Girls Only Trip (old thread, link to new thread in first post)

[mommaU4]

I got four more Christmas cards today! I love it. It extends the holidays a bit for me.
And Wendy, your card was hilarious!! How funny and clever.

Thanks everyone who sent out cards. It was fun.

I went out to Walmart this morning and got some items that I can use as teacher gifts and the kid's friends gifts for next year. So I had to spend a little more now, to save a bunch later. But I am pretty much sick of shopping now. If I hear the word "sale" one more time......

I hope everyone is having a good day. It won't be long before we can start making some real plans and reservations for the trip!
Those of you in charge of making tour reservations and dining reservations make sure you know what to do and when. Starting next week, I'll be posting some of the lists and asking people to confirm their plans so we have accurate counts.

 

[Stacerita]

After thinking about this for a long time I have some bad news.

I won't be able to join all you lovely ladies for the Girls' Only Trip in March. I'm barely making my monthly CC payments as it is and I don't see anything changing in the near future. I did receive some money for Christmas but I have things that I NEED like gas, clothes, school stuff, etc.

I'm bummed that I won't be able to join you this year but hopefully circumstances will allow me to join you for at least one day and if not than for 2010.

I will still be reading along to see what fun plans you girls decide upon.

I'm sorry to hear that you won't be able to go on the trip. You will be missed! Hopefully you can make it down at least for one day to meet up with us or something. Wishing you a turn for the better come this new year.


Hope everyone else is doing well today. I once again am stuck working. Have to keep reminding myself that there are sick kids every day of the year. Doesn't make it any easier though.


Also want to remind everyone to take a look at the first page and check the first few posts. Make sure you are signed up for the meals and such that you are planning on going to. PS's and such are going to be booked soon. We want to make sure that everyone who wants to go can go. I don't want anyone to miss out. If you don't see your name, make sure you let us know so we can get that corrected. Once New Year's is over, we are on the last lap it seems.

Enjoy your Friday!!

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Is it supposed to be "justing"?

When I wrote it, I was quoting the song: "I'm just hoverin' around, over the ground, wondering where I will drip". Maybe the tag fairy is quoting something else that I'm not aware of? Either way, I have a tag!!!! WooHoo!


I didn't change the words of the original tags, just dusted you with some colour.

 

[cheshiregirl]

Hope that everyone had a great holiday and is recovering nicely today. We had a fabulous time at DLR, but the trip home was memorable for all the wrong reasons. It took 6.5 hours (more than 2 hours longer than normal) due to the traffic, fog, rain, sleet, snow, hail and dust storms that we alternately hit along I-15 as we headed home. Ty was a rockstar and was so good given that we never stopped and he is used to getting a break around the 3-3.5 hour mark. And, Dave was amazing as he navigated all these obstacles to get us home safely.

Tonight we are actually celebrating Christmas or Boxing Day if you prefer. We had taken a few presents for Ty along and I took one of Dave's along as well since it was new Christmas pajamas.

As for me, my big present was purchased at the park--I got one of the watercolor paintings of our last name and it is absolutely beautiful. The guy taking our order was awesome and we literally chose every character that they incorporated into the painting. Unfortunately they have a lot of restrictions--no Mickey & friends, no Pooh & friends, no NBC characters and no Pixar. But, it has Ariel, Belle, Peter Pan, Jack Sparrow, Simba & Pumbaa, a Tiki Room bird, a Pirate ship, a Prince & Castle, and Alice & the Cheshire Cat (of course)!

Anyhow, yay for F! being on the schedule during our trip, even if there probably won't be a parade or fireworks. Dave has no patience for F! at DL because of the lack of seating. But, he also isn't willing to pay for the reserved seating/dessert box thing. Thus, I have only seen part of F! at DL and I have heard that it is so much better than at DHS! So, I am way excited to see it in March with all of you!

Have a great evening everyone!

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

When I wrote it, I was quoting the song: "I'm just hoverin' around, over the ground, wondering where I will drip". Maybe the tag fairy is quoting something else that I'm not aware of? Either way, I have a tag!!!! WooHoo!


I didn't change the words of the original tags, just dusted you with some colour.

