August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[Kels Sem]

Oh Kelly what a nightmare!! DON'T BE GOING ANYWHERE in a snowstorm!! Poor kiddos! I was actually thinking about you when I heard about all the snow in the UK this week - I was hoping your DH could stay home & not risk getting stranded someplace over Christmas!! You tell him your American DIS peep said just stay home this week!!!

Thanks - fortunately DH decided not to travel this week thank goodness and has been working from home. Both kids really aren't very well so I doubt we will be going anywhere tomorrow. I just hope that they get better in time for Xmas day and I don't get what they have.

I need to go and wrap some pressies...

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey there peeps! Found us back on page 3 again!!

Kelly - hope you & the kiddos are feeling better by now...I got lots of wrapping to finish up too! I wonder how Karen's week at the world is going?! Hope she's having fun.... And then there's Jeff...getting ready to go down again....

I am soooo sleepy - I could fall asleep right here at my keyboard.... Wonder if a little cat nap would help?!

Only 7 months 21 days to go!!

 

[jd99]

Merry Christmas

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. We are getting ready for a neighborhood party, then church, then a quiet dinner at home waiting for Santa!

Ho ho ho!

 

[Anal Annie]

Just popping in to say HEY THERE!! Hope everyone had a great Christmas!! Ours was hectic - DS had an intramural swim meet all morning on Xmas eve morning then we went to MIL's for an early dinner and presents then came home to a neighbors party to finish off Christmas eve. Christmas morning went by in a big WHOOSH then we drove to my parents in WV. Another busy, busy day with dinner at my Aunts at 4:00. We drove back yesterday so it was a quickie trip. We dodged the blizzard that is pounding the Northeast! Jeff - I hope it didn't cause any flight delays for you heading to FL...I hear it's COLD down there again too.

DS and I are supposed to go skiing tomorrow....hope my old knees are ready!! It is very windy here today so I am anticipating that DS's swim practice will get cancelled this evening (they close the bubble when there are high wind warnings). I will be bummed if they do since we missed yesterdays practice and will likely miss tomorrow evenings too (unless we call it quits for the skiing early so we can drive back in time to be at the pool by 6:00.) Hummmm. I hate for him to miss so many practices...

Well, we found someone who wanted a points transfer so we transferred 1/2 of our DVC points for this year to them & are going to use the cash to book our Paris portion of our trip. Now if only the airfare would drop just a little so I can book that...don't want to book any hotels until we confirm what days we're flying!! I am READY to finalize some stuff tho!! Getting anxious!! My parents gave me a charm bracelet for Christmas & one of the charms was the Eiffel Tower - Mom thought it fit in for our trip next summer. DH gave me a Kindle - so now we're a 2 Kindle family! I'll have to see if I can download any tour books for our trip. I've been buying books here & there & was planning to bring a couple of the smaller pocket size ones...but having them on a Kindle might be convenient too!!

 

[west&east]

Hello and Merry Christmas!!
We haven't been very chatty since I've been gone. Hope everyone has been enjoying this great holiday season so far.
We are back from a fabulous Walt Disney World/ Beach Club vacation (5 nights) followed by 4 nights at my in laws in Arkansas. Disney was sooooo great. I am not tiring of it at all. We loved the location of BC. Highlights of the trip included a special anniversary dinner at the Queen Victoria Room of Victoria and Albert, lots of special times with our children and the other family we traveled with, watching the lunar eclipse at 2am at Magic Kingdom, swimming in Stormalong Bay (on a day that was actually warm enough to swim! 75 or so), signing Christmas carols with the kids as we walked to Epcot, Holiday Wishes, Osborne Lights, and lots and lots of giggles and smiles.
Relaxing at my inlaws was perfect after a busy trip to Disney. Only negative was coming back to find our refrigerator had died and I had to throw out everything from the fridge and freezer. Thankfully, we have a fridge in the garage. Repair guy was here today and hopefully the right part will be in on Thursday. This is pretty important because we are hosting about 25-30 adults + 25-30 kids for our annual New Years Eve party!! Once we get through New Years the planning for this cruise will begin in earnest!
Happy New Year to everyone!

