Jen's Mental Scribblings

I left home last Sunday with a fully packed van and four kids. And a dog. The dog got left with mom.

The ride to Reno was uneventful. We checked into Circus Circus with no problems. We were disappointed to find the buffet closed, so we ate at their in-house diner. The kids had hamburgers.

We got up early and started the drive to Salt Lake. I was warned by several people that there's not much to see between the two. I found them wrong. Gently rolling hills, little valleys, rivers, trains, livestock and gorgeous colors of vegetation! I was really impressed by the abrupt change in the landscape between Nevada and Utah. You knew immediately you were someplace different.

We spent two nights in Salt Lake visiting one of my friends. We went to This is the Place Heritage Park in the morning. The kids really enjoyed it. Its a living history park and the houses are either historic buildings moved to this area or are recreations. I liked how they showed both the homes of poor people and those who were better off. Ike was fascinated by the blacksmith. We also got to see the live version of "gotta piss like a horse" I've never seen that before and the kids were impressed. We spent the afternoon down in Temple Square. The history museum was interesting and the visitors center was fascinating. Then we walked around the temple. There are two sets of impressive doors that haven't been used in ages. If temple-goers want to go in, the entrance is a street away and you go underground. I shudder to think about how they would get everyone out case of fire. The other thing about the Temple that struck me is it's size. Or rather lack thereof. Now. It's tall. It's gloriously tall and impressive. However, the footprint is quite small. I think my Mom's parish church has a bigger footprint. I was expecting something like a Roman Catholic Cathedral size. It's not. I was told they spent 40 years building it. For some reason, I wasn't too impressed. They've been working on the Gaudi Cathedral for over 100 (131 so far with another estimated 13 to go (a couple of wars halted construction, go figure)). Gray decided that he was going to get sick that afternoon and spent the afternoon in my arms. Sleeping. He also decided to pop a pretty good fever that night. But he woke up the next morning bright and chipper.

We spent the 28th driving to Jackson, WY. I got to see wheat fields for the first time ever! Cool. I tried not to breathe too deeply. Pretty drive. I found a road allanh s husband Randy needs to drive. Not only did it have the joy of curves and ups and downs...you got to dodge livestock! It was an uneventful drive. Jackson is gorgeous! We definitely want to go back. We only spent this one night and there's so much to do! Gray decided to get really sick on this night and we were up from about 1:30-4:30 with him alternatively vomiting and extreme EBS. Poor thing. I left a huge tip for the housekeeping crew, he threw up all over the bed several times (after Ike woke us up at 6).

We got up and went to this alpine slide I read about. It was awesome!!! First time I've ever ridden a ski lift. Then we hit the road. Drove through the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Amazing thunder storm overhead as we entered Yellowstone park, and then we crested a hill, and the storm was gone. Blue skies and warm sunshine. Had to convince the children to stick around long enough to see Old Faithful. I had to bribe them with ice cream. Wow. Just wow. Drove out of the park to our next hotel. Gray was miserable by this point and needed to go to bed. Ended up seeing a bison just wandering down the road in the opposite lane before we got out of the park. Yes! Only wildlife we saw in the park. Got to the next hotel and put everyone to bed.

On the 30th we drove to Missoula, MT. There's all these little signs on the side of the road telling you interesting things to see. I stopped at one called the "Lake that Tilted". It kinda caught my attention. Serious earthquake in 1959 literally tilted the lake and created another billion gallons of storage area. It also dumped 80 million tons of rock on the north end and drowned a campground. The mountain damage is obvious and you drive ON TOP of the fallen rock. It was kinda eerie, but also fascinating. Got to the hotel in Missoula.

Everybody felt great the next day on the 31. Joe was flying in and we had time to kill. We had breakfast and then I started to feel awful. So did Ike. I finally got us out of the room and into the car and stopped at the Carousel for Missoula. There's a dragon for the kids to ride!!! Ike was sufficiently sick, he stayed in the car to sleep. The other three rode it twice. Then we hit the road for Kalispell and Joe. The drive was nice, but I was feeling too awful to really notice anything. I got to Joe an hour late. =( But we got to the next hotel and I went to bed while Joe took care of the 3 non sick kids.

This morning we got up and moving and checked out from the hotel with like 5 minutes to spare. We stopped at a local grocery store for food for a couple of days and made it to the house we are staying at. It's gorgeous. On a lake. The kids played. And passed out.

