Our Grand Gathering Adventure:Surprising the Boys! 9/17 WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!

[dismagiclover]

Cute bags! Your kids will love them And I love your Tinkerbell bathing suit. The Tinkerbell on the skirt is the perfect touch

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

Yikes Jess, I missed you! We're both getting closer...but you're even closer than I am. Lucky!

It's true - I can't believe how close we are!!! It's really insane! The only problem is that now I'm starting to worry about the weather!!

 

[lisalonglash]

Sorry I'm late to the party, but I'm in! Great stuff so far, can't wait to read more

 

[hhockman]

Cute bags! Your kids will love them And I love your Tinkerbell bathing suit. The Tinkerbell on the skirt is the perfect touch

Thanks. I'm not a huge Tinkerbell fan, but I thought the color would go well with the kids' suits. And I couldn't find the Mickey one, which was black and purple.

It's true - I can't believe how close we are!!! It's really insane! The only problem is that now I'm starting to worry about the weather!!

I KNOW! I always forget we're getting into hurricane season. And I lived in Florida most of my life. I've been during September a few times, though, and it's never been that big of a deal. We should be okay. Hopefully. Disney has only closed once because of a hurricane. (that makes you feel better, doesn't it?)

Sorry I'm late to the party, but I'm in! Great stuff so far, can't wait to read more

It's always nice to have new readers. I should have some more lists tomorrow. And a couple of pictures. I meant to get them up tonight, but got to watching a movie with DH. I've "seen" you around on several TRs. We must "run" in the same circles.


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I'm going to bed, but I'll be back tomorrow. Hope you all had a great weekend!

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

I KNOW! I always forget we're getting into hurricane season. And I lived in Florida most of my life. I've been during September a few times, though, and it's never been that big of a deal. We should be okay. Hopefully. Disney has only closed once because of a hurricane. (that makes you feel better, doesn't it?)

Raif was talking about TS Claudette this afternoon, and I was like, you do realize that we now have to start paying attention to these things because they could effect our trip into or at Disney. He looked at me with a deer in the headlights kind of look, and said "You're right!" and kind of was quiet for a second. So I'm keeping a closer eye on the Atlantic than I normally do, considering I live in Illinois.

Hope you had a great weekend!

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

The bags are so cute...love the cricut notebooks too! Can't wait until my DS can carry his own gear then I can get one of those VB Hipsters, just for my stuff

 

[lisalonglash]

It's always nice to have new readers. I should have some more lists tomorrow. And a couple of pictures. I meant to get them up tonight, but got to watching a movie with DH. I've "seen" you around on several TRs. We must "run" in the same circles.

Great stuff so far! Yep, I've "seen" you around too - we run in the same pretty cool circles

 

[hhockman]

Raif was talking about TS Claudette this afternoon, and I was like, you do realize that we now have to start paying attention to these things because they could effect our trip into or at Disney. He looked at me with a deer in the headlights kind of look, and said "You're right!" and kind of was quiet for a second. So I'm keeping a closer eye on the Atlantic than I normally do, considering I live in Illinois.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Yeah, after being out of Florida for 3 years, I've almost forgotten to watch what's going on in the Atlantic myself. We have friends in the Clearwater/St. Pete area and the Gainesville area and family in Jacksonville and on the Panhandle, so I usually hear about it eventually, but I've kinda forgotten to watch for it. Guess I will be now.

The bags are so cute...love the cricut notebooks too! Can't wait until my DS can carry his own gear then I can get one of those VB Hipsters, just for my stuff

Thanks. I'm not entirely sure they are ready to carry their own stuff, but we're going to try it. I will still have my bag with snacks, first aid, wipes, etc. I'm actually hoping for it to be more of an "entertainment" bag for them. I know, they need an entertainment bag at Disney? But it's mostly just in case the lines are long and to give them something to do at the restaurants. And so they have their own cameras without me having to take my bag off every 5 seconds....but I'll still have to watch them because I don't want them to loose the cameras either! We'll see if the plan actually works.

Great stuff so far! Yep, I've "seen" you around too - we run in the same pretty cool circles

I just finished reading your PTR. We have a few things in common, even if we do live on opposite ends of the continent. I didn't realize until I started reading it that we are going about the same time ('cause I didn't bother to look at your ticker! DUH!) Did you end up getting the Guide to the Magic? Are you just getting one for the boys to share? I think I'm going to get one for my three to share (since they all have their own journals to write in), but I have to "find" the $$$ first. Hopefully it will come from somewhere. Are you waiting until you get back from your trip to start the boys' schooling back?

