at hotels, but it is so cheap on the cruise, that hubby took all of his shirts unironed and had them pressed, as well as his suit, as soon as we got there. It worked well.

[mkauffman]

Linda..count me in for the high tea!!

Michelle

[Tonydana]

:Pinkbounc :bounce: hi guys.... 1 week from today, i will be on my way to orlando!!! ok, when is everyone leaving??

i'm bringing juice boxes for stephen.. more so for the plane so it will help his ears, i hope...

kim, i'm going to tan tonight, i'll let you know how t goes.. :)

does anyone knoe if we can charge rm svc tips to the room??

and a big congrats to kaitlyn!!

more later..



dana:Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Oops...Linda I forgot to post my stateroom for you. I don't have it with me and I can't remember it exactly (that's terrible, huh?). You should have it listed on the document that Lisa sent out. Let me know if you need it.

Hi Dana!! I was wondering where you were, too. I don't think you can charge room service tips, which is why they tell you to take a small stack of one dollar bills. I've tanned 4 times and let me share a little secret.......I'm finally not burned in places that I shouldn't have been burned in the first place!! :p We're flying in on Saturday (same flight as Mary).

Michelle

[nedleycan]

We play cribbage and euchre. Hubby isn't much of a game player, but he knows how to play everything, because I force him to. haha

I would love to play euchre with you guys Jo, if you need a 4th.

[Jo-Anne]

Linda - good to know you're back safe and sound! Could you please add my friend Sue Sanders (6143) to the high tea. Not sure if she will come, but if you wouldn't mind adding her to the table. Yeah, we have a 4th euchre player! Now I have to remember to pack some cards! Could be a rousing game as I've just packed my mickey of rye!!

[lbgraves]

I have 4 boxes of juice bags ready to go for our 3 weeks. They probably wont drink much of it on the ship during the day but it will be nice when we are in St Marteen or at CC. Thanks for reminding me to get their sand toy backpack together.

I have the iron heating up now. I picked up a bunch of bags at the dry cleaners this morning while running all over town and decided to just press everything before I pack it. We don't usually iron here. Is it the men's shirts that are so cheap to have pressed onboard?

[nedleycan]

Shirts and suits were the only thing that we did. I am sure that all their pressing charges are good... certaining not worth doing it ourselves (cause there is too much fun stuff to do on the ship, don't want to be ironing!) haha

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, congrats on Kaitlyn. You must be very proud and breathing a sigh of relief! My kids have been "trained" for ever but I still find myself reminding them to go, especially when we are busy or they're involved with friends, projects etc.

I'm packing some juice boxes but mostly just for the plane ride. Also decided to pack crayons, markers, funpads etc. for the kids to occupy them on the plane. They've each chosen a blank page journal to take along so they can write and draw about what they do on the vacation. Yes, this will go into the memory boxes!! LOL

Weather finely broke and we had a sunny day so I was able to finish planting the bulbs, all 300 of them! Did succeed in opening up the blister on my hand that I got from planting the first 500!

Hoping to finish crossing off the last of the items on my to do lists this weekend. Busy week next week. Tiger Cubs, Daisy Girl Scouts, parent/teacher conferences, 2 days with no school, watching my neighbor's kids for 2 afternoons, and cleaning out my car so theres room for the luggage (anyone else drive a car full of kid necessities (drinks, snacks, jackets, toys, books, crayons...)?

Time to feed the animals. Have a great evening.

[Cruising canuck]

Hello everyone,

My name is Lorraine (Gord's wife). I've been reading all about you and I think that this is so cool. We've never communicated with people BEFORE a holiday, we always meet people on vacation and communicate with them after.

Now that vacation is less than a week away, I'm allowing myself to become excited. Gord has been counting down the days since the 70's or so, (70 days ago I mean).

High tea sounds like fun, count me in too.

It will be great to meet everyone, and your families. As I hear about your stories I wonder what age group everyone is in. Gord and I are 38 and this will be our 6th cruise - 1st with Disney.

[Jo-Anne]

Hi Lorraine, I'm Jo-Anne and am 39 and Hubby Dave is 38 - our two kids are 7 & 4. Glad to have you join us for tea. I've been counting down for so long that I remember being in the triple digits and am so blown away that we are a week away! This time next week, we'll probably be having dinner in Cocoa Beach somewhere talking non-stop about what Saturday is going to bring! Lorraine, here in Toronto it was 1 degree today, but I can't believe the weather you've been having on the Prairies...you will be so ready to get away! Looks like there are quite a few little girls around 6&7 years old that will hopefully have a blast together in the clubs! Mary - I'd love to see a picture of your gardens next spring when 1,000 bulbs sprout up! Hope the blister heals in time so you can hold a wine glass:teeth:

[mcampbell_22]

Lorraine, nice to finally here from the "better half"!! LOL I'm Mary (39) and DH Brian is 40. Our kids are Conor (turning 7 next week) and Devon 5 1/2. Seems like we're all in the same age range.

Jo-anne, I hope the spring "show" is a good one too. I am an avid gardener and have probably 1,000 perennials, shrubs etc., an orchard and veggie garden around the property (DH says it's my Sicilian heritage and the need to be self sufficient when it comes to food). These bulbs were just additions to the ones I've planted over the years. They always need refreshing. It's funny, when I plant bulbs, I usually end up digging up ones already in the ground!

Kids tease me and call me Super Mom. Well then, as Super Mom, "I shall let no little blister keep my from my appointed cocktail!" (OK feeling "Goofy" tonight!)

[mkauffman]

HI Lorraine!! It's nice to have you chime in. We can't wait to meet you next Saturday!! We've learned so much about each other just on this thread. It will make really getting to know each other once on the cruise very easy and I CAN'T WAIT! I'm glad to hear that you're going to join us for high tea. I made name tags for our DIS meet so that we all "recognize" each other (although at this point it won't be hard!). We don't have time anymore to mail them to you....but I'd be happy to print them out for you and give them to you at the sail-away party! We all have tags for ourselves and our spouses with our names and our city/state/province (that's what it is in Canada, right??). If you give me yours I'd be happy to print them out. Let me know. Did Gord share the DIS meet schedule with you? We have lots planned. If you see a bunch of people at the Goofy pool with DIS name tags on at the sail-away party (4:30), THAT'S US. Please come introduce yourselves!

I'm Michelle and I'm 32. DH (Tony) just turned 34. We have two sons, one is 15 (yeah, I started young!) and the other is 9.

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Hi Lorraine! Welcome to the group!!! I am also looking forward to this trip more because it feels like we will be cruising with a bunch of friends. Hope to meet you, Gordon, and Carly Friday night at the AS Movies.

I have finished the dresses & shirts that needed to be ironed. I may press the ones in the suitcase to put in the garment bag tomorrow morning if there is room. I have to pack everyone's shoes then the extras and that will be done!!!

