Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[photographymom517]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO EVERYONE!!!!

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[-Hope-]

Happy Mother's Day to you!!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Happy Mothers Day to you too!!

 

[photographymom517]

Happy Mother's Day to you!!

Happy Mothers Day to you too!!

Thank you both!!!

I hope that you both have a great Mother's Day!

 

[photographymom517]

So I know I promised to update about a week ago but it never happened! I apologize for that! There have been alot of "family issues" going on, not with me personally but somehow I always manage to get myself right in the middle of it all! lol So, I've been dealing with all of that & barely finding time for myself in the meantime. It's been truly crazy!

As promised, here is my update! We went to the zoo this past week. I was able to "test out" my Baggallini as well as my digital camera. I've had the camera for awhile now, but haven't used it other than taking pictures of the kids playing outside or in the house. This was the first "family outing" where I used it & I LOOOOVE it!!!

Its a Canon Powershot S3 IS and I definitely recommend the Canon Powershot cameras if anyone is looking for one!!! It is kinda a cross between a regular digital camera & an entry-level DSLR. It has both the auto and manual settings which is great! I'm not 100% familiar with all of its features yet, but I love everything I've figured out so far!

As for the Baggallini, please read my response to Charlefour in Post #191. It describes my experience with the bag! I will definitely be taking it along on our Disney trip, but will be taking my Vera as well as another bag. Not sure if I mentioned it previously or not, but I have the Pewter colored Baggallini & its a nice color of gray. I was afraid it would be "too purplish" but it turned out to be a true medium gray.

Here are a few pictures of the Baggallini. I took one of myself with it on so you can see how it lays on your shoulder & side. I apologize that I took the photo in the zoo bathroom, but I wanted to look in a full length mirror to make sure I got a good pic for my fellow DIS-ers!!!

Here are 2 pictures of it before I packed it...one showing the whole bag & one showing the strap. I love the zipper compartment on the strap, its the feature of the bag I used the most! I also noticed when posting these photos that there's a zipper pocket on the back of the bag. I didn't use this at the zoo, but I will be using it for my travel info & any papers I bring with me to the parks when we go to Disney!

Here is the photo of me with the bag.

Here is a photo of the bag opened...in the front compartment, there are 4 pockets a little larger than credit card slots, a mesh zipper slot, and then behind those slots, you have another compartment that goes the whole way across the bag (if that makes sense). There is also a slot for a pen or pencil. Of course you can also put stuff in front of the slots...I had a ton of stuff in there! My Spray N Wash stick is kinda in the way, but you can see I have sunglasses, A&D ointment, toddler silverware, binky holder, and some other items in there. It really fits alot of stuff & I was afraid it would look bulky when I was done stuffing it full, but it didn't.

And...I also won this Vera Pink Cupcakes Tote this past week on ebay! I'm planning to take it to Disney as well.

 

[photographymom517]

Here are some pictures from the zoo. We had a really nice day! It ended up being around 83 degrees and was gorgeous! This week's weather forecast doesn't look good...mostly 50s and its supposed to go down to 20 tonight! This weather is crazy!

Luckily we were able to go last week & had gorgeous weather. The only thing I didn't like was that alot of things were closed until Memorial Day, so we didn't get to ride the train or eat at some of the little shops. But it turned out ok & I even have some food porn for ya!!! I couldn't resist taking the pics of my food!

I loved being able to photograph the animals through the glass. I've never been able to do that before when I used my other cameras. But this camera was amazing. There were even water spots on some of the windows in the aquarium & I was still able to get good photos! I absolutely LOOOOVE penguins & have never taken good pics of them either, so I was happy to get alot of group shots, individual shots, and even a few of penguins swimming! It was funny because this one lady had a penguin following her wherever she walked by putting her camera strap against the glass & moving it back & forth. She apologized & thought she was in my way, but she was actually helping me get alot of good close-up shots! lol My fav picture I took the entire day was the close-up of the beaver eating the stick. I was actually really far away on top of a bridge when I took the photo & was amazed at how much detail I ended up getting in the picture. Loooove the camera! The whole time, I kept thinking of how awesome it will be to get close-ups of Mickey & the Cinderella Castle & Osbourne Lights & the fireworks...etc!

 

[-Hope-]

That bag looks great! I hadn't really considered getting one but after looking at the pics I'm tempted. I need a new camera bag and since I can't find one I just love I had considered just getting a regular bag along with inserts for my camera and accessories and this on looks like it might work for that.

