July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 3

[salliep]

I thought you swapped your dinner and hotel to spnd more time with us!
Hey the queues for the ladies rooms will be more than 10 mins


Dont worry..you wont be able to loose me, or leave me or forget me in the bathroom - or at the fountains- I think of every thing- Im going to attach a lo-jack on you!!!



Poor Jimmy!

Everyone says that!!!!
Hey.. thats what he keeps saying about you!!! You two are going to get along just fine !!![/B][/COLOR]

Yes 'just' a few rows back, 'just' to ensure the press are confused, ( not that hard) and everyone else gets the message.

Yes, I thought that was silly, we all saw her back there...

 

[Sandaneli]

Here's a moment for you all!

Today is my DS's birthday - I never made the connection. He, last I heard was on his way to Vegas. Alas - we are still not talking but like a good and maternal mother - I called his voicemail and left a nice sweet message asking him if he'd like to come pick up his presents. That the dogs and I would still like to see him nevermind our differences.

DD14 got him an LA Dodger's History book. MIL gave him $100 and I bought him an 80 gb Video ipod. He never answered. Oh well, young men can be stubborn. I hope he's lucky though - 1000s of couple getting married today can't be wrong, right?

Does he know about the Dis Board? He may be checking this out and know what he's getting. I know my DS is not capable of being too stubborn to get presents, especially nice ones like these.

You are a great Mom and deserve to be treated better. But then most of us don't get the love, respect and gratitude we deserve. I'll keep praying for the situation to resolve in a positive way. Praying is the only way I know of to get through some of the tough days of being a mother.

Sandra

 

[Sandaneli]

We're Red Sox fans here in the Cayman Islands too. I got my DH and DS t shirts that said -" my favourtie baseball teams are the Red Sox and whoever beats New York." They wear them proudly. Sorry NY Fans.
By the way my son's baseball team won their first game at the Disney Salute to Baseball tournament in Orlando yesterday, they were over the moon. They had lost their first 3 games. Today they're all at Animal Kingdom riding Mt Everest again and again and again. It's given my DH plenty of time to phone home and chat.

Glad to hear about more Red Sox fans. THis year isn't as much fun without the competition between the Red Sox and Yankees. We've never been this far ahead of them for so long in the season. I keep waiting for things to turn around. But in the mean time we're enjoying the lead.

Congratulations to your sons for the win. IT can be hard to come back after 3 losses but they did and now they are having a great time at "Everest".

Is this giving you time to pack without all the extra interruptions?

Sandra

 

[Sandaneli]

DH came across this and I thought I'd share. For anyone that is very sun sensitive, Rit dye makes something called Sun Guard. It helps protect clothing from harmful UV rays. By washing clothes with this it takes a typical white tee shirt with an SPF of 5 to an SPF of 30! You only have to do it once. We are washing all our shirts in this.

It is endorsed by the American Cancer association and has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Here's a link:

http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/

Maryann

Thanks for the tip. We have purchased a few things from Coolibar. THey sell sun protective clothing with a high SPF. I purchased a sun shawl for the excursions. It's very light weight and has SPF 50. I can wrap it around my shoulders for the Church excursions and also use it to keep warm if the air conditioning is too high. I have the palest skin possible and my dad has had skin cancer so I don't take any chances. Also, BullFrog makes some great sunblock.

Sandra

 

[islandmom3]

Glad to hear about more Red Sox fans. THis year isn't as much fun without the competition between the Red Sox and Yankees. We've never been this far ahead of them for so long in the season. I keep waiting for things to turn around. But in the mean time we're enjoying the lead.

Congratulations to your sons for the win. IT can be hard to come back after 3 losses but they did and now they are having a great time at "Everest".

Is this giving you time to pack without all the extra interruptions?

Sandra

I miss the competition between the Red Sox and the Yankees too. My son was so mad when Johnny Damon went to the Yankees.
With the boys away I have tried on many capris, dresses, skirts, tops and shoes today and I've got most of what I want to wear sorted out. I am having trouble finding the perfect pair of comfortable, closed toe, look good shoe to go with things.

