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

[dismagiclover]

Your suprise will be so much fun! And if your boys are anything like mine it won't be too hard to get them focused on their video games

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Your surprises sound GREAT! And yes, Jay is wonderful!!!! I'm so inspired by her.

I can't wait to read all of your TR's after you get back. Looks like I'll be living vacariously through you guys until we get back to Disney, which will be "I DON'T KNOW WHEN!" So ya'll keep it up!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Totally great Heather. When our girls were that age Don used to get them everytime with the "Did you see that pink elephant in that field?" I don't know why they fell for it but they did every single time. Then one time we were going to St. Louis and saw an "Arnold's Fireworks sign. Sheri was about 4 and thought it read "Arnold the Pig" (Green Acres was popular about that time). So forever it was did you see Arnold the Pig. In other words it is really easy to disctract kids. But a Disney sign is pretty hard to miss.

I do think Jay is an inspiration to all women. She is her own self but so intuned to her family.

Ginny

 

[mickeystoontown]

Heather,

I know you are just about to burst with excitement. I know I was last year when we surprised Hunter with his trip. I almost slipped up so many times.
Believe me, your kids will be watching the DVD player, playing their games and probably doing a little bit of fussin' (sorry to say but you know it happens in every family) and you'll have miles and miles and signs and more signs under your belt before they ever even suspect anything (if they do at all).

I love your mini-scavenger hunt ideas!

Just keep on countin' my way and your trip will be here before you know it!

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

Under a month!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

sounds like so much fun!! what a great way to add to an already magical vacation!!!
I can't believe you leave in under a month already!!!!
Have a great day!!

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

Love, love the shirt design. Tebi is great, she did a few for me too after I got the link from lisalonglash / Lisa I'm planning on making our shirts this next week...finally got the t's and transfer paper at walmart this weekend. This will be my 1st attempt at anything remotely crafty so wish me luck

I think your surprise ideas are great. I may have to "borrow" some parts of them...especially in the room scavenger hunt, as my DS already knows about the trip.

Doh, I've been reading your PTR for how long and it just dawned on me that we are going at the same time, at least overlapping a few days?!

30 day dance

 

[hhockman]

Your suprise will be so much fun! And if your boys are anything like mine it won't be too hard to get them focused on their video games

Yeah, I don't expect it to be hard. Especially because I have brand new ones that we're giving them the day we leave. Two for Christian (because most of what we have is a little old for him), one for Will, and one for both of them (Star Wars Lego, which they are playing on the Wii right now-except I think we're going to have to get another one because they can't play together until they have two cartridges). I bought a new Pokemon movie today and am getting at least one more before we leave. I think I can manage to keep them from looking out the window at the wrong time. (I hope!)

Your surprises sound GREAT! And yes, Jay is wonderful!!!! I'm so inspired by her.

I can't wait to read all of your TR's after you get back. Looks like I'll be living vacariously through you guys until we get back to Disney, which will be "I DON'T KNOW WHEN!" So ya'll keep it up!

I'm excited to write my TR...and actually finish it this time! And I DO know when we're going back...but I'll leave that for another post.

Totally great Heather. When our girls were that age Don used to get them everytime with the "Did you see that pink elephant in that field?" I don't know why they fell for it but they did every single time. Then one time we were going to St. Louis and saw an "Arnold's Fireworks sign. Sheri was about 4 and thought it read "Arnold the Pig" (Green Acres was popular about that time). So forever it was did you see Arnold the Pig. In other words it is really easy to disctract kids. But a Disney sign is pretty hard to miss.

I do think Jay is an inspiration to all women. She is her own self but so intuned to her family.

Ginny

Jay is a total inspiration. Matt totally wants to do the thing where we each take a kid for a day. Or maybe 1/2 a day and then switch. The problem is, next time we go his mom is going. So it still wouldn't be each of us one on one with a kid. We might try it anyway though.

Heather,

I know you are just about to burst with excitement. I know I was last year when we surprised Hunter with his trip. I almost slipped up so many times.
Believe me, your kids will be watching the DVD player, playing their games and probably doing a little bit of fussin' (sorry to say but you know it happens in every family) and you'll have miles and miles and signs and more signs under your belt before they ever even suspect anything (if they do at all).

I love your mini-scavenger hunt ideas!

Just keep on countin' my way and your trip will be here before you know it!