 

[hhockman]

I know I promised you all an update tonight, but my lists are actually upstairs and I don't want to go get them (sorry).

I also haven't taken the pictures of the two things I wanted to post, so I can't post that either.

We are officially at ONE MONTH! By Lisa's way of counting. Hard to believe. I feel like I still have so much to do, and yet when I'm sitting here thinking of things to do, I can't think of anything. I know I still have to get the boys' journals done. I finished filling in all of the blanks that I could in my Passporter last night. I've bought a few "snacks" for the room, but not all of them by any means.

I'm thinking I'm going to start packing tomorrow if I don't get called to sub. I've got a PTA meeting in the morning and I'll get my usual walk/run in, but other than that I don't have plans, so packing sounds like a good idea. The boys haven't seemed to notice the boxes in here, but I wonder if they'll notice that they're gone? Hope not.

Oh, just thought of some pictures I could add...

Last Friday was "50s Day" at Will's school. Here he is in his VERY easy costume:

And a picture of him with Christian for good measure:

Will at the Braves game on Saturday:

Christian at the game:

How Christian spent innings 6-9:

He didn't even wake up when the whole stadium was screaming as the Braves won in the bottom of the 9th (Matt took him just as the batter that hit the winning single got up).

Christian and Matt after Matt finally woke him up:

Somewhere around the 8th or 9th inning the boys started trickling down to the walkway between our section and the lower section. No one ever made them move. Here's the two that are central to this trip report (out of the boys on the Allstar team):

And just for nostalgia's sake...this is from about 2 1/2 years ago:

Excuse the editing. I did it on photobucket. They had last names on their shirts when they were 5.

Anyway, I guess that's it for now. Hope to have something current for you tomorrow!

 

[dismagiclover]

I'm impressed you made it through the whole baseball game. We're lucky to make it to the 7 inning stretch with my gang!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Cute pictures of the boys Heather. You could see Christian sweating when he was asleep in your lap. Poor baby. I like Will's "50" outfit. Those clothes I know. We wore jeans and WHITE t-shirts all the time in those days. I bet lots of people don't even have white t-shirts anymore.

Getting really close for you. How exciting.

Ginny

 

[longing2Batdisney]

looks like fun was had by all...except you at the end and Christian. great growth chart of the boys

 

[hhockman]

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513

I think they are really cute. Of course I don't think they are to babyish but I'm a grandma and I want them to stay small. If they were 9-10 yes but not 7 and 4. Really cute idea.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513

this is really cute!!! no I do not think it is too young for the boys!! it will be soon but not yet!

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Cute pictures of the boys Heather. You could see Christian sweating when he was asleep in your lap. Poor baby. I like Will's "50" outfit. Those clothes I know. We wore jeans and WHITE t-shirts all the time in those days. I bet lots of people don't even have white t-shirts anymore.

Getting really close for you. How exciting.

Ginny

That's all my DH wears is white t-shirts and blue jeans! Unless we're going to church or he's playing golf, that is!

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513

I think the shirt is adorable. For seven year olds, I don't think the shirt is too babyish. Any older than that, and it probably wouldn't work. REALLY CUTE SHIRTS!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Whew! All caught up again. Looks like your planning is going well and your trip is getting closer and closer. I'm still uploading pictures to photobucket. Seems like it is taking foreeeeever!

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Whew! All caught up again. Looks like your planning is going well and your trip is getting closer and closer. I'm still uploading pictures to photobucket. Seems like it is taking foreeeeever!

Hey, Lisa! We'll be waiting for your first installment. When you have 800+ pics, I imagine it will take awhile. That's okay. We're patient people!

 

[hhockman]

Whew! All caught up again. Looks like your planning is going well and your trip is getting closer and closer. I'm still uploading pictures to photobucket. Seems like it is taking foreeeeever!

So glad to have you back safe! I'm seriously looking forward to all those pictures! Your TR is going to get me through the next 29 days!

 

[hhockman]

Officially today we are UNDER A MONTH...

seriously.

look at my ticker.

It says 30 days. August has 31 days, so we're UNDER a month.

Plus, by Lisa's way of counting we're at 29 days anyway!

WOW! Did I just say 29 days?

So guess what came in the mail on Saturday while we were at the Braves game (which consequentially-that is SO spelled wrong-means I didn't see it until Sunday):

Yep. Our very own MICKEY MAIL! (btw Lisa, did you manage to use all 3 of your sets of vouchers? Did they let you?)

