I give up!

Time to resurrect Lenka's post from last year or start mailing out doilies from the local Christmas bazaar. They come in all colors, so don't think for a minute I can't find one for you. And if I don't have your name this year? Chances are good that I'll get it next year. Bwah-ha-ha-ha...

Ladies and Gentlemen! Start your wishlists!

Here's mine:

A. Gift cards – I love me some Target!
B. Household stuff – picture frames - with or without the pictures. Did you see pictures of the house*? You might guess that I have some wall space to fill up...
C. Music - Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Coldplay, Sarah MacLachlan, Jack Johnson... (most artists catergorized as "adult alternative"). Currently I'm pining for anything by Diana Krall.
D. Hobbies - paper, stickers, glue sticks, markers, scissors... do I sound like an elementary school teacher or what?!
E. ETC. - SOCKS!!! Seriously? Lenka done good on the socks last year. I love, luv, lurve my comfy fuzzy rainbow smiley face socks! But there's always room in the drawer for a few more!

The better half:
A. Gift cards - REI, Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot
B. Household stuff - CocaCola memorabilia
C. Music - Rap or R&B... let me know what you're thinking and I'll let you know if he's got it already!
D. Hobbies - home improvement (hey, he's making me write this list!), gardening, running
E. ETC. - travel/guide books

Your turn!

*More pictures to be posted, soon. Well, as soon as I can tunnel out of the boxes and remember that I'm supposed to be posting pictures. By Christmas for sure maybe... 2008.

Your Attention, Please

Please consider this your official reminder to get your tickets if you are planning to join the merriment at Camp Whatalottalovin (aka Lenka's) starting the weekend of October 13th!

Whoda thunk it?

Driving through Amish country last weekend we encountered scenes like this:

and this:

and this:

and this:

and this:

And then we came across this:

Apparently they do exist!

Cackleberries?
But Mommy said Grandpa just made those up!

Hi, Daddy!

Nah-nah-nah nah-nah nah!

I'm the first one to say "Hi" to Daddy!

RE: Strings on fingers

For the eleventy-five-billionth time...

WHAT SIZE OF PICTURES
DO YOU ALL WANT??????!!!!!!!

.

RE: Groceries, meals, and dishes pictures (oh my!)

There seems to be some general confusion as to who's going to feed us what and when once we get to the Cottage. So, in true administrative fashion, I called Ma and here's how it's gonna go:

1. Lenka can have Wednesday. Let's face it, none of us is brave enough to stand up to her.
2. Ma will happily provide breakfast for us all, provided that your definition of breakfast = cold cereal, a bagel, and perhaps a banana or two. Think "continental".
3. Instead of schlepping lunch meat and the like all the way from AZ, Ma is going to bring along $150 in grocery money. If the meals you are planning include a cooking portion, bring your grocery list and we'll spend Ma's money first!
4. If the meals you are planning DO NOT include a cooking portion (i.e. you're researching where the nearest Subway is), give us all a heads up. I think that it is only reasonable for us to each pay for our meals out, but advance notice of such plans gives us the ability to come prepared with either cash or a back-up plan.
5. Edited to add: One more thing -- what size picture does everyone want? I'm putting my vote in for 4X6's (but I haven't gotten my frames yet, so I could be persuaded...)

In the interest of full disclosure, my meals will be as follows:

• Tuesday night: Something on the grill (Burgers? Hot dogs?), some sort of pasta salad (carbs for Wednesday morning!), possibly some corn on the cob, and some sort of fruit (watermelon if I can find it).
• Saturday morning: Breakfast, Continental Ma-style
• Saturday lunch: Ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, and some sort of salad. Since check out time is 11am, I'm inviting you all to the park. I'll let you know which one when we get there.

On your marks..........

