Countdown to the Clown! A September PTR - Updated 9/13 - TR LINK

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Good golly am I behind again!

I loved your snack pictures and we have lots in common. I also really want to try the jalapeño cream cheese pretzel but I need to find it. I'll pay close attention to where you find yours! I tried the school bread for the first time on the last trip and it was yummy - I actually don't eat a lot of sweets. I am wanting to try the almond pretzel this time so I can't wait to hear what you think. We started a tradition of getting the souvenir popcorn buckets from each trip and when we have movie nights we pull out the different buckets and it's instant smiles.

Yeah for the new iPhone!!! my DH has one and it's awesome to travel with. I'm keeping my eye on one but would like the white one that isn't out yet. My contract with sprint is up in march and DH and I could share a plan (still not cheap of course) but I get a corporate discount of 20 percent due to the company I work for...we'll see! Did you get the 32gb? You can load so many educational apps for Henry.

The countdown chain is rockin and Henry is too adorable as usual

I might take you up on your offer to price something if you don't get overwhelmed - I'll let you know.

Heather

 

[brookelizabeth]

Isn't it odd how the simplest of things makes us smile?

yes! I was pretty awed when I saw that number...then I looked at other people's...I'm still a newb!

What a fun nighttime ritual! How fun. I want one.

For a not crafty kind of gal I think your Nemo wall rocks! Enjoy movie night!!!

28 days!!

Oh and for the iphone!

It is a very fun ritual...when we remember. Henry is starting to remember every night now, he talks about it allllll the time!

O.K, O.k, so for "not being crafty" that countdown chain is a lot better then this Art teacher's.
Henry is such a cutie!
Enjoy your Nemo night! Nemo is on my list to do soon, too.

The countdown chain was EASY PEASY! A crafty DISer made them and I clicked print, pulled out the scissors and tape. Viola!

Congratulations on 6000 posts! What a milestone! Do you remember when you started? For me it was so that I was just amazed at the fact that there were people with 1000 posts!

I love your countdown chain! Does Henry remember the last Disney trip? I guess that might make him more excited when he knows what a trip to WDW really means.

And I think you did very well with your craft project! I remember that as a kid I always thought that my mother was really great at drawing things and admired her for it. It wasn't until I was in school that I realized that she really could not draw well at all - just much better than an average three year old. So I am sure Henry was very impressed anyway!

Yes, NYC is definitely very high on my list of places to visit. I love cities and in a way this is the ultimative city. Also my ex-BF and I had a fantastic time there, so I still have rather fond memories of my first visit.

Oh and I am sure that you will love the IPhone! I have mine since January and am really enjoying it. I am not one of those people who say it changed my life, but it has changed quite a few of my habits: I love the fact that I always have a city map with me and can check the best way on the public transport to get from where I am to where I want to go. And I started to use the camera in it as my notebook. I constantly take pictures of books I might want to buy etc. And it is a lot of fun as well. Oh and if you get the Nike chip you can even use it for your runs!

I do remember when I found the DIS! I was researching for our honeymoon...I rarely even ventured off the AKL Jambo thread! I had no idea the DIS was as big as it is. And everyone talked about "pin codes" etc. I had no idea what all that was. We paid rack rate. So GLAD to have the education now!

Henry mostly remembers that Grammy and Poppa came on the last trip. He also remembers jumping on Mickey's beds. It's a highlight.

That is VERY true about the "Mom being so talented" thing. I remember thinking my Mom was the best colorer ever! I would ask her often to color me a picture from my coloring book because I thought they were beautiful.

That is GREAT about NYC! It's a fun City, so much to see and do. What area of the City did you stay in last time?

I'm looking forward to the iPhone - having the City maps with transportation will be wonderful! We often use Joe's iPad for that, but of course there are times when we don't have it with. I really like your idea of using it as your notebook too! I hope to somehow figure out an easy/quick way to do TR notes on it - perhaps with the video function of the iPhone 4. I haven't heard of that Nike chip - I'll have to check it out!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Henry is such a cute lil peanut!

