~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Jimminy Cricket bag set 5/15!!

[DMGeurts]

Originally Posted by babynala

What a fun Christmas eve. I love seeing all the big kids playing apples to apples and doing the dishes!!!!

Yes, it was fun - considering that one of them has not seen any of the others for more than a decade. It was really great having them all together.

Originally Posted by babynala

The girls look so surprised and excited for their gifts. Alli has taken some great pictures already. I am sure V will get lots of use out of her iPad.

I think they were surprised - V especially, she had no clue. I am not sure if Alli was surprised - but she was (and is) very happy. She has named her camera Gregory.

Originally Posted by babynala

The other "girls" in your house must be happy to be out of their fancy clothes and in their PJs.

They are very happy - it took me forever to get them all dressed. I am a bit methodical about it, and it takes forever to put everything away too.

Originally Posted by babynala

Don't free like you need to justify your Christmas spending. I never judge people on how they spend their money. Everyone makes sacrifices so they can do what is important / needed for their family. I know you are grateful that you are able to provide these things for your children.

Thank you Liz.

Originally Posted by babynala

I cannot believe that your V got you that doll and hid it all this time. She is so sly and sweet. What a fun Christmas. Can't wait to see the new camera strap.

I know, I am still so shocked about it - it was a great surprise!

Originally Posted by Terkina

Have you asked the girls what they think? I'm sure you will find out which alternative to pick in the end

I have, and they are kind of stuck like I am. They would love to go at Halloween time again, because we just love that time of year there, but they understand it would be a short trip. They would definately love to go for a longer trip, and not miss any school. But I am just not sure if I can save up enough $$ in time?? It really is going to depend on what kind of discount codes are offered.

Originally Posted by BridgetR3

If it were me I would choose August for the longer time at DW but then again it will be HOT!!!! October is definitely cooler and you have the fall decorations to enjoy along with F&W.

Have you thought of renting points? It may work out cheaper for you.

So much to consider!!

I know it will be hot... but I can't imagine that it would be too much hotter than MN is in Aug? We get the really high humidity too... I guess we would find out - wouldn't we? LOL

I have thought of renting points, however, I don't think I could afford to rent much more than a studio, and I don't think the girls and I could do it with one queen and one pull out sofa? It would be pretty rough - I think?

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

I had to find just the right one for you!

Awesome, thanks!

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

[I agree with Liz, you don't have to justify anything to anybody. I for one, do my best not to judge people...as I have told you many times I do what is best for MY family...in all situations and that is all you should do. If our medical bills weren't so big, we might be living in a 2 million dollar mansion. Probably not, that just isn't me, but the point is, you do what YOU want, no explanations, no apologies. If you are happy with your choices, that truly IS all that matters. Period.

I know that you are the last one to judge Judy. Thank you.

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

[Since you asked, my thoughts on the matter....I would pick August. October was insanely busy in 2011 and the end of September 2012 was almost as bad. I was told this past August this had been the trend for the past few years for those "in the know". We have been in August and it was miserably hot at times; however, because of David and Lisa's medical issues we had to take it easy and we managed to have a great, if sweaty time. Later August was less busy too.

I appreciate the input. I guess, this is probably as close to my plan for August as I am going to get. What we enjoyed about staying at FQ, is how easy it was to hop on a bus and get to our resort - it took very little time, and made it so easy for an afternoon break. If we choose to go in Aug - Afternoon breaks will be our goal.

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

[And I LOVED the girls quilts, that would have been my favorite present! The pics of everyone having fun were fun to look at, Thanks for sharing.

It was my favorite present for them - just the thought and meaningfulness behind it really struck me. They use those quilts every night. I am glad you enjoyed all of the pictures.

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

Of course, I vote for August. (because that is when we are making onen of our trips this year.) But I totally vote for early August...like the first week! (since that is when I will be there!)

LOL... I vote for you to go later in Aug.

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

Having stayed at SOG and POFQ... I would agree. SOG doesn't 'feel' like a vacation at Disney. It 'feels' like visiting an army base. The people staying there are different. Hard to explain how I mean...but they are. Military is a family. Even if they don't know you you are part of their family.

