Surprizing our new family of 6 with a Dec 2012 trip to WDW!!!!

[Lcaemom]

It is always hard to find just that right blend for family traditions. Doubly hard when the kids are a bit older. You are doing the right thing in remaining sensitive to their emotional needs during the holidays. It will get progressively easier. I think mostly the older ones just want to know that you aren't expecting to "replace" their missing parent. Good job off treading softly!

You don't have to decide now about the hoppers, you can add them at any time once you get there if necessary. The sooner the better, though. DH and I always get the hoppers for just the reason you indicated. We want to be able to hop if one park gets crowded and we don't necessarily want to stay at the park we have ADRs in. And we have found that hopping does not take up a lot of our time. But it's not for everyone.

It's very exciting to think you may be getting a ring while at Disney!! That certainly would give new meaning the the word Magical!!

We leave in 2 days and I'm so excited! We eat dinner at BOG our first day there and I can't wait to experience that. Hope all your plans continue to come together and that you have a wonderful trip!

You are exactly right about all of them knowing that DBF and I are not trying to replace anyone. This wasn't the first time there has been some sadness or some guilt and I know it won't be the last time. It just seems to strike at very unexpected times...sensitivity is key. They all need to be allowed to feel how they need to feel. It's not easy keeping all of their holiday traditions the same but, for now it is important that we try.
Thank you for your sentiments on the hoppers...I just like having the flexibility to go where we want, when we want. I've been known to let the kids sleep in and just take a quick trip down Main St...stop for coffee, take in the all little details that Main St. offers, SHOP!
Thank you so much for following along! I'm so glad I caught you before you left...you leave TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay, for you!!!!!!!!!! So exciting about BOG...it is booked solid. Can't wait to hear some details!
I'll keep you all posted about anything sparkly that may come up during our trip! DBF is constantly making comments...hinting, acting nervous, but, then says that we could have been engaged/married for Christmas had we not planned this trip. Not sure if he is being serious or if he's trying to throw me off. I keep telling him that I'd say yes in a second...ring or no ring...I'd be so honored to be his wife...and a proposal at WDW would be beyond amazing...and magical!!!!

 

[Lcaemom]

WOW...12 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!! It still doesn't feel real and still feels like it will take forever to get here but, at the same time I'm starting to feel panicked. Sunday night, at 14 days out, I realized I had not pre-ordered my Photopass. So, I did get that done. That seems like a great deal! Last night I made two more ADRs...Tony's Town Square for lunch on Monday 12/10, 12:55pm. I figured we'd be hungry by then and once we eat, it'll be just about time for the 3pm parade. Hopefully, we'll get seats up on top of the train station. I also made a 9pm ADR at Raglan Rose for 12/13/12, DHS closes at 8pm. I figured we'd eat, see the Irish Step Dancers and shop at DTD or we'll leave DHS around 6ish, if we're able to see OL and Fantasmic the night before and spend alot of time at DTD and then eat. Either way, I needed to get an ADR there. I have been reading MouseJunkies and it is highly recommended for the bread pudding and entertainment.
I have to tell you all about the $40 GC from DVC I have been waiting for since last January. I called to listen to them tell me about Aulani in order to get the GC; they never sent it. I have called back about 5 times since. FINALLY yesterday they called me to apologize and that they are going to overnight by FedEx a $50GC!!! It should arrived today. I also cashed in all of our Disney Visa Rewards...I feel like I am sitting by the door waiting for the mailman and FedEx on a daily basis! So excited for mail right now!!!That's all I've done for now. Still need to set up Doggie daycare and order MVMCP tix...waiting on the weather. The Accuweather is reporting 73 and partly cloudy for 12/11...a couple more days and I'll be ready.

 

[taaren]

That's awesome about the Gift Card! Its so close I can taste the churros ... Its weird how all this last minute stuff sneaks up on you. Every time I cross off all the stuff on my to do list it starts growing again ...