Ahhh, I woman after my own heart...

Aw, thanks!

Shoes. Glorious shoes. And bags. 2 of my favorite topics! Especially shoes. Unfortunately for this trip, it's kinda bland. There most likely will not be any fun buys. The old stand-bys will have to do.

Hi! Joining in!! Congratulations on everything working out with the house/job/DVC thing... and your son Henry is adorable! I'll be staying at BWI at the end of September so I'm anxious to see your BWV pictures.

Loved all your snack pictures!!

Thanks for reading!!! And thank you for all the well wishes!

The BWI rooms look so beautiful! I wish the decor was the same in the Villas...but I'm certain we are going to enjoy it even still. I fully plan on coming back with OODLES of BW pictures!

Brook!

Love your countdown chains and the pic of Henry SO excited! but love your adorable NEMO night and decorations, you're such a good Mom, adorable!!! It's getting so close and i'm so looking forward to your pics from your cool new phone (FB, please?!), yay!!

It was really fun to make all the Nemo stuff with Henry! It's still up on the wall and he likes to look at it. I might just do that every Friday night until our trip...we'll see!

Yep, FB WILL be updated with pictures and stuff direct from the World! This afternoon Joe and I were researching apps and things - kinda fun!

I love the countdown chain. The last countdown that we did was one with Home Depot Mickey Heads tied together. And that was almost two years ago now, so maybe it's time for a countdown chain again. We went twice in 2009, but didn't do countdowns, one trip was a surprise trip for my DS and the other one well I don't know.

Thought I would share a pic of my little one posing after taking off his first Mickey head for our 2008 trip.

I think your craft work is great. I just hope that you fast forwarded through the beginning of Finding Nemo. I always start it at the opening credits and it cuts out the part where the mom dies. Why is it always the mom? Explain that to me.

I'm sure Henry loved the movie. Loving all your updates.

The countdowns are a mixed emotion thing for me. I like the visual, but I hate it when they are looooooooong. It's fun for Henry though, and it's even more fun since he's getting the concept of it.

I love that picture! He's SO excited!!!

Why is it always them Mom?!?! Seriously! Good point!!

Henry did love the movie! The disc was scratched toward the end to the point where it wouldn't play...but he didn't seem to mind.

 

[brookelizabeth]

All that yummy food! So many good choices. I think your wall looked great. Yay for clothing and bags!

I realized I forgot a snack that has been on my list since 2006...Kaki Gori! I GOTTA try it!

Love the countdown chain - and Henry is so cute posing by it.

I love my iPhone. I am replying on it now while we are camping.

I love the fact that you are DISing from a tent! That is awesome!!

I just can't wait to pinch that little angels cutey patooty cheeks!! How adorable!!

I had my Mickey countdown all downloaded onto my computer ready to print out at Day 30, but that was before I knew we'd be moving back. Now, me doing one is just too impractical with all the travel and stuff. Ah welll... next trip.

Exactly - next trip! Do you have a countdown widgit of any sort on your computer? I have one on my Google Homepage too, which is easier than the paper chains since I don't have to count.

I love your countdown chain. It's very cute.

Thank you! It was so easy too - I love all those designs that DISer made! I should post my pictures over there and thank her!

Love the countdown chain, and Henry is super cute looking all excited holding that one link!

Hurray for getting an iphone! Have you figured out how to use it yet?

Love your Finding Nemo display! I think you did a great job on it! How did Henry like the movie?

I have NO idea how to use the iPhone - but hopefully it is similar to the iPad, which I do know how to use. It will arrive in 7-10 business days, so hopefully before then I'll watch the little videos and things Apple recommends.

Henry loved the movie! He got really into it! The end of the disc was so scratched (that's what you get renting from the library I guess!) that it wouldn't play, but it didn't even phase him. Joe and I haven't seen the movie in so long we forgot some of the details and the lines from it, there are some really funny lines!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I think you did a great job with your Nemo decorations. Your countdown chain is pretty neat. Henry looks so adorable holding the first link.

Congrats on your 6000 post!!!!

