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

[Happydog]

That was a great update! I like all the purchases, it seems shopping for kids is a never ending cycle! My two are three years apart, and Nolyn is almost as big as his brother! At least he practically is around the torso. He is still shorter, but I tell Griffin daily if he doesn't bulk up he is going to feel the wrath of his younger brother the next time he tries to take his action figure away from him! Seriously though, I can still get away with doing all the shopping. Not sure what will happen when I actually have to consult them

I bought reef flip flops for my guys this summer as well. They have both Teva mushies and these. The reefs were more pool style. The mushies they wore at the park and they wear them around the neighborhood and camping. My kids love crocs, but I think they are not the best for long walking either -- sweaty feet, etc. I agree.

OH! To answer one question... there is that Minute Maid lemonade at most of the drink stands I think. I remember seeing it at BC (both spots -- HHannahs and Marketplace) and I bet they have that at Roaring Forks. I actually remember liking the market place at WL. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the offerings. I recall it being rather big. Also, at the refill stations, I remember that blue "power aid" drink too... I can't remember the brand... and yes, I remember the iced tea being at the market place, but not at the station at HHannah's... may have been behind the counter.

Those refillable mugs saved us this past trip, I am sure in August you will get your use out of them and how!

 

[DisMomAmy]

So which website(s) did you use for your glasses? I've been poking around and have learned a lot about sizing... I'm very interested in buying some backup glasses.

 

[MaryAz]

All caught up now. Great updates. I was also finding myself comparing DL to WDW. The castle really threw me. Also some of the rides. Many were different but still ok. Overall I like DW better.
You are getting closer and very organized. But 11 pairs of shoes

 

[All7OfUs]

That was a lot to digest:

I chuckled (only a little) at E getting traumatized at losing his sandal in the river. Funny what kids remember and freak over! We lost one out the car door once at a potty stop, and same thing. Trauma.


To GG or not; that is the question. And yes, I have the same dilemma as you over the booze. I had planned on packing champagne, but I KNOW that won't come in plastic bottles. What to do, what to do???


Hooray for paying off US!! That must feel awesome!!

The Tink bag is ADORABLE!! I really like it a lot!! My bag is boring, but functional. I think I need more embellishments. Which would be easy to do, given enough time in the US before my trip. Hmmm....

 

[Native NYer]

I didn't realize you can order alcohol from GG. Hmmm....
I need to place our order. And I need to place a shoe order from Zappos. Your PTR has sold me on Zappos. Lots of shopping to do today

 

[eandesmom]

Super long update! I love it!!!

A bit much I know Funny how it can be where there isn't much to say and then there is a ton!

Sounds like you have been a very busy bee getting everything squared away for the August trip! You are so right -- it will be here before you know it -- our trip is sneaking up on us very quickly!

I have a feeling you've been just as busy, if not more, yours is SOOO close!

That was a great update! I like all the purchases, it seems shopping for kids is a never ending cycle! My two are three years apart, and Nolyn is almost as big as his brother! At least he practically is around the torso. He is still shorter, but I tell Griffin daily if he doesn't bulk up he is going to feel the wrath of his younger brother the next time he tries to take his action figure away from him! Seriously though, I can still get away with doing all the shopping. Not sure what will happen when I actually have to consult them

The E's are 15 months apart and like you we knew Eric would catch up, and pass Evan at some point. It bugs Evan a little but such is life! The consulting is a drag if you ask me. Brand new for Eric this year, guess it's a 4th grade thing? Hopefully he will like everything I ordered from CP as I didn't give him input. What is funny about Eric caring is that the child often doesn't match. Evan's another story entirely. Usually with Eric, as long as it is blue, we are good.

I always smile when I see your boys outfits, Eric used to just live in those Hannah Anderson striped shorts! Anything soft....

I bought reef flip flops for my guys this summer as well. They have both Teva mushies and these. The reefs were more pool style. The mushies they wore at the park and they wear them around the neighborhood and camping. My kids love crocs, but I think they are not the best for long walking either -- sweaty feet, etc. I agree.

Evan had a pair of reefs either last summer or the one before, they were fine but definitely a different model, these are much nicer. I tried on the mushies but they were a no-go, he didn't like the pattern of the straps! Eric just flat out doesn't like flip flops. Which is fine. He is drawn to a much younger style of shoe. They've both worn them 100% of the time they've had shoes on their feet since they came out of the box and love them so I think we are good!

