May 2011: The kids are getting 3rd visit surprise! Now w/pics!

[ohboyx3]

I'm about 20 mins south of Knoxville. Where are you?

Chattanooga!

 

[Lidian]

Chattanooga!

I'd offer to wave as we pass through, but you'll already be at WDW!

We drive down when Thomas comes to town (but skipping him this year because of WDW).

 

[jm106]

OMG I am freaking out- we are SO close! I have to have it all done and ready by monday night other then putting things into the car. How are you doing on prep? Sorry you have a sick little one, no fun, hope it passes fast.

 

[lovethattink]

Yay for another week and you able to do the single digit dance!

Thanks for bringing the ! Sing whatever your heart wishes!

You're going to wish you never friended me on FB.

Fingers are crossed all of our families are healthy for our trips!!!!



I did add in Mucinex (the cough one) since he's so bad. Once he gets a little better, I'll switch him to the regular. He's just struggling right now because he can't hardly catch his breath for the coughing. Thank you, TK!

I was okay with the online check-in, but the CM I talked to rubbed me wrong. It wasn't like it said anywhere that I couldn't select room requests or why.

Did you get your rez's fixed?



DS isn't on any steroids, but DD does Pulmicort 2x a day.

DD's asthma/allergy doctor has already recommended we move, but we can't afford it right now, even if we wanted to. She had done so well the past couple of years, and then turned around and is still struggling this year. I'm hoping that whatever he has, she doesn't get, but at least she has a head start on treatment if she does.

I do hate to hear that Anakin struggled so much, too. It's not only rough on the little ones, its rough on us seeing them sick so much. I'm glad that the move has really helped him!!

How was Anakin's graduation? I bet he had a blast!

The online check-in was fine, just frustrating - well, moreso when I called than anything. I'm so looking forward to seeing CSR in person!

for 12 days!!!!

Oops I must have typed wrong. Grumpy was our asthma/pneumonia kid. But he really seems to either be outgrowing it, or so much of it was food allergies and now that he stays away from the allergens he isn't wheezy??

Graduation was really nice! They ordered in caps and gowns and tassles for $19. It looked great, but not I have to figure out what do to with it, since we don't need it again. I guess he can dress up and play graduation, lol. We got him a graduate Duffy bear. I'll have to post pics later today.

 

[Lidian]

OMG I am freaking out- we are SO close! I have to have it all done and ready by monday night other then putting things into the car. How are you doing on prep? Sorry you have a sick little one, no fun, hope it passes fast.

Wow, Monday is too soon for me to be ready!

I'm freaking out too, but I have all this upcoming week to finish things. My biggest issue is getting the kids packed without them knowing. They are mostly done, but DD and DS don't like to let me out of their sight.

I think I'll be okay on getting everything done. I have quite a few errands to run this week - get car tags renewed, DS has his state testing Monday (if he's better), pick up gradecards, purchase a few odds & ends for the trip (PJs and a couple of shirts for DD, return a couple of items, make sure DH doesn't need anything, purchase snacks/breakfast foods for room/trip, case of bottled water), swing by bank, mani/pedi, wedding on Saturday, car swap, and house cleaning. That's all manageable, right?

How much more do you have to do?

Regardless.... 8 days!

Thanks for the well wishes!

Oops I must have typed wrong. Grumpy was our asthma/pneumonia kid. But he really seems to either be outgrowing it, or so much of it was food allergies and now that he stays away from the allergens he isn't wheezy??

Graduation was really nice! They ordered in caps and gowns and tassles for $19. It looked great, but not I have to figure out what do to with it, since we don't need it again. I guess he can dress up and play graduation, lol. We got him a graduate Duffy bear. I'll have to post pics later today.

No, you typed correctly, but I read wrong. It's what happens when I'm sleep deprived from being up at all hours running the nebulizer. You did say it was your oldest, not sure why I read it as Anakin.

DD has food allergies, too, but we're really good at keeping her away from them, but it hasn't really helped her breathing. It's helped her Gastro tract, so at least that's a plus. I'm glad to hear that he's not being bothered with it, regardless of the reason. I thought DD was getting better until this year.

