10, 9, 8, 7 Partying with the mouse NYE 2009! Home and working on a TR.

[pamouselover]

We are paid in full!!!

 

[stitcharoo]

breanna: i'm so sorry to hear about your mom, but i am glad you get to go on christmas. it is so beautiful. my family went last year on christmas, and we're going again this year. =]

i'm going to be reading yours because i think it's interesting, but i only got to read the first post right now because my nephew was crying.

i'll be reading more. =]

 

[stitcharoo]

breanna:
okay, i've read more, and i wanna put more input in before i forget what i've read! =] haha

first, your kids are so cute!! =]
i cant believe you're keeping it a secret. i couldn't!
it'd be so hard, but it's better for them.
believe me.
i know we're going to disney and that's all i can think about all day!

btw, the coral reef is a pretty good place, and it's interesting because of the fish.

and also, maybe you've put this but i just don't remember. are you on the dinner plan??

well, hope all's well =]

 

[mickeysmyboy]

We are paid in full!!!

Don't you just love that feeling!!??

 

[MAGGIED]

Love your top ten......

 

[backinoz]

... BUT I REALLY WANT TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! ... ...Any advice I can get from anyone on how to pack better would be great. I use to have space bags someone gave us, but I could never get them to work. So I threw them away.I thought about buying them again.

Hiya - Another lurker who followed you from the Snowbirds. But I'm not a 'real' snowbird 'cause I'll be leaving a tropical summer to head to a Floridian Winter - Brrrrrrr! I'm with you on the Christmas Decorations - from what I've read most will be up until the 4 Jan, so there'll be a few days to check them out. My 'I want to see' list is the lights at DHS, the GF, Poly, BC, & esp AKL (we lived in Mozambique for nearly 6 years and can't wait to check out an African themed Christmas).

As for your packing dilemma - this is what works for us, and we've had quite a few trips back to Oz to visit family when we lived OS, with only 20kg (44lb) luggage p.p. allowed - I think there was only ever one time we had excess, and that was on the way home from spending Christmas with the grandparents!

1st thing we learnt when trying to travel light - get the lightest bags possible - we have wheeled duffels which are 1/2 the weight of our old suitcases. 2nd thing was to buy your toiletries once you get there if possible - saves quite a few kg. Finally - I pack the clothes in large ziplock bags - a full outfit of pants, t-shirt, socks & underwear in each bag (squeeze out the excess air and your clothes will stay neat & tidy), and then we have a polar-fleece or hoodie each for putting over the top when it gets a bit chilly. It makes it easy in the mornings when you know you just have to grab a bag, and know it'll have all your clothes for the day in it. One more thing... try and keep footwear to the minimum - shoes can weigh a fair bit!

Hope this helps you with your packing - I'd hate to try and pack without my DDs knowing - I tend to lay out all the clothes on the guest bed a few days before, then go back and take out all the surplus before actually packing it into our bags. It's surprising how little you really need.

Thanks to the other 'posters' for their clothing advice too - I was planning on packing shorts, but considering we're used to pretty warm weather, I think they're something I can leave off the packing list now.

Cheers.

 

[Lcaemom]

Hi PA

I've been secretly keeping up with your PTR...just too busy with work to post...and if you've been reading my PTR, my bathroom...we're doing that over while we're gone.
Congrats on being paid in full...that is a great feeling...that means you're so close!!! I can't believe you've managed to keep it a secret...I remind my kids every day how many days we have left...they've been rolling their eyes at me for months...we've been counting down since 300+ days out. (not the greatest idea...looking back on that now. ) They are really excited now that we're at only 18 days left. Keeping it a secret, all this time and then videotaping them on the day you leave will be priceless. I hope you post it somewhere for all of us to see.

 

[carissanboys]

Hey backinoz - where in Australia are you? I lived in Alice Springs for 3 years. Absolutely loved my time down under and miss it greatly.

 

[pamouselover]

breanna: i'm so sorry to hear about your mom, but i am glad you get to go on christmas. it is so beautiful. my family went last year on christmas, and we're going again this year. =]

i'm going to be reading yours because i think it's interesting, but i only got to read the first post right now because my nephew was crying.

i'll be reading more. =]

breanna:
okay, i've read more, and i wanna put more input in before i forget what i've read! =] haha

first, your kids are so cute!! =]
i cant believe you're keeping it a secret. i couldn't!
it'd be so hard, but it's better for them.
believe me.
i know we're going to disney and that's all i can think about all day!

btw, the coral reef is a pretty good place, and it's interesting because of the fish.

and also, maybe you've put this but i just don't remember. are you on the dinner plan??

well, hope all's well =]

Hi
Thanks for joining. No, we were on the plan but cancelled it, due to funds.

Love your top ten......

Thanks maggied!

