Baseball and Magic! Mar 2014 PTR, Um- make that TWO trips please!

[francis6306]

Ha ha! The park formerly known as ..... perfect!

I have no clue as to the Disney Jr. characters since they came out after Em was older. However, I may just be able to point out Handy Manny.

Definitely FP for TSMM is in order if you will already be in the park before rope drop.

You haven't seen Fantasmic yet?? Go and see it! The girls should like all the princess characters that are in the show.

Happy anniversary day of last being in WDW!

Our other two trips were during the holidays, so we were over in the Streets of America enjoying the lights! I just couldn't waste any of that precious time- and bedtime is always hanging right over my head! I know we'd all enjoy it, so I'm going to try and make it a priority on this trip!

 

[francis6306]

Real-Life Land update, ya'll!

I'm just checking in to say Happy Thanksgiving!! We went today to see Frozen and it's adorable! I LOVE the story with two sisters… beautiful! I don't wanna give anything away, but ya'll have got to go and see it. It's probably a better story than Brave- and I LOVE Brave. I sure hope that we get to meet both sisters in March!!! I will be so upset if they take them away before we get there! Brave's meet is still going, though, right?? So I should be okay…

I am shopping now for dresses for the girls (are ya shocked?!?! Are ya? ) but I'm not happy with the "cheap" version of Elsa's dress… It just looks… cheap. But I don't want to pay $50 for the "real deal." JC Penney's has a good version, but it's $36. So what's $14 more, right? Sigh. They are already getting a Barbie Jeep for Christmas… they don't need much else!!! We try and keep to 3 gifts at Christmas… you know, like the 3 gifts of the Magi? Since we were given the greatest gift of all, there is no reason to go crazy buying tons of gifts anyway! That's my own personal opinion on it anyway.

 

[francis6306]

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and I hope hat you all have as well. I did some online Christmas shopping and I'm settling in while Charlie Brown is on! Figured I would share my Throwback Thursday post up here for you, in case you are interested!

Thanksgiving Lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe! ​

 

[francis6306]

Well, folks, remember all the hard work I've been putting into this PTR? You know, all these plans that I've been thinking about for months? I don't know how to put this… but be ready- cause times, they are a'changing!

See… I got a friendly little text from the Bestie (Best known here as SBPrincess, Real-life name Shelley) that made my day so exciting. They had been playing around with the idea of joining us, but since her husband is in school right now, they just weren't sure if they could or more importantly if they should. Well, long story (which she is welcome to share her side of the story, hint, hint!) she sent me a text of the most BEAUTIFUL picture in a text message that there could be!

That's right folks… Shelley and Christen are hitting the world together AGAIN!!!!!​

So, here is thing… her dates are a little fluid right now- so things could change for her. Which means, that likely things WILL change for US! I can't have my best friend in the World and not spend as much quality time with her as possible! Of course, they will have their own time to do things that they want, but I want to make sure that we can maximize our time together. So, once she makes her final decisions, I can start making changes to our plans.

Oh and not to mention… today starts our "Double Digit Dance!"

 

[jenseib]

WoooHoooo!!!!!! I know that makes you happy!!!

We went and saw Frozen on Thanksgiving and we really liked it a lot too. Claire says it was the best movie ever!!!!! I must say i was not a fan of most of the songs thought, but the one where Elsa sings and builds her ice castle was a hit for both of us and Claire keeps singing it over and over.

 

[francis6306]

WoooHoooo!!!!!! I know that makes you happy!!!

We went and saw Frozen on Thanksgiving and we really liked it a lot too. Claire says it was the best movie ever!!!!! I must say i was not a fan of most of the songs thought, but the one where Elsa sings and builds her ice castle was a hit for both of us and Claire keeps singing it over and over.

I'm not sure I can explain how happy it makes me! haha!

Frozen was amazing. There were a LOT of singing in this- but it all came together. I do like Elsa's song. Demi Lovato sings the pop version and we've watched her music video several times, since Catie doesn't understand why I won't take her back to the big TV so she can watch the movie again. She knows we don't have it- but she wants to watch it… poor thing! Catie loves to sing that song though. I should try and get a video of them singing it!

 

[sbprincess]

Hello everyone!!!!

I am the friend Christen is referring to above! I am SOOOOOO excited about our plans. Let me try and give you the brief version of how/why we're tagging along and what could change.