Glad you got to test everything out at the zoo- it's always good to be able to give things a trial run. I plan to go to the state capitol sometime this summer so I can practice taking pics of a looming building with blue sky in the background to get ready for my castle pics.

You're little boy is a cutie and he looks like he's really having a good time at the zoo!

 

[Megablocks]

Hey girl, I am finally caught up again -- stupid school and final projects keep interfering with my DIS time I'm done as of tomorrow so I'll be a lot better about keeping up with my subscriptions!

I can't remember if I mentioned this or not, but I ended up getting one of the Disney Dooneys for my birthday/DBF's and my anniversary -- I got the black wonder wristlet because I am not a bag girl at all (I know, I find it weird, too), and I LOVE it. It's so cute and I love carrying it around.

I'm glad you got a bag and were able to test it out at the zoo. Your son is SUCH a cutie! I love the picture of him with the cone. We're having crazy weather as well -- just last week I needed my dad to help me put my A/C back in my window because it was in the 90's for a few days. Today it was in the 50's and windy as anything, and of course its just gotten colder.

I know it's kind of late now, but Happy Mother's Day!

 

[photographymom517]

That bag looks great! I hadn't really considered getting one but after looking at the pics I'm tempted. I need a new camera bag and since I can't find one I just love I had considered just getting a regular bag along with inserts for my camera and accessories and this on looks like it might work for that.

Glad you got to test everything out at the zoo- it's always good to be able to give things a trial run. I plan to go to the state capitol sometime this summer so I can practice taking pics of a looming building with blue sky in the background to get ready for my castle pics.

You're little boy is a cutie and he looks like he's really having a good time at the zoo!

I think the bag would work well for your camera. The only thing I would worry about is that the bag is on the thinner side, so you might need to get some sort of padding for around your camera. You mentioned inserts, so that should work fine too!

That is a great idea to test out castle pics at the state capitol building! I know those buildings are HUUUUGE! I'm planning to test out fireworks pics on the 4th of July this year!

Thanks for saying my son is cute! He really had a great time at the zoo! It was really fun to compare it to last year's trip & see the difference in his reactions to everything! He really seemed to understand it alot more this year & really loved the animals!

Hey girl, I am finally caught up again -- stupid school and final projects keep interfering with my DIS time I'm done as of tomorrow so I'll be a lot better about keeping up with my subscriptions!

I can't remember if I mentioned this or not, but I ended up getting one of the Disney Dooneys for my birthday/DBF's and my anniversary -- I got the black wonder wristlet because I am not a bag girl at all (I know, I find it weird, too), and I LOVE it. It's so cute and I love carrying it around.

I'm glad you got a bag and were able to test it out at the zoo. Your son is SUCH a cutie! I love the picture of him with the cone. We're having crazy weather as well -- just last week I needed my dad to help me put my A/C back in my window because it was in the 90's for a few days. Today it was in the 50's and windy as anything, and of course its just gotten colder.

I know it's kind of late now, but Happy Mother's Day!

I completely understand what you mean with being busy! I used to spend hours on DIS but recently I'm lucky if I read one report a night. I have been logging-on & responding to everyone on my report & then I'm usually too tired & just fall asleep! lol So I completely understand! <<-- That reminds me of myself...I need coffee to stay awake while online these days!!! LOL

That is awesome that you got a Disney Dooney!!! How exciting! I think I did read that on your TR.

I know I talk alot about purses, so you might find this hard to believe, but until about 3 years ago, I never had an interest in purses at all!!! I ended up getting a Christmas bonus at work a few years ago & splurged & bought a Dooney & Bourke bag with a matching wristlet...that got me hooked!!!

Although I will admit now that I'm addicted to purses, I have a hard time justifying spending alot on a purse when 6 months later I find another one! lol I went to JC Penney before Christmas & found a $100 purse marked down to $49.99 and then I got it for $19...now thats an awesome deal! My ideal price for purses is usually under $40...so I guess I'm not really much of a hard core purse gal either! I will make exceptions, but I only spend more money if its something I really, really have to have. Whenever my husband said he'd like to buy me the Dooney for my birthday/Christmas, I was thrilled because last year I sold all of my favorite Dooney & Coach purses...and of course because I'm obsessed with Disney! I really hope if they come out with new designs, they keep the old ones for at least another year.