I'm just glad the fish at least resemble fish. Joe could figure out which was which and he's color blind, so that's a sign that it's not awful, right?

Love this picture! He is so adorable! Congrats on your iPhone; I want to get one when my current contract is up for renewal in February. Your movie night decorations turned out great; you're an awesome mom!

Congrats on 6,000 posts!

He was so funny at that moment, he looked at the camera and gave that HUGE grin and just walked away when I was done with the picture. So silly!

I'm pretty excited about the phone and being able to update FB with pictures and all! Plus having the maps and things right at our fingertips will be a great bonus.

Shame on me. I got several pages behind again.
The snacks look so yummy. I am craving pretzel rods now. I think we got 9 last trip and I almost everyone of them myself.

I can't beleive you have never rode HM. I rode it my very first trip...back in 1974, I think it was.. I bet you weren't even born yet then. LOL!
It's one of the few rides I remember from the trip. I remember the ghost in the seat with us, and I thought it was so neat.

I love Henry's chain. I'm not crafty either. But I can print out something if someone mkaes it for me...does that count?

I love when people do movie nights. maybe once we get an official and trip planned, I'll do that with my family. Though it won't be very fancy I'm sure.

Oh no worries on being behind - happens to me ALL THE TIME! Aren't those pretzel rods amazing? The combo of the salty/sweet is just soooo good to me!

Nope, I was born in '79! A great DIS meet with LL and I is in the works for my First HM Ride! I'm excited to share it with her!!!

YES! That kind of crafty completely counts in my book! And that is exactly what I did. Saved the link image, clicked print, cut it out and taped it. Easy!

Ours was exactly what you see here - a wall of decor. I didn't even cook, we ordered pizza!

Not lame at all.
You know I love the crafts!
Great job!

Thank you! Your Disney parties are always incredible! It was fun to do with him, I might attempt another one this Friday. We'll see....

Congrats on the new phone. My goodness, if your old phone couldn't even text, then you were well deserving of a new phone!

Love the countdown chain---Henry looks like such a big boy posing with it!

I like the Disney wall too. I think it makes you a pretty cool mom to decorate an entire wall Disney style!

Well, my old phone COULD text, but it's not very friendly toward it-takes forever! plus I had Spam coming into it and had to "turn it off" basically. I've had so many friends ask, "Did you get my text?" Nope.... And our plan was a "pay per text" which could be pricey. This will be an all in one sorta deal.

It was fun to decorate the wall! I might try it again with another movie...

Oh my gosh! Henry is such a cutie!! Love that expression when he was holding the chain link...even if it was posed!

Thanks! Isn't he a ham???

 

[brookelizabeth]

Good golly am I behind again!

I loved your snack pictures and we have lots in common. I also really want to try the jalapeño cream cheese pretzel but I need to find it. I'll pay close attention to where you find yours! I tried the school bread for the first time on the last trip and it was yummy - I actually don't eat a lot of sweets. I am wanting to try the almond pretzel this time so I can't wait to hear what you think. We started a tradition of getting the souvenir popcorn buckets from each trip and when we have movie nights we pull out the different buckets and it's instant smiles.

Yeah for the new iPhone!!! my DH has one and it's awesome to travel with. I'm keeping my eye on one but would like the white one that isn't out yet. My contract with sprint is up in march and DH and I could share a plan (still not cheap of course) but I get a corporate discount of 20 percent due to the company I work for...we'll see! Did you get the 32gb? You can load so many educational apps for Henry.

The countdown chain is rockin and Henry is too adorable as usual

I might take you up on your offer to price something if you don't get overwhelmed - I'll let you know.

Heather

I had two people reply to WHERE they found the jalapeno pretzel - a cart across the way and down a bit from the entrance to It's Tough to be a Bug, or near the safari. I copied them both into my Trip Notes! I'll report back where (and if) I find mine. I liked the school bread, but it wasn't my favorite. I have to be in the mood for a donut to want that...the sweet pretzel was a bit less sweet than the schoolbread, which is more my taste too. I LOVE your idea of having the popcorn buckets for movie nights!!! I was thinking of using them for Henry's sand bucket/water bucket for the park, but we already have one for that...I think a snack bucket is even better...plus then Joe and I can enjoy it too.

