A Halloween Adventure in Autism (11/12) New Thread Begun on TR Board!

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Bummer about the tooth:headache: At least it happened before your trip and not during:scared1: Now you will be ready to munch all those Disney yummies!

What a cute picture too!:cloud9:

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for the Youtube link...AWESOME!! I SO wish I had a little girl to take to see the princesses!

Sorry about the tooth...ugh! I hate the dentist anytime, but especially when you are about to head out on vacation. You need every penny!


They did mention something about training with Cinderella's palace guards, but the new Fantasyland does seem to be quite centered around princesses. (Just don't mess with Peter Pan or Pooh... I'll be really upset if they do!)

Perhaps the Cars Land proposed for DL will also come to the MK!! Tomorrowland Speedway sure could use a makeover! ;)

Check out this link... it seems a lot like Test Track...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ElPpSwyrc

Here's another sneak preview video from the D23 Expo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyHhsGVGPak


OT- I love your avatar photo!! Where can I get one I would love to make a t-shirt. Okay thanks Kathy for letting me get off topic here :flower3::goodvibes

Hakuna Matata... I'd like one too!




I empathize with your tooth story...::yes::-I'm so sorry-I hope you have no discomfort-other than to your pocketbook...sigh...I know what you mean about the unexpected expense...I have an appt today with a periodontist-about a crown...I know that I'm going to get hit for that...$$$



Blecchh!!


Kathy

[mousescrapper]

Hope the tooth repair goes well....:)

Love the picture from 03...so CUTE!!! I love going down memory lane w/ the Disney photos You should take a photo of the kids in that spot this Oct. it would be a great comparison :wizard:

[Hedy]

:hug::hug: The mother broke a tooth during her trip in '07 (in Naples, not Orlando) if it makes you feel better.

[annnewjerz]

I'm glad that picture gave me a smile, because I had to call for an emergency dentist appointment for myself earlier today and I am NOT happy. :headache: I was eating (soft) cereal this morning and one of my back teeth broke in half! Just like that! There was no premonition... no discomfort or any indication that anything was wrong... so its a complete surprise (and annoyance) to me.



I totally feel your pain about the tooth thing. Last year on Halloween I was eating a piece of hard candy and chewing it (stupid, I know) and my back molar broke in half. It didn't hurt, I just felt something hard in my mouth that wasn't there a second before and wadda ya know---it's my tooth.

I went to the dentist, they gave me a temporary filling or something and I never went back. It doesn't bother me, I can eat on it, and they said I'd have to spend a crazy amount of money to get a root canal and cap so I just decided to deal with it. I'm sure one day I'll have to get it taken care of for real, but until then I'm probably a good $800 richer. ;)

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you have everything taken care of in plenty of time to munch on some of those roasted nuts in Adventureland you guys seem to like so much (or at least, you did in your April TR). :goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

Bummer about the tooth:headache: At least it happened before your trip and not during:scared1: Now you will be ready to munch all those Disney yummies!

What a cute picture too!:cloud9:

Thanks... Ed told me I was "falling apart!" :mad: ;)



Hope the tooth repair goes well....:)

Love the picture from 03...so CUTE!!! I love going down memory lane w/ the Disney photos You should take a photo of the kids in that spot this Oct. it would be a great comparison :wizard:

Hey, that's a great idea Scrappie! :idea:



:hug::hug: The mother broke a tooth during her trip in '07 (in Naples, not Orlando) if it makes you feel better.


Well, it doesn't make me feel better :laughing: but it does help me to realize that things could always be worse!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I totally feel your pain about the tooth thing. Last year on Halloween I was eating a piece of hard candy and chewing it (stupid, I know) and my back molar broke in half. It didn't hurt, I just felt something hard in my mouth that wasn't there a second before and wadda ya know---it's my tooth.

I went to the dentist, they gave me a temporary filling or something and I never went back. It doesn't bother me, I can eat on it, and they said I'd have to spend a crazy amount of money to get a root canal and cap so I just decided to deal with it. I'm sure one day I'll have to get it taken care of for real, but until then I'm probably a good $800 richer. ;)

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you have everything taken care of in plenty of time to munch on some of those roasted nuts in Adventureland you guys seem to like so much (or at least, you did in your April TR). :goodvibes

Ah yes, the sugared almonds.... yum!

Geez, my front teeth have been getting a bit crooked, but I've been too cheap to spend money for caps! Now I've got to spend money on a molar that no one will even see!! :rotfl:

...and I didn't even break my tooth on something fun, like candy!!

Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

So sorry to hear about your tooth, Kathy! :hug:

On the bright side though -- woo hoo for 46 days!!! That's awesome! party:

Not to mention, I love the picture of the day! :goodvibes

[Tnkrbelle565]

Did you see that the Halloween MNSSHP is already sold out????? Make sure to stake out a good parade spot early!!!!

So sorry about your tooth! I have to pay for Ash to have her sealant a week before our trip :headache:

Love the pic of the day! How cute! How do the kids get so much bigger in 6 years but we stay the same ;) :rotfl:

[KathyRN137]

So sorry to hear about your tooth, Kathy! :hug:

On the bright side though -- woo hoo for 46 days!!! That's awesome! party:

Not to mention, I love the picture of the day! :goodvibes


Thanks... it's fun looking at the old pix, isn't it? :goodvibes


Did you see that the Halloween MNSSHP is already sold out????? Make sure to stake out a good parade spot early!!!!

So sorry about your tooth! I have to pay for Ash to have her sealant a week before our trip :headache:

Love the pic of the day! How cute! How do the kids get so much bigger in 6 years but we stay the same ;) :rotfl:

Um, I seem to get a little "bigger" each year, too! ;)

I haven't been dieting, so I haven't lost any more weight... I will need to get back on track soon!

Wow, I hadn't heard that the party had sold out (although I expected it to.) Drat! I'm so annoyed that those CMs told me there would be no party on Nov. 1st!! :headache: Oh well, thankfully I have experience on my side!!

We will definitely shoot for the second, less crowded, parade. :thumbsup2 It's a good thing the kids are older and can stay awake... sometimes longer than I can!!


Kathy

[mom2mek]

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry about your tooth! What an annoyance to have it happen so close to your trip! :headache:

Love, love, love the picture of the day! How cute are they? :lovestruc Adorable!!!

You're getting so close now! :banana::banana::banana:

Sara

[jcc0621]

Sorry about the tooth. Hope it is a quick and inexpensive fix!

Love the picture of Tricia and billy. Look how much they have grown!

[MaryAz]

So sorry about the tooth-no fun and a bit :scared1: Congrats on the laptop-love mine!

[KathyRN137]

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry about your tooth! What an annoyance to have it happen so close to your trip! :headache:

Sara



Sorry about the tooth. Hope it is a quick and inexpensive fix!



So sorry about the tooth-no fun and a bit :scared1:



Hey Guys!

Thanks for the lovely comments about the kids...

and for comiserating with me on my tooth!! :grouphug:

I'm back from the dentist and its one of those "good news, bad news" situations... Bad News is: I need a crown. Good News is: I probably won't need root canal... that's only IF I get through the rest of the week without any pain. If it starts to hurt, then I'll have to get the RC before the crown. :sad2:

So... I got a filling and a crown build-up to hold me for the week. Someone from the office is supposed to call me later and let me know what the damage will be to my pocketbook. :worried:

So... to make myself feel better, I did a little travel aisle shopping on the way home, then dug out the Disney Box and began to fill it.

Getting that Disney Box filled will be a whole lot more fun! :teeth:


Kathy

[jcc0621]

Getting the Disney box ready will make anyone happy! ::yes::

[irish dancer]

OT- I love your avatar photo!! Where can I get one I would love to make a t-shirt. Okay thanks Kathy for letting me get off topic here :flower3::goodvibes

Well.....I got the pic from someone else on the boards and I don't remember who it was. I can try and do something with it to make it big enough for a shirt. Would you be looking for a full front size or a smaller size? I'll post if I can figure something out.



Yikes about the tooth!! I hope it ends up being just the crown!

Thanks for the old photo, it's so much fun to look back at the kids when they were younger. DD12 made the screen saver on the "kids computer" a slide show and it is all very old pics from when the kids were young, many in WDW. I agree that you should re-shoot that photo with them for a Then and Now pic. There's a thread like that here on the boards too, very fun!

[cjackearl]

Here's hoping that no root canal is needed.:) I had a similar situation last year that ended in a root canal and I was in an incredible amount of pain, both in my mouth and my pocketbook, after it was over.:sick:

Adorable picture of the kiddos with Roy. You'll be there again so soon.:cloud9:

Disney box filling sounds like a great pick me up. Will we get to see the contents?

[annnewjerz]

So... to make myself feel better, I did a little travel aisle shopping on the way home, then dug out the Disney Box and began to fill it.

Getting that Disney Box filled will be a whole lot more fun! :teeth:


Kathy

So Kathy---what exactly is in the Disney box? I have seen mention of it, but have no clue what you add. Is it just where you toss anything you come across that you want to pack or is it special stuff?

[eandesmom]

Oh that picture is so adorable! I love the idea of a repeat picture from this trip!

Your poor tooth! OW! Oh I hate spending money on stuff like that, filling up the Disney Box is a much more rewarding way to go broke.

I wish you a pain free, rootcanalless week!

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Ouch:headache: Sorry to hear about the tooth.

I love the picture of the kids. They are adorable. I think taking another picture in the same spot is a great idea!

Did your bodice come? I ordered a hat and some keys for Ethan from the Dress Like a Pirate website. They came and I have hidden them away. I hope to put up a picture or two in my Pre-trip report once I get a minute away from the kids.
Probably Wednesday Morning.

I have been hiding things away in our suitcase. Fun little things like Pez Candy and Pirate stickers.

[DearDaisyinDurham]

:grouphug:Best of luck with your tooth!:grouphug:

Love the picture! I have great memories of singing that song & skipping down Main Street U.S.A. w/ my daughter too, you brought a big smile to me on a Monday, thanks!!

[KathyRN137]

Well.....I got the pic from someone else on the boards and I don't remember who it was. I can try and do something with it to make it big enough for a shirt. Would you be looking for a full front size or a smaller size? I'll post if I can figure something out.

Yikes about the tooth!! I hope it ends up being just the crown!

Thanks for the old photo, it's so much fun to look back at the kids when they were younger. DD12 made the screen saver on the "kids computer" a slide show and it is all very old pics from when the kids were young, many in WDW. I agree that you should re-shoot that photo with them for a Then and Now pic. There's a thread like that here on the boards too, very fun!


I'll have to look for that thread, thanks! (Community Board??)
I like the autism awareness ribbon with the Mickey ears, too! :thumbsup2


Here's hoping that no root canal is needed.:) I had a similar situation last year that ended in a root canal and I was in an incredible amount of pain, both in my mouth and my pocketbook, after it was over.:sick:

Adorable picture of the kiddos with Roy. You'll be there again so soon.:cloud9:

Disney box filling sounds like a great pick me up. Will we get to see the contents?


The contents are kind of boring... a "pre-packing" of sorts... the travel-sized items, batteries, glow necklaces (the stuff from the Disney party goody bags), sunscreen, first aid kit... just all the little junk located in one spot until I really start to pack!

...but it means that I'm starting to pack! :thumbsup2


So Kathy---what exactly is in the Disney box? I have seen mention of it, but have no clue what you add. Is it just where you toss anything you come across that you want to pack or is it special stuff?

:lmao: See above!! Sorry to disappoint you!


Oh that picture is so adorable! I love the idea of a repeat picture from this trip!

Your poor tooth! OW! Oh I hate spending money on stuff like that, filling up the Disney Box is a much more rewarding way to go broke.

I wish you a pain free, rootcanalless week!

Thanks...from your lips to God's ears!! :angel:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Ouch:headache: Sorry to hear about the tooth.

I love the picture of the kids. They are adorable. I think taking another picture in the same spot is a great idea!

Did your bodice come? I ordered a hat and some keys for Ethan from the Dress Like a Pirate website. They came and I have hidden them away. I hope to put up a picture or two in my Pre-trip report once I get a minute away from the kids.
Probably Wednesday Morning.

I have been hiding things away in our suitcase. Fun little things like Pez Candy and Pirate stickers.

The "replacement" bodice came... I tried to cancel the first one, but its already on the way so if I want to return it I'll have to send it back.

It's a darker purple than I had expected... kind of like an eggplant color... so if I like the first one better, I'll send the second one back.

Are you confused yet?! :confused3


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

:grouphug:Best of luck with your tooth!:grouphug:

Love the picture! I have great memories of singing that song & skipping down Main Street U.S.A. w/ my daughter too, you brought a big smile to me on a Monday, thanks!!


Aww, I'm so glad! :cloud9:


Kathy

[JPFamilyMom]

Yikes on the tooth

:woohoo: for starting to fill the Disney box :yay:

[DisMomAmy]

Wow - A lot going on here in the past couple days!! I just heard about all the changes coming down the pike at WDW yesterday! Too bad I don't have any little girls to share the new Fantasyland with... oh well, they'd be too old by the time it's done anyways. It looks amazing though. :thumbsup2

Sorry to hear about your tooth - hope it doesn't hit you too hard in the pocketbook! :headache:

Thanks for the 2003 picture - They are adorable. :goodvibes Can't wait for more flashbacks. popcorn::

[All7OfUs]

Sorry about your tooth, kathy! What a bummer! Hope it didn't cost and arm and a leg.

Maybe the color of the bodice will grow on you? :confused3

Main Street is a magical place! Nothing better than skipping down it with a daughter!

Sweet picture; you definitely need to take it again this year!

[eandesmom]

I'll have to look for that thread, thanks! (Community Board??)
I like the autism awareness ribbon with the Mickey ears, too! :thumbsup

Thanks...from your lips to God's ears!! :angel:

Kathy

if you all need help recreating the ribbon with the ears for a t...pm me :)

and Kathy.

He listens :)

[wvdislover]

So sorry to hear about your tooth :sad2:

The pic of the kids was adorable!

WE LEAVE TODAY FOR WDW!!!!! I NEED this vacation...we had to deal with lice this weekend :scared1: What a way to throw a damper on your trip prep :sad2: I think I've got it completely taken care of, though, but EWWWWW!!!!! :headache: Hopefully, after having to deal with DH's tooth matters and this, God will grant us an awesome trip with no more "issues"

[mousescrapper]

So... to make myself feel better, I did a little travel aisle shopping on the way home, then dug out the Disney Box and began to fill it.

Getting that Disney Box filled will be a whole lot more fun! :teeth:


Kathy

sound like a wonderful Disney day :thumbsup2


Well.....I got the pic from someone else on the boards and I don't remember who it was. I can try and do something with it to make it big enough for a shirt. Would you be looking for a full front size or a smaller size? I'll post if I can figure something out.

Oohhh I'd love to see if you come up w/ anything....you know I love that ribbon too :goodvibes

There's a thread like that here on the boards too, very fun!

I gotta find me that thread too....

I just printed the pictures I have of Michael in front of Zurg (in the BLAB ride) from our 3 trips and am going to doing a keepsake book, including one for Matt and I in front of the NY backdrop from each trip and then the kids in front of the AK sign....

I love the thru the year's pictures...:thumbsup2

[irish dancer]

Kathy and Mousescrapper - here is the link to the Now and Then thread :

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=880727

[KathyRN137]

Yikes on the tooth

:woohoo: for starting to fill the Disney box :yay:


It did make me feel just a bit closer to WDW!! :cloud9:


Wow - A lot going on here in the past couple days!! I just heard about all the changes coming down the pike at WDW yesterday! Too bad I don't have any little girls to share the new Fantasyland with... oh well, they'd be too old by the time it's done anyways. It looks amazing though. :thumbsup2

Sorry to hear about your tooth - hope it doesn't hit you too hard in the pocketbook! :headache:

Thanks for the 2003 picture - They are adorable. :goodvibes Can't wait for more flashbacks. popcorn::


I'm hoping they will include some "boy stuff" in Fantasyland... the boys can get excited about Star Tours 2.0 at DHS!!

Still waiting for the price tag on the tooth... :sick:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Sorry about your tooth, kathy! What a bummer! Hope it didn't cost and arm and a leg.

Maybe the color of the bodice will grow on you? :confused3

Main Street is a magical place! Nothing better than skipping down it with a daughter!

Sweet picture; you definitely need to take it again this year!


I will, most definitely!

Ah, Main Sreet! (Sigh)


if you all need help recreating the ribbon with the ears for a t...pm me :)

and Kathy.

He listens :)


Yes He does! ::yes::


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

WE LEAVE TODAY FOR WDW!!!!! I NEED this vacation...we had to deal with lice this weekend :scared1: What a way to throw a damper on your trip prep :sad2: I think I've got it completely taken care of, though, but EWWWWW!!!!! :headache: Hopefully, after having to deal with DH's tooth matters and this, God will grant us an awesome trip with no more "issues"

Yikes! :eek: Yes, I'd say you deserve an awesome trip!!

Bon Voyage!!


sound like a wonderful Disney day :thumbsup2

I gotta find me that thread too....

I love the thru the year's pictures...:thumbsup2


See the link from irish dancer!!



Kathy and Mousescrapper - here is the link to the Now and Then thread :

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=880727


:thanks:



Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Just a quickie tonight...

My pix are probably not going to stay in chronological order... yesterday was a 2003 memory. Today I watched my teenage girl fluffing and primping for what seemed like forever this morning because it was "Picture Day" at school. :rolleyes: It made me think of when we took her to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique...



Tricia in 2006


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-339bbb.jpg



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-342bbb-1.jpg



She was ten and just about getting too old for BBB the first year it opened! I'm so glad we had the opportunity to do it! princess:

Hold onto those princess years... they don't last forever!


Kathy

[joy13]

Hey Kathy - sorry about the tooth - I hope you don't have to get a root canal! Those links about Star Tours and Fantasyland were awesome! Fantasyland will be amazing!!!

So speaking of that Farmer's Almanac - what does the week before your trip look like? ;)

[nonnasally]

We will be at MNNSHP on Oct. 27. I have kept this trip a surprise for DH's 60th and DGD's 6th birthday which is on that day. I am trying to get into the spirit of it all having buried our best friend a few days ago and have not been on the board in over a week.

I have to get costumes together for me, DH, DD and DGD. Not sure when I should tell them about the trip. I remembering someone saying that the little ones should be dressed comfortably as it can get warm and clammy for them. DGD has all the princess dresses from other trips but I was thinking that Jasmine's costume might be the most practical. Then there is DH who probably think this trip too frivilous to even get into the mood. Grumpy comes to mind. Do all adults normally dress up. I am at a loss and need a real boost from someone out there. Any suggestions are welcomed! :idea:

[eandesmom]

Just a quickie tonight...

