~~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip - or two - or three...~~ D~'s bag ~9/22 ~~

[DMGeurts]

Your MK days sound great! As for Universal, I wouldn't worry too much. If you're just going for HP it's pretty easy. Are you getting the park hopper for Universal? Pretty smart how they charge you double to see both sides of HP and ride the train. It's pretty awesome though. I really liked it a lot. Still working on my TR and I'm not up to Universal day yet, lol.

We are doing the park hopper for Universal with the military passes - Essentially - it's 3 days for the price of one. Depending on the situation with the shuttle bus, we may end up at U/S on one of our "off days" too? We'll see? Our only objective there is HP - as long as we get that done, and ride the train both ways - I will be thrilled. The only variable to this, is that SoG has a $10 r/t p/p shuttle, and I have no idea what the times are for it - if it only does one r/t per day? I won't know any of this until we get down there. If it runs a couple times per day - then we might be able to squish in a second visit - since it won't cost us anything more than another shuttle fee. I did a bit of my own research yesterday - and I think it will be doable. I am not sure about me being able to ride all of the rides though - I think I'll be able to do all of them except the Forbidden Journey? I plan to watch some Youtube videos about it, to see if it's something I can handle - from all the reviews I've read, it looks very intense? But I am also very excited about this portion of our trip - it will be wonderful as we are big HP fans!

It looks like everything is falling into place for your January trip. I just hope it isn't too cool for Splash.
I love Halloween at Disney. I really missed MSSHP this year since we stayed home.
I'm glad you enjoyed your Christmas. It's always good to get together with friends and family. Your dad and brother looks so happy in those pictures.
I went to my daughter's for Christmas. At one point there were 24 people there. She had my sister and brothers and their families,my nephews' girlfriends and later on my niece brought her in laws over. It was a little crowded but we still had fun. She still has leftovers, so I'm going over later for supper.
Yesterday I worked. It wasn't as busy but was steady. My photo problem of the day was that the cd/dvd writer stopped working. Fuji never did call me back yesterday so there are sendout orders without cds sitting on my counter. I swear Fuji's tech center knows me by name because I've called so much this past week.
Enjoy your Sunday
Liz

LOL - We'll ride Splash no matter how cold it is. I've heard they turn the water jets down low depending on the weather... And to be honest - I've never really gotten wet on that ride.

I am soooo beyond excited for Halloween in WDW... Just the outfits and Halloween in general are the best there. I loved Christmas - but compared to Halloween, well - Disney just does Halloween right, IMO. I have plans for a few outfits - and I am definitely doing an elaborate bag for this one - as it is a bag I would likely use at home too. I cannot wait!

That is a LOT of people in one's house for Christmas - but it sounds like you had a wonderful time... And eating leftovers is the best part!

Hopefully your lab is back up and running now!

Sounds like you all had a good time with BFF.

How cool that Alli got some stuff for when she one day is moving out.

I can't wait to see your outfits for your October trip.

Your MK days looks like a lot of fun.


In Norway every store has been closed since 1PM on the 24th December. Tomorrow is the first day the stores are open again. I got some really nice slippers as a Christmas gift from Ulf. I tried two different sizes before he bought them and I thought I was happy with the size. But when I tried them on Christmas Day I feel they are a little too big and a really regret that I didn't try one size smaller than the size I ended up with. So tomorrow I'm going back to the store to try the smaller size just to see how it feels and then decide if I have to exchange the slippers for a size smaller.

Yesterday I had a great time at my parents house eating spare ribs. It was a really good but greasy dinner. Today I'm just staying home.

I got Ulf to help me bake the Chocolate Chip Cookies on the 23rd. They turned out really good.

We had a very nice time - it's always good to see her and Miss O. :

I am soooo excited for my outfits for October. There are several things I am reusing from my November trip on this upcoming January trip - so I am a little "meh" about it... However - I am making a few new additions - so it won't be all the same. But the October trip - well, I just love Halloween in WDW, so my plans for that trip are going to be a lot of fun! I wouldn't be surprised if I do a Halloween theme for every single day I am there. LOL I just love it that much!

I hope you were able to get your slippers exchanged with out too much trouble and you were able to find a size that fits you properly!

I hope you had a great day Lillian!

