). So, I'm stashing cash in a sock, hopefully I'll be able to spend that more freely! It is not in my nature to go crazy with spending, but I don't want to get nauseated if the kids ask for more butterbeer! We plan to stay at RPH (I think it'll be a busy week and we will need the EP!), so one kid will have to sleep on an air mattress/cot. I have enough saved for the room and one ticket, so still need money for 4 tickets, food, transportation from airport, and (limited) souvenirs, etc. We are flying since we are only going for 4 days, and I used SW points so only had to pay $10 in fees.
Just found and read the entire thread, all the ups and downs! Sorry you're on another down
The vast majority of my DIS time is spent on the budget board. We live so frugally, but one of my absolute needs is vacations! But we still do them extremely frugally, or we wouldn't be able to take as many, at least not without sacrificing savings and such. I also love vrbo, since we are a family of 5 and are miserable in a hotel room, and two hotel rooms are so expensive!
We are going to universal this Mardi Gras... We are usually very happy with our frugal vacations, bringing snacks and sharing meals, cooking in the condo, etc, but this time we are hoping to not pinch pennies as much. I've said that before and then just could not bring myself to do some splurges ($200 for a character meal?!
Anyway, that was a long post just to say that I hope things turn around for you! If you can't come up with the amount for the initial plans, then maybe 1 or 2 days at the park will be enough to see most things, and then enjoy the condo the other days? That will save on food, parking, etc, not just tickets. Definitely pack sandwiches in, for 6 people even counter service is awfully expensive! What constitutes a fun vacation is so relative, so that may be completely unacceptable to you, but I hope y'all are able to make something of it... I agree with you, any form of a vacation is worth it! I'm looking forward to hearing more about the planning, no matter what shape it takes! I love your posts on the progress and how you're doing it, it'll help keep me motivated, too!
Hopefully you can start moving forward again and no more setbacks!! Good luck, and thanks for sharing!
Ended up with a sinus infection and apparently I have VERY bad allergies and so I am on antibiotics and daily allergy meds. Considering that I HATE taking meds, this isn't fun for me. The allergy meds make me feel a little odd, but at least I'm not as congested and icky anymore! I love to camp as long as I don't have to sleep on the ground and I have a shower/bathroom within a reasonable distance.
I got home this morning and he was all excited about something he had read online about how if Boo Bear had gotten a Birthday Button she probably would have been picked for the Olivander's show (I didn't have the heart to tell him that it doesn't always work out that way) and that there is some sort of hidden piece of the Berlin Wall behind the Hard Rock Café. He wants to check it out while we are there! 
) for at least another year! The a/c guy is supposed to come by tomorrow. Next month, we should be able to get our disposal/sink fixed. My dad is looking into a used washing machine for us. He has a friend who refurbishes them. Ours is hanging in there as long as we don't do any heavy/large loads!
!! I start my next two classes next week.
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. And so great to learn that the truck is fixable. My son has an older vehicle (an '02) that we keep holding our breath on......we're trying to make it last through his college years, until he's employed full time and able to get a newer model. I know how much stress it can cause when something goes wrong.
Actually, it was more like, we watched it for a little bit and fell asleep during the middle of it. 
Can't stay up late like we used to, I guess.. 
I LIKE that idea!! 
I had found online a link where some of the HP books are read aloud and played it while cleaning up the kitchen last night.. which was what inspired DH to pop in the movie. He also came up with a great idea! He said that we should download the "books on tape" to our iPod and listen to them on the long drive down!
My middle daughter, especially, likes listening! She likes to read, but there are too many "hard words" in HP so, hopefully, she will be ready to really sit down and read it in a couple of years. For now, we are listening! 
His words, not mine! Our only option is to try and go when it comes to Bowling Green in February or to try and plan a weekend getaway in June for just the two of us when it comes to Cincinatti!
