Oct 3, 2009 Wester Carribean

[heatherb819]

Secret Mickey is like a Secret Santa gift exchange.

 

[HeatherD]

I guess I should have mentioned I can also include the late FE's as of right now or until I runout of what I have bought. If you would PM me to let me know your interested. I will then PM you the info I need and all my families info.

On another note who was doing the email exchanging for the 9-10 yr old girls? I think my daughter would love this.

Thanks,
Jennifer

Got your PM and sent one back!

OK, I have officially crossed over into the nebulous area I hit when the trip is too far away to actually pack, but close enough that I start worrying about what to take and will we have everything and what if I've forgotten anything. I'm a weird mix of Type A and Type Z planning. I like to plan and make lists and shop for extras really early. But I don't make up actual packing lists of individual clothing/outfits. That doesn't happen until the day before when we pack. I know how many outfits I'll need and all that. And amazingly, I overpack very little - just a few shirts so that I have choices. That's a big thing for me. I don't want to be stuck with something I'm not in the mood to wear simply because I couldn't find the room for 2 more shirts!

So, today, as I was wandering around looking for new capris (one of my pairs split the other day, from inner thigh to knee! At school!), I realized that I've entered my nebulous. I'm floating around, alternately thinking "Do I have enough of everything" and "It's almost here and then you can pack!" and "OMG!!! I'm gonna pack and find out we don't have XXX for DD/DS!"

You know what makes me mad about the capris? On the day I split them (gah, I hate how that sounds), I was at the store where I could get more not 3 hours earlier! And I didn't think I needed any! Man, that stinks!

 

[jmo]

I am sorry to bring up the issue of late FE's again but I have decided to do what I can to be involved because I just know my kids will love it and I have seen that at least 3 or 4 of you will be our neighbors and my kids will see you stuff and ask what it is.

So I have sent out some personal PM to those of you who have previously indicated that you could add some latecomers and heres my bid for the rest of you.

If there is anyway you can include us please let me know so that I can include you in my list as well. I know many of you worked very hard on your gifts and can't include us at this point and I truly understand. Even if I could get 10 or 15 of you to graciously include us I know my kids would love it.

My family is me, DH, DD9, DD7, and DS1. We will be in room 1054.

Thanks again
jana

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

HeatherD---what do u mean u can't pack yet??? Girl I am all packed...Meds,shoes,clothes,fe's , sand toys, 5 large suitcases and 5 carryons...for the 8 of us!!! All I need is some odds and end from my SIL and our daily used things, like daily meds, I even put all our 3oz toiletries in one carry on with the cameras and laptop so thats the only carry on that needs opening thru security!! I could not pack the week of like u all do!

It's so funny how talkative this thread has become...ARE U ALL EXCITED TO BE GOING??
We hvae 33 days!! I got my MNSSSP tickets today...So cool-they are like gift cards, hard plastic! WOOHOO.....we are sooo close!!!
WELL OFF TO FALL ASLEEP TTFN

 

[familyfun5]

I think Michelle has done a fabulous job and has gone above and beyond with all she has set up. The web site the FE’s list…..
As I am really enjoying making out FE gift, and everyone has been so welcoming to us as we came on just after the cut off, so I set up a late FE list. Though this is not going to be done nearly as great as Michelle has done.

Here is what I have. Not to many late comers so far .[sorry about the delay. I started college this week, and had court on Wend (visitation bad stroy). The time I get on the computer is well, now. Kinda late in the night. I have been taking the naps with the two babies (14 mo and 7 weeks) during the day. I did not mean to leave you all hanging. Sorry, I will be better]

Late arrivals (not on the original list)
ajwasphoo #7604 DD4, DD6
JMO (info coming)
Those who are adding on to the late list (these are also on the original list)
Familyfun5 #1052 Joleen & Gary DD3mo, DS11, DS1 1/2
Heather819 (not confirmed yet)
Disneydiva16 #6608 Robin & Matt DD10, DD3
jcarlson #2614 Jennifer & Chad DD10, DD6

I think this is everyone for the late list - if not please let me know. For the new commers to get more information for those as the bottom of the list who are already doing the FE's check out the second post on page one. Michelle has done a FANTASTIC JOB setting everything up.

Does this work for everyone? I will keep updating it a few times a week.

34 more days till we fly out of Colorado.

