Surprise! It’s a Do Over! Military Style August 8-18th (Update 1/31 Pg7 H-wood Day3)

[nenner1]

Wow, girl you found yourself some good stuff!

The shirts came out great! Love it!

 

[anetnmike]

you are ALL OVER the planning
wow-I am learning at the feet of a master
I can't wait to hear more!

 

[rpbear]

Hey Drea. I am really enjoying your trip planning. We arrive on the same day. We are driving from the Dallas area and are stopping in Destin for a few nights before we arrive. I love your spreadsheet. I had not taken the time to list out all the times for the parks. It is very helpful.

Have magical vacation.

 

[DisneyFairy19]

Drea-

Im here, FINALLY… Where have I been this whole time??? LOL You leave in 10 days… WOO HOO. I was checking out your itinerary and WOW you have some great ADR’s and I gotta do that Excel spreadsheet for my next trip… I am so excited for you and cant wait to read your TR!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lost in Wonderland]

I could definitely learn some trip planning tips from you! I love the spreadsheet and all the goodies you picked up. We are headed to Disney for the first time at the end of August. The kids still don't know for sure.

 

[klacey1]

I loved your last TR! This is great and I can't wait to read your TR for this vaca!

 

[anewmac]

MINI UPDATE
10 Days out​

So I woke up this morning thinking aww crud its only Weds UGG lol.. then it hit me WOOHOO 10days out, I can do online check in. All day I waited and waited to get home even thought about ditching the gym just to get home earlier. (couldnt check in at work cuz they took our net away.. but thats another story for another board LOL)

When I got home from the gym the boys were still out playing so I hurried and logged into the Disney site, got my confermation# and proceed to enter the info... and proceed to have it tell me it can not find my reservation... I try and spell my last name with different letters uppercase.. but to no avail SO after about 20 tries.. I give up and call it a day.

BUT I will try again later (come on you should know Ill be trying till the moment we fly out LOL)

Went and hit my favorite stores again.. Michaels and Walmart ok again not a fav or wasnt but now its getting a makeover and Im liking what Im seeing lol. Had to pick up a few more things for my craft projects.

Speacking of which Im almost done with. Hopefully by the end of the week. I only can work on it for about an hour once the boys go to my moms for the night (she lives across the street, and instead of her getting up early to come here, or the boys to go there, they just sleep over nana's and party. Late nights up, eat whatever they want, sleep in, swim you know how it goes at Gma's you can do no wrong!) But by the time they leave around 10pm Im exhausted stay up till midnight finishing things then pass out. Barely can get up in the AM lol

Ok off to do some stuff incognito.... if I get caught the story is.. its for a "friend" ya thats it a "friend"

Wow, girl you found yourself some good stuff!

The shirts came out great! Love it!

Vista print girl... its actually really nice and I only have to pay for shipping LOL he can even wear it again for say Pirate Night

you are ALL OVER the planning
wow-I am learning at the feet of a master
I can't wait to hear more!

HAHA, ya planning I may master, we shall see how we do when we try and execute my plans. Maybe we should have a pool of how many meltdowns are had.. by each member of the family LOL

Hey Drea. I am really enjoying your trip planning. We arrive on the same day. We are driving from the Dallas area and are stopping in Destin for a few nights before we arrive. I love your spreadsheet. I had not taken the time to list out all the times for the parks. It is very helpful.

Have magical vacation.

Hey their fellow Texan.. well Im not really, DH is from their LOL so guilty by association I guess I have also put them on 4x6 index cards in a mini photo album that will go in my bag in case we do end up park hopping I will have it at my fingertips... ill take pics and show you the madness I promise!

Drea-

Im here, FINALLY… Where have I been this whole time??? LOL You leave in 10 days… WOO HOO. I was checking out your itinerary and WOW you have some great ADR’s and I gotta do that Excel spreadsheet for my next trip… I am so excited for you and cant wait to read your TR!!!!!!!!!!

HAHA, WELCOME to my madness thanks for joining!

