"Double Dip Delight" 09.27.2008 - Chapter 5!

[Magic3forme]

we found out Fantasmic is only on one day that week... Sunday.. guess which day we will not be at Hollywood Studios. that is just crazy. bummer cause that is our favorite show, but I dont want any parts of the craziness!!

we did book the Christmas party.. hope it is as good as the Halloween party!!

 

[MagicMe]

I rather like the MVMCP as I love seeing everything done up for Christmas. It was just magical walking down main street with the snow coming down.

I've been to two. The first one we had a great time. The weather was a little cooler (sweatshirts at night) and we were able to take full advantage of the cookies and hot chocolate. Plus it felt more like Christmas. I was last there in Dec of 2007 and although we had fun, I didn't enjoy it as much more because the weather was so hot!! It was still in the high 80's at 11PM. I think I had one hot chocolate before I left and that was just because it was free and darn it - I was going to make sure I had a least one cup!!

 

[Magic3forme]

Happy dreary rainy Friday!! it is a downpour around here. I drove Gabby to the bus stop....it supposed to rain all weekend, I think we are going to try the Georgia aquarium... supposedly the largest aquarium in the States.

MagicME: didnt know about the hot chocolate and cookies! good to know!!

and I didnt know about the snow on Main Street!! might be the only snow I will see this year!! (not complaining at all!!)
We were at Hollywood Studios last year with the light display and snow. I could have spent all night there just watching the lights and music!!

 

[anewmac]

HI All,

Hows everyone doing. Im sad to announce we are not the mega millions winner... back to work i go tmrw lol untill the next drawing that is.. I "WILL" become a professional vacationer if it kills me.... wait that may make E ad the boys proff. vaca'rs with my insurance money they'll get LMAO.

Its been in the 100's here more like 110's so we went to a pool/splash funzone they have here at one of the rec centers. helped to cool off and just instill in us that we need to start the process ongetting some contractors over to give us estamites for Pools/the backyard.

So that may mean no vacation for the next 2yrs... along with there is more and more talk of E leaving next year for Afgan for a YR (ok going to sound bad but he's been home for a yr-14months and if he doesnt leave soon we may hurt eachother lol were not used to being around eachother this long. He even told his CO if you dont deploy me it could end my marriage LOL, but thing is a yr+ is LONG 6-8months were so used too.. but yr+ with only 2weeks home... is/will be hard, on all of us especially the boys. SO pray that its just a short one, he can still go just not that long LOL)

So that what's been going on in our neck of the woods. Kids are enjoying school, well J is. P thinks its boring cuz his teacher in 5th grade is really focusing on reading/writing as everyone put into her class is lacking in tha area, and his favorite/exelling area is MATH. So since she only does about an hour of math a day.. he's not a happy camper. lol

ALSO, i came by as I wanted to share with you what I found in my inbox today. Im on a yahoo disney cruise group, and they pass some good info from time to time. Looks like they are expanding castaway Cay. Doing some private cabana's (wonder how much that will cost) a new floating water area and more.

Heres' the link

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Drea, thanks for posting that link! All of the expansions look great!

Oh no about E going to Afgan! That is so scary! When was the last time he was deployed?

 

[anewmac]

Drea, thanks for posting that link! All of the expansions look great!

Heres a link to an article also!

Oh no about E going to Afgan! That is so scary! When was the last time he was deployed?

He was in Iraq right before our cruise last yr for 8months. Ya the yr would be rough.. but 6-8months were used to doing. That would be welcomed compaired to the yr+ ... we shall see what the marines shell out to us.

 

[Grandma4ever]

HI All,

Hows everyone doing. Im sad to announce we are not the mega millions winner... back to work i go tmrw lol untill the next drawing that is.. I "WILL" become a professional vacationer if it kills me.... wait that may make E ad the boys proff. vaca'rs with my insurance money they'll get LMAO.

Its been in the 100's here more like 110's so we went to a pool/splash funzone they have here at one of the rec centers. helped to cool off and just instill in us that we need to start the process ongetting some contractors over to give us estamites for Pools/the backyard.