 

[Sandaneli]

Well other than a brief game of tennis (It was too hot to keep playing for long), I've been trying to catch up since about 9:30 this morning. I was only gone for a few days.

Andrew, could you update the first page for us.

Palermo - on our own
Olbia - Coda Cavallo Beach
Naples - Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri
Rome - Private Excursion with PixieDustII
LaSpezia - Wine tasting and Sarzana
Marseille - on our own
Villefranche - Highlights of Monte Carlo, Monaco and the Grand Casino

Fish Extender List

MaryJo - 6134
Sandaneli - 2017
Bellelinus - 5020
PixieDustII - 6550
IslandMom3 - 5634
LoveBeast - 7501
SallieP - 7546
alexturner - 2541
disneynutinlondon -
eeyorelvr10
Disneyspirit - 5648
aurora1959


IF anyone wants to be part of this or if I have missed you, please PM me. I don't want to miss the post.

I also have information about making the Fish extender if anyone is interested. I made one and it wasn't too difficult.

Sandra

 

[islandmom3]

Well other than a brief game of tennis (It was too hot to keep playing for long), I've been trying to catch up since about 9:30 this morning. I was only gone for a few days.

Andrew, could you update the first page for us.

Palermo - on our own
Olbia - Coda Cavallo Beach
Naples - Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri
Rome - Private Excursion with PixieDustII
LaSpezia - Wine tasting and Sarzana
Marseille - on our own
Villefranche - Highlights of Monte Carlo, Monaco and the Grand Casino

Fish Extender List

MaryJo - 6134
Sandaneli - 2017
Bellelinus - 5020
PixieDustII - 6550
IslandMom3 - 5634
LoveBeast - 7501
SallieP - 7546
alexturner - 2541
disneynutinlondon -
eeyorelvr10
Disneyspirit - 5648
aurora1959


IF anyone wants to be part of this or if I have missed you, please PM me. I don't want to miss the post.

I also have information about making the Fish extender if anyone is interested. I made one and it wasn't too difficult.

Sandra

Sandra, I would like the info on making the fish extenders. I'm going to Miami next week and I was thinking I would find one in the Container Store but it seems that they will be harder to find than I thought. So somewhere along the line I guess I'll make one. How long did it take you?

 

[Sandaneli]

I miss the competition between the Red Sox and the Yankees too. My son was so mad when Johnny Damon went to the Yankees.
With the boys away I have tried on many capris, dresses, skirts, tops and shoes today and I've got most of what I want to wear sorted out. I am having trouble finding the perfect pair of comfortable, closed toe, look good shoe to go with things.

THe last thing on my list of clothing needed is a pair of comfortable walking sandals that look nice too. I have ordered 3 pair from Zappos and had to return them all. And I've been to every shoe store within driving distance and can'f find anything. I had hoped to have them so that I could break them in before the trip. Now I'll be happy to just have them for the trip.

I'm still in the mindset that we have plenty of time. I know we don't and I have to get moving but I work much better under pressure and probably won't pack until the 26th. We don't fly out until 11Pm on the 26th. I tend to clean the house and then do ALL of the laundry and put it away, then pack. It's worked so far. DH has been packed for weeks. We are very different.

Sandra

 

[Sandaneli]

Sandra, I would like the info on making the fish extenders. I'm going to Miami next week and I was thinking I would find one in the Container Store but it seems that they will be harder to find than I thought. So somewhere along the line I guess I'll make one. How long did it take you?

I did it while DH and DD watched Grease. So however long the movie is, is how long it took.

I'll make a pattern and post it tonight, and If possible take a picture and post it at the same time.

We never were able to find one in the Dollar store or Walmart or anywhere so I just decided to make it.

Right now I have to take DD shopping, or reverse shopping, returning things that don't fit.

Sandra

 

[MrsG]

THe last thing on my list of clothing needed is a pair of comfortable walking sandals that look nice too. I have ordered 3 pair from Zappos and had to return them all. And I've been to every shoe store within driving distance and can'f find anything. I had hoped to have them so that I could break them in before the trip. Now I'll be happy to just have them for the trip.