I could definitely learn some trip planning tips from you! I love the spreadsheet and all the goodies you picked up. We are headed to Disney for the first time at the end of August. The kids still don't know for sure.

Oh how fun, another surprise trip! Oh the goodies, they need their own zipcode! Thanks

I loved your last TR! This is great and I can't wait to read your TR for this vaca!

Well thank you.. oh man last trip report.. hmm maybe I can get something up before we leave LOL oh who am i kidding lol

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Can't wait to see your project - yeah for 10 days! Hope you can check in.

 

[anewmac]

Becoming Martha Stewarts Apprentice​

So upon, booking this vacation, I began parusing the Creative Disboard. They have all kinds of talented DISisgners there and I knew I wanted to make something creative for the boys shirts to surprise them for the plane ride. WELL a surprise shirt turned into like a dozen. This is coming from the person that just stated a while back that we dont do stuff like this LOL. What can I say its addicting.

So I found a few Surprise disigns that I liked but in the end I deceided to just have the boys wear the same shirts they wore last vacation. No need to waste money and time doing new ones (again that would cut into my Grey Goose Slushy budget LOL) Found some other designs and made them mine. Well with in the last few days I found a few more and well made some more shirts. Now were not all matchy matchy. But its something cute. Hopefully everyone involved will like it? (im more worried about P and E... J doesnt care what he's wearing.. or lack there of at times LOL)

A shirt for the last day, and one to celebrate our time together thanks to Mickey's Magic with the military deal. (BTW E came home today... told me not to make plans for Jan-???? GREAT we were just looking at another cruise.. but thats another vent LOL)

The Sleepy design I found on the DIS (where else) and it was perfect for E.

I actually designed these... You can tell huh since there not that great right LOL

Well since the boys had shirts.. E had to have one also so I made this

Well if I have 3 out of 4 of us in a theme shirt.. I have to make one for me.. so... the one on the left is my "military" theme shirt

the other I found the design via google ironed it on then found those rinstone gems that are int he scrapbook area and BAM Designer shirt!

E also has a Mickey Dallas shirt I made for him last yr for the cruise.. so I have to find what he did with that cuz I know he will wear that for sure... in fact he would wear it everyday of vacation if I let him lol.

I have like 5more shirt ideas in my mind and 3 of them are easy to do, but I think they might get scratched until the NEXT TIME, cuz Im just too tired and still have so much this week!

During my hours of searching the DIS and googling etc. I found this thread called the DISboutique. Its people that sew and make outfits etc. OMG such talented people. I dont have the patience for all that but found some ideas. People were making tutu's for lil girls and matching HAIRBOWS... so I had to try it. But then thought ok a 30 something (bite your tounge 29 again/forever LOL) cant wear a tutu.. let alone it looks cute on a lil tiny kid.. not a big ol mamma like me. So Hairbows I could do that and not look like too much of a fool right? Guess we shall see huh lol.

Made this one 1st

Then next was

This one was extra easy to do.

I started to get into harder patterns next

Then a friend of mine booked a trip so I surprised her with a lil care package of stuff and made a mini one for her dd

Then made 2 mini ones for me.. and Im sure I'll do pigtails one day with a hat LOL (no I didnt do a hat... YET I was thinking about something but have no time anymore NEXT TRIP lol)

also made this one for her

but may try and kick one out tmrw like this for me LOL

And this is my fav... since its Cindy my favorite character

Ive also made tons of signs for our room, and a few other things that I need to print out, but the printer is now running out of ink (OH YA so E somehow got the old printer to work so I didnt have to buy a new one.. happy yet sad.. kind of wanted a new one but then that again would be cutting way into the slushy money!) Bu since I have so much paper to print off may have to try and do that at work. See if I can sneak that one in. If not Kinko's here I come!

What else has gone on here. OH I packed for the boys. They are all ready, I didnt want to keep doing laundry so I packed and told them to not open the suitcases cuz it would all fall out and so far they have bought it. I think they know to not get in mommy way when Im in vacation mode.

