DH decorated the exterior w/icicles, and some beautiful white wooden deer (6) with big red bows in the yard. There are some other things, (wreaths in the windows and a huge one on the front doors...it splits in half). CC & R's permit us to do only so much! LOL. Inside, we always have a 16-24 ft. live tree in the area of the Spiral staircase/family/great room. The other tree is a faux, and stands 8 feet tall in the formal LR. It is "saturated" (LOL) w/Disney ornaments. We have the monorail and all the resorts/etc., plus the train running around the base. Atop the Tree is a HUGE animated Minnie Angel with a lighted candle in her gloved hands. Her wings move, and she moves her arms as well. There are other animated Disney figures in the home, and a snow village (dept. 56) atop a curio...the manger scene atop another, etc.). It is very festive and fun! I have a stack of Christmas cards YET to be completed and mailed...and I'm WAY BEHIND on my wrapping! If I could figure out how to paste...I'd tack a pic to a post. I'll try as soon as I'm finished! I am taveling AGAIN this weekend, so I must finish before we go. We are headed to Lake arrowhead (
www.lakearrowheadresort.com) for our quiet corner suite overlooking the lake/pool. We shop the village and then visit Knotts Berry Farm & Holiday Craft Village! (
www.knottsberryfarm.com)
Muffy....Please, follow the words of wisdom from ozziewags and phone the Dolphin in advance. Platinum definitely receives an upgrade, and a JR. suite is part of the offering! It's always nice to "remind" them of your arrival and SPG status. I'm so thrilled to see you & so many others have PLAT. SPG! It offers the BEST upgrades and freebies in the travel industry.

Keep us apprised of your progress.

P.S. Say "hi" to MEDFORD for moi! I miss the East something terrible, especially this time of year.
Carol (ozziewags)...you are too darned organized! Amazing! I try my best, and am a perfectionist~so it seems to take me longer! LOL. I work out of my home, so you would think I'm able to get MORE accomplished...not so. I'll try to get everything completed prior to this Wed. We have packages to be mailed with destinations of Paris, and Kouvola (Finland), and they have to be shipped asap. Fabulous idea (Tree shipped) for the Swan! You can also shop in the Christmas stores while there and pick up some "special" memorable ornaments! I'm so homesick for the DOLPHIN. Just 200+ days and I'm THERE...LOL.

Are you all packed yet?
Mouseteacher...The kitchen too? I would LOVE to see it! I have often dreamed of the entire house all decorated from head to toe. Too much work. My neighbor has a "Home Alone" house, and she places a decorated TREE (10) in every room/window. Her home is astounding, and I can't figure out how she does it all. She must employ some cheap labor, and bring them in through an underground tunnel. Go figure? She has elaborate Holiday parties, all catered, and her exterior decorations are professionally done. Another neighbor Jay and his wife have a Gingerbread house in their yard, where they sit and hand out candy canes dressed as Mr. & Mrs. Claus. They also give train rides, etc. Most all the folks in the "hood" around here "hire" out for the decorations. I thought about this too, until I called and was quoted $900+! No thanks. That's what DH's are for!! LOL.
Hope you are all ready to go, Disneywith6kids! You are off tomorrow...and the journey begins. Enjoy...and try to keep in touch.