Hiya - Another lurker who followed you from the Snowbirds. But I'm not a 'real' snowbird 'cause I'll be leaving a tropical summer to head to a Floridian Winter - Brrrrrrr! I'm with you on the Christmas Decorations - from what I've read most will be up until the 4 Jan, so there'll be a few days to check them out. My 'I want to see' list is the lights at DHS, the GF, Poly, BC, & esp AKL (we lived in Mozambique for nearly 6 years and can't wait to check out an African themed Christmas).

As for your packing dilemma - this is what works for us, and we've had quite a few trips back to Oz to visit family when we lived OS, with only 20kg (44lb) luggage p.p. allowed - I think there was only ever one time we had excess, and that was on the way home from spending Christmas with the grandparents!

1st thing we learnt when trying to travel light - get the lightest bags possible - we have wheeled duffels which are 1/2 the weight of our old suitcases. 2nd thing was to buy your toiletries once you get there if possible - saves quite a few kg. Finally - I pack the clothes in large ziplock bags - a full outfit of pants, t-shirt, socks & underwear in each bag (squeeze out the excess air and your clothes will stay neat & tidy), and then we have a polar-fleece or hoodie each for putting over the top when it gets a bit chilly. It makes it easy in the mornings when you know you just have to grab a bag, and know it'll have all your clothes for the day in it. One more thing... try and keep footwear to the minimum - shoes can weigh a fair bit!

Hope this helps you with your packing - I'd hate to try and pack without my DDs knowing - I tend to lay out all the clothes on the guest bed a few days before, then go back and take out all the surplus before actually packing it into our bags. It's surprising how little you really need.

Thanks to the other 'posters' for their clothing advice too - I was planning on packing shorts, but considering we're used to pretty warm weather, I think they're something I can leave off the packing list now.

Cheers.

Thanks for stopping in!
I have read reviews that the space bags stink on Walmarts site. They said to use storage bags also. I think I will give it a try.

Hi PA

I've been secretly keeping up with your PTR...just too busy with work to post...and if you've been reading my PTR, my bathroom...we're doing that over while we're gone.
Congrats on being paid in full...that is a great feeling...that means you're so close!!! I can't believe you've managed to keep it a secret...I remind my kids every day how many days we have left...they've been rolling their eyes at me for months...we've been counting down since 300+ days out. (not the greatest idea...looking back on that now. ) They are really excited now that we're at only 18 days left. Keeping it a secret, all this time and then videotaping them on the day you leave will be priceless. I hope you post it somewhere for all of us to see.

Hi, that is ok. I so understand. I don’t know how I am doing it either.
Some days I am bouncing off the wall with excitement. My kids are the same way, with the rolling of their eyes. Last year when DS broke his arm, he sat in the hospital saying come on mom 18 days till Disney. I was not in no Disney mood at the time.

 

[pamouselover]

DH said last night that we should just wake DS and DD up that morning and tell them. This weekend he woke them both up and said guys get up we are going to Disney world. DS said yeah right, and DD said some strange growl noise to him, and pulled the covers over her head. It was funny. Then I took a stuffed Mickey and put it in DD bed. Then took it and put it in DS bed. O what joy to play tricks on your kids. Last night, I watched Disney travel on demand. They have some great things on there. I love fact or fiction, and the parade ones. If you have not seen it you have to check it out. Today I drove home listen to Christmas music and HUGE SNOW FLAKES! I have been making beef stew all day in the crock pot, it smells so good. Just have to wait for DD to be home from dance to enjoy some.

 

[backinoz]

Hey backinoz - where in Australia are you? I lived in Alice Springs for 3 years. Absolutely loved my time down under and miss it greatly.

Hiya - I'm in Central Qld on the coast, about 1/2 way between brisbane and townsville. Beach is 900m walk away which is GREAT, and the Barrier Reef is off the coast here (but a fair way out - we usually drive around 2 hours north, then the reef is only a 1/2 ferry ride away). Afraid I've never been to Alice Springs, although it is on our 'to do' list along with the Kimberleys, Kakadu etc. We've covered a lot of country closer to the coast thru Central & Sthn Qld, NSW, Victoria & Tassie (where I grew up). May I ask what you were doing in the Alice?

DH said last night that we should just wake DS and DD up that morning and tell them. This weekend he woke them both up and said guys get up we are going to Disney world. DS said yeah right, and DD said Sound strange growl noise to him, and pulled the covers over her head. It was funny. Then I took a stuffed Mickey and put it in DD bed. Then took it and put it in DS bed. O what joy to play trick on your kids Last night, I watched Disney travel on demand. They have some great things on there. I love fact or fiction, and the parade ones. If you have not seen it you have to check it out. Today I drove home listen to Christmas music and HUGE SNOW FLAKES! I have been making beef stew all day in the crock pot, it smells so good. Just have to wait for DD to be home from dance to enjoy some.

