Our 25th Wedding Anniversary Trip

[KatMark]

We are so excited to be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with our best friends (Shelley has been there...but not HS or AK, and Tom has never been). We will be there September 1 - 9 and they will be there September 1 - 7. We have our rooms booked at the CSR (us on the bounceback dining plan, them purchasing the dining plan but hoping for free dining), with 9 day Magic My Way Hopper Passes. We made all of our ADR's this past Tuesday and got everything we wanted on the days we wanted and within 10 minutes of the time we wanted. We will go to Fulton's one night out of pocket for our special anniversary dinner. They don't even think I am totally off my rocker as I've already sent them two itineraries!

 

[havinfun]

Congrats on your anniversery!!! We will be celebrating out 25th 6 years late. Couldn't make the trip in 96. So we are going this August. Better late, than never.

Have a GREAT time on your trip.

 

[KatMark]

Well, we paid off our trip today...glad that is out of the way. Now can start saving for tips, appetizers if we want them, souvenirs (lots of ornaments as we got a bigger Christmas tree this past Christmas), incidentals, etc. And we booked our flights today as well. Our youngest son was supposed to go to China last summer which fell through. He had until July to rescheudle his flights (we had gotten him a free ticket). Since he is definitely not going due to the Olympics being there and he would not be able to wrestle (he was supposed to wrestle with the Olympic trainees), we called United and they gave us the miles back and we were able to use them for our trip--and still have miles left over for next year. I'm so excited...now if the time would just move a tad faster!

 

[KatMark]

Still a little over three months to our 25th anniversary trip, but getting very excited. We got our customized maps in the mail today--first time I've ever ordered them or known about them (thanks DIS members); have all of our ADR's set--and I promised my husband no more changes
We've got the car rented; we've made our reservations for the five days in Daytona Beach after our nine days in Disney (and we got a great rate for a Spa Suite with a jacuzzi overlooking the ocean). Now, we just need the three months and three weeks and two days to move just a tad faster. Both of our boys moved home from college today...by this time next week, I know I'm going to need for the summer to go quicker!

 

[havinfun]

Still a little over three months to our 25th anniversary trip, but getting very excited. We got our customized maps in the mail today--first time I've ever ordered them or known about them (thanks DIS members); have all of our ADR's set--and I promised my husband no more changes
We've got the car rented; we've made our reservations for the five days in Daytona Beach after our nine days in Disney (and we got a great rate for a Spa Suite with a jacuzzi overlooking the ocean). Now, we just need the three months and three weeks and two days to move just a tad faster. Both of our boys moved home from college today...by this time next week, I know I'm going to need for the summer to go quicker!

That's nice that you have it paid off. I am still working on my payments. I use a charge card to save for frequent flier minutes. I don't think we have enough on it yet. So have to play out of pocket. Your spa suite sounds great. Having both boys back will be an adjusment. LOL My youngest son just suprised us and came home for a month. He is in the Air Force and had been in Korea for a year. So I know what you mean about wanting the summer to by fast. Where are your ADR's at?


http://www.**************/id/1206911059.jpg


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1731680

1977 MK- Grandma’s house, 1978 MK- Grandma’s house, 1984 MK + Epcot- Days Inn, 1996- FW Cabin. Loved staying on site. Coming up August Coronado Springs.

 

[KatMark]

That's nice that you have it paid off. I am still working on my payments. I use a charge card to save for frequent flier minutes. I don't think we have enough on it yet. So have to play out of pocket. Your spa suite sounds great. Having both boys back will be an adjusment. LOL My youngest son just suprised us and came home for a month. He is in the Air Force and had been in Korea for a year. So I know what you mean about wanting the summer to by fast. Where are your ADR's at?


http://www.**************/id/1206911059.jpg


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1731680

1977 MK- Grandma’s house, 1978 MK- Grandma’s house, 1984 MK + Epcot- Days Inn, 1996- FW Cabin. Loved staying on site. Coming up August Coronado Springs.

