Labor Day Weekend, a labor of love?

[annmarieda]

I got this idea from another PTR so here goes... my top ten things that I am looking forward to on this trip.

10. Using ME for not just transportation, but our luggage. Last time, we flew in too late and we had to go get our own bags. It is a fairly long flight and with a young one it is so much nicer to just make our way to that Magical Bus.

9. Participating in the fridge swap. There is just something that has me excited about working together with other people that I don't know in order to make our trip easier. The fact that someone before me will pass it to me and then me to someone else is fantastic!

8. Staying at a new resort. This will be the first time for us at POP. We did go there briefly in 2009 to check in, but we were quickly moved to another resort. (a bit of )

7. Eating all the great food with my mom. She has had such a limited budget her whole life so dinning at much beyond a Denny's has not happened for her. I can't wait to see how she likes the food and the ability to just order whatever she wants.

6. Going to Florida when it isn't COLD. Both of our last two trip have been during a time that there was a freak cold spell. Nothing like wearing a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, jacket AND gloves to try and stay warm.

5. Spending time with just my girls. I did get to spend some quality time with just Zoe on the last trip, but it is so different when I just have the girls around. My boys are great, don't get me wrong....they are just guys.

4. Eating at Ohana, Kona and Boatwrights. These will all be new restaurants for me. Even when eating TS, we have always gone just to the ones in the parks. It will be nice to try something not only new, but at the hotels.

3. Spending time in World Showcase. I think this is going to be one of my mom's favorite things. I know it is one of mine. I think she will love to see the shops as well as try the foods.

2. Enjoying the snacks. I don't know what snack has me more excited. School Bread, Sweet Pretzel, Elephant cupcake or ANY pastry from Starring Rolls.

1. Seeing the World through my mothers eyes. I am so looking forward to seeing her enjoy herself. It is probably what I am looking forward to the most.

 

[tinacaplan]

Well...now I am all caught up with your PTR!

Just a few comments (I love making lists):
1. As for your daughter's wedding, I think that weddings have gotten totally out of control. If you can afford fifty grand for a wedding, then go for it, but if not, why do they have to be so out of hand? I got married about five years ago and we did it as cheaply as we could...we went with a cocktail reception, had a DJ, and had the greatest party. We also had a relatively small guest list...just about 90 people, which was perfect for us. And all of our guests had a great time, too. But everyone should have the wedding they want, I suppose.
2. Sorry about your son. That sucks. It seems like such a minor thing to disqualify him from enlisting. But I completely agree that everything truly does happen for a reason. If my terrible neighbors hadn't acted up this winter, I never would have sat down re-evaluated everything, and realized we needed to start over and fix a lot of things. It isn't going to be an easy road, but we are going to make it through it all.
3. Glad to hear your youngest daughter is doing well. That is always the hardest thing for any mom, to have even a relatively minor thing happen to yoru child.
4. And as for how much Disney costs...again, I said this on my own PTR, but minus airfare, it isn't that bad. Like I said, we just spent nearly $800 to go to the beach for a couple of days. We're going back and renting a house with my parents in August, where we'll be doing all our cooking and everything. The truth is that whenever we go away it seems as though we're spending money everytime we turn around. At least with Disney, you can pay almost everything in advance.

And you're getting close!!

 

[annmarieda]

Well...now I am all caught up with your PTR!

Just a few comments (I love making lists):

Me too

1. As for your daughter's wedding, I think that weddings have gotten totally out of control.

You are so right. I think that we are going to focus on a cocktail reception. At first we tried out the idea of a caterer, but in the end She wants to be able to go to WDW for their honeymoon. It became more important to her for her and her dfi to have a bunch of nice meals on the ddp than to feed a bunch of people that she barely knows a so so meal.

2. Sorry about your son. That sucks.

Thanks so much...

3. Glad to hear your youngest daughter is doing well.

She is doing well. I finally have her considering her major surgery next spring. We just have to time it so it doesn't interfere with the wedding.

And you're getting close!!