I am basically packed. Just need E to pack and then situate all the um.. essential needs that I bought like glow sticks, and toaster for the swap, and coffee maker.. what these are needs people lol. Remember I can take 8bags for free if I want.. I may just do it cuz I can. Ok kidding really trying not to. Infact all my clothes are in one half of a suitcase, much better then when I normally pack and everyone has their own! I think that is due to the fact that half my shorts no longer fit... and now im trying to kill myself at the gym, like in 4days Im going to lose enough to fit into them all.. YA RIGHT.. probably shouldnt have had that hamburger today at lunch or that cookie just a bit ago huh. Might just have to do some more shopping on my lunch the next 4days. DARN!

Oh last update. I got online today to try and check in to the POP, and it worked YEAH! we are all set and ready... now if Saturday at 935am would just come faster.

Off to bed for me now, lots of work to do get done before I go, so that when I come back there will be tons more waiting for me LOL

OH and I have to remember to email, text, and call E and remind him to go to the ticket place on base to pick up tickets (ive been harping on this one for a few months but he kept lagging regarding it.) I dont want to have to get them at the World when we can just get them here where he works and be done... not like he's had to do anything for this vacation... shall I remind everyone who:
booked the flights to and from
hotels,
transportation
got the hours
fridge etc
found out about the military deal
ADR's/meals
lil extra's for the boys.... the list can go on for miles... so you get the point right.. he only has to do 3things, PACK, get the TICKETS, and get himself ON to the plane. Everything else is taken care of. UGGG men...

ok off to bed for sure.. might even have to kick him for some covers...LOL just to let out some frustration with him. nighty night all! lol

NEXT UP: Budget, and last minute odds and ends.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

WOW - you have been busy! I love those hair bows - they would make a love FE gift for the girls on our next cruise - all I need is a master class on how to make them! Looks very complex!
Not long to go now Drea - you must be crazy with excitement!

 

[nenner1]

DREA! Those hairbows are amazing! Wow! You could so rack in the dough selling those on ebay!

And they sure would make great FE gifts next time around *cough*cough*!

And I think your designs are great!

I'm so excited (and jealous) for you! You guys are going to have such a great trip!

 

[MagicMe]

Drea the bows are sooo cute - unfortunately they don't work as well with short hair!!

I love the shirts!! You've been a busy woman!!!

Can't believe a year is almost gone since we all met. Don't know how much time you'll have to be on the DIS between now and Saturday so I'll just say right now - HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!!!!!!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Love the shirt and the bows!!!!!! I bet you are excited!

 

[anetnmike]

bows (love those!),shirts,planning...who are you- Super Woman?
does your house clean itself and do your children cook/clean up after themselves/do their own laundry(if so, can you teach mine that please?)
where do you find the time?
I really love the shirts! I am inspired to try that for our next trip in Nov.

 

[anewmac]

Packing​

Just a slight mini update... I went shopping I know me, no way LOL. In fact thats what E said when I came up to the room with bags. He just looked at me sighed shook his head and lol'ed. But since my clothes have shrunk .... it must be the closet no air circulation there just shrinks the clothes I tell ya. E said not his, but thats cuz its only on the side of the closet where the sun shines on it.. it gets hotter... YA thats it..

So ya I went shopping and found a couple pairs of shorts and a new bathing suit 1 piece now cuz well the 2 piece would scare people! All on sale all great deals.. or at least thats what I told E lol

So I finished packing for myself. Just waiting for the whites in the laundry cuz I need socks. E packed (all by himself arent you proud of him LOL CUZ I know I AM! LOL) Best of all.. we are both packed into 1 suitcase. YES you read that right.. BOTH OF US... in 1 (ONE) suitecase and its under the 50lb weight limit. Im so proud of us. Normally we overpack.. well Im sure we did but not as bad as normal.

All that is left is to put shoes and the odds and ends into a suitcase and were done. I feel at ease... and its a nice feeling, normally were rushing packing till 3am the night before. Im going to TRY and be all done by tmrw.