My pix are probably not going to stay in chronological order... yesterday was a 2003 memory. Today I watched my teenage girl fluffing and primping for what seemed like forever this morning because it was "Picture Day" at school. :rolleyes: It made me think of when we took her to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique...



Tricia in 2006


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-339bbb.jpg



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-342bbb-1.jpg



She was ten and just about getting too old for BBB the first year it opened! I'm so glad we had the opportunity to do it! princess:

Hold onto those princess years... they don't last forever!


Kathy

Oh Kathy I was rolling reading this. I'm sure it WAS forever! All Kendall had to eat on friday until dinner time was hot chocolate because she'd taken so long to get ready for pictures she didn't have time to eat. I have never seen her inhale a cheeseburger so fast!

She never had princess years though so I love seeing yours! Kendall went straight from tomboy into tween. We were happy to say goodbye to basketball shorts ;) I love the picture. I hope Evan never gets too old for MSB and pixie dust in his hair. That will make me sad. Tricia looks like she enjoyed it!

[All7OfUs]

Love today's picture! Tricia looks like she is having a great time, regardless of being an "all grown up" 10!!! :scared1: year old!!

You're right! Those little girly years don't last long! But having lots of pix like this sure can help you remember those fun times!

[Charleston Princess]

Everyday seems like picture day at our house -- Chelsea takes about thirty minutes just to get dressed and styled each morning. :lmao:

Tricia is just beaming after her BBB make-over! :goodvibes

Chelsea did it the year she turned ten as well -- you are right -- those princess years fly by.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I love the BBB pictures. She looks so pretty and she looks like she is having fun too!

[irish dancer]

Another great set of pics. Today was picture day for DD12 and the angst started yesterday - "what am I going to wear, I donly have anything to wear" :rolleyes: Luckily no one needed lunches today as she had me using a curling iron to try and straighten her hair (much to her dismay we don't have a flat iron). Thankfully she liked the way it turned out.

DD8 is already done with princesses too :sad: but she still likes BBB. That was her consolation prize during our June trip for missing her dance recital. DD12 didn't do it this year but she had me put her hair up in a bun with the little crown.

[Tnkrbelle565]

Please don't tell me Aisling will look that grown up when she's 10!!! I'm so sad thinking that a time might come that she will outgrown WDW :sad1:

[mommytothreeboys]

Love the BBB pic! Time sure flies, doesn't it?

Wanted to tell you that Jeff and I walked in the Walk Now for Autism fundraising walk this past Saturday. His company was a major corporate sponsor. Although I don't know anyone personally affected by autism, I was thinking of Billy, Scrappie's Michael and Amy's Alex as I walked. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome kids with us! ;)

[joy13]

We will be at MNNSHP on Oct. 27. I have kept this trip a surprise for DH's 60th and DGD's 6th birthday which is on that day. I am trying to get into the spirit of it all having buried our best friend a few days ago and have not been on the board in over a week.

I have to get costumes together for me, DH, DD and DGD. Not sure when I should tell them about the trip. I remembering someone saying that the little ones should be dressed comfortably as it can get warm and clammy for them. DGD has all the princess dresses from other trips but I was thinking that Jasmine's costume might be the most practical. Then there is DH who probably think this trip too frivilous to even get into the mood. Grumpy comes to mind. Do all adults normally dress up. I am at a loss and need a real boost from someone out there. Any suggestions are welcomed! :idea:

We will be at the party on the 27th too :)

I think any Princess costume will do that late in October unless there is a hot snap that week. It gets into the 60's at night. We went in late October 2005and my DD was Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) and was comfortable. As for adults - there is a pretty even mix of dressed up vs. nondressed up. We wear halloween T-shirts. You won't be out of place either way.

[KathyRN137]

Hey Kathy - sorry about the tooth - I hope you don't have to get a root canal! Those links about Star Tours and Fantasyland were awesome! Fantasyland will be amazing!!!

So speaking of that Farmer's Almanac - what does the week before your trip look like? ;)


Glad you enjoyed the links!

Sorry, Joy, I had such a narrow focus when looking at the Almanac... I don't remember anything but that one week! (I didn't even take the time to look at the jokes!)

Kathy

[joy13]

Glad you enjoyed the links!

Sorry, Joy, I had such a narrow focus when looking at the Almanac... I don't remember anything but that one week! (I didn't even take the time to look at the jokes!)

Kathy

Oh - I was thinking you said you bought it. I'll look at it if I see it at the grocery store :rotfl: There is a website - but for free it's a pretty big region -not just florida even.

[KathyRN137]

We will be at MNNSHP on Oct. 27. I have kept this trip a surprise for DH's 60th and DGD's 6th birthday which is on that day. I am trying to get into the spirit of it all having buried our best friend a few days ago and have not been on the board in over a week.

I have to get costumes together for me, DH, DD and DGD. Not sure when I should tell them about the trip. I remembering someone saying that the little ones should be dressed comfortably as it can get warm and clammy for them. DGD has all the princess dresses from other trips but I was thinking that Jasmine's costume might be the most practical. Then there is DH who probably think this trip too frivilous to even get into the mood. Grumpy comes to mind. Do all adults normally dress up. I am at a loss and need a real boost from someone out there. Any suggestions are welcomed! :idea:



Hi Sally, and Welcome!

First let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your good friend. :angel:

(Why is it that so many DIS-husbands are likened to Grumpy?)

This will be my first MNSSHP, but I understand that many partygoers, especially the adults, do not dress in a full costume. Most of the kids (esp the ones your DGD's age) do dress up. I think the Jasmine costume is an excellent idea!

Sometimes the weather at WDW can be unpredictable, so I suggest double-checking the forecast as your trip gets closer. If it gets chillyat night, you could always bring along a t-shirt to wear under... or a little white sweater to wear over... her Jasmine outfit.

If you don't think your DH would be into wearing a costume perhaps you could persuade him to wear a Halloween-themed t-shirt. They're readily available in stores now. And of course, there will be lots of Disney Halloween shirts available in the parks.

You can also find lots of creative designs on the DISigns board. :thumbsup2

I've read that some adults dress up and some don't, so I think you would feel comfortable either way. When my family attended the Pirate & Princess Party last year, none of us dressed in costume... we just wore a "token" to keep with the theme. I wore Pirate Minnie ears, my DH wore an eye patch and earring, my DD(12) wore a replica of the POC medallion that we purchased at WDW and my DS(10) wore a t-shirt with a skull 'n crossbones from Target!

We didn't feel out of place at all. pirate:

I wouldn't feel the need to wear a costume if it weren't for the fact that the kids begged and pleaded for us all to go in costume since we're actually attending the party on Halloween.

I think your DGD(6) would get a kick out of some kind of attempt on your part to get into the festive mood, even if its just wearing a Halloween t-shirt or a funny hat. Those things mean a lot to kids!

Here's hoping you have a wonderful time at the party and good luck keeping the trip a surprise... I would never be able to keep the secret!!


Kathy

[nonnasally]

Thanks, Kathy for your great advise and insight. I also just noticed that most of this thread related to autism and I am so embarrashed that I did not notice I was on the wrong board. Being an educator, I feel so dumb!

Your idea about a "token" item to wear is a good thing for DH. Maybe just a t-shirt for DGD ( its her birthday that night) and a hat will do. GREAT IDEAS! Thanks so much!

[KathyRN137]

...She never had princess years though so I love seeing yours! Kendall went straight from tomboy into tween. We were happy to say goodbye to basketball shorts ;) I love the picture. I hope Evan never gets too old for MSB and pixie dust in his hair. That will make me sad. Tricia looks like she enjoyed it!


She did enjoy it! Tricia plays sports like Kendall, but she's always been into dressing up and doing her hair and nails. Yearsn ago, I used to be a Mary Kay consultant and she loved to play with all the leftover samples of eyeshadow and lipstick. (She still does!)


I have to dig out the photopass picture that we got... it has Ed looking on in the background as she is getting dolled up... you should see the look on his face! :cloud9:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thanks, Kathy for your great advise and insight. I also just noticed that most of this thread related to autism and I am so embarrashed that I did not notice I was on the wrong board. Being an educator, I feel so dumb!

Your idea about a "token" item to wear is a good thing for DH. Maybe just a t-shirt for DGD ( its her birthday that night) and a hat will do. GREAT IDEAS! Thanks so much!


Hey Sally... please don't feel that way! We do have an autistic child, but our family (and this thread) is a lot more than just that one issue. We're just another Disney-lovin' family!

You know your hubby better than anyone and if you don't think he would be comfortable "dressing up" than you are wise not to force him or try to make him feel guilty. The whole point of the party is to have fun!


Kathy

[eandesmom]

I'm hoping they will include some "boy stuff" in Fantasyland... the boys can get excited about Star Tours 2.0 at DHS!!

Still waiting for the price tag on the tooth... :sick:

Kathy
any update on your tooth? still holding up? I'm with you on the boy stuff in fantasy land

[KathyRN137]

Love today's picture! Tricia looks like she is having a great time, regardless of being an "all grown up" 10!!! :scared1: year old!!

You're right! Those little girly years don't last long! But having lots of pix like this sure can help you remember those fun times!


I think that all girls enjoy being "fussed over" no matter what their age! Which reminds me... I need to make an appointment for a haircut, myself!


Everyday seems like picture day at our house -- Chelsea takes about thirty minutes just to get dressed and styled each morning. :lmao:

Tricia is just beaming after her BBB make-over! :goodvibes

Chelsea did it the year she turned ten as well -- you are right -- those princess years fly by.


I'm so glad the BBB came out when it did... otherwise she would've missed it! I'm even a bit sad looking at all the wonderful additions they have planned for Fantasyland... she really would've flipped over meeting the princesses like that when she was younger. She's not even that jazzed about meeting Tink and the Fairies now! :sad1: (But I am!)


I love the BBB pictures. She looks so pretty and she looks like she is having fun too!


Thanks, Nancy! Like I said, I really should dig out the PP pictures from that day! :cloud9: Ethan's doing the Pirate League, right?? I remember you saying that your DD is doing BBB....


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Another great set of pics. Today was picture day for DD12 and the angst started yesterday - "what am I going to wear, I donly have anything to wear" :rolleyes: Luckily no one needed lunches today as she had me using a curling iron to try and straighten her hair (much to her dismay we don't have a flat iron). Thankfully she liked the way it turned out.

DD8 is already done with princesses too :sad: but she still likes BBB. That was her consolation prize during our June trip for missing her dance recital. DD12 didn't do it this year but she had me put her hair up in a bun with the little crown.


I think they secretly wish they could wear that sparkly stuff all the time, don't you?! :ssst:


Please don't tell me Aisling will look that grown up when she's 10!!! I'm so sad thinking that a time might come that she will outgrown WDW :sad1:


Feels like we're all going to start singing "Sunrise, Sunset!"

Where is the little girl I carried.... :sad:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

any update on your tooth? still holding up? I'm with you on the boy stuff in fantasy land

Tooth feels fine... haven't heard the price tag yet, and I'm afraid to call! :laughing:

I really hope they bring CarsLand to WDW as well as DL! It looks like it would be so much fun, not just for little boys but "big" boys as well! ;) It reminds me of Test Track.



This new bit of live entertainment at the MK looks interesting...especially if you like Fort Wilderness and classic Frontierland!


Frontierland Hoedown

Interactive parade featuring dancers and the Country Bears. Guests are invited to participate in a square dance and a line dance. Takes place outside the Country Bear Jamboree, Prairie Outpost & Supply and Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.
Sunday, Monday, Thursday & Saturday at 4:45pm
Wednesday at 9:55, 10:40 & 11:40am
Length of sets: ?? minutes


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Love the BBB pic! Time sure flies, doesn't it?

Wanted to tell you that Jeff and I walked in the Walk Now for Autism fundraising walk this past Saturday. His company was a major corporate sponsor. Although I don't know anyone personally affected by autism, I was thinking of Billy, Scrappie's Michael and Amy's Alex as I walked. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome kids with us! ;)


That's great! Way to go!

You're so sweet to think of our kids... Thanks!


http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x200/kd5lky/blue20border20gif.gif





Kathy

[eandesmom]

Tooth feels fine... haven't heard the price tag yet, and I'm afraid to call! :laughing:

I really hope they bring CarsLand to WDW as well as DL! It looks like it would be so much fun, not just for little boys but "big" boys as well! ;) It reminds me of Test Track.

This new bit of live entertainment at the MK looks interesting...especially if you like Fort Wilderness and classic Frontierland!


Frontierland Hoedown

Interactive parade featuring dancers and the Country Bears. Guests are invited to participate in a square dance and a line dance. Takes place outside the Country Bear Jamboree, Prairie Outpost & Supply and Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.
Sunday, Monday, Thursday & Saturday at 4:45pm
Wednesday at 9:55, 10:40 & 11:40am
Length of sets: ?? minutes


Kathy

I would love it if they brought CarsLand...not sure where theu would fit it!

Oh the Hoedown sounds fun! My crowd is very anti parade but still sounds fun. I love those Country Bears even though my kids don't have a clule who they are.

[KathyRN137]

I would love it if they brought CarsLand...not sure where theu would fit it!


...How about replacing the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway with CarsLand? That attraction seems rather tired. The theme would pretty much be the same, right? :confused3 (And no fumes, either!)


Kathy

[eandesmom]

...How about replacing the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway with CarsLand? That attraction seems rather tired. The theme would pretty much be the same, right? :confused3 (And no fumes, either!)


Kathy

That's brilliant! Jeff whined about how lame (read SLOW) the speedway was. Poor Eric never got to ride it as that was the night I made him go to bed early while the rest went out. It seems CRAZY not to have Cars there!

[KathyRN137]

Love the BBB pic! Time sure flies, doesn't it?

Wanted to tell you that Jeff and I walked in the Walk Now for Autism fundraising walk this past Saturday. His company was a major corporate sponsor. Although I don't know anyone personally affected by autism, I was thinking of Billy, Scrappie's Michael and Amy's Alex as I walked. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome kids with us! ;)



Missy, your post made me feel like sharing this essay:



Everyone Has Autism

By William Stillman

Ever awaken in the middle of the night and realize your arm is “asleep” from the elbow down? It is a common situation experienced by nearly everyone at one time or another. As much as your brain is willing that arm to budge, it is deadened to the signals or impulses your brain is sending it. How many of you have actually had to physically move the asleep arm with your other hand in order to free up circulation and regain its use? If that same nightime paralysis were in more than one limb, or lodged in your voicebox, you would outwardly behave in ways that were autistic, just like any of autism’s “cousins” such as Asperger’s Syndrome, dyslexia, Tourette’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Cerebral Palsy, Lou Gehrig’s, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Sensory Integration Disorder, and a realm of other human experiences on a neurological continuum.

I’ve heard people refer to autistic children as “mutants” or functioning on par with a dog! This is hard to fathom when we consider that we are all more alike than we are different, and we all are truly brothers of one another. It is this kind of fear that the multi-billion dollar autism industry is founded upon—hastily, intensively, erasing all traces of autism in favor of normalcy. But in my work as an autism consultant, 90 percent of what I endeavor has absolutely nothing to do with the autistic one; it has everything to do with creating a transformation in everyone around that individual!

Noteworthy about those who would suggest that anything less than their perception of normal is unworthy, is that they fail to recognize a truth: at the present rate of autism statistics (one in 150 children and counting), it is they who will soon be the minority if they’re not first rendered “disabled” by virtue of genetics, deteriorating health, poor lifestyle choices and the aging process. They would surely wish for others to continue presuming their intellect regardless of the physical transformation their bodies will endure (which may cause them outwardly to present in an autistic-like manner).

The curious thing is we all have autism to one degree or another! We’ve all experienced neurological crossed-wires that result in motor-control blips, misfires and disconnects. You experienced an “autism” if you’ve:

driven from Point A to Point B, but upon arriving at Point B you have no recollection of the drive.

begun driving from Point A with Point B as your final destination, but today you need to make a special stop to pick up something or someone—and you end up driving your regular route, having forgotten to make the detour.
been driving along, and hear a song you like with the intention of listening all the way through, but soon realize your mind has wandered and you haven’t heard a word of it.

been driving along and hear a song you haven’t heard since high school—and experiencing the song immediately conjures memories of that era in your life. We create a strong associative connection in the same way with scents and smells we link in memory to certain people and places (a food aroma, cologne or perfume, or tobacco), as well as life-defining events such as an accident, a birth or death, or a disaster of some sort (you could probably relate details about where you were and what you were doing on September 11, 2001).

happened upon someone familiar while out shopping, but seeing them out of the context in which you know them disables you from recollecting their name on the spot and in the moment (although it may come to you after you’ve had sufficient process time).

had to physically retrace your steps in order to remember something, or you’ve misplaced something you suddenly realize you’ve been holding the whole time you’ve been searching for it (a pair of scissors or your eyeglasses).

lost track of time or self-awareness (no need to eat or use the bathroom) while immersed in an activity for which you hold great passion (painting, jogging, dancing, gardening, etc.).

had a case of the giggles so severe that you could not regain your composure until the experience ran its course.

ever been so angry, or afraid, and words escaped you in the moment.

absolutely had to scratch an itch and could not focus on anything else until you were so relieved.

calmed your anxiety by biting your nails, tapping a pen, shaking your leg, rocking yourself, twirling strands of your hair or toying with a piece of jewelry, or talking or humming to yourself.

experienced uncontrollable shivers so intensely that your teeth chattered involuntarily.

struggled to decipher the meaning of certain words in the appropriate context, such as “she shed a tear over the tear in her new dress.”

organized your items in your kitchen cupboards, bathroom, work space, or clothes closet in alphabetical order (canned good with labels facing out), by color-coordination, or at right angles.

come in from frigid weather and your hands are so numb with cold, you could not use them to hold an eating utensil, write longhand, or unbutton your coat.

had a song in your head that absolutely will not go away! It may be The Star-Spangled Banner, a commercial jingle, or a Barry Manilow tune. You may have even been awakened in the middle of the night hearing the song you cannot seem to banish. Imagine if that experience of being “stuck” with the song in your head (which precludes your thought processes) transferred throughout your body, or stuck in your throat and hindered your vocalizations?

These common experiences—“brain fades” or instances in which our body vetoes brain signals—affect us all, making us kindred in our humanity. But if you did them with any degree of regularity, you’d be eligible for an autism diagnosis! The next time someone suggests an autistic person’s hand-flapping or finger-flickering is maladaptive, gently remind them that they do it too, only it looks like the times they sit and shake a leg!

As much as we are all on a learning curve about autism (including some “experts” in the medical community), we are also all on a curve of diversity in our collective human experience. This begs the question: is there really any such thing as “normal?” Just maybe autism isn’t really as autistic as it seems.


© 2008, William Stillman

William Stillman is speaker, consultant, self-advocate and author of numerous autism and special needs parenting books. His Website is www.williamstillman.com.



