We finally sat down to watch the game about 3:00pm, looking forward to zipping through commercials!  Five minutes into the first quarter a couple of the neighbors’ kids came over to play with our kids.  They walked into the living room and asked who we were rooting for.  Before we could stop him, his next words were “Yea, we were rooting for the Cowboys, too.  They lost, though.  Oh well.”

Google Chrome put it best:  Aw, snap.

This is one of my favorite times of the year.  There are so many ways to have fun during this season.  Spend time with your family!  Hug someone!  Make a surprise for a friend!  You don’t have to buy something to give a wonderful gift.

Since my favorite comic is Calvin and Hobbes, I wanted to share these winter-themed strips…I hope they make you laugh.  Thanks to Bill Watterson for coming up with such a wonderful cartoon.

No matter where you are in life, there is always something to be thankful for.  Stop and count your blessings, you’ll be amazed what you find!

Since retail stores want to begin promoting Christmas during October, let’s just roll it all into one massive holiday.  We already refer to it as the “Holiday Season”, and we can continue to do that.  It’ll simplify everything, and the actual celebration days are spread out enough to prevent a lopsided experience (I know Christmas is at the end, but still).

Last year was bad enough because we were finally learning that we were in a recession, so everyone wanted to start a price war.  This year will be worse…Wal-Mart has already started their screaming deal advertising and everyone is trying to leak their Black Friday advertisements.  Only time will tell how overstimulated we will be.

In the mean time, Happy HallowThankMas!

One of my best friends has made several recent Disney trips, both with and without kids, so I was able to pickup some valuable pointers and resources.  These sites have been great:

• http://allears.net/
• http://pscalculator.net/pscalc.php – Book your activities as early as possible!
• http://www.wdwinfo.com/
• http://www.mouseplanet.com/

The main point to keep in mind is, if you plan to do any activities that require a reservation…make the reservation the earliest possible date.  The PS Calculator site can generate a list of activities, phone numbers and dates to call.  It can mean the difference between breakfast with Cinderella or breakfast at the hotel!

One of my friend’s recent comments was that “there is no wrong way to “do” Disney…but there is no right way, either.”  Simply put, there are an overwhelming number of activities, rides and shows.  Your best bet is to do some research, decide what key activities you (and your kids) want to do and plan around those.

With that in mind, another great resource is Touring Plans (http://www.touringplans.com/).  They are a subscription service, but well worth the price of admission.  You can choose which park, how long you’re there and what type of tour you want (young kids, teens or adults), and they show you a suggested plan.  The plan is complete with a ride schedule, when to grab (and use) a Fast Pass and even meal suggestions.  They help you hit the highlights and popular rides without standing in line for hours.

We’re starting to pack, my TripIt itinerary is updated and we’re looking through touring plans.  I am excited about the trip, any chance to spend time with the family is great.  Traveling always brings surprises (especially with kids), and those are sometimes the best memories.