Christmas 2003 - Who's sailing (20-27 Dec 03)?

[jgalecpa]

Lynn,

Your email didn't come through yet.

If you pm your email I'll get it out ASAP

Jim:wave:

[Grumpy's Mom]

Jim - can you forward me a copy also? This will keep someone busy this weekend!!

Thanks!

Bon

[kolakdaw]

Hi All,
Looks like I will win the award for the last person to get their docs. Not here yet! My TA site said they come 10 days before the trip. That would be yesterday, right? I'll give it a day and then call to complain... My DD-17 has the flu. This is one sick kid. She's missed four days of school this week. Today 385 kids were out sick. Becky and I are washing our hands like crazy and spraying around the other one with Lysol all the time. Hopefully we will stay healthy for the trip! I hope the flu won't be a problem on the ship like it seems to be up here. Whole school districts are closing down. Anybody having this problem in your neck of the woods?

Dawn

[Grumpy's Mom]

Hi Dawn - my DD-17 had it the week before Thanksgiving - it is BAD! She went to school Monday, called me to come and get her during lunch so she could come home and go to sleep, and then go back for her last two classes. Tuesday, made it until 1:30 p.m. Out the rest of the week. Our students do not have to take finals if they miss two or less days per semester- Wednesday was Day 3. Now we are trying to get her Spanish final (12/19) changed so that we can still leave on12/18. When I called the Pediatrician's office for cough medicine, they told me there were 125 children out sick at the other high school in town.

I thought my DD-13 was getting it over Thanksgiving -- didn't want to shop on Friday!! Slept all the way home in the car from the beach on Saturday. Turns out she had one awful sinus infection - which is something no one else has had in our house ever. Put her on antibiotics and narcotics - she had 2 nights in a row where she coughed so much and so hard that she was up until 2:30 - 3:00 a.m. and woke at 5:00 a.m. - Mom didn't get much sleep either. Neither seemed to do much good. I am just hoping she is not so worn down that she gets the flu. There were over 100 children out / checked out sick on Monday after Thanksgiving at her school.

Hope we all get to the ship healthy and that we stay that way!

We'll be at WDW one week from tonight!

Bonnie

[Ginny]

Hi all -

Dawn, I hope your daughter is better quickly and that you and your younger DD stay healthy. I just keep taking my vitamins, sticking to healthy foods, washing my hands (like a zealot) ...............and trying to sleep enough (not doing well on the last one). I have been sick at WDW once before and that was enough. That little clinic just off property was great BUT I would like to avoid that "E" ticket ride if we can.

We were home yesterday with Erin and we are staying home today. She was still running about 101.8 last night but said her throat was feeling better so perhaps I have dodged strep this time! I won't make that determination until she wakes up though. She slept most of yesterday and slept through last night, too. This is not the flu that you all seem to have been experiencing but we haven't seen a huge hit at Erin's school yet.

Bonnie, our verandah is actually one of my favorite places on the ship and have always loved it first thing in the morning because we are such "trained" early risers. Chuck will go up and get coffee from the little beverage bar and come back and we watch the sun come up together while the kids are still sleeping. Just remember that "private verandah" you and Lynn and your families will have ready access to at the back of Deck 7. And, if Jamie is really intent on upgrading - ask at the Port. Someone may have to cancel at the last minute and you may find something opening up. That has happened lots of times.

Tell Jamie they, also, have a special "party" for Cigar aficianados one evening. Chuck went last time and really enjoyed himself and plans to go again this trip. It was on Deck 10 about 9 or 10PM one night.

Take care all - Sending Pixie Dust that the Flu Bug goes on hiatus until 1 January.

[Grumpy's Mom]

:(

Ginny -- tell Erin we hope she is better soon! Sending pixie dust her way!

Dawn - you can call the DCL desk and they will tell you what day they were mailed --


Bonnie

[jgalecpa]

Our girls went through bad "colds" over the last two weeks. First Caitlin (dd-15) then shannon (dd-12).

Both out of it now.

Everone here seems to be more worried about the flu than in the actual throes of it yet.

