Ohhhh boy~ here we go again! Anderson/VanDamme Vegas/California road trip vacation!

[mommaU4]

Thank you!! That's very helpful. We'll probably check it out.

Do you have any suggestions on any good BEACHES to check out.

Unfortunately someone else will have to help you out with the beach advice. Despite growing up in CA. I was never a fan of the beaches. I hate salt water and I prefer the rocky, cliffs of Northern CA to the sandy beaches of Southern CA.

But I'm sure you'll find some place nice.

 

[reyasmommy]

ONLY 56 MORE Days to go!!!!

Okay, so now it's time to start some more serious planning!!! YAY!! I LOVE this part, it keeps me busy and I don't have to think about my stupid diet when I'm busy.

List of things I need to do before our trip

1. Find Dog Sitter
* Usual dog sitter will be in florida at the time.

2. Get a tune-up on van

3. Come up with the rest of the money for trip.
* Waiting for our stupid insurance refund check, was supposed to be here on thursday.

4. Loose at least another 20lbs
* Down a total of 33 so far! YAY ME!!

5. ((if #4 is accomplised)) Get a pedicure/manicure/hair cut as a reward

6. Buy some new clothes! Because HECK! I'm going to be over 50lbs lighter.

7. Buy the kids some Disney stuff. ((toys, books, etc. etc.)) as a "gift" from Mickey when we arrive to the hotel.

8. Buy some Disney Clothing for Me, DH, and DD

9. Load up the Ipod with new songs and Last 2 Harry Potter Books.

I'm sure there is a bunch more, but that's all I can think of right now.

 

[reyasmommy]

Unfortunately someone else will have to help you out with the beach advice. Despite growing up in CA. I was never a fan of the beaches. I hate salt water and I prefer the rocky, cliffs of Northern CA to the sandy beaches of Southern CA.

But I'm sure you'll find some place nice.

That's okay, thanks anyway.

Mentioned the Seaport village place to my SIL and she's excited about it, so think we'll hit up that place sometime during the trip. THANK YOU.

 

[Keyana]

Enjoying your report, looking forward to your pictures, I am headed to DL in December with my two youngest children (5 and 6) and my parents. My older kids (17 and 14) don't feel they can miss school so dh is staying home with them.

Looking forward to hearing about your trip as I plan for ours.

 

[mommaU4]

ONLY 56 MORE Days to go!!!!

Okay, so now it's time to start some more serious planning!!! YAY!! I LOVE this part, it keeps me busy and I don't have to think about my stupid diet when I'm busy.

4. Lose at least another 20lbs
* Down a total of 33 so far! YAY ME!!

5. ((if #4 is accomplised)) Get a pedicure/manicure/hair cut as a reward

6. Buy some new clothes! Because HECK! I'm going to be over 50lbs lighter.

7. Buy the kids some Disney stuff. ((toys, books, etc. etc.)) as a "gift" from Mickey when we arrive to the hotel.

I just noticed the 30 lb banner in your sig!!! That is awesome! Way to go!!!!!! In your pic, you look fantastic. I bet you feel great too.


Not to take your TR off topic, but I know how hard it is to diet. I'm doing that right now too. I've lost 25 lbs so far but still have a long ways to go. Anyway, we just recently formed a group on the DIS WISH of Disneyland lovin ladies who are either trying to lose weight or just get in shape. If that's something you'd be interested in, you are more then welcome to join us. It's just a place to track your progress and get some support.
Here is the link if you want to check it out:
Disneyland Divas Working Out and Getting Healthy

Also, just as an FYI, if you or even you and your SIL, have ever thought about a Girls Only Disneyland get away, we have a thread on the DL board planning just that. This will be our second annual trip. The first one was in April and it went great. There are some pics on there too if you want to see how it went. You could even invite your dad's fiance to join you if she's a Disney fan. LOL

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there. I know we all love going to DL with our kids. Nothing can be more special then that, but it's just such a different kind of fun to be there hanging out with some friends and actually eating a meal in peace! We've got an even bigger group signed up for the next one, almost 50 ladies. Several are joining for the first time too.
Here's a link if you get curious and you can always PM me if you have any questions:
Girls Only Disneyland Trip 2009

Ok, sorry bout that! Back to your list. I think even if #4 isn't accomplished (which I'm sure it will be!) you should still treat yourself to #5 and #6. You've already done great and deserve a treat!!