OH! To answer one question... there is that Minute Maid lemonade at most of the drink stands I think. I remember seeing it at BC (both spots -- HHannahs and Marketplace) and I bet they have that at Roaring Forks. I actually remember liking the market place at WL. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the offerings. I recall it being rather big. Also, at the refill stations, I remember that blue "power aid" drink too... I can't remember the brand... and yes, I remember the iced tea being at the market place, but not at the station at HHannah's... may have been behind the counter.

Those refillable mugs saved us this past trip, I am sure in August you will get your use out of them and how!

The kids will be happy about the lemonade, nice alternative to soda and definitely about the blue power drink! It looks like Ale & Compass has iced tea in the mornings but they are closed in the afternoons so I'll have to hike to BCM if they don't have it at HHannah's. Still, I'm thrilled ice tea is an option! We did go to Roaring Forks on the last trip. Not the greatest breakfast selection but the rest seemed pretty good. I don't know that we will use it a ton but it should be more than fine when we do.

It's kind of funny, I think b/c it was such a last minute entry/spontaneous decision to have those 3 nights there, in some ways I'm more excited for WL, that part seems a little surreal still even though it's the resort we've spent the most time at before.

 

[eandesmom]

So which website(s) did you use for your glasses? I've been poking around and have learned a lot about sizing... I'm very interested in buying some backup glasses.

Hi Amy!

We used glasses shop for all of Jeff's and one of mine. These guys were pretty fast, I think about 2 weeks total and have a great return policy. This is the pair I kept. I think I could have made a better choice in frame but I do like them, don't get me wrong. My challenge was some of the ones I liked a little better, once I got progressives etc, if I added a better/thinner lens I started to get near the $100 mark and at that point I was like no....just go cheap. So for that, they are fine!

This is the other site, zenni. Good section and they were cute glasses upon arrival. They come from China and it was a good month to get them. These are the ones I blew it on and I just didn't want to wait a month. I did like them as well though and it was my error. These guys had better tinting options I thought.

On the sizing, if you measure the pair you have now and stick in that range, you will be fine! I will likely get 1-2 pairs of progressive regular glasses at some point from one of these for backup as the cost to swap out my lenses on other frames I have is really cost prohibitive!

 

[eandesmom]

All caught up now. Great updates. I was also finding myself comparing DL to WDW. The castle really threw me. Also some of the rides. Many were different but still ok. Overall I like DW better.
You are getting closer and very organized. But 11 pairs of shoes

It's funny, Jeff and I had the reverse with the Castle. We'd be like "isn't it "Sleeping Beauty's Castle?" The fact that it was Cindy's confused us until last year's trip. Cindy got the bigger castle, no doubt but the DL one is the one of my childhood.

They are so very different DL and WDW it's hard to compare so in many ways, I try not to. Are you going to do a TR for your DL trip? I didn't see the FB pics but it sounds like you had a good time!

You are getting closer and very organized. But 11 pairs of shoes

I'm not so sure about the organized, we were chatting about that last night and people THINK I am but then I miss stuff too and no one expects it.

Except me.

Yeah. 11. It will probably end up being 8-9 by the time I'm done.

Right now I've got

2 official park shoe sandals (privo and earth shoes)
1 pool haviana flip flop
1 keen flip flop that could be a park shoe back up or pool shoe
4 dress(ier) sandals that are all quite comfy and would be good for medium lengths of walking or even all day if I had to. (will drop at least one)
1 pair of heels, wedges actually, that are wicked comfy with a rubber sole.
1 pair of flats (may skip)
and the mushies as back up for K. (may skip)

I know I won't want to be in the same shoe all day, any day, and it will likely be 3 different shoes each day. Park shoe in the am, pool flip flop, sandal for dinner and evening park time.

We will see. It will map out when I actually start packing and figuring out outfits. It doesn't help that I have some new super cute sandals that I can't bear to leave at home.

That was a lot to digest:

I know.

I chuckled (only a little) at E getting traumatized at losing his sandal in the river. Funny what kids remember and freak over! We lost one out the car door once at a potty stop, and same thing. Trauma.

I have a great picture of him with one croc and one tennis shoe. Thankfully we had both with us or it could have been ugly! Of course that is what will happen when you wade out further in a moving river than you are supposed to!

To GG or not; that is the question. And yes, I have the same dilemma as you over the booze. I had planned on packing champagne, but I KNOW that won't come in plastic bottles. What to do, what to do???

We were waffling but I'm glad it's done and I don't have to worry about it. No, bubbly won't come in plastic! GG would deliver that for you though.

Hooray for paying off US!! That must feel awesome!!

