12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[TXdeVille]

How is the party coming along? Lindsey's is planned for the 10th of Jan. Sad they had to wait, but it gives me time to get back and relax from vacation before hitting it head on. Thankfully all we have to do is provide crowd control The event facility is taking care of everything else

The party is coming along fine. As much as a Rock Climbing Gym Sweet 16 can go. She wanted to do something unexpected. There went all my thoughts and dreams for the ultimate Sweet 16 for her. Oh well....it is HER party. Not even gonna bother with balloons. BUT I have My Photo M&M's, a tiara, and a sash. Tried to get the My Jones Soda but they never listed her favorite flavor and I couldn't find a suitable picture to use until I realized I could've used a BABY PICTURE!!! Too late now. I will do it for graduation. I just need to figure out what kind of food to serve to the kiddos, if any, and order the cake. I wish it was in January like Lindsey's. Would give me more time. Between this and the cruise, the anxiety attacks are starting. Or maybe that's my body telling me my Blood Alcohol Level is rapidly approaching zero....Better go fix that

Still no documents here. DH is off the next two days. Maybe he can intercept.

 

[brendalee59]

The party is coming along fine. As much as a Rock Climbing Gym Sweet 16 can go. She wanted to do something unexpected. There went all my thoughts and dreams for the ultimate Sweet 16 for her. Oh well....it is HER party. Not even gonna bother with balloons. BUT I have My Photo M&M's, a tiara, and a sash. Tried to get the My Jones Soda but they never listed her favorite flavor and I couldn't find a suitable picture to use until I realized I could've used a BABY PICTURE!!! Too late now. I will do it for graduation. I just need to figure out what kind of food to serve to the kiddos, if any, and order the cake. I wish it was in January like Lindsey's. Would give me more time. Between this and the cruise, the anxiety attacks are starting. Or maybe that's my body telling me my Blood Alcohol Level is rapidly approaching zero....Better go fix that

Still no documents here. DH is off the next two days. Maybe he can intercept.

Don't you just hate it when their idea of a party isn't the same as ours? Rock climbing party eh? I'd say serve pizza, chips, and dip, maybe some wings, and the cake for dessert.

I hear ya on the anxiety attacks. At this point, Lindz and her BFF Jolene, are barely speaking. Since Jolene's mom and I are splitting the sweet 16 party, we are sweating it a little.

Oh BTW, She passed her driving test Tomorrow, she drives herself to school for the first time

Decided not to bring the christmas tree I bought. Just don't want to take up space that I could use for ohhh shoes... Besides, If I'm not mistaken, wrapped gifts are a no no with TSA. We will just have an early Christmas, then maybe bring a couple stocking stuffers, and pick up stockings at the Christmas shop in DTD.

If our docs aren't here by Wed, I think I'll have out agent check with DCL to see if they have been shipped yet. Course DCL says 10 to 14 days,and we are at 18. Still seems to be cutting it awfully close to me.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Besides, If I'm not mistaken, wrapped gifts are a no no with TSA.

Really? I didn't know this - I guess I can bring wrapping paper and tape to wrap them on the ship? Our gifts for the kids are small in size, and they still expect Santa to come!

Welcome back Sheri!

So happy to hear you guys had a great time and are home safe and sound. DH needs to get our suitcases down for me to begin filling. I have barely thought about getting our tree. I wonder if I could get away with using the 2 ft tree I got for the cruise? Somehow, I doubt it HS and the Osborne lights are planned for our first night in WDW.

Thanks - it was great! Our next 3 weeks are crazy - can't imagine planning a Sweet 16 party! We have basketball, ballet and holiday parties galore - so the tree had to go up this weekend or not at all!!

Oh BTW, She passed her driving test Tomorrow, she drives herself to school for the first time

Congrats - that is exciting for Lindsey, scary for you! I have 5 more years before I have to deal with that, thank God!

Between this and the cruise, the anxiety attacks are starting. Or maybe that's my body telling me my Blood Alcohol Level is rapidly approaching zero....Better go fix that

Sounds like an expert medical opinion to me!

What great fun!! I can't wait for us to have a grand reunion in a Grand Villa. My nephew is barely 2 so I thought I would wait a couple of years so he can appreciate the World better. I guess I forgot you are a DVC member. I am assuming you are as you got a Grand Villa. Those are outrageous cash wise!

Sorry you missed the Osborne lights. You should definitely hit HS in order to see them. I love HS anyways. I hope we can see the castle lights well enough even though we aren't visiting the Disney parks. We do plan on some resort hopping to see the decorations. Got dinner at VWL one night so we definitely get to see them.

