"Reach for the sky!" We're finally getting there in JAN 2012!!!TR LINK PG 69!

[Crazy4Disney06]

Fantastic news!!! Congrats on getting the extra money you needed to make your trip happen!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Wow, I realized that I've spent so much time and energy stressing about HOW we could afford to get there that I missed out on all the fun planning stuff...so let the fun begin!!

Last night Leslee (Savannah's friend that is coming with us) spent the night. The girls spent all evening picking out shirt designs and looking at pics of Disney! Since I already had a couple shirts and transfers, they picked out their name designs and we made a shirt for each of them! These are their nicknames "Lelee" and "Vannah" and that's what they wanted for name designs, so I had them done a couple montsh ago by a DISigner.

Anyway, we got to work and here are the finished shirts!

They LOVED making them and wanted to try them on and have me take pics. I kid you not, this was the first time ever that I told Savannah I had taken enough...they were having a blast posing and being silly for the camera. LOTS of giggling last night! (Isn't THAT what Disney planning is all about?!?!?)

Here are the silly girls...

I'm thinking about not making the guys any shirts at all this year. We still have a bunch from the 2009 trip that are in the Disney box, and I thought maybe this year I would make a sweatshirt/hoodie for all of us instead. Not sure about the Design, but I'm working on it!

So, what kind of bag do you use in the park? I'm concerned we'll have extra stuff if it's cool/cold, so I'm considering a backpack, but unsure where to start looking!

and what shoes do I wear at the end of Jan??? I always usually wear my teva mush flipflops b/c they are so cushiony...but will it be too chilly for that at the end of Jan?? Off to look up the weather in previous years!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Karen, you are just so cute, you know that?? I can just hear the excitement in your voice now that the plans are SET IN STONE!!! The girls are so cute in their new shirts! I just wish Victoria would get that excited, but hey.....what can I do, right?

I don't have any advice for footwear as I ALWAYS wear sneakers --- at work, at home, etc. I've never been in January, so I'm not sure how cold it will be.

As for a backpack, I have a small backpack from DisneyQuest that, would you believe, I found at the Goodwill store? I used it last year and it was perfect. Not too heavy or cumbersome. I usually carry it and will be definitely this year due to Peter's hernia named Bob. Yes, Victoria has named Peter's hernia Bob.....don't ask, I don't know why!!!

 

[MARsMama]

It is so great to 'hear' your excitement with you're planning. It's light a weight has been lifted and now you can enjoy the planning!!!
Can't wait to hear more as you continue with your plans!

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

I usually think that a big announcement is that someone is pregnant too! but I had a sneaking suspicion that your announcement was Disney related! I didn't know it was going to be this good, though! I'm so happy for you and I'm extra happy that you are having so much fun planning now The shirts look terrific and I can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans!

 

[dismagiclover]

I know I've been a bad DISer lately, but I'm still here. Cute shirts! When we go in January we don't even take bags into the parks. We don't need water and I just stick my camera in my pocket. For shoes in January I wear tennis shoes. It is usually too cold for my crocs.

 

[exwdwcm]

Karen- wow! what amazing news!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you!!!! who knew the IRS would come through. It must be such a relief and now you can focus on enjoying all of the planning. woo hoo!!

 

[Parla]

It sounds like you're having a blast and the girls are really excited.



I just bought this bag at Target to try this trip. We carry water bottles and all of DD's diabetes/insulin pump supplies for the day.



We bought this a while back and have carried it around a couple of small local amusement parks. I really like having something to keep the insulin cool in case it gets hot. DH thinks it's a bit bulky but I love it. Plus we're doing so many sit down meals it's not like you have to carry it for 16 straight hours.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Karen, you are just so cute, you know that?? I can just hear the excitement in your voice now that the plans are SET IN STONE!!! The girls are so cute in their new shirts! I just wish Victoria would get that excited, but hey.....what can I do, right?

I don't have any advice for footwear as I ALWAYS wear sneakers --- at work, at home, etc. I've never been in January, so I'm not sure how cold it will be.

