Mom and Dad's Dream Trip-34 Yrs in Making-Jun08 SOUVIE PICS PG 51 NEXT TRIP!!???!!!!?

[timandlesley]

Here's my list of questions I need some help on:

1. Is there anything else from the Dollar Store or anywhere else you would recommend I get before I go? Any comments/advice appreciated!

2. Does anyone know where I can get Body Glide?

3. Do they make Snow White shoes? Megan says she wants Snow White shoes to match her dress, but I can't really find any. HELP PLEASE!?!?!?

4. I would really like to do something special for my brother on our trip--his birthday is right after the trip, and I just want to do something to commemorate his first trip with his kids. He has worked really hard to get them here, and he has to work so hard raising the kids since he is a single dad. Does anyone know anything I could do--it doesn't matter what, I'm open to any ideas!!! Please share any ideas if you have them!

Okay, well, that's all for now! I look forward to hearing from everyone! Hope you enjoyed today's post/pics! Have a great Thursday! Jen

Thought I'd try to help with your questions.
1) Do you guys already have spray fans? I would get those. Also, those light up sticks you break to activate that you can get in two packs for a dollars are GREAT for nighttime!
2). I looked up the bodyglide website and they have a store locator, looks like local biking shops is where you can find the stuff.
3). Yes, Lauren has snow white shoes, we got them at Target but they are the hard plastic ones. I've seen the slipper type ones at the Disneystore.
4). How about a special frame for your brother at a Disney shop there on property and fill it with a special pick of the kids upon your return.

Very cool news about your sister joining you. Were you able to add her to the ADR's?
Lesley

 

[ampc3]

awsome news about your sister being able to join you all! Your parents must be soo happy to have all their children and grandkids going so cool!

 

[r4blessings]

Hi Jen!

I love reading your trip report and your pics are adorable! What an inspirational story you three are! Children are truly a blessing and I know you remember that every day, you are so happy!

Not sure if you've decided yet, b/c I haven't read through all the posts but we went to Akershush last year with our kids (then, ds9, ds6, dd3 and our baby was just shy of 2) and we loved it! Our little princess could not get enough of all the princesses and the interaction wa great. We loved the food too!

I can't wait to read through all your posts! Reading your trippie is getting me so excited for our trip in August! I am thinking of writing a pre-trippie but I'm not sure if I could keep up with it! Have a great week!

 

[MegansMom]

I will definitely say, "Hi!"

Our ADR at Boma is for 4:55 so we may be finishing as you are arriving -- we want to animal lurk and shop in the gift shop while we are there.

Sunday is our arrival day so we are probably just eating counter service that day at DHS -- my main goal is to see Fantasmic.

Wednesday, we are eating at Crystal Palace for dinner. I have heard good things about it.

It would be so neat to bump into each other!! You never know when you will run into a "DISfriend!" I love Fantasmic, but we will be hitting rides this year in stead at that time. I don't want to put Megan back through it again after what happened in Nov--so enjoy it on my behalf! You should find something good to eat even on CS credits at DHS--I think they have a lot of CS restaurants that give you a lot of food!! Enjoy Crystal Palace--we haven't eaten here before, but the food always looks good when we pass!

Thought I'd try to help with your questions.
1) Do you guys already have spray fans? I would get those. Also, those light up sticks you break to activate that you can get in two packs for a dollars are GREAT for nighttime!
2). I looked up the bodyglide website and they have a store locator, looks like local biking shops is where you can find the stuff.
3). Yes, Lauren has snow white shoes, we got them at Target but they are the hard plastic ones. I've seen the slipper type ones at the Disneystore.
4). How about a special frame for your brother at a Disney shop there on property and fill it with a special pick of the kids upon your return.

Very cool news about your sister joining you. Were you able to add her to the ADR's?
Lesley

Hey Lesley!!
1.) We don't have spray fans yet, but I am getting them. I am going to have to run into Walmart and pick some up soon! (Isn't that where you found yours?)
2.) We have a Montgomery Cyclery nearby, so I think I will have to see if they sell it!
3.) I found some slipper type Snow White shoes on disneyoutlet.com yesterday for only $4.99--thanks to Deb on this thread!! YEAH!
4.) Thanks so much for the frame idea--I will definitely have to check them out when I get there!

