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

[OregonMomToWDW]

Ok. I got it now. It is nice that they will let her make up the finals. I wouldn't give up the room rate either.

November is coming up rather quickly. You are going to have a great time.

I got a quote yesterday for a 2016 trip. I was planning on a 2016 Disneyland trip and a 2017 WDW trip, but Chelsea's team is supposed to be doing a New York trip in 2017, so we were thinking of moving the 2017 WDW trip to 2016. The quote I got was for the Poly or Contemporary. I have ruled those out. Especially when we are perfectly happy at a value. Although, I am thinking Moderate. We haven't stayed at one of those yet. I am getting excited just thinking about it. Then, Disneyland said they would extend the Diamond Jubilee until Sept 2016, and I really want to go for that. I need to win a lottery.

 

[Tinkercc]

Hi D,
What about checking other airports in your area? We are pretty much the same distance between Milwaukee and Midway. Last time we went to Disney it was significantly less expensive to fly out of Milwaukee.

 

[Terkina]

I wouldn't give up the room rate you have either. Crossing my fingers that airfares goes down.

Today I had an appointment with Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). My Occupational Therapist and my friend was with me to help me remember everything and to help me decided which solutions would be best. I spent almost 2 hours discussing solutions and try out some of the solutions in actual cars. We ended up deciding that I need to exchange my big electrical wheelchair to a smaller electrical wheelchair and the electric wheel (that I can connect to my manual wheelchair) so all my needs are met.

We first decided on a Mercedes-Benz Vito. But after an hour of discussion we found out that I would have more room in a Volkswagen Caravelle. The only problem is that I most lightly will have to pay to get 4WD and I need 4WD no matter what NAV says. NAV couldn't say if the Caravelle was 3 times more expensive or not for me to buy because they didn't know if I could upgrade to a 150 horsepower motor or if I have to upgrade to a 204 horsepower motor. I'm crossing my fingers that I will be allowed to upgrade to a 150hp because that would be the cheapest option. If I can't do that I will have to choose the Mercedes-Benz Vito because that won't cost me that much to upgrade to a 4WD. They hope they have an answer for me on this next week.

Another thing I have to decide is if I want to drive sitting in the electric wheelchair or transfer to the car seat. I was skeptical already when they came with this option. I told them I had to think about it. Now after a few hours of thinking I have decided that I won't sit as comfortably in the wheelchair as I did in the car seat I tried today. So even if I would get more room in the car if I sat in the wheelchair driving it's not worth it I think.

 

[solana131]

Make sure you get an outfit to match your resort. Since you only know that it is DVC then you will have to make nine outfits, but you can handle it, right?

Right?! It's not like she has anything to do.

 

[DMGeurts]

That is a really good room rate. And for her to be at Disney for nine days and only miss three days of school is amazing. We had to buy airfare at a higher price than I like in order to bring our grandchildren to Disney last February. It was the only way to get them there, and that was what counted.

Make sure you get an outfit to match your resort. Since you only know that it is DVC then you will have to make nine outfits, but you can handle it, right?

I know... So I hate to lose it. I agree - it's just a bummer that it's finals week. I knew they were in Jan - I just thought they were earlier in the month. But you are right, this will be a wonderful trip, no matter what.

Hahaha.... Yes - you are so funny! I'll start on that right away... Maybe I can auction off the ones I don't use? You may be onto something here.

So excited for you guys!

Me too!!! I cannot wait to see my favorite Dis girls again!!!

That's a fabulous room rate! It's great that they'll let Allison take her finals after the trip....hopefully she won't worry about them while you're at Disney. And look at it this way -- she'll be nice and relaxed after a great Disney trip when she does take them! I hope you're able to find cheaper airfare. I need to find airfare for my daughter for Thanksgiving...but I can't do that until we decide if we're going home for Thanksgiving or not.....

I agree- I was very lucky with that rate... And at a tax free resort, on Disney property... Makes life a little easier.

It's kind of a relief that the school knows she will be gone now, I had a nagging feeling about that issue too... but now they know - I am sure I will have to write a note or something, but it will be a great trip - regardless of finals.

Thank you - I hope so too. And I hope you are able to find good airfare for Thanksgiving!

