Live Inane Ramblings by an Over-excited 30+ Mum...)

[travelmel]

I'm sure Chickyann won't mind, Mel

My "show" won't be airing for another 3 weeks or so

Small update - the UPS man arrived a few minutes after I last posted. DD3 opened her bag and said "what a pretty bag - can I keep it forever ?". When I said yes, she hugged me and said "thankyou, Mummy"

I asked her if it was big enough for her teddy to fit in, and she said "no, teddy can sit in my seat on the plane, and I weill sit on mummy's knee". What a high maintenance teddy !

I think I was just confused lol

How cute! She's gearing up to be a good real mum! It almost almost makes me miss toddler-hood. ALMOST! I had one DD and one DD so I'm not sure if I'd like to re-visit that part. But man they're cute!!!!!

 

[kylieh]

I asked her if it was big enough for her teddy to fit in, and she said "no, teddy can sit in my seat on the plane, and I weill sit on mummy's knee". What a high maintenance teddy !

I'm enjoying catching up - our DD has been very sick too. We will be (hopefully) getting the OK from the paediatrician on Monday that she will be ok to fly - Perforated ear drums with infection that finally appears to be clearing up. We changed antibiotics again last night, and tonight DD has perked up.

Anyway, sorry, I digressed. We have a high maintenance teddy too - Alice the Bear. Alice has her own passport, and DD's nan has made her a travel wardrobe!!! I just snapped this off my phone. Alice has been given strict instructions to stay in the hotel while we're out and about.

Anyway, we may bump into each other towards the end of the trip - we're in LV first, then DL!!! I think we'll set a lot of Aussies there during those 2 weeks. I heard people in the canteen line at work today discussing their trip over the hols to DL. Small world.

 

[emum]

How cute! She's gearing up to be a good real mum! It almost almost makes me miss toddler-hood. ALMOST! I had one DD and one DD so I'm not sure if I'd like to re-visit that part. But man they're cute!!!!!

I'm LOVING my last stint at raising a toddler (although at closer to 4yo, I probably consider her past that now - we have no tantrums, naps went nearly 2 years ago, no nappies, etc.). I often nudge DH and say "what's going to happen when we don't have a 3yo to make us giggle anymore ?" TBH, I've had the spectrum - my DS was a shocker.... still is DD3 is easy as pie.

I'm enjoying catching up - our DD has been very sick too. We will be (hopefully) getting the OK from the paediatrician on Monday that she will be ok to fly - Perforated ear drums with infection that finally appears to be clearing up. We changed antibiotics again last night, and tonight DD has perked up.

Anyway, sorry, I digressed. We have a high maintenance teddy too - Alice the Bear. Alice has her own passport, and DD's nan has made her a travel wardrobe!!! I just snapped this off my phone. Alice has been given strict instructions to stay in the hotel while we're out and about.

Anyway, we may bump into each other towards the end of the trip - we're in LV first, then DL!!! I think we'll set a lot of Aussies there during those 2 weeks. I heard people in the canteen line at work today discussing their trip over the hols to DL. Small world.

Wow, Kylie - that is quite the magnificent teddy ! Poor DD's teddy is part of a menagerie of stuffed critters, and I'm not quite sure how we're going to cull the numbers when it comes time to pack.

I'm glad to hear your DD has perked up My 6yoDD went to bed complaining of a sore tummy tonight, so I'm fully expecting a wake-up call at some point in the night (really *should* get to sleep, too - have my final dental appt. at 8am.... ). Anyway, I'm hoping it's not gastro, although at least it runs it's course reasonably quickly.

We may bump into each other - we're doing LV over the middle weekend, until the Tuesday - we avoid the crowds with Gay Days that way, but will be back in the parks Tuesday straight after lunch We found out today from our speech therpaist that she's going to the US too, but will only be in LA for two days - you never know who you'll bump into. We bumped into an old neighbour at Las Vegas airport years ago, very unexpectedly

Anyway, why am I on here so late in the evening ? I've decided to make those last purchases on Disneyshopping - just keeping my fingers crossed they get here before we leave

8 sleeps to go (for those in my house already asleep.... )

 

[emum]

Another gastro victim...... (repeats to self - "thank goodness they've had it *this* week ! "). DD6yo is home from school as a result, and I'm up to my eyeballs in bed linen again

8 sleeps to go, and I spent quite a bit of $$ on Disneyshopping - splurged and bought the Mickey paintbrush luggage set, as it was reduced so much. Bought some Halloween shirts, and also the lunch totes to go with the kids' backpacks. Here's hoping UPS can get them here within a week

Gorgeous day here today - have donned some Summer clothes, and thrilled that my weight loss efforts have paid off (down 35 pounds since May). Now I won't be quite as Pooh-sized, and less embarrassed about getting on rides. Also a great excuse to buy some clothes while we're away.....

