49 days

What's left to do?

Our last trip, our first trip as a family, I was busy busy busy getting things ready. Things that we probably didn't need, but were fun, either way.

Now? What to do?

Our park tickets arrived, hotel reservations made, dining reservations, what parks/which days figured out, flight arranged, Magical Express is all set up...

I'm not going crazy with matching outfits this time - the boys did get one new shirt each. We've got Mickey hoodies that will fit them just fine. I'm not planning their clothes, really, until it's closer and I can see the weather forecast.

Last time, we did goody bags. Mickey, or one of his friends, would leave a little bag in the room for the boys to open in the morning. As if they needed something else to be excited about, but it was fun. I'm not doing that again. Mickey will send a package (new shirts and a countdown chain) after Christmas with a letter saying how excited he is we're coming back and maybe explaining that goodies are given every day only to those who are there for the first time. But, more importantly Mickey will let Quinn know that Emily will be joining us on this trip. That news, will have Quinn jumping up and down - I promise you.

So... no goody bags, no more t-shirts/shopping... hmmmm...

Walking Shoes

Three years ago I made a committment to walk about 32 miles in two days for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. During the training process for that it was highly recommended that I go to the Running Company in Naperville and have them find me a good pair of shoes for my feet and walking style. And so I did. And I loved it there - they looked at my old gym shoes for wear, watched me walk on a treadmill, looked at how my feet are when I stand, had me walk around and asked if there were any "hotspots" that I felt, taught me about lacing my shoes, and so much more. I walked out of there with a new pair of "running" shoes that felt so good to put on. I walked that charity walk and didn't get any blisters - I saw so many people at all the first aid stations treating some really nasty looking blisters. I remember when I was in that store I was very upfront with the fact that I do not run. And they were so friendly and said they get a lot of business from people doing charity walks or people going on vacations that will require lots of walking! ding! ding! ding!

This Saturday I had an entire "Me Day" planned - a massage, shopping at the Running Company, and then finally dinner with some friends. Mother Nature decided to make my "Me Day" a very rainy day, but regardless I accomplished all that I set out to. Sort of. After trying on about 7 different shoes and sizes and widths the lady at the Running Company and I decided that I needed basically the same shoe I walked in with (just the latest version). New Balance 768 - size 9.5, narrow. Except, they didn't have the narrow in stock and she really didn't want me to just take the regular, because, "look, see how tight I have the laces, and the shoes are still sliding back and forth." So - she said she'd order me a pair Monday morning. Tuesday morning I got a call from the Running Company and I couldn't believe my shoes were in. Well, they weren't. And they wouldn't be in in about a week as previously thought. Apparently the 768s are very popular and completely sold out - New Balance has some On A Ship. I was told my shoes would finally make it to the store no sooner than Oct. 8th. We leave Oct. 8th. I told the guy I might be coming in this weekend to find another pair that would work, but was so dissappointed. But then I searched online and ended up at Zappos - and found my shoes! And ordered one of the last three pairs left on there! God Bless the Internet - but now I have to call the store and tell them, thank you so much, but I won't be coming in to look for different shoes!

To Drive Or Not To Drive?

I've been wondering lately about how to get to the airport. The plan is that I'm going to take a half day of work, then come home and pack up the car, then Mike and I will go and get the kids from the sitter's house and head to the airport. But - how fun and exciting would it be for Quinn if we showed up with a Limo? AND - then we don't have to worry about parking and trying to figure out how to get our bags to the airport. OR - I could have Mike drop me and the boys and the bags at the curb and he can go park the car. AND - would I need a carseat for Liam in a limo? It seems like a limo or cab is not going to be the best way to go. I suppose the other option is to ask someone to drop us off, but I never really like asking people for favors. hmmm....decisions, decisions. And of course if I ask Mike he'll give me the standard, "I don't know."

It's In the Bag! (almost)

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Bagalinni Messanger Bag - to be use at Disney World - of course! Everyone over at the disboards highly recommends this bag for use in the parks. Amy went ahead and got hers weeks ago and tried it out - filling it with diapers, wipes, clipboards, and a few other items. I'm hoping I only have to use this and just leave some ziplock baggies of extra clothes in the bottom of the stroller! I've never even heard of Bagalinni bags before, but apparently they're pretty good. And my internet "twin" Sue wasn't too surprised to learn I ordered orange - because she has the same bag/same color! Of course! She also offered to loan me her carryon Bagalinni - I just might take her up on the offer after I check out what kind of bags we have in the basement for that purpose.