A Trip Sure to be FULL of Surprises! Updates - day 1 & 2 w/ pics!

[Grace and Mickey]

Good morning
Hope you had a good weekend.
hope you are feeling better too!!
Been working on printing autograph pages, for our books

I picked some disigns for t-shirts. will need your tips and help on puting them on the shirts.

We are going to the Columbus Zoo today.

Have a great day!!

You should be at 24 daysand 80 for me

 

[englishrose47]

Just poppinginto see how the SURPRISE is going !!! Sounds like you have him guessing !!!

 

[newtodis]

Good Morning Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

HEHEHE!!!
Hey, have fun with your busy weekend. I'm going to Columbus to watch DS in a football tournament. I'm hoping to see him score a touchdown. He's scored two for the past two weekends and I haven't been able to watch. Here's to hoping he gets one!
So, my youngest DD got contacts and is doing really well with putting them in and taking them out. I just have to remember that she's only 9 and still a child. She dropped one of them in her room and then brought the other one out on her finger and dropped it too! AUGHHH!! Anyway, it'll get better. Sorry to hijack your thread.
I would love to live in Florida, at this moment. Anywhere in the south. If DH didn't have a stable job, we would move.

Hey Lisa! Hope your trip was great and you were able to see DS score that touchdown!

How are the contacts going?? Did they give you like a "trial" pair knowing she's still little and you'd probably loose a couple of them??? Maybe they'd help you out with that...

Don't worry about hijacking - hijack away!!

Can't blame you for not moving - stable employment is hard to come by for many these days and you certainly can't pass it up if you're offered it and can't give up on it if you've got it!

Good morning
Hope you had a good weekend.
hope you are feeling better too!!
Been working on printing autograph pages, for our books

I picked some disigns for t-shirts. will need your tips and help on puting them on the shirts.

We are going to the Columbus Zoo today.

Have a great day!!

You should be at 24 daysand 80 for me

Good Morning! Feeling ok. I've got a yucky cold-ish thing going on the past couple of days.

How are the autograph pages coming??? I'm sure they're adorable!

Yay for picking the DISigns. I'd be more than happy to help if I can! I'm not good at explaining it at all but I'll help however I can! The last shirts I made I got at Walmart super cheap and they've held up really well actually. I don't wash mine first (I've read that some people do) and I buy the paper at Walmart too because it's SOOOO much cheaper than Staples.

How was the zoo??

Yes, today we're at 23 days!! Corbin's so into counting down until his birthday. I didn't realize he could figure out the counting down from the higher numbers (he can do it from like 10 counting to 1) but he piped up in the car this weekend that "tomorrow will be 23 days until MY birthday and then 22 and then 21 and then 20....". So glad he's excited!!

Just poppinginto see how the SURPRISE is going !!! Sounds like you have him guessing !!!

Aww thanks for stopping by! No he hasn't figured it out yet. Corbin was laying with me last night and Corbin said something about his birthday wish was to go to Disney or something like that. I just smiled and Dan said something about he wasn't sure if we'd be able to pull off two trips this year so close in Sept and Dec. And of course, I said that we have to go in Sept for a couple of days to see Sami Jo on her first trip and we'll probably go for Dec and that will be the kid's Christmas present since we usually just wind up getting rid of their toys since they're lucky enough to be spoiled and have so many.

I'm so freaking nervous about everything. I'm finally getting rid of my cold sores and just hoping they don't come back next month. I know my sleeping issues are a result of having a birthday party, surprise vacation and MI trip all coming up in the next six weeks. I'm hoping to have some time today to just sit down, write everything out and know in my little brain that everything's going to work out just fine and I don't need to worry any more.

Ok...today's shaping up to be pretty be very busy. Hopefully I'll be back to update more later.

 

[newtodis]

22 days!! ​

Three weeks from today we'll be on our way driving to Disney!!!

I just woke up this morning and thought about that and it all seems so real now!! The whole "22 days" thing just makes it seem so far away!!

This weekend I have to clean the house. Next weekend Dan's working Friday on the Island (we have off from work) and Saturday night at fire works (over time for the "regular" job) so I'll have a bit of time next weekend to get things together. Then it's birthday party weekend! Dan works on Saturday and the party's on Sunday. Sunday and Monday will be the most hard days! Tuesday won't be too bad - once he's out of the house! I just have to make sure he stays at his office and doesn't come home until I'm ready! I also have to keep the kids quiet so they don't realize I'm packing their clothes and loading the van - leave it to them to be observant!