I know..I am SO excited!!!

 

[flamestarrdust]

Aside from wedding planning we have been working toward getting my oldest son enlisted. Yesterday was a rough day. Zach has been hoping and wishing and planning to join the military for as long as I can remember. He has had a plan longer than most kids. His plan actually interfered with his school career because all he could see was his military future. He just couldn't wait to enlist. We agreed he could "early" enlist when he turned 17. A couple weeks ago he went through the process and was all set to be sworn in when the school district got stinky and held on to him for 2 extra days. Those 2 days meant he had to wait to be sworn in. We were disappointed, but did not have worries since he had passed all his mental and physical challenges and was approved on all accounts to enlist. He was set to be sworn in yesterday. (well, dropped off yesterday and then sworn in with the new group today) We received a call (just before we were to leave) stating he had been disqualified. In the extra couple of weeks, a second doc had looked over his file and decided that his childhood asthma was a problem and washed him out. It was like the rug was pulled out from under us. He no longer can enlist, from what I understand..ever.

We have regrouped a bit and we are deciding on a new plan for him, but it is heartbreaking in a way to see the hopes and dreams of my child crushed. Both he and I though, are firm believers that all happens for a reason. Maybe this keeps him out of harms way? Maybe he is suppose to do something in the civilian sector that he would not have been able to had he been enlisted? Who knows. We have to have faith that he is suppose to be on a different path...as sad as it is to leave the one he was on.

I'm sorry this didn't work out for Zach. I know it must be hard for both of you right now but I agree with you that things happen for a reason and that there is a different path he is meant to follow.

 

[flamestarrdust]

I got this idea from another PTR so here goes... my top ten things that I am looking forward to on this trip.

10. Using ME for not just transportation, but our luggage. Last time, we flew in too late and we had to go get our own bags. It is a fairly long flight and with a young one it is so much nicer to just make our way to that Magical Bus.

I love ME and am so sad to miss it this time since we are taking the train.

9. Participating in the fridge swap. There is just something that has me excited about working together with other people that I don't know in order to make our trip easier. The fact that someone before me will pass it to me and then me to someone else is fantastic!

I am excited about this, too, even though I am only doing it for a few days of the trip due our date changes.

8. Staying at a new resort. This will be the first time for us at POP. We did go there briefly in 2009 to check in, but we were quickly moved to another resort. (a bit of )

I can't wait to try POP, too. I've only stayed at CBR in the past and really loved it. This time POP was more appealing pricewise and for the kids. I am really hoping to love it just as much as CBR.

7. Eating all the great food with my mom. She has had such a limited budget her whole life so dinning at much beyond a Denny's has not happened for her. I can't wait to see how she likes the food and the ability to just order whatever she wants.

This is one of the things I love about DDP because you get to try food you wouldn't necessarily order if you were paying. It gives you a chance to experiment with new things. I bet your mom will love it.


6. Going to Florida when it isn't COLD. Both of our last two trip have been during a time that there was a freak cold spell. Nothing like wearing a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, jacket AND gloves to try and stay warm.

I didn't know you'd never been when it wasn't cold. I've been in both and both have their ups and downs. Though I have to admit, it just doesn't seem like Florida without a little heat.


5. Spending time with just my girls. I did get to spend some quality time with just Zoe on the last trip, but it is so different when I just have the girls around. My boys are great, don't get me wrong....they are just guys.

I bet you will really enjoy this. I am also looking forward to this and sharing all these things I love with my girls.

4. Eating at Ohana, Kona and Boatwrights. These will all be new restaurants for me. Even when eating TS, we have always gone just to the ones in the parks. It will be nice to try something not only new, but at the hotels.

I love eating at the hotels. That is one thing I make sure I always do when I book my ADRs now. I know you will love Kona. It is a great experience all around. You will have to tell me how you like Ohana and Boatwrights. I haven't been to either but they both sound very appealing.

3. Spending time in World Showcase. I think this is going to be one of my mom's favorite things. I know it is one of mine. I think she will love to see the shops as well as try the foods.