The Grand Villa was great! We joined DVC in '06. This was our 5th DVC trip since joining! We have been dying to try the GV, but we did the Sun-Thurs stay to avoid weekend points. We all loved being together in one place, and my family was very impressed! The views from the GVs are all great!

If you have time to go to GF, the Gingerbread House is amazing! WL had gorgeous decorations up too! We ate lunch there on TG day, then rented a boat and drove around Bay Lakes/Seven Seas Lagoon - it was a perfect day for it. (BTW, the Lagoon Police WILL catch you if you let your 11yo son drive the boat for 10 seconds!!) ACtually, Courtney, we could not see the castle from the Lodge. I think you have to go out on a boat or ferry to see it. We could see the BLT building, though. You can definitely see the castle from GF, so go at night and you can see the castle all lit up. Not the same as standing right in front of it, but it's something!

 

[drag n' fly]

I am starting to get a little nervous about our cruise docs. I hope they fed ex them? The admin staff are on strike here at Canada post right now. It is slowing down delivery. I wanted to send a letter to Illinois (that needed to be there by the 10th) yesterday and the mail lady said there was no way it would make it to Illinois by the 10th Here is hoping for a fed ex pack this week. It is gently snowing this morn and very chilly......makes the 18th all that much sweeter

 

[brendalee59]

I am starting to get a little nervous about our cruise docs. I hope they fed ex them? The admin staff are on strike here at Canada post right now. It is slowing down delivery. I wanted to send a letter to Illinois (that needed to be there by the 10th) yesterday and the mail lady said there was no way it would make it to Illinois by the 10th Here is hoping for a fed ex pack this week. It is gently snowing this morn and very chilly......makes the 18th all that much sweeter

Annette, they are supposed to come Fed Ex. I'm beginning to worry too. We leave in 16 days, and in my opinion, DCL is cutting it a little close. I mean what if we get them, and something isn't right? No time to change it.

However, we have our online check in docs to print out. From my understanding, that is really all we need to board the ship. We do need our Magical Express luggage tags though. ughhh, I hope they get here soon

 

[drag n' fly]

Annette, they are supposed to come Fed Ex. I'm beginning to worry too. We leave in 16 days, and in my opinion, DCL is cutting it a little close. I mean what if we get them, and something isn't right? No time to change it.

However, we have our online check in docs to print out. From my understanding, that is really all we need to board the ship. We do need our Magical Express luggage tags though. ughhh, I hope they get here soon

I agree that is cutting it close. Good to hear it is fed-ex and not regular post. I did print all the cruise documents off so that is good. We are doing a vehicle rental and won't be using ME so that is ok there. I am sure we are all worrying for nothing and it will all be fine.....I hope heehee

 

[TXdeVille]

Don't you just hate it when their idea of a party isn't the same as ours? Rock climbing party eh? I'd say serve pizza, chips, and dip, maybe some wings, and the cake for dessert.

I hear ya on the anxiety attacks. At this point, Lindz and her BFF Jolene, are barely speaking. Since Jolene's mom and I are splitting the sweet 16 party, we are sweating it a little.

Oh BTW, She passed her driving test Tomorrow, she drives herself to school for the first time

That is scary. We got a car for Victoria but she doesn't know it yet. A 2000 Toyota Avalon. Not a brand new jobbie like you got your kids but it's barely broken in with just over 100,000 miles. Since we are in a bit of a bigger town than you I want her to drive a lot better before I let her take off on her own.

Yeah, I was thinking pizza too. They probably won't want to eat much that isn't grab and go anyways. And the ability to keep things warm if they need to be will be a challenge. I guess she and I need to huddle.....

I hope Lindsey and Jolene snap out of it. Worst case scenario, call me up and Victoria can have a 2nd Sweet 16 with her new friend.

Thanks - it was great! Our next 3 weeks are crazy - can't imagine planning a Sweet 16 party! Me either without loads of alcohol And I have six parties to make an appearance at. We have basketball, ballet and holiday parties galore - so the tree had to go up this weekend or not at all!!



Congrats - that is exciting for Lindsey, scary for you! I have 5 more years before I have to deal with that, thank God!



Sounds like an expert medical opinion to me! Yeppers!!



The Grand Villa was great! We joined DVC in '06. This was our 5th DVC trip since joining! We have been dying to try the GV, but we did the Sun-Thurs stay to avoid weekend points. We all loved being together in one place, and my family was very impressed! The views from the GVs are all great!

