How 1 trip turned to 2 and now turning into 3!! Update Pg 40 Days 3, 4 and 5!!

[natale1980]

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Tomorrow after work, I plan on calling ASSp about some balloons in the room when we get there for check in.

ASSp? I want balloons in our room!

 

[lmillercrew]

Umm... you're turning down leaving early for Disney? Come on sister, you can do it!!
And 5:30??? Stinky kids

 

[newtodis]

ASSp? I want balloons in our room!

I'll let you know how it goes today when I call. That's the ONE Disney thing I want to take care of today.

Umm... you're turning down leaving early for Disney? Come on sister, you can do it!!
And 5:30??? Stinky kids

Yeah I know....This will be my 4th day without taking lunch this week so I can get everything caught up here so I'm thinking that entitles me to leave Tuesday night and not come Wednesday...I guess it depends on what I get done this weekend. Thankfully, they're pretty flexable as to when I'm here and when I'm not

Yup 5:30 is wake up time it seems at our house. (This is why we're bringing Grandma to Disney...so she can be up at 5:30 while Mommy sleeps! ) I told Corbin we're getting him an alarm clock and he can't get out of bed until it says 6:30. Now I just have to find him a cute digital alarm clock and we'll be good.

Alright...trying to get my work finished up. I've got to start and finish a scrapbook for the department's 30th anniversary between today and tomorrow...that should be fun. Dan's in class all weekend long and our department picnic is on Sunday so the boys are helping me pack in the morning.

I'm in a funk today and need to get out of it. I came in early this morning to play with Rudy the dog (one of the chief's search and rescue dogs) before he got off shift but now I'm just plain crabby today. I hate feeling like this.

Alright....back to work it is so I can be done. I'll update tonight with what I found out about balloons at ASSp and some pictures of new Disney stuff I picked up.

 

[newtodis]

Getting more excited today. (in case you couldn't tell!)


I've got to get the house cleaned up today and start packing for DISNEY, along with making the scrapbook for tomorrow (I still have to go and get pictures printed off yet!). Yikes!

I finally got a minute to call Disney this morning after Dan went to class. I called dining to see if there were any cancellations at CMs...no luck! I asked for the number to ASSp and she transferred me. Danny at ASSp-not the friendliest CM out there by any means. The lady at the switchboard (before Danny) said they would put balloons and a card in the room at no cost! That's when I got transferred to Danny. He wanted to know when their actual birthdays were...I just told him there have already passed but this was the soonest we could get to Disney. (that seemed to work-I didn't tell him they were 2 months ago...) He asked for both of their favorite characters. Dan loves Indy Jones and Star Wars but I'm not thinking that's a common b-day card request at Disney so I just asked for Mickey. I asked for McQueen or Nemo for Corbin. Danny said he wasn't sure if the tire tracks would mess up the card or not but they would try and get McQueen to sign it carefully I told them if it was a problem, he loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so anything around that would be fine. I also got to decide what day I wanted them in our room. I picked 9/19 (our MNSSHP day) since we're noting having any "planned" b-day activites that day (and grandma will be there to see them get their surprise!).

I've got to email Dan's mom the spreadsheet of plans this afternoon so she knows what she's in for. I can't wait for the surprises to begin! I want to spill the beans so badly but if something winds up not working out, I don't want anyone else to be let down so I'm trying to keep it all in!

Ok off to clean...when I work on the spreadsheet this afternoon, I'll post our updates to the plans.

