"But Mommy, how do we get to Disney World?" A Nov/Dec 2011 PTR Update 8/8!

[Villainess]

One thing that I am already stressing myself out to end for this trip is the weather and how unpredictable it can be at this time of year.

I have been to WDW Christmas/New Year's week, and it was in the 70's/low 80's no humidity during the day, with the evenings low/mid 60's. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this ideal weather, however in recent years my cousins have experienced 30 degree temps, frost, and other very un-Florida like weather.

One of the things I *love* about trip planning is the clothes shopping for DD and DS! Since we usually go in spring, DD is able to sport lots of cute and fun sundresses and DS has his preppy khaki shorts and sandals. Going in late fall, I'm not so sure about the sundresses and sandals.

Still, the kids needed clothes for summer, but in my shopping I couldn't help but think if they would be versatile enough for possible weather changes. I hate packing ridiculous amounts of clothes because try as I might, I can never pack them back up as neat and tidy as they fly down. I'm hoping to minimize overpacking as much as possible.

Soooo ... over the weekend, DSis, Nonna, and I took DD, DS, and DNiece shopping! DS is soooo not a shopper (typical boy!), but having DNiece with us prevented any meltdowns or riots of wanting to leave.

I picked up some cute t's at Lord & Taylor for DS. One of these will be worn for Dee Dad's 85th bday party next weekend!

I really liked the vintage look of these. Since he loves hot dogs, DS was certainly excited by this find. Of course he said, "You have to buy the soder to go with it." I was planning too, but was not so pleased that exDH has introduced him to the world of Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke.

Dino T and shorts

Any of these could possibly make it into the suitcase. T's can easily be paired with a long sleeve button down in case of chilly weather.

DS found these pirate shirts. He said the one on the left is Cpt. Jack's boat being attacked by the jellyfish (refuses to admit it is an octopus so I just go with it). He also found matching sandals. The skull t-shirt reminded me of the scene in Finding Nemo where the fish create the Sydney Oprah House, arrow, etc. only in a pirate sort of way.

Pirates are becoming a new interest for DS. Since Jake and the Neverland Pirates debuted, he likes to pretend to battle Cpt. Hook and has an interest in the POTC movies. I allow them to watch it because they don't really watch TV rather they listen, glance, play in the room next to the TV, repeat. However, the latest POTC, I think they shall skip seeing.

DD, on the other hand, is a total girlie girl. Dresses and skirts - absolutely no pants! She will wear leggings under a dress or skirt, so my plan is to purchase lots in various colors so I don't have to pack tights. Leggings can also be easily stuck in my bag if the temperature drops suddenly.

I think this skirt will most probably be in the suitcase. I can get a pink or brown short sleeve top and pair with a sweater for cooler temps.

She loved this dress. Paired with a sweater it could work as well.

A denim skirt= matches with everything so definitely a must! I happened to stumble upon the Gymboree sale - everything in the store was $12.99 or under!!!!!

I purchased this long sleeve shirt that could be paired with the t-shirt.

DSis has been searching for a dress that both DNiece and DD can wear. We've had no luck as usually the dress is in one size, but not the other. That is until we found the okapie dress!

DD *loves* okapies! She also swears that zebras are okapies before they turn brown, and despite my explanations, she will hear none of it. So for now, I let it go. DD said DNiece and her will be wearing this to our AK breakfast. Regardless of weather, I will have to ensure I have a sweater, leggings, etc. to match this outfit!

I've begun searching Etsy for some cute dresses that can be paired with long sleeve shirts or sweaters; I really like the peasant dress look and some of the patterns are just adorable. Unfortunately, I never have much luck with finding clothes for DS on there as they seem to babyish, IMO.


