Christmas all year long!

[annmarieda]

We plan to leave on Christmas afternoon...total surprise for the kids...and spend Dec 25-30 at USO and then head to WDW on Dec 30 until Jan 6 or 7!

What an awesome surprise. I am impressed with you. I would never be able to last all year without spilling the beans.

 

[annmarieda]

So I have been mentioning that WL might be like home... I thought I would share just a couple more pictures......then I am done showing how "familiar" WL lodge may seem. I think it will feel like a home Christmas...only better cause it will be in WDW!

This is taken (on zoom) from my porch.

I would have to do a bit of a drive to get to that mountain, but I live in the foothills. And yes, it is an active volcano

This is the local "field house" I wish that it was not from the side, but you get it... built as a project during the depression it is an old lodge style building.

 

[tinacaplan]

Zoe looks so cute in her pink dress...and so happy!

Sorry about your son's break-up. That sucks. And even though we're older and we understand that it will work out for the best, that's hard to know when you're younger.

Beautiful pictures, too! That's the amazing thing about being out west. You just look around there's a beautiful mountain that looks so close, but isn't quite. So different from the northeast, where we have hills, at best!

I do think you'll like WL at Christmas, though. In my mind Christmas should always involve snow, or at least the possibility of it, and I would think WL will come closest to giving you that feeling.

 

[annmarieda]

Zoe looks so cute in her pink dress...and so happy!

Sorry about your son's break-up. That sucks. And even though we're older and we understand that it will work out for the best, that's hard to know when you're younger.

Beautiful pictures, too! That's the amazing thing about being out west. You just look around there's a beautiful mountain that looks so close, but isn't quite. So different from the northeast, where we have hills, at best!

I do think you'll like WL at Christmas, though. In my mind Christmas should always involve snow, or at least the possibility of it, and I would think WL will come closest to giving you that feeling.

Thanks for all your comments. On WL... yes, it will come close to that feeling. Ironically... even though that mountain (which has glaciers on it) is so close..and to get to snow only takes us about 30minutes... we rarely have snow for Christmas at the house. It just covers the hills around us...and so we have to pretend.

 

[chunkymonkey]

that's exactly the sort of lamps I'd expect to see at WL! LOL So I can sense your reluctance to stay at WL even though it looks amazing. We always want something we can't get at home right? I think your view from your porch must be Ammmmaaaaazing every morning. I can only imagine what a view like that every day will feel like.

Hope Zoe had a great birthday! And it looks like you are well on your way to a giant stash of x-mas decorations!!

 

[annmarieda]

that's exactly the sort of lamps I'd expect to see at WL! LOL So I can sense your reluctance to stay at WL even though it looks amazing. We always want something we can't get at home right? I think your view from your porch must be Ammmmaaaaazing every morning. I can only imagine what a view like that every day will feel like.

I have to laugh...the view...it isn't there all the time. Here we say... "the mountain is out today" just as we would the sun. It is quite cloudy here much of the time and so only is it visible when the skies are blue. It is beautiful though when it is out.

Hope Zoe had a great birthday!

She did, thank you. I will post her birthday party review soon. Now...I am off to get her from the bus.

 

[shocky5]

Still tagging along and all caught up! Tell Zoe Happy Birthday! We just finished our 'whirlwind of birthdays' and that means 2 of the 5 birthdays that will happen before our Dec. trip have officially 'happened!'

Seems like the wedding plans are moving along!

 

[annmarieda]

Still tagging along and all caught up! Tell Zoe Happy Birthday! We just finished our 'whirlwind of birthdays' and that means 2 of the 5 birthdays that will happen before our Dec. trip have officially 'happened!'

Seems like the wedding plans are moving along!

Thanks you, Zoe had a nice birthday. I understand the whirlwind of bdays. We still have one more to get through this month. Then we won't have one till july...and then October is another big one for us.


Wedding plans are moving along...slowly, but surely

 

[annmarieda]

Zoe's Birthday Party

I believe I mentioned that I had scheduled a party for Zoe at Chuck E Cheese. Originally, I scheduled for her actual birthday...but then realized that was Superbowl Sunday. Well, yesterday was the party.

Let me first say, each of my kids have had a party here. (as well as one at McD's) I never stressed out. With the others, I found that the fact they "tag" the kids and stand at the exit reassuring. Kids could "run a muck" and I didn't have to worry. This time, the chaos.... the noise... the energy. I was stressed out the moment I stepped foot inside the restaurant. (in my defense I have been getting less sleep and was going on 5 hours)

All in all, I think it went well. (despite my twitchy behavior). Zoe had 5 little girls show. (plus some parents) We had pizza and cupcakes. The kids ran a muck... and played games. She got wonderful generous gifts from her friends.

The birthday girl got to participate in the ticket blaster. Ok, so I think this was pretty cool. None of my other kids did this at their parties. Zoe was able to collect 800 tickets in her hair blowing adventure.