 

[lmillercrew]

Good job on getting the balloons taking care of. BTW, who cares when the birthday's are??? Like you said, well I said, a lot of people celebrate different events throughout the year down at Disney and a lot of times you can't get there EXACTLY on that day! Sheesh!!! Please, can I just have the d#$^ balloons?!!!
I can't believe you're doing a scrapbook in one day and cleaning your house. You are some kinda woman. Sometimes I think I need a wife

 

[newtodis]

Please, can I just have the d#$^ balloons?!!!
I can't believe you're doing a scrapbook in one day and cleaning your house. You are some kinda woman. Sometimes I think I need a wife

You so made me just laugh out loud with that one! I'll totally come be your wife! I think I was part Super Woman this weekend-I finished (start to finish) a 40 page scrapbook (I guess 80 since I did something on both sides and had 40 page protectors in it) in 12 hours over two days, while DH was in class, picked up the house (I've got to get motivated here to clean yet tonight), made mac and cheese, fruit salad and chili cheese dip (after going to the grocery store this morning to get the stuff), then spent 4 1/2 hours at a park setting up and cleaning up a picnic for the department. I'm so ready to crash! Don't get me wrong-the picnic was fun (as fun as it could be in the sun when it's 95 degrees out and humid).

I'm just mad at myself now for not being packed-I'm usually already packed by now and would probably have everything I could packed in the van already. I can't do that until work tomorrow when I unload all of the stuff from the picnic and get it cleaned out tomorrow night.

Alright...since I didn't eat at the picnic, I need to make some dinner, wash the dishes from the picnic and get moving to get the house cleaned.

Ok....may be back later to update and post picture...very sleepy so we'll see!

 

[lmillercrew]

Sounds like you needed a wife this weekend! Glad I could make you laugh. Since you guys are from Michigan, I assume (you know what they say) that your are Michigan fans and that you'll be happy to know that Ohio State got their butts kicked on Saturday. We are not OH fans so that was o.k.
Only 4 more days.

 

[newtodis]

Sounds like you needed a wife this weekend! Glad I could make you laugh. Since you guys are from Michigan, I assume (you know what they say) that your are Michigan fans and that you'll be happy to know that Ohio State got their butts kicked on Saturday. We are not OH fans so that was o.k.
Only 4 more days.

LOL DH's a MI fan so he would appreciate that.

2 days until we drive to Disney!!

I'm sitting here at work stressing about not having anything packed (except the things that didn't get unpacked when we packed for Hanna). Tonight Dan wants to go to the subdivision where they're building that house we're thinking about (I think we're about 85% sure) buying. He found the floor plan on line and I like it but would have to have a couple of "upgrades" (fire place and island in the kitchen). We're going to look at it and make our decision at that point. It's about $25,000 less than we wanted to spend so it certainly fits the budget. It's the size I wanted and it's brand new so that's a plus too.

Ok...back to making lists of things to get done tonight when I get home!

 

[lmillercrew]

LOL DH's a MI fan so he would appreciate that.

2 days until we drive to Disney!!

I'm sitting here at work stressing about not having anything packed (except the things that didn't get unpacked when we packed for Hanna). Tonight Dan wants to go to the subdivision where they're building that house we're thinking about (I think we're about 85% sure) buying. He found the floor plan on line and I like it but would have to have a couple of "upgrades" (fire place and island in the kitchen). We're going to look at it and make our decision at that point. It's about $25,000 less than we wanted to spend so it certainly fits the budget. It's the size I wanted and it's brand new so that's a plus too.

Ok...back to making lists of things to get done tonight when I get home!

Bonus! Less money on a house? Go and get it girl. Just make a list, sounds like you already are, of everything that needs to go and you know that will make it easier. You'll be crazy, no doubt, but you'll be an organized crazy. Your ticker was off last night so that's why I said 4 days, but it didn't make sense because I remember you saying that you could leave Tues night. All this crazy will make it all worth while when you get down to the Happiest Place on Earth!

 

[newtodis]

Ok, here's the scoop on the house.

Here's the link to the floorplan that we looked at (largest in the neighborhood that we're looking in):http://www.kbhome.com/Plan~PlanID~01600505-235.2118.aspx. If that doesn't work, you can google KB homes floor plans bluffton sc. It's the "Tyler" model that we're looking at.