As for a backpack, I have a small backpack from DisneyQuest that, would you believe, I found at the Goodwill store? I used it last year and it was perfect. Not too heavy or cumbersome. I usually carry it and will be definitely this year due to Peter's hernia named Bob. Yes, Victoria has named Peter's hernia Bob.....don't ask, I don't know why!!!

Bob?!?!?

Savannah was giving me grief not that long ago about talking too much Disney, but knowing that we are REALLY actually going this time (which makes me sad that I feel like I let her down the last couple times) and that Leslee is coming, really got her excited again! The boys are even tolerating me talking about it a lot! Have you ever considered Victoria bringing a friend along?? That might get her excited to show someone the magic!

It is so great to 'hear' your excitement with you're planning. It's light a weight has been lifted and now you can enjoy the planning!!!
Can't wait to hear more as you continue with your plans!

It DOES feel like a huge weight lifted! I'm a little afraid to totally let myself believe it's happening this time, but I'm sure that will come as we get closer!

I usually think that a big announcement is that someone is pregnant too! but I had a sneaking suspicion that your announcement was Disney related! I didn't know it was going to be this good, though! I'm so happy for you and I'm extra happy that you are having so much fun planning now The shirts look terrific and I can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans!

Thanks Erin!

I know I've been a bad DISer lately, but I'm still here. Cute shirts! When we go in January we don't even take bags into the parks. We don't need water and I just stick my camera in my pocket. For shoes in January I wear tennis shoes. It is usually too cold for my crocs.

Uh-oh...too cold for crocs?!?!? That means it's too cold for my tevas. I guess I could wear my running shoes. Is it REALLY cold?!??! Should I bring gloves and hats???

Karen- wow! what amazing news!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you!!!! who knew the IRS would come through. It must be such a relief and now you can focus on enjoying all of the planning. woo hoo!!

I know, right? I had butterflies that whole 47 minutes on hold with the IRS b/c I thought for sure it was a mistake, no way could they do something right and give us what we were owed!

It sounds like you're having a blast and the girls are really excited.

I just bought this bag at Target to try this trip. We carry water bottles and all of DD's diabetes/insulin pump supplies for the day.

We bought this a while back and have carried it around a couple of small local amusement parks. I really like having something to keep the insulin cool in case it gets hot. DH thinks it's a bit bulky but I love it. Plus we're doing so many sit down meals it's not like you have to carry it for 16 straight hours.

Ooooh, I like both of those! Dylan (my oldest) said he didn't mind carrying the backpack part of the time either, so at least I won't have it the whole time. He'll also hold my camera for me when I go on rollercoasters b/c he doesn't like them.


Wow, it took me a while to respond to everyone...it's like I have a REAL PTR now!

 

[Pixiedust530]

That is the MOST AMAZING news Karen! I am so glad that everything has worked out for you and the trip is a reality now! It sounds like it was just meant to be for you guys to go in Jan. instead of October! The T-Shirts are just adorable. I can't wait to hear more trip planning plans!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

That is the MOST AMAZING news Karen! I am so glad that everything has worked out for you and the trip is a reality now! It sounds like it was just meant to be for you guys to go in Jan. instead of October! The T-Shirts are just adorable. I can't wait to hear more trip planning plans!

"It's meant to be" is our new motto! Even Rey is saying it! I was on the phone with him in the post office this morning and asked for a book of stamps. What did they hand me? Disney stamps! Rey immediately said "It's meant to be"

I actually used the quote from Nightmare before Christmas in one of our DISigns: "For it is plain, as anyone can see. We’re simply meant to be."

 

[mousescrapper]

that is wonderful AWESOME news...I am thrilled you

So, what kind of bag do you use in the park? I'm concerned we'll have extra stuff if it's cool/cold, so I'm considering a backpack, but unsure where to start looking!

and what shoes do I wear at the end of Jan??? I always usually wear my teva mush flipflops b/c they are so cushiony...but will it be too chilly for that at the end of Jan?? Off to look up the weather in previous years!

love the girls shirts...they look very excited

I use a VB hipster when I tour...when I was there in Jan this yr...I packed extra layers and would put on/off. We also had a few mid day breaks so we could change into warmer layers as needed. lot of sweathsirt tying around the waist ...for my trip the first day was short sleeves and thin capris...but the end I was in triple layers and long pants socks and shoes...