 

[kpflillirpf]

FamilyFun! Thanks for taking over the late comer's list. Quick question. Are you adding famili families from the original list who said they'd add you to their list? If so, please add my family: kpflillirpf - me, DH, DD(7) and DD(15 mos.). Thanks! Kristi

 

[jmo]

I think Michelle has done a fabulous job and has gone above and beyond with all she has set up. The web site the FE’s list…..
As I am really enjoying making out FE gift, and everyone has been so welcoming to us as we came on just after the cut off, so I set up a late FE list. Though this is not going to be done nearly as great as Michelle has done.

Here is what I have. Not to many late comers so far .[sorry about the delay. I started college this week, and had court on Wend (visitation bad stroy). The time I get on the computer is well, now. Kinda late in the night. I have been taking the naps with the two babies (14 mo and 7 weeks) during the day. I did not mean to leave you all hanging. Sorry, I will be better]

Late arrivals (not on the original list)
ajwasphoo #7604 DD4, DD6
JMO (info coming)
Those who are adding on to the late list (these are also on the original list)
Familyfun5 #1052 Joleen & Gary DD3mo, DS11, DS1 1/2
Heather819 (not confirmed yet)
Disneydiva16 #6608 Robin & Matt DD10, DD3
jcarlson #2614 Jennifer & Chad DD10, DD6

I think this is everyone for the late list - if not please let me know. For the new commers to get more information for those as the bottom of the list who are already doing the FE's check out the second post on page one. Michelle has done a FANTASTIC JOB setting everything up.

Does this work for everyone? I will keep updating it a few times a week.

34 more days till we fly out of Colorado.

THANK YOU!!! for putting the list together. I think even just the few who have agreed to include us will really help make my kids trip awesome. I really appreciate you doing it. I also really appreciate all of those who have agreed to include us. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Looking forward to a great trip. We are spending the week before at Disneyworld so we actually leave in 29 days. I can't believe it. My task this weekend is to pack everything. Wish me luck!

 

[HeatherD]

I live in the desert. So, we are still wearing "summer clothes" in October. There's no way I could pack, since I'm still wearing all my stuff!

I'm trying to decide if I should pack shampoo and the like, or if I should go ahead and use Disney's stuff. I remember loving it (the lotion - OMG so great!), but I've heard that they are sometimes stingy with it. Our steward was great last time, when we asked for extras, and that was a 3 night cruise. So, I don't think it'll be a problem, but still. And that would be a few less things to pack in the suitcase that could possibly leak.

Side rant - I HATE having to pack my toiletries in the suitcase! I use a foaming cleanser and it is always messed up once it's been in that kind of altitude. And I have to put everything in baggies and/or seal them with plastic wrap. And all my bottles are shaped funky when I unpack them and never go back to their original round shape. Ugh! - end rant.

Now, I need some good thoughts from you all, if you could. FIL might have to cancel! I've looked into all the info and, thankfully, we have insurance, but we're still not sure right now. MIL is fairly certain she'll still come, but even that is up in the air. So think good thoughts that he can get in to his doctor and get everything taken care of in time to recouperate before we leave....

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

HeatherD---I have been packed since Ummm months ago... MOST not all but most of our clothes are new.I shopped alot of clearance over the yr from when we booked, so got some awesome deals......so I guess thats how I have been packed!...Plus as u all know I am a bit anal organized...As for the toiletries, I liked Disney's shampoo and stuff and our steward replenished as I hide the others... I have to pack special shampoo for my girls so the chlorine don't turn their hair green Also we don't use soap but body wash so I always have to pack that. I get the 3oz bottles and fill them, even for my hairspray and bath&body spray. Found the spray bottles and others at the dollar store...2 bottles 2 a package. I baggie everything just in case something explodes...I also back all the bottles in one carry on so I am only unloading one bag along with laptop and cameras....Well ok there was my ideas...

Well off to make dinner! Cookin out tonight!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am sorry to bring up the issue of late FE's again but I have decided to do what I can to be involved because I just know my kids will love it and I have seen that at least 3 or 4 of you will be our neighbors and my kids will see you stuff and ask what it is.

So I have sent out some personal PM to those of you who have previously indicated that you could add some latecomers and heres my bid for the rest of you.

If there is anyway you can include us please let me know so that I can include you in my list as well. I know many of you worked very hard on your gifts and can't include us at this point and I truly understand. Even if I could get 10 or 15 of you to graciously include us I know my kids would love it.

My family is me, DH, DD9, DD7, and DS1. We will be in room 1054.

Thanks again
jana

Unfortunately there is absolutely no way I can add anybody else. My main gift was custom ordered and I actually ended up ordering it before the cut off date as the lead time on the item was quite long. Fortunately I have just enough for the people who joined the exchange before the cut off date. I also made some things myself (actually still have to finish off the gift for the older boys), but some of the bits that I needed for the project were custom made for me by a lady in the Netherlands who is now on vacation as well.