Thanks for saying Luke is a cutie! He looooved the zoo this year! His favorite part of any day is eating & since I have an obsession with ice cream, its usually a part of every trip we take! I saw this lady sitting a few tables down from us with a waffle cone with vanilla ice cream & sprinkles on it & just had to have one! I'm just like a little kid!

This weather is definitely crazy! I am watching the news right now & they said its supposed to be 20 degrees tonight! I actually had trouble finding something to wear today because I put away all of my winter clothes.

Thank you for the Mother's Day wishes! I had a really nice day!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Hey Hope, great report and pics on the zoo!! I have a canon and love it but I would love a new one. I have had it for 2 1/2 yrs and would like to get something new. Mine is the SL100--I think that's what it is. What is yours? I will probably hold off till next yr and get one before our next cruise! I also have a pocket nikon....It's ok, I am partial to canon though. I won the nikon at a school function so $150 camera free was ok with me and Is's slim and small so I keep it in my purse at all times and it's easy to slip in my pocket when needed!
Love the Dooney Mickey purse, I normally can't justify that amount for a purse, not even coach cause I change styles all the time. I am with you....$19 However since Mickey is on the Dooney, well if I had the extra money , I would soooooo be getting one. Unfortunately for me, DD's dance competition is #1 on the agenda, along with both DD's tennis, soccer, golf.....yeah we are busy bee's but better for them to stay active.
Loved the photos of ur son!! Adorable!! Looking at him, I think you have been worrying too much about Disney....he looks like he is independent and minus the crowds , would do well. I am one of those mom's the hates the kid"dog" leashes but thats just my opinion.I didn't like--- well I will keep that to myself.. ...you have to do what works. I just made my girls listen and if it was crowded they had to ride in the stroller and in lines, hold my hand. I let them walk 5 steps ahead of me, as long as I can see them. I just made games outta the stroller when they didn't wanna be in it and if they didn't like it well they cried. But you obviously need to do what works well for you.

This weekend was crazy for us. Had to jump in the tub in the bathroom with my SIL , DD's and DN's as the tornado siren was going off. We don't have a basement so the tub had to do! Golf ball size hail falling all over my yard, and smacking my windows, I swore they were gonna break. It was scarey....seems a tornado touched down about 2 miles from me....

Well off to work....loved your update Hope!! TTFN

 

[Tinkermom76]

Hi Hope,

Looks like you guys had a great time at the zoo. I haven't been in a long time, maybe I will take the girls this year.

I have a similar style bag that I used in Disney last year and it kinda bugged me after a day. I loved that it had so many compartments when I bought it but thats what bothered me at the parks, I always felt like I was looking through pockets

I'm gonna try a different bag this year

 

[exwdwcm]

Hi Hope- looks like a great trip to the zoo and great pics!!!! no problem on all the airport advice! i have to say, i really loved having a stroller. since we would drive (rental car), we really needed the stroller for those long walks back to the parking lot too. Keep in mind when the bus drops you off at night at CBR, you are going to have one worn out kiddo (and adults) and a stroller might be a lifesaver in those instances. Plus, it makes for a great 'storage' for the times he isn't riding in it.

I so know what you mean about the leashes. I thought they were horrible before having a son. Now i totally understand them. I still don't think they are for us really, but at least now I understand the need for them!!! I've seen them used a lot at WDW.

love your bags. I hear so much about the Veras and Baggalinis, but haven't ever used one or paid much attention. I really like them! We ordered a sturdy backpack on disney.com last year with our name and mickey embroidered on it and used that. it has tons of compartments, but of course is a backpack. i like the bagalini so you can wear it over the shoulder instead. i mgiht have to look into that- thanks for posting the detailed pics!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey Hope! Loving the Vera bag! Looks like you all had a great time at the zoo! Was it the Pittsburgh zoo? I hear it is awesome.

 

[stephielela]

I loved the pics of your bags! I ordered Vera mini hipstes for me, my mom and my sister for our Dec trip (my dad always carries a backpack with the big stuff, or we put it in DS's stroller) and one for my BFF who is going with me and DS to Disney in September! In fact , the one I ordered her is the pink cupcakes!

I love taking DS to the zoo, and its a good way to build up his walking stamina for Disney. We have a Friends of the Zoo pass that includes the train and tram and carousel, so I take him on and pretend we are at Disney!

