The DDA Trouble Free Zone

[Glynis]

We couldn't get a good price on those when we went. I've read that due to the 50th hotels aren't offering as many discounts and are booking up quicker.
We got a good package deal at Holiday Inn in Aug. and a great internet discount rate at Comfort Suites in Dec. Now, this summer we'll have 2 extra with step-sons. That'll be 8 total. Do you know if either of these hotels have suite type rooms? We like having a microwave and fridge with the baby. We were also looking at the HoJo which says it's within walking distance.?

The Park Place Inn has mini-suites. Park Vue is not a suite type hotel, but they do have microwaves, coffee makers, and small refrigerators in their rooms. Very convenient for us. Some people really don't like the Park Vue, but we don't mind it. We're not there too long each day, so it was fine for us. Big selling point is the location. Both these hotels are located right by an IHOP. Every day after 4 (I think) kids eat free with a paying adult. That saved us a ton of money. We went with a group of 20 people; 10 adults and 10 children. It worked out nicely for us all!

 

[Glynis]

I just had to send a hug for that poor girl. I really think her DH needs a swift kick in the pants to motivate him.
ETA: I would have said visits are potluck only. We did a pizza Superbowl night for both families before we moved. Everyone agreed it would be "cheaper" for DH and I to do homemade pizza instead of order it. Of course, had we ordered it everyone could have chipped in, didn't feel right asking for grocery money. Long story short, it cost a fortune and I spent the entire time in the kitchen. Everyone wanted different things on their pizza. So I ended up making all these separate pizzas. We either did take-out(everyone chips in) or potluck. Much easier.

We live within walking distance of 4 of DH's siblings, and within 20 minutes of MIL. The rule with all of us is that calling before dropping by is a MUST and every get together is pot luck. Each family fixes a Main dish and a Side dish that would feed their family. We always end up with tons of food and nobody goes hungry. I used to worry about MIL walking into our house uninvited, but her "maternal" and "grandmotherly" instincts only kick in once in a blue moon, and then it's just to call and guilt DH into coming to her house to move furniture or fix her computer.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thanks for the additional advice for my SIL. I particularly like the one about having anything to do with his family be her DH's responsibility. That could work mighty quickly!

 

[marcij]

Thanks for all your good wishes for my mother. We have finally convinced her not to get on the airplane. That is what I was most worried about. Now we just need to give it time.

A funny story -- Mom has several ulcers on her leg (she's diabetic so they are taking forever to heal). My sister brought the cast saw home (she works in the orthopedic office where mom got the cast) to cut the top out of the cast so the cast isn't rubbing them. My mom looks at my sister right before she turns it on and says "You mean they let you loose with that saw but you can't use a knife well enough to cut up your food?" It was just priceless. We got a huge laugh, then the cutting began. I'm happy to say there was no blood shed. (And actually, the saw she was using wasn't what I thought it would be and wasn't even very sharp.)

 

[tinker1bell]

Happy Birthday!!

I think 40 was my time for a meltdown. I breezed through 21, 30, 39, but 40 stopped me for a second. Then I was fine for 50, and 55..... okay that's enough!!

That was about the time that Steffy and I were just forming our friendship, but I was having a meltdown as well. 55 is alive.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

EXACTLY! I'm sitting here looking at my designs from December. There are 3 sets I can re-use (no dates). I won't make that mistake again (the dates). Although the kids got new costumes from Santa (Jasmine, Power Rangers) so I'll probably edit those anyway to add the new pictures on them.

I also want a new shirt for the proposed MGM Pixar character breakfast and maybe another new MGM one with Fantasmic and some of the other MGM faves (Playhouse Disney, etc).

Let the fun begin! I'm sitting here going back and forth on shirt colors and it's 11 months away. Although when I went to buy shirts in Oct/Nov I had a horrible time finding short sleeve shirts (we layered). I'd rather get them now and save them for this next trip.

Only color I'm having a hard time finding is RED for girls. Anyone seen red girl shirts (size 6/7 or small)?

Denise, did you wear more short sleeve or long sleeve? I too am planning the December trip now and am not sure about the weather....

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Well, I'll keep hoping!

I did get DH to reluctantly wear his Kind Daddy shirt to CRT (it was a small logo on a polo) and he LOVED all the attention so I suspect he will wear one or two this year- Kate has already been kind enough to design one for us!!

 

[itdjbw]

EXACTLY! I'm sitting here looking at my designs from December. There are 3 sets I can re-use (no dates). I won't make that mistake again (the dates). Although the kids got new costumes from Santa (Jasmine, Power Rangers) so I'll probably edit those anyway to add the new pictures on them.

I also want a new shirt for the proposed MGM Pixar character breakfast and maybe another new MGM one with Fantasmic and some of the other MGM faves (Playhouse Disney, etc).

Let the fun begin! I'm sitting here going back and forth on shirt colors and it's 11 months away. Although when I went to buy shirts in Oct/Nov I had a horrible time finding short sleeve shirts (we layered). I'd rather get them now and save them for this next trip.

Only color I'm having a hard time finding is RED for girls. Anyone seen red girl shirts (size 6/7 or small)?