I am TOTALLY counting your way! That makes us 28 days away (which is SO much better than 29 days!) And I am about to burst (but the boys still don't suspect anything!). I don't think the signs on the way down will mean anything to them until we get really close, because we used to live in Clearwater (which is in the same direction) and we're purposely telling them we're going to the beach to throw them off. Now when the sign says Walt Disney World exit 1 mile, we might have a problem!

Under a month!

UNDER TWO WEEKS FOR YOU!!! That's AMAZING!!!

sounds like so much fun!! what a great way to add to an already magical vacation!!!
I can't believe you leave in under a month already!!!!
Have a great day!!

I can't believe I'm under a month either. I'm VERY happy about it though!

Love, love the shirt design. Tebi is great, she did a few for me too after I got the link from lisalonglash / Lisa I'm planning on making our shirts this next week...finally got the t's and transfer paper at walmart this weekend. This will be my 1st attempt at anything remotely crafty so wish me luck

I think your surprise ideas are great. I may have to "borrow" some parts of them...especially in the room scavenger hunt, as my DS already knows about the trip.

Doh, I've been reading your PTR for how long and it just dawned on me that we are going at the same time, at least overlapping a few days?!

30 day dance

GO ahead and "borrow" whatever you'd like. I got most of the ideas from jaycns anyway! I think the shirts are adorable too. I just hope my trying-to-grow-up-to-fast 7 year olds don't think they're babyish. They'll deal if they do. I have one other design that I'm planning to iron on too, if I ever get around to it. I have so many "bought" t-shirts that I'm not sure when we'll wear them all anyway! Iron-ons are easy. Just make sure you follow the instructions. I made a bunch for myself, Christian, and a couple friends with Will's All-Star team's logo on them this summer so I'm a "pro" now.

I don't think I realized we were going at the same time either (although it should have been easy enough to figure out by actually LOOKING at your ticker). Do you have a PTR? Will you have a LGMH. I don't actually have one yet, and I'm still a little wary about putting it on because I really don't know THAT many people on the DIS. But I'm starting to see that a couple "friends" are going at the same time, so I might have to break down and do it.

Your DS is going to have a great time (even if he has been a few times before)!

And HOW did you get the upgrade? I'm sure it's too late for us now, but it would be such a shame if we were all of a sudden at a different resort than the rest of my family.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UGGG I am starting to dread the whole "family" thing, which I knew from the beginning I would, but we'll deal when we can, and leave when we can't. (I was just on the phone with my brother and I don't often have a conversation with him that he doesn't annoy me). I know that sounds awful, and I'm sorry if that offends anyone, but it's starting to feeling like everyone else is "intruding" on our vacation (he wants Matt to go golfing with him and my dad...which Matt can do if he wants to and we can afford it...but still. I suggested Oak Trail which Will and Cole could also do-and he said something about if he wanted to go Minature Golfing he would. ). I was saying something about how this was supposed to be OUR families vacation and he said, "Yeah, your family and Cole." Like it's not just OUR family since we're bringing Will's friend.

Anyway, griping done...in 28 days I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!


I've got to go help Will with his homework, so I'll be back in a little while!

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Ugh. Families can be so irritating. I RELATE! You know I do after reading my TR, right?

Just branch off and do your own thing. DO YOUR OWN THING! It bears repeating. LOL!

And you're going back in June, right? Birthday celebrations, I'm thinking.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

well, you do need to make time for the "family" and than just off on your family time...
it will work out and it will be lots of fun... the only thing that gets me about men is how they can find time to do things like that but rarely do the women get to do things where they keep the kids--know what I mean....


but you will be in Disney very very soon and having the magical time of your life....

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, I so completely understand the situation. Just be a duck and let it slide off your back. Don't allow them to ruin your vacay. If they want to join you fine but don't change what you want for them. Enjoy your vacation with your family, Matt, Will, Christian, Cole and yourself.

Ginny

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Good Morning! Heather

Sounds like you have a great walk this morning; hope your lunch date is a fun one!!

Have a great Day!!1

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Heather,

off the dis for just a few days trying to get caught up this morning...but need to start getting ready to take the twins to a pre-ortho appt.

I think the Disney fund is going to be found on their teeth

anyhoo....

1) the shirt design is very cute and fun for 7 yr olds...yes I'd think a 10 yr old boy would not like so much, but go w/ it while you can

2) love the surprise all the way!!! and the mickey head trail too. Very cute! we did the whole big family trip and surprise thing back in 05...it was tough keeping it all togehter. We actually told the kids at the airport, but then had several smaller surprises during our stay. I think you have to pre-decide which things everyone wants to do together, ie meals, a few rides 1 morning, parade etc. otherwise it can become stressful...I know.

do you guys have an off day that the big guys could just go golfing and the little guys could be swimming or something?

