11-23-2008 DCL per-Thanksgiving 3 night Wonder cruise!!

[TCB in FLA]

Spaddy - The CMs at the club will work to keep your DS in the club while you are at Palo's if you tell them in advance that's where you are going. Or you could tell your Palo server that you need your meal quickly. On our first cruise, DS#2 was just 3, had some seasickness issues and really didn't care to be away from mom (me!) at all the entire trip (much to the dismay of my parents who really wanted time with their grandsons!). But the club CMs were great about letting us get through our meal.

 

[spaddy]

TCB, thanks. I think I am more concerned with my dh than my ds. He doesn't like to leave our son anywhere that he doesn't want to be. Actually the biggest problem with my son is you never know which kid you are going to get. Went over to my mom's this weekend and my son said the whole time that he didn't want to me leave him alone with her. After 5 minutes he wouldn't leave and said he wanted to spend the night (he has never spent the night away from us).

Oh well, whatever happens, happens. I booked the CC massage. I am pretty sure I will cancel, but I figured this might be my only chance to book it.

TCB, what time are you eating on the last night? I booked at 7:30, hopefully that is a good time.

 

[TCB in FLA]

We're booked for 6:30. I thought that would give us time to go with everyone else to the dining room and get them settled before we head upstairs for supper.

Parents are allowed in the club as well as the kids! You should all try to go the first day when it's family time so that your DS will get used to the place (and your DH as well!) and show your son how he can send you a message on the pager. You could also stay there for a few minutes when you drop DS off.

My shopping spree continues (although small stuff!). I bought a football for the beach (we still have the $15 one from last year at CC and that's staying home! The Target dollar spot one goes instead.), and 1/2 price snorkeling stuff for the boys. I'm on the lookout for an adult set as well. I've been doing a few magnets for the door as well.

 

[pillow]

My shopping spree continues (although small stuff!). I bought a football for the beach (we still have the $15 one from last year at CC and that's staying home! The Target dollar spot one goes instead.), and 1/2 price snorkeling stuff for the boys. I'm on the lookout for an adult set as well. I've been doing a few magnets for the door as well.

Where did you get the snorkeling equipment for your kids?

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

Where did you get the snorkeling equipment for your kids?

Jodie

I got mine at Costco. Well, actually my son likes snorkels so I got another one at Sam's Club for $12 when they were on clearance.

We're booked for 6:30. I thought that would give us time to go with everyone else to the dining room and get them settled before we head upstairs for supper.

Parents are allowed in the club as well as the kids! You should all try to go the first day when it's family time so that your DS will get used to the place (and your DH as well!) and show your son how he can send you a message on the pager. You could also stay there for a few minutes when you drop DS off.

My shopping spree continues (although small stuff!). I bought a football for the beach (we still have the $15 one from last year at CC and that's staying home! The Target dollar spot one goes instead.), and 1/2 price snorkeling stuff for the boys. I'm on the lookout for an adult set as well. I've been doing a few magnets for the door as well.

They had adult sets on sale at Target. I got a set for myself for $15. I am not very excited about carrying it with me, but I like the dry snorkels. I have to carry my son's anyway because he will not be 5 yet.

I find myself buying a lot of little stuff too. I still have one very expensive things I still want to buy, but I might not get it.

 

[TCB in FLA]

I got the kids' stuff at Wal-Mart last week -- no adult stuff left. Our Target hasn't marked down theirs yet (I was just there today). There's only one adult one left, so I'm going to be checking back when everything is discounted or will try the other store nearby.