 

[Lcaemom]

That's awesome about the Gift Card! Its so close I can taste the churros ... Its weird how all this last minute stuff sneaks up on you. Every time I cross off all the stuff on my to do list it starts growing again ...

The GC arrived!!! Check...one thing down, a million to go!

 

[Lcaemom]

The GC arrived...for $50...I tracked it all morning. It was overnight and I had promised to be home and after waiting 11 months, there was NO way I was going to mess this up! BUT THEN....
Around 10:30am yesterday one school calls...between the 4 kids, they attend 3 different schools. The first school says "DD is here in the nurses office and has vomitted; she doesn't look good...very pale." So, I say "Ok, I'll be right there." I arrive to find her writhing in pain, hands are cold and blue; she tells me later that she did vomit...all over the stairwell! I really thought we had a case of appendicitis or something just as serious on our hands. However, she came home and fell asleep and woke up starving! Not sure what she had but, it appears to have resolved. As I am tiptoeing around the house trying to clean and make plans but, resolve to sitting down and reading a book...I didn't want to wake her and needed to keep an eye on her; DBF calls...he got a call from DSS school...he is sick and needs to be picked but, he has a sore throat, headache and sensitivity to light. I tell him about DD and that I can't leave her so, he takes a half day from work and comes home with DSS. So, we sat in living room...in silence, with two sick kids and start thinking, "how long do the rest of us have, til we get sick...and we are 12 days til Disney!!!" I woke up this AM with a sore throat and headache...11 days to go...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm so sorry!! I totally thought I had subscribed to your PTR. I know I at least read the first few pages awhile back. Weird! Okay, I'm here now anyway! What a beautiful family you have! I'm sorry there were some issues over Thanksgiving. It must be tough. Hopefully soon the kids will all start to bend a little and your new family can create some new traditions.

I'm sad to say that I looked over your itinerary and we have no matching park days. Not a one!

I hope the kids are feeling better and that you are not getting sick!

Hoping that extended weather forecast starts to warm up soon!

 

[Lcaemom]

I'm so sorry!! I totally thought I had subscribed to your PTR. I know I at least read the first few pages awhile back. Weird! Okay, I'm here now anyway! What a beautiful family you have! I'm sorry there were some issues over Thanksgiving. It must be tough. Hopefully soon the kids will all start to bend a little and your new family can create some new traditions.

I'm sad to say that I looked over your itinerary and we have no matching park days. Not a one!

I hope the kids are feeling better and that you are not getting sick!

Hoping that extended weather forecast starts to warm up soon!

No worries! Happy to have you join me. How did you plan your days...did you use the Touring Plan? I looked at it and realized that I did everything opposite of what they said! Oooops...so, that could be why none of our days overlap! I'd like to change the forecast back to 70s and 80s and sunny...what is up with 60s and rain??
I think every couple has holiday issues regarding traditions and routines...we have 4 kids who are very set in their holiday traditions AND I have inlaws who are still very much involved with my girls...challenging to say the least. There is alot of change in all sides of our families for Christmas...hoping it might make the transition to new traditions a little easier.

 

[Lcaemom]

10 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today is DD1's 17th bday...not sure where the time has gone! I could have never imagined that she would grow up into the person she has become. She has made me so proud everyday but, I now find that when we talk, I learn so much from her. She has two tests today...but, as soon as she is home, it'll be time for Chinese food and cake...and tomorrow it's time to start packing for Disney!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday's countdown...as of today...her birthday is erased and the next occasion is Disney!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

No worries! Happy to have you join me. How did you plan your days...did you use the Touring Plan? I looked at it and realized that I did everything opposite of what they said! Oooops...so, that could be why none of our days overlap! I'd like to change the forecast back to 70s and 80s and sunny...what is up with 60s and rain??
I think every couple has holiday issues regarding traditions and routines...we have 4 kids who are very set in their holiday traditions AND I have inlaws who are still very much involved with my girls...challenging to say the least. There is alot of change in all sides of our families for Christmas...hoping it might make the transition to new traditions a little easier.