I agree - I am totally comfortable there, and I feel totally safe. It just doesn't feel like Disney to me. It was very nice & clean, however their food choices are sub-par at best, and walking to the Poly for every meal is just a tad inconvenient.

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

We are staying at POFQ for both of our next trips. I wanted to stay at AKL in a Savannah room, but that isn't happening this time around!

Cool! Have you stayed at FQ before?

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

The convenience of POFQ is hard to beat. Being a small resort, you can walk walk anywhere in 2 minutes flat! LOL. We did enjoy our stay at CSR this last month, but it was so large and no one wanted to walk with me!

I agree - I just loved our location last time... it was less than a minute to everywhere, and I plan to ask for the same location this time. What I loved the most, is that the girls could go downstairs in the courtyard to watch the movies, and I was OK with them going to the pool in the afternoon if they were together - since it was so close. It is just so small, and we all loved it.

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

For us, the dining plan actually saves us money. Even though we are 4 Disney Adults now, for lunch we only get 3 CS meals. The kids and I split two meals. No one is ever hungry, and it gives us extra for breakfast at least one morning.

Nini

I agree! That is one option I didn't think of... Splitting 2 cs meals instead of each of us getting our own... But to be honest - it worked out really well for us last time, so I am not sure we would need to.

But yes, I think we still save $$ on the DDP... According to my figures, spending the same OOP would give us 2 less TS meals, and no desserts at all - execept the places we couldn't pass up, and even then, it would be the 3 of us sharing one dessert. Not that we necessarily NEED or EAT 3 desserts at every TS meal, but we don't always like to eat the same thing, so it's nice to try a bite or two of 3 different things.

I really like how I was able to budget out our meals last time, it worked super slick, and it kept me from "over spending" our credits early on and being left with a surplus at the end. I would do it exactly that way again.

Originally Posted by lovethattink

Too bad your possible dates don't go beyond Aug 30th. We are planning on heading to CSR for the Mustangs at Mickyard convention. Rooms were $99/night!

That sounds awesome! But I have never heard of that??? The girls go back to school on Sept 3rd, so I think that the 30th of Aug is the latest we want to be down there.

Originally Posted by cogero

August is hot. I couldn't do a 10 day vacation. I would ask the girls. I am pulling the kids out for October because I can't fathom bringing a 2 month old to Disney but am okay with a 4 month old and this is a one time thing I am thinking for us right now.

Oh - I totally agree with you Chiara, I don't even know if I could fathom bringing a 4 month old to Disney... And you definately need to think of yourselves!

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

Chiara...

I could not help but laugh!

On our December trip my newest grand child will be 6 months old. My daughter has said "NO WAY"...my son in law has said "We'll see!"

August is hot here in GA too! We are going only for 4 days in August and then topping it off with a beach trip!


Nini

Only 4 days in Aug???

Originally Posted by momto3gr8boys

Hi...I'm following along before I start my own PTR. We were trying to make a similar decision. My kids had two days off in early May, and we thought about maybe doing a six day trip then (I'd let them miss two days) vs. a ten day in August. We debated time vs. slightly better weather, etc. but then Sandy took the matter out of our hands. We are on Long Island and the kids missed 9 days because of the storm, so we no longer have those days off. I was secretly hoping for a longer, cheaper vacation (May isn't value season) because I wanted to do a split stay, so yay for me lol. As for you though...oh that's a tough one. I would say August to get the three extra days, but October will be a little cooler, the F&W festival will be on (which I STILL need to get to) and MNSSHP will be going on as well. Given those two events, I think I would opt for POFQ in Oct. But that's just my .02!

Welcome! Glad to have you here! I see your dillema... I think that Aug is a viable option for both of us. We love Oct in Disney (we've been twice during that time) - however, since it's a "short trip", the need to MNSSHP really turns our plans crazy... AK and MK are both 2 day parks for us... Then throw in MNSSHP - that's 5 days right there, and we still have to squeeze in Epcot and DHS - and with that much touring, we definately need a day off in the middle - which really isn't a day off, because the girls really want to go back to DTD. So, we are looking at a minimum of an 8 day vacation. LOL We could do it in October, but it would be rough with the girls missing school. It's just so difficult to decide.