I'm planning on getting all of the laundry done on Saturday while Dan's working and finishing cleaning (on 7/11). I'll also throw together all the last minute stuff and do as much running around as I can possibly get done. I can't pack anything until Tuesday (at least of Dan or the kids) or he'll notice things are missing I think so I'll pack like a crazy woman Tuesday morning. I'm planning on turning on a show (a super special treat in our house) and bringing the suitcases out of their hiding spot in the closet and pack them - that way the boys won't see them and hopefully won't ask any questions. I'm hoping I can keep myself at a reasonable pace. I'm worried I'll either have everything done by noon and sitting around waiting for him to get home or be running around until 5:30 when he walks in the door....

Alright....I have a ton to get done today and need some ambition to get it done!

 

[newtodis]

Ok I'm taking a "Disney lunch" today.

Here's the updated plan for our time at the park as it stands right now:

7/14 Leave SC and head to FL. NO ONE will know at this point! I plan on stopping about Jacksonville area (FL welcome center if I really can't keep the secret in any longer!) to give them their birthday cards to "reveal" the surprise!!! Let the fun begin!

7/15 BIRTHDAY DAY for DH and DS4/5 7:15 ADRS at CM for breakfast then hit the MK (we've never seen the rope drop there) for as long as we can stand it (heat and crowds). Back to the condo for some rest then to Epcot for the evening to try and watch Illuminations

7/16 This day I'm not sure on......the choices are either TL (never been but thought it would be a good idea due to it being the middle of summer) or DHS in the morning and MK in the evening for Wishes (or watch it from the beach at the Poly). I'm worried about getting our money's worth from TL (we don't currently have tickets for this but would get a discount with our APs and not sure how long the kids would be entertained there) and about crowd levels (generally throughout the entire trip!).

7/17 ADR at TH at 8:00 then AK for as long as we can stand it. After heading back to the condo for some rest and lunch, we'll head to DHS in the evening to try and see Fantasmic.

7/18 DHS in the morning for TSM and whatever else the kids want to do. After getting some lunch and resting at the condo, we'll head to MK to watch Wishes (my favorite!).

7/19 Either MK or DHS in the morning then time to hit the road and get back to reality...

 

[newtodis]

Alright...here's what needs to happen before we can leave:

*Dan's time off request Done and approved!
*Lynn's time off request Done and approved!
*fill van with gas
*Oil change for van (this might not need to be done before we leave but before we go to MI for sure!)
*Change batteries in dvd player remote for van
*Clean out van
*Pack Dan
*pack Lynn
*pack Corbin
*pack Carter
*pack food
*Pack cooler
*Get ice from fire station
*Clean house
*laundry
*bake (muffins, cookies, birthday cake)
*pack van
*cover stuff in back of van
*make cards
*make puzzle to "tell" surprise
*charge camera battery
*pack cameras and extra batteries
*Copy and notarize Corbin's birth certificate
*pay for Condo (plan on doing this 6/19) (waiting on this to see what happens with Carter's foot before we 100% committ to anything!)
*save for water park tickets
*wrap birthday gifts to take
*Pack "bathroom"/medicine bag
*pack diaper bag
*finish buying things from list (see another post - to be added!)
*basket stuff (cancelled this due to not knowing what's going on with Carter's foot....I can't ask someone to run around Disney a week before we get there and buy stuff for my kids - that just doesn't seem right at all!)
*finalize trip plans
*list of food to pack in cooler
*get a plan together on how to pack the van
*get luggage down Done and hidden in the closet!

 

[newtodis]

Here's the current list of things I need to pick up before we leave:

*sliced cheese
*bread
*milk
*chicken nuggets
*mister fans (these aren't needed but I'm thinking might be good in the heat)
*visor for Carter (so they don't fight over the one we have!)
*sunglasses for me
*juice boxes
*bottled water
*ham slices (like the bigger slices - not lunch meat)
*lunch meat
*cinnamon rolls
*syrup
*granola bars
*fruit snacks
*laundry soap - travel sized
*dishwasher detergent - I don't remember if they left it last time or not in the condo - I think they did


Alright...that's the list. Nothing major that we couldn't live without if I forget it so I'm not all too worried. I'm hoping to knock most of it out this weekend (or during lunches this week). That way Dan won't notice because he'll think it's all pretty much birthday party stuff and won't really notice anything which is good!

 

[newtodis]

Here's how things will go down on Tuesday (I hope!)

