Coffee on the Verandah -The Last Slide, Recap & Souvies 5/29 - Link to Aulani TR 5/31

[Mndisneygirl]

Glad you're reporting again - I'm sure it's tough to have all that weighing on your mind...

Aulani!!! - sounds like a FABULOUS option to "use up points". I should have such a problem and option!!! We're hoping to get there in 2014, but airfare from here could be the killer. I will look forward to your report on that though! Didn't have any problem getting what you wanted at 7 months (or less?)?

Way to go Kendall!!!! I'm sure being recognized like that will really help her with college options!

Okay -back to Vero- what a great time at the beach! It looks so fun and I like that cup too! I see something like that in my future - maybe Hilton Head has one for me! Now - what was in it???
I really like your family picture - you are rocking that bikini girl!!! (I'm jealous!)

[MEK]

Who knew Eric made such a pretty mermaid.

Congratulations to Kendall. Nick was invited to play in the Senior All Star Game on Monday night. Only senior from his school invited (I know I mentioned how bad the team was). Only one problem - game at 8pm and the entire upper school is going to Washington DC for the day and not due to be home until 7pm. Game is 45 minutes away. Not sure how this is all going to work and not sure if he will still get to play if he shows up last minute or after the game starts.

Aulani sounds like a wonderful way to use up some extra points. Happy Planning!

And please keep us posted on your nephew. It's been 20 years since I've done pediatric cardiac surgery and at that time all pediatric heart disease was usually congenital heart disease - structural defects, but I did do a little reading recently about disease at the cellular level in pediatric hearts that cause cardiomyopathy and is different from dilated /idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Great pics from Vero. The beach looks way more crowded than when I visited in June. Looks like a perfect beach day.

[Captain_Oblivious]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

We did have some exciting soccer news today that eased the pain of the ouster from the state championship earlier than we'd have liked. Kendall was named to our district/league's all star 1st team!

Great job Kendall!

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Aulani!

Originally Posted by eandesmom

The E's will NOT be happy

Tell 'em to get a job and buy their own DVC points.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

I joked about a half day rate and they said "well….those ones over there look like they've packed in for the day, why don’t you take them?"

For free.

Score!

Nice! I'm taking you with me next time I have to buy a car.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

I decided to go for a walk too! A solo walk, in the opposite direction. What a totally bizarre concept. It was LOVELY!

You wouldn't know what to do with yourself!

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Eric however, was starting to get tired. But was having trouble getting up

Well, at least he looks good.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Me? I was breaking in my new drinkware. Nope, not a coffee cup

Keep it out of the dishwasher!

Originally Posted by eandesmom

So in love I took a lot of pictures.

Yup, that sure is some fine drinkware.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

A family shot. Have to prove I was there occasionally.

Nice shot!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey there,

Don't feel self indulgent for writing about your stuff... that's a lot of people to worry about...-I don't think that's a pity party...

Aulani... sounds awesome... What a great way to use up points and get to do an Aulani trip report... that's one on my bucket list too... (how far are the flights from Seattle? -time wise...? Seattle and Mt. Ranier are up there on my bucket list too in the next 5 years...-you'll have to tell me the best times of year to come...)

Congrats to Miss Kendall...that is quite impressive...

Lovely, lovely family beach shots...

[Flossbolna]

When I read that you were planning a DVC trip for May I started to wonder whether you might end up at WDW at the same time as me.... But then it is Aulani!!! But I does indeed sound like you are going to have a fantastic break!

[15isto2]

Just caught up on your posts, I am so sorry to hear about all those close to you especially your nephew, please let us know if you find out more

[rentayenta]

Let me start with: you are the bravest DISer ever posting a full bikini shot. And you look great.

Congrats to Kendall. ODP is super political here as are a lot of things Utah.

Aulani?

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by emma212010

Congrats to Kendall! That's a great accomplishment!

Thanks! We are pretty darn thrilled for her and it's lovely timing right before a big college showcase tournament.

Originally Posted by emma212010

I want to go to Aulani soooo badly!!! I think that would be amazing!

Me too. I'm only giving it 50/50 at the moment in terms of chances of it actually coming to pass but I sure hope it does!

Originally Posted by emma212010

I love your beach photos! Beached mermaid! Too funny!!

