Thursday, June 10, 2010

Getting Ready For Our Big Trip!

Okay, it's probably been about 4 years since we've taken a real vacation and this will be our first one on a plane with both girls (Ainsley went once when she was 6 months so technically this is her first time since she doesn't remember it:)). Where are we going you ask??

Maybe this will give you a clue...



We're going to Disney World!! In just 2 days! I don't feel ready at all but Ainsley has her bag as well as Harper's packed! She cracks me up because she put all their clothes in their little Land's End bags that we take when we go on car trips and she put all their shoes (we have girls so we take several shoes you know:)) in the plastic grocery bag like I always do (that's just how I do it) and was ready to go. I told her we don't take those kind of bags on planes. She said "then what do we use mommy?" I told her a suitcase and her eyes got real big, she's so excited to use a suitcase like daddy does when he goes on business trips-LOL. My children don't get out much I guess.

Anyways, here's some of the things we'll be taking with us for our trip...
First up are these shoes! I don't know if Crocs are dorky for women but I recently got these while getting the girls some and they are so cute and comfortable {at least I think they are}! They are navy blue with red and I love the nautical look right now. So I'll be taking these along with my running shoes of course for all the walking we'll be doing.
I got them at Dick's Sporting Goods and they have really cute, new styles for girls and boys.
Next up are outfits for the kids! I figure this may be the last year I can get them all to wear coordinating things because we probably won't be going back until Bennett is older. Now, you'll notice the little onesie for Bennett, well, we were planning on taking him but my parents offered to watch him for the week so I will miss him TERRIBLY but I think since he's a baby it may be best with the heat and the fact that he won't remember it and I think it will be nice to have some one on one time with our girls. So I'm making my mom promise to take pictures of Bennett in his outfits while we're gone-get that mom?;) Oh and I'll probably call at least 3 times a day to check on him-I've never left him over night and a week is a long time!!!

Here's more. This was Ainsley idea to hang them on the fence by the flowers-I'm always taking pictures of my clothes I sell for Lil' Sis Designs and she's catching on to how they should be displayed- so cute. I don't offer these on my etsy site but if you have a trip planned for Disney and would like some cute outfits email me at lilsisdesigns@gmail.com!
I wanted something for the girls that was small enough to carry on the plan and put their toys, coloring books, snacks etc. in. I got these at Hobby Lobby and let the girls pick out their fabric for their initial once we got home. We got these before we knew Bennett wouldn't be coming and I realize he can't carry a backpack but Ainsley does not like to leave Bennett out so as soon as she saw the blue one she gave it to me and said "For Bennett". So he's got a little backpack now too:)

I've gotten some really great tips from friends about where to stay, where to eat, what shows to see, what character dinners to do, what to pack, etc. so thanks to you all for all your help!! Any last minute tips from you Disney pros out there would be appreciated though too!

21 comments:

  1. Take or rent the double stroller at the park! Last year we went with friends who also have 4 kids and we had 3 double strollers and the mommas carried the babies at the end of the day. The kids (even the 7 year olds) were just too hot and tired at the end of the day and it is totally worth it!

    If you bring a cup/lid/straw, they will give you free ice, just about anywhere in the park and it melts really fast and it great for the kids to have.

    We always sit behind the castle kind of near the tea cups because you can see the fireworks from the castle and the water behind and it is so less crowded. (but maybe this first time they want to see it from the front). Just be aware that people start lining up for the parade and fireworks HOURS in advance.

    Have a great time!!!

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  2. I hope you have a great trip!! Looking forward to seeing all of your pictures when you get back.

    I LOVE the disney outfits that you made - you are so talented!

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  3. How wonderful that you can get away and yes....Bennett will be just fine. Your girls will love the one one one. My hint for you would be to head back to your hotel around lunch and give the girls lunch and a rest/nap . Then when you head back they will be able to last the rest of the day and on into the night. Also the food is very expensive in the parks and they won't allow you to take your own food into the parks ( at least they didn't when we were there) but most of all HAVE FUN~!

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  4. Have a great trip. We went in December and left William, I was sad but well worth it looking back. We never could have done it all with him. We did not stop all day...he would have been miserable plus the girls got lots of time with mommie and daddy.

    love the story about the shoes. we are the same way. you can only imagine how many shoes we bring with 3 girls and myself. John usually shakes his head at my suitcase of just shoes ,lol

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  5. Those outfits are too cute! I'm sure in a few years they will refuse to dress alike so I say take full advantage of it while you can!

    Have a great time and enjoy your one on one time with the girls!

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  6. I can not wait to see all of the pictures from the trip! I get teary eyed seeing little kids get so happy in disney (yep, I'm THAT emotional...lol). I hope you have a great time!!

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  7. Have a great trip. Love the clothes, too cute. We went last July and Aidan & Alayna both enjoyed it!

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  8. Oh my gosh those clothes and bags are adorable! Have a blast!

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  9. Oh, you are so making me miss home...I am from the great land of Mickey Mouse! I have been to Disney World so many times...but it just never looses it's magic. I totally agree with your decision not to bring Bennett...there isn't really anything for a 1 year old to do at all and it will be far too hot for him. Cherish this time with your girls...they are going to love, love, love it! Make sure you stay at the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks show, it will be a late night for the girls, but it is AMAZING! Oh, I miss home!!! BTW I love the kid's bags...will you be adding those to your shop?