We did get the 32GB! We weren't going to, but Joe made an "executive decision" and chose that one, THEN told me. Hey, honey, if you want to spend money on me, I won't complain! I think it was a good choice though, now I don't have to be as concerned about the size of apps, or music, or movies or whatever! I'm really looking forward to the apps for Henry - and for travel use. What are your favorite travel ones? I have just barely begun the research on them all.

Just let me know if you need something from the World - postcard, pictures, etc. I only have a small handful of requests, so it's no problem!

 

[Flossbolna]

That is VERY true about the "Mom being so talented" thing. I remember thinking my Mom was the best colorer ever! I would ask her often to color me a picture from my coloring book because I thought they were beautiful.

How sweet!

That is GREAT about NYC! It's a fun City, so much to see and do. What area of the City did you stay in last time?

We stayed in Manhattan - wanted to be close to all the action! We only did walk across Brooklyn Bridge once, walked through a few streets on the other side and took the train back to Manhattan. But that was a great excursion!

This is the hotel we stayed at: http://www.nycsalisbury.com/ We thought it was a great location and we walked to nearly everywhere from there.

I'm looking forward to the iPhone - having the City maps with transportation will be wonderful! We often use Joe's iPad for that, but of course there are times when we don't have it with. I really like your idea of using it as your notebook too! I hope to somehow figure out an easy/quick way to do TR notes on it - perhaps with the video function of the iPhone 4. I haven't heard of that Nike chip - I'll have to check it out!

You could use the voice memo app (or what it might be called in English???) - it is a standard app that was already on the IPhone when I got it. I once read a TR from someone who actually brought their dictaphone with them to the parks for notes for the TR. People might stare at you if you are talking to your phone, but it can't be worth than those stares you get when you take pictures of your food!

One thing I love about my phone are the headphones it came with. Since I regularly use it as my Ipod (listening to Disney podcasts mainly) as well, I have them on anyway and you can use them to make phone calls because the little thing which is a remote control for the ipod also has a microphone in it. you could even use the remote to activate the voice recognition system and then you just tell the phone whom you want to call and it just does that without you having to take the phone out of your pocket/bag!! Well, you see, I really like my phone!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Choosing your clothing for Disney in September can be a bit tricky. It’s gonna be HOT, this we know. But, will it rain? And if so, how much? Hurricane or a drizzle? We have only experienced rain ONCE in all our trips to Disney. We’ve gone in September, October, November, December, and January. One rain. And we were at Beauty & the Beast, so we didn’t even experience it! Our stroller was slightly damp. We have seen some craZy clouds that we thought would turn into something…but they didn’t. So, we have the necessary ponchos, still in their original package from several trips ago. And Henry has a stroller cover (i.e. Kid in a Plastic Bag, or Bubble Boy----sorry MeMom!). That's all I'm gonna bring for rain-wear. Will we regret it?


Now for the good stuff. Here is what we have for possibilities on shirts. Not quite sure yet what will make The Suitcase Cut.

This is a new shirt. I wore it once already and it was super light and comfy. It’s a contender for sure. It reminds me of Animal Kingdom.

This shirt is also very comfy, has “cap sleeves”, which is doable for insanely hot weather, but not quite as nice as a tank. Perhaps an evening choice.

I particularly like this shirt with a certain pair of shorts I have. So it might make the day cut, despite having sleeves.

I love this shirt! It’s very light and flowy (read: comfy!), and the while it appears to have sleeves, it’s almost doesn’t.

Another tank. Henry calls this my “tire shirt” because of the circle stitching in the middle. This will very likely make the cut. Comfy and simple.

I have two simple t-shirts like this, but the other is green. I like.

This will make the cut. I like this shirt a LOT. Super light and comfy. Light colors are good for that sun.

I really like this shirt…but black. Ugh. I want to bring it, but I would be miserable in it, except after dark.