In other non-WDW related news, DD had her dress rehearsal this afternoon for her dance recital on Saturday. She did great, and I am hoping to be able to reveal a huge surprise and accomplishment of hers to you once the recital is over. I was given the wonderful surprise that exDH is bringing his live-in GF to the recital bc she feels that she deserves to be there. But she is more than just a GF, she is the mistress, and now I have to face her, pretend that she is not the person she is so my kids do not sense hostility, sadness, etc (DD was only 7 mos old when we separated so neither know the reasons for our split, obviously). I am beyond upset that he has decided that it is more important for her to be there (supposedly she has threatened to break up with him if she cannot come) disregarding DD's feelings 1st (she doesn't want her there), and the feelings of both his family (parents, grandparents) and my family, and how awkward the situation will be. Despite the divorce, our families have been friendly and we continued to celebrate the kids bdays together. However, I am foreseeing the end of this with the exception of big milestones (communion, graduation, etc.). I'm sad as I was so looking forward to this day, not just to be the proud mommy (I still will be of course), but because the day was supposed to be about DD, and now, well, it is not. To top it off, he wants both families to go out for lunch afterwards. Last year we did this (she was not in the picture), but I told him that it was unfair of him to ask me to sit at the same table as her and carry a conversation. I could use any extra pixie dust if you have some you can spare to get through these next few days. I keep telling myself to "think happy thoughts" and "whatever doesn't kill you, will make you stronger" but it isn't helping all that much.

 

[Shannon84]

What cute clothes you found!! Is it bad that I really wish they made some of those outfits for my size...especially the zebra print dress!!

I cannot imagine being put in that situation at all, that is just so tough and I really do not have any advice on how to handle it, but I do have tons of hugs and hope that it all goes smoothly. I can tell you that I grew up in a very similar experience. Even to this day (I'm 27 now) my mom has kept a strong front about it and has never talked badly about my father or stepmom and I don't know how she hasn't, because I would have a hard time not saying something!!! I always feel in the end these things come full circle to bite people in the butt and I have always admired my mom for being so strong throughout these situations...I think it has helped make me a stronger person as well

 

[EvangelineG]

Just found your PTR. We're going to be there at the same time.

I also love to plan elaborate parties for my kids, but I've got nothing on you! Beautiful job on the party planning!

Can't wait to see more of your Disney planning.

Good luck at your DD's recital. What a tough situation for you to be in!

 

[Kari-B]

Cute clothes you found for your kids! I planning on bringing items for layering for our trip, too. My DD will wear mostly dresses with legging and shirts to add or remove.

 

[annmarieda]

very cute kids clothes

I'll keep my fingers crossed that all goes well at the recital.

 

[21hearts]

Adorable clothes!

One idea for wearing dresses in Florida is to pair it with a pair of leggins or jeans. I do this with my DD all the time on the days where its 50/60 in the morning & 80 in the afternoon. Once it warms up we take the jeans/pants off of her and she's good to go.

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

I can't imagine how hard that recital is going to be! I am sending you positive thoughts and pixie dust! Like PP said, these things come full circle! I can't imagine that they will have a lasting/fullfilling relationship because theirs began in a lie.

 

[afwdwfan]

Don't worry about the weather. I've thought about it too based on the dramatic temperature swings that time of year the past couple of years, but one thing you, Disney or I can't control is the weather. Unfortunately, I guess we just have to pack for warm weather and just make sure we have sweathshirts, jackets and all that fun stuff we have to wear at home ready.

I'm sorry about the situation your ex is putting you in. That's a shame that he isn't even taking your daughter's feelings into consideration. I hope the recital is as painless as possible for your.

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

How did the recital go??

 

[Villainess]

What cute clothes you found!! Is it bad that I really wish they made some of those outfits for my size...especially the zebra print dress!!

I cannot imagine being put in that situation at all, that is just so tough and I really do not have any advice on how to handle it, but I do have tons of hugs and hope that it all goes smoothly. I can tell you that I grew up in a very similar experience. Even to this day (I'm 27 now) my mom has kept a strong front about it and has never talked badly about my father or stepmom and I don't know how she hasn't, because I would have a hard time not saying something!!! I always feel in the end these things come full circle to bite people in the butt and I have always admired my mom for being so strong throughout these situations...I think it has helped make me a stronger person as well

When I am shopping for DD, I always think that too! "Hey, do they have my size? I want this for me!" I find it so much easier to find clothes I like for DD than when I am shopping for myself.

