It's Here!! We're Leaving for WDW!!! Travel Day!!

[Maddie2]

Sounds like a plan!

Jaime -- I have a sister named Jaime -- spelled this way too!! :<) You are moving to FL? Fun!

 

[Ibelieveinfairies]

Okay...it's 12:29 am and I am officially all packed and ready to go...well...I do have to pick up some batteries and replacement makeup at CVS tomorrow on my lunch break...but that's close enough for me!

Jaime...I'm sooo sorry for spelling your name wrong...thank you, Lisa for pointing that out! and thank you, Jaime, for just letting me spell your name wrong!

These TSA regulations really made me have to think about my carryon luggage...3 oz bottles here...quart size bags there...I finally got it all figured out. Now as long as our "big" suitcase is not over 50 pounds, we'll be good to go!

Well, guys, I am off to bed to try to sleep...I'll be counting fairies to get there and thinking of all the fun to be had. Take care and I'll check in when we get back!

Bye, Kelly! Bye, Lisa! Bye, Jaime! See you at the WL, Tumor!

 

[tiggerbell]

Sounds like a plan!

Jaime -- I have a sister named Jaime -- spelled this way too!! :<) You are moving to FL? Fun!

That's weird - it's such an odd spelling! Small world.........

Jaime...I'm sooo sorry for spelling your name wrong...thank you, Lisa for pointing that out! and thank you, Jaime, for just letting me spell your name wrong!

You're welcome . Actually, it's so common for people to spell it wrong (it is spelled weird!) that I don't bother to correct them (you know, unless it's the bank or the IRS!) Just don't call me late for dinner and it's all good!

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

 

[TiggerandTink]

I'm just catching up and realized that your THERE!! Hope you have the most magical vacation. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back. ixiedust:

 

[Panotchr]

I woke up this morning thinking that they are THERE! Hope the weather is good and that the flight down was good.

The rest of us are waiting to hear how it goes.



And I don't think I even realized I spelled Jaime wrong. LOL That's shows my true blonde colors!

Everyone have a great Saturday.

 

[Maddie2]

Hello everyone! Yes, they must be there and having a fantastic time! I can't wait to hear about all of their adventures. It sounds like they have a great crew vacationing with them.

We tell our boys tomorrow. I just about blew it today. I want to tell them so badly! They are going to be SO surprised. We are going to wait until after church when we are all together at home. Less than 24 hours for me to keep my mouth shut! It is getting more and more difficult as the hours pass! ;<)

Have a great Saturday!

 

[Panotchr]

Lisa:

I can't wait to hear how it goes tomorrow. Please post so I will know. I know they will be so excited. I don't know how you have kept it a secret so long. I am not sure I could have done it.

Change of plans here. We are going to purchase a house that is almost finished instead of building. I am still married ha ha ha, but it has been a wild couple of days.

Good luck tomorrow. Have fun. Did you think of a cute way to tell them or are you just spilling your guts???????

xo

 

[Maddie2]

We told our boys today! Rather than making a huge announcement, we just sort of dropped it nonchalantly. While we were having lunch I mentioned that I was hungry for waffles... not the kind Dad makes or the kind we put in the toaster ..... but the Mickey kind we had at DW...... then I said "I can't wait to have those again". ......pause........you could see the wheels moving in their heads........DS12 "na-uh (the negative)" ..... "that's an April Fool!.....isn't it??" ......."na-uh". I could see the build of excitement swirling ... and yet, disbelief. The "if this is a joke, it is really cruel .... nah, Mom and Dad wouldn't do something that cruel.... Would they?...... the I don't know if I should believe this or not" looks. Then after some wide-eyed looks of disbelief I burst out "YES! We are going to Disney World!! in 17 days!!!"

There was plenty of communication going on, but most of it was unspoken. Finally, DS9 exploded with WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD, while DS12, the skeptic that he is still wasn't 100% believing. Afterall, this IS April Fool's Day!

After that we watched the entire WDW Planning DVD -- which arrived months ago, but I had waited to watch with my family today.