Kathy

[eandesmom]

That was beautiful Kathy, thank you so much for sharing it!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Kathy,

I haven't been on the boards for the last day or two but I just had to pipe in...(I'm on my way to back to school night for David ironically...)

That was great...and such a great way to put it...

a friend of mine was having her son testing at Univer of PA hospital and the neurologist she was speaking to told her...

"every single one of us is on the spectrum whether or not we get a diagnosis or not...it's just a matter of how much... but on any given day we ALL can exhibit autistic behaviours/feelings..."

so thanks for posting that...

gotta run for now...

be back later....

[jess98ac]

What a great article, thank you for sharing it. I guess I never looked at things that way before...but my co-workers are always "yelling" at me to stop tapping my feet and clicking my pen!

[JPFamilyMom]

Thanks for sharing that Kathy, that might really help some others understand some of my sons behaviors more.

[DisMomAmy]

Love the BBB pic! Time sure flies, doesn't it?

Wanted to tell you that Jeff and I walked in the Walk Now for Autism fundraising walk this past Saturday. His company was a major corporate sponsor. Although I don't know anyone personally affected by autism, I was thinking of Billy, Scrappie's Michael and Amy's Alex as I walked. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome kids with us! ;)

Just want to hijack for a moment...

Thanks for thinking of us Missy!! :hug:

Hijack over!! (I guess if I kept up with my own report I would have to do that... :rolleyes1)

[KathyRN137]

That was beautiful Kathy, thank you so much for sharing it!

Hey Kathy,
...a friend of mine was having her son testing at Univer of PA hospital and the neurologist she was speaking to told her...

"every single one of us is on the spectrum whether or not we get a diagnosis or not...it's just a matter of how much... but on any given day we ALL can exhibit autistic behaviours/feelings..."

so thanks for posting that...


What a great article, thank you for sharing it. I guess I never looked at things that way before...but my co-workers are always "yelling" at me to stop tapping my feet and clicking my pen!

Thanks for sharing that Kathy, that might really help some others understand some of my sons behaviors more.


You are all very welcome!

(BTW, the author has Asperger's Syndrome.)

Pretty cool, huh?



Just want to hijack for a moment...

Thanks for thinking of us Missy!! :hug:

Hijack over!! (I guess if I kept up with my own report I would have to do that... :rolleyes1)

Hi Amy! :wave2:


Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for sharing Kathy! I've know that I have autism for a while now. ;) And Alex accuses Tim of having it all the time. He said to me, "I think Daddy has autism too." When I asked him why, he said, "Because he says mean stuff to me!" :rotfl:

Not that I think it's funny that Alex associates saying mean stuff with autism, but since he's figured out how to label it, he blames all of his 'not so good' behavior on autism. :rolleyes1

[KathyRN137]

... since he's figured out how to label it, he blames all of his 'not so good' behavior on autism. :rolleyes1


Sometimes it (autism) takes on a life of its own. How many times have I heard Tricia say, "I hate Autism," as if it was a mean person living in our house ... :rolleyes:


Kathy

[JPFamilyMom]

Wanted to tell you that Jeff and I walked in the Walk Now for Autism fundraising walk this past Saturday. His company was a major corporate sponsor. Although I don't know anyone personally affected by autism, I was thinking of Billy, Scrappie's Michael and Amy's Alex as I walked. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome kids with us! ;)

Thanks for doing that. I'm doing the walk next month in Nashville, but haven't found any sponsors :confused3:sad2: but still trying. Also doing a local Autism walk to benefit the city I live in. Every little bit helps right :thumbsup2



Kathy- That is cool that the author of that article has Aspergers makes it more relatable, would like to share that with my group of Moms(with different children on different places on the spectrum) here where I live if that is ok.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Thanks for sharing that essay, Kathy. I think it puts things into terms that people who are unfamiliar with autism can understand. :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

Kathy- That is cool that the author of that article has Aspergers makes it more relatable, would like to share that with my group of Moms(with different children on different places on the spectrum) here where I live if that is ok.


I hope they enjoy it!


Thanks for sharing that essay, Kathy. I think it puts things into terms that people who are unfamiliar with autism can understand. :thumbsup2

You're welcome! As a physical therapist, I'm sure you understand a lot of the issues our kids face... thanks! (You're just about over that first trimester hump, right??) :goodvibes


Kathy

[cjackearl]

Hi Kathy, thanks for the insightful issue. It was enlightening. I've experienced that disconnect many, many times.

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Kathy,

I hope the tooth continues to be pain free... In a way-I guess in a way if it had to happen better now-then later...(like during your trip...:scared1:)

I love the pictures of Tricia at BBB-so wonderful-aren't you glad you she did it?

(Emily was 11-and that was definitely pushing it...I kind of encouraged it...she looked really cute (if I do say myself...:lmao:...but when she looks at the pictures she gets really upset-"I can't believe you made me do that.."-umm I didn't exactly tie her down...:confused3...I think she was conflicted...and this way she can blame me...:confused3)

Now for some reason last month we did Pirate's League for both Em and David -and that was ok-that's "cool" so apparently being an Emperess-which is basically a pirate princess is cool but a regular princess is not...

BTW-thanks for the Wllliam Stillman website-it looks great and I'll be going back and bookmarking it so I can read through it later...I may share some of his stuff with our teacher...I was very impressed w/ her last night...

?-where are all of you getting the Autism (thingies-for lack of a better word) to but in you signatures?...I've seen the stamp, the mickey with ribbon...I don't know if there are more...(I feel like I'm picking out a sofa...hmmm not what autism awareness thing would look the best in my signature...but honestly is there a place you can find them all?

Hope your day is a good one...

[Tnkrbelle565]

Love the article...I'm sending it on if you don't mind :flower3:

[All7OfUs]

What a beautifully written essay!! Thanks for sharing that with us who struggle with these issues everyday- and with those who watch from the outside. Writing and thinking like this can go a long ways in drawing those on the "outside" into the "inside".

[mom2mek]

Thank you for sharing that article, Kathy! Those words ring very true!!

Love the BBB pics of Tricia! She looks adorable! :cutie:

Sara

[mousescrapper]

Kathy and Mousescrapper - here is the link to the Now and Then thread :

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=880727

Awesome, thanks...I was trying to find it yesterday...:thumbsup2


Wanted to tell you that Jeff and I walked in the Walk Now for Autism fundraising walk this past Saturday. His company was a major corporate sponsor. Although I don't know anyone personally affected by autism, I was thinking of Billy, Scrappie's Michael and Amy's Alex as I walked. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome kids with us! ;)

:hug: thanks Missy

Sometimes it (autism) takes on a life of its own. How many times have I heard Tricia say, "I hate Autism," as if it was a mean person living in our house ... :rolleyes:



Tell Tricia I completely understand and have that feeling many times....yes I do live w/ it each and everyday even though I'm not the one who actually lives with it and I know and see how it or the symptoms, the adversities and struggles affect us all.

Last night I recieved an email from my DSIL who is participating in an Autism Speaks Motorcylce run w/ her husbnad and 9 friends as a Team in honor of Michael (they rode last yr too)...there were two things that struck me as a read her words...one she refered to it as a disease and that Michael has a very mild case....

sorry I'm venting here Kathy.....:sad2: :guilty:

to me a mother of an autistic child and 3 other children who most likely in some degree are all on the spectrum...it is never a mild case. Michael is not a "case" he is a child struggling w/ things that yes we may all in a way deal w/ but he deals w/ it 24/7....you may not see it every second or every day in the same way...but it is there. IMHO...I don't think you can say oh he has a mild case and that kid over there has a severe case...as Patricia has mentioned it is a spectrum, a continum line that flucuates.

as well IMHO I do not consider Autism a disease...it is a disorder. It's not something you develop or catch or something that is going to go away...you are born w/ it and you can manage it w/ treatments and medications, but you can't "take it away".

(hope I don't sound like I'm on a soap box here)

As I was discussing this w/ DH last night...he said "Julie I hear what you are saying, but I think you are a little sensitive" :headache: well DUH!? I am a parent of an Austic child who at that very moment was rolling around and rocking back and forth on the floor, making tons of noises and irratating Margaret (his little sister) who was proceeding to whine in a frantic way w/ her hands waving in front of her face "my blankie" (she needed someone to get it for her) :rolleyes:

ok I apoligize again...

and now to the wonderful and poignant essay EVERYONE HAS AUTISM...

thank you for sharing! I copied and pasted it in a Word doc and am going to send it to several friends and family....

I can tell you beyond all the fun Disney fixings I get here on the boards...it is you and the wonderful community of friends that I have made that make me :)

Scrappie J-

oh I almost forgot...I'm going to check out your Twitter

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

[/quote]Tell Tricia I completely understand and have that feeling many times....yes I do live w/ it each and everyday even though I'm not the one who actually lives with it and I know and see how it or the symptoms, the adversities and struggles affect us all.

Last night I recieved an email from my DSIL who is participating in an Autism Speaks Motorcylce run w/ her husbnad and 9 friends as a Team in honor of Michael (they rode last yr too)...there were two things that struck me as a read her words...one she refered to it as a disease and that Michael has a very mild case....

sorry I'm venting here Kathy.....:sad2: :guilty:

to me a mother of an autistic child and 3 other children who most likely in some degree are all on the spectrum...it is never a mild case. Michael is not a "case" he is a child struggling w/ things that yes we may all in a way deal w/ but he deals w/ it 24/7....you may not see it every second or every day in the same way...but it is there. IMHO...I don't think you can say oh he has a mild case and that kid over there has a severe case...as Patricia has mentioned it is a spectrum, a continum line that flucuates.

as well IMHO I do not consider Autism a disease...it is a disorder. It's not something you develop or catch or something that is going to go away...you are born w/ it and you can manage it w/ treatments and medications, but you can't "take it away".

(hope I don't sound like I'm on a soap box here)

As I was discussing this w/ DH last night...he said "Julie I hear what you are saying, but I think you are a little sensitive" :headache: well DUH!? I am a parent of an Austic child who at that very moment was rolling around and rocking back and forth on the floor, making tons of noises and irratating Margaret (his little sister) who was proceeding to whine in a frantic way w/ her hands waving in front of her face "my blankie" (she needed someone to get it for her) :rolleyes:

ok I apoligize again...

and now to the wonderful and poignant essay EVERYONE HAS AUTISM...

thank you for sharing! I copied and pasted it in a Word doc and am going to send it to several friends and family....

I can tell you beyond all the fun Disney fixings I get here on the boards...it is you and the wonderful community of friends that I have made that make me :)

Scrappie J-[/QUOTE]


Aww don't apologize :hug:

Autism is so very frustrating (I don't think there is one word out there that describes everything it is). So many adjectives to decribe it are out there at least for me...and not all bad either:goodvibes It's hard enough to deal with it as a parent but it is so very hard to explain it to others because it is constantly riding the spectrum.

I took Gabriel to our Cub Scout open house for the first time ever. I am not quite sure what I was thinking:headache: I just wanted to try to get him involved with something and his Daddy was all for taking him.

We walked in and it was organized chaos. I went to the parent meeting and Peter stayed with Gabriel to play games in the hall.

I had wanted to talk to the organizer first to tell her Gabriel's needs to see if he could even be accomodated but wasn't able to in all the hub bub.

As I sat there in the meeting and they all talked about things that should come easily to children to earn their scouting awards.....I almost started bawling! It was that kind of slap in the face moment that you spoke about at the end of your last trip report:sad1:

I certainly didn't want to speak up during the meeting and have the parents stare me down as I try to explain my quirky little boy but afterwards I spoke to the leader.

She said they didn't have any other 3rd graders in the pack/den? I said I guess I wouldn't care if he was group with the younger kids since he is delayed anyway. I don't know I just felt awful when we left.

My husband said one of the kids came up to Gabriel and kind of jumped at him in his face and Gabriel said "hey, that's not nice!".:sad2:

Sorry for the hijack as well......

I guess the bottom line is that I wish every single person could read that essay and understand Autism even just one little bit.

Thanks for posting it Kathy and sorry for the hijack:flower3:

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Thanks, Nancy! Like I said, I really should dig out the PP pictures from that day! :cloud9: Ethan's doing the Pirate League, right?? I remember you saying that your DD is doing BBB....

Kathy[/B]

I hope you post the Photopass pictures. We have gotten the kids hair done at the Barbershop but not BBB. I have thought about doing the Pirate's League but I am not sure if we want to spend the money.

Abby isn't doing BBB, she is too much of a Tomboy and won't have anything to do with the princesses anymore. She says Mickey is her favorite character.

I really liked the article you posted. I have definitely done a lot of those things. I have often turned up the radio to listen to a favorite song only to find myself daydreaming and not even listening.

My DH is quite the leg shaker too.

Ethan has some sensory issues and anxiety about crowds.

[KathyRN137]

Hey Kathy,

?-where are all of you getting the Autism (thingies-for lack of a better word) to but in you signatures?...I've seen the stamp, the mickey with ribbon...I don't know if there are more...(I feel like I'm picking out a sofa...hmmm not what autism awareness thing would look the best in my signature...but honestly is there a place you can find them all?



I use Photobucket to upload my pix, so I just searched "autism awareness" then copied and pasted the links into my siggie! :goodvibes


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy, thanks for the insightful issue. It was enlightening. I've experienced that disconnect many, many times.

Me, too!

Love the article...I'm sending it on if you don't mind :flower3:

Be my guest... there's a link to his website at the bottom.

What a beautifully written essay!! Thanks for sharing that with us who struggle with these issues everyday- and with those who watch from the outside. Writing and thinking like this can go a long ways in drawing those on the "outside" into the "inside".

Even I had to stop and think hard after reading that... it made me think how very difficult it must be for my son to get through each day... :worried: Imagine having to deal with all that carp!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Thank you for sharing that article, Kathy! Those words ring very true!!

Love the BBB pics of Tricia! She looks adorable! :cutie:

Sara

Thanks, Sara!! :flower3:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Tell Tricia I completely understand and have that feeling many times....yes I do live w/ it each and everyday even though I'm not the one who actually lives with it and I know and see how it or the symptoms, the adversities and struggles affect us all.....

....I can tell you beyond all the fun Disney fixings I get here on the boards...it is you and the wonderful community of friends that I have made that make me :)

Scrappie J-

oh I almost forgot...I'm going to check out your Twitter


I try to reassure Tricia that her feelings are quite natural, while at the same time trying to reinforce the need for patience and tolerance of her brother's annoying quirks. BTW, she is shocked that I opened a Twitter account! :lmao:

And thanks... I know that we can all relate to each other on so many levels that it boggles the mind!! :grouphug:





Autism is so very frustrating (I don't think there is one word out there that describes everything it is). So many adjectives to decribe it are out there at least for me...and not all bad either:goodvibes It's hard enough to deal with it as a parent but it is so very hard to explain it to others because it is constantly riding the spectrum.




No hijacks perceived on my part... we're talking about the subject of autism and our kids, so it's natural that we all have strong feelings about the 800 lb gorilla that is always in the room!! :rolleyes1


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Ethan has some sensory issues and anxiety about crowds.


To tell you the truth, I'm a bit anxious about those crowds on Halloween night, myself! :crowded:


Kathy

[MEK]

Kathy:

The picture of your daughter at BBB is beautiful. What a great memory.

Your article on autism was a very interesting read. Thank you for sharing that with us. I really don't know a lot about Autism, but I have two family members with real OCD (not the Disney kind that everyone jokes about, but the real deal) and it is interesting to see correlation the between the two conditions since both result for "misfiring" neurons.

[KathyRN137]

Kathy:

The picture of your daughter at BBB is beautiful. What a great memory.

Your article on autism was a very interesting read. Thank you for sharing that with us...


You're welcome!

Wow! Look at that ticker! Three days! :banana:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

More from 2003...


On this first trip, Billy was very frightened of the "non-face" characters. I had been expecting it... he always screamed his head off when we tried to get a picture with Santa... but I have to admit that it was a bit of a disappointment to be taking tons of pictures of Tricia, alone, with all the characters.

We had breakfast at the CP and I felt for sure that he would warm up to his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood... after all, he was always watching Winnie the Pooh videos and he especially liked Tigger.

They had a lot in common! :tigger:

Anyway, Tigger came over and Billy looked as if he was about to cry. We told Tigger and the CM handler about Billy's autism and I was expecting him to back off, but instead, he got down on the floor (to make himself appear smaller, I'm guessing.) He spent a lot of time playing with the kids and he let Billy "pet him." Eventually Billy felt comfortable enough to hold his hand and pose for a couple of pictures...


He looks a bit upset here, but he's saying, "Cheeeese!"

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/WDW2003003.jpg



The money shot... one of the rare character pix we have with Billy from his first WDW trip!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/WDW2003001.jpg



Afterwards, Billy kept looking all around the restaurant and his face would light up when he saw Tigger. I was so grateful that "Tigger" was kind enough to spend some extra time with one of his biggest little fans! :cloud9:


Kathy

[eandesmom]

Awwww!

[Charleston Princess]

Precious pictures of the kids with Tigger -- that was so sweet of him to take the time for Billy to feel comfortable with him. :goodvibes

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Awwwww... your kids are adorable !:goodvibes

[MRYPPNS]

I knew that Tigger was a good guy!

[JPFamilyMom]

Awww!! What great pictures. I'm VERY anxious about character meets for our first trip. So we'll see what happens, character meets could prove to be disastrous on our first trip. But I'm trying to stay optimistic.

[KathyRN137]

Awwww!

:goodvibes


Precious pictures of the kids with Tigger -- that was so sweet of him to take the time for Billy to feel comfortable with him. :goodvibes

It's part of what made me fall in love with Disney! The Cast Members are awesome!


Awwwww... your kids are adorable !:goodvibes

Thanks... they have grown so much though!! :faint:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I knew that Tigger was a good guy!

Must be all that bouncing...


Awww!! What great pictures. I'm VERY anxious about character meets for our first trip. So we'll see what happens, character meets could prove to be disastrous on our first trip. But I'm trying to stay optimistic.

Suggestion: start with "face" characters like princesses, pixies, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins... "real" people did not seem to frighten Billy at age five.

The following year, he went to all the characters with no hesitancy! :confused3


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Well, no work today... I love having Fridays off!

I've been picking up a few odds and ends for the Disney box... the kids are still wearing shorts and tee shirts, so I haven't been able to put much clothing aside... I keep all of our matching Disney tees and sweatshirts in a plastic container so they are all where I can get to them easily... I did buy packages of nice new socks for everyone (woo-hoo, right?!)

My biggest concern of late has been Billy. He's been having some behavior problems on the bus... not in class, only on the bus. He gets it into his head that he wants to get out of his seat so he's been taking off his seat belt and standing up. When the bus aide (who has worked with Billy for the past three years) tries to get him to sit back down, Billy throws a screaming tantrum! It was so bad yesterday that they had to pull over on the way to school and call us!

