Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[eandesmom]

All that work on an update and all I remember?

You're comin out to Cali, you're comin out to Cali, yeah, i think so.....

Of course I'd be up for a meet. It might just be me unless you have other SoCal folks on your PTR...

I think I had some on my TR but they've abandoned me lol! Maybe we can hook up in DTD? I have a feeling, just based on deals, we will end up staying near DL. Which will be wierd if we are only going to DCA but I can live with it! Alaska announced the kids fly free deal yesterday but it's really not much of a deal at all....

Wow...nice couple's break...(you cracked me up about Le Cellier...)...I think the restaurant looks cozy and romantic...

I love that you did Christmas shopping...must multi task right...

BTW Which one of those little characters is the Olympic mascot...or all of them...

I'm always up for a trip to CA...can you really resist the Disney Temptation?
(I probably couldn't......I'd have to go further down to San Diego (which you just were...or up to Santa Barbara to keep my self out of Disney trouble...

but there is meeting Jordan...

not to say that will keep you out of trouble...

Well, we will do half of it, DCA. It will be interesting to see what's changed/improved since 01 when I went and 04 when Jeff was there. I know it's in the middle of a 5 year overhaul but other than that, I don't know much at all!

There are actually 4 so it's a little confusing, but technically it's 3 mascots and a sidekick!

Miga is a mythical First Nations sea bear that is part killer whale and part Kermode spirit bear.

Miga was based on the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land, but is also a snowboarder.

Quatchi is a sasquatch, but a shy and gentle giant, that loves all winter sports, and is especially fond of hockey and dreams of becoming a world-famous goalie.

The third mascot, Sumi, is an animal-guardian spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty Thunderbird and runs on the furry legs of the black bear.

The three creatures' sidekick is Mukmuk, a rare Vancouver Island marmot.

While not officially a mascot, Mukmuk enjoys surprising his friends by popping up on occasion.

Mukmuk's name comes from the Squamish word for food — muckamuck — because he loves to eat.


The shirt we got Evan has all 3 of them snowboarding, Eric got a hoodie that has Quatchi on it. I'm thinking we will divvy up the key chains as follows.

Sumi - Kendall
Quatchi - Evan
Miga - Eric

Jeff had marmot issues so we didn't get Mukmuk but he was awfully cute! I don't think he's on Evan's shirt though...

Oh I understand your desire to plan a trip closer than your summer trip! But it does look like you had a wonderful time in Victoria! I loved visiting there -- in the summer I have been a few times, but the set up for the Olympics looks soooo cool!

California would be great fun! Plenty to do and see without MK, though I am with you in terms of wondering for nostalgia's sake! I would want to go to see... I have not been to Disneyland for over a decade!

I'm not at a decade...yet. But if I don't actually hit DL while we are there, it will be by the next time. I could see Jeff changing his mind once we are there though and since one day tickets need to be bought there, I can always hope. It's unlikely though. I am thinking though (always plotting!) that for my birthday cruise, we could do one day there on that trip, before we get on the boat. It would be a good trick too as the boys would think that's the trip since the whole thing is going to be a surprise anyway.

Wow! Great Wolf Lodge looks great. I was thinking I should see if my DSIS in Seattle wants to meet us there with her kids some time and share a suite!

Thanks for the great pics of Vancouver! It looks so beautiful and I can't wait to see it after our cruise in 2011. It would be really exciting if you could pop in during the olympics! I'm glad you had an overall wonderful weekend. How was the train ride? We are planning to take the train from Vancouver to Seattle and fly down from there, unless DSIS wants to pick us up and come home for a week or something.

Yeah for DL in Feb!!!!

The train ride was good. The trains are a bit dated lol but it was nice. I didn't check out coach class but the cost to upgrade to business wasn't much so it was worth it for the extra leg room I think. It was longer on the way back as we had to be there an hour early and then sat on the train for that entire time. So if you are just doing it going up, I think it's great though typically the longer border car wait is on the way back, not up.

Now that we are planning an April trip I doubt we will have any funds to hit the Olympics but you never know!