We are so excited about Kristi coming along! We have added her to our ADRs, but I think she is going to have to either pay out of pocket, or pay for a full week of dining--which do you think will be cheaper? It is hard to say!

awsome news about your sister being able to join you all! Your parents must be soo happy to have all their children and grandkids going so cool!

It is so great that K is coming! It would feel incomplete without her there! I know my Mom and Dad are so excited to have her there even if it is just for four days!! It means so much to them that every one is going to be together--my Mom gets misty just thinking about it!

Hi Jen!

I love reading your trip report and your pics are adorable! What an inspirational story you three are! Children are truly a blessing and I know you remember that every day, you are so happy!

Not sure if you've decided yet, b/c I haven't read through all the posts but we went to Akershush last year with our kids (then, ds9, ds6, dd3 and our baby was just shy of 2) and we loved it! Our little princess could not get enough of all the princesses and the interaction wa great. We loved the food too!

I can't wait to read through all your posts! Reading your trippie is getting me so excited for our trip in August! I am thinking of writing a pre-trippie but I'm not sure if I could keep up with it! Have a great week!

Thanks for all your kind words! I am so glad that you and others are enjoying the PTR! Tom and I know every single day how truly blessed we are to have each other, Megan, and all the rest of our family!! We are extremely wealthy in love and family--and that is what matters the most! There were times that it was hard to deal with not being able to have more kids---MANY MANY TIMES---but then I had to kick myself in the butt and realize how truly wonderful our life is, and how unbelievably blessed we are so that I would stop dwelling on what was not to be! I am a very lucky girl, and I am so thankful for all the ways God has blessed me! I really can't complain!!! Well.......................maybe I can complain when Tom "forgets" where to put his dirty clothes!!

Thanks for your input on Akershus--I think Megs is really going to enjoy it! I am looking forward to the new experience for us! I am glad that I can somehow help get you excited about your own trip--YEAH!! Let me know if you do start a PTR--would love to read along!!! Have a great week too!

 

[MegansMom]

Hey Everyone!!! Sorry about the delays in the updates--still no computer!! Doing the best I can with library and Tom's work laptop! Here's to hoping it will return soon!!

I have done some more Disney shopping--I got Megan a pair of Snow White slippers on sale at disneyoutlet.com for only $4.99--thanks to Deb!!! THANK YOU!!! Today I found a cute little sundress for Megan at Kmart that is bright green with Tinkerbell on it! SO cute!! I have some more purchases that I will update you on later!!

I will have another update coming soon with additions/changes needed with Kristi coming along now and other new additions to the plans/itinerary--so stay tuned!!!

Here's to hoping everyone is having a great Tuesday, and even better week!
Thanks for coming along for the ride!! Jen

 

[r4blessings]

Hi Jen!

I just came back from the disney store outlet that just opened up in our outlets and got so many cool things for my dd! I couldn't really find anything for my older two ds's but lots for the baby!

But I just wanted to pass along something we do, in case you wanted to do it with your dd and your nephews. I buy my kids new disney hats (like baseball hats) before our trip (and in fact just bought them at the disney outlet for $4.99 each) a princess one for dd, mickey mouse for ds2 and pirates of the carribean for ds9 and ds6. Then I have my kids wear them in the park and use them for character autographs. I just pack along a couple of sharpies and then there's no need to carry any autograph books. They just pull them off their heads!

Keeps their face out of the sun and cool. Plus when they don't want to wear them at night or in a restaurant they just loop through my bag stap or on the stroller. And my kids love wearing them when we come home to school. And I feel like it is a souvineer that gets used.

Just thought I'd toss out our tip.......

