Recreating Memories- Surprise Mother & daughter trip

[princess&her4princes]

WOW....I'm getting down there...89 more days today!!

Time to start thinking about some fun things....I'd like to make matching tshirts for us girls but there is no way that Mom & Jodi will wear them....they laughed at the ones I made for our trip in December, so....that being said, that's out, but was thinking maybe make pillow cases for us .....have something designed and use them for our room? Is this DUMB? I know no one else would see it, but I was thinking Jodi & Mom would freak when I brought them out, thinking they were tshirts and then they'd be pillowcases, to make things more festive? IDK....trying to be creative here.

We need to decide on whether or not we'll do Photopass. I think it's so worth it and if we split it 3 ways, it's only $30 or so each. I think this trip needs to be documented in a big way, since it's once in a lifetime, and my Mom's big birthday, so we'll see about that.

Mom was up yesterday visiting the boys & I, we were talking about the overnight stay the night before. We were going to take the train from here, stay overnight in Boston, have a nice dinner and take a cab/train to Logan in the a.m. BUT I realized that on the flip side, our flight won't land until almost 10:30 at night at the end of our trip and that public transportation wouldn't be running, so we may now be driving up to Boston, leaving a car and that way we'll have it when we get home, I think this will be the way to go.

When making ADR's yesterday, the CM asked if I wanted to have a cake at anyone of our meals for Mom, for add'l charge, of course. Mom isn't a big dessert eater, since our ressie is marked for her 60th, I'm assuming they'll wish her a happy birthday when we go to eat, right? I'll get her a birthday pin to wear, of course, so that will help. Just trying to think what else to do special....maybe ask the CM when we get there if I can get a pic from Mickey and Minnie wishing her a Happy 60th? Ideas?

Okay, that's it for now..time to get the party started here. Today is Ethan's kindergarten celebration at school, he's singning his own part, bring out the tissues!!! Yes, I"m one of those Mom's that always cries!! My baby is going to 1st grade in the Fall, how did that happen? Tomorrow is Lucas' gymnastics show, he'll do a show for us and get a trophy, very exciting!!! And 10 more days, my baby Cole will be 2!!!!! Saturday morning we're going to see "Day out with Thomas", we're excited and he's going to love it, I'm sure of it!! Should be a nice day! Hope you won't mind, but I"ll probably post some pictures of that.

Hope everyone has a great day and thanks again for reading and for all your great ideas to make this trip even more special for us girls!!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

PS- has anyone had to use a wheelchair in WDW? Mom has a bad back (she had emergency back surgery about 10 years ago for a couple of slipped discs) and has been having some issues with her ankle. She's starting to worry about all the walking in Disney and I told her not to worry about it, I"ll push her. I keep meaning to ask the CM's when I call and keep forgetting to see if I need to reserve one or if you can just get one, if you need it. Thanks!!

 

[pmama]

We never order a cake for birthdays at disney restaurants either. Especially since you get dessert with the dining plan. Most restaurants will put a candle in her desert and even sing her happy birthday if you ask.

 

[Lady Lallie]

You can just rent the wheelchair once you get into the parks. I think they have plenty to use so they won't run out. I think it's pretty cheap too for the push wheelchair.

I think the pillowcases would be a great idea! I almost did this for Jen & I but ran out of time. I saw on another TR how they decorate their own pillowcases with fabric markers, they were really cute!

 

[princess&her4princes]

We never order a cake for birthdays at disney restaurants either. Especially since you get dessert with the dining plan. Most restaurants will put a candle in her desert and even sing her happy birthday if you ask.

That's what I was thinking too....we ordered one for our sons birthday when we were there in December (the small one) and we had so much left over, so I know we won't eat it, chances are Mom won't even eat the dssert she'll be given....thanks for the candle idea.

You can just rent the wheelchair once you get into the parks. I think they have plenty to use so they won't run out. I think it's pretty cheap too for the push wheelchair.

I think the pillowcases would be a great idea! I almost did this for Jen & I but ran out of time. I saw on another TR how they decorate their own pillowcases with fabric markers, they were really cute!

Thanks LL about the wheelchair info. So something we can do as needed, I guess, we wouldn't need a dr. note or anything? Have any idea? She's so worried about dragging us down and not being able to do it, she's in good shape but sometimes things act up and especially in the heat of September and all the walking, so I just want to have my bases covered.