So that may mean no vacation for the next 2yrs... along with there is more and more talk of E leaving next year for Afgan for a YR (ok going to sound bad but he's been home for a yr-14months and if he doesnt leave soon we may hurt eachother lol were not used to being around eachother this long. He even told his CO if you dont deploy me it could end my marriage LOL, but thing is a yr+ is LONG 6-8months were so used too.. but yr+ with only 2weeks home... is/will be hard, on all of us especially the boys. SO pray that its just a short one, he can still go just not that long LOL)

So that what's been going on in our neck of the woods. Kids are enjoying school, well J is. P thinks its boring cuz his teacher in 5th grade is really focusing on reading/writing as everyone put into her class is lacking in tha area, and his favorite/exelling area is MATH. So since she only does about an hour of math a day.. he's not a happy camper. lol

ALSO, i came by as I wanted to share with you what I found in my inbox today. Im on a yahoo disney cruise group, and they pass some good info from time to time. Looks like they are expanding castaway Cay. Doing some private cabana's (wonder how much that will cost) a new floating water area and more.

Heres' the link

I will be sending some pixie dust that it is a short tour. Being that my father was Navy as was my X I do understand the needing to be apart. I still hated every moment we were apart even though we seemed to need the time apart.

I saw the stuff on what they are doing at Castaway. I am hoping that some of it will be completed before we return next October 2010. We are going to tryu to pull off another Back 2 Back. It is in question because I talked Janet into going back to WDW this December to see the lights. Mind you ew took the kids in July. So we are going 2 times in this year.

I will not go more than a month or two at most into debt for vacation so the Back to Back is in question. May only go for a week.

Hope everyone is well, Lois

 

[Magic3forme]

thanks for the article on CC!! that is my favorite place in the world and maybe some time John and I will be able to enjoy the adult only section.

Drea: John travelled 3-5 nights a week for the past year and he has been home since John, I look sooo forward to the days he is going to travel! he just emailed and said I have to go to Germany and Finland in 2 weeks.. my response.. Have fun!!

Janet-- we did Disney at Christmas last year... loved loved the lights!! we are going to Disney Nov 20th. first time in Nov for us. Only being 8 hrs away may have its advantages!!

the temp is only supposed to be 78 here... it hasnt been that cool here since we moved. ( the avg has been 87 or higher). did I mention it is raining. that is why the temps are cooler~

Cant believe my kids are in their 4th week of school all ready.

 

[nenner1]

Its been in the 100's here more like 110's so we went to a pool/splash funzone they have here at one of the rec centers. helped to cool off and just instill in us that we need to start the process ongetting some contractors over to give us estamites for Pools/the backyard.

I just want Ron to see this. We were discussing our plans to visit SoCal/DL...which FTR are not until 2012/2013 (LMAO yes we have our vacations all planned up til then)...actually it is mainly becuase he wants to wait until Sarah is big enough to go on everything so she will need to be 4 or 5 but I was trying to push him to go sooner by cautioning him how HOT it is there during the summer which he insists it is WAAY hotter here cuase the humidity. So do tell Drea, which IS hotter Cal or FLa????

So that may mean no vacation for the next 2yrs... along with there is more and more talk of E leaving next year for Afgan for a YR (ok going to sound bad but he's been home for a yr-14months and if he doesnt leave soon we may hurt eachother lol were not used to being around eachother this long. He even told his CO if you dont deploy me it could end my marriage LOL, but thing is a yr+ is LONG 6-8months were so used too.. but yr+ with only 2weeks home... is/will be hard, on all of us especially the boys. SO pray that its just a short one, he can still go just not that long LOL)

You know...I just don't know how you do it.

Its crazy to think of how long he has been back, I remember when you went to pick him up when he came back from Iraq...wow...time really flies.

ALSO, i came by as I wanted to share with you what I found in my inbox today. Im on a yahoo disney cruise group, and they pass some good info from time to time. Looks like they are expanding castaway Cay. Doing some private cabana's (wonder how much that will cost) a new floating water area and more.

That is so funny Ron and I were just recently talking about Disney needing to add a water park to CC like RCCL has on their islands. I'm happy to see it !!
[/QUOTE]

I saw the stuff on what they are doing at Castaway. I am hoping that some of it will be completed before we return next October 2010. We are going to tryu to pull off another Back 2 Back. It is in question because I talked Janet into going back to WDW this December to see the lights. Mind you ew took the kids in July. So we are going 2 times in this year.

I will not go more than a month or two at most into debt for vacation so the Back to Back is in question. May only go for a week.

Hope everyone is well, Lois

Oh ITA. Ron seems to think a lot of it will be done when we make it back there...I hope he's right!

