MAK Grand Gathering - Day Two part 2 added w/pics 8-20

[eyor44]

Welcome! Thanks for joining me on what should be a rather interesting trip. If I survive to finish the tale that is.

Let’s begin with the cast of characters.
There’s me, your storyteller, daily guide, baby sitter, cook, photographer; basically Mom. Then there is DH (Scott), he kind of got roped into this trip with the promise of lots of golf. DS (John) he loves Disney as much as I do and DD (Aly) she’ll get there one day. She loves to travel.
There are two other families going along.
Second family is Elizabeth & Brad and their sons Joseph and Luke. Joseph and John have been friends since they were two and met in PreSchool. Luke is friends with Aly and they have been together since they were two months old in daycare.
Third family is Colby & John and their two children Sophia and Joey. Sophia is the same age as Aly and Luke and Aly’s best friend. Sophia was in daycare with Aly and Luke also. Joey is the youngest and keeps up rather well with the other children.

We are all friends and get together quite often at each other’s houses and our children are involved in many of the same activities. Colby and Elizabeth work together and John, Scott and I all work at the same place.

This trip came about last June after Colby went to a conference in Orlando and took her family. I was envious to say the least. I finally got approval to attend some training in Orlando, at the Dolphin hotel no less, and it got canceled. Colby and Elizabeth told me about a conference they would be attending in Orlando in June 09. They came up with idea for us all to go and stay in a condo. They asked if I would mind helping their DHs with the kids while they were at the conference each day. Mind, going to Disney, no problem.

It gets better. Brad and Elizabeth are DVC owners. They offered to use their points to get a Grand Villa on the property. That way we could all use the bus system and it would be easier for me to do things with the kids during the day. What great friends!
Now the plan is: Colby and Elizabeth will go to the conference each day. The guys will play golf each day at a different golf course. I will take the kids to a park each day. The older boys can go off on their own and I’ll have the four younger ones. Oh, their ages. John and Joseph will be 14 & 13 respectively and Luke, Aly & Sophia are 6 and Joey will be 4.

Right about now, you are probably thinking, girl, you must be nuts. Well, a little. If you worked where I did, you would realize that taking four children to a Disney Park will be a piece of cake compared with what I deal with every day. Maybe. But if you are there in June and see a woman with four kids on leashes, that would be me. I am seriously considering it. Naw. They are good kids and I threaten well.

All of the kids are early risers, even on vacation. I plan to have breakfast at the Villa and be to whichever park has EMH that day. I usually avoid EMH, but I am using a bit of different strategy this time. I just plan to be at the park until lunch and then go back to the Villa for a nap. The four younger ones will take a forced rest while I take care of things around the Villa. After rest time, we will go to the pool for a little while. Aly and Luke can swim and Sophia and Joey are getting there. With plenty of lifeguards and lots of floaties I feel comfortable taking them by myself. After pool time we will go back to the Villa to start dinner. We plan to eat dinner every night at the Villa except the last night, the adults are going to Albert & Victoria’s for dinner.

 

[awaldo]

Sounds like a great plan for a trip!

 

[eyor44]

Sounds like a great plan for a trip!

HI! Thanks for stopping by. There is guarranteed to be lots of drama, mishaps, excitement and twists and turns on this trip. I just hope we will be allowed to return to Disney when it is all said and done.

 

[eyor44]

Victoria & Albert’s. How did we decide to do that you ask? A few months ago we were sitting around and discussing my family’s upcoming Thanksgiving trip to the World. Colby and I were discussing Aly’s pending visit to the BBB when Brad said we should all do it when we went in June. Now Colby jumped on that and it was decided that we would think about it some more. I went home soon after that. The next day Colby called to say that if the ladies all went to the BBB and were made up like Princesses, Brad would take us all to V&A's. Actually it went more like Brad thought we should do it and Colby said if she was going to get all dressed up, then where was she going to go after that. So now that plan is the ladies and girls are going to the BBB to be turned into princesses. After BBB, we are going to have a photographer take family pictures at the resort. On the way to dinner we are going to drop the kids off at the Neverland Club and then we will go to dinner at V&A. The older boys will be allowed to go to a park by themselves and we have told them they can choose a TS restaurant for dinner if they want. After dinner, we are going to collect the kids and go to the Magic Kingdom and try to get some pics in front of the castle. Part of the deal for dinner is the ladies have to dress up in gowns. So we countered that the guys have to wear tuxes. Originally we had thought to go to the BBB at the castle and have the guys meet us there and escort us to dinner from there, but then we decided to have the pics done at the resort first so we are going with the BBB at Downtown Disney. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. It should be rather interesting. Don’t I have great friends!?!