Sounds amazing! I can't wait to read the TR! Universal will also be interesting- I haven't been there since 1999!!!! Lol

Yah - I am still a little nervous about U/S... But I did sit down and research a bit last night... I need to go into the SoG thread here on The Dis and ask about the shuttle to/from U/S... Hopefully someone can shed light on the timing of this and how late it runs. Our only objective is HP - as long as we can get that done - we will both be happy.

It looks like you had a really nice Christmas. I love the story about your brother and how you took care of him. I'm glad that he and your father can spend time together.

I've heard that the live for people who pre-order is really short and the line for people who haven't pre-ordered is really long. so they advise you to pre-order. You can change your order when you get up to the cashier if you want to. We are eating lunch at BOG on our upcoming trip. I love the braised pork. DH only agrees to eat there because I like it so much.

We are looking forward to this lunch, too.

Your tree turned out great. I wouldn't want to take it down too fast either. I like to wait at least until New Years Day before taking down the decorations.

Thank you Sue... It was and is sometimes very difficult for our family - but after almost 40 years of it, we are used to it now. And since he has been with the same foster family for 30+ years, it makes it easier - they are like family to us, as Jonathan is to them.

Yes, we didn't pre-order when we went in November and the line was very long... But it didn't take all that long to get through. I will ask Allison what she would like to do.

I agree - I am sure I will have to take it down this weekend, which will be sad - that corner is perfect for a tree, so it will be really bare there without one. I'd love to find a nice fake year/round tree to go there... I think it would be fun to decorate it and light it up - I just love the look of lights in the house.

Hi D! It sounds and looks like you and your family had a nice Christmas!

All your plans for January sound great - you and Allison are getting so close!!!

Thank you Alison - we did. How was your Christmas? Are you having a good break?

We are getting very excited now... I need to start working on pulling together outfits and packing soon.

**********************************************************************************************

Yesterday - I worked out. It feels good to be back in my routine. Starting today - I will be working out "hard and heavy" until we leave... I am dealing with Christmas bloat in a big way, and I want it GONE in time to get it back while I am in Disney. LOL

Then the girls and I went out - they wanted to spend a couple of their GCs... First stop was Chipotle for lunch. Then to Barnes & Noble, V got another book - plus, when she was paying, she found an old GC from a few years ago, she thought she only had a few dollars at most on it - but found out she had enough to pay for her new book plus $13 left over - so she didn't even touch her new GC. She is a happy girl! For a little girl who had such a hard time learning to read, and didn't officially learn how to read until almost 3rd grade - and still really struggles with her English classes, it brings me great happiness to see her enjoy reading so much... She can get lost in a book for days, and it's been this way for years.

After Chipotle - we were going to go to Ulta, but Allison realized she forgot her GC at home. So, we just went to Target... I hit up some Christmas clearance... They had 2 ornament boxes that I was really wanting when we decorated the tree originally, but they were so expensive... Sadly - both boxes were damaged boxes, with a couple missing/broken ornaments in each one... So, when I got up to the register to pay, they gave me an extra 20% off... So that was nice. I got each box for ~$6. I'll watch the other ornaments at my store - if I can get a big barrel thingy of them later this week - we may have enough ornaments for 2 trees next year - which I would love. By then, Cooper should be out of his kennel - so that would be the perfect place for a 2nd tree. Then I would have a tree to display the girls' childhood ornaments too.

By then it was late afternoon and it was time to come home. Josh made ribs on the grill and we hung out most of the night, watching a movie - and I did some Universal research... At least now I have a very small game plan.

Today... As I said above - I will be working out hard.

Then I will be upstairs all day working on my HP bag. I managed to get it cut out yesterday morning - so that always makes life easier - I can just go upstairs and get to work. I plan to be up there most of the day. I still have not decided on an applique yet - I have some ideas, but nothing concrete yet. I need to figure that out soon. I was thinking maybe a silhouette of Hogwards? I dunno? I am using some of my VERY RARE and original HP fabric inside of it - which I've been saving for this very occasion for years - because I knew that some day, we'd land ourselves at U/S. So, that's pretty exciting for me.

We are in a Winter Storm Warning today - beginning a little after noon... It's warnings like this - where it's blowing/drifting snow - they often close the highway in front of our house - which means we are stuck at home until they can get the big blowers in here to blow out the snow drifts... So, I might reassess our grocery situation and possibly make a quick run to town this morning - just in case. We'll see? It's just so nice to have the girls on winter break, because then I know they are home and I don't have to worry about them being stranded somewhere.

**********************************************************************************************************

More January trip details....

