Sorry kids! We're going to the DARK SIDE!

[macraven]

beautiful family

 

[mrsabbott]

Happy Valentine's Day! My gift is on special order and won't get here for another 3 weeks or so.. Hubs got me the family tree ring that I was wanting. I can't wait to get it!

Got the kids some candy and we ordered heart shaped pizzas for dinner. The kids thought that was super cool! Hubs asked me to order the cheese sauce that he loves so much, so I did. I ordered two. The sweet delivery guy put extra in our boxes. Hubs really likes that cheese sauce! We're watching The Croods for pizza/movie night. I think the Charlie Brown Valentine Special might be next.

Since we have officially decided to leave on a Thursday instead of a Friday, it is now only 41 days until our vacation!!

It seems like the snow is hitting north of us and we are getting just rain instead. Someone said to me that it might be 60 DEGREES next week!! Could it be that spring might be around the corner??

 

[schumigirl]

Since we have officially decided to leave on a Thursday instead of a Friday, it is now only 41 days until our vacation!!

Wow.........you're trip is coming around so quickly..........time is flying past

 

[GoofyMomInOhio]

What a beautiful family! We are heading to Universal in 34 days just before you. Enjoying your trip report and hope you guys have an amazing trip!

 

[mrsabbott]

Wow, is time flying by fast!!

BTW.. thanks for the compliments on the kiddos! I love them to pieces!

Hubs and I were able to have a nice, kid free day together on Saturday. We went to a travel/boat/rv/motorcycle expo and out to eat. First of all, I can't BELIEVE how CHEAP it is to go out to eat without the kids! Seriously, when our check came I was blown away by how inexpensive it was! Secondly, while I love that the kids want to hold my hand when we are out places (they frequently fight over who gets to hold my hand) it was so nice to be able to hold Hubs' hand for a change.

The motorcycle part was a little "blah" although I did see the Vespa that I want! I have a scoot now but it only goes maybe 30 mph and is kinda generic. Still, they are loads of fun! I just learned to ride it over the summer and will eventually work my way up to my own motorcycle. It's on my bucket list. But the Vespa is their biggest, fastest one and it is SO GOSH DERN CUTE!! It goes up to 85 mph and Hubs says that it is too much for me. Hubs has a Harley. He wants a new bike but I said no way! Not until we get our debt paid off and stuff. The next "toy" we buy will be my RV!!

Speaking of, I've decided that we need a toy hauler, one that is light weight enough to be pulled with Bessie and will comfortably sleep all 6 of us! We actually found one that was almost perfect at the expo! Good price too! Sadly, we can't buy one for another couple of years or so.. but it is still fun to look and dream!!

We want to do more travelling and, while I enjoy camping, I like to sleep on an actual mattress. Hubs says RVing isn't camping, but I disagree. You can be at one with nature and still sleep in a comfy bed and use a flushing toilet! Anyhoo.. we want to be able to take our bikes, motorcycle, and scoot with us places. Hubs also races go-karts sometimes and it would be nice to have an RV to hang out in because those days/nights can get very LONG and occasionally BORING! Plus, Hubs wants to go to more racing events and many places offer camping for the weekends. And there are a zillion places I'd like to visit and camp.. I have planned at least a dozen or more RVing vacations for our family, the most recent ones being to the Keys, DC, and Hershey, PA..

But I need to get moving on finishing our current vacation plans.. the ones that we actually get to FOLLOW THROUGH WITH!

I'm waiting for our tax money to get deposited so that I can make our hotel reservations for our midway stops to and from Orlando. Charlotte the on the way there, Marietta on the way home..

Mom got the girls new bathing suits, so the men folk in the family are the only ones who need swimwear. Found 6 packs of pop tarts (one of the kids' requested snacks) for just $2 each! Looking for other good deals to stock up on.

 

[mrsabbott]

Only 5 MORE WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!

When Hubs was deployed, I divided the time up in events and would just concentrate on the next event on the list until it was time for him to come home. It made 15 months seem shorter and kept our focus on the next fun thing..

We only have two more fun things on our list until vacation time: the Carl Casper Auto Show, which is this weekend, and Boo Bear's birthday party, which we will either do the 2nd weekend in March or the weekend before we leave. We are just doing a little cake and ice cream party with her friends.. Nothing big. Her birthday present from us will be the Medieval Times show that I still need to make reservations for.. Just waiting for those darn tax returns!