One step back: In MI, we lived in an 1100 square foot house I will NEVER go back to that again. We now are renting a 1700 square foot house and I just can't imagine having any less space Hence, we're looking at a bigger house!

Now that you know what we're looking at, the details of the house: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, kitchen, great room, dining room, 2 car garage. Overall, the house is just over 2100 square feet.

My biggest concern with neighborhoods here are living close together (being able to shake hands out your windows is a big NO NO for me!). The lot we're looking at (#202 in case you care) backs up to a pond and woods so we would have no one behind us. We would have a house on both sides but you'll have that anywhere here I'm coming to settle on.

The ammenities center in the new subdivision (here they're called plantations) has a pool, fitness center and playground. Currently we only have a yucky pool. Another bonus for the new house.

We're able to choose cabinets, counter tops, floors, all the fun stuff. With our home owner's association fees, our lawn care is also included-cutting the grass and edging the yard. We'd still be responsible for the weeds but I do that now so not a big deal.

I really like the model we looked at. If I could have, I would have done the paperwork tonight without hesitation. I asked DH in the car what he "really" though and he said if we'd had the money in our checking out he would have done it to. Also, our phone, cable and internet is also included in our HOA fees!

Sounds like we're buying a house!! I've got to make a couple of phone calls and juggle some things around to get the money in the right places but we're going to make it work out.

If we use their "preferred" lender, we get an additional $3000 towards closing costs and a $2000 price reduction for working at the fire department. I don't care who gives me the money as long as someone does!

Now I'm trying to figure out house funds and pack for Disney.

The only "downside" to the new house would be that we wouldn't have a "playroom". We'd just really have to keep things really organized.

Another bonus, (can you tell I'm scattered tonight) the laundry room is upstairs so I don't have to cart things up and down.

The only real other downside is that it's a bit of a drive until things open up a bit and expand to that area. It'll happen, it's just a matter of how long. We'd now be more in the middle of Hilton Head Island and Savannah instead of a lot closer to Hilton Head Island.

Alright, off to pack for Disney now...

Another happy note-I got our pictures back that we had taken on our trip to MI. I'll take a picture of them and post them for you guys

Have a good night!!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Wow a new house!! you must be so excited!!

But tommorow you will be off the best house in the world!



THE HOUSE OF THE MOUSE
looking forward to reading your trip report, especially the FREE dining reviews. ENjoy the magic with your children

Just to let your know I started a pretrip report today, maybe when you get back you might take a look. ( making magicial family memories)

Have fun packingand have a safe trip.

 

[newtodis]

Wow a new house!! you must be so excited!!

But tommorow you will be off the best house in the world!



THE HOUSE OF THE MOUSE
looking forward to reading your trip report, especially the FREE dining reviews. ENjoy the magic with your children

Just to let your know I started a pretrip report today, maybe when you get back you might take a look. ( making magicial family memories)

Have fun packingand have a safe trip.

Yes I cannot wait to leave on Wednesday afternoon-it can't come soon enough! I've got too much at work to do to be able to leave on Tuesday like Dan wants to. One of our admin staff was admitted to the hospital over the weekend so we're trying to help her out so she's not behind too far when she's able to come back.

Can't wait to read the PTR!! Happy Planning!!!

 

[newtodis]

TO DO List

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok...should have started this long ago...but now I know for the next trip!

