Planning our Wilderness Lodge Adventure! Nov 8-15 ~ We are back!

[brookelizabeth]

10-11-2008 - A few items off the To Do List

As I mentioned in one of my replies above...Joe did some major research the other day and we've opted to save some money and go with just a normal park-n-fly, no hotel. Parking for 8 days at the airport (uncovered) would be $70. Parking at the lot we are using is $58 and the cheapest sleep-n-fly type place was $99+$10 for the 8th day our car is parked there.

So that means getting up BEFORE the crack of dawn, but all well, saves us a bunch of cash (to spend at Disney of course!).

We also reviewed the packing list that came with the PassPorter and crossed out items that we know we wouldn't need, and added the few that weren't on the list already. I started pulling out Henry's Disney outfits and seperating them, so we are getting closer to pulling out the suitcases.

And, we started the Disney Budget. While it's barely started, it's started!

Today I gotta clean the house (family coming over tomorrow), and if I have time I will probably pull out the suitcases, work on our LGMH tags and maybe work on the budget a bit more.

I'll leave you with a beautiful quote from my dear, dear, dear husband:

"Sometime I want to go to Disney and stay for like 3 weeks. Maybe next trip?"

 

[MeMom]

I'll leave you with a beautiful quote from my dear, dear, dear husband:

"Sometime I want to go to Disney and stay for like 3 weeks. Maybe next trip?"

A quote anyone would love to hear! Three weeks would be grand....but I would probably think after that long I should just be able to live there!

If I had the money, I'd love to just fly down for a few days every month for a nice little fix. My perfect scenario, I think, would be two weeks or three weeks in the summer and a week on all major holidays and a long weekend every month that didn't have a holiday.
That's not asking much, is it?

Have fun having your family over tomorrow!

 

[Charleston Princess]

A quote anyone would love to hear! Three weeks would be grand....but I would probably think after that long I should just be able to live there!

If I had the money, I'd love to just fly down for a few days every month for a nice little fix. My perfect scenario, I think, would be two weeks or three weeks in the summer and a week on all major holidays and a long weekend every month that didn't have a holiday.
That's not asking much, is it?

Have fun having your family over tomorrow!

That would definitely be my kind of schedule!

 

[Camster0307]

I'll leave you with a beautiful quote from my dear, dear, dear husband:

"Sometime I want to go to Disney and stay for like 3 weeks. Maybe next trip?"

Have it notarized, framed, and hung over the mantel!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

"Sometime I want to go to Disney and stay for like 3 weeks. Maybe next trip?"

Book it now!!!!

 

[teruterubouzu]

Yes, I'm echoing what everyone else has said. Book it now!

 

[CJsMom]

10-11-2008 - A few items off the To Do ListI'll leave you with a beautiful quote from my dear, dear, dear husband:

"Sometime I want to go to Disney and stay for like 3 weeks. Maybe next trip?"

My DH said this to me too! Ok, ok, it was in a dream... Other than his disdain for all things Disney, he really is a wonderful guy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

A quote anyone would love to hear! Three weeks would be grand....but I would probably think after that long I should just be able to live there!

If I had the money, I'd love to just fly down for a few days every month for a nice little fix. My perfect scenario, I think, would be two weeks or three weeks in the summer and a week on all major holidays and a long weekend every month that didn't have a holiday.
That's not asking much, is it?

Have fun having your family over tomorrow!

Oh, what a schedule!

Having family over was a great time. We had Henry dedicated (in case you don't know, sort similar to an infant baptism - minus the water, and a bit different, I can go into detail if you would like...), today and after went to a near-by Apple Orchard that also serves lunch. Today was one of their Pork Chop dinners with live accordian music.

I'm not kidding!

It was so much fun. I love me some small town Minnesota atmosphere, good food, family and POLKA ON THE ACCORDIAN!!

It was great and my Mom was able to drive up (3 hour trip one way) to enjoy it with us, so that was a treat for me! Henry doesn't get to see that Grandma too often... and bonus, the house is clean!

That would definitely be my kind of schedule!

I would love to experience Disney for a week over a major holiday!

Have it notarized, framed, and hung over the mantel!

He actually said that he's looking into some cruises lately. Our current plan is Disney ever other year and on the non-Disney years to adventure elsewhere since there are so many places we both want to see. After the cruise, which is probably be non-Disney, I think I'll bring this 3 week trip idea up again...

