1 Child and 10 Adults--A GG to Celebrate DD's 4th Bday :) TR Link is Posted

[Charlefours]

Hey the favorites game sounds like fun. Here are mine!

Lilo and Stitch (Those were the very 1st Disney characters we met)
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Donald Duck
Snow White

Movies:
Toy Story 1
CARS
Finding Nemo
Monsters Inc
Princess and The Frog

Hey Pam! Thanks for posting your great lists. I think it is a fun way to make time to go by when waiting for our Disney trips.

 

[Charlefours]

Hi everyone—sorry I have been MIA the last few weeks. I have had stuff to finish for school and a trip to prepare for to North Carolina. I am sitting in the hotel as I write this. :

So I learned some valuable things for me to consider while I am preparing for Disney over the last few days:

1. Lilian needs to get a regular amount of sleep—she has stayed up way too late and has been way too excited to settle down so she is particularly grumpy today.
2. My DMIL may not (well to be honest won’t) be any help with managing to get stuff together in the morning or helpful with lunch during the day.  Horrible to say, but at least I know in advance right? : It helps with the expectations—I rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.
3. Must start packing at least a week out in the advance—otherwise it is too chaotic and we could possibly forget something, have a jumbo of stuff mixed together and not have the car well organized for a car trip.
4. We must consider packing good car friendly snacks and how to properly organized and put them in the car for the drive down.
5. I will be in need of new shorts—the ones I have are getting way too loose! : I am trying to hold out because I do not want to buy multiple sets.

Overall, this pseudo-trial trip has been beneficial thus far for the simple fact that I am starting to make mental notes for our Disney trip.
Other than that, the only Disney related things that have been happening for us is we are continuing with our Family Night watching a Disney movie once a week together. Sometimes more—it just depends. My Dad will be in town around our 90 day mark—so we are going to have a party to celebrate 90 days. It will be slightly early—but that is not a big deal. Not sure exactly what we will do yet but I have time to plan and prepare for it.

 

[elizablake]

1. Lilian needs to get a regular amount of sleep—she has stayed up way too late and has been way too excited to settle down so she is particularly grumpy today.

DD is the same way but with her it's less about staying on a schedule and more about getting 9-10 hours a night. It's tough at DW though!

3. Must start packing at least a week out in the advance—otherwise it is too chaotic and we could possibly forget something, have a jumbo of stuff mixed together and not have the car well organized for a car trip.

You haven't started packing yet! You only have 6 months to go! I've found that starting a packing list a few weeks out really helps with not forgetting anything. There are so many things you need with a little one that organization is a must.

4. We must consider packing good car friendly snacks and how to properly organized and put them in the car for the drive down.

Always helps! I hate trying to look for something in a moving car only to find out it's in the trunk.

5. I will be in need of new shorts—the ones I have are getting way too loose! : I am trying to hold out because I do not want to buy multiple sets.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Sounds like a fun 90 days out party! You'll think of something great! I've been thinking a lot about things lately too. Like when we were out this weekend, we realized if the kids have snacks in the truck, they are happy! Need to find, non fattening, not very filling snacks that they can pick on if we end up driving.

I will be in need of some new shorts too, but for the opposite reason I've been eating a lot of snacks!!!

 

[MHTeacher]

It helps with the expectations—I rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

It always works better that way!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Hey there, Stephanie! So sorry I've been missing in action - I've even neglected my own PTR. Trying to get all caught up. I'll have to think about the favorite character / movie question - that's tricky, there are so many good ones!

5. I will be in need of new shorts—the ones I have are getting way too loose! : I am trying to hold out because I do not want to buy multiple sets.

Congrats on the weight loss - you go girl!!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Congrats on the weightloss Stephanie! Buying new clothes, because the old ones don't fit anymore, is an excellent problem to have!!

I always expect the worst and hope for the best myself. I'm never disappointed that way. Sounds like the trip to NC has been very helpful so far.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Stephanie CONGRATS! on the weight loss!!!!

sounds like a great trial run...
I need to start my packing list and start pulling out the luggage...
we did great last year with the general packing; it was the packing of the car and getting ourselves together that morning that we hit the road! So, I am making a list this year for each of us to walk through as we walk out of the door (you know the things you walk out with each morning when you leave: wallet, keys, creams, medicines that you use daily..and so on)

Have a great evening!

 

[cdotla]

Haven't seen Lilo and Stitch? Neither did we until just after Christmas. (one of the kids got the DVD in their stocking). I had been convinced that I hated Stitch. I had no interest in him at all. However, the Hawaian Rollercoaster song I have always liked, and I liked the surfing theme and the setting of Hawaii...so we gave the movie a shot. It was so much better than I was expecting! And now I actually *like* Stitch. It helps to know the back story!

