9/7/06 10 night Wonder Southern Caribbean "Cruising in WONDERland!"

[Stepht5]

Knowing how important Thanksgiving Day is to you all in the States, have a good and restful day from us in the UK!!

Best wishes

David and family.

Thank you!

We had a very nice holiday. We spent it with our daughter's future in-laws! They are very nice people who LOVE our daughter -- what's not to love?

When Katherine sends me a pic I'll post it -- I can NOT believe I forgot my camera!!!

 

[Stepht5]

Mine plus one of my neices.

My youngest and my dad.

Three generations -- me, my daughter and my mom

 

[Stepht5]

I know I'll be booking at least one WDW trip in 2007 but, I can't pin down the date.... So, I did book our Adventure By Disney trip!!!!

Samantha, Brian and I are going on the Mid Atlantic trip in August!!!! I would have loved for it to have been May but, that trip isn't offered until the end of Jume.....

 

[DisneyGirlTinkerbell]

Wow, Stephanie! That's exciting! What is covered in the mid-Atlantic trip?

We are going to shoot for a WDW trip next summer, but that will probably hold us on Disney trips for '07.

As you all may have heard, the midwest got hit with a big winter storm yesterday. We have a layer of sleet and ice, followed by a couple of inches of snow. Our power went out for about eight hours, but it's back on for now. My Mom's power is still off. Yeah, everything is pretty much shut down today. My Mom has a flight tomorrow AM, so she wants to be closer to the airport at my house. I'm expecting her any minute. Wish she didn't have to drive today, but it would be worse it I drove to her house and then back home.

Clayton's best friend is at Mizzou in Columbia, MO (about and hour an a half away from STL). They got about 10 inches and shut down I-70! Cheryl, how did the Chi-town area fair in the storm?

I almost have my Christmas shopping completed. Just something for my Dad and Uncle remain. How's the shopping going for everyone?

 

[Stepht5]

Wow, Stephanie! That's exciting! What is covered in the mid-Atlantic trip?

Philidelphia, Virginia and Washington DC. I've never been to the East coast so, it should be lots of fun! Jon has been to all the places we're going so he is thrilled that the kids and I are going!

If Katherine wasn't getting married in '07 I would have booked one of the European trips for me and either one or two of the children. We don't think Claire is quite up to one of these trips quite yet --- she is so short that she couldn't walk the time and distance that is needed.

We are going to shoot for a WDW trip next summer, but that will probably hold us on Disney trips for '07.

We know that we have to fit in one or two trips to WDW during '07... Claire asks her dad everyday when she is going back to the Grand Floridian. Isn't it funny that such a busy & loud child likes such a laid back resort???

As you all may have heard, the midwest got hit with a big winter storm yesterday. We have a layer of sleet and ice, followed by a couple of inches of snow. Our power went out for about eight hours, but it's back on for now. My Mom's power is still off. Yeah, everything is pretty much shut down today. My Mom has a flight tomorrow AM, so she wants to be closer to the airport at my house. I'm expecting her any minute. Wish she didn't have to drive today, but it would be worse it I drove to her house and then back home.

I was thinking about you when I was watching the news! (you & my family in MO and Cherl/John & my family in Chicago)
I am so sorry that your power keeps going out!!!!! Maybe we should drive our generator up to you -- Jon and I both have 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Clayton's best friend is at Mizzou in Columbia, MO (about and hour an a half away from STL). They got about 10 inches and shut down I-70! Cheryl, how did the Chi-town area fair in the storm?

I have several cousins that live in Columbia and several that went to school there.... That snow must be a record!!!!

I almost have my Christmas shopping completed. Just something for my Dad and Uncle remain. How's the shopping going for everyone?