Graduation sounded adorable!!!! I can't wait to see pics! If you keep a memory box, it would make a cute addition after he plays dress up! That's so sweet that you got him a Graduate Duffy Bear!!

 

[Lidian]

I finally uploaded my pics from Field day. It only took ... forever.

Today, we went shopping. We returned clippers we purchased (they were HORRIBLE) and 2 pairs of shorts I originally bought, but changed my mind.

We bought our bottled water and breakfast/snack foods for the trip:
poptarts, cereal bars, fruit cups, oatmeal-to-go bars, flavor packs for water, applesauce, plastic spoons

I also had to buy my neice her birthday present. Her birthday was yesterday, but the party is tomorrow. It's supposed to be a pool party, but not sure if that will happen. I still think it hasn't been warm enough for the pool to be a decent temp to swim in, even if it is hot outside. Plus, its supposed to rain.

I got her a TS3 Mrs Potato Head and a cute little tee shirt with flowers on it.

DD needed new PJs and a couple more tops for our trip. Here's what I scored for her:

I also snapped a pic of the activity bag I have for the kids:

Included is: MMCH color book, Baby Animal color book, Twistable colored pencils, crayons (in the pencil box), notebook to journal or draw on, Star Wars / Pooh / Bambi sticker & activity books, Sesame Street sticker & activity book, P&F / TS3 / Princess play activity packs - they have 4 markers or crayons, a sticker sheet, and a 24 pg color/activity book

The bag will also get a couple of movies (not decided yet on which ones), DD's CD player, DS's Leapster and Tag (plus games/books), and a few small toys each (DS will get a couple Cars and Thomas trains, DD will get a MH doll and Squinkies or LPS).

The kids are mostly packed. Since we may use the swimsuits tomorrow, I have to unpack those - and rewash if they get used. Granted, the swimsuits are going into a separate bag in case we arrive and our room isn't ready.

I am getting TOO excited for our trip! (Is that possible, to be too excited? )

My final to-do list:
empty piggy banks
swing by bank for cash tips, toll money, and for cat sitters in case kitty needs something
create mousekeeping envelopes - will have mom hand draw them
create envelopes for DS and DD for their personal spending money
renew car tags
finish packing
create DH's packing list
verify he followed the packing list
DS's state testing Monday (if he's well)
Liz's birthday party tomorrow
plan something for our anniversary for Thursday (19th)
DH's BFF's wedding on Saturday (21st)
swap cars with dad
install DVD player in dad's SUV
load luggage into car
scrub house

What am I forgetting??

I'm a bit upset that I read P&F will NOT be at DHS for a few more weeks. They realized that they'd be skipping school if they started when originall planned, so their appearance has been pushed back and what I read did not have a release date. It just said a couple of weeks. I think the highlight of DS's trip would have been a M&G with P&F. Now I'm glad they don't know we're going, and especially don't know that P&F was originally going to be there.

I scheduled an ADR for our Thursday EP day for lunch at Teppan Edo for a party of 6. If our WoW friends can't join us, we'll just check-in as a party of 4. I explained the situation to one of them, and he was completely understanding and said he'd let us know about the extra lunch and the extra days. I still need to get their "must do" lists so I can make sure they don't miss out on anything. Obviously, they can go do their own thing at any time, and I don't expect them to tag around with us all day, everyday. But I do want to make sure we do some of the things they want to do as a group as well. I'm feeling better about having 1.5 MK days and 2 EP days since they will be with us, and we can tour a bit slower and not feel like I'm missing out on things. We'll cram as much as possible on our half MK day and definitely see MSEP.

Okay, enough planning talk for now. Feel free to leave feedback though! On... to field day!

I was asked to help out so they could break up into teams of 4. The teacher wanted to focus on pictures and overseeing everything, so her 2 TA's, myself, and a dad each had a group. We stayed together as a class, but were on "teams".

They had nearly 40 activities for them to do! Since it was cool outside and they were little, we skipped most of the water activities. Some of the activities required more coordination as well. We did maybe 10-15 activities. They had music booming over speakers throughout the "field", so the kids danced around to their favorite songs while they got to play.