I know what you mean about the trips. We will have gone twice this year too (with hotel stays which is unheard of for us...I guess I have really gotten bitten by the Disney bug!) plus our cruise for this year (which is in Jan) and then again next year....it's really going to be tough when he doesn't have OT anymore.

I hope if you guys don't do the B2B that you are still doing the Halloween cruise! We are *really* looking forward to that one!

thanks for the article on CC!! that is my favorite place in the world and maybe some time John and I will be able to enjoy the adult only section.

LMAO...yeah us too.

I told Ron we need to get Sarah a potty and get her going cause I expecct her to be fully toilet trained by this time next year so we can leve her in the club/scuttles and finally get to RELAX some!

Janet-- we did Disney at Christmas last year... loved loved the lights!! we are going to Disney Nov 20th. first time in Nov for us. Only being 8 hrs away may have its advantages!!

yeah we went...the year before last specifically to see Osbourne Lights and ended up leaving DHS right before sundown cause we just couldn't take the crowds anymore. It was the week after Xmas so it was really bad. So we haven't seen them yet either....Maybe this year.....

 

[anewmac]

I just want Ron to see this. We were discussing our plans to visit SoCal/DL...which FTR are not until 2012/2013 (LMAO yes we have our vacations all planned up til then)...actually it is mainly becuase he wants to wait until Sarah is big enough to go on everything so she will need to be 4 or 5 but I was trying to push him to go sooner by cautioning him how HOT it is there during the summer which he insists it is WAAY hotter here cuase the humidity. So do tell Drea, which IS hotter Cal or FLa????

WELL I live South East of Dland. So the temperatures are different. I live in the inland valley about 45min to Palm Springs. It can get HOT here.. But we dont have the humidity..(yet it has been very dry lately but I contribute that to all the fires sucken up the dew) SO I do say FLORIDA is worse (sorry I know how it is to tell a man he's right.. so if you want to lie to him Im good with that LOL). If you go in June we always have that gloom so its not as hot then. There is about a 10° difference at my house and in Anaheim. And if you do San Diego its even cooler cuz of the ocean breeze (man I miss Diego LOL) **btw when you get out here you better let me know so we can meet up for drinks in Cali Adventure.. or WHERE EVER! **

Im jealous that you have your vacations planned out.. thats the one issue with E's schedual.. I cant plan anything till we know more... and when we know more the price will have gone up UGGG lol

oh and did you all notice Kid sail free Jan-April 2010 on 3 and 4 night sailing on Disney... all I keep sayng is when they move the Wonder out here by me.. hey better offer that too! LOL yet a 3day caribbean is better then nasty Mexico! lol but ill take it still!

 

[ntheory]

Well no one has posted for a while so I thought I would just happen to mention that it's less than
2 MONTHS
until Amy and Dave tie the knot!!!!

Seems like just yesterday we were all celebrating their engagement on the ship!!

That's so exciting!!!!! It's getting so close.

hope everyone is having a good weekend.

we just booked a 4 day trip to Disney the weekend before Turkey day. gotta love free dining too. we are just trying to come up with a good place to eat.
( we have Le Cellier, Chef Mickey and Crystal Palace). we wanted a Fantasmic, and they were booked all weekend.

Have a great time!!! I will be busy that day, as well. I will be picking up my new Marine from Parris Island.

Is anyone (other than Amy) planning on being in WDW in Oct?

I finally convinced ROn (yeah like it took a lot of work) to get more play 3 passes, so we can hit up Food & Wine. (Ok actually it's for Brendan's birthday but you can see where my planning focus is! )

We're trying to decide between the 11th and the 18th. I know if we wait till the 18th we might get a chance to see Amy & Dave but the other weekend is a holiday weekend, which means more recuperation time from the dri-I mean eating-we will do!

Jen - we'll be there for MNSSHP on the 29th just before we leave on our 10/31 cruise. If you're there then, let me know!!!

we found out Fantasmic is only on one day that week... Sunday.. guess which day we will not be at Hollywood Studios. that is just crazy. bummer cause that is our favorite show, but I dont want any parts of the craziness!!

we did book the Christmas party.. hope it is as good as the Halloween party!!

I enjoyed MCMCP, but I will say that it's not as much fun as MNSSHP. You will enjoy it,though!!!! After all .... it IS Disney.

HI All,

Hows everyone doing. Im sad to announce we are not the mega millions winner... back to work i go tmrw lol untill the next drawing that is.. I "WILL" become a professional vacationer if it kills me.... wait that may make E ad the boys proff. vaca'rs with my insurance money they'll get LMAO.