7:30 Get Dan out of the house for work - I'm pretty sure I can do this without a problem!
8:30 Start packing and getting any other laundry done that I'll need
10:30 Snack time for the kids; get stuff from pantry that's not already packed in the tote
11:00 Hit the road for the running to begin - fill the van with gas, head to the library to get books and stop at the fire station for some ice
12:30 NAP! (if I can keep them up this long....poor Carter's usually ready to crash about 11:30 so I'm going to work on keeping him up and happy!); I need to pack the van while they're sleeping so they don't see anything!
2:30 Wake up boys (no later than 3:00 I think!)
4:00 Get the boys dressed - thinking khaki shorts and a t-shirt. Nothing too fancy or casual. Don't want them or Dan to figure anything out before I'm ready.
4:30 Another snack for the boys (if I can hold them off this long!); get cups ready for the car for them; set out Dan's clothes
5:00 Potty break for the boys before we hit the road; load them into the van so we're all ready and waiting when he gets home
5:30 Hit the road!
7:30 Stop for a potty break and reveal the surprise (if I can hold out that long!)

Sounds like a busy day but I'm really betting that I'm going to be moving pretty quickly - just because that's how I am when I do things like this. I always overestimate how much time I'm going to need and get things done ahead of schedule. I just don't want to be sitting around at noon waiting for Dan to come home so we can leave....

 

[newtodis]

That's pretty much the latest and the greatest as of right now.

We're still waiting on poor Carterbug's little foot. He's still limping around so we're trying to hold off on another x-ray until a bit later this week (hoping we won't need it!). I just can't see dragging him around Disney with a cast on the poor little guys foot! Of course, now would be the time to go (age wise) if that were to happen since he's ok with sitting in the stroller. Hopefully he'll stop limping around and all my stress and worrying will be for nothing.

I've been trying to pay attention to the laundry and what Dan's been wearing so I'll know for sure what to pack. I'm worried that we'll get there and he'll have no clothes that he "likes" (he's picky about his clothes like that sometimes!) and he'll be grouchy. Hopefully I'll pack the right things and all will be well.

My brain's just working in over drive right now. I've got a tote in my bedroom with birthday party stuff, a tote for MI stuff and two totes in my closet with Disney stuff....too much going on all at once! I'm so ready for the vacation - it's going to be great. Hopefully my cold sores will be fully gone by then and I'll be able to be out in the sun without going through all this madness again.

As for everything else in life, things seem to be going ok. I'm still taking my "crazy pills" as they're being called in my house. I haven't really noticed much difference honestly in mysef as far as not eating as much. I pretty much usually only eat dinner and I'm trying to make more of an effort to actually eat breakfast before I leave and dinner at night and drink more water so we'll see what happens with that. The biggest "downfall" (if you call it that) is that I can't "keep it together". I'm generally (I think) a pretty good person about checking everything at the door and keeping it all inside. Let me tell you, not so easy with these little pills... I came to work one day last week and was talking about some stuff with a friend and just lost it and started crying right there in her office. Thankfully she's a good friend and it was a "safe" place to have my little mini-breakdown, but I much more like being able to keep it together. I'm sure it's not healthy and it's probably much better for me to get it out...it's just not always that easy.

We had a HUGE snake on our front porch on Sunday - seriously the biggest snake I've ever seen in my life! It was so freaking gross and the worst part is I walked right past it and didn't even realize it was there. Our front porch is kind of "L" shaped and it was on the bottom of the "L" that goes around the corner of the house. We have a chair there that we usually hang out in when the kids are outside and it was under the chair. Corbin saw it and told us thankfully and that's when I screamed and hustled everyone to the van. Thankfully Dan was behind me to grab Carter! Dan says it was 5 feet and I'd have to probably agree with that. I'm so not a snake fan at all. The scariest part is that it didn't move when all of us walked out - it just laid there. I would have been happier had it just went away. YUCK! It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!

I think we finally have all of Corbin's birthday party invites out....it seems like just when I think we're done, we forgot someone else! It's not so much forgetting as I didn't have a list of who we were inviting to mark off who he gave the invites to so now I'm trying to straighten it out and get them to the people who didn't get an invite yet. We bought a little pool (I say little but I can lay down in the thing!) so we'll put that and his slip and slide out for the kids to play in and keep themselves busy during the party. Dan's going to grill hotdogs and of course they'll have cake (cupcakes) and popsicles. I think we're going to skip opening the presents at the party itself. It will be too hot outside to open them and I really don't want a bunch of wet little kids in my house running around. He opened his gifts last year after the party was over because we paid a lot of money to have a party at one of those bouncy places (a huge room pretty much that's filled with those bouncy things inside in the AC instead of outside in the heat) and I was getting my money out of the kids playing! So, I have the hotdogs and chips. I have some pop and water bottles and juice boxes but I'm sure I'll need more water and juice boxes. It's hard not knowing how many people to expect....