I see you are staying at the Coronado on your upcoming trip. Enjoy...it is our favorite resort.
You asked where we made our ADR's. We are dining at: Mama Melrose (Fantasmic Package), Rose & Crown, Cape May Cafe for breakfast, Yak & Yeti (first time), Crystal Palace (a must do every trip) for breakfast, LeCellier (another must do), Fulton's--out of pocket--our special 25th anniversary dinner (this is first Disney restaurant my DH ever took me to), Boma, Whispering Canyon Cafe and Plaza Restaurant (another must do)

 

[KatMark]

I didn't know where else to post this, so I thought I'd post it on my pre-trip report. I am sitting here tonight before my son's big day reflecting on where the heck 22 years went! Our oldest son, Andy, will graduate from college tomorrow with a B.A. in Communication Arts. He finished his four years of college with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 and has been told he has won one of only four awards given to the Communication Arts Department for Excellent in Electronic Media. He wanted to be a sportscaster or sports writer. He is very good at both if I do say so myself. He's been the sports editor of the school newspaper for the last two years. In his last weekly column, he wrote a touching article about his biggest inspiration--his grandpa (my dad) and presented it to his grandpa on his 82nd birthday. It brought tears to all of our eyes. My dad has been in a Nursing Home for nine weeks and looks like it will be at least another eight to twelve weeks as he needs to have surgery on his shoulder. I wondered where the 25 years have gone that my DH and I will celebrate at Disney in September, but it is harder to believe that my first born child will graduate. He is taking the summer off before looking for a job (or deciding if he is going to go back to school for his teaching certificate/Masters). In the meantime, he is coaching a high school sophomore baseball team and a 12-year old travel summer baseball team. He also gives private hitting and catching lessons. We are so proud of his accomplishments and the man that he has turned out to be, and I just wanted to share that with my DIS friends. Here is a copy of the article that he wrote for his grandpa. I'm not sure if anyone will be able to (or want to) read it, but I thought I would post because of how proud we are of him.

 

[havinfun]

What a wonderful article your son wrote. You and your husband must be so proud. Congrats to you and your son!!!

 

[KatMark]

I thought it was probably time for an update on our pre-trip report...it is only 44 days away now.

Although I come to the Dis Forums every day, I've had a really hard time staying "up" for our upcoming trip in September for our 25th anniversary. My dad was admitted into the hospital in Febrary and was there about five weeks; they then moved him to a nursing home where he was for ten weeks before being taken back to the hospital. He has come close to dying on us twice in the last eight weeks, but he keeps pulling through. I've been afraid to get too excited about my trip in fear that something would happen. My dad has not been able to talk for about five weeks because he's been on a breathing tube (he had a tracheotomy the middle of last week and they have begun "vocal exercises" but he still has a lot of secretions in his lungs so it is not going well). Since he has not been able to talk he has been writing us notes when he is able (I am a terrible lip reader). He wrote me four weeks ago that we are to go on our vacation no matter what...he said my DH and I deserve it after all the time we've spent at hospital/nursing home/hospital and because it is not every day that you make 25 years together. My close friends and my boss have said the same thing--go on your vacation. If something happens, you can always fly home. There isn't really anything I can do but go and visit and give him my love and support. So after much soul searching and knowing that my two brothers and my oldest son who is back home living while he pursues his Masters Degree will go visit Dad, we are going to go on our vacation and have a magical trip.

So I've ordered a special gift for my DH for our anniversary to be delivered to the CSR upon our arrival (I used memoriesbybetsy and she did an awesome job). My best friend and her DH who are going with us have our "itinerary" of tentative plans for which parks which day and our schedule of meals (they have informed us that they have planned something for the one night we didn't have an adr as a surprise for us for our anniversary); I've put away the clothes I definitely am taking with me so I don't keep wearing them and risk spilling something on them; we've received the special t-shirts I ordered for DH and I for our 25th anniversary and the t-shirts I ordered for us and my bf and her DH for their first visit and they turned out great. I've checked and doublechecked our ADR's and think I will not change anything; we've rented our car for 13 days (we are going to Daytona for a few days after Disney), but I keep checking rates as we're paying $500 for a Standard SUV and I'm trying to get it just a little lower.