KNOCK WOOD HERE.

Cigar night, huh?

I have about one cigar every other year (must be cuban or why bother) and this seems as good as place as any. At least the cuban will be legal (this time).

^\/^\/^\/^\/^\/^

(pixie dust for the flu)

Jim

PS How you anwer the question at the pier ("Has anyone in your party been sick lately") is up to you, but if my kids were better, I'd answer very carefully.

[kolakdaw]

Bonnie--do the cruise docs come directly from Disney or from the TA?

Dawn

[kolakdaw]

Jim--Interesting that they ask that question! I guess the definition of "lately" would apply. I think DD17 will be fine by early next week, in which case she should be perfectly healthy for a week prior to the cruise. You can't pass on flu germs that long after you've recovered can you? Becky and I are avoiding her as best as possible. I hold my breath when I go in her room to give her the cold meds and then immediately wash my hands. Her door is constantly sprayed with Lysol, as is anything she goes near or touches! The poor kid is miserable, but she is getting plenty of rest. She was starting to look a little better yesterday, so I think we've crossed over the hump so to speak. Keep sending pixie dust!! So far, Becky and I feel fine.

Bonnie--I'm just catching up on old posts. I also recommend going with the college student for your adorable doggie. I have two American Eskimos and they are going to be dog-sit by two high school students that live across the street. They are so much calmer and happier in their own home. Ten days in a kennel is a long time and definitely stressful--plus your house will be watched. I pay the girls a total of $10 a day which isn't bad for both dogs and she also feeds the cats. The dogs are more work of course as they have to go out every 4 hours or so. The kennel I use charges $13 per day PER DOG, so this is really a bargain.

I am off to correct my LAST paper--119 down, one to go! YEE HA!

Dawn:hyper:

[jgalecpa]

I think someone said they ask "in the last two weeks."

All I can say is if I'm behind you in line and you answer "no", I'm keeping my big mouth shut.

You know if your kids are ok, and everyone here is smart enough not to endanger anyone else.

::yes::

jim

[kolakdaw]

Thanks Jim, don't worry, we won't go if we're sick! DD17 is doing MUCH better today, thank goodnes. I think we're past it now. I called the TA today and they mailed the docs on 12/9, so I should be getting them soon. Do I get a prize for being last? LOL. Dawn:bounce:

[hawkrn]

last year went we went on the Wonder it was at the same time that the Magic was dry-docked because of Norwalk. We had gone to WDW for 5 days beforehand and I was obsessed with using the waterless antibacterial hand soap. Target has a pack of about 12 little bottles that will fit in fanny pack, etc. We would go on a ride and then use the soap. I am taking it again. As for the wonder, they were constantly cleaning everything, but I still used the soap. Ds has already asked me if I'm going to make him use the soap again! We don't have the flu here in eastern Iowa but a 2 year old died of it in western Iowa. So it's close! Does anyone know if you tip with cash if you use room service? Or do you sign the slip of paper?

[LynnTarrant]

We're all Hale and Hearty here in the UK, don't want any of your nasty US flu bugs thanks....so we'll be the ones in surgical masks on the ship.:p :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Is anyone else having a problem containing their excitement!!!

[hawkrn]

Ok Lynn, what do you mean you're Hale and Hearty? My last name is Hale!!!!! Is that some English phrase? My ancestors came from Gloucester in the early 1800s.

[Ginny]

Hi all -

Thanks for the Pixie Dust!! Between that and the Biaxin & Robitussin, she should be feeling much better by tomorrow. Of the 4 kids in her class, all have been diagnosed with bronchitis. And, the antibiotics will carry her through Christmas Eve. I'm so glad that I was able to get her in yesterday with her usual pediatrician. So, if we can just avoid viruses, we should be doing okay.

Julie - Inkkognito always talks about getting 2 dollar bills for room service tips so I would say based on her info, you can use cash. I honestly don't remember what we did for room service. I'm with you and the soap! Also, saw your post about not using antibiotic ointment in or around your nose on another thread. That was great info to share as noses are dry with home heating and stuff.