I'm still in the mindset that we have plenty of time. I know we don't and I have to get moving but I work much better under pressure and probably won't pack until the 26th. We don't fly out until 11Pm on the 26th. I tend to clean the house and then do ALL of the laundry and put it away, then pack. It's worked so far. DH has been packed for weeks. We are very different.

Sandra

Sandra,

I just bought a pair of Ecco's "Yucatan" sandals. They are the best. I got a brown pair and I even got a beige pair with lime green accents!!!! My feet are the worst as I need cushion and blister easily. I've worn them straight for a week and no problems!!!!

http://www.eccousa.com/shoes/performance/womens/65/subcategory.aspx

Maryann

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Well other than a brief game of tennis (It was too hot to keep playing for long), I've been trying to catch up since about 9:30 this morning. I was only gone for a few days.

Andrew, could you update the first page for us.

Palermo - on our own
Olbia - Coda Cavallo Beach
Naples - Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri
Rome - Private Excursion with PixieDustII
LaSpezia - Wine tasting and Sarzana
Marseille - on our own
Villefranche - Highlights of Monte Carlo, Monaco and the Grand Casino

Fish Extender List

MaryJo - 6134
Sandaneli - 2017
Bellelinus - 5020
PixieDustII - 6550
IslandMom3 - 5634
LoveBeast - 7501
SallieP - 7546
alexturner - 2541
disneynutinlondon -
eeyorelvr10
Disneyspirit - 5648
aurora1959


IF anyone wants to be part of this or if I have missed you, please PM me. I don't want to miss the post.

I also have information about making the Fish extender if anyone is interested. I made one and it wasn't too difficult.

Sandra

Done

 

[salliep]

Sandra,

I just bought a pair of Ecco's "Yucatan" sandals. They are the best. I got a brown pair and I even got a beige pair with lime green accents!!!! My feet are the worst as I need cushion and blister easily. I've worn them straight for a week and no problems!!!!

http://www.eccousa.com/shoes/performance/womens/65/subcategory.aspx

Maryann

HI Maryann- I love the link to the sun guard!!!! I am ordered it this morning!! We going out to Tanger tomorrow to get some fill in clothes for Carley, and whatever else we can find- I will call on Monday to make plans next week!

 

[kyla]

http://www.agilityimages.com/Galler...2_CAT_USDAA/070630_STD_P2/070630_ik6a1248.htm me and Jordi complete with judge in the background

http://www.agilityimages.com/Galler...2_CAT_USDAA/070630_STD_P2/070630_img_3369.htm My boy.
Some photos from this last weekend's competition.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

http://www.agilityimages.com/Galler...2_CAT_USDAA/070630_STD_P2/070630_ik6a1248.htm me and Jordi complete with judge in the background

http://www.agilityimages.com/Galler...2_CAT_USDAA/070630_STD_P2/070630_img_3369.htm My boy.
Some photos from this last weekend's competition.

Nice pictures

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Laura, the best face creams and lotions in the world are in Europe and many can be bought there in any drugstore for less than you would pay here -- bring a small size of whatever you need and buy more there. It will be fun and conserve space in your luggage at the same time.

That's right and they have the sunscreen that is UVA and UVB readily accessible - thanks Julie

I'm going to buy a two day pass while there and concentrate what I want to see that's on the list into those two days -- the nice thing is that everything is free for under 18's so I won't have to pay for the girls and yet we will all get in faster. The days I don't have the pass I will do the things not on the list (Seine boat by night, Tour Eiffel, Pere Lachaise, Catacombs, wandering the Champs Elysees, waiting in line to get steak frites at Le Relais d l'Entrecote, etc.). Also Versailles is included on the pass but it didn't make sense for me to go to a 4 day one just to get that included, so that will be a non-pass day, too. I wonder if we will run into each other in Paris????

I'm staying for 4 days on the Left Bank then moving on-site to Sequoia Lodge on Sunday the 12th. Are you doing DL Paris first? We will do Central Paris upon disembarkation and flying into Orly - I hope I didn't make a mistake.