[Cruising canuck]

Hi Michelle

Our info is as follows:

Lorraine Knox
Gordon Knox
Carly Knox

17 Dahlia Cres.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Canada

Everyone have a safe trip down and see you on the ship Saturday.:bounce:

[lbgraves]

Well, I just loaded up 4 suitcases and a full garment bag into the explorer. That almost takes up the back completely! Good thing we have the car top carrier!!! I am making a quick run to salvation army to get rid of a bunch of stuff that I have been piling up since this summer started & that will empty out the front seat. I still have to double check shoes and hair stuff and pack up the odds & ends for our carry on & shoudd be done. :) Wow it is good to almost have the living room back! LOL! I'll check in tonight then it is off to FL in the am. :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[sherry]

Have a safe trip down and enjoy your week:wave2:

[mkauffman]

Lisa, please have a safe and fun trip down to Florida. I'll be thinking of you!

Lorraine, I'll get your name tags ready and we'll see you Saturday at the sail-away party with Mickey! :D

Sherry......it's COLD here today!

Michelle

[mcampbell_22]

Lisa, have a safe trip. Hope the kids don't get too fussy. I know long car rides can be tough on the little ones. I'm so envious. I wish our vacation was starting already!

Spend most of the day cleaning. (Feel like I'm pre-birth nesting with all the cleaning I'm doing!) Bissell-ed the rugs and I even organized my Ebay stuff. You can actually get around my desk without having to step around piles!

Stopped and got a bottle of Prosecco (an Italian sparkling wine) to bring along for the "tour." It's like a champagne so those of us who aren't big wine drinkers may still enjoy a little taste!

[SINK]

Originally posted by mcampbell_22
We decided to take our friends up on their offer to let us borrow their digital camera (Canon G3) for the cruise.

Let me know how the G-3 is, when my Sony FSC-707 was stolen, I replaced it with Canon S-400. Even though, it's a 4 Megapixel camera, the quality is rather poor compared with the Sony FSC-707/717.

I thought about the Canon G-5, but wanted a pocket size instead.

[SINK]

Hi Guys:

I'm back. Just spend four days in Chicago and froze my "behind" off. Boy, I'm glad that I live in Southern Cali. I have not caught up with all of the postings.

Welcome to all the Newbies to this thread.

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - have a safe drive down and enjoy your time at All Stars and Magic Kingdom! Steve - welcome back - yes the north has been in a bit of a deepfreeze as Gord can attest to! Its all starting to feel a bit too real right now! I must have been delusional thinking I could fit all our stuff into 2 suitcases and a suit bag....just packed up the kids clothes and a few sand toys and shoes, and then realized I was fooling myself and got on the phone to my sister to get her to bring up her roller bag! I usually don't hire skycaps to take in my luggage for check in, but think this time it might be necessary since kids can't really handle rolling in the larger bags to help! Also am going to phone Avis to upgrade from mid size to large size car for our trip from Airport to Port!!

[lbgraves]

Well, I'm not doing too well right now. I just looked over our paperwork & saw that there is no seal at all on MY BC. I am panicing that customs wont let me clear. IDK what I can do since we leave in the am. I didn't even look at it much when I got it, just put it with the other paperwork. ACK!!! Not a good way to start this vacation. :(

[sherry]

Lisa, I don't know what you can do, but I am sure someone will know, I'm sure you'll figure out something.


Michelle, I didn't really feel cold until the sun went down, it's very clear here and I'm watching the moon's eclipse. It will be cold for my daughter's competition.

My dh and I went to a restaurant that just opened near us, called Bahama Breeze. It was really fun to imagine ourselves next week on the ship!

[lbgraves]

Well, I found my birth record card, which is what they issued when I was born instead of a paper BC. That along with the BC that I have should be good since they have the same birth record numbers. I used the card by itself when we went to the Bahamas in 1998 for our honeymoon. I will have to keep my fingers crossed now. I think it will be ok with this now though. :)

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I'm sending PD your way starting right now! I hope that what you have is ok. Is there any way to call DCL and ask?

Steve, it's good to have you back. I was wondering where you were.

Sherry...good luck on the band competition. No matter how cold it is, next week at this time you'll be basking in warmth!

Jo, I'm still trying to "fool" myself into believing that we're going to be ok with the suitcases that we have! ;)

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Thanks for the PD everyone! According to the thread on the board that I posted to, they have let poeple thru will less than what I have so I'm not worried anymore.

Now I am shopping for a wedding present for my BIL & his wife to be. No, I don't put stuff like this off. I wrapped a very nice paela dish this morning & put it in the car. I went out to double check on the warm tops I packed for DD since it got so cold here today & glad that I did since I needed to add some for her & one for DS. I also realized that I didn't pack any PJs for me. Well, when I opened the back of the car, out it fell...and broke into quite a few pieces. I have a credit at overstock so I think that I can order something & have it sent to my SIL's so that it will be there by the wedding. :crazy: If it's not one thing...it's another.

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - when it rains it pours...don't sweat the small stuff! More PD your way! I'm sure you won't have problems boarding. We'll all be doing the panic thing, rechecking everything a thousand times within the next week...you're just a few days ahead of us! Jo

[sherry]

It is 4:45 AM and I'm up having a mild panic attack, thinking about details. Looks like this is how my week is going to be. Oh well, it will be worth it once I get away.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.:wave:

[Tonydana]

good morning everyone...

ok, i have a question.. we are bringing a 35mm camera, my digital camera and was also planning on bringing our video camera.. is anyone bringing a video camera too.. i was thinking it might be kind of hard with stephen to use the video camera, since one of us will have to hold stephen, one will use the camera, one will use the video camera..

well, off again for the day.. one last party that i have to do, then i can concentrate on the trip..

talk to you all soon...

when is everyone leaving?? i know lisa left this morning.. and is it all final now where we are going to meet?? i just want to make sure i did not miss any changes.. also, is it too late to be included in the high tea??

dana :)

[mcampbell_22]

Dana I'm bringing it all - video camera, digital camera and 35mm camera! I'd hate to think that I missed out on getting a picture and the video will be great for the shows (kids will be in the one on the last night because they're joining the club).

As you all know, I've been pretty well packed for a while. Well last night I put our to be checked bags on my digital scale and WHOOPS! the largest bag weighed 59 lbs! Over the 50 weight limit. I am now going to add another checked bag in order to remove the excess weight from this bag. We are flying Delta and they have been cracking down on overweight bags. Friends who recently vacationed at Disneyworld had to pay extra $25 per bag because they were overweight (the bags, not the friends LOL). (It's $25/bag if 51-70 lbs; $80!/bag if over 71 lbs). Just something to double check before you leave so you don't get caught unaware.

[Jo-Anne]

We don't have a digital, but we'll be bringing video camera, 35mm for adults, Katie's 35mm, underwater disposable and another disposable for Michael! I've got 8 rolls of film...enough or more!? The last time we went to WDW, we left the video camera behind, and I must say it was nice not having to lug that around, but for the first cruise, it will have to come with us! I'm worried about the weight of our bags too...we don't have a scale, so not sure how to estimate! We're leaving Thursday at noon to begin the journey by driving to Buffalo and will stay overnight at airport hotel and fly to Orlando Friday morning and then will drive to Cocoa Beach where we are staying overnight and then will be in line up at 10:30am Saturday!!

