Glad you're reporting again - I'm sure it's tough to have all that weighing on your mind...
Sometimes it's best not to think too much. Or work on finding distractions like TR's and trips that may never happen.
Aulani!!! - sounds like a FABULOUS option to "use up points". I should have such a problem and option!!! We're hoping to get there in 2014, but airfare from here could be the killer. I will look forward to your report on that though! Didn't have any problem getting what you wanted at 7 months (or less?)?
It is a fabulous option. I just have to sell Jeff on it. He's a bit stressed at the college expenses at the moment..and Christmas...and a couples weekend in SF next month so my timing is off. I do think we will do it, overall chance of it is probably at least 75%. Chance for May is probably...50%. We will see though!
I was looking at studios which is why I think it wasn't an issue. It is less than 7 months, closer to 6 actually.
Way to go Kendall!!!! I'm sure being recognized like that will really help her with college options!
It should and it's timing is nice as she's got college showcase tournaments in Nov, Jan and Feb! Although I don't think the Feb one is for sure.
Okay -back to Vero- what a great time at the beach! It looks so fun and I like that cup too! I see something like that in my future - maybe Hilton Head has one for me! Now - what was in it???
I really like your family picture - you are rocking that bikini girl!!! (I'm jealous!)
I wouldn't be surprised if HH had one, they did get the new retro logos' too so it's definitely possible! I wish I'd have checked on the cruise for one, I heard they had them. Didn't see them at AKV but wasn't really looking then either. I did look at Boardwalk though and didn't see any. Thanks on the picture. I had major angst over whether to post it or not. We literally have only 2 family shots from the trip and well, I worked darn hard for 4 months to fit (back) into that specifically for the trip so...there you go. I know it isn't as modest as many might prefer a woman of my, ahem, age to wear and some won't approve of what Kendall is wearing but...it is what it is and we are from the West Coast after all!
Who knew Eric made such a pretty mermaid.
That kid has been buried alive more times than I can count. Fun to see Evan "decorate" but he got a little too realistic in spots.
Congratulations to Kendall. Nick was invited to play in the Senior All Star Game on Monday night. Only senior from his school invited (I know I mentioned how bad the team was). Only one problem - game at 8pm and the entire upper school is going to Washington DC for the day and not due to be home until 7pm. Game is 45 minutes away.

Not sure how this is all going to work and not sure if he will still get to play if he shows up last minute or after the game starts.
UGH. Those are the kind of kid logistics that give me grey hair.
Aulani sounds like a wonderful way to use up some extra points. Happy Planning!
It is...now I have to sell Jeff. He was ok with booking the 4 nights but isn't there on the airfare end...despite some really good prices. So...we will see. I think it will happen but it could push out. The ODP thing is a big $$ ouch.
And please keep us posted on your nephew. It's been 20 years since I've done pediatric cardiac surgery and at that time all pediatric heart disease was usually congenital heart disease - structural defects, but I did do a little reading recently about disease at the cellular level in pediatric hearts that cause cardiomyopathy and is different from dilated /idiopathic cardiomyopathy.
Yeah, a lot of the info on adults is not at all relevant, it's very different within each type/kind and in many ways it really seems like they still don't know very much at all.
Great pics from Vero. The beach looks way more crowded than when I visited in June. Looks like a perfect beach day.
It was crowded but not unbearably so. You will see crowded when we get to
Castaway Cay!
Great job Kendall!
thanks! We are thrilled for her.
Tell 'em to get a job and buy their own DVC points.
Oh they will be fine I think, they are getting a very specific request on the next trip if all goes as planned and that will make up for it. At least in the short term.
Nice! I'm taking you with me next time I have to buy a car.
If only it worked as well there! Though I did get the guy to up the value of my last trade in....
You wouldn't know what to do with yourself!
try me. I would!
Keep it out of the dishwasher!
Yup, that sure is some fine drinkware.
It really is a cool cup. Literally.
Hey there,
Don't feel self indulgent for writing about your stuff... that's a lot of people to worry about...-I don't think that's a pity party...
It kind of is (a pity party). It's not about me.
HeyAulani... sounds awesome...

What a great way to use up points and get to do an Aulani trip report... that's one on my bucket list too... (how far are the flights from Seattle? -time wise...? Seattle and Mt. Ranier are up there on my bucket list too in the next 5 years...-you'll have to tell me the best times of year to come...)
It's about 5 1/2 hours to HI and 5 to MCO from here. Right in the middle, both taking forever to get to lol. HI is easier though, just lots more options and lots more non stops, usually 2 per day and to more than one island.
I hope it works out, I'm giving it 50/50 at the moment but I bet he'll come around. It may push out though. He was ok booking the 4 nights but isn't there on the airfare yet so...we will see.
HeyCongrats to Miss Kendall...that is quite impressive...
We are very proud of her
Lovely, lovely family beach shots...
Thanks!
I would LOVE to go to WDW in May. And really love to see you again! But not exactly the couples trip Jeff has in mind.

It is not entirely out of the question that it could happen later but it's pretty unlikely given that there is a trip (we hope) in Dec/Jan of next year.