So, our 4th Disney park day... You guys are going to love this... We have a plan! Since this is our very first time ever to have Park Hoppers (I think we may have had them for our 2003 trip, but I can't remember?), Allison and I have decided to try to hit all 4 parks on this day... Our objective is to ride one ride that has Photopass, and also to get 1 Photopass photo in front of each major icon. Sooooo.... The Plan.... We'll start off in AK right at park opening with a ride on EE and some PHotopass pictures in front of the ToL... Then we will head to Epcot - we will likely end up riding TT and get our photos in front of SSE... We will take a boat to DHS through IG, we need to be in DHS by 3pm for our first FP on ST, we have dinner reservations at 4pm at 50's then FPs for ToT and RnR, this will be tight, because Allison also wants to see Fantastmic... I may try to change our RnR to the Fantasmic! seating, because we are so crunched for time right here.... As it sits right now - we must be at ToT at the very beginning of our FP window (6pm) - and even then it will be tight, because F! starts at 7pm... So, what would you do? Would you ditch your RnR FP for a Fantasmic FP - and just ride RnR standby? Or would you keep your RnR and just take a chance with F! seating? Once we are done at DHS - we are headed to MK, they have EMH until 11pm... So, I think we should be able to make it to MK by 9:30pm - even under the worst transportation conditions? Does anyone know - do they still have buses that run from park to park? I cannot remember? This would obviously be easiest - but otherwise - we will just take a Poly bus and a boat to MK. Once we arrive at MK - I am sure we will be exhausted... But we will head to the back of the park - probably - hopefully it won't be too hard to get there, and likely ride Splash? Then we will stay at the back of the park for a while - hunt down a PP photographer either on our way in or on our way out? And that will be the end of our 4 parks in one day adventure. I've never actually "planned" to do this before - so I am a little apprehensive as to if it will work out or not?

So, lots of questions up there for you guys - I tried to bold them for you - so you notice they are stuffed in that paragraph. That's the only update I am doing today... I'll tell you all about our plans for our "days off" - if there is such a thing in WDW, this week... And also, my very limited plans for Universal... Hopefully I will have more shuttle answers this week.

I hope you all have an amazing day!!!! Pixie Dust to all!

D~

 

[NJlauren]

I know you didn't ask this.... But if you're tight on time and your legs aren't killing you waking Epcot to DHS is faster IMO then the boat. We beat it every time last trip and we did the walk 3 times.

 

[ABCastillo]

I'm glad to hear that you had a very Merry Christmas! Your plans are looking great!!

We've only done DHS once over the past few trips... and we found that ToT had shorter stand by lines that RnR through out the day in January (like 10 min for ToT and 60-120 min for RnR). Not sure if this is all the time or maybe because it was mid-week when we were there, but maybe drop the ToT for Fantasmic and keep RnR??

 

[DMGeurts]

OK - so I've officially decided.... For the first time EVER - I am doing a machine embroidery design on my HP bag... But there will be a "twist" to it. Super excited!

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

The Plan.... We'll start off in AK right at park opening with a ride on EE and some PHotopass pictures in front of the ToL... Then we will head to Epcot - we will likely end up riding TT and get our photos in front of SSE... We will take a boat to DHS through IG, we need to be in DHS by 3pm for our first FP on ST, we have dinner reservations at 4pm at 50's then FPs for ToT and RnR, this will be tight, because Allison also wants to see Fantastmic... I may try to change our RnR to the Fantasmic! seating, because we are so crunched for time right here.... As it sits right now - we must be at ToT at the very beginning of our FP window (6pm) - and even then it will be tight, because F! starts at 7pm... So, what would you do? Would you ditch your RnR FP for a Fantasmic FP - and just ride RnR standby? Or would you keep your RnR and just take a chance with F! seating?

Yes, there are park to park buses.

Four parks in one day is very ambitious. We've done three parks in one day many times. Anyway, I think it all depends on how crowded it is. AK and Epcot plans sound good. You can walk from the International Gateway to DHS in about 25 minutes or take the boat which is a 30 minute ride once it leaves the dock. If you decide to walk then you should walk on the Boardwalk side and take the shortcut past the clown pool. We like to walk it because it is so relaxing and you get away from crowds for awhile.

For Hollywood Studios - if it is not a really crowded day, I would either go stand by for Fantasmic or get a 4th fast pass for it. I've heard that there are usually fast passes available for Fantasmic because most people don't bother to get one. And they will often open a second Fantasmic show at the last minute, so keep hoping for that.