This isn’t a shirt, but it goes over a shirt, kinda like an updated vest-this pic is the back, the front is just open and flowy. I really like it. But, I’m not sure about ANOTHER layer, no matter how simple, in that Florida September sun.


And now for the Disney choices…

This will be packed. I’m certain of it.

A dark color, but I really like this shirt, almost 100% certain this will make the cut.

The kid is DEFINITELY coming. The shirt will probably be as well. I like this one and I haven’t worn it very much yet!

I bought this on a previous trip and really like it. I have a very weird thing where I can’t wear blue shirts with jean bottoms , but I have some non-jean bottoms that will be coming.

And that ends the current Disney choices.

Now for the RIP Disney Collection. The RIP-DC is a sad collection of t-shirts that I really, really like. I wore them on a grand total of ONE trip when I was 20 pounds thinner. Sigh. I have no excuses, there certainly are factors that were involved in gaining weight back, but it was mainly due to a lack of discipline. Some of you have read that I recently started running the Couch 2 5k running plan and am past that “Oh, my Lordy, I’m going to DIE!” stage and actually enjoying running. Which completely baffles my mind. I’ve DESPISED running since a young age, yet here I am pounding the streets of Queens with a smile on my face…completely weird.


I digress.

It’s a matter of weeks until the trip, the likeliness of me fitting into these again before the trip, where I don’t look like they have been painted on, is slim. But there is hope. Hope for the next trip. (and someday those shorts too!)

Henry is doing “kissy lips” in case you can’t tell. This is such a cute shirt with Minnie and Mickey kissing. I had Minnie “comment” on it the night I wore it to Chef Mickey’s. I will wear it again!!! I will!


I imagine I will bring most of the shirts (minus the RIP-DC) so I have a choice each morning, and also something fresh to change into in case I drip Mickey bar all over my shirt. Plus, often when it’s hot, it’s just nice to put on a clean shirt part way through the day.


Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Next up, shoes!

(Hey men – you sleeping yet???)

I really, really want a new pair of Crocs for this trip, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen. There are too many other “needs” we have right now in terms of purchases and my current Crocs aren’t completely shot, they just aren’t looking too pretty anymore.

This is from when they were brand-spankin’ new.

Another pair of shoes that comes with me on every trip are my Keens. LOVE these.

Joe will probably be wearing his black pair the whole trip.

And my third pair of shoes are my Teva Mush(ies). They are uber comfy flip flops.

That is the best pic I have of them I think!


My past plan of attack with these very shoes was to rotate everyday between the 3, sometimes even switching in the evening if we dipped back to the resort. It has worked really well for me. When I rotate my feet don’t get as sore, and no spots get rubbed on.

And lastly…this one is for the guys reading the report…


...our park bags!


Here is Henry modeling the top choice in bag for this gal:

The Baggalini.

Zip cell phone pocket (OR good for park tickets, and room key…just don’t put the cell phone AND park tickets in there together…!) on the front strap. Easy and quick access.

Sits on the small of my back, comfortable. Easily slides forward to for access.

Main pocket is large enough for everything I carry. Depth is the average almost 3-year old’s hand to elbow.

Back pocket works well for documents I need, but don’t need often.

And the “big” park bag will be our most expensive bag…

The DVC Member canvas bag. It really is a nice bag, perfect for our child needs, snacks, toys, etc. I didn't bring it one trip and regretted it!


Our final park bag will be the camera bag. Which just carries…the camera. No picture sorry, Joe carries it. I forget it exists.


This next bag won’t come into the parks with us, but WILL be coming along. We learned the hard way of needing to bring an extra bag, just in case…Though the “hard way” only cost us $2 on clearance at MCO’s Disney store!

This bag is HUGE.

See the truck down in there? It can fit a LOT of plastic trucks.

Approximately the size of an almost 3-year old from head to waist.


Up next: You know what we are going to eat. You know what we are going to wear. But you don’t yet know...The Plan.

 

[onelilspark]

I have that pink glittery Mickey Mouse top too! And I love that green flowy top. Where'd you find it?