I still have a few things to print off but over all Im ok. YEAH ME!

OH and E was a good boy, he got the tickets and they will be in tmrw.. or they better be cuz if not he knows what happens to HIM!

NOW on to my royal subjects....err I mean Loyal Readers :worship ​

:

WOW - you have been busy! I love those hair bows - they would make a love FE gift for the girls on our next cruise - all I need is a master class on how to make them! Looks very complex!
Not long to go now Drea - you must be crazy with excitement!

Ive been told by a few that those would make good f/e gifts... If I was booked on another I would SO do it in a heart beat!.... I PM'ed you directions/links

DREA! Those hairbows are amazing! Wow! You could so rack in the dough selling those on ebay!
Ya I thought about that... till I did a search on there and etsy and saw millions of others already had that brilliant one of a kind idea lol

And they sure would make great FE gifts next time around *cough*cough*!
Then we need to plan on how to get on the same cruise again LOL. I would love to do the Westcoast Panama Repo, IF its affordable.. HINT HINT DISNEY!

And I think your designs are great!
aww thanks Me too, but im sure ill get eye rolls from the boys lol oh well lol

I'm so excited (and jealous) for you! You guys are going to have such a great trip!

I hope so.. ya I know its gonna rain.. im the jinx i get it LOL. BUT i just hope it is light and cheerful rain, LOL ok not storm watch 2009 crazyness.

Drea the bows are sooo cute - unfortunately they don't work as well with short hair!!
hmm what about hair combs.. ohhh I need to try something now! you gave me an idea!

I love the shirts!! You've been a busy woman!!!
Ya I feel like im a chicken with my head cut at times, specially cuz I cant say things to the boys. like when they ask me why we need 2 bathing suits when we never go anywhere at the "Texas Grandma's house" jUst cuz this time we will ok lol

Can't believe a year is almost gone since we all met. Don't know how much time you'll have to be on the DIS between now and Saturday so I'll just say right now - HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!!!!!!

OH you dont know me that well.. I will be on till the very last minute. Probably will say a adios before we leave too... would get on during the trip but my phone is sucky... if Sprint would have let me get out of my contract early without a penalty I would have my iphone but noooo.. they had to be mean and make me wait a long 2months LOL BUT im not bitter lol (I will be checking in on facebook and sending pics though cuz thats easy from my phone... if you wanna be my friend [aww I sound like im in 4th grade lol] heres my facebook info for ANYONE [ya I pimp myself out lol]) Facebook Link

Love the shirt and the bows!!!!!! I bet you are excited!

I cant wait... so need a break from work.. well the PEOPLE actually LOL

bows (love those!),shirts,planning...who are you- Super Woman?
HA I WISH lol
does your house clean itself and do your children cook/clean up after themselves/do their own laundry(if so, can you teach mine that please?)
where do you find the time?
AGAIN I WISH LOL.. lets just say the house has gone to heck with all this stuff I have been doing... also been going to bed way late to finish stuff after the boys go to my moms (ya they spend the week with her since its summer, so I can get up early and go to work etc. see thats the real superwomen.. my momma! She is my Knight is shinning Armor... well sort of! )
I really love the shirts! I am inspired to try that for our next trip in Nov.

Becareful. Its addicting LOL.. but so much fun!

Ok off to bed all.. only 2 more sleeps till Im too excited to sleep LOL

 

[DisneyFairy19]

You leave in 2 days, you must be itching to get there????

 

[BigDogHU75]

You will be in Disney soon. I am so envious. I wish I was there now. Thanks for the link to your spreadsheet. I wanted to see what one looked like. That seems to make things easier. The bows are great. You should really sell them.

 

[nenner1]

Hey Drea!!!!!!!!!!!

Clear out your PM box girl! I am trying to send you one but your mailbox is full!

