3 Boys and 20 Hours in a Minivan,I Must Really Love this Place!*New4/22 TR LINK

[mommytothreeboys]

I've never bothered with matching shirts, and I definitely don't want to do it EVERY day, but I think it would be fun once.
I think I figured out a way to kill two birds with one stone though...
On militarydisneytips.com, he talks about how if you want to get chosen for the flag retreat at the Magic Kingdom, the best way to do so is to make the fact that you're military obvious. So I'm thinking CAMO Tie-Dye Mickey shirts! I think DH would be ok with that. Red, White, and Blue are also a possibility (but of course then there's blending problems with the red and blue).
I usually avoid anything that's too obvious, but I think it would be worth it if it could give DH the opportunity to help with the flag.

Alternatively, I could print off character silhouettes on iron-on transfer paper, so we'd each have a different character and just tie-dye the shirts straight out, or keep them plain.

Love the camo idea! I think that would be perfect!

Same idea... but VERY different at the same time! The design part is similar but the ride at DisneyQuest is more like Mission: Space with the spinning centrifugre effect. The DQ ride made Tim sick & I started to get a little green after a second ride. Rides NEVER make me sick - that was the first and only time. SOAT has the design portion, then you sit in a simulator and watch the ride on video. The simulator goes up and down and tips side to side. It can go upside down too. It does not spin though. It's fun. You can see other people riding while you wait.

Happy Belated Birthday! I missed it here... hopefully I caught you on Facebook! I love your new Vera! I've been eyeing a new Hipster in "Go Wild". It's black, white & yellow. I keep trying to come up with a reason to buy it... it might have to be an early Mother's Day gift.

I love your shirts. I can't wait to see how the painted shirts come out.

I bought the boys a couple new shirts each that I'll give them for Easter. I asked them if they would wear their Disney shirts this year and they both said yes. I didn't ask them if they would wear matching shirts... so hopefully they like thier matching Perry shirts.

How is your dad doing? I hope his dialysis isn't too difficult.

Ok....we'll have to find SOAT at Epcot. I was lucky at DQ because simulator rides normally make me sick...that one did not. Maybe because it was so short. The movie idea sounds more my speed!

I was so pleased when my boys gave the ok for the matching shirts. It brought a big smile to my face!

Thanks for asking about my Dad. The dialysis is going well so far. He is training to do his dialysis at home, so mom has been going with him every day to get all the information they can. If all goes well, he will begin the process at home next week. The machines have all been delivered...just waiting to complete training. Then he can do his dialysis at home, on his own schedule which is really what he wants. He has a degenerative kidney disease called PKD (polycystic kidney disease) and will be on dialysis until he gets a donated kidney. It's going to be a long road, but thanks for the positive thoughts!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Shawna came over today so we could work on making our countdown chains. We found this really cute idea on Pinterest that we were dying to try!

This is the image from Pinterest.

I had purchased the cardstock earlier and though we had enough paper and in all the right colors..... Well, you know how that works out! We were short a sheet of paper or two once we did all the counting and figuring, but rather than run to the store, we managed to figure out how to use the resources we had and get the job done! Rather than 35 days, our chains ended up being only 32 days. No big deal and a small price to pay for not having to run out to the store in freezing NY temps. (I think it might be 20 degrees outside today if we're lucky!)

Shawna and I made a great team and soon we were up to our elbows in cardstock, paper cutters, glue sticks, and other supplies!

Our finished product turned out better than expected and we were both very pleased!

What do you think?

With the countdown beginning at 32 days, we will start removing rings on Friday March 1st! Now it's time to start planning our "10 days till we leave" celebrations and getting our touring plans set. It's so close now!!

Up next----a list update!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great minds think alike! Lacey sent that same Pintrest picture to me so I could make a countdown chain.

You and Shawna did a really really good job and good thinking to just take three days off the chain in order to keep from having to run and get more paper. I know that I'd not want to go out in those temps.

 

[lsenquiz]

I love the count down chain! It turned out excellent. We are doing a countdown for our upcoming trip. We have a ways to go though

 

[indimom]

The countdown chain is super cute! I love it!
No countdown for us since we're trying to keep the kids in the dark. Of course, if I keep Dis-ing in front of them, I'm gonna blow it. I realized a couple days ago that I had posted on a thread and my siggie was showing, and DS was sitting right next to me at the desk.... Doh!
But, I've got to say, that is the cutest countdown I've seen yet, so if I ever get the chance, I'm stealing it.

 

[danceintherain]

That's such a cute countdown chain. I'll have to keep it in mind for the future. I think it would be over DS's head.

 

[wdwgirl03]

haha, that countdown is really cute! I haven't been on Pinterest in a while but they do seem to have really good ideas on there.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Great minds think alike! Lacey sent that same Pintrest picture to me so I could make a countdown chain.

You and Shawna did a really really good job and good thinking to just take three days off the chain in order to keep from having to run and get more paper. I know that I'd not want to go out in those temps.