I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday they have the shirts 1/2 price, they had red and a good selection of colors, I walked out with 21 shirts which included for us 4 and for my friends DD's from Australia who will be on our Alaska cruise and then going to DL, I am going to have made there shirts by then,........I will ........I will.

 

[lovespoohbear]

i have such a stress headache. i went to a meeting tonight for my student teaching and i have TONS of questions going around in my head i can't even think to ask them. i now have to sit a figure out my caregivers times that i need them and my schedule is so screwed up this semester is crazy. then i taked to a ta about my trip and she was actually trying to get me to not stay savanna view at akl lol. that is the only reason i wanna go. so now i have to wait for a quote from her. i think i'll just go with disney and me do all the calling. i like to be somewhat in charge and know whats happening. well off to watch er.

 

[itdjbw]

Nope, just me and the kids! I'd like to make them match even more for our next trip. When we all had on the same color we got the most remarks. Even if it wasn't the same design, the shirt colors matching got noticed. He will wear the same color shirt, just not a t-shirt. (ie red polo when we wear red t-shirts).

Great new pic, I was wondering when you were going to put up one as I missed seeing the kids happy faces. You all look great in your matching colors, have you tried doing a small logo design for his shirt that would not be too much just to get him started???

 

[itdjbw]

Another stupid ?? What are ringer tee's????

 

[Cinderumbrella]

So based on my earlier post about a big family trip, I am contemplating shirts. The trip will be
Me, DD and maybe DH
Parents and DSis3
DSis1 and her DH, DD and DS
DSis2 and her DH

Would it be too much to have all of our shirts be the same color and design? I am contemplating having everyone have the same design and each "family unit" have the same color on a given day. Anyone have any thoughts? We probably won't be all together for more than a meal a day and a few major things like parades/shows, but I am hoping for a few good family photos.

Thanks!!

We got the most attention the day we all wore matching shirts (Which was only twice since DH was a stinker about it) I also but "Mommy" "Daddy'' or "Kyle" on the back with 2005 mousears- which people seemed to love.
I saw if the whole family is willing to match then go for it!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Another stupid ?? What are ringer tee's????

A t shirt where the neck trim and armband trim is a contrastind color.

 

[KristineN]

G'nite all...I have to go pack and then go to bed. Up at 5am to head out to Indiana to see the baby.

Hope you all have a good Friday....

 

[ReAnSt]

Girls solid color t-shirts are on sale at Old Navy for $2.99 each. I'm getting some for BK for this December (yes, I am planning already!). Got lime green, a berry red, hot pink, and black in her size (small). Shipping is $5. Boys shirts are $5 each (the ringer style and solid colors). Oh, just looked. Some of the ringer and solid are in girl colors (pink, purple). Not as good as deal, but I may go ahead and stock up for our December trip.

The women's range in price from about $3.99 to $5.99 depending on the style. I was about to order some and decided that by the time I plan to use them I will hopefully need a smaller size. So I didn't order any.

Becky

 

[itdjbw]

Well, we are waiting for Deb's eye patches to arrive...In the mean time, I am sticking the band-aid patch right on the lens. It' so so..she is smart enough to look over & under the lens. I thought about trying to stick it over her eye again...but last time was so awful. She actually cried it off. She's very small for her age...so the whole site of this was just pitiful. Almost cried myself.
But I have hope the new patches from Deb/Cinderella will save the day!

Love the new pic, every one looks great in there new pics can hardly recognize you all as we are so used to seeing the other pics.

 

[ReAnSt]

I was hoping after he saw all the fun and attention you 4 had he would change his mind. Party pooper! (oops!)

We always matched. My dh was a good sport about it too, Kristine. The biggest hit I think was the Mickey head tiedyes. If you have the time and the willpower, make some of those.

I agree make tie dyes. We wore ours twice on our trip. The day we got on the Disney Wonder and our MGM/EPCOT day. We had lots of CM's asking us how we made them. Also we had people stopping us and asking about where we bought them.

At MGM we were selected to be the family in the Pearl Harbor boat scene on the Backlot tour. I am sure we wouldn't have gotten selected otherwise. At EPCOT Mickey made a big deal that he was on all of our shirts, front and back. I could go on and on. They are definitely a big hit and a great idea. If you don't want to sew do the spray dye Mickey shirts.

Becky

 

[tinknme]

Just wanted to pop in to say hello! You have all been so busy chatting This has been a long tiring week at work, but just 2 days more days & I will be in the happiest place in the world I still have not packed, I will get that done tomorrow after work, I am so behind!

Hope everyone that is not feeling well gets better soon

 

[ReAnSt]

Denise...Were you comfortable? This may sound kinda weird...but I have never liked layering (for myself) I always feel like fit is just a little "off". I need therapy..

I think holding your new grandson should be the perfect therapy for you.

Becky

 

[triplefigs]

Denise, did you wear more short sleeve or long sleeve? I too am planning the December trip now and am not sure about the weather....

I made all short sleeve, but we layered. Out of 8 days, we wore layers for 5 and short sleeve for 3. 2 nights we had on hats and coats (very chilly). The weather varied a ton!