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia,

I am finally catching up on all the neglected P/TRs. Your anniversary weekend sounds so enjoyable and I am looking forward to getting home to see the pics. Sorry you had a bit of a tiff, but hey - that's normal, Right?

Anyway - you must be so excited about your mini trip to Orange County. That sounds like a blast!

So looking forward to getting home and seeing your pics.

Sorry to hear that K's team did not do well. Brian's team did not do well either - tied their first game, lost the next two 3:0 and 4:0. Won the last one 2:0 (the Sunday one that I missed). One team was AMAZInG - they were from Ontario and could really, really play. WOW! Anyway, we had a fun time - stopped at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, shopped a bit, had a home cooked meal at my friend's bother's house, and froze our butts off on the soccer field. Then I drove home through traffic jams on 95. My son's coach suggested they join a winter league that plays at the same field. 2 hour drive on I 95. I hope not!

Looking forward to your pics!!!!!!

It sounds like we played well but there was drama with our coach and the ref, to the point of the other team commenting on it! It sounds like you had a great time at Brian's tourney so that's good. UGH to winter leagues. K's indoor one is about a 45 minute drive...not that we've heard she is planning on doing it but we always seem to find out the weekend it starts. BLEH to 2 hour drives. We are all a little unclear though as to the schedule now that our state cup dates have pushed out so it will be interesting to see what that means for games given that it sounds like the Feb AZ tourney is off (for which we are very happy!).

It is so fun to watch other teams when they are really, really good like that. Even if it's a bummer for your team. I love the inner harbor!

Very excited for the mini trip, looks like it will help the FL trip if we do it right as it will help our miles out enough so that we should be able to apply more than we thought to those tickets. Which justifies the trip for Jeff lol!

Sounds like you had a great time on your get away!!! Nice and relaxing! Aside for the fight. I really think your right about it though, you really need to have one from time to time!!! It kinda clears the air and gets the lines of communication open! DH and I fight a lot less then we used to but you need to from time to time!!

Yipeee for another trip!! It sounds like that will be a lot of fun!! Happy planning!!

I totally agree, it had been a LONG (long long long) time since we'd had a tiff like that and it's a really healthy thing every once in a while. I think we both came back feeling really good, even though it did wreck that night. Jeff must feel bad about it...he booked us tickets to go see White Christmas in a couple of weeks yesterday as a date night, I am SO excited!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Awesome Canada photos! Sounds like an overall great time. And congrats on the potential Dis Meet with Jordan. We expect photos.

 

[jordanyosh]

I think I had some on my TR but they've abandoned me lol! Maybe we can hook up in DTD? I have a feeling, just based on deals, we will end up staying near DL. Which will be wierd if we are only going to DCA but I can live with it! Alaska announced the kids fly free deal yesterday but it's really not much of a deal at all....

Well, we will do half of it, DCA. It will be interesting to see what's changed/improved since 01 when I went and 04 when Jeff was there. I know it's in the middle of a 5 year overhaul but other than that, I don't know much at all!

We can meet up at DTD for sure.

We'll see if Jeff sticks to his guns on the no DL.

DCA will be alot of walls when you go. I THINK the new "Illuminations" type show, World of Color, will be showing. From what I hear, it's supposed to be fantastic and remember, I don't like shows like that.

Since 2001, they have Monster's Inc, ToT (a feeble version IMO) and Toy Story Mania oh and Turtle Talk. I don't think the Symphony Swings will be open I could be wrong.

 

[pooh'smate]

I am joining in. I liked your title so I dropped by. I keep telling my dh that life IS to short so we need to take our dd to WDW as she keeps asking to go see Mickey's house. I also wanted to tell you that I am a transplant in the midwest and I miss the mountains and the ocean too. I am from Maine and have lived here for 10 years. It is so flat out here. I am off to read some more I am only on the second page.

 

[eandesmom]

Awesome Canada photos! Sounds like an overall great time. And congrats on the potential Dis Meet with Jordan. We expect photos.

We can meet up at DTD for sure.

We'll see if Jeff sticks to his guns on the no DL.