Never again. Never, ever, with children again.

Too many people, not nearly enough vendors selling food or drink. Of the approx 30 competition teams less than half (closer to 1/3 or 1/4) were selling food. Lines averaged 45 minutes. Prices good. Not enough for the kids. Plenty of bathrooms.

Thank god it wasn't obscenely hot. There was a nice breeze that kept it nice,but still. Not going to that ever again.

We stopped at Mickey D's for ice cream and water afterwards...and then a stop at our favorite BBQ joint for food. Joe and I are hungry.

Joe has been on vacation this last week, and its been fabulous! We hung out, went out to lunch without kids a couple of times, we got naked a few times, cleaned the garage, had an excellent trip to the Beach Boardwalk (no lines, beautiful day, must remember the Tuesday before labor day is an excellent day to go), went swimming a couple of times, got some sewing done, wanted to see a movie but couldn't get it to fit in the schedule (oh well, next time), visited my parents and Grandma, got an article published, went to the Highland Games (no way in hell are we doing that again for a few years...and Ren Faire this year is right out!), went to church, did homework, got errands ran, got ready for the kids to start school (yikes!)...it was just the right amount of busy time and at home time.

It's been awesome. We need to continue to do this. Is there any better way than spending 90% of your time with your sweetie and best friend (and I'm lucky that they are, in fact, the same person? I think not.

Now we just need to win the lottery so every week can be like this one. =)

This weekend we went off with Ike's school on a camping trip at New Brighton Beach State Park. To sum up: we learned a lot, and it was soooo totally worth it.

Things to remember for next time

• Pack the tent
• Pack breakfast food
• Don't worry about leaving on time
• Release the need to be in control 100% of the time
• RELAX
• Bring containment system for Gray (read:playpen. Joe and my backs are sore after him spending most of the weekend in the backpack)
• Bring entertainment for the kids i.e. bikes, skates, scooters, balls, toys, etc
• Bring GAMES!!! Duh!
• Bring a big stake to stake Charlie to.
• Remember quarters for the showers
• Bring a LONG extension cord for blowing up the beds
• The beds need to be topped off every night
• Turn the van engine on when blowing up the beds.
• Pack towels
• Bring caffeine
• Bring lighterfluid. Those solid cubes of firestarter suck!!!
• LOTS of briquettes
• Bring wood
• Get sleeping bags that zip together
• Camping for 3 days requires more than 2 dishtowels. Try a dozen next time
• Camp chairs for adults would be very nice.

I think that just about covers it. If I think of anything else, I'll come back and add it.

I called AAA Travel today and made reservations for us to go to Disneyland from Nov 20 to Nov 24. I didn't get any of the hotels I preferred, as all the big rooms/suites were already booked (DAMN!). So we will be staying down the road at the Embassy Suites. I stayed there before, many years ago, and it was perfectly fine. I think it will work out well for us as these suites will allow us to spread out. Big bonus is a door between the bedroom and the living space. We can put people to bed and close the door on them.

The only downside I can see is the distance. We will not be in walking distance. Yes, we can take the shuttle, but that can be a long wait. Or we can drive...same problem, as you need a shuttle to the garage. 

And the price ended up being something reasonable. Not break the bank level, but something where we will need to put some money aside as the year goes on.

Bonus! I just checked our savings accounts and found that I've got half of the money for the trip saved up. This now leaves us with enough wiggle room to take Ike up to the snow either this month or next. I'll have to check with my Mom and see what weekend she is free. She offered last year to stay with the girls for a weekend so we could take Ike, as the girls are still a bit young (and too short) to enjoy any of the outdoor entertainment at the resort we found last year. (Which is very cool. Needless to say, I'm going...but I'm not going outside. I'll stay at the hotel and stitch.)

Although one could argue that he's never needed one.

My mom took him to visit Joe's parents...in North Carolina. He'll be back next saturday. He did well on the flight. They went from SJC to DFW for a 2.5 hour lay-over. Then got on another plane to Raleigh. They spent the night at a hotel with a swimming pool and Mom and Dad got Mom and Ike this morning.

Events worth remembering:

Ike doesn't seem to have much problem with the ascent...but his ears bug the shit out of him on the descent.
I need to teach Ike how to chew and not swallow gum.
Ike actually made it to the toilet without having an accident.
Ike likes telling Texan Businessmen about Scooter's "tail, penis, and poop-hole".
Texas Businessmen have senses of humor when hearing outrageous stories from kids.
Ike's turning into a big kid. Mom said that he knocked Joe's Mom on her butt rushing her to give her a hug.

