2006 DVC Member Cruise - SSMC06 - October 22, 2006

[RRBB]

I know I'm late, but have a wonderful time in Hawaii Mary & Mark!!!

Today was Grand Friends day at Ian's school. He had both Grandma Pooch and Granny B there. I stayed for the school Shabbat, but then when we got back to Ian's classroom he literally pushed me out the door to leave!

(Grandma Pooch is David's mother. Granny B is the next best thing to a real grandmother. She's the one that babysits Ian most of the time. And if my father hadn't passed away she might very well be a step grandmother. The nice thing is that she gets to do things with Ian that she can't with her own grandkids cuz they live up in NJ.)

This weekend is going to be kind of busy around here. Both my sisters are due to arrive in the next hour or so. One is bringing her kids with her so Ian is going to have a blast. They're coming in to go through our family storage unit to see if there's anything they want to take home or get rid of. It's mostly stuff we packed up after our father passed away - so lots of parents' stuff and grandparents' stuff in there. And tomorrow night is the 25th anniversary and silent auction for Ian's school. We're supposed to dress 80's but after seeing some of the stuff brought in for sale from a vintage clothes store, I'll pass. I don't want to relive/redress that era if I don't have to!!! I told David there's only one thing he can't bid on at the auction - the puppy!!! I think a husband, a toddler, and a newborn will be plenty for me to deal with, don't you?

Cindy, sorry to hear you have sickies in your house again. I'm thankful that so far Ian has only missed one day of school. I know this is just the beginning of his school "career", but I can dream that this is the way it'll be right? (Oh, and guess what!!! Ian is actually napping in his bed as I type. I never thought the day would come, but we've been working on it for a couple weeks. Now to get him to nap earlier in the day...)

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi everyone, I've been away forever again. So much to do so little time to do it.

Mary and Mark hope you are going to have a fantasic vaca. Can't wait to hear all about it. That is one long flight though. Ted was thinking of making the trip, but the length really has me balking.

Get well to the sickies.

I'm glad we all made it out of the nasty storms ok. Whew!

Steve, the pics you shared were great. That is another place I'd really like to visit. Probably not ever gonna happen so seeing it through others is good for me.

 

[RRBB]

Good morning everyone. I don't know why I'm up so friggin' early on a Saturday, except maybe because I heard David getting ready/leaving for work. (It really sucks that he not only has to work on Saturdays but be there extra early at that!)

It was supposed to storm all night long around here, but I don't think we even got any rain! That means I can let the kids play in the back yard today. Ian is overjoyed to have his cousins here. When he woke up from his nap yesterday they were here waiting to play with him. DNephew-6 even brought a bunch of his cars to give to Ian cuz he remembered how much Ian loved playing with them over Thanksgiving.

I have a few pics to share from Monday. These are Squirt

at 27wks...

We had a good session and got about 30 pics on CD, 8 of which were printed out for us to bring home. We also got a bit of action on video tape. I just love sonograms, especially these 3D/4D!!!!

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone! Well it is 3:30 in the morning here in Hawaii but we are wide awake!

Had a really great flight! It wasn't 10 hours it was actually 9 1/2. Really though it was very smooth and the time went relatively quickly. They showed 2 movies and we had brought out own movies and our books so it was all good.

The resort is beatutiful! Definately up to Disney stanards. We got an 11th floor ocean view room. Which also means we have a view of the construction site but that's cool. Saw an absolutely beautful sunset last night. I even got to see the famed green flash. Awesome!

Today the plan is just to explore the resort and maybe do some snorkeling. I definately see a nap in my future.

 

[WDWLVR]

Cindy - sorry to hear the boys are sick. Hope they get better soon!

Mary - what wonderful news about your cruises! That is so cool that you are going with Karen. Enjoy!

Robin - Squirt is getting big!

 

[Diana Lyn]

Good morning everyone. I don't know why I'm up so friggin' early on a Saturday, except maybe because I heard David getting ready/leaving for work. (It really sucks that he not only has to work on Saturdays but be there extra early at that!)

It was supposed to storm all night long around here, but I don't think we even got any rain! That means I can let the kids play in the back yard today. Ian is overjoyed to have his cousins here. When he woke up from his nap yesterday they were here waiting to play with him. DNephew-6 even brought a bunch of his cars to give to Ian cuz he remembered how much Ian loved playing with them over Thanksgiving.

I have a few pics to share from Monday. These are Squirt

at 27wks...


We had a good session and got about 30 pics on CD, 8 of which were printed out for us to bring home. We also got a bit of action on video tape. I just love sonograms, especially these 3D/4D!!!!

Robin--those pictures are amazing! It's really crazy how the technology changes in just a few years. BTW--do you know if Squirt is still a Squirt or a Squirtette?

 

[tinkerbelle77]

Cindy...Sorry to hear the boys are sick...Hope they are back to normal soon!

Mary....Great news about the cruises, can I stow away in your bags?

Robin...Awww, how cute, Squirt is getting big, before you know it, he or she will be here!

Mark and Mary...Glad to hear you made it safe! Enjoy your trip, and have a great time!

 

[cgcw]

Thanks for the well wishes for the boys. Walker is much, much better than he was yesterday. Cameron's coming along but not as quickly although he's hungry which is a good sign.