As for #7, that's a great idea! We did that one year. Do you have a Dollar Store? Or a 99 Cent store? They have great fun and cheap Disney things you could use. Also a box of Princess fruit snacks or Mickey fruit snacks is fun to put in there too and useful as a snack to take into the parks.

That's okay, thanks anyway.

Mentioned the Seaport village place to my SIL and she's excited about it, so think we'll hit up that place sometime during the trip. THANK YOU.

No problem. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

 

[reyasmommy]

Enjoying your report, looking forward to your pictures, I am headed to DL in December with my two youngest children (5 and 6) and my parents. My older kids (17 and 14) don't feel they can miss school so dh is staying home with them.

Looking forward to hearing about your trip as I plan for ours.

Thank you for reading !!!

That sucks your older kids and DH won't be able to make it.

But HEY, that's a lot of money saved! Hope you have a good time.

 

[reyasmommy]

I just noticed the 30 lb banner in your sig!!! That is awesome! Way to go!!!!!! In your pic, you look fantastic. I bet you feel great too.


Not to take your TR off topic, but I know how hard it is to diet. I'm doing that right now too. I've lost 25 lbs so far but still have a long ways to go. Anyway, we just recently formed a group on the DIS WISH of Disneyland lovin ladies who are either trying to lose weight or just get in shape. If that's something you'd be interested in, you are more then welcome to join us. It's just a place to track your progress and get some support.
Here is the link if you want to check it out:
Disneyland Divas Working Out and Getting Healthy

Also, just as an FYI, if you or even you and your SIL, have ever thought about a Girls Only Disneyland get away, we have a thread on the DL board planning just that. This will be our second annual trip. The first one was in April and it went great. There are some pics on there too if you want to see how it went. You could even invite your dad's fiance to join you if she's a Disney fan. LOL

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there. I know we all love going to DL with our kids. Nothing can more special then that, but it's just such a different kind of fun to be there hanging out with some friends and actually eating a meal in peace! We've got an even bigger group signed up for the next one, almost 50 ladies. Several are joining for the first time too.
Here's a link if you get curious and you can always PM me if you have any questions:
Girls Only Disneyland Trip 2009

Ok, sorry bout that! Back to your list. I think even if #4 isn't accomplished (which I'm sure it will be!) you should still treat yourself to #5 and #6. You've already done great and deserve a treat!!

As for #7, that's a great idea! We did that one year. Do you have a Dollar Store? Or a 99 Cent store? They have great fun and cheap things you could use. Also a box of Princess fruit snacks or Mickey fruit snacks is fun to put in there too and useful as a snack to take into the parks.



No problem. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

Thank you! I have a ways to go, but it is nice to be 33 lbs lighter, that is for sure. Congrats to you as well for loosing 25lbs.

Thank you for that support thread, I'm so excited to go over there and check it out. What a freakin' AWESOME idea.

I wish I could take and "adults only vacation" sounds amazingly fun. But ALAS I cannot. This will be our last Disney Vacation for awhile because we are going to start trying for baby # 2 right after we get back from DL.

You have been soooooo helpful in my Disney planning, and I thank you for that. I will definately need to check out my local dollar store for mickey gifts. I'm so excited to do so.

 

[reyasmommy]

Day 1 ~ September 21st

3:30 am - Wake up
4:30 am - Pack up car
4:45 am - Wake up Reya
5:00 am - Hit the Road
7:00 am - Stop for breakfast somewhere. Hoping to run into an IHOP.