Well then I don't know what I'm talking about!! What else is new? Thank you tag fairy for your 'dusting'. I love the color, and if you have time to edit my typo, I'd appreciate it!!! It is true, I'm a little scared of Elvis...always have been!

 

[trodrigue]

Ok, now that I've calmed down (a little), I need to know exactly how a person like me can travel to DLR for a long weekend with only one carry on bag and a personal item. I have been instructed to only bring such, so that we are not bogged down by checked baggage. It will be worth the master packing skills I'm about to aquire just to be able to spend more time in the park.

Did I tell you yet how excited I am!?!?

That is great about the airfare!!!! I love it when that happens. What airport are you flying into and when are you all coming in? I will be at John Wayne by about 2 or 3 I think. I have heard that they are really fast at getting the luggage out at the smaller airports. But, I am considering just bringing a carryon too! I really hate to wait for my luggage and I always have to when I fly with the family. I also traveled to Europe with a backpack of clothes for one month, so I know it is possible. Just choose an outfit for each day, with pants/bottoms planned for two days wear. Pack a few extra tops, any special outfit you need, 3 pairs of shoes and one jacket. That's It! Between a suitcase and your personal bag, which can be quite large, you will be set. Consider this a challenge. Also when packing, if you roll and tuck, more will fit. Stuff socks and stuff inside of your packed shoes and so on. Good Luck.

As for me, my big present was purchased at the park--I got one of the watercolor paintings of our last name and it is absolutely beautiful. The guy taking our order was awesome and we literally chose every character that they incorporated into the painting. Unfortunately they have a lot of restrictions--no Mickey & friends, no Pooh & friends, no NBC characters and no Pixar. But, it has Ariel, Belle, Peter Pan, Jack Sparrow, Simba & Pumbaa, a Tiki Room bird, a Pirate ship, a Prince & Castle, and Alice & the Cheshire Cat (of course)!

Anyhow, yay for F! being on the schedule during our trip, even if there probably won't be a parade or fireworks. Dave has no patience for F! at DL because of the lack of seating. But, he also isn't willing to pay for the reserved seating/dessert box thing. Thus, I have only seen part of F! at DL and I have heard that it is so much better than at DHS! So, I am way excited to see it in March with all of you!

Have a great evening everyone!

Your sign sounds gorgeous. I might get one of those in Feb.

I was thinking we should maybe do the dessert Fantasmic seating on our ladies' trip, but then I remembered we will have priority seating via the VIP tour. Otherwise I would consider it. Once in a lifetime, as I wouldn't want to pay the $240 for my family to go, but could live with the $60 it would cost for just little old me

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Thanks for the editing tag fairy! I hope your holiday was as special as you are!

I'm glad F! will be showing. I've seen the one at DHS, and LOVED it. I can't wait to see it with you all. Does the VIP seating include the snacks? If not, I'll have to arrange for provisions.

Tracey-Thanks for the packing tips! I don't want to check baggage. I think it will be refreshing to not lug so much around. We are flying into John Wayne around 11:30. I should be eating a corn dog about the time your flight lands! You did forget to mention PJ's. I don't think Callie and Stacie want me to forget those! This is sooo exciting! I feel like I'm preparing for camp.

DH says that he's making a strict budget this weekend for us to follow. I'm dreading it and looking forward to it. I always worry that I spend too much, and really want to pay everything off before we move. I know it will put a crimp in my style though. I think our trip will be my last splurge in a while. I know we are feeling the economic crunch.

I'm selling an extra gift off ebay (I was bad and bought myself something that I put on my 'santa' wishlist.). I'm going to try and sell some of the crap, I mean things, laying around here to buy my tickets with. I'm determined to turn into a frugal mom. Have you all heard of this website? It looks really interesting. We have got to get our food bill lower. It 'eats' up sooo much of our budget.

OK, talk with you all later!

Heather

 

[21yankees]

Don't say that. That is probably the last thing I want to be tagged with.

Have fun baking tomorrow.

Too late.... Looks like the tag fairy got you with it.

After thinking about this for a long time I have some bad news.

I won't be able to join all you lovely ladies for the Girls' Only Trip in March. I'm barely making my monthly CC payments as it is and I don't see anything changing in the near future. I did receive some money for Christmas but I have things that I NEED like gas, clothes, school stuff, etc.