Great familiy picture!

Thanks, it was a spectacular day there! I think we seriously have a total of 2 pictures of all 5 of us, this being one. Sigh.

Originally Posted by emma212010

Oh, and I just read your life update. I am so sorry for your troubles! Please know that you and your family and friends are in my prayers. You have an amazing support system here on the Dis, and I hope you continue to reach out when you need help!

Thanks Emma!

Originally Posted by KatMark

Wow....Hawaii. You lucky girl (I've not been since our honeymoon). It sounds like a great trip.

If it happens. I'm giving it a 50/50 shot at the moment but I have hope and can be persuading. Which I may need to be. I think it is probably likely we will do it but it may have to push out further than May. We will see.

Originally Posted by KatMark

LOVE your beach day. Awesome for the chairs. And I love your new beverage glass.

It is amazing how cold it keeps stuff, absolutely love that glass!

Originally Posted by KatMark

The boys look like they were having loads of fun.

I think they did!

Originally Posted by KatMark

Congrats to Kendall. I remember how excited I was when our youngest made first team, all conference in wrestling.

Yep, it's a big deal. What was just as fun honestly was looking at our local converence, which has a North and South and seeing so many names we know on both the 3A and 4A lists. Some from her HS team, some from her club team now, some from her club teams in years past. Really kind of cool!

Originally Posted by KatMark

The family shot is great.

Thanks, I really debated about posting it but since there are literally only 2 family shots I figured I'd go ahead.

Originally Posted by Poolrat

First I am glad you feel better and I know I speak for many when I say we areall here for you. You are on a bit of a roller coaster, and have no idea what may happen next or have much control so I know that stinks.

Thanks Pat!

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Second- Great news about potential trips. I know you will work it all out and I might think Thursday over Tuesday for more availability if I had to choose.

We will see, Jeff is freaking out a little bit at the moment over college, and college prep expenses so I will not be surprised if we have to push it back. I hope not but we will do SOMETHING with those points before 11/30, that much I know for sure and vacation of some sort, and Aulani, is the most likely option.

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Third- A nice beach day and score on the loungers. Nice family picture and 5pm. Little more beach time then pool, then dinner. My guess is to use up leftovers in the villa but if that was done at lunch then another trip to Squidlips?

Ah yes, what about dinner? A very good question. It was a socre on the loungers and a lovely 2 hours of beach time. It is only one of 2 family shots we have from the entire trip. Sad huh.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

Glad you're reporting again - I'm sure it's tough to have all that weighing on your mind...

Sometimes it's best not to think too much. Or work on finding distractions like TR's and trips that may never happen.

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

Aulani!!! - sounds like a FABULOUS option to "use up points". I should have such a problem and option!!! We're hoping to get there in 2014, but airfare from here could be the killer. I will look forward to your report on that though! Didn't have any problem getting what you wanted at 7 months (or less?)?

It is a fabulous option. I just have to sell Jeff on it. He's a bit stressed at the college expenses at the moment..and Christmas...and a couples weekend in SF next month so my timing is off. I do think we will do it, overall chance of it is probably at least 75%. Chance for May is probably...50%. We will see though!

I was looking at studios which is why I think it wasn't an issue. It is less than 7 months, closer to 6 actually.

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

Way to go Kendall!!!! I'm sure being recognized like that will really help her with college options!

It should and it's timing is nice as she's got college showcase tournaments in Nov, Jan and Feb! Although I don't think the Feb one is for sure.

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

Okay -back to Vero- what a great time at the beach! It looks so fun and I like that cup too! I see something like that in my future - maybe Hilton Head has one for me! Now - what was in it???
I really like your family picture - you are rocking that bikini girl!!! (I'm jealous!)

I wouldn't be surprised if HH had one, they did get the new retro logos' too so it's definitely possible! I wish I'd have checked on the cruise for one, I heard they had them. Didn't see them at AKV but wasn't really looking then either. I did look at Boardwalk though and didn't see any. Thanks on the picture. I had major angst over whether to post it or not. We literally have only 2 family shots from the trip and well, I worked darn hard for 4 months to fit (back) into that specifically for the trip so...there you go. I know it isn't as modest as many might prefer a woman of my, ahem, age to wear and some won't approve of what Kendall is wearing but...it is what it is and we are from the West Coast after all!