[nedleycan]

So far, this is who I have:
Lisa 7010
Jo-Anne 6099
Kim and Neida - 7074
Mary - 7512
Julie - 7586
Michelle - 7537
Sue - 6143
Lorraine - 6585
Me!

Steve, do you think your wife would like to join us?

Lisa, deep breath!

Can't wait to meet everyone! I feel like you are all my long-lost sisters!

Lorraine, hi there! Meghan (my 6 year old) can't wait to meet Carly. We went on the Disney cruise last December and had a great time. You cannot even imagine what Carly's face is going to look like!

I layed my clothes out!!!! Brian is packing the suitcases now. The kids are all done, I am basically done (a couple of shirts hanging to dry, then they can be packed tomorrow). Brian is even doing his clothes now! WOW!

Lorraine, we are me (37), Brian (41), Meghan (6.5 - July), Cameron (almost 5 - January). We are from Mississauga, Ontario... freezing our butts off right now!)

[nedleycan]

Jo, when you drive by, halfway between Mississauga Road and Erin Mills Parkway, wave hi to us, on Thursday night. We will be going to the kids swimming class from 6:00 to 6:30 Thursday night, then settling in for a sleepless night (I can never sleep before vacation).

So, is Lisa really gone already? Cool!

[Jo-Anne]

Woke up with that nervous butterfly feeling in stomach! As I dodged all my piles of clothes and other stuff on way to bathroom, I'm not sure if I'm paniced or excited! I looked at our weather forecast for Toronto on Friday and it says a high of 0 (32 farenheit!) Checked Trip forecast...79 in Cape Canaveral on Friday, 82 in St. Martin, 88 in St. Thomas! Think I can handle that! Look for the white pasty Canadian sitting on the beach getting a tan/burn!

[mkauffman]

Good morning everyone~~

Lisa is really gone. I've been thinking about her all morning! Believe it or not, it's freezing cold here, too! I think it was 20 degrees F this morning when I left for work! That's too cold.

Linda, kudos to Brian for doing his own packing! I can only dream...

I get queezy thinking about everything we still need to do this week. Hubby has a soccer game tonight, Garrett has one tomorrow night and we have dinner plans with cruise-mates on Thursday and Friday nights (they all have questions about their paperwork). Busy week ahead, but only 5 DAYS LEFT!!!

Michelle :wave2:

[JulieGS]

It looks like the dreaded Al-Cruisa network hit our house with a clothing bomb. :teeth: There are garments and open, half-packed suitcases everywhere.

Glen had a migraine over the weekend, so was worse than useless, poor man. I can't believe there's so little time left!!! I spent about $400 at Target (Yes, mostly full-price stuff... I'm so ashamed) on Friday, and my to-do list is dwindling, but I'm still having trouble imagining we'll get it all done. sigh. Still, ready or not, Magic here we come!!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

Julie

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by Cruising canuck
Hi Michelle

Our info is as follows:

Lorraine Knox
Gordon Knox
Carly Knox

17 Dahlia Cres.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Canada

Lorraine and Gordon, I have your name tags ready! See you on Saturday at the sail-away! :boat:

Michelle :wave2:

[mkauffman]

Julie, your $400 Target bill puts my $150 Target bill to shame! :p I love the description of your house. Mine looks the same way and we have people spending the night Friday night! I'm more freaked out over their stay and the house being clean than I am about having the packing done. Silly. I hope Glen is feeling better today.

Michelle :sunny:

[sherry]

Julie, I agree with "ready or not here we come" philosophy. I expected to get more done this weekend and now I was going to do some tonight, but after getting home last night at 1:30 am it feels like I'm not going to anything done tonight!

I received a surprise gift certificate to Kohl's, so I plan to get a plain black pair of pants with it. Dh also needs socks, so I will tackle that tomorrow night. The store isn't far from home, so I should get some packing done too.

My daughter's band came into the east coast competition in 5th place and finished 5th with high brass and high woodwind honors. She is a senior and is in the color guard. We are very proud of her:love1:

[lbgraves]

Hello all! Just wanted to stop by & say hello. We got here around 6 pm last night & I did a bunch of shopping with my SIL today finishing up the last minute things. I found a nice pair of black sandles to use instead of my skimmers. I just can't handle heels anymore. I also found a pair of earings that match the hair clips I bought last week perfectly. :)

Dana, we also have a 35mm, digital, underwater, and VCR camera...yes one of the big ones. I have packed 10 rolls of film and several smart media cards...128, 64, 16, & 8. :) Yes, I am picture happy. :)

It has been VERY cold here today & will start raining soon but the skies will be clearing up in a couple days.

I NEED A FAVOR!!!! Can someone PLEASE print up a copy of the cabin list & schedule for me? Can you believe that since I didn't put printing that out on my list of things to do...it didn't get done. :( TIA!

I was able to vacuum the living room & wash the kitchen floor before we left. I only left one load of darks in the washer. I gave up at 11:30 after folding the load of whites. Oh well. I'll try to check in tomorrow!

[sherry]

Hi Lisa, Glad your trip went well. Sounds like your shopping went well too. It's no problem printing out those things for you. Enjoy your week and see you Saturday.

[Jo-Anne]

Sherry - congrats to your daughter and their band - quite an accomplishment! I've asked a co-worker to bring her scale to work tomorrow so I can take it home to weigh my bags...still don't have DH and mine packed, but at least I'll have the scale when I need it! Lisa - hope the Florida weather is going to clear up. I just read the live thread on the 11/8 Magic and they said no need for sweaters so far for them...hopefully weather will continue on good path!

[mcampbell_22]

I just checked in and our thread was at the tip top!

Lisa, glad you made it OK. I'm sending warm weather voodoo vibes for you!

Sherry, congrats to your daughter. I know I would be very proud as well. She must be very talented and dedicated. I know I lost interest around Sophmore year even though I was 1st chair clarinet. Of course now I wish I had stuck with it. I give her a lot of credit.

Lots to do around here. I'm still trying to clean but my neighbor (the one who is taking us to airport and feeding our cat for the week) has asked me to watch their kids for few hours today, tomorrow and Wednesday! Kind of puts a crimp in my boot camp, get it done plans. Conor had his pool party last night. Kids had a blast. 2 straight hours of swimming and then they ate 5 large pizzas and almost the whole 1/4 sheet cake. They were famished! All the parents thanked me for tiring their kids. Conor is just finishing up his thank you cards. I want to make sure to get them mailed before we leave. (I have a pet peeve about parents who don't have their children send thank you notes for gifts.) I also have to have Devon wrap his present (his Birthday is actually tomorrow) and bake a cake.

I've also been shifting items around into an additional suitcase so we don't have overweight bags. Trying hard to keep it down to 2-3 checked bags and the rest carry ons. We'll see what happens.

I'm sure I'm not the only one unable to sleep at night. Seemed like I lied awake for hours last night just running check lists through my mind. I can't believe after all this time waiting, it's finally here! 4 1/2 days Yippee!!!!

Have a good night all. I'll check in tomorrow.

[nedleycan]

So glad to hear from you! Where are you logging on from?