 

[Charleston Princess]

It would be so neat to bump into each other!! You never know when you will run into a "DISfriend!" I love Fantasmic, but we will be hitting rides this year in stead at that time. I don't want to put Megan back through it again after what happened in Nov--so enjoy it on my behalf! You should find something good to eat even on CS credits at DHS--I think they have a lot of CS restaurants that give you a lot of food!! Enjoy Crystal Palace--we haven't eaten here before, but the food always looks good when we pass!

It would be really neat to bump into each other!!!

We are also planning on hitting several rides while at DHS -- we'll see if I am being too ambitious, but hopefully, we can get our favorites in! We have a couple of favorite CS places at that park.

We've eaten breakfast at CP, but not dinner -- looking forward to seeing if it is as good.

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

I'm glad the slippers worked for you, I'm sure Megan will look sooo cute dressed as Snow White!
That is so funny that you and charleston princess have ADR's so close on the same day! It would be neat to meet someone from the boards there.
Hope you get your "pooter" back soon, I'm looking forward to updates, additions/ changes! Happy Planning!!! Deb.

 

[tigereye]

Woo Hoo... 44 days...



Just wanted to take a sec and say hi to everyone and introduce myself. I'm Jen's brother Mike. As she previously mentioned, my not-so-little-anymore foursome of Maddie, Josh, Conner, and myself will be joining her on this grand excursion, and I hope to have some time to fill in some of my thoughts as things go along.



Like Jen, I was pretty much bitten by the Disney bug very young. We were both very fortunate to have such fantastic parents that were able to indulge their children's Disney fantasies every few years. Unfortunately, my last trip was 1995, so I have yet to be able to share the same magic with my kids. Not for lack of trying, though, as I've planned at least one trip every year since that just never came to fruition (and have got the spreadsheets to prove it.. ). Did I mention that planning runs in the family?

So, it's really special for us that the year that we make it, everyone will be there (including Megan, who they love like a sister) and Kristi (but, much to Maddie's relief, not Kristi's dogs).

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and plans with everyone as the trip gets closer.

Mike

 

[Beana9802]

Woo Hoo... 44 days...



Just wanted to take a sec and say hi to everyone and introduce myself. I'm Jen's brother Mike. As she previously mentioned, my not-so-little-anymore foursome of Maddie, Josh, Conner, and myself will be joining her on this grand excursion, and I hope to have some time to fill in some of my thoughts as things go along.



Like Jen, I was pretty much bitten by the Disney bug very young. We were both very fortunate to have such fantastic parents that were able to indulge their children's Disney fantasies every few years. Unfortunately, my last trip was 1995, so I have yet to be able to share the same magic with my kids. Not for lack of trying, though, as I've planned at least one trip every year since that just never came to fruition (and have got the spreadsheets to prove it.. ). Did I mention that planning runs in the family?

So, it's really special for us that the year that we make it, everyone will be there (including Megan, who they love like a sister) and Kristi (but, much to Maddie's relief, not Kristi's dogs).

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and plans with everyone as the trip gets closer.

Mike

Hi Mike! Nice to "meet" you!

 

[tigereye]

2.) We have a Montgomery Cyclery nearby, so I think I will have to see if they sell it!

Jen,

I think Dick's also sells it, too. It looks kind of like a deodorant stick. If you have trouble finding it, let me know, and I can pick some up when Josh and I make our next pilgrimage to Performance Bike in Kenwood to pick out my bike. I know for sure that they've for sure got it.

Mike

 

[DisneyDreamnDeb]

Hi Mike, happy you are able to take this trip with your family!!!
looking forward to hearing more from you! Deb.

 

[ampc3]

Hi Mike, glad you joined the Disser's You'll see how "addicitive" it is
Very cool about your families trip

 

[MegansMom]

Hi Jen!

I just came back from the disney store outlet that just opened up in our outlets and got so many cool things for my dd! I couldn't really find anything for my older two ds's but lots for the baby!