You thought about the pillow cases, too! Maybe that's where I got the idea? Hmm, we'll see. I have to see what I can come up with, trying to be creative but not sure if they will care either way, too! LOL!!

 

[joelp]

Time to start thinking about some fun things....I'd like to make matching tshirts for us girls but there is no way that Mom & Jodi will wear thembut was thinking maybe make pillow cases for us .....Is this DUMB? Yes ... (but maybe it's a "guy thing"?)


We need to decide on whether or not we'll do Photopass. I think I saw on all-ears that they just raised the price - but there still may be some "specials" available. We did the CD and book last trip and will probably do it again this trip ...


maybe ask the CM when we get there if I can get a pic from Mickey and Minnie wishing her a Happy 60th? Ideas? I'll think about it ...

Today is Ethan's kindergarten celebration at school, My baby is going to 1st grade in the Fall, how did that happen? Tomorrow is Lucas' gymnastics show, he'll do a show for us and get a trophy, very exciting!!! Our DD "graduates" from Kindergarten tomorrow!! I'm still working on how I'm going to tell her first grade teacher that we're pulling her out of school to go to WDW two weeks into the year ...

I could also use the line "Never let school get in the way of education" ... but she's probably in the union ...

Later ...

 

[JenAusty]

I also like matching shirts.. or at least the same theme. When we went- we only ended up with 1 matching shirt this time. I kept telling myself I'll get them, I'll figure it out and then waited to late and there was not enough time. Plus, it was hard deciding on what DH would wear. Idk if you remember but I made Wall-e shirts for us.. and I told him that it was peeling off from the wash but that it would work but 1 day and he prob wouldn't wear it again.. and then the other night he came out of the shower and said "look what I have on" and it was his wall-e shirt.. I was like awww. Even if you only wear it to bed it still means a lot to me. hehe

I was also having a hard time deciding on what to do to celebrate. I knew about the cake and was all excited to buy one but realized that with the dining plan we get dessert and I won't need double dessert.. hehe I then tried to have it delivered to my room but couldn't I had to pick it up at the food court. idk if they do cards or what.
BUT I will say- definitely get a birthday pin. She will get told "Happy birthday" a thousand times a day and maybe get special treatment. thats all I'm going to say. hehe

 

[brookelizabeth]

9/14 The Wave 5:50 p.m
9/15 Ohana 7:15 p.m
9/16 Kona 7:30 p.m
9/17 Teppan Edo 6:50 p.m
9/18 Mama Melrose 12:20 p.m.

Your ADRs look really good! We did lunch at The Wave and LOVED it. The food at Ohana is amazing--I WAY overate if you might recall from my TR back in November. We are thinking Teppan Edo for a family dinner in December, so I really look forward to your review!



I love the matching T-Shirts, or even just a similar theme-which is what we did in November. But, if your Mom and sister are completely against that idea, I think the pillowcases would be really fun-but you totally have to trick them into thinking they are t-shirts! The pillowcases would be a neat reminder of the trip for years to come too.

We had a signed picture and balloons in our room for our anniversary back in November. I have seen something similar for people's birthdays....so this might be a given. I don't know if they do it everytime, or if it just depends on the CM that happens to be prepping for your room. But, as someone else mentioned, I bet some of her desserts will be birthday themed too.

I really look forward to your Thomas pictures!

for the kids growing up. I can't believe Henry will be two soon either.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Just making sure this works...I posted once this morning and then I haven't been able to log in all day, it wasn't recognizing my user name or password, weird!!!! I missed the DIS all day...hopefully it was just a glick and we're good to go! Happy Friday everyone!!!!

 

[catherines_mama]

Glad you got it to work. Weird how it screws up like that.

Okay, I wanted to come say hi before I leave.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah for all of your ADRs! I've actually never eaten at any of those restaurants so I can't wait to hear what you think!

I would love to hear about and see pictures of the boys' end of year activities!

You are so sweet to think about ways to make the trip extra special. They really wouldn't wear t-s? Too bad. Pillowcases are a really cute idea. Or you could do little tote bags filled with the stuff we DIS'ers know is required - poncho from the dollar store, mole skin, sunscreen, maybe a cheap-o autograph book?