First up, sack races!

They even made the teachers take a turn! The dad, an assistant, the teacher, and a student all had a race together:

DS couldn't wait to stick his hands in the bucket for one of the sponge races:

Then he had to wait for a teammate to come empty the sponge into his bucket:

DD's class got to do tug-o-war. The whole grade competed against each other. They won their first one:

They lost their second, but they won all the rest - and ended up being the winning class. So her class was the strongest class in her grade. Just look at how much effort they put into pulling!!!

DS and his bestie played with a tire tube:

DD played Dizzy Bat - her teacher stood in the back and made them do extra spins for good measure. He even assisted some of the boys. One the way back, one boy was sooo dizzy, he ran me over and knocked me down (even after I was trying to dodge him!!!)

Another reason I think DD's teacher is one of the best ever: He gets involved in the activities they are doing! Him and another dad had a race off:

The rest of the Field Day I just stood back and enjoyed. OH! DD's class made their own tye-dye tees. They did a super job with them!

Anyway, sorry for being pic heavy ... but just HAD to share.

 

[lovethattink]

What fun field day pictures!!

Love the Tink and Rapunzel pjs!

I just got my Mickey Monitor the other day and it says May 16 as the start date for Phineas and Ferb. That's a bummer if it's later. It sounds really cute. More along the lines of the Rapunzel meet and greet.

The Mickey monitor says, "They'll appear in person for some interactive hijinks, which may find you in the middle of the frantic filming, plus lots of music and some of the biggest smiles in the tri-state area." Says they will hang out for autographs afterwards.

 

[Corrine 1973]

That field day looked like it was alot of fun. I don't think a post could ever be to photo heavy. But than again I love pics, remember a picture says a thosand words. Especially that one with the teacher on that little bike.

You got a great haul, everything looks great. I can't let my DD see the pics of the pj's she'll want them to. She loves everything princess.

Hopefully P&F will find there way out there and you can see them. I definatly hopping that they are out there when we get there, Liam is so looking foward to seeing them.

Hope DS is doing better today.

 

[Lidian]

What fun field day pictures!!

Love the Tink and Rapunzel pjs!

I just got my Mickey Monitor the other day and it says May 16 as the start date for Phineas and Ferb. That's a bummer if it's later. It sounds really cute. More along the lines of the Rapunzel meet and greet.

The Mickey monitor says, "They'll appear in person for some interactive hijinks, which may find you in the middle of the frantic filming, plus lots of music and some of the biggest smiles in the tri-state area." Says they will hang out for autographs afterwards.

I have to ask ... What is a "Mickey Monitor"? At first, I thought it was a computer monitor with Mickey ears, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

And originally P&F was supposed to arrive on the 16th, but the Disney Blog said otherwise here:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...es-rescheduled-for-disneys-hollywood-studios/
They have to finish school first. Doesn't WDW realize lots of parents pull their kids out of school? P&F could do the same. They're smart. Their grades won't suffer.

That field day looked like it was alot of fun. I don't think a post could ever be to photo heavy. But than again I love pics, remember a picture says a thosand words. Especially that one with the teacher on that little bike.

You got a great haul, everything looks great. I can't let my DD see the pics of the pj's she'll want them to. She loves everything princess.

Hopefully P&F will find there way out there and you can see them. I definatly hopping that they are out there when we get there, Liam is so looking foward to seeing them.

Hope DS is doing better today.

I loved seeing DD's teacher on the trike! It was the highlight of my day. The PK kids didn't get over to that area, so they missed out.

I got those PJ's for $7/each at WM, so I'm pretty happy. DD won't know about them until she goes to unpack. That goes for all the clothes I've bought over the past few weeks. Neither child knows they are getting a trip AND a new wardrobe!

I linked the WDW Blog that said they moved it back a few weeks above. I was most looking forward to the P&F M&G and would have waited in a long line for it - it would be the only long line we'd do all week, but that would be acceptable for P&F. So I'm kinda down that we'll be missing them.