We have a VERY long drive ahead of us this day. Approximately a 647 mile and 9 1/2 hour drive.

I LOVE to drive. I will most likely drive the entire trip all by myself, while my husband just relaxes. He usually asks me if I want a break here and there but I always refuse because I love it so much. ((Yes, I know I'm insane)) But I enjoy seeing all the different landscapes and scenery the open road has to offer. DH usually sleeps or sits in the back with DD to watch dvds. This will be our 4th road trip as a family since my DD was born in 2006. She is such a GREAT traveler, I'm thinking it helps that I have Sponge Bob or Disney cartoons running continuously.

This is a picture of my DH and DD on our 2nd road trip. This is pretty much what they do the entire drive. SLEEP/EAT/WATCH TV.

We just bought a 2008 Nissan Quest with a built in Dvd Player. It's the perfect cross country vehicle. It's got tons of space for all our luggage and my husbands long legs. He can stretch out and enjoy the ride.

** We will probably stop for lunch somewhere in Utah. Everytime I drive threw I like to stop at a WINGERS, they have the best bad for you food and wings. ...... Mmmmmmm. ((I'm so hungry))

5:30 PM - Should be arriving at our Hotel in St. George Utah

Staying at the La Quinta inn ~ Got a good price with my AAA

I chose this hotel because it's Brand Spanking new, has pillow top mattresses, microwave, and a Free HOT breakfast. ((can't beat free))

* After check in we will probably head down to the pool to relax and cool off.

* We will probably go pick up some dinner and bring it back to the room, or order pizza from some place called "Hungry Howie's Pizza" . Looks yummy! We don't have any of these in Colorado, but I was checking out the menu and I'm excited to try it. ((Has anyone else eaten here?))

* Then it will be off to bed! We will have another long drive tomorrow.

~~ Sorry, if I'm so detailed, but it's the way I am! Everything is usually planned down to the minute. My husand and SIL, think I'm crazy!

MORE LATER!!

 

[reyasmommy]

I promised I would share some pictures of my past trips. I will add more throughout my trip planning....

These first pictures were taken on our Grand Canyon/San Diego/ Disney Land trip back in 2006. DD was 6 months old at the time. ENJOY!!

I LOVE THIS PICTURE ...... It was of my DD enjoying her first comfy hotel bed! I hated waking her up. She looks so peaceful.

GRAND CANYON!!! AMAZING!!

DH

Watch Tower at the Grand Canyon!

More later!

 

[mommaU4]

I wish I could take and "adults only vacation" sounds amazingly fun. But ALAS I cannot. This will be our last Disney Vacation for awhile because we are going to start trying for baby # 2 right after we get back from DL.

Ah I see. Well, I suppose that's as good a reason as any.

Day 1 ~ September 21st

7:00 am - Stop for breakfast somewhere. Hoping to run into an IHOP.

I LOVE to drive. I will most likely drive the entire trip all by myself, while my husband just relaxes. He usually asks me if I want a break here and there but I always refuse because I love it so much. ((Yes, I know I'm insane)) But I enjoy seeing all the different landscapes and scenery the open road has to offer. DH usually sleeps or sits in the back with DD to watch dvds. This will be our 4th road trip as a family since my DD was born in 2006. She is such a GREAT traveler, I'm thinking it helps that I have Sponge Bob or Disney cartoons running continuously.


We just bought a 2008 Nissan Quest with a built in Dvd Player. It's the perfect cross country vehicle. It's got tons of space for all our luggage and my husbands long legs. He can stretch out and enjoy the ride.

Staying at the La Quinta inn ~ Got a good price with my AAA

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Mmmmm, IHOP. We love it there! That's one thing about vacations for me, as far as my diet is concerned, all bet's are off!! Our last vacation in June is proof of that. (the link to that TR is in my sig, lots of food porn, LOL)

I am the total opposite of you on the driving. I hate to drive. I'll take over if I have too. Meaning my DH is literally falling asleep, but other then that, he does it all.
Wait......how are you looking at all the scenery and landscaping if you are driving??? Kidding
Lucky you with the new car! I'm jealous! Our mini van is seriously on it's last legs. I might have to push it to DL in October.