I bet your mom will love this, too. WS is one of the reasons I have two Epcot days. I love taking the time to explore each country and see the little films they have.

2. Enjoying the snacks. I don't know what snack has me more excited. School Bread, Sweet Pretzel, Elephant cupcake or ANY pastry from Starring Rolls.

I am looking forward to the snacks, too. I haven't tried any of the ones you mentioned. Which one is the Sweet Pretzel? and what is an elephant cupcake?

1. Seeing the World through my mothers eyes. I am so looking forward to seeing her enjoy herself. It is probably what I am looking forward to the most.

I bet that will be one of the most wonderful moments of your trips. I can still remember seeing my mom's face on Small World and thinking how great that moment was. It was one of those things that has stayed with me throughout my life.

I love this idea. I may have to make one on my PTR, too. The only trouble is I have no idea how I'd narrow it down to just 10 . I hope you don't mind but I made a comment for each one.

 

[tinacaplan]

:

You are so right. I think that we are going to focus on a cocktail reception. At first we tried out the idea of a caterer, but in the end She wants to be able to go to WDW for their honeymoon. It became more important to her for her and her dfi to have a bunch of nice meals on the ddp than to feed a bunch of people that she barely knows a so so meal.

Around the time my DH and I got married, we seemed to be on the "wedding circuit." All of a sudden it was as though everyone we knew was getting married. We were at pricey wedding places and not so pricey places, and I can't say we had a better than so-so meal at either end of the price spectrum. Its just hard to prep that much food and have it come out tasting as though it were freshly made. And our favorite part, food-wise, was also the hd's (I'm not going even going to attempt to spell that) during the cocktail hour. Not to mention how boring sitting through those meals can often be.

Happy Fourth, btw!

 

[annmarieda]

I love this idea. I may have to make one on my PTR, too. The only trouble is I have no idea how I'd narrow it down to just 10 . I hope you don't mind but I made a comment for each one.

I snagged the idea from another PTR as well. It was hard narrowing it all down. Kira said I should have just put "food, food, food" We do like food..most trips revolve around it in some way, but this trip is about so much more.

I love that you made a comment for each!

I didn't know you'd never been when it wasn't cold. I've been in both and both have their ups and downs. Though I have to admit, it just doesn't seem like Florida without a little heat.
.

Don't get me wrong, we have been. First time it was in November 2003. It was nice. Only one day was a bit rainy. The rest of the time was warm...perfect temps (not too hot or cold). The next time was in April of 2008. There were a couple days that it was really overly hot....too hot. (in the 90s) and then there was a day or so that it was only in the 60s and rainy. Other than that, the weather was wonderful. It was only the last two times that were too cold. Both were in February. February 2009, while we were there Orlando had a freak cold spell where they had below freezing temps at night. During the day it was still cool, but sunny. February 2010, had a few nice days, but it overall it was pretty cold and add in the rain and some of it was down right miserable.

I am looking forward to the snacks, too. I haven't tried any of the ones you mentioned. Which one is the Sweet Pretzel? and what is an elephant cupcake?

The Sweet Pretzel is in Norway. (same place as the school bread) It has a white icing on it with almonds. (yum). The Elephant cupcake is at Kusafiri Bakery in AK. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37207741&postcount=213 This tells what it is well. I know there is a pic on the boards somewhere of it. I will try and find it.

BTW, thank you so much for your kind words regarding Zach.

I am off to take Zoe to the fourth of july parade. Yay!

 

[flamestarrdust]

I snagged the idea from another PTR as well. It was hard narrowing it all down. Kira said I should have just put "food, food, food" We do like food..most trips revolve around it in some way, but this trip is about so much more.

I love that you made a comment for each!

You could do a top ten food/snack list. I've seen that done on here before.

