Needing a good dose of our "Happy Place" Updated 11/11

[dismom9761]

We made the last payment!!!! Trip is completely paid!!!!!!!!!!


48 days until WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to update the budget

(RED means paid in full)
So far-
2 adults+ 2 teens
Caribbean Resort
11/23-11/30
7 day hoppers
Free Dining
$3,242.78

Rae ticket+ free dining(rooming with my friend technically,though it will be one of the older ones)
$371.69

Tips:$250(looked up menu prices)
Gas:$200 $25 GC
travel food:$80 $25 GC to mcDonalds;I don't like but the kids will be thrilled
Tolls:
Hotel on way there: approx $75
souvenirs: Depends on what we have left!
Misc:

We have a large change jar that we have been saving money in. It isn't just change though. Bills get put in when we "find" money. For example, money in laundry, if I return something at the store (small), someone gave us money to treat ourselves to a dinner, babysitting I do on weekend, I give kids money for something and they actually give me change back,... you get the point.

So far in our jar(minus actual change that we will cash later)
$470

I had no idea we had saved so much.

 

[LB1122]

I wish to give your whole family a large hug and am sending consorting wishes and hopeful thoughts that this trip allows you to celebrate Thanksgiving as best as possible.

Your plans look amazing and fun. Love that you will be joined by others who can help you smile even more.

I can not wait to eat at Whispering canyon when we are there a month after you for the holidays.

ENJOY! Congrats on being paid in full.

 

[Trentmom]

Paid in Full . That deserves a Woo hoo!!!!!!!

Great idea with change jar and extra found money

Sounds like you got a great amount saved

 

[MeeskaMomma]

The budget looks great! You guys got some great deals! ixiedust: hooray for 45 days!

 

[DisneyJo]

I am not too worried about the drive to Disney. I am concerned that they won't like Disney as well now that they are older.

Whoops got the wrong end of the stick there I wouldn't worry about them not liking Disney, they'll just like different things

We made the last payment!!!! Trip is completely paid!!!!!!!!!!

Woooohoooo

So far in our jar(minus actual change that we will cash later)
$470

Wow that's amazing, well done

 

[dismom9761]

I wish to give your whole family a large hug and am sending consorting wishes and hopeful thoughts that this trip allows you to celebrate Thanksgiving as best as possible.

Your plans look amazing and fun. Love that you will be joined by others who can help you smile even more.

I can not wait to eat at Whispering canyon when we are there a month after you for the holidays.

ENJOY! Congrats on being paid in full.

Thank you!We have eaten at Whispering Canyon and loved it. Very curious about the Holiday meal.

Paid in Full . That deserves a Woo hoo!!!!!!!

Great idea with change jar and extra found money

Sounds like you got a great amount saved

We have a good start with the money jar but need to save more. No credit cards for us!

The budget looks great! You guys got some great deals! ixiedust: hooray for 45 days!

Thank you!

Whoops got the wrong end of the stick there I wouldn't worry about them not liking Disney, they'll just like different things

Woooohoooo

Wow that's amazing, well done

Thank you! I have reminded the older ones that this is a family trip and they aren't only joining me for meals.

We have been crazy busy. Last weekend was Peyton's birthday and this weekend was Homecoming. Rebekah was on the Homecoming court Friday night and then today was the dance. Also, last night Grandma fell at the game and broke her wrist. I was at the hospital with her most of the night.The doctor had to put her under anesthesia and put it back in place. She has decided to not go to Disney with us.

I will be starting on my daily itinerary in the next few days.It will include dining and FP+ selections.

 

[franluvsbubba]

We haven't been to Disney since 2009. That was our fifth trip and I used to spend a ton of time on these boards!! The kids started at a private school and while it was the best decision EVER for our family it emptied our pockets. We experienced a family tragedy three months ago and we need something to cheer our kids up; something to look forward to. There will be no more putting things off. Therefore, we are going to Disney!! I am hoping that doing a pretrip report will help me get organized. It has been so long I can barely remember where to start. Plus I tried to go during less busy times but not this trip. The cast Me- Amy I am 37 yrs old. I am not currently working and concentrating all my time on my children. DH-Dean He is 44 yrs old and a great father. After work he coaches football at my kids' school DS15- Peyton will be 16 yrs old when we go. He plays baseball and football. He loves spending time with his friends DD14- Bekah She plays softball, basketball, and tennis. She is my drama queen and is always surrounded by friends. DD9- Rachel or RaeRae She is a bundle of energy. She plays softball and basketball. She sticks fairly close to me lately. Not going with us is my oldest son DS17. We lost him in a car accident on May 18. We are still learning to live without him. People keep telling us to get the kids out of town and give them something to look forward to. We chose Disney as our destination because Tyler hated Disney and it won't remind us of him at every turn. I will figure out photobucket (been a long time)and will post pictures. I will also start on the actual report. I am determined to give my kids a great trip but my mind is mush! will definitely need help/advice

I can't even begin to understand what you and your family are going through. I hope this trip brings some balm to your unimaginable pain. <Hugs>

 

[dismom9761]

The blue ribbon on Peyton's coat says "TH #8" for his brother.