DS seems to be a bit better today. He's not 100%, but his coughing/congestion seems to be less today than it was yesterday. It's obvious the breathing treatments are helping.


DH and I have discussed HOW and WHEN we will be revealing our trip. DH's BFF (Ben) is getting married this weekend. (They're actually going on a DisneyMoon.) The kids adore Ben - they call him Uncle Ben - and they know he is moving away after his wedding. So DH and I decided that we'll tell them that we're helping Ben move. It will be his and his wife's clothes in the suitcases if they ask. They don't know where Ben is moving to (it's actually Illinois), so even if DD catches state signs, she won't know the difference. I figure once we get close to WDW, I'll pull out the video camera and talk to them until we hit the gate, where they will see it and freak out (I hope anyway). I'll then hand them a booklet of our itinerary and the Birnbaum Kid's book.

Really, our goal would be for the kids to sleep until we arrive at CSR, but I know my kids. We'd have to leave MUCH earlier if we want that to happen. They'll be up for probably 1-3 hours before arrival, and thats if we leave around midnight like we did last year. So if we leave at our scheduled time, they'll be up for a good portion of the trip.

I'd really prefer to wake them up saying we're having to stop at a hotel for awhile and see how long it takes for them to figure out we're at WDW. So this is our tentative plans.

Getting them into the car is "helping Uncle Ben move"
Suitcases may be Uncle Ben borrowing ours if needed
Worst case: telling them as we near the WDW gates
Best case: waking them up in the CSR parking lot

What do you guys think? I'd love some feedback and suggestions to make it great! I really feel like I can do better, but we can't come up with anything else.

 

[lovethattink]

I have to ask ... What is a "Mickey Monitor"? At first, I thought it was a computer monitor with Mickey ears, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

And originally P&F was supposed to arrive on the 16th, but the Disney Blog said otherwise here:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...es-rescheduled-for-disneys-hollywood-studios/
They have to finish school first. Doesn't WDW realize lots of parents pull their kids out of school? P&F could do the same. They're smart. Their grades won't suffer.

Thanks for the link. That stinks!

Mickey Monitor is the newletter for Annual Passes.




[/QUOTE]

Getting them into the car is "helping Uncle Ben move"
Suitcases may be Uncle Ben borrowing ours if needed
Worst case: telling them as we near the WDW gates
Best case: waking them up in the CSR parking lot

What do you guys think? I'd love some feedback and suggestions to make it great! I really feel like I can do better, but we can't come up with anything else. [/QUOTE]

That would be great if they woke up at the motel. I don't have any suggestions for the great surprise.

 

[mtgirl29]

I loved seeing DD's teacher on the trike! It was the highlight of my day. The PK kids didn't get over to that area, so they missed out.

I got those PJ's for $7/each at WM, so I'm pretty happy. DD won't know about them until she goes to unpack. That goes for all the clothes I've bought over the past few weeks. Neither child knows they are getting a trip AND a new wardrobe!

I linked the WDW Blog that said they moved it back a few weeks above. I was most looking forward to the P&F M&G and would have waited in a long line for it - it would be the only long line we'd do all week, but that would be acceptable for P&F. So I'm kinda down that we'll be missing them.

DS seems to be a bit better today. He's not 100%, but his coughing/congestion seems to be less today than it was yesterday. It's obvious the breathing treatments are helping.

[COLOR="DarkGreen]DH and I have discussed HOW and WHEN we will be revealing our trip. DH's BFF (Ben) is getting married this weekend. (They're actually going on a DisneyMoon.) The kids adore Ben - they call him Uncle Ben - and they know he is moving away after his wedding. So DH and I decided that we'll tell them that we're helping Ben move. It will be his and his wife's clothes in the suitcases if they ask. They don't know where Ben is moving to (it's actually Illinois), so even if DD catches state signs, she won't know the difference. I figure once we get close to WDW, I'll pull out the video camera and talk to them until we hit the gate, where they will see it and freak out (I hope anyway). I'll then hand them a booklet of our itinerary and the Birnbaum Kid's book.

