"Do You Mind?" - Disney Adventures with Teens August Trip Report

[swwake]

Katie has been out all weekend, staying with friends, seeing movies, shopping, etc. I'm glad she's able to have fun now with her license.

Last night, DH and I had a cocktail and a glass of wine (respectively) and watched Cinderella, which just came in this week from Amazon. Right when we started, Katie called to let us know where she was and her plans for the evening. She asked what we were doing and I told her we were watching Cinderella.

Katie: Why?
Me: Because we want to.
Katie: Harumphhh. Well, have fun with that!

I guess she thought we were weird for watching it.

I didn't remember there being so much animal activity in that movie. We talked about how cheesy the music was. We thought that Cindy looked and sounded like Judy Garland.

At the beginning of the movie, we stopped and rewound and paused it at the copyright year. It was MCMXVIX. It took some math, but we figured out that it was 1949. I probably could have googled it, but it was a fun puzzle for us to figure out together. Our bonding time!

It was 73 minutes long and we thought it was a little slow in places. But DH commented that he was really glad I bought it and it makes him look forward to the trip even more. He said "thank you for all the hard work planning this trip. It's going to be fun."

We have Mary Poppins, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Peter Pan, and Fox And The Hound. We'll watch all of those between now and August. I also want to buy some more. I want to get Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp, Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Snow White. I might get others as I find them.

When we moved into this house in Sept 2006, we purged alot of things we had been collecting over the years. Among them, we had several boxes of Katie's Disney VHS movies. We talked and thought about it for a long time. We had kindof gotten out of "Disney Mode"; Katie was older and didn't seem to care about them; we never watched them; VHS was so last decade. We finally decided to get rid of them. We said that if we ever decided we wanted Disney movies again, we'd buy a DVD collection.

So we planned to donate them to charity. We talked about giving them to a childrens' hospital for the kids to be able to watch in waiting rooms and hospital rooms, but I think we ultimately gave them to Goodwill. We figured Goodwill might send them to a hospital or childrens' home.

Well, Katie wasn't involved in that decision. Just a few weeks ago, when I started replenishing our Disney collection on DVD, Katie asked me "Mom, why did you give away all my Disney movies?" I told her all the reasons above. Her response was "But what if I wanted them for my kids one day?" Awwww, she's so sweet! I felt bad.

But considering that (let's hope) by the time Katie has kids watching Disney movies, you may not even be able to find a VHS player, I still think we made the right decision. She can have the collection I am building right now. A nice little heirloom keepsake. Maybe I'll put them in the hope chest for her. Right next to her christening gown and baby blanket....

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Katie has been out all weekend, staying with friends, seeing movies, shopping, etc. I'm glad she's able to have fun now with her license.

Last night, DH and I had a cocktail and a glass of wine (respectively) and watched Cinderella, which just came in this week from Amazon. Right when we started, Katie called to let us know where she was and her plans for the evening. She asked what we were doing and I told her we were watching Cinderella.

Katie: Why?
Me: Because we want to.
Katie: Harumphhh. Well, have fun with that!

I guess she thought we were weird for watching it.

I didn't remember there being so much animal activity in that movie. We talked about how cheesy the music was. We thought that Cindy looked and sounded like Judy Garland.

At the beginning of the movie, we stopped and rewound and paused it at the copyright year. It was MCMXVIX. It took some math, but we figured out that it was 1949. I probably could have googled it, but it was a fun puzzle for us to figure out together. Our bonding time!

It was 73 minutes long and we thought it was a little slow in places. But DH commented that he was really glad I bought it and it makes him look forward to the trip even more. He said "thank you for all the hard work planning this trip. It's going to be fun."

We have Mary Poppins, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Peter Pan, and Fox And The Hound. We'll watch all of those between now and August. I also want to buy some more. I want to get Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp, Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Snow White. I might get others as I find them.

