Christmas Cruise 2005!!!

[tiggerwannabe]

Kris, finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I'll be able to spot you at the terminal! Its going to be so cool, a bunch of yelping girls, giggling, jumping up and down, hugging...that's what I'll be doing for sure!

We'll be one BIG Happy Family!

That's never ever seen each other before

I'm printing the pictures I have of you guys...I will find you in a crowd!

Aisling and I get to cheat and have our early mini-meet

Thank you Great Adventure

 

[Aisling]

playing poker and chigging beers!

I meant CHUGGING beers!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Aisling: have you been chigging a beer?

Uh, I mean, chugging...

Did anybody visit the link on the cruise board showing a photo a day...all cruise photos?

Grim was there today

 

[nskjerven]

Toy Story is on here tonight, just found it by chance....what a GREAT movie.

The Block Party Bash (parade) in Ca adventure was awesome. There were green army men, just like the Blue Group Men....they had the kids line up and act like soldiers. They would call out "about face" the kids would stand there looking "duh" and then they'd say "turn around" Had to be there, so funny. I just remembered that Sis took some video; I'll see if we can somehow post it somewhere, then you'll know how silly my little girl, Molly, can be. Wilson can be a kick too, but much more moody.

Kris, you & family are total cuties. I had you pictured as a beer chugging poker player too Can't wait to show Molly your daughter's pic. I think she will love to have a friend to connect with ahead of time. The boys I'm sure will be fine just meeting and playing, but us girls love to dive into all the intricacy of friendship over time.

Slumber party plans getting better everyday….made a huge score at Target for all the summer stuff was on sale. The oceanlike stuff looked kinda like the blue bubbles of the spa stuff. Got hanging paper lamps, couple of lava lamps that have citronella in them. I’m hoping to make the back patio into spa central for the gaggle of 8 year olds. Pictures to follow. Got a plan for the boys (3 little brothers) goodie bags, I’m going to make them full of stuff to annoy their sisters…hee hee hee…water guns, water balloons, spy glasses, any suggestions????

Okay, better get the invites written up for the mail tomorrow.

btw, yes I scoped out that picture a day site, some great stuff there...now to join them after we return.

Nan

p.s. add me in on those $25 massages, eeek I drop $75-$100 here for a good one.

 

[grimgrinnin]

Uh oh - I got busted posting to another thread


It's hot here - gonna be 113 tomorrow. My MIL, SIL and Nephew came out for a visit from Illinois - perfect time of year for a visit (does that lil guy look sunburned?)

They all went to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, so I have the house all to myself too.

This time last year, I was getting ready to leave for WDW. We took SIL and Nephew - spending the 4th of July with them is becoming a tradition.



Nan - how were the crowds? Thinking about cancelling our trip do DL on the 17th cause people are predicting the worst (busiest day in the history of the park). I know it's gonna be busy, but I don't want it to be miserable busy.

grim

 

[tiggerwannabe]

stuff to annoy their sisters…hee hee hee…water guns, water balloons, spy glasses, any suggestions????

Except for maybeeeee Silly String...I think you got em covered

113 degrees? Wow!

I hope they have good sunblock...

The temps are funny round your way tho

In the three weeks I spent in Houston TX, the average temp was 100 degrees. I drank alotta orange juice (to keep hydrated) but never really felt the heat.

I love to do nature shots...

I was checking the "photos from the cruises" link and am dreaming of some of the sunrises, sunsets, ocean shots and nature shots...not to mention family photos, I'm gonna come home with at the end of the year... I'm so excited

 

[nskjerven]

Grim: IT was bad sometimes, and okay others. But the sometimes are for the good stuff, like fireworks. So if you want to see something specific you must plan plan plan, and then be in place way early (2+ hours) and then expect people to crowd around you. The rides were all fine, since we are fastpassers, we know how to plan. You get the good ones early in the day and then wait them out with the less interesting rides. Lines for water rides were 90 minutes, for me too long to wait in line with the kids, but fast pass, 5-10 so doable.