First of all the rate you got for the room is awesome, so I wouldn't want to give that up either. As for the finals, since she is a good student, and she is a senior, maybe that will help with the stress. She can always study at the airport and during both plane rides. I know I wouldn't want to be stressing out about tests when I am actually at Disney. And I know this is a bad example... like I said before... to tell you the honest truth...by that time during senior year, it's ok to slack off just a bit. I know from personal experience Especially if you applied to schools Early action. The first part of the year is the most important! I'm not saying that slacking is the best option..just maybe to not stress as much then if she was a junior!

I'll be crossing my fingers for you that they go down!

I can't wait to see your outfits!!

Thanks - I know - that room rate cannot be beat... Not for a tax free resort across the street from the Poly. Hopefully it all works out in our favor... I have a few more months before I get REALLY nervous.

You are right - although, I don't know how much studying she will get done? We are always soooo excited to be in Disney. But we do have a few down/pool days - she might be able to sneak in a bit of studying at the pool?

Thanks!

I am so excited to share them! I just hope I have the time to do a few extra things.

Ok. I got it now. It is nice that they will let her make up the finals. I wouldn't give up the room rate either.

November is coming up rather quickly. You are going to have a great time.

I got a quote yesterday for a 2016 trip. I was planning on a 2016 Disneyland trip and a 2017 WDW trip, but Chelsea's team is supposed to be doing a New York trip in 2017, so we were thinking of moving the 2017 WDW trip to 2016. The quote I got was for the Poly or Contemporary. I have ruled those out. Especially when we are perfectly happy at a value. Although, I am thinking Moderate. We haven't stayed at one of those yet. I am getting excited just thinking about it. Then, Disneyland said they would extend the Diamond Jubilee until Sept 2016, and I really want to go for that. I need to win a lottery.

Yes - I know - that room rate is fabulous - I really cannot beat it... 9 nights for $635 ON WDW property... Yup - I am not sure what I was thinking - but I am keeping it. LOL

I know - the days are ticking down faster and faster!

I highly recommend FQ... It's near and dear to our hearts! I know - I need the lottery too. LOL

Hi D,
What about checking other airports in your area? We are pretty much the same distance between Milwaukee and Midway. Last time we went to Disney it was significantly less expensive to fly out of Milwaukee.

That is an idea - but since we are so close to the international airport (30 min) - I just don't know if I could pay less to drive longer and fly into that airport anyways... and it's on the way to DH's work - so it's really easy for him to drop us off on his way. But I will look, just in case - it is an option, and one I didn't think of.

I wouldn't give up the room rate you have either. Crossing my fingers that airfares goes down.

Today I had an appointment with Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). My Occupational Therapist and my friend was with me to help me remember everything and to help me decided which solutions would be best. I spent almost 2 hours discussing solutions and try out some of the solutions in actual cars. We ended up deciding that I need to exchange my big electrical wheelchair to a smaller electrical wheelchair and the electric wheel (that I can connect to my manual wheelchair) so all my needs are met.

We first decided on a Mercedes-Benz Vito. But after an hour of discussion we found out that I would have more room in a Volkswagen Caravelle. The only problem is that I most lightly will have to pay to get 4WD and I need 4WD no matter what NAV says. NAV couldn't say if the Caravelle was 3 times more expensive or not for me to buy because they didn't know if I could upgrade to a 150 horsepower motor or if I have to upgrade to a 204 horsepower motor. I'm crossing my fingers that I will be allowed to upgrade to a 150hp because that would be the cheapest option. If I can't do that I will have to choose the Mercedes-Benz Vito because that won't cost me that much to upgrade to a 4WD. They hope they have an answer for me on this next week.

Another thing I have to decide is if I want to drive sitting in the electric wheelchair or transfer to the car seat. I was skeptical already when they came with this option. I told them I had to think about it. Now after a few hours of thinking I have decided that I won't sit as comfortably in the wheelchair as I did in the car seat I tried today. So even if I would get more room in the car if I sat in the wheelchair driving it's not worth it I think.

Thanks Lillian!

I think you've made a good decision. And I agree about having the seat... another bonus to this - and not sure if you can do it there, but if you have the actual car seat/vs. a wheel chair to sit in while driving - doesn't that mean that someone else *could* drive your car if necessary? Which would be good too?

It sounds like everything is coming together nicely for you. I am very excited!

Right?! It's not like she has anything to do.

For the record.... I do find the humor in all of this.