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom! It was difficult, but I survived. The one thing I do not want me children to experience is being put in the middle of bickering or bad mouthing.

Just found your PTR. We're going to be there at the same time.

I also love to plan elaborate parties for my kids, but I've got nothing on you! Beautiful job on the party planning!

Can't wait to see more of your Disney planning.

Good luck at your DD's recital. What a tough situation for you to be in!

Welcome!!!! Thanks for joining in and for the party planning compliments. It is fun - I actually have 2 parties coming up this month (1 this weekend, the other in a few weeks).

Cute clothes you found for your kids! I planning on bringing items for layering for our trip, too. My DD will wear mostly dresses with legging and shirts to add or remove.

I've been doing 'window shopping' on Etsy lately for DD. I have about 6 - 8 outfits or designers bookmarked to refer back to and order in late summer/early fall.

very cute kids clothes

I'll keep my fingers crossed that all goes well at the recital.

Thank you! We made it through, but I'm glad it is over.

 

[Villainess]

Adorable clothes!

One idea for wearing dresses in Florida is to pair it with a pair of leggins or jeans. I do this with my DD all the time on the days where its 50/60 in the morning & 80 in the afternoon. Once it warms up we take the jeans/pants off of her and she's good to go.

Yes, that is a great idea, especially with the leggings. I can just throw them in my bag or in DNiece's stroller basket without them taking up much room.

I can't imagine how hard that recital is going to be! I am sending you positive thoughts and pixie dust! Like PP said, these things come full circle! I can't imagine that they will have a lasting/fullfilling relationship because theirs began in a lie.

Thanks so much for the pixie dust! I try to reassure myself of those things, and I guess I can be getting impatient for it to come back around!

Don't worry about the weather. I've thought about it too based on the dramatic temperature swings that time of year the past couple of years, but one thing you, Disney or I can't control is the weather. Unfortunately, I guess we just have to pack for warm weather and just make sure we have sweathshirts, jackets and all that fun stuff we have to wear at home ready.

I'm sorry about the situation your ex is putting you in. That's a shame that he isn't even taking your daughter's feelings into consideration. I hope the recital is as painless as possible for your.

You are right - the weather is certainly nothing anyone can control, because let's face it, if Disney could figure out a way to do that, I'm sure they would!

How did the recital go??

DD did great and we survived. ExDH was respectful of my family and did not have her around when taking pictures. It was difficult and awkward, but we managed. See below!

 

[Villainess]

Saturday was DD's recital, and as you know, I was a nervous wreck with the attendance of a certain person. Last week, exDH's sister, husband, and children were visiting and staying with him so he was using his extra 'kid days' for most of the week. I barely saw DD and DS at all, really. Friday night they came home after a birthday party, and I had to quickly get them bathed and in bed. For whatever reason, baths do not calm my children. Rather, they rejuvenate them as if they have received an IV of Mountain Dew and Red Bull. It was nearing 11pm before they fell asleep and I was having flashbacks to last year's recital where DD did not sleep well the night before, fell asleep during the show before her performance and I had to wake her up, much to her dismay.

Her dance school has 3 shows 10am, 1pm, and 4pm. The 10 and 1 shows are about 1 1/2 hours long, with the 4pm show 3 1/2 - 4 hours in length. Like last year, she was in the 10am show, which is when most of the younger dancers perform. Since the theater is located on the boardwalk, we made sure to get there early to find a close parking spot for Mom Mom and Dee Dad and beat some of the beach traffic.

The show was about to begin and exDH's family had yet to arrive; my stomach was in knots. I was so nervous - both about the possibility of being face to face with this person and nervous/excited for DD as well. Just as the studio's director was making the welcoming announcement, they got to their seats. ExDH waited to bring the GF to the seats until the theater was dark and the performance had started. While he may have done it to prevent anyone from making a comment/glare, I appreciated it so DD did not see and possibly get upset. I had no contact with her at all - she sat in the row behind on the opposite end so there were plenty of people in between us!

DNiece was super good - she was entranced by the lighting and jumped on Nonna's lap to the music. DS was very concerned as to where DD was and when she would be onstage. And then it was her turn!