Originally Posted by disneychic2

The free dining would most likely cover the last two weeks of August, so that may be your best bet. It will be super hot, but if you plan accordingly, you will survive. We usually go sometime in September and it's still hot as blazes. But the crowd levels can't be beat. You can get so much done due to low crowds that you can take a swim/nap break every afternoon and go back to the parks all refreshed.

This is exactly how we are planning to tour Lois... We are all very early risers (except V)... So, we do RD in each park... Usually we head back to the resort around Noon (or before), then we wait to go back to the parks around 5 - by then, most people are gone, and we LOVE the parks at night. Nothing better - IMO. In the afternoon, we either nap (or I Dis) or swim.

And I am praying soooo hard for FD - because that will make this trip a slam dunk for us. I am just a little nervous that I won't be able to save up enough in time for an Aug trip (pay off date would be the beginning of July) - and I am such a stickler about paying cash for vacations.

Originally Posted by disneychic2

I get why it's so hard to decide. Been there, done that! I think you're taking the right approach in that you're checking every possibility so when a discount comes along, you'll know what to do. There's always the possibility you'll get a pin attached to your name too, so check with Disney every once in a while to see. I got a pin for free dining once and one for 40% room rate that I wouldn't have known about if I hadn't asked. I will be living vicariously through you and all those who have trips planned since we won't be going again until 2014. We've gone every year for quite a while now, so it will be so odd not to go.

Looking at the girls' school calendar for next year - our other option is January... they have 2 days off (a Mon and Fri in the same week)... So, I guess I have one more option if we can't make Aug or Oct work in our budget?

Originally Posted by disneychic2

Ok, so I'm going over right now to post my Rapunzel dress since I didn't do it yesterday. I hope you have a great week and gets lots done if that's what you need to do.

I will head over there this morning to check it out - can't wait to see!

Originally Posted by nannye

we went august 2011, last week of august and that compared to our July 6-12 in 2012 was insanely different crowd wise. It was hot in August but there was only 1 point when I felt Sick from being too hot and there is so many places to take a break and cool off. You guys can go so much slower with the extra time. I'd vote for that. But then again. You know my potential trip date for 2013! LOL. still no word on it

LOL I appreciate the feedback. I do have to say that Alli is sensitive to the heat - she had a difficult time in March on the hottest days. Something will work out for us - I am sure of it.

Originally Posted by disneychic2

Quick comment &then off to bed....

Wonderful to hear your Christmases were all great! Isn't it fabulous when a family member loves and knows you enough to get you exactlt the right thing?

It was wonderful!

Originally Posted by disneychic2

I, personally would go in Oct. August is a bear down here & as I get older, I don't do humidity well.

I know, I know... I feel like I am constantly in this 2 steps forward, 3 steps back rotation with planning our next trip. It's so frustrating to me. I want low crowds, I want 10 days, I want FD, I want good weather... LOL So, what does that leave me? LOL Not much.

Originally Posted by disneychic2

Happy belated holidays and prayers that the new year is blessed for everyone.

Thank you - I wish the same for you!

Originally Posted by Iamthequeen

So, here's my 2 cents...

DH and I went the first week of September last year (2011). We had a blast - yes it was hot, but I like hot weather. There are plenty of places to cool off or sit and relax, or you can go back to the hotel pool for the hottest part of the day. We love staying at POFQ and will be staying there again this September. I haven't picked the exact days yet, but most likely it will be in the beginning of Sept because that's when my birthday is.

This is very good input - thank you so much for taking the time to write it all out. This is how we like to tour... There are only 2 days I can see an issue with going back to the resort during the afternoon - that would be on our Epcot and DHS days, since I have only alotted 1 day for each of them. But we LOVE park touring in the evening - love all the lights and it's just so wonderful.