When we moved into this house in Sept 2006, we purged alot of things we had been collecting over the years. Among them, we had several boxes of Katie's Disney VHS movies. We talked and thought about it for a long time. We had kindof gotten out of "Disney Mode"; Katie was older and didn't seem to care about them; we never watched them; VHS was so last decade. We finally decided to get rid of them. We said that if we ever decided we wanted Disney movies again, we'd buy a DVD collection.

So we planned to donate them to charity. We talked about giving them to a childrens' hospital for the kids to be able to watch in waiting rooms and hospital rooms, but I think we ultimately gave them to Goodwill. We figured Goodwill might send them to a hospital or childrens' home.

Well, Katie wasn't involved in that decision. Just a few weeks ago, when I started replenishing our Disney collection on DVD, Katie asked me "Mom, why did you give away all my Disney movies?" I told her all the reasons above. Her response was "But what if I wanted them for my kids one day?" Awwww, she's so sweet! I felt bad.

But considering that (let's hope) by the time Katie has kids watching Disney movies, you may not even be able to find a VHS player, I still think we made the right decision. She can have the collection I am building right now. A nice little heirloom keepsake. Maybe I'll put them in the hope chest for her. Right next to her christening gown and baby blanket....

AWWWwwwwww!!!!!!! Aren't you sweet and sentimental? Bet you got that from your mother!

I have a bunch of Disney Videos/DVDs, etc. I belonged to the Disney Movie Club until this past year when the Brewzoo chose not to watch them anymore. They all would chose Disney Channel and Nick over my purchases. So I decided it was time to cancel my membership.

Since I just made plans today to fly down to keep Katie "company" while you and Chris are celebrating your anny, I'll try to remember to pack them in my suitcase.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I don't remember that much animal activity in Cinderella either -- maybe we should watch it again here. I do remember the cheesy music!

Don't feel too bad about the VHS Disney -- like you said, you probably won't be able to find a VCR in a few years and supposedly, the tapes only have a shelf life of 15 years before they start disintegrating. DVDs are much better.

Yes, every girl should have a collection of Disney movies in her hope chest.

 

[swwake]

Just so nobody thinks I have fallen off the face of the earth, I may be a little sparse for a few days because:

• We have several 4/30 hard deadlines
• I am at a conference in San Francisco this week
• I heard from Jo and Mom today that Grandma is not doing very well

I am scanning all my subscriptions very quickly and thinking about all of you. Will keep you posted on Grandma. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers for all my hard work, safe travels, decent rest, and coping with Grandma's health issues.

 

[Beana9802]

Just so nobody thinks I have fallen off the face of the earth, I may be a little sparse for a few days because:

• We have several 4/30 hard deadlines
• I am at a conference in San Francisco this week
• I heard from Jo and Mom today that Grandma is not doing very well

I am scanning all my subscriptions very quickly and thinking about all of you. Will keep you posted on Grandma. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers for all my hard work, safe travels, decent rest, and coping with Grandma's health issues.

Meeee too!

 

[dddisrunner]

WOW! Susan your casino night looked AWESOME! The food looked soooo good! Poor Katie and her accident, the exact same thing happened to me after I got my license and I remember feeling like I was going to grounded for life too! Sorry to hear about Grandma. Believe me your trip will be hear before you know it. Did I miss it? Did you tell us what happened at the end of Katie's party that wasn't so great How exciting for Caitlin that this will be her very first trip to WDW How cute that Katie wanted to save those tapes for her babies Have a save journey to and from you conference!

 

[Native NYer]

I hope Grandma is doing better.

How's San Francisco?

 

[swwake]

I hope Grandma is doing better.

How's San Francisco?

Grandma is hanging in there. She's doing a little better, but we all know it's just a waiting game. SF rocks! I am enjoying myself, but at the same time, I'm ready to get home to my wonderful DH, my sweet DD, and my two DGolden Retrievers. So homesick....

 

[Native NYer]

Grandma is hanging in there. She's doing a little better, but we all know it's just a waiting game. SF rocks! I am enjoying myself, but at the same time, I'm ready to get home to my wonderful DH, my sweet DD, and my two DGolden Retrievers. So homesick....

Sorry to hear bout Grandma

You and your family are definitely going to need a Disney vacation!