It was 53 degrees yesterday and will be nearly 70 here today! They are calling for bad storms later though.. I have spring fever now and hope that the weather stays fairly warm. Once it warms up for real, I'm thinking of taking a day off while the kids are all in school and doing a major clean/declutter of my house. It needs it! It is hard for me to get things done with the kids there or even in the afternoons after work. Not sure if this will happen before or after vacation. We will see..

 

[mrsabbott]

First of all, I'd like to mention that both Hubs and Buds have gotten their trunks! Hubs has Captain America on them and Buds' is Planes..

That said, Hubs says he wants to have a relaxing vacation that involves a lot of sitting by the pool.. Umm... we kinda have a full agenda. I mention this to Hubs and he says that we don't have to visit EVERY park we have a ticket to. Excuse me? YES WE DO!!!

I said I wasn't sure what the expiration date was on the tickets (anyone know? I haven't googled it yet, but I will..) but I'd only agree to NOT visit every park if he promised to go back again during the summer.. He gave me THE LOOK. He didn't say no.. but he didn't agree either. Considering he loves Florida and would like to move there.. I don't think it would be too much of a stretch to plan another trip if we could find a way to afford it.

That said, I'm trying to figure out a way to plan more "relaxation" time into our week. I think we might forego the Medieval Times dinner.. that would give us Saturday to relax and explore the resort. It would save us gads of money. And.. well, Boo Bear is insistent that she wants a big Birthday party at home. Granted, we didn't tell her MT was an option.. I don't know. We're still debating that one.

Wednesday is Downtown Disney in the am and lunch at T-rex. The rest of the day will be relaxing at the pool and visiting with family. But the rest of the time will be spent doing stuff.. I just don't know. We will see what happens. I don't want to overdo it, but I don't want to miss out on anything either.

And now, on a completely NON vacation related topic..
I am a Walking Dead fan and got to meet one of the actresses this weekend! (The character Sasha on the show.) I have to say, she cleans up pretty good! I wouldn't have recognized her if I didn't know it was her, if that makes any sense. She was super sweet too! She was very nice to our kids!

Not the best picture of me, but I was pretty thrown together that day. Girls had to cheer a game that morning and Hubs was chomping at the bit to get going once we got home and I never did get to fix my hair or put on any makeup. And I was EXHAUSTED!!

Speaking of hair.. I've decided that I hate my natural color and am going back to coloring it. I've tried for a year to come to terms with it's blandness and I just can't make myself love it or even like it. I'm thinking blonde highlights.. I'd like to do this before vacation.

And on a work related topic.. I started working at my job in hopes of getting my own classroom in one of the pre-k classes. Unfortunately, there wasn't an opening so I filled in here and there before they finally begged me to take over their infant room. Now, I love babies. And I enjoy being with the babies. I've gotten attached to each one I've had, I have had a good relationship with the parents, and there is seriously a waiting list to get into my room. Not trying to toot my own horn.. our evening teacher is also phenomenal and we are a great team. But I really want to teach Pre-k. That is the age that I just really enjoy. I asked my bosses that, next school year, if there was an opening then I would really like to be considered.

A friend of mine is currently a Pre-k teacher. She's wonderful! She's also newly engaged and is getting married this summer and moving to Chicago. Which means her room is coming open. I was asked again which age group I was wanting and I said Pre-k. I have a feeling that I just might get her classroom next year!! I really hope so! I taught that age group on Sunday School and Awana's at church and I loved it! I'm hoping to go back to school and finish my degree.. Early Childhood Education.. I want to teach pre-k and/or Kindergarten. I can technically teach the pre-k now without a degree, I just won't make as much money doing it.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Following along. Getting ready to go to Universal for the first time in Jan 2015 along with 4-5 days in WDW.

 

[mrsabbott]

Eeyore, you will have a blast, I'm sure! There are some awesome trip reports on here that make me sooo excited for our vacation! I've never been to Universal but I have a feeling we will be blown away by it!

Sooo.. I did some research (i.e. I googled) about ticket expiration and depending on the type of tickets, they have no expiration date if unused. The universal parks and wet n wild anyways. We won't get our tickets mailed to us until a week or two before our trip. If they are individual, one day park passes then we can use them whenever. If they are, say, three day park to park passes they must be used within 14 days of their first use.

