Dec. Golden Birthday Trip!!!

[mblc14]

Welcome to our Family’s 3rd trip to the World!! I am not great at writing TR’s but enjoy getting to meet more Disers, sharing our plans and getting suggestions as we go along. This will be a very short, quick trip for us. Dec.11-14. The reason we are even taking the trip is that it will be our DD golden birthday this year on Dec. 12th, and what better way to spend your golden birthday than at Disney, right?? Especially since this will be a surprise trip for the kids. We haven’t decided how or when we are going to tell them. I’m leaning more towards telling them when they get up on Dec.11th (or afterschool on the 10th if we decide to leave that night). It will be very hard for me to not let this slip to DD…very hard. Especially the closer it gets and when we have to let their teachers know that they will be missing a couple days of school, and hopefully nothing important.

Ok…enough babbling.First up…mandatory introductions….

Me, Mike…soon to be 36 year old Dean of Students at our High School, former baseball, football coach and loving not having the time commitment that coaching brought all the time, but miss the connection it had with kids…but there is more time with the family now, and have begun coaching my sons youth baseball team this season.




The wife, Bille…no age reported…, she is a Special Ed. Teacher in our District at the Elementary level and is completely awesome at it. She works so well with her students and their families…I am so proud of her. She tolerates my Disney and Dis obsession only because, well she has too, but she really does enjoy going and having that time with the kids. She is starting to give more input this time around than the other trips too, which I love!!



LG….soon to be 12 and the reason we are taking this quick trip in the first place. She loves everything Disney and is the one that will wake up early with me and go, go, go early and late. She just finished up her first year of volleyball and travel volleyball and loves it!!



Chance…our little guy, he turns 7 soon and is finishing up Kindergarten this year. He is starting to get the Disney bug more and more each year as well. He will often say, out of the blue, that he misses Disney World and wants to go back. He also in the past year lost interest in his Thomas the Trains and is full force into Marvel Super Heroes now. Which is great timing with them now being apart of the Disney family.



A little about us as a family, again, 3rd trip to Disney and the previous TR’s are listed in my sig. Our first in 2007, second in 2012….which was waaay too long in between. Our last trip we decided to rent points from a DVC owner off the boards and it went great!! Someday we will probably purchase DVC through resale, but just not ready for that yet in our life….someday though. We loved staying at BLT and probably will again, being that close to MK and being on the monorail was awesome. The last trip, and my quick solo trip (for work) back in February, convinced me however that whenever we came back, we had to stay here…



I just love the whole area, the quick walk to Epcot and being able to get a boat ride to HS as well, or walk if you fell like it. I was able to spend a day during my solo trip exploring the parks and resorts. In fact, it was Super Bowl Sunday. I spent a lot of time on the Boardwalk and the surrounding area. I had an ADR for Shula’s Steakhouse during the game and all the time leading up to it, I walked up and down the BW, to Epcot and back, to the Studios and back….and on and on, you get the idea.

Well, there was no immediate plan to actually go back for awhile, until the Golden Birthday thing hit me and we talked about going to Disneyland. The kids really want to try there for our next trip, especially going to Cars land. As I looked into that option, staying at the Grand Californian was not working out when trying to rent. I know, I could have been a little more patient and waited a little bit longer, but booking when we did with renting points was actually very good timing financially for us. So, I started to investigate going back to WDW….and it worked out perfectly for us. Plus, with Christmas deco being up as well, we felt very good about this decision.

I have SEVERAL plans laid out in my head already on what, where, when we are going to do things, but know they will change SEVERAL times as we get closer to going. I will share some of those next time and welcome input from you guys as well. So please feel free to offer some suggestions that have worked for you.
If you’ve read this far….Thanks!!!
Hope everyone has a great day!!
Mike

 

[DMGeurts]

Yay!!!! A new ptr... Not surprised...Just wanted to say "I'm first"... I'll be back later to actually read. Lol

D~

 

[Iamthequeen]

Well then, I'm second!!!!

 

[mblc14]

Yay!!!! A new ptr... Not surprised...Just wanted to say "I'm first"... I'll be back later to actually read. Lol

D~

Thanks for being first!! I somehow knew that you would be here first!!

Well then, I'm second!!!!

Welcome!! Glad you're here too!!



Quick update for today. Chance has to have some dental work done. We discovered that he has really soft teeth and they found a lot of cavities at his last visit. He also needs a couple of root canals. And today, is the day. He has to be out under for the procedure, otherwise he would freak out. He is super sensitive to these types of things anyways. He has been super brave so far this morning and his currently undergoing his procedure while Billie and I wait. It's expected to be about an hour. I will post when he is back to his room. But meanwhile, here are some pics from this morning before he went back.

 

[Iamthequeen]

Saying a prayer all goes well. I think it hurts us as parents more to see our kids having to go through these procedures.

 

[mblc14]

Saying a prayer all goes well. I think it hurts us as parents more to see our kids having to go through these procedures.

