Ok I put the time off request in today. We've been slammed at work lately, I might not know for a few days. Plus I'm going home for a few days for my father's birthday.

Looks like 3-1 OC. I am abstaining since I don't know if I'll be available to drive (sorry, the management has been very busy with the sale). Anymore votes? Should we go with OC?

Don't want to be Ms. Rushy Rush, but we don't want the hotels to run out of availability.

Whoo-hoo I got the time off. I was thinking of flying in on Friday and out on Sunday. I won't book my ticket till next week, I'm going home tomorrow to see my father for his birthday.

Anna, that's fantastic news and we'll be so happy to have you hear and I finally get to meet you IRL.

Rae, I know; we do need to get the location finalized since we have our Third Annual date selected.

Anyone else want to share preferences so Rae can get an accurate count? Four of us have voted, so let's hear it shoppers!? We have annagybe coming to town and maybe a few more newcomers, as well as some "veterans" for sure. Chime in everyone.

(HI!)

My schedule is mostly open, though Oct 25-27 may be hard because my sister's birthday is the 27th. I will see what I can swing! More than happy to go in on the hotel, I do like the one we've stayed at the past two years (the shuttle to/from the airport is super handy). Tentative "yes" from me for now

I have no preference.

Aida, There you are!!

So happy there's a tentative "yes" with you and could we possibly enjoy your company on two of those days of the planned weekend and then get you back early on a Sunday morning or early afternoon flight so you can be there for your sister? Just trying to entice you.

Re: going in on the hotel, I think there may be some others who'd be willing to take you up on this.

Sounds like 4-1 to me, and the votes are not flooding in. Shall we say OC is decided? Vicki, would you like to pound the gavel to make it official?

Sounding the gong from LAX, Rae, and thrilled O.C.'s Third Annual Shoptoberfest is now official.

It's on to setting up a tentative schedule, and, Rae, while I know your work schedule is still iffy, you are stellar at creating a great weekend flow.

For those making hotel and flight reservations, please check with the others about sharing rooms.

Excited. Now, on to Calgary.

Yay !! The date in Shoptoberfest is looking really good for me ! Though I am bummed to not meet Zap. That will have to be a NYC plan. Yay again.

wait, I thought Zap could make it? *confused*

No, I am coming... Rest assured! isabel, did you guys fly back sunday or Monday? I'm looking at flights right now.

Oh, this looks like so much fun! My MIL lives in OC so we could visit her. But DH is on call that Saturday. I'm not sure if I can handle travelling with 3 kids by myself, plus I'd have to bring the baby with me shopping (MIL has a bad back so she can't lift the baby). Hmmm, I'll have to think about this. Maybe next year if it doesn't work out for me this year!

Bring the kiddo. They call me Mary Poppins. I'll help you with him! How fun it would be to finally meet you.

OMG, bring the kiddo! You will have so many nannies at your disposal, you will hardly know he is there, lol.

Rae and Zap, you are so sweet! I will have to confer with DH when he gets back from his trip.

There are some mid day arrival flights on Friday, both to LAX and SNA. Should I leave Sunday afternoon or Monday morning?

Hm, people have left both days in the past. If you would like to leave Sunday, then LAX is ok, because you should have a ride between all of us going back up that way. If you prefer to leave Monday morning, SNA is the safer bet, because there is a free shuttle from the hotel to the airport.

Also, those of you who are serious contenders for this event should probably PM me your email addresses. That's how we did it in past years so that we can talk specifics about hotels and plans in a more private fashion (this is a wonderful forum, but you never know who is lurking).

Getting super excited for this year! Woohoo!

Back in town. So thrilled to see all of you coming! Yay! I was thinking of a Friday evening welcome/get-together, depending on when everyone came in. Or, we could do a morning-breakfasty thing, and then let the shopping begin. Rae, I'll pm you on this, since it falls into the "plans" category.

Natalie, you have to make it work with DH and I adore what Rae and Zap Poppins said about having so many nannies at your disposal. We'd love it, if you are able. Anna and Isabel, so happy you're both coming, and cciele, are you on board, too?

While it's a few months away, I'm still so excited.

Yes, I am so on board -- definitely going to make this happen, finally! Natalie, I would love to nanny your wee one too. I have some baby carriers I think you might like -- will bring a mei tai baby carrier for you to check out

ETA: I have tickets!

I'm on board. Rae: I am pm'ing my email address to you.I don't need a ride from airport or hotel. will be staying in Fullerton so may need a ride to activities that my BFF is unable to come to- will that work out?

Sona, it should work out. In the PMs, we should be able to determine how many cars and seats we have. So glad you can make it!

Ladies, I have just sent out a group email to those who PMed me. I also included you if I had your addy from last year and you expressed interest.

Please let me know if I have forgotten/missed anyone!

Hi Rae, I just responded to your email with a few names. Thanks for sending the email blast to everyone.

HI Guys,

I'm sorry I am asking this again but I guess the question got lost in the shuffle. For the out-of-towners attending? Are you flying back Sunday night or Monday morning? I am trying to book my flight but I am not sure what would be best. Thank you!

Zap, both have been done in the past. Typically, there are some people lingering on Sunday night, but others have chosen to leave earlier. In the past, the last day has been dedicated to The Lab Antimall and The Rack. But since we don't have the days planned yet, I am not sure what you would potentially be giving up on Sunday night.

Thanks Rae, I was more concerned about catching a ride back to the airport. Ok, let me see what I can do.

I remember after last year's weekend there was talk about extending the weekend one more day - so that those of us who wanted to spend more time just interacting with each other, as opposed to all shopping al the time - could do that. I am certainly up for that - and would love it if people decided to arrive earlier on Friday and stay until Monday. I do not know yet if I will have a vehicle that weekend - my DH and I are currently sharing a vehicle, so I can't commit to being able to drive.

I'm in as well. I can fly in Friday evening or sat morning and would leave Sunday evening. I will be in the hotel and would be happy to room with someone.

Rae I will email you to get onto the thread.