Your son is adorable!

 

[photographymom517]

Hey Hope, great report and pics on the zoo!! I have a canon and love it but I would love a new one. I have had it for 2 1/2 yrs and would like to get something new. Mine is the SL100--I think that's what it is. What is yours? I will probably hold off till next yr and get one before our next cruise! I also have a pocket nikon....It's ok, I am partial to canon though. I won the nikon at a school function so $150 camera free was ok with me and Is's slim and small so I keep it in my purse at all times and it's easy to slip in my pocket when needed!
Love the Dooney Mickey purse, I normally can't justify that amount for a purse, not even coach cause I change styles all the time. I am with you....$19 However since Mickey is on the Dooney, well if I had the extra money , I would soooooo be getting one. Unfortunately for me, DD's dance competition is #1 on the agenda, along with both DD's tennis, soccer, golf.....yeah we are busy bee's but better for them to stay active.
Loved the photos of ur son!! Adorable!! Looking at him, I think you have been worrying too much about Disney....he looks like he is independent and minus the crowds , would do well. I am one of those mom's the hates the kid"dog" leashes but thats just my opinion.I didn't like--- well I will keep that to myself.. ...you have to do what works. I just made my girls listen and if it was crowded they had to ride in the stroller and in lines, hold my hand. I let them walk 5 steps ahead of me, as long as I can see them. I just made games outta the stroller when they didn't wanna be in it and if they didn't like it well they cried. But you obviously need to do what works well for you.

This weekend was crazy for us. Had to jump in the tub in the bathroom with my SIL , DD's and DN's as the tornado siren was going off. We don't have a basement so the tub had to do! Golf ball size hail falling all over my yard, and smacking my windows, I swore they were gonna break. It was scarey....seems a tornado touched down about 2 miles from me....

Well off to work....loved your update Hope!! TTFN

Hi Michelle! My Canon is the Powershot S3 IS. I really love it! I believe that model first came out in 2007 or 2008. It came with a few extra lenses & filters when I bought it which is nice to have. I wanted to buy an older model because of the cost. I love photography & its such a great investment for me since I am constantly taking pics & scrapbooking, but work hasn't been good for my husband the past year & I've been barely selling online in the past few months. So, I wanted to buy an older model to save some $$$. I also looked into the Canon SX120 IS, S5 IS, SX210 IS and SX20 IS. Here's the link for the info on the one I purchased. If you go to the website's home page, you can look at all of the Canon models.

Canon Powershot S3 IS Information

I plan on keeping this one for a few years! But if I ever upgrade in the future, I will definitely purchase another Canon Powershot. They are really great cameras! Out of all the models I've purchased in the future...Kodak, Nikon, Fujifilm...I prefer Canon over all of them! Also funny you mention having a little pocket Nikon...I have one of those as well. Mine is the Nikon Coolpix S220. I got it a few years ago when my Kodak quit working. I was disappointed because I loved that camera. But it would have cost more (even under the warranty) to ship it to them, get it fixed, and ship it back than the camera was even worth! So I just sold the old Kodak on ebay as broken & purchased the Nikon. I've always wanted a Nikon so it was like my special treat to myself...but I honestly don't like the camera. The Kodak was much better & had more features. I guess I was just paying for a name instead of quality & have been disappointed with it since day 1. The only nice feature is that its so small that I just throw it in my back pocket when going to the kids events or for the holidays.

I know what you mean about the purses. I've been giving it so much thought recently. I am really, really torn. I LOVE Mickey (OF COURSE!!! LOL) and I love Dooneys. I splurged & bought myself my very first Dooney a few years ago with my bonus from work. I was sad when I sold it because it was the first "expensive" purse I bought (it was actually one of the cheaper Dooneys, I think it only cost a little over $100). Anyway, our work situations aren't that great right now & everyone around me is struggling. I feel very guilty even accepting a present from my husband that costs that much. The only reason I'm even considering letting him buy it for me is because he said it would be both my birthday & Christmas present. Normally he isn't a spender, but he really wants me to have this purse. He said its his way of telling me how much he appreciates everything I do for him & my son

Last year, he bought me a Keurig (I think it cost $170) and I really felt guilty accepting it...I know, I'm not a normal woman! lol We aren't big spenders, unless its something for our son or something for the house (or a Disney trip...lol). The other reason I was thinking about accepting his gift to me is because we haven't been exchanging gifts for the past few years. We were moving into a new house, then I got pregnant, then we had extra baby expenses & moving expenses, I got laid off from my job, and everything just hit all at once. So last Christmas when he bought me the Keurig, it was the first time we'd exchanged gifts in probably 2 or 3 years. (We mutually agreed that this was ok since we had other things going on).