Luckily, Ed had not gone to bed yet, so he gave him a stern talking-to via the cell phone and got him to sit back down. But then, they had the same problem on the way home! We're really concerned because he has been having real problems with delaying gratification that started in the summer and seems to be getting worse.

Fortunately, there is a behavior team at his school and they are working on a plan of action with the bus aide and driver. I also had a call from his case worker about the problem... we were afraid that he might get kicked off the bus if his behavior does not improve. She assured us that they would "handle" it, but Ed and I are considering voluntarily driving him (three towns over) to reduce the stress on him and the rest of the bus.

This would cause some very real logistical problems for us... Ed works nights, I work days, the traffic is so heavy at those times of the day, etc, etc. I was able to move his appointment with his psychiatrist to Monday, but I know what I'll hear: "Lets give him more medication."

Obviously, I'm not too happy about that... I'm hoping he will just "settle down" naturally and with positive re-inforcement, but he just seems to spin out of control so easily lately...


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

:hug: Kathy I am so sorry to hear about the issues with Billy. I hope you, the school aides, etc get the situation figured out very soon. Is there something he can take to school to do on the bus to occupy him? This has to be frustrating for you and Ed :grouphug:.

[joy13]

First off - that story about Tigger brought tears to my eyes - what a great CM!!! :love:

Sorry about the bus issues Billy is having. I don't have any hands on experience with autism, but I know for any kid the beginning of the school year is such an adjustment. I would think it might be even a bit harder for him with his routine changing - so hopefully you and the aides can come up with a system and with time he'll get back into the routine. :grouphug:

[KathyRN137]

:hug: Kathy I am so sorry to hear about the issues with Billy. I hope you, the school aides, etc get the situation figured out very soon. Is there something he can take to school to do on the bus to occupy him? This has to be frustrating for you and Ed :grouphug:.

Hey Tracy!

He has always refused to bring books, toys, music, etc on the bus but for the past few days we've made him take a portable CD player with headphones to help distract/occupy him. It works for the first half of the trip, then (according to the aide) he suddenly pulls the headphones off and starts acting up. :confused3 It's very puzzling because he's been riding the same bus for six years and never had a problem before.

There is a boy on the bus that Billy does not like; the boy always makes faces at him and also makes chomping motions as if he wants to bite Billy. The aide has already separated them... one at the front of the bus and one at the back... but Billy still turns around to look at the boy. I believe it's when the other boy makes those faces at him that Billy starts to get agitated but, what can you do? The other boy is dealing with his own autistic issues...

It's hard to see my sweet little boy as an aggressive child... its so not like him. But, I suppose that he's older now (11) and when that boy starts to antagonize him Billy just wants to pop him one! :rolleyes:

Funny thing is... last year one of the girls in his class was getting physically aggressive with others and several times she attacked Billy. (He came home with notes from the nurse and minor scratches and bruises.) But his teacher said that he never reciprocated... just tried to stay out of her way! Perhaps its because this kid is a boy.... I really don't know.... but I hope and pray that it stops!

I'm sure the school has a behavior plan in place for the other boy... we just aren't privy to the information. I feel so sorry for the driver and aide... they've been so good with the kids, I hate to stress them out...they are both retired gentlemen.


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

.... I would think it might be even a bit harder for him with his routine changing - so hopefully you and the aides can come up with a system and with time he'll get back into the routine. :grouphug:


I had been hoping that getting back to the regular routine of school would be helpful! :laughing: Perhaps in time....

He currently has what is called a "token economy" plan in place... if he follows all the "bus rules" he "earns" a special treat (a DVD) when he gets home. Needless to say, he has not been earning them. :rolleyes1 Naturally, that just seems to make him more upset!

I am doing a lot of praying...


Kathy

[joy13]

I had been hoping that getting back to the regular routine of school would be helpful! :laughing: Perhaps in time....

He currently has what is called a "token economy" plan in place... if he follows all the "bus rules" he "earns" a special treat (a DVD) when he gets home. Needless to say, he has not been earning them. :rolleyes1 Naturally, that just seems to make him more upset!

I am doing a lot of praying...


Kathy

I bet! I just read above about the issues with the other child. That's hard too when other kids are involved. I'll add to the prayers that this resolves itself quickly.

[jcc0621]

HI Kathy,

FIrst - We love CP. It was Jimmy's first GOOD experience with the characters too.

Second - After the cpuple off PM's we exchanged about Jimmy I completely understand your concerns about Billy now:hug: I have no advice, but I can give lots of hugs and support. :hug::hug::hug::hug:

[KathyRN137]

I bet! I just read above about the issues with the other child. That's hard too when other kids are involved. I'll add to the prayers that this resolves itself quickly.

HI Kathy,
Second - After the cpuple off PM's we exchanged about Jimmy I completely understand your concerns about Billy now:hug: I have no advice, but I can give lots of hugs and support. :hug::hug::hug::hug:


Thanks... I really value the friendship and support I get from my DIS-friends! :grouphug:


Kathy

[maroo]

Oh no!

I am so sorry. I hope it gets better very soon!

It certainly sounds like you are already doing all of the right things to fix it...so I hope it fixes itself very soon! :hug:

[KathyRN137]

Oh no!

I am so sorry. I hope it gets better very soon!

It certainly sounds like you are already doing all of the right things to fix it...so I hope it fixes itself very soon! :hug:



Thanks, Maroo!

I hope you feel better soon and I really feel bad that you are considering cancelling your December trip! :sad2: I hope you can work things out...


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

To all my DIS-Friends who are celebrating Rosh Hashana....


Happy New Year!!



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w287/molinus/world-peace.gif


Kathy

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I may be way off base here but perhaps it is making Billy nervous to have this boy sitting behind him? Would it be possible to have Billy sitting behind the boy so that he can see what he is doing?

If Billy is able to see the boy in front of him it may be less threatening to him. The boy making the chomping gestures sounds scary.

I hope this can be resolved. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[irish dancer]

Hi Kathy -

Sorry, I'm a couple of installments behind.....

- thanks for the essay! So very true and I see many of those traits in everyone in my house. ;)

- what cute pics at CP. DS9 has also had his character issues, he's OK now but when younger he wanted to go to them but always pulled back.

- so sorry to hear about the bus issues. We had a similar problem with DS9 toward the end of last year. His issue was he wanted to be first off the bus, unfortunately since he was the last picked up he sat toward the back. I hope they can find a social story or picture cue for him to help him out.

[KathyRN137]

I may be way off base here but perhaps it is making Billy nervous to have this boy sitting behind him? Would it be possible to have Billy sitting behind the boy so that he can see what he is doing?

If Billy is able to see the boy in front of him it may be less threatening to him. The boy making the chomping gestures sounds scary.

I hope this can be resolved. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.



That's a thought... I'll mention that to the aide today. Thanks!

They are trying an experiment and picking him up last in the morning and dropping him off first in the afternoon to see if lessening the time on the bus helps. (This will cut off 40 minutes per day.) Today was the first day and I'm hoping it helped.

Keep your fingers crossed!


Kathy

[mom2mek]

Kathy - love those Tigger pics - how special! :hug:

I'm so sorry to hear about the bus issue. It sounds like you are doing all the right things and combined with some time to get used to the new situation, it will hopefully resolve. It sounds like you have some great drivers/aides involved that are very willing to work with each kid's needs and requirements. The idea of sitting behind the other boy is certainly worth looking into. I hope the shortened time on the bus works today! Many prayers your way!

Sara

[KathyRN137]

Kathy - love those Tigger pics - how special! :hug:

...Many prayers your way!

Sara


Thank you so much!! :goodvibes


Kathy

[Tnkrbelle565]

Sorry to hear about the bus issue Kathy. Is he allowed to eat on the bus? I know this little autistic boy who used to have a special treat on the bus (something that he wasn't "forbidden" to have at home but certainly not something that mom and dad would be providing if given this choice ;)). It worked like a charm for the whole year.

[eandesmom]

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry Billy is having these issues! 11 is a tough age and I am sure that hormones are not helping.

I'm amazed that changing him to first/last saves 40 minutes, wow! Hopefully that will help.

a :hug: for you, I can only imagine how stressful this is!

[mousescrapper]

Kathy,

first loved the Tigger picture story from 03....that was such a wonderful story...it was proably a moment just like that that melted your hearts to wonderful magic of Disney huh?

Billy looks so cute there holding Tiggers hand!


second sorry to hear about the bus issues and Billy's increasing agressiveness, we strugle w/ the same thing w/ Michael and that wanting to pop you one :headache:

I will keep you all in my thoughts....we have a bit of a stressful weekend ahead of us....it should be a great weekend, but for various reasons the ugly heads can be reared...I'll say a prayer for Billy when I'm praying for Michael :angel:

[KathyRN137]

Sorry to hear about the bus issue Kathy. Is he allowed to eat on the bus?

Unfortunately, no. But Billy does earn a video when he gets to school if he behaves and he adores videos!


Oh Kathy, I am so sorry Billy is having these issues! 11 is a tough age and I am sure that hormones are not helping.

I'm amazed that changing him to first/last saves 40 minutes, wow! Hopefully that will help.

a :hug: for you, I can only imagine how stressful this is!


The aide mentioned that he "was becomoing an adolescent" and that he felt hormones had a lot to do with it.

That pesky testosterone is making trouble for me again!! :lmao:



Kathy,
.....sorry to hear about the bus issues and Billy's increasing agressiveness, we strugle w/ the same thing w/ Michael and that wanting to pop you one :headache:

I will keep you all in my thoughts....we have a bit of a stressful weekend ahead of us....it should be a great weekend, but for various reasons the ugly heads can be reared...I'll say a prayer for Billy when I'm praying for Michael :angel:


Thank you and Happy New Year to you and your family, Julie!! :hug:


Kathy

[joy13]

I wondered that about the boy and Billy maybe switching places too - I was just coming to post it, glad I read through the replies first :)

I bet less time on the bus will help too!

[Mickey_Mom]

Hi Kathy! It's been a while since I've 'said' anything but I've been lurking! ;)

We've had similar issues with Ariana when a new behavior pops up. She too uses a token system and what has helped in the past is to break down the tokens she earns to specific points of time.

Meaning, if Billy gets a single token for a successful bus ride that he 'redeems' at home in the form of a video, try breaking the tokens down into (for instance) 10 minute intervals with tons of verbal reinforcement for each interval he's successful at.

Then, for every 10 minutes he's behaving on the bus, that earns him 10 minutes of the video.

Hope you find something that clicks for him!

[KathyRN137]

... to cheer me up:


First: Great report from the bus aide today... Billy was well-behaved both to and from school today!! :thumbsup2


And second: I just realized that exactly six weeks from this very minute we will be headed to the airport and the wonderful world of Disney!! I think that I shall dance...

:banana: :woohoo: :yay: :cool1: :dogdance:


Kathy

[joy13]

... to cheer me up:


First: Great report from the bus aide today... Billy was well-behaved both to and from school today!! :thumbsup2


And second: I just realized that exactly six weeks from this very minute we will be headed to the airport and the wonderful world of Disney!! I think that I shall dance...

:banana: :woohoo: :yay: :cool1: :dogdance:


Kathy

:woohoo: On both counts!

[eandesmom]

... to cheer me up:


First: Great report from the bus aide today... Billy was well-behaved both to and from school today!! :thumbsup2


And second: I just realized that exactly six weeks from this very minute we will be headed to the airport and the wonderful world of Disney!! I think that I shall dance...

:banana: :woohoo: :yay: :cool1: :dogdance:


Kathy

I will dance with you! :dancer:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Kathy,

That is awesome news about Billy!...I was reading the last several pages and worrying for you...but I'm so glad that today was better...:thumbsup2 I will send good wishes to you hoping that its the start of a trend...:thumbsup2

The beginning of the school year is such a bear isn't it???:confused3 I think that its hard for all kids...but we all know just how much our spectrum kids love changes...:sad2:

(Between having the boy that he isn't too fond of behind him, the beginning of the year and the hormones...that is one intense trio of stuff to deal with...:eek:)

You know its funny but when we got David's AS diagnosis-I didn't realize that sometimes it would feel like when you solve one issue-there's a new one that pops up right underneath...

That's why its so exciting that you are leaving for your trip in 6 weeks...:yay:...Disney is like a self enclosed happy bubble...well kind of...:lmao:

BTW...not to hijack your thread but...since Julie sort of brought this up a couple of posts back...I just got a form to sign from the school nurse...double checking that David's only medical issue was Asperger's Disease...:rolleyes1...Eric had to talk me down for 10 minutes because my first impulse was to go off on the nurse (really because I was upset-how can I trust her to take care of him if he ever needs to go down there?...if she doesn't even know what the name is?)...which probably wouldn't have been good for everyone...hmmm...yeah... disease...its catching...if you sit next to him...you will find yourself being at a loss in social situations with peers, seeking additional sensory input and becoming really anxious during transitions among many other things...:sad2: I was not happy...at all...I spoke to the Special Ed teacher who works w/ the inclusion teachers (who I love and trust and I got a new form a day later with a little apology note on it...:rolleyes1 I think I was just feeling sensitive that day I'm normally calm and collected-I don't know why that bothered me but it did...I'm sure she is a lovely person...she just caught me at a bad time...:confused3

[KathyRN137]

...I just got a form to sign from the school nurse...double checking that David's only medical issue was Asperger's Disease...:rolleyes1...Eric had to talk me down for 10 minutes because my first impulse was to go off on the nurse (really because I was upset-how can I trust her to take care of him if he ever needs to go down there?...if she doesn't even know what the name is?)



Really... a school nurse should know better...

I don't think you were being over-sensitive; I'm glad she wrote a note!


Kathy

[cjackearl]

Continued prayers that shortening Billy's bus time is the answer to the behavior issue. I'm glad he had a better day. Love the picture of Billy with Tigger. What a special interaction for all of you. Woo-hoo for 6 weeks until Disney!!!!!!:cool1:

[Mickey_Mom]

... to cheer me up:


First: Great report from the bus aide today... Billy was well-behaved both to and from school today!! :thumbsup2


And second: I just realized that exactly six weeks from this very minute we will be headed to the airport and the wonderful world of Disney!! I think that I shall dance...

:banana: :woohoo: :yay: :cool1: :dogdance:


Kathy

Oh yay! Well, nevermind my two cents :rotfl:

Six weeks! I can't believe it. :goodvibes Nice dance moves by the way! ;)

[KathyRN137]

Continued prayers that shortening Billy's bus time is the answer to the behavior issue. I'm glad he had a better day. Love the picture of Billy with Tigger. What a special interaction for all of you. Woo-hoo for 6 weeks until Disney!!!!!!:cool1:

Thanks Christine! All prayers are much-appreciated!

I took the liberty of "tweaking" the timing of his medication a bit (he has his Doctor's appointment on Monday, anyway.) Its good to be a nurse! :ssst: I think that might be helping, too.


Oh yay! Well, nevermind my two cents :rotfl:

Six weeks! I can't believe it. :goodvibes Nice dance moves by the way! ;)


Hi Tracy! I'm slowly catching up on your awesome report... :snail:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

This morning I called Disney Dining to see if I could tweak a couple of our ADRs. My success rate was one out of two...

First, the good news. You may recall that we are checking in to Kidani Village very late on Friday the 30th and are attending the MNSSHP on the 31st. Our plans for Halloween are to sleep in, relax at the resort and get to the party early Saturday night. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a yummy buffet breakfast at Boma. :lovestruc

Our original ressie was made for 9:35... I figured that since we were just going to swim and hang by the pool afterwards that we wouldn't be spending much time getting ready in the morning and it would be a short hop from Kidani to Jambo House; travel time would be a relative non-issue. When I mentioned the ressie to Ed and Tricia, however, they were less than enthused.

"But, I thought we were going to sleep-in that morning!" was their collective whine. I was also reminded rather pointedly by my 13-year old that her cousin Catie was most definitely not a "morning person." :rolleyes2 (Are there really any 13-year olds that are??)

Although I dearly love sleeping in on Saturday mornings at home, we are not going to be at home... we're going to be at DISNEY, people!! :sad2: Ah well, in the interest of family happiness I requested a later time and we are now going to dine at 10:05... I'm willing to give them an extra half-hour of sleep, but no more!!

So... that issue has been resolved.

I've actually been working on the second desired ADR change for some time now. Billy is fixated on seeing Fantasmic this year and the showtime is scheduled for a ridiculously early 6:30pm. I'm betting that they will change it to a later time, but I've already told you I'm really not much of a gambler.

Because of this, I had requested an early dinner at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. All they had was an equally ridiculous 3:50 (which technically is considered a late lunch.) I took it, figuring I could call back and change it later. ::yes::

I've called several times but..... :sad2:

The only thing they have is after 6:45... much too late if we want to do Fantasmic (and this is the only night I have planned for DHS.) Oh well... we'll just eat early, go on a ride or two, then grab a bunch of snacks to nibble on while waiting for the show.

You can't always get what you want (but, I'll keep trying!)

Kathy

[Mickey_Mom]

Teenagers that are morning people? Not sure, I've never met one. ;)

Good luck with the 50's Prime Time... you never know!

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I'm glad to hear the bus ride went better.

I have been wondering about the 6:30 Fantasmic time also, I was wondering if they were trying to keep their options opinion and be able to add a second show to the evening? We have a 4:30 Fantasmic Dinner Package reservation and the show that night is also at 6:30. There really is no way of knowing if they will add a show though, is there?:confused3

[KathyRN137]

I have been wondering about the 6:30 Fantasmic time also, I was wondering if they were trying to keep their options opinion and be able to add a second show to the evening? We have a 4:30 Fantasmic Dinner Package reservation and the show that night is also at 6:30. There really is no way of knowing if they will add a show though, is there?:confused3


I remember that in '07 they extended park hours and added shows toward the end of Jersey Week to accommodate increased crowd levels... with the economy the way its been, though, I doubt the crowds will be as heavy.

That's good for us b/c the lines won't be as long, but also bad because I do think we'll see shorter hours and fewer showings of Fantasmic this November.

As always, though, I'll be re-checking the entertainment schedules during the last few days before we leave...Disney is notorious for making last-minute changes! :upsidedow

(But that usually doesn't help those of us who've had ADRs planned for three months!)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Teenagers that are morning people? Not sure, I've never met one. ;)



:rotfl: I'm hoping I don't have to crack the whip too much with the girls... between wanting to sleep in and then spending tons of time primping in front of the mirror, I definitely think we'll be rope-drop-challenged this trip!

Kathy

[mom2mek]

So glad to hear the bus ride went better yesterday! I hope it continues!