So I'll keep making lists and checking the DIS Boards for any info or news I shall need before our departure.

Thanks for listening.

 

[NatalieMT]

Congratulations on your 25th wedding anniversary and also to your son! Have a fabulous time at CSR and I look forward to reading more about your planning and eventually a write up of your trip.

Love the idea of the printed shirts too - wish I'd made some for my first trip, would have been that little bit extra special.

 

[KatMark]

Congratulations on your 25th wedding anniversary and also to your son! Have a fabulous time at CSR and I look forward to reading more about your planning and eventually a write up of your trip.

Love the idea of the printed shirts too - wish I'd made some for my first trip, would have been that little bit extra special.

Thanks. If I have time at work tomorrow, I'll post a picture of the t-shirt (had them done by Zazzle.

We had a lot of rain this weekend so I got my Mousekeeping envelopes done, printed out each of my adr's on an individual card, etc.

 

[KatMark]

As promised, here is a photo of the t-shirt I ordered for our anniversary trip in September:

(front of shirt)

(back of shirt)

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Kathy, I just read your pre trip report and congratulations on 25 years together! Good for you, that is quite an accomplishment.

I read your son's article, what a great young man, you must be so proud. It really brought tears to my eyes, you clearly have an amazing family.

I will really keep your dad and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my mom recently after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimers, and I know first hand how having a loved one who is ill can make it hard to plan and get excited for the trip. But I agree with your dad and friends, take the trip no matter what.

I know you guys will have the magical time that you so much deserve! Love the tee shirts btw. And love your ADR's, those are some of my favorites.

Amy

 

[KatMark]

What a wonderful article your son wrote. You and your husband must be so proud. Congrats to you and your son!!!

Thank you. He is a terrific kid.

Hi Kathy, I just read your pre trip report and congratulations on 25 years together! Good for you, that is quite an accomplishment.

I read your son's article, what a great young man, you must be so proud. It really brought tears to my eyes, you clearly have an amazing family.

I will really keep your dad and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my mom recently after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimers, and I know first hand how having a loved one who is ill can make it hard to plan and get excited for the trip. But I agree with your dad and friends, take the trip no matter what.

I know you guys will have the magical time that you so much deserve! Love the tee shirts btw. And love your ADR's, those are some of my favorites.

Amy

Thanks, Amy. I am sorry to hear about your mom. It is very difficult watching our parents get older and dealing with issues. I finally stopped crying when leaving the hospital every day...it was tearing me apart.

We were very proud of that article that Andy wrote. My dad retired after I had our second son so that he could stay with the kids while I went back to work. They are very close to their grandpa.

We can't wait until the trip and are getting very excited...only 39 days to go!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you. He is a terrific kid.



Thanks, Amy. I am sorry to hear about your mom. It is very difficult watching our parents get older and dealing with issues. I finally stopped crying when leaving the hospital every day...it was tearing me apart.

We were very proud of that article that Andy wrote. My dad retired after I had our second son so that he could stay with the kids while I went back to work. They are very close to their grandpa.

We can't wait until the trip and are getting very excited...only 39 days to go!

That was the thing that got me about your son's article, the way your dad had retired to help out with the kids. My mom sort of did the same thing, in that she retired to spend more time with her grandkids and thank God she did, my dd was only 4 when my mom was diagnosed (ds was six) so it was good to have those years before she was ill to spend time together.