I mostly just go off of past experience and know which parks to avoid on which days. I use WDW Easy some too. Hopefully neither of us will encounter heavy crowds!!

Heading off to check out the forecast............


Happy Birthday to your DD!!

 

[Lcaemom]

I mostly just go off of past experience and know which parks to avoid on which days. I use WDW Easy some too. Hopefully neither of us will encounter heavy crowds!!

Heading off to check out the forecast............


Happy Birthday to your DD!!

I did my planning and THEN downloaded the Touring Plans onto my phone...exactly the opposite of what it says! However, I think the worst crowd is rated a 4, until MK on 12/15...but, we MUST end the week at MK...so, that wasn't even a consideration. I hope I'm not making a mistake...which is why I still think I need to add on the Hopper option.

 

[Lcaemom]

Only 6 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really feeling real! I just finished working four 12 hour shifts and finally have a day off...time to really start packing and making the final plans. The list of preparations is dwindling...what's left? MVMCP tickets...this forecast keeps changing so, I'm still holding off. I need to start printing out all our documents that have been emailed to me. We called for prices for an airport transfer from home to airport and back...need to make a decision and book something...really nervous about relying on someone for a 4am pickup and midnight pickup at the airport when we come home.
What have I done? I bought a new suitcase...a carryon for me that I will use for work when we come back from this trip. I bought a file to keep track of all of our documents and tix, etc. I picked up the vet records to board the dogs and made their ressies at the doggie daycare. Crazy...I was laying on the couch with our lab, last night and got all teary about how much I am going to miss her...I know CRAZY! Hoping to get the house cleaned top to bottom today; tomorrow pay bills; Wednesday START PACKING!!! I told my mom I'd take her for a pedicure Wednesday night, before we go...her bday is Friday but, I have to work that day. Thursday and Friday are both work days...so, I'll run last minute errands in between seeing patients. Saturday I'll take my DD3 out for a manicure...and then drop off the dogs...OMG, it's really here!!!

 

[Lcaemom]

DBF JUST CALLED AND ASKED FOR MY RING SIZE!!!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Only 6 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really feeling real! I just finished working four 12 hour shifts and finally have a day off...time to really start packing and making the final plans. The list of preparations is dwindling...what's left? MVMCP tickets...this forecast keeps changing so, I'm still holding off. I need to start printing out all our documents that have been emailed to me. We called for prices for an airport transfer from home to airport and back...need to make a decision and book something...really nervous about relying on someone for a 4am pickup and midnight pickup at the airport when we come home.
What have I done? I bought a new suitcase...a carryon for me that I will use for work when we come back from this trip. I bought a file to keep track of all of our documents and tix, etc. I picked up the vet records to board the dogs and made their ressies at the doggie daycare. Crazy...I was laying on the couch with our lab, last night and got all teary about how much I am going to miss her...I know CRAZY! Hoping to get the house cleaned top to bottom today; tomorrow pay bills; Wednesday START PACKING!!! I told my mom I'd take her for a pedicure Wednesday night, before we go...her bday is Friday but, I have to work that day. Thursday and Friday are both work days...so, I'll run last minute errands in between seeing patients. Saturday I'll take my DD3 out for a manicure...and then drop off the dogs...OMG, it's really here!!!

Sounds like you are all set!!!

DBF JUST CALLED AND ASKED FOR MY RING SIZE!!!!!!

YAY!!!

 

[Lcaemom]

Sounds like you are all set!!!



YAY!!!

