Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog! LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!

[tinacaplan]

I'm so behind!

Congrats on paying off the trip and big boy beds, very exciting! Adorable xmas pics of Max

On the portable DVD...how long is the flight? and what airline are you flying? Some have them for rent in-flight and that can be a far cheaper way to go.

For me at that age it was always hard to tell what would capture interest so I remember packing a variety of things so that we could switch if they got bored. Never had a DVD player but did have a leapster and if memory serves, that mixed with coloring books, story books, plenty of snacks, generally seemed to get us through.

Really, you don't have to go back very far...this PTR has been so sloppy! Hopefully the TR for this trip will be much more thoughtful and put together.

Our flight is just under three hours and we're flying Southwest. I think we could probably make it with some books, some coloring, and snacks, but my husband is quite concerned. We also both have games on our phones that we can still play when the phone is in "airplane mode." I am probably overthinking this part of the trip and not thinking enough about other things.

1. Hooray on the potty training going well!

2. Hooray for the trip being paid off.

3. Horray for the big boy bed. And I know what you mean about enjoying this time/Max's age. I loved when my boys were baby's, but I had so much fun with them when they started showing their true personality and spending the day with them listening to them or watching them interact with others.

How long is your flight? What airline? I know a lot of the airlines have the free headphones and you can listen to the radio and they do have a Disney station. I wouldn't go with the expensen of a portable DVD player if it's a short flight or Max can just listen to music and color or something.

Thanks, Kathy! As I said above, the flight is under three hours, so not that bad, really. We're on SW and I'm not sure they offer any of that. Oh well.

We'll see what we end up doing. God knows there are plenty of other things I'd rather spend my money on...plus, I'd much rather Max spend the time in flight experiencing the whole thing, as opposed to watching a movie!

 

[eandesmom]

Really, you don't have to go back very far...this PTR has been so sloppy! Hopefully the TR for this trip will be much more thoughtful and put together.

Our flight is just under three hours and we're flying Southwest. I think we could probably make it with some books, some coloring, and snacks, but my husband is quite concerned. We also both have games on our phones that we can still play when the phone is in "airplane mode." I am probably overthinking this part of the trip and not thinking enough about other things.

Given all of that, I'd have to say unless you really think you want/need the portable DVD for other reasons post trip I'd skip it. Even with it, no guarantee he'd watch it, there may be too many other distractions. Does he have anything like a leapster (not sure if kids still even play with those lol) that could be an option?

Will the trip be at naptime? He may crash...or not.

 

[annmarieda]

Oh my gosh!!! I just noticed your ticker!! Under 2 months... only like 6 wks???? That is going to be here before you know it.

 

[pinkxray]

I think I missed the entire month of Dec. over here but I am all caught up now.

Congrats on being paid in full. It's such a nice feeling when all you have to look foward to is the actual vacation and not the payments.

Max looks like he had a great xmas. Plus, he got a new big boy bed and is doing good at potty training. What a great few weeks he has been having!

Your plans look great so far. Hopefully you will have some warmer weather and will be able to use the pool at CSR. The snow storm last week was awful but I am thankful it was over winter break.

 

[tinacaplan]

Given all of that, I'd have to say unless you really think you want/need the portable DVD for other reasons post trip I'd skip it. Even with it, no guarantee he'd watch it, there may be too many other distractions. Does he have anything like a leapster (not sure if kids still even play with those lol) that could be an option?

Will the trip be at naptime? He may crash...or not.

Not nap time. Our flight is first thing in the morning. There are still Leapsters and Max saw one at Best Buy featuring some Toy Story games and was very intrigued so maybe we'll go that route.

Oh my gosh!!! I just noticed your ticker!! Under 2 months... only like 6 wks???? That is going to be here before you know it.

I know! Its six weeks and a few days... I can hardly believe its almost time!
The time will truly fly by... I downloaded Ridemax and have started playing with that. Its pretty neat.

I think I missed the entire month of Dec. over here but I am all caught up now.
s
Congrats on being paid in full. It's such a nice feeling when all you have to look foward to is the actual vacation and not the payments.

Max looks like he had a great xmas. Plus, he got a new big boy bed and is doing good at potty training. What a great few weeks he has been having!

Your plans look great so far. Hopefully you will have some warmer weather and will be able to use the pool at CSR. The snow storm last week was awful but I am thankful it was over winter break.

Thanks! I hope the weather is warmer. I've decided its going to be! I will say that if it could remain this warm here I might be able to survive winter after all. I have to go and check out your PTR now!

 

[tinacaplan]

I started back at school today and the way my job goes, that means one more week is almost over and I'm that much closer to Disney! I can't believe that we actually pulled this off. I am getting so excited. Won't be long before I get my DME mail and I can start packing.

 

[dizneeat]

I started back at school today and the way my job goes, that means one more week is almost over and I'm that much closer to Disney! I can't believe that we actually pulled this off. I am getting so excited. Won't be long before I get my DME mail and I can start packing.

Only 46 more days and we will be there! I CANNOT believe we are that close already!