I am so far behind that it's not even funny! I haven't bought one thing for my youngest 2 children........ I have bought Claire some clothes and a new bed set but, somehow I dont' think that will hack it with a 5yr old..... Jon wants to get her an iPod nano -- I don't beleive in things like that for young children but, he did buy Brian an iPod mini 2 yrs ago when he was 6...... I am not as extravegant as Jon! And Brian hasn't lost his! He uses it all the time. But, Brian was born 40 and Claire is... well...Claire!!!! I think a couple of new Bitty Baby (from American Girl) items should be enough.

Brian just wants Legos and HABBO coins - for an online site.

I have bought all the books that are going with our gifts -- all of my children & my neices and nephews get a book with their gift from us.

 

[micmse2003]

I know I'll be booking at least one WDW trip in 2007 but, I can't pin down the date.... So, I did book our Adventure By Disney trip!!!!

Samantha, Brian and I are going on the Mid Atlantic trip in August!!!! I would have loved for it to have been May but, that trip isn't offered until the end of Jume.....

I am finally back again!!!!! That is so exciting. I have been to all those places several times. I think Claire is too young to appreciate the Mid-

Alantic Trip. I only started liking history once I got out of school.

Cheryl, how did the Chi-town area fair in the storm?

We got about 12 inches of snow!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to do my movie screening that morning. John took a vacation day and we made it to the theater by 11:00am. There were 4 other people til 1:30 in the afternoon. I am talking about a megaplex with 30 screens. We stayed to watch several movies that afternoon til the roads were clear.

I was wondering if you were one of the lucky ones to lose power again.

I am done shopping!!!!!! The house is decorated inside and out. I have six Mickey and Minnies displayed outside and a bunch of other stuff. We did the outside when it hit 70 degrees Thanksgiving weekend. Now it has been 8 degrees.

I have my craft fund and I made trees out of wire hangers, lights, and garland. My husband sold so many that is what I have been doing. I am building cruise money up for 2008. Still waiting for fall schedule to be posted.

If Katherine wasn't getting married in '07 I would have booked one of the European trips for me and either one or two of the children. We don't think Claire is quite up to one of these trips quite yet --- she is so short that she couldn't walk the time and distance that is needed.

I agree, It sounds like a lot of walking and I think she is too young to apprectiate the history and architecture.

We know that we have to fit in one or two trips to WDW during '07... Claire asks her dad everyday when she is going back to the Grand Floridian.

I think we are going to WDW the Tuesday after Labor Day til the following Tuesday. I do not think Grand Floridian but definitely on property. We are going to the parks at least 3 to 4 days. We are also going to look for property somewhere near WDW. Is any one else planning on going??? It is usually not to crowded after labor day and it is still warm.


I am so glad I am done shopping. I started the day after Christmas and finished by May. My DGD and DGS are spoiled. I have about 20 presents for each of them. My grnadughter stayed over night and cried the next day when her mother took her home. She said I live with Mema.

Anyone got big plans for the holidays??? I think my son is getting engaged. I will be spending Cristmas Eve at daughter's house and son will be in from Michigan too. Christmas Day the grandchildren will be over to open presents and then go to his mother's house this year. My daughter rotates every other year for dinner. I am now looking for a restaurant open Christmas Day. I DO NOT WANT TO COOK!!!!!!!!! Boston Market or Chinese sounds great to me.


***Helen and David**** Hope all is well with you. Tell Helen she still owes me a pm. Are you going to the park during the time we will be there. I hope so.

I will be checking boards more often.

Take care,
Cheryl

 

[Tigger1221]

Well we have interesting new. My mother's christmas tree fell over and broke most of her ornaments, lights fell of, it was horrible. I am going to Hallmark tomarrow to get them a few cute unbreakable ornaments.

We are both finally off on TH and FRI so we are getting our tree and decorating then. We are late but I am scheduled way more hours than I want so have no time for fun christmas stuff!


We have 2 kittens now so we will be anchoring our tree to the wall!!!!

Oh and I still have plenty of shopping to do but I did all of my mom's for her, so my Little sis is done

Have a Great Holiday.

 

[DisneyGirlTinkerbell]

Glad to hear most everyone is finished with the Christmas shopping...or at least have a good start! That tends to make the season hetic and we forget to enjoy the important part of Christmas...faith, friends and family.