Just a few housekeeping points:

• Our final payment to Oakland Cottages for our July reservation is due on June 3rd -- just a little over 2 weeks away. Each family owes a total of $405, less any payments that you've already made. This amount does not include any portion of the $90 pet fee.
• Will our furry friends be joining us? Lenka & Jacq, let me know so that I tell the folks at Oakland Cottages what to expect!
• KP Duty: 'rah signed up for Friday's meals, Lenka called dibs on lunch on Thursday (we're gonna give her breakfast and dinner that day, too. We're just generous that way). I'm covering Tuesday's dinner and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Jacq, you and Ma get to fight over who's responsible for getting us fed on Wednesday!
• Everyone who is running needs to register to participate. You can do this a couple of different ways:

  1. Sign up at active.com From their website:

  This is the 14th Annual Kiwanis Firecracker 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk. It is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of North Buncombe. Proceeds are used for scholarships to college for Seniors at the local high school. We thank you for your support!
  -Firecracker 5K Run: $15.00
  -Firecracker 1 Mile Fun Walk: $15.00
  -Late Registration From Jun. 20 until July 2: $20.00
  -T-Shirt guaranteed to persons who pre-register by July 2, 2007.

  2. Email me and ask me to email Rona and ask her to send you a registration form (which will have the necessary instructions on it).

  3. Email me and ask me to sign you up through active.com.

  Please understand that if you ask me to do this, you are giving me permission to intial a waiver of liability (with your initials!) and to provide active.com with information such as your address and your birthdate. This is standard information that they need to verify that participants know what they are signing up for and to keep their noses clean in case of injury, etc. during the event. This information is also requested if you choose to request a "paper application" from Rona instead of signing up online. You will also need to add the $15 registration fee PER PERSON to the total that you owe! Kiddos in strollers do not need to register.

• Don't forget to bring a copies of your family picture! What size did we all agree on?
• Yes, you can sign up for the 1 mile walk. If you want to be a sissy baby and spoil all the fun. By all means, walk, weenie, walk. We'll see you at the finish line.
  
• Let's remember that this is a family event, something intended to include everyone and make us all feel closer as a group. But if someone wants to start talking smack, I'll be happy to school you on the Fourth. I'm just sayin'.
  

That's all I've got... please add if you think of anything I left out!

P.S. Check out the countdown clock over there -------------> in the sidebar (actually, it's up at the top, but I can't figure out how to do an up arrow.). Cool, huh?

And.... We're Back.

Scheeeee-woooo! It is DUSTY in here!!! And a little musty. Do I detect a faint odor of neglect? Let's get a window or two opened... blow the dust off the ole keyboard... hmmm. Socks. Wonder who those belong to. Anyone missing a pair of socks? Anyone? Anyone? No? Okay, well, not important. Now then, on to business.

Hi!

I decided to put off procrastinating for a day or two and got some administrative work done yesterday, including a phone call to Oakland Cottage. Yay, me! So, without further ado, here are the long awaited answers to your burning questions. Drumroll, please.....

1. Are there grounds that we can “play” on?
   Oakland Cottage has a huge backyard that has been a popular draw for the younger set in the past. They don't have a problem with us staking out a croquet course, although I was warned that there is a bit of a slope. Of course, I figure that a slope just gives me something to blame my inability to hit the ball in any sort of straight line...

Is there a BBQ grill available for us to use?
Yup, two of 'em.

I see on your home page that some of your properties are equipped with DVD players – is Oakland Cottage one of them? Is there a VCR available?
Yup again. Two DVD players and a VCR. There is no "TV viewing" room, though, so movies would need to be watched in our rooms.

When we booked Oakland Cottage, two of my sisters had the intention of bringing along their dogs (both would be crated during the day if not with us) and we agreed to the $90 pet fee. If they choose not to bring the dogs, would that fee be refunded to us? How much advance notice do you need for us to make such a change?
There is no problem with refunding the pet deposit. If the decision is made before we make our final payment (due June 3rd), they will simply deduct that amount from the total owed. If the decision is made last minute, they will work out the refund with us. Those of you NOT considering bringing along critters, don't have to worry about this at all -- room costs were all calculated without the $90 fee.