Finished all my Christmas Cards and tried to start wrapping presents but Miss Erin woke up at 0500 so I have had to abandon that for another time. I may just have to pack paper or bows and bags and call it good.

Jim - Another Cuban fan!! Chuck loves them. He is not a frequent cigar smoker but does love a good one now and then. He was impressed with the selection at the gathering last time.

Dawn - Glad everyone is feeling better and that your DOCS are on their way!!

Take care all - Ginny

[jgalecpa]

Dawn, Glad everyone is feeling better!

Julie,

I guess you'd be what we call a "Hale fellow, well met"! (even I'm not sure what that means, other than you're very nice.

Yes, You get the "Crikey,I am the Last D*** person to get my Docs on this whole cruise" award. You can step in front of me in line. But don't step in front of Rieann. That could get nasty. She's bigger than me. Heck, everyone is bigger than me).

Lynn,

We can't wait over here either.


Bonnie,

Tell Jamie after the cruise I'm going fishing for Redfish with this guy:

http://www.fishflorida.com/redfish/index.html

Sounds good. He says if you don't catch a redfish, you don't pay!


Anyone Else have a teenager that HAS TO see the Lord of the Rings BEFORE we leave? It comes out Wed here in the US and Caitlin has to see it. I am no Sci-fi?Fantasy buff, but I took her to the first two and am picking her up at school on Wed. and driving straight tot the theater. It has a running time of 3:42!. Thats almost two hrs longer than the flight to Fl from DC.

Sounds like a good time for R to finish Shannons packing.

Talk about numb-butt syndrome.

Jim

[jgalecpa]

Julie,


You can either sign the tip or use cash.

We went to the bank and got a bunch of ones and all the $2's they had (only seven).

Jim

[Grumpy's Mom]

Hi all --

Just sent the girls out to do their Christmas shopping for their friends before the ice storm arrives -

Sent DH out with a list -- suction cups, tree, lights, ziplock bags, over-the-door-holder and walkie-talkies - however, he appears to have balked at the walkie-talkies-

Mollie and Fred and Emmy (the cats) are holding down the home front, hoping to get my three weeks of dictation done in two days.

Hoping the ice will melt and we will be able to get to Greensboro on Thursday to catch our flight!

CAN WE SAY "STRESSED" ???

I am so excited - will I ever get it all done and get to the ship? Can't wait for the moment when I sit down in the plane and take that first breath of vacation!

[Magic8540]

Been off for a while (mental according to Ann, but o'well) and reading thorugh all I missed will be like me email at work when we get back from vacation. Need the pratice.

Ginny -
Responded to your PM this morning, better late than never, on joining the list for bruch on Monday. Noticed during my travels through the threads that you need our full names and cabin number. Here it is:

Cabin: 7578
Milton Laughlin
Ann Laughlin

Hope everyone is doing fine and in the mode of "get packing". So much to do in the next fews days since we leave next Thursday. Will try and stay up on the activities over the next few days.

Warmest Regards,
Milt and Ann

[kolakdaw]

Bonnie--your ice storm is coming in the form of a blizzard up here! Last weekend we got 20 inches of snow. Tomorrow they are predicting 2 feet of the stuff! I can't tell you how excited and elated we all are to be LEAVING New York State next week!!! I bought another decoration last night--these adorable window clings for the sliding glass door. My daughters are horrified! They think I'm nuts.

Has anyone started to pack? I think I will pack up the summer clothing tomorrow since I'll be stranded home with the storm.

Did anyone catch the Wonder on the Travel Channel last night? They were showing the Top 10 cruise ships and the Wonder was #1 for families. They had a lot of clips I hadn't seen before. I'm also going to try to catch the one on Sunday night. Haven't seen that special yet.

Dawn

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[Grumpy's Mom]

Dawn, that was a really good special - we will tape the one before it, too. I had taped the cruise line show so my girls could see it after we told them about the cruise, but somehow someone taped over it with Survivor!

[jgalecpa]

Dawn,

Even I haven't started to pack yet. We have started to organize outfits:

Think Excel Spreadsheet, one column for each day, laid out iwth ports, dinners, etc.