Originally Posted by Iamthequeen

It is very difficult to make up school work once the kids are in high school (as you found out this year). I'd rather go in August and have a longer trip and not worry about making up school work. I only ever took my kids out of high school once (for a trip to Disney in February, 2001) and would not recommend it. We had to get permission ahead of time and the kids had assignments to do, but it was still a hassle.

I agree... It is sooo hard to make up the school work. And I believe in Aug - we could definately just relax, because I won't be so worried about all the catch up they have to do when we get back. That is the worst.

Originally Posted by Iamthequeen

I'm hoping to get FD in September, but if not, maybe a room discount of some kind.

Tess

I am also hoping... Historically speaking - it looks like it has been offered every year for, at least, the last 4 years - so I think our odds are pretty good. However, I have heard a lot of rumors that discounts this year will be pretty scarce, and so far - it's proven true. I guess -that is another reason I am so stuck... Should I book now for the military rates before they are all gone? Or should I hold out for FD?

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

Yesterday just flew by...

I went up to my sewing room and I finished Alli's other camera strap that she requested. She loved it!

Then, Josh insisted that the girls and I go up to my BFF's house for her DD's birthday. When we got there (they knew we were coming)... Her dd had a friend over and my bff was in bed because she had hurt her neck the day before. We hung out for a while, then Alli came and asked if we could leave... Hmmm??? So, I started paying a bit more attention to what the girls were doing - and I was getting a bit annoyed. Bff's dd was totally excluding my girls, and basically ignoring them. Now, Bff's dd is like my 3rd child - and the 3 girls are like sisters... but I was very annoyed with her, because I would never let my girls exclude anyone like that, especially her. These are girls who are lifelong friends - they have been close since the day they were born - and they are soo lucky to have eachother. So, the blunt person that I am, I marched into bff's living room and told her dd that we were leaving... Of course she was mad. But I told her, flat out, we drove 30 miles just to come and see her on her birthday, and then she sits there and doesn't even say 2 words to the girls. For that matter, the gift we gave her was unwrapped and laying in a pile on the floor... I was very annoyed. I don't care how old you are (she turned 14 yesterday), you treat people and the gifts they give you with respect. So, Bff's dd was super upset, trying to make excuses - and I felt horrible - it was her birthday, after all. But really, I remember being that age, and I remember being excluded on purpose by my friends, and how horrible that felt... there is no excuse for it - it's just mean. So, we left. No hard feelings... But I will definately think twice about making special trips again, and gift giving is done until she is older and more respectful about it. Grrr... I shouldn't still be so annoyed about this, but I am. We should have just stayed home - but she wanted us to come so badly, and then to be ignored when we got there...

So, we came home... Josh was nice enough to let me buy a book on his Nook and let me use it. I have to say, I am about half way through it, I couldn't put it down yesterday.

Josh even made dinner... Wild rice soup with the left-over rotisserie chicken from the other night.

Then I read some more... Then off to bed.

So, other than the whole fiasco with bff's dd - we had a good day.

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

So, I am still working on other dates... There is also a possibility of a January 2014 trip... The girls are off of school the 20th & 24th... So that would be 3 days of school missed.

Really going to try my best for Aug or Oct... In the end, it's going to come down to whether I can save up enough $$ in time, and what kind of discount offers are offered.

Ok - must get off the Dis now, I feel like I have been here forever this morning.

D~

[kittylady1972]

First and foremost, my two cents on your trip plans. I am with the majority here I think and saying go for the longer August trip. Time to cool off at the pool is nice, longer hours in the evening which I'm sure you can take advantage of with older kids is also nice. Plus did I mention MORE days in Disney are always better? In the end, I know it will come down to discounts and I'm sure you'll get some for August. Oh and of course for the resort, I'd always choose a Disney resort over the others. As much as I'd also love to try SOG, it's that pesky can't cancel without penalty that gets me! I could never risk an entire night's stay in cost in case I change my mind!

And on a personal note, what a shame about your visit yesterday. Teenagers...well I don't quite have one yet but my son will be 13 in just about three months and the attitude he already has at times...I just can't believe. Of course, I'm sure I was the EXACT same way at his age too. Still no excuse for the rudeness and exclusion so good for you for leaving and standing your ground on the matter!