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

I had a really great day yesterday... I love Wednesdays - I know this wasn't *technically* a Wednesday, but for me it was. LOL Wednesdays are typically my "easy workout" days - with WATP and Abs... And it's also my applique day - and I LOVE doing appliques.

Since my week is a little off this week - it was also a running day. Now that it's dark so early - I've been running in the afternoons right before the girls get home from school. I had a good run... Next week, I'll have to start adding on to these mid-week runs - which means a nice huge/steep hill in my midst - likely - I'll have to walk up it the first few times, and coming down won't be a picnic either.

We had stir-fry for dinner last night... it was OK... Not my favorite - I am not the best stir-fry maker in the world.

I received a text from my friend Monica who was in WDW yesterday... I just love this picture, so I had to post it! Cannot wait to be there myself!

And I did receive one shipment yesterday... Some bling from my friend Erin... She is closing her shop, so months ago, she offered me "first dibs" on the last custom orders... So, I ordered some fun stuff - a set to go with my Toy Story stuff, a set to go with my Holiday stuff and a set (not shown) to go with my -planned- Halloween stuff for V's trip. I am very excited - because trying to match aqua colors from long distance is difficult - Erin did a great job, and it's a perfect match!

I snapped this picture of MM and SC last night... And yes - in real life - I DO call them Maxy-Moosey and Sooper-Cooper. You can see in this photo that these boys are almost the same size... SC is getting so big. He now jumps the gate locking him out of the office/upstairs with ease, he doesn't really even jump it - he just flops over it. So, now I close all of the upstairs bedroom doors and the office door, so he just has access to my sewing room and the hallway... He is pretty proud of himself.

I hope you all have an amazing day and an amazing weekend! Sending prayers and pixie dust out to all of you!

D~

 

[Lidian]

Okay, I love, love, love your Christmas bag! Such a great job with it!!!

I would have been no help on offering advice on flights/missing school, so glad to see that you have mostly ironed that out.

Where did the puppy go???

 

[huggybuff]

Next week, I'll have to start adding on to these mid-week runs - which means a nice huge/steep hill in my midst - likely - I'll have to walk up it the first few times, and coming down won't be a picnic either.

You will do awesome! But you're right, take it easy the first few times up and down to get used to it. Good luck!!!

I am loving the new bracelets. Can't wait to see your outfits all pulled together.

 

[Terkina]

The new bracelets looks great.
I love the picture of your friend Monica.

Yes it will be easier to switch driver if I don't have to drive in my wheelchair. The plan was that if I choose to use the wheelchair for driving I can put the passenger seat as the driver seat and the wheelchair as the passenger seat if someone else is driving. But that isn't done easily I guess so it won't be easy to change drivers during a trip. I have decided that I don't want to use the wheelchair as a drivers seat.

Ulf started to wonder if the car will fit in the garage space I have. So I'm going to call a friend that has the Caravelle that is an option for me and ask if I can borrow her car just to see how it is to park it in my garage. Crossing my fingers that she will say yes to come and try to park the car in the garage.

 

[Ladyfish77]

If it makes you feel any better, the January finals will come after all college applications have to be in, so if she doesn't do as well as usual, it won't really effect much! (That rationalization is similar to Disney math, so just go for it!).

 

[FantasiaMagic]

What a great picture of your friend! That smile just says it all.
I love all the bracelets, they match perfectly!!!

You fur babies are just the cutest little (maybe no so little) guys!!!!!! Those two always look like two peas in a pod

 

[Terkina]

I found out that we drove 8612,2 miles during our road trip that lasted from 17th August to 17th September.

 

[DisMom1981]

Ok so I am the annoying dos friend that is kind of reading along but not paying close enough attention! I thought being home I would have all this "time" on my hands- HA!

How is your dad?

Also, message me later if you are going down Christmastime- I lost track of your trips and now that WE ARE doing a Christmastime trip I want to know if we overlap!!! And that awesome Donald Christmas bag- I just LOVE IT! You are so so talented!

 

[DMGeurts]

Okay, I love, love, love your Christmas bag! Such a great job with it!!!

I would have been no help on offering advice on flights/missing school, so glad to see that you have mostly ironed that out.

Where did the puppy go???

Thanks Liddy! I am super excited to finally be going to my first MVMCP!

It's OK - I think we are straightened out now... You know how it is... Sometimes you have that freak-out moment and start researching other things. <-------- It's a sickness.