That's really the "jist" of it all right now....taking everything day by day and trying to get as much done as I can to make everything run as smoothly as possible. Lots of juggling and balancing but it will all pay off in the end for sure!

Alright...now to try and get some real work done.

 

[newtodis]

Oh! And for those who are interested, Jill mentioned yesterday that they're going back to Disney at the end of the summer (end of August beginning of Sept I think)!! I don't think she'd mind me sharing that.

And since its been awhile since I've posted some pictures....here you go!

This is at the infamous "Monkey

 

[newtodis]

when I typed party in the post above this, it turned into the little picture.....weird!

 

[newtodis]

Alright....I added new lists and cute pictures hoping it would entice someone to stop by, comment and/or read.....hmmm. What do I need to do people??!?!?



Just kidding of course!

Three weeks from today my baby will be 5 years old!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Alright....I added new lists and cute pictures hoping it would entice someone to stop by, comment and/or read.....hmmm. What do I need to do people??!?!?



Just kidding of course!

Three weeks from today my baby will be 5 years old!

I was over here reading yesterday and should have left a comment. You are super organized with your lists, but without them how could you ever get it all done? I know I couldn't!
I think the surprise will be so awesome, but man it seems like a lot of work to pull it off. My hats off to you!
Your kids are soooo dang cute, loved the pictures!
I can't wait to read how this all progresses, you are getting closer and closer!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Alright....I added new lists and cute pictures hoping it would entice someone to stop by, comment and/or read.....hmmm. What do I need to do people??!?!?



Just kidding of course!

Three weeks from today my baby will be 5 years old!

Sometimes I feel this way too.
Nobody has stop my PTR in days How do people get so many readers?

You list are looking good I love how
have thought out the time line for 7/14 including potty breaks.

Does Carter say his foot hurts? Is it black and Blue? When I hurt my foot and the black and blue went aways it was much better and I didn't limp.
I hope it get better real quick

SNAKEI do not Like SNAKE End of Disscusion

How did you find out Jill was going to WDW?
I miss reading her post here on the DIS,and wonder how she is?

I was going to post here last nite while I was watching Landen. but didn't get a chance.
Landen was sitiing on my lap while i was reading you post and saw the pictures of Corbin and Carter, and when we came to picture of Carter in pool, he says THAT"S ME!!!!! he and Carter do look a little alike.

I soo wish that they could meet some time Do you think you might still go in Sept to spend a few days with you friends?

The picture of the boys walking hand and hand on the beach is so sweet. you need to make a big one of this for you house.
I think the time is going fast while waiting for our tip.
Only 78 more days for me!!!
Got to go print some autographs pages.
Have a Magicial Thursday

Grace

 

[newtodis]

I was over here reading yesterday and should have left a comment. You are super organized with your lists, but without them how could you ever get it all done? I know I couldn't!
I think the surprise will be so awesome, but man it seems like a lot of work to pull it off. My hats off to you!
Your kids are soooo dang cute, loved the pictures!
I can't wait to read how this all progresses, you are getting closer and closer!

Oh no - not trying to make anyone feel bad at all! I know lots of people read along and don't always comment.

I can't live without my lists - I would forget WAY too much! My job is a crazy one during the day - dropping everything at the drop of a hat so I work well off lists and determining what's important and what order things should get done in. If it's not on the list, it's not going to get done any time soon - generally speaking.

Thanks - I think they're cute too!

Yes it's getting close which is awesome!

Sometimes I feel this way too.
Nobody has stop my PTR in days How do people get so many readers?

You list are looking good I love how
have thought out the time line for 7/14 including potty breaks.

Does Carter say his foot hurts? Is it black and Blue? When I hurt my foot and the black and blue went aways it was much better and I didn't limp.
I hope it get better real quick

SNAKEI do not Like SNAKE End of Disscusion

How did you find out Jill was going to WDW?
I miss reading her post here on the DIS,and wonder how she is?

I was going to post here last nite while I was watching Landen. but didn't get a chance.
Landen was sitiing on my lap while i was reading you post and saw the pictures of Corbin and Carter, and when we came to picture of Carter in pool, he says THAT"S ME!!!!! he and Carter do look a little alike.

