Aloha all! Hopelessly behind but working to catch up!!!
Finally back and settled in the Mid-Atlantic! The Wild West was fun but, man, am I glad to be back into what I know. While I do love my ILs, spending 3 of the last 5 weeks together has been a bit wearing and I think we were all ready for some time away... esp when the next time together involves the mouse!!!
We didn't make it to Estes Park or the major mountain areas, but did spend a day in Thermopolis, WY. DD is a dinosaur freak and loved looking at the fossils and we all had a blast swimming in the hot springs... def a worthwhile, relaxing trip.
DD had her 7th birthday while we were away and was bummed that it's not a 'major' milestone. So, I did what any good Disney momma does and told her that now she's old enough to ride alone and she was ECSTATIC! "YES! We can do single rider now!!!" That's my girl! When we got home, DH surprised her with the Elsa dress we managed to snag (after countless hours of stalking the
Disney Store website) and she was in tears from joy... totally surprised and thrilled. She has been treating it reverently and is so excited when she read the note I got the E&A FP for Sept - "Now I can wear it to meet Elsa!!!" She is also taking the news about Japan well; lots of ups and downs with excitement and concerns but overall enthused.
We are waiting for our official orders and then we do the health screen which will pretty much be the last stepping stone in the process. Once that's done and we are approved, we're counting down until we blast off. Since we'll find out officially right around the beginning of September, we are going to get some pictures at EPCOT in Japan in front of the pagoda and torii (the big gate on the lake) and use that as the 'announcement' to everyone - we have only told immediate family and friends in case something changes... too hard to explain why things might change.
Other than that, just counting down to Disney! The lack of good internet connection drove me batty - I tried to change FP+ and dining a few times and just got frustrated. I'm thinking it's a sign to leave things alone but I can't help it!!!
My friend just did WDW with 6, 4, 9 months and had a blast. She said biggest thing is to use Rider Swap and have a good stroller for the little one to nap and get out of the sun. Also, they had a babysitter come to the room for two PM EMH so mom and dad could go with the older kids and it worked really well! Enjoy!!!
You all are wonderfully amazing and bless you for helping out your friends! It's so sad to hear about so much tragedy but so amazing that you can jump in and help out in a time like this. *HUGS*
I'm off to try to get some sleep - the girls did great flying but I am exhausted from running through terminals and wrangling them with the time change. We are crashing with my folks for a few days (DH stopped by before he had to head out of town for work) so I'm hoping to just be lazy tomorrow. Will work to catch up and HAPPY CHANGING!!!!