Book it now!!!!

Yes, I'm echoing what everyone else has said. Book it now!

It's so tempting! We'd have to book it in like 2015 so we could actually AFFORD that kind of trip! Maybe our night at Pop will break him of the "must be deluxe" disease...

My DH said this to me too! Ok, ok, it was in a dream... Other than his disdain for all things Disney, he really is a wonderful guy!

Has he agreed to the trip in your ticker yet? The disdain for all things Disney does not compute in my head...!

 

[The Linnenburgers]

Oh, what a schedule!

Having family over was a great time. We had Henry dedicated (in case you don't know, sort similar to an infant baptism - minus the water, and a bit different, I can go into detail if you would like...), today and after went to a near-by Apple Orchard that also serves lunch. Today was one of their Pork Chop dinners with live accordian music.

I'm not kidding!

It was so much fun. I love me some small town Minnesota atmosphere, good food, family and POLKA ON THE ACCORDIAN!!

I am SO jealous that you actually have fall. Fall is my favorite season (maybe because I've been deprived of a real autumn... it's like a fairy tale to me). What you described sounds like my idea of a great time! The only thing missing is a hay ride.

And as for the polka on the accordian... check out my last name. My husband's family is all about the polka on the accordian. The Chicken Dance at our wedding packed the dance floor!

 

[CJsMom]

Has he agreed to the trip in your ticker yet? The disdain for all things Disney does not compute in my head...!

Umm, no, he doesn't know about that one yet...
Part of the problem...and I know you will understand this because you were on the Dave Ramsey plan...is that now that I am back to work after 7 yrs. at home with the kids we are focusing on getting debt-free. I know he will not be amenable to me going on this trip until we have made some good progress. And as much as I'd like to ignore the debt and take the trip, I know he is right. So my ticker is really a "hope and a dream" (as someone on the AKL thread said) until we get closer to the date and see how we've done. Every time I see the ticker, I'm reminded of how much I want to go, so it's a good motivator for me!

 

[thewesterberg]

It was so much fun. I love me some small town Minnesota atmosphere, good food, family and POLKA ON THE ACCORDIAN!!

Well then I have a deal for you! If you're not doing anything this Sunday, swing on up to Duluth where we're having a POLKA SERVICE! Yup, Lutherans livin' on the edge and dancing in the aisles! We've got an accordian, a tuba, and a drum belting out good ol' traditional songs polka style! And there will be bratwursts and sauerkraut in the fellowship hall after!

I hadn't said anything to DH because he DESPISES this service (not my favorite either, but when you're an employee of the church you've gotta be there!), but unfortunately he was paying attention this past Sunday during announcements and instantly had a million excuses to not come to church this next Sunday!


For some reason it didn't quote everything I thought I had clicked on, but about that 3 week trip your DH mentioned... Don't let that one be forgotten!! Get it in writing, with his signature, notarized, and locked in a safe place!! That would be so relaxing to enjoy Disney without rushing from place to place. Someday, someday....

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am SO jealous that you actually have fall. Fall is my favorite season (maybe because I've been deprived of a real autumn... it's like a fairy tale to me). What you described sounds like my idea of a great time! The only thing missing is a hay ride.

And as for the polka on the accordian... check out my last name. My husband's family is all about the polka on the accordian. The Chicken Dance at our wedding packed the dance floor!

There were hay rides!!!! We didn't take one because our little nephew (2.5 years old) had ZERO desire to take a ride in the wagon. I was grateful in a way because we had just come from church, so I was in nylons, a skirt and heels.

That is SO AWESOME about the Chicken Dance packing out the floor! My Dad's family is all about the polka-DH refuses to even try...

Umm, no, he doesn't know about that one yet...
Part of the problem...and I know you will understand this because you were on the Dave Ramsey plan...is that now that I am back to work after 7 yrs. at home with the kids we are focusing on getting debt-free. I know he will not be amenable to me going on this trip until we have made some good progress. And as much as I'd like to ignore the debt and take the trip, I know he is right. So my ticker is really a "hope and a dream" (as someone on the AKL thread said) until we get closer to the date and see how we've done. Every time I see the ticker, I'm reminded of how much I want to go, so it's a good motivator for me!