Still TO DO for Disney:
*Pre-order our photopass cd for the trip DONE tonight
*Gather everything for Dec baskets (probably won't be done before our trip but needs to be done shortly after...) ----Not going to be done before the trip. I'm not able to find any Christmas stuff yet so it's going to have to wait.
*Make shopping list (take Christmas shopping list)
*Update ME info on our ressie - right now it's got all of us listed and the wrong times! (need to update times again! darn flight changes!!) Done unless something changes in the next few hours!
*Update my Disney Bible and get more page protectors---haven't gotten to this-but will have lots of info once I get back!
*Keep calling to get better ADR times---still working on this. Will probably still be working on this while we're there!
*Pick up DVDs DONE from our MI trip!
*Start shopping list of things to pick up now and day before we leave---not much left to pick up. Dan's getting rolls of quarters and shiny pennies from the bank and post card stamps from the post office tomorrow.
*Call to confirm ADRS, cake order, room ressie DONE I've double checked everything at this point. If I'm able to make more ressies that's fine but will not cancel until I get there for fear of them being cancelled like before with CM and CP!
*Call about having balloons in room - can only call 7 days in advance DONE!!! They'll be there on 9/19
*Get any info from DMIL that she needs - make list for her of where/when we're staying DONE-emailed her everything tonight and made DH call to double check!
*Clean out van Dan did this tonight!
*Pack van activity bag DONE from MI trip-just needs to be double checked
*Pack "pixie dust" secret bag in Mommy's suitcase (working on this yet this afternoon) DONE tonight-needed a bigger bag than I thought but that's ok!
*Make "pixie dust" candy bars (Thanks Telynn!!!) (so far behind on these...still have to get the candy bars and make the wrappers!)----don't think this is going to get done...I think I'm going to save it for our next trip
*Work on touring plans---these are always a work in progress
*Fill in blanks of spreadsheet-----almost all blanks are filled in. I'm waiting on counter service until we get there just to see where we're at. I wish the DIS had an 800 number like Disney that I could call and say "I'm in MK by the teacups-what's the best counter service that's close??"
*Save money for gas, souvoniers, meals, presents, pictures, ect.---HA! We're thinking about buying a new house! There's no saving money!
*Research Disney outlets and keep addresses and directions----still need to work on this!
*Send "big give" box out when we're back from MI DONE-this was actually there in time for their trip thankfully and they got it and enjoyed it
*Keep updating PTR ---still a work in progress!
*Get supplies for camera - extra battery, camera bag, bigger memory card----didn't manage to get this together either! I guess I'll have to "make due" with what I've got. Camera gets packed tomorrow night.
*Schedule photo shoot at resort (need to pick resort, date and time!)----not doing this due to time constraints and the price tripling since I'd thought about doing it.
*Catch up on DISigns...I've been busy and haven't been able to work on these much and I feel terrible!----working on this when I get back...I just don't have time right now.
*Make labels to put on quarter/pressed penny tubes---this is still a work in progress. Dan's going to pick up some labels for me so it shouldn't take too long.
*Go to back and get shiny pennies to squish (and quarters too!!)--Dan's doing this tomorrow.
*Find Tink gifts (thanks Jill!!!) for Grandma and Daddy...I've got the boys covered. I'm going to scout some things out this weekend but I'm also planning on picking up Disney dollars our first night or full day there to leave for them as well since they appreciate money-----still a work in progress. I picked up some new crocs for Dan-he's been begging for a new pair and our Hallmark store had them buy 1 get 1 1/2 off so he's getting two pairs-he'll get one before we leave on Wednesday to wear while driving and Tink will dispurse the other pair when she sees fit. Tink will also have crocbutter-never heard of this before but the Hallmark store had it so I picked it up. I wasn't thinking and will have to go back to get some for DMIL-I had a pair of crocs from awhile back for her. I also picked up a magnetic Disney picture frame for her at the Hallmark store (they were having a cool sale today-different percentages off your total amount!)


Well, I've just got to finish packing our clothes (nothing important right?) and we should be all set! I've got two totes and my suitcase for Tink to put in the van tonight so they're out of the livingroom.

I also bought and printed our tickets for the halloween party tonight and the confirmation for the photopass cd. I'll get lots of pictures to make this worth our time. Once I get the cd, I'll make a copy for Dan's mom (and maybe a photo book or something) so she can get the copies she likes printed.

So I've been thinking about this new house...maybe (once we commit to it!!) in our interm lul between the two trips, we can decorate my new house-throwing in some Disney themed items of course!