I soo wish that they could meet some time Do you think you might still go in Sept to spend a few days with you friends?

The picture of the boys walking hand and hand on the beach is so sweet. you need to make a big one of this for you house.
I think the time is going fast while waiting for our tip.
Only 78 more days for me!!!
Got to go print some autographs pages.
Have a Magicial Thursday

Grace

I'm sorry - I stopped over the other day but got called away and by the time I got back to my desk it was time to go....ugh! I'm hoping to have time today to pop over and really comment!

Yeah Carter tells me he has a "boo boo on my toe toe". It's not black and blue so if it's just bruised, it's a really deep bruise and it hasn't come to the surface yet....hopefully all will be well. Every time I think he's getting better running around or whatever, he's back to limping around so I'm not even sure what's wrong now.....

I hate snakes. I didn't realize until we moved here that our County that we live in is one of the places they collect the poisonoius snakes to make the anti-venum (sp?)....that's a comforting thought.

Jill posted that on her facebook page - that's how I heard about the trip. I asked her if she was going to do a TR from the last trip and PTR for this one but I haven't been back over there to check out.....life's been busy to say the least!

Aww that's so cute! The boys love looking at different pictures too.

We're still debating September. I really want to go at least for a weekend...hopefully it will all work out!

Alright...I honestly started typing this about 9:30ish this morning and am just know sneaking back to finish it! I've been working my "second job" as we call it here filling in for someone else while they're out.

Back to work!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Good morning Lynn

Yea!!!It's Friday

and one day closer to our DISNEY VACATION

I have not posted on my own PTR in a few days I'm been busy trying to finish the autograph book I'am making for my friends' son for their DisneyMoon.


Hope you have a good day at work today, I'm going to be a little late for work today, my dryer didn't work last nite and my clothes for work are wet. Oh well!!! it least it FRIDAY!

Hope Carter foot is feeling better.
And stay away from those SNAKES
Grace

 

[newtodis]

Good morning Lynn

Yea!!!It's Friday

and one day closer to our DISNEY VACATION

I have not posted on my own PTR in a few days I'm been busy trying to finish the autograph book I'am making for my friends' son for their DisneyMoon.


Hope you have a good day at work today, I'm going to be a little late for work today, my dryer didn't work last nite and my clothes for work are wet. Oh well!!! it least it FRIDAY!

Hope Carter foot is feeling better.
And stay away from those SNAKES
Grace

How sweet of you to make them an autograph book! You'll be a pro by the time you're ready to make yours!

Yes! So thankful today's Friday! Now if the day would just get done with so my weekend can start! LOL It's been dragging today!

You don’t have to go somewhere else just to experience a fruitful and memorable vacation or break, being with your family on your own house is something you need to be thankful for.

Welcome!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Hi, I followed you over from your link on the J&K thread. I just got done reading your entire PTR and am going to comment on some stuff.

You have such a beautiful family. It is wonderful that you are planning all this for them. I am in awe of your coupon skills!! That is great. I am a list person too, I can’t remember anything without my lists.

Your children are adorable!! This surprise sounds fantastic.

You are so right about them wanting to go to school so much when they are little, then not wanting to go when they get bigger.

so I asked him if he wanted beef, chicken or fish (all McDonald's options!) as I had to plan ahead for this dinner. He chose beef (not that it matters at all!) so I told him I needed to let "them" (I don't know who "them" is but it sounded good) know. He's become quite interested in this - he does love surprises and I love torturing him!

This is hilarious, I love it!!

OMG the label on the cold sore prescription, why can’t they call it something else?

I tend to keep things inside until a mini meltdown happens too.

I hope Carter's foot gets better very soon. I am in awe of your organizational skills . I wish I was like that. I can't wait to see how all this works out.

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Hi Lynn

Hope all is well?

Carter and I are in the same boat. Yesterday at the wedding I sliped a off a small curb and fell. So i'm limping around here too.
It's and starting to trun black and blue, I give it a few days and if it not better I'll go see the Dr.

Did you have a Good weekend , get any more Surprise plans done?
How the puzzle coming?

Tommorow we going to Kennywood ( amusement park near Pittsiburg PA)
to see how Landen does.


Guess Gramma will have to take it slow with the foot.
Have a good week
Grace

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Hey Lynn
Just checkin to see if everthing is O. K.
I know your busy finishing up last mintute plans.
Hope to talk soon
Take care
Grace

Happy July 1st