December 9, 2007 4 night

[CRSNDSNY]

CRSNDSNY - Are you and the baby doing okay? How is Princess Amelia?

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted but just wanted to check in to say HELLO!

Amelia and Ernie are doing very well. Not getting much sleep yet with the newborn, but that's to be expected. I start work again next week and have been busy the last couple of weeks prepping my courses. Needless to say these last few weeks of my maternity leave has been more busy with work than relaxing with family.

But we are really looking forward to this vacation! It'll be here so quickly as the Fall semester usually flies by for me.

Before you know it we'll be able to book Palo, excursions, spa, etc. I'm starting to devise a plan right now.

Does anyone know the show schedule for the four nights? That'll help us decide when we will be dining at Palo.

 

[Crystal_27]

OH - I'm so glad to read that everyone is doing great!

I spent this past weekend in the hospital with my DH. He had to have surgery on his hand to drain an infection caused by cortizone shots - what a NIGHTMARE! Thankfully, he's feeling good and healing well, although he's sure had me hopping around for him while he's been "laid up."

On a more positive note, I've lost a total of 21 pounds since March! I'm down one dress size, and I'm so excited! Other than that, we also are getting ready for the cruise. I'm a scrapbooker and I've been busy, busy putting together my DD's autograph book. It really looks great and I'm very excited for her to have such a great keepsake. So, anyway, that's me. I hope that you all have a great great week!

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Hello Everyone!!

The children made it through their first full week of school and all seems to be well. We raced this weekend. Howard qualified horrible !! He came back strong though for the race and finished third and fifth. He didnt lose any ground in his point standings so he is happy. It was so hot. Even though we have a/c in the trailer, we bought a portable a/c to supplement it and it still wasnt all that great. Howard ended up sick. I took DH to emegency room because he about passed out and got sick and laid down for about an hour but he wouldnt get out of the truck. Stubborn men!!!! His body was cramping up but he went home about midnight and drank gatorade like crazy and bananas for the cramps and he was fine. At 103 degrees the race should have been cancelled. Several people ended up sick.

CRSNDSNY - Glad to hear from you and all is doing well. Good luck on your first day back to work!!!

KRdisneybound - I am so envious but on the other hand overjoyed for you!!!! I hope you have a good time with your sister when she gets in. Like you I will be home in November and starting to slow down a bit just in time to make sure I have everything in order for the holidays. Family wise and business wise. We have a wonderful party for the company and I really look foward to it especially since Christie and Howard are old enough to go and meet some of the customers they havent met. (Yall wouldnt have ever guessed that I love to show off my children!!)

PrincessDi - Christie and Howard went to a HSM party Friday night and had a ball. We were suppose to leave Friday night to go racing and this was a "we cant miss it" kind of party. We let them stay until ten oclock so we could get up early and leave Saturday morning. Did you get to see it? I had started my shopping a while back and have been a little too busy this past month but need to get back on it. My children havent even told me anything they want!!! That makes me nervous. I have ordered my cards and I will address them when they come in. Next on agenda is the party preparations. (and waiting on our reservations day!!!!!)

Crystal27 - Congratulations!!!!! (on your weight loss) I hope your DH gets to feeling better. Isnt it something.... that treatment that is suppose to be helping you puts you in the hospital? I hope everything gets back on track.

ElenitaB - How have you been feeling? Are you on your treatments now? Howard loves to meet new people. He also loves to talk racing so they will get along well!!!! We went to Graceland Thursday night while Dale Earnhardt Jr was filming the infomercial live for QVC and Howard got to meet him, his PR man, and the manager that drives his cars from one place to another. He got his picture with all of them. Dale also signed his Elvis commerative car for him. That was a night to remember. Christie also got everything Howard did. The people that worked for him were extremely nice. It wasnt known by alot of people that he was going to be there and only about 20 people were there. ( half of them came through the museum and found out) He was in Memphis Monday for the unveiling of his car he will drive next month. It was also movie night of Elvis week and tickets were $40.00 each and I couldnt begin to tell you how many people were there. We followed Dale Jrs trailer in the north lot of Graceland and after it went thought the gates we asked the police officer about it and he told us about Thursday. We only paid $16.00 total for all three of us Thursday to be up close and personal to him!!!

I hope everyone has a great week!

 

[ElenitaB]

Does anyone know the show schedule for the four nights? That'll help us decide when we will be dining at Palo.

I checked the navigators posted on a cruise fan site and this is what I found:

First Night - Variety show
Second Night (Nassua) - Hercules
Third Night (Castaway Cay) - Golden Mickeys
Fourth Night (day at sea) - Disney Dreams

Disney Dreams is our "must see." Loved that show (bring tissues though).

 

[krdisneybound]

I am popping real quick. Did someone ask the schedule for Nassau????

WE leave on the 9th

Nassau is the 2nd day - 12/10

Castaway Cay is the 3rd day - 12/11

the next day is at sea - 12/12

get to Pt. Canaveral on 12/13.