My DH, Brian, started back to school to finish his degree this past Spring. He tutors for the school part-time but we're mainly a one income family for now. I am 1000% behind him with this but it has significantly hampered my WDW addiction When Christen first started planning this trip, we played around with the idea of joining but ultimately decided it wasn't possible. Well, a few weeks ago I learned that the terms of our American Airlines credit card had changed and the miles we've been accumulating since literally 2006 are going to expire in June 2014. (We had originally been hoping for a trip overseas one day.) I didn't immediately start piece things together because even though we could fly somewhere for just the taxes on the tickets, all other expenses are just that...expenses! But like any person with an addiction, eventually my thoughts wandered toward Disney. It did take a little coaxing of the spouse, but he's mildly addicted himself (he's just doesn't admit to it as easily as I do ). Plus, this will involve our goddaughters, which ultimately sealed his fate! So, we're only going for 4 nights (our shortest trip EVER!) and only getting 2 day passes (virtually unheard of), but hey - beggars can't be choosers.

The catch here is that Brian's school plans are still in the works right now. Currently, he attends both a local community college and they allow him to take one course at UNC-Greensboro. (Tuition is much cheaper at the comm. college!) But next semester he needs at least 3 courses at UNCG. We're not sure if that's even allowed since that would have him taking more courses at UNCG than at where's he's technically enrolled. That doesn't seem right to me. But the person he needs to have help him with all of this has been very hard to get with. So, hopefully next week he can figure out if he can still do the dual-campus thing or if he just needs to transfer to UNCG.

Why does that even matter?, you may ask. As ridiculous as it is, the comm. college and UNCG have different Spring Break schedules. STUPID, right?!?!?! So, our current dates of March 7-11 is the best schedule so that he only misses one day of each class. But, if he transfers and only goes to UNCG, their break is 3/8 - 3/16. So we would change so that he doesn't miss that Friday (the 7th). Not that I would ever want him to just transfer to UNCG so that my Disney plans work better... (I REALLY AM kidding there!!)

Oh, and to complicate things even more, we have to keep in mind the amount of miles needed for our airline tickets. Of course not all days require the same amount of miles. So one of the days we choose MUST be the cheapest # of miles, while the other can be the normal amount.

So, how's all of that for variables? I have to laugh so that I don't cry! Although, either way, we're going to DISNEY!!! But the planner in me wants to know if we're going March 7-11 or March 12-16! Stay tuned!! I'll update as soon as I know more

 

[khaleesi]

Haven't read through everything yet, but you had me at baseball.... BRAVES baseball!!! I'm going in February and hoping to catch the FIRST Spring Training game on my LAST day there!!

 

[francis6306]

Hello everyone!!!!

I am the friend Christen is referring to above! I am SOOOOOO excited about our plans. Let me try and give you the brief version of how/why we're tagging along and what could change.

My DH, Brian, started back to school to finish his degree this past Spring. He tutors for the school part-time but we're mainly a one income family for now. I am 1000% behind him with this but it has significantly hampered my WDW addiction When Christen first started planning this trip, we played around with the idea of joining but ultimately decided it wasn't possible. Well, a few weeks ago I learned that the terms of our American Airlines credit card had changed and the miles we've been accumulating since literally 2006 are going to expire in June 2014. (We had originally been hoping for a trip overseas one day.) I didn't immediately start piece things together because even though we could fly somewhere for just the taxes on the tickets, all other expenses are just that...expenses! But like any person with an addiction, eventually my thoughts wandered toward Disney. It did take a little coaxing of the spouse, but he's mildly addicted himself (he's just doesn't admit to it as easily as I do ). Plus, this will involve our goddaughters, which ultimately sealed his fate! So, we're only going for 4 nights (our shortest trip EVER!) and only getting 2 day passes (virtually unheard of), but hey - beggars can't be choosers.

The catch here is that Brian's school plans are still in the works right now. Currently, he attends both a local community college and they allow him to take one course at UNC-Greensboro. (Tuition is much cheaper at the comm. college!) But next semester he needs at least 3 courses at UNCG. We're not sure if that's even allowed since that would have him taking more courses at UNCG than at where's he's technically enrolled. That doesn't seem right to me. But the person he needs to have help him with all of this has been very hard to get with. So, hopefully next week he can figure out if he can still do the dual-campus thing or if he just needs to transfer to UNCG.