Alright....off to finish packing and getting the list together. Have a great night everyone!!

 

[lmillercrew]

The house sounds really great. Is it already built? Your list looks very specific. You shouldn't forget anything! Have a great time and if I don't hear from you before you go, safe journey's.!!! Look forward to your TR

 

[Leonsmom]

Wow! I’ve had a lot to catch up on!!! I have been so out of it that I was a whole 4 pages behind! And now you only have one more day left. I am so jealous! But then again I am relieved because if I were leaving in one day I would in no way be ready! Reading your report has inspired me to get back on the wagon. Thanks to you and lmiller being in my cheering section.

lmillercrew-thanks so much for the kind thoughts.

(I had this typed once and thanks to a little helper, get to start again!)

**I hate when that happens

Dan spent over 5 hours yesterday sitting in at a dealership trying to get our van fixed...over 5 hours and almost $450 later, at least the door is fixed. They couldn't believe why I wouldn't let him pay them $25 to change a brake light. Can't imagine why!

**Ugh, I know how you feel my van died yesterday…. I have no idea how much that is going to cost us, we just add it to the list.

Last week I sent off pictures for my personalized menus to Debbi at the Coral Reef. I also confirmed the custom cake order so all seems to be well there. Did I mention I decided on an 8" white cake with white buttercream with a Cars design on it. It will say something like "Happy Birthday Daddy and Corbin". Cannot wait to see it! Of course now I'm thinking that I want it to be Nemo themed since we're eating at Coral Reef....ugh.

**I can’t wait to see pictures of all this stuff! You KNOW you have to document everything!!
I would love to be able to do this for Leon, but as it is we may have to skip a bench of the ADR’s I have made. Money is just getting way too tight right now.
I say definitely do Nemo .. I am all for staying within a theme.


I also called All Star Sports awhile back to see about getting balloons or something in the room for the boys for their birthdays. They asked me to call back the week before we check in as that's when they'll get our ressie. So, I need to add that to my list to be sure I call back.

**Okay, you stink!! I wanted to call and plan the balloons for you guys, so you would get a surprise too!!!



On another Disney note, DH and I didn't have our "dream" wedding by any means. I very much had a budget wedding and we paid for a lot of it ourselves. At the time it was ok (I knew then it wasn't what I wanted but worked with our budget), but we'd agreed we'd do something different down the road. Originally we'd wanted to do something here in Charleston at the beach since we'd vacationed here and really loved it. Now that we're a bit more addicted to Disney, and people may actually come see us if we're at Disney instead of just at home, we're talking about a vow renewal ceremony at Disney in two years.
**Yeah, still jealous!!!

I also still have to get Halloween costumes together. I'm thinking a pirate for Carter-he does have a Captain Hook costume from the Disney store handed down from someone. I'm thinking the entire costume will be too hot but I can put him in a white t-shirt and black shorts with his hook and hat. He loves to say "ARRRRGGGHH!" I don't know what to do for Corbin...something not too hot since he'll complain. He wants me to dress up like a princess so I've got to hit the thrift stores or something to try and pull a princess costume together. I don't know about Dan either. He mentioned doing the pirate thing with Carter which I'm fine with. I also don't know what DMIL will do if anything.

**Oh man, I am so mad at myself for not catching up sooner. I could have sent you my renaissance dress. It’s good for pirate or princess or piratey princess if you will.



Ok...the pictures are still uploading to Shutterfly so I can email them to family/friends, but here are some for you guys!

**Adorable pics of the boys!! I love the Jeff the Alligator Birthday Cake ! I may have to steel that. I LOVE the squirrel pics!!



Dan stopped at my fire station yesterday (I work at headquarters and he works at another) and I mentioned something. He asked what I was up to and when he could read my PTR...I told him once all three trips are done! He slipped and said that was fine-I didn't know everything that was going on....he's got something up his sleeve for December and apparently it's noted on our room ressies but they're not supposed to tell me about it. I rilied him up a little bit and told him I'd went over everything on the reservation with them and changed some things around just to fluster him. I'm terrible I know. So I guess something's in the works for me...I'll have to wait with the rest of you to find out what it is....I'm hoping for one of the safarais since we're staying club level at AKL in Dec...that would be fun.

