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

[MICKEY4EVER!]

WISHING YOU LOTS OF FUN! YOUR TICKER SAYS ONE DAY!

 

[hhockman]

Yeah, the kids are packed! I swear that's always a load off my mind when it's done.

2 days!!!! And it's still a surprise. I love that!!

You won't be in the same room as your folks though right, just the same building? I need my space and I don't live with them. When we were on a recent tournament trip my FIL and his wife ended up in building on the other side of the hotel from ours. It was a lovely thing. Close, but not TOOOO close. I can relate.

VERY exciting news about HP! I hope it's on time!

We will most definitely NOT be in the same room as my parents. But since we're all booked as a Grand Gathering they are going to try to put our rooms together. So they might be right next door. And if they aren't right next door, my brother with the 8 month old who has yet to sleep through the night might be right next door. I'm hoping we're the end of the group. And that my SIL's mom is next door to us. We'll deal. We're going to be in Disney, right?

As far as HP it sounds like they were waiting until they were sure it would open next Spring before the made the announcement. There weren't any live pictures, but it sounds like it's pretty much done. I am SO excited (should I say that on the Disney boards...oh yeah. Guess I can. Since I'm irritated about the Fantasyland expansion and it's catering to girls, so I'm fine with saying how excited I am about Harry Potter... ).

Hi Heather! ONLY 2 days to go!!!!!

I think I'm most excited to hear about the boys' reaction!

That's what I'm most excited about too. I hope Will doesn't figure it out half way there! But there's still other surprises for him if he does.

Good morning Heather. You are so close. Seems like it went really fast for me but of course I'm not the one going. Darn! I would be but I think you have enough people to contend with at this point.

If we don't get a chance to chat again. HAVE FUN! Don't worry about what you cannot change. Don't worry about the small stuff, it will take care of itself. Nothing but good wishes for you and your family.

Ginny

I am pretty close at this point. I'm ready to admit it. It does kind of seem like it's gone fast. Now that it's almost here. It didn't seem like it while I was waiting.

Thank you for the advice. I will keep it in mind. You'll be there with me in spirit.

TWO DAYS! At this point you might find me vibrating with the excitement!

I can't even imagine you're excitement over your first time. I don't even remember my first time, I'm sad to say. I'm surprised you aren't vibrating with excitement right now!

Twooooooooo days! At least you got the boys stuffed packed. That's one thing,well, two things you can check off your list. I am pretty lucky in that I have to wear dress clothes during the day so I can pack up all my Disney clothes ahead of time because I don't wear them every day. But, I always seem to wait until the last day to pack mine and John's clothes.

Lacey used to play softball and her coaches didn't like it when she missed a game or two while we were in Disney. They just had to get over it. Maybe you'll have the rain-outs you are wishing for and the kids will still get to play in the make-up game(s).

Have fun today!

I'm glad I have the boys' stuff packed. That helps. I will get as much of mine and Matt's stuff packed as I can tonight, after he gets home. He wants to load the car while they are in school tomorrow, so I need to get packed tonight. We'll probably just go ahead and do some laundry. In fact, I think I'll start some in a minute. I don't think I've ever even been this ready at this point.

Tony has pretty much been at the hospital every day for the last two weeks. His dad is still hanging in there, though not much has changed. He's pretty much handed the team over to the assistant coach. Because it's fall, nobody is too upset that we will be gone. Next summer when we go, he will probably miss an All Star tournament. They won't be thrilled then. They'll get over it. I will be planning the trip to make sure we don't miss District. That's the best I can do.

Have a great trip. can't wait to find out how you all get on! How exciting!

:Thanks: I am very excited. I hope I'll have a great TR for you guys when we get back.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Do you want me to PM my cell number so you can call if need be? Just kidding. You will do just fine. I'm here for you anytime tho. I'll think of you daily and vision your trip.

 

[eandesmom]

We will most definitely NOT be in the same room as my parents. But since we're all booked as a Grand Gathering they are going to try to put our rooms together. So they might be right next door. And if they aren't right next door, my brother with the 8 month old who has yet to sleep through the night might be right next door. I'm hoping we're the end of the group. And that my SIL's mom is next door to us. We'll deal. We're going to be in Disney, right?

As far as HP it sounds like they were waiting until they were sure it would open next Spring before the made the announcement. There weren't any live pictures, but it sounds like it's pretty much done. I am SO excited (should I say that on the Disney boards...oh yeah. Guess I can. Since I'm irritated about the Fantasyland expansion and it's catering to girls, so I'm fine with saying how excited I am about Harry Potter... ).