Spaddy - What's your big purchase you are thinking about? (If you don't mind me asking.) Other than another memory card and new clothes for me (I'm hoping to drop a few lbs before the cruise, so that will be a last minute purchase), I think I'm about done. (Or so my DH and the credit card hopes! )

 

[spaddy]

Spaddy - What's your big purchase you are thinking about? (If you don't mind me asking.) Other than another memory card and new clothes for me (I'm hoping to drop a few lbs before the cruise, so that will be a last minute purchase), I think I'm about done. (Or so my DH and the credit card hopes! )

Ok, you are going to think I am crazy. I want a new digital camera, but I want the Olympus one that is waterproof. (Not those super expensive ones) It's only good to 10 ft under the water. I thought it would be really cool for snorkeling, and my son is loving swimming and I would love to be able to take some video without have to constantly worry about ruining my camera.

I am sure it is much harder to find swimming stuff on sale in Florida. I bought my son another pair of goggles last night. I am making my husband crazy, but I keep telling him when your kid likes to swim you cannot have too many pairs of goggles. (My son have extremely sensitive eyes)

 

[TCB in FLA]

Spaddy - I don't think you are crazy at all! (This coming from a person to bought a smaller camera just so that it would fit into a new purse -- so consider the source!!!)

 

[etblank]

Spaddy....I have that camera...The Stylus 850 SW? I bought it this summer with the trip in mind. It is a GREAT camera. We live near Lake Michigan and I took it with us on a trip there this summer. It is nice not to have to worry about it getting wet, the kids dropping it etc.

I would be happy to share some pics if you want.

 

[spaddy]

Spaddy - I don't think you are crazy at all! (This coming from a person to bought a smaller camera just so that it would fit into a new purse -- so consider the source!!!)

You sound like me. I love electronics.

Spaddy....I have that camera...The Stylus 850 SW? I bought it this summer with the trip in mind. It is a GREAT camera. We live near Lake Michigan and I took it with us on a trip there this summer. It is nice not to have to worry about it getting wet, the kids dropping it etc.

I would be happy to share some pics if you want.

Yep that is the one. It's good to know you like it. So is there a long shutter lag? I know the camera I have right now I can't get a good picture of my son. By the time it takes it he has moved on to something else or I end up with a photo of a blur. Do you have any underwater pictures?

 

[etblank]

Sorry it took so long for my reply...the shutter lag is pretty low...I think .2 seconds. I haven't noticed any problems at all. Shutter lag is what kept me in film cameras too long (I can't really afford a digital SLR.) so I can completey understand your question.

Here is a thread where a few of us posted pics before. The underwater one of my son and husband was taken right after I got the camera. There is a bit of a learning curve, the camera has tons of scene settings you can use. The only disadvantage is it is so small that it can be easy to blur a picture, but it does have an antishake setting. Now that I have used it for a while, I am used to it too, and get better shots.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1891496&page=2

 

[pillow]

So is there a long shutter lag? I know the camera I have right now I can't get a good picture of my son. By the time it takes it he has moved on to something else or I end up with a photo of a blur.

I just took a photography class - didn't learn a heck of a lot, but I did learn that the shutter speed is dependent on the amount of light present. If there is more light, then the shutter speed is quick. If its darker, then the shutter needs to stay open longer in order to let more light in. Also, if you are taking a close up portrait, you need to adjust your aperture accordingly - check your manual (can't remember the exact setting). If your aperture is correct, the you'll get a sharper picture.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/apershutter/aperture.htm

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

Sorry it took so long for my reply...the shutter lag is pretty low...I think .2 seconds. I haven't noticed any problems at all. Shutter lag is what kept me in film cameras too long (I can't really afford a digital SLR.) so I can completey understand your question.

Here is a thread where a few of us posted pics before. The underwater one of my son and husband was taken right after I got the camera. There is a bit of a learning curve, the camera has tons of scene settings you can use. The only disadvantage is it is so small that it can be easy to blur a picture, but it does have an antishake setting. Now that I have used it for a while, I am used to it too, and get better shots.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1891496&page=2

Those pictures are great. Actually the one inside is really good. It's obviously an action shot in low light. That is when I start having problems. Of course, you can only expect so much in those situations. Your dogs are very cute. Will your youngest DS still be 4 on the cruise?