Won't be back until early next week, as a full-on weekend ahead. Only four more shifts at work, too !

 

[kylieh]

Sorry to hear about the gastro. At least it's pretty quick to get over.

UPS are normally the best from the US. I ordered something once on Friday night, sydney time, and had it Monday morning!!! When the weekend is involved it has always been Tuesday at the latest. I think UPS are faster than DHL.

Not many days at work to go. I'll bet you'll be glad after your last shift. My last day is Tuesday (but that's a "Work-From-Home-Day.") So Today, Monday, and a-hum, Tuesday to go. My DH finishes up today.

Congrats on the weight loss. Good shopping excuse. And there is so much more in the US to choose. Leave the kids with their Dad and have some serious retail therapy!!!

 

[travelmel]

Congratulations on the weight loss! I need to get on that wagon ASAP. OMG I do.

If you were interested in taking photo's of your fun new stuff I'd be interested in seeing said photo's.

Blech with the laundry duty.. the older I get the worse my gag reflex gets.. I have a really hard time with all that... ahhhh.. motherhood.

 

[emum]

Thanks for the congrats Still a way to go, but I'm thrilled with the results thus far

Kylie - I read your post about DD - I'm hoping she gets the all clear from your GP this morning. Sounds like she's perked up, so I'm sure you'll by at SYD soon enough

Our gastro turned into a rash by Friday evening. I had DD3 and DD1 covered in what looked like Fifth Disease rash. *Then* I received a text message to say one of the kids in DD2's class had been diagnosed with chickenpox. I had visions of not getting on the plane, and having to stay at home with half the kids Thankfully, it had all cleared up by last night, and they're back at school today. They had no other symptoms - just a rash, so maybe an allergy instead. In-between that, DD1 had her flute exam late Saturday afternoon. She passed with honours, so we're thrilled about that

UPS man arrived this morning ! Have unpacked, but no photos yet. Mel - I'll have them for you Wed. or Thursday.

About to rush out the door, so ciao for now

 

[kylieh]

UPS are great aren't they!!! That was so quick.

congrats on DD1 getting honours. I'm sure you're very proud of her.

I'm glad the rash has cleared. I love this time of year, but it's also the worst for allergy. There have been a lot of kids at DD's school having probs with hayfever symptoms.

I'm pretty positive at present that we'll be flying on Friday. Starting to get really excited now. It's my last day in the office and I am so jumpy. I can't concentrate.

And in 5 sleeps you'll be on your way as well. I can't believe that it's finally time!

 

[emum]

95 hours until our transport to the airport arrives !

Kylie - you're even closer ! Wahoo ! Oh, not sure how long you're planning on being at the airport before your flight, but if you check out the website for the airport, some of the food places have coupons on there.

I'd better start packing soon LOL

Got to get DD1 to school at 6.30am in the morning for her trip to Canberra *Then* I will get to packing in earnest (will use her bedroom to sort all the bags and packing out, I think).

 

[kylieh]

95 hours until our transport to the airport arrives !

Kylie - you're even closer ! Wahoo ! Oh, not sure how long you're planning on being at the airport before your flight, but if you check out the website for the airport, some of the food places have coupons on there.

I'd better start packing soon LOL

Got to get DD1 to school at 6.30am in the morning for her trip to Canberra *Then* I will get to packing in earnest (will use her bedroom to sort all the bags and packing out, I think).

I didn't realise about the coupons. I'm off to check it out.

DD is sleeping over at my MILs (next door to us) on Thursday night, so similar to yourself, we'll be using DD's room as the packing room. Tomorrow I'll finish checking my lists, and everyone's been given the "if you wear it now you probably won't get to take it away" speech! On Thursday DH can take DD to school and I'll get cracking straight away!

But you've got so much more packing than us to do! I'm stressing with 3 of us, I don't know how you will do it for 6!!!!!

 

[emum]

Great idea to make use of a babysitter in such close proximity the night before you leave Most of my packing will be done at night, while the younger kids are asleep. As for packing for six, I'm a pretty laid back person, so it doesn't stress me *too* much (well, not until the last couple of hours before we leave ).

I've uploaded a couple of photos to start things off....

First up, my new PJs

T-shirt, courtesy of the Creative DIS threads....

And finally, my home-made LGMH. If you see me in the parks, come and say "hi" !

That's all I have for now. I'm in the midst of typing up our itinerary for all and sundry to have an ogle of, then it'll be a (relatively) early night so I can be up at Butt-crack-of-dawn o'clock to take DD to school....

 

[maryr1oz]

Can't wait to see your itinerary and also hear how your trip goes - i'm so jealous!!

Good luck, hope you guys have fantastic time!!

 

[travelmel]

What a long way to travel for you guys!

That's pretty cool that your MIL is so close. I hope you guys get along!