Really, our goal would be for the kids to sleep until we arrive at CSR, but I know my kids. We'd have to leave MUCH earlier if we want that to happen. They'll be up for probably 1-3 hours before arrival, and thats if we leave around midnight like we did last year. So if we leave at our scheduled time, they'll be up for a good portion of the trip.

I'd really prefer to wake them up saying we're having to stop at a hotel for awhile and see how long it takes for them to figure out we're at WDW. So this is our tentative plans.

Getting them into the car is "helping Uncle Ben move"
Suitcases may be Uncle Ben borrowing ours if needed
Worst case: telling them as we near the WDW gates
Best case: waking them up in the CSR parking lot

What do you guys think? I'd love some feedback and suggestions to make it great! I really feel like I can do better, but we can't come up with anything else. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[COLOR="Indigo"]First of all, I want to say I really like the plan, to say you all are helping Uncle Ben move. It really sounds believable since he is getting married the week before you leave. Do you actually know where Ben is moving to? If not to Florida, he hasn't mentioned in front of the kids? If not, I think it sounds great.

I love all your purchases. I think our DD's will look like twins on vacation. I think you have fabulous taste with clothes.
I am still needing to get sunscreen and stuff for their activity bags. We got 'Pirates of the Caribbean' for the kids to watch tonight. I think it goes well since we will be staying a in Pirate room at CBR.

Your messages can NEVER EVER be too photo heavy. The more photos the better.
I really enjoyed your Field Day photos. The kids looked like they had a blast. DD's teacher looks like a awesome teacher. You don't see that everyday; grown man riding a tricycle....

So glad DS seems to be better today!!! [/COLOR]

 

[Lidian]

First of all, I want to say I really like the plan, to say you all are helping Uncle Ben move. It really sounds believable since he is getting married the week before you leave. Do you actually know where Ben is moving to? If not to Florida, he hasn't mentioned in front of the kids? If not, I think it sounds great.

I love all your purchases. I think our DD's will look like twins on vacation. I think you have fabulous taste with clothes.
I am still needing to get sunscreen and stuff for their activity bags. We got 'Pirates of the Caribbean' for the kids to watch tonight. I think it goes well since we will be staying a in Pirate room at CBR.

Your messages can NEVER EVER be too photo heavy. The more photos the better.
I really enjoyed your Field Day photos. The kids looked like they had a blast. DD's teacher looks like a awesome teacher. You don't see that everyday; grown man riding a tricycle....

So glad DS seems to be better today!!!

The kids do not know where Ben is moving to, so if DD caught we were in FL, it shouldn't raise her suspicions much.

Should we get together and coordinate which parks to wear which outfit for matching pictures? Instead of Flat Stanley/Mickey, we could do the same thing for our DD's.

I love that you guys are watching PotC! I think its one of DD's favorite series. She was the main reason we did the pirate room at CBR last year.

Can't wait to hear what you get for the activity bags! I'm trying to borrow kid movies so the kids will have something "new-ish" to watch in the car instead of the same movies we have here everyday.

I about fell over when he agreed to do the trike race with another dad. There was no doubt about it, I had to snap a picture. He's truly a great teacher, and he gets the kids motivated for things. They did a fund raiser and he said if his class had the most sales, he'd shave his head. DD's class got the most sales, and the Vice Principal came in and shaved his head - left a mohawk - then dyed it PINK! It was a blast!!! The winning class got a private party with the principals - who are both highly involved in the school.

Every 9 weeks, they did a private party for all kids who displayed exceptional grades and behaviour (most had one, but not both). It included the teachers playing Wii, PS3, and Xbox games with the kids - including Sing It and DDR.

I'm sad that she won't have him next year. He's really done wonders with her, and I don't know any of the teacher's she'll have next year!!

 

[Lidian]

Thanks for the link. That stinks!

Mickey Monitor is the newletter for Annual Passes.

That would be great if they woke up at the motel. I don't have any suggestions for the great surprise.

Thanks for the explaination! Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to have an AP and will know these things. I really did think you got a new PC monitor though.

Today, DH came to me and said he read on the news (not sure what website) that Knoxville, TN was ranked #2 in asthma (behind Richmond, VA). There were 4 TN cities in the top 10.

