Going Down the Bayou for Baby's First Trip Aug 26th to Sept 3rd PTR

[nadira36]

Following.
Our youngest will have his first trip to the parks in March.

A first trip! Oh so exciting! And such a fun age too our second was about 18 mos for her first trip, and she was a HOOT! She had to stop and dance all the time. We'd be hurrying to get somewhere, and she's insist on getting down and dancing around to the music. We'd have CMs coming over to watch, applauding her, she loved it all so much. We were almost always late, but then she'd start dancing for whoever we were talking to, and they forgave us and got us a great seat each and every time. It was wonderful.

And yep, there's the tears. No other place has the power to illicit so many happy memories from me.

In case anyone ever wonders. I'm the lady hiding my face slightly while I wipe away tears - on the monorail - at the MK RD - while riding the people mover - while watching the parade - standing inline for BTMRR. I have a giant smile the entire time - except sometimes they threaten to become the ugly cry as I realize these moments are so precious and fleet. As I watch my 7.5 year old do the things 7 yr olds do while remembering the things she did on her first trip at 9 mos.

They get big so fast.

 

[nadira36]

So much has happened in the past week! First, we're not moving anymore very mixed feelings associated with that decision, but it's the only decision we have for now. We just can't find a house, in our price range, that fits our family that can also pass inspection - so for the time being, we're staying where we are.

Then 2 days ago Brom decided walking is so passé. Instead of taking his first steps, he got up and dashed across the room and hasn't slowed down since.

I'm sure this new development will make our trip a lot more interesting hopefully he'll be willing to either be in the carrier or buggy long enough to get from one end of the park to the other. If we have to walk at a slow toddle for the entire trip, I don't think we'll get everything done I want to do. In the past, our babies were either not walking at all yet, or were seasoned walkers by a few months. This is completely new territory.

With everything being so topsy turvy this week, I've yet to figure out my packing list. So the next 2 days will see me deciding what we're packing into which bags as well as finalizing the list of things I need to purchase prior to packing.

One thing I have managed to do is get working on our costumes! My Frozen inspired Anna dress is almost finished. I'll start working on Ryan's Hans costume today as well. I really hope it turns out!

 

[nadira36]

Our trips getting closer!!! I can hardly wait!

But I have so much to do!

Today, however, I'll focus on what I have done.

First, we ordered (and finally received) an amazing book for autographs. I'm tired of the same ol' same ol' autograph books. This way we'll have a unique book that really highlights this specific trip and all the characters we'll meet this time!

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It has a large number of characters, including classics and FROZEN! I am so excited about Autographs this year! We'll have each Character sign by their picture. Though we have a second, Frozen specific book we'll ask Elsa and Anna to sign as well.

Yesterday I ran out and bought some clothes for the big girls, as well as flying pants for Cordelia (that child has more clothes than the rest of the family combined) She really didn't need anything, but 3 year old crying when everyone else gets new clothes and not her is just too much. Her pants cost $1. I figured it was the least I could do for peace and quiet!

Sunscreen's purchased. Passports updated, and received. Activity books, colouring books, crayons, and a couple story books (Including the first book of the "Never Girls" series) have all been purchased. Children should be entertained during our flights. We also have movies for the iPod and iPad to get them excited about the trip (and buy us some peace and quiet if needed) Though really, the girls have all done fabulously on flights so far, so I doubt we'll have any concerns.

I've also pulled our suitcases out of storage, and picked up a new carry on that should hold plenty of activity books and crayons for the flights.

A couple days ago I created a new countdown calendar for us.

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There's a couple more days than we actually need - not a full surprise, but we'll wake the girls up a couple days earlier than they expect - head to Disney early! One day I really want to just wake them up and fully surprise them, but I'm not able to keep it quiet that long.

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I took this idea from Disney, Pinterest. First day, watch a movie, the next two days do activities related to the movie. First was Tangled. Then we painted pictures. Today we're writing down the things the girls want to talk to Rapunzel about.

She's Painting Rapunzel's tower


"It's just a painting Mommy."


He had so much fun!


Multimedia art at it's finest!


Even Mommy and Daddy got into it. (Though no pictures of me)

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[ariane37]

I'm so excited, we both have 23 days to go Love the paintings the kids did (especially Brom lol)

I keep switching up my park days and ADR's, and I still want to make more changes. I need to stop! DH did finally decide we're renting a car - first time we're not taking ME since 2006! But, we're actually venturing off Disney property for the first time since then also, and the price was only $10 more than it would have been to take a taxi to Universal Citiwalk (going to the NBA restaurant one night, not sure if I ever mentioned that). However we'll still use the busses to get to the parks, at least sometimes. DEFINITELY to go to MK. Besides being easier than driving IMO, I just love when the music changes from your resort music to the old Mickey Mouse club music when you approach the bus stops there. That's usually the 2nd time I cry each trip! First time is as soon as we're on Disney property lol.

Sorry your move didn't work out But usually these things are for the best. We actually attempted to move twice before we did. We tried in 2004 before getting pregnant with second DS, then again in 2007 when he was 2. Just didn't end up being "right". Finally last year it all worked out

How are the rest of the Halloween costumes coming?

 

[nadira36]

I'm so excited, we both have 23 days to go Love the paintings the kids did (especially Brom lol)

Thanks so much! I love doing crafts with the kiddos. This was Brom's first painting experience, it was so cute!

I keep switching up my park days and ADR's, and I still want to make more changes. I need to stop! DH did finally decide we're renting a car - first time we're not taking ME since 2006! But, we're actually venturing off Disney property for the first time since then also, and the price was only $10 more than it would have been to take a taxi to Universal Citiwalk (going to the NBA restaurant one night, not sure if I ever mentioned that). However we'll still use the busses to get to the parks, at least sometimes. DEFINITELY to go to MK. Besides being easier than driving IMO, I just love when the music changes from your resort music to the old Mickey Mouse club music when you approach the bus stops there. That's usually the 2nd time I cry each trip! First time is as soon as we're on Disney property lol.

I cry at those moments too! Ryan always laughs at me b/c I cry so much at Disney! I hear you about making changes. But I'm doing well and leaving them alone, for now! You'll have to tell me how the rental goes. I'm not sure if we'll ever get to that point

Sorry your move didn't work out But usually these things are for the best. We actually attempted to move twice before we did. We tried in 2004 before getting pregnant with second DS, then again in 2007 when he was 2. Just didn't end up being "right". Finally last year it all worked out

So happy it finally worked for you! But there was a good reason things didn't work for us. This morning Ella found something spectacular on our property - a bag full of MONEY!!! I am seriously not kidding. We suspect we know when and how it got there, it would have been the day we signed the paperwork to take our home off the market.

How are the rest of the Halloween costumes coming?
Costume making's been slow to non-existent.Ryan may end up being Mickey again this year. Brom has a 'super' Mickey costume - mouse ears and a onsie with a cape and a picture of Mickey on the front. Not quite what we planned, but it will work if I can't get more work done! And since the next few days are tied up with police and lawyers (b/c of our find) I'm not likely to get a lot done.

In other news, we're having so much fun with our countdown! I'll fill you all in on that later today.

 

[ariane37]

A bag full of $$$ on your lawn?? All I can say is WOW!! Whatever the details, I hope in the end it's all a positive thing.

Looking forward to hearing more about the countdown

 

[nadira36]

A bag full of $$$ on your lawn?? All I can say is WOW!! Whatever the details, I hope in the end it's all a positive thing.

Looking forward to hearing more about the countdown

It wasn't on my lawn - it was fairly well hidden, which brings up a lot of questions and concerns! But if it turns out we get to keep it - it pays for the next 2 Disney Vacations, but on a very grand scale!

 

[nadira36]

For our next 'Tangled" day on the countdown, the girls were supposed to write down what they wanted to talk to Rapunzle about when they met her. The girls all have very interesting things to talk to her about.

Ella wants to know how she got out of her tower after cutting her hair. Did she use the cut hair b/c hair was what she'd been used to, or did she take Mother Gothel's secret stairs?

Agatha wants to know what Rapunzel's last name is. Did she take Eugene's last name: Fitz-herbert, or does she have a royal last name that would not change?

And Cordelia wants to tell Rapunzel all about he fire trucks and firemen who came to our house carrying ladders and wearing things on their backs. (My drier may have caught fire with all the pre-vacation laundry I was doing!)

Then we watched Cinderella.

Today we were supposed to keep a busy and do the sweepin', moppin', and dustin'. But it turns out my children don't feel the need to understand Cinderella enough to actually clean the house!

Tomorrow we're going to play "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique" and get dressed up as though we were going to a ball. I'll do the girls hair and make-up and we'll all get dressed up fancy - then maybe go to the playground or something.

 

[nadira36]

Wow! Days certainly do get away from me!

The girls had so much fun with our bibbidi bobbidi boutique day!

Each of them chose a different hairstyle, different make-up, and (luckily) different dresses.

Introducing the Princesses Cinderella:



Belle:




and Jasmin:


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They had so much fun and couldn't wait to go to the playground to show the fun we had. Though this is where things took a decided bad turn, though it could have been worse. At the playground the girls were telling a friend about our day when the little girl let them know that pixie dust isn't real But Ella stood up and said the people all over the world believe different things and it's not okay to tell someone else that what they believe is wrong! Then this is where it gets bad. The mom steps in to tell her DD not to say anything - then she turns to me and tells me that they're very careful to make sure their children know the truth including that Santa isn't real!!!

Seriously!??!! Who in their right mind goes to a playground and announces that Santa isn't real?!?!?!?!?