3) happy under 1-Month

Scrappie (J-)

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Hi, Heather! Have a WONDERFUL Day!!!!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Hope you have a magical day. It's coming faster than you can say 'where did it go'. It's over.

Ginny

 

[hhockman]

Ugh. Families can be so irritating. I RELATE! You know I do after reading my TR, right?

Just branch off and do your own thing. DO YOUR OWN THING! It bears repeating. LOL!

And you're going back in June, right? Birthday celebrations, I'm thinking.

Yeah, we will break off when we need to. Matt has no problem telling my family we're going off for a while.

Shhh! Don't spoil the surprise (BIG surprise, right? I'm sure I've already mentioned it)!

well, you do need to make time for the "family" and than just off on your family time...
it will work out and it will be lots of fun... the only thing that gets me about men is how they can find time to do things like that but rarely do the women get to do things where they keep the kids--know what I mean....


but you will be in Disney very very soon and having the magical time of your life....

Yep! That's it exactly. He gets to go golf for 4 hours, meanwhile not only do I have all three kids, I have to deal with my mom AND my grandma too. Unless I want to take the kids by myself. The two times (they are only going once) they're looking at for golf are already scheduled (well, everything is) and I'm not changing the plans, so I'll just have to suck it up I guess.

Heather, I so completely understand the situation. Just be a duck and let it slide off your back. Don't allow them to ruin your vacay. If they want to join you fine but don't change what you want for them. Enjoy your vacation with your family, Matt, Will, Christian, Cole and yourself.

Ginny

Thanks Ginny. We are going to do what we need to do. I had it out with my mom last night too. Not pretty. She basically takes my brother's side in everything. But then I flat out said that I didn't want to spend my vacation with her hounding me like she does at home. She said something like she'll treat me like a responsible adult when I act like one. That I whine all the time and act like a 12 year old. Whatever. Is said something like "If Granny is going to be there until Wednesday and you and dad want some time with the kids without them, when are we supposed to have time for just the 5 of us?" You know what she said? The Friday and Saturday before we they get there. Uh no. But then of course she said she didn't care what we did. It will all work out. We'll be in DISNEY. Thanks for listening though.

Good Morning! Heather

Sounds like you have a great walk this morning; hope your lunch date is a fun one!!

Have a great Day!!1

My lunch "date" was great. I actually got a semi-double date. The one boy in Will's class he already knew was in his Cub Scout den last year (there isn't a single child in his class this year that was in his class last year). Since I always take Will to Cub Scouts I know Matthew, so it was fun eating with the two of them. He kept asking me to go to recess too, but I told him I didn't think I was allowed (his teacher let me last year but I don't think this year's teacher would). He's so sweet. I'm blessed that he still wants me around at 7 1/2.

Hi Heather,

off the dis for just a few days trying to get caught up this morning...but need to start getting ready to take the twins to a pre-ortho appt.

I think the Disney fund is going to be found on their teeth

anyhoo....

1) the shirt design is very cute and fun for 7 yr olds...yes I'd think a 10 yr old boy would not like so much, but go w/ it while you can

2) love the surprise all the way!!! and the mickey head trail too. Very cute! we did the whole big family trip and surprise thing back in 05...it was tough keeping it all togehter. We actually told the kids at the airport, but then had several smaller surprises during our stay. I think you have to pre-decide which things everyone wants to do together, ie meals, a few rides 1 morning, parade etc. otherwise it can become stressful...I know.

do you guys have an off day that the big guys could just go golfing and the little guys could be swimming or something?

3) happy under 1-Month

Scrappie (J-)

Yikes! Braces for two at the same time? That will drain a Disney fund. I guess it's better to get them over with, but it's not going to be fun for you or them.

Thanks for your opinion on the shirt. I think it's adorable, and I really like the memory it was leave, so I think I'm going to do it whether they like it or not. I guess I'm a little more worried about it being girly than babyish, but every time I look at it, it seems okay.

It appears that Matt, my dad, and my brother will be going golfing. My dad was looking at possible tee times today. We will most likely be either at Disney Quest or at EPCOT. My mom and grandma and probably my SIL, nephew, and my SIL's mom will all be with me, so I'll be fine. Just frustrated. I'm trying to gently let my family know that there are times that we plan on going off on our own, but they just keep asking "Why?" and then getting defensive. I'm sure it will work itself out.

