YoHo, YoHo, A Mother's Day Trip to the Mouse!

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, I'm not sure whether to use the Luggage tags (not the Magical Express tags , I know i'm using those) The blue disney ones where you put you name, address, and phone number on the back. It's been so long since we've traveled, i'm not sure if they're needed or not? What is everyone else doing with theirs!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

We're putting ours on our luggage and taking off the Year of a Million Dreams luggage tags! Yee Haw!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Ok, I'm not sure whether to use the Luggage tags (not the Magical Express tags , I know i'm using those) The blue disney ones where you put you name, address, and phone number on the back. It's been so long since we've traveled, i'm not sure if they're needed or not? What is everyone else doing with theirs!!

It is a good idea to have your name and address on all of your bags. I attach the souvenir luggage tags for that purpose. One on each bag with all the vital information.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, and those tags don't fall off. They seem to be on there by just looping the plastic/rubber thing through but do they always hold up through the airports, or do you do something else to ensure they are on good enough. I guess i'm just starting to worry now. It's kind of fun though.
It took me and my Mom a while to figure out how to put the Magical Express tags on. Is it just me or did anyone else get confused on what you were supposed to do with them? I mean I know they looped through the handle of the suitcase but other than that......
Ok, maybe I should just go to bed now!!!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Ok, and those tags don't fall off. They seem to be on there by just looping the plastic/rubber thing through but do they always hold up through the airports, or do you do something else to ensure they are on good enough. I guess i'm just starting to worry now. It's kind of fun though.
It took me and my Mom a while to figure out how to put the Magical Express tags on. Is it just me or did anyone else get confused on what you were supposed to do with them? I mean I know they looped through the handle of the suitcase but other than that......
Ok, maybe I should just go to bed now!!!!

Don't worry!! We have had the Disney luggage tags on our bags FOREVER. The one on my DH's bag has been to Tahiti and back and that was in 2002! He's traveled extensively since then and it's still going strong!

 

[racefanof88]

Yep, I'm with Wendy here, last year I took the tags off from our 2001 trip, so they stay in place well. Now, we don't fly but we are very rough on our luggage. I can't wait to get our new stuff this year.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, I'm ok now, I got some sleep and I will now stop worrying about the dang luggage tags Oh man, I need a vacation
My SILs are coming home today, I can't wait to hear all about their vacation. I'm also ready to see pictures, but I should give them some time to develop them or put them on their computers huh Ok, I'll wait!!!

News Number 1 for the Day: I am going to start homeschooling my kiddos, i've always wanted to do it, and Emily has anxiety issues which have been pretty yucky with school lately Lizzie and Sam will finish this year and start homeschooling for next school year. And, we'll see how it goes!!!! I just joined a homeschool group and they always have fun things going on. Every tuesday in May we meet at a local field for kickball and baseball. Although we all know where i'll be 2 tuesdays out of that month. In DISNEY WORLD!!!!


News Number 2: Which is actually not new news I just somehow forgot to post about it a few weeks ago. My Mom decided that she is going to skip out of this trip A little late in the game, but it didn't matter. She complained the entire time anyway about the trip costing so much, she told me she just didn't want to tell me that she didn't want to go, and she really did want to see the kids have a grand ol' time. I told her that she did not have to spend all of that money just to see the kids. We'll have pics and video. Her idea of a vacation is to sit by a pool or beach. PERIOD!!! So that's what she was going to end up doing in Disney, but It's much to expensive a trip to just sit at their pool! So it's just Me, Manny and the kids!!!!

News Number 3: Not sure if it's going to end up being news or not, but we'll post it anyway. My Aunt has custody of my Cousin's 5 yr old daughter. My cousin is not around. My Aunt has had little Baillee for pretty much her entire life besides the first year in which my cousin's father had her. Well he gave her to my Aunt, he was done with her I guess. Well now my Aunt has had enough, she cannot do this anymore yada yada ya......
My Aunt lives across the country and I have never met Baillee and have not seen my Aunt since I was 5. But we are very close. We talk on the phone, and on the computer mostly! I have offered to give her a little vacation and have her fly Baillee to us. Yes we are "strangers" to this child, but let me tell you that is nothing compared to what this little girl has been through with my STUPID cousin, who I have actually never even met, I've only talked to her on the phone a few times, but other than that , she was never around! I sent this email to my Aunt last night, and she hasn't gotten back to me yet. I'm not sure if she is going to say No, because she does not want to put that on me and Manny or if she is going to be delighted to put that kid on a plane and send her across the country, we'll see. A part of me would love to meet her and have her play with the girls for a few weeks. Her and Sam are only a few months apart. Baillee is so cute. She has thick blonde hair with thick bangs..She's too cute. As soon as I can figure out how to post a pic on my laptop I will post it here. (this laptop is fairly new, havn't figured it all out yet) But another part of me says, hold up, you feel bad, so you want to help ,but what the he** are you doing, you don't need to take care of a fourth child everyday!
Which brings us to our Disney trip. If she does come, I may take her to Disney with us. We already have the plane ticket(my mom's)!!!! That will be something she would NEVER otherwise get to experience, I would love to do that with her!!!!
So i'll keep you posted on that situation, we'll see what happens.