for our jan '12 trip too...I plan on each of us having multiple layers to mix and match. I figure we'll still have a stroller for our youngest so that will help w/ the layers if we need to cart them around...shoes...this yr I had croc sandles and tradtional winter crocs they kept my feet plenty warm on the chillier nights/mornings. I am buying myself a pair of canvas all stars that I hope will be comfy for touring...may use those and flip flops for Jan this time

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

that is wonderful AWESOME news...I am thrilled you



love the girls shirts...they look very excited

I use a VB hipster when I tour...when I was there in Jan this yr...I packed extra layers and would put on/off. We also had a few mid day breaks so we could change into warmer layers as needed. lot of sweathsirt tying around the waist ...for my trip the first day was short sleeves and thin capris...but the end I was in triple layers and long pants socks and shoes...

for our jan '12 trip too...I plan on each of us having multiple layers to mix and match. I figure we'll still have a stroller for our youngest so that will help w/ the layers if we need to cart them around...shoes...this yr I had croc sandles and tradtional winter crocs they kept my feet plenty warm on the chillier nights/mornings. I am buying myself a pair of canvas all stars that I hope will be comfy for touring...may use those and flip flops for Jan this time

STILL totally stumped on park bag issue...and it's further confused b/c I'm unsure of the whole Autograph book issue (see next post!)

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Stupid Printer!

Ok, I'm not THAT mad, but I'm annoyed. I thought I could get some little stuff done (read: cheap) to keep the Disney excitement going but not spend tons of money right now b/c Rey & I still have our weekend coming up and I really won't make bigger amounts of money to pay off the trip or save for extras until Thanksgiving & Christmas when I have lots of clients out of town...but I digress

So, I thought I could do some of our tshirts! I already had some shirts in the bins, so after talking with the girls about their shirts and getting everything organized, I started to print. and print. and print...and the printer is messed up! I wasted a few transfers and those things aren't cheap! I've done everything from aligning the stupid thing, changing the ink, and deep cleaning and it seems some of the blue is just broke. It's not clogged, I think it has just stopped working. So the colors are all off. I'm at a standstill then b/c I don't really want to have to buy a whole new printer just to make tshirts. I'm going to have to see if a friend can let me use their printer or something.

I've also been making lists of things for the trip and I'm stumped on the autograph books! I thought I would make my own, but the printer nixed that idea, plus, it's REALLY hard to cut all the cards the same size once printed and I just don't think it will be worth the effort. So, I could get a blank smallish autograph book on ebay for the girls.

OR I could get this encyclopedia that I found people talking about on the DIS. It has ALL the characters (up until 2009) and descriptions of each. Many people take the book with them and then it's a great keepsake with signatures as well...BUT...it's not small and I'm not going to carry BOTH the girls books around on my back all day. AND, what bag will I have anyway? I'm totally stumped on THAT as well. I keep looking and to be honest, I just can't justify spending 40-80$ on a BAG. The prices are crazy!

I went to Voldemart yesterday (I know Hope, I know) where I RARELY go, and realized that tshirts were on clearance b/c they won't have them out much longer! This made me nervous, so I bought some even when I hadn't intended to buy any yet (this is my reoccurring theme with Walmart and why I rarely go there) but I'm glad I did b/c they were super cheap and I don't think I'll need any more now!

Also, we had picked out jackets online for the girls that were were going to put designs on, and they were EXPENSIVE ($30 each!) but something I think they will use the whole trip and they really wanted them. Well, I found them at Voldemart for $14! So, I spent every dime I have for the week, I may not eat all week, but I got what I needed for putting designs on! Just can't put any on them b/c of the printer!

Anyone have suggestions on the autograph situation? Hope, didn't you do something with printing out pics or something? Maybe I could make a photobook? I wanted something unique for them to keep as a keepsake/souvenir, but the encyclopedia seems so BIG and I'm worried it will be a burden.