Yep....going out to get more paper would have been a pain. The baby was sleeping, it was cold out, and we had JUST been to Target. Making the chain shorter was a much better plan!

I love the count down chain! It turned out excellent. We are doing a countdown for our upcoming trip. We have a ways to go though

Thank you! Can't wait to take off the first link!

The countdown chain is super cute! I love it!
No countdown for us since we're trying to keep the kids in the dark. Of course, if I keep Dis-ing in front of them, I'm gonna blow it. I realized a couple days ago that I had posted on a thread and my siggie was showing, and DS was sitting right next to me at the desk.... Doh!
But, I've got to say, that is the cutest countdown I've seen yet, so if I ever get the chance, I'm stealing it.

You are so brave for keeping the trip a secret. I could NEVER pull that off! Thanks for the compliment..we were very pleased with how it turned out!

That's such a cute countdown chain. I'll have to keep it in mind for the future. I think it would be over DS's head.

Thank you!

haha, that countdown is really cute! I haven't been on Pinterest in a while but they do seem to have really good ideas on there.

Love Pinterest....I pin a lot but don't actually make a lot! It's fun to look though! I have tried a few recipes and used several craft ideas for the kids at church.

 

[ForMyBoys]

Hi Missy!! I'm posting to say I'm along for the ride.

I have 3 boys too, they are about the same age spacing as yours but my oldest is 9 (almost 10). I get a bit weepy thinking about the day when he'll be 18 and moving on to college. I think its great that you are pulling together such an awesome full family trip during his senior year. I'm sure it will be one he never forgets.

I'm curious to see how your painted shirts go, it seems like a fairly easy one to make so I may consider it.

We leave for disney just a few weeks after you, it will be great to read all about your travels.

Oh and for nail polish I like the one on your ring finger, the one that looks like mickey's pants!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Missy!! I'm posting to say I'm along for the ride.

I have 3 boys too, they are about the same age spacing as yours but my oldest is 9 (almost 10). I get a bit weepy thinking about the day when he'll be 18 and moving on to college. I think its great that you are pulling together such an awesome full family trip during his senior year. I'm sure it will be one he never forgets.

I'm curious to see how your painted shirts go, it seems like a fairly easy one to make so I may consider it.

We leave for disney just a few weeks after you, it will be great to read all about your travels.

Oh and for nail polish I like the one on your ring finger, the one that looks like mickey's pants!

Hi and Welcome!

It really is amazing how fast they grow up. I'm sure there will be lots of tears in my near future...prom, graduation, off to college. Bring on the tissues!

I am hoping to get to the Mickey Head shirts this week. Stay tuned!

I like the nail that looks like Mickey's pants too. I may do that on one nail and then do red and black on the others. Still debating the whole nail thing....

 

[KyWildcatGirl01]

Just seeing your PTR and getting all caught up! Love it! I can't wait to take our DS in April for his first trip!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Love this idea!! Actually I love it so much that after seeing it on your facebook page, I made the same countdown chain!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Just seeing your PTR and getting all caught up! Love it! I can't wait to take our DS in April for his first trip!!

Hi! Welcome to my PTR! I've seen you post on the April 2013 thread...that first trip with the little one is so exciting!!

Love this idea!! Actually I love it so much that after seeing it on your facebook page, I made the same countdown chain!

LOVE IT!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I first posted this list a few weeks ago and thought it was about time...since the first deadline has passed...to check in on how I am doing. For your convenience, I have put the things that are DONE in GREEN. If I have started, but not finished, the item is BLUE. If I have not yet started, the item will be RED. I have also added a few things in bold.

45 days to Go! (February 16)
* Make final payment on cruise portion of trip
* Book snorkeling and beach day in Freeport
* Make t-shirts and tote bags with Shawna
* Start buying glow sticks, bubbles, etc for parks
* Firm up touring plans for each park day
* Make ADR for our one TS meal

One Month to Go! (March 2)
* Inventory boys’ clothes and shop for shorts, etc if needed
* Make arrangements for Daisy
* Print updated calendars with park hours, parades, etc and add to binder
* Make a packing list
* Start buying car snacks
* Plan meals for road trip

2 Weeks to Go! (March 19)
* Make final payment on Windsor Hills condo
* Purchase park tickets from Undercover Tourist
* Pull suitcases and begin packing
* Finalize touring plans and make daily 3x5 cards
* Print cruise documents
* Schedule haircuts and pedicure
* Take inventory of travel size items and purchase as needed
* Plan 10 Day celebrations for each night leading up to vacation
* Finalize budget (spending money, etc)


*Order Skechers sandals for me!
(These are the ones I want!)

*Finalize road trip travel plans and print out googlemaps.
*Write note to school about boys absence

Now, on top of the regular to-do list, I have started to create a shopping list.