News Number 4: We're going to Disney World in 27 Days!!!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

News #1: Homeschooling is a big deal! Good for you for being willing to take it on when you believe it's best for your kids. I have several friends who homeschool. Keep us posted on how it's going!

News #2: Kind of a bummer, but it will be nice to have a true "family" vacation. I love the little bubble of my husband and my kids and remember being reluctant to come out of it on our last trip! It's definitely a time you will treasure and have awesome memories of years from now! And grandma can enjoy pics and video!

News #3: WOW! That's very generous of you to offer and then to add Disney World on top of it! What a big heart you have!

 

[wlwilliams9]

WOW!! It sounds like some major changes coming to your family!

Homeschooling will be tough, but you know what will be best for your kiddos! Good for you!

Bummer your mom is not joining you afterall, but if it's not the kind of vacation that she will enjoy, then it's best to leave her at home! Disney is too expensive to just hang around the pool!

Finally, you are very big hearted to take on another child. If your Aunt agrees, I would make sure to make all of the terms and arrangements up front. Do you plan on keeping her indefinitely? If not, make sure there is a date set that she will be returning to your Aunt. I know that sounds kind of cold like a business transaction, but maybe you are thinking of keeping her a couple of months and then BOOM, next thing you know, you're sending her to college!!

Anyway, good luck!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

WOW!! It sounds like some major changes coming to your family!

Homeschooling will be tough, but you know what will be best for your kiddos! Good for you!

Bummer your mom is not joining you afterall, but if it's not the kind of vacation that she will enjoy, then it's best to leave her at home! Disney is too expensive to just hang around the pool!

Finally, you are very big hearted to take on another child. If your Aunt agrees, I would make sure to make all of the terms and arrangements up front. Do you plan on keeping her indefinitely? If not, make sure there is a date set that she will be returning to your Aunt. I know that sounds kind of cold like a business transaction, but maybe you are thinking of keeping her a couple of months and then BOOM, next thing you know, you're sending her to college!!

Anyway, good luck!!

Oh, You're right, I would tell my Aunt up front "a couple of weeks" and have her pick a "return date" (you're right it does sound like a buisness transaction) She can either decide on a date up front or we'll see how it goes with her here and take it from there. She works at a school, so she has summers off, so she should be ready to take her back shortly anyway, she'll have more time for her.
And like I said who knows, maybe she would never want to put me in the position to take care of my cousin's child who i've never even met.
We'll see what she says. I'm going to be at work tonight so if she checks her email and gets back to me tonight, I won't be home.

 

[leamom2princesses]

WOW, you have a lot going on!

Congrats on homeschooling. I'm sure you're up for the challenge and I'm sure it will help Emily big time. We've considered it for Lindsey but there is no way to get it done and keep my job.

I think your Mom made the right decision. If she's going to sit by the pool it really isn't worth the $$.

You are so kind to help your Aunt out. Poor Baillee-sounds like she's had it pretty rough.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

WOW, you have a lot going on!

Congrats on homeschooling. I'm sure you're up for the challenge and I'm sure it will help Emily big time. We've considered it for Lindsey but there is no way to get it done and keep my job.

I think your Mom made the right decision. If she's going to sit by the pool it really isn't worth the $$.

You are so kind to help your Aunt out. Poor Baillee-sounds like she's had it pretty rough.

Thanks, yeah my Mom was bummed out at first about telling us she was not going to go, but I know she really didn't want to spend all of that money on a vacation that she didn't really care for.