Thanks for the prayer!

Yes, Big time, Momma has been pacing the waiting room floor.

He just got out a little while ago and as expected, everything went well!! He's back in his room resting and watching cartoons and his ready to GO!! He was promised a new Lego set after this was done and that will be our first stop on the way home. Here he is looking a little droggy...

 

[jewels1916]

Found your PTR, and am super excited, because we are going in December too! Actually, we'll be there at the same time. Our dates are Dec. 6-13! I'm planning on following along!

Glad to hear Chance's dental work all went well! I have had soft teeth my whole life, ever since I was about his age, so I completely understand what he's having to go through. Have fun with the new lego set, Mr. Chance!

Courtney

 

[DMGeurts]

Glad to hear it went well Mike... Whatta trooper!!! I hope Chance is enjoying his new legos!

D~

 

[Iamthequeen]

Glad to hear all went well with Chance today and what can be better than getting new Legos??

My oldest son, Steve, recently gathered up all the Legos at my house and took them over to his own house so he could play with them. He will be 33 in May so I guess that's a gift they never out grow!

 

[mblc14]

Found your PTR, and am super excited, because we are going in December too! Actually, we'll be there at the same time. Our dates are Dec. 6-13! I'm planning on following along!

Glad to hear Chance's dental work all went well! I have had soft teeth my whole life, ever since I was about his age, so I completely understand what he's having to go through. Have fun with the new lego set, Mr. Chance!

Courtney

Welcome!! Sweet, glad to have someone following that will be there at the same time!! Where are you staying?

Thanks! He did awesome yesterday and was enjoying his lego's once I found some time last night to put the whole thing together....

Glad to hear it went well Mike... Whatta trooper!!! I hope Chance is enjoying his new legos!

D~

He was a trooper!! And so was Mom!! He loves them, in fact, procedure was in Iowa City and super early, so we stayed the night before and went to Target so he could pick out his prize just in case he was too groggy after. I was helping him narrow down his choices and at point, I picked one out and he says, "Dad, thats a DC Comic one....I only like the Marvel heroes." Made me laugh a little...

Glad to hear all went well with Chance today and what can be better than getting new Legos??

My oldest son, Steve, recently gathered up all the Legos at my house and took them over to his own house so he could play with them. He will be 33 in May so I guess that's a gift they never out grow!

Too funny!!! I still have a ton of GI Joes at my parents house that the kids love to play with when they stay over there.

 

[disfanforlife]

Haven't written a trip report yet, but I figured the more I read then maybe someday I will write one too. We are DVC owners but this will be our first trip in December and I am really looking forward to seeing more decorations. I want to take time and go around to several of the resorts to enjoy all of it. We have been in November several times but I really think December is going to great. We are taking our son out of school for a week, but feel that going the week before Christmas May be the best week to miss since it seems that the don't get a lot of work done that time of year anyways.

 

[AmyKat]

I'm following. We will be in Disney at POFQ December 11 - 15, although we keep saying we might add an extra day ... or two. :wink:

My oldest daughter (7 1/2) has really weak enamel on her baby teeth, too. In addition to that, she started getting her permanent teeth at 5 and they overcrowded her still small head. Her teeth were so squished that even the dentist couldn't get floss between her back teeth. She has struggled with cavaties since she turned 5. We haven't had to have any root canals (yet) and they haven't agreed to knock her out for any of the fillings. She's had to battle through it. The one thing we found to be a life saver is to bring an ipod with headphones and her music on it. Then she can listen to her music and not hear the drill. Just an idea in case you have to deal with awake fillings later on.

We have really limited sugary snacks - no gummies, no sodas, etc - and we have made her brush her teeth 3 times a day. She is using the prescription flouride toothpaste at night (which goes against my hippie, all natural personality) and use the ACT mouthwash in the morning (because it can get where we couldn't get the floss). Her adult teeth seem to have perfect enamel. Two check ups ago, she had no cavaties. Last week she had one cavaty. She's getting it filled next Thursday. She's just hit a huge growth spurt and she's getting an expander put in her mouth this summer so hopefully we will be out of this phase soon.

 

[mblc14]

Haven't written a trip report yet, but I figured the more I read then maybe someday I will write one too. We are DVC owners but this will be our first trip in December and I am really looking forward to seeing more decorations. I want to take time and go around to several of the resorts to enjoy all of it. We have been in November several times but I really think December is going to great. We are taking our son out of school for a week, but feel that going the week before Christmas May be the best week to miss since it seems that the don't get a lot of work done that time of year anyways.

You should get a PTR going! We are excited to see the Christmas decorations again too, especially for Chance, he was only 6 months old that first trip and always get mad when we talk about that trip because he doesn't remember any of it obviously. He's gonna love the Osbourne Lights!

