The faceless children take a top-secret trip to WDW...

[Dancegrl624]

Started my TR!

Take Small Children By The Hand...a Sept Trip Report

 

[20thingamabobs]

I love your mousekeeping and window decorations! They're so cute!

 

[lexmas]

Hurray that your dh is going to be arriving so soon!

Thanks for all the advice!

You did a great job with the Mousekeeping envelopes! I'm so excited for you that the trip is so soon.

Amanda

I'm excited too! Every day I tell J.J. how many days are left. Okay, I tell him like, 20 times.

You're getting so close!!!!! My kids loved The Boneyard playground at AK! As for parades, we saw the night time one at MK, the end of the day one at AK and the mid-day parade at DHS. The one at DHS was their favorite. Yay for your husband being able to come a day earlier!!

J.J. will LOVE the boneyard. I almost don't want to tell him it exists because I think he will never leave!

You're getting so close!

When we got home, my DH and I were talking about how during the week on vacation, the only decision we had to make was what we wanted to eat!

As far as the buses go, the buses at Pop were fantastic!!! We were always at AK, EP and DHS within about 15 minutes of getting on the bus. MK took about 20-25 minutes, but that's not bad at all. I do not like the Pop bus stops at MK and EP, but they are SO close at AK and DHS.

Ah, the only decision being where to eat. I can't wait! Nothing like relaxing!

I'm glad to hear the buses were great! I remember them being fine on our last trip, but I don't remember back to our honeymoon when we were at Pop. Waiting wasn't as difficult pre-children.

Wow, you're getting close! That's awesome that your DH can come Thursday night now. The kids will be sooo excited!
I know a little about buying last min clothes around here. I had to buy some maternity things but luckily got some great deals. Just yesterday I got a sundress for $4 at Kohls!

You've done some great decorations! Getting close now

So...did I miss something? Are you pregnant?!? And pregnant enough to need maternity clothes for next week? (I'm going to do a little happy dance right now for you...and if you aren't pregnant and were speaking about a previous trip, then ignore it. But I can't refrain! There will be more dancing if it's true!)

We went to Kohl's to get some shorts for J.J., and we found a few. The kids were very into playing with those $5 Dr. Seuss stuffed animals!

Love the decorations, mousekeeping envelopes & especially the mickey pumpkins. Too cute!!

Thanks! It's always good to stay busy! Now, I just have to put some of the decorations in our windows, and put money in the mousekeeping envelopes. Or maybe I should do that once I'm there so I'm not packing money. I will have to think!

I love your mousekeeping and window decorations! They're so cute!

Thank you!

 

[lexmas]

15 days!

16. Magical Express

I know people don't love it, but I really do. My luggage arrives in my room? You take me from the airport to my hotel? No carseats? The pile of luggage going on the plane with those bright yellow tags? I think I'm in love.

15. Enjoying Main Street

I am looking forward to taking my time wandering down Main Street, USA. I've spent some time there at Disneyland, but I all too often just rush down it to see the rest of the park. And I really love it! So this trip, I am going to try and make an effort to enjoy it. Wander the shops. Watch the performances. Maybe even ride a vehicle!

On my list, I:

Washed our clothes and packed them (not all of them, just the summer stuff that we put away since it's fall here!) Look Meghan, I rolled!

I also finished sewing diapers. Now, I'm a little (ok, a lot) embarrassed to post this picture, because not only is this the third type of diaper I have sewn for this trip, I may not even end up bringing them and I might go in another direction. BUT, I really enjoy sewing, so it's been great practice (I'm going to be sewing a whole bunch of diapers for my friend who is pregnant right now), and I am proud that I did all of them, so I'll post the picture anyway. Syd loves them too...if she picks out a new diaper it's always this kind!

Oh, and three are in the wash, apparently, because I made three dozen. Yeah, that wasn't right, apparently I thought there was another row that wasn't there. NINE are in the wash, I guess. Math failed me there!

 

[-Hope-]

I love Magical Express too! It was just so great and when we had to pick up our luggage when we got home it just reminded me of how great it was not to have to do it in Orlando.

We didn't get to spend much time on Main Street and it looked so great! I hope you get to truly enjoy it!

Hurray for packing! It really makes everything seem real when the suitcases start filling up!

Those diapers are super cute!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I love ME too for the exact same reasons. I love not having to worry about getting my luggage and driving to my hotel. Awesome!