[Terkina]

It was the right thing telling your BFF's DD she can't behave that way and then leaving.

[Pluto0809]

I of course vote for October as that's when I will be there. Just being selfish. I know you need to consider all options before booking. Personnally, I don't think I could go in August. Despite living in GA, I don't do well with heat and high humidity.

As for the January possibility, I've been in January and it's quite a bit cooler so swimming may not be an option for you. We went mid January and it was sweatshirts in the morning and evening and jeans and long sleeve shirts in the afternoons. Highs were in the mid to upper 60s and lows were in the 50s. The week before we were there, they had lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s! You better believe I was watching that weather forecast!

[NiniMorris]

Yes, only 4 days in August.

It was supposed to be a birthday trip for the Princess, she turns 6. It was only a long weekend trip. But, she would miss 2 days of school at the very beginning of school. Then we moved it to the beginning of August so she wouldn't miss, and since it was cheaper then, we kept it at 4 days. At least 4 park days. We arrive Sunday night, and leave Friday morning for the beach!

We still owe her a beach vacation redo from last year. So she will be ok with just a weekend beach trip.

Since we will be going back the end of November for our regular 10 day trip, we won't feel like it is necessary to do everything! Just to enjoy!

Nini

[Luvchefmic]

happy & healthy new year to all

FWIW the brutal summer heat here did not break until late Oct early Nov
this year last week it was dropping into 30/40 night 70s
days today the a/c is on and I hear mosquitoes buzzing Last night at
work..outside..I had hat gloves & thermals under clothes I just
don't think past temps or weather can be a deciding factor anymore for vacation planning too unpredictable

money thats another story so I would either rent points or try value resort
I love POP stayed many times always requested always got 50's building
OR how abt new DAA ? hear good things abt it planning t o see it after holidays

anyway have fun figuring it all out & whenever u get here look forward to meet

Ruthie

[KatMark]

For selfish purposes, I hope you go in August because our days overlap.

In the meantime, Happy New Year to you and your lovely family.

[lovesdumbo]

Finally got a chance to get caught up. Love all your creations especially the camera insert. Will you be posting any more photos of the iPad case? I would love to see it.

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. Love the girls quilts.

I made a flannel rag quilt for Lizzy's best friend for Christmas. The poor kid. Her Mom is such a witch. I was thinking I was being too judgemental about her until this summer when she was telling me how she had lost weight and was down to 120. Then turns to her 13 yo DD and says "what are you 130?". I wanted Lizzy's friend to know someone cares enough for her to make her something special. She loved it and ran right to put it on her bed.

On your trip planning I don't know that I'll add anything new but would love to meet you in August. I'll be there your tentative dates. I think they've been doing free dining in late August since 2006. I find the heat of May harder to take when it's cooler at home then August when it's hot at home too.

Hope you can save in time for an August trip.

I've been in January 4 times. Every trip had at least 1 early morning or nights in the 40s but every trip has also had at least 1 day warm enough to swim. The best weather I've ever had on a trip was a January trip. The crowds have always been very manageable. The real problem I have with January is that I worry about flight cancelations due to snow at home.

Sorry to hear about your not so nice visit today.

[DMGeurts]

Originally Posted by kittylady1972

First and foremost, my two cents on your trip plans. I am with the majority here I think and saying go for the longer August trip. Time to cool off at the pool is nice, longer hours in the evening which I'm sure you can take advantage of with older kids is also nice. Plus did I mention MORE days in Disney are always better? In the end, I know it will come down to discounts and I'm sure you'll get some for August. Oh and of course for the resort, I'd always choose a Disney resort over the others. As much as I'd also love to try SOG, it's that pesky can't cancel without penalty that gets me! I could never risk an entire night's stay in cost in case I change my mind!

My gut tells me that this is the right thing to do... So many things line up better if we go in August, vs. October. And it looks like, even if we do go in October - my October dates may not line up with some of the Disers that I've been looking forward to meeting anyways.