OMG...I am SO not all set!!! I am officially freaking out!!! I am so panicked that the airport transport van won't show up on time to get us to the airport at 4am! Then I'm afraid it won't be at the airport when we get home. I saw a picture of the van...they use Windstars...mine was recalled two years ago for cracked rear axle so, now I'm afraid we're going to riding in a deathtrap. DBF just told me to have a glass of wine!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OMG...I am SO not all set!!! I am officially freaking out!!! I am so panicked that the airport transport van won't show up on time to get us to the airport at 4am! Then I'm afraid it won't be at the airport when we get home. I saw a picture of the van...they use Windstars...mine was recalled two years ago for cracked rear axle so, now I'm afraid we're going to riding in a deathtrap. DBF just told me to have a glass of wine!

I think your DBF is right -- you need a glass of wine!!

It's okay, I am freaking out too. Took DS to the Express Care last night and he has strep!!

And I haven't even looked at the weather forecast yet today....

 

[Lcaemom]

I think your DBF is right -- you need a glass of wine!!

It's okay, I am freaking out too. Took DS to the Express Care last night and he has strep!!

And I haven't even looked at the weather forecast yet today....

Oh no, your poor son...and you!!! Not now!!! Although...see above!
On a brighter note...the weather has less rain drops.

 

[Lcaemom]

No Disney trip would be complete without an unplanned trip to the dr, squeezed in on one of the last days leading up to the trip! Usually it's for one of the kids...this time, it's me!!! No energy today...NONE! I went back to bed after the kids all went to school and woke up feeling no different. I have a drs appt at 4pm. Hoping for some magical med that will clear all of this up by...oh, lets say tonight so, I can something done. Still SOOOOOOOOO much to do.
We did get our airport transfers booked last night...ON SMURF SHUTTLE!!! I freaked out about that one...we're relying on Smurfs to get us to the airport and back...at 330am and midnight! Of all the companies, we could have chosen??? But, I guess that can be checked off the list.
Left on the list...MVMCP...I think the weather is stabilizing and it should be 70s and clear on the 11th. I will wait one more day for those. I need to run to Target and get flying meds...we turn into inconsolable, crying, gum chewing wrecks when we fly due to our ears. Even though, these meds don't always work, I'd NEVER take a chance and fly without them. And I need to start packing!!! I have done none of that...but, I did buy a new carryon and a new Vera Bradley wristlet...every one said that they would disown me if I wore a 2007 WDW fanny pack...so, I like to think I did that for them!

 

[Lcaemom]

4 days to go!!!
At this point I should be jumping up and down...but, I'll take sitting up, out of bed. I went to the Dr. yesterday. I have a sinus infection. I told the Dr we were leaving for WDW on Sunday and she shook her head and said if I fly like this, I may blow out my eardrum...so, she put me on an antibiotic, sudafed, afrin...and said REST!!! Hmmmm...I thought that is going to be difficult...I have so much to do!!! However, this morning I can't turn my head...I'm going to assume because I have been in bed for too long (We are not going to mention the word meningitis.) DBF is away on business for two days but, has been so great...he knows how obsessive I am about getting this house clean before we leave and said this AM, "you better rest from now til we leave...the kids and I will go on a cleaning spree on Saturday and you can get packing done...and then we can officially move on to the next phase of our lives!" Hmmmm...I wonder what THAT could mean??
So, while it is KILLING me to not do anything...I WILL stay in bed...and get better. I think I may search for Downtown Abbey on OnDemand...I keep hearing about this and need something to keep busy. Maybe search for an ADR to Ohana.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Oh no!!

I'm sorry you are sick so close to vacation. Yes, stay in bed and rest and take your meds and get all better!!

I hope you feel better soon!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hope you're being good and staying in bed!!! And that you're feeling better soon! It's always the way...the Mom gets run down because she's stressing about all the little details before a trip and this time of year makes you more run down to begin with, you NEED TO GET BETTER!!!

Loving all the updates, you've done so much! You're going to love Raglan Road, one of my favs!! Yes, bread pudding, delish!!

Is it bad that I want to fast forward to when you get back so we can hear what happens with the thoughts of a possible engagement lingering?!