That picture of your DH and DD sleeping is really great. Definitely a keeper.

The hotel looks nice. We drove through St. George on the way from MI to NV. and I remember it being a nice looking place.


I LOVE the pic of your DD sleeping as a baby. Aren't they just so angelic looking? I miss that age. Your DD actually looks alot like my DD Noelle did at that age. They grow up too fast.

The Grand Canyon pics are breathtaking! Really amazing.

 

[LVdisneyChick]

Day 1 ~ September 21st

3:30 am - Wake up
4:30 am - Pack up car
4:45 am - Wake up Reya
5:00 am - Hit the Road
7:00 am - Stop for breakfast somewhere. Hoping to run into an IHOP.

We have a VERY long drive ahead of us this day. Approximately a 647 mile and 9 1/2 hour drive.

I LOVE to drive. I will most likely drive the entire trip all by myself, while my husband just relaxes. He usually asks me if I want a break here and there but I always refuse because I love it so much. ((Yes, I know I'm insane)) But I enjoy seeing all the different landscapes and scenery the open road has to offer. DH usually sleeps or sits in the back with DD to watch dvds. This will be our 4th road trip as a family since my DD was born in 2006. She is such a GREAT traveler, I'm thinking it helps that I have Sponge Bob or Disney cartoons running continuously.

This is a picture of my DH and DD on our 2nd road trip. This is pretty much what they do the entire drive. SLEEP/EAT/WATCH TV.

We just bought a 2008 Nissan Quest with a built in Dvd Player. It's the perfect cross country vehicle. It's got tons of space for all our luggage and my husbands long legs. He can stretch out and enjoy the ride.

** We will probably stop for lunch somewhere in Utah. Everytime I drive threw I like to stop at a WINGERS, they have the best bad for you food and wings. ...... Mmmmmmm. ((I'm so hungry))

5:30 PM - Should be arriving at our Hotel in St. George Utah

Staying at the La Quinta inn ~ Got a good price with my AAA

I chose this hotel because it's Brand Spanking new, has pillow top mattresses, microwave, and a Free HOT breakfast. ((can't beat free))

* After check in we will probably head down to the pool to relax and cool off.

* We will probably go pick up some dinner and bring it back to the room, or order pizza from some place called "Hungry Howie's Pizza" . Looks yummy! We don't have any of these in Colorado, but I was checking out the menu and I'm excited to try it. ((Has anyone else eaten here?))

* Then it will be off to bed! We will have another long drive tomorrow.

~~ Sorry, if I'm so detailed, but it's the way I am! Everything is usually planned down to the minute. My husand and SIL, think I'm crazy!

MORE LATER!!

hungry howies is good. we have one here in vegas. they have different flaveored crust. my favorite is butter cheese. (butter and parmesian cheese) althought the garlic is tastey too

 

[travelmel]

Ohhh... I am loving your reports! Everything momma4u said about all your pictures, I second! I also love the one of your DH in front of the Grand Canyon.. he looks photoshoped in!

I just got back from a DL and SD 6 day trip and I have some stuff to share with you, if you like! I'm going to be getting to the SD part of my trip report pretty soon... just like You, I love to add pictures!

If you can spend the money on the park hoppers for the first two days at DL, I would. Because... at about 11:30am you want to leave DL for awhile. It gets REALLY, REALLY crowded even on "not crowded" days. DCA has so many nice "relaxing" type activities.. it's a good afternoon break. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for sharing everything!

 

[reyasmommy]

Ah I see. Well, I suppose that's as good a reason as any.