Ok, with trepidation I say, unless you are a nut for nostalgia, go the weekend after. The stuff will be the same, except the crowd will lessen. (okay maybe there will be a few pins released that day, but almost everyone I tried to get as a AP was gone.)

I'm trying to figure out how we can go again before the cruise. I think Paul will kill me for thinking this, but I really would like to enjoy everything in the fall without the crowds....(and with the discounts)

Off to get Molly at summer school...and yes thanks forgot the silly string, a must have

N

p.s. Drink lots of water out there in the 100's huh?

 

[Aisling]

Did anybody visit the link on the cruise board showing a photo a day...all cruise photos?

I love that thread, and I can't wait until I have something to post. Maybe I can post a photo of me packing my suitcase...it IS cruise-related, ya think??

Grim, I know what you're feeling about being at WDW for the 4th of July. If we weren't going on the cruise, we'd be leaving for WDW tomorrow. We've been in Orlando for the 4th of July for the last 6 years. But we have to sacrifice for the cruise, unless I suddenly find a bag of money in an alley. Grim, you're so close to DL, go for it.

Aisling: have you been chigging a beer?

No, but I plan on chigging a few glasses of wine tonight. Jesse's sleeping at his cousin's, Chad'll be out with his, uh, friend-who-is-a-girl, and Mel will be resting up for a tennis trip he's going on next week. He hurt his wrist the other day, so he's bedridden and needs 24 hr nursing care. Nurse Ratched is on the way from the Cuckcoo's Nest!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I love that thread, and I can't wait until I have something to post. Maybe I can post a photo of me packing my suitcase...it IS cruise-related, ya think??

Grim, I know what you're feeling about being at WDW for the 4th of July. If we weren't going on the cruise, we'd be leaving for WDW tomorrow. We've been in Orlando for the 4th of July for the last 6 years. But we have to sacrifice for the cruise, unless I suddenly find a bag of money in an alley. Grim, you're so close to DL, go for it.


No, but I plan on having a few glasses of wine tonight. Jesse's sleeping at his cousin's, Chad'll be out with his, uh, friend-who-is-a-girl, and Mel will be resting up for a tennis trip he's going on next week. He hurt his wrist the other day, so he's bedridden and needs 24 hr nursing care. Nurse Ratched is on the way from the Cuckcoo's Nest!

Rough Day eh?

I love that -friend-who-is-a-girl...

Poor Mel, is Nurse Ratchet there yet?

is Jesse already at his cousins?

 

[KKB]

Sorry I missed all the fun! Zoo all day today, the worst tantrum I have EVER dealt with (Jack AT the zoo!), then Bday party Hailey was to go to at pool/water park. Get there. No cars...hmmm...well, party girl/family there. Had to close the pool (for the next 48 hrs.)for an "accident"....of the fecal variety! So went to another pool. Stayed awhile, then figured they had it under control.
Tig--thanks for getting the pics up!!! Think even I can do that--I just didn't realize how simple it was!!!
Not really a cowgirl...never considered myself a girlie girl (though I certainly did birth one!)...do love to chig a few beers and play poker! And one reason I really love cruising is so I have an excuse to dress up and wear heels every night!!!! Lincoln is VERY casual, and as a teacher I dress pretty cas, too--no heels there! I do like to have a good time, I do like to shop & socialize w/ girlfriends...gee, does THAT come as a surprise?!
I'm excited to have the pics posted! I adore my family & feel so blessed. Feel Dan is a hottie! (oh, he would DIE if he saw this!!!) And my kids are really great--ALTHOUGH about 1:30 today at the zoo, I wasn't feeling that way about all of them!!!! I know he was tired, hungry & his neck has been sore, but I also knew what he needed was a pop on the rear...sorry if I offend anyone here...I DON'T believe in hitting kids, but they have all had spankings. the first 2 very few...Jack has had more than the two of them put together! He is our challenge! But I know a quick pop kinda shocks him out of his fit, and then time out in his room & it is a short-lived ordeal. BUT when I felt I couldn't do this at the zoo, the tantrum went on and on and on...I had to physically pick him up & he fought me, ran away...YIKES! He is better now. Had NEVER dealt w/ anything like it in public & I told him that it was NOT OK to do that again! Hopefully losing the Jungle at the zoo will help him learn not to do that--I felt so bad he lost it! But hopefully it will be a lesson learned. No spanking...to late to be effective.
SOOOOO hope I didn't offend anyone. I DO NOT believe in corporal punishment. But spankings have been a small part of discipline around here.
And today it probably would have made a huge ordeal very small.
Anyhow...he seems to realize it was a bad idea, and tantrums will lose privileges for him. Hope so anyway!
What was I saying.... Oh, yeah! Blessed, great family!
Well, this beer chiggin' poker playin' Nebraska girl is gonna go do just that...see ya later, padners!
Bye!
Kris
PS Nan--slumber party sounds wonderful! I actually enjoyed Haileys!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Kris: You are adorable...