Its been in the 100's here more like 110's so we went to a pool/splash funzone they have here at one of the rec centers. helped to cool off and just instill in us that we need to start the process ongetting some contractors over to give us estamites for Pools/the backyard.

So that may mean no vacation for the next 2yrs... along with there is more and more talk of E leaving next year for Afgan for a YR (ok going to sound bad but he's been home for a yr-14months and if he doesnt leave soon we may hurt eachother lol were not used to being around eachother this long. He even told his CO if you dont deploy me it could end my marriage LOL, but thing is a yr+ is LONG 6-8months were so used too.. but yr+ with only 2weeks home... is/will be hard, on all of us especially the boys. SO pray that its just a short one, he can still go just not that long LOL)

So that what's been going on in our neck of the woods. Kids are enjoying school, well J is. P thinks its boring cuz his teacher in 5th grade is really focusing on reading/writing as everyone put into her class is lacking in tha area, and his favorite/exelling area is MATH. So since she only does about an hour of math a day.. he's not a happy camper. lol

ALSO, i came by as I wanted to share with you what I found in my inbox today. Im on a yahoo disney cruise group, and they pass some good info from time to time. Looks like they are expanding castaway Cay. Doing some private cabana's (wonder how much that will cost) a new floating water area and more.

Wow. A year is a long time. Sure hope that gets cut short.





I've not checked in here for a while - sorry about that. We've been so busy this summer. Jared left for boot camp this past Sunday, and we're preparing for Jaydin's 4th birthday and our cruise. Now, too, we're making preparations for our trip to pick Jared up the week of Thanksgiving. Thank goodness we're going to stay busy the next 3 months.


I hope everyone is doing well!!!

 

[nenner1]

SO I do say FLORIDA is worse (sorry I know how it is to tell a man he's right.. so if you want to lie to him Im good with that LOL).

Nah. It doesn't happen often, he can bask in the glory.....

**btw when you get out here you better let me know so we can meet up for drinks in Cali Adventure.. or WHERE EVER! **

Oh TOTALLY!

Im jealous that you have your vacations planned out.. thats the one issue with E's schedual.. I cant plan anything till we know more... and when we know more the price will have gone up UGGG lol

Well..kindof. We just know this year is the RCCL cruise (which is our 2009 cruise, it was supposed to be the wedding on the Oasis remember). W ehave the Magic Halloween cruise in '10 and plan on doing the Oasis in '11. The plan is the Dream or Fantasy in '12 and then DL. So I guess that actually makes DL in '13 which sounds way too far away. We don't always have our decisions made in time to save money. The RCCL cruise is actually pretty expensive (for RCCL) since we were in limbo for so long wondering if the wedding was off or on the price had gone way up by the time we actually booked it (and we paid it off yesterday....YAY! )

oh and did you all notice Kid sail free Jan-April 2010 on 3 and 4 night sailing on Disney... all I keep sayng is when they move the Wonder out here by me.. hey better offer that too! LOL yet a 3day caribbean is better
then nasty Mexico! lol but ill take it still!

Yeah that has got to be so great for you guys. I wonder if they will run the discounts...

Jen - we'll be there for MNSSHP on the 29th just before we leave on our 10/31 cruise. If you're there then, let me know!!!

We are there on 10/29.... 2010

No, but I am sorry we will miss you guys. I am so jealous of your Halloween cruise. Can't wait til next year.....

 

[anewmac]

Heres a podcast of the updates they will be doing to Castaway Cay
YouTube

Even biking all over that island you still dont get how large it is till they do that fly over.



Jen im jealouse your all paid up (well not that you paid LOL but that your all set for your cruise)

Chell, 12weeks will go by fast! E wants to know who his DI's are? He wants to see if he was one of their DI's.. that would mean he is old LOL

Since I have no vacation planned nor will i know when i can plan anything... Im looking at stuff for E's CO he started asking E questions and E said I dont do anything but PACK and get on the plain when Drea tells me too ... suffice to say he got all the info and i am now his CO's "personal travel agent" LOL its kind of fun. but planning for my own vaca is till better! Lol

 

[Magic3forme]

Michelle: hugs!! I know you will miss Jared! but it is awesome what he is doing. gotta love a man in uniform!!

Drea: you need to be like tourguide mike and come up with a book on how to plan the best Disney vacation ( cruise or theme parks!)

when the new ships come out.. double dip reunion!!!