I think leaving the hospital when your loved one is still iside it is about the most gut wrenching thing you have to do. I know when I used to leave (during one of her visits) I could see her room window and I would just sit in the car and sob. Its not easy. But your family sounds like mine, just so much love for each other that the emotions run strong. Its a blessing and so much better than the way some families are. I wouldn't trade it for anything and I know you wouldn't either!

Thats why I love our Disney trips, just getting to spend time with the ones you love in the Happiest Place o Earth!

I can't wait to read more and I can't wait to see your trip report! 39 Days to go, that is so nice and close!

 

[KatMark]

Spent a couple of hours at the hospital tonight with dad and he is doing better. Although he'll never be 100%, he is getting a little stronger and is breathing well on his own and has vocal lessons every day with his trach. They hope to have him out of the hospital and in the nursing home in two or three weeks.

Today we received our Disney Reward Card in the mail which we will use to pay tips and for souvenirs. DH is going to Vegas with our oldest son a week from Wednesday and he will use Disney credit card (he'll be reimbursed before our trip so we can pay it off) and I will transfer whatever new reward points we accumulate to our Reward Card before we go.

I spent a little time tonight searching the computer for Starbucks addresses in Orlando and also Daytona Beach. Also found a nice little boat ride on the Halifax River where we can see dolphins, etc., that I think DH and I will try on the second half of our anniversary trip.

Getting excited...only 36 more days to go. Not sure if DH is more excited about that or the fact that our youngest son returns to college in 28 days!!!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Kathy that is great news that your dad is improving!

So do you mean to tell me that even when the kids are in college, they still bug the parents in the summer? Another hope crushed! I somehow thought maybe when they got to be that age it might be easier. Because my kids are driving me nuts this summer (they are 11 and 13)!!

Your trip is really getting close, that river/dolphin thing sounds great. We have done that sort of thing before and it was wonderful (not in Daytona however).

 

[KatMark]

Kathy that is great news that your dad is improving!

So do you mean to tell me that even when the kids are in college, they still bug the parents in the summer? Another hope crushed! I somehow thought maybe when they got to be that age it might be easier. Because my kids are driving me nuts this summer (they are 11 and 13)!!

Your trip is really getting close, that river/dolphin thing sounds great. We have done that sort of thing before and it was wonderful (not in Daytona however).

Yes, sorry to be the bearer of bad news...they still bug you at the ages of 22 and 20. The oldest is going to be living at home too; he graduated college but is going back for his masters and will live at home to save money (he has to buy a new car). The youngest listens to that rap music and it drives my DH absolutely batty. I keep telling him the music he listened to when he was that age probably drove his parents batty too! He doesn't buy it. We're really very lucky...we have two really good kids. They may drive us nuts, but they don't get in trouble and they both coach young kids in their respective sports (the oldest coaches high school and 12-year old travel baseball baseball and the youngest coaches youth wrestling...a sport he has been involved in since he was 10 years old and in which he still participates in at the college level).

I'm really excited about the dolphin excursion.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Kathy, even good kids can get on the old nerves sometimes! Everybody always tells me what good kids I have and they are, but this last week has been very trying for me!

That is great your son is going for his masters, you do sound very lucky with those two young men of yours! You guys apparently did all the right things as parents, so you totally deserve this nice anniversary trip!

The whole Daytona thing sounds great, we spent a day there in June and it was so nice. I liked it much better than Coco Beach.

Keep the details coming, I have til October until my trip and I just can't seem to stay off the disboards lately!

 

[KatMark]

Well, I always kind of hated the idea that DH and I were members of AARP. Well, I changed my mind this morning. DH was on the computer looking for a car for a business trip. While he was at it, he thought he'd check for cheaper prices for our car for our anniversary trip in September to Disney. We had Alamo with codes for the period September 1 - 13 for a Standard SUV for the price of $500.70. DH just did the AARP thing, same dates, same pick-up/drop off place and time, same automobile for $356.70. I told him that was great and I booked it immediately and cancelled the other one. And I told him with love in my voice that I now had another $150 to spend on souvenirs.