Don't get me wrong, we have been. First time it was in November 2003. It was nice. Only one day was a bit rainy. The rest of the time was warm...perfect temps (not too hot or cold). The next time was in April of 2008. There were a couple days that it was really overly hot....too hot. (in the 90s) and then there was a day or so that it was only in the 60s and rainy. Other than that, the weather was wonderful. It was only the last two times that were too cold. Both were in February. February 2009, while we were there Orlando had a freak cold spell where they had below freezing temps at night. During the day it was still cool, but sunny. February 2010, had a few nice days, but it overall it was pretty cold and add in the rain and some of it was down right miserable.

I have been in February, May and June/July in 2006 so I know exactly what you mean. I had a jacket that I had to use in February because at night it would get very chilly. We lucked out in June/July because it was only moderately hot, not nearly as bad as we thought.

The Sweet Pretzel is in Norway. (same place as the school bread) It has a white icing on it with almonds. (yum). The Elephant cupcake is at Kusafiri Bakery in AK. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37207741&postcount=213 This tells what it is well. I know there is a pic on the boards somewhere of it. I will try and find it.

I tried this in 2006 and loved it! I thought that might be what you were talking about but I wasn't sure.
BTW, thank you so much for your kind words regarding Zach.

I am off to take Zoe to the fourth of july parade. Yay!

How was the parade? We didn't end up doing anything for the 4th since I had to work last night. I decided to reply at the top again. Hope you don't mind.

 

[annmarieda]

How was the parade? We didn't end up doing anything for the 4th since I had to work last night. I decided to reply at the top again. Hope you don't mind.

Each year, our neighborhood has a "parade" The kids dress up and decorate their bikes/scooters/etc.. The fire department comes with a truck or two and around the neighborhood we go. In the past, once around, the kids would get to ride on top the fire truck. This year was a bit different. No rides, but they opened up the fire hoses. The neighborhood I live in is a giant circle (with cul de sacs leading off of it) The road though then wraps around a giant grassy area.(maybe 3 to 5 acres) It is meant to be like a play area and it is maintained, but with as wet and rainy as it is here, it is more often than not just a large swampy area. Anyway, so that is where they sprayed the water. With how rainy and windy it already was yesterday it made the area thick with a mist. Everyone started to get wet. It was cold and wet...not my idea of a lot of fun. The kids liked it though. Zoe was a bit apprehensive about the mist. After all that was done there were punch and cookies. It was a nice start to the day I suppose, but really a wet and cold one. Again, not my ideal 4th...but we made the best of it and had a nice day. I included a couple of pics. Zoe is in the one in the field. She is the little girl trying to stay dry by putting her hood up over her.

 

[annmarieda]

I mentioned a couple recent purchases. I have not had a chance to upload pictures until now.

So here is the signature album I got at Walgreens for Zoe.

It opens up and has sleeves for photos and a pen and some stickers to decorate.

I also bought some crocs. I had to reorder for Zoe since hers were too big. Mine fit though and are not nearly as clog like as I thought. They seem comfy too. They are the "minnie janes"

I also bought a toothbrush holder that sticks on a mirror with suction cups. I read on a different thread that those are helpful to stay organized. I didn't take a pic of it... it isn't fancy...just a holder that holds 4 toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste.

 

[tinacaplan]

Trying to imagine what a cold fourth of July would feel like! It was so hot, over ninety, here yesterday.

Your crocs are super cute. I have a Mickey pair, as does Max, but yours look a lot cuter!

 

[annmarieda]

Trying to imagine what a cold fourth of July would feel like! It was so hot, over ninety, here yesterday.

It is suppose to warm up by the end of the week. It has been a very very rainy season here. I think thus far we have only had a few days over 70 degrees. For the most part, I don't care. I don't mind the rain all that much. Flip side of it is we don't get snow...temps year round are pretty moderate.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I mentioned a couple recent purchases. I have not had a chance to upload pictures until now.

So here is the signature album I got at Walgreens for Zoe.

It opens up and has sleeves for photos and a pen and some stickers to decorate.