That is a great idea then to have that ticker going! DH and I had a few rough months (read: we overspent and went off budget!) and aren't quite to the point I was hoping, but we are CLOSE!! It feels wonderful to get closer and closer. Even if you don't make it this time, it will make it all the easier to get to WDW next time because you'll be DEBT FREE and can save money for the trip with noooo problem!!

Well then I have a deal for you! If you're not doing anything this Sunday, swing on up to Duluth where we're having a POLKA SERVICE! Yup, Lutherans livin' on the edge and dancing in the aisles! We've got an accordian, a tuba, and a drum belting out good ol' traditional songs polka style! And there will be bratwursts and sauerkraut in the fellowship hall after!

I hadn't said anything to DH because he DESPISES this service (not my favorite either, but when you're an employee of the church you've gotta be there!), but unfortunately he was paying attention this past Sunday during announcements and instantly had a million excuses to not come to church this next Sunday!


For some reason it didn't quote everything I thought I had clicked on, but about that 3 week trip your DH mentioned... Don't let that one be forgotten!! Get it in writing, with his signature, notarized, and locked in a safe place!! That would be so relaxing to enjoy Disney without rushing from place to place. Someday, someday....

HOLY COW, THAT IS SO TEMPTING!!!!!! I would love, love, love a polka service! And you crazy Lutherans, DANCING! Seriously, brats, music, polka...I think that would be my very favorite service of the year! (I'm such a dork!)

Too funny about Bubba Mouse catching it and thinking of a million excuses, I can see it now "Uh...the garage needs cleaning." "I think I feel a cold coming on..." "You know that wall you wanted painted, I gotta paint it, ya, before it gets real cold! It's gotta get done!" "This Sunday? Aren't we headed out of town???"

I've debated on purchasing a safe deposit box to keep The Quote in as well....

 

[brookelizabeth]

10-14-2008 - What is important about Twenty-Five?

You recall my Disneyfied (stealing teruterubouzu's word) co-worker? Today I got the following email from him:

What is imortant about Twenty-Five?

It is a square number, being 5² = 5 × 5. It is the smallest square that is
also a sum of two squares: 25 = 3² + 4². Hence it often appears in
demonstrations of the Pythagorean theorem.
The atomic number of manganese
The number of years of marriage marked in a silver wedding anniversary.
The usual TCP port for SMTP.
The designation of United States Interstate 25, a freeway that runs from
New Mexico to Wyoming
The size of the full roster on a major league baseball team
and
25 is the number of days until someone goes to Walt Disney World ! ! ! !


I LOVE that he understands the craze!!!!!



And I was able to figure out a rough Disney Budget, we are looking pretty good in spending every last cent! Gotta milk that vacation fund...

I had another "should we change ADRs?" moment today, considering changing Chef Mickey's because it's $29.99 EACH and we are paying out of pocket. But, we sorta want to "dive into" Disney, and what better way to do it than with Chef Mickey's? And I do want to see Henry's eyes light up at the characters... So we are keeping it.

Must repeat to self: "Do not touch the ADRs" "Do not touch the ADRs" "Do not touch the ADRs"

I also found out I am going to miss the birth of sister-in-law's second baby. She is due on the 19th, but it's a scheduled C-Section, which has been decided to happen on the 10th. I would have love to seen her and the new baby in the hospital, but she said not to worry about it, it's better we come see them at home anyway. And I can understand that, in the hopsital you still feel kinda off (at least I did...but that could have had something to do with 32 hours of back labor and enough drugs to put out a football team....) at home things are falling more into place, it's much more relaxed.

Let's see, left on the To Do list....
-Keep ripping Mickey Head tags off the countdown (Henry's list)
-Keep DISing (natural instict list)
-Pull out the suitcases
-Sew buttons onto pants (stupid cheap buttons!)
-PACK!
-GardenGrocer.com order
-Empty laptop, camera and video camera
-Loose 5 more pounds...one can hope, right?
-Call Disney about a bunch of things that are written down, but I can't remember them all right now...this should be done, it will take 2 minutes, but I just haven't done it...
-Decide on DH's delivery. I'm leaning toward the chocolate box because it sounds so fancy. I want to find out the flavor of cookies though - I slid a "favorite cookie" conversation in the other day - just to be sure I knew his favorites. He doesn't suspect a thing.

We are almost in the teens people! And we all know what comes after the teens! SINGLE-DIGIT DANCIN'! I can't believe it's this close...!