 

[eandesmom]

Not nap time. Our flight is first thing in the morning. There are still Leapsters and Max saw one at Best Buy featuring some Toy Story games and was very intrigued so maybe we'll go that route.

I got quite a bit of mileage out of mine, what I liked was the ability to have games like TS stuff but also mix it up with some educational stuff that entertained as well.

YAY for one week closer!

 

[tinacaplan]

I got quite a bit of mileage out of mine, what I liked was the ability to have games like TS stuff but also mix it up with some educational stuff that entertained as well.

YAY for one week closer!

How old were your boys when they started using one? You make a valid point about it being educational, which would be better than Max spending more time just staring at a screen at a movie he's already seen a million times.

And thanks...I am getting so excited!

 

[tinacaplan]

Only 46 more days and we will be there! I CANNOT believe we are that close already!

I'll keep saying it everyday until its time to leave... but its true. I'm getting so excited. When you start planning a trip so many months in advance that you're not even sure it will happen, when it finally does it is blissful! And I am trying really hard to savor every moment of anticipation right now!

 

[dizneeat]

I'll keep saying it everyday until its time to leave... but its true. I'm getting so excited. When you start planning a trip so many months in advance that you're not even sure it will happen, when it finally does it is blissful! And I am trying really hard to savor every moment of anticipation right now!

Same here! I am looking at my ticker in disbelief, then proceed to dancing around the room!

 

[tinacaplan]

So, suffered a minor set back today. Something that I thought was taken care of and done wasn't and so I'm thrust back into a bit of the unknown. I know I"ve been purposely pretty vague about some of the "stuff" so I apologize for that. Just please know that the Dis has just been a wonderful and consistent force to make me feel better and to distract me. Better than any magazine or t.v. show. Well...with the possible exception of Modern Family and Cougar Town, though I suspect I love Cougar Town so much because it is set in Florida and I really started watching it last year as we were gearing up for our February trip.

I am trying very hard to turn some aspects of my life over to some kind of higher power, even if I'm not quite ready to take a step into the organized religion pool. I am trying to savor this time before we leave because I've always thought that this is some of the best times...just before it all happens. Its all about anticipation at this point, as the Carly Simon song goes, these are the good old days.

My father is also going to be operated on on the eleventh. He is having his heart defibrillator removed, as it has become infected, and he will be without it for awhile. My dad has suffered a few heart attacks at this point, is overweight, and hasn't quit smoking. None of this is good. And while this procedure shouldn't be a huge deal, with him...well, you just never know. You never know with anyone, but this is particularly nerve wracking. But I know we'll make it through and things will be OK in time for our trip. They HAVE to be, right?

 

[dizneeat]

So, suffered a minor set back today. Something that I thought was taken care of and done wasn't and so I'm thrust back into a bit of the unknown. I know I"ve been purposely pretty vague about some of the "stuff" so I apologize for that. Just please know that the Dis has just been a wonderful and consistent force to make me feel better and to distract me. Better than any magazine or t.v. show. Well...with the possible exception of Modern Family and Cougar Town, though I suspect I love Cougar Town so much because it is set in Florida and I really started watching it last year as we were gearing up for our February trip.

I am trying very hard to turn some aspects of my life over to some kind of higher power, even if I'm not quite ready to take a step into the organized religion pool. I am trying to savor this time before we leave because I've always thought that this is some of the best times...just before it all happens. Its all about anticipation at this point, as the Carly Simon song goes, these are the good old days.

My father is also going to be operated on on the eleventh. He is having his heart defibrillator removed, as it has become infected, and he will be without it for awhile. My dad has suffered a few heart attacks at this point, is overweight, and hasn't quit smoking. None of this is good. And while this procedure shouldn't be a huge deal, with him...well, you just never know. You never know with anyone, but this is particularly nerve wracking. But I know we'll make it through and things will be OK in time for our trip. They HAVE to be, right?

I am so sorry to hear that things are not going straight for you! I wish there was something I could do to help! If there is let me know! (you can PM me too!!)

As for your father - I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers and send lots of healing pixie dust, so he pulls through easily. I know those things are nervewrecking.
Just look forward to what is there on the horizon, February 19th!! We'll get there eventually!

 

[that's nice]

Well, as if it weren't enough being Christmas and all...

1. Max started potty training and hasn't had a diaper on during the day in the past forty-eight hours!! We didn't think this kid was ever going to go in his potty!

2. Max got his big boy bed. Its red. Its in the shape of a car. Its Lightening McQueen!!

3. Our trip is PAID IN FULL!

1. That is great!!!!!!! Very exciting!!! I remember the DAY Juliana got rid of the diapers. It was torture for her and us too.

2. I wish I had that bed for myself!

3.

And now for some input for all you more seasoned travellers out there... As you know, this is our first plane flight with Max. He was very good on the train to NYC (about an hour and a half long) and he is generally very good in the car. We are debating whether or not to buy a portable DVD player for the plane so that he's occupied. I hate to think this is what its come down to, but I'm anxious about how Max will do during the flight.