Originally Posted by MEK

Who knew Eric made such a pretty mermaid.

That kid has been buried alive more times than I can count. Fun to see Evan "decorate" but he got a little too realistic in spots.

Originally Posted by MEK

Congratulations to Kendall. Nick was invited to play in the Senior All Star Game on Monday night. Only senior from his school invited (I know I mentioned how bad the team was). Only one problem - game at 8pm and the entire upper school is going to Washington DC for the day and not due to be home until 7pm. Game is 45 minutes away. Not sure how this is all going to work and not sure if he will still get to play if he shows up last minute or after the game starts.

UGH. Those are the kind of kid logistics that give me grey hair.

Originally Posted by MEK

Aulani sounds like a wonderful way to use up some extra points. Happy Planning!

It is...now I have to sell Jeff. He was ok with booking the 4 nights but isn't there on the airfare end...despite some really good prices. So...we will see. I think it will happen but it could push out. The ODP thing is a big $$ ouch.

Originally Posted by MEK

And please keep us posted on your nephew. It's been 20 years since I've done pediatric cardiac surgery and at that time all pediatric heart disease was usually congenital heart disease - structural defects, but I did do a little reading recently about disease at the cellular level in pediatric hearts that cause cardiomyopathy and is different from dilated /idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Yeah, a lot of the info on adults is not at all relevant, it's very different within each type/kind and in many ways it really seems like they still don't know very much at all.

Originally Posted by MEK

Great pics from Vero. The beach looks way more crowded than when I visited in June. Looks like a perfect beach day.

It was crowded but not unbearably so. You will see crowded when we get to Castaway Cay!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Great job Kendall!

thanks! We are thrilled for her.

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Tell 'em to get a job and buy their own DVC points.

Oh they will be fine I think, they are getting a very specific request on the next trip if all goes as planned and that will make up for it. At least in the short term.

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Nice! I'm taking you with me next time I have to buy a car.

If only it worked as well there! Though I did get the guy to up the value of my last trade in....

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

You wouldn't know what to do with yourself!

try me. I would!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Keep it out of the dishwasher!
Yup, that sure is some fine drinkware.

It really is a cool cup. Literally.

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Hey there,

Don't feel self indulgent for writing about your stuff... that's a lot of people to worry about...-I don't think that's a pity party...

It kind of is (a pity party). It's not about me.

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

HeyAulani... sounds awesome... What a great way to use up points and get to do an Aulani trip report... that's one on my bucket list too... (how far are the flights from Seattle? -time wise...? Seattle and Mt. Ranier are up there on my bucket list too in the next 5 years...-you'll have to tell me the best times of year to come...)

It's about 5 1/2 hours to HI and 5 to MCO from here. Right in the middle, both taking forever to get to lol. HI is easier though, just lots more options and lots more non stops, usually 2 per day and to more than one island.

I hope it works out, I'm giving it 50/50 at the moment but I bet he'll come around. It may push out though. He was ok booking the 4 nights but isn't there on the airfare yet so...we will see.

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

HeyCongrats to Miss Kendall...that is quite impressive...

We are very proud of her

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Lovely, lovely family beach shots...

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

When I read that you were planning a DVC trip for May I started to wonder whether you might end up at WDW at the same time as me.... But then it is Aulani!!! But I does indeed sound like you are going to have a fantastic break!

I would LOVE to go to WDW in May. And really love to see you again! But not exactly the couples trip Jeff has in mind. It is not entirely out of the question that it could happen later but it's pretty unlikely given that there is a trip (we hope) in Dec/Jan of next year.

[FauntleroyFAN07]

nothing like a nice relaxing beach afternoon, and a cold adult drink to boot...

enjoyed the photo tour of the afternoon and the relaxing.

[glennbo123]

Yay for Kendall!

Ooo, I hope your Aulani plans work out. Very nice to have "a few extra points laying around" that you need to do something with!

What a great afternoon you had at the beach. It sure does look a lot different than the sand and surf that we got there just a few weeks before you. Disney must've had time to clear all of the seaweed away.

Dang, if I'd have thought about it, I could've left you some grafitti in the sand.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by 15isto2

Just caught up on your posts, I am so sorry to hear about all those close to you especially your nephew, please let us know if you find out more

Thank you, I will!