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey all...

Karen - glad you are back safe & sound - sounds like a nice trip!! Were the kiddos surprised?! We really like that back entrance to Epcot from BCV - that is VERY cool. ONE day we'll make it to Disney over the Christmas holiday. It is just hard to think of not being home & hard to think of not being with family. How did you like Restaurant Marrakesh? That really sucks about your frig going out! Stinky too!! Sounds like you've got quite a party planned!! We have no plans this year. I'll probably be lucky to still be awake at midnight!!

So DS and I went skiing yesterday...nice day for it. The wind had finally died down. It wasn't TOO crowded either. I hate it when the lift lines are forever long. I am sore today tho. Unused muscles & all. I am really a BAD skier!! I tend to go down in a wedge the whole way down on my first run, until I get back into it a little. I will forever be a beginner! DS tho took off with some of our neighbors - he went down a double black diamond - that would've scared me to death so I am glad I CAN'T go where he goes!!

So who else has big plans for NYE??

 

[Kels Sem]

Hi,

Karen, sounds if you have had a great trip. I have friends who are there at the moment and have said that it's been very cold and most people are heading to the malls.

We had a nice family christmas although the kids have been sick all over the holidays. Keira is now better but poor Nathan is still not great. He has an awful cough and he coughs that much he's sick so it's not very pleasant for him. Hopefully he will get better soon.

We have no plans for NYE but I hope everyone else has a great one whatever you are all doing.

K

 

[west&east]

Hey all...

Karen - glad you are back safe & sound - sounds like a nice trip!! Were the kiddos surprised?! We really like that back entrance to Epcot from BCV - that is VERY cool. ONE day we'll make it to Disney over the Christmas holiday. It is just hard to think of not being home & hard to think of not being with family. How did you like Restaurant Marrakesh? That really sucks about your frig going out! Stinky too!! Sounds like you've got quite a party planned!! We have no plans this year. I'll probably be lucky to still be awake at midnight!!

I recommend the pre-Xmas get away so you can get the best of both worlds- Disney (before the crowds go really crazy from Xmas to New Years) and then back with family for Christmas morning...
Marrakesh was okay. The best food was the sample appetizer we had with hummus, tabouleh, etc. DH's dish was the best of the entrees- it was beef with some kind of vinegar glaze I think, hard boiled eggs, couscous. Hard to describe but tasty. My lamb couscous wasn't bad, sort of comfort food on a cold night, but nothing exciting. I won't make a special trip to go back there but would try the counter service place in Morrocco. Biergarten was really fun and better food overall, but of course nothing will compare with V&A. We were pleasantly suprised with the dinner at Cape May too.

My refrigerator is fixed and I have already been to Costco to begin filling it! Just focusing on getting through tomorrow night. DH is off to Trader Joes for wine/champagne.

Happy New Year to all!

 

[Anal Annie]

Ahhh...Costco...I need to make a run over there sometime soon...waiting on the next coupon booklet to come!! It always seems to be a $300 trip for me whenever I go.

I didn't want to turn you off to Restaurant Marrakesh before you went but we were disappointed with it. We DO enjoy the Tangerine Cafe so you must try that next time. We have never done Victoria & Alberts...we're not so much into the fancy dining. Beyond our budget for the most part. It would be nice to be able to travel before Xmas - you can still do that 'cuz your kiddos are still young - but our DS would miss too much in school. He starts high school next year...and even tho he's just in 8th grade this year he is in several advanced classes, including honors geometry which is a high school credit. Our schools do not get out for their winter break until Dec. 24 so any pre-holiday travel is out for us.

Kelly - sorry your kids are down over their winter break! That really sucks!! My DS has had a sore throat since the day after Xmas & is now into a full blown cold. At least he can take it easy this week before going back to school next week. I DO feel sorry for him having to swim with a cold. At least he has a couple of weeks to get over it before his next meet.