It does! Though Jeff had a mild heart attack at the updated budget I sent him on Tuesday.

The Tink bag is ADORABLE!! I really like it a lot!! My bag is boring, but functional. I think I need more embellishments. Which would be easy to do, given enough time in the US before my trip. Hmmm....

It's a great size. I have the green one and used it at the lake for the first time last night, the boys noticed it right away! If you troll on ebay you can get them pretty reasonably. Sandies was $30 I think (and they had one more) but I'm pretty sure I paid less for mine and K's. I kept thinking it was so big, the tote, but it's a great travel size! not sure about it as a park bag but at this point I won't be surprised if it makes an appearance.

Functional is good.

 

[eandesmom]

I didn't realize you can order alcohol from GG. Hmmm....
I need to place our order. And I need to place a shoe order from Zappos. Your PTR has sold me on Zappos. Lots of shopping to do today

They don't advertise it that's for sure. I wouldn't know about it if it weren't for the DIS. Basically you place your order and then you can put a note in the "notes" section about what you want for beer or wine. They will call you a few days before delivery to confirm what they bought and the additional charge. It worked well for us last year, I gave them several options to choose from in both categories and they found things on the list.

I don't think they do more than beer or wine but I'm not sure. WeGo I think will also do beer or wine but you have to be present to receive and sign for the delivery in that case and GG didn't have those issues. That wouldn't have worked for us last year as we landed at 11pm and didn't get to our FW cabin until amost midnight and at that point, 9pm our time, we wanted dinner and a beer! It was already in our cabin. I loved that!

GG called to confirm that part of my order the day after I placed it so I feel pretty good about it.

I zappos.

 

[Native NYer]

They don't advertise it that's for sure. I wouldn't know about it if it weren't for the DIS. Basically you place your order and then you can put a note in the "notes" section about what you want for beer or wine. They will call you a few days before delivery to confirm what they bought and the additional charge. It worked well for us last year, I gave them several options to choose from in both categories and they found things on the list.

I don't think they do more than beer or wine but I'm not sure. WeGo I think will also do beer or wine but you have to be present to receive and sign for the delivery in that case and GG didn't have those issues. That wouldn't have worked for us last year as we landed at 11pm and didn't get to our FW cabin until amost midnight and at that point, 9pm our time, we wanted dinner and a beer! It was already in our cabin. I loved that!

GG called to confirm that part of my order the day after I placed it so I feel pretty good about it.

I zappos.

Thanks for the GG info. I'm probably going to just place our order this weekend. I thought waiting until closer to the trip would be better, but I want to make sure to get our delivery date/time.

I'm doing some online shopping today since I can't go out until FedEx gets here with our Disney ticket order. I'm getting my nephews chocolate Chuck Taylors and Teva mushies for me. Zappos doesn't carry my fav flip flip, Nike Celso, so I have to order them from Kohls (on sale for $14.99).

Are Keen flip flops comfy?

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks for the GG info. I'm probably going to just place our order this weekend. I thought waiting until closer to the trip would be better, but I want to make sure to get our delivery date/time.

yeah, I could have waited but it's one less thing to deal with and this way it's paid for so far ahead of time it all seems a little less painful at the end. It did lock up day and time though which makes me happy.

I'm doing some online shopping today since I can't go out until FedEx gets here with our Disney ticket order. I'm getting my nephews chocolate Chuck Taylors and Teva mushies for me. Zappos doesn't carry my fav flip flip, Nike Celso, so I have to order them from Kohls (on sale for $14.99).

Are Keen flip flops comfy?

Hmmn. Yes and no. Keens are a sport shoe so they are pretty sturdy construction. So to me, if I had to make a comparison I'd say mushies are like a super comfortable flat with maybe a rubber sole, but even softer. Keens are like wearing a supportive tennis shoe. Comfy but firm with tons of support and good tread. I hike in mine, what's nice is that it is a covered toe so no stubbing of the toe if you are doing any kind of incline walking or beach walking.

These are the ones I have. They do have several styles and some are not nearly as heavy duty as mine are. I'd read the reviews, they generally give a really good idea

I also have an older version of these in orange. Which are killer hiking shoes but my feet get really hot in them. Jeff has a pair that he lives in, they are his favorite park shoe, hands down.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Amy!

We used glasses shop for all of Jeff's and one of mine. These guys were pretty fast, I think about 2 weeks total and have a great return policy. This is the pair I kept. I think I could have made a better choice in frame but I do like them, don't get me wrong. My challenge was some of the ones I liked a little better, once I got progressives etc, if I added a better/thinner lens I started to get near the $100 mark and at that point I was like no....just go cheap. So for that, they are fine!