 

[dismom9761]

I can't even begin to understand what you and your family are going through. I hope this trip brings some balm to your unimaginable pain. <Hugs>

Thank you.

 

[cjbcam]

Hugs to you and your family. Glad to hear we aren't the only ones with the Disney jar. Lol

 

[Trentmom]

Poor grand mom hope her wrist feels better soon

Everyone looks great at homecoming

That is nice Peyton has a tribute to Tyler

 

[BridgetR3]

Poor poor grandma. I hope her wrist heals with pain for her. Sad that she isn't going to Disney with ya'll anymore.

Nice homecoming pictures. Hope they had a great time!

 

[DisneyJo]

I have reminded the older ones that this is a family trip and they aren't only joining me for meals.

See I have the opposite problem, Jess will be 18 on our last day but will not go anywhere with just her sister

Also, last night Grandma fell at the game and broke her wrist. I was at the hospital with her most of the night.The doctor had to put her under anesthesia and put it back in place. She has decided to not go to Disney with us.

Oh no, I hope she heals fast

The blue ribbon on Peyton's coat says "TH #8" for his brother.

They both look gorgeous

 

[dismom9761]

Hugs to you and your family. Glad to hear we aren't the only ones with the Disney jar. Lol

We rely on that jar!

Poor grand mom hope her wrist feels better soon

Everyone looks great at homecoming

That is nice Peyton has a tribute to Tyler

Thank you! Peyton doesn't talk about his brother as much as the girls but he always does little things that lets me know he is always on his mind. They were best friends and together constantly.

Poor poor grandma. I hope her wrist heals with pain for her. Sad that she isn't going to Disney with ya'll anymore.

Nice homecoming pictures. Hope they had a great time!

They did have a great time! It was Bekah's first dance but her bother kept an eye on her.

See I have the opposite problem, Jess will be 18 on our last day but will not go anywhere with just her sister

Oh no, I hope she heals fast

They both look gorgeous

Maybe it is because Peyton and Rebekah are only 16 months apart, but as they get older , they get along better. They would go off by themselves if I let them. I might allow some time apart but I really want this to be time spent as a family. My friend is appalled at the thought that I would let them wander by themselves. I think they are quite old enough.

 

[MrsZ]

YAY for paying off the trip, and even bigger YAY for "the jar"!

You guys must be getting so excited! Its going to be amazing!

Peyton looks very dapper in his homecoming attire. And what a special way to keep his brother close to his heart by wearing the ribbon. Peyton sounds like a sweet boy!

 

[dismom9761]

YAY for paying off the trip, and even bigger YAY for "the jar"!

You guys must be getting so excited! Its going to be amazing!

Peyton looks very dapper in his homecoming attire. And what a special way to keep his brother close to his heart by wearing the ribbon. Peyton sounds like a sweet boy!

Thank you! All the parents were complimenting me on his clothes at pictures but I had nothing to do with it. He is a true Diva and always knows what will look good.

 

[dismom9761]

11/22
Dean is not working this day. We will take the kids to school and do all the last minute stuff and pack the car. If DH gets his way we will also be picking up a rental car.

12:20-pick the kids up at school
we will stop for lunch and dinner on the way. The kids will hopefully do all their makeup work too.
8:30- arrive in Orlando about this time. We are staying at the Fairfield Inn

We will make the kids go to bed fairly early so that we can get to Disney the next day ASAP!!


Peyton


Tyler and Rachel-one of my favorites



Rebekah and Peyton after a visit to the Barber shop on mainstreet

 

[Trentmom]

Love the pics of the kids.

The one with Tyler and rachel is so sweet

The barbershop hairdos look super cool

 

[MataHari22]

11/22
Dean is not working this day. We will take the kids to school and do all the last minute stuff and pack the car. If DH gets his way we will also be picking up a rental car.

12:20-pick the kids up at school
we will stop for lunch and dinner on the way. The kids will hopefully do all their makeup work too.
8:30- arrive in Orlando about this time. We are staying at the Fairfield Inn

We will make the kids go to bed fairly early so that we can get to Disney the next day ASAP!!


Peyton


Tyler and Rachel-one of my favorites



Rebekah and Peyton after a visit to the Barber shop on mainstreet

So cute!!!

 

[dismom9761]

Love the pics of the kids.

The one with Tyler and rachel is so sweet

The barbershop hairdos look super cool

Thanks! The Barbershop was neat but Peyton got a horrible haircut and freaked out after a while about the color.I had to stick his head in a sink in MK to get it out.

So cute!!!

Thank you!They grow up way too fast