Sherry, congrats to your daughter. I was never into music when I was younger (too concerned with either boys or soccer). Wish that I could play the Sax right now (I love jazz)!

So, we are fully packed and my friend from work brought in the beautiful and sexy ;) black velvet long dress today. I love it so much. I was so disappointed last year when our 7-day was cancelled and I couldn't bring it (4-day is less formal, although... many people were really dressed up). Can't wait to wear it on formal night! I guess Brian is going to have to make room in the suitcases for it. We are down to 2 large suitcases in total and a carry-on each. We also have a bag inside a bag, for purchases. But, Brian just mentioned that he hasn't packed his suit yet.... I think we will be bringing 3 bags with us! haha

Talked to Meghan's teachers today, and she doesn't need to bring any homework (thank goodness!) on the cruise. I suggested a journal, and the teacher liked that idea. Meghan is excited because she gets to use a grade 2 journal, since the grad 1s don't have the same kind of journal. Do any of your kids have to do homework?

[mkauffman]

Mary, I have those same checklists swirling around in my head! I can't stop thinking about this trip. I check these boards WAY too much, I'm constantly wondering and worrying about having the right things packed, it just never ends. I keep telling myself to relax a little but so far my inner voice hasn't gotten through! :D

Sherry, tell your daughter we all said WTG!!! :Pinkbounc

Lisa, rain, rain go away is all I have to say! Push it out of FL for us, please. I checked weather.com and I thought it said it was supposed to be 80 degrees on Saturday in Orlando. My fingers and toes are crossed. I'm glad you found sandals. I assume the trip down was uneventful?

I'll print a few extra copies of the DIS event/cabin list just in case anyone forgets their copy. I have a whole folder of "stuff".

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Linda...Garrett got a list of homework from one of his teachers and he did it the night he got it (he's a little anal like his mom!). He's also required to do a journal of the trip. I'm not sure what Josh's 10th grade homework is going to be like yet. That one scares me!

Michelle

[kimszath]

I can't wait to see you all on the ship! I flew today--didn't get Luke picked up and home until nearly 6 PM, and then he decided we needed to go to "Chicky Fried Chicken" (KFC) for dinner... just got home and I had to check the thread! I have NOT packed yet. I got Luke''s stuff packed yesterday, except for his dress-up stuff. 50 pound limit on Delta??? I thought it was 80... I better watch it. Thanks for the heads-up!

Going to pack up the pupster and drop her off at the puppy-sitter. Will check in one more time tomorrow!!! SEE YOU ALL SATURDAY!!! Lisa--I may thry to track you down when we get to town!

BYE!!! :wave:

[nedleycan]

I just got such an excited feeling when I saw that your counter says "4 days"... WOW!!!! I swear that this year is even better than last year, for a number of reasons:
1) Because I know how great the cruise is for everyone (kids and us)
2) Because of the Surrial Bath (enough said) haha
3) Because of all of you! You guys are really great!
4) Because we have both been so stressed at work, that we really need this!
5) Because the kids are a year older, and I think they are going to love it even more!

So... where is everyone going on their trip next year! haha... sorry, Brian always teases me that I have to have a trip planned at all times. I usually start planning one trip approx. one month before the next trip. Next year is Young Island (I think) off the coast of St. Vincent. It will be without kids and we will sail for 2 nights throught The Grenadines. Can't wait! Either that, or Belize!

[nedleycan]

Boy, it is actually kinda sad seeing everyone leave! Have a great trip Kim! Can't wait to talk to you. I am a woman in a male industry (automotive), but you are probably in a more male industry than me! Also, can't wait for Cam to meet you. I really think he will be a pilot one day... or a professional skateboarder! haha

[Jo-Anne]

Kim - happy trails! One by one, we take off on the journey! Katie came home today with some homework to take...I asked for homework to be done in advance, but teacher is suggesting a bit to be done every day to keep her "sharp"! Not a big deal for the reading/journal stuff, but I might have her whip off the math stuff before we go...teacher will never know..I'll have Katie change pencils half way through so looks like it was done over more than one sitting!! ;) Maybe all the 6&7 etc. year old girls can do their journals together so it doesn't feel like "work"!
Linda - we'll wave to you from the QEW on Thurs - we'll probably be passing by around 2:00 to beat traffic. I'm procrastinating on the final suitcase packing. I don't want to cram our stuff in yet! I keep debating on whether or not to iron skirt prior to heading down, or just pack as is and concede that I'm going to have to iron it on board anyways...oh ya, who's beside the laundry...didn't they offer to do our ironing, or was that just folding! Jo

[Cruising canuck]

Michelle

Thanks for making the name tags on such short notice hope the info I gave you was all you needed.

Just got back from the hockey game our team lost 4-2 but the weather is getting nicer though, only about -1C or 30F right now.

We haven't even started packing yet but tomorrow is a holiday so we will get all we have hanging in the office in suitcases and probably finish with no time to spare. We fly out Thurs. just before noon and I will probably just hold off and sleep on the plane can't seem to put too many consecutive hours together these past few nights.

I'm sure the weather will be everything we hoped for from Sat. - Sat. no worries!!

Just 3 more sleeps, take care people!!!:sunny:

Gord

[sherry]

Thanks all, I told my daughter that you all said Congrats.

Just rested all night last night and now I am ready to tackle everything that needs to be done. I got so excited this morning when I realized I only have to set the clock 3 more mornings before we leave:Pinkbounc

Kim and family, Have a safe trip down and see you soon:wave2:

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, I will be at work at 2:00 on Thursday, so wave north when you pass Cawthra. I will be thinking about you!

Have a good day everyone!

[Tonydana]

good morning guys.. :)

well, 3 days for us.. i cannot believe it.. i have beenrunning crazy here.. still not packed, but at least i'm not alone.. stephen is sick.. taking him to the doctors this morning to have him looked at.. hopefully it is just his teeth and not an ear infection.. ugh.. always something..

safe trip kim - see you saturday..

well, we leave friday am.. arrive in orlando around 2:30 i think.. staying the night there, then off to the port saturday..

see you all then.. i'm sure i'll be back 900 more times before then though..

have a great day :)

dana

[mkauffman]

Ahhhh...I'm going to be so sad as everyone starts leaving me this week. Kim, have a safe trip down and I can't wait to meet you! We're not leaving until Saturday morning. My in-laws are leaving on Friday, so they'll be in FL a day early.

Linda, you are truely a gem! I'm so happy that you re-booked on this cruise. I know last year it didn't feel like a good thing, but you see the bright side and now there's all of US!

Dana, I have PD on the way for Stephen. Let's just hope it's his teeth. My baby niece, Alli, (who's coming along on this trip, also 15 mos. old) is getting tubes in her ears today. They wanted it done last week because of leaving on Saturday, but the doc couldn't get her in. She's had constant ear infections and they finally said enough is enough. The last ear infection was about 2 weeks ago and her family doctor said that there was no way she could have flown like that.

Gord, you're welcome. It was no problem at all. I'm glad the weather is "warming" up a bit for you. That's just too cold.