Great job on the weight loss. As I sit here eating chocolate bunnies. sigh!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm glad you got a trial run trip!

 

[kcandbella]

Hope you had a great Easter! It sounds like you got some great planning tips from the mini-trip. Congrats on your shorts being too loose!!!

 

[lbuzz52]

hOpefully the mil will surprise you!
I saw that old navy has shorts on sale this week but I haven't looked to see exactly what is included

 

[-Hope-]

Taking a 'test run trip' is such a great idea! It seems like you have figured out some things that are going to make your trip so much smoother.

And I agree, it is FAR better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed by someone else's behavior.

 

[lexmas]

We always do "trial run" trips before we do something big the first time! We took DS to the Toronto Zoo for a few days, and we're going to Sesame Place this year about 2 weeks before we go to disney (that may be a horrible idea, but it's planned now, and we're meeting our cousins there!). Always good to know what to expect. Sleep is always so tough on vacation, isn't it? I don't remember...are you bringing a stroller? Will your DD nap in it? DS will nap in the stroller, probably better than the big production of going back to the resort to nap for us, and then we can just stroll and shop and people watch. And DD naps anywhere and everywhere as long as she's in the sling or being held, so we should be good to go. We went back to the resort last time and it was fine, we all napped!

Oh, and that's very exciting that you'll need more shorts! Congrats!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

Congrats on the weight loss, girl!! That is the best reason to buy new clothes.

I'm a little late with my Top 5 lists, but here goes:

Characters
1. Belle
2. Tinkerbell (the old, non-speaking Tink from Peter Pan )
3. Donald Duck
4. Ray (from The Princess and the Frog)
5. Dory

Movies
1. Beauty and the Beast
2. Aladdin
3. The Princess and the Frog
4. The Little Mermaid
5. Finding Nemo

 

[gallmcduck]

new shorts well done

 

[elizablake]

Here's my DD's top five list. As you can see, I am raising her well.

Favorite Characters:

1. Cinderella
2. Rhino from Bolt
3. Stitch
4. Mushu
5. Pluto

Favorite Movies:

1. The Little Mermaid
2. Up
3. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
4. Snow White
5. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse-I told her it's not a movie but she said,"It's like a movie when you watch it 3 times in a row"

 

[Charlefours]

DD is the same way but with her it's less about staying on a schedule and more about getting 9-10 hours a night. It's tough at DW though!

You haven't started packing yet! You only have 6 months to go! I've found that starting a packing list a few weeks out really helps with not forgetting anything. There are so many things you need with a little one that organization is a must.

Always helps! I hate trying to look for something in a moving car only to find out it's in the trunk.

I know that the sleeping is going to be the biggest concern--I am really watching the late night/early morning combination. I believe at this point we are good but that does not mean we will be able to sleep in super late. Since we have upgraded to our minivan, we love all the space but we are still learning the best way to pack it. I kinda of started to pack--anything we have gotten for the trip is one location. Does that count? Thanks! I am excited but I still have more to go!

Sounds like a fun 90 days out party! You'll think of something great! I've been thinking a lot about things lately too. Like when we were out this weekend, we realized if the kids have snacks in the truck, they are happy! Need to find, non fattening, not very filling snacks that they can pick on if we end up driving.

I will be in need of some new shorts too, but for the opposite reason I've been eating a lot of snacks!!!

Thanks Pam! It has been nice to have these learning moments prior to Disney. We definitely need to chat about snacks!

It always works better that way!

It truly does!

Hey there, Stephanie! So sorry I've been missing in action - I've even neglected my own PTR. Trying to get all caught up. I'll have to think about the favorite character / movie question - that's tricky, there are so many good ones!

Congrats on the weight loss - you go girl!!

thanks Rebecca! No problem--I have been missing in action too. I just caught up with your PTR earlier. There are so many good characters and movies--I have really enjoyed reading everyone's lists.

Thank you!! I am excited but I have more to go!

Congrats on the weightloss Stephanie! Buying new clothes, because the old ones don't fit anymore, is an excellent problem to have!!

I always expect the worst and hope for the best myself. I'm never disappointed that way. Sounds like the trip to NC has been very helpful so far.

Thanks Leanne! I am excited but I have still more to go. I have time though--it is only April. I am definitely trying to adopt that mind frame!

Stephanie CONGRATS! on the weight loss!!!!

sounds like a great trial run...
I need to start my packing list and start pulling out the luggage...
we did great last year with the general packing; it was the packing of the car and getting ourselves together that morning that we hit the road! So, I am making a list this year for each of us to walk through as we walk out of the door (you know the things you walk out with each morning when you leave: wallet, keys, creams, medicines that you use daily..and so on)

Have a great evening!

Thanks Connie! I am thrilled but still have a long way to go. I cannot believe how quickly your trip is coming! It will be here soon.