I work nights, so homeschooling for us is manageable!!! I work 4-12 and leave as soon as the kids get off the bus. I will now be spending a lot more time with them too

And as for Baillee, she has been through A LOT, more than you can imagine. The things she has been through are things that I or my Mother or Grandmother have not seen or been through. I really do want to spend some time with her!! She will love being in a house with 3 other girls to play with!
We'll see!!! Maybe if she doesn't come here we will now consider a visit out to her! That will be fun. I'm always up for a trip.

 

[kaysmommie]

I'm all caught up again. Looks like you had a wonderful Easter and the girls look beautiful in their dresses. I love the dress Sam is wearing, is it from Gymboree? Anyway way to go on the homeschooling decision. I have been thinking a lot about it myself lately. Just tired of school owning my Kaylee, I feel like I hardly see her since she started Kinder almost 4 years ago. They only allow 5 parent notes per school YEAR. You can't even take your child early from recess if feel like it. have to have a Dr's note. Of course DD doesn't want to be homeschooled . So what program did you choose? I would love to know more about this. I'm sure it's hard work though.

That is very sweet of you to think of Bailee visiting your family and possibly going to Disney with your family. I agree with PP just make sure all the arrangements are agreed upon before she visits. It would probably be so fun for her to have your girls to play with.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I'm all caught up again. Looks like you had a wonderful Easter and the girls look beautiful in their dresses. I love the dress Sam is wearing, is it from Gymboree? Anyway way to go on the homeschooling decision. I have been thinking a lot about it myself lately. Just tired of school owning my Kaylee, I feel like I hardly see her since she started Kinder almost 4 years ago. They only allow 5 parent notes per school YEAR. You can't even take your child early from recess if feel like it. have to have a Dr's note. Of course DD doesn't want to be homeschooled . So what program did you choose? I would love to know more about this. I'm sure it's hard work though.

That is very sweet of you to think of Bailee visiting your family and possibly going to Disney with your family. I agree with PP just make sure all the arrangements are agreed upon before she visits. It would probably be so fun for her to have your girls to play with.

The dress Sam is wearing actually came from Sears. I love it myself!!

And on the homeschooling, besides Emily being a ball of anxiety it was getting to be crazy lately, when I actually sat back and thought about, it really is like they own your child. I am now sick of the phone calls and the questions, and what we(the parent) can and cannot do. I am done. Sam is not sold on the idea yet, but once we start i'm sure she'll be fine. Her main concern is playing with the other kids. We just joined a big homeschool group that always has a lot of activities going on. The other week they were going bowling and friday they are all getting together for a "play date" at the park, At 2pm though and I have to work at 4p, so that one's a no go for me. But May starts their baseball and kickball days, and those are on tuesdays, so that's good for me.
We went with a program called Abeka. There are so many curriculums out there it is so hard to choose. Especially when you're new and have no idea what is going to work. Abeka has full kits that have everything you need for every subject. I have heard that it can be alot for some kids and to not feel you need to do everything in all of the books. But to start I feel with that I have great material to teach them with. And it was very reasonably priced compared to some of the other programs out there. But there are so many choices, you can even do online schools/programs! So we're starting with Abeka and we'll see how that works out. And i'm sure this whole thing will be hard work, but i've heard it is so much fun!!!!

And as for little Baillee, I have not heard back from my Aunt yet. Hopefully she had an ok day. I tried to give her some advice on a few things to try with her, so who knows. But if she wants her to come and visit us I would be happy with that.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

From what I hear Abeka is a GREAT program!

 

[MaryAz]

Lots of news
Congrats on the homeschooling-something I have considered. Hubby would love for me to do it but I am not convinced yet.
Sorry about your mom. SOunds like she might have not had such a great time. It is fun to have family time. We figured out that this is our first trip as a family-just the 4 of us and not going to see family.
Think it would fun if she came for a visit.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

So I'm down to 25 days until we go!!!! I still have not received the documents and magical express tags for the second room. We have 3 of registered to 1 room and the other 3 registered in the second. Should I call, is this kind of late not to have them, or should I be patient? I don't want to wait too long and not get them, we need the rest of the magical express tags!! I have heard of someone on here a while back not getting their ME tags!
I just threw in 2 extra vacation days at work too. I'm going to take off the wednesday that we get back. I was going to go into work, I don't have to work until 4. BUT... We're not getting in until 1am the night before, so i'm sure we'll sleep late, we'll have laundry to do, grocery shopping, picutres to upload, A TRIP REPORT TO START ON (MOST IMPORTANT) And Manny took that day off as well, so everyone will still be home and i'm guessing I will not want to go to work that night. So I took that off.
And I took Saturday May 9th off as well. That is my best friend Nicole's daughter's birthday. And I don't work Sunday, monday, and tuesday, so I'll be on Vacation starting May 9th and don't go back until May 21!!
A very nice vacation
Plus i'll have all of those days off before we leave to clean the house, do laundry and get everything all packed!!
Ok, well we're going out to the park today. It's going to be 70 degrees here today and i'm thrilled, I have to work at 4pm, so I'd like to have the kids out all day!!!!! It's going to feel like we're in florida today with this weather!