It will be interesting to get the stories of what's happening as the week progresses.

Scooter (my Mom's Dog) is missing her terribly. The girls are treating him fairly well. Ike is (so far) not missing us. And I'm cool with it.

So, the in-laws want our next Disney vacation in Florida. Fair enough...I've never been. It will be a couple of years because 1. I hate flying with little people, 2. its going to take awhile to save our pennies.

Anyway, I was poking around the WDW vacation website, plugging in dates, numbers of people, etc, etc.

Ouch.

To stay at the top of the line Suites with Kitchens $1500 per person (plus airfare for us)
To stay at the bottom of the line (Tents!) $460 per person (plus air)
To stay in the cabins in the camping area (a/c, tv, full kitchen, sleeps 6) $979 per person (plus air)*
To stay in the cheap hotel, (no kitchen) $733 per person (plus air)

It might take me a bit longer to save my pennies than I originally thought.

I really want that kitchen...even if we are just making breakfast and lunches...it should save us tons on food.

Ouch.







* Now these prices reflect, 10 day off season stay, 10 day park hopper passes (includes water parks), no air, no car.

In the spirit of Lazarus. Just a collection of thoughts and things we learned on this trip. I'll be adding to this over the next few days as I think of things.

If you have small kids, not only plan your stay at a Disney resort, for god sakes, spend the extra $500 for the week and stay at the Grand Californian. The walk from the Disneyland Hotel and the front gate is a freaking death march and is a lot longer than you think. Especially at the end of the day and your 4.5 year old doesn't want to walk any more.

Take the case of juice boxes, you'll save money.

Take water too. 2.5 gal jugs for the room and half liter bottles to take with you. At $2.75 a pop for a 20 oz bottle, you'll go broke staying hydrated.

Bringing instant oatmeal is a great way of saving a few bucks. However, the Disneyland Hotel does NOT provide a coffee pot. It will cost you $3.00 (with tip) to get a pot of water "for tea". Invest in an electric tea kettle. Ten bucks at Target.

Take the baby backpacks. Both of them. You'll be thankful.

Speaking of Target, there is one just south of Disneyland on Harbor. About 2 miles on the left. You can't miss it.

There is also a Vons down there too. Go like you are heading to the Target, make a left on Chapman. Maybe a mile, store on left. Your Safeway card will work there.
Also take your own strollers. Yes, you can rent strollers (for free if you have the Disney Visa Card) at the park, but remember that Death March from the hotel to the front gates (where the strollers are) that I mentioned earlier? Its worth it.

If the strollers you do in fact take with you are those POS umbrella strollers that everyone has, buy the stupid handle extenders.

Fuck the umbrella strollers, take the huge fucking stroller. If you have to strap the damn thing to the roof of your car with rope through the windows, it will be worth it. Your back will thank you.

Fishy crackers, boxes of raising, and fruit snacks go a long way in helping cranky children.

Don't get the cheapest rooms available at the Disneyland hotel. Yes, the view is crappy, but the rooms across the hall with the view of the pool are BIGGER. And they have a couch that converts into a daybed. Our family of 5 would have been much more comfortable across the hall.

Don't put your park ticket in envelope on the lanyard. They crack and you might lose your ticket.

Its more than worth the twenty bucks to shut your mother up about not knowing you were going to take a day off and she bought a ticket for her entire trip.

There is not VCR or DVD player in the rooms. There is a channel of cartoons 24/7 but the same 5 cartoons play the entire time.

Sunday night is, in fact, a great night to go to the park. The weekend crowd is too tired to stay late and goes home early. The lines are shortish.

Disneyland staff throw away lost baby bottles for hygiene reasons. Do yourself pack extra. Its ugly when twins have to share 1 bottle.

There is a mothers room near the first aid station off of Main Street. Its a quiet place to sit, nurse, change diapers, etc.

Most of the Disneyland food concessions are more than happy to re-fill your cup with ice for free.

There are lots of water fountains around the park. Pour it over your free ice. However, the ONLY refrigerated water fountain is at the first aid station. Useful information on a hot day.

TAGS: (Just cause): travel, Disneyland, toddlers, small kids, pre-schoolers, twins, tips, ideas, things not to do, things to do.