We hit double digits today!!! 99 days until Disney!

 

[scottny]

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know I am un-subbing from all pre tr's. I have alot going on and am really busy and cannot keep up. I have the dates written down and will definitely be there for the tr. U can pm if u like.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Just wanted to stop by and say "Hi Y'all."

Not much happening these days. I've just been "hunkerin' down" during the bad storms rolling through the mid-south. Thank heaven I haven't had any structural damage, just a lot of tree limbs to put out by the curb for pick up.

School is "winding down" in these parts. Only 15 more days. So all you teachers know that means Field Days, Talent Shows, Choir Programs, Awards Ceremonies, and Retirement Teas, etc. So my "Grandma" calendar is filled with all of the above.

Last Thursday night I took the Brewzoo to see the 5th grade program at Joann's school. Friday morning I went to see Hayden in his Fifth Grade Talent Show. He and his buddy Brody sang "We Will Rock You." As Simon Cowell would say, "You boys picked the right song" for audience appeal.

Monday night is Haley's choir Spring Program. They are singing songs from Les Miserables.

I'm leaving Sunday for Austin to see Katie in her two plays. While I'm there I will miss one of my former teacher's retirement dinner. But I will get back home in time to attend a retirement luncheon for four of my former teachers and Awards Programs for the boys and Haley.

Who says "retirement" is a time to rest?

 

[swwake]

Well, I have been out of pocket for about a week. Here's a little on the Disney Planning front:

1 - We are now doing the Double Digits Dance!!

I think today we are at 97 days

2 - Next Sunday, I have to remember that we can get our seat assignments for our outbound flight.

3 - The following Friday is our anniversary. I will be in New Orleans celebrating 10 years, but I must remember to call WDW and book our Typhoon Lagoon surfing.

4 - Then Sunday the 18th (I think), I can get our seat assignments for the return flight.

5 - Also, this coming week, we can check on the wakeboarding at WDW, but I think I've decided not to do that. Not real big on wakeboarding in a lake that they won't let you swim in due to gators and other things that might be unhealthy. Also, that justs adds another something to our trip, which is already cram-packed with things to do. Maybe next time...

6 - When I was in the LA airport Friday, I picked up a few little goodies for our trip. I love the talking luggage tags.
I liked this one:

This one is Katie's favorite:

And I think this is my favorite. I hope it will help keep my luggage in pristine condition (yeah, right):

7 - Finally, I'd like to introduce you to my new fried, Bob.

I found Bob at Brookstone in L.A. He's quite knowledgeable. He tells me what time it is.

Bob and I had a chat in the store. He told me that he'd really wants to meet Mickey Mouse and he can't believe he's never had a chance, being so close to Disneyland. I told him that I can't really help him with DL, but maybe I could take him to meet Mickey in WDW. He was very excited about that and started rolling around (like a Weeble - remember those?) and changing colors and telling me the temperature:

Bob claims that he is very light and quite pack-able and he really thinks he should get to join us on the trip. Heck, we won't even have to buy him an airline ticket or get him a hotel room. He won't have to pay for park admission. I said, "ok, Bob, I guess you can join us." To which Bob turned an excited orange color and responded, "Well, today is

(May 2nd). When do we get to go???"

He is so excited. Every morning, he rolls around on my bathroom counter and changes colors and beeps a pleasing tone to tell me that we have one less day before we get to leave to visit the Mouse!

 

[swwake]

Catching up on WEEKS of replies.

sounds like it will be a great time with her.

I missed DWTS tonight, Hells Kitchen and BB9 were on and they won.

Yeah, I know we'll have a fun time. I haven't ever seen Hell's Kitchen, and I managed not to get drawn into BB9 this time. I heard there's lots of drama!

Caitlin will just be in awe of WDW! Can you imagine being there for the first time??? How fun for her and Katie!!!

I know. I can't wait to see her reactions. Every corner we turn will be new to her.

Thank you, their burgers are awesome too...can she get me one of them? I saw my CPA friend last night for the first time since Christmas! I told her about your awesome Casino night. She was SOOO jealous!