I'm following. We will be in Disney at POFQ December 11 - 15, although we keep saying we might add an extra day ... or two. :wink:

My oldest daughter (7 1/2) has really weak enamel on her baby teeth, too. In addition to that, she started getting her permanent teeth at 5 and they overcrowded her still small head. Her teeth were so squished that even the dentist couldn't get floss between her back teeth. She has struggled with cavaties since she turned 5. We haven't had to have any root canals (yet) and they haven't agreed to knock her out for any of the fillings. She's had to battle through it. The one thing we found to be a life saver is to bring an ipod with headphones and her music on it. Then she can listen to her music and not hear the drill. Just an idea in case you have to deal with awake fillings later on.

We have really limited sugary snacks - no gummies, no sodas, etc - and we have made her brush her teeth 3 times a day. She is using the prescription flouride toothpaste at night (which goes against my hippie, all natural personality) and use the ACT mouthwash in the morning (because it can get where we couldn't get the floss). Her adult teeth seem to have perfect enamel. Two check ups ago, she had no cavaties. Last week she had one cavaty. She's getting it filled next Thursday. She's just hit a huge growth spurt and she's getting an expander put in her mouth this summer so hopefully we will be out of this phase soon.

They tried using gas and numbing the area first a couple of weeks ago, but he was having none of it. They even has Disney on their Pandora playing, but I like the headphones idea too. Hoping this will not be a life long thing for him either, but he brushes really, really well now and doesn't have to be reminded very often when he has to brush his teeth anymore.



Still bouncing around several ideas around our plans. It all really depends on what flights are available on either the 10th or 11th. I have Southwest points to use and their travel dates only go to Sept the last time I checked. Would love to fly in late on the 10th, stay at the airport hotel and then ME it over to the Boardwalk so we can enjoy a full day on the 11th as well. Looking back on the past couple years of MVMCP dates, it looks like the 11th will be a night for this year, I hope, and we would do that on that night from 4-until they kick us out of the park.....

If that works out, we may just swim, resort hop and look at decorations, play mini golf, etc that day until it is time for the Partay. Looking at restaurants for ADR's....but still have some time before we get to the booking window. And I guarantee those will change more than just a couple times along the way...lol

Looks like the weather may be finally nice enough to get outside and work today! Thank goodness, there's a lot to do out there!

Have a great Saturday everyone!!

 

[gracerussell]

A surprise golden birthday trip! So cool!

 

[DMGeurts]

I think that would be great if you could arrive a day early and stay at an airport hotel - I've never thought of doing that before.

Weather here was gorgeous yesterday too... Furnace was off - windows were open and I sat on the deck reading a book in my shorts... Glorious! I hope you were able to get outside and get lots of work done.

D~

 

[mblc14]

A surprise golden birthday trip! So cool!

Welcome!! I know she will love it, but already having a hard time not planning with her what we are doing.

I think that would be great if you could arrive a day early and stay at an airport hotel - I've never thought of doing that before.

Weather here was gorgeous yesterday too... Furnace was off - windows were open and I sat on the deck reading a book in my shorts... Glorious! I hope you were able to get outside and get lots of work done.

D~

That is the direction that I'm hoping for when flights are released. Which reminds me that I need to check today...

Last weekend was awesome. Spent so much time outside and got a lot accomplished, but still so much more to do and Billie keeps adding ideas to do...



Spring activities have sprung. We had our first track meet last night. Im the guy that gets to score the meet after each event. Last night was only a boys Jv meet. So it wasn't too bad, but next week is our big boy/girl meet that will take forever...

LG is wrapping up her first year of orchestra this week with her all city concert on Friday. She is playing the violin and having a good time with it, she seems to enjoy it and at least will practice without us asking all the time. Lol.


Not much time for a trip update this morning. Been super busy to actually sit down and plan, but lots of ideas that keep running throughout my head. LG did bring up Disney the other night and I then asked the kids about restaurants they liked and didn't like and she said that she really wanted to stay at the Poly or AKL next time that we go....great. But, I know she'll love Boardwalk once she gets there.

Have a great Wednesday to everyone.

 

[DMGeurts]

I feel your pain... Alli is doing track this year again - she added long distance to her meets... So she has been crazy busy with practice, on top of honors classes... It's been insane for her. I can't imagine having to score those events though... YIKES!

I know the feeling - my "honey-do" list is SUPER LOOOOOONG this year.

I am sure the kids will love it wherever you stay... Then that saves the other resorts for next time.

D~

 

[CinderElsa]

Hi, fellow December DISer! Following along. Your family is lovely.

 

[Gr8Luv4Disney]

Subscribing!! Can't wait to read you PTR! My family and I will be at Disney this December too! We'll be there 11/29-12/6 and we can't wait!!

 

[Vernie822]

Subscribing!!

I feel your little guy's pain. I have such weak teeth as well. After 22 years of going to the same dentist and her telling me my teeth were fine, I switched dentists when I moved and needed cavities filled on all 8 of my molars!!! I asked him if he was going to put me under and he looked at me like I was crazy LOL! Glad he is feeling better. Looking forward to reading the rest of your report!