I need a vacation and a Dole Whip - PTR - Updated 5/29

[Bamfield]

Man I give you so much credit for all that travelling you have to do for work! I go crazy if I'm out of the house running around for like 3 days in a row between errands/PTA stuff and get behind with laundry, vacuuming, etc. But I'll bet when you go away for work it makes the countdown to Disney actually go quicker!

It makes everything go really fast, sometimes too fast. I am hoping to get some Disney stuff done this weekend but I MUST do grocery shopping first. My teenage sons feel I am starving them.

 

[Bamfield]

Things are starting to get real!

Well, back from my trip and my pity party. I have 4 weekends to accomplish the rest of my to do list. I am hoping to make some additional dents into this weekend. But first I am really looking forward to doing some fun stuff. I got some additional packages in the mail today.

I just got notification that we our MB choice window had closed two days ago. Then, I had an alert that they had shipped and guess what was in my mailbox today:



And then:


My oldest DS wanted me to open everything right away. So, I opened the box and everyone had the colors they wanted.



So, now I just need to decide which covers to use for the bands. I think I will do that tomorrow AFTER I go grocery shopping.

 

[ariane37]

but I MUST do grocery shopping first. My teenage sons feel I am starving them.

This was me today! I meant to go yesterday but I had to do an unexpected favor for a friend and of all my other errands, the groceries didn't get bought. Last night Ricky was looking for stuff he'd asked me to get......then today I had to bring my mom to the airport and it took longer than I'd hoped. Some of my errands had to be put off again but I HAD to get to the grocery store or the boys would have been on the warpath

I opened the box and everyone had the colors they wanted.

I love the purple band!! That's definitely my color come Nov. Good luck getting the covers figured out this weekend (after the groceries are purchased, of course )

 

[Bamfield]

Some of my errands had to be put off again but I HAD to get to the grocery store or the boys would have been on the warpath

Well, I am glad that I am not the only one where the family rebels regarding food sometimes. I hope you get your errands done after your shopping trip. I was very successful at the grocery store, so much it took 3 people to bag and 2 carts to the car. Of course, my wallet is now empty! But they will have food while I am out traveling again this week. Thank goodness it is only 3 days this week.

 

[Bamfield]

The Magic Band Dilemma...

Ok, I am going to admit right up front that I have a Magic Band Cover problem. I can never decide which one to use so I order way more than I need with the thought I can use them on my next trip. I am always looking forward to my next trip. Last trip we pretty traditional.



This year I went a little overboard.

So, first we will start with my DH ~" what color do you want honey? Same as before. Don't you want to try something new? Don't care." So, he got orange and he wanted tigger again so here is his:



Well then we get to youngest DS. Way opposite. He couldn't choose (like his mom.) He did switch it up to Blue but couldn't decide traditional or Star Wars. I believe leaning Star Wars but which one? He did ask me if he could change it up everyday



Then there is oldest DS. He got purple. He picked two but is leaning towards



Then there is me. I went with pink. I was thinking princess but which one then thought I should be grown up and just do design. What you think?



So, I am going to think about it before actually applying.

 

[ariane37]

Ooh, I like the "Believe" one!
Can you actually switch them easily? I've never used the MB covers before; where do you get yours?
My 2nd favorite is Aurora

 

[Bamfield]

Are we there yet?

Well back from my latest business trip. No major crisis, no I lied. Can you believe this, I absolutely broke my kindle. Dropped it off a 4 ft. shelf face down in my hotel room. I cannot go on vacation without a book to read at the pool. My very helpful mother suggested I buy a "real" book. I have been exclusively reading e-books from the early 2000's. That is the other problem. Do I get a new fangled Kindle or do I find a replacement for my "old" 2nd generation one I really like because of how it changes pages. There is a big price difference and with me penny pitching for our Disney vacation so we can splurge there do I spend that extra money? Well, we went off the board and looked on eBay and going to try one there, but because of that, now I have one more thing on my list.

