So this is what mid-life crisis feels like? Dec 2011 PTR

[swwake]

OK, Naton again with his balloon that he got at the Magic Kingdom earlier in the day. In your room at the Poly. Sitting on the bed with his brother Nolan. The balloon must have gotten poked but someone was quick enough to put a band-aid on it to keep it from seeping too much helium.

I am also guessing that later that night there were helium voices as the balloon eventually died down (or was used up).

 

[momabaarjo]

Picture story...

This was also from our 2009 trip. Nate kept seeing these balloons on Main Street in MK and wanted one so bad. Well obviously, it wasn't going to be a 'forever' souvenir and if it happened to make it through the week, then there wasn't anyway it was going to go on the plane home with us.

I think I'm the one that finally caved and said he could purchase one. My kids have always pre-earned their spending money for WDW. And we try not to tell them how to spend it, just encourage them strongly, and mostly because we don't want them disappointed when brother comes home with a cool toy and all of the other brother's money was either consumed orally because it was spent on food/drink only to be seen once more coming out the other end... (TMI, sorry...) or because the purchases made were ones that coudn't come home with us that had to be left behind or given away.

But he loved this balloon and it did make it back to the Poly with us... and before I tell you the rest, I will post that pic.

Dang...I was just messing around and I got most of that right? I was using all those inferencing skills I spent years trying to get my 5th graders to use! Guess I taught myself well!!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

Good try! I can give you a point for Magic Kingdom and another point for knowing it's one of my kids in the stroller!



It is Nate! And I will post a pic here in a bit that shows you what happened with that crazy balloon! So here are your points:
1 for Nate
1 for Eddie's hands
1 for Nolan leaning up against the pole
1 for Erin taking pic

not my leg though! A friend's! However, in DH's defense, I think he didn't want to buy the balloon, and Nate waited us out all day to get one and we finally, er... I finally conceded.

Actually Heater (monkmon) got Nate before I did....

 

[momabaarjo]

And... Tammie. I am so sorry my game is driving you crazy...:rotfl2

Only because you have even more competitive people then me on your PTR who are alway stalking your PTR for the picture! Someday soon, I am going to be the first one in!

 

[momabaarjo]

2nd pic of balloon story... go ahead and guess what you can! Love the creativity!

Just look at those boy grins....

They are watching mom closely to see if she is actually watching what happens with the balloon..."See mom I have not lost it yet." Mom turns her back and Nolan teaches Nate the fine art of helium speaking...but he can't quite figure out how to into the double balloon...and just as mom turns around and the hissing sound begins he slips on a bandaide...look at those grins...honest mom we weren't doing anything!

 

[annmarieda]

Just look at those boy grins....

They are watching mom closely to see if she is actually watching what happens with the balloon..."See mom I have not lost it yet." Mom turns her back and Nolan teaches Nate the fine art of helium speaking...but he can't quite figure out how to into the double balloon...and just as mom turns around and the hissing sound begins he slips on a bandaide...look at those grins...honest mom we weren't doing anything!

 

[Monknmom]

Actually Heater (monkmon) got Nate before I did....

I need every point I am so horrible at the games! I think that I am loosing on every report because I never get the pictures. I didn't even see the picture that was right above my comment before. I swear I am paying attention, but my sister in law has been on the phone with me as I'm on here typing so maybe I clicked post as the picture came through not sure..... ​

 

[shocky5]

When you get the picture your good! I didn't even notice the legs all around... it does look like a stance that her Dh should fear!

Dang...I was just messing around and I got most of that right? I was using all those inferencing skills I spent years trying to get my 5th graders to use! Guess I taught myself well!!!!

Actually Heater (monkmon) got Nate before I did....

shhhh... honest abe... she actually said Nolan because she thought it looked too old to be Nate... which compared to our 2007 trip pics in here, Nate does look older in this pic... because he's 6 and not 4.

Only because you have even more competitive people then me on your PTR who are alway stalking your PTR for the picture! Someday soon, I am going to be the first one in!

I'm going to watch this!!