The Disney Florist has some really cute stuff that can be delivered to the room but it's not cheap...

No matter what you do- even if it is "just" plan the trip & make the ADRs (and we know how much work that is!)- it is going to be a magical trip that you all will remember forever!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Late to the party but subbing so I can catch up. I think it is wonderful that you and your sis are taking your Mom! What a special trip that will be!

Allyson, fellow Massachusetts-ian!

 

[princess&her4princes]

I could also use the line "Never let school get in the way of education" ... but she's probably in the union ...

Later ...

Thanks for input, Joelp!! You may be right about the pillow cases, the more I think about, no, don't think it's just a guy thing!! LOL!! It's scarey taking the kids out of school, isn't it? You never know what you're going to get!! I was nervous this past December, but Ethan's teacher was sooo excited for us!! Of course when we got his report card on Thursday he got PERFECT attendance all year and got certificates for it except for 2nd quarter..when we took him to Disney!! Oops......

I also like matching shirts.. or at least the same theme. When we went- we only ended up with 1 matching shirt this time. I kept telling myself I'll get them, I'll figure it out and then waited to late and there was not enough time. Plus, it was hard deciding on what DH would wear. Idk if you remember but I made Wall-e shirts for us.. and I told him that it was peeling off from the wash but that it would work but 1 day and he prob wouldn't wear it again.. and then the other night he came out of the shower and said "look what I have on" and it was his wall-e shirt.. I was like awww. Even if you only wear it to bed it still means a lot to me. hehe

I was also having a hard time deciding on what to do to celebrate. I knew about the cake and was all excited to buy one but realized that with the dining plan we get dessert and I won't need double dessert.. hehe I then tried to have it delivered to my room but couldn't I had to pick it up at the food court. idk if they do cards or what.
BUT I will say- definitely get a birthday pin. She will get told "Happy birthday" a thousand times a day and maybe get special treatment. thats all I'm going to say. hehe

Aww, that's so cute that Austy was wearing the Wall-e shirt the other night!! It's the little things......

I know, having two desserts seems like a bit much!! LOL!! We dont need it or to put out the extra money to pay for another one either since we're on the dining plan.

I'll definately get a pin for her when we get there. We have the reservation marked for her 60th, so I hope she gets lots of attention while we're there!!

Your ADRs look really good! We did lunch at The Wave and LOVED it. The food at Ohana is amazing--I WAY overate if you might recall from my TR back in November. We are thinking Teppan Edo for a family dinner in December, so I really look forward to your review!



I love the matching T-Shirts, or even just a similar theme-which is what we did in November. But, if your Mom and sister are completely against that idea, I think the pillowcases would be really fun-but you totally have to trick them into thinking they are t-shirts! The pillowcases would be a neat reminder of the trip for years to come too.

We had a signed picture and balloons in our room for our anniversary back in November. I have seen something similar for people's birthdays....so this might be a given. I don't know if they do it everytime, or if it just depends on the CM that happens to be prepping for your room. But, as someone else mentioned, I bet some of her desserts will be birthday themed too.

I really look forward to your Thomas pictures!

for the kids growing up. I can't believe Henry will be two soon either.

Thanks for the reviews Brook! I can't wait, I was so excited to get what we wanted and pretty much at the times we wanted too!!! Glad to hear you liked the Wave and Ohana's!! Mmmm....

I'm hoping to post some pics of this weekend tonight.....stay tuned!

Glad you got it to work. Weird how it screws up like that.

Okay, I wanted to come say hi before I leave.

Thanks!! Hope you're having fun on your trip so far!!! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get home!!

Hurrah for all of your ADRs! I've actually never eaten at any of those restaurants so I can't wait to hear what you think!

I would love to hear about and see pictures of the boys' end of year activities!

You are so sweet to think about ways to make the trip extra special. They really wouldn't wear t-s? Too bad. Pillowcases are a really cute idea. Or you could do little tote bags filled with the stuff we DIS'ers know is required - poncho from the dollar store, mole skin, sunscreen, maybe a cheap-o autograph book?

The Disney Florist has some really cute stuff that can be delivered to the room but it's not cheap...

No matter what you do- even if it is "just" plan the trip & make the ADRs (and we know how much work that is!)- it is going to be a magical trip that you all will remember forever!