Other minutia:

• I emailed Rona this morning to remind her to send us applications for this year's Firecracker 5K. (Yeah, that's right. We're still running this thing. Hey, don't shoot the messenger -- it was all 'rah's idea! Seriously. Just look at that post. About halfway down.... riiiiiiight there. And I quote,"Two more years to prepare for a real race. Seriously. Maybe a 5K or something...". That's right. SHE did this to you.) I will send out the application info when I get it.


• Thanks to all of you who paid the first installment towards our lodging. Those of you who haven't yet had a chance to get a check to me, your total due (before June 3rd) is $202.67.


• We will make a final payment to Oakland Cottage on June 3rd in the amount of $1058.37. Less the pet deposit, that works out to another payment of $202.67 per family. I will take care of the total by credit card, so you can just send me your portion.
  

I think that about covers it. If any of you come up with any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

RE: Arrangements, etc.

Going with a 5 way split (less $45 for the first half of the $90 pet fee), the current amount due from each "family" comes to

($1058.67 - $45) / 5 = $202.67

An additional $202.67 will be due from each "family" before we get to Oakland Cottage (the entire cost of the rental is due one month in advance of our visit). Those of you interested in bringing pets drop me a line and we'll work out the pet deposit thing.

Rooms: Jacq and Lenka weighed in on their room choices. As long as there are no written objections, we'll bunk according to their wishes!

Food: Everyone seems to be on board with the "plan the meal(s) for the day suggestion", so let's pick our days. I think that letting the responsible parties decide on whether we are treated to a big lunch or a big dinner is a fair way to handle that controversy. I volunteer to take on Tuesday's dinner and Saturday's breakfast/lunch. That leaves us 3 full days (Weds, Thurs, and Fri)to plan for -- who wants 'em?

Entertainment: I still haven't gotten around to calling Oakland Cottages to see if they have a yard and games (croquet, badminton, etc) for it. I will do that as soon as we get back from our trip to CA. I will also ask them if they have TV/VCR/DVD equipment available. It will be my pleasure to introduce you all to the delightful game of Scum... rubs hands together gleefully, anticipating at least one round of rising to at least the rank of Citizen...

The information on the 5K should be coming out in the next couple of months. I will pass that on as soon as I get it!

I think that brings the blog up to current in terms of decisions that we've made/still need to be made. Please post if I've overlooked anything or if you come up with something else we need to consider!

Dear Momma and Daddy,

Just wanted to send you a quick "Thanks" for all the time you spent with us while we were out there. You'll never know how much it filled up my heart to see the two of you playing with my little guy. Sniffle, sniffle. We had an amazing time and can't wait to see you in July! I love you so much!!!!

Love,
Sis

Got it!

We have a place to sleep!

Oakland Cottage
July 3-6 (nights)
Check in July 3 @ 4pm
Check out July 7 @ 11am

A la carte (maid service and breakfast NOT included)
3 nights @ $445
1 night @ $495
lodging tax $73.20
state sales tax $123.53
pet fee $90
grand total $2116.73

$1058.37 paid 1/8/07
$1058.37 due 6/3/07

Our reservation may be cancelled for refund of deposit less $35 processing fee up to 30 days prior to check-in date. After 30 days, cancellation forfeits the entire deposit.


Let's start thinking about all the other arrangements that we need to make before we get there -- food, menus, cost split, entertainment, who-sleeps-where, etc. Please post a comment to this post with any suggestions that you might have and I'll put together a master post with all of 'em in it for us to "vote" on.

83.33333%

Since the local news was able to "call" the last election results with a smaller percentage of the votes in, what say we call this a done deal? When in Philly, and all that. Plus, Lenka did send out an email way back when:

From: Lenka
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 2:24 PM
To: Sis
Subject: RE: [Proxsemadeni] Er, um, yeah. Best laid plans and all that...