Another thing is that I agree with you...I am constantly changing purses!!! When I had my Dooney before, I carried it longer than any other purse I've ever had. So I'm assuming that I will carry this one for years if I get it. But then I look at my closet & see all the purses I said I would start carrying again...and they are still sitting there not being used! I got a Kathy Van Zeeland purse in November & am still carrying it, but I paid $4 for it at a yard sale! Those are the BEST purses...I love deals!

I am soooo very happy to hear that you think I am worrying too much about my son & how he'll do at Disney! Its great to hear someone's opinion that doesn't know him that well...because then I know its the truth! He is getting more independent by the day. I can really see huge changes in him. Before, he would refuse to hold my hand, but within the past few weeks, he has been doing very well with it. I just try to explain to him what we're doing before we do it...like I'll say "Ok, now we are going to put on our shoes, get the keys, and then go straight to the car. We aren't going to play on the porch with the toys, we will do that when we get home. So we will go straight to the car." Its so funny because if I do that, he will go out the door by himself & then wait until I lock the door, hold my hand down the steps, and go right to the car. He's even been trying to open his own door & climbs into the car on his own!

When you talked about the "kid leash" it reminded me alot of myself...you will share your opinions with others but you also respect their choices even when they are the not the choices you would make yourself. Thats exactly how I am! And I also wanted to tell you some good news! I think you will be happy to hear that I doubt I will even be using it. First of all, my son is scared of it. I never force him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Some people may say I spoil him, but I just don't see a reason to make him do something that will make him uncomfortable. I think I'm going to cut off the leash part & just let him have the puppy to use as a backpack & toy. That sounds like a good solution to me! lol

I have also convinced my husband FINALLY that we will take our own stroller to Disney. YIPPEE!!! My son loves to ride in it & it will help all of us have a much safer (and less stressful) time at the airport & at the resort. It will be nice to have it at the parks as well because I am so used to having the cup holders, basket underneath, and storage compartments on the handle. What's most important to me is that I think it will be the most comfortable for Luke.

The tornado siren sounds scary!!! I would have been freaking out alot more than you did! It seemed like you kept calm & got everyone in the tub! Good job! I'm glad to hear nothing was damaged & no one was hurt at your house. We actually had high winds on Friday evening & into Saturday afternoon, but it wasn't anything major. We had some storms, but they turned out to be less damaging than what the news had forecasted.

I remember 2 summers ago being home alone with my son. My husband was working afternoon turn & my son was only an infant. I had my dogs & son underneath a desk in our basement & was sooo scared! I couldn't watch tv or listen to the radio because the electricity was out, so I had no idea what was going on. My husband actually called me on his lunchbreak & all the guys were making fun of me because they didn't hear anything about winds or tornados. They told my husband that his wife was crazy! Well, turns out I wasn't crazy...afterwards, I found out a tornado hit about 5 miles from our house. Definitely a scary experience!

I will have another update sometime soon because I have to make my ADR's pretty soon! I keep saying it, but I better get planning! lol

Talk to you again soon!

 

[photographymom517]

Hi Hope,

Looks like you guys had a great time at the zoo. I haven't been in a long time, maybe I will take the girls this year.

I have a similar style bag that I used in Disney last year and it kinda bugged me after a day. I loved that it had so many compartments when I bought it but thats what bothered me at the parks, I always felt like I was looking through pockets

I'm gonna try a different bag this year

Yes, we had a very nice day at the zoo! I'm glad we went when we did because this week has been very rainy & it looks like the forecast for the upcoming week is just more rain!