I live in the desert. So, we are still wearing "summer clothes" in October. There's no way I could pack, since I'm still wearing all my stuff!

I'm trying to decide if I should pack shampoo and the like, or if I should go ahead and use Disney's stuff. I remember loving it (the lotion - OMG so great!), but I've heard that they are sometimes stingy with it. Our steward was great last time, when we asked for extras, and that was a 3 night cruise. So, I don't think it'll be a problem, but still. And that would be a few less things to pack in the suitcase that could possibly leak.

Side rant - I HATE having to pack my toiletries in the suitcase! I use a foaming cleanser and it is always messed up once it's been in that kind of altitude. And I have to put everything in baggies and/or seal them with plastic wrap. And all my bottles are shaped funky when I unpack them and never go back to their original round shape. Ugh! - end rant.

Now, I need some good thoughts from you all, if you could. FIL might have to cancel! I've looked into all the info and, thankfully, we have insurance, but we're still not sure right now. MIL is fairly certain she'll still come, but even that is up in the air. So think good thoughts that he can get in to his doctor and get everything taken care of in time to recouperate before we leave....

I hope that your FIL will be able to make the cruise.

HeatherD---I have been packed since Ummm months ago... MOST not all but most of our clothes are new.I shopped alot of clearance over the yr from when we booked, so got some awesome deals......so I guess thats how I have been packed!...Plus as u all know I am a bit anal organized...As for the toiletries, I liked Disney's shampoo and stuff and our steward replenished as I hide the others... I have to pack special shampoo for my girls so the chlorine don't turn their hair green Also we don't use soap but body wash so I always have to pack that. I get the 3oz bottles and fill them, even for my hairspray and bath&body spray. Found the spray bottles and others at the dollar store...2 bottles 2 a package. I baggie everything just in case something explodes...I also back all the bottles in one carry on so I am only unloading one bag along with laptop and cameras....Well ok there was my ideas...

Well off to make dinner! Cookin out tonight!

I have not even started to think about packing first of all I have a Girly Weekend Away to attend next week and then the weekend after we have to fly to Germany for my sister's wedding. Once that is over, I can start to think about packing.

Last year I took loads of toiletries. I normally only use Lush stuff so I brought my own. Well, I loved the H2O stuff so much that my own toiletries never left the suitcase. I still have a tiny bit of the body butter left that I use very sparingly.

Corinna

 

[familyfun5]

I have you all added Kristi. We had a 15mo also, so fun.

Updated late list.

Late arrivals (not on the original list)
ajwasphoo #7604 DD4, DD6
JMO #1054 DW, Dh, DD9, DD7, DS23mo

Those who are adding on to the late list (these are also on the original list so do not need to be dublicated)
Familyfun5 #1052 Joleen & Gary DD3mo, DS11, DS1 1/2
Heather819 (not confirmed yet)
Disneydiva16 #6608 Robin & Matt DD10, DD3
jcarlson #2614 Jennifer & Chad DD10, DD6
Kpfiliirpg #7514 DW, DH, DD7, DD15mo


Dolphingirl47 – no reason to explain. And no worries. This is all for fun. I think the late comers have a good group going to where the kids will really enjoy the FE’s.

Wow. For all of you who are packing; i’m jealous. I plan, plan, plan but then the execution seems to not go so smooth. I did go shopping today. I now am wearing something other than maternity clothes, or clothes that are to small. It is all a bit of a hit to my mental image of myself though as I was a size 4 two years ago and now a size 10/12. Yikes. I go to the gym three times a week so we will see how it goes. I am not to worried.

Hope the FIL can make it

 

[ajwaspooh]

HeatherD---what do u mean u can't pack yet??? Girl I am all packed...Meds,shoes,clothes,fe's , sand toys, 5 large suitcases and 5 carryons...for the 8 of us!!!

You are my hero! If I start packing two weeks out, my DH thinks I am insane! I have a box full of stuff that I want to take, but it's discreetly hidden in a corner of our closet! I'm a "closet in-advance-packer", I guess!

 

[ajwaspooh]

First, Thank you to those that can/did add us to the FE list. We do have a nice group of you making extra magic for our families while we are on board.

Second, no worries to those that could not include us. I agree that this is totally for fun! I don't feel at all sad that we are not on the big list. I just wanted some extra magic for our family and in some way, each person on this thread has already done that!

Can't wait to meet all of you on board and hear that awesome ships horn when we set sail!!!!

Amy

 

[ajwaspooh]

Have there been any newer Navigators posted?