Why does that even matter?, you may ask. As ridiculous as it is, the comm. college and UNCG have different Spring Break schedules. STUPID, right?!?!?! So, our current dates of March 7-11 is the best schedule so that he only misses one day of each class. But, if he transfers and only goes to UNCG, their break is 3/8 - 3/16. So we would change so that he doesn't miss that Friday (the 7th). Not that I would ever want him to just transfer to UNCG so that my Disney plans work better... (I REALLY AM kidding there!!)

Oh, and to complicate things even more, we have to keep in mind the amount of miles needed for our airline tickets. Of course not all days require the same amount of miles. So one of the days we choose MUST be the cheapest # of miles, while the other can be the normal amount.

So, how's all of that for variables? I have to laugh so that I don't cry! Although, either way, we're going to DISNEY!!! But the planner in me wants to know if we're going March 7-11 or March 12-16! Stay tuned!! I'll update as soon as I know more

Hi friend!!! I am glad you came and explained all your craziness! But you know, it makes me feel so much better, because now I feel like maybe my plans weren't concrete because I was missing you!

Haven't read through everything yet, but you had me at baseball.... BRAVES baseball!!! I'm going in February and hoping to catch the FIRST Spring Training game on my LAST day there!!

I actually grew up in Atlanta and remember watching the braves win all those championships (and just missing out!) in the 90's! But I'm not as big a fan as my husband! He loves baseball- but he is a BIG Cubs fan. But baseball is baseball and he loves to catch a game whenever he can!

 

[khaleesi]

All caught up!!! So glad your friend will be able to join you for part of the trip!! Your girls are absolutely adorable and I love their names. So pretty. How special that your daughter had a coronation!! I watch Sophia the First as well and I agree... no Princess Ambers allowed! I should probably point out here that I'm 41. And childless, unless you count my cat who's not so into Disney cartoons! LOL.

I saw Frozen on Thanksgiving and I looooooved it, too!!!! It's now my second favorite Disney movie behind The Lion King.

I'm sorry for the loss of your grandpa... it sounds like you had a really special relationship. I share your faith so hopefully that has helped you get through it.

I really like how you listed your restaurants with the smilies... cute idea!! And I have a color-coded spreadsheet as well!! I showed it off at work one day and all I got were eyerolls. Hahah.

I actually grew up in Atlanta and remember watching the braves win all those championships (and just missing out!) in the 90's! But I'm not as big a fan as my husband! He loves baseball- but he is a BIG Cubs fan. But baseball is baseball and he loves to catch a game whenever he can!

I actually started out as a Cubs fan I have 8th grade math class to thank for my love of baseball.... we used Scholastic Math magazine in class and one month the most beautiful baseball player was on the cover! (Ryne Sandberg). The issue was about calculating batting averages and stuff like that. We lived in Buffalo at the time, and we got the channel that carried Cubs games so I was a happy teenager! We wound up moving to Pennsylvania where were my choices were the Braves on TBS or the Pirates on the local station. I didn't want to be in PA, so the Braves won! Been a fan ever since.

 

[francis6306]

All caught up!!! So glad your friend will be able to join you for part of the trip!! Your girls are absolutely adorable and I love their names. So pretty. How special that your daughter had a coronation!! I watch Sophia the First as well and I agree... no Princess Ambers allowed! I should probably point out here that I'm 41. And childless, unless you count my cat who's not so into Disney cartoons! LOL.

I love it! I enjoy the kid shows as much as my girls! Thank you for the compliments on their names! I'm quite fond of them myself! The coronation was SO much fun! And the college kids were so great to her. This job for my husband has been great for a family- they are VERY family oriented!

I saw Frozen on Thanksgiving and I looooooved it, too!!!! It's now my second favorite Disney movie behind The Lion King.

Isn't it fabulous?! I think I need to get the soundtrack for Christmas!

I'm sorry for the loss of your grandpa... it sounds like you had a really special relationship. I share your faith so hopefully that has helped you get through it.



I really like how you listed your restaurants with the smilies... cute idea!! And I have a color-coded spreadsheet as well!! I showed it off at work one day and all I got were eyerolls. Hahah.

How can you keep it organized if it's not color-coded???

I actually started out as a Cubs fan I have 8th grade math class to thank for my love of baseball.... we used Scholastic Math magazine in class and one month the most beautiful baseball player was on the cover! (Ryne Sandberg). The issue was about calculating batting averages and stuff like that. We lived in Buffalo at the time, and we got the channel that carried Cubs games so I was a happy teenager! We wound up moving to Pennsylvania where were my choices were the Braves on TBS or the Pirates on the local station. I didn't want to be in PA, so the Braves won! Been a fan ever since.