Anyone want a copy Fell free to ask.

PM your email and it's yours.

(Is there a hyphen in Anal-retentive)


On another topic:

We are Celebrating "Faux Xmas" tonight/tommorow.

After we go to our office xmas party, We'll come home and put out the vast majority of things for the kids and are treating Sunday as Xmas.

We'll open gifts, have Rieann's sister and her family as well as Shannon's godmothers family over like always on xmas.

Sing with me>>>>>>>>



"I'm Dreaming of a Faux, Christmas"
Cause I'll be on a Disney Ship......'

pirate:

Jim

[kolakdaw]

Jim--we were also going to celebrate a "faux Christmas" tomorrow, but now with 2 feet of snow coming, I have to cancel. I don't know when we'll get the family together now--probably when we get back! I am going to start packing! I don't want to wait until Thursday--too excited!!

Dawn

[kolakdaw]

Docs just came!:bounce: :sunny: :Pinkbounc

Dawn

[Grumpy's Mom]

http://clipart-darktreasures.com/Clip_Art/ClipArtFireworks/fireworks_4arge.gif

YEAH DAWN!!!

You will be coming with us after all!! (Just kidding - this was my thought while I was waiting for mine to show up!!)

Bonnie

[jgalecpa]

Yeah Dawn!!!!!!!!!

Jim

[kolakdaw]

I guess we get to go now!!

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :earseek: :wave: :bounce:

Dawn

[hawkrn]

We finally got an inch of snow today! Whoopee! (I know, I know, shut up already) Just as I guessed, I packed the Xmas tree and ornaments, lights, etc and squeezed into 1 suitcase. Otherwise I'm doing laundry and washing all the shorts! Next will be the "roll method" of packing. I have always done that anyway, at least with DS clothes. Work had the kids holiday party today-they rent out the cinemas here and you pick between 2 movies-Brother Bear or Cat in the Hat. We have been saving Brother Bear for the Magic so we went to Cat. It wasn't as bad as the reviews have been. But then I love Mike Myers. Now I hope we have time to watch Brother Bear!

[belle&beastcrazy]

Hi to everyone

It has taken me a half hour to catch up on all the threads. I am not good on checking on a daily bases.

Hope everyone that was under the weather is feeling better.

Ginny: Yes we would still love to do the brunch.

Cabin 6514
Matthew and Kimberly Thomas

Well the snow is falling here again. The second week in a row, I am hoping it is all gone by Friday morning. We are pulling out at 6am, Picking Megan up at college by 9:30 and heading straight to "sunny" Florida. I for one will not complain if the weather is hot in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

My Katherine (dd13) talked to her cousin at Thanksgiving about the teen curise he took in July. He told her to save her money that it wasn't worth it. He told her that the people he had met would have had a better time staying on board and hanging out together. He also did the teen thing on CC and said it you don't want to kayak don't sign up for this also because you can do everything else on your on with the group you want to hang out with.

Packing today since the weather will not allow anything else.

Had our Christmas yeaterday with Mother-in-Law and my parents.

I can't wait to meet everyone. Even though I don't post alot I feel like we all have become friends.

To find us line the girls and myself will be wearing red shirts and Matt a green one. I am also making them wear the Christmas hat with the Mickey ears. (the girls are loving this) I am hoping this will make a good picture for next years Christmas card.

May every one have a safe trip. See you in less than a week.

KIM

[jgalecpa]

Since we will be at sea next week, Christmas week, we decided that today was going to be our "Christmas".

Last night Santa came.

This morning, I woke up looked out the window and the ground was snow covered.

Than I turned on the news and got the best gift I could!


The Beggar of Bagdhad is Caught!

[Ginny]

Hi all -

Kim - I am so glad I checked tonite. I feel so much better! I will update the list and print it out! I think we are right at 17 for Monday's Brunch!!

Had Christmas with my mom this afternoon and she was in a great mood. She loved her present and her 4 ft Poinsettia. Lots of hugs and kisses and laughing. I still love the sound of her laugh!!