Here she is with goggles and her crown on while in the booth.

When it was time for Chuck E to come out, the announcer kept saying "and now for your favorite mouse" Poor Kira found this frustrating. She said, "he isn't MY favorite mouse" Still, Zoe enjoyed her time with him.

Zach was just getting off of drill when her party was nearly over. It was great timing since he was able to earn her some extra tickets. Combined, it gave her 1500 tickets. This was enough for a real toy. She got a little jewelry making set that came with a Polly pocket type doll. Once she has uses all the beads, the case will make a cute little jewelry box. I did feel bad though. All the other little girls had enough to get squishy animals and other "trinkets" I felt like we should have shared Zoe's tickets. Oh well... I guess she was the birthday girl.

The energy level was high the entire time. Zoe didn't fight going to bed at ALL once we got home.

I think this picture sums it up. Do you think she had a good time?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Yay! I'm so glad she had a good time, that picture is priceless! I would think it would be pretty stressful to have a party there, but then again, no clean up would be the best!

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks for sharing the birthday photos! It looks like she had a lot of fun! Such a sweet little girl!

 

[onescgirl]

I'm sorry for Zach break up, & right at Valentine's Day too

Zoe looks beatiful in her pink dress, all girly for sure!

Your view from your porch is AWESOME!!!!!

That Chuck E Cheese ticket blaster machine looks so fun! I can't believe she managed to get 800 tickets!! Way to go Zoe!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Her party looked like so much fun! I think I would have had a ball in the ticket blaster.

That's so funny when Zoe said, that's NOT my favorite mouse. LOL

 

[DisneyKira]

Zoe's Birthday Party

When it was time for Chuck E to come out, the announcer kept saying "and now for your favorite mouse" Poor Kira found this frustrating. She said, "he isn't MY favorite mouse" Still, Zoe enjoyed her time with him.

I think this picture sums it up. Do you think she had a good time?

I was only half-serious when I said that I love that picture of Zoe! She looks so overstimulated

 

[annmarieda]

Yay! I'm so glad she had a good time, that picture is priceless! I would think it would be pretty stressful to have a party there, but then again, no clean up would be the best!

Yup...no clean up before or after the party. It was awesome....but...yes with all those people it was stressful.

Thanks for sharing the birthday photos! It looks like she had a lot of fun! Such a sweet little girl!

Thank you, Karin

I'm sorry for Zach break up, & right at Valentine's Day too

Thanks.. I think it was hard on him a bit yesterday...but he got through it. He was actually going to get this girl a promise ring...so she would have that while he was away. Honestly, I think that despite the fact she said she would be ok while he was gone...she really wasn't ok with the idea. He will be gone for probably about 9months. Then who knows if he will deploy overseas or not.

Zoe looks beatiful in her pink dress, all girly for sure!

She is all girl. So fun after having boys for so long..and while Kira went through a brief princess phase, she was never as much of a girly girl.

Your view from your porch is AWESOME!!!!!

Thank you. We like it here. I wish the mountain were always out, but sadly it isn't. We do have other "mountains" near us. Mt. Rainier is a real mountain though. The ones within walking distance from our house only have a rise of about 1000 feet in elevation. Still, it makes for some pretty view. Course... our view use to be better before a new housing development

was built in an empty field. Such is progress though...

That Chuck E Cheese ticket blaster machine looks so fun! I can't believe she managed to get 800 tickets!! Way to go Zoe!

Well, she got a lot of individual tickets, this is true...but a majority of the 800 came from some "large" tickets. They resembled monopoly money and were "worth" more. ( 100 to 200 tickets)

Her party looked like so much fun! I think I would have had a ball in the ticket blaster.

That's so funny when Zoe said, that's NOT my favorite mouse. LOL

I know Kira reads this PTR, so I have to mention it was Kira who said it. Luckily, it was only said to me...and we did get a bit of a chuckle over it. I agree with her though. Chuck E is kinda frightening... so..definitely not MY favorite mouse either.

 

[annmarieda]

Yesterday I received the Disney Vacation planning DVD. While it was fun to a. get it in the mail and b. sit down with the girls and watch it, nothing was really "new" and the insider tips? What insiders come up with such trivial tips??? Dis puts them to shame! I ordered this with the hope of getting a pin code offer. So for that reason alone it was worth it.

What was wort it though was the "special website" put together for me. (I guess to entice me more into booking a trip in December ) Playing around a bit, I came to a realization. In 2010, the last date for MVMCP was 12/19.