The morning leaving is what I think will be the most chaotic. I think I will make a checklist to post on the door to help keep us organized. One for when we leave Michigan and the other for when we leave my Dad's to drive to Georgia. And probably one for the hotel in Georgia.

Haven't seen Lilo and Stitch? Neither did we until just after Christmas. (one of the kids got the DVD in their stocking). I had been convinced that I hated Stitch. I had no interest in him at all. However, the Hawaian Rollercoaster song I have always liked, and I liked the surfing theme and the setting of Hawaii...so we gave the movie a shot. It was so much better than I was expecting! And now I actually *like* Stitch. It helps to know the back story!

Great job on the weight loss. As I sit here eating chocolate bunnies. sigh!

Nope, it is on our list to watch though. I think I will be pleasantly surprise--I hope. Thank you!! Easter candy has been tempting for me too...

I'm glad you got a trial run trip!

Thanks Karen--it has helped me learn some lessons, which is always a good thing in my mind.

 

[Charlefours]

Hope you had a great Easter! It sounds like you got some great planning tips from the mini-trip. Congrats on your shorts being too loose!!!

Thank you Kayce! We spent it with friends here in NC. Lilian had a visit from the Easter Bunny and got the Princess and Frog DVD and two of Becky's hair bows from us. Thank you--I am excited.

hOpefully the mil will surprise you!
I saw that old navy has shorts on sale this week but I haven't looked to see exactly what is included

Hi Lauren! I sure hope so too. I am just trying to keep the low expectations and to be pleasantly surprised. Thanks for the head's up--I am not ready to buy any yet. Maybe if I drop another size or two, then I will be.

Taking a 'test run trip' is such a great idea! It seems like you have figured out some things that are going to make your trip so much smoother.

And I agree, it is FAR better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed by
someone else's behavior.

Thanks Hope--gotta love business trips. It is not really a vacation for DH but Lilian and I are enjoying ourselves. Plus, we are considering moving down here so we are trying to visit multiple times of year.

Yup--I just keep jotting down notes, things I need to work on planning more, etc. I would hate to be disappointed so it is best to keep those thoughts in mind. I am glad to know now then be ill prepared come Disney.

We always do "trial run" trips before we do something big the first time! We took DS to the Toronto Zoo for a few days, and we're going to Sesame Place this year about 2 weeks before we go to disney (that may be a horrible idea, but it's planned now, and we're meeting our cousins there!). Always good to know what to expect. Sleep is always so tough on vacation, isn't it? I don't remember...are you bringing a stroller? Will your DD nap in it? DS will nap in the stroller, probably better than the big production of going back to the resort to nap for us, and then we can just stroll and shop and people watch. And DD naps anywhere and everywhere as long as she's in the sling or being held, so we should be good to go. We went back to the resort last time and it was fine, we all napped!

Oh, and that's very exciting that you'll need more shorts! Congrats!

I hope your trial runs go smoothly! I know I was sneaky and treated the zoo trip as a trial run because DMIL has not been anywhere like that with DD since she was about 20 months old. I was wondering a few things and I still have a few more left to figure out. Another trial trip will be in order!

We are bringing a stroller. I honestly do not know at this point if DD will nap. She is not napping anymore at home and she did not fall asleep on the drive down until the last 20 minutes (of course). I am not counting on stroller naps but I hope removing her from the parks to cool off mid day might get her to nap. (I can hope right? )

Thanks!

Congrats on the weight loss, girl!! That is the best reason to buy new clothes.

I'm a little late with my Top 5 lists, but here goes:

Characters
1. Belle
2. Tinkerbell (the old, non-speaking Tink from Peter Pan )
3. Donald Duck
4. Ray (from The Princess and the Frog)
5. Dory

Movies
1. Beauty and the Beast
2. Aladdin
3. The Princess and the Frog
4. The Little Mermaid
5. Finding Nemo

Thank you! Love your lists. The classic Tinker Bell--I take it you do not like the Tinker Bell movies?

new shorts well done

Thank you!! Still have a ways to go but it is a step in the right direction.

Here's my DD's top five list. As you can see, I am raising her well.

Favorite Characters:

1. Cinderella
2. Rhino from Bolt
3. Stitch
4. Mushu
5. Pluto

Favorite Movies:

1. The Little Mermaid
2. Up
3. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
4. Snow White
5. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse-I told her it's not a movie but she said,"It's like a movie when you watch it 3 times in a row"

you watch it three times in a row--how precious! I forgot about the Homeward Bound movies too. Great lists! thanks for participating.

 

[MaryAz]

Glad the mini trip gave you some insights. Advance planning is always good. We did a lot of snacks to avoid melt downs. There was not to much napping-but we did have down time.