Thanks! I'm really getting excited. We leave 4 weeks from tomorrow. I have to remember to call tomorrow to make the photo session reservation. I remember when even August 21st seemed forever away and it's HERE.

Hi, Heather! Have a WONDERFUL Day!!!!

Thanks Mel!

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Your little boy sounds so sweet Heather. I know just how you are feeling when it comes to them wanting their mommas. It WARMS the heart!

Mitchell asked me this morning (as we're driving to daycare) if I liked him. I told him I "more than liked him, I loved him". He said, "but do you LIKE me?". I said "I like you a whole, whole lot Mitchell! And I love you a whole lot too!"

Mitchell responded. "Awwww, Mo-mma!"

I said "What?" He sounded exasperated when he said that, so i wondered.

Get this. He said, quite loudly and exhuberantly "YOU'RE THE BEST MOMMA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!"

I turned around with tears in my eyes and he was grinning so big and looking at me with those big old brown eyes. My heart just melts over him.

So I know JUST how you feel, Heather. We mothers (most of us, anyways) would try to move Heaven and Earth for our kids. All they gotta do is give you that special look and you're a GONER!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Awwww!! I can't wait for Ashton to say things like that!!!
although, I do get 'I love you, mommy" alot lately and I love when he tells "I love you, tooooo mommy!"
and I always melt when Dayne says "I Love you, too mom"!
I rarely get it from Gwendolyn

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Thanks Ginny. We are going to do what we need to do. I had it out with my mom last night too. Not pretty. She basically takes my brother's side in everything. But then I flat out said that I didn't want to spend my vacation with her hounding me like she does at home. She said something like she'll treat me like a responsible adult when I act like one. That I whine all the time and act like a 12 year old. Whatever. Is said something like "If Granny is going to be there until Wednesday and you and dad want some time with the kids without them, when are we supposed to have time for just the 5 of us?" You know what she said? The Friday and Saturday before we they get there. Uh no. But then of course she said she didn't care what we did. It will all work out. We'll be in DISNEY. Thanks for listening though.

Heather, feel free to say what is on your mind anytime. You will do fine. You have the right attitude. You will be in Disney and the weight will just slide off your back. You are a good daughter and trying very hard to get out on your own. But your mom shouldn't say such things. She does it because she wants to be controlling of everything you do. And it is her way of doing so. You try to remember that she obviously is unhappy so let's take it out on someone that she can hurt. Hang in there and remember you are a good person, a good wife and a good mother. Sometimes we (and I do mean me) have a hard time being a good daughter. Your are loved.

 

[hhockman]

Your little boy sounds so sweet Heather. I know just how you are feeling when it comes to them wanting their mommas. It WARMS the heart!

Mitchell asked me this morning (as we're driving to daycare) if I liked him. I told him I "more than liked him, I loved him". He said, "but do you LIKE me?". I said "I like you a whole, whole lot Mitchell! And I love you a whole lot too!"

Mitchell responded. "Awwww, Mo-mma!"

I said "What?" He sounded exasperated when he said that, so i wondered.

Get this. He said, quite loudly and exhuberantly "YOU'RE THE BEST MOMMA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!"

I turned around with tears in my eyes and he was grinning so big and looking at me with those big old brown eyes. My heart just melts over him.

So I know JUST how you feel, Heather. We mothers (most of us, anyways) would try to move Heaven and Earth for our kids. All they gotta do is give you that special look and you're a GONER!

You see why I LOVE my boys?! I've always wanted boys and Matt's always wanted girls. 'Cause he knows my boys are MINE. That was so sweet, what Mitchell said to you! I hope you weren't turned around long with tears in your eyes. What a sweet boy. Now, tell me where it is I'm not seeing the plans for Mitchell's birthday party. Must be your thread. Is that the one I've been neglecting? I'll be over in a bit after I get the boys from school.

Awwww!! I can't wait for Ashton to say things like that!!!
although, I do get 'I love you, mommy" alot lately and I love when he tells "I love you, tooooo mommy!"
and I always melt when Dayne says "I Love you, too mom"!
I rarely get it from Gwendolyn

It won't be too long. Christian is just 4 and I get "I love you Mama" out of thin air all the time. He still likes to snuggle too and wants me to "sleep with him" at night, which I am all over. I know it will end soon enough.