Just a few more days, everyone!! Can I make it through 2 more days of work??

Michelle

[sherry]

Michelle, I'm right with you watching everyone leave, but it is easier knowing that I'll be leaving on Saturday. After today, I am really in busy mode so maybe the time will pass quickly, but of course, not quick enough.

Dana, I hope Stephen is all right, at least you're able to take him to the doctors before your vacation.

[mkauffman]

Sherry, what airport are you flying out of and what airline are you on?

Michelle

[sherry]

Michelle, we are flying out of Philadelphia on Delta. We have a stopover in Atlanta. We arrive there 7:32 and leave 8:46.

[mkauffman]

We're flying out of Harrisburg. Looks like you'll be leaving Atlanta when we arrive there. We arrive in Atlanta at 8:41 and leave at 10:19. You must arrive in Orlando very early, then. We don't arrive until 11:45.

Michelle

[mcampbell_22]

Good morning all!

Can you believe it's only 3 more days!!! Still doing some cleaning and polishing but it's almost done. Will save mopping the kitchen floor until Friday morning because DH and kids will have it dirty again if I do it today. LOL

I was checking around last night for extended forecasts for St. Thomas and St. Martin. Some rain now in St. Thomas but forecasts were showing clearing and temps in the 80s. I'll keep checking as it gets a little closer.

Dana, hope Stephen is OK. I know we've been suffering the "sniffles and coughs" around here lately. The ups and downs of the weather temperatures surely haven't helped either.

Well, off to fold some laundry. Talk again later.

[sherry]

Yes, we will be arriving at 10:12. We have rented a car and we are going to drive directly to the ship. At least the weather looks clear for both of us, you never know in November.

Here are good wishes and pixie dust that we all have good flights down

:sunny:

[mkauffman]

Mary, I'm saving my cleaning for Friday, too. Took the day off work just to get ready for our overnight guests (and to get my nails and toes done!). I really want to clean the bathroom the "day of" their arrival because I'm so fussy about the bathroom. That's one room that just has to be clean.

Sherry, you're so right abut hoping we all have good flights down! There are some in our group that are flying Harrisburg/Cinci/Orlando, so I'm really hoping their flight through Cinci is uneventful! You never know weather-wise for that area.

Michelle

[Tonydana]

hello all..

well, stephen does not have an ear infection, but when i say he is miserable.. i mean it.. he is so stuffed up too.. and is not sleeping at night... and he is usually a very good sleeper.. goes to bed around 7:30-8pm and sleeps until 7 am.. now he is getting up every 2-3 hours.. it is horrible.. tony is on his last 24 today, then vaca..

i'm going to really start cleaning tomorrow and finish up thursday, washing the kitchen floor.. :) i hate coming home to a messy house.. i will make sure all the laundry is done too..

for anyone who needs them.. i am packing a few extra whisk tablets.. i will have 4-6 leftover.. i only use one per load, even though they say two.. just let me know..

more later..

dana ;)

[alexturner74]

Hope everyone has a good trip. Tell Mickey and friends we say hi, and we'll see them soon

[lbgraves]

Sherry, thank you so much for printing the info for me!!! Congrats to your DD also! That is such an accomplishment to stick with something that takes so much dedication. You must be so proud!

Mary, I stayed up late Thursday night writting out the TY notes for William's party so that he could sign & decorate them to give his friends Friday morning at school. It also irks me when TYs aren't given.

Linda, I am at my SIL's. I should be able to check in a bit while we are here. I am glad to hear that others have problems sleeping as well. I haven't been able to go to sleep before 1 or 2 am lately. Last night I had MAYBE one ounce of wine with sprite & was out by 10pm. I am thinking that I will need to do that again tonight.

The weather cleared up very nicely today & we are all wearing short sleeves .

Kim, I am looking forward to meeting you all possibly Wednesday night. The butterflies have started up in my tummy again since we leave in the morning for WDW!!! I just can't believe that our trip is finally actually here!!!!! Our counter is down to under 14 hours!!!!!!!!

I may have to do some switching with our suitcases Friday night. I have the shoes in one small one & the 2 other bags are crammed pack. We have no room for anything else. :eek:

OK, the rest of my post is messed up & disappeared. This darn keyboard is driving me nuts.

[nedleycan]

Alex, you are the one that brought us together. It is so sad that you will not be with us. I promise that we will do a toast to you at some point! Thanks so much!

So... guess what... a friend at work now lent me a suit for Cam. He looks so cute! Now he will be in a black suit, Brian will be in a black suit, I will be in a black velvet dress, and Meghan will be in a black velvet dress. I can't wait to see our formal photo!

[lbgraves]

OK, everyone. Goodnight. I"m going to settle down with a little wine & get a good night's sleep before hitting WDW. I am so excited!!! Sorry if I didn't address everyone but half of my message disappeared when I backspaced. The kids are almost asleep so I don't want to be up until 2 again. Can't wait to meet you all!!!

Kim, we are at the AS Movies under Michael Graves. Hope that we can get together possibly Wednesday night.

[nedleycan]

Glad to hear from you again. I am glad to hear the weather is better. My mom, dad, sister and neice are down there now (left last Thursday, come home this Thursday). I hope they had okay weather. My sister is now divorced, and doesn't have much money. My parents wanted my neice (almost 9) to see Disney World. So they are paying for her to go (Christmas present) and my sister is paying her way. I hope they have a great time... they deserve it!

I am about to tell Brian that I need another suitcase, as I want to add a couple of things... uh oh... I am in trouble. haha

Linda

[Jo-Anne]

again I procrastinated tonight on the packing! I'll have no choice but to do it tomorrow. Guess I don't want to pack it all up until I feel I'm free from work and really in vacation mode! Did the leg waxing, pedicure today and facial, manicure tomorrow...had neighbour boy over to give cat-feeding instructions...getting more prepared! Lisa - glad to hear its warming up in FLA. I'm only taking one sweatshirt for warmth - optimistic!? Linda - will wave like mad when we pass Cawthra - funny how I'll travel across another country to meet someone in my own backyard!! Can't wait! Nice of your parents to support your neices trip - its so nice to see that. Your formal outfits sounds like a dream....I have done a very poor job at co-ordinating us! Dave in dark navy suit, me in Black and white, Katie in navy velvet and Michael in navy pants and wine vest with one of those clip on ties! Lisa- have a drink for me - I still have that queezy, excited feeling in my stomach that probably won't disappear until we are on the ship. Pleasant dreams everyone! Jo

[JulieGS]

So I'm sitting on the floor, staring at all our crap... it looks like we'll be taking NINE pieces on this one-week cruise. I cannot believe it.

Diaper bag
large Backpack
Anton's suitcase
Anton's backpack
Glen's computer bag
Glen's carry-on
checked baby carrier backpack
checked large suitcase
checked hanging bag suitcase

Currently revising clothes inventory to see if this can possibly be reduced. Guess we'll have to take advantage of that laundry across the hall more often!

Anyone else in this situation? Any advice? Arghhhh..