Hooray for the rolling! Isn't it great? Such a space saver.

Love all of the diapers...so cute!

 

[wlake]

I can't believe you're so close to going! I completely, utterly, and totally agree with you about the no cooking and no dishes as well as the Magical Express! DH and I have actually had a conversation about the fact that our DC trip is not going to involve checking our luggage in Providence and seeing in our room then checking it at POR and seeing it in Providence -- it means hauling it on and off the train, onto the subway, and into the hotel before doing the whole thing in reverse to leave. (Can you tell I'm trying to convince him Disney would be better?) Can you imagine if ME would pick your luggage up at your house? I'd be willing to have it ready 48 hours in advance for that!

Summer clothes in Buffalo -- sounds like you got lucky! You've got to love the Kohl's sale racks!

 

[lexmas]

I love Magical Express too! It was just so great and when we had to pick up our luggage when we got home it just reminded me of how great it was not to have to do it in Orlando.

We didn't get to spend much time on Main Street and it looked so great! I hope you get to truly enjoy it!

Hurray for packing! It really makes everything seem real when the suitcases start filling up!

Those diapers are super cute!

It seems like a little thing, not having to deal with your luggage, but it's so great! One less thing to worry and fuss about makes it that much more of a vacation!

It does seem real now that we've started packing. I am really excited that it's so close, but I'm freaking out a little. It's too close, and there's so much to do still!

I love ME too for the exact same reasons. I love not having to worry about getting my luggage and driving to my hotel. Awesome!

Hooray for the rolling! Isn't it great? Such a space saver.

Love all of the diapers...so cute!

The rolling really did save space. I had all that stuff in TWO suitcases before I washed it and rolled it, and I could probably fit a shirt or two more in there. That is a tiny bag and I have 13 shirts and 8 pairs of shorts in there and DH has 8 shirts and 5 (bulky) shorts in there. Not bad!

I can't believe you're so close to going! I completely, utterly, and totally agree with you about the no cooking and no dishes as well as the Magical Express! DH and I have actually had a conversation about the fact that our DC trip is not going to involve checking our luggage in Providence and seeing in our room then checking it at POR and seeing it in Providence -- it means hauling it on and off the train, onto the subway, and into the hotel before doing the whole thing in reverse to leave. (Can you tell I'm trying to convince him Disney would be better?) Can you imagine if ME would pick your luggage up at your house? I'd be willing to have it ready 48 hours in advance for that!

Summer clothes in Buffalo -- sounds like you got lucky! You've got to love the Kohl's sale racks!

Um...I would pay extra for that, and sign a contract never to vacation anywhere else. How AMAZING would that be?

And about trying to convince your DH to go back to disney. It would be. That luggage is just a hassle. You want to learn about the history of our country? Visit the America Pavilion! You just need to do some fuzzy math like we did. Two trips in a year meant that we could buy an AP and save money. Once we already had that AP, any other trips were just furthering our savings. That's how it works, right?

Yeah, mid october in Buffalo is not summer weather. It could snow any day! (Well, I don't think it will, but it has in the past. Snow on Halloween is common.) Shorts were not popular in the stores. Neither is sunscreen, so I hope I have enough of that...

 

[Disneychix]

Cats out of the bag, but it was only a matter of time as I'm soon to start a TR and you'd all see the BIG bump We are expecting a little bundle of BOY in Feb!

For sunscreen check the Christmas Tree Store. I was able to get some late-season there last year.

I can't believe all those clothes you fit in that bag by rolling! Awesome!
I'm still not ready, only ready for a nap!

 

[cheryterese]

15. Enjoying Main Street

I am looking forward to taking my time wandering down Main Street, USA. I've spent some time there at Disneyland, but I all too often just rush down it to see the rest of the park. And I really love it! So this trip, I am going to try and make an effort to enjoy it. Wander the shops. Watch the performances. Maybe even ride a vehicle!

Main Street is so magical!! We really enjoyed it. Are they still having the Move It! Shake It! street party? I can't wait to hear if you ride a vehicle!!

Also, LOVE your cloth diaper stash! I use Bumgenius. Wish I was as crafty as you!

 

[lexmas]

Cats out of the bag, but it was only a matter of time as I'm soon to start a TR and you'd all see the BIG bump We are expecting a little bundle of BOY in Feb!

For sunscreen check the Christmas Tree Store. I was able to get some late-season there last year.