Beyond that, I would love to hear any and all tips and information you all have for travelling with an almost potty trained toddler!

Thanks again!

We bring Juliana's portable DVD with us as well as coloring books, cards, games, etc. She packs her carryon with all fun stuff for the plane. She also spends some time looking out the window and playing 'Angry Birds' on my phone.

Is there someone you know that can lend you a DVD player for the week?

Sorry to hear about your dad. It doesn't seem like it is going to be a magor surgery. Stay positive for him!

 

[annmarieda]

sorry about the set back. I understand... both on the set back and how Dis can be such a positive thing.

I guess the great 2011 has to just shake off a bit of the horrid 2010 before it can become what it is meant to.

 

[eandesmom]

So, suffered a minor set back today. Something that I thought was taken care of and done wasn't and so I'm thrust back into a bit of the unknown. I know I"ve been purposely pretty vague about some of the "stuff" so I apologize for that. Just please know that the Dis has just been a wonderful and consistent force to make me feel better and to distract me. Better than any magazine or t.v. show. Well...with the possible exception of Modern Family and Cougar Town, though I suspect I love Cougar Town so much because it is set in Florida and I really started watching it last year as we were gearing up for our February trip.

I am trying very hard to turn some aspects of my life over to some kind of higher power, even if I'm not quite ready to take a step into the organized religion pool. I am trying to savor this time before we leave because I've always thought that this is some of the best times...just before it all happens. Its all about anticipation at this point, as the Carly Simon song goes, these are the good old days.

My father is also going to be operated on on the eleventh. He is having his heart defibrillator removed, as it has become infected, and he will be without it for awhile. My dad has suffered a few heart attacks at this point, is overweight, and hasn't quit smoking. None of this is good. And while this procedure shouldn't be a huge deal, with him...well, you just never know. You never know with anyone, but this is particularly nerve wracking. But I know we'll make it through and things will be OK in time for our trip. They HAVE to be, right?

You know, in it's own way, the DIS is a higher power and is an amazing source of support. Find strength wherever you can, I know for me there is a lot to draw from right here on the DIS even if I spare everyone the gory details of the drama of my life lol. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you, and your dad. Unknown is hard. Finding a way to be ok with it, even harder.

Thinking of you.

 

[tinacaplan]

First of all, thanks for all the support. You brighten my day and it means more than you probably realize! Things are looking up, although my dad's surgery is still looming. It should be fine, but messing around with anyone's heart is always nerve racking!

I have to say that I have a bit of a knee-jerk reaction to certain types of stress and am very good at blowing things out of proportion.

I am so sorry to hear that things are not going straight for you! I wish there was something I could do to help! If there is let me know! (you can PM me too!!)

As for your father - I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers and send lots of healing pixie dust, so he pulls through easily. I know those things are nervewrecking.
Just look forward to what is there on the horizon, February 19th!! We'll get there eventually!

Thanks, Karin. I'm doing much better! And we're one week closer! Hard to believe it. I have a full week this coming week and then I'm off the following Monday. I'll be starting to pack, soon!

1. That is great!!!!!!! Very exciting!!! I remember the DAY Juliana got rid of the diapers. It was torture for her and us too.

2. I wish I had that bed for myself!

3.


We bring Juliana's portable DVD with us as well as coloring books, cards, games, etc. She packs her carryon with all fun stuff for the plane. She also spends some time looking out the window and playing 'Angry Birds' on my phone.

Is there someone you know that can lend you a DVD player for the week?

Sorry to hear about your dad. It doesn't seem like it is going to be a magor surgery. Stay positive for him!

Thanks for the advice, Tim. I can't wait for Max to be completely done with the diapers. The training is progressing well, thankfully. God willing, we won't be changing diapers in Disneyworld...just stopping to go the bathroom every five seconds and carrying extra bottoms with us at all times!

The bed is pretty great! Max is still loving it.

And thanks for the advice about keeping Max occupied on the plane. We're going to go to Best Buy at some point and check out Leapsters and DVD players and we'll see from there...

sorry about the set back. I understand... both on the set back and how Dis can be such a positive thing.

I guess the great 2011 has to just shake off a bit of the horrid 2010 before it can become what it is meant to.

I agree that 2010 was pretty horrid. 2011 should be much better! And I'm feeling much better about things, thankfully!

You know, in it's own way, the DIS is a higher power and is an amazing source of support. Find strength wherever you can, I know for me there is a lot to draw from right here on the DIS even if I spare everyone the gory details of the drama of my life lol. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you, and your dad. Unknown is hard. Finding a way to be ok with it, even harder.

Thinking of you.

Again, thank you, Cynthia. And your description of dealing with uncertainty sums it up so well.

 

[KatMark]

Tina, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I'm keeping you and your mom and dad in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure all will go well.

 

[inkedupmomma]

i'm sorry to here about your dad I will keep him and your family in my well wishes

 

[tinacaplan]

Tina, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I'm keeping you and your mom and dad in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure all will go well.

i'm sorry to here about your dad I will keep him and your family in my well wishes

Thanks to both of you!