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm so excited for you!!!
I would get a small backpack for the parks. I bought a hip pack for this trip ($20 on amazon) and it was good for camera, autograph book, park tickets, $$$, etc. But not big enough for sweatshirts.
I wore my Keens in the park in January.
I made a photo book for autographs on shutterfly and I think it cost around $20. I made the flip book and it was a great size - small enough to be easy to transport.

Amanda

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm so excited for you!!!
I would get a small backpack for the parks. I bought a hip pack for this trip ($20 on amazon) and it was good for camera, autograph book, park tickets, $$$, etc. But not big enough for sweatshirts.
I wore my Keens in the park in January.
I made a photo book for autographs on shutterfly and I think it cost around $20. I made the flip book and it was a great size - small enough to be easy to transport.

Amanda

yep, I'm thinking small backpack, but they are harder to find than I thought? I think Erin had some cool ones on her PTR, I may have to go look.

Did you just upload pics of the kids with characters or did you upload autograph cards? That's what I was thinking of doing, but 20$ for each girl is a little hefty. Rey is NOT being helpful with these things b/c he keeps saying things like "$20...oh yeah, that's a LOT of money...I think we can handle it!" but what he doesn't realize is that I have NUMEROUS things that are $20 and if you add them all up, they add up into the HUNDREDS and I need to watch it! I guess there are worse things that husbands who want you to spend more money than you should!

 

[MARsMama]

I made the kids their autograph books for our last trip, and I'm doing it again for this trip.
Last time I just cut out blank cardstock, in a variety of light colors, punched holes in them, and then got some rings to keep them together. When we got home I took the autographs and put them in a scrapbook together with the photo of them with the character. The kids loved this and it worked well. Very cheap and easy to do.
This time I'm doing something similar, only I'm printing off the autograph cards that have the picture of the character. I will once again punch holes and hook them together with rings, but this time when we get back we're going to take the autographs they were able to get and have them bound. Still not too costly and simple (although not so much without a printer).

 

[DrMomof3]

yep, I'm thinking small backpack, but they are harder to find than I thought? I think Erin had some cool ones on her PTR, I may have to go look.

Did you just upload pics of the kids with characters or did you upload autograph cards? That's what I was thinking of doing, but 20$ for each girl is a little hefty. Rey is NOT being helpful with these things b/c he keeps saying things like "$20...oh yeah, that's a LOT of money...I think we can handle it!" but what he doesn't realize is that I have NUMEROUS things that are $20 and if you add them all up, they add up into the HUNDREDS and I need to watch it! I guess there are worse things that husbands who want you to spend more money than you should!

I uploaded autograph cards from here. And I made one book for our whole family.
I use shutterfly because I've been using shutterfly for all my photos since, like, 2000 or something. I bet you could fin better prices if you shop around....

Amanda

 

[trickiwoo]

Greetings from a fellow pet-sitter and photographer also going to WDW the end of January!!!

Just stopping by to say that I'm subscribing to your PTR! I can't wait to read more!

So what kind of camera do you shoot with?? And your pet sitting, do you work on your own or do you work for a pet sitting agency? (I work for Fetch! Pet Care myself...)

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Greetings from a fellow pet-sitter and photographer also going to WDW the end of January!!!

Just stopping by to say that I'm subscribing to your PTR! I can't wait to read more!

So what kind of camera do you shoot with?? And your pet sitting, do you work on your own or do you work for a pet sitting agency? (I work for Fetch! Pet Care myself...)

Are you my long lost sister from another mister or something?!?!?1 I can't wait to go check out your photography! AND we are going to WDW at the same time?!?!?

I have my own petsitting business, I started up 7 years ago and have a nice clientele but since I live in a rural/small town area, I don't need employees (except when I go to WDW and have no one to cover for me!) Well, I take that back, the holidays can be hardcore with a ton of them all out of town at once, but it's worth it!

My camera is old, it's a Nikon D40, but for now it will have do do until I can upgrade! I have a FB page for my photography if you are interested, but it really only has shots (portrait stuff) that I've done for other people. It's Portraits & Paws Photography. I've got a website at www.portraitsandpaws.zenfolio.com if you want to check it out.

Seriously though...another petsitter, photographer, lover of WDW going in January???? I had no clue such a person existed! You aren't a vegan too or a runner, right? Then it might be getting a little creepy!