Mary & Mary, glad you made it there. I wondered how that time change was going to affect you. A day with a nap and you should most likely be more in line with the time there....hopefully.

Robin, the baby actually looks like a baby! I'm with Diana, technology sure has changed. I remember especially with Cameron the technician having to point out what exactly was my baby on the screen. Have fun with the relatives.

Walker took 3rd place in speed at his Pinewood Derby this morning. Thoughts of next years car are already going through his head.

I'm working on taxes I promise myself every year that I'm not going to get into this sitution when I'm documenting all of my expenses for the year, after the year is over. But I do. Each and every year, I kick myself for spending a couple solid days figuring out what category everything belongs in. Running a business out of the house entitles us to more than the average deductions -- as in a claim a portion of all of our utilities -- so it's a lot paperwork to go through.

Sounds like nasty ice storms heading our way. Barrel down the hatches, Steve, as once again, the brunt of it will most likely hit your way.

 

[fireplug]

Well we spent two days cleaning and spiffing up the fire station and today we showcased it to 100 trustees from around the state. The President of our board is also the State president of the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. That means we had to make a good showing. Oh and BTW the chief, the deputy chief and him the board pres were out of town thurs and friday, so SQUID got to make all the arrangements and do all the cleaning. Well he did a exemplary job of it! (that was his words) It was a great success. They ended it a little early do to the impending storm (which is here) and we put everything back where it belonged. Now I am enjoying a hard earned Rum and Diet Coke w/Lime and watchin the freezing rain sleet whatever ! no calls for me tonight! I am takin a break!

Tomorrow our son and the rest of the students begin their FF II academy. I think I am gonna be a proud dad when he is done. Well even more proud than I already was.

SQuid

 

[WDWLVR]

Here are a few pictures that Mark uploaded for me:

First, we flew in right over the resort we're staying at, it's the two buildings near the bottom, the Ko Olina Beach Club:

They don't just give out lei's at the airport or such, but they do have vendors selling them. Mark bought us some. Beautiful plumeria which we both love. Mark grows them at home and we love the scent of them.

Yes, Bear gets to go too:

And, a better look at the ocean view from our balcony:

And last, for now, we did get some snorkeling in those lagoons shown above:

Tomorrow's plan is to go to a fish feeding at Lagoon 1, then the Marriott presentation, then a drive into Honolulu and maybe over to Sea Life Park.

This resort is really wonderful. Lots of activities and the pools and lagoons are fantastic. Would you believe we even ran into someone we knew here. What a small world!

Today kind of reminded me of a cross between a sea day on DCL and a visit to CC. I spent time out on the balcony reading and just stopping every so often to watch the ocean. Then we went snorkeling in the afternoon and saw so many fish. Very cool. A great first day with not too much activity. Didn't even need that nap like I thought.

 

[rsschneck]

Mary sounds like you guys are having a great vacation. See this West Coaster is still up!

I am glad the resort is up to DVC standards. There is always talk of the exchanges in Hawaii not being up to par with DVC. Glad to hear it isn't so.

Are you planning a Pearl Harbor trip or the Polynesian Cultural Center? Both are early morning and almost all day adventures.

 

[alikat99]

They don't just give out lei's at the airport or such, but they do have vendors selling them. Mark bought us some. Beautiful plumeria which we both love. Mark grows them at home and we love the scent of them.

Great pictures, Mary!! Those are the exact same color Plumerias that we have in our backyard. Like you, we just LOVE the scent!!!

 

[iluvdisney]

I really enjoyed your pictures this morning Mary - someday I hope to be able to get over there. Sounds like you're having fun - enjoy!

 

[Stitch#1]

Good morning all!
Busy few days here so I haven't had a chance to pop in.

Cindy - I hope the boys are starting to feel better. Sounds like Cameron had it worse then Walker.

Steve - Wow. Sounds like you deserve a little pat on the back and should really enjoy that drink! Congrats.

Mary - Sounds & looks like things are going great in Hawaii. Awesome view from your room!!

 

[Diana Lyn]

Great pictures Mary!

 

[cgcw]

Nice pictures, Mary.

Cameron said your "so lucky" to have seen that fish!

 

[chipscinderelly]

Mark and Mary - wow, beautiful photos!!! Sounds like you are having a wonderful time

Cindy - tell Walker we said congratulations!

I have some good news to share as well in relation to my dad -
My dad just got an update on his PSA levels and they are 0.03 - lower than his first test (before they found the cancer) PARTY ON!

 

[bonzie1]

Mary + Mark! What wonderful pictures! Glad you're haveing a wonderful time.

 

[alikat99]

Congrats to Walker on his derby car!!!

Julie - we got our chips yesterday, and all I can say is yummy, yum, yum!!! Chris did laugh at me that I bought potato chips over the internet, but I did mention their connection to you, so he was a bit more understanding, but he still laughed!!! The key is, he liked them too, and the first thing that he said - "they taste like french fries".

 

[chipscinderelly]

Congrats to Walker on his derby car!!!

Julie - we got our chips yesterday, and all I can say is yummy, yum, yum!!! Chris did laugh at me that I bought potato chips over the internet, but I did mention their connection to you, so he was a bit more understanding, but he still laughed!!! The key is, he liked them too, and the first thing that he said - "they taste like french fries".

Oh good I am glad that you like them!