I love your shirts! What is that green mouse head for? I don't recognize those letters...

When we were in DL we were spotted by another Dis'er. He didn't know that I was a Diser till he came home and read my TR.

We are fussing around the house as we are having two Japanese exchange students (teenage girls! ) staying with us this weekend ... should be fun.

soooo, if I don't get a chance to post before you (either of you!) leave:

B O N V O Y A G E !

 

[emum]

Thanks Mel The Green Mickey head is my own home-made version of a LGMH, since we don't have them here in Aus. The name on it is The Robertson Clan. I know it's not my DIS board name, but it's how we're known amongst family and friends, so felt more appropriate to attach that to our luggage.

I've been sick with gastro today. I think it was a result of eating lunch out yesterday - I had pizza, and I'm sure either the ham or salami was off DH had to collect the kids from school, as I was so crook. I've taken some meds now, which have helped settle things down.

Prior to getting sick, I've done a few things - changed some money to $US, bought a new Canon P&S camera, and some DS Lite games (so now I can claim GST back at the airport). The camera has a 10x zoom, which I was keen to get. I'm even half-way through packing !

Tomorrow will see the rest of the packing finished, and a massive tidy-up. Saturday morning we'll do a last-minute tidy up, before being picked up. Only 46 hours until we leave ! Yeeeee-haaaaa !

Psst - have a wonderful trip, Kylie

 

[travelmel]

ewww... sorry about being sick BLECH... hopefully it will be totally out of your system soon but that does not help the crappy "I don't want to do anything" feeling that I know I get when I've got gastro problems.

I see, that tag goes on your luggage.. good thinking. We had a bag disappear off the return flight Carousel, at Christmas, no less. It was a big pain but we eventually got a check to cover the losses. IT's just that since they were xmas presents and we had only seen them for like an hour that morning we could barely remember what was in the bag!

Congratulations on your new camera! I love mine but, of course, I would have preferred a Digital SLR. Ah well!!! I probably would never have taken the time to learn how to use it properly anyway.

 

[emum]

Well, Kylie would be at the airport about now ! I think she's on the flight that leaves just after lunch (it's mid-morning here now).

So, we leave for the airport in 30 hours' time. Egads ! Time flies when you have a plethora of tasks to do LOL

The gastro seems to have finally eased up - I still wasn't feeling the best when I got to bed last night, so glad there's no sign of it this morning. I have the day ahead now to finish packing, and start tidying / cleaning the house. I normally work Friday nights, so I'm glad I started my annual leave early.... I'd be in a mad panic otherwise

Also made a minor adjustment to the trip - we weren't going to hire a car in HNL, but since our flight arrives at 9.30am, and we can't check-in to the hotel until 3pm, we've decided to rent a car (it's only a few $$ more than an airport transfer anyway), and tour the island a bit. That's exciting, as I've only ever been to Waikiki the last three visits.

So, I'd better get back to it - I'll take more photos today, and upload them tonight - hopefully it'll be of bags all packed at the front door

Oh, Mel - I have a beautiful Canon EOS 400d DSLR which I got for Christmas 2 years ago. I LOVE it (and still haven't learnt how to use it to it's full advantage), but wanted a P&S to take on those days when I didn't feel like lugging the SLR with me. Poor DH had kittens when he saw the new one last night, but combining my employee discount with the GST back, it was too good an offer for me to pass up

Over and out, with the countdown on in earnest now !

 

[travelmel]

Looking forward to your return and your pics!

 

[emum]

Final check-in for me ! Can't believe this time tomorrow we'll be high above the Pacific

Thanks for all the tips and advice from the board - they've been put to great use thus far, and shall continue to be a treasure trove of wisdom as we wend our way through the parks.

See you all sometime down the track (will depend on wireless connections and time constraints).

Wahooooooo !!!!

 

[travelmel]

Just a quick post as I accidently unsubscribed..

Have a magical time!

 

[emum]

We're here ! It's now 10pm Wednesday evening, and we arrived late Monday afternoon. I've only just acclimatised to the time change today, which hasn't been helped by the poor bedding arrangements. Never mind, as the kids and DH and I are having a ball. I've taken HEAPS of photos, but no food porn - I keep forgetting, and then only remember too late. The only thing I've tried on my "must eat" list thus far is a mozzarella strip.... to be honest, we're not doing so well with all the "junk". We now come back to the hotel for two hours in the early afternoon each day for a swim, and some sandwiches and fruit, so as to give our tummies a rest.

Crowds have been very good, but the heat's been pretty intense. Most rides today were walk-on, bar a couple. My new favourite is Indiana Jones

The trip report in full won't be added on here until after we get home, and it will be long and verbose - sorry. I wrote the first two days at 3.30 this morning when I couldn't sleep Anyway, without further ado, here's a couple of photos to whet your collective appetites !