Our 1st family trip without a diaper bag! Jan 2012 PTR

[mandas08]

I've missed so many updates. Cant wait to hear all about how your surprise went yesterday morning.

Pin deal- Awesome.
Photopass Share- That is great! I wish I could get in a deal like that. But we will likely just buy it and offer to let the inlaws add their pictures to it to save them some money since they will only have 4 park days
Oldnavy Fleece deal- Sweet! We went last weekend and spent $200 on clothes for Brian. It was more than I would have liked to spend but we got SO MUCH stuff!
Christmas Card- I just love that blue with the white background! I may have to copy your gray and blue shirt combo in later family pictures.

Your trip is so close

 

[princess&her4princes]

Good Morning, guys!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I don't know about you, but I can't believe it's over already!

I need to spend some time updating you, our surprise has been revealed and we are all SO excited! I have a ton on pics to get on photobucket and I do have some video to share, any thoughts on how I do that?!

Off to the doctors again this morning, Lucas has had a big asthma attack, it's been a rough couple of days and we are following up this morning. We were so close to them sending us to the hospital yesterday but Todd & I did treatments every couple of hours overnight and seemed to keep it at bay, hoping they agree this morning when I go back. Fingers crossed!! Asthma is new to us, he was diagnosed in May, rushed to the hospital because his oxygen was so low, spent 50 hours straight on oxygen and a week in there maintaining. It's been scary and since it's new to us, a bit of a challenge at times.

Okay, off and running, if anyone has any ideas on how to share video, I'd appreciate it! Have a magical day!

Btw, did you see my ticker?!! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!

 

[Moodyzblu]

I'm so excited for you all .. can't wait to see the pics and video (not sure about that either .. think I'll try it later to see if I can figure it out).

Sorry about the asthma ! I hope he feels better soon. I know how scary it can be .. we have a nebulizer for those times and have spent many nights doing the same as you. But it does help.

Good luck at the Drs !

 

[danimaroo]

Good Morning, guys!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I don't know about you, but I can't believe it's over already!

I need to spend some time updating you, our surprise has been revealed and we are all SO excited! I have a ton on pics to get on photobucket and I do have some video to share, any thoughts on how I do that?!

Off to the doctors again this morning, Lucas has had a big asthma attack, it's been a rough couple of days and we are following up this morning. We were so close to them sending us to the hospital yesterday but Todd & I did treatments every couple of hours overnight and seemed to keep it at bay, hoping they agree this morning when I go back. Fingers crossed!! Asthma is new to us, he was diagnosed in May, rushed to the hospital because his oxygen was so low, spent 50 hours straight on oxygen and a week in there maintaining. It's been scary and since it's new to us, a bit of a challenge at times.

Okay, off and running, if anyone has any ideas on how to share video, I'd appreciate it! Have a magical day!

Btw, did you see my ticker?!! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!

YAY so happy to hear the surprise went well! I've heard that you can upload video to Photobucket but I've never done that. I personally upload my videos to my YouTube account and find that to work really well! Then you can link people to the videos here. I don't think there's a way to embed the video onto these forums, though I might be way wrong with that.

I'm really sorry that Lucas had a huge asthma attack. I can't even imagine how scary that must be! Hopefully everything is okay though!

 

[mandas08]

Your trip is so close!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Happy New Year!!!!!

I don't know about you, but I can't believe it's 2012! Times flies!!
But I am beyond excited that I get to say, I'm going to Disney THIS month!!! And in just 2 weeks at that! WOOHOO!

This has been a whirlwind of a week for us, Lucas and I have been to the doctors multiple time due to his asthma attack. The good news is, we managed to keep him home this time and out of the hospital, but it hasn't been easy. We've been doing treatments every 3-4 hours (even overnight) so we're not sleeping and we're feeling it. But better this week in not when we're packing to go away, right?

So, I tried to get my video sent to photobucket, it chops it in half?! I don't know, so I'm going to work on uploading my pics instead. Not sure what I'm doing wrong?

I can't believe I only have 2 weeks, I better get rolling here!! Thanks for being patient with me this week!!

 

[Lcaemom]

Happy New Year to you my friend!!!! TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooooooo excited for you! I hope Lucas is better soon because it IS time to start packing!
2011 turned out to be a sad year...in the end. Looking so forward to a great 2012!

