I was going to say the same! We've had a bunch for nearly 10 years. They are really soft, thick, and they last a long time. They're definitely an investment, though. I bought some Costco towels for a guest bathroom and they're great but pretty thin in comparison and aren't lasting as long.

Thanks for the input both of you.... We went last night and loved it! It was incredible!!

Thank you!! We will go for it!! Thx for quick response. :-)

Is Fantasmic not to be missed?

We do "nights out" with our four, rotating through them one at a time (remembering by going from oldest to youngest). They always know who is up next with each parent (DH and I each have our own rotation) and we do them frequently... We want them to be happy for each others' blessings so although sometimes there's sadness/envy, it's an opportunity for them to practice experiencing joy through someone else's joy. And, it helps knowing that it also means it is one turn closer to it being his turn (we have four boys). DH typically takes them bowling or to an arcade and/or dinner (the boy for the most part gets to pick).... and I typically take them to a coffee shop to play games and have a treat and/or dinner. We love the 1:1 time and think it benefits our boys and helps their dispositions.... Sometimes if one is having a period where he is being overly cranky or pesky with his brothers, etc, DH/I will comment, "he could use a night out..." And that focused time with the kid seems to be really helpful. I also started 3 years ago doing (what they have dubbed) "special days" where I take them for a surprise day out. Once per child each year. They attend a private school and so we all get up and out of the house in uniforms (them) like usual, but then when we get to school, I ask whichever one I've planned to take out for the day, "Want to go out for breakfast?" or something similarly abnormal (since usually I'm giving them a hug and seeing them to their class). Their eyes light up and they ask, "Is it my special day?!" It's really cute. The first time I did it, the son who was first was so confused. It was great! He was the only one the whole idea was a surprise to:) Last year we planned each special day around a day DH could join us and he surprised each one at our first stop (the boys all kept that a secret)! We've done different things each year, including lunch out eating the boy's favorite type of food (e.g. Indian for one, breakfast for lunch for another, etc), choosing a game from a game store, riding the city's large ferris wheel, etc. It's a bit of a splurge but we kind of make a point to "spoil" them because they're not everyday sorts of things for us and they love it. We spend lots of time together, the six of us, which I know they also love, but I think the alone time benefits them in so many ways.

I totally get that! Like flossing :-) I didn't grow up flossing but at some point I decided it was a good idea and formed the new habit and do it every day! I suppose I was just answering the OP's question....not looking for a change! :-)

We don't compost... It would just be a different process from what I've always done, including needing to empty the garbage more often due to food being in there. We go to a cabin every summer that doesn't have a garbage disposal and I manage just fine :tongue_smilie: but I definitely prefer being able to throw away food using a disposal.

I put all food waste down the garbage disposal....sometimes half a lemon to make it smell fresh. It would be a big adjustment for me not to use a garbage disposal!

That would be fun and they would love that! Maybe for our additional free day. Do you have a favorite (if there are multiple)?

VooDoo Donuts, like the one in Portland?!? We love finding good coffee, at least the mother and father of the group do! (Actually, they all do as well, but we keep telling them they can't drink it until they can fund the habit:)) We enjoy browsing bookstores, shopping/window shopping, eating good food.... The stuff at Disney Springs sounds great. We do have another free day, though... Quirky neighborhoods w/ cute restaurants and shops are always fun to us... Walking by water... I will look up CityWalk also.

Aha, thanks! I did a quick search earlier and was going to confirm w/ all you Disney experts that it was the same thing. The three going early are 11, 8, and 5 (the one coming a day later is 9) and are really easy to please.... They love Lego and will enjoy looking around the store (and asking for one of everything). We have a Lego store in our mall but our mall trips are usually with the goal of going in and out as quickly as possible (so it has been a long while since we've gone and admired the creations!).

Agh, I just posted and somehow lost it! Good tips, thanks! I will follow suit and aim for Earl of Sandwich :-) Any clue whether when using Disney transport we could be booster-seat-less? Our youngest is 5 and it looks like FL state law in a car is until turning 6, but I'm hoping he could be without one (people must run into this all the time! maybe they could even just hold onto it....)! Also, is taxi/uber the best way to get down there from the airport?

That all sounds really fun! We will love the live music!! and the coffee! And the chocolate! :-) Thank you!!

That sounds perfect, I think I will go for DD!! Thanks so much!

Thank you! I've never been to DW so didn't know about Downtown Disney! It'd be convenient to stay in the same place but I've been picturing eventually getting Disney'd out (I'm so excited for our boys to go and we'll have a great time but I don't really think it's my thing so was picturing using that first day to do non-Disney things)... But it sounds like Downtown Disney has enough other stuff to make it interesting (to a lesser-Disney-fan like me)!

Thank you! These look like they would definitely entertain us for a day!

Thank you! I'm more looking for something like an area with good food/coffee shops(?), or a book store, or places of interest (not necessarily touristy, but am open to that...) in Orlando that we wouldn't otherwise see going to/from Disney (our youngest is in a car seat and I'd like to need it as little as possible!)... Doesn't need to be cheap...

Hi! We are heading to Disney World next month and due to scheduling, I will be heading down with a few of our boys a day before DH heads down with our fourth son. We'll be staying in a resort hotel for our week there but I don't think that's necessary for our first night before DH & DS9 arrive. We won't be doing anything Disney related until they get there. I've been trying to figure out where to stay our first evening and I'm at such a loss! We'll get in late, but will have the next day to explore until they arrive (also late)... An interesting/walkable area would be fun.... Any suggestions as to where we should stay (even if just neighborhoods as opposed to specific hotels)? Thanks for any ideas!

Ice chips?

Do you remember the name of the restaurant in/near Olympia? I'd love to try it next time we head to OR! Two of our boys are completely obsessed with Indian food. :-)

A little bit southeast of Vancouver, in Surrey, but TOTALLY worth the (short) drive... Tasty Indian Bistro. We go there every year on our way home from Whistler. Our favorite meal of the year!! https://m.yelp.com/biz/tasty-indian-bistro-surrey

Anemia?! Have you had your iron checked recently?

Our 11 year old enjoyed Gortimer Gibbons!

Another vote for Peace Like a River... and also The Brothers K by David James Duncan.

I love this thread :-)