Slowly things are dawning on them -- the WHY Mom always turns off the computer monitor when they enter the room (planning the trip and being on DISboards!), etc.

I went downstairs and asked them what they thought of it all -- and in true fashion, they said that yes, they were excited but that there really wasn't anything they could do right now and went back to their game.

So there you have it. A little underwhelmed in comparison to the JOY I feel -- but that was somewhat expected. Personally I am just happy to NOT have to keep the secret anymore! That in itself is a great relief! :<)

During the viewing of the Downtown Disney section of the DVD, DS12 said he was sure glad that he didn't have a sister and that we wouldn't have to go to Bibbity Bobbity Boo! .... or any of that other princess stuff. :<( I told them that someday one of them needed to give me a granddaughter so that I could take her there and do the princess stuff. I guess I'll have that to look forward to.


Kelly -- Wow! What a change in plans! In the end, you'll save a lot of headaches buying something almost done. I hope the "almost done" part allows you to still have some choices though. When will you be able to move in? That is exciting!!! Congratulations!

 

[Maddie2]

Sweetest thing .... DS12 just came in the office (where I am). I said "So, what do you think?" and he replied, "It's just so shocking that I don't think I can talk". This is the boy that is never, ever at a loss for words (at home anyway). The excitement is starting to brew......

 

[tiggerbell]

What fun! I bet you are relieved to not have to hold it in anymore... I am the world's worst secret keeper. Just can't do it.

Kel, great news about the house! Amazing!

My exciting life consisted of a trip to a couple malls with Rhonda today (we have to stop spending time together - we will be so sick of each other before the trip!) She bought us each a pair of the Cleo Crocs (now I have them in black/purple and brown/pink), I bought lunch. And I got a watch or the Disney trip (don't normally wear them because of the tendonitis in my wrists, but I'll drive everyone nuts asking the time on the trip otherwise!)

Oh, well. We can't all be in Disney today, can we, girls?

 

[Panotchr]

Lisa...

I have tears in my eyes. I am so excited for you. I am not a good secret keeper either. I usually can't stand it and blurt out things. I had thought about keeping our trip a secret from our kids, but I KNEW I could not do it.

I know they must be thrilled though. And to only have to wait 17 days!

My friend's father has taken a turn and it should be days. They have cancelled their trip to Disney after he made them promise to reschedule. The Disney folks were great and did not charge them a thing and they are booked for early October now. I did get to talk to her yesterday. We did a collection at school for money for food for them and we got over $300! We got them paper products and quick things to snack on and then put the rest on a gift card for them to use later. At least now they will have something to look forward to after her dad passes.

Jaime: I have to go look up those Cleo crocs. I don't think I know what they look like.


Will keep you posted on the house. I am excited, but I am giving up a third bathroom. I know that sounds terribly bratty, and I know it is one less to clean, but with three girls I think we are going to need it. It has a beautiful deck and patio area and amazingly beautiful yard. It also has a basement that we can finish off. The pros outweigh the cons. Once we have a deal I will have to post some photos for you guys.

Hope everyone had a good Sunday.

 

[Maddie2]

Kelly -- I am sorry to hear about your friend's father. So sad that they did not have the opportunity to experience AKL with him. Their October trip will be bittersweet, but as you said, something to look forward to.

On a happier note, a new house to look forward to! Yes, minus one bathroom :<(, but MINUS yucky neighbors!!! :<) Now that's something to smile about!

The boys and I played the "what are you most looking forward to at WDW" game today -- actually not really a game, more of a conversation. DS12 can't wait to do Mission Space again (uffda, not ME!), DS9 is anxious to go on Space Mountain (I'd rather not, but DS12 didn't like it and DH firmly says no) .... whereas I am looking forward to the DDP! Probably not what I should be so excited about, but I am! We only have 4 days of the DDP and then we move off-property (Universal, Sea World and more WDW) and then we will be eating on a budget. Sure, I am looking forward to the attractions and some of the rides, but the food and experiences that go along with it are high on my list too!

For weeks I have put my excitement and planning on hold -- it almost feels like I am finding out all over again! Planning in earnest begins this week!

