Congrats on unexpected money. I would love to live a bit closer to Disney. I can't see it happening, because parents are getting older and they are close to here. Thankfully, it isn't too cold here, just rainy. It just isn't Disney convenient. Takes us forever to fly to WDW. We always choose to save money and drive if going to DL and I take 2 days to do that.
Thank you!
Yes moving closer to Disney is a plus. but all in all it's about a better life! can't wait to get out of Chicago.
Ouch. your pretty far from both! 18 hours to WDW. I haven't been to DL but i can guarantee we would fly to California. Unless we have about a month to drive and see all the sights!
Flying is not cheap. So it's an either or. Fly or go to U.S. as a parent? I choose to fly.
I am going to re-read your plans so I can get ideas. We are now planning a trip (spur of the moment in Disney planning stages) for late August / early September 2017. I think I am one of the few that is actually excited about Pandora and Avatar Land. We checked out the movie from the library a few weeks ago, just so it is fresh in our minds. I wish we could go later in September, but with Chelsea still in school and dance, it just isn't possible.
I am with you! I CANNOT wait to see Pandora! i know it's going to be amazing!
Totally understand about schedules! this is going to interfere with football and weigh in's but we will make it work. Just don't know how just yet! LOL!
Dont' care. I'm going to Disney.
Have a very good Thanksgiving!
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
Ours was OK. being sick put a damper on MY spirit. The kids did just fine!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Wow, you have been BUSY since I was last able to check in (did I expect anything less? NOPE. You should be called SuperMo!).
HA HA HA funny you said that.. This was made EONS ago!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt. Videoing a funeral?! That's...quirky! Photography is still pretty common from what I've heard (Thanos Archives on FB have some beautiful historical examples...how stunning modern-day ones would look in glorious technicolour rather than sepia tones, I'm not sure though!), someone borrowed one of my friend's cameras to take his father's funeral photographs. I don't think that's how I would want to remember a person, but each to their own I guess!
I agree with you. Not how i would want to remember people in my life.
Death and grieving makes you do weird things i guess??? I am still in shock they had it videoed!!! just weird.
Photography and death has been around for decades, again. nothing i want! LOL
I got all excited that you were going to UNIVERSAL!! And then not so much
That does sound crazy expensive. We tend to just get park tickets and drive there, so I had no idea how much their hotels were! I guess adding in the express passes etc bumps the cost up a bit, we never pay for those we just take our chances and queue.
I think i need to call them? Maybe what i am doing on-line v/s calling them might differ... who knows i need to make several phones calls today i might as well add this to the list?
Need to do more research!
Your Halloween looks amazing! A house near to my parents' place had a little graveyard set up in their front yard flower bed...That's about as all-out as people go near us for Halloween!
Thank you! We do love our Halloween!!!
Why not go the whole hog and move to Florida! Think of the FL resident discounts!!
If i could handle the snakes and humidity i WOULD!
No biggie i am not that far into it! LOL
Moving are we? I wanna move too, but any where I want to be takes me further from Mickey, no good. Where about S are you guys thinking? We love NC, it's so lovely, and you get all 4 seasons, which is a plus to us Floridian; we only get hot and hurricane seasons.
we are moving! just WHERE is the main question! I no longer want this awful winters. and safety is #1!
Ky-Tenn- SC so far is on the list.
Fl- you have mammoth snakes no thank you. and gators who will eat my animals? just nope.
Plans look good! I'm glad you are planning some Poly time. And omg, the kids were so little on your last/first trip there!!
Thank you! Yes they were little weren't they? and so wide eyed looking around at EVERYTHING! it makes it so much more magical!
they still love Disney at their age of 12. it's not the same..
Congrats on the lucky timing with the extra money! Sometimes good things happen at the right time. Day 5 plans look great! A relaxing day at the resort is nice. I did that this past September. My friend and I had big girl drinks at the pool, while our other friend went on the Safari at AK.
Thank you!! Very exciting!!! can't wait to get the trip paid OFF!
Yes we need a relaxing day! Paying this much for a resort you just HAVE to make some time for it right?
I am so for drinks by the pool..
And yes. I have been sucked into the Hallmark channel since Halloween. Taking time outs to watch the new Gilmore Girls, and This is Us.
Glad i am not the only one! I didn't know Gilmore Girls were on now! I though it was NEXT MONTH?!?! oh now i have to break from Hallmark to netflix!!
I think all of your reasons to relocate are spot-on. Too bad I have had to replace the furnace, roof, A/C and fully redid our bathroom in the time we've lived in our house. I told Rob we have to stay in it forever now!
Nope. It now means you get more out of the house...
Just sayin.
Your not IN Chicago are you? i thought you were north/west suburb?
I heard they are talking about putting a toll on the Eisenhower?