I will send SOLID WALL vibes to you! I can relate, supposedly my MIL's DH is a horrendous snorer, not that I've had the occasion to hear it yet. In one villa...should be interesting!

I found this Harry Potter link, which links to some more info and live pics...or I googled them lol, not sure. I'm very excited about this so was poking around a bit last night and saw some great under construction pics. Somewhere. It looks VERY cool! I couldn't agree more about the fantasyland expansion, although I'll be able to talk them into Beasts castle, they love B&TB too! Although I think Kathy has a brilliant idea to convert the Indy Speedway into CarsLand...

Personally, I think it's ok to love both Universal and Disney. They couldn't be more different and it's a very different experience. Thrills versus MAGIC! All are good.

 

[mousescrapper]

HEATHER!!!!!!!!

It's ONLY 1 more day now!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?

Sending lots of for you and your family that it is a restful, safe and healthy and most importantly MAGICAL Adventure for everyone...

that the boys are so excited for their surprise

that you have some great family time

the golfing and all other extended family things go off w/out any glitches...

Just have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

And are you done packing yet?

Scrappie J-

 

[longing2Batdisney]

HEY HEATHER!
ITS JUST ABOUT HERE!!!!
LUCKY YOU!! I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR HOW THE BOYS REACT WHEN THEY DO FIND OUT!!!! HAVE THE CAMERA READY IN THE CAR JUST IN CASE!!! IT WILL BE GREAT WHERE EVER THEY FIGURE IT OUT!!!!


do like Ginny said and don't worry about the things you cannot control
YOUR GOING TO DISNEY; LET GO! AND HAVE A OF A TIME!!!!

LOOK WHO EXCITED THAT YOUR FAMILY IS ON THEIR WAY

before you know it, it will be time to and leave all your cares behind!!
enjoy your family **ALL OF THEM!!!**

let the begin!!!!!

can't wait to hear all about it when ya'll get back! be safe and have fun!!!
Connie

 

[hhockman]

Hey Heather,

I haven't been on the boards all day-wow probably for even over 24 hours now....
I hope I caught you before you left-your "ticker" says one day...so I just wanted to say:

That I hope you have an absolutely, perfectly magical trip
and that it is everything you want it to be
for yourself and your family...

Enjoy yourself and each moment...
and I can't wait to hear all about it
when you get back...​

Thank you so much Patricia! I'm still here. That 1 day I guess is a "technical" thing. We actually leave at 6am on Friday. I'm not sure I'll make it on here tomorrow, though. Still so much to do. I will be thinking about all of you while I'm gone.

Thanks for the

WISHING YOU LOTS OF FUN! YOUR TICKER SAYS ONE DAY!

Do you want me to PM my cell number so you can call if need be? Just kidding. You will do just fine. I'm here for you anytime tho. I'll think of you daily and vision your trip.

We will be fine. Matt and I have no problem walking away if necessary. Disney is big. We are going to enjoy ourselves no matter what!

I think I'm going to miss you all though.

I will send SOLID WALL vibes to you! I can relate, supposedly my MIL's DH is a horrendous snorer, not that I've had the occasion to hear it yet. In one villa...should be interesting!

I found this Harry Potter link, which links to some more info and live pics...or I googled them lol, not sure. I'm very excited about this so was poking around a bit last night and saw some great under construction pics. Somewhere. It looks VERY cool! I couldn't agree more about the fantasyland expansion, although I'll be able to talk them into Beasts castle, they love B&TB too! Although I think Kathy has a brilliant idea to convert the Indy Speedway into CarsLand...

Personally, I think it's ok to love both Universal and Disney. They couldn't be more different and it's a very different experience. Thrills versus MAGIC! All are good.

Thanks! POR is supposed to be fairly soundproof according to the UG. Let's hope they're right.

I haven't checked out your link yet, but I will! I am super excited about HP!

HEATHER!!!!!!!!

It's ONLY 1 more day now!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?

Sending lots of for you and your family that it is a restful, safe and healthy and most importantly MAGICAL Adventure for everyone...

that the boys are so excited for their surprise

that you have some great family time

the golfing and all other extended family things go off w/out any glitches...

Just have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

And are you done packing yet?

Scrappie J-

No, I can't believe it. From 373 to 1. Who would have thought?

Thank you for all the wishes.

I know we're going to have a great time just because all my friends deem it so! I can't wait to share our adventures with you all.

And, no, I haven't finished packing. Though I'm headed in that direction in just a minute. I have to listen to a story first for a little boy that has to take a Reading test a day early tomorrow, though he'll have no idea why.