Stephanie, that mid-Atlantic trips sounds great! You all should have a great time. You're probably right about Claire being too young to appreciate that trip.

We haven't decided when to visit WDW in '07...Labor Day week would be great, especially if others are going then. If I start a new job next year, which I probably will, I may have to work around vacation time issues.

Jill, I've had kittens at Christmas time....yeah, try anchoring the tree to the wall ! Don't forget unbreakable ornaments for your tree too. Don't worry about your tree and decorations going up late. Last year, mine went up so late because of work, it was hardly worth it. Just do what you can and don't feel guilty about it.

Cheryl, glad you didn't get too snowed in. When all was said and done, Columbia got about 16 inches. Lake of the Ozarks had several boat docks collapse under the weight of the ice and snow. Millions of dollars in boat losses. The video was unbelievable! Looks like someone just went through with a huge snow thrower and knocked everything down!

We lost power twice for about 8-9 hours each time...much better than most folks. My dad was without power from Thursday evening until Sunday evening! Some in rural areas still don't have power back after a week. Our power company here is on the hot seat, since there were several deaths this time due to carbon monoxide poisoning (hypothermia indoors, folks using generators in enclosed areas or lighting charcoal inside the house, etc.). Why do we lose power for so many days while other cities don't seem to have this problem?

Cheryl...those wire trees sound cool...any photos? Perhaps you should consider selling them on eBay?

 

[Stepht5]

I am finally back again!!!!! That is so exciting. I have been to all those places several times. I think Claire is too young to appreciate the Mid-

Alantic Trip. I only started liking history once I got out of school.

Jon is really excited for the kids and I since he's been to all of those places, too! The sad thing is that my dad lived/worked in DC for several years (until 8 yrs ago) and I never went up to visit... Our two older children did! LOL! My MIL took Katherine there on year for Easter week and then Michael went for a week to visit another time.

We got about 12 inches of snow!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to do my movie screening that morning. John took a vacation day and we made it to the theater by 11:00am. There were 4 other people til 1:30 in the afternoon. I am talking about a megaplex with 30 screens. We stayed to watch several movies that afternoon til the roads were clear. :

That's alot of snow!!!! I remember when I was 4 the snow beig near our second floor windows and we couldn't go outside to play -- we lived in Great Lakes.

I am done shopping!!!!!! The house is decorated inside and out. I have six Mickey and Minnies displayed outside and a bunch of other stuff. We did the outside when it hit 70 degrees Thanksgiving weekend. Now it has been 8 degrees. :

WOW!! I am done for everyone outside of our children -- neices, nephews, brothers, sister & parents. Nothing has *WOWed* me for the kids this year.... I need to go through my gift closet and see what all is in there this week....
We haven't decorated, yet. I think we are putting the tree up tomorrow. I haven't decided if I am going to do too much outside. Maybe just a few lighted deers, etc...
We don't usually put up our decorations until around the 15th -- I like for there to be more of an Advent feeling until then... Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

I have my craft fund and I made trees out of wire hangers, lights, and garland. My husband sold so many that is what I have been doing. I am building cruise money up for 2008. Still waiting for fall schedule to be posted. :

Do I get to see pics????? I loved your Halloween things!

I think we are going to WDW the Tuesday after Labor Day til the following Tuesday. I do not think Grand Floridian but definitely on property. We are going to the parks at least 3 to 4 days. We are also going to look for property somewhere near WDW. Is any one else planning on going??? It is usually not to crowded after labor day and it is still warm.

That will be so much fun to look at property!
I have friends that stayed in POR this Thanksgiving week and really liked that property. Samantha and I want to try the Contempory.

Jon told me last week that just from this years travel (his only) we have 5 round trip domestic tickets available. I wonder what we would have available if we added up all of our miles.... Samantha did make a trip to Germany......