Shopping List
*sunscreen
*sunglasses for Isaiah--purchased this weekend!
*flip flops for Jonah
*paper towels
*dish saop
*garbage bags
*laundry detergent-travel size
*snacks for car


I may be adding to these lists and I will update as we get closer to leaving. Only 36 days now!!

Up next---Our ONE AND ONLY ADR!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Woot woot! 36 days!!

You're moving right along with your list! It reminds me that I need to check mine!

 

[indimom]

I first posted this list a few weeks ago and thought it was about time...since the first deadline has passed...to check in on how I am doing. For your convenience, I have put the things that are DONE in GREEN. If I have started, but not finished, the item is BLUE. If I have not yet started, the item will be RED. I have also added a few things in bold.

45 days to Go! (February 16)
* Make final payment on cruise portion of trip
* Book snorkeling and beach day in Freeport
* Make t-shirts and tote bags with Shawna
* Start buying glow sticks, bubbles, etc for parks
* Firm up touring plans for each park day
* Make ADR for our one TS meal

One Month to Go! (March 2)
* Inventory boys’ clothes and shop for shorts, etc if needed
* Make arrangements for Daisy
* Print updated calendars with park hours, parades, etc and add to binder
* Make a packing list
* Start buying car snacks
* Plan meals for road trip

2 Weeks to Go! (March 19)
* Make final payment on Windsor Hills condo
* Purchase park tickets from Undercover Tourist
* Pull suitcases and begin packing
* Finalize touring plans and make daily 3x5 cards
* Print cruise documents
* Schedule haircuts and pedicure
* Take inventory of travel size items and purchase as needed
* Plan 10 Day celebrations for each night leading up to vacation
* Finalize budget (spending money, etc)


*Order Skechers sandals for me!
(These are the ones I want!)

*Finalize road trip travel plans and print out googlemaps.
*Write note to school about boys absence

Now, on top of the regular to-do list, I have started to create a shopping list.

Shopping List
*sunscreen
*sunglasses for Isaiah--purchased this weekend!
*flip flops for Jonah
*paper towels
*dish saop
*garbage bags
*laundry detergent-travel size
*snacks for car


I may be adding to these lists and I will update as we get closer to leaving. Only 36 days now!!

Up next---Our ONE AND ONLY ADR!

It's getting close!!! And this is another great idea that I may have to steal for myself... It looks like all your plans are coming right along!

 

[SheaBear]

I just stumbled across you PTR. You are brave woman hitting the road with the 3 boys. But I'm excited to continue reading as you get closer and closer to your trip.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Woot woot! 36 days!!

You're moving right along with your list! It reminds me that I need to check mine!

You are the list master! I'm sure you are right on top of things!

It's getting close!!! And this is another great idea that I may have to steal for myself... It looks like all your plans are coming right along!

Thanks! I love crossing things off my list!

I just stumbled across you PTR. You are brave woman hitting the road with the 3 boys. But I'm excited to continue reading as you get closer and closer to your trip.

Welcome! Like I've said before, I'm either brave or crazy!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

For any of you who have followed any of my previous reports, you know that we are a baseball family. Two of my sons play, and the rest of us (barring Isaiah who doesn’t like most sports in general) love the game. Our summers are spent at the ball field and we go to as many minor league games as we can fit in our schedule. We have also been to a few major league parks… Toronto, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Needless to say, we are excited about the upcoming season. The beginning of Spring Training is almost a holiday around here!

That being said, we were discussing Opening Day and the fact that we would be home that day to watch the games. It is the day before we leave on vacation, April 1. The conversation turned to who was playing on Opening Day and whether or not our favorite teams had a game that day. So, Jeff went to look up the Orioles’ schedule. They certainly are playing that day, but not in Baltimore. They play the Tampa Bay Rays. And…because baseball is played in series of games, that means that the Orioles will be in Tampa when we are headed to Florida. Naturally that led to checking the time of games, how far Tropicana Field was out of our way, etc. I’m sure you all know where this is headed…..

We have officially changed our travel itinerary to include a trip to this place….

The game is at 7:10 which gives us plenty of time to leave our hotel in South Carolina and be in Tampa/St. Petersburg for the first pitch! We did look at the fact that this will now put us on a time schedule that was not in play before adding the game. We were planning to drive as far as we could the first day (shooting for Walterboro, SC) then travel to Cocoa Beach the next day and have a leisurely evening at the hotel. Now we really need to reach SC on Day 1 and we need to be in Tampa/St. Petersburg by 6:00. And we will have to drive the 2 ½ hours to Cocoa Beach after the game, so we won’t arrive at the hotel until midnight or so. It shouldn’t be an issue, but it does add a time factor that was not originally a concern. But, weighing all the factors, we decided that to be able to see a MLB game on opening weekend in Florida was worth it. Also, to save on our budget which was already in place, we purchased cheap seats. We may be up high, but we’ll be there!

PLAY BALL!!

Up next….more changes????

 

[Duzzygirl]

Love the countdown chain!

That's great that you'll be able to catch a baseball game on your trip too!