Julie

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, the funny thing about our formal outfits is that it wasn't planned. My dress is borrowed, Cam's suit is borrowed, Brian had his suit made for last year's cruise, and I bought Meghan's dress for last year's cruise. It just happened to work out. I am sure you will all look wonderful!

Julie, your luggage sounds fine. Don't worry about it. You only have to carry it for a short time, so the amount doesn't really matter. Remember that the baby carrier isn't really luggage, as you will have it on your back most of the time. Also, Glen's computer bag is his problem... haha... why is he bringing it? Tell him to leave it at home.

Hair cut and highlights yesterday, waxing on Thursday, pedicure on the ship (I have run out of time). I got my flu shot yesterday, Brian got his last week, kids will get theirs today.

Our luggage is: one very large bag, one large bag, one backpack each (4), and now I will have to tell Brian about the other bag that is necessary for a couple of extras.

[mcampbell_22]

Good Morning!

Lisa, glad to hear it's getting warmer in FL. I'm going to check weather for Caribbean after posting!

Our luggage totals: Very large bag, large bag and garment bag to be checked. 1 wheeled carry-on each (4 total) and 2 sm bags for kids (that hold their coloring stuff, snacks etc.).

Figure we'll have more room on way home after DH's 12-pack, wine, snacks etc are "consumed" on vacation which will leave room for souveniers.

Dana, I feel for Stephen. Poor baby. I'm feeling under the weather too. Broke down and took cold medicine last night to get some sleep. Managed 4-5 hours. Still feel cr*ppy. Hoping to take it fairly easy next few days and drug myself up to get over it.

Alex, another thanks to you for bringing us all together. We'll be sure to raise our glasses to you.

Devon's up. Time to get her ready for school. Talk to you all soon.

[mkauffman]

Good morning everyone! Today I'm feeling really blessed to be taking such an incredible vacation and to have already met such wonderful people. I don't even feel out of place with any of you and that's a beautiful thing. :)

A coworker just gave me the most beautiful black shaw to wear with my black dress on formal night. I am so excited.

Michelle :boat:

[kimszath]

Hey everybody!
We made it to the Big D last night--took alot longer to finish packing than I thought it would. We also have 9 pieces of stuff total--hubby is taking his flippin' computer, too, but finished up almost all his to-do work last night here in the hotel.

Well, we knew it wouldn't come off without a hitch... we got to the lovely hotel room last night around 9 PM (our flight leaves DFW today at 1:20 PM). Everybody's happy and comfy... Luke plays for a couple of hours before we make him hit the sack. At about 2 AM, Luke sits up and announces "My belly hurts!" Followed 5 seconds later by projectile vomiting all over the lovely, well-appointed king-sized bed. OMG!!! Of course, I'm more worried about my baby than the bed, but after I got him all cleaned up, I had to pull all the sheets off the bed, and remove a couple of pillowcases. At 2:45, MORE puking (I was ready with a plastic laundry bag full of tissues this time). More of it at 3:30, and more at 4 AM. I am EXHAUSTED! He's sleeping peacefully, still more than 4 hours later. He's not running a temperature (yep, luckily the bag with the thermometer was here in the hotel room with us!). I pray it was just some of the junk he ate yesterday--he always runs a fever when he's sick, so hubby is not really concerned. I still got up at 6:30 and went down to the workout room and ran 3 miles on the treadmill, and did situps and pushups. Gotta keep up that metabolism for all the cruise food! :Pinkbounc

Lisa--we get into the airport there at 5 PM today, and have Tiffany Towncar picking us up. We should be checked in around 7 PM, I hope. You'll probably be out having fun by then, but I will still try to give you a call and leave our info! Maybe we can run into each other at MK tomorrow! I think we'll let Luke rest tonight--they haven't gotten up yet, so I'm not sure what my Mike's plans are for dinner tonight, but I'm guessing we'll eat at the California Grill in the Contemporary, if we can get a table. Not sure what time the fireworks are. Can't wait to meet you!

Dana--sorry your baby is sick! Better today? Poor sweetie. Have you tanned yet??? I forgot to bring my stuff, and didn't use it before I left. I think I have a decent base tan, so I'm not going to get all worked up about it. See you Saturday!

All--I'm signing off. Not sure if they have free internet service at the Contemporary, so further postings from me may be POST-cruise! We'll see. We get free internet here at the WONDERFUL Wyndham Airport at DFW--they're really good to their program members. SEE YOU SATURDAY BY THE GOOFY POOL!!!!!:wave2:

[Jo-Anne]

Michelle - it's funny as I feel the same way...I printed out the photos from Alex's web site, but since I'm not good with faces until I've actually met someone, I could pass you by in the terminal and never know it! That will all change on Saturday afternoon...now I just need to remember where to be after drill...goofy pool, right!? Our luggage count is one very big roller bag, one medium roller bag, one smaller roller back to check in, one garmet bag, one small roller carry on, two kids roll ons with their plane, snack stuff, and then Dave and I will both carry knapsacs as well. Seems like a lot, but I"m concerned that these will be packed full and no room for returning souveniers! Jo

[Jo-Anne]

Linda, Gord, Lorraine - just doing a brain cramp thing again. I have passports for the kids, but is there any reason I need to bring their birth certificates as well? Thanks, Jo

[nedleycan]

No, you don't need them. But!!!! Remember to bring other photo ID for the adults. Last year we only had our Passports, and the nice lady at the port had to photocopy it for us. When you get on board, you no longer have your passport (they keep it). You must have photo ID in order to get on and off the ship. So bring your driver's license with you too.

[Cruising canuck]

Jo-Anne

Ditto to what Linda said and it is true they have taken our passports away on our other cruises. They were with princess and as long as we had our cruise card it brought up our picture when venturing on and off the ship. You should not need birth cert. if you have passports! All we are taking is Carlys passport, our passports and our drivers licences.

1 sleep left, see you on board!!

Gord

[mkauffman]

Hey guys......I've missed all your posts because once again, I'm not getting email notices. Bummer. :(

Jo, we are meeting Saturday at the sail-away party by the Goofy pool!! I am so excited for that.

We're headed into the big countdown now. I still just can't believe it. Saturday morning will be here before I know it!

Safe trips to everyone who is leaving soon!! :Pinkbounc

Michelle

[Tonydana]

hey guys..

what a day here.. well, stephen is still a little sick.. and .. at 14 mos old.. figured how to climb and fall out of his crib.. crazy day here..

going to finish packing everything up tomorrow.. we plan on bringing one very huge bag, one large bag, one garmet bag, one rolling carryon, tony and i will each have a backpack and then stephen's car seat which also turns into a stroller.

well, more later.. can't wait to see you on saturday.. who else is staying at the hyatt on friday night??

dana

[JulieGS]

Dana, we'll be at the Hyatt on Friday. What time are you leaving in the morning on Saturday? Do you have breakfast plans?
:D

Julie

1 full day left! :bounce: :bounce:

[nedleycan]

Gordon,
When we were on the Disney Cruise last December, we definately needed photo ID to get on the ship. They do not have a photo of you appear when they scan your card. You need a photo ID (or photocopy of your passport).