 

[Moodyzblu]

Happy New Year !

You must be SO excited !! Glad Lucas was able to stay home .. I hope it gets all cleared up for your trip.

 

[Belle_princess]

Hi my dear friend! I've been a horrible DISer. I haven't been on in ages! I made a point to catch up on your PTR today! I'm so excited for you. There were two things I wanted to respond to:

Yak and Yeti: Yes, I've been there. I went on my last trip to WDW (2010). My friend and I really enjoyed it! The food was fun and exotic! Different and worth the time to sit down and enjoy!!! I hope it has a good kids menu, though- I don't know. You and Todd will enjoy the food; it is so unique.

Collecting Pins: I LOVE collecting pins! It is truly an addiction! Buying pins from eBay is the way to go. On my last trip, I had a few pins that I brought to trade, but I ended up buying pins to trade (brilliant, Disney, brilliant!). That was pricy. Should I have the opportunity to go to WDW again, I will buy lots of eBay. Little advice, some places have 'Pin Boards.' These are boards you and your kids can trade from. It is so much easier than looking at all CM lanyards (however, that is fun, too!). Ask at your hotel's Souvie shop and also at main pin stations in each park as well as World of Disney, Mouse Gears (at Epcot), and I think the African trading post in the World Showcase had one. You can often find the Hidden Mickey pins on these boards- very helpful if you are trying to complete a set.- - - One more thing: here is a link to my pinboard:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f....228022075406.167637.574975406&type=3&theater

I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to see your pictures and read your reports!

Love ya,
Kristin

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey Kristen, I've been MIA from DIS forever, but I'm trying to get caught up!

So excited for you, your trip is almost here!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Happy New Year, Kristen! One week and 6 days... WOO HOO!!! Hope Lucas is feeling much better and that the asthma isn't an issue for the trip.

 

[princess&her4princes]

[Here I sit, 11 days from our trip, feeling completely overwhelmed! I have been wanting to share with you all, but I've been pulled into a million directions and haven't had the time to sit and write you all. I apologize for that.

Thankfully Lucas is doing much better, thanks for your well wishes. We have a follow up tomorrow morning for his asthma in hopes that we are good to go, we've been maintaining with his inhaler the last few days and he just finished his antibiotic for the chance he was getting pneumonia this morning. Scary stuff! Again, better last week than next! But poor kiddo! Not a fun way to spend our Christmas break!

We did manage to have some fun though this past weekend before the kids went back to school, we took a trip to the Roger Williams Zoo in RI and did scope out the Disney store for some t's. We didn't end up getting any there after our 1/2 hour trek there but did have fun looking at all the fun stuff! It defininately got us into the spririt of our trip! On the way home we did stop at Walmart for a few things, and look what we found!

The boys HAD TO have them! And how could I say no?! They glow in the dark and would be perfect for our day at DHS!

We also were going back and forth about the stroller situation. Our Maclaren was stressing me out, I hated to spend $100 on a rental in the parks, so we ended up picking up this Jeep stroller for $42 on sale and I figured I'd sell it on Craiglist for half price when got home, since i've had luck doing that in the past. Cole LOVES it and has had Ethan and Lucas pushing him in it around the house! I think it will be perfect for the trip, it's lightweight, has cup holders and the bigger basket I wanted for "stuff" we'll need to drag with us.

On another note, look what we got for Christmas!

More than enough for spending money in the parks for sure! The boys each got $75 so they will have so much fun buying whatever they want for souvies!

So I've given up on posting my video, I'm so sorry, I can't figure out for the life of me how to put it up!

Here are a few pics to share with you on our surprise reveal! If anyone can help more with the video posting, i'll get that up, too!

We put these GIANT Mickey Balloons in a Disney store box and wrapped it with the attached sign!

It was the LAST present they were to open. We had had Christmas from Santa and there it was in the back corner, they were really itching to open it! Wrapped in Mickey & friends Christmas paper, it was just calling to them.

We dragged it out and told them they all needed to open it together. When they finally got it open, out flew the balloons!