We're packing the car tomorrow while they are at school, so I've got to get everything done tonight.

 

[mickeystoontown]

One more day! Whoopie! One more day!

Just in case you don't get a chance to check in with us tomorrow, I will pray that you guys make the drively safely, that everyone stays healthy, that the boys don't catch on to the surprise until you want them to and that your Grand Gathering is absolutely wonderful!

Take lots and lots of pictures for all of us to see.

God Bless You!

Lisa

 

[hhockman]

For those of you that thought once you were 1 day out from your Disney World vacation everything was set in stone...(did anyone here actually ever think that?)

we have a couple small changes.

One of my friends from Florida (who I haven't seen since we moved from there 3 year ago) texted me today and said "Are you going to Disney this weekend?" I texted back, "Yeah. The 18th-26th". She says, "What are you doing this weekend? The girls and I can drive over to see you." So I go into the whole Gator game on Saturday and a million and one people with us on Sunday. But, if you're not busy on the 26th every will have gone home. So she and her girls (ages 8 and 5) are coming over to spend the day with us on Saturday. We will probably still do Hollywood Studios EMH, depending on what time they get here, but I'm not sure about after that. We will probably end up canceling The Plaza, though I'm not sure about that either. They may just eat there with us. The kids don't really remember each other (Christian was 1 and Jacqueline was 2 when we left), but Will and Pam (the 8 year old) got along pretty well...and actually took 2 trips to Disney together. So I think they will have fun. The only thing that will be a little weird is that Julie is in the middle of a divorce and Matt was pretty good friends with her XDH. Oh well.

I still plan to leave around 5. The other change in plans is that we're going to stop in Gainesville for dinner. My best friend lives in Gainesville and we've been trying to figure out for months how we can see each other on this trip. She has Sea World passes but can't pay for Disney. We can't pay for Sea World. We're not going to be at DTD for a long enough span for them to drive down. So we're going to stop and have dinner on the way home. At least we'll get to see her and her girls (8 and 6), who love the boys-and the feeling is mutual-for a little while. I doubt her DH will come, but Matt will live. He doesn't really know her DH anyway.

I'm looking forward to seeing both of them.

Now, the not-so-good news. I haven't checked the UG website BUT, my cousin that is coming just for the weekend has been trying to get a value or moderate hotel for Saturday night.

There are NONE!

Or at least none that they will let someone have for just one night.

What do you think that is going to mean for crowd levels?

Yeah, I'm not thinking it's such a great thing either.

I guess we'll see.

Okay, I have to go read with Will and then work on some packing. I'm sure I will be on a little tomorrow, though I don't know how much. Probably mostly tomorrow night.

Hope you all have a great day tomorrow and anyone that doesn't happen to be on tomorrow I hope you have a great weekend and a great week!

You are ALL a blessing to me and I'm going to have a better trip because of you!!!

OH! One more thing...anyone that would like a postcard, PM me your address and I'll get one to you.

 

[hhockman]

HEY HEATHER!
ITS JUST ABOUT HERE!!!!
LUCKY YOU!! I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR HOW THE BOYS REACT WHEN THEY DO FIND OUT!!!! HAVE THE CAMERA READY IN THE CAR JUST IN CASE!!! IT WILL BE GREAT WHERE EVER THEY FIGURE IT OUT!!!!


do like Ginny said and don't worry about the things you cannot control
YOUR GOING TO DISNEY; LET GO! AND HAVE A OF A TIME!!!!

LOOK WHO EXCITED THAT YOUR FAMILY IS ON THEIR WAY

before you know it, it will be time to and leave all your cares behind!!
enjoy your family **ALL OF THEM!!!**

let the begin!!!!!

can't wait to hear all about it when ya'll get back! be safe and have fun!!!
Connie

You guys keep posting while I'm posting.

THANK YOU!!!

I have the best DISfriends. I can't wait to share everything with you all!

One more day! Whoopie! One more day!

Just in case you don't get a chance to check in with us tomorrow, I will pray that you guys make the drively safely, that everyone stays healthy, that the boys don't catch on to the surprise until you want them to and that your Grand Gathering is absolutely wonderful!

Take lots and lots of pictures for all of us to see.

God Bless You!

Lisa

Thank you Lisa. I so appreciate your prayers.

You know I will take lots and lots of pictures.

Hopefully I won't have to open 3 more photobucket accounts to hold them all!

 

[MK2010]

II'm all caught up! I've been reading since 3 a.m., but now that its time for you to leave I have read it all!

