travel | The Angel Forever

Category Archives travel

Magical vacation memories

Posted on May 8, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Timing really is everything. Today a package arrived with two pairs of Mickey Mouse ears for the boys. I happened to win a giveaway from MousekeTIPS, the vidcast for Destinations in Florida. Their first weeks giveaway was for a Walt Disney World package that included Mickey Mouse ears, a Pirate Donald stuffed friend and a surprise. Guess what we did when we saw the Mouse Ears? Here is a clue:

Of course, we all took turns. . . even the kids at heart!

Can you tell we are basically ready for Disney World?

So my questions for this week are inspired by our upcoming trip:

What was the most magical vacation that you have been on? Have you ever been to Walt Disney World? If you have, what was your favorite experience.

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the Mr. Linky there if you are participating.

Aloha #47

Categories:
Aloha Friday brothers Disney fun jl jsl laughs nhl photos travel vacation

Shoe shopping x 4

Posted on May 4, 2009 8:38 am by TheAngelForever

While in the middle of three giant loads of laundry and packing it as everything was dried, I suddenly remembered something. We never went shoe shopping this weekend. Sure we each had a pair of sneakers to take along on our Disney World trip, but that was about it for hubby and me. Nothing else really qualified as a comfortable walking shoe.

So, I left the laundry behind to be finished later and we went to the mall. Our first stop was to Pay Less Shoes to get some new sneakers for the boys. Each of them got a new pair of velcro Smart Fit shoes for quick and easy on and off. Next, we tried the LLBean store where JL and I tried on some Keens. They did not have the right size for JL in the ones he liked. When I tried mine on I seemed to be right in the middle of a size and was not spending SO much money on something that was not quite right. After that we tried another shoe store in the mall. I tried on a pair of Teva per my father’s suggestion. Both of my parents have owned them, along with countless friends over the years. I put them on and oh my were they comfortable. Of course, I did not want to rush into things. I waited for JL to try on a pair of sandals and then we went to a department store that had a big shoe sale.

For some reason said store did not have many shoes for women. Everything was dressy, but not casual and comfortable for walking. JL quickly found a bunch of shoes to try on. He even tried on Crocs that he liked a lot. In the end he picked out a pair of sandals that were closesd toed and very different than anything he has ever had.

When we were done there I went back to the shoe store and bit the bullet. I finally bought myself my own pair of Teva shoes. Here they are:

Last night I put them on for a power walk to help break them in. I walked for 38 minutes while watching Pushing Daisies on the DVR. In 38 minutes I walked 4,065 steps. Love my new pedometer and the Teva shoes were VERY comfortable! Here is a view of all of the shoes that we bought while shopping yesterday:

When all was said and done we had accomplished our mission. In fact, this weekend we managed to get a lot done. Almost all of our clothes for Disney World are washed and packed, shoes bought, haircuts for all of us (yes I had mine significantly chopped), traveler’s checks purchased, lists made and brain working at warp speed!

Categories:
decisions Disney photos shopping travel weekend

Laundry and packing galore

Posted on May 3, 2009 6:47 pm by TheAngelForever

This weekend we ran a lot of errands and managed to start packing. Not only did we make lists of items that we need to pack for each of us, but we also began a list of what we hope to see at each of the Disney World parks.

Today, I started the day off by tossing in three monster loads of laundry. It was time to get all of the t-shirts and shorts ready to go. JL helped me to open up our new luggage (early anniversary present from my parents) and I directly deposited items neatly in them. So far, I have almost all of the clothing for the boys in one, and the pile is quickly growing with JL and my items. I figure we will have one suitcase for the boys, one for us, one that will have swim gear/shoes/toiletries, and a last one with diapers/wipes/snacks.

Of course we will need a few carry-on bags. The boys will each a small backpack with their entertainment items like the Travel Aqua Doodles seen here with NHL:

Then we will need a diaper bag for JSL and one other bag with spare clothing and emergency items.

So many things to remember and one brain buzzing a mile a minute! On that note, I am off to work on more laundry and packing. We went out to get more comfy walking shoes and the laundry did not finish itself.