I am so glad I am done shopping. I started the day after Christmas and finished by May. My DGD and DGS are spoiled. I have about 20 presents for each of them. My grnadughter stayed over night and cried the next day when her mother took her home. She said I live with Mema.

Small children are sooo much fun!!!! Even our big kids will tell you that Brian & Claire make everything so much more fun!
ANd of course your dgd would want to live with you! You're fun!!!!

Anyone got big plans for the holidays??? I think my son is getting engaged. I will be spending Cristmas Eve at daughter's house and son will be in from Michigan too. Christmas Day the grandchildren will be over to open presents and then go to his mother's house this year. My daughter rotates every other year for dinner. I am now looking for a restaurant open Christmas Day. I DO NOT WANT TO COOK!!!!!!!!! Boston Market or Chinese sounds great to me.

That's wonderful about your son!
I wish y'all lived closer you could eat Christmas dinner with us! I cook a big meal on Christmas afternoon -- it's VERY casual -- and all of our kids come over along with some of my family (mom, dad, one or two of my brothers & a neice - my sister and her family live several hours away so, we don't see them then) Both of my brothers are probably going to be bringing a *SO* with them.

I understand about the cooking. I used to LOVE to cook and cooked at least one meal a day -- sometimes I cooked two of the meals. Now I prefer to do as little as possible! LOL! I've done www.dreamdinners.com and www.supersuppers.com and been pleased with the meals.

I will be checking boards more often.

Take care,
Cheryl

Please do!

 

[Stepht5]

Well we have interesting new. My mother's christmas tree fell over and broke most of her ornaments, lights fell of, it was horrible. I am going to Hallmark tomarrow to get them a few cute unbreakable ornaments..

Oh no!!!! I had that happen one year -- luckily I didn't lose too many ornaments.

We are both finally off on TH and FRI so we are getting our tree and decorating then. We are late but I am scheduled way more hours than I want so have no time for fun christmas stuff! .

That will be fun that you can do it together!!!! And you do need to have time for the fun stuff!

We have 2 kittens now so we will be anchoring our tree to the wall!!!!

Oh and I still have plenty of shopping to do but I did all of my mom's for her, so my Little sis is done

Have a Great Holiday.

You will have to watch that tree! LOL! That is great that you were able to do your mom's shopping for her! Katherine did some of my Disney Store shopping on Black Friday during her lunch break -- the Ann Taylor she works at is in a mall with a Disney store!

Jill, I hope we here from you again soon! Tell Matt *Hi* from us!

 

[Stepht5]

Glad to hear most everyone is finished with the Christmas shopping...or at least have a good start! That tends to make the season hetic and we forget to enjoy the important part of Christmas...faith, friends and family.

That is so true! I usually *need* a little extra prayer time during December! LOL!

Stephanie, that mid-Atlantic trips sounds great! You all should have a great time. You're probably right about Claire being too young to appreciate that trip..

We can't wait! Hopefully Claire will grow soon -- if she hasn't grown significantly by July 1st 2007 the Dr is doing bone scans of her. We really wanted to do several of the ABD this coming year but, with not being able to use a stroller it would have been very difficult to take Claire along on any of them!

We haven't decided when to visit WDW in '07...Labor Day week would be great, especially if others are going then. If I start a new job next year, which I probably will, I may have to work around vacation time issues.

Keep us posted!!! And it does sound like more fun if we can meet up with one or two of us - doesn't it?

We lost power twice for about 8-9 hours each time...much better than most folks. My dad was without power from Thursday evening until Sunday evening! Some in rural areas still don't have power back after a week. Our power company here is on the hot seat, since there were several deaths this time due to carbon monoxide poisoning (hypothermia indoors, folks using generators in enclosed areas or lighting charcoal inside the house, etc.). Why do we lose power for so many days while other cities don't seem to have this problem?

Cheryl...those wire trees sound cool...any photos? Perhaps you should consider selling them on eBay?

I hope they get the power situation fixed - permenatly - and soon! I read about some of the deaths... that is always so sad.