Here is another picture for you, though we've had these for a while now:

Just never got around to taking the picture. Haven't even actually taken them out of the envelope. I know.

So, I was talking to my dad this afternoon and mention that the boys "don't even know yet" and we're still "planning to surprise them" and that we're "not even going to tell them on the way down" when Will walks into the room and says:

"What surprise?"

Ummmm. "Nothing. Don't worry about it."

"But what surprise?"

"We weren't talking about YOU guys."

"Oh."...and he goes back to his homework. WHEW!!!!

Am I going to get in trouble for that white lie? HE understands, right?

So, back to said surprises. I've been hanging out some on Jaycns threads and she is just truly inspiring. Seriously, check her out if you haven't yet. Right, Ginny? Mel?

You all know we're not telling the boys about this trip.

At all.

No countdown chains. No movie nights. Nuthin'.

We're not even telling them when we get in the car. again. "Yeah boys, we're going to the beach" (I've GOT to remind Cole's parents that this is the plan so they don't tell him and spoil it for everybody!) That way even if they are seeing signs

ALL THE WAY DOWN THERE

We can still say "beach".

I'm seriously planning for them to all have their noses (and eyes) fully immersed in either A) their Nintendo DS (and the BRAND NEW games we have for said DSs that they are not getting until we leave) or B) their DVD players (and a new movie or two they will also not get until we leave. They may not even notice any of the 10 or 12

million

signs on the way there.

The one thing that could totally ruin the "surprise at the Welcome arch" is that darn Mickey-head-shaped electric pole on I-4. When we lived in Florida Will ALWAYS saw it, and ALWAYS knew that we were almost at Disney.

But it's been 3 years now since we lived in Florida. And we haven't been to Disney in 2 years. So maybe he's forgotten. Or maybe they will all have to be distracted by some VERY important thing just as we're driving by the darn electrical pole. *ahem*

I'm totally planning to have the camcorder on and ready as we drive down the street to the arch. If Will doesn't figure it out by the exit off of I-4, which could also be a problem....hmmm....distractions...

SO. You all know about the backpacks. And I think I've told you/shown you most of what will go in there (at some point I'm going to group it all together and show you the pile). Well Jay suggested a sort "surprise" reveal of the backpacks. And here is my current plan (subject to change of course):

After checking in at the resort we will drive to DTD. I'd wanted to take the boat, but this will work better. After TRex (can you imagine their faces...we're at DISNEY WORLD....look at this RESORT-they'll say hotel-WE'RE EATING HERE!!! Can't wait!), Matt will take the boys on to Disney Quest while I do some "shopping" (which really will be shopping, I still have to get my backpack). I'll go into Goofy's and get some treats, and then head back to POR in the car. I will sprinkle some confetti outside the door and leave a trail that ends at the table. Inside the room I will put three 4" Mickey heads. One green (Will), one red (Christian), and one blue (Cole). Their names will be on the front. On the back will be the instructions to "follow their own color-coded trail" to a "Welcome to Disney World SURPRISE". We'll have to help Christian read it, of course. They will follow a trail of 3" Mickey heads in their own color (LOVE my CRICUT!!!) to three different hiding places where they will find their backpacks filled with stuff!


I'M SO EXCITED!!!

I'm also planning for mid-week (probably Monday night) to get these personal Mickey head shaped cakes that they have at the Boardwalk Bakery and leave them on the table. I'll have something in "their" color on the cake and I will have three of the 4" Mickey heads hidden throughout the room (one in each color). The Mickey heads will reveal the hiding place of a shirt to wear to the Magic Kingdom the next day-which is our somewhat "full day" at the Magic Kingdom (I'm going to do the ones that say "I love..." because I think those might be their favorite shirts).

I'd like to have other little surprises throughout the week, but I don't want them thinking they're getting something every day because 1) if they expect it, it's not a surprise, and 2) it would be awful hard to get back to the room before them EVERY day.

So, what do you think? Any suggestions? Up until now I've been beside myself with excitement as the days have gotten closer. Now I just can't STAND IT! We've never surprised the boys like this before. For one thing they weren't that old the last time we went and for another, it just never occurred to me. Thank goodness for the DIS and all my new friends.

Okay, I'm off to read some more of Jaycns's old threads, as I seem to be caught up on all my subscriptions. Let me know what you guys think!