To get to the Magic Kingdom - I would preferably take the park bus, or second choice would be the Contemporary bus and walk to MK. I love boats but they do take longer, usually.

 

[ljcrochet]

I would take a bus to Contemporary from HS and walk. It will quicker than going from poly since you would have almost the same walk from the bus drop off spot to the boat dock.

 

[Terkina]

How great that V likes to read and how great that she found an old GC that she could use at the store.

How great that you got an extra 20% off the ornaments because of the missing/broken ones.

Ribs on the grill sounds delicious.

I can't wait to see your HP bag.

I hope the Winter Storm doesn't get that bad. I've heard about the storms in Texas and other parts of USA on the news. It sounds really bad.

4 parks in one day at WDW sounds like a lot of fun.


Today is the huge exchange day in the stores. So there were A LOT of people at the mall today. I got my slippers exchanged without a problem. So I'm very happy.

 

[cajunfan]

Your tree turned out beautiful! But, I do understand about the childhood ornaments. So glad to hear you may have enough space/ornaments for two trees next year. Also, you may have to get another small tree so you can reuse your fabulous topper (I really like how that and the window swags turned out!) And very jealous of V's pencil set...I want the 100 pack of Crayola (Prisma color a little to expensive for the adult coloring book I want to use them in, lol!)

I understand the aging thing. It hit home for me this Christmas since I did not spend it with family this year. (I stayed in TN and they all stayed in LA...even my son). I realized my mom turned 78 on the 20th! I don't know why that hit me harder this year...she is healthy and active. I guess it is so much closer to 80 and I know her mom was the same way until she actually retired at 80 something...and then went downhill fast and passed at 85)But since she retired from teaching, she has been working pretty much full time running the local Catholic church parish (and priest). So hopefully she will continue to do that and it will keep her going. Those are some great pictures of your dad and your brother. The happiness really shows in them!

Your plans sound great so far! I will have to ponder the 4 parks in one day and post later about my thoughts. That one takes a lot of "regiment" I guess.

Have a fun day! Stay bundled and warm! We are going to be in the 70s today! I feel like I am in New Orleans again...wore shorts on Christmas day!

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

We did the DHS bus to MK our last trip after DHS closed for the night. I think it took 4 buses to get us loaded. I wondered if it would had been better to take a resort bus and then transfer to MK. The resort buses had next to no lines. It was a night that MK had EMH. The buses were also packed very tight.

I am glad to hear you had a good Christmas. Your pictures of your Dad and brother were great.

We really enjoyed IofA and Universal when we went and that was before the latest HP expansion. We just got to enjoy the first part.

 

[brb1006]

Can't wait to hear you're trip report. If you plan on meeting Marie at the Magic Kingdom. You might want to stop by Epcot in the France Pavilion and buy a Marie plush. There for when you find Marie at the Magic Kingdom try showing her the plush or herself and she might get very flattered and happy.

 

[DisneyTeacher01]

I can't wait to see your HP bag!!! Can't believe you will be back at Disney SOOON!!!! Sooooo excited

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

What a beautiful post on your dad and brother! (Thanks for the cry - I needed it! LOL) They are very lucky to have you in their lives as well.

Now, about this crack bread... I think I need some in my life!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Thank you Alison - we did. How was your Christmas? Are you having a good break?

My Christmas was great. It went really well. I am having a good break, it's been very busy so far with Christmas and now New Years coming up, which is also my birthday lol, but overall everything ifs good. I am off for a good portion of January so after New Years/my birthday is over i will have more time to relax...and....plan my next Disney trip!!
I haven't posted about it on the DIS yet - so you are the first one to hear it but it was confirmed on Christmas morning to me that my family and I will be going to Disney this upcoming July! I am so excited! My 180 dining window is coming up soon so I have to get on that! And book flights! But we are staying at BCV (my grandparents are DVC members) so I am SO excited about that! Let's just saying planning the trip will keep me busy - but in the best way possible!

She can get lost in a book for days, and it's been this way for years.

That is great. I find I am like that too - sometimes lol. I wish I had more time to read but I find I am always doing other things - especially with school. I find I read a lot more during the summer.

I got each box for ~$6. I'll watch the other ornaments at my store - if I can get a big barrel thingy of them later this week - we may have enough ornaments for 2 trees next year - which I would love. By then, Cooper should be out of his kennel - so that would be the perfect place for a 2nd tree. Then I would have a tree to display the girls' childhood ornaments too.