Have been packing like a madwoman. Chuck and I will never get everything done, I know. We got to use my anniversary present today (the snowblower I begged for) and what a dream. We were done in a jiffy!!

We pull out Tuesday morning for Wilderness Lodge and can't wait.

We will see you all next Saturday. By the way, I got my lime green DIS Lanyards and luggage tags!! They are great and so are the water wallets.

Take care and be safe.

Ginny

[jgalecpa]

Okay,

So how are we gonna recognize each other at the port?

Believe it or not, I did get a big fish pillow for xmas today, but I don't think I can pack it.


Any suggestions?

Jim

[kolakdaw]

I finally got to see the DCL special on the Travel Channel tonight. It was really quite good--especially the part about how they made the ship in two parts! The Christmas in Disney special was also good. Now I wish we had purchased tickets for the Christmas Party. Oh well, we'll have to make do in Universal.

What time are you all arriving at the port? We are aiming for 10:30.

Dawn:Pinkbounc

[Grumpy's Mom]

Ginny - have a safe trip down -- you are leaving the earliest, I think -- lucky!!

To everyone else in case we don't get a chance to chat again - safe travels --

Jim - You don't need to pack the big fish pillow, it can be your carry on - just make sure you are wearing the same clothes as in the picture and we will have no trouble figuring out who you are.

As for the rest of us, I think you are just going to have to guess --

Bon

[kolakdaw]

Jim-- why don't you go into Word, find a nice clip art picture of a big fish, print it out, cut it out and pin it (with a safety pin of course) to your shirt. It wouldn't have to be a BIG fish, but a fish would do it. Of course, the rest of the travelers will think you are a strange one, but we'll certainly get it!

Dawn:teeth:

[jgalecpa]

Dawn:

find a nice clip art picture of a big fish, print it out, cut it out and pin it

You know, I thought of doing just that.

Of course, the rest of the travelers will think you are a strange one,


Sooner or later, everyone does!

:teeth:

jim

[LynnTarrant]

Ginny have a safe journey and we look forward to meeting you on board. Are we going to try and meet up at the sailaway or leave it to chance at the Port? Hopefully I can find Bonnie if she's still next door.
I'm rushing around like a mad thing now, not sure how I'm going to get through the next 3 days!!
Lynn

[jgalecpa]

Pack, pack, pack, pack!

Jim

PS: I would hope to meet as many of you as possible at the terminal.

Feel free to come up and say hi.

I'll be the short guy with three females and LOTS of luggage.

Maybe even a fish.

[LynnTarrant]

Jim I think a copy of the fish picture in your signature would be just fine!!!
We're the ones with the British accents, that ought to narrow it down a bit....I've just bought a new bag for our tickets passports and things....It's bright red that ought to narrow it down even more...See you soon
Lynn

[Magic8540]

If I am not in line, car number 1, on the 20th I will be in a crazy mode. We will be, hopefully, in the front of the line. Need to make our Palo dinner reservations for the 25th. I will be the "old person" with a big "Red Bag" in line. Of course it is a "Mickey Bag".

Hope everyone has a safe trip and we look forward to see everyone on this Saturday. Gee, I thought the day would never come !!!

I now can start packing.......

Regards,
Milt and Ann

[hawkrn]

Plan on being there at 1030, but it's all up to the Budget shuttle. Jim, I'll know how to spot you-I'll just look for Jim McMahon. I'll be the one with the DS with curly hair. Everyone notices his hair! He will have a Mickey head in his lanyard. Maybe if we just call out names? Now Lynn, last year at WDW about half the tourists were English! So I highly doubt you will be the only Brits on the ship! I'm running out of room in the luggage. It's those darn sweatshirts and jeans that we will need for WDW since it will be cool there. I'm sure the Xmas decorations will have to stay in the cabin in order to fit the souvenirs into the luggage for the trip home!

[Grumpy's Mom]

OMG -- you all are way ahead of me - we are still shopping!! Finally got DD-13's semi-formal dress (okay, we could have found something in the closet, but it's Christmas, after all) -- same dress she tried on about 6 weeks ago, but didn't fit her right - tonight, fit like a dream!!