But I just wanted to pass along something we do, in case you wanted to do it with your dd and your nephews. I buy my kids new disney hats (like baseball hats) before our trip (and in fact just bought them at the disney outlet for $4.99 each) a princess one for dd, mickey mouse for ds2 and pirates of the carribean for ds9 and ds6. Then I have my kids wear them in the park and use them for character autographs. I just pack along a couple of sharpies and then there's no need to carry any autograph books. They just pull them off their heads!

Keeps their face out of the sun and cool. Plus when they don't want to wear them at night or in a restaurant they just loop through my bag stap or on the stroller. And my kids love wearing them when we come home to school. And I feel like it is a souvineer that gets used.

Just thought I'd toss out our tip.......

Love that tip!! I am going to have to look into that for the kiddos to see if they would like to do that! What a great idea!! I really like those new clickable sharpies too!!

It would be really neat to bump into each other!!!

We are also planning on hitting several rides while at DHS -- we'll see if I am being too ambitious, but hopefully, we can get our favorites in! We have a couple of favorite CS places at that park.

We've eaten breakfast at CP, but not dinner -- looking forward to seeing if it is as good.

Here's to hoping we all can get in the rides we want!! Come on Pixie Dust!!---COME ON YOAMD Fastpass lanyards all around!!!

I'm glad the slippers worked for you, I'm sure Megan will look sooo cute dressed as Snow White!
That is so funny that you and charleston princess have ADR's so close on the same day! It would be neat to meet someone from the boards there.
Hope you get your "pooter" back soon, I'm looking forward to updates, additions/ changes! Happy Planning!!! Deb.

Hey again Deb!! Always so good to hear from you!! The shoes haven't arrived yet, but should be soon!! I also found the Snow White headband and wand at the outlet, so they are also on their way!! I can't WAIT to get my computer back--we miss it so much, and I need to put out my newest update--which is long--and I haven't had enough time anywhere else to do that!! Here's to hoping it is back SOON!!!!

Woo Hoo... 44 days...



Just wanted to take a sec and say hi to everyone and introduce myself. I'm Jen's brother Mike. As she previously mentioned, my not-so-little-anymore foursome of Maddie, Josh, Conner, and myself will be joining her on this grand excursion, and I hope to have some time to fill in some of my thoughts as things go along.



Like Jen, I was pretty much bitten by the Disney bug very young. We were both very fortunate to have such fantastic parents that were able to indulge their children's Disney fantasies every few years. Unfortunately, my last trip was 1995, so I have yet to be able to share the same magic with my kids. Not for lack of trying, though, as I've planned at least one trip every year since that just never came to fruition (and have got the spreadsheets to prove it.. ). Did I mention that planning runs in the family?

So, it's really special for us that the year that we make it, everyone will be there (including Megan, who they love like a sister) and Kristi (but, much to Maddie's relief, not Kristi's dogs).

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and plans with everyone as the trip gets closer.

Mike

YEAH!! MIKE POSTED!!! I am so glad you joined us!! Please keep adding in your two cents and updates on your end of the trip!! It is getting sooooooooooooooo close I can smell it!!! Love ya MIKE!!!

2.) We have a Montgomery Cyclery nearby, so I think I will have to see if they sell it!

Jen,

I think Dick's also sells it, too. It looks kind of like a deodorant stick. If you have trouble finding it, let me know, and I can pick some up when Josh and I make our next pilgrimage to Performance Bike in Kenwood to pick out my bike. I know for sure that they've for sure got it.

Mike

Hey--thanks for the tidbit--Tom needs some new score books for baseball, so I will have to hit Dick's to get both!! Thanks for help bro! I'm so glad you are posting!! DID I say that already!!!???!???!



Hey gang,

Still no computer!! It has been really hard to get on here and post the big update I have written out--yes, that is right--hand-written out!!! How did they do it back in the "good 'ole days?" I have much to update you all on purchases, planning, and itineraries. I might be able to get to it later this afternoon--hang in there with me!! Thanks!