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  10. How cute are those outfits? You are AMAZING, Adrienne!!! Love them. I will probably hit you up next summer!! That's when we plan to go again next!! I am sure you will have a wonderful time with the girls:) And I am sure that Bennett will be fine (and i am sure he will be doing BETTER than you). LOL!!! Aren't grandparents just GRAND??!!!

    Having been to Disney numerous times both before and after kids, I would have to say, just take your time and really enjoy seeing things through your daughters eyes. Disney is huge and always growing, you probably won't see everything anyway. Don't rush, just really enjoy it. It WILL be the SMALL stuff that are going to make the BEST memories:) The excitement in their eyes WILL be priceless!!

    ENJOY!! Safe travels......looking forward to the pics!!!

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  11. I am currently living in the land of Mickey Mouse...well, sort of. We are just an hour away. Definitely pack cool clothing. They are predicting really warm days for the next week down here. If you get tired of the parks, just come on over to the beaches. It is just an hour east of Orlando and we don't have to worry about oil spills here (yet). If you decide to head to the beaches, call me. It would be fun to meet you and your family. 321-426-4071

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  12. So excited for you. I haven't left Max overnight, either (except at the hospital!). Your girls are going to have soooo much fun, and will look stunning in their outfits!
    P.S. if you expect it to be busy and don't want to wait in lines, you may want to check out http://www.ridemax.com/ - we used it for Disney Land. It schedules your rides for less wait times.
    Have fun!

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  13. oohhhhh have fun fun FUN!! OK so I'm throwing in my 2-cents worth, alright? Not only did I live in O-town for years, I WORKED AT DISNEYWORLD, GIRL! Not to mention have taken the kids there a few times over the last 2-3 years so here goes; my biggest and best piece of advice is this; on the day(s) that you are going to a park....sleep in. Don't get all crazy and wake up early and get to the gates at the crack; it's not worth it. sleep in. eat breakfast, lounge at the pool and let the girls swim. Heck, wherever you stay is going to have such an awesome pool they're going to think they've arrived at the Magic Kingdom already! eat lunch, nap. seriously. THEN go to the park. It's freaking expensive to get in there, and I've seen hundreds of tired, crabby and cranky kids getting hauled back to their rooms by 3pm! The parks are better at night! And they are open so late. Try not to let the anxiety of not being at the park from sunup to sundown make you nuts. Believe me your girls are so young that even if you get to the park at say....2PM and the park closes at midnight or 1AM seriously...that's over 10 HOURS WALKING OR IN A STROLLER YIKES!!! You'll be happy you rested! And in the afternoon, go see all of the "timed" shows where it's cooler in the pavilions and you don't have to wait in lines...don't wait in lines for rides until after dinner when the park starts to clear out because all the crazy moms who got up at the crack are ready to go balistic. Secondary advice you ask? ok.....well if you insist.....go to the Magic Kingdom and forget the rest until they're older-esp EPCOT-and save your money. Everywhere you go will be delightful and wonderful and they'll never be able to take it all in....and you'll be a crazy person if you try to do all the parks everyday whew I get tired just thinking about it! Lastly....like Tracy said.....HEAD TO THE BEACH FOR THE DAY! Go to Clearwater and hang there for free! HAVE FUN I'M SO JEALOUS! (And you're making the right call with Bennett....I promise!!)
    I also agree about the bags....so CUTE! You have to sell those!!!

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  14. Have fun!! The outfits are all adorable, that's for sure! I don't have any advice, since I've never been to Disney World, but I'm sure you'll have a blast! Can't wait for pictures!

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  15. go to tourguidemike.com and let him plan your ride schedule! We are militant about getting up and to the parks before arrival (and leaving for a few hours for a nap), but I PROMISE you will thank me when you return! Just print out the pages with small kids and read them on the plane and make "cliff notes" for the park. Fastpass everything you can. Parker went with us last Sept and was a sport at 4months, but if we go back in Sept again he will stay with Grandma. Email me if you want restaurant tips and you have several more years for coordinated outfits, LOL, my big boys (and my Mom and I) wore Mickey shirts that matched the girls. We were a HIT everywhere we went with the outfits!!! We love MK and AK best. Epcot can wait until girls are older, HS is fun to see (and Mickey's Playhouse is there) Fantasmic but may be a bit scary for the girls at their ages. Do you have reservations for Bibbity Boppity Bootique for the girls? A must do as is CRT and some other character meals depending on what they like. Rent the boat for fireworks that leaves from the COntemporary, BEST view of FW. have a blast!

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  16. Your outfits are absolutely adorable...and the bags are too! Have a wonderful time, and enjoy time with your girls! Bennett will be in great hands, it sounds like! HAVE FUN!

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  17. I can't wait to see your photos of Walt Disney World!! We just came back from WDW & it was so much fun. Make sure you where very comfortable shoes because there is so much walking. The lines can be long but take advantage of the fast passes. My favorite ride was Soran in Epcot. Test track, the Epcot ball, the Norway ride, Mexico, the land and so much more in Epcot to see. Magic kingdom is great for the kids. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  18. Wow!! Love the outfits and bags, and BTW, can Ainsley come over and stage my stuff???

    Have a GREAT time!!

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  19. You are so cute. I love all of their outfits. I worked at WDW and I STILL love it. It's awesome. Have fun with the girls

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  20. I hope you have so much fun! :) I got those those same Crocs in black (I agree, they are very cute!) but wore my tennis shoes everyday! It is so hot, but well worth it! The kids were in awe! :) Have a wonderful time! :)

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