If you want to book Palo Brunch, it will have to be the day at sea, on Wednesday, 12/12

Have the g/baby and she is a hand full tonight.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

It'll still be Hercules in December?

 

[princesdi]

Hi everyone!

The more I have thought about it I think I have decided maybe our Nassau day will be dedicated to some shopping!! Perfect time to load up on Christmas presents for the family---I will definetly hit the market for purses for the women and Del Sol for some other cool stuff. I heard Diamonds International had great deals as well. Can't find unique gifts like this in my area, so I think they will be a hit. I am actually very content with this decision. I tossed around going to Atlantis but really think I would rather shop and browse around Nassau. And if we decide to hit a beach to go to the British Colonial Hilton for a few hours. I just remember last year we had everything cramed into our time. I want to sit back and enjoy and take our time, wake up when we want, eat when we want etc. I am even considering skipping some of the evening dinings. I want to actually walk away from this trip refreshed. I also want the kids to make it to the kids clubs this time. So there is my plan, guess we will see come September if I have changed my mind Does this sound silly??

Hope everyone is doing great, this time of year is hectic getting the kids settled back into their school routine!!

On that note, if you are surprising your kids for the cruise, how do you plan on doing it? I am still pondering what to do.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Anyone know if they've been running matinees of any of the shows?

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

We raced this weekend.....Kinda! We drove two hours away to race. We qualified second and was thrilled. A couple of hours later it started to sprinkle and we got rained out. Left the house at 5:45 in the morning and didnt get home until 1:30 in the morning. We had a great time qualifying and fellowshipping with our race buddies!

PrincessDi - We are going to rent the limo for Memphis. DH really wants this to be huge for the children. We are going to pick the up the children from school in the limo, as we approach the airport we are going to give them their boarding passes with their new disney pin trading bag and tell them we are going on a long weekend trip to the parks and leaving the resort on Sunday. We have the limo transfers already set up in orlando and have made them aware that it is a secret. When the limo picks us up for the port (airport is what they will think! ) they will be none the wiser until they see the ship!!!! Then I am hoping to get our tshirts (that I am having made) changed out for our picture when we get on the ship. Last year we had matching outfits but I am over that. Our picture was awful. I am hoping for a more relaxed excited family shot! I want them to enjoy the parks and I am afraid that if they knew about the cruise that will overshadow the parks. They love them both. I am so unsure about Atlantis. Christie and Howard are planning Christies 13th birthday cruise (which I am booking onboard) and keep mentioning staying onboard Nassau day. What to do....What to do The thing is..I know that this is not our last cruise. So why not just stay on the ship? It doesnt sound like they are just dying to go back to Atlantis right yet. They talk about the slides and how much fun they had but they enjoy the ship.The new part looks so awesome. I am really the one that will be pouting!!!

Hope everyone has a great week. Our reservation day is creeping up on us ever so slooooooowly!!!! I just want to try for Palo Brunch. I also want the stingrays and the water sun kat (?).


We are racing down in Meridian this week. We leave at noon Friday. Howard was invited to a team race. He was also on the local news this week during the sports section of a morning show promoting the track.

 

[sja03a]

Just purchased class 6 stateroom for dec 9th for me and my new bride (not our official honeymoon). Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[princesdi]

sja03a--congrats and welcome aboard!! I think many of us have category 6 staterooms.

WOW, is the week over or what!!! I worked part time all summer so jumping into a full schedule has been an adjusment. Speaking of adjustment both the kids started full days this week and seem to be doing good--both HS and MS are huge adjustments, although this puts DD that much closer to leaving home I am excited for her, I hope she really enjoys the next 4 years.

I am really starting to get pumped for the cruise, now that school has started, the reality of how close it is is starting to set in

 

[sja03a]

sja03a--congrats and welcome aboard!! I think many of us have category 6 staterooms.

WOW, is the week over or what!!! I worked part time all summer so jumping into a full schedule has been an adjusment. Speaking of adjustment both the kids started full days this week and seem to be doing good--both HS and MS are huge adjustments, although this puts DD that much closer to leaving home I am excited for her, I hope she really enjoys the next 4 years.

I am really starting to get pumped for the cruise, now that school has started, the reality of how close it is is starting to set in

Yeah i figured most of the cruisers on this board would have 6's or 7's (need that view). This is a very informative forum, helped me with alot of my questions and everyone is generally friendly.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Welcome sja03a!!!!!!!!

We are racing this weekend. Howard was invited to race on a team down in Meridian, MS. We are very excited. Then we rush back for Christie and I to go to "The Lion King" at the orpheum on Sunday afternoon.

Chrisite and Howard have been planning away for Christies 13th birthday. It is so funny because I am worried about this trip in December and they have no idea!!!!! I get the feeling they are "on the fence" when it comes to Atlantis. They keep hinting to William that IF he lets us go on a seven day for her birthday they would like to do Atlantis and I dont even know if it goes to Nassau then. They are just assuming!! I am not stessed about it. I can make a decision in the next month.