DCA will be alot of walls when you go. I THINK the new "Illuminations" type show, World of Color, will be showing. From what I hear, it's supposed to be fantastic and remember, I don't like shows like that.

Since 2001, they have Monster's Inc, ToT (a feeble version IMO) and Toy Story Mania oh and Turtle Talk. I don't think the Symphony Swings will be open I could be wrong.

I think it will depend on whether we do 3 or 4 nights. Best deal is a 4 nighter at the Crown Plaza but he was leaning towards 3 and a suite. The deals are really good so I think that is going to mean the beach is out for lodging, PLUS we will get extra miles credit if we book it as a package and that will equal up to $350 saved on FL tickets so it's kind of a no brainer!

I just peeked at Micechat, World of Color is supposed to be open, several of the other April things are pushed back to May.

The retheme of the Boardwalk games is supposed to be done by then. But yeah, sounds like a lot of walls. Still, all those things you mentioned (TSM, ToT, Monsters), were not there when we went so that will be cool. Enough stuff to fill a day for sure.

The good thing is I think we will get to see the new electrical parade without pushback from Jeff as I don't think we'll ever get to see Spectro!

I am joining in. I liked your title so I dropped by. I keep telling my dh that life IS to short so we need to take our dd to WDW as she keeps asking to go see Mickey's house. I also wanted to tell you that I am a transplant in the midwest and I miss the mountains and the ocean too. I am from Maine and have lived here for 10 years. It is so flat out here. I am off to read some more I am only on the second page.

Hi! And I'd love to have you along for the ride!

I lived in Chicago for 10 years....all that flatness was very hard for this Northwesterner so I can relate!

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in !!! Hi to all!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

I think it will depend on whether we do 3 or 4 nights. Best deal is a 4 nighter at the Crown Plaza but he was leaning towards 3 and a suite. The deals are really good so I think that is going to mean the beach is out for lodging, PLUS we will get extra miles credit if we book it as a package and that will equal up to $350 saved on FL tickets so it's kind of a no brainer!

I just peeked at Micechat, World of Color is supposed to be open, several of the other April things are pushed back to May.

The retheme of the Boardwalk games is supposed to be done by then. But yeah, sounds like a lot of walls. Still, all those things you mentioned (TSM, ToT, Monsters), were not there when we went so that will be cool. Enough stuff to fill a day for sure.

P.S. Part 2 of the PTR has begun.

The good thing is I think we will get to see the new electrical parade without pushback from Jeff as I don't think we'll ever get to see Spectro!

The only parade i'll watch is the Electrical Parade. Reminds me of my youth.

If it's the Crown Plaza in Garden Grove, it's about 1.5-1.75 miles from the Parks. Right across the street there is an Outback, Red Robin, Joe's Crab Shack and Oggi's Pizza, a 2 minute walk away is Buca di Beppo. There is also a Target right across the street. It's less than 10 minutes from my car.

P.S. Part 2 of my PTR has started

 

[MEK]

Cool pictures! I've always wanted to go to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. I love the buildings. They really do remind me of the Canada of the world showcase. Or is it the other way around! Doh!

 

[All7OfUs]

Jeff had marmot issues

Cynthia-

I am hopelessly behind; I fear I may never catch up!!

But as I was skimming, I burst out laughing when I came across this isolated little gem.

I'll try to read more later today....

 

[eandesmom]

Just checking in !!! Hi to all!!!

Hi Rosie!!!!!!!

The only parade i'll watch is the Electrical Parade. Reminds me of my youth.

If it's the Crown Plaza in Garden Grove, it's about 1.5-1.75 miles from the Parks. Right across the street there is an Outback, Red Robin, Joe's Crab Shack and Oggi's Pizza, a 2 minute walk away is Buca di Beppo. There is also a Target right across the street. It's less than 10 minutes from my car.

P.S. Part 2 of my PTR has started

I have some really good pics of the electrical parade actually....I may have to post them! I've actually never seen Spectro!

Dude...you may have just sold me on the Crown Plaza....no good food in walking distance from the Anabella, at least as I recall, having stayed there before. VERY good info that I will share with Jeff. Good food is worth giving up the suite for, not to mention it is a killer deal. I just can't justify the extra money to stay on property in DL.