I know- he's a BIG boy now. Love him though. We used to call him our "little suitcase" because he had all this extra skin to grow into.... Then he kept graduating... "our little carry-on"... Now he's "Checked luggage"... LOL Big boy, but still lots of skin to grow into. Not sure what's next? "Oversize baggage"? LOL

Eeep - what - 4 more days for you????

You will do awesome! But you're right, take it easy the first few times up and down to get used to it. Good luck!!

I am loving the new bracelets. Can't wait to see your outfits all pulled together.

I will - I am sweating just thinking about it. LOL Every time I go for a run - I look at the hill beyond my turn-around and I cringe a little, because I just know it's coming.

Thanks!!! I will be posting pictures today!

The new bracelets looks great.
I love the picture of your friend Monica.

Yes it will be easier to switch driver if I don't have to drive in my wheelchair. The plan was that if I choose to use the wheelchair for driving I can put the passenger seat as the driver seat and the wheelchair as the passenger seat if someone else is driving. But that isn't done easily I guess so it won't be easy to change drivers during a trip. I have decided that I don't want to use the wheelchair as a drivers seat.

Ulf started to wonder if the car will fit in the garage space I have. So I'm going to call a friend that has the Caravelle that is an option for me and ask if I can borrow her car just to see how it is to park it in my garage. Crossing my fingers that she will say yes to come and try to park the car in the garage.

Thanks! I am excited for all of it.

I agree... I think you made a good choice. But in the end, it's your vehicle and you need to do what's best for you - so I am sure that either way would have worked fine.

I hope you were able to borrow your friend's car.

How are your headaches/jet lag doing??? I hope you are settling back in at home nicely?

If it makes you feel any better, the January finals will come after all college applications have to be in, so if she doesn't do as well as usual, it won't really effect much! (That rationalization is similar to Disney math, so just go for it!).

True... LOL. We will.

What a great picture of your friend! That smile just says it all.
I love all the bracelets, they match perfectly!!!

You fur babies are just the cutest little (maybe no so little) guys!!!!!! Those two always look like two peas in a pod

Thanks!!! I love her- she is a such a great friend... She sent me another picture last night...

Thanks!!! I love them - most of the time, they are super good puppies and get along... Cooper likes to pick on MM and he's not always so nice to him... MM is so docile - he just lets him, which is sad to me. I hope that Cooper settles down a little bit soon.

I found out that we drove 8612,2 miles during our road trip that lasted from 17th August to 17th September.

Oh WOW!!!! That is a LOT!!! But you had fun!

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

OK - yesterday did not go AT ALL like I planned.

I did my heavy lifting, and that is about all I accomplished that I was supposed to.

V sent me a text and asked me to bring her cough drops... So rather than do my errands in the afternoon - I did them in the morning, so I could bring those to her.

By the time I got home - I was in no mood to work. Shame on me.

So, I took Cooper to the vet to get weighted while I purchased MM's food... 69# bruit he is... LOL MM is 83... So, SC is right on his heels... It won't be long before he passes MM up!

I did make it up to my sewing room - but that's as far as I got. Shame.

I decided to assemble my outfits for the November trip (which will probably look a LOT like my outfits for the Jan trip too...) While assembling my outfits - I realized I was missing all of my Disney head pieces from Princess Pie - as you might understand - this is a catastrophe! She is no longer in business, and I am not sure she would remake me any more? I still had all of my ears - but all of the headpieces were GONE! I knew they were in a box, because that's how I package them in my luggage so they travel well. But last spring - when I cleaned my sewing room - I threw out a bunch of boxes, and I feared I accidentally threw out all of my head gear. I was in panic mode for about an hour - ripping apart my "Disney pile" in our bedroom and eventually ripping apart my sewing room. About an hour into it - I found them... I forgot that I had put one of my sewing machine covers over the box, I needed somewhere to put the cover and that box was the perfect size. HUGE sigh of relief here! Phew!

So, I took photos of all of my outfits... Not sure how I am going to get them all to fit in my luggage? It's going to be a tight squeeze. But I do plan on narrowing it down a little bit... and I will pack my outfits into zip loc bags - so I can condense them down a little bit. It's going to be an adventure - for sure! Plus - all of my bags do take up a LOT of space... So, there's that too. In the end - I only want to bring one suitcase, so we'll see how it goes?