I guess we will be the family with the next largest load of luggage, two tall redheads, and a slinky brunette (this would be while DH is at Budget) - I am just looking at the piles of shoes --

It will be a 24 hour marathon here, I am sure - I will need Friday just to recover from getting ready!

Bonnie

[jgalecpa]

Bonnie:

two tall redheads, and a slinky brunette (this would be while DH is at Budget)

What do you look like when your husband comes back?

:wave:

(I Crack myself up).

Jim

PS: You will not upset me nor my wife if at anytime you feel the need to turn to her and say: "How do you put up with that?"

[Ginny]

Hi, all!!

After all of my big talk of organization and mailing packages - I am schlepping like a fool. Decorations in the bag, presents and bags in the suitcase and more toiletries and "gotta haves" than ever before.

So far we are at 5 suitcases and 3 carry-ons for three people over two weeks. Oh, that reminds me, quarters to do laundry. Gotta Go -

Take care and see you on Saturday. I think I will be wearing my green DIS Lanyard and hoisting a big grey carry on with Steamboat embroidered on it. Tall blonde with a dark-haired family (the other three all look alike!).

If I haven't said so before: THANK YOU ALL for making it so much more exciting to share. You are all a wonderful group of people.

[Grumpy's Mom]

Ginny -- so sweet -- Thank YOU for all of the information you have provided, great ideas, and such a warm welcome. Safe travels!!

Jim -- it would depend on whether he has asked me one last time if I am ready....

And, not to worry - we have a friend down the street MUCH WORSE than you - and he is one of our favorite people. He also has a tall, statuesque wife, and this summer Kenzie reached his height. Their oldest son is tall like his mother, plays football, and is about 6'2", but Dad was a wrestler and can still take the son!

However, would be interesting to hear what Rieann's response might be!!

Where is BD when we need him???

[jgalecpa]

Ginny,

If I haven't said so before: THANK YOU ALL for making it so much more exciting to share. You are all a wonderful group of people.

I Second that.

It's time to meet some old friends for the first time.....


Jim

[kyravw]

I guess we'll be the ones looking like we forgot our luggage.... I am packing BIG and still can't seem to fill more than one carry-on and a suit bag. There must be something wrong with us.
I guess this is the result of to many africa trips of four weeks with a maximum of 9 kg of luggage......
See you all on the ship,

Kyra and Ilona :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[Grumpy's Mom]

I came up with a name -- finally!!

MICKEY'S
MAGIC CHRISTMAS
CRUISERS

Better late than never (except when boarding!)

B.

[hawkrn]

Well, I just checked in online for my morning flight. It'll be hard to sleep tonight knowing our flight leaves at 5AM!! Hope everyone has safe travels and no blizzards or ice storms until we are on the ship! Bonnie, I took my puppies to the "pet hotel"-you should have seen the look on their faces. It'll get to you! Bye everyone! See you Saturday morning!

[jgalecpa]

Julie,

Have a safe journey. Try to sleep.

We'll look for the Mom with the son with curly hair.

I've printed out a fish picture.

Don't be shy.

Just come up and say "Dang, That is One Big Fish" and We'll know your part of the club! (That goes for everyone)

"Slan Abhaile" (safe journey).

Jim

[kolakdaw]

I've finally started to pack. I've had a big "cruise box" that I've used to collect things to bring along. Now I have to try to fit everything into luggage. DD15 is the math wiz in the family. I may have to use her skills to find creative ways to make it all fit! We leave for the airport at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon right after the kids get home from school. It is of course snowing again. We've already had two huge storms. This is the third in a week and a half. It should be done by tomorrow though, so we should get out ok. Universal Studios Islands of Adventure is on the agenda for Friday. We're really looking forward to meeting you all! My two girls are tall, blonde and beautiful. Just look for the rolling eyes and you'll know you've found us! (Parents are so terribly embarassing you know!) Have a safe trip everyone!