Yay on the 6 weeks! That'll be here before you know it! :cool1::yay::cheer2::dance3:

Sara

[joy13]

:rotfl: I'm hoping I don't have to crack the whip too much with the girls... between wanting to sleep in and then spending tons of time primping in front of the mirror, I definitely think we'll be rope-drop-challenged this trip!

Kathy

Good luck with that :scared1: :lmao:

As for Prime time - it's probably even worth checking once you are down there too - if you don't get anything later before you leave. :surfweb:

[cjackearl]

Good luck with the ADR change at Prime Time. I had a time that I considered bad at Sci Fi, it was late lunch, but I ended up thinking it worked perfectly. We had breakfast in the room, snacks late morning, lunch at Sci Fi and CS dinner later. You could bring snacks to F! and then have dinner after the show.

[KathyRN137]

So glad to hear the bus ride went better yesterday! I hope it continues!

Yay on the 6 weeks! That'll be here before you know it! :cool1::yay::cheer2::dance3:

Sara

I hope you're right on both counts Sara!


Good luck with that :scared1: :lmao:

As for Prime time - it's probably even worth checking once you are down there too - if you don't get anything later before you leave. :surfweb:

Good point! :thumbsup2 I've had luck with last minute ressies before... but its Free Dining, so I'm a bit apprehensive.


Good luck with the ADR change at Prime Time. I had a time that I considered bad at Sci Fi, it was late lunch, but I ended up thinking it worked perfectly. We had breakfast in the room, snacks late morning, lunch at Sci Fi and CS dinner later. You could bring snacks to F! and then have dinner after the show.

Oh, its definitely doable... we really want to eat at PTC, so it will be worth it! I asked Ed if he wanted me to change our ressie to lunchtime, but he doesn't want the pressure of having to be at the restaurant at a certain time. (We're going to be at Epcot that morning.) So, we'll just see what happens!


Kathy

[eandesmom]

:rotfl: I'm hoping I don't have to crack the whip too much with the girls... between wanting to sleep in and then spending tons of time primping in front of the mirror, I definitely think we'll be rope-drop-challenged this trip!

Kathy

Good luck with that.

You know how well it worked out for me. And I SWEAR she's gotten worse in the past month!

But times TWO? K and her friends can take an hour to get ready to go to the mall!:lmao:

My suggestion? You, Ed and Billy go if they aren't ready, bring them back something from Mara. I know K would pick sleep and primp over fabulous breakfast buffet. And it could let them feel spoiled and trusted (i.e. in the room alone) but "safer" than if you let them go to the pool by themselves which I know you aren't comfortable with, so a mini compromise.

Kathy....I've just had a PTR epiphany thanks to the musings of 14 year olds sleep in and primping needs....

THANKS!

[KathyRN137]

Kathy....I've just had a PTR epiphany thanks to the musings of 14 year olds sleep in and primping needs....

THANKS!


Glad to have helped... that's what these PTRs are all about! :grouphug:

I'll be right over to check it out...


Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

I would have been like you, Kathy -- a 9:35 breakfast should have provided plenty of sleeping-in time at Disney. :laughing: 10:05 is a nice time for a late breakfast though, and you probably won't have to worry about feeding anyone a real meal again until you reach the Magic Kingdom.

Keep trying on Prime Time -- although 3:50 isn't too, too bad if Fantasmic is showing at 6:30 -- You figure you won't be seated and ordering until almost 4:00, and your meal will take about an hour at least -- so that would have you getting out of there a little after five. If you have to line up for Fantasmic an hour before that only gives you about thirty minutes in between eating and lining up. Now, of course, if they move Fantasmic back, then it's a whole different scenerio...:laughing:

[wvdislover]

Hey, just a quick report from the World...we've had beautiful weather this week...a bit hot, though. Crowds haven't been too bad, either! When we arrived, a bit (ok, a lot) of magic had been worked for us, and we were announced as the family of the day at BC and got upgraded to Concierge Level at BC!!! Yes, I cried a bit (it had been a long, tough weekend before coming). We're having a pretty good trip...Sarah's had some issues while we've been here. We have to be careful not to push her too hard (moreso than in the past). Yesterday, she wigged out in line for Soarin' b/c we didn't feed her soon enough, and she ran out of the line back up to the front...Alan got a bit shaken when he found her in a corner shaking (she was worried she would never get to eat again). As he said, he's never really seen one of her "raw autism" moments...a bit disturbing for him. She was better after getting something to eat, but it was a very eye-opening experience. Her favorite thing while we've been here...the pool, Stormalong Bay! She even participated in the dance party there a couple of days ago!!! Also, we loved Kim Possible! Allison is also being incredibly braver--I'll post more about that in my TR when I get home!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Kathy,

if its any consolation I don't think that you'll actually be seated until 4 at PTC -I agree with Jackie...:goodvibes...(also 4 just sounds much later than 3:50...:lmao:)...It'll all be good...:goodvibes...by the time you get seated, eat, and finish it won't be much time till Fantasmic...

Sigh...teenagers do sleep later =probably because they stay up later....its like their whole biological cycle changes.......but still its DISNEY...I think it was a very nice concession on your part to change the ressie time...:rolleyes:

[princesskelz]

Kathy
We wanted to do 50's prime time so bad:sad2:
but im happy were going to be at DHS that night for fantasmic!:goodvibes
Have a wonderful week!

[jcc0621]

SOrry you weren't able to get the time change you wanted at 50's. THis is one of the one's I was loking forward too in August. I missed it ::sad2:: Jim and Jimmy LOVED it though. Jimmy thought it was HYSTERICAL that he had to set the table:rotfl:

[Tnkrbelle565]

Kathy...sorry about your ressies...but if it's any consolation, you helped ME get better times for MY DHS ressie! ;) :rotfl2:

[KathyRN137]

.... we were announced as the family of the day at BC and got upgraded to Concierge Level at BC!!! Yes, I cried a bit (it had been a long, tough weekend before coming).

That's fantastic news!! :woohoo:

...Sarah's had some issues while we've been here. We have to be careful not to push her too hard (moreso than in the past). Yesterday, she wigged out in line for Soarin' b/c we didn't feed her soon enough, and she ran out of the line back up to the front...Alan got a bit shaken when he found her in a corner shaking (she was worried she would never get to eat again). As he said, he's never really seen one of her "raw autism" moments...a bit disturbing for him. She was better after getting something to eat, but it was a very eye-opening experience. Her favorite thing while we've been here...the pool, Stormalong Bay! She even participated in the dance party there a couple of days ago!!!


Ah Missy :hug: Such highs and such lows... that's the unpredictable nature of adventures in autism! I hope you got pictures of her dancing and having fun at the pool!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Kathy,

if its any consolation I don't think that you'll actually be seated until 4 at PTC -I agree with Jackie...:goodvibes...(also 4 just sounds much later than 3:50...:lmao:)...It'll all be good...:goodvibes...by the time you get seated, eat, and finish it won't be much time till Fantasmic...


Thanks... four does sound so much better than 3:50!! :laughing:

I do remember one time literally running from our dinner, desserts in hand, to the ampitheater because we were "late" for Fantasmic! (That's the year we had a hard time finding seats a half-hour before the performance.) I suppose its really for the best ,and we just have to do 50's PTC since we missed it in '08!! ::yes::


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Kathy
We wanted to do 50's prime time so bad:sad2:
but im happy were going to be at DHS that night for fantasmic!:goodvibes
Have a wonderful week!

Limited showings does make it a bit tougher to plan... You have a great week, too! :)


SOrry you weren't able to get the time change you wanted at 50's. THis is one of the one's I was loking forward too in August. I missed it ::sad2:: Jim and Jimmy LOVED it though. Jimmy thought it was HYSTERICAL that he had to set the table:rotfl:

I'm sure he did it without complaining at the PTC! :laughing: How come they don't find it so amusing at home??



Kathy...sorry about your ressies...but if it's any consolation, you helped ME get better times for MY DHS ressie! ;) :rotfl2:

I do feel so much better, Kristine! ;)


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Hello, DIS-friends!

I want to share some news... I've finally started a BLOG!! :faint:

I know. I know. We've talked about this before! Some of you have been kind enough to encourage me to start blogging, but I always shied away from it, thinking that chatting here on our TRs and PTRs was enough time taken from my... er... duties as a domestic goddess!! Plus, I wasn't really sure if I had anything interesting to say!

But then I began to read Julie's (mousescrapper's) blog and it gave me courage and inspiration. It seems like a fun and creative way to talk about general (read: non trip-related) stuff. I'm sure the moderator will be pleased with me!

Hi Marissa! :wave2: Thanks, Julie! :wave2:

Anyway, I'm going to give it a try, so here is the link if you're interested!

http://wdwadventuresinautism.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!


Kathy

[irish dancer]

Congrats on the blog!! I think it is a GREAT idea, you are a natural for it!

I think I'm your first follower. :goodvibes

Looking forward to following along.....

[KathyRN137]

I would have been like you, Kathy -- a 9:35 breakfast should have provided plenty of sleeping-in time at Disney. :laughing: 10:05 is a nice time for a late breakfast though, and you probably won't have to worry about feeding anyone a real meal again until you reach the Magic Kingdom.


Seriously? They want to sleep on the first morning? Come on! :eek:

Yes, we probably won't "do lunch" that day... just a nice big breakfast and an early counter service dinner at MK before the party festivities get into full swing!

Do they serve ZEBRA DOMES at breakfast?? :scratchin


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Congrats on the blog!! I think it is a GREAT idea, you are a natural for it!

I think I'm your first follower. :goodvibes

Looking forward to following along.....


You are my first follower, thanks!! :dance3:
(We really need an Irish jig smilie, don't you think??)


Kathy

[irish dancer]

Do they serve ZEBRA DOMES at breakfast?? :scratchin


Kathy

Unfortunately I don't think they have them at breakfast but they have them at Mara! Yumm!!

You are my first follower, thanks!! :dance3:
(We really need an Irish jig smilie, don't you think??)


Kathy


LOL, an Irish jig smilie would be great! I guess this will have to do. :dance3:

[mrsksomeday]

I am so proud of you for starting the blog!! You are a fantastic writer and I am so happy for you!

[All7OfUs]

From one blogger to another: have fun with it!! It is definitely a great way to have a creative outlet and let your thoughts run wild! Congratulations! and welcome to blog-o-sphere!

bummer about PTC! But, I'm finding that there are always needing to be some concessions with every trip. As much as we'd like to, we just can't do everything Disney has to offer. So many great reasons to keep going back! :rotfl: Try as I might, I just can't seem to get a certain dinner show planned into my trip, no matter how hard I try and how much I re-shuffle things. What's a pre-tripper to do?? :confused3 :rotfl2:

Teens are like 2 year olds. Same petty tantrums, just with words now; Same opinions, with pouty faces to go with now; and same quirky sleep schedules- only shifted about 5 hours to the north. Best let sleeping teens lie... I always say.

[GlassSlippers]

Hi Kathy!

I just bookmarked your Blog! I have two nephews with autism. It encourages me to hear how well Billy does, even with the ups and downs. I'll be keeping up with your updates!

[Hedy]

Hello, DIS-friends!

I want to share some news... I've finally started a BLOG!! :faint:

I know. I know. We've talked about this before! Some of you have been kind enough to encourage me to start blogging, but I always shied away from it, thinking that chatting here on our TRs and PTRs was enough time taken from my... er... duties as a domestic goddess!! Plus, I wasn't really sure if I had anything interesting to say!

But then I began to read Julie's (mousescrapper's) blog and it gave me courage and inspiration. It seems like a fun and creative way to talk about general (read: non trip-related) stuff. I'm sure the moderator will be pleased with me!

Hi Marissa! :wave2: Thanks, Julie! :wave2:

Anyway, I'm going to give it a try, so here is the link if you're interested!

http://wdwadventuresinautism.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!


Kathy

Added you to my Bloglines! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[MRYPPNS]

Added your Blog to my favorites list so I can go back and read. :goodvibes

[mom2mek]

Yay on the blog, Kathy! I'm so excited for you and I will be following along!

:banana::cool1::banana::cool1::banana::cool1:

Sara

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Kathy,

Congrats! That's fabulous news on your blog...I'm going to go check it out...

(Should that be the new gathering place for all of our spectrum/questions/complaints/comments...:lmao:)

I'm so impressed that you and Julie are bloggers...I'm hoping to get there one day...soon after I figure out how to more effectively load my photos to photobucket and copy the Autism ribbon with mickey ears into my siggie...:confused3

KUDOS AGAIN...

[mousescrapper]

Hello, DIS-friends!

I want to share some news... I've finally started a BLOG!! :faint:


:yay:

Plus, I wasn't really sure if I had anything interesting to say!

:rolleyes: what are you serious.....:laughing: I love reading anything you write....even if you wrote about changing the empty toliet paper rolls it would be amusing...you are great writer!


But then I began to read Julie's (mousescrapper's) blog and it gave me courage and inspiration. It seems like a fun and creative way to talk about general (read: non trip-related) stuff. I'm sure the moderator will be pleased with me!

Hi Marissa! :wave2: Thanks, Julie! :wave2:

Hi back :wave2: thanks for the shout out and how sweet you were inspired by me....:blush:

Anyway, I'm going to give it a try, so here is the link if you're interested!

http://wdwadventuresinautism.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!

I'll be write over to check it out and be a follower....:woohoo:



You are my first follower, thanks!! :dance3:
(We really need an Irish jig smilie, don't you think??)


Kathy

Ohh that is a good idea....:shamrock: :dance3:

Scrappie J-

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I love the new blog. Great job setting it up.

We are trying to keep our heads up above water here. If you are watching the weather channel and you see reports about Douglas County that is where I am at. School's are closed due to the rain, many roads and bridges are washed out and it is raining more. We are also under a boil water advisory. . .

Waiting to hear if school will be closed tomorrow.

[eandesmom]

I'm in! to the blog.... :)

[DearDaisyinDurham]

:banana:Kathy, that is such great news!! Congrats!! (picture my Irish jig here!);)

[KathyRN137]

I love the new blog. Great job setting it up.

We are trying to keep our heads up above water here. If you are watching the weather channel and you see reports about Douglas County that is where I am at. School's are closed due to the rain, many roads and bridges are washed out and it is raining more. We are also under a boil water advisory. . .

Waiting to hear if school will be closed tomorrow.


Goodness, Nancy! :eek: I hadn't heard! I'm sending tons 'o pixiedust hoping that the weather improves soon!
pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I am so proud of you for starting the blog!! You are a fantastic writer and I am so happy for you!


Thanks Tracy. (Gawrsh!) :goofy:


From one blogger to another: have fun with it!! It is definitely a great way to have a creative outlet and let your thoughts run wild! Congratulations! and welcome to blog-o-sphere!

Thanks Liesa!




... Best let sleeping teens lie... I always say.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy!

I just bookmarked your Blog! I have two nephews with autism. It encourages me to hear how well Billy does, even with the ups and downs. I'll be keeping up with your updates!

Great!

Added you to my Bloglines! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Welcome!

Added your Blog to my favorites list so I can go back and read. :goodvibes

Thanks!

Yay on the blog, Kathy! I'm so excited for you and I will be following along!

:banana::cool1::banana::cool1::banana::cool1:

Sara


Awesome!

I'm looking forward to "seeing" you all!!

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Hey Kathy,
Congrats! That's fabulous news on your blog...I'm going to go check it out...

I'm so impressed that you and Julie are bloggers...I'm hoping to get there one day...soon after I figure out how to more effectively load my photos to photobucket and copy the Autism ribbon with mickey ears into my siggie...:confused3

KUDOS AGAIN...

Thanks! I'm rather in awe of myself... I only started using computers three years ago! :rolleyes1

If you can somehow get that image into photobucket, you can easily add it to your siggie! :idea: Perhaps you could ask irishdancer to e-mail you a link, then you can add it to your hotobucket album.



Ohh that is a good idea....:shamrock: :dance3:

Scrappie J-

Changing TP rolls? Seriously?? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I'm in! to the blog.... :)

Yay! :yay:

:banana:Kathy, that is such great news!! Congrats!! (picture my Irish jig here!);)


How's this??


~~~http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/JWall227/image.gif


Kathy

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Goodness, Nancy! :eek: I hadn't heard! I'm sending tons 'o pixiedust hoping that the weather improves soon!
pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:


Kathy

Your pixiedust must be helping because it has stopped raining, we are doing okay but we don't have much water and we have to boil it. DH went and got a lot of bottled water to drink. But I really want to take a shower. The kids are out of school Tuesday and Wednesday!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Congrats on the new arrival!!! I'm following along!!!!

[KathyRN137]

Your pixiedust must be helping because it has stopped raining, we are doing okay but we don't have much water and we have to boil it. DH went and got a lot of bottled water to drink. But I really want to take a shower. The kids are out of school Tuesday and Wednesday!

Yikes! Stay well! :grouphug:

Congrats on the new arrival!!! I'm following along!!!!

Thank you!


Kathy

[irish dancer]

how's this??


~~~http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/jwall227/image.gif


kathy


love it!!

[jordanyosh]

Hello, DIS-friends!

I want to share some news... I've finally started a BLOG!! :faint:

I know. I know. We've talked about this before! Some of you have been kind enough to encourage me to start blogging, but I always shied away from it, thinking that chatting here on our TRs and PTRs was enough time taken from my... er... duties as a domestic goddess!! Plus, I wasn't really sure if I had anything interesting to say!

But then I began to read Julie's (mousescrapper's) blog and it gave me courage and inspiration. It seems like a fun and creative way to talk about general (read: non trip-related) stuff. I'm sure the moderator will be pleased with me!

Hi Marissa! :wave2: Thanks, Julie! :wave2:

Anyway, I'm going to give it a try, so here is the link if you're interested!

http://wdwadventuresinautism.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!


Kathy


Cool.

[irish dancer]

Not sure why my last post doesn't work?

Love the dancing leprechaun!!

[jordanyosh]

I am now a follower of Kathy....(please repeat this out loud using your best zombie voice);)

[KathyRN137]

Not sure why my last post doesn't work?

Love the dancing leprechaun!!

I saw it!

I am now a follower of Kathy....(please repeat this out loud using your best zombie voice);)

You are now, officially, one of MY Peeps!! :lmao:


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

I...am...one....of....your....peeps......must..... .follow.....Kathy......

[joy13]

I found the link on Twitter yesterday. I think I am following - if I did that right.

[KathyRN137]

I...am...one....of....your....peeps......must..... .follow.....Kathy......


Laughter is the best medicine, Jordan! :goodvibes


I found the link on Twitter yesterday. I think I am following - if I did that right.

Can't tell right now; none of the blogs are showing followers... must be a glitch. I'll check later!