Mmmmm, IHOP. We love it there! That's one thing about vacations for me, as far as my diet is concerned, all bet's are off!! Our last vacation in June is proof of that. (the link to that TR is in my sig, lots of food porn, LOL)

I am the total opposite of you on the driving. I hate to drive. I'll take over if I have too. Meaning my DH is literally falling asleep, but other then that, he does it all.
Wait......how are you looking at all the scenery and landscaping if you are driving??? Kidding
Lucky you with the new car! I'm jealous! Our mini van is seriously on it's last legs. I might have to push it to DL in October.

That picture of your DH and DD sleeping is really great. Definitely a keeper.

The hotel looks nice. We drove through St. George on the way from MI to NV. and I remember it being a nice looking place.


I LOVE the pic of your DD sleeping as a baby. Aren't they just so angelic looking? I miss that age. Your DD actually looks alot like my DD Noelle did at that age. They grow up too fast.

The Grand Canyon pics are breathtaking! Really amazing.

OH YEAH!! My diet always goes right out the window when I'm on vacation. Luckily when your at Disney you do so much walking that it sorta evens out. I rarely come back from my Disney vacations weighing more then before I left.

We've stayed in St. George before on our trips to California, and it is a pretty nice little stop.

Thanks for the photo comments! I really do miss her being a baby sometimes, I can't wait for another one.

I bet you go to the Grand Canyon often, being that you live in Vegas? Yes?

 

[reyasmommy]

hungry howies is good. we have one here in vegas. they have different flaveored crust. my favorite is butter cheese. (butter and parmesian cheese) althought the garlic is tastey too

Oh GOOD! I'm totally going to check it out then. The different crust thing is what really caught my attention. We don't have anything cool like that out here.

So, it looks like we'll be ordering some pizza on our first night!! Yummmm!

 

[reyasmommy]

Ohhh... I am loving your reports! Everything momma4u said about all your pictures, I second! I also love the one of your DH in front of the Grand Canyon.. he looks photoshoped in!

I just got back from a DL and SD 6 day trip and I have some stuff to share with you, if you like! I'm going to be getting to the SD part of my trip report pretty soon... just like You, I love to add pictures!

If you can spend the money on the park hoppers for the first two days at DL, I would. Because... at about 11:30am you want to leave DL for awhile. It gets REALLY, REALLY crowded even on "not crowded" days. DCA has so many nice "relaxing" type activities.. it's a good afternoon break. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for sharing everything!

OH Yay!!! I'm glad your liking my trip report. I'll be sure to go check yours out.

And thank you for the lovely photo comments!

I would love to hear your suggestions for my upcoming trip, anything will help. Momma4u has been so helpful as well.

We're actually going to buy the Southern California Pass. It comes with a 3 day park hopper pass for Disney, Admisson to Universal Studios, Sea World, and your choice of The San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. Looks like a really great deal!

 

[MadiMouse]

Signing up! Your DD is precious!
Okay, let's continue with the planning!
We are taking our first trip to DLR Sept 6-12! Well, DH is from L.A. and grew up going to DL and I grew up going to WDW.
I will start a PTR within a week or so. I cannot wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[reyasmommy]

Signing up! Your DD is precious!
Okay, let's continue with the planning!
We are taking our first trip to DLR Sept 6-12! Well, DH is from L.A. and grew up going to DL and I grew up going to WDW.
I will start a PTR within a week or so. I cannot wait to hear more about your trip!

Thank you for reading, and I'm so glad that your enjoying it.

Hope you have a magical time and I'll be sure to check out your TR when you decide to start one.

Keep me posted.

 

[MadiMouse]

Thank you for reading, and I'm so glad that your enjoying it.

Hope you have a magical time and I'll be sure to check out your TR when you decide to start one.

Keep me posted.

I will let you know! Now, back to YOUR TR please!

 

[reyasmommy]

I will let you know! Now, back to YOUR TR please!

Okay, Okay, Okay ..... I'll TRY to post a "little" more tonight before I hit the hay.

 

[MadiMouse]

Okay, Okay, Okay ..... I'll TRY to post a "little" more tonight before I hit the hay.

Thank you! My southern belle personality is coming out!