I can't believe how tiny your kiddos look in those pictures!!! And I LOVE that you are the kind of parents who would let your kids jump in the pool with their clothes on
Magical memories!!
How about it. they were little weren't they? Look how fast time goes!
from this:
To this:
Or worse:
ya blink and poof! no more midgets.
How Exciting that your actually going to be able to fly. When our kids were younger, we drove from Ohio which was a 16 hour drive. As the kids got older, it was just to much. They barely fit in the back seat any more because they wouldn't quit growing. They would be so cramped now because they are so big and they can't stand it for a couple hours let alone 16. We made the decision some time ago that if a trip was more than 4-5 hours, we would need to fly or not go because of this.
I had to laugh out loud. No they don't fit anymore do they!!! I did buy one of those luggage things which go on top of my truck to give them more room! Thankfully i do not have to use it this time.. But it's there for our next road trip!
I don't get excited over cars like some people do. But this drove past us one day when we were walking into a store and i stopped and said we need that:
Look at the inside!
Yes.. I need this.
One day. Until then i will keep on with my battleship until she sinks for good.
I think your "expected flight cost" is CRAZY high. I understand the whole expect high cost and be happy if you get less cost!
Don't forget to look at Frontier Airlines as well as Southwest Airlines. They only book out about 6 months, so when you do searches right now like at priceline Frontier Airlines doesn't show up yet for your dates. You would fly out of O'Hare right?
Yes this would be O'Hare and i believe we flew out of Frontier with the farewell to Duffy trip?!?!
I am on the watchdog airfair thing so it keeps me updated on the flights, I am not married to the idea of southwest yet it's the easiest!
Just did a "dummy search" for March flights on Priceline and Frontier Airlines is showing from Chicago IL O'hare to Orlando Non stop... then you would have luggage fee's. If you pay for them at time of booking online, they are $25 per checked bag per light... so even if you did 4 bags, that would be $100 each way so an additional $200 for checked bags.
This is a lot cheaper! not too bad for the checked bags. if it has to be then it has to be! I just cannot wait to get it all DONE! all i have to worry about is how to surprise them!
Then Southwest... I don't think you can book them anywhere other than their web sight so they don't show up at Priceline type sights. I may be wrong about that, but I have never seen them when I use Priceline or Expedia. However, when I did a "dummy search" with them, they do not fly out of O'hare it seems. For IL it would be Midway to Orlando. Don't know anything about Midway Airport though. I have only been to O'Hare. Also, Southwest, you get 2 checked bags free with each paid ticket. So ultimately you could check 10 bags with no charge. Here is what I got.
Midway is a LOT closer to me and i don't have to deal with the nasty traffic up north. So Midway is ideal for us south Chicago people! LOL talking about 30 minutes v/s hours sitting in traffic. which should only be about 45 minute drive.
I do plan on getting something to drive us to whatever airport on the way there.
I really appreciate you looking for me! Especially when i haven't had to chance to do so! I am high balling it.. so when i do book it's a lot cheaper and i am a lot happier getting it less then 2,000!
Hey there Mo - hope you had a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving and are feeling better.
Hello there!!!!
We had a good Thanksgiving! I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too??
I am finally a little better.. Finally!
WHOA - I check in on your plans and now you are FLYING?!!? That is AWESOME. I am so very happy for your extra pixie dust thrown your way. I love Southwest and their 2 bags free per person, even though you are herded on like cattle. If you do choose SW you might consider paying the extra $ to board early, so all of you can sit together and have plenty of overhead space.
I know i am SO EXCITED for the ME!!! haven't been on it since 2011! I am in need!
Oh YES i will be paying that extra cost! I just wish your able to pick the seats. Life would be much easier ya know?
I am overly excited to FLY AGAIN! and Zack can get a window seat! WOOHOO!
Moving for life; I know you want good schools for your kids and a little room. You know I love my space; 5 acres of heaven where I live. The traffic is crazy stupid to/from work because everyone and their dog decided to move north of San Antonio, but when I drive up my driveway in my little rural burb I just let out a breath of calmness. As a side note, an attorney I worked for moved from North Carolina back to San Antonio where he is originally from and couldn't stand the heat and concrete here and moved back to North Carolina. He just loves it there. The mountains are so close. It will be interesting to see where you land. I am sure you want to do this before the kiddos go to high school?
Texas is beautiful.. If it wasn't so dang far away from my beloved Disney i would move there in a heart beat!
I do want the country life and the trees and mountains! ohhhhh heaven. no more neighbor listening to my every move! LOL
My one neighbor is schizophrenia bi-polar. His mother isn't monitoring him like she should with his meds. i know for a fact he is not taking them. i want to get away from this!!!
When i do everyone will have to come and visit!
US is so dang expensive, especially since their new additions. I don't see how people do it and Disney. It would have to be a one or the other type of vacation. You will have to see where your vacations take you as the kids get older. My sons wanted to start cruising once they hit high school.