**Oh I am so happy he is planning something…. So what’s his email address maybe I can whisper some clues in his ear.


On the home front, our crazy real estate lady sent us another house she thought we would be interested in. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in just over 2100 square feet for $176,600. Sounds like a crazy amount of money.
**That sounds like a dream to me! Here in NY a house like that would run $350,000!!

...I didn't get any sleep last night as I made a scrapbook for one of our captains to give to his wife for her birthday-it's a surprise to tell her at her party next week that they're going to Vegas on Thursday.

**That is so nice! I wish I had the time and patience to scrapbook!

I haven't decided about the photopass photo session...I'm thinking I'm just going to try and get a couple of nice photopass photos and going from there.

**I hear you on that! We are passing too!

I think I was part Super Woman this weekend-I finished (start to finish) a 40 page scrapbook (I guess 80 since I did something on both sides and had 40 page protectors in it) in 12 hours over two days, while DH was in class, picked up the house (I've got to get motivated here to clean yet tonight), made mac and cheese, fruit salad and chili cheese dip (after going to the grocery store this morning to get the stuff), then spent 4 1/2 hours at a park setting up and cleaning up a picnic for the department. I'm so ready to crash! Don't get me wrong-the picnic was fun (as fun as it could be in the sun when it's 95 degrees out and humid).

**Super Woman / Wonder Woman same difference. Personally I think you are amazing! You are definitely my new hero!!

Ok, here's the scoop on the house.

Here's the link to the floorplan that we looked at (largest in the neighborhood that we're looking in):http://www.kbhome.com/Plan~PlanID~01600505-235.2118.aspx. If that doesn't work, you can google KB homes floor plans bluffton sc. It's the "Tyler" model that we're looking at.
Now that you know what we're looking at, the details of the house: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, kitchen, great room, dining room, 2 car garage. Overall, the house is just over 2100 square feet.
The ammenities center in the new subdivision (here they're called plantations) has a pool, fitness center and playground. Currently we only have a yucky pool. Another bonus for the new house.
We're able to choose cabinets, counter tops, floors, all the fun stuff. With our home owner's association fees, our lawn care is also included-cutting the grass and edging the yard. We'd still be responsible for the weeds but I do that now so not a big deal.

**Okay that’s it. I am green with envy! But also very happy for you! In my life we probably will never own a home of our own. But if anyone deserves such wonderful things. It’s you!


Alright....off to finish packing and getting the list together. Have a great night everyone!!

**Have an AWESOME trip. I will be thinking of you the whole time. Probably right in the middle of wiping the spit up off my shoulder I’ll be thinking “I wonder what Lynn is doing right now?”
I want pictures - LOTS of Pictures, when you get back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[newtodis]

The house sounds really great. Is it already built? Your list looks very specific. You shouldn't forget anything! Have a great time and if I don't hear from you before you go, safe journey's.!!! Look forward to your TR

Thank you so very much! No the house isn't built yet...they said it would take 3-4 months so that's about perfect for our timeframe. If needed, we could probably rent for another month but I'd prefer not to if we don't have to.

One of the captains at the fire station is/was a real estate agent so I picked his brain today...he's going to search out a few good deals while we're gone and figure out some options for us before we commit to something just yet. We'll see what happens there.

I hope I don't forget anything-I always forget something! I'll be sure to let you know what it is when I get back!

Thank you for the safe journey thoughts!! Hopefully all will be quiet. I'm going to have Dan beg the nanny in the morning to keep the kids up so they'll sleep in the van-if at all due to excitement.