Which bag are you taking to the park this year? I am planning to take another bag in addition to the Baggallini, probably the Vera but maybe a backpack type bag as well. I really liked that the Baggallini had all the compartments, but I can see where it would be frustrating as well. I basically just used the larger compartments & then the small one on the strap for the items I needed to take in & out of the bag throughout the day. I would probably only use those ones for the trip as well. It did hurt my shoulder & neck the day after I used it. That's my biggest concern for the trip! Who wants to be in pain on their Disney vacation?!? I don't know how I did it, but last year, I just put money in my pocket & carried my camera around. Maybe I will end up only taking my camera case, but I'd like to have snacks & extra clothes for my son. Guess I have another decision to make! LOL

 

[photographymom517]

Hi Hope- looks like a great trip to the zoo and great pics!!!! no problem on all the airport advice! i have to say, i really loved having a stroller. since we would drive (rental car), we really needed the stroller for those long walks back to the parking lot too. Keep in mind when the bus drops you off at night at CBR, you are going to have one worn out kiddo (and adults) and a stroller might be a lifesaver in those instances. Plus, it makes for a great 'storage' for the times he isn't riding in it.

I so know what you mean about the leashes. I thought they were horrible before having a son. Now i totally understand them. I still don't think they are for us really, but at least now I understand the need for them!!! I've seen them used a lot at WDW.

love your bags. I hear so much about the Veras and Baggalinis, but haven't ever used one or paid much attention. I really like them! We ordered a sturdy backpack on disney.com last year with our name and mickey embroidered on it and used that. it has tons of compartments, but of course is a backpack. i like the bagalini so you can wear it over the shoulder instead. i mgiht have to look into that- thanks for posting the detailed pics!

I have GREAT news! LOL I FINALLY convinced my husband that we are taking our own stroller to Disney! I told him that just because we've never taken a stroller before doesn't mean we can't this time. I said its not an inconvenience to anyone at the airport...they transport hundreds of strollers & wheelchairs every day! I told him that since I am in charge of all the planning, I would find out what the process is so we know what to do & where to leave the stroller. It will be soooo nice to have our own stroller! CBR is so huge it will be nice to have if our son doesn't feel like walking or if he gets tired. I also prefer it in the parks because it reclines so he can relax or nap. That will be a perfect time for me to go into shops with breakable items...last trip, I didn't get to go into the shops in Morocco at EPCOT & its my favorite country there! I just couldn't go in with him because mostly everything is breakable & it would have just been a disaster! So, with the stroller, if he's napping, I figure I can go into all those shops I avoided last trip!

There are tons & tons of advantages to having our own stroller. I will also be happy to have it at the airport. Last trip, he was only 10 months old, so he just kinda sat wherever we put him. Or if we were holding him, he didn't want down because he couldn't walk anywhere by himself anyway. This trip, he's so independent that it will be nice to have our stroller at places we didn't have it last trip...airport, resort, DTD, to/from the bus stops! I'm definitely glad everyone shared their experiences with me & helped me convince my husband!

You will have to read my response to ForTheLoveOfDCL (Michelle). I decided to just let my son use the leash as his own backpack/toy puppy. He is scared to death of the thing & I have trouble making him do anything he is scared of or makes him uncomfortable! It will still be nice for him to have as a backpack because it has a little pocket he can put his cars or small toys in. I know what you mean, now that I'm a mom I see why people use them. Luckily for me, he's starting to listen to me alot more in public places & will now hold my hand.

I actually never heard about Baggallinis until I started reading DISboards! LOL I was on one of the threads one night by chance & found a coupon code. I can't remember the exact price breakdown, but I think the bag was like $44 and I got a $10 discount, free shipping, and a 20% off so it ended up being around $22 all together. If I wouldn't have gotten the discount, I probably wouldn't have purchased it. I've wanted a Vera since college, but couldn't ever justify the cost of buying one with the price of courses & textbooks! My college bookstore used to have them & I'd look at them all the time, but never purchased one...that was years ago! Everyone I knew had one & now it seems like everyone on DIS has one too! If it weren't for ebay & their discounted prices on them, I probably wouldn't have bought one of them either. I can't wait to get it, I think it should be coming in the mail sometime late this week!

Your bag sounds great!!! I looked at the bags on Disneyshopping.com and I really liked the ones with the personalization! I like how they say Disney on them but you can have your name embroidered as well. I've seen alot of people in the parks with them on past trips. If you do end up buying a Baggallini, make sure you take your backpack as well & rotate using the bags. If you look on ebags.com, they actually have Baggallini backpacks as well. They have a bunch of different styles. I really like the lightweight material they use.

 

[photographymom517]

Hey Hope! Loving the Vera bag! Looks like you all had a great time at the zoo! Was it the Pittsburgh zoo? I hear it is awesome.