We don't really have any plans for NYE...decided that maybe we could splurge & go OUT to dinner for a change. We mostly do the curbside pickup / takeout routine so actually going INSIDE to eat is unusual for us!! It is just cheaper to bring it home. But so I called a couple of places that we RARELY go to (mostly 'cuz they're further away & we tend to stick to places that are within 5 or 10 miles of home). I figured we could go outside our little neighborhood zone for once! I called the Cheesecake Factory down in North Bethesda - they will only take ressies for parties of 6 or more. I am sure their wait would be horrid on NYE. Then I called PF Chang's - DH loves them. They're actually in the same mall as Cheesecake but they WILL take ressies so I put us in for a ressie at 8:00. So it should be an early NYE for us. Even if they're running a little late I think we should probably be home by 10 or 10:30. Then comes the challenge of staying awake until midnight!! OY! I feel so old on NYE!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Well, I am just sitting here, waiting for it to be time to go out to our dinner! Yummmm...food!! I am getting hungry!!

Just thought I'd wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Karen - party hearty... Kelly - no more icky sickies for 2011!! LUKE?!!?? HELLO? You still comin' with us buddy?! Jeff - hope FLA warmed up for ya & that you had a rockin' time! N.J. Ohana?! Hello?!

 

[Kels Sem]

Happy New Year everyone! Let the cruise planning commence

We had a quiet night. We went out for dinner with the kids and then we all watched Alice in Wonderland, we hadn't seen this film and we all enjoyed it.

The christmas decorations have been taken down and put away until next year so the house is looking bare...

Hope everyone had a great NYE whatever they did.

Kx

 

[west&east]

Happy New Year and welcome to the year of our Magic Mediterannean Cruise!!!!!!

We had a crazy but fun New Year's Eve party. As predicted, we had about 30 kids and 30 adults. It somehow all worked out. The kids hung out in the garage which we set up as a dance party room, some watched a movie, and some also played outside. Luckily it wasn't the coldest night so the kids could play outside a bit and some adults sat on the patio or by the fire pit. Everbody brought food and there was a ton.

Yesterday was mostly a pj day although I did whip up some hopping john (black eyed peas and rice, a traditional southern New Years' Day dish). I'm still pretty worn out today and am relaxing for the final day of break before we return to school and work and reality tomorrow. We are lucky to have a full 2 weeks off for the Christmas break and because we had three different "phases" to our vacation, it felt pretty long (Disney, Arkansas then back home). DS really misses Disney though. No return trips for a while I don't think. We are planning a few days up in DC with MIL and FIL over spring break and we might visit some friends on the west coast at the beginning of the summer, but mostly we will be gearing up for this cruise!!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Happy New Year and welcome to the year of our Magic Mediterannean Cruise!!!!!!

We had a crazy but fun New Year's Eve party. As predicted, we had about 30 kids and 30 adults. It somehow all worked out. The kids hung out in the garage which we set up as a dance party room, some watched a movie, and some also played outside. Luckily it wasn't the coldest night so the kids could play outside a bit and some adults sat on the patio or by the fire pit. Everbody brought food and there was a ton.

Yesterday was mostly a pj day although I did whip up some hopping john (black eyed peas and rice, a traditional southern New Years' Day dish). I'm still pretty worn out today and am relaxing for the final day of break before we return to school and work and reality tomorrow. We are lucky to have a full 2 weeks off for the Christmas break and because we had three different "phases" to our vacation, it felt pretty long (Disney, Arkansas then back home). DS really misses Disney though. No return trips for a while I don't think. We are planning a few days up in DC with MIL and FIL over spring break and we might visit some friends on the west coast at the beginning of the summer, but mostly we will be gearing up for this cruise!!!

When is your spring break? We could plan a DIS meet somewhere!! I just live about 22 miles north of DC!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Alright peeps...PAGE 4!!! We need to step it up here!!!