WOW, ME likey Oakland Cottage!!

Shall we just consider that her vote?

I'll give Oakland Cottage a call first thing Tuesday morning and start making the arrangements for our stay in July.

~'rah, I'll let you know about the deposit. I think we should be fine with your suggestion of taking care of it for now and figuring out reimbursement later. I'll double check with J and the budget and let everyone know asap!

A big "Thanks" and a bunch of hugs and kisses to all of you for playing along with me and responding with your opinions, concerns, suggestions, and input!

Not Quite Begging...

I WANT YOU TO VOTE!

If you haven't already, please post a comment to let us all know if you prefer one or the other properties for our stay in Weaverville. I'm not comfortable with making reservations for the whole group until everyone has had their say in writing. Voting ends tomorrow night (12/28/06) at 10 pm EST as I want to call for reservations as soon as possible after the beginning of the New Year.

Puhweeeze?

Er, um, yeah. Best laid plans and all that...

Well, the good folks at Asheville Cabins worked really hard to make my *fabulous* plan work, but apparently no amount of wanting, looking, hoping, and looking some more will make a property materialize within their jurisdiction to meet our rather specific needs! A HUGE thanks to Rachel and her boss and the owner of the company for all the work they did yesterday trying to work this out. EVERYONE needing a vacation rental property in the Asheville, NC area should check with them first! The properties that they have are beautiful and their customer service rocks. We will definitely be renting from them in the future.

That being said, there isn't a single property that will fit all 20 of us and allow us to bring along the pooches. There are several beautiful, pet friendly properties and several "large group" properties. Unfortunately, the large group properties aren't quite large enough and understandably, the property owners don't want more than the maximum occupancy hanging out. The one property (go look at Mountain Sky! It's GORGEOUS!!!) that was graciously "opened up" for us all to meet at to hang out and eat meals together isn't equipped for pets. So we continued to work and I continued to look.

I've come up with two potential solutions.
Option 1:

The folks at Mountain Breeze Resort (located about 10 miles northeast of Weaverville) have three adjoining properties, all pet friendly. We can, as a group, rent all three properties or one/some of us can rent one of the properties. They are fine with all of us congregating on the property, regardless of how many of us are actually staying there.

Option 2:

We could rent Oakland Cottage, a bed and breakfast in Asheville. The are also pet friendly and (obviously) if we rent the entire property as a group, we could all congregate there.

Please take some time to check out these two properties and give me some feedback. The property owners/managers both said that while we have a little time to make our reservations (and both are totally open for the time that we're planning to be there), they expect to book quickly as soon as the holidays are over. So we need to get on it. I would like to make reservations by the end of the month. If I haven't heard from anyone by the 28th, I will go ahead and reserve one of the Mountain Breeze Resort properties. That way we will be sure to have a common property on which we can all meet, eat, and hang out.

[Where] Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?

Brother Joe?
Sisters 'rah, Jacq, Lenka, Ma & Pa?
Er, okay, so it doesn't work. Anyhoo....

I was looking at the properties that Rachel's company has available in Weaverville and it looks like they're already getting booked up. Sooooo, we need to make some decisions about lodgings. There isn't a single cabin that will fit all of us and all of our needs (and unfortunately the Biltmore isn't in our price range. Unless someone just won the lottery and has been holding out on the rest of us. In which case, "Hey! I'm telling!"). The best scenario that I can work out is the following:

I will rent one of the properties that Asheville Cabins has to offer (my favorite is Hidden Pond) so that no matter what else we do, we will all have access to a kitchen, a living room, and washer & dryer. As you can see below, space in some of the properties is limited, so if you want to try to bunk together, we need to get busy planning that out. And soon! But I can't figure out a good way to arrange for accommodations for everyone, so to save my sanity, I'm relinquishing that responsibility. Where you stay is up to you! The properties that Rachel indicated were in/close to Weaverville are

Claxton Farmhouse
ammenities include: Sleeps 10; 4 bedrooms (3 queens, one room with 2 full beds), 2 baths; satellite TV; washer & dryer; porch; charcoal grill; dishwasher; gas fireplace; microwave; air conditioning; NO pets
rates: $225 per night / 1350 per week for 4 persons. $250 per night / $1500 per week for 5 or more persons. Three night minimum at all times (when higher nightly minimum does not apply).