Kathy

[3princesses+aprince]

Just wanted to say Hi. I was reading your PTR in the beginning months right before my trip, then I "took a break" from the dis for a little while. Ya know that post trip let down. I was kind of mad.... :lmao: Now that we are planning on our next trip, this is where I can be found as soon as I drop the kiddos off at school :goodvibes

Your trip is coming right up!!!!! Not too much longer now:banana:

[KathyRN137]

Just wanted to say Hi. I was reading your PTR in the beginning months right before my trip, then I "took a break" from the dis for a little while. Ya know that post trip let down. I was kind of mad.... :lmao: Now that we are planning on our next trip, this is where I can be found as soon as I drop the kiddos off at school :goodvibes

Your trip is coming right up!!!!! Not too much longer now:banana:


Hi Pam! :wave2: Welcome back to the boards!

I took a bit of a "DIS-break" myself last year, so I understand how it is! :hug: I'm glad you posted a link to your last TR... I will definitely have to go back and read!

Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Laughter is the best medicine, Jordan! :goodvibes
Kathy

It is for sure.:thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

Dum - Dum - DUMM!!

Yes, I'm off to the dentist now to get the crown for that dumb old tooth of mine. :headache: I'm not worried about what's going to happen in the chair, I'm much more concerned about what's going to happen with my bank account!!

Ugh! I can just picture all my lovely souvie money flying out the window!! :sad:

I'll be back later to update... wish me luck!!


Kathy

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Good luckpixiedust:

[carissanboys]

Good luck with the dentist! I'll check out your new blog shortly. I have one on blogger too. :goodvibes I will be a follower! ;)

[KathyRN137]

Good luckpixiedust:

Thanks! I will update below..

Good luck with the dentist! I'll check out your new blog shortly. I have one on blogger too. :goodvibes I will be a follower! ;)


Great! I'll be sure to check it out!


The dentist appt is done... as expected, I got a crown. Sure would've preferred to spend $650 on other things! :headache: Our dental only covers 1/2 of the $1300 cost. Geez, how does a little thing like a single tooth end up with such a big price tag?

Oh well, at least I don't have to pay it all at once... she's letting me do it in four payments, so I can spread it out over paychecks. Still.... :sad2: Such a pain right before our vacation and right after laying out so much $$ for back-to-school!


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Dum - Dum - DUMM!!

Yes, I'm off to the dentist now to get the crown for that dumb old tooth of mine. :headache: I'm not worried about what's going to happen in the chair, I'm much more concerned about what's going to happen with my bank account!!

Ugh! I can just picture all my lovely souvie money flying out the window!! :sad:

I'll be back later to update... wish me luck!!


Kathy

Good luck!

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Sorry about the expensive trip to the dentist.

Are you in a lot of pain? I hope not. :hug:

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Yay! :yay:

How's this??


~~~http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/JWall227/image.gif


Kathy

Excellent!! Love that little guy!!
Hope your appointment went all right, Kathy :hug:

[KathyRN137]

Good luck!

Sorry about the expensive trip to the dentist.

Are you in a lot of pain? I hope not. :hug:

Excellent!! Love that little guy!!
Hope your appointment went all right, Kathy :hug:


Thanks, guys! (Oops! Triple-P can't stand that... sorry!)

Thanks, my fellow DISers! :teeth:

The tooth aches a bit but the shot to the wallet hurts more. Oh well, what can you do? I need teeth to enjoy all my lovely dining experiences now, don't I?? :laughing:


***************************************


I've been getting lazy with Picture of the Day!

Here's another shot of the kids from '03. Better enjoy it while you can before Mickey's garden in Toontown gets plowed under!



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/WDW2003002.jpg


Good Night!


Kathy

[All7OfUs]

I really hadn't had any plans AT ALL to venture into ToonTown, but now with the news that it is to be axed, I really feel the need to get over there for posterity's sake, and get some pictures.

Your kids have really grown, haven't they?!

[jordanyosh]

I really hadn't had any plans AT ALL to venture into ToonTown, but now with the news that it is to be axed, I really feel the need to get over there for posterity's sake, and get some pictures.

I, too, feel the need to go over to Toon Town before it goes away...

Wait, who am I kidding? I remember the last visit to Toon Town ended like this:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc299/jordanyosh/wdwfeb2008093.jpg

Adios Toon Town. Hello Pixie Hollow.

[Charleston Princess]

Jordan, you never fail to make me laugh!!!

Yes, I think fairies will be much more fun! :goodvibes

[jcc0621]

:scared1: I hadn't read the part about Toontown being demolished. I just went back and read the article in the Orlando paper. It's sad, but the DUMBO theme sounds really cute!

Sorry about the pinch to your pocketbook for the tooth.

Just wanted to let you know that I had my first IEP meeting yesterday. Jimmy's teacher said he is doing really well:cool1:

[brookelizabeth]

Anyway, Tigger came over and Billy looked as if he was about to cry. We told Tigger and the CM handler about Billy's autism and I was expecting him to back off, but instead, he got down on the floor (to make himself appear smaller, I'm guessing.) He spent a lot of time playing with the kids and he let Billy "pet him." Eventually Billy felt comfortable enough to hold his hand and pose for a couple of pictures...


He looks a bit upset here, but he's saying, "Cheeeese!"

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/WDW2003003.jpg



The money shot... one of the rare character pix we have with Billy from his first WDW trip!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/WDW2003001.jpg



Afterwards, Billy kept looking all around the restaurant and his face would light up when he saw Tigger. I was so grateful that "Tigger" was kind enough to spend some extra time with one of his biggest little fans! :cloud9:


Kathy

This story made me tear-up, get all warm and fuzzy and smile. What a PERFECT Disney moment!

I'm glad to hear things have improved on the bus - was it the shorter time that did the trick?

Sorry to hear about the tooth though, $600 is a painful amount! :sick: :sad2:

We didn't make it over to ToonTown this past trip, but I'm thinking I will make it more of a priority in December. Gotta get some last shots of Mickey and Minnie's houses!

[KathyRN137]

Hello again, DIS-friends!

I'm just doing a drive-by post tonight; I've been staying up waaay too late the past few nights and my mouth is aching me a bit. . . it's probably a good idea to get to bed before midnight! :rolleyes1

Thanks for the comments. . . I'll post individual replies tomorrow, if you don't mind.:flower3:

I was having a pretty good day until it was time for Billy and me to go pick Tricia up from Field Hockey practice. I ran out of the house and locked the door behind me with not only my keys inside, but my cell phone as well!

Go ahead, say it with me. . . DUH!! :rolleyes:

It took me about ten minutes to pry one of the new screens off of one of the new windows without damaging it (thank goodness it wasn't locked) and to climb through the window to get my keys and phone.

This story is Disney-related because I used my Mickey Mouse metal bookmark to break in! ::MickeyMo Thanks, pal!

Then, as I was calling Tricia to explain why I'd be late, I got stung by a bee! :eek: This just wasn't my day. . .



Here is the picture of the day:


Who can forget the time Stitch decided to tag along with our family in '07?



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP2065.jpg


I'll be back tomorrow!


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Who can forget the time Stitch decided to tag along with our family in '07?



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP2065.jpg


I'll be back tomorrow!


Kathy

When it rains, it pours! Sorry about the bee sting most of all!

I love the pic above! So carefree...look at the lady giving you "the look".:rotfl2:

[All7OfUs]

HA! LOL! Jordo!

That's EXACTLY why we have been to TT ummmm..... ONCE!!! :lmao: Let's just say it is NOT my favorite area. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that I like Dinoland more. :scared1: Nevertheless, I feel compelled to make one last jaunt to remind myself that I don't enjoy it, and that Disney is making one very smart move here.

Kathy,

LOVE the Stitch pic. Very creative!

[Charleston Princess]

Oh my! You did have a doozy of a day, Kathy! Thank goodness Mickey was able to help you break into your house. :laughing: I hope today is much better! :hug:

[jcc0621]

Ugh about the keys! I've done that several times. Hence why our neighbors now have a spare key to our house:rolleyes1:lmao:

The worst though was ewhen I locked them in the car, and the car was still running:scared1:

[Tnkrbelle565]

Love the new pic of the day!!! :lmao:


So sorry about the crazy price tag on the tooth! Randy is so scared of the dentist that he won't go back to have the permanent crown put in on a root canal he had over a year ago. He's had a temp all this time. You just know it's going to fall out when we are at WDW!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow-what a day!

I'm sorry about the tooth $ (What's up with that anyway-we have the same thing with our dental...Isn't dental health-part of overall health...? so why the 50% business...:confused3

Really sorry about the bee sting...ouch...:headache:

As far as the locking out...although I'm really sorry aabout that as well-I also admire your ability to wield your mickey book mark as a break in tool...I'm thinking we should all be greatful that you decided to go the straight and narrow and not become a cat burglar...:lmao:

[mousescrapper]

sorry w/ the string of bad luck hitting you....but at least you can still laugh and there was a Disney lining...;)

thanks to whoever posted the dancing lepruchaun :shamrock: love it!

and it's a we bit sad Toontown will be no more, but I am equally excited for the new changes...though I don't anything will be left for us to say good-bye in Nov '10 :sad2: I guess I can add that to my Disney History list on my BLOG...that I had been to the original Toontown and rode the orginal Barnstormer and I remeber the days when Minnie Moo was there...anyone ever see that cow too :confused:

I just wonder will the "secret path to Tomorrowland be gone....:confused3

can't wait for the next picture of the day or night!

Scrappie

[cjackearl]

Ouch to bee stings and pesky tooth repair expenses and getting locked out of the house. Good ol' Mickey, what a guy.:)

The picture of you with Stitch on your head made me LOL and the one of Billy and Tricia in '03 is sweet, sweet, sweet. They're so little!

[eandesmom]

I really hadn't had any plans AT ALL to venture into ToonTown, but now with the news that it is to be axed, I really feel the need to get over there for posterity's sake, and get some pictures.


Me either but think I'll have to go...if for no other reason to make the E's take a shot like Jordy's...

I, too, feel the need to go over to Toon Town before it goes away...

Wait, who am I kidding? I remember the last visit to Toon Town ended like this:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc299/jordanyosh/wdwfeb2008093.jpg

Adios Toon Town. Hello Pixie Hollow.

:rotfl:
Hello again, DIS-friends!

I'm just doing a drive-by post tonight; I've been staying up waaay too late the past few nights and my mouth is aching me a bit. . . it's probably a good idea to get to bed before midnight! :rolleyes1

Thanks for the comments. . . I'll post individual replies tomorrow, if you don't mind.:flower3:

I was having a pretty good day until it was time for Billy and me to go pick Tricia up from Field Hockey practice. I ran out of the house and locked the door behind me with not only my keys inside, but my cell phone as well!

Go ahead, say it with me. . . DUH!! :rolleyes:

It took me about ten minutes to pry one of the new screens off of one of the new windows without damaging it (thank goodness it wasn't locked) and to climb through the window to get my keys and phone.

This story is Disney-related because I used my Mickey Mouse metal bookmark to break in! ::MickeyMo Thanks, pal!

Then, as I was calling Tricia to explain why I'd be late, I got stung by a bee! :eek: This just wasn't my day. . .

Here is the picture of the day:


Who can forget the time Stitch decided to tag along with our family in '07?

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP2065.jpg

Kathy

What rough day! I hope today is better. I wonder what it is about bees and being locked out of houses. That happened to me once, I was coming back from a day trip, got stung on the eyelid while waiting for the ferry. Got back to my parents house (I was visiting, living in Chicago at the time) and was locked out!

I'm so glad you could get it....my old childhood break in tactics did not work nearly as well as yours.

LOVE the pic of the day

OUCH on the $$ but glad you can do payments.

[Mickey_Mom]

Tigger with Billy made me teary. Reminded me of Snow White sitting down with Ariana at CRT just to chat. Disney is just THE best.

That mischevious Stitch! If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was behind your forgotten keys and bee sting. Little did he know you had your dual action Mickey Mouse metal bookmark with you. :rolleyes:

[KathyRN137]

:woohoo:I really hadn't had any plans AT ALL to venture into ToonTown, but now with the news that it is to be axed, I really feel the need to get over there for posterity's sake, and get some pictures.

Your kids have really grown, haven't they?!

Yes they have! Toontown was fun when the kids were this age, but I think we've skipped it the past two trips. :confused3 I suppose that once you're big enough for Space Mountain, there's really no going back to the Barnstormer!


I, too, feel the need to go over to Toon Town before it goes away...

Wait, who am I kidding? I remember the last visit to Toon Town ended like this:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc299/jordanyosh/wdwfeb2008093.jpg

Adios Toon Town. Hello Pixie Hollow.

:lmao: I do remember that! TT does get so crowded and then you can't really enjoy all the little sight gags in the houses.

I wonder how they will manage Fantasyland during all the construction. . . hopefully they'll put up a lot of those painted facades so the rest of the land doesn't lose the magic. :thumbsup2


Jordan, you never fail to make me laugh!!!

Yes, I think fairies will be much more fun! :goodvibes

I think the whole thing is going to be amazing. . . perhaps my own kids will have aged out of it, but I'm still "young enough" in spirit to enjoy it!


:scared1: I hadn't read the part about Toontown being demolished. I just went back and read the article in the Orlando paper. It's sad, but the DUMBO theme sounds really cute!

Sorry about the pinch to your pocketbook for the tooth.

Just wanted to let you know that I had my first IEP meeting yesterday. Jimmy's teacher said he is doing really well:cool1:

That's great, Janet! :cool1:

I agree about Dumbo. . . at least we won't all have to do that mad-dash-rush to Dumbo first thing because of the dreadfully long queue anymore!


This story made me tear-up, get all warm and fuzzy and smile. What a PERFECT Disney moment!

I'm glad to hear things have improved on the bus - was it the shorter time that did the trick?

Sorry to hear about the tooth though, $600 is a painful amount! :sick: :sad2:

We didn't make it over to ToonTown this past trip, but I'm thinking I will make it more of a priority in December. Gotta get some last shots of Mickey and Minnie's houses!

Disney moments are what the trips are all about! :cloud9:
I think the shorter bus ride coupled with the music with ear phones has really helped Billy. . . he hasn't had any more trouble this past week!

There are so many great photo ops in Minnie's house esp, as well as Mickey's garden. I love all the Mickey head-shaped veggies!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

When it rains, it pours! Sorry about the bee sting most of all!

I love the pic above! So carefree...look at the lady giving you "the look".:rotfl2:

I just noticed that, now that you pointed it out! :laughing:

Luckily, I'm not allergic to bees!


HA! LOL! Jordo!

That's EXACTLY why we have been to TT ummmm..... ONCE!!! :lmao: Let's just say it is NOT my favorite area. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that I like Dinoland more. :scared1: Nevertheless, I feel compelled to make one last jaunt to remind myself that I don't enjoy it, and that Disney is making one very smart move here.

Kathy,

LOVE the Stitch pic. Very creative!

Thanks, even Stitch didn't like his own attraction, so he followed us out! :stitch2:


Oh my! You did have a doozy of a day, Kathy! Thank goodness Mickey was able to help you break into your house. :laughing: I hope today is much better! :hug:

Things quieted down after that, thank goodness! I'm glad I had Mickey with me, otherwise I'm sure I would have had to add "broke several fingernails" to the laundry list of woe!


Ugh about the keys! I've done that several times. Hence why our neighbors now have a spare key to our house:rolleyes1:lmao:

The worst though was ewhen I locked them in the car, and the car was still running:scared1:

Oh, trust me, I've done that too! :blush:

My favorite "getting locked out" story has to be the time that Baby Tricia locked Mommy in the basement!

When she was a baby we were renting a house that had a washer/dryer in the basement. At the time, she was just learning how to zip around in one of those baby walkers with the wheels and the tray table... you know the ones I mean. She loved it!

Anyway, I didn't want to make her cry by taking her out of it and putting her in the playpen while I did the laundry and I didn't trust a baby gate at the top of the basement stairs, so I went down to do laundry and just closed the door tight behind me. (Ed was at work.)

Naturally, she wheeled herself over to the door and began to play with the handle. Well, she must've turned the lock because when I came upstairs, I couldn't get back into the house! Now the baby was zooming around on the walker and I was locked in the basement! :eek:

Fortunately, this house just happened to have a phone extention in the basement... why, I do not know, because it was not a finished basement... but I was glad it was there! I had to call Ed at work so he could come home and let me out of the basement... luckily Tricia was fine; she was happily zooming around the living room in her walker!

I still get teased about that one! :rolleyes:


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Love the new pic of the day!!! :lmao:

So sorry about the crazy price tag on the tooth! Randy is so scared of the dentist that he won't go back to have the permanent crown put in on a root canal he had over a year ago. He's had a temp all this time. You just know it's going to fall out when we are at WDW!

Oh, I hope not!


Wow-what a day!

I'm sorry about the tooth $ (What's up with that anyway-we have the same thing with our dental...Isn't dental health-part of overall health...? so why the 50% business...:confused3

Really sorry about the bee sting...ouch...:headache:

As far as the locking out...although I'm really sorry aabout that as well-I also admire your ability to wield your mickey book mark as a break in tool...I'm thinking we should all be greatful that you decided to go the straight and narrow and not become a cat burglar...:lmao:

...or in this case, a MOUSE burglar!! :rotfl:


sorry w/ the string of bad luck hitting you....but at least you can still laugh and there was a Disney lining...;)

thanks to whoever posted the dancing lepruchaun :shamrock: love it!

and it's a we bit sad Toontown will be no more, but I am equally excited for the new changes...though I don't anything will be left for us to say good-bye in Nov '10 :sad2: I guess I can add that to my Disney History list on my BLOG...that I had been to the original Toontown and rode the orginal Barnstormer and I remeber the days when Minnie Moo was there...anyone ever see that cow too :confused:

I just wonder will the "secret path to Tomorrowland be gone....:confused3

can't wait for the next picture of the day or night!

Scrappie


Oh, I forgot about the secret red path... I do hope it stays!

I never did get to see Minnie Moo, but I remember reading about her!
Mrsksomeday's dog, Ace, has a Mickey Head mark in his fur! ::MickeyMo


Kathy

[MEK]

:

Here is the picture of the day:


Who can forget the time Stitch decided to tag along with our family in '07?



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP2065.jpg


I'll be back tomorrow!


Kathy

Kathy....

This picture is so cute! Love it! Sorry about the dental woes. Hope your mouth is feeling better today.

[carissanboys]

I love that picture of you and Stitch. :rotfl: I miss that little bugger, but I especially miss taking him along on our trip (meaning - I miss being at WDW!).

[KathyRN137]

Ouch to bee stings and pesky tooth repair expenses and getting locked out of the house. Good ol' Mickey, what a guy.:)

The picture of you with Stitch on your head made me LOL and the one of Billy and Tricia in '03 is sweet, sweet, sweet. They're so little!

Aww, thanks! Mickey was a lifesaver!


Me either but think I'll have to go...if for no other reason to make the E's take a shot like Jordy's...

:rotfl:

What rough day! I hope today is better. I wonder what it is about bees and being locked out of houses. That happened to me once, I was coming back from a day trip, got stung on the eyelid while waiting for the ferry. Got back to my parents house (I was visiting, living in Chicago at the time) and was locked out!

I'm so glad you could get it....my old childhood break in tactics did not work nearly as well as yours.

LOVE the pic of the day

OUCH on the $$ but glad you can do payments.

Is there ever a good time to have unexpected expenses? :rolleyes: Oooh, stung on the eyelid? Yikes! I got it on the "v" of the neck... I think yours was worse!


Tigger with Billy made me teary. Reminded me of Snow White sitting down with Ariana at CRT just to chat. Disney is just THE best.

That mischevious Stitch! If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was behind your forgotten keys and bee sting. Little did he know you had your dual action Mickey Mouse metal bookmark with you. :rolleyes:

Nope, Stitch is innocent! He went to carissanboys and then to Goofster57, so he's out in California right now!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I love that picture of you and Stitch. :rotfl: I miss that little bugger, but I especially miss taking him along on our trip (meaning - I miss being at WDW!).


I hear 'ya! Hopefully the new and improved Stitch will get to go to WDW soon!


Kathy....

This picture is so cute! Love it! Sorry about the dental woes. Hope your mouth is feeling better today.


Can you believe it? My temp crown fell out today! :rolleyes1 Called the dentist at 7:30pm, thinking I could leave a message and perhaps she could fit me in tomorrow. Well, she answered the phone herself! (Her office is in her house.) She was leaving for vacation in the am, so she had me come right on over for a new temp.

I was so glad I called right away!


Kathy

[GlassSlippers]

Hello again, DIS-friends!

I'm just doing a drive-by post tonight; I've been staying up waaay too late the past few nights and my mouth is aching me a bit. . . it's probably a good idea to get to bed before midnight! :rolleyes1

Thanks for the comments. . . I'll post individual replies tomorrow, if you don't mind.:flower3:

I was having a pretty good day until it was time for Billy and me to go pick Tricia up from Field Hockey practice. I ran out of the house and locked the door behind me with not only my keys inside, but my cell phone as well!

Go ahead, say it with me. . . DUH!! :rolleyes:

It took me about ten minutes to pry one of the new screens off of one of the new windows without damaging it (thank goodness it wasn't locked) and to climb through the window to get my keys and phone.

This story is Disney-related because I used my Mickey Mouse metal bookmark to break in! ::MickeyMo Thanks, pal!

Then, as I was calling Tricia to explain why I'd be late, I got stung by a bee! :eek: This just wasn't my day. . .



Here is the picture of the day:


Who can forget the time Stitch decided to tag along with our family in '07?



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP2065.jpg


I'll be back tomorrow!


Kathy

How cute is that photo! I'd love to see more of your family with your little Tag-A-Long alien! We're taking our favorite plushy with us on our Girls Only trip. He's a little gray elephant who wears a Pirate Mickey t-shirt intended for one of those Disney bears. We call him Wallace Hubert and plan to take pictures of him doing all sorts of things all over the parks.

It's too bad about locking yourself out. Been there, done that! Except there was no way at all for me to get back in. I had to call my husband home from work using the neighbor's phone. He commutes an hour and a half *one way* on the train! Longest morning of my life! Oh! And poor you with the bee sting on top of it! I hope it's not bothering you too much! Cuz...like...Ouch!

Hope you have a better day tomorrow!

Lori in East Podunk

[KathyRN137]

Today's picture is from 2006, the year that DStepson, Eddie, joined us for the 3-day weekend at the end of our trip. Although it was not his first trip to WDW, it was his first trip with us!


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-221okw.jpg



Eddie was here in NJ visiting for the Labor Day Weekend and I tried my very best to beg, wheedle, nag, and guilt him into agreeing to fly to WDW for the MNSSHP. I figured he could meet us there Friday night, swim in the pool and do the Halloween party with us on Saturday, and then return to NC State on Sunday. No classes to miss, so it would be do-able, right?

Wrong. :mad:

He hemmed and hawed and made a lot of noise about having tons of homework to do.

I mean, come on! His first class isn't until 4pm on Monday, so if he got home on Sunday afternoon he'd have time to do homework, right?

Wrong. :headache:

He won't commit, no matter how much I tried to persuade him. I don't like College! Then, to make matters worse, Tricia started complaining that she would be in High School next year and that she wouldn't want to miss 1/2 a week to go to WDW during Jersey Week. Same worry... too much homework and that she wouldn't be able to catch up. :sad2:

Now, it's not as if my kids miss a lot of school and it's not as if their grades aren't good. I really don't know why they have this fear of missing a couple of days of school or in Eddie's case, a couple of days to do homework. I'm all about behaving responsibly, but I think this is a bit ridiculous!

So, the upshot of the whole thing is that:

1) Eddie will not be joining us for the MNSSHP, and

2) We will not be going to WDW during Jersey Week next year.

The first one isn't such a big deal, but the second one is. This means we have to vacation during times when the kids are out of school... always more crowded and expensive.

I refuse to go to WDW in the summer... I can't take the heat and humidity. So that leaves Christmas break~week between Christmas and New Year's (Never! Too crowded and too expensive point-wise!), Winter break~the week of MLK (still very crowded and DVC point-expensive), or Spring Break~(probably our best option.)

Spring break for public school in our town is always the week of the Jewish holiday, Passover, which is the week before not after, Easter. This is the time of year that we traveled to WDW in '08. It was more point-heavy than November, but the weather was good (early April) and there is the perk of the Flower & Garden Festival at that time. I don't think this week would be as crowded as Easter week (and certainly not as crowded as Christmas week), so we'll most likely end up going then.

So... now that means that there will be almost 1 1/2 years between this upcoming trip and our next one. *SIGH* Oh well, we do what we have to, right?

Right!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

How cute is that photo! I'd love to see more of your family with your little Tag-A-Long alien! We're taking our favorite plushy with us on our Girls Only trip. He's a little gray elephant who wears a Pirate Mickey t-shirt intended for one of those Disney bears. We call him Wallace Hubert and plan to take pictures of him doing all sorts of things all over the parks.
Lori in East Podunk

Hi Lori!

Pictures with stuffie-friends are so much fun! You can get really creative with "themes" for your pix, or you could just find cute spots around the World.

If you truly want to see more Stitch pix, I'll find them. Because we've got


Five Weeks!!! until our vacation!! :woohoo: :yay: :thumbsup2


Kathy

[GlassSlippers]

Hi Lori!

Pictures with stuffie-friends are so much fun! You can get really creative with "themes" for your pix, or you could just find cute spots around the World.

If you truly want to see more Stitch pix, I'll find them. Because we've got


Five Weeks!!! until our vacation!! :woohoo: :yay: :thumbsup2


Kathy

We have 32 days until we leave. We're overlapping your trip, but only one day. Sorta. We arrive late on 10/27 and check out at O Dark Hundred on 11/1. It doesn't look like we'll be doing MNSSHP either. After a lifetime of celebrating Halloween with trick or treating and maybe carving a pumpkin at the very most, my sister has developed a religious objection to Halloween. *sigh* It's not that I don't respect people's convictions about such things, because I really, really do. I'm a Believer myself. It's just that she knows she never held any pagan beliefs nor did we connect any religious significance to Halloween. The holiday was only about dressing up as something cool and getting candy. Pretty darned innocent if you ask me, but she wants no part of the party. Whatcha gonna do? DD and I are pretty disappointed, but it's not like it will ruin the whole trip, right? Of course right! *sigh* I intend to live vicariously through your party report. So have *lots* of fun for us!

I'd love to see more of your Stitch pictures! I'm sure Wallace Hubert would too. ;)

Lori in East Podunk

[eandesmom]

Is there ever a good time to have unexpected expenses? :rolleyes: Oooh, stung on the eyelid? Yikes! I got it on the "v" of the neck... I think yours was worse!

Kathy

Did I mention the fact that I was in my sisters wedding 2 days later? Thankfully it was an outside wedding so I could wear sunglasses. I got a lot of grief from one aunt (my sister didn't care) that I wouldn't take them off for pictures but it was BAD!

We all still find it funny now...except maybe my aunt.

Today's picture is from 2006, the year that DStepson, Eddie, joined us for the 3-day weekend at the end of our trip. Although it was not his first trip to WDW, it was his first trip with us!


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-221okw.jpg



Eddie was here in NJ visiting for the Labor Day Weekend and I tried my very best to beg, wheedle, nag, and guilt him into agreeing to fly to WDW for the MNSSHP. I figured he could meet us there Friday night, swim in the pool and do the Halloween party with us on Saturday, and then return to NC State on Sunday. No classes to miss, so it would be do-able, right?

Wrong. :mad:

He hemmed and hawed and made a lot of noise about having tons of homework to do.

I mean, come on! His first class isn't until 4pm on Monday, so if he got home on Sunday afternoon he'd have time to do homework, right?

Wrong. :headache:

He won't commit, no matter how much I tried to persuade him. I don't like College! Then, to make matters worse, Tricia started complaining that she would be in High School next year and that she wouldn't want to miss 1/2 a week to go to WDW during Jersey Week. Same worry... too much homework and that she wouldn't be able to catch up. :sad2:

Now, it's not as if my kids miss a lot of school and it's not as if their grades aren't good. I really don't know why they have this fear of missing a couple of days of school or in Eddie's case, a couple of days to do homework. I'm all about behaving responsibly, but I think this is a bit ridiculous!

So, the upshot of the whole thing is that:

1) Eddie will not be joining us for the MNSSHP, and

2) We will not be going to WDW during Jersey Week next year.

The first one isn't such a big deal, but the second one is. This means we have to vacation during times when the kids are out of school... always more crowded and expensive.

I refuse to go to WDW in the summer... I can't take the heat and humidity. So that leaves Christmas break~week between Christmas and New Year's (Never! Too crowded and too expensive point-wise!), Winter break~the week of MLK (still very crowded and DVC point-expensive), or Spring Break~(probably our best option.)

Spring break for public school in our town is always the week of the Jewish holiday, Passover, which is the week before not after, Easter. This is the time of year that we traveled to WDW in '08. It was more point-heavy than November, but the weather was good (early April) and there is the perk of the Flower & Garden Festival at that time. I don't think this week would be as crowded as Easter week (and certainly not as crowded as Christmas week), so we'll most likely end up going then.

So... now that means that there will be almost 1 1/2 years between this upcoming trip and our next one. *SIGH* Oh well, we do what we have to, right?

Right!


Kathy

Oh Kathy..

:hug:

welcome to my world.

Tricia may feel differently next year. Teachers are great about it, and it can be fine if the kids are on top of it but it really depends on the child. As you know, we had issues with it on our trip and won't pull them out again but I feel your pain, it REALLY restricts the planning.

[Charleston Princess]

I feel your pain, Kathy, about when to travel during the school year. I love being a teacher, but I do hate the options it leaves me for heading anywhere -- and you are right -- Disney is always more expensive when the kids are out of school. :headache:

[MRYPPNS]

So... now that means that there will be almost 1 1/2 years between this upcoming trip and our next one. *SIGH* Oh well, we do what we have to, right?

Sounds like Miss Kathy might need a weekend in the World without the family....maybe with your sisters or some girlfriends!

How is Aunt Rae doing these days??

Have you given any serious thought to switching your MNSSHP tickets to Nov.1 and going to DTD for their Halloween festivites on 10/31???? I'm really worried how busy the party is going to be on Halloween night for you (especially with Billy). I know you added the first night on so you could go to the party but there is no reason that you have to keep that plan (I'm sure Disney would re-issue you new tickets if you explain the situation.

[All7OfUs]

I think I know just the gals you could sneak away with... uh hummm....

[mousescrapper]

A Dis friend trip....when are we going :goodvibes


hear you about the restrictions of going just when school is out....except for the anni trip in '11 and in my dreams a solo Dis friend trip in '12...most of our family trips will be confined to the Spring Break and Thanksgiving Break time frames...(after June '08 I'm hesitant on traveling arounf that time again)

but I guess we'll just take it one trip at a time...all I care right now is that we do go:thumbsup2