 

[thewesterberg]

I LOVE that he understands the craze!!!!!

That's awesome!! I laughed so hard reading all his "25's"

Must repeat to self: "Do not touch the ADRs" "Do not touch the ADRs" "Do not touch the ADRs"

That's a good mantra!

We are almost in the teens people! And we all know what comes after the teens! SINGLE-DIGIT DANCIN'! I can't believe it's this close...!

YEE-HAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for Sunday and the Polka Service... I'll enjoy a rousing chorus of "Roll Out the Barrel" that's been revised to "Welcome to 'the name of our church'" with you in mind! It's always amazing the amount of visitors we have on this Sunday that come out just for the music! And believe me, BubbaMouse was grasping for excuses tonight at the council meeting when someone asked who was going to be there Sunday!! I think he uttered a all of your excuses plus a couple extra for good measure!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

That email from your coworker is a hoot!

Don't get rid of your Chef Mickey's -- we had a blast there last June, and it is definitely a great way to jump into Disney!

I saw your post on the WL FAQ thread about getting desserts from Artist Point to go -- what a great idea -- I am totally adding that to our wish list -- eating desserts outside. Yum!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I love your co-workers note. Too cute. Wish I had some DISified co-workers!!

I stay stick w/ Chef Mickey. Maybe a bit $ but the character interaction and diving into Disney value will be high!!

Yeah! Moving along to single digit dancing!!!

 

[MeMom]

I also found out I am going to miss the birth of sister-in-law's second baby. She is due on the 19th, but it's a scheduled C-Section, which has been decided to happen on the 10th. I would have love to seen her and the new baby in the hospital, but she said not to worry about it, it's better we come see them at home anyway. And I can understand that, in the hopsital you still feel kinda off (at least I did...but that could have had something to do with 32 hours of back labor and enough drugs to put out a football team....) at home things are falling more into place, it's much more relaxed.

And maybe you can bring the new baby back his/her first official Disney World outfit! Not just a Disney outfit, but real Disney World outfit. That was a thrill for me when I bought Brooklynn something from WDW right before she was born.

 

[brookelizabeth]

As for Sunday and the Polka Service... I'll enjoy a rousing chorus of "Roll Out the Barrel" that's been revised to "Welcome to 'the name of our church'" with you in mind! It's always amazing the amount of visitors we have on this Sunday that come out just for the music! And believe me, BubbaMouse was grasping for excuses tonight at the council meeting when someone asked who was going to be there Sunday!! I think he uttered a all of your excuses plus a couple extra for good measure!!

Oh too funny!! Poor BubbaMouse... I'm sure there is a verse in the Bible that says something along the lines of suffering for Christ's sake? There ya go BubbaMouse!

I saw your post on the WL FAQ thread about getting desserts from Artist Point to go -- what a great idea -- I am totally adding that to our wish list -- eating desserts outside. Yum!

On the BEACH!!
Did you see my note to you on Angela's TR?

I stay stick w/ Chef Mickey. Maybe a bit $ but the character interaction and diving into Disney value will be high!!

That is the main reason I have kept it, that and avoiding the ADR Shuffle! I think it will be worth the money when I think about it from this prespective, the logical/numbers side of me begs to differ...I have to shut her up! IT'S DISNEY! IT'S VACATION!

And maybe you can bring the new baby back his/her first official Disney World outfit! Not just a Disney outfit, but real Disney World outfit. That was a thrill for me when I bought Brooklynn something from WDW right before she was born.

That is a fantastic idea MeMom! They are going to call and email/phone pictures to us after s/he is born, so then I'll know the size (big babies run in our family) and the gender and I'll go on a hunt! How fun!


I am thinking I want to get a little something for my co-workers son too...they (the son and his mom) were just at Disney and I thought it would be neat to get Mickey to write a "I miss you and hope to see you real soon!" note to him...is that even possible to ask Mickey to do that sort of thing? I would wait until we were at a park and have stood in a line to see him rather than at Chef Mickey's. Or maybe I could just send him a special postcard of some sort and bring him back a little toy of some sort...hmmm...any ideas?

 

[Charleston Princess]

On the BEACH!!
Did you see my note to you on Angela's TR?

Oh, even better!

I did!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh, even better!

I did!

Busted!!!!!!!!!

(AKL doesn't have a beach......but, oh, the savannah, so pretty...! I'm not helping...)