Rabbit Hollow
amenities include: Sleeps 6; 3 bedrooms (1 queen, 1 full, and one room with 2 twin beds); 1 bath; satellite TV; VCR; washer & dryer; porch; charcoal grill; gas fireplace; microwave; air conditioning; pet friendly
Rates: $110 per night / $550 per week

Ox Creek
amenities include: Sleeps 6; 2 bedrooms (1 queen, 2 twin trundles, full sleeper sofa); 1 bath; satellite TV; VCR; washer & dryer; hot tub; deck; gas grill; dishwasher; gas fireplace; microwave;air conditioning; NO pets
Rates: $125 per night / $625 per week

Cozy Creek
amenities include: Sleeps 2; 1 bedroom (1 queen); 1 bath (bathroom is only partitioned off by a small wrap around wooden screen); no cable or satellite TV; VCR; hot tub; deck; charcoal grill; microwave; air conditioning; stereo/CD player; pet friendly
Rates: $99 per night / $595 per week

South Fork Academy
amenities include: Sleeps 4; 2 bedrooms (2 queens); 2 bathrooms; satellite TV; VCR; washer & dryer; porch; gas grill; dishwasher; microwave; gas fireplace; air conditioning; stereo/CD player; NO pets
Rates: $135 per night / $850 per week

River Time
amenities include: Sleeps 4; 1 bedroom (1 queen, full sofa sleeper); 1 bath; wireless DSL internet; DVD; no cable or satellite TV; hot tub; deck; porch; gas grill Deck/porch: wood burning stove; microwave; stereo / CD; NO air conditioning; Pet friendly
Rates: $145 per night / $870 per week (Rates above are based on 2 persons. Rates increase to $165/night and $990/week for 3-4 persons. Children under 10 years of age are free!)

Rocky River
amenities include: Sleeps 4; 1 bedroom (1 queen, two twins in loft); 1 bath; DVD; no cable or satellite TV; deck; porch; charcoal grill; wood burning stove; microwave; NO air conditioning; stereo / CD; Pet friendly
Rates: $100 per night / $600 per week

Hidden Pond (7 miles w of Weaverville)
amenities include: Sleeps 8; 2 bedrooms (1 king, 2 queens (one in loft), queen sofa sleeper); 2 baths; VCR; cable; DSL internet; washer & dryer; hot tub; covered porch; charcoal grill; dishwasher; gas fireplace; microwave; air conditioning; stereo / CD; Pet friendly
Rates: $180 per night / $1100 per week (Rates above are based on 1-2 persons. For 3-8 persons, rates are $225/night and $1400/week.)

Other options? Well, there’s not much to choose from in the way of hotels in Weaverville. Links to the accommodations that I found in Weaverville are:

The Dry Ridge Inn

Secret Garden

Inn on Main Street

There are all the standard accommodations in Asheville (about 10 miles away from Weaverville and from the Hidden Pond Cabin), ranging from $77 per night to as-much-as-you-want-to-spend at the Biltmore (I did a quick search using hotels.com and yahoo travel).

I will be calling Asheville Cabins this afternoon to get a little more information, and if all goes well, will put the deposit down on a cabin by the end of next week (like I said, they're filling up!). If you think you want to stay with us, I'll need to know asap since the rate changes in some cases based on occupancy and the number of occupants will help me choose the property.