Great deal! Wow - yeah 2 trees sounds like a great idea! Then you would have the best of both worlds with the two separate types of ornaments on each tree!

I did some Universal research... At least now I have a very small game plan.

That's good you have an idea of what you plan to do - sometimes doing that with anything just gives one a piece of mind.

Then I will be upstairs all day working on my HP bag.

I was thinking maybe a silhouette of Hogwards? I dunno?

That would be so cool! Wow I'm excited to see that! The silhouette of Hogwarts would be SO cool!!!

I am using some of my VERY RARE and original HP fabric inside of it - which I've been saving for this very occasion for years - because I knew that some day, we'd land ourselves at U/S. So, that's pretty exciting for me.

Cool! How long have you had the fabric for?!

Allison and I have decided to try to hit all 4 parks on this day.

YAY!!! That is so exciting!!!

we have dinner reservations at 4pm at 50's then FPs for ToT and RnR, this will be tight, because Allison also wants to see Fantastmic...

Fantasmic is one of my favorite things to do/see in all of WDW - I love that show.

So, what would you do? Would you ditch your RnR FP for a Fantasmic FP - and just ride RnR standby? Or would you keep your RnR and just take a chance with F! seating?

Fantasmic shouldn't be too crazy to get a seat. I say keep the FP+s that you already have. You may not get the best seats for F! but they will still be seats - and that show is incredible from anywhere in the theater!

Overall I love your plan for your 4 parks, 1 day adventure! I think it sounds great and I wouldn't change a thing!

OK - so I've officially decided.... For the first time EVER - I am doing a machine embroidery design on my HP bag... But there will be a "twist" to it. Super excited!

Great! Can't wait to see!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

I know you didn't ask this.... But if you're tight on time and your legs aren't killing you waking Epcot to DHS is faster IMO then the boat. We beat it every time last trip and we did the walk 3 times.

We will definitely consider doing that. Like you said - it depends on how tired we are. We may have oodles of energy - or we may not?

I'm glad to hear that you had a very Merry Christmas! Your plans are looking great!!

We've only done DHS once over the past few trips... and we found that ToT had shorter stand by lines that RnR through out the day in January (like 10 min for ToT and 60-120 min for RnR). Not sure if this is all the time or maybe because it was mid-week when we were there, but maybe drop the ToT for Fantasmic and keep RnR??

Thanks! I hope you did too!

The only reason I don't have both RnR and F! is because both of them are "Tier 1" FPs, and you can only have one.... So, I have to choose one or the other. ToT is tier 2, so dropping that one won't affect RnR or F!.

Yes, there are park to park buses.

Four parks in one day is very ambitious. We've done three parks in one day many times. Anyway, I think it all depends on how crowded it is. AK and Epcot plans sound good. You can walk from the International Gateway to DHS in about 25 minutes or take the boat which is a 30 minute ride once it leaves the dock. If you decide to walk then you should walk on the Boardwalk side and take the shortcut past the clown pool. We like to walk it because it is so relaxing and you get away from crowds for awhile.

For Hollywood Studios - if it is not a really crowded day, I would either go stand by for Fantasmic or get a 4th fast pass for it. I've heard that there are usually fast passes available for Fantasmic because most people don't bother to get one. And they will often open a second Fantasmic show at the last minute, so keep hoping for that.

To get to the Magic Kingdom - I would preferably take the park bus, or second choice would be the Contemporary bus and walk to MK. I love boats but they do take longer, usually.

Oh good - I thought so.

Hahaha... I know - it is quite ambitious - but we are going to try it. We can always head back to the resort instead of going to MK.

They have already added some hours and show times for January... So far - it doesn't look to affect us much though.

Excellent idea! I didn't think of that.

I would take a bus to Contemporary from HS and walk. It will quicker than going from poly since you would have almost the same walk from the bus drop off spot to the boat dock.

Yes - excellent idea - I didn't think of that. I have the smartest friends.

How great that V likes to read and how great that she found an old GC that she could use at the store.

How great that you got an extra 20% off the ornaments because of the missing/broken ones.

Ribs on the grill sounds delicious.

I can't wait to see your HP bag.

I hope the Winter Storm doesn't get that bad. I've heard about the storms in Texas and other parts of USA on the news. It sounds really bad.

4 parks in one day at WDW sounds like a lot of fun.