This is the other site, zenni. Good section and they were cute glasses upon arrival. They come from China and it was a good month to get them. These are the ones I blew it on and I just didn't want to wait a month. I did like them as well though and it was my error. These guys had better tinting options I thought.

On the sizing, if you measure the pair you have now and stick in that range, you will be fine! I will likely get 1-2 pairs of progressive regular glasses at some point from one of these for backup as the cost to swap out my lenses on other frames I have is really cost prohibitive!

Thanks!! Yes - I have seen those sites before... but not until I did some searching after you mentioned cheap online glasses. I may order a pair.

And by the way - we love Keens!! The boys wear them all summer for camp - they are as supportive as sneakers, but dry quicker if they get wet & are cooler than socks & sneakers.

 

[Happydog]

I'll pipe in about the keen flip flops for women... I have a pair, that are straps around the toe (so not between the toe) I have seen a couple styles, and I found the sole very flexible and comfortable. The regular keen strapped shoe not so much. But they are great for kids. I don't know the name of the keen sandal I have but you just slide your feet in. I wore a pair of them along with Fit Flops and teva mushies this past trip in the parks. I found them a good choice even in the heat.

 

[englishrose47]

Just poppin' in to say HI!!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

WOW--what a huge update! I can't believe that you have so much planned, but I guess it does get crazy right there at the end. You all will have a great trip--I just know it.

 

[eandesmom]

[Thanks!! Yes - I have seen those sites before... but not until I did some searching after you mentioned cheap online glasses. I may order a pair.

You know, without insurance, even if you up to a better, thinner lens, it's a good deal (as long as you enter your RX right lol!).

Jeff is eying another, nicer pair of regular glasses for the trip. He really needs them so I'm glad he's thinking about it. He'd better get on it if he wants them here in time though! I think I need to remind him how long they took lol. I will buy some regular ones from there I think in the fall but am likely going to spend the money for better sun ones at a store, think I found a good discount combo that will max out my insurance reimbursement.

And by the way - we love Keens!! The boys wear them all summer for camp - they are as supportive as sneakers, but dry quicker if they get wet & are cooler than socks & sneakers.

Exactly, perfect river and hiking sandal!

I'll pipe in about the keen flip flops for women... I have a pair, that are straps around the toe (so not between the toe) I have seen a couple styles, and I found the sole very flexible and comfortable. The regular keen strapped shoe not so much. But they are great for kids. I don't know the name of the keen sandal I have but you just slide your feet in. I wore a pair of them along with Fit Flops and teva mushies this past trip in the parks. I found them a good choice even in the heat.

That's what they look like in the pictures. I tried on Evan's reefs last night and wow are they comfy!

 

[eandesmom]

Just poppin' in to say HI!!!!

Hi Rosie!

WOW--what a huge update! I can't believe that you have so much planned, but I guess it does get crazy right there at the end. You all will have a great trip--I just know it.

or I over think things....

Funny thing is how much I feel I haven't planned at all yet!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Cynthia!! Hope your weekend has all kinds of fun planned!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Cynthia!! Hope your weekend has all kinds of fun planned!

Hi Liesa! should be pretty fun, about to run to the gym for pilates, then make a cake (the Happydog Limoncello cake) and head to a summer party at a friends lake house. Tomorrow brings me yoga, a new summer top and maybe some new sunglasses and then a cub scout picnic.

And then I get to help my kids pack up for a week at my sisters.

VACATION for us for 4 nights.

which really means we can go workout without worrying about the kid shuffle, we still have work of course. I need to get SAB ready and....am not.



what about you?

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Liesa! should be pretty fun, about to run to the gym for pilates, then make a cake (the Happydog Limoncello cake) and head to a summer party at a friends lake house. Tomorrow brings me yoga, a new summer top and maybe some new sunglasses and then a cub scout picnic.

And then I get to help my kids pack up for a week at my sisters.

VACATION for us for 4 nights.

which really means we can go workout without worrying about the kid shuffle, we still have work of course. I need to get SAB ready and....am not.



what about you?

sounds busy, but 4 days of no kids' shuffle sounds lovely in and of itself.

Me? My weekend is 1/2 over... I spent the majority of the day working on my flip calendars. I want to have them ready to sell when I get back- it could mean another bit of spending money for the trip. Mexican for dinner, choco chip cookies, and DIS time. Tomorrow: Team worship, down time, long nap, maybe finish calendars, leftovers, bed. Not bad.