I really like the idea of being there for so long, and really taking our time. I know that our last trip got to be too long (9 days), however, I do attribute that to not having any days off at the beginning of our trip, and we were just so tired. With our tentative plans for an August trip, we have several days off scheduled and 2 water park days too... So, I really think it will be a much more relaxing trip.

Originally Posted by kittylady1972

[And on a personal note, what a shame about your visit yesterday. Teenagers...well I don't quite have one yet but my son will be 13 in just about three months and the attitude he already has at times...I just can't believe. Of course, I'm sure I was the EXACT same way at his age too. Still no excuse for the rudeness and exclusion so good for you for leaving and standing your ground on the matter!

I am still a bit frustrated with her... I am trying very hard to over look it though - after all, she is like my 3rd child, and if it was one of my girls - I would give them a huge talking to, make them apologize, have them assure me that they would think of other's feelings in all aspects of their lives (which they do), and I would move on. So, I am trying very hard to move on - even though there has not been an apology.

Originally Posted by Terkina

It was the right thing telling your BFF's DD she can't behave that way and then leaving.

Thank you Lillian... Sometimes I think I am a little over dramatic... I don't think I would have been quite as upset had we not made a special trip just for her, and then she didn't even care that we were there - and she had asked us to come.

Originally Posted by Pluto0809

I of course vote for October as that's when I will be there. Just being selfish. I know you need to consider all options before booking. Personnally, I don't think I could go in August. Despite living in GA, I don't do well with heat and high humidity.

I agree that the heat and high humidity is a concern for me - especially after Alli's suspected heat exhaustion during our last trip.

However, I just keep thinking that going from our high heat and humidity (it does get pretty awful here in the summer) to Fl's high heat and humidity will be less of a shock than if we go at other times of the year, when it's really cold here and hot there.

Originally Posted by Pluto0809

IAs for the January possibility, I've been in January and it's quite a bit cooler so swimming may not be an option for you. We went mid January and it was sweatshirts in the morning and evening and jeans and long sleeve shirts in the afternoons. Highs were in the mid to upper 60s and lows were in the 50s. The week before we were there, they had lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s! You better believe I was watching that weather forecast!

January is pretty low on my totem pole of considerations... Waaaay, waaaay at the bottom, and really only a consideration if I just can't save fast enough to go any other time.

My biggest concern, which Bernadette addressed below - if I schedule in Jan, and we have bad weather here that keeps us home - I really hesitate to go during that time for that very reason alone.

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

Yes, only 4 days in August.

It was supposed to be a birthday trip for the Princess, she turns 6. It was only a long weekend trip. But, she would miss 2 days of school at the very beginning of school. Then we moved it to the beginning of August so she wouldn't miss, and since it was cheaper then, we kept it at 4 days. At least 4 park days. We arrive Sunday night, and leave Friday morning for the beach!

We still owe her a beach vacation redo from last year. So she will be ok with just a weekend beach trip.

Since we will be going back the end of November for our regular 10 day trip, we won't feel like it is necessary to do everything! Just to enjoy!

Nini

Aaaah, understood. What are your Aug dates? Since we have the whole summer open and available to us (for the most part), I was trying to go at a low crowd time, which doesn't happen until about mid-Aug.

Originally Posted by Luvchefmic

happy & healthy new year to all

FWIW the brutal summer heat here did not break until late Oct early Nov
this year last week it was dropping into 30/40 night 70s
days today the a/c is on and I hear mosquitoes buzzing Last night at
work..outside..I had hat gloves & thermals under clothes I just
don't think past temps or weather can be a deciding factor anymore for vacation planning too unpredictable

Hi Ruthie! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!

I appreciate your weather input... I have heard that Sept/Oct has been just as dreadfully hot down in FL, as the summer - the last few years anyways. I remember being there in Oct of 2008, and we had days of heat that we weren't prepared for.

Originally Posted by Luvchefmic

money thats another story so I would either rent points or try value resort
I love POP stayed many times always requested always got 50's building
OR how abt new DAA ? hear good things abt it planning t o see it after holidays

What is DAA?