I'm bummed that I won't be able to join you this year but hopefully circumstances will allow me to join you for at least one day and if not than for 2010.

I will still be reading along to see what fun plans you girls decide upon.

I am so sorry Cristabel. I hope you're able to come for a little bit.

Good Morning!

I had a great Christmas! It sounds like others did as well.

We still have presents under the tree for the boys to open. They were so overwhelmed by all the new stuff that they shut down yesterday afternoon. I'm half tempted to rewrapp what they haven't opened and it give them as birthday gifts!

My son didn't open all of his presents yesterday either. This morning he was all about opening the remain presents though. Now we have to figure out where to put all of the kids presents.


I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I haven't left my house since Christmas Eve....feels a bit weird but it really feels nice that I haven't had to rush anywhere or had to do anything. I think we're going to see Bolt tomorrow but that will depend on how the kids behave during the day.

steph

 

[mommaU4]

PS's and such are going to be booked soon. We want to make sure that everyone who wants to go can go. I don't want anyone to miss out. If you don't see your name, make sure you let us know so we can get that corrected. Once New Year's is over, we are on the last lap it seems.

Exactly. For so long it seemed the trip would never get here, but once January hits, time will fly by!!
Oh, and love the new tag!

It took 6.5 hours (more than 2 hours longer than normal) due to the traffic, fog, rain, sleet, snow, hail and dust storms that we alternately hit along I-15 as we headed home.

Dave has no patience for F! at DL because of the lack of seating. But, he also isn't willing to pay for the reserved seating/dessert box thing. Thus, I have only seen part of F! at DL and I have heard that it is so much better than at DHS!

Ugh, sorry about the nasty drive home. Glad you made it ok though.
As for Fantasmic, it's a tradition that at least once on our family trips, I find a spot, spread a blanket and park my booty for 3 hours saving us a prime viewing location while Ruben takes the kids on some rides. I don't mind it at all! It's so fun to people watch and then chat with the neighbors as others start saving spots too. And we'll usually eat dinner then too.
So I have no problem saving spots for anyone who wants me to.
Oh, and I like your moving tag!

Well then I don't know what I'm talking about!! What else is new? Thank you tag fairy for your 'dusting'. I love the color, and if you have time to edit my typo, I'd appreciate it!!! It is true, I'm a little scared of Elvis...always have been!

How cool! Not only did you get new tags, and some color, you got some posts from the TF too.

Now we have to figure out where to put all of the kids presents.

steph

I always dread that part. Thankfully it's all done and all the new items have homes now.

 

[stacielee]

Ok, now that I've calmed down (a little), I need to know exactly how a person like me can travel to DLR for a long weekend with only one carry on bag and a personal item. I have been instructed to only bring such, so that we are not bogged down by checked baggage. It will be worth the master packing skills I'm about to aquire just to be able to spend more time in the park.

Did I tell you yet how excited I am!?!?

Don't worry, you'll do fine! The hardest part is finding all your liquids in 3 oz. bottles!! That's what I had the most problem with.

I got visited by the tag fairy!!!!!



It is a good day!!!!

Thank you tag fairy! I love my new tags!

Yay, tag fairy!! Love yours!! And Stacerita's!! Too funny!!!

After thinking about this for a long time I have some bad news.

I won't be able to join all you lovely ladies for the Girls' Only Trip in March. I'm barely making my monthly CC payments as it is and I don't see anything changing in the near future. I did receive some money for Christmas but I have things that I NEED like gas, clothes, school stuff, etc.

I'm bummed that I won't be able to join you this year but hopefully circumstances will allow me to join you for at least one day and if not than for 2010.

I will still be reading along to see what fun plans you girls decide upon.

I hope you can figure out how to come and meet up with us, even for just a few hours. I completely understand your situation, just pray ALOT! And we all will, too!!

Thanks for the editing tag fairy! I hope your holiday was as special as you are!

I'm glad F! will be showing. I've seen the one at DHS, and LOVED it. I can't wait to see it with you all. Does the VIP seating include the snacks? If not, I'll have to arrange for provisions.