I also bought some crocs. I had to reorder for Zoe since hers were too big. Mine fit though and are not nearly as clog like as I thought. They seem comfy too. They are the "minnie janes"

I also bought a toothbrush holder that sticks on a mirror with suction cups. I read on a different thread that those are helpful to stay organized. I didn't take a pic of it... it isn't fancy...just a holder that holds 4 toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste.

Cute book! I like how it has stickers and a pen so you have everything at your fingertips! They really think of everything these days huh?

Your crocs are cute! I think you both will be really comfy in them

I totally have the same toothbrush holder! I used to have one that holds 2 toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste. It was totally a space saver. Since we renovated, we didn't need it anymore so I have it in a bathroom in my parent's house. I think they are really fun!

Totally love your top 10 list! Many of mine are the same, like doing ME for the first time, staying at a new resort, and eating at all new restaurants. I love how you said you wanted to see the world through mom's eyes and how she would feel to order anything she wants to eat. Sooo cute. Can't wait to see the pics you take on this trip!

 

[annmarieda]

I am not sure if I mentioned, but I do not get vacation time. I do however have very flexible hours and so in theory, I can easily take a week off by getting all of the work for one week done at the start of the week and then waiting till the end of the following week to get the rest done. Since I will put in a VERY long day or two at the start of the week that we go, I asked that my mom come early so she can help to watch Zoe and to just overall help get things ready to go. So the hope was for her to come on a sunday. Returning is much the same, I will need her help to get things back together once we are home. So the hope was maybe staying a few days after we got back. In total, I was hoping that she could come here and then leave exactly 2 weeks later.

It was close. She booked bus tickets to come. We have been watching all transportation fares (flight, bus and train)and thinking about the cost for me to drive over and get her. Over all, the bus was the lowest cost option and most practical.

She leaves Sunday,8/29 from her home. She will arrive the same day here. We then leave Wednesday 9/1 (omg! 8wks from today). We come back Wednesday 9/8. She then will leave Friday, 9/10. Less than 2 months and my mom will be here!!!

My mom booked her tickets to come here. We are flying rt out of the nearest airport to me. So, she and I have been watching fares and thinking about ways she can get here.

 

[Joyciemc]

Hi there! Just found your PTR today and am all caught up.
We'll be there at the same time! We'll also be at the MK 9/6 and Epcot 9/7

Love seeing all your purchases for the trip! Makes me want to head out and start shopping myself...

 

[annmarieda]

Hi there! Just found your PTR today and am all caught up.

I love having a new reader! This PTR has helped so much in passing the time before the vacation AND adding in extra magic. Everyone here on the boards are so nice .

We'll be there at the same time! We'll also be at the MK 9/6 and Epcot 9/7

I can't remember why we chose those dates for MK and Epcot. It doesn't look to be EMH.... Maybe it had to do with our ADRS... funny though that you also chose those ones. What are your reasons?

Love seeing all your purchases for the trip! Makes me want to head out and start shopping myself...

Shopping is also one of my favorite things to help prolong the magic. I have to be careful though and not just get some silly items that I don't need.

 

[annmarieda]

Hi there! Just found your PTR today and am all caught up.

BTW, gonna hop over to yours. It will take me a while to get caught up though... but I am very excited to have something new to read.

 

[Joyciemc]

I can't remember why we chose those dates for MK and Epcot. It doesn't look to be EMH.... Maybe it had to do with our ADRS... funny though that you also chose those ones. What are your reasons?

Haha, that's a good question! We picked MK for 9/6 because that is our first full day in WDW (we'll be at Universal 9/2-9/5) and I can't help going to MK first.

As for Epcot the next day, I don't have a good reason! It just kinda worked out that way, I guess. Though it is my 2nd favorite park, so that's a good enough reason- right?

 

[dancer4life22]

i know im a little late but im in! your trip plans sound great!

 

[tinacaplan]

Just saying hi. I am happy for you that your mom can make it out early. It makes me realize how great it is that my mom is so close. Have to remember that the next time I get even slightly annoyed with her.

And why is work always so busy right before and after vacations? As if dealing with all the laundry wasn't stressful enough.