 

[daipp]

I think we are going to WDW the Tuesday after Labor Day til the following Tuesday. I do not think Grand Floridian but definitely on property. We are going to the parks at least 3 to 4 days. We are also going to look for property somewhere near WDW. Is any one else planning on going??? It is usually not to crowded after labor day and it is still warm.

***Helen and David**** Hope all is well with you. Tell Helen she still owes me a pm. Are you going to the park during the time we will be there. I hope so.

I will be checking boards more often.

Take care,
Cheryl

I have just looked it up on the net and your "Labor Day" is on the 1st of September which is my 41st birthday. Like last year we intend having dinner in Le Cellier in Epcot. I have just checked with Helen and we fly home on Monday the 4th of September (in time for school) so it looks as though our paths will cross.

It's hard work getting Helen on the computer - I'm contemplating buying her a laptop for Christmas - I've even registered ger on the disboards but she hasn't posted yet.

David

 

[Stepht5]

I have just looked it up on the net and your "Labor Day" is on the 1st of September which is my 41st birthday. Like last year we intend having dinner in Le Cellier in Epcot. I have just checked with Helen and we fly home on Monday the 4th of September (in time for school) so it looks as though our paths will cross.

I think Crystal and I better come up with some firm dates! LOL!

It's hard work getting Helen on the computer - I'm contemplating buying her a laptop for Christmas - I've even registered ger on the disboards but she hasn't posted yet.

David

Once she gets on she will wonder what she did before the Dis! LOL!

The internet is a wonderful thing.
Over the past 13yrs I have meet many wonderful people online -- some of which I have driven hours to spend the weekend with.....I have had an online friend fly in from the East coast to hang out with me for the weekend. 26ds has driven cross country to meet and hang out with a couple of online friends.
And I am saving the best for last! I believe that meeting y'all has made this past year (and this past cruise) extra enjoyable! Without the Internet this wouldn't be possible!

 

[DisneyGirlTinkerbell]

The internet is a wonderful thing...I believe that meeting y'all has made this past year (and this past cruise) extra enjoyable! Without the Internet this wouldn't be possible!

Here...here! I totally agree! I really looking forward to seeing my Disfriends again !

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Just dropping by to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

 

[Stepht5]

Just dropping by to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Happy Holidays to you, Sandy! I think of you and Heidi whenever we play our cd in the car. It alternates between your cd and the Wicked cd.

Tell Heidi we would love to hear about her trip to Disneyland! Pics?

 

[DisneyGirlTinkerbell]

Just dropping by to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Happy Holidays to you and your family too, Sandy!

 

[DisneyGirlTinkerbell]

Hey Goofyguy Steve and Michelle! Are you guys lurking out there? Just curious if you made a move to the midwest? How's that little cutie, Shelby?


Viva la Mickey Mafia!!!

 

[Stepht5]

Hey Goofyguy Steve and Michelle! Are you guys lurking out there? Just curious if you made a move to the midwest? How's that little cutie, Shelby?


Viva la Mickey Mafia!!!

I was thinking about them the other day... i was lookng at some cruise pics and I saw one from the Ducky talk.... I thought of Steve telling them to remix the tickets!
I thought it was Kirsty's dh that had an interview in the Midwest area? Near Cheryl?

 

[Stepht5]

Samantha and I spent the afternoon Christmas shopping -- she had to buy the *boys* gifts and I still needed some gift cards, etc....

I can't believe that I broke and bought Claire *Butterscotch* -- a 3ft tall *pony* that moves, etc.... It's as tall as her!!!!! Someone up to 80lbs can ride it -- Samantha said *Claire won't hit 80lbs until she's a teenager!*
Claire wanted a *real* puppy and with Brian's unnatural fear of animals a puppy is OUT! Samantha & I thought the pony was a good substitute.
I am NOT the type to buy large gifts for the children -- I leave it up to Jon to be the *fun* parent!!!! But, this was just too good to pass up!!! But, Santa is getting credit for this one.