One big (blended) happy (sometimes) family PreTrip June 09 *new updates* pg 8 6/11

[catherines_mama]

Interesting development!

Well Catherine spent 2 wks last summer with my parents in northern SC. This summer they asked for more time with her (ya see, we used to live only 1 hr away and they saw her very often, now they never see her, I'm a bad daughter and moved to FL - I know). SO anyway, this summer, I decided to let her go for the entire month of July!

Mom wanted to do a 4th of July get-away to Blowing Rock, NC (they have a great festival that weekend) so she wants to pick her up the weekend of 6/27. That's the weekend we leave Disney. SOOOO Sat 6/27 they are driving down from SC (8hr drive) to Orlando. They got a hotel in LBV.

Saturday is our "kids, what do you want to do" day. I have no plans but to go do everyones one last favorite item. Or as close to that as possible. Whenever we're done, we'll go to their hotel and drop her off. "Bye Cat".

We'll see my parents 7/31 when we drive there for the weekend to pick her up and have a shower / party thrown for us. But cool, extra packing, extra planning - but no worries.

5 wks without my baby not fun, but she'll be fine and have a blast! and I won't have to pay her daycare for 5 wks (BONUS)! LOL

 

[princess&her4princes]

Interesting development!

Well Catherine spent 2 wks last summer with my parents in northern SC. This summer they asked for more time with her (ya see, we used to live only 1 hr away and they saw her very often, now they never see her, I'm a bad daughter and moved to FL - I know). SO anyway, this summer, I decided to let her go for the entire month of July!

Mom wanted to do a 4th of July get-away to Blowing Rock, NC (they have a great festival that weekend) so she wants to pick her up the weekend of 6/27. That's the weekend we leave Disney. SOOOO Sat 6/27 they are driving down from SC (8hr drive) to Orlando. They got a hotel in LBV.

Saturday is our "kids, what do you want to do" day. I have no plans but to go do everyones one last favorite item. Or as close to that as possible. Whenever we're done, we'll go to their hotel and drop her off. "Bye Cat".

We'll see my parents 7/31 when we drive there for the weekend to pick her up and have a shower / party thrown for us. But cool, extra packing, extra planning - but no worries.

5 wks without my baby not fun, but she'll be fine and have a blast! and I won't have to pay her daycare for 5 wks (BONUS)! LOL

How nice for your parents, Catherine and you guys, too! That will make for nice memories for her and her grandparents!!!

 

[catherines_mama]

5 wks without my baby not fun, but she'll be fine and have a blast! and I won't have to pay her daycare for 5 wks (BONUS)! LOL

This sounds bad out of context. LOVE my kid LOVE her, she's my bestfriend.

But I really have no issue with her going to see my parents. They live in the country, go for hikes in the woods, fishing, mom is taking her to see Mama Mia on stage. they'll go to the mountains and festivals. Mom has saved her vacation and sick for this and my stepfather is retired...

So in short, its not to save 5 wks daycare, its to allow Catherine with a wonderful memory of times with her grandparents. They are the only ones the kid has. - well Steve's parents consider her a grandchild, but they are just different sorts of grandparents. we love them and are grateful for them, but she's only known them 2 yrs.. grandma & grandpa... they have been there since the moment she was born -

 

[catherines_mama]

Well 3 wks out and I'm working on our packing list. I'm glad I'm taking the time b/c I'm sure I'd forget stuff if not.

Need to run out to the store for a few things:
Sunscreen
Glow Sticks
Misters

Still need to get their Autograph books put together - will go to FedEx Kinkos next weekend to do that.

Today I'm going to work on Catherine's packing list for Grandma's since we'll be taking her stuff with us to WDW. Wondering if bell hop will store it all week for us, so we don't have to leave it in the car...? hmmm.

Also today, I want to call and make ADR for TRex dinner. Had not done that yet, didn't think you could but I've read where people have. I'll wait til about 9am. Don't want to disrupt all the 90-day folks

Okay... my random thoughts.

 

[tinkgurl]

I really recommend getting those little hand held fans! They work wonders while in line!

 

[catherines_mama]

Last week or week before -- they all run together -- I had DVR'ed WDW: Behind the Scenes on TLC. I finally sat down and watched it yesterday. Steve had been out to run an errand and came home in time to watch the last 20min.

Well, they were doing AK when he walked in. He just stood there in front of the tv and just watched. He was like "is that tree real?" LOL Then everything he was like "oh cool" "wow". Then he turned to me "We have like 2 days in that one park, don't we?" LOL I said "no honey, just the one". He said "but we can't do it all in one day." giggle. He's starting to get excited!

Then he sat down and about then HS came up -- YES I called it HS, be quiet! -- I figured he'd be ALL ABOUT Lights Motors Action... and umm yeah - He said "we can go see that right?" - Yes dear! I've never seen it myself b/c well.. its a guy thing. But I'm excited to see it with my guys now.