I need every point I am so horrible at the games! I think that I am loosing on every report because I never get the pictures. I didn't even see the picture that was right above my comment before. I swear I am paying attention, but my sister in law has been on the phone with me as I'm on here typing so maybe I clicked post as the picture came through not sure..... ​

I'm giving you a point for being the nice sweet person that you are! In fact, I think I will give a point to all of you that are still reading my PTR! Right now, I think we are down to 4 + me?

 

[shocky5]

OK, Naton again with his balloon that he got at the Magic Kingdom earlier in the day. In your room at the Poly. Sitting on the bed with his brother Nolan. The balloon must have gotten poked but someone was quick enough to put a band-aid on it to keep it from seeping too much helium.

I am also guessing that later that night there were helium voices as the balloon eventually died down (or was used up).

1 point for Nate
1 point for Nolan
1 point for the Poly
1 point for noticing the bandaid on the balloon
1 point for knowing it was the same balloon purchased earlier at MK

Good job!!

 

[shocky5]

Just look at those boy grins....

They are watching mom closely to see if she is actually watching what happens with the balloon..."See mom I have not lost it yet." Mom turns her back and Nolan teaches Nate the fine art of helium speaking...but he can't quite figure out how to into the double balloon...and just as mom turns around and the hissing sound begins he slips on a bandaide...look at those grins...honest mom we weren't doing anything!

You crack me up! Seriously - don't leave me Tammie! You make my PTR worth reading!!!

Story up next and then trip modifications!!

 

[shocky5]

Okay picture story first... part 2 of MK balloon!

So the balloon made it back with us to the Poly and actually did last the duration of the trip! At one point, I believe Day 2 of our new friend staying in our room, Nate pointed out to me that it had a small hole in it and he was devastated. I have no idea why he was so attached to this balloon but he LOVED it. It is pretty cool, I suppose.

I didn't know what else to do but to put a bandaid on the balloon and magically, it worked. So FYI - a tip for you all should you encounter this situation. So the balloon stayed in the room, would float around eerily at night when we were all in bed sleeping... would honestly scare the wits out of me when I woke up and would see it floating around...

On our departure day, DH was ever so kind to peel the bandaid back and then the helium sucking commenced. Just a little bit, not all of it... I know it's not good for them but we got a little bit silly trying to ward off the sadness we felt at having to go home. I do believe the Mickey head got popped ceremoniously though by the boys jumping onto his poor head.

What can I say... my boys are 110% boys through and through...

 

[shocky5]

I did it! I changed our flights...

If you remember, the school calendar was changed after we had purchased airfare and booked our trip. DH is going to have to stay and teach/give semester tests and meet up with the kids and I a few days into our trip. Kids will miss 2 days of school which is fine with the school. Have already talked to administration and will get with teachers closer to time for fear of someone letting the 'cat out of the bag.'

SO initially, our flights were in the late afternoon (after school hours) making our arrival time to our resort close to 11 p.m. This has bugged me because the Poly is not exactly cheap so I felt like we were going to be paying for an extra day that we wouldn't actually be able to enjoy the resort, etc.

So after the good influence of my dis friends, Ann and Tammie, I began thinking about moving our departure time to the morning so we could get there mid-day and enjoy the resort and 'do whatever.' This would make 3 days of school missed for my children... but seriously... what's one more day, right??

I just wasn't sure if I wanted the cost that could be associated with that change. So yesterday, I hopped online with american to explore and lo and behold... they had changed our flight and departure time. Sooo I called them and they changed our flight to one of my choosing at no additional costs to us.

We are now set to land in Sunny Orlando at 1pm and hope to be at the Poly by 2p.

I think we will test the waters of the pool, eat dinner, and do some resort hopping to see decorations! Undecided if we will go into a park or not... definitely won't go to MK because it's a party night, but Epcot is open late so I could see us wandering over there later in the evening just to catch a few of our favorite rides.

But I'm very excited to have been able to add 9 more hours to our trip this Christmas!! And for FREE! (we all know that's not true but since I didn't have any 'changing fees' it seems that way!!)

Today makes 119 days for us til departure! Really close to that double digit dance!!