Wow! I’ve had a lot to catch up on!!! I have been so out of it that I was a whole 4 pages behind! And now you only have one more day left. I am so jealous! But then again I am relieved because if I were leaving in one day I would in no way be ready! Reading your report has inspired me to get back on the wagon. Thanks to you and lmiller being in my cheering section.

Welcome back lady!! So glad to have you back!! lmillercrew is a wonderful cheerleader and makes me laugh a lot!! Glad to have her (and everyone else!!) here

Thanks for all of the kind words. You're welcome to borrow the alligator cake idea. Dan's mom and aunt found it in Woman's Day or something like that-I'll make a note to ask her tomorrow for you!

Instead of skipping ADRs, what about doing the dining plan?? Get the planning dvd and stuff like that to get your name on the list for codes (if that works). There are some floating around to extend free dining into December. I'll hope and pray that you guys get one of those-y'all deserve it!!!

I'll gladly PM you Dan's email address-he needs all the help he can get!

Seriously?? Your hero?? I'm not that special by any means!! Set your sights higher than me! Thank you though, that means a lot coming from you!

Since you asked, I'll take a million pictures on my camera and with photo pass (my goal is to fill a cd with the pictures from photo pass!!) and share lots with you! I'll be sure to bore you with lots of details as well!! Just remember-you asked for this!

 

[newtodis]

Good evening all!

Today was a VERY long day. A co-worker at our office was diagonsed with breast cancer prior to me starting work there. Earlier this summer she had one breast removed and was told the cancer was removed with that. Over the weekend, she was re-admitted to the hospital and is very ill at this point. I was asked to step in (with them knowing I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow) this morning and take care of what I could while she's out for an undetermined amount of time. Of course I agreed, but with only taking a lunch last Monday and working through every other one, I knew today would be crazy. I worked through lunch again today to try and get everything caught up that I could. It was generally a busy day just with phone calls and such but even busier now that I had the pressure of doing two jobs (mine plus financial administrator). I managed to get things taken care of and a bit caught up today. I'm going to try and be to work about 7 tomorrow morning, if not before that to try and get some of my things caught up before leaving. I honestly thought about telling Dan I wouldn't be able to go or renting a car to go seperately so things wouldn't get too out of hand at work. I'm over that now but gave everyone my cell phone number and asked that they PLEASE call instead of trying to figure it out on their own.

I also put pictures on the computer this morning and left for work without turning the camera off so now I've got to get the battery charged for that before I can pack it

Ok here are some pictures before I'm off to try to finish packing. Dan's at a live burn tonight for work. They're showing college kids how quickly a dorm room will burn in an attempt to prevent fires...we'll see how that goes in the morning I guess.

Since Mommy didn't feel like making breakfast on top of cooking for the picnic on Sunday, the boys got doughnuts. Carter LOVES the sprinkles and picks them off to eat then will (sometimes) eat the doughnut.

Friday night, instead of working on stuff for the weekend or packing like I should have, a co-worker invited me to dinner. We also brought along our new co-worker who's here alone until his wife wraps up some issues with his foster daughter in WV. We know all too well how lonely it is here just moving here, let alone without your family so we try to include him a lot. He's even coming to my jewelry party when we get back from Disney just for something to do!

Anyways, we drove to Tybee Island (south of Savannah, about an hour away) for dinner at The Crab Shack. It's truly a shack and allergy nightmare for Corbin. All went well-he didn't have any problems thankfully.

Here are some pictures of dinner:

 

[newtodis]

Then, after dinner, we went to feed the alligators Yup, that's right. We fed the alligators dog treats from a bamboo pole with a bobby pin on the end. We had to continue to explain and remind Corbin this is NOT something we could do at home with Jeff and it was only ok here this one time. I don't know who had more fun-Daddy or Corbin! Carter just had a good time watching and talking to them.

Of course, we had to get pictures by the typical tourist things

It took Corbin a little while to warm up to Marcia (my co-worker) but once he did, they were buddies!

 

[newtodis]

So here's the update on what I got for our trip.