Dawn, Kate & Becky:bounce:

[LynnTarrant]

Leaving for the airport in 1 hour. thanks so much everyone for making the planning such fun, can't wait to meet you all. See you soon
Lynn

[jgalecpa]

I'm Packed.

I'm Ready.

I'm Stressed.

Jim

[p3guy]

Jim,
I'm not packed.
I'm not ready.
Now, who's got reason to be stressed?
Just got home from the Pentagon. Guess I have to put some clothes in a suitcase. See you tomorrow evening?! I want to see a BIG fish!
Greg (Tina, Ashley-15 and Ryan-8)

[Verandah Man]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/552/62Magic_12-20-03-med.jpg
Disney Magic Saturday Morning 12-20-03


http://www.verandahman.com/12-20.jpg
Magic sailing past Two Palms cam on 12-20-03

[Grumpy's Mom]

Andy, Thank you for capturing the picture of the Magic before we sailed, and from Jim,Lynn and I, thank you for the message this afternoon -

Bonnie

[kolakdaw]

I hope you all got home safely and are recovering from all the travel! I want to thank you all for making this such a wonderful cruise for myself and the girls. We were all so sad to see it end! I hope we can keep in touch electronically at least until our next cruise together. I'd like to propose a more private group communication. I'm a member of "smart groups" which is a free group service. I've made a group for us called the "Disney Magic Cruisers" with an e-mail address of DisneyMagic@smartgroups.com. (I thought it would be easy to remember...) The way it works is each member is invited to join the group. When one member sends an email, all of the members get it. It also has group photo album capability. Only the people in the group can read the messages and see the photos. So what do you think? If you want to join, PM me with your email address and I'll send you the official "invite" letter. It will send you to the site and show you how to join. I'm a member of a group of dog lovers and its easy and fun to keep the conversation going. Safe trip back everyone! Dawn, Kate & Becky

PS--the girls are desparately missing their new friends. Kate even cried on the drive to the airport...

[p3guy]

Dawn,
Great idea. PM on the way.
Greg and Tina

[kolakdaw]

Greg--the info is on the way!

Lynn and Jim--when you get home, send me your e-mail addresses. I have photos posted on Webshots.com, but you can only access it if I "invite" you via email. Same thing with the smart groups. I hope you are enjoying your extended stays in Florida. Miss you all! Dawn

[Grumpy's Mom]

Hi - hi - hi - hi!!

Hope everyone is home safely!!

Had a blast!! Jamie had a blast!! The girls had a blast!! And none of that would have happened without you awesome bunch of people!!!

Dawn - idea is great!! I sent you an email --


Julie -- Rumor has it you were on the ship - Lynn gave me updates of the "Julie sightings" -- I guess I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time - I hope you got my message on Wednesday. Next time -----

I caught a glimpse of a blue/silver chinese dress complete with sandals out of the elevator Thursday night -- couldn't stop the one I was on, and she got in too quick - figured that must have been Kyra.


Just a thought - wanted to run home and start new thread for the 2005, but then thought maybe Pete can figure out a way to include all of our names as the initial poster, or in the alternative, Jim should start it as he was the first to rebook. What are your thoughts??

Greg - Jamie is asking about a bucket ------------

Bonnie

[hawkrn]

Bonnie, yes I was on the ship! Yes, I got your message but we were already on our excursion to Tulum. Wish we had gone with you instead! I can't believe I didn't see everybody-took 45 minutes at Budget so we didn't get to the terminal untill 1100 and it was already packed! We are cruised out since that was our 2nd in the last year! We were hoping that DCL would do land/sea with DL since that's the rumor and the captain told us at the Castaway Club party that in 2005 there would be new itineraries whole new areas, but Danielle wouldn't "confirm" this. If it's true we will do that in 2005. Jordan got sick Friday night and had a miserable flight home. Lots of people were sick on the cruise so I'm glad we made it till Friday!