Today is the huge exchange day in the stores. So there were A LOT of people at the mall today. I got my slippers exchanged without a problem. So I'm very happy.

I just took Cooper outside - and it doesn't look too bad out there right now.... It did drift pretty badly over night, but the wind seems to have died down completely... Which is what they said would happen - they said it's supposed to start all over again this afternoon. So, we will see.

Yay! Glad you were able to get your slippers exchanged easily.

Your tree turned out beautiful! But, I do understand about the childhood ornaments. So glad to hear you may have enough space/ornaments for two trees next year. Also, you may have to get another small tree so you can reuse your fabulous topper (I really like how that and the window swags turned out!) And very jealous of V's pencil set...I want the 100 pack of Crayola (Prisma color a little to expensive for the adult coloring book I want to use them in, lol!)

I understand the aging thing. It hit home for me this Christmas since I did not spend it with family this year. (I stayed in TN and they all stayed in LA...even my son). I realized my mom turned 78 on the 20th! I don't know why that hit me harder this year...she is healthy and active. I guess it is so much closer to 80 and I know her mom was the same way until she actually retired at 80 something...and then went downhill fast and passed at 85)But since she retired from teaching, she has been working pretty much full time running the local Catholic church parish (and priest). So hopefully she will continue to do that and it will keep her going. Those are some great pictures of your dad and your brother. The happiness really shows in them!

Your plans sound great so far! I will have to ponder the 4 parks in one day and post later about my thoughts. That one takes a lot of "regiment" I guess.

Have a fun day! Stay bundled and warm! We are going to be in the 70s today! I feel like I am in New Orleans again...wore shorts on Christmas day!

Yes - LOL - I am hoping to use my topper again... Or make another one. I was so happy with how it turned out!

I am sorry that you didn't get to spend Christmas with your family Lynn... It's so hard, and just the reality of life is not an easy thing. I hope you are feeling better about it now.

Hahahaha.... Yes - let me know what you think.

Thanks! Enjoy the 70's - I am quite jealous!

We did the DHS bus to MK our last trip after DHS closed for the night. I think it took 4 buses to get us loaded. I wondered if it would had been better to take a resort bus and then transfer to MK. The resort buses had next to no lines. It was a night that MK had EMH. The buses were also packed very tight.

I am glad to hear you had a good Christmas. Your pictures of your Dad and brother were great.

We really enjoyed IofA and Universal when we went and that was before the latest HP expansion. We just got to enjoy the first part.

Hmmm.... Ok - I think I am rethinking that... A few friends above mentioned taking the Contemporary bus, then walking to MK - that is a definite option for us... I think what I will do, is check out the lines as we are coming out - and just pick the shortest one.

Thanks! I hope you had a good Christmas too!

We are very excited for it!

Can't wait to hear you're trip report. If you plan on meeting Marie at the Magic Kingdom. You might want to stop by Epcot in the France Pavilion and buy a Marie plush. There for when you find Marie at the Magic Kingdom try showing her the plush or herself and she might get very flattered and happy.

I am not sure if we will be meeting Marie or not? It really depends on our schedule and if she happens to be out while we are in that area. We love meeting the characters - so it's a definite possibility.

I can't wait to see your HP bag!!! Can't believe you will be back at Disney SOOON!!!! Sooooo excited

Me too! LOL - I am hoping to be done with it today.

I know - It's unbelievable that I am going to Disney 3 times in a year... Kind of shocking actually. I just better not get used to it.

What a beautiful post on your dad and brother! (Thanks for the cry - I needed it! LOL) They are very lucky to have you in their lives as well.

Now, about this crack bread... I think I need some in my life!

Thanks - it's not easy sometimes, but I do my best to take care of both of them.

Hahaha... NO you don't need that recipe - trust me. There's a reason they call it crack bread - and I thought I could resist.... I couldn't.

My Christmas was great. It went really well. I am having a good break, it's been very busy so far with Christmas and now New Years coming up, which is also my birthday lol, but overall everything ifs good. I am off for a good portion of January so after New Years/my birthday is over i will have more time to relax...and....plan my next Disney trip!!
I haven't posted about it on the DIS yet - so you are the first one to hear it but it was confirmed on Christmas morning to me that my family and I will be going to Disney this upcoming July! I am so excited! My 180 dining window is coming up soon so I have to get on that! And book flights! But we are staying at BCV (my grandparents are DVC members) so I am SO excited about that! Let's just saying planning the trip will keep me busy - but in the best way possible!:

That is great. I find I am like that too - sometimes lol. I wish I had more time to read but I find I am always doing other things - especially with school. I find I read a lot more during the summer.