If you have time to go to GF, the Gingerbread House is amazing! WL had gorgeous decorations up too! We ate lunch there on TG day, then rented a boat and drove around Bay Lakes/Seven Seas Lagoon - it was a perfect day for it. (BTW, the Lagoon Police WILL catch you if you let your 11yo son drive the boat for 10 seconds!!) ACtually, Courtney, we could not see the castle from the Lodge. I think you have to go out on a boat or ferry to see it. We could see the BLT building, though. You can definitely see the castle from GF, so go at night and you can see the castle all lit up. Not the same as standing right in front of it, but it's something!

That is awesome about DVC and 5 trips! I bet they were all terrific. I suppose you are owners at AKV and SSR? We are at AKV. Only interested in the treehouses, mostly...but SSR would be great for a girls getaway spa!!! Oh yeah...... I can't wait to use ours even more. And the reunion will be awesome!!! Can't wait....AKV doesn't have GV do they? Just 2BR and 1BR that you can combine, right? Not quite as much fun. Guess we have to add-on. DH said not right away. We only bought in February. I'd love BCV or BW. Ahhh perchance to dream

I do kinda plan on going to GF. Someone said something about drinks on the beach watching the fireworks The kids would adore the Gingerbread House. The lake excursion sounded awesome too. Even with the Lagoon Police. That's what makes it memorable We're staying at AKV. Are you guys just coming directly down for the cruise? Where ya stayin'?

 

[hkatmom]

Good morning everyone. I am one week out in my recovery from hysterectomy. The doctor was able to do it laproscopically. I must say it has been a much easier recovery than I ever imagined.

I filled out the online documents for us and my parents so we are ready to go No I have to get through DD tonsilectomy on Friday and then I will begin to think about packing. I am pretty much through Christmas shopping. We are going to have an early gift opening on the Sunday before we leave. Santa will come on the ship but Santa never wraps his presents. We are so excited!!

 

[brendalee59]

That is scary. We got a car for Victoria but she doesn't know it yet. A 2000 Toyota Avalon. Not a brand new jobbie like you got your kids but it's barely broken in with just over 100,000 miles. Since we are in a bit of a bigger town than you I want her to drive a lot better before I let her take off on her own.
Yeah, I was thinking pizza too. They probably won't want to eat much that isn't grab and go anyways. And the ability to keep things warm if they need to be will be a challenge. I guess she and I need to huddle.....

I hope Lindsey and Jolene snap out of it. Worst case scenario, call me up and Victoria can have a 2nd Sweet 16 with her new friend. :lmao:



That is awesome about DVC and 5 trips! I bet they were all terrific. I suppose you are owners at AKV and SSR? We are at AKV. Only interested in the treehouses, mostly...but SSR would be great for a girls getaway spa!!! Oh yeah...... I can't wait to use ours even more. And the reunion will be awesome!!! Can't wait....AKV doesn't have GV do they? Just 2BR and 1BR that you can combine, right? Not quite as much fun. Guess we have to add-on. DH said not right away. We only bought in February. I'd love BCV or BW. Ahhh perchance to dream

I do kinda plan on going to GF. Someone said something about drinks on the beach watching the fireworks The kids would adore the Gingerbread House. The lake excursion sounded awesome too. Even with the Lagoon Police. That's what makes it memorable We're staying at AKV. Are you guys just coming directly down for the cruise? Where ya stayin'?

I like how you think


Michael took his test this morning, so now they both have their license. Michael won't have his pickup to drive till his older sister can get the down pmt for a new car. Hardly seems fair to Michael, but she has to get to and from work. Maybe Dad will give her the downpmt for Christmas so Michael can get his old beat up S-10 back
Otherwise, he's gonna want to drive my new Highlander, and that ain't gonna happen

Does Texas have the graduated drivers license for teens? The twins have a class G which allows them to drive between 5:30 am to 11:00 pm unless to or from work.school functions, then they must provide proof. Also, only one non family member passenger. This restriction stays on for 6 months. If they get one ticket or accident, the restrictions stay an additional 6 months, or in some cases till they are 18.

 

[brendalee59]

I agree that is cutting it close. Good to hear it is fed-ex and not regular post. I did print all the cruise documents off so that is good. We are doing a vehicle rental and won't be using ME so that is ok there. I am sure we are all worrying for nothing and it will all be fine.....I hope heehee

I think you can call DCL and they will tell you if they have been shipped yet. They say 10 to 14 days prior to cruise,but per my DU agent, it's usually sooner. I'm giving it till Friday, then I'm asking my agent to check with DCL.