 

[eyor44]

As I mentioned before, we are all friends. So how did we come up with the name MAK Grand Gathering? MAK is the first letter of each family’s last name. Good thing we had a vowel in there. I am going to have t-shirts made for all of us. I plan to visit the Creative Disigners board soon. There are some wonderful people over there who are so nice and willing to help you do anything. I already have a couple of ideas for the kids. I will have them for four days, one park each day and plan to make them matching shirts to wear. Figure it will be a little bit easier to keep up with them. Especially the shirts that have numbers; 1 of 6 2 of 6, etc. If one gets away I can just tell a CM, “help me find 4 of 6. “

Keep getting of topic don’t I? Sorry, I am easily distracted. Frustrates me at work, but the guys find it very funny.

Okay, a bit of a change in plans. No one’s work budgets are very good this year, so what gets cut first? You got it, training. Colby and Elizabeth will not be going to their training. Now I won’t be taking the kids by myself each day. I was kind of looking forward to it. I’ll have to readjust some of my touring plans. Still going to make the kids some matching clothes and I just learned how to make bucket hats. Those should be cute too. I had to go buy some more material first so I would have enough.

 

[bpm0529]

As one of the MAK family, DH of Eliz, I just thought I would add that for the FIRST and probably last time the DH's are all going to play golf at each of the Disney courses. So while the Moms' are chasing the little ones the Dad's will be chasing little white balls. Hopefully this will keep the Positive Energy flowing and damp out any of the stress associated with three families living under one roof.

 

[eyor44]

As one of the MAK family, DH of Eliz, I just thought I would add that for the FIRST and probably last time the DH's are all going to play golf at each of the Disney courses. So while the Moms' are chasing the little ones the Dad's will be chasing little white balls. Hopefully this will keep the Positive Energy flowing and damp out any of the stress associated with three families living under one roof.

or totally exhaust all of the adults and J&J will be in charge!

 

[llurgy]

Well this looks interesting, I am along for the ride

 

[eyor44]

Well this looks interesting, I am along for the ride

Hello! How are you? So glad you stopped in.

 

[eyor44]

Time to meet the MAK children.
Group photo at Easter.

Now in birth order.
John - trying to find a signal.

Joseph

Luke - he played Star Wars all day

Aly

Sophia

Joey - who did not want his picture taken

It's okay Joey

What do you do when you are done taking pictures? You jump in the sand pit.

And Chloee - she won't be with us on this trip, but isn't she a doll?

here is one with her eyes open - showing off the Easter eggs she painted

 

[eyor44]

Hello!
Yes, the trip is still on and we have been busy planning and getting ready. I have been doing some shopping for things I know we will need getting them on sale and with coupons. and we have been busy making the kids a few items of clothing just to make things fun. Problem: Aly and Sophia are both suddenly going through growth spurts. Going to have to modify a couple of things for them. Elizabeth and Colby both have their dresses and they are beautiful. I have mine, but need to add the bling. IF things go as planned (which they never do) I will be working on it on Monday. I have had the problem of not being able to work on it as DH is not suppose to see it until the big reveal at Disney.
We have all of the reservations we needed and I have been planning schedules for each day, plus we have menus, kind of. Finalizing menus also. Lots to do in the next 13 days. Luckily I have the day off before we leave. I have a feeling I am going to be very busy that day.

 

[eyor44]

We leave Saturday!!!!!!!

I am so excited! and there is still soooooo much to do!

Yes, we will begin this adventure on Saturday. We are leaving about 10:00am and driving to Lake City, FL for the night. We will be so close.

This past weekend was very busy. We had a Luau on Saturday to celebrate the birthdays of my DH, Scott, Brad and April. Lots of fun.

Yesterday, I spent doing stuff for the trip. I shopped and got all but one thing on my list. We will be eating most of our meals at the villa so I want to take as much as possible with us.

Then I did some sewing. So far I have 11 pairs of shorts, 8 hats and 2 headbands made. I ironed all of the shirts I am going to make up this week. Some will be iron ons and some will be (hopefully) applique. I also worked on my dress. I purchased a plain evening gown for our dinner and am adding a bit of bling to it. The glue gave me a headache. Guess that is why the tube said to "use in a well ventilated area". I finally feel better this morning and will work on it and some shirts tonight. I had hoped to make the girls a couple dresses/or skirts, but we'll have to see how much time I have.

Oh, I am also making the younger kids Disney activity books. I want to make sure they have plenty to do during the ride there and any down time we have while we are there.

 

[eyor44]

Okay, still 6 days away. I have been very busy tonight. DH and DS were over at Gram's mowing her yard and DD fell asleep right after dinner. She had a big day of swimming and dance class. I was able to get a lot of sewing done. I finally got brave enough to try my hand at applique on the machine. Took a few trys, but I finally figured out how to set the stiches and away I went. The first one didn't come out too good, but I did a Mickey Head and it is all rounded corners. So I switched to some squares and after those tried the Mickey Head again. I got 6 shirts appliqued and was working on a hat when I decided to take a break. It is late here and I really need to go to bed, but I am having so much fun. I just hope everything fits and the kids like the stuff.