 

[jsheridan]

We have enough stuff to give to the late arrivals FE also, so add us to the list!

jsheridan - Julie, James, Jake (5) - 7065 (for now, but I am anticipating a terrific upgrade! )

I have started shopping for clothes for DS as I figure he can't just wear tshirts with sharks & dinosaurs to dinner every night (well, he could but I want nicer). So, I have purchased polo shirts for him for each night, a couple pairs of pants (he only wears shorts or jeans typically), sandals (his feet were almost coming out of the ones he has). The only thing he still needs is a suit.

I am not willing to pay $50-$60 for a suit from Sears for him to wear for ONE NIGHT! Kohls & Target don't have ANY yet. I'm not sure what I'll try. The consignment shop nearby didn't have any either and I'm concerned about buying online without him trying it on.

Also, finished almost all of my FE shopping. I really like the different items that I've gotten (Yes, I purchased everything! Not a crafty bone in my body!) and made sure to get extras in case anyone else joins the late arrival list also. If no one does, we will just surprise random kids during the trip. I just need to figure something out for those 3 teenage boys!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

ps - someone was asking who was going to MNSSHP on 10/1. WE ARE!!!

 

[jmo]

We have enough stuff to give to the late arrivals FE also, so add us to the list!

jsheridan - Julie, James, Jake (5) - 7065 (for now, but I am anticipating a terrific upgrade! )

I have started shopping for clothes for DS as I figure he can't just wear tshirts with sharks & dinosaurs to dinner every night (well, he could but I want nicer). So, I have purchased polo shirts for him for each night, a couple pairs of pants (he only wears shorts or jeans typically), sandals (his feet were almost coming out of the ones he has). The only thing he still needs is a suit.

I am not willing to pay $50-$60 for a suit from Sears for him to wear for ONE NIGHT! Kohls & Target don't have ANY yet. I'm not sure what I'll try. The consignment shop nearby didn't have any either and I'm concerned about buying online without him trying it on.

Also, finished almost all of my FE shopping. I really like the different items that I've gotten (Yes, I purchased everything! Not a crafty bone in my body!) and made sure to get extras in case anyone else joins the late arrival list also. If no one does, we will just surprise random kids during the trip. I just need to figure something out for those 3 teenage boys!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

ps - someone was asking who was going to MNSSHP on 10/1. WE ARE!!!

That is so sweet of you. I have added your family to my list as well (I am on the list of latecomers) Looking forward to an awesome trip.

 

[HeatherD]

I'm not putting DS(5) in a suit. I got gabardine pants for him from Kohl's (they are like suit slacks) and a nice button up shirt. Had I gotten tan pants, I even would have put him in nice leather sandles (to save room), but they only had black and dk blue. So I still have to pack dress shoes, but at least I'm not worrying about a suit for him! He likens his outfit to looking like he's going to work... his observations!

DD starts on a swim team on Tuesday. She loves swimming and I'm jazzed about her dedication to and excitement about this. She'll have practice 4 times a week - so she'll be getting some great physical activity. AND, it's year-round! I'm so excited about this! We bought some of her stuff today and will get her equipment when I take her on Tues.

OK, gonna go play Bejeweled Blitz on FB...have a great weekend everyone!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Good evening all!! How's it going? I am so ready for this cruise!! Had a garage sale on sat and it was ok. Not real busy....but I sold a lot of things just real cheap....made enough for food for when we come in for thurs, and fri. Only planning on going to a restaurant once....we are meeting my aunt and uncle for lunch friday...they live in Tampa and since we are down there we are gonna meet. other then that we are just gonna fast food it for thurs and also friday night(Chinnese). Gotta eat cheap....LOL

Sydney starts school Monday! and then Nelia only goes to school on weds this week and then starts everyday on the 8th....Kindergarten has staggered starts this week to make it easier adjustments. I just know the days will fly by. I need to make sure I have everything....time to do a check of the luggage and make a list of things needed....hopefully I am ready! Well anyhow...I am off to bed....gotta PM some who asked questions and then off to bed...LOL

I will chat later.....TTFN

 

[familyfun5]

Dh wants to dress up for Pirate night. Are any of you going to dress out?

 

[ajwaspooh]

We have enough stuff to give to the late arrivals FE also, so add us to the list!

jsheridan - Julie, James, Jake (5) - 7065 (for now, but I am anticipating a terrific upgrade! )

Thanks for adding us! I've added you to our list.

Also, you mentioned an upgrade. Are you doing this at port, etc? Just curious. We've never been upgraded, but we always select a specific room, too.