Sorry we didn't get you the burger. Are you still hungry, two weeks later? Have you been able to hang with your CPA friend lately? What did they do for 4/15?

I think even Walt Disney would be jealous of all the hoopla and partying you have been doing. Katie's cheese cake looks so yummy. It's a good preview for the food and presentation that you all will get in WDW.

I know, it looks just like some things on the food porn thread!

I am so glad that Katie and her car are ok. She just needs to get a hang of watching out for other people. That's the scariest part of driving. It's not about what you do and what you are doing, it's more about being able to adjust to what everyone else on the road is doing.

That's what we keep telling her. But since her car doesn't have anti-lock brakes, we do need to teach her how to "pump it".

Umm, yeah... I'm Penelope... from SNL, ... yeah.... and I just want to say... that I knew about Katie's fender bender like last week.... yeah.... she called me first.... yeah... because, she is telepathic and she knew it was going to happen before it did...... and she called me.... first.... in fact..... she didn't even have to call me..... because she contacted me telepathically.... yeah.. she and I are like that..... we are really close..... closer than anyone else.... we are like twins.... yeah.... she and I are like one...... she loves me most.... yeah.... she .... tells me all her fears and problems... because she trust me.... yeah.... I am her best friend... best friend ever.... yeah.... we talk all the time... even in our heads, where no one else can hear... yeah.. in fact... I am katie.... yeah...

Perfect analogy!

Ok,show the world how you make fun of your mother!!
Actually your mother-in-law is more like Penelope than I. Remember, how she "knew" about 9-11 before it happened but didn't want to tell anyone because they may think she was crazy? And let's not forget all of her sightings of UFO's.

Mom, you set yourself up for it. I know nothing about the mother-in-law.

 

[swwake]

How exciting that it's Caitlin's first trip. Katie and Caitlin are going to have so much fun!

Have things finally slowed down for you at work?

Yeah - they are both so excited.

Tax season is over. We are just tying up loose ends and finishing up the straggler engagements, but conference season is in full swing. I was in SF for a conference last week and New Orleans next week.

I know how you feel. This is my first year planning my trips at 11 months due to being a DVC member and besides the waiting driving me crazy, I also found that I planned everything so quickly that I will have months with nothing to do before the trips.

I forgot about that. I read about the long-term planning that goes into booking the DVC trips. Wow.

I can't wait for the start of SYTYCD (very happy it doesn't start until we get back!), and we were extatic to learn there will be a canadian version as well! (if only I could still dance...! )The auditions are going on right now, and it should air in the fall! (should've heard us scream when we saw the first commercial!

Yeah, I saw an ad for that last night and I'm excited too. I love SYTYCD!

I'm going for the first time next week!!!

I know! You're there right now and I'm hoping you're having an amazing time with Mama!

Ahh, but then when everyone else is home, we'll be getting ready to go!

Yeah, that's a good way to look at it! Thank you!

I know what you mean. I had a lull in planning between the 180 adr mark until about 3 months out when I perked up and started planning again. I wasn't doing a pre-trip then though so I had no Disney freaks like me to keep me excited about the trip.

About the same here. We have some things to do with the planning coming up in the next week or two. I love having a PTR!

It's called spacing out the planning!! A little bit here, a little bit there...

That's about how I've been doing it.

I'm down to 1 week banana: ) but now saying to myself, where did all the time go? Why didn't I pack months ago??

You also are now on your trip. I hope the Dream Team has already found you once or twice!

Forgot to say, this made me smile sadly (as I peek in on my nearly 3 year old sleeping in her toddler bed...) What a great family and what great folks you are to give your family this wonderful gift! I know you will treasure this vacation like no other.

I remember those days of watching Katie sleep as a little one. Sometimes (like when I got home Friday night), I still sneak in and watch her sleep. It's heavenly!

I don't know why you are jealous of Shannon Elizabeth's legs. You have always had the best looking legs in our family.
For those who have never seen Susan's legs...... they go on forever! She has a high waistline and long slim legs. Fortunately her father was a tall man and although Susan is not a tall woman, she does have his long legs.