Happy Sunday! Have a great week! Happy Everything! (Can you tell I'm HAPPY???!!)

 

[almousefan]

I have just found this post tonight and can hardly wait to hear the post-trip report. It was so exciting to get to the end and realize they are there and having a wonderful time!

 

[Panotchr]

Lisa:

I am looking forward to the DDP too!!!!!

My oldest loves Space Mountain. She was so fearful of riding it the first time, but then loved it. My middle can't wait to ride Expedition Everest again and the little one loves Space Mountain too. I'll ride them all.

Hope you had a great first "in the know" day.

 

[Maddie2]

Being "in the know" is pretty fabulous! Despite cold temps and no sun, there seems to be a distinct aura over our house right now. I really think it is pixie dust. I can't say that our children have totally transformed, but I do think they are shining a bit brighter.

Even though it was extremely difficult for me to keep the secret as long as I did (almost 3 months), I do know it was the right choice for us. I'm already hearing that 16 days is sooooo long, why did you have to tell us already? Hmmm, so you can do your homework before we go! The reality of extra homework hopefully won't be too bad. They have standardized testing this first 2 weeks of April and I'm sure they'll have some make-up work to do once we return as well.

In Disney news ..... we picked up our paperwork at the TA today. The luggage tags have the top section of Cinderella's Castle on them. I took DS12 along to help boost his excitement (though that probably wasn't necessary, it's soaring!). It was good for him to see how part of this transpires. DS9 was at piano lessons so he missed out on this teachable moment.

Better get dinner on the table, Monday night is Scout night around here.

 

[Panotchr]

I can't believe I didn't think about this until tonight, but my neice and nephew are at WDW for the first time and will be there until tomorrow. I should have told Amy! They are twins that are six and are at the Grand Floridian. They arrived last Thursday and will be leaving in the morning. We will be seeing them in DC on Thursday evening. I can't wait to hear all about their trip. I am so glad I am going to see them so soon after their arrival home. They are in Kindergarten this year and they are a riot. My stinky little brother deserves all the headaches they give him!

I am hoping that now that it is April, we might hear something about that free dining in August. Cross your fingers, everyone

 

[Maddie2]

How did you forget that you had family at WDW right now??? :<) No, I understand -- your life has been SO busy lately! Twins at the Grand Floridian -- I bet they are adorable and having the time of their lives!

I think I read something somewhere (but don't quote me) that IF there was to be free DDP in Aug/Sept, it was supposed to be announced either on or by April 12. I'm sorry, but I don't remember where I read that. Probably on these boards.

DS12 tells me at bedtime this evening that we really wouldn't have had to buy tickets to Universal. Wish I would have known that 2 months ago! So far though, this is the only reason I can think of that it would have been good for the boys to have known about the trip sooner. In the long run, if we didn't go to Universal, he would have always wondered what it was like. Know what I mean?

I haven't purchased the Sea World tickets yet (but plan to this week so that we can get a second day free), but now I am wondering if I should or not. Has anyone here been there???

Good Night!

 

[Panotchr]

Lisa: Can you believe I didn't say anything? I knew they were going .. for the first time no less... but it just did not occur to me at all. lol

We have not been to Sea World in forever, but a fellow teacher went last week. There is a new baby whale and the show was different as they were introducing this new baby. She said her DH was not impressed, but that she loved the educational aspect of it. The kids said they like the coaster there. I think it is called Kraken or something. I used to love Sea World, but as I said, I don't think I have been there since about 1990. Wow, I am old.

The same family/teacher from our school went to Universal and the kids loved it. So, I am sure you will have fun.



Off to work.

 

[tiggerbell]

And I don't think I've been to Sea World in FL since about 1990 either! Wow. Sorry, not gonna be a lot of help here, am I?

OK - I'm off to an exciting day of Jury Duty!

 

[Panotchr]

Made the offer on the new house this afternoon. We should hear back tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed. We asked for upgraded appliances and closing costs.



Hope Amy is having a wonderful time with her family.