In assembling everything - I did realize that I need to purchase a few more items... I need a plain white tee shirt... I used to have several - but I am pretty sure the girls took off with them... If so, I can guarantee they are no longer white. Sigh. I also need to find a shirt to go with my Goofy outfit - Target has an orange and white striped one on clearance right now, so I think I may grab that? And then - it is my hope to do a Goofy UPB... I could bring V's Goofy messenger if I have to and don't have the time to make myself a Goofy UPB - but I am going to try my hardest to get this one done. I know V loves Goofy - but I've always loved him too - and a Goofy UPB will definitely get used by all of us. So, that's what's left on my list. Not too bad and easily done - I think.

Sooo... Then - after all of that. I put everything I need to pack into my luggage - so I am now half-packed. But I was left with a MESS everywhere! So, I had to tidy up. That's always fun.

After dinner - I was restless... So, I went back up to my sewing room and I worked on my project for my running outfit I am wearing for my Thanksgiving morning race.... I am super excited about it! I would post the whole outfit, as I do have it, but I didn't take pictures of it last night... It's a yellow tech tee (if it's cold, and it likely will be, I'll wear a long sleeved shirt under it) and a red running skirt (which will likely need running tights under it)... And this... My head gear - I ordered on Etsy... and the felt embroidery to be basted on to the back of my shirt (as usual, I will seam rip it off after the race)... I am super excited to wear this on TG day!

Today - I am going grocery shopping with Josh this morning... I think it's time he goes with me - as he doesn't feel I am (how do I put this delicately?) spending funds in the best way possible. So, it's time he goes with - so he can see just how expensive and hard it is to get everything we need with in the budget we've allowed. It's a lot of hard work (planning, clipping coupons, finding deals, shopping different stores to get the best deals) I can't always get everything, I never have funds leftover, and it's really frustrating to me - because I do my best. But that's a rant for another day. Anyways... He is going with me today - hopefully he understands after this.

After we grocery shop... I am coming home to work... I have to finish up last week's bag. I am "off" in my sewing room this coming week - so I am going to work on some side projects and hopefully also a certain Goofy bag.

Tonight, we get to meet Victoria's boyfriend. I have not mentioned him - and I probably won't for a while yet. But they have been friends since the 3rd grade... He is coming for dinner tonight, and we are all very anxious to meet him. Gus is also "home" from college this weekend - so he will be here too. Poor Josh... He is definitely NOT ready for this. LOL

Ok - so I am going to do a whole separate post of my outfits, because otherwise this one will just be too long...

I hope you all have a marvelous weekend! Prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you!!!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

OK everyone.... All of my outfits for the upcoming November trip...

In no particular order.

First off is my MVMCP outfit... I ordered the headband set off of Etsy... The bow and Christmas tree are interchangeable... I wanted it that way, because I wanted to be able to wear the headband/Minnie bow for MVMCP and then I wanted the headband/tree bow to wear for (hopefully) the Christmas themed race I am hoping to do in December. Of course, the bag I made this week. Then the bling is from Erin at Pixie Twist - she has now gone out of business, but I love her items - she does a fabulous job and she will be greatly missed. For clothes... I have a red fleece jacket (in case I get cold) and a green tank top under it. A plain denim skirt. Red tights - which I am hoping to find a pair of red/white striped tights to wear instead. I'll either wear my red Keds or my white Converse with this outfit.

Next... Is one of my Donald outfits... I pay a LOT of $$ for my custom gear... So, I reuse everything, trip after trip. So, you will see all of my same accessories being reused - and only my outfits changing out. I am reusing my Donald bag from previous trips... My bling from Pixie Twist... Ears are from Princess Pie (I sure do miss Jennifer so much), Shoes are from Terri... Red fleece... Blue striped shirt... White capris. I'll have my black flip-flops to change into when my feet can't wear my Donald shoes anymore.

Toy Story... Headband by Princess Pie... Bling by Erin... Bag by me... Red fleece, black/white striped shirt, denim skirt - blinged by me, and black capri leggings to wear under it if it's cold (not shown). Either red Keds or white Converse with this outfit.

Minnie... Headband by Princess Pie... Bling by Erin... Bag by me.... Black fleece... White tee... Red skirt... Black polka-dot leggings... either red Keds or white Converse.

Notice a theme here yet??? LOL - I am hoping to get away with only bringing 2 fleece jackets, and using them as necessary.