OMG, you and my husband have such a similar story about how you became "fans" of your teams! He grew up in KY and his only choices were TBS/Braves or WGN/Cubs!! He went with the Cubs, because they were the underdogs and he has been in love with them ever since!

 

[francis6306]

HI!!!

Sorry I have been MIA!! Dec has been a CRAZY month! And it's early! Sigh… And it's only going to get crazier! We've had several things going on- like Eastern Illinois University making it into the Playoffs for the Div I/FCS! We're rocking it, but it has just added a level of stress that we're not used to! haha

Tonight we were invited to a traditional "holiday" meal for the International students at EIU. It was so nice, a restaurant hosted and all the kids got to have turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and corn. It was so tasty! We had a little lesson on the holidays and what significance they held for us here in America. They had about 40 people there.

 

[francis6306]

So, ya'll know I've been booked for my trip for MONTHS, right? I mean, this thing is been on the radar for a while now… So imagine my surprise when I receive a text from the Bestie (sbprincess) that says that SHE received her thumbdrive in the Incredibles packaging?!

See, we went down to MS this week for my husband to FINALLY walk across the stage to receive his hood and diploma for his doctorate. So, while we are on the way down, Shelley sends me a text about her package. I excitedly ask the friend who is pet sitting to make sure to check our mail, because SURELY if Shelley has hers, then MINE should be coming, too, right?!?!?!?!?

Wrong. She checked and then we checked again… no super cute Incredibles package waiting on us. Geez!!!

I am constantly checking My Disney Experience to see if there is anything new I get to do… I have customized our bands and I'm ready to start dealing with our FP+ stuff. I just want to see what our options for that are, you know?

Anyway, I'll work on getting pictures up from our trip soon.

 

[jenseib]

So, ya'll know I've been booked for my trip for MONTHS, right? I mean, this thing is been on the radar for a while now… So imagine my surprise when I receive a text from the Bestie (sbprincess) that says that SHE received her thumbdrive in the Incredibles packaging?!

See, we went down to MS this week for my husband to FINALLY walk across the stage to receive his hood and diploma for his doctorate. So, while we are on the way down, Shelley sends me a text about her package. I excitedly ask the friend who is pet sitting to make sure to check our mail, because SURELY if Shelley has hers, then MINE should be coming, too, right?!?!?!?!?

Wrong. She checked and then we checked again… no super cute Incredibles package waiting on us. Geez!!!

I am constantly checking My Disney Experience to see if there is anything new I get to do… I have customized our bands and I'm ready to start dealing with our FP+ stuff. I just want to see what our options for that are, you know?

Anyway, I'll work on getting pictures up from our trip soon.

From what I understand, right now not everyone is getting them. It's kind of random...and then some people are getting multiple sets in true Disney unorganized fashion.

 

[francis6306]

From what I understand, right now not everyone is getting them. It's kind of random...and then some people are getting multiple sets in true Disney unorganized fashion.

But I want it NOW!

I know that it was random… but I really did think we'd get one, too! You know, I seem to be lucky with the Pins…

 

[Woth2982]

I somehow got TWO of them! I added another night at the start of my trip, had to book a different hotel because POFQ was booked, and I guess it is because I now have two reservations? I think they are "personalized" otherwise Id send you my extra one!

 

[francis6306]

I somehow got TWO of them! I added another night at the start of my trip, had to book a different hotel because POFQ was booked, and I guess it is because I now have two reservations? I think they are "personalized" otherwise Id send you my extra one!

Well, see THAT isn't fair! How did you get MY Mickey Mail!?

No, I know they are personalized. I saw someone that is going in May recently got one- REALLY Disney?

 

[waltsgirl4ever]

I hate to say this but for our May trip, we got one too!

 

[caralyn817]

I'm super excited to be following you. We will be there as well in March, but March 21-29. I can't wait to read more.

 

[francis6306]

I hate to say this but for our May trip, we got one too!

Okay… THAT is no fair either! j/k… I'm not mad. A little disappointed for my girls, but they will love getting the magic bands, so that will have to do!

I'm super excited to be following you. We will be there as well in March, but March 21-29. I can't wait to read more.

Yay! My nephew is getting married that weekend, so I'll be in GA!