As I mentioned, our original plan was to go the 15th through the 22nd. From there we would head to where ever my in-laws were to spend the next 4 or 5 nights. Since my in-laws are no longer sure of their plans, I have been tossing around all sorts of ideas...as has dh (which for him has included not going to Florida at all. ) My serious thought has been to push back our dates to arrive on the 19th. Well, if we want to attend the MVMCP....I dont think that will work. I would hate to move our dates only to realize that we are not going to be able to do the party. Course, from what I have been reading it maybe that going later means that we won't miss the things only offered at the party earlier in the month. Anyone know? The parade, the fireworks and the snow are what we would be going for. (cookies and hot cocoa I can skip. )

 

[chunkymonkey]

My apologiesto Kira! I misread it so now I realize she said he wasn't HER favorite mouse, LOL. Still, I can imagine Zoe having the same thoughts...

Hmm, changing the dates is a hard one. I have never been during the holidays so I cannot comment on what I think of MVMCP. But I'd assume that you would probably want to catch 1 night of it at least...it may be something that would be entirely different than what you expect! I have honestly not been at WDW for any special celebration...Food n Wine, MNSSHP, or MVMCP. I 'm dying to go for Food n Wine Festival one year though. Maybe for our 5 year anniversary

Oh no, your DH doesn't want to go to Florida?? Hopefully he will change his mind...!

 

[annmarieda]

My apologiesto Kira! I misread it so now I realize she said he wasn't HER favorite mouse, LOL. Still, I can imagine Zoe having the same thoughts...

Hmm, changing the dates is a hard one. I have never been during the holidays so I cannot comment on what I think of MVMCP. But I'd assume that you would probably want to catch 1 night of it at least...it may be something that would be entirely different than what you expect! I have honestly not been at WDW for any special celebration...Food n Wine, MNSSHP, or MVMCP. I 'm dying to go for Food n Wine Festival one year though. Maybe for our 5 year anniversary

Oh no, your DH doesn't want to go to Florida?? Hopefully he will change his mind...!

I only mentioned regarding Kira...cause I knew she would post about it. Sure enough, she beat me to it. She is so funny that way. Not that I am saying anything...cause I know where she gets her need to have details a certain way.

As for Steve...I am sure it was just a moment where he realized how he had got roped into another Disney trip. After all... I think how the trip came to be was discussed something like this...

Me - " We should really go away next Christmas since it will be a long year and Kira and Zach are both likely to be gone"

Steve - " Yeah, I could see that"

Me - " Well, Disney is beautiful at Christmas"

Steve - "Good grief, not Disney again"

Me - "Well, what about your folks? They usually go away every other December"

Steve - " Yeah, and it would be nice to spend it with them"

Me - "Okay, well since they go to Florida in December maybe we could do both"

Steve - "Oh, yeah...that would be good"

Me - "So Disney first and then down to see your folks??"

Steve - "Sounds good"

So I quickly make the Disney part the longer part of the stay. Now that his parents are thinking they won't be down there I think he wonders how it is that he is going to Disney "again" I know he is going to have his moments throughout the year where he thinks that we shouldn't go. I have even thought it briefly myself However, I am pretty sure...at the end of the year we will be going to WDW! We are booked...and I have been paying the balance down...so...at this point canceling would involve getting a refund. Who wants to hassle with something like that??? Not Steve, I can tell you that.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi!

I can't believe that I didn't see your PTR in your signature before today! I think it's my computer though because everyone's signature gets cut off.

You have a beautiful family. Your year seems so busy with your son going into the military, daughter getting married, Zoe's operation...phew, I don't know how you do it!

I know what you mean about WL and the theming, especially after seeing the lamp and the georgeous scenery pictures around your house. We loved WL when we stayed there but we're from Ohio so it's totally different from anything that we are use to. I still think that you will love it there not to mention, wait until you take your first 6 minute boat ride to MK. No more TTC! The only negative for me was that I didn't have a window to decorate that anyone aside from us would see.

I love all of the Christmas items that you have managed to score! You got some great bargains!

I can't wait to hear more about your plans.

 

[annmarieda]

Hi!

I can't believe that I didn't see your PTR in your signature before today! I think it's my computer though because everyone's signature gets cut off.

You have a beautiful family. Your year seems so busy with your son going into the military, daughter getting married, Zoe's operation...phew, I don't know how you do it!

Thank you so much. I am so glad you are here!

I know what you mean about WL and the theming, especially after seeing the lamp and the georgeous scenery pictures around your house. We loved WL when we stayed there but we're from Ohio so it's totally different from anything that we are use to. I still think that you will love it there not to mention, wait until you take your first 6 minute boat ride to MK. No more TTC! The only negative for me was that I didn't have a window to decorate that anyone aside from us would see.

I am sure I will like it. I just have to decide a couple things like...am I extending our dates or just pushing back our dates. In some ways I wish that we were staying at POR, but... that boat ride really is drawing me to WL...and from there it is an easy monorail ride to the Poly and GF...both resorts we want to visit for the restaurants/holiday decorations. As for decorating... I have never decorated a window...so I won't miss out on doing that. The little items I do have will be easy enough to bring so we can "spruce up" our room to make it more festive.