 

[buckeev]

Just a quick "Thanks" to you for sharing the upcoming trip plans!
We are gonna be there at WDW the same time as your crew after transferring from almost a week on the "north side" of Orlando.
Just wondering, have you considered the late EMH at the parks to get you more park time? Sorry if I missed that, but my youngsters like to close down as many parks as we can.
Also, if you get to DTD and haven't had the chance, try Earl of Sandwich! If the weather is cold, (it was FREEZING last Dec.), the hot soups are a great way to warm up after a cold boat ride!
Now I'm back to work, just as soon as I "tweak" our ADRs!

 

[annmarieda]

I did it! I changed our flights...

If you remember, the school calendar was changed after we had purchased airfare and booked our trip. DH is going to have to stay and teach/give semester tests and meet up with the kids and I a few days into our trip. Kids will miss 2 days of school which is fine with the school. Have already talked to administration and will get with teachers closer to time for fear of someone letting the 'cat out of the bag.'

SO initially, our flights were in the late afternoon (after school hours) making our arrival time to our resort close to 11 p.m. This has bugged me because the Poly is not exactly cheap so I felt like we were going to be paying for an extra day that we wouldn't actually be able to enjoy the resort, etc.

So after the good influence of my dis friends, Ann and Tammie, I began thinking about moving our departure time to the morning so we could get there mid-day and enjoy the resort and 'do whatever.' This would make 3 days of school missed for my children... but seriously... what's one more day, right??

I just wasn't sure if I wanted the cost that could be associated with that change. So yesterday, I hopped online with american to explore and lo and behold... they had changed our flight and departure time. Sooo I called them and they changed our flight to one of my choosing at no additional costs to us.

We are now set to land in Sunny Orlando at 1pm and hope to be at the Poly by 2p.

I think we will test the waters of the pool, eat dinner, and do some resort hopping to see decorations! Undecided if we will go into a park or not... definitely won't go to MK because it's a party night, but Epcot is open late so I could see us wandering over there later in the evening just to catch a few of our favorite rides.

But I'm very excited to have been able to add 9 more hours to our trip this Christmas!! And for FREE! (we all know that's not true but since I didn't have any 'changing fees' it seems that way!!)

Today makes 119 days for us til departure! Really close to that double digit dance!!

I know it isn't "free", but since you didn't have to add anything to get that change... that is AWESOME!!! I would be excited too. I mean... I was pretty excited to get a flight to the day before with only $20 more pp. And... I still watch a bit cause if an earlier flight were to become available... I may just jump on it though..just so I can get to mco earlier. However...then I would miss my dismeet...so maybe not.

 

[tankgirl427]

I know it isn't "free", but since you didn't have to add anything to get that change... that is AWESOME!!! I would be excited too. I mean... I was pretty excited to get a flight to the day before with only $20 more pp. And... I still watch a bit cause if an earlier flight were to become available... I may just jump on it though..just so I can get to mco earlier. However...then I would miss my dismeet...so maybe not.

Yes no missing your dismeet. LOL.

I started reading cause a friend from work and I are thinking about starting to train for the Princess Half Marathon as well! No, we haven't started and no we are not runners. So we'll see if we can make it! Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[tankgirl427]

Okay caught up after finishing all 27 pages! Phew! You've been through a busy year! You closed on the house on my birthday! My friend and I were thinking of staying Friday - Monday for the Princess Half Marathon. Not sure where yet!

 

[shocky5]

Just a quick "Thanks" to you for sharing the upcoming trip plans!
We are gonna be there at WDW the same time as your crew after transferring from almost a week on the "north side" of Orlando.
Just wondering, have you considered the late EMH at the parks to get you more park time? Sorry if I missed that, but my youngsters like to close down as many parks as we can.
Also, if you get to DTD and haven't had the chance, try Earl of Sandwich! If the weather is cold, (it was FREEZING last Dec.), the hot soups are a great way to warm up after a cold boat ride!
Now I'm back to work, just as soon as I "tweak" our ADRs!

I'm hoping for non-freezing temps! I had heard that last year it was unusually cold. We've only ever been in late May/early June and never had an issue with temp being anything less than hot and humid! So, I'm trying to get it through my head 'what to pack.' Any suggestions??