I just took a photography class - didn't learn a heck of a lot, but I did learn that the shutter speed is dependent on the amount of light present. If there is more light, then the shutter speed is quick. If its darker, then the shutter needs to stay open longer in order to let more light in. Also, if you are taking a close up portrait, you need to adjust your aperture accordingly - check your manual (can't remember the exact setting). If your aperture is correct, the you'll get a sharper picture.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/apershutter/aperture.htm

Jodie

I don't have any time to change any settings on my camera. With my DS I have about a second to take a picture and then the moment is over. He does not like having his photo taken and I have to be quick.

 

[etblank]

Yes, my youngest will still be 4...he turned 4 in June, and the older one just turned 7. We are encouraging them to at least try the oceaneers club...the older one says he doesn't want to do any pirate stuff, including the party.....hmmmmmmm...maybe we will get over it by November? They are both REALLY excited. I think we will start our trip countdown soon.

 

[spaddy]

Yes, my youngest will still be 4...he turned 4 in June, and the older one just turned 7. We are encouraging them to at least try the oceaneers club...the older one says he doesn't want to do any pirate stuff, including the party.....hmmmmmmm...maybe we will get over it by November? They are both REALLY excited. I think we will start our trip countdown soon.

I never know what my almost 4 year old wants day to day. He says he doesn't want to go to preschool, but when we get there he gets mad that we want to walk him to the door. He would like us to just open the car door and drive away. I also don't know if I can do the countdown thing with him. He gets too excited and then starts asking everyday if we are going today. We have left for many a driving vacation a day early because he literally packs his suitcase and goes and sits in the car.

I am planning a pirate theme for my son's birthday so hopefully he will get excited about pirates. He really like Pirates of the Caribbean. He has a really nice Captain Hook costume that I know he would love to wear, but it is so big to pack. Especially the hat.

Did you get high winds there? A lot of places around here still do not have power. We still do not have internet at work. You don't realize how much you need your work email until it is gone.

 

[spaddy]

Does anyone else keep checking to see if they have a room assignment? I booked at cat. 12 and I can't stop checking. I am obsessed.

 

[TCB in FLA]

We have yet to make it through the pirate party. It's just so windy and cool -- and LATE -- that we leave early. Maybe this time we will make it.

My boys have enjoyed the clubs for the most part, esp. my almost 8-year-old. He's excited about going to the lab. DS#2, almost 6, isn't as thrilled, esp. since he'll be away from his brother. (Of course, they still don't know, but we talk about going "someday." They'll find out for their birthdays.)

We have our room assignments but I keep checking to see if our dining rotation has been switched to early seating. Otherwise I'll try onboard. Spaddy -- Maybe you'll get an upgrade!

 

[spaddy]

I am also concerned about how late the Pirate Party is. I guess time will tell.

I guess I am hoping for an upgrade. I think when I see the cabin number I know it will be real. I know this cruise is really full and I am just happy to have a cabin.

Ok, did everyone see free dining right before the cruise? I am tempted even though I was only planning on staying 2 nights before and using DVC points. I am afraid to call and find out how much it would cost to stay the 4 nights on the free dining. I already have 2 dining reservations.

 

[etblank]

OK...I am a DCL newbie, but when we booked, we picked a stateroom, and our reservations have the stateroom numbers on them. Am I missing something?

As far as a countdown, a few years ago we make a paperchain. Each link was numbered, and they got to take off a link each day, so we started with pretty big chain, then it got smaller, obviously as the days got closer. At least then they had a visual with it.

As far as the weather up here, we ended up with 11 inches of rain. A major toll road was completely closed due to flooding and many other smaller road were impassable as well. Fortunately all the roads we travel on to work are fine.

Did MRSHINDIG ever get a champagne toast going for he and his lovely bride??

 

[pillow]

Which night is the pirate party?

Jodie