Great deal! Wow - yeah 2 trees sounds like a great idea! Then you would have the best of both worlds with the two separate types of ornaments on each tree!

That's good you have an idea of what you plan to do - sometimes doing that with anything just gives one a piece of mind.


That would be so cool! Wow I'm excited to see that! The silhouette of Hogwarts would be SO cool!!!

Cool! How long have you had the fabric for?!

YAY!!! That is so exciting!!!

Fantasmic is one of my favorite things to do/see in all of WDW - I love that show.

Fantasmic shouldn't be too crazy to get a seat. I say keep the FP+s that you already have. You may not get the best seats for F! but they will still be seats - and that show is incredible from anywhere in the theater!

Overall I love your plan for your 4 parks, 1 day adventure! I think it sounds great and I wouldn't change a thing!

Great! Can't wait to see!!!

I am glad you had a good Christmas. And woohoo for a Disney trip coming up - there is nothing better than Disney planning. I ma so excited for you!

Sorry to get your hopes up - but I think I've nixed the idea of the Hogwarts silhouette... I had another idea - and I think I like it better?

I can't wait to see F! - we have only seen it once - and that was on our 2008 trip... So we are excited to see it again. Same for Illuminations... We are so bad at making the evening shows a priority.

I hope so... LOL

I've had the HP fabric for about 6 years... And I only have very little of it, so definitely hoarding it for myself. Although - they've now come out with different HP fabric (they haven't had any made in about 8 years) - so I should probably grab some of that before it's gone too.

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Soooo... Yesterday was good. I worked out and I worked out hard. It felt good. It still amazes me, every single time, by ditching the grains and sugars how fast my belly bloat goes away - it's so shocking, and almost unbelievable. But thankfully it's going away quick.

I worked on my HP bag most of the day yesterday... and even went back upstairs after dinner...

I hate to go into too much detail with this, but as you all can guess, I've been struggling a bit lately... Nothing major - but I feel like everything going on is really emotional for me... Which is not my typical self. On top of the girls finishing up their last years of living at home, and my dad and brother... Allison and Gus broke up a week ago... They kept up appearances through Christmas, but the day after Christmas Allison officially called it off. As you all know - I've been very close to Gus, he was another one of my kids. This has been very difficult for me, and I am doing my best not to let my sadness be a part of their breaking up process... Obviously - I see Allison all the time, but I am also still in contact with Gus. I am feeling very much in the middle - as I can see both of their perspectives, yet I am grieving myself. I am dong my very best to remain neutral, understanding and compassionate , but it's hard, because I am finding that I have to hide how I feel and the loss of him in our lives, so I don't make them feel like they have to be sensitive to my feelings, as I don't want either of them to have to be... Which is why I am letting it out here. This is just not an easy time for any of us. Allison is hurting - despite being the one to break it off - it is still very painful for her and she is missing her best friend. Gus is hurting - not only does he have to adjust to a life with out his best friend, but he also doesn't have his 2nd family. And then there is me, who feels very much in the middle, and it's almost as if I've lost a family member. Soooo.... It's hard... And it's even doubly hard to watch both of them go through this. Sigh... Lesson to all of you... Just don't ever become close or have an emotional attachment to someone your child dates - It's very painful once they decide to part ways. I hope that one day - both of them will be able to get past the hurt enough to be friends again. At this point - I don't foresee them getting back together.

Today, well - it's a little up in the air... We are in the middle of a winter storm warning. As of now - I think the highway that passes in front of our house is open? But because of it's tendency to blow and drift closed - it often closes in the winter... Which can lead to days of us being home bound - we are used to it, and we prepare for it every time weather approaches, but it's still sometimes frustrating.

So... Today I am back to heavy lifting.... I've been a little laxidasical about it over the last few weeks, but I am back at it today.

Then I will be upstairs working on my HP bag... I honestly think I should have it finished today. So, that's cool. I have a bunch of other projects that have been sitting on my sewing room counters for months - mending, sewing buttons on items - that sort of thing... So, I am hoping to get some of that cleared off of my to-do list this week.

That's about it... Our Disney trip is closing in on us fast - and I can honestly say that I NEED this time right now... As bittersweet as it will be, it's also much needed.