 

[ntheory]

Heres a podcast of the updates they will be doing to Castaway Cay
YouTube

Even biking all over that island you still dont get how large it is till they do that fly over.


Chell, 12weeks will go by fast! E wants to know who his DI's are? He wants to see if he was one of their DI's.. that would mean he is old LOL

Since I have no vacation planned nor will i know when i can plan anything... Im looking at stuff for E's CO he started asking E questions and E said I dont do anything but PACK and get on the plain when Drea tells me too ... suffice to say he got all the info and i am now his CO's "personal travel agent" LOL its kind of fun. but planning for my own vaca is till better! Lol

Thanks for the link. That's cool!

I will ask Jared. I'm not sure if he will let me know or not. I will tell him that E wants to know. I saw you correct the person on FB. I laughed because I was going to say pretty much the same thing! LOL!

I think the only reason that it will go by fast, though, is that we have SO much between now and then. Jaydin's birthday and party, school stuff for Jaydin and Jonah, and oh, yeah ... our cruise. I'm in charge of lanyards for our cruise, and I'm trying to get the name badges done. The lanyards are here and ready to be filled with the name badges. Do you want to see?? They are different from the ones we had on the Double Dip.

Michelle: hugs!! I know you will miss Jared! but it is awesome what he is doing. gotta love a man in uniform!!

Drea: you need to be like tourguide mike and come up with a book on how to plan the best Disney vacation ( cruise or theme parks!)

when the new ships come out.. double dip reunion!!!

I will - I DO! LOL! I'm thrilled for him, though. I know this is what he really, really wanted to do. I'm a little relieved for him right now. I know that, now, his 36-hour stint of no sleep is over for a while. He should have his beautifful hair cut by now, new clothes, and learning his new surroundings. Now, for all of us to get through the next 3 months.


DD reunion??? I LIKE that idea.

 

[Grandma4ever]

I would love to do a DD replay too!! Any ideas on when it might work best? I have to play way out in order to be able to vacation. Lois

 

[AQW]

Hello my DDD family! I was talking DCL with a colleague today and it got me nostalgic for our wonderful DDD cruise... thought I'd pop in to say hi to y'all. Does anybody remember this happy family?

That be us.

We've been cruising Carnival this year and loving it. I didn't think the kids would like it, but they SHOCKED me by saying they like it better than DCL! I can't imagine how/why... but they both agree. I understand with Celeste because she had that scary/negative incident on DCL, but Dexter LOVED the Oceaneers Club/Lab... he says Camp Carnival is just as fun. Ooooookay! Carnival is about 35-40% cheaper, so that works for me!

We took advantage of the Mexico/swine flu scare and booked a 3-night to Catalina ($99pp inside) and a 7-night to Canada ($399pp balcony for me and Dexter, $159 for Celeste!!!) - had a fantastic time on both. Now I'm insanely spoiled and don't want to pay even regular discount rates for a cruise... bring back the $399 balcony!

Our next trip is grownups only... I'm taking Harold to the USC/Notre Dame game in October! We celebrated our 10th anniversary in July, and this was my gift for him. Next up after that is WDW January 13-20 with extended family, and I'm hoping to sneak in at least one little quickie weekend cruise at some point. It's hard to make plans for anything past January, because Harold has multiple surgeries ahead of him and we don't know what the future holds.

That's the downside of the Washington family update - Harold was recently diagnosed with type-II neurofibromatosis (NF2), a genetic disorder that results in tumors throughout the central nervous system. He currently has five tumors - one in the lower spine, two in the neck, and two in his brain. He'll be having surgery in January to have the larger of the two brain tumors removed. Because NF2 is genetic, there is a 50% chance each of our kids inherited the disease. Once we get this first round of surgeries for Harold behind us, we will take a critical look at whether or not we want to do genetic testing on the kids.

We've got a long hard road ahead of us... but right now we're counting our blessings and choosing gratitude. The average life expectancy for NF2 is 36 years, and Harold is 42... at this point, I'm considering every moment to be a gift. And he could well have another 2-3 decades with us - only time will tell.

So... we need to travel! I have to be even more budget-minded than I used to be, because Harold lost his job following his diagnosis, but we make it work. What I *really* can't wait to see is the prices for the Wonder's repo to L.A. - I want to take my kids through the Panama Canal! Here's hoping the prices aren't TOO exorbitant (yeah, right... it's DCL!)

That's about it for me... love all around!