I know it isn't "free", but since you didn't have to add anything to get that change... that is AWESOME!!! I would be excited too. I mean... I was pretty excited to get a flight to the day before with only $20 more pp. And... I still watch a bit cause if an earlier flight were to become available... I may just jump on it though..just so I can get to mco earlier. However...then I would miss my dismeet...so maybe not.

Do you think the tinkering and tweaking and thinking about doing tinkering and tweaking is some sort of DISease?

 

[shocky5]

Yes no missing your dismeet. LOL.

I started reading cause a friend from work and I are thinking about starting to train for the Princess Half Marathon as well! No, we haven't started and no we are not runners. So we'll see if we can make it! Maybe we'll see you there!

Would be awesome! It's a girls trip for me, too!

Okay caught up after finishing all 27 pages! Phew! You've been through a busy year! You closed on the house on my birthday! My friend and I were thinking of staying Friday - Monday for the Princess Half Marathon. Not sure where yet!

on reading this whole crazy PTR. We are really enjoying our house and are happy about the decision we made! Slowly, I've been putting things up on the walls... I've really been thinking a lot about where I want things to go... so funny because has never been the case in our other home(s) we've had over the years.

We are going to be in Orlando for the half marathon weekend beginning on Friday and leaving on Wed. That is currently our plan. I'm a little bit concerned... my friend who is going with me is not getting very far on her training. I'm not sure what to do/say about that. Mine is going well and each week I feel stronger.

Please know, while I used to run a looong time ago, I hadn't kept up the habit since the birth of my youngest son who will be 9 this December! It happens. AND I must tell you... in the weeks I've been running... I've had moments when I felt like this and just prayed I'd finish the workout and not vomit. Gross, I know...

HOWEVER, now I'm actually to the point of knowing it's going to hurt but I find myself looking forward to it. And my favorite way to run is with my iPOD. I thought I would enjoy it more on a treadmill with a tv show playing but I've found the music works better for me to block out the unpleasantries and it's been a great stress relief. I've lost some weight - not as much as I thought I would have by now - my body is being stubborn - but I think I'm 'rewiring' my metabolism to some extent and one thing I've noticed more this week than any before is I'm starving in the morning when I wake up which forces me to eat breakfast and I'm not starving at night. It used to be the other way around! So I'm encouraged by that. And I'm encouraged by the Princess Half Marathon waiting for me in just over 6 months!

If my friend doesn't make it, my daughter will be old enough to run and it may turn into a mother/daughter trip which would be great, too! And she's an excellent runner. That is my plan B. That probably is actually my preference but I was concerned about her missing more school since she will miss 3 days in Dec for our Christmas trip. Have to put some more thought into that.

But do it - would be fun to have someone on here working towards that, too, that we can encourage each other! I'm big on having others hold me accountable! I'm too weak to do it myself!

 

[swwake]

So exciting that you got your flights changed to earlier. I'm sure the kids won't mind missing an extra day of school. And now you can go see those decorations over at Fort Wilderness!!

So remind me, what day are you arriving at WDW?

 

[tankgirl427]

But do it - would be fun to have someone on here working towards that, too, that we can encourage each other! I'm big on having others hold me accountable! I'm too weak to do it myself!

That was the whole point of getting someone that I'm friends with in on my plans. I want to do it to lose some weight or alternatively get in better shape but I can never get into a routine of doing things or keeping things up, so doing this with someone, we're doing every training day together, minus my October and quick December trip times. We waited to sign up because right now we're not confident in ourselves since we haven't even started! By the next price increase in October,we'll know for sure whether or not we can do it! I have a couple Ipods I could bring, but we're hoping talking to each other will make it seem more painless!

As far as a room is concerned, we have several options, I'll have my AP in case good rates come out, then there is the Run Disney rate, and a back up of renting DVC points, but I think if we rented DVC points we'd have to stay at OKW for two beds, which is not a sponsor hotel.

Our training is starting a week from Tuesday! So we'll be starting a hair under six months away!

Keep doing awesome with your training!