Your kids and hubby are adorable too...I think all kids hit that I'll call it "testing" stage where they just totally go off the deep end and it's up to you figure out how to bring him back without dropping him off the cliff. Still with me? Beating your kids is not right, getting their attention is acceptable, IMHO.

I would condemn no one for how they raise their children...I keep my discipline opinions within my own home.



Happy Friday!!!

 

[KKB]

Thanks, Tig--the alien that had invaded Jack's body seems to have left!
IF you haven't read trip report by Moley (LA trip), GO! She is the most delightful writer! Quite funny, and very thorough--I think she has only posted 3 or 4 days so far. I just spent the last 20 min. reading!
Well, the week has begun to fill...errands today, OT tomorrow, home Mon. & Tues, to Dan't Moms for a couple days to visit w/ his bro & family...LOVING this schedule!
So better get to Jazzercise...funny, the clothes don't seem to be getting any looser!
Kris

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I'll def check Moley's report

I'm always up for a good read

the clothes don't seem to be getting any looser!

I hate to say this, but I think you are maintaining without gaining, i.e., beer and hotwings-I like my Bud, that's probably why my weight loss is so slow.

I just got three more power 90 videos in the mail, I think it's time for me to hunker down and get serious if I'm gonna be anywhere near where I wanna be by December.

The exercise has to outdo the intake-mine is definitely balancing the wrong way right now.

My kids came home last night,

everything is back to normal. Dishes in the sink, my daughter took over my computer, sneakers in the kitchen...they're at a concert today and I'm here cleaning up. I also have to get back upstairs and work on the boyz room.

ahhhh, living the life of a Mama.

I do have to take a ride out and pick up my allergy medz and drop off a letter...I'm sure I'll be back on later.

~TTFN~
colleen.

 

[KKB]

I HATE when you are right! (I hate when ANYONE is right...especially DH! )
Yeah, and worrying about it this week is just wrong...2 celebrations days, and 2 days at the inlaws where the eating is always good--although MIL lost like 50 lbs. on WW last year. I call her the WW Nazi--"you can't have cheesecake on WW!" Me: "oh, really, I can if it is all I eat today!! "
I don't do well when anyone tells me what I can & can't do....ask MY mom!
Well, got my errands run, Hailey playing w/ friends, Marcus swimming w/ friends, Jack & Dan washing vehicles (they NEED it!) Off to Jazzercise...then we have a babysitter! WOO HOO!
SOOO you all have a wonderful eve....may not check in until the fourth!
Happy Independence Day weekend!
Bye!
Kris

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I HATE when you are right! (I hate when ANYONE is right...especially DH! )
Yeah, and worrying about it this week is just wrong...2 celebrations days, and 2 days at the inlaws where the eating is always good--although MIL lost like 50 lbs. on WW last year. I call her the WW Nazi--"you can't have cheesecake on WW!" Me: "oh, really, I can if it is all I eat today!! "
I don't do well when anyone tells me what I can & can't do....ask MY mom!

Ask Mine!!!!

I only know because I am exactly the same way...

Have a great weekend...cast those worries for another day

~colleen~

 

[nskjerven]

We have a new family member....Her name is Topanga...

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/exterior_colors.asp?ModelName=Odyssey (Midnight Blue Pearl)

She is very nice, and she even can *tell* us how to get to Disneyland.