 

[KatMark]

Love all the shirts -- so hard to leave any out. And the shoes are cute too...especially the first pair. I have that shopping bag. That is my "carry home all of my breakables" on the plane bag. I love it (and it is going into its third year and still in great shape).

 

[disneydusted]

Oh my goodness, Brook!! Henry is cracking me up in the photos!! He is a riot posing with your shirts and bags! I just showed DD Henry's picture again.. she hadn't seen him in a while. We're all looking forward to finding Steve McQueen on a postcard for him!
Love the fashion show you posted! You are ahead of me... I think I have about 3 shirts picked out! Guess I need to get going. I just laminated our LGMH's! My family keeps asking, "Now, what exactly are you making these for?? Who do you think is going to notice them?" They aren't quite sure what I am making them for! Maybe there will be some other DISers there with them too.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I have tears of laughter right now as I type this. I was just getting caught up and the pictures of Henry modeling park bags were on the screen. Liam came over with a big smile on his face when he saw Henry. I said cheerfully "That's Henry, he's going to Disney World soon." Liam's response? "Hmmffpt!" and he walked away. Guess he was a little jealous

 

[2xcited2sleep]

If baggalini wants to use H as their model, I have a feeling sales will shoot straight up!

You have so many cute tops to choose from. You are going to be one well dressed park goer!

Know exactly what you mean about the temporarily retired due to weight gain wardrobe collection. Good for you getting out there and running! It's not so much about weight loss but feeling healthy is a great thing!

Can't wait to hear about "the plan."

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I loved this post. Loved it.

Though I have 50+ pairs of shoes in my closet, this trip will likely see three of them: black Croc flippies, brown flippies and sneakers (though I usually avoid using those - I hate hot feet).

I'm going simple with the bags too - a cute "oversized" COACH wristlet and a Mickey purse.

I'm sure I'll detail it all on my PTR but reading this post has got me thinking about it...more...again.

I mean it's not like I'm thinking about it day in, day out already...

::ahem::

 

[princess&her4princes]

Loved the what you're going to wear update! You've got some tough choices girlie, but I love, love, love the grey "vest"....you need to wear that, at least to dinner, get a black tank to go underneath it, it will be adorable! And btw, I think we ALL have that "retired" waredrobe, so no fear, I have confidence you'll get back there someday!!

I was cracking up about the bag review and pics of Henry modeling them! LOL!! So cute! Have you used your Baggalini before? I have the black one, brought it for my '08 trip, wasn't a HUGE fan.....it kept strangling me...lol...cutting my neck off, know what I mean? Did you have that issue at all? I'm a little stressed about using it again but hate to spend the money on something else, too, you know?

As far as your ponchos go and the rain...hard to say, this will be our 3rd September trip....we always have at least one day where it pours for quite awhile and it seems most afternoons we'd have a quick storm come through...be sure to bring them with you!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[jenseib]

Henry is cracking me up in those pictures. I can just here him, "can I be ii the picture mommy, take one of me!" At least that would be Claire. If I want to take her picture, half the time she can't be bothered, but if I am taking something else, she is jealous!

I think I might have you send us a post card. I'll send my info later, gotta run now. But Claire just mentioned today "remember when the princesses sent me a card?", which was just over a year ago from another Diser. Her trip was at the same time that Claire got her tonsils out, so Claire just loved it even more that they knew she had a surgery. LOL!

 

[skhermsmeyer]

Followed your We love Donald TR way back when you were writing it, but it disappeared from my subbed threads so I lost track of you. But I found you through Princess Caitlin's TR and am looking forward to seeing what September brings for you and the fam (we're going this December, May, and next September). We've only ever been once, but I talked DH into AP's, so it'll be exciting to see how September is! Hope you guys have a time!

 

[MaryAz]

Great update! You have lots of good choices. Your top 3 shoes are the same ones I have I have a VB messanger bag or a Crocs backpack as a bag. I also have many Disney reusable bags.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am all about clothing and park bag updates! This one was a lot of fun! I think Henry makes a sensational bag model!