I can't believe all those clothes you fit in that bag by rolling! Awesome!
I'm still not ready, only ready for a nap!

A BOY!!! Congratulations!!! Your DH is creating his own band, huh? I wanted another boy when I was pregnant with DD (we also wanted a girl with DS, so we're really bad about calling these things!) because how cute is two little boys! They'll be best friends! Everyone assumed I would want a girl, but they were totally wrong. Little boys are the best...I love all the little boy clothes, and there's just something special about the relationship of a little boy to his Mama. I'm so happy for you!

I will have to check the Christmas tree store. I guess they just specialize in out of season stuff!

Well, I think you should use the excuse of being pregnant and make your DH pack. Just sayin'. You leave so soon! Take that nap and grow that sweet baby boy big and healthy. He's got a big first trip to disney next week!

Main Street is so magical!! We really enjoyed it. Are they still having the Move It! Shake It! street party? I can't wait to hear if you ride a vehicle!!

Also, LOVE your cloth diaper stash! I use Bumgenius. Wish I was as crafty as you!

I think they still have the street party, but DH is really the one who stays up to date on these things, not me! It is magical, isn't it? It's DH's dream to drive the vehicles on Main St. when he "retires".

And thanks about the diapers! I'm a fickle diaper-er and I like to switch it up all the time to keep it interesting, so making diapers is much cheaper than buying new ones all the time! We always had great experiences with Bumgenius though, they fit both my kids like a glove! If you ever need new elastic or velcro and they're not under warranty anymore, I can totally replace that for you, I've done it before...always feels good to make your old diapers like new again!

 

[lexmas]

Sorry for getting really behind! Our laptop broke, and 99% of my internet time is upstairs on the laptop while the kids are sleeping, so I haven't had much of an opportunity! I will try and get back up to speed on this PTR and all your TRs at naptime today!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Cats out of the bag, but it was only a matter of time as I'm soon to start a TR and you'd all see the BIG bump We are expecting a little bundle of BOY in Feb!

For sunscreen check the Christmas Tree Store. I was able to get some late-season there last year.

I can't believe all those clothes you fit in that bag by rolling! Awesome!
I'm still not ready, only ready for a nap!

Congrats!!! How exciting!!!

I'm pretty sure Target sells sunscreen year round.

 

[-Hope-]

Sorry for getting really behind! Our laptop broke, and 99% of my internet time is upstairs on the laptop while the kids are sleeping, so I haven't had much of an opportunity! I will try and get back up to speed on this PTR and all your TRs at naptime today!!!

Yikes! I don't know what I'd do if my laptop broke!

 

[lexmas]

Alright, so my internet went down all day long!

Hopefully I will be able to update tonight once the kids are asleep.

Here's a hint of a preview...I know a certain little boy who has a lot less hair than he did this morning!

 

[Disneychix]

Congrats!!! How exciting!!!

Thanks

Alright, so my internet went down all day long!

Hopefully I will be able to update tonight once the kids are asleep.

Here's a hint of a preview...I know a certain little boy who has a lot less hair than he did this morning!

How exciting!!! Can't wait to find out how it went! And to see how you delt with it too.

 

[lexmas]

Alright, well, since my laptop had my to-do list, my things to look forward to countdown, and my packing list...I'm going to do my best here!

10 DAYS!!!

14. Chip and Dale's Campfire at Fort Wilderness

I have wanted to try this since I first read about it, before we went on our honeymoon. I didn't have kids then (that's not entirely a strange thing to say, since we went on our honeymoon at least 6 or 7 months after we got married) and we were trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, so that wouldn't have been fun for me then. BUT, it will be fun for me now! I really hope we are able to fit it in!

13. Opening Shows

I am not an early riser, but the children are. So, hopefully we will get to see the opening show at every park this time. Hey, I have to have goals, right?

12. Tonga Toast

Yes, I love it enough to make it one of the things on my list. I love the Poly too. I can't wait to go!

11. Souvenirs

I am not going to overbuy. I am not going to overbuy. I am not going to overbuy. If I say it enough, it will happen. Right? Nothing more fun than wandering the shops at WDW. I'm sure we will end up with at least one souvenir for each kid, and probably more than that for DH. He is a shopper, for whatever reason. The only thing I know I really want to buy is those little tins of cocoa. In fact, I want to bring some home for stocking stuffers. J.J. is crazy about his cocoa. He can't get enough. Disney cocoa is almost magical!