Tracey-Thanks for the packing tips! I don't want to check baggage. I think it will be refreshing to not lug so much around. We are flying into John Wayne around 11:30. I should be eating a corn dog about the time your flight lands! You did forget to mention PJ's. I don't think Callie and Stacie want me to forget those! This is sooo exciting! I feel like I'm preparing for camp.

DH says that he's making a strict budget this weekend for us to follow. I'm dreading it and looking forward to it. I always worry that I spend too much, and really want to pay everything off before we move. I know it will put a crimp in my style though. I think our trip will be my last splurge in a while. I know we are feeling the economic crunch.

I'm selling an extra gift off ebay (I was bad and bought myself something that I put on my 'santa' wishlist.). I'm going to try and sell some of the crap, I mean things, laying around here to buy my tickets with. I'm determined to turn into a frugal mom. Have you all heard of this website? It looks really interesting. We have got to get our food bill lower. It 'eats' up sooo much of our budget.

OK, talk with you all later!

Heather

You are correct, ours is NOT a PJ-optional room.

The budget stuff is good and bad. We do it, but don't really keep track of everything. Now, DH wants to pay off our house in the next 7 years so we'll be moving money around starting in January. FUN!!

Another one to try is this.

 

[disney-inspired]

Thank you girl for the well wishes and prayers.
I'm definitely going to be praying for a secure job. Hopefully TDS will keep me on as a permanent part time employee. But I won't know until mid-January about anything.

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Don't worry, you'll do fine! The hardest part is finding all your liquids in 3 oz. bottles!! That's what I had the most problem with.



Yay, tag fairy!! Love yours!! And Stacerita's!! Too funny!!!



I hope you can figure out how to come and meet up with us, even for just a few hours. I completely understand your situation, just pray ALOT! And we all will, too!!



You are correct, ours is NOT a PJ-optional room.

The budget stuff is good and bad. We do it, but don't really keep track of everything. Now, DH wants to pay off our house in the next 7 years so we'll be moving money around starting in January. FUN!!

Another one to try is this.

Lots of good stuff here...

Ugh...I hadn't even thought about the whole 3 oz thing. My only issue is going to be my hair spray. It's special, and can't be left behind. I'm really going to have to think about this.

Prayer is what keeps me going. I know we all have our own beliefs, but prayer's what helps me.

Stacerita's new tags are hilarious!! I'm glad I wasn't tagged with 'poo'!

Now, I just have to decide if I bring the nice looking not so comfy pj's or the ratty old pj's that re soooo comfy. Are we going for fabulous or functional?

That website looks really interesting. Thanks for the tip! I'm going to check it out ASAP.

Good night all! I work the weekend, but hope to be on some.

Heather

 

[bumbershoot]

I've been ignoring the thread, and have just now read the very last page.


LittleBlackRaincloud, remember that the full carry-on size is actually kinda generous. If you look at ricksteves dot com and go to his store, you will see that his biggest bag is actually carry-on size. He has a tour company, and he has the tour members of even his 14 day trips ONLY take carry-on, and that's international carry-on so it's pretty strict.

I don't know what to say about a hairspray as I don't use the stuff except for once in a blue moon, but maybe there's a travel size? If your hair can handle a few days without your own shampoo, I know that my hair is totally fine with the HoJo shampoo.



I have to really figure out the costs of this trip. What days I can really be there, etc. I know hubby wants to send me (someday I'm going to have to think hard about how happy he is to get rid of me!) but I will be on the strictest of strict budgets!

 

[kelmac284]

Morning all! Last night we spent the evening just vegging which was nice. Just kicking back enjoying the new blue ray. We only have the two movies we got free so I just watched some old dvds. To be honest I can't really tell the difference but of course dh swears it's HUGE LOL. Whatever. I am just glad we have a new player that WORKS. It doesn't skip and I watched phenomenon which is an old dvd I had that wouldn't play on my old player and now I can FINALLY listen to my cd's cuz my old dvd player wouldn't play cds either! So it is nice to have something that works finally!

Anyway today dh is headed to his side job again so I am on my own with the kids for the day so more vegging. I have to go feed my parents cats in a bit and check the mail but otherwise that's bout it.