Updated To Do List:

1. Pedicure
1.A Kindle Crisis Resolution
2. Pick our MB colors - Done AND they have arrived.
3. Fast+ Passes - Done!
4. Weather Watch - Started - looks like it was going to below "normal" but now going above
5. Order MB covers - Done!!! ~ Now which ones do I use?
6. Vacation clothes review - Started
7. New tennis shoes for crew - Done!! ~ This was was done but oldest DS wore new ones to job AND now needs another pair
8. Evaluation of current swimwear -Done!!
9. Sun Screen Evaluation - Done!
10. Change ADRs - Done! (However, I won't promise they won't change again. Yep, I changed one )
11. Finalize tentative schedule - Getting there ~ Do I do something regarding our last night for late night at AK or will it be crazy?????
12. Final Payment - Done!!
13. Toiletry Review for crew - Started - Nobody likes me here as they don't want to think about shampoo or shaving cream
14. Add CB to DB - Hope to do this weekend.
15. Ensure everything clean before in bags ~ I can't get them to wash their clothes for school let alone Disney this will require me flying around on my broom
16. Stage days in travel bags (space bags)
17. Pack/Weigh Bag
18. Pack Carry Ons
19. Remember SW Drink Tickets (will need it by then)
20. Get to Disney to have fun and a Dole Whip Float!

We are down to a 3 weekend countdown AND two more week long business trips. At this point, I think I want to start staging. It is really getting busy here. I am traveling a lot and the boys are doing the end of year frenzy for school. The oldest also has a bunch of AP exams going to a Prom, has a new job and still does karate two times a week. The youngest has a ton of projects for school, plus he is doing Athletic Training this semester every night.

But the excellent news is we just found out we are going to Disney for Spring Break next year for marching band!!! Another trip to plan.

 

[ariane37]

My very helpful mother suggested I buy a "real" book

LMAO! I still read "real" books I borrowed a friends Kindle a few years ago and did read one book on it, but it's just not my style. I'm "old school"!!

But the excellent news is we just found out we are going to Disney for Spring Break next year for marching band!!!

Woo-hoo!! That is awesome Steve and I have discussed going next year during Spring Break but only a little bit. I have to work on him some more lol. When's your break? Will they march in MK?

 

[Bamfield]

Steve and I have discussed going next year during Spring Break but only a little bit. I have to work on him some more lol. When's your break? Will they march in MK?

I believe you can never go to Disney too many times. Our SB is the same week every year no matter with when the Easter holiday falls. They will hopefully march in the MK. Disney is still reviewing their audition tape, though. The last time this band came 2 years ago they marched during the MSEP. I would be thrilled if they got to do that.

Just for giggles I thought I would throw in a picture of them in their uniforms.

AJ:



and Dan:

 

[Bamfield]

Big plans for the weekend but they didn't happen, why?

I was supposed to begin staging this weekend. Yeah, that didn't happen. However, I did clean my spare bedroom where I typically stage. Why did I do that? Because I was invaded by Freshman Boys filming a project for school and it rained all weekend so they were indoors. I will leave the rest to your imagination. I will mention my DH actually thought there would be leftovers for him to eat.

My spare bedroom is typically clean as we do occasionally have weekend guests. But I do keep our spare vacation stuff and my DH uses the closet for his wardrobe overflow in that room. Well, I needed to get stuff from the closet. DH is always bugging me to thin it out. Well, it was his lucky day. I pretty much got a whole bag of donations and a lot more space. I also am a bit of Disney hoarder. I always keep all the paper and other things we collect over the Disney vacation in a gallon bag. Well, we have been fortunate to have been on many visits so I have a whole bin of gallon bags. Found some great non-digital pictures! Glad we get MM now though. I was able to get that organized as well. Then I went through all the sunscreen, wipes, hand sanitizer, stain wipes and laundry stuff to make sure it was all current. So, far because of this vacation I have about 7 bags of donations, semi-clean DS rooms, cleaned the spare bedroom AND cleaned all the stuff on my dresser. Not too bad, huh?