You are SO right, no matter what, this trip will be so magical for us and something we'll always remember, that's what it all comes down to!!!

I love your idea of the totes...hmm, my wheels are spining now!!! Thanks for the cute idea!!!!

I hope I get some good reviews for you!! They sound like great places, I can't wait!!

Late to the party but subbing so I can catch up. I think it is wonderful that you and your sis are taking your Mom! What a special trip that will be!

Allyson, fellow Massachusetts-ian!

Hi!!!! Thanks for joining Allyson, fellow Massachusetts-ian!! Where abouts are you in MA?

I can't wait to take Mom...this trip will be SO much fun for all of us!! Mom is just beside herself that we pulled this off.....I can't wait to see her face when we get there!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

WOW....what a great week! It's officially Summer in our house and even the sun was shining today..for the 1st time in what it feels like weeks!!!!

Just wanted to share some of my week with you, hopefully I won't bore you too much! We had a lot happen.....first, Ethan graduated from Kindergarten and had a great final report card. We took the family out to Friendly's to celebrate the big day that night. I have to tell you they sang the cutest songs to all of us parents and one was "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today....1st grade, 1st grade...." it was so cute, that of course I cried!! LOL!! I'm telling you, I'm wasn't made to be the Mom of three boys, they will be telling Todd to leave me at home at one point because I'm sure to embarass them at some point or another!! LOL!! Here is a picture of Ethan and I in his classroom...

Then Lucas had his gymnastics show...he did great and got a trophy for it.....too cute!

Lucas & Cole on the Olympic stands!!

And then to today...as a family we celebrated Cole's 2nd birthday by going to "Day out with Thomas". His acutal birthday is a week from today. We had a great time...will post some pictures in the next post....stay tuned!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Our third son, Cole, will be 2 one week from today...where does time go?? We didn't have any great ideas on what to get him for his birthday since he's our third boy...we have clothes, trucks, balls...you get the point ,that we decided to get him a few small things but to do something instead for him. He's going to be 2..what does a 2 year old need really....so we took him (and of course, the other boys) to see Thomas the tank engine today. It was a great day, we had so much fun and Cole was SO EXCITED!!

Our ride was scheduled for 9:30, we got to Edaville Railroad in Carver, MA about 9. The music from Thomas was pumping through the park and we made our way for our ride. Here are a couple pics of us in one of the cars attached to Thomas (or TT as Cole calls him).

Lucas & Cole

Daddy & Cole

Cole & I-- I think I was just as excited as he was!!

The ride was about 25 minutes, through the cranberry bogs and the park, it was cute and fun to watch the scenery. Afterwards, we made our way up to the front of the train to get our pictures with Thomas. Here they are....

"TT"

And the boys with "TT"

CONT...

 

[princess&her4princes]

After having the pics done with Thomas, we made our way to the amusement rides they have at Edaville, the kids had a blast. Cole has never done any sort of rides, other than at Disney and that was with us, this time he was alone or with just the boys, they were kiddie rides, so it was fine. He had so much fun!!

The carousel...it wasn't Cindy's but we still had fun!!

Todd & Lucas on Dumbo? No...it was actually called JUMBO!!

Cole and his Thomas outfit...not the best pic of him, but cute one of his outfit!!

Engineer Cole

The boys and the "trains"

And last, but not least, Ethan and Lucas with Sir Topham Hatt

We had a great time, Cole had so much fun and it was a great family day!!!

Okay, time for bed here....I hope I didn't bore anyone!! I hope that everyone is well and that all my Daddy readers have a wonderful Father's day tomorrow!! We're heading down to the Cape to see my Dad and the boys may go out on his boat if it's still nice around here. Mom is making dinner, I'm bringing dessert (oreo balls...yum!) and we'll have a little celebration there. We'll make Todd breakfast in the a.m and give him his gifts here before going to church. Enjoy!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

It looks like you had a wonderful day. Love all the pics of the boys!

 

[julezdisney]

That's SUPER cute! I always meant to go to that whenever Thomas would come through our nearby Train Museum but now the kids are too big! Oops!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Love the updates. It looks like you've had a lot of fun recently!

on "jumbo" Wonder if WDW knows it has competition?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Great pics! What a wonderful day out! I can't believe they call it Jumbo.