Carter got some new shoes that almost match Corbin's slip on tennis shoes. Carter loves wearing Corbin's around so this was a good find-thanks Target!! He's refused to take the tags or strings off. I'm going to do that tonight once he's in bed then pack them so next time he sees them it's gone.

I also got Carter a leash. Thankfully, he LOVES wearing it around the house. He's been pulling it out of his tote and wearing it around.

I didn't manage to get pictures of the Halloween shirts before they got packed-sorry! I'll have to post pictures from the Halloween party! I never did find one for Dan so that gives me a great reason to buy something at the Halloween party!

I sent Dan's mom my updated spreadsheet last night and she replied that she's more excited than Corbin to go . They're going to freak out when they find Grandma in our room!! (hopefully it's a good freak out!!)

I also updated my spreadsheet with birthday surprises and printed that for my Disney binder. Here's the basic breakdown:

9/17 Check in, hit the monorail, explore resorts, exchange vouchers to get APs, pick up DDE card and Disney dollars

9/18 Baskets from Betsy are scheduled to be delivered today. Also, at lunch, we'll get a Cars birthday cake and Grandma's mini castle cake (I cannot wait to see this!!!).

9/19 MNSSHP! The boys will get treats for the party (glow bracelets and lanterns from the dollar store). This is also balloon day.

9/20 Today during dinner, we'll get a Nemo birthday cake, the diver will have a sign for Dan and Corbin and Dan, Corbin, Carter and Dan's mom will get personalized menus. (very much looking forward to this!!)

9/21 Check out day Nothing planned just yet...I think we'll have plenty of cake to take home and snack on for a couple of days.

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures to share when I get back. I'll start a new TR so I can keep planning December here. Once it's started, I'll put the link here so y'all can find it.

I'm starting to get excited to go. It's going to be a long day at work tomorrow knowing that when we leave it's time to go to Mickey's house! Our new co-worker tried to tell me I needed to be at a meeting tomorow morning-he'd forgotten that I'll be there in the morning and was trying to give me a hard time about going on vacation. Oh well, Marcia and I got him yesterday so it was due to me I guess. Yesterday he was complaining that he was getting blisters from typing so much and asked for a wrist rest. We put some femine products on a ruler and gave it to him (this was an idea from the guys in the back!) Can I say that I've never seen someone's face turn so red?? The guys thought it was hillarious...needless to say, he hasn't complained since.

Alright...the boys are playing quietly. I'm off to check my list and finish packing. Let's go to Disney!

See y'all in the morning!

 

[newtodis]

Ok packing's about done. My bathing suit's in the washer so I've got to wait for that to finish. Other than packing my toothbrush in the morning and make up once I've put it on, we're good.

Dan could NOT figure out why I needed to pack two plastic containers. Being the good story teller that I am, I told him I packed a dish towel and dish soap (I really did!!) to wash the boys sippy cups out while in the room then we can let them dry in the plastic containers in case there isn't room on the counters. Sometimes I amaze myself! What he doesn't know is that my idea was pretty good and yes, I may use them for that at some point, I'm putting some cake in there! I also need the dish soap to wash out his and his mom's refillable drink mugs!!

Left a note for our nanny since I'm planning at being at work by 7 tomorrow morning to try and get caught up with copies and mailings before everyone gets there. I'm also leaving her projects-I picked up cards for Grandparent's Day (which was two weekends ago!!) that I haven't had time to write out and help Corbin write his name in. I'm also leaving her blank envelopes and stickers for the boys to make Mousekeeping envelopes since I didn't have time to print any off.

Other than those little things, I think we're good! I have to get Corbin's swim fins (arm bands) out of the garage in the morning and throw them in the van and Carter's little life jacket thing in case he wants to go for a swim. I think I've got everything else. If not, we'll either pay the outrageous Disney price or find a Walmart!

Alright...I'm going to take a shower and try to get some sleep!