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More January plans.... Our days off...

Our first day off... We have a 10:15am breakfast at The Wave. And that's it. We hope to do some resort hopping on this day and also hit DTD... Check out The Gnashary, where Santos is now working... Spend some time at the resort and resort pool. That's about it. Nice huh?

Our second day off... We have a Kona breakfast at 11am and a Beaches and Cream reservation at 4pm... Also hoping to do a bit of resort hopping, DTD and resort/resort pool time. Yup - 2 days off, to wander the world and be lazy.

Soooo... Tell me - what do you do on your days off? Is there anything special we need to consider doing - that's sort of relaxing and not too hectic?

Two things I'd like to try to squish in... I'd like to take Alli to AKL to have a meal at Mara. I'd also like to take the time to explore WL and possibly FW.

My next trip update will be Universal.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

D~

 

[NJlauren]

I am sorry about Allison and Gus, but i think your doing the right thing. I remember in HS once my mom was so upset when i broke up with a boyfriend i actually considered for a quick minute to get back together.. what a disaster!

However me and said boyfriend are good friends now, we went to each others weddings, hang out and he is friendly with my DH and i am friendly with his wife... Actually now that the holidays are over i should reach out to them

You could squeeze in mini golf on an off day, or bowling or a movie all depending on weather i guess.

Have a great day!

 

[nowellsl]

My daughter dated a boy for 6 years in high school and college, then broke up with him. Broke my heart! He was the son I never had. They've stayed in touch even thought she's married now, and I see him every now and then around town. Still love that kid! It was for the best, but it was very hard! I think I waited a long time to meet her husband when they started dating because I didn't want to get attached. They've been together almost 6 years, I guess I can sort of get attached now, lol. And he did come with my grandson, so I'll take him! It is hard to watch your kids suffer though. This Disney trip will be just the thing!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I'm sorry to hear that Gus will no longer be a part of your family in the same way that he was when dating Allison.

Two things I'd like to try to squish in... I'd like to take Alli to AKL to have a meal at Mara. I'd also like to take the time to explore WL and possibly FW.

It will be easy to hop the boat to WL from the Contemporary after breakfast at the Wave. It is a five minute boat ride and the best way to view the WL is from the water. The WL is beautiful and you will see the similarities to AKL in the architecture. Don't miss the villas building, right out the door by the Mercantile. The Carolina Pacific room in the villas building has some memorabilia from Walt Disney himself, including two of his original train cars from the miniature railroad he built on his property. The fireplace screen is very whimsical. In fact, all of the fireplace screens at the WL are interesting. The fires should all be turned on in January, too.

You can tour the resort and then walk the path to Fort Wilderness. The path begins right by the WL bus stop. It is about a 17 minute walk to Fort Wilderness. You will come out right by the pony stables. There is a big horse stable to the left of that and there are some artifacts on display in that barn, including a carriage that used to be used in one of the parades. There are probably other things to check out there. I've haven't done much more than look at the horses. You can ride an internal bus to the park bus stop to get a feel for the campsites. From there you can go to a park or DTD. Or you can stay up near the marina and take the boat to MK to catch a resort bus if you want to tour more resorts. You could catch your bus to AKL from there.

Did you know that Jiko's at AKL has a free culinary tour on select days in the afternoons? They give out samples of their delicious foods, too. I read about it on someone's trip report. That is all I know, though.

 

[ABCastillo]

The only reason I don't have both RnR and F! is because both of them are "Tier 1" FPs, and you can only have one.... So, I have to choose one or the other. ToT is tier 2, so dropping that one won't affect RnR or F!.

D~

Dahh!! I feel so silly. I completely forgot about the tiers at DHS.

I'm so sorry to hear that you are feeling sad. It's such a stinky experience to have to go through. Sending big hugs!

Can't wait to see the universal plans! I've been once about five years ago with my sisters. We had so much fun, and I hope you guys enjoy it too!

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Sad to hear about Allison and Gus -- this upcoming trip is definitely coming at the right time and will be a much-needed break and time together for both of you. Hugs to all of you....what a difficult situation.

I can't wait to see your HP bag! Your park plans sound so fun!

Your post about your Dad and your brother was so sweet and loving and brought me to tears. HUGS to you....

 

[Terkina]

I'm so sorry to hear that Alli and Gus broke up and that you are so sad

I can't wait to see the HP bag and hear about your Universal Studio plans.