 

[brendalee59]

Good morning everyone. I am one week out in my recovery from hysterectomy. The doctor was able to do it laproscopically. I must say it has been a much easier recovery than I ever imagined.

I filled out the online documents for us and my parents so we are ready to go No I have to get through DD tonsilectomy on Friday and then I will begin to think about packing. I am pretty much through Christmas shopping. We are going to have an early gift opening on the Sunday before we leave. Santa will come on the ship but Santa never wraps his presents. We are so excited!!

Good to hear from you. Glad you are recovering nicely. After mine, I was like what's the big deal? Well, once I got home anyway. Had to stay and extra couple days due to extreme nausea But had no pain, thanks to that hand morphine pump Once home, I was back to normal in a few days, and wondering why I couldn't get back to my job as kids taxi driver for 6 weeks

Good luck with DD tonsilectomy Friday. I'm sure she will be just fine. Then we can all get busy packing! I've got our online stuff filled out,but won't actually print them off till just before we leave. I know how I am, I'd just have to print them again. No point wasting ink and paper

 

[hkatmom]

Hey. I don't remember who was looking for tiny Christmas tree lights but at my AC moore craft store today they had necklaces that looked like a string of tiny christmas lights and they actually lit up. The cost was $4.99.

Gotta run. I'm trying to wrap gifts with my helpers DD 6 and DS 21 months. What was I thinking

 

[drag n' fly]

I received my cruise documents today from Fed-ex! I missed the drop so I am off to pick them up!!

 

[brendalee59]

Hey. I don't remember who was looking for tiny Christmas tree lights but at my AC moore craft store today they had necklaces that looked like a string of tiny christmas lights and they actually lit up. The cost was $4.99.

Gotta run. I'm trying to wrap gifts with my helpers DD 6 and DS 21 months. What was I thinking

It was me looking for the lights. I have since decided to leave the little tree home. It was a great idea, but with us flying, and the luggage restrictions, we figured why waste the space. Still bringing a few small gifts for the twins to open on Christmas morning. Just gonna put them in stockings instead of under the tree. Thanks for sharing though. Sounds like the light necklaces are really cute.

 

[brendalee59]

I received my cruise documents today from Fed-ex! I missed the drop so I am off to pick them up!!

whooohoooo! Congrats Annette! Looks like you are the first to do the doc dance! Still waiting here. Gonna run check the front porch just in case I missed them.

 

[scuba diver]

We got our cruise docs today. They were left by the front door for us.

They came UPS 3 day.

 

[brendalee59]

We got our cruise docs today. They were left by the front door for us.

They came UPS 3 day.

Congrats to you too scuba diver

So, one Fed Ex and one UPS. I sure hope ours come Fed Ex. UPS keeps losing our house

 

[drag n' fly]

whooohoooo! Congrats Annette! Looks like you are the first to do the doc dance! Still waiting here. Gonna run check the front porch just in case I missed them.

We I phoned Fed-ex and asked to pick up the documents and she said they are still on the truck. Let me call you back and I can tell you what time to pick them up. We went to parent teacher inteviews and never got the call so I still do not have them in hand. Fed-ex will not do a drop without a signature here. I can leave the card on the front door authorizing them to drop or I can go pick it up tomorrow. So I guess i will pick it up tomorrow

 

[brendalee59]

We I phoned Fed-ex and asked to pick up the documents and she said they are still on the truck. Let me call you back and I can tell you what time to pick them up. We went to parent teacher inteviews and never got the call so I still do not have them in hand. Fed-ex will not do a drop without a signature here. I can leave the card on the front door authorizing them to drop or I can go pick it up tomorrow. So I guess i will pick it up tomorrow

ohhhh I hate when that happens! You are so excited that they have finally arrived, and you're told you have to wait till tomorrow! But at least you know you got them in time.
I refuse to leave the house till ours show up I don't think Fed Ex will require a signature here, unless that is DCL's policy. Some pixie dust just might be in order for the rest of us.

Two weeks from now I'll be frantic trying to get all our packing done so we can head out as soon as the kiddos get out of school. We're hoping they will be exempt from semester tests and won't have to go to scool on the 19th. Would be nice to not have to hit Dallas during rush hour

 

[scuba diver]

I was surprised about how little are in the docs now.

Since we are not doing any land or transfers the only thing in the docs that mattered are the luggage tags and those are not even required.

We use to get really excited about the docs, but now there is nothing to them. Everything is on-line. It takes away some of the fun.