Categories:
Disney losing my mind nhl photos shopping travel weekend

Pre-Disney travel stress

Posted on April 30, 2009 8:15 am by TheAngelForever

We head to Disney World very soon and there is a ton that need to get done. Lists need to be made and items need to be bought and packed. If I sat and really thought about it long enough I think my head would start to spin.

Can you tell a big family vacation is new to this mommy of almost 6 years?

Seriously, I know I just need to sit down with JL and we have to make a "game plan" of sorts. The lists of items to pack has to be done. From there, we will determine whether we have all of said items. Then I have to get my rear in gear and pack things. Thank goodness we are going on an airline that still allows two checked pieces of luggage per passenger. That means IF we wanted we could haul eight suitcases stuffed with things. Of course, that is not my plan. I would like to stay with 4 or under. Please realize that one of them will likely be filled with diapers, wipes and breakfast supplies/snacks. The great part of that is it will be ready to load up with items we take home from Disney.

I must admit that our Vice President, Joe Biden, did not help matters this morning when he went on the Today Show and basically said he would not advise his family to travel by plane anywhere these days. Thanks Joe!

*shaking head*

I can not wait to see the damage control that comes out of the White House on that one.

Seriously, Swine Flu is in the back of my mind since we are traveling to a place that packs in a ton of people, including many international visitors from Mexico. Of course, I worry more these days about JSL and another ear infection on our trip since it will be a little over a week after he is done with his antibiotic. I won’t even mention my fear of bedbugs at hotels since those are raging out of control all over the country.

So, for those of you that have traveled with kids a lot. . . how do you stay settled and make sure you pack everything that you need? Any words of wisdom and thoughts on items that are a must to take for the vacation, or to entertain the kids on the airplane, would be greatly appreciated.

Now I am off to think about the fun we will have exploring Disney World with the boys for the first time.

Categories:
Disney jl losing my mind photos real world news travel vacation

Weekend away and pool time

Posted on March 16, 2009 1:20 pm by TheAngelForever

When JL made the reservation at the hotel for the weekend, having a pool was a huge perk. One of the hotels had it closed for a function for the evening thanks to a party. We quickly said no to that hotel thanks to that and no free breakfast.

After going to the outlets on the way to the hotel (great deals on clothing and shoes for the kids), heading to an important store that is not close to home, and meeting my sister-in-law and her family for dinner we opted not to go in the pool Saturday. We figured the kids would be more fresh and enjoy it Sunday morning after a quick breakfast. What I fail to mention was the stress of getting lost twice after we arrived at our destination. Google Maps said the one store was on the left, nope on the right. We managed to quickly find our location. Going home from the mall at night was not the same. A 12 minute ride took us over 45 very stressful minutes. When we arrived back at our room after 9:00 I was already in a mood. The noise issues going to 2:00 in the morning did not help.

The morning brought a new day and we were hoping to have some fun in the pool. I opted not to swim and take photos. This was partially thanks to my electric razor dying and needing a new part. Nol retailers locally feel the need to sell said items for women, and only do for men. *sigh* If you know of any online that sell the foil guard and blades please let me know.

NHL was told that he could not go in the pool right away. His behavior at breakfast left a lot to be desired. So he sat on the side looking around. He was not happy about it, but he sat patiently hoping that we would let him into the pool.

JL tried to take JSL into the water. When he put his little toes into the water the result was this:

Note that rather large tear in his eyes. He was not happy and wanted nothing to do with the COLD water! I grabbed JSL, put him onto the sidelines and we allowed NHL to go into the water. JSL was really tired and happy to sit and watch. Plus he liked getting down to look at his Jibbitz.

Meanwhile NHL adjusted to the cold water and had a blast with Daddy.

NHL played in the pool for 45 minutes or so. Then it was time for all of us to head back to the room to shower, get dressed and pack our things up. We had a double birthday party to head to. The pool time fun for NHL was well worth the money. Now if only the black mold in the shower had not ruined things so quickly (JL did not notice it, but to me it was hard to miss). I guess that should have been a sign that things were going to continue to go downhill.