The only thing that keeps us from the values is the bed sizes. Disney was thinking when they did that... All of the values have double beds, and to be honest - it's a very tight squeeze for the girls and I in 2 queen beds - I have tried to make it work (in my head) in two doubles, but I just don't think there is any way to make it work. Considering, my girls are the size of full grown adults now...

Originally Posted by Luvchefmic

anyway have fun figuring it all out & whenever u get here look forward to meet

Ruthie

For sure!!! We will definately be doing a Dis meet!

Originally Posted by KatMark

For selfish purposes, I hope you go in August because our days overlap.

In the meantime, Happy New Year to you and your lovely family.

LOL Thank you Kathy... What are your Aug dates? Will Mark be with you, or will it be a girls trip? Have you ever been in Aug before?

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

Finally got a chance to get caught up. Love all your creations especially the camera insert. Will you be posting any more photos of the iPad case? I would love to see it.

Hi Bernadette! It's great to see you - I hope you had a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Oh, gosh - I forgot about it... Yes, I will try to get some pictures posted in the next day. Thanks for the reminder. I also need to take pics of Alli's camera strap.

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. Love the girls quilts.

Thank you, they are amazing! Such a wonderful gift!

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

I made a flannel rag quilt for Lizzy's best friend for Christmas. The poor kid. Her Mom is such a witch. I was thinking I was being too judgemental about her until this summer when she was telling me how she had lost weight and was down to 120. Then turns to her 13 yo DD and says "what are you 130?". I wanted Lizzy's friend to know someone cares enough for her to make her something special. She loved it and ran right to put it on her bed.

That is such a wonderful and thoughtful gift. That mom does sound like a witch... It's so hard when your kid's friends have not so great parents... And giving Lizzie's friend a gift like that is not the only gift you give her, I am sure... I will bet that if she spends enough time with you and your family - she also gets to experience what it feels like to be a part of that. That is an amazing gift as well.

Alli's BFF is so sweet - she is new to our area - and lives with her granparents (I am not sure of why the situation came about)... But Alli has come home several times, just thanking me for being a great mom and giving her a "normal" family. We are faaaar from normal, IMO - and we all have our issues, but I am very close to my girls and very thankful for that.

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

On your trip planning I don't know that I'll add anything new but would love to meet you in August. I'll be there your tentative dates. I think they've been doing free dining in late August since 2006. I find the heat of May harder to take when it's cooler at home then August when it's hot at home too.

Cool that you will be there at that time. And I am happy to hear that FD is much more available in Aug... And I was also thinking the same thing about the heat... It will be an easier transition when it's hot at home. I am not sure what the difference is in heat between FL and NC... But when I was in NC last Aug - it was sure hot - but not any hotter or any more humid than when I was at home.

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

Hope you can save in time for an August trip.

Thanks, me too!

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

I've been in January 4 times. Every trip had at least 1 early morning or nights in the 40s but every trip has also had at least 1 day warm enough to swim. The best weather I've ever had on a trip was a January trip. The crowds have always been very manageable. The real problem I have with January is that I worry about flight cancelations due to snow at home.

Yes, this is a totally valid concern for me, and definately a reason that I want to avoid January if possible. I would be so angry if we had a blizzard (um, it's been known to happen here, LOL) that would take any time away from our trip.

Originally Posted by lovesdumbo

Sorry to hear about your not so nice visit today.

Thanks... I am trying so hard to just put it behind us... I am still a bit annoyed with her - but I will get over it.

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

I started my next bag yesterday... This is technically still a Christmas vacation week for me, but I wanted to get a jump start.

If we decide to go in August, there will be 1 or 2 people on my bag schedule that I will have to accomodate earlier in the year... So, I am trying to make that work. I hope to contact them this week, and give them some advance notice about the schdule change.

I am almost done with the book I am reading... I am trying to refrain from purchasing the next book in the series by this author. It is a historical fiction book - those are my favorite, topped only by local historical fiction.