DH got me on an Air France flight for less than $200 on Aug 15th. I hope not everyone is on holiday that day. If so - I'll have to figure out how to get there.

How old is your son??? I hope it's just a fun weekend in Vegas.

Hi Penny - thank you and Julie for your wonderful thoughts - my son turned 21 (OMG! - I'm old) today. He is just a normal teenager as he had a late growth spurt so he's just stretching out his wings for now. But I just wish we as mom's didn't have to take the brunt of it. Although, OK - here I am getting on my soapbox for a second - sorry folks - I honestly believe that God only gives us what we can tolerate. Sometimes, I think - oh lordy! Your testing me - but then I see it as a testiment to his knowledge. Obviously, if he didn't think I could handle it he wouldn't give it to me right? "Sides, he gave his only begotten son."

OK - off my soapbox - I know that things get hairy for everyone but since I'm the first in the family to have the oldest grandson - this is all new to me and my parents family are out of state so no cousins - guess that makes me the guinea pig!

Ok, after reading your message I decided that today I will try on my clothes and start making decisions about what to pack. Thanks for the mental push. We're traveling for 3 weeks and I'm trying to pack as little as possible. For my boys it won't be a problem, they don't mind wearing the same clothes over and over, I think I'll just take a spray bottle of Febreeze and spray them down every morning and off we'll go.

You know what keeps motivating me to pack light? The last part of my trip - I have to get myself, my suitcase, my laptop, my camera and lenses and cell phones back to Barcelona. Dh and family leave Charles De Gaul on Wednesday, Aug 15th at 1:50 and I leave 1/2 hour after them so I will be totally alone from that moment on.

I do great at packing but somehow on the cruise - we increase our luggage and then I can't pack it in so DH does it for me - this time I'm on my own but once I'm in Barcelona - I'm free to buy another suitcase for any souvenirs I missed on the way out. DH and girls are planning on meeting me in FL - they are taking the red-eye on Aug 31st and picking me up at PC, FL. So I will have my packer back!

 

[danfromca]

Just a note to say that I bought everything for our grab bag yesterday while wandering Chinatown, Soho, and Greenwich Village . . . it's hard to believe that we will be on our Dismeet in just a few weeks . . . Sorry I couldn't include a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery on Bleeker St., but while there I did ask them for a sticker so that I could include that in the bag!

I sealed up the grab back last week. Definitely location inspired - I think whoever gets it will be pleased with the selection.

I took my 17 year old son shopping for jeans and my brother was with us...after waiting for about 15 minutes for my son my brother said why does he try the jeans on because he buys a size 34 waist when he's about a size 30 ( the baggy , saggy look) and everyone standing around us starting laughing. I guess he has to make sure that the jeans are 'baggy' enough as opposed to the older generation that would worry if they were too tight.

Interesting. Teen styles around here are no longer as baggy as a few years back. Lots of cargos now.

To add to the packing list (I'll update after my nap)

Money pouch/belt to securely wear money while travelling

Check out www.pacsafe.com for a source for secure wallets/pouches, etc. They have a number of innovations - like hiding wires inside straps to make them cut-resistant. I picked up a travel wallet that can be chained to your belt.

THe last thing on my list of clothing needed is a pair of comfortable walking sandals that look nice too. I have ordered 3 pair from Zappos and had to return them all. And I've been to every shoe store within driving distance and can'f find anything. I had hoped to have them so that I could break them in before the trip. Now I'll be happy to just have them for the trip.

I picked up a pair of these http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&categoryID=336&productID=6670&model=TERRA-FI+2 based on the recommendation of the salesperson at REI (not one of the "fresh out of high school" sales guys, but rather one of those "I've been here forever and seen everything" older guys). He said it's the one he uses himself, and I don't think I've worn a more comfortable pair of sandles - no break-in at all.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Are you wearing your crocs to sightsee in? I don't want to seem to touristy wearing them. I'm taking mine too. My husbands and sons are bright orange ( University of Miami crocs) so I should be able to spot them wherever we go. Good packing list. All my 'products' facial wash, moisturizer, make up and everything else always takes up too much room.