10. MNSSHP

Before we went last time, I said paying more for something like this was a total waste of money. I was completely wrong. I love it. I love the parade, mostly. I want to see it both times! I love the special meet-and-greets. I love the decorations. It's so much fun! I think we're going to ditch the stroller this night, because you can't bring it into the meet-and-greets and that's just frustrating, plus, I want them to walk the trick-or-treat trails with their bags. A good nap, and J.J. should be ready to go, and Sydney still rides in the sling.

Now for the things I got done...

14. Put the finishing touches on my Ellen Costume. This mostly involved a visit to the thrift store to buy every article of clothing I needed. I don't dress like it's 1990.

13. Packing. Packing, Packing and more Packing. I am completely proud of myself! I actually went through my list and highlighted everything I could pack that I wouldn't need before we left, but then the list went down. So we packed what we could.

This bag is 42 lbs. It's because it has juice and soymilk in it. But still, heavy. And I am a bit afraid of chocolate soymilk being over all our halloween costumes, which are also in that bag. But I am hoping for the best.

This is the kids bag...I rolled all their clothes, and packed 3 towels in here as well. It's a tight fit. Anyone know what happens if they search your bag and can't get the clothes back in? Because it took me a LONG time to fit it in there, so they would have their work set out for them! All clothes in that bag though, so hopefully it will be fine.

I don't know if you can see the top bulge, but it does!

Now, we only have one bag left. For everything we have left, which includes diapers (which will be bulky) one more towel, and everything we would use between now and when we leave. This is going to be TIGHT. Cross your fingers for me!

12. Printed dining menus and highlighted the things I think I might want to eat.

11. Made more decorations (most of these are for home and our friend's house. But a few for disney!)

11a. I have done more things lately than I have room on this list! I made tags for the stroller. I have not put them on.

11b. Picked out the kids clothes for travel day! That's a hat, for Sydney.

10. Cut J.J.'s hair! This was our BIG event for today! We cut it at home, because it's curly and hard to mess up, and because I'm a control freak. He only cried a little. After, we celebrated with ice cream!

Here are the "before" pictures!

(he insisted on dressing up like Buzz Lightyear for the event)

During:

And after! And yes, he replaced the hair with a necklace. People are just going to think he's a girl no matter what. But, I think it turned out pretty nicely! Sorry for the giant blacked out face, but it was the only way to show you how it turned out! His hair is still a little wet in this photo, but it gives you a general idea! I think it's a good little boy haircut

Oh, and he made an envelope to put his first curl in.

He's growing up! 3 years 11 months today! (And yes, I totally wrote the date wrong on the envelope and we had to correct it. )

Whew! All caught up! Let's see if I can stay that way!

 

[Disneychix]

Wow! That's a lot packed into those suitcases! Thank goodness for DME! How will you split up the suitcases between when you come and when your DH gets there later in the day?

JJs hair looks very nice! I bet he looks so much older to you. We just cut Brady's hair and even though it was just a trim he still looks like such a big boy!

 

[lexmas]

Wow! That's a lot packed into those suitcases! Thank goodness for DME! How will you split up the suitcases between when you come and when your DH gets there later in the day?

JJs hair looks very nice! I bet he looks so much older to you. We just cut Brady's hair and even though it was just a trim he still looks like such a big boy!

It's so much! DH has to run to catch the plane after work, so we're trying to take all the suitcases in the morning. Your baggage has to be checked at least 45 minutes before your plane leaves for it to be guaranteed on the plane, so we don't want to take any chances. If we had 6 bags, then we'd be fine! But since it's just me and Jay on the way down with 2 bags each, things are tighter.

Thanks! Actually, since he has little curls on his forehead now, the first thing I thought was that he looks like he did when he was a baby! I'm sure if he had a short "boy cut" then he would look a lot older. But since his hair is SO curly I don't think that would look very good...it would just stick out all over, even with like, a buzz cut! Heck, this morning he even has bedhead. Gotta wash those curls again and see what they do...last night they kind of gave him bangs...which I am generally very against, but it looked good. This is why I did it so early, I can snip pieces here and there for the next 9 days until I'm completely satisfied!

Hope that sweet baby boy is treating you well! You leave so very soon!

 

[20thingamabobs]

Your trip is getting soo close! Your DS has the prettiest hair! I like the way you cut it! Oh, and awesome packing!! I would never be able to fit everything like that. No. Way.