That said, I'm already planing a 2nd trip for fall break in my mind. Yes, I'm nutty like that! We'd have to stay someplace cheap though, and I know this condo will spoil us rotten to anything else..

Hubs wants relaxing by the pool but didn't want to give up Medieval Times (and truthfully, neither did I) so I am switching days. Instead if Saturday, we will do it either Thursday or Friday. Probably Thursday as that is the day I planned to visit the waterpark. I can't see spending the day in the water and coming back to spend the rest if the day by the pool.. Plus, everyone will have worked up a good appetite.. We'd have time to come home, clean up, small nap for the littles (and maybe the grown ups too) and then go to dinner.

So, it occurred to me that April Fool's falls during our trip. I'm planning a prank on the kids.. That morning I'm going to act like I'm packing and that the rest if our vacation was cancelled..my two oldest love trying to pull pranks on me, so I'm going to get them this time! Bwaaahaahaa!! (That was my evil genius laugh, btw..)

 

[mrsabbott]

So, I just made our reservations for our travel hotels via hotwire.com.. Two nights at a Country Inn & Suites in Huntersville, NC (halfway between Mooresville and Charlotte) on the way there. And one night in Atlanta at a Comfort Suites. Actually, I thought the area was outside of Marietta, but it is technically in Atlanta but on the outskirts.

Both places offer a decent breakfast and all 3 nights cost me about $200 total. In all honesty, breakfast out for our family for 3 mornings would cost us at least $80.. so I'd say we got a good deal!

This is making it all seem SO REAL!

Got my confirmations as well as driving directions printed out and put in the vacation folder.

I also paid off all of our outstanding medical bills and all of our March bills have been paid, so I don't have to think about paying anything except for new tires for Bessie this month! I think we are also going to pay off a couple of our smaller credit cards..

A friend also paid back some money I lent her, so a large chunk of my Disney Visa will be paid off.. I love tax time!

My friend is mailing me the goodies she made for the kiddos. My mom also told me that she got the kids a couple new outfits, new flip flops, and new socks. My aunt, got all the kids new tennis shoes! I tell you, we are very blessed with wonderful friends and family!

 

[mrsabbott]

I think I am going to splurge and buy myself a new nook. I'm an avid reader.. When I'm not planning vacations to relieve stress then I'm reading. Hubs got me a basic nook one year for our anniversary and I wore it out!

I've been dreaming of getting a tablet. In all honesty, I want an iPad mini but I can't see spending that much money. I basically read, do some light internet browsing, and play a handful of games on occasion. I think a nook tablet is fine for me.. I can't use iTunes, which is a bummer, but I have an iPod so it's really no big deal.

In all honesty, spending more then $20 on myself gives me anxiety.. So I may not go through with it. I've been known to spend my birthday money or gift cards on groceries instead of buying for myself.. But I'm justifying it as a vacation need.. The kids have their video games, I'd have my nook.. Yeah, kind if a thin excuse isn't it??

Anyone have a tablet that they love?

 

[LuvEeyore]

I love my nook tablet, my goddaughter loves her kindle and I pad mini and her mom (my best friend) loves her Kindle Fire. What can I tell you? See which one you can get the most off.

 

[mrsabbott]

We made a countdown chain for our vacation. Every link has written on it something we are looking forward to! Each night, we will remove a link off the chain! 28 more days!!!

 

[LuvEeyore]

Guess it is too early to start a countdown chain? We are going Jan 2-9, 2015 probably a 2 day universal ticket and a 4 day WDW park hopper. Working on where we are staying.

 

[mrsabbott]

Guess it is too early to start a countdown chain? We are going Jan 2-9, 2015 probably a 2 day universal ticket and a 4 day WDW park hopper. Working on where we are staying.

Rofl! Well, it would be an awfully long chain! Boo Bear brought home a countdown to Christmas chain from school and the kids had fun ceremoniously tearing off each chain every night. So I thought once we got a month out it would be something fun to do.

Last night's link was our resort, Bahamas Bay. We can't wait to stay someplace super nice and explore the area. The pics look beautiful!