If you're still having trouble posting/commenting here, feel free to email / call me!

Mine! Mine! All mine!

Well, I seem to have created a bigger mess than I originally thought by "cwt" (clicking without thinking). I did manage (I think) to get everything back up on the sidebar. Of course I couldn't leave well enough alone, so there were a few tweeks here, a few new touches there. Which is all well and good, except NONE OF YOU CAN USE IT!!! Sure, you can look at it. Idn't it purty? But now, unless you switch your account over to the new beta version, you can't log on and post. Or comment, since we've restricted comments to members. Sigh. And worst of all? I can't undo it. Apparently, once you go beta you can never go back.

Here's what Blogger has to say about the situation:

What happens when team blogs switch to Blogger in beta?

A team blog will only switch to Blogger in beta when the original owner moves his or her account over.

Team members who have not yet switched to Blogger in beta will still see the blog on their dashboards, but it will be grayed out and inaccessible. Once those members move their own accounts to the beta, they will be able to access the blog as before. If they can't yet switch, or don't wish to, they can ask the owner of the blog for a new invitation to join the blog on the beta version. They can then accept that invitation by logging in to or creating a Google Account to post to that blog. (Later on, when they do switch their Blogger account to the new version, they'll have an option to merge it with this account.)

If a team member of a blog switches their account to beta before the blog owner does, then the team blog is not converted. It will appear on the team member's dashboard in beta, but clicking on it will lead back to the old version of Blogger. Thus, the blog will still be usable, but without the new features of Blogger in beta (e.g. Labels, Layouts, etc.).

Sooooo. The choice is yours. I can either send you all a new invite (so you can create a new beta account with which to access the family blog), or you can switch your account over per these instructions:

How do I switch to Blogger in beta?

Thanks for your interest in all the new features we've got coming up! The Blogger in beta program is going to start out small, so only a low percentage of people who log in to Blogger will see the option to switch over. If you're one of them, you'll see a blue box in the sidebar of your dashboard highlighting the new Blogger in beta. Click the "learn more" link there and we'll walk you through the process of switching your account.

Part of this change involves converting your Blogger account into a Google Account (learn more about Google Accounts). If you already have a Google Account, log in with your Google Account email address and password when prompted. A confirmation message will appear to indicate success.

If you do not have a Google Account, you will be given the option to create one. Your new Google Account will automatically be linked to your Blogger account.

Blogger has a new Terms of Service so be sure to read and accept it when it is presented.

That's all there is to it. From this point on, you'll log in to beta.blogger.com, instead of the usual www.blogger.com, to access your account's new features. Remember also to use your new Google Account login information.

If you don't have the link on your dashboard, don't despair. We'll be adding more and more people as we go along, so eventually everyone will be able to switch.

Never mind. I'm just going to send you all new invitations so you don't have to wait.

Why the change? Well, besides the cool new features and the fact that IT'S! NEW! AND! SHINY!, Blogger explains that:

Google Accounts are better protected against fraud, impersonation, and abuse. In addition, by switching your Blogger account to a Google Account, it will be easier to use other Google services like AdWords, Google Groups, Google Alerts, Froogle Shopping List, Personalized Search, your Personalized Homepage, Google Answers, and many future Google services. You can find out more about Google Accounts at the Google Accounts FAQ.

I'm so sorry about all of this... I should have read the fine print before switching my personal site over. If you have any problems with the changes, please let Jacq know. Kidding. I'll do all I can to make this transition as smooth as possible for all of you. Call me or email me and we'll figure it out!

Technical Issues...

As you figured out when/if you tried to log in today, our site has been switched over the *NEW* format. Er, it didn't exactly just "get" switched... I did it. And I lost the linky links in the sidebar when I did so. And I'm still not sure what else I changed. So I'll be working on it until I get it back "right". Meanwhile, if you've got ideas/suggestions/comments for improving our experience, lemme know! I'll incorporate as much as I can without staying up all night to get it done. But lemme know quick -- I intend to have it "finished" by tomorrow, game time.