I cannot believe how expensive it it! i need to do more research on both the US and flying.
cruise.. Funny you said this.. Since i am looking into a 3 day cruise possibly after Disney. Ya know to de-stress after a week in Disney? But it's just looking..
You too and THANK YOU!!!
I am late to this party but still can say:
I hope everyone here had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Ours was good.
Wednesday i left early to get home clean and start cooking. Instead with this cold thing that about knocked me out! my stomach muscles were KILLING ME when i coughed or sneezed it hurt so bad i had to use a pillow to hold. so when i got home i fell asleep... Not a good thing when you have a ton to do. I text everyone telling them i am sick but still going on Thanksgiving. needless to say My parents were the only ones brave enough to come over.
once i finally woke up the kids helped out tremendously. we cleaned the kitchen first. then started. Me with my mask!
I cooked: Turkey and i still DESPISE that thing. yuck.. and one of the stuffings.
Zack made: the apple pie
Matt: watched TV
Peanut made a potato casserole my aunt who passed used to make.. yum!
I couldn't do any more took LOADS of medication and went back to bed. wasn't our normal FUN running around the house chasing kids with the neck and gizzards. Boo
Thanksgiving Morning.
I slept on the couch i could NOT sleep in bed laid around for a while until littles started to wake up and move about.
Coffee in my system i got myself up and started to clean again. Lysol... lots of lysol.
Now was do or die.
the kids again pitched in This time:
Turkey in the roaster
Zack: Mashed Potatoes
Matt: Cheese ball and White castle stuffing with Tom's unwanted help
Peanut: cleaned and helped put everything in the oven
and i had time. First time ever i had time to just sit and watch the parades!! it was nice and relaxing!!
Until my parents arrived and chaos ensued. Peanut got the table all ready against Tom's wishes used all our awesome Thanksgiving dishes! (he is in charge of washing dishes after dinner!)
We had more food then needed as usual.
Ham, Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Potato casserol, Sweet potato (what do you expect from an Irish family?) Regular stuffing, white castle stuffing, creamed spinach, Green bean casserole, rolls, desserts out of this world! for 7 people.
we ate leftovers everyday since.
The white castle stuffing was awful. Tom tried to help Matt in which ended up adding double the seasonings! YUCK!
Next year we will retry it!
We had every intention to do Black Friday shopping. Sadly i wasn't going anywhere.
I slept again! once i finally woke up i took a HOT shower and started to move. getting ALL Thanksgiving decorations DOWN and out. I am tired of orange and ready for the Green and red!
I had to work Friday night so i stopped tried to take a nap and my body wasn't having it.
so i wet to work until 11pm.
Saturday- boys had a Basketball game. I couldn't go, still dealing with this stupid COLD! sadly Zack was home with me as he started to get icky too.
I was supposed to work again but called off. The manager said she was hoping i would! LOL so i stayed home. My friend came by to give me an early Christmas gift!
It's AWESOME!!! I adore the mickey on it! I thought it was way too much but thankful!!! just love it!
Tom made grilled chicken salads. we are about DONE with Thanksgiving..
Did nothing.
Sunday!
I had to work so i went in then made my way over to the boys basketball game which wasn't far from job #2 Matt did an EXCELLENT job and was actually fun to watch since i can't stand the game! Zack still isn't feeling 100% so he stayed out. We were starving after the game so we went home and you guessed it ate the left overs.
I still refuse to eat turkey.
We watched Pete's dragon and Jungle book. Loved them both! went to bed.
Monday the kids had a doc appointment so we all stayed home again. this time we deep cleaned the house to get ready for CHRISTMAS Decorating! yay! Getting a little upset it isn't out yet! My mistake and the kids appointment wasn't until 4:00 Oops. we could have gone to work and school. Oh well. i have a clean house.
Went to get the HPV shots.
I want to cry.. they are 12...
ANYWAY
Matt was scared to death about the shot. Zack wasn't helping matters and Meg was fine.
until it was her turn and she fell apart! crying hysterically! where did this come from? i felt so sorry for my peanut.. Zack laughed at the shot and matt did fine.
Home we went for BEEF sandwiches! all sides compliments of Thanksgiving AGAIN.
I think most of it is gone now.
We finally brought out out the boxes and boxes and more boxes of Christmas!!! YAY! It's beginning to look like Christmas!!!
Matt found our box of Christmas music and was baffled when he found a cassette.
Had to explain that one.. They were all excited about them and want Tom to get his player together..
Today we are back to school/work. Tonight i have volleyball practice along with a scrimmage against the other 6th grade team.. Wish us luck.
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and filled with delicious food and surrounded by loved ones!!!
I'm a grown up who still gets teary eyed about having to get shots or blood drawn, so I totally feel her pain!!