One quick update--even though there is more to share later--but I will tell you quickly that there is MORE pixie dust floating around us ---today we ordered our park tickets through UT, and AGAIN, my Mom and Dad paid for them! I am beginning to feel too spoiled! My Mom apparently saved up some money, and decided that she wanted to pay for everyone's tickets---so she did. I can't believe how OVERLY generous our parents are! There are no words that could ever express our gratitude for their kindness and generosity. NO WORDS!!! I told them they did NOT need to feel like they needed to pay for them, but they said they wanted to do it, and were going to do it, so we were going to have to let them. I think I am still numb from being overwhelmed by their gift. THANKS AGAIN MOM AND DAD!! WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

I promise, more is to come soon!! STAY TUNED!!!

 

[r4blessings]

What awesome parents you guys have! I really hope to do that for my children and grandchildren one day too!

Good luck with your computer, and hopefully "hear" from you soon!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Here's to hoping we all can get in the rides we want!! Come on Pixie Dust!!---COME ON YOAMD Fastpass lanyards all around!!!

One quick update--even though there is more to share later--but I will tell you quickly that there is MORE pixie dust floating around us ---today we ordered our park tickets through UT, and AGAIN, my Mom and Dad paid for them! I am beginning to feel too spoiled! My Mom apparently saved up some money, and decided that she wanted to pay for everyone's tickets---so she did. I can't believe how OVERLY generous our parents are! There are no words that could ever express our gratitude for their kindness and generosity. NO WORDS!!! I told them they did NOT need to feel like they needed to pay for them, but they said they wanted to do it, and were going to do it, so we were going to have to let them. I think I am still numb from being overwhelmed by their gift. THANKS AGAIN MOM AND DAD!! WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

I promise, more is to come soon!! STAY TUNED!!!

Almost time for a Pixie Dust Dance for our rides.

That is so awesomely wonderful of your parents!!!

 

[MegansMom]

What awesome parents you guys have! I really hope to do that for my children and grandchildren one day too!

Good luck with your computer, and hopefully "hear" from you soon!

I really can't get over my parents' overwhelming generosity! None of us expected them to do any of the gracious things they have done for us, and I just can't believe the enormity of their gift to all of us. I get emotional every time I think about it, and I hope they truly know how much we all appreciate it. I don't think I can say "thank you" enough! I hope that Tom and I can do the same for Megan and her children when that time comes.

Good news---my computer is back!! YEAH!! Nothing major--just a short in the power button/center console area. All better!!! Megan and I are SOOOOOOOOOOOO Happy!

Almost time for a Pixie Dust Dance for our rides.

That is so awesomely wonderful of your parents!!!

It is a WONDERFUL BLESSING from my parents--I am even more blessed by all the love and support they have given to me over my 31 years!! Like I said, I am a LUCKY girl!! Thank You GOD!!!

I have been a dancing machine trying to bring on the Pixie Dust for our rides!!! It HAS to work!! Right?!?!?

 

[MegansMom]

MY COMPUTER IS HOME!!!!! Oh how I missed it!!! Megan and I are really happy girls right now!

I am so sorry the updates have been sparse lately--but I shall return to full PTR glory now that my "baby" is home!!

So, this next update may be a little scattered--there is so much to share--I forget sometimes what has been said, and what needs to be shared, so there may be some overlapping!! Sorry!!

Here GOES.................................................................

1. WEIGHT UPDATE: So far my weight loss initiative has been doing well!! As of right now, I have lost around 12lbs. I need to get a digital scale to get more accurate results--will do that this weekend and update weight loss total then. I'm feeling really good, and don't feel like I am starving myself to death! YEAH! I think Tom enjoys watching me do my workout with my hand weights a little too much! But the results are becoming noticeable. One problem I have already encountered deals with my clothes-----you know how I just went out and bought a bunch of new capris and shorts for the summer? Well, I had a pair of my new capris on two days ago and they were WAY too big--I could have stuffed Megan in there with me. I know they were not that big at the store--I wouldn't have bought them if they were! The belt that comes with them won't even work for me because on the very last hole, it still hangs way down. I don't know what to do though because I have already worn them one day--haven't washed them yet--but don't have the tags any more. I think I might have to chalk them up to a loss. Any advice? The other pairs that I bought, I actually have not worn yet or removed the tags on, so I am thinking that I need to take them in this weekend and try to switch them for a lower size--PLEASE keep your fingers crossed that everything works out with them! I can't believe those clothes are too big already! BUT I am very excited that they are!