Tomorrow dh is supposed to work again so probably won't go to church again. I know I should but I hate sitting there all by myself. The kids go to sunday school and I don't like being in there all by myself. I know that is lame but still. Hopefully he will be done with this job soon so we can start going back as a family!

Then Monday Lynn gets her braces off and I have to go in to work. I guess mom won't be there so I will just run in and get the bills paid real quick and then leave. Then Tuesday I am going to talk to the gal at my docs office and try and convince them that I need to move my surgery. Otherwise I am supposed to do all my blood work but I REALLY don't want to do it so hopefully I can convince them to let me move it! Then wed is new year's eve and we will be having our family party for Katy since that is her actual birthday. STILL don't know if we are going to Truckee since Lynn doesn't know her hours yet. I asked her if she talked to her boss about her missing check and she said he is looking into it. I was like well he OWES you that money and she was like well if they can't figure it out then I guess oh well. And I was like WRONG. You WORKED those hours if THEY made the mistake they know you were there you are entitled to get paid it is THEIR mistake. I told her THAT is why you need to keep track of your hours. She thought she only was due like 11 hours I was like GRRRRR I am not even keeping track and I know you worked more than that. KIDS!!!! I am trying so hard to teach her responsibility and she just doesn't get it. She already lost her pay stubs. UGH! Dh wants me to give her the responsibility but this is EXACTLY what I knew would happen. So we shall see. I was like don't be so willing to just LOSE 200 buck! Sheesh! I can tell you if I worked for 3 whole days I wouldn't be so willing to give it up! Jeez!

Anyway IF we go to truckee we will go wed afternoon/eve and stay through Friday afternoon when we will have to come back to take her to work. (that is all depending on her work of course) but that is the plan. We will go up and celebrate her birthday wed night and then play in the snow on new years and watch football. So we shall see. And then saturday is her party back here in town.

I've only heard from 2 people as usual. SOOOO frustrating. NONE of the kids from school have rsvp'd but what else is new! So as usual we will show up and just wait and see. I had to pay for 12 people minimum so hopefully SOME of them show up!

So that's my week. Hopefully the rest of you have some fun plans for the next week. Any parties? We were actually invited to 3 this year but we can't ever go to any because of Katy but I don't mind. She won't be little forever.

Anyway have a GREAT day everyone and I'm sure I will be off and on all day!

 

[BillyFan]

Hi girls! I'm off to the mountains to celebrate my birthday and the new year, so I probably won't be able to check in until sometime next weekend. I hope you all have a great week and a safe New Year.

And by the way, I totally understand the budget issues some of us are having. I'm in the same boat. This is a very expensive habit we have!

 

[stacielee]

Lots of good stuff here...

Ugh...I hadn't even thought about the whole 3 oz thing. My only issue is going to be my hair spray. It's special, and can't be left behind. I'm really going to have to think about this.

Prayer is what keeps me going. I know we all have our own beliefs, but prayer's what helps me.

Stacerita's new tags are hilarious!! I'm glad I wasn't tagged with 'poo'!

Now, I just have to decide if I bring the nice looking not so comfy pj's or the ratty old pj's that re soooo comfy. Are we going for fabulous or functional?

That website looks really interesting. Thanks for the tip! I'm going to check it out ASAP.

Good night all! I work the weekend, but hope to be on some.

Heather

The hairspray and hair mousse/gel was the biggest problem for me, too, but I found a travel size at Target, I think, that was acceptable, but not as good as what I usually use.

Definitely functional; if fabulous isn't comfortable, forget about it! We need all the best sleep we can get; ask Callie, my eyes were so puffy on the day we went home, it was awful!!

Let me know if you have any questions about the CS website; I've been using it for 4+ years and love it!!

Hi girls! I'm off to the mountains to celebrate my birthday and the new year, so I probably won't be able to check in until sometime next weekend. I hope you all have a great week and a safe New Year.

And by the way, I totally understand the budget issues some of us are having. I'm in the same boat. This is a very expensive habit we have!

Happy Birthday, Tina! Hopefully we'll see you in March!!!

 

[trodrigue]

Thanks for the editing tag fairy! I hope your holiday was as special as you are!