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Let me start with: you are the bravest DISer ever posting a full bikini shot. And you look great.

Hah! Don't know about that. I think you are braver, you've had them up on FB! Seriously though I really debated about posting it for a variety of reasons but we literally have only 2 family shots the whole trip and well, frankly I worked darn hard for 4 months to fit back into it.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Congrats to Kendall. ODP is super political here as are a lot of things Utah.

She's made the pool twice before, once moving on to the regional camp. But it's been a number of years and she hasn't even tried out the last few (maybe 3?). I don't doubt that it isn't quite political, wouldn't surprise me a bit. Not that K or even her mom are playing hte politics. But her coaches? Yeah, maybe.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Aulani?

Well we will see. I could get Jeff to commit to booking the 4 nights with the points that will expire. Nothing beyond that yet. Me, I'm ready to book airfare but he's reeling with college expenses at the moment. Hopefully he won't sit on it so long the nights we want to add are gone. Not so worried about the airfare as it is far enough out. But I don't want to borrow a point unless I get the green light on buying flights. I think it's likely to happen at some point...but it might slide to Sept. Realistically though, May would be such a better time for us for a ton of reasons. Probably kind of like Michael is being with your August DCL trip that you'd like to take, huh.

Worst case I think we will bank to RCI versus renting though. Lots of good Cabo options that have plenty of availability, we just aren't in a place to lock that one one like that. At least with Aulani I can move the ressie or cancel without penatly. Once I deposit into RCI..they are there.

Originally Posted by FauntleroyFAN07

nothing like a nice relaxing beach afternoon, and a cold adult drink to boot...

What more does anyone really need?

Originally Posted by FauntleroyFAN07

enjoyed the photo tour of the afternoon and the relaxing.

Thanks, I wish I was there now!

Originally Posted by glennbo123

Yay for Kendall!

Yes, very exciting times for her

Originally Posted by glennbo123

Ooo, I hope your Aulani plans work out. Very nice to have "a few extra points laying around" that you need to do something with!

Me too. It is more of a wish than a true plan at the moment but I'm working on it! The extra point thing is kind of a fun story all on it's own, which I will share at some point. A bonus prize if you will.

Originally Posted by glennbo123

What a great afternoon you had at the beach. It sure does look a lot different than the sand and surf that we got there just a few weeks before you. Disney must've had time to clear all of the seaweed away.

I'd hope in the month or so between our trips that they would. LOL! It does look a lot different though that is for sure. Mother nature is fascinating. It was a spectacular afternoon.

Originally Posted by glennbo123

Dang, if I'd have thought about it, I could've left you some grafitti in the sand.

Wouldn't that have been cool? Oh man, we could have all coordinated something (though I don't know that anyone went after me)

[DisMomAmy]

Caught up again! Looks like you are enjoying a fun resort day. Yay for Eric making it through the whole bike ride!! Alex has been riding his bike almost every weekend so I think we've made it over the hump. He'd learned last year in the fall but lost his confidence over the winter. Hopefully that doesn't happen this year.

I'm so sorry to hear about all of the people in your life facing health issues. I'm glad you feel comfortable to share here - don't feel guilty about it, that's what we are all here for! Well... and to read about your Disney trips.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by DisMomAmy

Caught up again! Looks like you are enjoying a fun resort day. Yay for Eric making it through the whole bike ride!! Alex has been riding his bike almost every weekend so I think we've made it over the hump. He'd learned last year in the fall but lost his confidence over the winter. Hopefully that doesn't happen this year.

I hope it doesn't happen with Eric either. Part of his problem is that he needs a new bike! Which won't happen till spring I don't think. Looking for a decent used one in his size is not easy but I can't stand the idea of paying full price for something they will outgrow.

Originally Posted by DisMomAmy

I'm so sorry to hear about all of the people in your life facing health issues. I'm glad you feel comfortable to share here - don't feel guilty about it, that's what we are all here for! Well... and to read about your Disney trips.

Thanks Amy

[englishrose47]

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

When I read that you were planning a DVC trip for May I started to wonder whether you might end up at WDW at the same time as me.... But then it is Aulani!!! But I does indeed sound like you are going to have a fantastic break!

Are you still considering a Disney Cruise ????