Ethan and Lucas read the sign to Cole and they kept saying really?! They were pretty serious about it, not what I had completely envisioned, but they were so happy! And the first question they asked was WHEN?! I told them 1/15 and Ethan immediately says, for your birthday? Which happens to be 1/13, but no, because it's a short week of school and we only have to take them out 4 days! It was pretty funny!

We then gave them their new suitcases, filled with the other gifts from us, the Star Wars tshirt, Disney books, pez, busy stuff for the plane. They were excited!

Look what Todd got me for Christmas! I may have picked it out though!

Just perfect for my park bag!

continued in next post........

 

[princess&her4princes]

It was then time to get ready to see my parents down on the Cape for Christmas with my family. The boys couldn't wait to tell everyone about the big trip, this is when their excitement really showed!

Here the boys and I are, all ready to go!

It was a great night, we all slept that night with visions on Disney World in our heads!!!

Our Mickey mail made it safely to our home, too! It always feels more real when that gets here!!

So what do I have left to do?!

1) Buy those cute, mini, travel size things at Target.

2) Make sure camera/video camera are ready.

3) Order from Garden grocer...thinking bottled water, fruit, snacks, whatelse do I need?

4) stop mail

5) set up cat sitter, the dog will go to the pet resort and that's been done!

6) PACK! Yikes, completely stressed about this! I haven't done the tshirts like I wanted too, I'm throwing in the towel there, there isnt' enough time, and I dont' want to put out any more money, you know? But I'm worried about how cold it is there now! I really don't want my Winter coat to be joining us!!!!!! PLEASE send us pixie dust it warms up there next week! I don't have to be in shorts, but was thinking jeans/short sleeve/fleeces? At most! I'm thinking this won't get started until late next week.

7) send in teacher notes to let the boys teachers know we're heading out of town. I always stress about this, but I have good students and they are only in 1st and 3rd grade, so they won't be missing THAT much and I'm a firm believer that family time is so important! Thinking I'll send a note early next week so they have time to plan homework to the kids, if need be.

What am I missing?!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Happy New Year to you my friend!!!! TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooooooo excited for you! I hope Lucas is better soon because it IS time to start packing!
2011 turned out to be a sad year...in the end. Looking so forward to a great 2012!

Thanks Leighan!! I know, I can't believe it! I've been waiting so long, I just can't seem to wrap my head around the fact I'm going NEXT WEEK!! I know 2011 ended sadly for you, here's to hoping the new year is better!! xoxo

Happy New Year !

You must be SO excited !! Glad Lucas was able to stay home .. I hope it gets all cleared up for your trip.

Hi there! Happy New Year to you and yours, as well!

Thank you, so glad he's getting better, and here's to hoping I can keep everyone healthy these next 11 days!!!!!!!

Hi my dear friend! I've been a horrible DISer. I haven't been on in ages! I made a point to catch up on your PTR today! I'm so excited for you. There were two things I wanted to respond to:

Yak and Yeti: Yes, I've been there. I went on my last trip to WDW (2010). My friend and I really enjoyed it! The food was fun and exotic! Different and worth the time to sit down and enjoy!!! I hope it has a good kids menu, though- I don't know. You and Todd will enjoy the food; it is so unique.

Collecting Pins: I LOVE collecting pins! It is truly an addiction! Buying pins from eBay is the way to go. On my last trip, I had a few pins that I brought to trade, but I ended up buying pins to trade (brilliant, Disney, brilliant!). That was pricy. Should I have the opportunity to go to WDW again, I will buy lots of eBay. Little advice, some places have 'Pin Boards.' These are boards you and your kids can trade from. It is so much easier than looking at all CM lanyards (however, that is fun, too!). Ask at your hotel's Souvie shop and also at main pin stations in each park as well as World of Disney, Mouse Gears (at Epcot), and I think the African trading post in the World Showcase had one. You can often find the Hidden Mickey pins on these boards- very helpful if you are trying to complete a set.- - - One more thing: here is a link to my pinboard:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f....228022075406.167637.574975406&type=3&theater

I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to see your pictures and read your reports!

Love ya,
Kristin

SO glad you're back, I've missed you here!!!!!!!! And thank you SO MUCH for the pin tips, what great ideas! I had no idea on the pin boards! You rock, the kids (and Mommy) will love doing that!