I also did a geeky thing I made a spreadsheet so I could see where our free time is so I can change everything again

I also put our covers on our band and they turned out like this:




So, I think they turned out pretty well. I had a hard time with mine. Couldn't decide whether to do roses or Anna? DS said I should be Disney like, so Anna was the overall vote.

Now, down to two weekends to get everything else done!

 

[kadrachb]

Joining in!

We're going around the same time (according to your ticker)! We'll just be there two days ahead of you.

These look great! I love the cheshire cat one!

 

[Bamfield]

Joining in!

We're going around the same time (according to your ticker)! We'll just be there two days ahead of you.

Thanks for joining along. My DH always makes fun of me for weather watching but a couple of weeks out it is looking pretty good for our trips. And congratulations on your graduation!!! It is a Grand Way to Graduate. Can you tell I took a peek at your PTR. You are way more organized than me. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[kadrachb]

My DH always makes fun of me for weather watching but a couple of weeks out it is looking pretty good for our trips. And congratulations on your graduation!!! It is a Grand Way to Graduate. Can you tell I took a peek at your PTR. You are way more organized than me. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you! And I also constantly check the weather. My boyfriend is really into meteorology... and he always tells me I can never trust it until about a week out, but I don't care!

I'm only organized because it's procrastination...

 

[Bamfield]

Well it looks like I will be able to go on vacation...

A couple of posts back I was whining that I had broke my kindle that I had since 2009. Well, good news. My 2nd generation kindle (I think they are on version 10 now) that we found on eBay arrived. It works and I am hoping it keeps it's charge. Now, I should have something to read at the pool.

On another front, we have someone stay at our house while we are gone and that has been nailed down. Now, all I have to worry about is what to bring them back as a gift. Maybe that entails a trip to the World of Disney. I could wander around in there for hours my DH is always looking for me going what is taking me so long. Just checking out all the things I am not going to get vs. what I can fit in his suitcase.

 

[Bamfield]

My boyfriend is really into meteorology... and he always tells me I can never trust it until about a week out, but I don't care!

Does he have any pull? I would really like mid-80's and brief rain showers in the afternoon. I just don't want to re-live the trip we had the first week of June 2013. We were there for a week during a Tropical Storm it rained all day for about 5 or 6 days. We never went anywhere without a poncho and now when I say do you need a pair of Keen's they all say "yes." I am in the camp if you bring your umbrella it won't rain.

 

[ariane37]

Glad your Kindle came but I'm still sad you won't be buying an old-fashioned book lol!
Now WHERE did you order your MB-bands from???

 

[Bamfield]

Feeling the pressure

Well, we are getting close and these last weeks of school are causing additional chaos. AJ went to Prom last night, looked handsome and had fun. He also has taken two AP exams last week and just trying to make through the last full week. Dan has been doing athletic training this semester as he doesn't play a spring sport. He was at two games this week. Also, the invasion of the Freshman boys at my house netted them a 98% on their projects. Way to go guys! This week I am traveling all week so DH just has a band concert. Made sure all the shirts were clean. Today, I finished up a quilt as it HAD to go to the longarm quilter so it could be done it time to gift. Then, did some additional vacation prep shopping. Bought snacks for the airplane. I may of went a bit overboard because I believe I will have enough to share with entire plane. My current bad habit is doing major cleaning while I am trying to organize. So, far I have cleaned both boys rooms, my closet, the spare bedroom and this morning the hall closet. So, this is what has been accomplished on the do to list.