We got the Nav System and told the kids that they have to use their manners (please and thank you) when they ask her to change the radio or turn on the AC. They totally bought it...to use the audio feature you press a button on the steering wheel.

We've been wanting to get a newer version (we had a 2000, that sold this morning) Odyssey for the last few years, and kept putting it off, while in Dland I suggested that Paul just get it, he waited as he was afraid of picking out the wrong color. Now the next step, what shall the license plate say???? We decide to personalize it, but Topanga is already taken. (I think I should tell you that Topanga was going to be our DS name if he was a girl, ha ha ha....from Boy Meets World....I may have really used it, but we'll never know) I did find this one available....DIS NUT What do you think of that one?

So, if that wasn't good enough news, Paul told me we can make another trip to Dland before my AP expires (7/26) as long as I (& the kids) agree not to buy any stuff on the trip. I'm totally okay with that because, he'll cave on that or worst case I hold of on my Disney buying craziness for this trip. I'd really like to see the fireworks one more time, so it's worth it to not shop. The real trick will be to find a decent hotel site off property. I just can't deal with the $350 per night quote, so we will have a modified Disney experience, but that is better than none...so book me again, we are looking at going the weekend after the anniversary (see Grim, even I can't go that weekend, too crowded) Sun-Tue 7/24-7/26. Okay, last crazy note, I did also book a ressie for Labor day, not sure if I'll keep it, but AP discounted rate at the Grand was only 179, so I booked it, maybe we'll stay, maybe I'll cancel (if we keep that I have to cough up for tickets, my AP is 300+, and then for the kids & Paul another 200-300 depending on what discounts are available at that time.)

I guess this all boils down to the fact that when Wilson goes to school in the fall I'll pick up some more client work to pay for my recent really bad travel and car habit.

Okay, must get to bed, we need to wake up early and plan a fun drive with Topanga somewhere.



TTFN,

Nan

 

[KKB]

Nan--nice wheels! I LOVE the GPS system; we had one in Pebble Beach when we rented the Jag. For Dan't 40th I surprised him w/ a trip to Pebble Beach (I think I've mentioned that). He always said "I want to play Pebble Beach before I die." Well, the couple months before we had TWO friends in thier 30s lose their husbands suddenly, and I KNEW what I had to do for his bday. The Jag was icing...we were there barely 2 days, and there was a special at Hertz. I think $89/day. (Wish I could say golf/lodging was that well priced! I HAD to book a Pebble Beach resort to get his tee time!! We could've had a cruise a lot earlier for what that cost us!) BUT that was the coolest thing I've ever done--it was so much fun to plan and surprise him!
GO to Dland. Really the only things in life I regret are the trips I didn't take! We don't know how long our time on earth is, so enjoy EVERY minute!
GOOD NEWS! DH FINALLY won poker! He was quite proud of himself.
I think my mom finally gets that this is FREE poker, we spend/drink less, and we can actually win gift certificates and such!
Gotta go get things ready to go!
EVERYONE HAVE A GLORIOUS FOURTH!
Kris

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Awesome news you two

Nan: I didn't check the link cause links lock up my home computer
I usually wait til I get back to work to access links.

The new Odyssey sounds awesome-
Another DLand trip sounds cool too-
GCalifornian for $179 on Labor Day!?!?!-excellent!
and DIS NUT sounds like the perfect plate for Topenga...

I hope all of it works out for you

Krisebble beach and golf and a Jag!?!?!-Sounds like heaven
If you hadn't done PB and were doing the cruise earlier, we never might have met you. I'm glad we will.
And Congratulations to your Hubby!!! Poker Champion! You go Dude!!!

I'm home, doing laundry...everybody's home plus my nephew is here, so it's all good

We're invited to my sister's for dinner so we may wind up there tonight. And then we go to her BIL's house for a picnic and fireworks on the river. It should be fun...

I'll be lurking while my laundry is still running...

~Ta Ta For Now~

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Nan:

Remember when you offered to pick up souvies for us at DLand?