Jeff - ya back from FLA yet?! How was it?!

I found another small 17" "international size" carry-on bag the other day on clearance at Target for like $55. It was one of those Swiss Army brand ones - looks pretty well made - better than some of that 'el cheapo no-name stuff anyway. And if it's just going to be used as a carry-on it won't get so much abuse. So now we all 3 have lightweight 17" size carry-ons so there shouldn't be any problems with our carry-ons anywhere. THEN I wandered thru TJ Maxx - found a really nice 16" Atlantic brand shoulder tote for $25 that is perfect for me to carry as my "personal item". It will fit under the seat and is big enough to hold my DSLR camera and my "anti-theft" purse that I bought to bring. OH, DH got ME a Kindle now for Xmas so it has a place for that, brochures, other travel guides, a bottle of water and one of those squishy neck pillows!! It also has a velcro strap on the back that will slide and fasten over the handle of the 17" suitcase so I won't have to CARRY it all the time. LOL... I did another "test pack" of the 2 bags together then weighed them. I must say that I am impressing myself more all the time with my packing skills!! I got 8 tops, 4 shorts, 3 capris, 2 pr sandals, PJ's, 3 days of undies, a bathing suit + a cover-up into the 17" bag and altogether the 2 bags weighed 27 or 28 Lbs (the bathroom scale kept flipping around). This was just throwing junk in so if I REALLY plan it right I am sure I can do this!! Somebody please remind of this around August 5 when I am talking about HOW MUCH STUFF I HAVE PACKED!!! Bookmark this post will ya!? NOW if only I could find cheap flights to go with my cheap bags!!!

 

[west&east]

When is your spring break? We could plan a DIS meet somewhere!! I just live about 22 miles north of DC!!

spring break is the week before Easter (we will probably be up in DC for the last four or five days ending on Easter Sunday). Will you be around? Not sure it would work with my mother in law who probably will plan every minute of the trip, but who knows...

 

[west&east]

Alright peeps...PAGE 4!!! We need to step it up here!!!

Jeff - ya back from FLA yet?! How was it?!

I found another small 17" "international size" carry-on bag the other day on clearance at Target for like $55. It was one of those Swiss Army brand ones - looks pretty well made - better than some of that 'el cheapo no-name stuff anyway. And if it's just going to be used as a carry-on it won't get so much abuse. So now we all 3 have lightweight 17" size carry-ons so there shouldn't be any problems with our carry-ons anywhere. THEN I wandered thru TJ Maxx - found a really nice 16" Atlantic brand shoulder tote for $25 that is perfect for me to carry as my "personal item". It will fit under the seat and is big enough to hold my DSLR camera and my "anti-theft" purse that I bought to bring. OH, DH got ME a Kindle now for Xmas so it has a place for that, brochures, other travel guides, a bottle of water and one of those squishy neck pillows!! It also has a velcro strap on the back that will slide and fasten over the handle of the 17" suitcase so I won't have to CARRY it all the time. LOL... I did another "test pack" of the 2 bags together then weighed them. I must say that I am impressing myself more all the time with my packing skills!! I got 8 tops, 4 shorts, 3 capris, 2 pr sandals, PJ's, 3 days of undies, a bathing suit + a cover-up into the 17" bag and altogether the 2 bags weighed 27 or 28 Lbs (the bathroom scale kept flipping around). This was just throwing junk in so if I REALLY plan it right I am sure I can do this!! Somebody please remind of this around August 5 when I am talking about HOW MUCH STUFF I HAVE PACKED!!! Bookmark this post will ya!? NOW if only I could find cheap flights to go with my cheap bags!!!

nice work on the carry ons and congrats on the Kindle! what are you reading on it? DD got a nice lightweight small roller from Santa and she adores it. she doesn't know yet how handy it actually will be!

Just checked prices again on DCL and 5C is still $2459 for 1st two in cabin and $899 for 3 and 4. We saved about $1500 by booking when we did. There are still 8 cabins in left in cat 5C that I can see...