I have some black Mary Jane type of crocs that will be doing double duty. I will end up resorting to them eventually but most of my excursions are to churches and such so I have to be careful where I am going to wear them.

Also, we were asked to wear something green and I never, ever wear green, so I have been forced to borrow from my 15 year old. Therefore I am going to this concert, by way of the bum's stop at the bus terminal, in a Green Day "Kiss me, I'm punk" shirt!

Cool - take a picture - I can just picture you - a security guard will stop you and tell you that you need to have an adult with you girls.

You can't miss me - I'm a redhead...

I may be wrong but looks like your not alone out there - also - did you get tagged? I have to check once I get off posting.

Today they're all at Animal Kingdom riding Mt Everest again and again and again. It's given my DH plenty of time to phone home and chat.

I see he rode it once already!

DH came across this and I thought I'd share. For anyone that is very sun sensitive, Rit dye makes something called Sun Guard. It helps protect clothing from harmful UV rays. By washing clothes with this it takes a typical white tee shirt with an SPF of 5 to an SPF of 30! You only have to do it once. We are washing all our shirts in this.

It is endorsed by the American Cancer association and has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Here's a link:

http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/

Maryann

Maryann - thank you so much for this - I have to go out and get this - except for me and the dogs - everyone in my family is either pink, white or albino (ok well that one is the dog but hey - they can burn too)

Andrew, for arranging the kids bags, (which I love doing and is no work at all) and being so witty, and most importantly, not using your credit card.... do you think you can arrange for a quick meeting with Prince William...

OH - Can I come along- I agree with Sallie - it ain't over until the fat lady sings - and I ain't singing just yet!

Ah but Will's is going to get engaged to Kate soon, and 'Arry is with Chelsea, not the football club!

Witty?

Does he know about the Dis Board? He may be checking this out and know what he's getting. I know my DS is not capable of being too stubborn to get presents, especially nice ones like these.

You are a great Mom and deserve to be treated better. But then most of us don't get the love, respect and gratitude we deserve. I'll keep praying for the situation to resolve in a positive way. Praying is the only way I know of to get through some of the tough days of being a mother.

Sandra

Hi Sandra - he knows I'm online but not sure where as far as I'm aware of but today's kids are very saavy. Don't worry - the whole family has been telling him but he's going thru his testosterone period so I'm hoping for the prodigal son parable to play out eventually!

http://www.agilityimages.com/Galler...2_CAT_USDAA/070630_STD_P2/070630_ik6a1248.htm me and Jordi complete with judge in the background

http://www.agilityimages.com/Galler...2_CAT_USDAA/070630_STD_P2/070630_img_3369.htm My boy.
Some photos from this last weekend's competition.

Jeanne - cool pictures - I love Jordi - he looks like he is waiting to pounce off that platform. How are you doing? Still tired? : to you and have you started packing yet?

 

[Sandaneli]

Hi Sandra - he knows I'm online but not sure where as far as I'm aware of but today's kids are very saavy. Don't worry - the whole family has been telling him but he's going thru his testosterone period so I'm hoping for the prodigal son parable to play out eventually!

I call it testosterone poisoning.
Sandra

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Well other than a brief game of tennis (It was too hot to keep playing for long), I've been trying to catch up since about 9:30 this morning. I was only gone for a few days.

Andrew, could you update the first page for us.

Palermo - on our own
Olbia - Coda Cavallo Beach
Naples - Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri
Rome - Private Excursion with PixieDustII
LaSpezia - Wine tasting and Sarzana
Marseille - on our own
Villefranche - Highlights of Monte Carlo, Monaco and the Grand Casino

Fish Extender List

MaryJo - 6134
Sandaneli - 2017
Bellelinus - 5020
PixieDustII - 6550
IslandMom3 - 5634
LoveBeast - 7501
SallieP - 7546
alexturner - 2541
disneynutinlondon -
eeyorelvr10
Disneyspirit - 5648
aurora1959


IF anyone wants to be part of this or if I have missed you, please PM me. I don't want to miss the post.