Let the lashing begin...

Better Than a Paternity Test

Dear Siblings,

It is 8:42 pm.

We leave for New Hampshire tomorrow morning.

I haven't started packing.

That is all.

Love,
Sis

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO YOOOOOOOU!

I don't wear this stupid hat for just anyone...

Dear Aunt Lenka,
I can't believe Mommy forgot to call you on your birthday. Sheesh. How many times does a boy have to say "Goodley-goog-goub hey-hey-hesh" to get the point across? Anyways, I hope you had a wonderful day and that you know how very, very, very much you are loved! Happy, happy, happy Birthday!!!

Love,
Bubby

Firecracker 5K Info

Okay, here's the info that I have so far. The following refers to the registration and other particulars related to the 5K:

Hi! I was given this address as a contact point for information on the annual Fourth of July 5K run supporting the Kiwanis in Weaverville. I apologize if this is not the right address… perhaps you could redirect me if that is the case? I am writing to find out more about the 5K as my siblings and I are planning to be in the area at that time and would like to participate if at all possible. I am wondering if the event will indeed be held next year (2007), and if so, what the registration cost, deadline, etc. might be. Are there any restrictions we should know about (such as no strollers, age limits, etc.)? Any information you could send my way would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Sis

Sis-
Next year we will have our 14th annual Firecracker 5K race on the 4th of July. We start our planning in March, so I’m not sure of the cost. I don’t think there will be an increase over the past year unless there are unforeseen increases that we have in putting it all together. We mail out applications usually the first week in May. If you would like to give me your address, I can put you on the mailing list to make sure you get all the information.

We do not have age limits. As for strollers, we had one mother run this past year. She started in the back to avoid tripping anyone and it worked out just fine. I don’t see that there would be a problem.

I’m so excited that you are planning ahead! It is such a great event. Thank you for your interest.

Rona

Rona,
Wonderful! Is it possible for me to get the applications for all the members of the family that will be running? I assume that each of us would need to fill our own out. Does that usually need to be done well in advance? Also, what was the registration fee last year (just so we have a ball-park number. My younger siblings are still in college, so they need PLENTY of time to start eating Ramen Noodles and saving towards events :))? We are hoping to run as a family, so starting at the back with whatever strollers, etc. are there would be ideal for us. Do we need to register the kiddos in strollers or just those running?

Sorry for all the questions. Usually I just register, show up and run, but I’m trying to coordinate this for the whole family and most of them have never participated in an organized run. So the clearer I am about all the little stuff, the less likely I am to have to do dishes or sleep on the porch the whole week :)! Thank you so much!

Sis

Sis-
I’ve attached last year’s application and information. I think it has everything that you need to plan. The children in strollers do not need to register. If you register by the designated deadline it is cheaper.

You can either send me the name and addresses of everyone you would like an application to go to or make copies of the one that I send to you. You will also have an on-line registration option.

Rona,
Perfect! I will either make copies of the application that you send to me or direct the rest of the family to register online. My mailing address is:
********
Thanks again for all your help and all the information!

Sis

So it looks like the early registration fee will be in the $15 range (click on the application link if you don't believe me. Go ahead. You know you want to.)


RE: Cabins -- I have emailed Rachel for more info on the properties that the company she works for has available. I am guessing that we will wind up needing two properties (unless the company doesn't count the little 'uns in their maximum occupancy count) to house us all. The properties she has suggested for us all have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms (some sharing will be necessary, though. I was going on the assumption that the little 'uns will stay in the room with their parents... let me know if that won't work.) Knowing how many persons/critters/strays everybody intends to bring along will help narrow our choices down, so if you already know how many you'll be, pass it along. I will post the information (and links to the cabins being considered) when I get it!

As for dividing the cost, whaddya think? What's fair? What's affordable?