1 week to go, didn't think we'd ever make it

[TammiMcMan]

I've had my finger on the cancel button of this trip so many times, that I can't believe we are actually going and it's only a week away. First we had problems planning dates for our anniversary trip. We celebrated our 20th in September, but we are a big soccer family and there was no way that we could get away in the fall. Then we had to plan around my job, I teach special needs children and of course babysitting for our 3 kids. Our oldest is 18 and in college, but I just didn't feel right leaving her entirely alone with the other 2. My SIL came to the rescue and volunteered to spend the nights at our house. Everything looked like a lock, then we get a phone call. My DS is a figure skater and right before Thanksgiving, the US Figure Skating association called and invited him to skate at Junior Nationals, which was 3 short weeks away. Timing is everything and the balance due on our Disney vacation was also 3 weeks away. As I sat and debated cancelling our vacation so that he could realize his dream, my family came through with frequent flyer miles and we were able to get him to Arizona to compete. Coming home, DH and DS got stuck in Denver for 2 days because of the Nor'easter that dumped 32" of snow across New England. Again I was ready to cancel because what if that happend to DH and I during our trip, would the kids be okay?? After much discussion and reassurances from neighbors and family, we are starting to pack our bags and really look forward to arriving at the Grand Floridian next week. We are treating ourselves and staying in the main building. I'm bringing my notebook and I'll definitely do a trip report when we get back.

Thanks to everyone on the board for their advice and suggestions. Now all I need is a little pixie dust for warm weather. Anything in the 70's would be perfect for this snow bird.

Tammi

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Sounds to me like lots of pixie dust was sprinkled and that the trip was meant to be!!

The 15 day forcast looks like partly sunny days and with low to mid 70's for highs, with high 40's to low 50's for the low temps.
But can we trust a 15 day extended weather forcast?

Anyone have a crystal ball?

 

[Janet2k]

TammiMcMan, my last GF trip was almost cancelled numerous times, too, so I know exactly how you feel. The only thing that kept me going was the visualization of myself lounging about the grounds of that beautiful resort. I felt a certain calmness anytime I did that (even if my visualizations included the sight of my wheelchair).

My GF stay was wonderful, and I hope yours is, too. I am sending you all the good weather pixie dust that I can find. Have fun celebrating your anniversary with your husband.

 

[Janet2k]

TammiMcMan, oh, my goodness, I just saw in your signature that you will be celebrating your birthday, too. Happy (early) birthday!

And, 7thdwarf/dopey, congrats on your upcoming 25th anniversary trip! May you have a wonderful time in WDW.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Hi Janet2K.......Thankyou for the congrats and pixie dust

 

[anne60]

Hi Tammi -

We celebrated our 20th anniversary in October, and, also because of soccer, waited until December 4-8 to take our trip to WDW. We left the kids home alone (18, 15, and 11) and they survived the "blizzard" just fine (although I was a nervous wreck!). My son may never forgive us for forbidding him from using the snow blower while we were away, but luckily a neighbor with a plow came to the rescue and did our driveway. If you have raised good New Englanders, they will get through snow just fine!!! Have a great time, it is so nice to have a vacation with just the 2 of you and no sporting events and practices to rush off to!!! I hope you have warmer weather than we did, but at least it was sunny and warmer than home.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Have a great trip!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I've been checking the 15 day forecast for both Orlando and New England every day. So far, it looks like 70's down there and no threat of snow up here. That's making me feel so much better.

Anne60, this will be the first overnight babysitting job for our 18 year old daughter. She's very responsible and 3 of the 5 days we'll be away for, the other two kids will be back to school. SIL will be sleeping over at night, so at least I know that the kids will be up for school on time. What did you leave your kids for dinner? I was thinking of doing prepared meals and just keeping them in the freezer. Microwave mac & cheese is always good too.

Janet, thanks for the b-day wishes. It's the big 4-0 for me this year. Amazing how young that seems to me now!

Cali, I have my fingers crossed that RPC won't disappoint.

Well, looks like I need to go and pull out a pair of shorts or two for this trip. I also have plenty of sweaters and a jacket and some mittens. It's only a 5 day trip, but I'm thinking that both DH and I will both need two suitcases.

Tammi

 

[anne60]

I made chicken pot pie and tuna casserole (yuk I know but it's my oldest's favorite!) and froze them. I left a meat loaf and baked potatoes all made, just needed to be cooked, for the first night. I bought frozen meatballs and jar sauce and pasta for one night (with frozen broccoli). One night they ate at my mom's, and I left money for takeout pizza one night (although they never got it). I bought the salad-in-a -bag, baby carrots and grape tomatoes for veggies, and also summer squash which is easy to cook. I also bought a few extra "snack" type items that I normally don't buy to make it fun for them (mini-frozen pizzas, chicken tenders, nacho stuff).

Over all, they did fantastic, I was very proud of them. I made it pretty clear to them how much their Dad and I were looking forward to this, and how upsetting it would be if we called home to hear them fighting, and I guess they took my word for it, because we had only pleasant conversations while we were down there. They got along really well, I think the snow probably helped keep them occupied!