Well, I heard it's getting harder and harder to find the Golden Mickey ears...did you see any while you were there last? And before you go, can we work out a deal so I can send you some cash to pick me up some?

Pleeeeeeeeease!

 

[nskjerven]

Tigg: The golden ears are *everywhere* at Dland, no shortage on our trip, now I'm not sure what will happen over 7/17, but if we do make the 7/24-26 trip place your orders. And I can find the phone # for Deliverears, that is a local # for Disney orders, I don't think they charge a surcharge either, so it might be the way to go, since we'd both have to mail them. I have a card for them somewhere, I'll try to find it.

We got infants for the kids @ 10.50 (they have the chin strap) & adults for 11.50 (I think) then paid the extra $7 for embroidery with many choices of styles rather than the plain white stitching, the white thread didn't show up so great on the gold ears. I used a font called Victorian for us, I'll take a picture and email it to you, I used maroon for girls and navy for boys.

Having said all that, you meant those ears right, not the antenna topper? I can't find mine might that be because I *STILL* have not unpacked my suitcase. I'm so stinking lazy this summer I can't believe it.

Kris: Your suprise vaca to Pebble Beach sounded great to me too We are not golfers (thank god, those good places are soooo expensive) but love to travel and love nice places like that. I think we should enjoy time on earth too, it can be gone in a moment. I lost a good friend & client one month after DD was born, really hit me hard. He was family man 3 kids and a lovely wife. I realized that family is the most imporant thing, and in that vain I spend time and money doing fun things with mine. At the end of my life I want to have scrapbooks full of memories. (but I'm too busy making memories to ever finish the scrapbooks). I need more info to understand this poker thing, no better not...it sounds too fun....congrats to the champ.

We took Topanga out to breakfast this morning, so nice....she woudn't make the turn into the resturant, she went on the freeway instead, down the ramp off the exit round about back on the freeway to the exit and up the road to the resturant. That car has a mind of her own....

We then came home to rearange the garage to bring out the "little red car" (did I mention we are car nuts in this family?) We have a 1955 356 Porsche speedster. She comes out for the summertime for a few rides, but that's about it. When times were good in the land of DotCom, we were able to buy her from Paul's dad (who at the time collected cars) Fortunately, we did buy her, as we left most all the rest of our $$ in the stock (thinking that was safe for retirement and college money) and it went right down the toilet. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Lesson learned cash is King. Since Paul was corporate counsel for the company we had stock in he was restricted from selling, (i.e. we could only sell once a month for a few days time) when that time would come around we didn't think the price was right (ha) and waited and screwed ourselves. Oh well, could be worse, we could be sick or something like that...

Okay, I have to really come clean with the cars....

1955 356 porsche speedster
1961 BMW 700 (very funky little car, 2 stroke aircooled rear engine yes like a motorcycle engine) We bought this in 1996 as a wedding gift to ourselves, kept it for senitmental value only, how can you part with your own wedding gift???
1990 Ford Explorer (it's not worth selling anymore) (& is good for taking the dogs to the vet & groomer, and Home Depot runs)
2003 Mazdaspeed Protege (paul's commuter car)
2005 My new baby, Topanga

Yes, 5 cars, we are crazy.

We are starting to plan another once in a lifetime event. This is the first year for the San Jose Grand Prix last weekend in July. When talks were going on about it coming to SJ we decided to look at getting a room downtown at the Fairmont. Well, the suite wasn't much more so we book that. I have learned that you now can't find a room in the San Jose area to save your soul. And we could probably sell the ressie and make a profit, but no..... we are going to the races Paul got us 4 tickets for the weekend, we are planning a party in the suite Saturdaynight and will take the kids on Friday, then friends Sat & Sun. Should be a blast, but I better start getting my ducks lined up for food and drink or I'll be stuck at the last minute trying to scramble a party together.

Last note, we are going to the drive-ins tonight to see Herbie UnLeased...that is really why the little red car came out. Should be fun. It's so nice having a stay home weekend, no real plans just hanging out and having fun.

I better find the time/listing as that was my excuse to come in the AC house while they are all in the hot outside/garage....


Later,

Nan