[kolakdaw]

Hi Julie,
We're sorry we didn't get to meet you on the ship! We heard from Lynn that she had met you. Sorry to hear that Jordan got sick, but at least made it through the cruise. Was it the flu or the Norwalk? Luckily we all stayed healthy, although I came down with a nasty cold that seemed to start the minute we left the ship. I think my body was protesting leaving the ship--"no, no, go back, go back!" Thank goodness for cold medications. I'm feeling a little better today. Hope Jordan is feeling better. Maybe we'll have better luck meeting you in 2005! Dawn

[Ginny]

Hi all -

Dawn,

What a great idea!! I will PM you now. Thanks for thinking of this.

It was so great to meet all of you - the cruise was just wonderful and we had an awesome time!! The time seemed to truly fly by BUT we have some incredible memories......Brunch certainly being among them. Next time we will link although I give Zach great credit as he never missed a dinner except the night we opted for Topsiders and he went to Animators in our place with a friend.

I would just like to state for the record that I really miss Sompop, our steward, and that the thought of facing life without fresh towels twice a day is really a hardship right now. It was bad enough when I tried to call room service for groceries this afternoon and realized I had to go to "Giant" myself.

Erin and I loved the parasailing and I think Zach and Chuck found a new shared passion: snorkeling. Zach really took to it and Erin did really well. I loved Native Way Watersports by the way. But, seeing the "boys" snorkeling together on Tuesday and Wednesday was great.

Erin and Zach had a great time although Zach seemed to be suffering from "depression secondary to acute Disney Magic withdrawl." Though it isn't a fatal condition, it does tend to make one melancholy especially when meaningful songs play.....................and, of course, the music goes non-stop at the Hardrock Hotel. But, since they did a mix of 80's, 90's and current stuff, Zach spent Sunday by the pool listening to all of our deployment/overseas memories while we listened to his tales of the ship. It was great fun!

Thanks, again, for adding so much to our trip.

Take care -

[jgalecpa]

Hello All!

We just got back from FL last night (tues).

Still in withdrawal. Finally took my KTTW out.

Girls loved it all. (I think we bought too much though. The last night Jonathan in the ship's store gave us a copy of the Ship's book (like in the cabin) autographed by everyone in the store.)

Favorite memories:

The sailaway party from Cozumel.

Stingray city

The girls on the staircase on Formal night.

Making rude hand signals to lynn and keith across palo

Hearing the last night that Gregg and Tina had rebooked too, making it a 100% return rate for the group at sailaway party.

Worst Memories:
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.
.
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Jim

PS Shall I start a new thread? I have a new Fish picture.

[Grumpy's Mom]

GO BABY!!

I missed the rude hand signals - is that why it took them so long to come and join us-- they were having too much fun??

[jgalecpa]

here is the link to the "official" new thread for NEXT year.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=484964

Join us, won't you?

Jim

PS Also trying to get my spouse to join the board on occasion. How about yours?

[BAKAROMA]

We are all eagerly awaiting your trip reports especially yours Jim. Shake of that New Years party and give it up. We need our vivarious lives.

[LynnTarrant]

Hi everyone
Got home about 5hours ago, we had a blast for 2 weeks but definitely the highlight for us was meeting all of you.
Dawn I will definitely Pm you my e mail address as soon as.
hope you are all well
Love Lynn
PS sorry if I was slightly distracted the last morning but we received a message on our mobile phone that one of the bunnies was really sick, unfortunately she had to be put to sleep, the other 2 are fine I hope everyone else's dogs etc were ok.

[Grumpy's Mom]

HI there - glad you arrived home safely - so sorry to hear about your bunnie - I would have been more than distracted - send me your email address and I will let you know what all happened in our house on our return --

Bon

[RieannSG]

:upsidedow

Hey all: I just found this thread...told you I'd learn but it would take me awhile. I also saw the new one Jim sarted for 2005 so I'll keep track of that one too.

You probably have figured this out by now, or she has sent you a PM, but Lynn's email address was on that sheet I mailed out.

I am soooooo sorry to hear about all the cats and bunnies.:(

Glad that everyone is now home and unfortunately the reality of back to work is here (today for me) but I know that I have another GREAT cruise to look forward to, thanks to you all.
:jumping1: