Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread PART 2

[Cinderumbrella]

Sorry about the horrible sleep! And speaking of horrible...I went to bed and the Twins were up 6 - 0...they gave up 10 in the 7th and lost 10 - 6
I knew it would be a rollercoaster, but did it have to start so soon? At least you've had the thrill of first place most of the season. Our thrill (this time!) lasted a day. Oh well, there's always another day, another game!

ouch!!! (I hate it when that happens.... unless it is to you guys!!! ) peaks and valleys...

Is it ture? another guy in the midst of all these women?
Sometimes I feel like i'm drowing

We aren't that bad!!!!!!!!! (unless we are discussing dream cabana boys that is!!!!!)

Is the bad weather in Chicago and Lousiana affecting anyone? Hope everyone stays safe!

Linda

We were lucky and on the northern edge of it so not a whole lot here but lightning and rain.

Brook- how are you doing now that Edouard is past...?

 

[Explodo]

So have they started the floor refurb yet?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

So have they started the floor refurb yet?

I thought it had been pushed till after the 1st of the year

Chan, Kel et al... am I dreaming this or do I have it right for once??

 

[herecomesthesun]

Question for all!

Has anyone had family photos taken at the GF with small children, particularly uncooperative children who hate having their picture taken (DS2)? Hoping for some nice pics on the grounds and/or on the beach, but am wondering if it will be worth all of the effort??

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Question for all!

Has anyone had family photos taken at the GF with small children, particularly uncooperative children who hate having their picture taken (DS2)? Hoping for some nice pics on the grounds and/or on the beach, but am wondering if it will be worth all of the effort??

Yup- I did it last year with DS (just 4 at the time and HATES having his picture taken). We were VERY lucky that our photopass photographer was good with kids and very patient. She took about 40 pictures and more than half were good shots.

That being said, we are on the fence whether or not to do it again this year (I love the idea of nothing but Christmas themed shots ) but we really don't want to order the whole photopass CD again (and I wouldn't pay $50 just to have them taken).

This probably didn't help at all did it!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

So the giant cupcake cake is in the oven, but I might try again. I used a Pillsbury box recipe that made about 6 cups of batter, I divided it to fill both sides 2/3 of the way (or so I thought) but it did NOT rise the whole way to the top...

ETA: didn't realize I hit reply!!! lol
Anyway, after I trim both parts to make them level, I will probably be about 2 inches shorter than it should be...what to do, what to do...

 

[goofygal531]

I got my airfare for my trippie . I am still not sure about even going though. It feels like we just got back. The THRILL of the trip anticipation is missing KWIM??. That last trip was just too long & the desire to go back is not here at this point. We had a great time, but we are home bodies. Home is not so bad. At least it's SWA and I can cancel out if I am not feeling the need to go. We just got back from our fabulous but over LONG trip and I'm not sure what can top it.

Once you start shopping for this trip, you get excited. I've seen the pattern already!


Mare! Are you there?? Are you still in the country?? Did your cable guy come?? You having fun or what?? What's your status, girl??

Channing[/QUOTE]

Yes, back in the country!

DH is trying to workout a new car lease for us back in the city, but can't strike a deal without the car, which I have!! So, I'm heading back to the city Thursday for the weekend again. Hopefully, I will have a new car this weekend. I know you love your pathfinder, but it's not working out for me. It's just too cramped with the carseats and strollers. I think we might get an Infinity FX45. I really have no preference. I just need heated seats and a DVD player. I'd love to have those in the headrest tvs, but that's pushing it

Cable guy is coming AUG 25!!! Can you imagine!!!! I tried downloading some podcasts and due to the dial up it said 5 hours for each one!!!! Of course I canceled them!!!! I cannot live with dial up!!!!

Other than that, we're having fun. Today DS1 had his swim lesson and DS4 is on a nature walk with Tot Camp. Their going to have a picnic lunch by the lake. He's enjoying himself and that's all that matters. I'm up here for them.

I had lists made up months before, LOL! I began packing weeks ahead of time but was still up the night before doing last min stuff !

And your the local!!! With a car who can leave WDW at your leisure and stop at a store to pick up anything should you need it!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Mare, I don't think the FX45 is going to be any bigger than the Pathfinder (if anything, probably smaller) I would go for the QX56 instead (it is Armada sized). Of course I am COMPLETELY biased on the QX since I have one and love and adore it!!

 

[tinklvr64]

No to mention thier fans


Is it ture? another guy in the midst of all these women?
Sometimes I feel like i'm drowing

I guess you are the token man John!

 

[goofygal531]

Question for all!

Has anyone had family photos taken at the GF with small children, particularly uncooperative children who hate having their picture taken (DS2)? Hoping for some nice pics on the grounds and/or on the beach, but am wondering if it will be worth all of the effort??

We're doing this at the YC this Nov. The only really good tip I've heard is to get an appointment either first thing in the morning or right after their afternoon nap. I'm going to try around 3:30 right after nap, before our Thanksgiving dinner so everyone is dressed "nice". I just hope the sun cooperates. I've heard it can be too sunny in the afternoon and that could ruin some shots.

It doesn't hurt to mention when booking that you'd like someone good with children.

 

[Lives4Disney]

good morning!!

You all have been chatty!!

I just read the past couple....Mare, omg..that is a big bummer about the computer issues in the country!!! I couldn't live w/out high speed internet access. It takes a lot of speed for online shopping. YES, I LOVE my Pathfinder!!! I had a Sequoia and it was too large. I loved it when the kids were in carseats/boosters and I had Jojo's stroller with me all the time though....I downsized to the Pathfinder when that business was over. YES, Kristin is right.....get the ARmada or the Infinite version. The other one you mentioned is basically the same as the Pathfinder I believe in size. For two car seats and strollers you would need the space....or the Sequoia. I am a Toyota fan, too...but the NIssan's had more bells/whistles as options and I wanted that. The kids hardly ever use the DVD player but it's nice to have for long drives....last summer to FL We watched ALL the seasons of I LOVE LUCY haha.....

Well....off to life. Talk to ya later!!! (after I catch up here in a bit!)

Channing

 

[goofygal531]

Mare, I don't think the FX45 is going to be any bigger than the Pathfinder (if anything, probably smaller) I would go for the QX56 instead (it is Armada sized). Of course I am COMPLETELY biased on the QX since I have one and love and adore it!!

Funny thing is we were so comfortable in the Murano. It's just built differently. The Pathfinder is so narrow and the back seats are very uncomfortable. The Murano seats three adults in the back very comfortably. The Murano and FX45 are basically the same car, built on the same chasis. The pathfinder is more truck-like while the Murano/FX45 are more crossover SUVs.

They wanted to put us in an Armada, but I don't really "need" it. We're a family of four. Plus with gas so high, I don't want a V8. Plus I have no idea how I'd park that thing in our underground garage in the city. There's a tight narrow ramp once you get inside. The parking spots are also narrow. I just fit now with the Pathfinder. Ahh, the joys of city living!

Personally if it were up to me I'd get a nice small BMW 525I. But DH said we need an SUV to haul the boat to the lake!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Personally if it were up to me I'd get a nice small BMW 525I. But DH said we need an SUV to haul the boat to the lake!

I hear ya!! I have my eye on a nice 7 series BMW when we pay our big elephant off!! It was great with the car seats and strollers but now that those days are gone, I am done with a big tank!!

 

[goofygal531]

good morning!!

You all have been chatty!!

I just read the past couple....Mare, omg..that is a big bummer about the computer issues in the country!!! I couldn't live w/out high speed internet access. It takes a lot of speed for online shopping. YES, I LOVE my Pathfinder!!! I had a Sequoia and it was too large. I loved it when the kids were in carseats/boosters and I had Jojo's stroller with me all the time though....I downsized to the Pathfinder when that business was over. YES, Kristin is right.....get the ARmada or the Infinite version. The other one you mentioned is basically the same as the Pathfinder I believe in size. For two car seats and strollers you would need the space....or the Sequoia. I am a Toyota fan, too...but the NIssan's had more bells/whistles as options and I wanted that. The kids hardly ever use the DVD player but it's nice to have for long drives....last summer to FL We watched ALL the seasons of I LOVE LUCY haha.....

Well....off to life. Talk to ya later!!! (after I catch up here in a bit!)

Channing

Okay next time you guys are out driving sitting in traffic, notice the back of the Murano/Infinity FX45 and the back of a Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is very very narrow and boxy. The Murano/Infinity has a very room back seat. If I didn't previously have the Murano I wouldn't think it was bigger, but it is.

DH got the Pathfinder without me. I was pregnant and he went to the dealer. I said get the Pathfinder as it's one step up from the Murano. Well, when he brought it home I hated it! He never sat in the backseat. The seats are not high backs like the Murano, very stiff, narrow, short and uncomfortable. We were so surprised the Murano was roomier. I wish I would have went with him because I never would have taken the Pathfinder. Our lease is not up until March 09, but the dealer actually called us to see if we were interested in bringing it back. I can't wait to get rid of it!! But I'm so tired with the Nissan line up. We've had so many Nissans that we want to switch to other company. So he wants to go with Infinity since it's Nissan's sister company and we've been happy with Nissan.

Oh, the DVD is a must as the ride from the country house to the city is 2 hours. The boys NEED the DVD player. That's one option that is mandatory. We're driving back and forth every weekend.

I hate car shopping, that's why I leave it up to DH.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, cake update:

It is out of the oven and unmolded. I think it will be OK once I trim it. I will post pics later when it is actually decorated.

Mare- baby, it's your car- get what you want!! I love Infiniti's too but I don't want you to be disappointed with trunk space etc. If you are considering it a lateral move (space wise) then its all good!

 

[mandymommy4]

So the giant cupcake cake is in the oven, but I might try again. I used a Pillsbury box recipe that made about 6 cups of batter, I divided it to fill both sides 2/3 of the way (or so I thought) but it did NOT rise the whole way to the top...

ETA: didn't realize I hit reply!!! lol
Anyway, after I trim both parts to make them level, I will probably be about 2 inches shorter than it should be...what to do, what to do...

THATS WHAT SHE SAID!

(That was for DAWN )

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

I have a BMW X5 and I love it, love it, LOVE IT. It is a great size and has a nice cargo area. It is fantastic in the snow. I used to have a escalade, and this drives so much better in the snow. I would get another one in a second.

 

[herecomesthesun]

Yup- I did it last year with DS (just 4 at the time and HATES having his picture taken). We were VERY lucky that our photopass photographer was good with kids and very patient. She took about 40 pictures and more than half were good shots.

That being said, we are on the fence whether or not to do it again this year (I love the idea of nothing but Christmas themed shots ) but we really don't want to order the whole photopass CD again (and I wouldn't pay $50 just to have them taken).

This probably didn't help at all did it!!

Oh it did help! Do you remember the name of your photographer by any chance? I definitely need someone who is patient, and I am admittedly a bit fussy about how photos are taken. I don't like when they look ultra staged. I prefer more natural shots.

How does the photopass CD work? I am going on this trip with my DAunt, Uncle, and older cousins and we were considering sharing the photopass. Is it worth it?

I have done WDW twice with DD6 - when she was 18-months old and when she was almost 4. It was amazing watching it through her eyes - she was amazed by it all, especially the princesses. I am so excited to now also see it from a little boy's perspective! What do they typically fall in love with? He loves Goofy, or "Gooty," as he calls him, but I'm betting he will not want to go within 2 feet of the characters as he is a bit of a scaredy cat!

We booked an ADR for the character breakfast at 1900 PK, and dinner at CRT, but no other character meals. Is that enough for an 8-day stay or should I consider one more?

 

[mandymommy4]

Question for all!

Has anyone had family photos taken at the GF with small children, particularly uncooperative children who hate having their picture taken (DS2)? Hoping for some nice pics on the grounds and/or on the beach, but am wondering if it will be worth all of the effort??

We did the photo shoot with all 4 of my kids and they were 2,3 (almost) and 4, 5. My dd2 was a pickle but we got a lot of great shots! I just looked on the photpass cd and we had 93 shot from the session. We had Grace, and she was great! The kids played in the sand and she got so many cute pics of them just being kids!

[/IMG]

 

[irisbud]

Cute pictures Mandy!