My second Donald outfit... Head gear by Pixie Twist... Bling by Erin... Shoes by Terri... bag by me... Black fleece.... white and blue striped tank top... Denim capris... White Converse...

Goofy.... Ears by Princess Pie (these are technically V's).... bling by Erin... Bag by me (hoping to make a new one)... black fleece, orange/white striped tee (still need to purchase)... denim capris/shorts. White Converse.

Tweedle set... Now I am not very excited about this outfit at all... I do not know if it's coming with me? I might just try to do another Minnie outfit or something? But I have it here just in case, because I do need a 7th outfit... So, for now, it's on the list.

Head gear by Princess Pie... Bling by erin... Bag by me... Red fleece... Yellow tank top.... Aqua shorts (which are a hair too small, another reason I hope to not take this outfit)... Red Keds.

So, there you have it... All of my outfits....

I still don't know what I am doing for my 7th outfit... I am really not feeling the Tweedle set this time around. Who knows, maybe I'll change my mind before then?

The plan is to only bring one pair of denim capris and one pair of denim shorts... then wash them as necessary. I may even end up not bringing the plain denim skirt for MVMCP and just wearing capris? I am not sure yet? I guess I need to do a bit more weather research for that time of year... I've been at the tail end of Oct and it's nice during the day, but chilly at night... So, we'll see.

I hope you all enjoyed seeing my outfits! I love putting them together and dressing up at Disney. As you all see - I kind of go with a "theme"... because my accessories are sometimes outrageous - I like to have plain clothes to off set that a little bit. I like to stand out - but I don't want to be too out there either.

D~

 

[ljcrochet]

Love all the outfits.

 

[DisMom1981]

Love the outfits!

 

[huggybuff]

First off, your outfits are just great. Very creative and whimsical. You're going to look great at Disney and at your turkey run! I think Minnie and the Donald MVMCP are my favorites.

I still don't know what I am doing for my 7th outfit...

If you take away the Tweedle accessories, you could Disneybound as Snow White if you added some blue accents.

Every time I go for a run - I look at the hill beyond my turn-around and I cringe a little, because I just know it's coming.

 

[Terkina]

What a relief that you found your head pieces. I can't believe you have started to pack for your November trip already.

How exciting that V has a boy friend. I hope all goes well when he comes over to your house.

It sounds like a very good idea to take Josh with you grocery shopping. I think it's the only way for him to understand how much things cost. I really hope he understands how difficult it is to get everything within your budget when your done shopping today.

My Jet lag is much better than I feared it would be. I think it was a good thing that I managed to sleep a little (even if it only was a little) on the planes. And when I came home I slept until 1.30PM the first day. I had to get up at 10.30AM the second day to go therapy horseback riding. The 3rd day I had to get up at 11.00AM to have the appointment with my new car. The 4th day I slept until noon. And today I slept until 12.30PM. So I've taken it much easier than the last time, but I would have prefered to take the whole sleeping a little more a step at a time and slept one hour less each day. But the way I've done it this time seems to have worked because, today I woke up with out a head ache. That's very good.

I called my friend today and asked if I could borrow her car to try it in my garage. She said yes So tomorrow she is coming with the car so we can try it in my garage. I'm very excited. I really hope we don't have a problem getting it in there.

 

[Iamthequeen]

I rarely go shopping with Charlie, since we usually end up spending much more than I had planned on. Luckily for me, he does most of the grocery shopping.

I had a NSV today. Took Kate to try on her wedding dress that we ordered back in July. Unfortunately, it didn't fit and there is no way to alter it, so we needed to order another size. But, I tried on 2 MOB dresses - one was on clearance and was a size 8, which didn't fit, but I tried on another that was a size 10 that did fit - not too tight either. Didn't really care for it on me - I think it was too much bling, but the good news is that I was wearing a size 14 a few month ago.

 

[Clio]

All of your outfits look good. Glad to hear your found all the head pieces. Thinking they were lost sounds scary.
Taking my late husband grocery shopping never went well. We always ended up spending a lot more that we should have.
I wish I could help you with the last outfit but I have no ideas. I just wear my every day clothes to Disney. I've only been to the Christmas party once and I had a great time. It was very cold that year and I wore my leather jacket, a turtle neck, a sweater and jeans. It was cold enough for real snow.
Have a great weekend.
Liz