You know your kids will NOT believe you when you do tell them - which is gonna make the whole thing even MORE exciting for you all! Hope you can keep it up!

 

[carissanboys]

Hiya - I'm in Central Qld on the coast, about 1/2 way between brisbane and townsville. Beach is 900m walk away which is GREAT, and the Barrier Reef is off the coast here (but a fair way out - we usually drive around 2 hours north, then the reef is only a 1/2 ferry ride away). Afraid I've never been to Alice Springs, although it is on our 'to do' list along with the Kimberleys, Kakadu etc. We've covered a lot of country closer to the coast thru Central & Sthn Qld, NSW, Victoria & Tassie (where I grew up). May I ask what you were doing in the Alice?

I have a friend from Mackay - I think that's kind of near the area you're talking about? We made it up to the Sunshine Coast, but that was the farthest north we got. I was really disappointed I never got to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

My husband is U.S. Navy and he was stationed in Alice Springs. There's a joint base there.

 

[carissanboys]

DH said last night that we should just wake DS and DD up that morning and tell them. This weekend he woke them both up and said guys get up we are going to Disney world. DS said yeah right, and DD said Sound strange growl noise to him, and pulled the covers over her head. It was funny. Then I took a stuffed Mickey and put it in DD bed. Then took it and put it in DS bed. O what joy to play trick on your kids Last night, I watched Disney travel on demand. They have some great things on there. I love fact or fiction, and the parade ones. If you have not seen it you have to check it out. Today I drove home listen to Christmas music and HUGE SNOW FLAKES! I have been making beef stew all day in the crock pot, it smells so good. Just have to wait for DD to be home from dance to enjoy some.

I didn't know there was Disney stuff On Demand! I'll have to check it out.

Chuck is up in PA for the week and he said there was some snow yesterday. No snow here - just a bit of rain yesterday.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

DH said last night that we should just wake DS and DD up that morning and tell them. This weekend he woke them both up and said guys get up we are going to Disney world. DS said yeah right, and DD said some strange growl noise to him, and pulled the covers over her head. It was funny. Then I took a stuffed Mickey and put it in DD bed. Then took it and put it in DS bed. O what joy to play trick on your kids Last night, I watched Disney travel on demand. They have some great things on there. I love fact or fiction, and the parade ones. If you have not seen it you have to check it out. Today I drove home listen to Christmas music and HUGE SNOW FLAKES! I have been making beef stew all day in the crock pot, it smells so good. Just have to wait for DD to be home from dance to enjoy some.

Won't it be funny when they realize it true this time!?

I love Disney Travel On Demand! I keep watching the AK villas one to try to convince DH on DVC!

It's funny, usually I'm not into the christmas spirit until well into December. But this year I'm ready NOW! I think it has something to do with knowing a trip to WDW is coming up fast!

 

[pamouselover]

I didn't know there was Disney stuff On Demand! I'll have to check it out.

Chuck is up in PA for the week and he said there was some snow yesterday. No snow here - just a bit of rain yesterday.

Yes, do! They are short, but it gives you a nice disney fix.

Won't it be funny when they realize it true this time!?

I love Disney Travel On Demand! I keep watching the AK villas one to try to convince DH on DVC!

It's funny, usually I'm not into the christmas spirit until well into December. But this year I'm ready NOW! I think it has something to do with knowing a trip to WDW is coming up fast!

Me too! I am hoping to lure DH to go look at DVC.

 

[pamouselover]

Today I adventure to Target and bought all the travel size items we will need for our trip. I also bought some food items to put away for the trip.
Since the resort has a microwave I am thinking about packing oatmeal to eat for breakfast. So I need to bring bowls and spoons. I have high cholesterol, so that will make up for all the ice cream I will eat in Disney.

So I just got done watching Dr. Phil, did anyone else see the show? I DVR them everyday. The couple the steals from stores for a living, just was unreal. I could not believe it! I made DH come watch it. No wonder things are so darn high in price. I still am in shock.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Today I adventure to Target and bought all the travel size items we will need for our trip. I also bought some food items to put away for the trip.
Since the resort has a microwave I am thinking about packing oatmeal to eat for breakfast. So I need to bring bowls and spoons. I have high cholesterol, so that will make up for all the ice cream I will eat in Disney.

So I just got done watching Dr. Phil, did anyone else see the show? I DVR them everyday. The couple the steals from stores for a living, just was unreal. I could not believe it! I made DH come watch it. No wonder things are so darn high in price. I still am in shock.

Sounds like a good shopping trip!! I have to go through all the stuff I have! I've been buying things as I go along for months now. I have not 1 clue what the heck I have or need!! The only thing I know for sure I have is several travel size baby wipes and hand sanitizer. I definitely need to make a list of what I need!

