Now begins the time to save...

[05ChristmasSurprise]

We did it! We gave our friends the trip for Christmas this past weekend. I made a scrapbook with a story about how we asked Santa for the trip with them because they were the best friends in the world. They got the vouchers for their annual passes, a "certificate" with the info for the trip, and $100 in disney dollars to get them started with souvenier shopping.

They were STUNNED, to say the least. So happy! It made all the hard work/plotting/planning worth every minute!

We decided to stay at Pop, since our friend is a HUUUUUGE Jungle Book fan and I am definitely in a "preferred" building, with a request for the Baloo building. I'll probably call the resort a couple days ahead of time and just check to see if we can get it. I'm also told by that time they will have completed "upgrading" the rooms to include additional ammenities (ironing board, hair dryer, etc). We've never stayed onsite, but I think with the girls' ages, this is the place (they're all 7 and under). We have time in our lives to enjoy the GF, now is the time to take advantage of a value resort.

So, now is the time to start saving and counting down the days till we can book our grand gathering events, PSs, and all that fun stuff. I cannot wait!!! I figure with each paycheck in the next year or so, we'll start paying for something (gas cards, hotel en route, etc). I hope the next 12 months fly!!!

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Wow! What an incredible friend you are. I would have loved to have seen their reaction

 

[canwegosoon]

That is great!!!

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

Let me get this straight 05ChristmasSurprise. You gave them their annual passes and $100 for souvenir money?

You are awesome!!!! I can only dream of one day being able to do such a stupendous surprise.

Way to go!!

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

Oh, gosh - I'm just so honored to be able to do it for them!

They are both social workers because despite the mediocre pay, they really truely care about the betterment of society. He works with children in crisis and she works with the elderly - they both worked with the mentally ill and homeless as well. They're amazing people, really. It isn't often that you meet such loving, giving, selfless people in the world.

We were lucky enough to have DH room with him in college and they met around three years ago (he and his wife). Since then, we have grown closer and closer and they are our youngest daughter's godparents now. To see them with our girls - their total, unconditional adoration - it's amazing!

We are thrilled to be going with them - we paid for the resort and the passes and got them started with a little spending money...plus we're paying for the four grand gatherings, MVMCP, CRT (hopefully), LTT for Thanskgiving dinner (hopefully), and whatever else comes up along the way! I feel soooo blessed just to be able to do this for them, and it is still self-serving, since we get to go WITH them!

Now I just need to figure out what is left to pay for and which "perks" we're going to add on (like PSs at restaurants, MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, etc.) I can't decide!!!! LOL They've never been - we have been once (last december) and we didn't get to do a whole lot (MVMCP, CP, and CRT).
Any recommendations? Thanks!!!!!!