Too bad Stephen is sick! Yuck! I took the kids to the doctors to get flu shots and he wouldn't give it to them because they have coughs... instead we left with prescription cough medicine! Darn!!!! Oh well, it will have to wait until after the cruise.

Linda

[kimszath]

We're in the Contemporary--Rm 7269. I didn't get a chance to call today well, I could call now--10:45, but guessing you guys might be sleeping...) We got our bags to our room, and were starving so we went to dinner and then Luke decided we needed to go ride the Monorail! We just got back and did a little unpacking, and I just realized what time it is! We're getting up early in the morning--you know they're having Early Entry at MK tomorrow for folks staying on property??? We're hoping to get it in gear tomorrow morning so we can be there around 8 AM when it opens. What did you do today? My e-mail is kimszath@aol.com

See you all Saturday! Lisa--I'll check tomorrow and see of you got this--maybe we could run into each other around lunchtime? I need to read my guides... if you have a suggestion, we're game!
Kim

[Jo-Anne]

Am up at 5:00am as there is loud banging outside our window...a little detective work shows our soffit hanging by a thread and ready to blow right off. Had to go outside and have DH get up on ladder and pound a few nails in it to keep it down. We are under a heavy wind warning right now and am a little worried about the wacky weather here in Toronto and Buffalo. Extremely high winds and calling for snow and whiteouts! We'll be slowly travelling to Buffalo around noon as long as their forecast is ok...they get a lot of lake effect snow which can get scary real fast! Had planned to send kids to school in morning and leave at lunch, but we'll keep an eye out on the weather. Gord/Lorainne, you might find some wind delays through Toronto today. Hopefully will calm down soon. Just one more day until warmth....guess we wanted it to be cold when we left, but didn't count on this! Take Care everyone, Jo

[sherry]

Safe trip, JoAnne. We are also having high winds, but don't have to worry about snow, thank goodness.

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, right now the Burlington Skyway is closed, so you will have to go another way... unless it opens. I really hope this doesn't affect anyone's flights!!!! Crossing fingers!

So, yesterday we get a call from Air Canada, Brian and Meghan's return flight is changed from 11:00 a.m. on Sunday to 7:15 p.m. on Sunday. Now we have to spend extra money taking cabs home from the airport on Sunday. Oh well, it would have been worse if it was cancelled!

My flight is 8:30 tomorrow morning. Wow, didn't realize it was so early. Cam and I will have to get up quite early!

Kim, glad you are there! Say hi to Lisa for us all!

I am so stressed out. Work is nuts, plus last minute rushes to do with the trip. Serenity Now!

[Tonydana]

good morning...

one of my last posts.. :)

julie.. we are leaving the hyatt saturday around 9 am or so.. tiffany is picking us up... i'm not thinking we are going to have time for breakfeast.. what time are you leaving the hyatt and how are you getting to the port..???

off to finish packing.. more later..

dana :)

[Cruising canuck]

Jo-Anne

I watched the weather channel last night and they said winds up to 90km our flight arrives at 3:30 probably right in the middle of the worst of it. We depart again at 7:45 so hopefully things will have calmed down a bit by then.

Have a safe drive down and pray for no snow.

Oh well, Brian and Meghan get to spend another day at Disney, that should be pretty rough!!

Gord

[mcampbell_22]

Good morning!

Safe trips for all those leaving today and tomorrow. I feel like I'm going to be the only one left at home. We leave 6:30 Saturday morning.

High winds are due here in MA later today and tomorrow. Supposed to die out before Saturday. I hate taking off when there are big wind gusts (bad experience on return flight of honeymoon!).

Hope all who are sick are feeling better. I've had a bad few days. Very sick. Not much sleep, cough and congestion. Hoping to work through it in the next two days. So far kids are OK except for a few sniffles. I think 85 degrees will do wonders!

[sherry]

Mary, We are still here until 5:30 Saturday morning. I was thinking this morning that I would be on a plane right now if we didn't have to change due to senior recognition in band tomorrow night, which is much more important. It also turned out that the same daughter is being inducted into the national honor society tonight, so I am extra glad we changed our plans. It is kind of nice knowing we'll spend a couple of days after the cruise in DW.

:wave: Safe and healthy trips to all, see you soon:wave:

[mkauffman]

I'm here and will be also until Saturday morning! Very high winds here, also. This little wind storm must be stretching far! I hope the best for everyone's flights. I'm keeping constant check on our weather for Saturday.

Dana, I hope Stephen starts to feel better soon and Mary, I hope you feel better before the weekend.

Michelle :Pinkbounc

[Tonydana]

ok, i'm packing and cleaning like a mad woman..

quick question - anyone know if the rooms have vcr's???

thanks..

dana :)

[mkauffman]

You mean the staterooms on ship, right? No, they don't have VCRs. I believe maybe cat 1 & 2 may have VCRs, but for those of us that are squandering in the lower categories, we don't have one. :p

Michelle

[JulieGS]

Hi all --

My goodness, there's a *#$%load of stuff to do before a vacation!!! Still OK here, though tonight I might be frantic. Depends on how packing goes. :rolleyes:

Dana, we're not leaving the Hyatt until 9:45 or so, also with Tiffany. Maybe we should change our res and take the van together! I'm a bit concerned because all they can give us is a booster seat in the towncar. You guys are bringing a carseat for Stephen, right? Think Leif will be OK in a booster?

Only one more night at home!

Julie

[mkauffman]

Hey Julie!!! Nice to hear from you!

Michelle ;)

[Tonydana]

julie
i think he will be fine in a booster.. we are bringing a car seat that also turns into a stroller for stephen.. tiffany is picking us up a 9am.. i want to get there early.. how many in your party, 4 right?? how much is the van and would you want to leave at 9am??

still packing and cleaning here.. omg, so much still to do.. :)

bummer on the vcr's in the staterooms.. oh well, stephen will have to do without bear :)

dana

[JulieGS]

Dana --

The van is $200, if I recall... so if we were to split it, it would actually be cheaper than a towncar. We could leave at nine... what do you think? I'd be willing to call about the res...


Julie, in a state of moderate panic :crazy:

[nedleycan]

This is my last post (probably) as we do the final packing. We are leaving the house at 6:00 tomorrow morning. I am so excited and also realize how much last minute stuff there is to pack. Have fun though!

Can't wait to meet you all. We will be wearing our badges in the terminal, so I am sure we will meet some of you right away.

Take care,
Linda

[sherry]

Linda, Have a safe trip:wave2:

It's getting so quiet on this thread, I hope everyone is having a great time. In 24 hours I'll be on the plane:Pinkbounc

It's still a little windy today, I am glad it is supposed to stop before we leave tomorrow.

Have a great Friday and see you all tomorrow:boat:

[nedleycan]

We are leaving in 20 minutes. Just going to turn the computer off. Can't wait to see you all. Look for our kid's "Canada" shirts (white with maple leaf on) at the terminal.

Happy flying everyone!
Linda

[mcampbell_22]

Good morning!

There's so few of us left! Linda, if you're still there have a safe trip - see you tomorrow!

Dana, are you flying today out of Logan or TF Green? It's so windy. I haven't heard of any delays or cancellations so I think we're OK. Safe trip to you too.