HAVE A NICE DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

 

[bouncycat]

If ya'll are here on May 12th, the shuttle is due to go up, not sure of the time yet, but heard it on the news this morning!! Nice surprise, huh?? LOL I'll dig up the time for it, and let everyone know!

 

[racefanof88]

The dress Sam is wearing actually came from Sears. I love it myself!!

And on the homeschooling, besides Emily being a ball of anxiety it was getting to be crazy lately, when I actually sat back and thought about, it really is like they own your child. I am now sick of the phone calls and the questions, and what we(the parent) can and cannot do. I am done. Sam is not sold on the idea yet, but once we start i'm sure she'll be fine. Her main concern is playing with the other kids. We just joined a big homeschool group that always has a lot of activities going on. The other week they were going bowling and friday they are all getting together for a "play date" at the park, At 2pm though and I have to work at 4p, so that one's a no go for me. But May starts their baseball and kickball days, and those are on tuesdays, so that's good for me.
We went with a program called Abeka. There are so many curriculums out there it is so hard to choose. Especially when you're new and have no idea what is going to work. Abeka has full kits that have everything you need for every subject. I have heard that it can be alot for some kids and to not feel you need to do everything in all of the books. But to start I feel with that I have great material to teach them with. And it was very reasonably priced compared to some of the other programs out there. But there are so many choices, you can even do online schools/programs! So we're starting with Abeka and we'll see how that works out. And i'm sure this whole thing will be hard work, but i've heard it is so much fun!!!!

And as for little Baillee, I have not heard back from my Aunt yet. Hopefully she had an ok day. I tried to give her some advice on a few things to try with her, so who knows. But if she wants her to come and visit us I would be happy with that.

I used ABEKA with Amanda and Tyler the one year I homeschooled them. I don't use ABEKA with Dallas we use several different methods. ABEKA was developed by Dr Arlin Horton and his wife Beka at Pensacola Christian Academy it is a very beautiful campus. ABEKA is a good choice. You can go through PCA or you can usually find it on ebay. It depends on which direction you want to take with ABEKA.

 

[kaysmommie]

The dress Sam is wearing actually came from Sears. I love it myself!!

And on the homeschooling, besides Emily being a ball of anxiety it was getting to be crazy lately, when I actually sat back and thought about, it really is like they own your child. I am now sick of the phone calls and the questions, and what we(the parent) can and cannot do. I am done. Sam is not sold on the idea yet, but once we start i'm sure she'll be fine. Her main concern is playing with the other kids. We just joined a big homeschool group that always has a lot of activities going on. The other week they were going bowling and friday they are all getting together for a "play date" at the park, At 2pm though and I have to work at 4p, so that one's a no go for me. But May starts their baseball and kickball days, and those are on tuesdays, so that's good for me.
We went with a program called Abeka. There are so many curriculums out there it is so hard to choose. Especially when you're new and have no idea what is going to work. Abeka has full kits that have everything you need for every subject. I have heard that it can be alot for some kids and to not feel you need to do everything in all of the books. But to start I feel with that I have great material to teach them with. And it was very reasonably priced compared to some of the other programs out there. But there are so many choices, you can even do online schools/programs! So we're starting with Abeka and we'll see how that works out. And i'm sure this whole thing will be hard work, but i've heard it is so much fun!!!!

And as for little Baillee, I have not heard back from my Aunt yet. Hopefully she had an ok day. I tried to give her some advice on a few things to try with her, so who knows. But if she wants her to come and visit us I would be happy with that.

I really love that dress, it looks just the one in Gymboree . Congrats on having only 25 more days . I agree you will need that extra time off to get ready for your trip. The homeschooling sounds great actually. I have to see if i can find a homeschooling group around here. I have to look into Abeka more. I have looked at a few different programs but am pretty much clueless. Hope everything owrks out with Baillee.