I'm glad F! will be showing. I've seen the one at DHS, and LOVED it. I can't wait to see it with you all. Does the VIP seating include the snacks? If not, I'll have to arrange for provisions.

Tracey-Thanks for the packing tips! I don't want to check baggage. I think it will be refreshing to not lug so much around. We are flying into John Wayne around 11:30. I should be eating a corn dog about the time your flight lands! You did forget to mention PJ's. I don't think Callie and Stacie want me to forget those! This is sooo exciting! I feel like I'm preparing for camp.

DH says that he's making a strict budget this weekend for us to follow. I'm dreading it and looking forward to it. I always worry that I spend too much, and really want to pay everything off before we move. I know it will put a crimp in my style though. I think our trip will be my last splurge in a while. I know we are feeling the economic crunch.

I'm selling an extra gift off ebay (I was bad and bought myself something that I put on my 'santa' wishlist.). I'm going to try and sell some of the crap, I mean things, laying around here to buy my tickets with. I'm determined to turn into a frugal mom. Have you all heard of this website? It looks really interesting. We have got to get our food bill lower. It 'eats' up sooo much of our budget.

OK, talk with you all later!

Heather

Hi Heather,
I have heard that there is no snacks for VIP seating and also no seats. Just a good spot to stand/sit in. Oh, yes, bring PJ's Please! I have to say, the thing that helps me stay on budget for food, is ordering on line, after menu planning and having it delivered. Saves me time and impulse shopping. It is amazing!

 

[bigskyernurse]

Hi all,

I checked page one and everything seems correct for me. The only thing I would like to be added to is the scavenger hunt.

Beth, can you please add me there??

I can't tell you all how much I am looking forward to our trip. Work is kicking my butt lately. The last 2 days have been insanely busy. I don't get it....it's Christmas! Everyone should be opening presents, eating, shopping, sleeping....not going to the ER!! My phone rang nonstop all night last night and I am dead tired now. And trying to write a paper that is due tomorrow. Why am I here on the disboards??? I need an intervention....

 

[mommaU4]

Hopefully TDS will keep me on as a permanent part time employee. But I won't know until mid-January about anything.

Well, I hope it all works out for you.

Another one to try is this.

Thanks to you and Heather for posting those websites. I'll have to check them out. Groceries are a huge expense for us with such a large family.

Now, I just have to decide if I bring the nice looking not so comfy pj's or the ratty old pj's that re soooo comfy. Are we going for fabulous or functional?

I am all about comfort when I sleep. I have these old flannel gowns that I love. I call them my granny gowns.

I have to really figure out the costs of this trip. What days I can really be there, etc. I know hubby wants to send me (someday I'm going to have to think hard about how happy he is to get rid of me!) but I will be on the strictest of strict budgets!

I think now that Christmas is over we are all going to be going over our budgets. We have so many people signed up, but sadly I anticipate losing a few more before it's time to book.

Just kicking back enjoying the new blue ray.

I had to pay for 12 people minimum so hopefully SOME of them show up!

We got a Blu-Ray from Ruben's parents last year, but we returned it. For one, we don't have a fancy tv and two, I was NOT going to pay those high prices for the Blue-Ray DVDs. Maybe one day we'll get another one. We'll see.
I hope lots of people show for the party!!

Hi girls! I'm off to the mountains to celebrate my birthday and the new year, so I probably won't be able to check in until sometime next weekend. I hope you all have a great week and a safe New Year.

Have a great birthday and enjoy your time in the mountains.

I checked page one and everything seems correct for me. The only thing I would like to be added to is the scavenger hunt.

Beth, can you please add me there??

Sure, I'll add you. And I'm sorry things have been so hectic for you lately. Hang in there. In March you'll get the break you so desperately deserve.

 

[mommaU4]

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

I've got some free time on my hands so I am going to send out PMs to everyone signed up on the front page to confirm their attendence on the trip.
Yes, I know for sure that some of you are going, but it's just easier if I send them out en masse by going down the list. So don't panic if you're thinking "I'm on all the lists, why is she asking if I'm going." LOL It's just easier this way. And I'll start adding the word "confirmed" next to the names of those I hear from either by PM or on the thread. Thanks ladies!