We are down to 9 days what does that mean? SHOPPING!

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Single digits baby! *my ticker is off by one day since we are .......get ready for it.........yep we're driving down. 16 hours! 4 kids

I think I should start with some introductions as that seems to be the way all good things begin.
The WHO?

Of course there is DH and I- I am the OCD planner of the group. He goes along for the ride. But loves it all once we get there. Getting there is often a bone of contention in our marriage. * the driving. Photos to come on us later. Oh and I can get a little wordy. If I get carried away tell me to put a lid on it.

DS 15 My glass half full guy. Everyday is a good day in his world. He's fun to have around. Last year he probably ate 2 cheeseburgers a day add in the July heat and you get this

We call that "Where is the bathroom '08"

DD 11 All things fabulous. Loves fashion. And has never met an accessory she doesn't like. Is furious that she can't try out for the new American Idol adventure. It's calling her name

DS 6 My soccer star. Favorite ride - hands down Test Track! Or maybe Haunted Mansion? depends on the day. The most sensitive of the group - has been known to melt down in the heat and sun.

Finally ds 4- The baby of the family. THRILLED to finally be tall enough for Soarin! He has spent several years sitting and waiting and this is his year baby! The magical 40 inches was reached.

That was at Epcot last year. On July 4th. We'll be there again this year same time same place!

Left behind will be the "girls"

Please excuse the psycho red eye. That is how they spend most of their day. Which is why they are NOT COMING in the car on the 16 hour trip.

The facts.
Boardwalk Inn CL(they are one of 2 that can fit our 6 in one room the other being the not as popular with our family Wilderness lodge- nothing against it just too similar to where we live-Yes and that is in NJ. No giggling people we have Pine trees (ever seen the Sopranos- the Pine Barrons- where they bury their enemies- I digress we don't live anywhere near that but if they have Pines there imagine how many we can have further west)
We discovered this magical room last year with the passing of our baby into "Occupant" status. We needed a fits 6 and DH is a resort snob. So I searched and finally thanks to the Dis discovered the secret "deluxe concierge" rooms. Last year was the once in liftetime trip to CL. SUPRISE 4/3 deal It's now turned into a TWICE in a Lifetime trip!!

 

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Last year we flew to Disney. First time for me back on a plane in years. I was terrified. Really really terrified. But I got a great deal, didn't want the kids to have my fears so I sucked it up and got on a plane.

To me it was more stressful. Worried about the 50 pound bags(and yes I had them all under! WOOHOO) Worried about the kids behaving on the plane.- They were fine I on the other hand was a mess.

So this year when I couldn't find any deals on flights we are driving. I like being able to load up the car with all the junk that we may need. We've driven it before and everyone is older this year so it can only be smoother I think anyway. Those could be famous last words.

The plan is to drop the dogs off the day before we leave. Then get up bright and early and hit the road by 3AM or within half an hour of that at least. Hoping to get a couple hours of quiet driving in before everyone wakes up for breakfast.

We are planning on driving to Georgia day one- hopefully getting into Savannah by around 5 or 6.

Most of the shopping has been of the keep the kids entertained variety so far. Everyone gets a new ds game - I bought pipe cleaners, tape, lots of paper, crayons, some melissa and doug stuff like Hangman and Bingo.

All the kids got their shoes this weekend. *new keens for all! unfortunately I had to order ds4's shoes - he wanted RED ones. Ok red it is.

Also bought are a variety of outfits. I like matching colors at least for pictures usually but I didn't go that route this year. I wasn't as organized. So new and clean is what I am aiming for.

Next up for shopping will be underwear.