Catherine was even cute. She walked in during the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends part and they were doing Turtle Talk with Crush. We've never done it b/c well she's just too big. But she said "I can't wait to do that this time, Emma will be ALL ABOUT it" awww! They DO love eachother!

2 wks 5 days!!! IS IT TIME YET????

 

[princess&her4princes]

Last week or week before -- they all run together -- I had DVR'ed WDW: Behind the Scenes on TLC. I finally sat down and watched it yesterday. Steve had been out to run an errand and came home in time to watch the last 20min.

Well, they were doing AK when he walked in. He just stood there in front of the tv and just watched. He was like "is that tree real?" LOL Then everything he was like "oh cool" "wow". Then he turned to me "We have like 2 days in that one park, don't we?" LOL I said "no honey, just the one". He said "but we can't do it all in one day." giggle. He's starting to get excited!

Then he sat down and about then HS came up -- YES I called it HS, be quiet! -- I figured he'd be ALL ABOUT Lights Motors Action... and umm yeah - He said "we can go see that right?" - Yes dear! I've never seen it myself b/c well.. its a guy thing. But I'm excited to see it with my guys now.

Catherine was even cute. She walked in during the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends part and they were doing Turtle Talk with Crush. We've never done it b/c well she's just too big. But she said "I can't wait to do that this time, Emma will be ALL ABOUT it" awww! They DO love eachother!

2 wks 5 days!!! IS IT TIME YET????

That's awesome to hear everyone is getting excited!!!! I can't believe the trip is SO close now!!!! Woohoo!!! What's left to do?

 

[catherines_mama]

That's awesome to hear everyone is getting excited!!!! I can't believe the trip is SO close now!!!! Woohoo!!! What's left to do?

Things left to do:
SHOP SHOP SHOP
LAUNDRY LAUNDRY LAUNDRY
PACK PACK PACK

put trip details into phone
print what I can
make ADR at TRex
that's what I'm doing tonight

 

[catherines_mama]

Lets take a break for.... PICTURES! Catherine had her 1st swim meet this weekend. She did SO good - I'm VERY proud of her. A few pics

Cheering section

Our little swimmer:

She got
Backstroke - 2nd
Freestyle - 1st (in her heat, 3 total heats)
Breast stroke - 3rd (in her heat, 3 total heats)

What I love is she smiled almost all of it!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I'm finally subbed and all caught up! You guys have a beautiful family! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your planning and your actual trip in two weeks

 

[catherines_mama]

I'm finally subbed and all caught up! You guys have a beautiful family! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your planning and your actual trip in two weeks

Welcome!! Thank you for the compliments. They are a bunch of cuties aren't they! LOL

Jack was a stink bug this morning and really ticked me off, but overall - love the crazy kids.

I will be updating again soon. 2 WEEKS!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Hello, just got caught up on everything i missed since right before we left for our trip. Sorry I havn't gotten over here sooner, i've been so busy since getting back. Manny came home sick, then it was my turn Memorial day was my bday and we had bday parties, a parade and cookouts all weekend. And now i'm planning the girls' bday party, our wedding next summer and OF COURSE our next Disney Trip, which is going to be considered our Honey moon. So much to do. Which has been great, it helped me get over the post Disney depression Oh, it's real!!! It took me about a week and a half to be "normal" again.

I've having fun reading your plans about how you're trying to make sure plans are set for your wedding and Trip because that is what i'll be doing next year Stressful i'm sure, but i can't wait.

That's nice that Catherine will be going with your parents in July, that will be a nice vacation after vacation No one ever wants to get back to reality after Disney, Now she won't have to.

I absolutely want to eat at TREX next year, it looked really cool when we saw it!!!


How is the kid's mother? Is she still sick? I don't know if you posted and I missed that update, very possible!!

But you guys must be getting very excited, your time is nearing!!!!

 

[catherines_mama]

How is the kid's mother? Is she still sick? I don't know if you posted and I missed that update, very possible!!

But you guys must be getting very excited, your time is nearing!!!!

YAY - I'm loving your report, sometimes I was wondering if ya'll actually got to do everything - so I am SO glad you are coming back in OCT, you will love it in OCT and you must go to MNSSHP. Hmm.... meet possibility? LOL

I have a great update on the trip / wedding to post here in a minute - just wanted to check in and say HI!

Kids' mom is a piece of work. She had not seen them since Mom's day and this past Saturday she called wanting to see them, but her car is broken down. SO Steve took them over at 11am and picked them up at 5pm. I guess she's lost her job, her car won't work (steve offered to work on it), her ph is still turned off - she's really a mess right now and I just hope she figures out how to pull it back together. Since we'll be gone for 8 days, Steve is letting them go over there this Saturday (our weekend). In the end it helps me a lot. I have a very busy day and he got called out of town for work at the last minute. Still waiting for a court date, but hopefully it will come soon and things can on a better track. - thanks for asking... but the kiddos are doing great. Em is becoming such a little lady. Her shyness is waining but she's so stubburn sometimes. Jack is doing good, they are loving summer daycamp and activities.