[irish dancer]

Hi Kathy! Yikes on losing the crown, glad your dentist was able to get you fixed before she went out of town.

Love the old pic, I remember reading about that trip!

I hear ya on trying to schedule around school. DS9 is in public school for the spec. ed. but my girls are in Catholic school. The only holiday they have off together is Christmas. We've tried going right when they get out in June but it hasn't worked too well, already too hot! We used to always go the week after Tgiving but now DD12 doesn't want to miss school and I think it's going to get worse once in high school. The girls are going to miss 3 days before Easter as DSs Spring Break is always the last week of March which happens to be the week before Easter this year, it is the closest it'll be for years so we're going to HHI. Hopefully DD12 will survive. ;) I'm hoping we might make it to WDW for Tgiving week in 2010, the girls will only miss 2 days and DS is off the whole week. I know it's more crowded then but it has to be better than the week after Christmas, right? Ugh, if I had more patience I'd homeschool so we could be more flexible! :rolleyes1

[KathyRN137]

After a lifetime of celebrating Halloween with trick or treating and maybe carving a pumpkin at the very most, my sister has developed a religious objection to Halloween. *sigh* It's not that I don't respect people's convictions about such things, because I really, really do. I'm a Believer myself. It's just that she knows she never held any pagan beliefs nor did we connect any religious significance to Halloween. The holiday was only about dressing up as something cool and getting candy.



I know what you're going through (kind of). I once made the mistake of mailing Halloween cards (with cute little Jack 'O Lanterns, etc) to the niece and nephew of a guy I was dating right after college. Their mother returned them to me with a curt note saying that they did not "celebrate" Halloween. :rolleyes:


History of Halloween, from HolidaySpot:

"History of Halloween, like any other festival's history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. We follow them mostly as did our dads and grandpas. And as this process goes on, much of their originality get distorted with newer additions and alterations. It happens so gradually, spanning over so many ages, that we hardly come to know about these distortions.

Behind the name... Halloween, or the Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows', also called 'All Hallowmas', or 'All Saints', or 'All Souls' Day, observed on November 1. In old English the word 'Hallow' meant 'sanctify'. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1. The Greek Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called "Samhain", celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Samhain is pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with cow. In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe'en. In Welsh it's Nos Galen-gaeof (that is, the Night of the Winter Calends.

According to the Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society: "Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered. Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From it the half year is reckoned. also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess). The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary defines it as "Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer." Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity. The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for the British, and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a "lord of death" as such. Thus most of the customs connected with the Day are remnants of the ancient religious beliefs and rituals, first of the Druids and then transcended amongst the Roman Christians who conquered them."


I'm Catholic, so I've always thought of Halloween in relation to All Soul's Day, not it's pagan roots. But most Christian holidays contain remnants of pagan traditions. Colored eggs at Easter, mistletoe and holly at Christmas, and Jack 'O Lanterns at Halloween have all taken on new Christian meanings for those that choose to see them that way and secular ones for those who don't. We have numerous Christian and non-Christian families alike in our town who put up Halloween decorations and let their children go trick-or-treating for candy.

I think the holiday is what you make of it.

That said, I think you are doing the right thing by respecting your sister's convictions, but frankly, you have the right to disagree with her and I'm sorry that you will not be able to enjoy the party. Either way, I agree with you that it's not worth getting into a family argument. . . we have enough landmines in the field of family relations without fighting about something like Halloween!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Did I mention the fact that I was in my sisters wedding 2 days later?


Oh no! How awful!


Oh Kathy..

:hug:

welcome to my world.

Tricia may feel differently next year. Teachers are great about it, and it can be fine if the kids are on top of it but it really depends on the child. As you know, we had issues with it on our trip and won't pull them out again but I feel your pain, it REALLY restricts the planning.

Well, she's annoyed at me also because she will miss her Field Hockey playoff games (if they make it to playoffs). The last one is on Oct. 31st and if you can't play in all the games, you can't play in any of them!

Now I'm finding myself in the odd position of hoping her team doesn't make playoffs so she won't be upset with me! :confused3


I feel your pain, Kathy, about when to travel during the school year. I love being a teacher, but I do hate the options it leaves me for heading anywhere -- and you are right -- Disney is always more expensive when the kids are out of school. :headache:

I only wish that we could add on some vacation points to our DVC contract, but we're still paying off our home re-model, so it's out of the question.

We may have to go during the more point-expensive time of year and cut off one day. :sad1: But at least then she won't miss any school. The funny thing is, it's not the school that objects to her missing days, it's Tricia herself!

Kathy

[JPFamilyMom]

I think I know just the gals you could sneak away with... uh hummm....

You should totally go with these ladies. I think you would have a blast. Do you think your DH could handle the kids for a week? I know mine can't, at least not yet, mine are too little, but yours are older.

Sorry about your rotten day, I know all about those kind of days. Thank goodness for that Mickey bookmark right :thumbsup2

You're trip is coming up quickly, love the pick of stitch on your head, very cute:cutie:

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[KathyRN137]

Sounds like Miss Kathy might need a weekend in the World without the family....maybe with your sisters or some girlfriends!

How is Aunt Rae doing these days??

Have you given any serious thought to switching your MNSSHP tickets to Nov.1 and going to DTD for their Halloween festivites on 10/31???? I'm really worried how busy the party is going to be on Halloween night for you (especially with Billy). I know you added the first night on so you could go to the party but there is no reason that you have to keep that plan (I'm sure Disney would re-issue you new tickets if you explain the situation.

They were very clear when I purchased them by phone that they were non-refundable. :headache: Oh well, I've got the advantage of lots of park-touring-know-how, so I think we can handle it. Besides, we're not so much looking to do rides as we are to soak up the party atmosphere and do the special activities and character greets. (I've just got to meet the 7 dwarfs with Snow White and DNiece has her heart set on meeting Maleficent!)

They are showing Hallowishes twice and running the Boo to You parade twice, so we will aim for both of the later showings. I'm thinking the families with little kids will want to do them earlier, so that's when we'll jump in line for character meets or to see the Haunted Mansion. :thumbsup2

Aunt Rae is fine; no more falls. She is totally cool about not going to WDW.

As for weekend trips with sisters, well, that would be so much fun... but they are saving $$ for family vacations to Disney right now.

I may get in some "working" Disney time in the next couple of years... check out my blog to find out why! ;)



I think I know just the gals you could sneak away with... uh hummm....

I'd love to be soldier #4! But I have to remember that we did make the big financial investment in our house last year, so I have to be judicious about expenses.

But thanks for the invite!! :goodvibes


A Dis friend trip....when are we going :goodvibes

hear you about the restrictions of going just when school is out....except for the anni trip in '11 and in my dreams a solo Dis friend trip in '12...most of our family trips will be confined to the Spring Break and Thanksgiving Break time frames...(after June '08 I'm hesitant on traveling arounf that time again)

but I guess we'll just take it one trip at a time...all I care right now is that we do go:thumbsup2


The great thing about DVC is that you know there will be future trips on the horizon! For the next eight years we will have to work around school, but there's something like 40 years left on our DVC contract, so our planning needs will flex and change over time.

I also have to face the inevitability of trips without Tricia once she's in school and/or working. Billy, Ed and I will most likely be going by ourselves eventually. That's why I'm determined to go as often as possible while Tricia is still unencumbered by responsibilities.

We'll come full circle when "Grandma and Grandpa" can take Tricia and her family to Disney!! :goodvibes


Hi Kathy! Yikes on losing the crown, glad your dentist was able to get you fixed before she went out of town.

Love the old pic, I remember reading about that trip!

I hear ya on trying to schedule around school. DS9 is in public school for the spec. ed. but my girls are in Catholic school. The only holiday they have off together is Christmas. We've tried going right when they get out in June but it hasn't worked too well, already too hot! We used to always go the week after Tgiving but now DD12 doesn't want to miss school and I think it's going to get worse once in high school. The girls are going to miss 3 days before Easter as DSs Spring Break is always the last week of March which happens to be the week before Easter this year, it is the closest it'll be for years so we're going to HHI. Hopefully DD12 will survive. ;) I'm hoping we might make it to WDW for Tgiving week in 2010, the girls will only miss 2 days and DS is off the whole week. I know it's more crowded then but it has to be better than the week after Christmas, right? Ugh, if I had more patience I'd homeschool so we could be more flexible! :rolleyes1


I don't think there's any time more crowded than Christmas week! :crowded:

I think its sad that the kids have so much schoolwork that they're afraid of missing just two days! And it is fear that is at work here... fear that they'll fall behind, fear that they will do poorly on a test, fear that they will be overwhelmed with work once they come back from vacation. It really speaks to the level of stress they are experiencing because of school demands.

When I was in middle school or HS I would miss 2 days without much flak on my part if my family was going away. College, well, that I can understand.

Still, I wish Eddie was able to come for even part of the time! :sad2:


Kathy

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Today's picture is from 2006, the year that DStepson, Eddie, joined us for the 3-day weekend at the end of our trip. Although it was not his first trip to WDW, it was his first trip with us!


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-221okw.jpg


I refuse to go to WDW in the summer... I can't take the heat and humidity. So that leaves Christmas break~week between Christmas and New Year's (Never! Too crowded and too expensive point-wise!), Winter break~the week of MLK (still very crowded and DVC point-expensive), or Spring Break~(probably our best option.)


Kathy

I am sorry Eddie won't join you, how disappointing. I hear you on the summer heat and humidity. I stay inside in the summer here in GA because it gets so humid. We were lucky to have a relatively cool summer here. (fewer days in the '90s) Now the clouds and rain are keeping us cool but I have to keep the Air conditioning on to get rid of the humidity.

Would you be able to do a few 4 day weekends spread out through the year? Or a shorter trip during Jersey Week?

I hope Trishia doesn't have to miss any playoff games, but then again hopefully her team will do well. (Second Place?;))

*:cool1: 5 more weeks until Halloween!! Here in Georgia there are many people who don't celebrate due to religious convictions so Trick-or-treating is hit or miss. But there are some churches who have trunk or treating where everyone comes to the church, parks their car and passes out candy from their decorated trunk.
We are looking forward to the Halloween Party.pirate:Argh!!

[eandesmom]

Well, she's annoyed at me also because she will miss her Field Hockey playoff games (if they make it to playoffs). The last one is on Oct. 31st and if you can't play in all the games, you can't play in any of them!

Now I'm finding myself in the odd position of hoping her team doesn't make playoffs so she won't be upset with me! :confused3

Kathy

Oh I know that feeling well! We had a situation like that with basketball last year, she missed 2 practices so had to sit out the first 2 games...UGH. We just can't schedule it around school breaks period anymore, with the exception of summer and even then...there is a 50/50 chance that this trip will happen without Kendall or that she will leave early/come late/somthing. UGH!

I'd rather have it be for school than sports. For us, the kids didn't have the fear on the schoolwork side but the reality is, they should have. Neither did the level of work that they could have/should have while we were gone and both did poorly on a test upon return as a result. It just isn't worth that stress even if it was their own fault!


Still, I wish Eddie was able to come for even part of the time! :sad2:
Kathy

He will get to a point where that will change I bet but I can understand being very disappointed. That's why I feel the need to take Taylor again NOW....and Evan before he hits middle school...it could be 5 years before we get another chance...if ever.

I will likely be planning some girls trips in the future to get my fix as kids schedules get worse.

In the meantime...bring on that August humidity. We do what we have to do!

:)

We are having a HUGE debate at Evan's school about Halloween. Apparently some families are keeping their kids home from school that day because they don't feel "safe". His school historically lets the kids dress up at the end of the day, all the classes have a party and the primary grades have a parade. Trying to respect beliefs without getting rid of everything is HARD sometimes!

[irish dancer]

Well, she's annoyed at me also because she will miss her Field Hockey playoff games (if they make it to playoffs). The last one is on Oct. 31st and if you can't play in all the games, you can't play in any of them!

Now I'm finding myself in the odd position of hoping her team doesn't make playoffs so she won't be upset with me! :confused3

Kathy

We were in a similar position for our Oct trip last year. It was a surprise trip planned 11mos in advance (due to DVC). We went the week before Columbus day, they had always had a 4 day weekend and the year we planned it was even a 5 day weekend so we knew they'd only miss a few days and volleyball hadn't ended until late Oct.

Well.......the best laid plans quickly started to unravel as school started. Not only did they not have the 5 day weekend they didn't even have the 4 day weekend. :eek: The week we were gone was their week of state standardized testing! :faint: It also ended up being DD12s volleyball play offs and they went undefeated during the regular season and went in ranked 1st. :headache:

Since it was a surprise trip she didn't angst over it but I sure did! She was upset for about 30min once she figured she was missing the tournament but we were in WDW so she got over it quickly. Surprisingly the school was fine with them missing the testing, they made it up when we got back and because of the testing they didn't have too much make-up work either.

I agree that it is sad that they are so afraid to miss a couple of days for fear of falling behind and/or failing something. The expectations and pressure kids are under in school is much, much higher than when we were in school.

[joy13]

Just getting caught up! I locked myself out a couple of weeks ago too (no cell phone either) luckily my neighbor was home so I could call DH. Sorry about the crown too - dental expenses stink!

As for the kids and school - maybe it will just be one year anyway. I can see Tricia's worries because it will be her first year and she doesn't know what to expect. Her tune may change after a year in high school - and if it doesn't, it's great that she cares so much!

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I hear you Kathy! It's a whole new world as the kids get older!! :hug:

It's so, so different when the kids hit high school (and college)! My big "aha" moment was going to oldest DS's Back to School night & they hand you your student's schedule & you have an entire night of scrambling to get from room to room, not even w/ their 50 lb backpacks, it gives you such a new appreciation for how hard the kids work, just getting from class to class. Add in the homework for 7-8 classes & that's not even mentioning social landmines, high school can be exhausting. Tricia probably doesn't want to let down her field hockey team either (love field hockey, btw! Oldest DD lettered as a sophomore!) so it's added peer pressure/pressure she puts on herself.

Hopefully you'll get your "girls" trips AND "working" trips to plan & that will help to ease the headache/heartache a bit. :flower3:

[KathyRN137]

You should totally go with these ladies. I think you would have a blast. Do you think your DH could handle the kids for a week? I know mine can't, at least not yet, mine are too little, but yours are older.

Sorry about your rotten day, I know all about those kind of days. Thank goodness for that Mickey bookmark right :thumbsup2

You're trip is coming up quickly, love the pick of stitch on your head, very cute:cutie:

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::


Hi! I think I'd be more concerned about the financial aspects of a solo trip, although it could also be tough for us with the child care because Ed works nights.

I'd also like to plan a romantic Disney weekend with Ed... oh well, perhaps next year!

I think we're all feeling the economic pinch these days! :rolleyes:


I am sorry Eddie won't join you, how disappointing. I hear you on the summer heat and humidity. I stay inside in the summer here in GA because it gets so humid. We were lucky to have a relatively cool summer here. (fewer days in the '90s) Now the clouds and rain are keeping us cool but I have to keep the Air conditioning on to get rid of the humidity.

Would you be able to do a few 4 day weekends spread out through the year? Or a shorter trip during Jersey Week?

I hope Trishia doesn't have to miss any playoff games, but then again hopefully her team will do well. (Second Place?;))

*:cool1: 5 more weeks until Halloween!! Here in Georgia there are many people who don't celebrate due to religious convictions so Trick-or-treating is hit or miss. But there are some churches who have trunk or treating where everyone comes to the church, parks their car and passes out candy from their decorated trunk.
We are looking forward to the Halloween Party.pirate:Argh!!


The only problem with planning 2 shorter trips is that we get socked with the airfare. If I lived in GA like you I wouldn't mind driving, but as I discovered last year, driving from Jersey is really tiring and quite time-consuming because we split it into 2 days each way.

I've never heard of "trunk-or-treating"... it sounds like fun! Our town puts on a Halloween Hoopla at the high school every year. It's basically a costume party for the kids so they don't have to trek all over the neighborhoods in search of candy. We've never gone, though, because Tricia always liked to go door-to-door.

Our first-ever WDW vacation was in early September and the next was in early December. What a difference! I vowed never to go to WDW during the hot and humid weather again! I was wiped out by lunchtime every day in that heat!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I'd rather have it be for school than sports. For us, the kids didn't have the fear on the schoolwork side but the reality is, they should have. Neither did the level of work that they could have/should have while we were gone and both did poorly on a test upon return as a result. It just isn't worth that stress even if it was their own fault!

He will get to a point where that will change I bet but I can understand being very disappointed. That's why I feel the need to take Taylor again NOW....and Evan before he hits middle school...it could be 5 years before we get another chance...if ever.

I will likely be planning some girls trips in the future to get my fix as kids schedules get worse.

In the meantime...bring on that August humidity. We do what we have to do!

We are having a HUGE debate at Evan's school about Halloween. Trying to respect beliefs without getting rid of everything is HARD sometimes!

I basically told Tricia the same thing... that I planned this trip so she would miss as little school as possible. They didn't even have the field hockey schedule/tournament info 6 months ago. She begrudgingly understands, although she seemed pleased that now I'm talking about changing our family trips to April. She doesn't play any spring sports. ;)

I truly don't know what all the fuss is about Halloween! I'm a bit dismayed at the secularization of Christmas, but I still have Santas all over my house in December! :laughing:


We were in a similar position for our Oct trip.

...I agree that it is sad that they are so afraid to miss a couple of days for fear of falling behind and/or failing something. The expectations and pressure kids are under in school is much, much higher than when we were in school.

I kind of feel sorry for them. :flower3:
I wouldn't be a teenager again for all the tea in China!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Just getting caught up! I locked myself out a couple of weeks ago too (no cell phone either) luckily my neighbor was home so I could call DH. Sorry about the crown too - dental expenses stink!

As for the kids and school - maybe it will just be one year anyway. I can see Tricia's worries because it will be her first year and she doesn't know what to expect. Her tune may change after a year in high school - and if it doesn't, it's great that she cares so much!


I think we've all locked ourselves out at one time or another! :rolleyes1
I'm complaining, but I'd rather try to limit any school-related stress for her for future trips.

Hey, I think going during the Flower & Garden Festival is great! :flower:


I hear you Kathy! It's a whole new world as the kids get older!! :hug:

It's so, so different when the kids hit high school (and college)!....Tricia probably doesn't want to let down her field hockey team either (love field hockey, btw! Oldest DD lettered as a sophomore!) so it's added peer pressure/pressure she puts on herself.

Hopefully you'll get your "girls" trips AND "working" trips to plan & that will help to ease the headache/heartache a bit. :flower3:



Thanks, Erin! It does get trickier to plan vacations as the kids get older; fortunately they all like WDW and I haven't been getting pressure from them to try US or IOA! :eek:

As for the working trips... I'm hoping they will eventually come to be!


Kathy

[eandesmom]

I basically told Tricia the same thing... that I planned this trip so she would miss as little school as possible. They didn't even have the field hockey schedule/tournament info 6 months ago. She begrudgingly understands, although she seemed pleased that now I'm talking about changing our family trips to April. She doesn't play any spring sports. ;)

I truly don't know what all the fuss is about Halloween! I'm a bit dismayed at the secularization of Christmas, but I still have Santas all over my house in December! :laughing:

I kind of feel sorry for them. :flower3:
I wouldn't be a teenager again for all the tea in China!


Kathy

I wish Kendall took a season off! You are officially responsible for 2 epiphanies now....I did NOT account for HS soccer tryouts when planning our trip and those start 2.5 weeks before school start. So I need to move my dates. And I have this horrid feeling that no matter what dates we pick, she will have a conflict. The new dates are the best we can do, any earlier and we will move out of free dining and then it doesn't work. But of course we won't know her summer soccer schedule until...early June!

I agree about Halloween. I get not celebrating it...but keeping your child home from school because they are afraid for their safety?

We live in a pretty boring middle class area....virtually no crime....I don't get it

[KathyRN137]

.
*A quick note to my DIS-friends vacationing in the first half of October: Check your park hours; many days have been extended and there are new showings of Fantasmic listed! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

Blogspot and Twitter are becoming highly addictive! I know I haven't been DISing much today, but there is something good to come of it. As mentioned in the above post, TourGuideMike just tweeted that there have been changes to early October park hours for MK and DHD, including the addition of several showings of Fantasmic! :wizard:

Of course, now my mind is racing... will there be similar additions in early November?? :scratchin

What could this mean for my itinerary? For my ADRs?


Kathy

[Charleston Princess]

Kathy, thanks for the heads-up about park hours -- off to check that out! :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

Blogspot and Twitter are becoming highly addictive! I know I haven't been DISing much today, but there is something good to come of it. As mentioned in the above post, TourGuideMike just tweeted that there have been changes to early October park hours for MK and DHD, including the addition of several showings of Fantasmic! :wizard:

Of course, now my mind is racing... will there be similar additions in early November?? :scratchin

What could this mean for my itinerary? For my ADRs?


Kathy

I was wondering about that too. I would bet they do add something for us, don't you think?

[KathyRN137]

Kathy, thanks for the heads-up about park hours -- off to check that out! :thumbsup2


You're welcome, CP!


Kathy

[KathyRN137]

I was wondering about that too. I would bet they do add something for us, don't you think?


I do!

Remember that Daylight Savings Time begins that week (Fall=Back) so it will begin to get darker an hour later. I'm really hoping that 6:30 Fantasmic time gets pushed back... perhaps I'll make a second dinner ADR just in case!


Kathy

[brookelizabeth]

OK-wait a sec.

Your kids WANT to be in school and do homework versus being in Florida, on vacation?!

You must have raised them REALLY REALLY well. :rotfl:

I was a nerd of a student, and I would still jump at a chance to escape. Worry about the homework load when I got back! ;)

But, your plans for the next trip sound like a good move. I'm nervous about NYE, but excited too. Point-wise = :sick:

[All7OfUs]

I may get in some "working" Disney time in the next couple of years... check out my blog to find out why! ;)

I'd love to be soldier #4! But I have to remember that we did make the big financial investment in our house last year, so I have to be judicious about expenses.

But thanks for the invite!! :goodvibes

Kathy

Well, you never know just how much that will turn into in the 11 months we have left. The invite stands; know you are always welcome! :thumbsup2

[wvdislover]

.
*A quick note to my DIS-friends vacationing in the first half of October: Check your park hours; many days have been extended and there are new showings of Fantasmic listed! :thumbsup2


Kathy

That's good for you guys! When we went for the 8:00 show last Sunday, it was SRO by 7:30 (what happened to the no crowds in September? :scared1:) We ended up staying for the 9:30 show, instead, which really didn't work well for our family, but it was then or never. Worth the wait, though!

[KathyRN137]

...I'm nervous about NYE, but excited too. Point-wise = :sick:

I know, the points "charged" during the holiday seasons are ridiculous! :eek:
Hey! I see you're going to stay at Kidani Village! Henry's going to love seeing all the animals!


Well, you never know just how much that will turn into in the 11 months we have left. The invite stands; know you are always welcome! :thumbsup2

Thanks! It will definitely stay in the back of my mind! ::yes::


That's good for you guys! When we went for the 8:00 show last Sunday, it was SRO by 7:30 (what happened to the no crowds in September? :scared1:) We ended up staying for the 9:30 show, instead, which really didn't work well for our family, but it was then or never. Worth the wait, though!

Q: What happened to no crowds in September?

A: Free Dining! (plus fewer showings of Fantasmic.)

Why oh why couldn't Billy get obsessed with Fantasmic back when they had a show scheduled every night! :rolleyes:


Kathy

[PracPerfPatricia]

I'm feeling the pain about scheduling...now that Em is in 9th grade...she's told me that a day is like a week in elementary school...:confused3 (ok she is slightly dramatic but based on her work load and all her AP stuff I don't think she's exaggerating that much...

Thank heavens David is in 2nd grade-we still have a little bit of time to play with his schedule...if I can help it-I wouldn't do a whole week but 3 days added on to a holiday or long weekend can make a big difference...

Being a teenager is quite a mixed bag...

btw-sorry about the temporary crown but nice dentist...:thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

I hope those extended hours continue

[KathyRN137]

Being a teenager is quite a mixed bag...


That, my friend, is the understatement of the year! :laughing:


I hope those extended hours continue

From your lips to God's ears, Jordan!
(You've got connections, right?) ;)


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

From your lips to God's ears, Jordan!
(You've got connections, right?) ;)


Kathy

Ha!:rotfl2:

I think we all do!:hug:

[KathyRN137]

Hi Everybody!

I'm falling behind on my Pics of the Day, so I'll just have to post more than one tonight!

Here are just some of the pix we took with the gang at Liberty Tree Tavern back in '06...

The characters were so playful and came around more than once. We were there for about two hours, but it was really worth it... lots of fun!




http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-228ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-247ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-246ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-225ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-252ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-249ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-248ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-259ltt.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/wdwtrip06-234ltt.jpg



Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Look how big the kids have gotten. Do you miss LTT as a Character Meal location? Would you eat there again w/o characters? Just curious?

[KathyRN137]

Look how big the kids have gotten. Do you miss LTT as a Character Meal location? Would you eat there again w/o characters? Just curious?

I do miss it! :sad1: We ate there with the characters twice and both times the interaction was awesome; I always thought it was the best character meal for fun and personal attention from "the gang."

The food is just okay, not bad, not fabulous. Turkey & trimmings but not like "home."

I would not want to eat there without the characters. :snooty: I made a ressie for Chef Mickey's this year... but will have to ask for a quieter table off to the side for Billy.


Kathy