 

[MRAven]

Alright peeps...PAGE 4!!! We need to step it up here!!!

Jeff - ya back from FLA yet?! How was it?!

I found another small 17" "international size" carry-on bag the other day on clearance at Target for like $55. It was one of those Swiss Army brand ones - looks pretty well made - better than some of that 'el cheapo no-name stuff anyway. And if it's just going to be used as a carry-on it won't get so much abuse. So now we all 3 have lightweight 17" size carry-ons so there shouldn't be any problems with our carry-ons anywhere. THEN I wandered thru TJ Maxx - found a really nice 16" Atlantic brand shoulder tote for $25 that is perfect for me to carry as my "personal item". It will fit under the seat and is big enough to hold my DSLR camera and my "anti-theft" purse that I bought to bring. OH, DH got ME a Kindle now for Xmas so it has a place for that, brochures, other travel guides, a bottle of water and one of those squishy neck pillows!! It also has a velcro strap on the back that will slide and fasten over the handle of the 17" suitcase so I won't have to CARRY it all the time. LOL... I did another "test pack" of the 2 bags together then weighed them. I must say that I am impressing myself more all the time with my packing skills!! I got 8 tops, 4 shorts, 3 capris, 2 pr sandals, PJ's, 3 days of undies, a bathing suit + a cover-up into the 17" bag and altogether the 2 bags weighed 27 or 28 Lbs (the bathroom scale kept flipping around). This was just throwing junk in so if I REALLY plan it right I am sure I can do this!! Somebody please remind of this around August 5 when I am talking about HOW MUCH STUFF I HAVE PACKED!!! Bookmark this post will ya!? NOW if only I could find cheap flights to go with my cheap bags!!!

Hello Annie and all other Marounding Cruisers - Wishing you many many future Happy Cruises.

Annie, I must ask you about your comment on an "anti-theft purse/bag" what is so special about it or what makes it anti-theft ?

 

[Anal Annie]

nice work on the carry ons and congrats on the Kindle! what are you reading on it? DD got a nice lightweight small roller from Santa and she adores it. she doesn't know yet how handy it actually will be!

Just checked prices again on DCL and 5C is still $2459 for 1st two in cabin and $899 for 3 and 4. We saved about $1500 by booking when we did. There are still 8 cabins in left in cat 5C that I can see...

I am afraid I haven't started using the Kindle yet!! I am still reading that Angels & Demons book - I only read when I'm at the pool & even then I don't always read if there's other Moms sitting there to talk to!! It takes me awhile!! But whenever I DO get a book I am going to get that 3rd book from that series - The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest!

These 17" international size bags are certainly kid-sized!! They are so small they're funny looking!

 

[Anal Annie]

spring break is the week before Easter (we will probably be up in DC for the last four or five days ending on Easter Sunday). Will you be around? Not sure it would work with my mother in law who probably will plan every minute of the trip, but who knows...

Our spring break is that same week...we should probably be around as far as I know...we can play it by ear...you can always log on & let me know if you have any free time!!

 

[Anal Annie]

Hello Annie and all other Marounding Cruisers - Wishing you many many future Happy Cruises.

Annie, I must ask you about your comment on an "anti-theft purse/bag" what is so special about it or what makes it anti-theft ?

Hey, hey Mr. A!! Happy New Year to you too!! How were your holidays?!

RE: the anti-theft bag...I got one that is reinforced with steel in the strap so it's slash proof. It also has concealed, locking compartments so the pickpockets can't slip their hands in. And it has a cross-body style strap which is more secure and the strap unhooks so that you can lock it around something (so like if you were to put it on the back of the chair - you can wrap the strap around the chair & fasten it so they can't snatch it).

http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Travelon-Anti-theft-Messenger-Bag/3958041/product.html?cid=144222&fp=F&mr:referralID=924e0784-1881-11e0-af68-001b2166becc

DH got a Pac Safe messenger style laptop bag too with similar security features...
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=83