I also have information about making the Fish extender if anyone is interested. I made one and it wasn't too difficult.

Sandra

I would love some information on this.

THe last thing on my list of clothing needed is a pair of comfortable walking sandals that look nice too. I have ordered 3 pair from Zappos and had to return them all. And I've been to every shoe store within driving distance and can'f find anything. I had hoped to have them so that I could break them in before the trip. Now I'll be happy to just have them for the trip.

I'm still in the mindset that we have plenty of time. I know we don't and I have to get moving but I work much better under pressure and probably won't pack until the 26th. We don't fly out until 11Pm on the 26th. I tend to clean the house and then do ALL of the laundry and put it away, then pack. It's worked so far. DH has been packed for weeks. We are very different.

Sandra

I'm in the same boat as far as shoes go. I do not like to show my toes (okay, I'm a weird female), so any sandal type shoes have to cover my toes. We fly out Tuesday the 24th @ 6:30am, so I will probably be packing on Monday. (My boss told me yesterday that that was a waste of a vacation day. lol)

I did it while DH and DD watched Grease. So however long the movie is, is how long it took.

I'll make a pattern and post it tonight, and If possible take a picture and post it at the same time.

Sandra

I would love to see what you did, Sandra.

I think so too. You're so considerate!

I 'gree.

Could you try to post the <IMG> line its the third one.

Here you go:-

What a wonderful picture!! I saw that and immediately felt all

I would wish to do all the shows!

That's my plan, too. I went on a 3-day back in 2003, and the kids have never gone, so I think we're going to try for them. My ds kind of OD'd on Disney from multiple trips to Disneyland with our annual passes, so if anyone were to want to miss, it would be him. I'm hoping both kids find other young adults their age (18 & 19), and will have lots of fun hanging out with them, even if it meant that I saw these shows by myself.

DH came across this and I thought I'd share. For anyone that is very sun sensitive, Rit dye makes something called Sun Guard. It helps protect clothing from harmful UV rays. By washing clothes with this it takes a typical white tee shirt with an SPF of 5 to an SPF of 30! You only have to do it once. We are washing all our shirts in this.

It is endorsed by the American Cancer association and has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Here's a link:

http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/

Maryann

Wonderful. Thank you, Maryann

We just booked through the hotel website, it is a starwood hotel - and gorgeous if you check on the pics on their site.

So happy I got a mini-pirate!

I was typing but watching the tennis with one eye and didn't even realize it was pirate time.

We are going to play on the beach, have lunch there, maybe swim in the pool, then go back to the boat.

Susy

Congrats on the pirate. Olbia is a free day for us, and we have beaches here in So Cal, so not sure if the kids would think the hotel would be great, or would rather just explore the city. I'll have to see.

We are also doing the Segway Tour, July 26, at 5pm. Are any other DIS'ers doing this?

We have the same tour on Friday, July 27th at 10am. We're going to Monserrat on the 26th, and I don't know if we'd get back in time to take an afternoon tour - I'm trying to pace our days in Barcelona, too.

By the way, there was a post with instructions on going to Monserrat taking the metro to the train to the funicular that goes up the mountain. I want to do that. Does anyone have that post bookmarked, by any chance?

The credit for this bit goes to the Hard work of MARY JO. She also put colour to the shore trips, so thanks!

Will add.

You guys are the best!

Susy

Hey - teamwork -- everyone is so nice & helpful here.

My thoughts are with you...He'll realize (hopefully soon), that he will never have another mother (or another family!). I hope he calls you today.

I agree.

Hi Mary Jo....After all the posts about pick pockets etc. We got those yesterday too!!

We're going to be on the lookout today.

I have a $50 gift card to Bed Bath & Beyond, plus a bunch of 10% off certificates - we're going to go see if there is anything there that we could take on the cruise.