Then, Alli busted out her new camera yesterday. I requested that she take V out for a photo shoot... I used to have the girls' pictures done professionally multiple times a year - then, when they hit about 6, I became horrible about it... I don't think I have had them done since then - aside from school pictures.

Well, Alli did a magnificant job, and I couldn't be happier with the pictures she took of V...













Then, they came home, and Alli coaxed me into going out...

I've determined that Alli is probably not the best person to photograph me, because we goof around too much. OTOH, she is probably the best person in the world to photograph me - because no one else (other than Josh and V) can make me happier or capture me the way she does...













And probably my favorite picture... Even though it's a bit dorky - it's definately "me"...



Alli plans to take Josh and I out this afternoon to get some pictures of us together, since it's something that we have very few of.

I hope each of you had a magnificant New Year!

D~

[NiniMorris]

August Free Dining usually happens from the middle of August to sometime in October . The crowds start getting lower during the middle to end of August, but our kids go to school the second week of August.

So we will probably miss the free dining in August...but will have to have it in December to make it work!

The August timing actually works pretty well over all...since the beach 'Fall season' starts the day we leave Disney! It will save us $100 a night on a beach condo for the 7 of us! And that is the only reason we can even think about going the first week without Free Dining!

Of course, my son seems to be the KING of PIN codes! He got a total of 7 PIN codes for our last trip..each with a bit different dates but all for Free Dining while we were there...and has already gotten one for this year...but the dates did not work!

Nini

[DMGeurts]

Originally Posted by NiniMorris

August Free Dining usually happens from the middle of August to sometime in October . The crowds start getting lower during the middle to end of August, but our kids go to school the second week of August.

So we will probably miss the free dining in August...but will have to have it in December to make it work!

The August timing actually works pretty well over all...since the beach 'Fall season' starts the day we leave Disney! It will save us $100 a night on a beach condo for the 7 of us! And that is the only reason we can even think about going the first week without Free Dining!

Of course, my son seems to be the KING of PIN codes! He got a total of 7 PIN codes for our last trip..each with a bit different dates but all for Free Dining while we were there...and has already gotten one for this year...but the dates did not work!

Nini

How did you know about your DS's pin codes, did you call to check a lot, or does he just get them in email/mail?

D~

[NiniMorris]

Originally Posted by DMGeurts

How did you know about your DS's pin codes, did you call to check a lot, or does he just get them in email/mail?

D~

He gets emails and post cards ALL. THE. TIME!!!

NONE of the trips are ever in his name! They are all in my DIL's name, but as long as he is a registered guest it works! And then, as long as we travel the same time as them (meaning we have to check in on the same day but we can check out on different days) we can piggy back on his PIN codes!

My son in law actually got one last year for our dates! And while they ended up going, they didn't use the PIN!

In the past 10 years I have gotten exactly ONE PIN code! And it was for a couple of weeks after we got home!

Nini

[Terkina]

Lovely pictures of you and V. I hope you get some kind of discount for your august/october WDW trip. I know many people was hoping for FD for February 2013 (that's when I'm going), but it never came. There was a different discount though but many complained (on the DIS) that it was not as good as FD. Fingers crossed you will get the discount you want.

[cogero]

When we go in August we like to go anytime after the 20th the crowds really begin thining out after the 15th.

That is generally why we go about the 25th. This would of been the perfect year for August since the way the Jewish holidays fall they are starting school late but I have serious problems with a baby in August. I am going to miss our August trip.

I will say the parks are not open super late in August but it is a nice trip. we like the low crowds and take it slow due to the heat.

Can't wait to see your latest bag.

[nowellsl]

I think DAA is Disney's Art of Animation. We stayed in a Mermaid room there, and have decided we like Pop better Back in December we stayed in a family suite at All Star Music. The room was great, and having 2 bathrooms was nice! We didn't use the kitchenette much, mostly just for coffee. The pull out couch was terrible (unless you like FIRM mattresses - but that's the only downside. I can't remember what size the bed was in the bedroom, but I'm thinking queen.
I think August is a good choice, except for the heat, but I'd rather be hot than cold any day!

Came back to add, those pictures are great! What kind of camera did she get?