Almost seven months ago we booked our trip that is coming up in 17 days, and decided to invite some family. We already had some family that would be there part of the trip, but wanted some other folks to come with us. We didn't have enough points to do stay all 10 nights in the accommodations we'd need, but didn't want to leave anybody out.
We also had two somewhat selfish reasons for wanting them to come. I had back surgery last year and am limited as to what rides I can do (though most of them are usually ok, depends on how I'm feeling that day). Also, we had been hoping my DW would be pregnant with our 3rd when the trip actually happened. We had no problems with the first 2, but #3 has been quite a struggle. However, IF she was able to get pregnant, that means potentially neither of us could take our two children on rides...so we needed the help.
So we decided to go for it, rent extra points and not tell anybody and just invite them all along. It was not cheap, b/c we also ended up having to pay cash for another family member for one night (long story.....don't ask!). So suddenly we have spent a decent amount of money. My wife said, "maybe if we do something nice, something nice will happen to us!"
Well fast forward about 6 months, we found out a few weeks ago that we are expecting #3. Then my wife helped out our good family friends with a big marketing project they were putting together for their small business, and though we never would have expected anything in return they just sent us a $1000 Amex gift card. THEN, last weekend I attended a golf outing in Atlantic City, put $100 in a slot machine and won $1500! So now the money we put out for this trip has "magically" returned, plus enough for us to go ahead and treat our group of 10 to a big birthday dinner at Ohana on 11/13 for my daughters 6th birthday! We had toyed with doing this anyway, but were on the fence.....not anymore!
We are so thrilled that this trip has turned into (for me and DW) a celebration of being able to have #3. I know this is a struggle that many people go through, and we were close to throwing in the towel.
Now we are counting down the days, and are really excited. We are staying in an AKV GV for 4 nights, and then over to BCV in a 2BR for 6 nights. My two sisters who are staying with us in the GV are each bringing 2 children, and 3 of the 4 kids have never been to DW. Also, my sister was there with her oldest 20 years ago and doesn't remember anything. They are all really excited, with really further validates our decision.
We have 9 ADR's in 10 days and will have various additional family during different parts of the trip staying nearby. We are hoping for the same gorgeous weather we've had the last 2 early/mid Novembers. I am not quite sure how I'm going to get through the next 2+ weeks, but keep telling myself that part of the fun is the anticipation!
Sorry to ramble on, just excited....I think you can all relate!
We also had two somewhat selfish reasons for wanting them to come. I had back surgery last year and am limited as to what rides I can do (though most of them are usually ok, depends on how I'm feeling that day). Also, we had been hoping my DW would be pregnant with our 3rd when the trip actually happened. We had no problems with the first 2, but #3 has been quite a struggle. However, IF she was able to get pregnant, that means potentially neither of us could take our two children on rides...so we needed the help.
So we decided to go for it, rent extra points and not tell anybody and just invite them all along. It was not cheap, b/c we also ended up having to pay cash for another family member for one night (long story.....don't ask!). So suddenly we have spent a decent amount of money. My wife said, "maybe if we do something nice, something nice will happen to us!"
Well fast forward about 6 months, we found out a few weeks ago that we are expecting #3. Then my wife helped out our good family friends with a big marketing project they were putting together for their small business, and though we never would have expected anything in return they just sent us a $1000 Amex gift card. THEN, last weekend I attended a golf outing in Atlantic City, put $100 in a slot machine and won $1500! So now the money we put out for this trip has "magically" returned, plus enough for us to go ahead and treat our group of 10 to a big birthday dinner at Ohana on 11/13 for my daughters 6th birthday! We had toyed with doing this anyway, but were on the fence.....not anymore!
We are so thrilled that this trip has turned into (for me and DW) a celebration of being able to have #3. I know this is a struggle that many people go through, and we were close to throwing in the towel.
Now we are counting down the days, and are really excited. We are staying in an AKV GV for 4 nights, and then over to BCV in a 2BR for 6 nights. My two sisters who are staying with us in the GV are each bringing 2 children, and 3 of the 4 kids have never been to DW. Also, my sister was there with her oldest 20 years ago and doesn't remember anything. They are all really excited, with really further validates our decision.
We have 9 ADR's in 10 days and will have various additional family during different parts of the trip staying nearby. We are hoping for the same gorgeous weather we've had the last 2 early/mid Novembers. I am not quite sure how I'm going to get through the next 2+ weeks, but keep telling myself that part of the fun is the anticipation!
Sorry to ramble on, just excited....I think you can all relate!
for all your blessings! Hope all goes well, and remember to let the extended family go their own way when they need to. Creating family memories is the best!
HAVE A GREAT TRIP, and congratulations on #3!