Michelle, I think it may just be the two of us left until tomorrow morning. All our bags are packed and will be loaded into my car later today.

Just some last cleaning (yes I still have to mop the kitchen floor) and laundry.

I have such BIG butterflies in my stomach. Did I remember everything? What's left to do? I'm a worrier by nature so I always find this time a little stressful. DH just sits back while I do it all (well he does work the long hours). Sometimes you just want a second set of eyes to check over things to make sure you didn't miss something important.

Dropped of "Hold Mail" form at Post office yesterday and today will call the Police to let them know we'll be away (small town).

Had parent/teacher conferences yesterday. So proud of Conor and Devon. Conor is reading at almost 3rd grade level (He's in 1st) and is also advanced in math skills. Devon is also doing great in Kindergarten testing in 99% for skills and teacher also says she is a "great friend." Very pleased. They both love school so much. I'm enjoying it now as I'm sure as they get older this will change (right Michelle!)

Well, off to get the kids ready for school. Will check back later.

[mkauffman]

Good morning to those of us that are left! I have so much to do today. I think it's Mary, me and Sherry, right? Is anyone else out there???

I have to go to the bank (I haven't set foot inside a bank for SO long thanks to ATM machines and direct deposit!), go to the pharmacy, CLEAN! Ughhh...I shouldn't even be online but I couldn't help myself.

Mary, my household is the same way......I worry about everything so much that my family doesn't have to! They all know it, too. I obsess over things so much that it wouldn't make any sense for anyone else to (even though it would be nice sometimes!). I'm still not sure I have everything done that I wanted to do, but I guess at some point we have to just pray we've done enough.

I'm happy that you got such good reports at school. I have two very opposite boys...Garrett is my scholar. Josh is my socialite. He's much more into his personal/social life, but I guess part of that is that he's 15 years old!

Ok, I should go for now. I'll check back later. I really have to get my PJs off and motivate myself to do something!

Michelle :hyper:

[JulieGS]

Hi to all the stragglers!

We're still throwing in last-minute things and wrapping it all up. See you guys at the terminal! We'll be wearing our yellow Disney shirts, much to DH's chagrin. Can't wait!

Julie

[mcampbell_22]

OK, the house is as clean as it's gonna be (yes, I did finally mop the kitchen floor! LOL) and the suitcases are in the car.

The coffee pot is set to brew at 3:30 am and I picked up muffins to take to the airport. I'm hoping that because we have the first flight out, that there will not be any delays due to wind. (Logan is pretty backed up today).

I'm feeling much better today (maybe all those cleaning chemicals opened up my stuffed nose!). Another night of cold medicine should do the trick.

Can't believe tomorrow's the day. I know I'm not going to sleep tonight! I always worry that the alarm won't go off (yes, something else I worry about) so I'm sure I'll just toss and turn with visions of blue Caribbean skies and Disney characters running through my head.

I'll check in again later tonight for a last post and bon voyage.

[mcampbell_22]

Well this is my last pre-cruise post!

Just a quick "safe trip" and bon voyage to those of us left. See you all tomorrow!!

[Verandah Man]

http://www.verandahman.com/Magic%2011-15-03%2001.jpg

Disney Magic--November 15, 2003


http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/552/62Magic_11-15-03_02.jpg

Disney Magic sailing up the port channel.


http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/552/62magic_tp.jpg

Disney Magic sailing past the Two Palms cam.

[kimszath]

I just wanted to hop on the board this morning--in the midst of laundry--and tell you all how wonderful it was to meet you and share such a wonderful experience with folks I considered friends even BEFORE we all met! The first person I met face-to-face was Lisa Graves. I met Lisa about 5 minutes after my hubby, Mike, expressed reservations about me hooking up with "total strangers I'd met online who could be ANYBODY...." Funny... as the week went by, and I found myself running into Lisa, Dana and Michelle several times a day, it seemed, Mike started telling me when he'd seen any of you! As I met more of you, and realized what a great group of folks you really were, Mike had to eat his words and was happy that I'd taken the time to hook up with folks before we'd ever left home. As it turned out, we all felt like we knew someone on the ship from the time we boarded! Tony, Dana, and Stephen--thanks for your wonderful company at dinner every day--Stephen is such a sweetie! I think my Mom wanted to take him home with her! Can't wait to share pictures with you! We have about 10 rolls to drop off at WalMart today--double prints on all of them!

I'm going to e-mail my mailing address to each of youthat I already have in my address book--if I DON"T get somebody, please drop me a note with your e-mail and mailing addresses--I'd love to share or Disney Cruise Lines Christmas card and probably some other stuff with each of you. Dana--I've got yours! Michelle, I had yours on the envelope with the tags, but I've misplaced it (or Mike has cleaned it out....)

Chat with you all soon!
Kim:wave2:

[Jo-Anne]

Hi Kim and everyone - I'm in the midst of 7 loads of laundry and think we are just about unpacked. It was great to meet a fantastic bunch of folks and am sorry I missed running into a few of you! We are extremely exhausted and as I was preparing lunch today, I was really missing our wonderful dining servers! I've only got 5 rolls of film, but have three other cameras with various shots still left, so will have to take a lot of photos at our Christmas party in two weeks so I can get them all developed soon! Well back to the shock of reality...can't believe I was sitting on the beach two days ago! Jo

[nedleycan]

Just got in an hour ago. It was so great to meet everyone. Wish that I would have met you Michelle. I am sure we passed in the halls without even knowing.

You guys are so much fun, and it sure added to the pleasure of the cruise to see so many friendly faces every day. Our kids loved all your kids. They really are sweet.

We had a great day at Disney yesterday. The weather was perfect (probably around 75 degrees and very sunny). We are exhausted and I will be putting Cam to bed in a couple of minutes (Meghan and Brian are only leaving Florida right now - 7:15 flight). I will see them in a couple of hours.

Talk to you all soon!

Linda

[mkauffman]

Hello!!

First of all, let me sincerely apologize that I didn't get to meet everyone. I saw Kim several times and we chatted quite a bit, but it was just by luck that we kept running into each other! My week flew by so quickly and my entire family kept me hopping! It was a blast and I was very sad to see it end. We had perfect weather, didn't we?? How lucky were we? We spent the day in Orlando on Saturday and then we volunteered to bump to a later flight (my parents, my uncle and his wife and me and my boys). We were supposed to fly home at 4:10 and the seven of us agreed to bump to a 7 p.m. flight.......Delta gave us each $400 vouchers and we were still home shortly after midnight!!! Can you believe it? Now my family has $1200 in airfare that we have to use by next November......hmmmmm...wonder where we'll go??

Dana, I was sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well for part of the trip.

Kim, I got your email and I'll respond to it with my address. We also got the Disney cards (as I was behind you in Shutters, I know you knew that!). You are so sweet and I'm so glad that I got to know you a little bit. Should I plan a trip to OK so we can continue to build our friendship? :D I'm sure the hubbies would understand!

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Andy, thanks so much for the wonderful pics! We did have a magical trip!

Michelle