Whatever. The good news is that now they're getting slimmer and the cellulite is slowly disappearing and I might feel comfortable in shorts by August 9th.

We need to have a cocktail party!

Yep. Name the day and time!

This is a pic of Tyler chilling out at the park today. I think he was thinking, "gosh, I wish I was at Disney World" lol

I loved that picture. So pensive and serene. Very "Tyler".

 

[swwake]

I have a bunch of Disney Videos/DVDs, etc. I belonged to the Disney Movie Club until this past year when the Brewzoo chose not to watch them anymore. They all would chose Disney Channel and Nick over my purchases. So I decided it was time to cancel my membership.

Ok I will check with you before buying another. I think we want Pinnochio next. I looked at the DMC but it didn't seem to have the movies I wanted in their selection, which I find odd.

I don't remember that much animal activity in Cinderella either -- maybe we should watch it again here. I do remember the cheesy music!

Don't feel too bad about the VHS Disney -- like you said, you probably won't be able to find a VCR in a few years and supposedly, the tapes only have a shelf life of 15 years before they start disintegrating. DVDs are much better.

Yes, every girl should have a collection of Disney movies in her hope chest.

Yeah, watch it and you'll see. I think you're right about the VHSs. Hopefully some children somewhere are benefitting from them now.

It's a great hope chest item, huh?

WOW! Susan your casino night looked AWESOME! The food looked soooo good! Poor Katie and her accident, the exact same thing happened to me after I got my license and I remember feeling like I was going to grounded for life too! Sorry to hear about Grandma. Believe me your trip will be hear before you know it. Did I miss it? Did you tell us what happened at the end of Katie's party that wasn't so great How exciting for Caitlin that this will be her very first trip to WDW How cute that Katie wanted to save those tapes for her babies Have a save journey to and from you conference!

Thanks for all the compliments. I think most teens have an accident during the early months of driving. I know I did!

Thanks for the thoughts on Grandma.

I forgot to fill y'all in. Short story is, Katie got upset with Tate for not paying attention to her that night. I think he was just being a boy/man. That's how they act. She'll get used to it. Katie also started feeling bad (stomach ache, maybe?) and several of the girls opted to go home, rather than stay the night. She ended up with only two friends staying (one of whom was Caitlin). She did have a good time that night though. I think she was just slightly overwhelmed.

Sorry to hear bout Grandma

You and your family are definitely going to need a Disney vacation!

We hit double digits today!!! 99 days until Disney!

Thanks for the thoughts on Grandma. I know - that vacation is going to be well-deserved! I am so excited about double digits! It seems more real!

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know I am un-subbing from all pre tr's. I have alot going on and am really busy and cannot keep up. I have the dates written down and will definitely be there for the tr. U can pm if u like.

Sorry, Scott. We will miss you! But I know the feeling. I haven't unsubbed yet, but I've stopped reading alot of the ptrs I'm subscribed to. I'm mainly reading the ones from my friends who are following ours, and the TRs from those also.

 

[Native NYer]

Welcome home!!!!

I love the talking luggage tags. They're so cute.

Yay for your 10th anniversary trip to the Big Easy

And yay for double digits

I can't believe it's getting closer to Disney.

What airline are you using? We're using American and were able to choose our seats when we booked in January.

 

[swwake]

Welcome home!!!!

What airline are you using? We're using American and were able to choose our seats when we booked in January.

Thanks! We are flying Northwest. We got our tickets for ~ $175 out of Memphis. they wouldn't let us select our seats until 90 days out.

 

[stagemomx3]

Bob is very cute!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I wouldn't have been able to resist Bob and his antics either! I am sure he will be a wonderful travel companion!

 

[Native NYer]

Thanks! We are flying Northwest. We got our tickets for ~ $175 out of Memphis. they wouldn't let us select our seats until 90 days out.

I hope you get the seats you want.

I miss Sunday nights with Bret. Do you think they'll be a Rock of Love 3?