Sounds like an interesting Dr Phil!! I missed it! I just recently started watching it and usually I don't watch ther whole thing because it's on when the kiddos get home from school! Some of the topics are a little un-child friendly!!

A few years ago I was in TJ Maxx with doing some shopping and there were 2 women with a little girl in the store. They struck me as a bit strange and made me a bit uncomfortable. They were checking out at the same time I was on a different register. The one women started arguing with the sales girl about the price of something and the manager was called over. In the mean time the other women and the girl walked away. Again, I thought something was strange. I left the store and was driving home when it hit me, they were stealing! The women was distracting the sales girl and the manager while the other women and the girl stole stuff!! I asked my dad, a retired cop, about it and he said of course they were stealing. He said they were probably grifters and to watch out! Normal there is a group of them and they'll steal you wallet etc!! LOVELY!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

HI! I ventured over from Snowbirds, (thanks for the PTR list!) to read your PTR. Very fun - I'm anxious to hear how your kids react after they realize they are really going! I absolutely love your top 10 list. I have to remember #1 myself! We are going to have 6 days - longer than any other trip for us - and I want to relax and enjoy!

To whomever was saying they need to make a list, there are some threads with great packing lists that you can copy. I did - it's very helpful. I would post a link, but I have no idea how I found it, nor how to post a link!

 

[Monny2AE]

Hi fellow Snowbird...I'm just jumping in! Greta PTR so far!

Day 1
Day 4 Saturday Jan.3rd (DS birthday)
Coral Reef
This will be our first time eating here. I have contacted them about the menu and diver for DS's birthday. I was told to call back in Dec. I have heard that it was just for a YOAMD. So we will see.

I'm hoping to do the same thing for my dh's birthday while we are down there. I was told to check back in December too- I bet they'll be swamped with phone calls on Dec. 1st!

50 Day mark is here
My TOP TEN ​

#2 A rope drop –at any park. I just want to be there when they drop the rope.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkd08Z1pxe8

I love your top ten! I've never been there when they open either. I'm not missing it this time. I heard AK has a fun opening too!

I pack the clothes in large ziplock bags - a full outfit of pants, t-shirt, socks & underwear in each bag (squeeze out the excess air and your clothes will stay neat & tidy), and then we have a polar-fleece or hoodie each for putting over the top when it gets a bit chilly. It makes it easy in the mornings when you know you just have to grab a bag, and know it'll have all your clothes for the day in it. One more thing... try and keep footwear to the minimum - shoes can weigh a fair bit!

Hope this helps you with your packing - I'd hate to try and pack without my DDs knowing - I tend to lay out all the clothes on the guest bed a few days before, then go back and take out all the surplus before actually packing it into our bags. It's surprising how little you really need.

Thanks to the other 'posters' for their clothing advice too - I was planning on packing shorts, but considering we're used to pretty warm weather, I think they're something I can leave off the packing list now.

Cheers.

I was thinking of doing the same thing with the ziplocs! It sounds really convenient- especially for the kids! I'm still iffy on the shorts too At 70F I'm comfy in pants and short sleeves. I'm waiting to hear the local weather as it gets closer then I'll decide.

 

[pamouselover]

SNOWBIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!

HI! I ventured over from Snowbirds, (thanks for the PTR list!) to read your PTR. Very fun - I'm anxious to hear how your kids react after they realize they are really going! I absolutely love your top 10 list. I have to remember #1 myself! We are going to have 6 days - longer than any other trip for us - and I want to relax and enjoy!

To whomever was saying they need to make a list, there are some threads with great packing lists that you can copy. I did - it's very helpful. I would post a link, but I have no idea how I found it, nor how to post a link!

Hi thanks for coming over. Repeat after me... I promise to stay in a magical state of mind, will in the happiest place on earth.

Hi fellow Snowbird...I'm just jumping in! Greta PTR so far!


I'm hoping to do the same thing for my dh's birthday while we are down there. I was told to check back in December too- I bet they'll be swamped with phone calls on Dec. 1st!

I love your top ten! I've never been there when they open either. I'm not missing it this time. I heard AK has a fun opening too!


I was thinking of doing the same thing with the ziplocs! It sounds really convenient- especially for the kids! I'm still iffy on the shorts too At 70F I'm comfy in pants and short sleeves. I'm waiting to hear the local weather as it gets closer then I'll decide.

Hi, Thanks for coming over! That poor Deb from coral reef, I pity her in Dec. I have marked on my calendar at work call coral reef, email coral reef!
I also have a star on Dec. 1st at home just in case. Are you ordering a cake? I am going to speak to her about that also. I have seen some great picks of cakes. I want to do a rope drop at DHS also, that looks fun.