Yep, the one in Garden Grove

Part 2, on my way! Slammed this week with work and am hideously behind on TR's and PTR's but hope to get caught up this weekend. Or after 3 tomorrow, a big due date for a proposal.

Cool pictures! I've always wanted to go to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. I love the buildings. They really do remind me of the Canada of the world showcase. Or is it the other way around! Doh!

Victoria is gorgeous, Whistler, Calgary....

I've been to Vancouver and Whistler the most, Victoria a close second but not since kids.

I will say though.

I lost a piece of my heart to Montreal. Sigh. Talk about feeling AWAY...

Pretty sure that will happen in Banff and Lake Louise if I ever make it there.

Cynthia-

I am hopelessly behind; I fear I may never catch up!!

But as I was skimming, I burst out laughing when I came across this isolated little gem.

I'll try to read more later today....

I found it pretty funny myself. The Marmot was IN the basket....he made me put it back. "I'm not getting a Marmot!"

okay babe....whatever!

I know the feeling about being hopelessly behind! I'm in the same boat, between Thanksgiving, huge proposal at work, a nightmare 10 year old and our trip.....I have some major catching up to do!

 

[jordanyosh]

no worries.

I actually lied. crab shack, outback, etc are in the same parking lot as the Crown Plaza.

Yeah Annabella doesn't have anything within walking distance although about a mile down the road (still close to Crown) they opened GardenWalk-Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Bubba Gumps, CPK, Roys and McCormick and Schmicks.

 

[pooh'smate]

I lost a piece of my heart to Montreal. Sigh.

I love Montreal. My dh is from there, born and raised, he misses it. It is a great city.

 

[englishrose47]

Evening All !!Just catching up on all the Cali talk!!!

 

[eandesmom]

no worries.

I actually lied. crab shack, outback, etc are in the same parking lot as the Crown Plaza.

Yeah Annabella doesn't have anything within walking distance although about a mile down the road (still close to Crown) they opened GardenWalk-Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Bubba Gumps, CPK, Roys and McCormick and Schmicks.

Liar Liar pants on fire....

wow, that's quite the change in food line up since '01!

Crown Plaza appears to be the winner...for 4 nights! Deal is just too good. 4 nights, flights, and car, including taxes and fees, for four of us...
$924! Great flight times so it's really 5 days!

And we'll get 1500 miles each for booking the package, plus the miles from the trip so we figure that will mean about $300 saved for FL.

I love Montreal. My dh is from there, born and raised, he misses it. It is a great city.

Oh I loved it! It is such a special place. I would love to go back and take Jeff, it was just incredible!

Evening All !!Just catching up on all the Cali talk!!!

Cali! Whoo hoo! Can't wait.


I am SO behind on all my TR's and PTR's, hopefully this weekend will allow for some catch up!

 

[All7OfUs]

I know the feeling about being hopelessly behind! I'm in the same boat, between Thanksgiving, huge proposal at work, a nightmare 10 year old and our trip.....I have some major catching up to do!

I am SO behind on all my TR's and PTR's, hopefully this weekend will allow for some catch up!

Feeling caught up yet?? I"ve missed you!

 

[englishrose47]

Check out my ptr some exciting Dis Meet news !!

Okay I am shamelessly plugging my PTR!!

 

[eandesmom]

Feeling caught up yet?? I"ve missed you!

not remotely lol! But hopefully over the next 2 days....

Check out my ptr some exciting Dis Meet news !!

Okay I am shamelessly plugging my PTR!!

I finally found it! It was on the TR board, not PTR which is why I didn't see it. Now to get caught up!

 

[winkers]

Are you going to the White Christmas stage show?

I love,love, LOOOVVE the movie!

I'll be expecting a full report!

 

[MEK]

Liar Liar pants on fire....

wow, that's quite the change in food line up since '01!

Crown Plaza appears to be the winner...for 4 nights! Deal is just too good. 4 nights, flights, and car, including taxes and fees, for four of us...
$924! Great flight times so it's really 5 days!

!

Wow - that really IS a good deal! You are going to have a blast!