And thansk for the tip on Yak & Yeti....stay tuned, that may have changed!! lol

Hey Kristen, I've been MIA from DIS forever, but I'm trying to get caught up!

So excited for you, your trip is almost here!!

Hi Michele, SO glad you're here and back! I've missed you! It's hard to keep up with anything during the holidays! I'm so far behind on my own PTR, let alone every one elses TR's! I hope to catch up one of these days!! Thanks for being here!

Happy New Year, Kristen! One week and 6 days... WOO HOO!!! Hope Lucas is feeling much better and that the asthma isn't an issue for the trip.

C! SO glad to see you here!! I can't beleive it, it feels like a lifetime ago we went, I just can't wait to get there and then time can slooooow down! Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Your trip is so close!!

I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Moodyzblu]

11 days !!

Love the Kermit shirts . SO cute and perfect for DHS !

I'm always nervous about telling school too. I make a point to try to have as perfect attendance as possible. This year they'll be missing 7 days but the principal was fine with it telling me to just make sure we bring reading material.

 

[SoonerGirl]

11 days!!!

I wouldn't worry about pulling them out of school at their ages, I took my boys out when they were in elementary and it never hurt them. I'm probably going to pull Jared out for a few days in September to go if I can get the green light from my hubby

I love that you surprised the boys with the trip, how much fun is that?!

 

[danimaroo]

Okay so in terms of the video, here's a good tutorial on how to upload a video to YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O7iUiftbKU Hopefully that is helpful, as I think it explains it way better than I probably can over the internet.

Photobucket, which I've heard you can upload videos to as well, should work very similarly to how you upload your photos. I use my iPhone for videos, which allows me to upload directly from my phone wirelessly to my YouTube account. Not sure what kind of video camera you used but usually the software that comes with it should show you also how to upload to a website like YouTube (like my little Flip Cam had software that definitely gave me that option).

Hope that helps! Aside from that, it looks like you guys had a wonderful Christmas! So glad the boys loved the big surprise, though I feel like most kids have that type of reaction on Christmas. Too cute though that they were so excited to tell everyone.

Love the Kermit shirts! What is funny is I bought for myself the same style of shirt from Walmart, but with the Aliens from Toy Story! I packed that t-shirt last night! I wanted to get Matt the Animal one (since that is his favorite Muppet) but they didn't have any XLs, just super big ones or smalls/mediums. I might make one last swing by to Walmart before we leave to see if they have it, but I've checked twice now with no success.

So close to your trip! Lots to do, but you'll get it all done!

 

[Belle_princess]

Yea for 11 days!

The Kermit shirts are adorable!

I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to hear the final plans (if you have time to post them!) I've missed being here. Your PTR has inspired me to finish my old TR! Maybe soon!

Keep us posted and don't stress about packing. ONce you get there, it won't even matter. Bring layers, and be ready to have a good time!!!!

 

[mandas08]

So glad to hear Lucas is doing better. I'm glad you all got ot enjoy Chrsitmas break together. Brian has been off or working from home the last 4 weeks so it is going to be very lonely around the house for Zavier and I when he goes back on Monday.

I think the boys shirts are too neat. Anything that glows in the dark gets 5 stars from me!! We have decided to make shirts for this trip. Last time we made them but only wore them for bed, I think this time they will get some park time. We are going to TRY to make the tie dye Mickey and a few iron ons. I really hope they turn out but definitely am not going to hold my breath.

I think you made a good decision with the stroller. I think it is crazy that that Maclarens tip like that. When Bri and I were at Babies R Us I was shocked when I did the diaper bag test and it quickly fell over..that would drive me crazy. I ended up finding a Joovy Kooper in great condition on Craigslist for 90 so we bought it and I absolutely love it so far. We also bought the rain cover off Amazon yesterday just in case and I think we could always put it on if it is a little chilly to keep the wind off Zavier.

Wow that is a TON of gift cards! I would love to have that under my tree next year. We only plan to buy ears,an ornament, and Zaviers haircut so far so we wont need a whole lot of spending money...I hope. Luckily Zavier isnt at an age where he asks for much other than milk

Your surprise sounded like it went awesome. I'm sure the boys just loved it. Not sure how you are going to top it next year. Disney cruise perhaps lol ( would love a Disney cruise but man they are expensive!!)

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