(These were taken during her dress rehearsal on Wednesday as there is no photography allowed during the recital.)

They danced to Kerry Butler's version of Minnie's Yoo Hoo

DD and her friends did FANTASTIC!!!! I was so proud of her and the rest of the girls! DS was also super proud too! When he saw her at the end of the show, he gave her a hug and said, "You looked pretty!" Awww ....

After the show, exDH and family left the theater very quickly. He asked GF to sit on a bench away from the beach area where we would be taking pictures. His family came over to see DD and we took lots of pics; he then had DD go over to the bench to see the GF and take some photos with her. Once all the photos were done, I changed DD out of her costume since it was ex's weekend with the kids and they were going out for lunch with the family to celebrate. Last year, both families went out together. Ex wanted to do that this year, but I refused bc it would not be fair to myself or my family to be asked or expected to have conversation with her.

Like last year, DS gave DD a bouquet of flowers. Per DD's request, hot pink in color with butterflies.

DNiece gave DD flowers too, but decided she liked them too much and wanted to keep them for herself! DD is excited at the thought that maybe one day DNiece will be on the stage with her.

I got in a picture!

Nonna, Pop Pop, DD and DS

Mom Mom and Dee Dad with DD

... And for a secret that I have been keeping for a few weeks now ...
In May, DD was asked along with her classmates to audition for the studio's performance team. They are youngest girls ever to be asked to audition. I asked DD if she would like to be on a team without making any promises, as I know from my time on the swim team, this is a commitment. She said yes, and I figured that if nothing else, the experience of auditioning would be something she could learn from.

We found out today that DD made the team!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so proud of her! I have no idea how many dances she will be eligible for competing in yet (as she is young) nor when the competitions are, but needless to say, our summer has just gotten a tad bit busier with the addition of rehearsals.

 

[21hearts]

It sounds like the recital was fantastic! The rehearsal pictures are adorable!

 

[Villainess]

It sounds like the recital was fantastic! The rehearsal pictures are adorable!

Thank you! I am amazed at the creativity of the studio's director and the other teachers as well. Last year, I was just envisioning a pretty colored curtain or 1 painted backdrop - I was stunned and impressed that there were at least 5 set changes, props, and special effects. I missed a few songs this performance where they used strobe lighting and smoke machines, so I'm eager to see it in on the DVD.f

Oh, your DD, Lilly, and my son have the same bday!!!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Wow! It looks like you throw AWESOME parties! And I personally have no kids myself, but I have read (on the disboards of course) the horror stories of taking infants! Must not have been to bad if you did it twice! Your kids are super cute! Cant wait to read more plans! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[afwdwfan]

Congratulations to your DD for her performance in the recital and the invitation to the audition. She must really enjoy what she's doing and be very good at it!

I'm glad that your ex was at least decent enough to keep her away from your family so that the situation didn't have to be any more awkward than necessary. Still, I'm so sorry you had to deal with any of that.

 

[Kari-B]

Recital pics are super cute! Congrats on your little dancer making the competitive team!!

 

[Shannon84]

YAY DD!!! That is soooo awesome she made the team

She looked adorable and the pictures are great, especially you and DD after the recital outside! That is so sweet that DS was so proud and the bouquet is beautiful!! I am glad to hear that everything went drama free as well

 

[21hearts]

Oh, your DD, Lilly, and my son have the same bday!!!

Really? That's awesome! If she had held on five more minutes her birthday would of been the 30th. lol.

 

[Colleen27]

Another Nov traveler joining in! We're waiting on discounts to decide on specific dates but the week after Thanksgiving is looking like the most likely option right now.

Your kids are cuties and those are some birthday parties you throw!

Good job surviving the recital with a minimum of drama. It really stinks when the new GF is so insecure that she needs to force herself into family situations rather than trust her man around you! We've had a few of those moments with my ex and his GF and it is never fun, even though I'm long past caring that she was the other woman a million years ago.

I may just have to steal your "walking to Disney" challenge idea. I've been walking more now that it is warm but I'm not so good with motivation and that seems like something that would keep me going (and smiling while I do it!).