 

[Lidian]

It's that time. The first ever "This time next week" segment.

​

This time next week ...

We will have told the kids we were going to help Ben move between midnight and 3am (that's the time frame we plan to head out).
We will have arrived at CSR and checked in, and the kids will be ecstatic that they are WDW.
We will have had lunch at Pepper Market (unless we arrive later than 11, we will stop at a McD or BK or something otherwise).
We will be taking a dip in the pool.
Around 3 or 4pm, we'll get cleaned up and head over to MK for the evening.
We will see as many attractions as possible - but it will depend on the crowds as to what all we get done.
Touring goals for this night: Mickey M&G, Monsters Inc, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion (realistically, we may not accomplish much, but that's okay)
We'll utilize FPs (if available) for things.
I will be excited to use the Lines app for the first time!
We'll grab dinner at probably Cosmic Ray's or Columbia Harbor House.
We will watch the MSEP and Wishes.
We may continue to tour since park is open until 3am.
When we are done, we'll head back to CSR and relax.

I sooo can't wait!!

Live updates (and possible pictures) will be added to FaceBook - pending my phone cooperates enough. We will not purchase internet access, but I do have my iPhone. I will also bring my laptop, but mostly to pull pictures and videos off the cameras.

Hmm... need to add "install iTunes" to my to-do list so I can transfer pics to my phone for uploading.

Tomorrow's to-do list:
Take DS for K screening
Get car tags renewed
Swing by bank (piggy banks have been emptied and rolled)
Get oil changed in car
Attempt more packing
Create DH's packing list
Verify park hours and double-check itinerary
Start house scrubbing
Take envelopes to mom to decorate for Mousekeeping (Mom is VERY artsy, so I asked if she'd hand-draw our tip envelopes. I asked her to keep it simple, pretty writing and some easy Disney-fied drawings, like mouse ears and pixie dust wands, etc. She will also craft envelopes for the kids that will hold their money from their piggy banks.)

 

[Corrine 1973]

I love this idea, so I am going to have to steal it from you. What a great way to make the last week go faster than to be thinking of what you will be doing next week at the this time.

At least the week before I go I can get my WDW fix from you off of FB.

Hope you get everything done and can't wait to hear about how the suprise goes for the kids.

 

[mrssmith06]

1 week away?! So awesome, I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!!
I need to stat making some "to do" lists!!!

 

[PixieMama]

AAAAAHHHH!!!! You're down to just one week! So exciting!




I want to see these envelopes your mom is making...

 

[mtgirl29]

Fantastic idea, about what will you all doing in one week posts!!!! I might steal this one, too. I love living this with you and then we all can relive it again when we do our TRs!!!

 

[Lidian]

I love this idea, so I am going to have to steal it from you. What a great way to make the last week go faster than to be thinking of what you will be doing next week at the this time.

At least the week before I go I can get my WDW fix from you off of FB.

Hope you get everything done and can't wait to hear about how the suprise goes for the kids.

Steal away! I stole the concept and tweaked it a bit from someone else.

By the end of the week, you'll be so sick of my FB updates, you'll unfriend me.

Thank you, and I'll definitely let everyone know how it goes. Even if the kids are like "and?"

1 week away?! So awesome, I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!!
I need to stat making some "to do" lists!!!

ONE WEEK! Can't wait to hear what's left on your to-do list!

AAAAAHHHH!!!! You're down to just one week! So exciting!

I want to see these envelopes your mom is making...

Due to some family issues, mom won't be working on the envelopes today ... however, as soon as she gets them done, I plan on snapping pics of them. I'm anxious to see what she does!

And worst case scenario ... I try to have my ink cartridge filled and I print some off. I'd go buy a new one, but I can't find a place local that sells the one I need.

 

[Lidian]

Fantastic idea, about what will you all doing in one week posts!!!! I might steal this one, too. I love living this with you and then we all can relive it again when we do our TRs!!!

Steal away, as I said above, I stole the concept from someone else and tweaked it.

But TK ... I don't wanna do a TR ... that would mean my trip was over if I did one.