 

[catherines_mama]

UPDATE!!!! WOOHOO PLANNING!!!

Okay I am in full Disney planning! This is when it all gets real to me. I can't pack a month ahead. It is in the 90s and HOT HOT HOT so the kids wear all their HOT weather clothes all the time.

I'm planning to do laundry this weekend, and set aside 2 outfits for each kids that WONT go to Disney. On Thursday of next week (I'm working from home - YAY) I'll pull out those 2 outfits and wash, fold, pack everything else (really - our kids don't have THAT much clothes). Then they'll wear those 2 outfits Fri & Sat - to Disney.

I .... Just.... this.... week.... got..... an .... IPHONE!!!!!!! I had my upgrade last week and got the Samsung Eternity. WELL this week the iphone went on SALE for less then the Eternity was. SO I walked into the store and said "I want an exchange" (within 30 days). He asked "do you know what you want?" "yes, please, and iPhone". He said "shocker" LOL

So I have it loaded with some great apps for the trip. Even have ESPN Sportscenter so Steve can check on the Rays while we are gone.

I have all our plans loaded conf#, ADRs etc YAY!!!!

What else - still need misters... WHERE do i find them? I found some at WalMart but we need the ones that have the lanyard so the kids can wear them. Saturday I'm off to FedEx Kinkos to do the autograph books. And I think that about does it. I already got new undies & socks for everyone, they are laid out on the table. Catherine has her hipster, Jack has his cinch sack.

NEXT WEEK!!!!!! I want to thank ya'll for hanging out and following my planning, its such a fun part of it all.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

awesome on the iphone! i can't believe your trip is coming up so soon!

 

[princess&her4princes]

I missed all the pics, very cute! And what a great job she did racing!! Woohoo!!

I can't believe you're less than 2 weeks away....yay!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[catherines_mama]

Okay, so 1 week from TODAY we leave. I have updated my iphone with WeatherBug so I can see Radars that show how long the rain storms that WILL happen will last. I have the Wait Times, the WDW Dining and my itinary loaded. I have the kids 50% packed and alist of the last minute TO BUYs

So - now we'll take a quick WEDDING UPDATE break

Steve found who he'd like to ask to marry us, still needs to ask him and get details, but its progress.

Here is a picture of our 'location'

It is a lawn between a restaurant and the Manatee River. Directly across the river is a very night yacht club. The restaurant itself is at a marina.

We'll be married at 3:30pm with time for pictures and then dinner inside the restaurant. YUMMY! Mom picked a menu with 5 options so everyone will enjoy something. 20 total are invited.. all family except Steve's best friend & Fam and my 2 best friends. Catherine is the maid-of-honor, Jack is the best man and Emma is my bridesmaid. Not flower girl b/c well.. she wont be tossing flowers, just looking beautiful!

I finally got to take some pics of my dress when I had it altered last weekend. So.. without further ado..... Me in my dress. I really need to lose about 10 lbs, and my friend who went with me did NOT do a good job tucking in my back chub. LOL really, my dresser at the dress shop did better

Last detail that is taken care of.... my shoes! This is the FUN FUN part!

Since we're getting married in the lawn, in Sept, in FL, I wanted COMFORT and FUN!

These were custom made based on the beading on my dress. They are so cute and comfy. Only $30.

So, that is where we are right now with the wedding. Steve's ring... bought. My ring.. ordered. He's trying to make payments on its not such a burden. With his paycut in this new job, things are tough so I understand. But he's SO sweet!

He told me he was trying to pay it off b/f Disney because he wanted to propose again and give me my diamond at Disney, during Wishes!... he's so sweet. I know it wont work out, and thats why he told me, but the fact that he wanted to and is sad he cant - love him!

So anywah.. he just got home with dinner and I'm HUNGRY!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

The dress looks amazing on you! So beautiful

 

[princess&her4princes]

You look beautiful in your gown!!!!!! Love the shoes and the location of the wedding, just perfect!! And how SWEET of Steve to want to give you a diamond during wishes on vacation....awww, sounds like a keep for sure!!!

You're on countdown girlie, I can't beleive it's almost here!!!

 

[catherines_mama]

EEK! 4 more get-ups!! - That's what Steve told me this morning while we were getting ready for work. I then reminded him that a Disney vacation... we get up at 6am. He groaned but got over it LOL. I mean, thats when we get up for work, so its not bad at all.

Updates: Today... I ordered a CAKE for our dinner on 6/21. It will be MY BIRTHDAY (have ya'll realized yet, that I'm excited about my bday) AND Father's Day. So I had them write "Magical Day" on it. I dunno, corny but whatever.

It will be delivered to our dinner at 'Ohana. VERY Excited about that! And a big suprise to everyone (but me of course).

Today - at lunch I'll do some shopping for last minute items. Still need mister fans. Sharpies AND Address Books. HELLO I need to get those made. Oh, and Pull-Ups for Emma. we use them at hotels - JUST IN CASE!