Updated To Do List:

1. Pedicure ~ Need to scheudule this week. Also treating myself to a "no chip" if I don't break any this week getting stuff out of the overheads.
1.A Kindle Crisis Resolution ~ Test this week, got the new one off of Ebay
2. Pick our MB colors - Done!
3. Fast+ Passes - Done! ~ saved one for AK show if they release any
4. Weather Watch - Started - looking pretty good!
5. Order MB covers - Done!
6. Vacation clothes review - Midway done
7. New tennis shoes for crew - Done!! ~ This was was done but oldest DS wore new ones to job AND now needs another pair ~ doing this tomorrow
8. Evaluation of current swimwear -Done!!
9. Sun Screen Evaluation - Done!
10. Change ADRs - Done! (However, I won't promise they won't change again. Yep, I changed them again) I don't believe I am done fiddling looking for a BOG lunch.
11. Finalize tentative schedule - Pretty done but still trying to figure out the evening stuff, sometimes we take that as it comes. If we are too tired we go, with the park hoppers lets us be impulsive.
12. Final Payment - Done!!
13. Toiletry Review for crew - Almost done. Got some more this afternoon. Think I will try to get the boys to pack their kits this weekend.
14. Add CB to DB - Done!
15. Ensure everything clean before in bags ~ Reserving until next weekend.
16. Stage days in travel bags (space bags) ~ Reserving until next weekend.
17. Pack/Weigh Bag
18. Pack Carry Ons
19. Remember SW Drink Tickets (will need it by then) and Disney Rewards Card
20. Get to Disney to have fun and a Dole Whip Float!

I also am having a couple of dilemmas. I can't figure if I want to take our own beach towels. We do plan on going to the water parks a couple of times, and they are nice for there. Also, which bag should I take? I was thinking less was more? I have a small cross body that I use for business trips fits some ID, money and phone. Or do I carry my backpack on got on last trip?



My hope was to use this on the plane as my only carry on. I really like the wristlet but my phone doesn't fit. I typically have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, Aleve, sunscreen and lip balm with me in the park. In the past I carried an old Land's End diaper bag. It was perfect. I could even carry two water bottles on the sides. Plus, it wasn't girly so my DH would even carry it occasionally. He won't carry the Disney backback. So, I keep looking at the old bag going, is that the best choice? Thoughts?

 

[Bamfield]

Update from the road

Well we are down to single digits on our countdown. However, I am not sure I am keen on staying in any more hotel rooms. I am hoping I feel some Disney Magic soon.

Well we have had good news and bad news. The good news. AJ and I went shopping on Sunday and got his much needed running shoes. We got these from a running store we go to all the time but in a different location unfamiliar to us. So, we were driving by a outside mall and I said do you need books for vacation since school will be done? Of course he thought he might need two. Six books later, he paid for them himself. See I told you that job would come in handy.

We then decided to get a Starbucks which was across the parking lot. On the way back to car I was lamenting that I wished I could of gotten a new Vera Bradley cross body bag for the parks and then as soon as out of my mouth I spied one on the other side of the parking lot.

I high tailed it over there and guess what they were having a 25% off Mother's Day sale. And guess what I am a mother so I went in and bought three bags. Don't tell my DH he only saw this:



The bags are all similar to this one I have with me.


So, I was very happy and spent much less than expected going in.

The bad news was I tried to get an umbrella for TL and there were none available, I waited too long. I wonder if I should try back later?

Well two more days and will be back home for the final push. Real packing this weekend AND have my pedi appointment scheduled. The real sign of getting close.

 

[Jumba17]

I have enjoyed reading your plans, we are leaving next week too so your to do list helped me with mine!

I need to find some time to squeeze in a pedi, and this weekend is all about packing.

Have a great trip!

 

[ariane37]

Well we are down to single digits on our countdown

I am both jealous of you and excited for you

Six books later, he paid for them himself.

Isn't that great? Mine are too young to work but today we went to buy Chris new sneakers. He wanted 2 pairs and the ones he likes aren't cheap. Since he hoards his $$ he asked if he could get the 2nd pair if he paid for them himself. You sure can, kid

I high tailed it over there and guess what they were having a 25% off Mother's Day sale. And guess what I am a mother so I went in and bought three bags

I love that pattern and looks like you had a nice Mother's Day!