Gotta work some more on my dress tomorrow. One of the guys at work suggested I work out in the garage with one of the bay doors open. Perhaps then the fumes won't give me a headache.

Today at work was so much fun. I got to announce in the morning meeting that I only have 4 work days this week and then I am out of there for 10 whole days. Including weekends, but I kept stressing the 10 days part. Yes, they will miss me.

 

[bpm0529]

The Dads are doing their own prep work for next week. Lots of golf practice over the last couple of weeks including a round at the Bridges golf course in Bay Saint Louis. We wanted to play a top notch course before we got to Disney. Its only 6 days until we tee it up at Disney's Magnolia golf course.

 

[eyor44]

The Dads are doing their own prep work for next week. Lots of golf practice over the last couple of weeks including a round at the Bridges golf course in Bay Saint Louis. We wanted to play a top notch course before we got to Disney. Its only 6 days until we tee it up at Disney's Magnolia golf course.

Yes, this is something I just quite don't understand. The Dads are going to play golf four days in a row at Disney, yet they felt the need to practice. Isn't golf the same regardless where you play it?

Hmmmm, I should think on this.....I need to go to the mall multiple times before we go so I can practice shopping before I get to Downtown Disney.

 

[eyor44]

Update! Update!
PhotoPass CD pre-purchased.
Packing List ready.
Food purchased. (except pancake mix, gotta go by Sams as our Walmart has stopped carrying yet another brand of something that I like, getting real frustrated with that store)
6 more shirts appliqued.

Didn't get to work on my dress tonight since I had a sinus headache. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. It's getting closer.

Here's a good one. My wonderful DD informed me this evening that she has decided she wants to do breakfast at the Castle with the princesses again. Oh, and visit the boutique before breakfast just like we did last time.
Yeah, right and I can fly also.

Anyone who has read my previous trip report knows what I went through with my absolutely adorable DD to get her to the boutique and castle last time. After months of saying she doesn't like Princesses anymore, suddenly she wants to go back. I love my children!

A couple of outfits the kids will be wearing.
WallE

Mickey

 

[eyor44]

3 more days and we will be at Disney!

Yeah, suppose to be working right now, but I have more important things to do. Llike DIS!

Last night I got two more shirts and half a hat done. I also worked on my dress. It is coming along very nicely. Not perfect by any means, but it will certainly be different.

Colby is stopping by this evening so we can compare shopping lists. We are taking care of the food for the week and we need to make sure we have gotten everything we can take with us. Still have a couple of items that I will pick up tomorrow.

Oh the list I have for tomorrow. Last night DH was like, "so....you're off on Friday?" Yes, and I have my list.....don't go getting any ideas.

Here is part of the list for Friday:
Recycle cans
Go by bank
Go by pharmacy
Bath dog (she is way over due for a bath)
Wash clothes
Finish dress
Finish kids outfits
shop for last few items
and PACK!!!!!!

I am very sure there are many more things I need to do besides these things.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hmmmm, I should think on this.....I need to go to the mall multiple times before we go so I can practice shopping before I get to Downtown Disney.

I like how you think, Lisa!!!!

I bet you are getting so excited for this trip. I know you have a lot to do so I wanted to stop by with some extra for you.

Just a couple more days now.....

 

[eyor44]

I like how you think, Lisa!!!!

I bet you are getting so excited for this trip. I know you have a lot to do so I wanted to stop by with some extra for you.

Just a couple more days now.....

Thanks for stopping by and the good wishes. I am so ready for this trip and I hope to have lots of good things to report.

 

[eyor44]

Final update before we leave. ......in 6 hours.

Yes, it is 4:00am and I am still up. I have been working on Disney stuff since 9:00am yesterday. I did what I said I wouldn't do. I worked on kids clothes most of the day. I also finished my dress, washed clothes, ran errands, baked cookies, but never gave the dog her bath. Oh well. But yes, I have been up most of the night sewing.
The finished products include:
2 dresses
9 hats
15 pairs of shorts
and 27 shirts.
All are tshirts and some are iron ons and some of applique. That's the problem. I learned something new and can't stop now. I need a suitcase just for all of the customs.

John and Colby are leaving at 6:00am with their two kids and stopping in Mobile to have breakfast with his Mother for her birthday. They will meet us in Lake City where we will be stopping for the night. Brad, Elizabeth, Scott and I and all of our children are to leave at 10:00am. A slight plumbing problem developed last night that Scott has to fix before we leave, plus we have to pack and pack the truck, so I will be happy if we get out of here by noon.
I'm excited and can't sleep. I can't wait to get there. I love Disney.