But fear not! My girls were too busy using their pixie dust to fly around the playground to notice.

 

[Heidi K]

They look adorable!

And I think that any family that is "careful" to tell their children that Santa isn't real also needs to be "careful" to tell them not to spill the beans about such things to other kids. Close call!

 

[nadira36]

They look adorable!

And I think that any family that is "careful" to tell their children that Santa isn't real also needs to be "careful" to tell them not to spill the beans about such things to other kids. Close call!

Thanks.

I can deal with kids saying something about Santa or magic, but it was the mother that announced Santa isn't real. I really doubt I'd need to worry about my children b/c I'm sure they understand, but I don't want to find out right now!

 

[ariane37]

They look adorable!

Yes they do!

Ah, I dreaded my boys finding out about Santa the way I did. Unfortunately I was only 6, and my neighbors, whose parents were going through I nasty divorce and ended up telling their kids that Santa/tooth fairy/Easter Bunny didn't exist, came over and told me one bright, summer day Glad the girls didn't hear it!

 

[nadira36]

Yes they do!

Ah, I dreaded my boys finding out about Santa the way I did. Unfortunately I was only 6, and my neighbors, whose parents were going through I nasty divorce and ended up telling their kids that Santa/tooth fairy/Easter Bunny didn't exist, came over and told me one bright, summer day Glad the girls didn't hear it!

Oh that's horrible!

I recall finding out when I was little, but don't recall it being overly traumatic. My parents continued with Santa until we were all moved out and having children of our own. I was about 25 the last time Santa wasn't me.

 

[nadira36]

6Th Birthday party went off perfectly! pixie dustixiedustixiedust:

Had so much fun making the decorations for this party!


pin the tail on the pikachu


rice crispy treat pokeballs




Munna: it eats your hopes and dreams. Yep, this is Agatha's favourite pokemon!


Evee - one of the little toys in the gift bags, we put them in partially blown-up balloons (poke balls) for each child, gave them each a pack of pokemon cards, and some sugar on a stick.​

Now just one more party to host before our trip - plus 2 more presents to make one for Brom, one for our nephew. We can do it!

 

[nadira36]

We've had so much fun with our countdown! The last movie was we watched was "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" The girls had a blast singing along to all the songs. They're now so excited about our ADR at Crystal Palace! I can hardly wait.


The next day, we had a grand 'Hero Party' in the back yard. We pulled out bed sheets, had a picnic, then used the sheets like a parachute and popped stuffies into the air.



Brom loved crawling under the sheet as we fluffed it into the air. It was the cutest thing int he world to see him falling over giggling so hard. His joyous peels of laughter had us all giggling along!

Yesterday I printed pictures of Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl's House, and Eeyore's tail onto card stock, and hid them around the house. Then the girl's went on a treasure hunt to find them. One of each for each girl. They had fun finding them in the silliest places (Christopher Robin was 'driving' a toy bus, Eeyore's tail was caught in a door, Owl's house was stuck up in one of the plants - and other equally fun places for the characters to get lost).

 

[ariane37]

Just popping in to say hello and...................11 more days !!!!

 

[nadira36]

Just popping in to say hello and...................11 more days !!!!

 

[nadira36]

I don't know if any movie is capable of making me laugh and cry as much as "UP".

I love that movie, but between the girls and I, we needed an entire box of tissue.


Yesterday, they practiced working toward their wilderness explorer badges. They assisted people at the park (carrying bags, fetching things, accompanying smaller kids places), and they caught a cricket and a caterpillar and are now raising them in my office. They are also hunting mosquitos as special treats for their fish. Yes, they took to the 'wilderness explorer' portion of this quite well.

Today we painted bottle caps creating our own Adventure club pins.

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We started the day with a base coat, the girls loved finding another use for their PL and BBB nail polish! Later in the day we added details.

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They had so much fun and are so proud of their creations! Tomorrow I'll add cork slices to the backs, and attach pins to them so they'll actually be wearable.


Our countdown's getting smaller. Our single digit dance is closer by the moment, and I have so much to do! Luckily I've managed to get a few things done already. Tomorrow I'm, hopefully, finishing my costume. And sometime this week I'm hoping to finish Ryan's. I'm really hoping I get the details the way I want, I have great vision, but with 4 small children, sometimes reality has less vision that I do.

I've almost finished packing. And I have everyone's travel clothes ready. I still need to find all the plugs for our various devices. and get movies actually added to our devices. Currently we only use them from our cloud, better do something about that quick!

 

[nadira36]

Single Digit Dance!​

 

[ariane37]

WooHoo!! I know the days are going to go quickly too, I have more to do than I thought!!

You know, I've never seen "Up"? Almost started watching it a couple times but knowing I'll cry......I turn the channel lol! Maybe that will be our Friday night Disney movie this week