 

[dismagiclover]

Have a great vacation!!!!! I'll definitely be there in spirit Can't wait to hear about the adventure when you get back and I really hope your boys get to fight Vader

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Keeping my fingers crossed for low crowd levels! How wonderful that you will get to catch up with old friends. What a nice vacation!

 

[eandesmom]

Hopefully I won't have to open 3 more photobucket accounts to hold them all!

I can't even imagine how many pictures that is!

Have a wonderful magical trip! I can't believe you have added in TWO different additional meets with friends but what a wonderful thing. I hope it all works out, I think I'm dizzy again.

Sat night is the weekend and maybe that's all it is, the Saturday is always the worst, anytime. Try not to worry about it. Crowds or no crowds, you'll be there!

I can't wait to hear about ALL of it when you return. Travel safe and say Hi to Mickey for me!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. This is it. This time tomorrow you are gone. Yay. Have a most magical time. I think it is good when you get to see your friends but if things don't work out don't stress over it. You're going to DISNEY.

Ginny

 

[mickeystoontown]

Morning Heather, I don't have but a few minutes but wanted to say.....



YOU LEAVE TOMORROW MORNING!

Have lots and lots of fun!

Lisa

 

[hhockman]

II'm all caught up! I've been reading since 3 a.m., but now that its time for you to leave I have read it all!

WOW! Why were you up at 3am? Thanks for the dedication. I hope the TR lives up to everyone's expectations.

Have a great vacation!!!!! I'll definitely be there in spirit Can't wait to hear about the adventure when you get back and I really hope your boys get to fight Vader

I hope they get to fight Vader too. Especially since I never got their shirts made and if they don't get picked I'll feel like it was all my fault. We need to make a sign or something.

I know I will be thinking of all my DISfriends the whole trip.

Keeping my fingers crossed for low crowd levels! How wonderful that you will get to catch up with old friends. What a nice vacation!

Thanks! I'm hoping it's just this weekend that the crowd levels are high. Obviously we're contributing to the crowd levels with 17 of us in Epcot on Sunday! I am excited to see both Julie and Liz. It's going to be a great trip!

I can't even imagine how many pictures that is!

Have a wonderful magical trip! I can't believe you have added in TWO different additional meets with friends but what a wonderful thing. I hope it all works out, I think I'm dizzy again.

Sat night is the weekend and maybe that's all it is, the Saturday is always the worst, anytime. Try not to worry about it. Crowds or no crowds, you'll be there!

I can't wait to hear about ALL of it when you return. Travel safe and say Hi to Mickey for me!

Will do.

As you know, Lisa just had to open another Photobucket account. I hope Photobucket isn't as mean to me, but I'll have about a million pictures so we'll see.

Hopefully the rest of the trip won't be as crowded as it looks like Saturday will be. It shouldn't affect us too much. We're just doing Typhoon Lagoon Saturday morning, and then going to ESPN to watch the Gator game. We won't even get to a park (though it will be MK) until Saturday evening. Maybe crowd levels will make them want to keep MK open a little later. I can hope!

Good morning Heather. This is it. This time tomorrow you are gone. Yay. Have a most magical time. I think it is good when you get to see your friends but if things don't work out don't stress over it. You're going to DISNEY.

Ginny

Yes I am. And I will hear your "good mornings" even if I can't see them. I don't think we can tell you enough how wonderful you are Ginny. Thank you, my friend.

Morning Heather, I don't have but a few minutes but wanted to say.....



YOU LEAVE TOMORROW MORNING!

Have lots and lots of fun!

Lisa

Lisa you have so much going on in your life I can't believe you even came over. Thank you. You are the sweetest. I will be praying for your mom the whole way down tomorrow and I will try to find a way to find out how she is doing. Even if I can't I will continue to pray. I hope you are able to get some rest tonight. I'm glad it's almost Saturday. You've had a hard week. Take care of yourself!

 

[hhockman]

Okay my friends, this is it. In a little less than 6 hours we will be leaving for Disney World!

SIX HOURS!!!

I should be in bed, I know, but I had a couple of last minute things to do (and Christian would NOT go to sleep tonight), so here I am. I wanted to say one last good-bye to you all.

Thank you all for hanging in with me for the last year and most especially the last 3 or 4 months. I have seriously made some life-long friends and I will be thinking of each one of you while I'm there.

I hope my TR is worth your wait.

Everyone be safe. Have a great weekend and a great week. I'm taking you all with me in my heart.

See you in nine days!!!

Oh, one more thing just because it's almost Saturday...

GO GATORS!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Bon Voyage!!

for a fabulous vacation!!


Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

Safe travels, solid walls, pixie dust and ok, for you...

GO GATORS!



Have a magical trip!