So, I'm typing this on my new iPad! I told Hubs that I was going to splurge on a nook, but he insisted I go ahead and get the iPad. It isn't the latest model and was on sale, but I'm thrilled with it. It bothered me that I spent so much, but it is something that I will get plenty of use out of! No more splurging for me except to buy myself some new shorts and get my hair cut. Pretty sure this might be my anniversary gift for this year!

 

[Lynne G]

Countdowns can be so fun. We have 5 and 1/2 months to go. With the storm coming this week-end, I am ready for warmth!


I love my ipad2. I use to read mail, surf, and play games. I hate typing on it though. Mom always has to have some more current electronic toys too, ya know!

Kids picked the restaurants they want to eat at, and well, we're not sure where in USO we will end up yet, but Margaritaville is one place we will hit for dinner one night. I am not a big planner on where to eat.

I still need to buy my kids' USO tickets. Stupid MWR here won't get the 3 day hoppers until later in May. Looked at UT prices, so I will compare before I buy. I will buy my WDW tickets later though, as the MWR seems to have plenty of them.

Wahoo, another day closer to your vacation!

 

[mrsabbott]

Countdowns can be so fun. We have 5 and 1/2 months to go. With the storm coming this week-end, I am ready for warmth! I love my ipad2. I use to read mail, surf, and play games. I hate typing on it though. Mom always has to have some more current electronic toys too, ya know! Kids picked the restaurants they want to eat at, and well, we're not sure where in USO we will end up yet, but Margaritaville is one place we will hit for dinner one night. I am not a big planner on where to eat. I still need to buy my kids' USO tickets. Stupid MWR here won't get the 3 day hoppers until later in May. Looked at UT prices, so I will compare before I buy. I will buy my WDW tickets later though, as the MWR seems to have plenty of them. Wahoo, another day closer to your vacation!

You should call Shades of Green and see if you can buy the universal tickets there! I'm pretty sure you can buy them there. Although, if you are going after May, then it makes sense to wait and get them at your MWR. But it's a back up plan just in case.

 

[ruley3]

Have enjoyed seeing your excitement for your trip... I love vacation planning and I am on universal site because I slammed a trip together and I spent past day reading up on all the new things at Universal since last visit years ago… we are staying onsite at HardRock with great aph rate code. Me my two boys and my daughter... . So excited... We are leaving in 10 days

 

[mrsabbott]

Have enjoyed seeing your excitement for your trip... I love vacation planning and I am on universal site because I slammed a trip together and I spent past day reading up on all the new things at Universal since last visit years ago… we are staying onsite at HardRock with great aph rate code. Me my two boys and my daughter... . So excited... We are leaving in 10 days

Oooh, how exciting! I can't wait to hear all about it!

They are predicting that we will be having an awful storm here... Sleet, freezing rain, and lots of snow is supposed to start today and continue through Monday. The worst of it is supposed to hit us the hardest for our area and they are saying it will be the worst weather we've had this winter. I hope that this is just winter going out with a bang and spring will FINALLY arrive! I mean, it was 50 degrees yesterday!

25 more days until we leave and 25 more days until Boo Bears's birthday. I'm hoping to get off work an hour early that day so I will have more time to get the car loaded and stuff. They still don't have anyone to take over my classroom that week. I gave them plenty of notice. They are just now interviewing people for sub positions but it takes forever for background checks to be done. I hope they get it figured out soon. I don't want to have to worry about my babies while I am gone.

I've slowly been getting snacks and things for our trip. I've been keeping it in the garage pantry. Out of sight, out of mind and I won't be tempted to eat it all before. But it is killing the kids to know that there is junk food and they have to wait! I also got some reusable insulated sandwich bags to use. We use too many plastic bags as it is, I'm trying to find a way to cut back. I figure they will be good to use in the parks and throughout the summer.

I've also started potty training boot camp for Buds. He's 2 1/2 now and still in pull ups. He stays dry for long periods and knows the whole potty routine.. It's just bringing it all together. He won't actually go in the potty for me at home although his teachers say he's gone a few times at school. I got him some cool undies, which he liked a lot, but he had some accidents. Hoping today will be more successful. How awesome it would be to not have to worry about diapers!

 

[mrsabbott]

Three weeks and one day until we leave! I can't believe the day is almost here!

I'm home sick. Not sure what's going on with me but I hope I'm better soon. Nothing new to report, just anxiously awaiting our vacation.