 

[Grandma4ever]

Hello my DDD family! I was talking DCL with a colleague today and it got me nostalgic for our wonderful DDD cruise... thought I'd pop in to say hi to y'all. Does anybody remember this happy family?

That be us.

We've been cruising Carnival this year and loving it. I didn't think the kids would like it, but they SHOCKED me by saying they like it better than DCL! I can't imagine how/why... but they both agree. I understand with Celeste because she had that scary/negative incident on DCL, but Dexter LOVED the Oceaneers Club/Lab... he says Camp Carnival is just as fun. Ooooookay! Carnival is about 35-40% cheaper, so that works for me!

We took advantage of the Mexico/swine flu scare and booked a 3-night to Catalina ($99pp inside) and a 7-night to Canada ($399pp balcony for me and Dexter, $159 for Celeste!!!) - had a fantastic time on both. Now I'm insanely spoiled and don't want to pay even regular discount rates for a cruise... bring back the $399 balcony!

Our next trip is grownups only... I'm taking Harold to the USC/Notre Dame game in October! We celebrated our 10th anniversary in July, and this was my gift for him. Next up after that is WDW January 13-20 with extended family, and I'm hoping to sneak in at least one little quickie weekend cruise at some point. It's hard to make plans for anything past January, because Harold has multiple surgeries ahead of him and we don't know what the future holds.

That's the downside of the Washington family update - Harold was recently diagnosed with type-II neurofibromatosis (NF2), a genetic disorder that results in tumors throughout the central nervous system. He currently has five tumors - one in the lower spine, two in the neck, and two in his brain. He'll be having surgery in January to have the larger of the two brain tumors removed. Because NF2 is genetic, there is a 50% chance each of our kids inherited the disease. Once we get this first round of surgeries for Harold behind us, we will take a critical look at whether or not we want to do genetic testing on the kids.

We've got a long hard road ahead of us... but right now we're counting our blessings and choosing gratitude. The average life expectancy for NF2 is 36 years, and Harold is 42... at this point, I'm considering every moment to be a gift. And he could well have another 2-3 decades with us - only time will tell.

So... we need to travel! I have to be even more budget-minded than I used to be, because Harold lost his job following his diagnosis, but we make it work. What I *really* can't wait to see is the prices for the Wonder's repo to L.A. - I want to take my kids through the Panama Canal! Here's hoping the prices aren't TOO exorbitant (yeah, right... it's DCL!)

That's about it for me... love all around!

That is one heck of a bumping road you are walking. My prayers to you and the family. Ypur current attitude will get you far.

One of these days I may risk cruising with another line just haven't been able to take that risk yet

Thanks for touching base with us. Lois

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Adrienne, OMG, I am so sorry to hear that. I had no idea. Here is a giant hug to you and your family because I can't send you a good hug on FB!

 

[nenner1]

I'm in charge of lanyards for our cruise, and I'm trying to get the name badges done. The lanyards are here and ready to be filled with the name badges. Do you want to see?? They are different from the ones we had on the Double Dip.

I want to see!

DD reunion??? I LIKE that idea.

I'm in.....

Hello my DDD family! I was talking DCL with a colleague today and it got me nostalgic for our wonderful DDD cruise... thought I'd pop in to say hi to y'all. Does anybody remember this happy family?

That be us.

That's an awesome pic!

We've been cruising Carnival this year and loving it. I didn't think the kids would like it, but they SHOCKED me by saying they like it better than DCL! I can't imagine how/why... but they both agree. I understand with Celeste because she had that scary/negative incident on DCL, but Dexter LOVED the Oceaneers Club/Lab... he says Camp Carnival is just as fun. Ooooookay! Carnival is about 35-40% cheaper, so that works for me!

I read somewhere where you posted about your Carnival cruise. I'm so glad you guys had such a great time. Now I think we have to give Carnival a shot too!

That's the downside of the Washington family update - Harold was recently diagnosed with type-II neurofibromatosis (NF2), a genetic disorder that results in tumors throughout the central nervous system. He currently has five tumors - one in the lower spine, two in the neck, and two in his brain. He'll be having surgery in January to have the larger of the two brain tumors removed. Because NF2 is genetic, there is a 50% chance each of our kids inherited the disease. Once we get this first round of surgeries for Harold behind us, we will take a critical look at whether or not we want to do genetic testing on the kids.

Oh no....Adrienne I am so sorry to hear that. More hugs, thoughts and prayers to you guys. Keep that positive attitude going!!!!