I miss the children since they went back to school, I guess because they are growing up....I dont know. I want them to grow up and be mature but I miss my needy children!!! They are so independent.

I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend. I am looking forward to NOTHING being planned for Monday!!!!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Just purchased class 6 stateroom for dec 9th for me and my new bride (not our official honeymoon). Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WELCOME and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

[ElenitaB]

Just purchased class 6 stateroom for dec 9th for me and my new bride (not our official honeymoon). Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome aboard to our thread!

Hey, don't we get to make reservations soon? (And pay also?)

 

[GrannyJan]

Hi all: Have read most of this thread and feel like I "know" a lot of you. I am from NC, and daughter, 4yr. old grandson and I will be on the Wonder Dec. 9, Cat. 4, 8570. I am somewhat mobility impaired so have a mini scooter. Hoping that room will be big enough for it. Have seen good pictures of the room on Passporters Boards and it looks like there is room.
I am a Title I Reading/Literacy teacher at a year-round Elementary School. I love the year-round schedule. Nine weeks in, three weeks out. One reason that I love it is the ability to take vacations other than in the busy summer season. Am so excited about our Disney Cruise. My daughter and I went on one cruise about 3 years ago, RCI. Unfortunately, it was during Spring Break, so was overrun with unruly teenagers. Not the greatest experience, but it did get me hooked on cruising.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Welcome GrannyJan!!!

I had to come on late tonight because we had an awesome race day. Just got back to the hotel. Howard qualified first in both classes and brought home the wins!!!!!!! He was just absolutely fabulous on the track tonight. I have to get in the bed ...Christie and I have to get back to Memphis early for our "girls day"!!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

 

[ElenitaB]

Welcome, GrannyJan!

Looks like we're getting more and more people on our cruise!

 

[princesdi]

Looks like we have had some Dec. 9 passengers lurking in our midst---welcome!!!

I really went through this phase where my excitement about cruising in Dec. kinda died---but I am excited to report that I am as excited as ever and absolutely can't wait to surprise our kids. Their expressions will be priceless!! Gosh the joys of being a parent, I would be nothing without my kids.

mo2m--congrats on your success--when does Howards season end? which cruise are you planning for Christies 13th and when? That will be so cool!! MaKayla will be 15 Dec. 2nd, so I have been doing some thinking about her big 16---I think it would be cool to cruise and bring a friend along, but we will see. Although I think cruising is just the bomb, I am thinking maybe of taking her somewhere else for the big 16.---we will see.

Granny Jan---I really like the idea of year around schools. Colorado has many of their schools in this trend, but unfortuntatly Nebraska hasn't taken that risk yet. Like you I love the idea of being able to plan vacations during those 3 week breaks. My job requires me during the school year I wil be taking time off for our cruise in December. But there were several factors that made us book at this time: 1. we don't have passports and wanted to squeeze in before the Jan. '08 deadline and 2. DH is a conductor for Union Pacific and getting vacation time in the summer is impossible. Work is work, and they can manage without me while I am gone.

I live and work at a group home for juvenile males 12-18 yrs. old. In the past 13 years there have many changes nation wide in the juvenile justice system and in funding for youth in out of home placements. I have seen alot of heart breaking stories, but alot of sucessful ones too. I am the school liaison between the group home and the public school systesm---transitioning boys into regular schools and dealing with politics on both ends can be challenging. I like my job and feeling like I am helping these boys prepare for their future, of course it doesn't come with out challenges. Education is one of the most difficult areas for these kids, if we can end our year by getting credits recovered and closer to graduation, or even getting a boy a GED---this is success. In most situations the success they experience while in our placement is the only time they have felt good about themselves----this is sad but true. So I never take vacations during the year but in this case I really didn't have a choice---I am sure all will be fine while I am away!! So this is my job in a nutshell!!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!!

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

PrincessDi - Howards dirt series will end in two weeks. Then we will be back to every other week. He does have the nationals in South Carolina in October and also in November in Mississippi. Those will be huge races. He will have to really be on top of his game to make it to the actual race. You have to qualify in the top twenty out of about 150. He will be happy no matter what just making it thus far.

The year round school does sound very interesting. I think it would be awesome.

Christies 13th birthday is actually October of next year. She wants to keep a December cruise though because of hurricane season. Its up to her and she is planning away. She is working on her Daddy for a seven day. I cant even think about her 16th......she is growing up so fast!!

I really admire (princessdi) you for your service to the boys home. We were a visiting family for the baptist childrens village in MS when we lived there. When we moved across the state line we had to give it up. When we move back we will do it again. Christie and Howard head up a drive to provide them with gifts at Christmas along with a car club and a dentist office. It is an eye opening experience for them. It really breaks my heart what some of the children go through. You suddenly see how small your own problems are. They are always grateful no matter what. We have a little Christmas party and give them their bags (We are not allowed to wrap the gifts). There are around 19 children at this home of boys and girls. From about five to 18 years old.