Anyone going on this cruise from the central florida area. we were on the first med cruise and bought some soap in marseiille and need more please pm me if you think yo can get some for me i am from lakeland florida cindy

Wow, sounds like some nice soap. Do you mind if I ask what kind it is?

We did the couples massage on our first cruise it was wonderful. DH had never had one before and really enjoyed it. This time we have booked a spa villa for one afternoon. THat's our treat because we downgraded and saved $3000.00 but lost our nicer cabin.

We aren't bringing the kids on this trip so this is going to be very different for us and definitely a trip of a lifetime for us.

Sandra

Sounds so romantic, Sandra.

I had booked three massages for the kids & me, but now that we're flying w/in Spain, I'm looking to cut out some of the extras that I had planned. I've never had one, so I don't know what I'm missing.

I took my 17 year old son shopping for jeans and my brother was with us...after waiting for about 15 minutes for my son my brother said why does he try the jeans on because he buys a size 34 waist when he's about a size 30 ( the baggy , saggy look) and everyone standing around us starting laughing. I guess he has to make sure that the jeans are 'baggy' enough as opposed to the older generation that would worry if they were too tight.

Hi Penny - thank you and Julie for your wonderful thoughts - my son turned 21 (OMG! - I'm old) today. He is just a normal teenager as he had a late growth spurt so he's just stretching out his wings for now. But I just wish we as mom's didn't have to take the brunt of it. Although, OK - here I am getting on my soapbox for a second - sorry folks - I honestly believe that God only gives us what we can tolerate. Sometimes, I think - oh lordy! Your testing me - but then I see it as a testiment to his knowledge. Obviously, if he didn't think I could handle it he wouldn't give it to me right? "Sides, he gave his only begotten son."
Hugs, Laura. He'll come around.

You know what keeps motivating me to pack light? The last part of my trip - I have to get myself, my suitcase, my laptop, my camera and lenses and cell phones back to Barcelona. Dh and family leave Charles De Gaul on Wednesday, Aug 15th at 1:50 and I leave 1/2 hour after them so I will be totally alone from that moment on.

I've traveled alone in Europe - loved it. You're going on such an adventure!

I do great at packing but somehow on the cruise - we increase our luggage and then I can't pack it in so DH does it for me - this time I'm on my own but once I'm in Barcelona - I'm free to buy another suitcase for any souvenirs I missed on the way out. DH and girls are planning on meeting me in FL - they are taking the red-eye on Aug 31st and picking me up at PC, FL. So I will have my packer back!

Lucky you. My dad was the great packer. Now it's up to just me to handle all this -- not quite the same.

I sealed up the grab back last week. Definitely location inspired - I think whoever gets it will be pleased with the selection.

Check out www.pacsafe.com for a source for secure wallets/pouches, etc. They have a number of innovations - like hiding wires inside straps to make them cut-resistant. I picked up a travel wallet that can be chained to your belt.

I picked up a pair of these http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&categoryID=336&productID=6670&model=TERRA-FI+2 based on the recommendation of the salesperson at REI (not one of the "fresh out of high school" sales guys, but rather one of those "I've been here forever and seen everything" older guys). He said it's the one he uses himself, and I don't think I've worn a more comfortable pair of sandles - no break-in at all.

Thanks for the link, Dan. I have one thing from the Southwest that I'm gifting, but have a couple of other ideas that I need to pick up.

Well, I was going to ask another question, but it slipped my mind for now, so I'll just have to remember later on.

Thanks for all the links everyone.

I've been finding myself walking down the halls of work smiling from ear to ear... I keep imagining the kids' reactions as we enter our stateroom for the first time - our Segway tour, our upcoming tours on the ship, our upcoming DISmeets... it's just so exciting. I'm so right now.

 

[Sandaneli]

Thank you all for your ideas about shoes. I found some while reverse shopping with DD. THey are Dr. Scholl's Natural Sport. They are very comforatable and don't feel like they will even need to be broken in.

Funny to find them when I'm not even looking but when I shop for them on purpose, can't find anything.

So now except for fish extender gifts and grab bag, and the rit dye sun guard, the shopping is done.

Sandra