Hi Reese! Thanks, the Vera should be arriving late this week so I will try to post more pics once it comes! Over the weekend, we went out to dinner for Mother's Day & I saw a lady sitting across from us with the Vera Green Cupcakes Pleated Tote. It was really cute & it made me more excited to get mine!

We did have a great time at the zoo! Yes, it was the Pittsburgh Zoo. Honestly, I remember the zoo years ago & it has really declined over the years. Its sad...alot of the animal displays don't have any animals in them anymore! It was like that last year when we went as well. Of course it doesn't matter to the kids, they just love seeing the animals & eating at the little food court! Its still a really nice place to go. I just wish I didn't remember how much nicer it was years ago so I wouldn't be as disappointed! I would suggest the Cleveland Zoo in Ohio (although its about 3 hours from me, so I'm sure its at least 7-9 for you!). My friend goes every year a few times with her girls & they love it!

Have you ever been to the Hershey Zoo? We used to go out that way every year for Thanksgiving, but haven't been in about 8 years. We would go to Hershey Park & Chocolate World, then would stop at Indian Echo Caverns, the pretzel place, the train station, and the Lancaster Outlets on the way home. I sure do miss that tradition!

I loved the pics of your bags! I ordered Vera mini hipstes for me, my mom and my sister for our Dec trip (my dad always carries a backpack with the big stuff, or we put it in DS's stroller) and one for my BFF who is going with me and DS to Disney in September! In fact , the one I ordered her is the pink cupcakes!

I love taking DS to the zoo, and its a good way to build up his walking stamina for Disney. We have a Friends of the Zoo pass that includes the train and tram and carousel, so I take him on and pretend we are at Disney!

Your son is adorable!

I've read alot of threads on DIS about bags people take to the parks & it seems that lots of people buy the Hipsters or Mini-Hipsters! I've seen pics of people wearing them at the parks & it looks like a great bag! I actually considered buying one but I just take way too much junk with me so had to go for a bigger bag! lol

I love how you pretend you are at Disney when you go to the zoo! You are definitely right...it does build up their walking stamina for sure! We got a little safari wagon for my son, but I swear I pushed it empty over half the time we were there! My son actually wanted to push it part of the time too! But I'd rather have it just in case he wants to use it than to not have it & his poor little legs get tired. I definitely plan on taking him on walks this summer & to all the local fairs, so he'll be prepared for the rides & walking at Disney!

 

[stephielela]

I love how you pretend you are at Disney when you go to the zoo! You are definitely right...it does build up their walking stamina for sure! We got a little safari wagon for my son, but I swear I pushed it empty over half the time we were there! My son actually wanted to push it part of the time too! But I'd rather have it just in case he wants to use it than to not have it & his poor little legs get tired. I definitely plan on taking him on walks this summer & to all the local fairs, so he'll be prepared for the rides & walking at Disney![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Yeah, I rented a wagon the last time we went, and it helped from getting to one section to the other. I want to see if I can get a wagon used at a yard sale, since they charge $7 to rent one at our zoo, and I think that's a bit much. It was nice to have something other than the stroller though, and he enjoyed being able to eat his corn dog on the go!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Yes, we had a very nice day at the zoo! I'm glad we went when we did because this week has been very rainy & it looks like the forecast for the upcoming week is just more rain!

Which bag are you taking to the park this year? I am planning to take another bag in addition to the Baggallini, probably the Vera but maybe a backpack type bag as well. I really liked that the Baggallini had all the compartments, but I can see where it would be frustrating as well. I basically just used the larger compartments & then the small one on the strap for the items I needed to take in & out of the bag throughout the day. I would probably only use those ones for the trip as well. It did hurt my shoulder & neck the day after I used it. That's my biggest concern for the trip! Who wants to be in pain on their Disney vacation?!? I don't know how I did it, but last year, I just put money in my pocket & carried my camera around. Maybe I will end up only taking my camera case, but I'd like to have snacks & extra clothes for my son. Guess I have another decision to make! LOL

Last year I had the Heys travel mate and it held all my stuff but like I said way too many pockets.

I just bought a tote the other day for Disney. I know most people don't use a tote bag but I love those kinds of bags and I hate having a bag across my chest so I think this on will work better. Plus my mom will now be with us so she can carry it when I need to do something