2. SHOPPING UPDATE: As I already mentioned, I found a really cute Snow White dress for Megs at Target a couple of days ago, and then found Snow White slippers, headband bow, and a wand on disneyoutlet.com on sale really cheap. The order arrived yesterday, so now the outfit is complete!! I will try to take some pics this weekend when she is not around and post them for all to see. Tom and I decided to give the outfit to her as a gift on her last day of school--May 6th--for doing so well this year in preschool! Some said that she would struggle all year, and she hasn't! She has done GREAT!! Her teachers can't believe how well she has done--she's a SUPERSTAR!! I think it will be a great reward for all her hard work!!

Now I know that I have already professed to be a completely OCD planner, but I know some of you may laugh at the extent to which I have been planning lately! The other day, I planned out which outfit Megs and I would wear on each day--I know really over the top--I can't help it! (I even wrote out which ones would be packed as extras.) I also wrote out a list of the rides that Tom, Megan, and I would want to do at each park--except for MK. (Megan pretty much likes everything at MK, so we just try to do it all over the course of the 3-4 days we will spend there.) I was surprised at how little we would really want to do at DHS--Megan is just too scared of most of those rides--and Epcot. I know those will be definite days that we will come back for big breaks to swim and nap, and then go back in the evening. So my next plan is to show Mike a copy of what we will probably do each day in the parks, to give him a heads up on when we will be taking breaks, etc. As soon as this list is done--I will share the info with you all as well!! (As well as my MANY other lists!!! I LOVE LISTS!!!! I think it helps me cope when I get to missing Disney, and can't handle the creepy crawl to the next time we go back!) I know we will be going in different directions at times, but I also want to help him out when his kids have different interests or desires at each park---so MIKE---look forward to a big email coming from me soon on this! I have a feeling Miss Maddie will want to do girlie stuff at times when the boys won't want to, so I want to be available to her so she can come be girlie with Megs. MIKE--let me in on your intended itinerary too so that we can figure out what will work for everyone!! Also in the works, I want to get everyone together--probably around Mother's Day--to go over some WDW basics with them--things that have changed since they were there last---like how to do the finger entry with your ticket, how to order at a CS when you are on the dining plan, how to get and effectively use FastPasses & Parent swap tickets (thanks Lesley)etc. These may seem like silly things to go over, but I know I was a little trepidacious the first time I had to do all these things, and I think they will feel more comfortable if we have a "WDW Boot Camp" before we go! Won't they LOVE IT!!!

Okay, well I need to run right now, but I will be back later to share more updates---Thanks for sticking around through the computer crisis! Jen

 

[MeMom]

I'm glad you got your computer back. I use mine for both work (school) and fun (Dising), and I know I'd be very lost without one at work and one at home.

I've become very spoiled to having so much material right at my fingertips on animal habitats or space or whatever I'm teaching without having to spend hours at the library.

As for being spoiled to having the DISboards, I don't even to 'splain that to other Disers!

That was very nice of your parents to pay for your tickets, but from another grandmother's view, know that the pleasure is truly theirs. I paid for everything for everyone on last year's family trip - rooms, tickets, food, some souvenirs, some extra spending money, everything - and as much as they appreciated getting it, I was thrilled to be at a point in my life where I could give it. My kids did without a lot, as I raised them alone from the time they were 7,4, and an infant, and it thrills me now to be able to give them things just for the heck of it. No special occasion or reason - just because I love them SOOOOO much! Seeing them having fun and relaxing on the trip, free from the stresses of work and school, was well worth every dime.

And as for your comment, I feel sure you will do the same for your sweet family in the years ahead!

Congratulations on the weight loss!

 

[Beana9802]

for your weight loss

for your shopping
for your 'puter being home. Poor guy, probably missed you, and is happy to be home!