 

[anewmac]

Budget, and last minute odds and ends​

We are all packed except the hygine stuff in the am. 2 bags are in the car already to go. The carry ons (only 2 this time and the boys DSI case.) are ready to grab. Clothes are all set out for tmrw.. only thing left to do is .. umm.. oH ya TELL THE BOYS lol. We were going to do it tonight but thought they would get no sleep.

So when we get up the plan is to give them their shirts (the ones from last year) and my 2008 WDW Guide book along with a Mickey Card that says "Surprise your not going to Texas, WERE GOING TO WDW"

Instead tonight we celebrated J's 7th bday a TAD early (its not till the 21st) But since it was a long flight (yet they think only 3hours LOL) and they dont have to do homework this time, we got J a DSI.

he went around jumping and hugging everyone LOL

P got one for his bday and knew it was just a matter of time for J to want one. Plus they will keep eachother busy on the plane, so Mommy can read, E can listen to his ipod and sleep as we can be the happy lil family we are ... ya right.

I ran around today and the last few days well shopping and doing odds and ends then returning some of the things I bought LOL. But were all ready now. I cant belive its FINALLY HERE. I was counting down at work, and I swear the last day till your vacation is the LONGEST... almost as long as waiting for your husband to come off that darn plane from Iraq

Thought I would share my budget and when I get back we shall see how closer I stayed to it

Airfare to Orlando from San Diego for the 4 of us $467.20 (this one has a layover)
Airfare from Orlando back to San Diego $452.80 (supposibly a direct filight..?)
Pop Resort from 8/8-8/16 with Dinning on the Military special 1294.24
Animal Kingdom from 8/16/8/18 NO dinning 411.74
Transportation- basically free.. my mom is driving our car (cuz it will fit all of us and our junk, to and from the airport then ME's from the airport to the resort and back
Fridge Swap that I WAS in.. $12.. never did hear back from that once chick after she said ya its on... we shall see if I end up with 2 fridges or not. good swap with confermations FREE.. still out $12 oh well
Photopass Swap $17
Tickets5day basic w/water option $372 for the 4 of us. Cuz E's is free (he gets the hopper free too but we opted out of getting it for us for $25 each... He told me he's gonna hop.. I told him HOW you dont know how to get around that place.. I hold all the info remeber.. he lol'ed and then said.. your right huh.. exactly. LOL)oh plus we have our old tickets with 3days on them.

Now is when it comes to GUESTAMITE time on the ol budget
Food and Tips - for when were not on the dinning plan and and extras, airport food, a trip to walmart alcohol etc. $700 (i know sounds like a lot.. But I have a feeling Im going to be buying either another kids meal at times or an appitizer to subside the boys since they are both on the kids menu (ya ya ya P's too old I know.. but you know what for them just eatting PLAIN burgers I wasnt going to pay $40 a day. Go ahead flame me. I said it. Disney gets enough of my money) and this allotment is also for DRINKS... I forsee lots and lots of Grey Goose Slushies in my future... I cant wait
Souviners well my mom just gave the boys money and my gma and my aunt. so they have TONS. We have left over money from the last time we went on other gift cards. SO we are definatly using that 1st. OH SNAP.. I need to transfer the remaining rewards $$ I racked up on my Disney Visa too..
Tips$100, mousekeeping, ME's, taxi's tips etc.

So about $1000 HA.. really hoping not to come close to this. I shouldnt I know.. Im just that type of crazy over planner.

Ok got to finish cleaning up a bit, dont want to come home to a TOTAL DISaster. lol. CHeck into the flight if I can.. then print a few things out . THEN bed.. cuz did I say already 430am is going to come mighty fast. Our flight doesnt leave till 930am, but its an hour drive to SD, and need to be their early to check in, security, get chow etc.. plus it will take me longer then everyone to get up and get ready.

I will catch you all in 11days. WOOHOO... I hope it goes by as slow as today at work did LOL.

NEXT UP: SURPRISE!!!!!!!!

 

[podsnel]

DREA!!!!! How did I miss your PTR???? Hope you're having a great time in WDW!!!!!!!!!