All I Want For Christmas Is an Okapi, a Dinosaur, a Herd of Elephants and ...

[MeMom]

I just love my annual pass! I will hate to part with it...so maybe I will just renew it.
It is our place...and will always be!

Go figure that I was all excited yesterday to go online and do my ADR's and the site was down for maintenance.

Last night I was able to get on and I got everything we wanted!!!

So our list will include: Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Liberty Tree, Le Cellier, 50's Prime Time, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, Kona, Chefs de France, Boma, Tony's Town Square, Via Napoli, Wolfgang Puck Cafe.
Tomorrow I will make the final one for Akersus.

Once you get an annual pass, you are spoiled for life.

So much good eating!

Sounds as if Joan helped you through one of the lowest points of your life-What a blessing to have had her in your life. Hugs to you.

True on both counts.

All caught up! Enjoyed following you through DHS and all the stores!

I know exactly how you and Jill were feeling when you got the news about Joan.

It was very strange to have such sadness mixed in with our normal Disney happiness.

Glad you enjoyed the Hollywood pictures.

I can't imagine how much you were dreading getting to that set of pictures. Still so sorry for your loss, she sounds like she was an amazing lady!


Obviously...that's the only kind of frog to have!

She was, and she'll live on in her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and others that she touched.

I was cutting out Naveen legs yesterday. We had some extra things going on at school, so we didn't get to start on them. We'll make them Monday.

Your trip reports are always so fun, so I definitely want to join along.

Congrats to Jill and the whole family on her pregnancy!

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Aunt Joan.

Love the pictures of the girls playing at the pool! And that's so awesome that yall won the trivia!

Glad you have you along!

You are familiar with that kiddie pool, right?
Do you think you guys will try Art of Animation?

All caught up again... I hope your post-conference went well today!!!

Sorry you had to get such bad news during your vacation! I know how much you are all missing Joan.

The post-conference went well. This is the synopsis: She said I was a solid teacher. She said that she and the principal agreed that every time they pass my room or peek in I am actively engaged with my students either in directed teaching, small groups, or one-on-one. They never worried that I wasn't doing my job when no one was looking. On the other hand, she said that when someone is looking, I don't put on a 'dog and pony show'. I just teach in a natural way. She said my genuine love and concern for the kids is obvious. It all sounded good to me. I am glad they are pleased with what I do in my room. so I guess that means I have a job for another year.



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

Monday begins a Culture Week/Read Me Week combo at school. They decided to do a Read Around the World theme. We have to cover Mexico. Throw out your wonderful ideas. What do you think of when you think of Mexico or Mexico in Epcot? I want to have my little Disney touch somewhere in the displays. I have the plush Mexican Donald out already. Oh, how I wish I had a Three Caballeros t-shirt to wear on Friday! I've looked at them before, but I figured there would never be a good enough reason to wear one to merit the money, but this would have been the perfect occasion! I'll remember that this summer, as we will end up doing Mexico again one of these days, right?

I wish I had some of the Oaxacan carvings, but those things are too expensive! My kids can make animals out of Model Magic, though. I'm up for cheap and easy ideas for things we can do this week. We'll have mariachi music going, so I will transport myself to the Mexican pavilion when I hear that. Everyone else will be going to Mexico in their minds, but I'll be going to Mexico, Epcot in mine.

 

[MeMom]

We continued on through Animal Kingdom.

Looking at the Swahili translation of this, it appears to be a war gear station.

It was pretty crowded, but there was still dancing in the streets.

Mingo on a tree.

Leaving Animal Kingdom.

I love this tree.

My buddy.

The budding photographer trying to get a tree picture.

I hope Jill will have time to put some of Brooklynn's pictures on here.

I forgot to mention we had added an okapi and a Baby 'Leely' (as in the real Lilly gorilla) to the group before we left.

Lilly got a little curious on the bus ride.

Before we knew it.....

That little girl is a mess!

 

[MeMom]

We did not take the bus to Pop this time. We were going to Old Key West for Christmas decorations pictures. John was not thrilled with the idea, and we told him he could go back to Pop, but he ended up coming along anyway. I think it was the lure of going to Downtown Disney afterward that made him decide to endure the resort hopping.

We made an obligatory water park stop, but neither picked up nor dropped off anyone. There was some kind of important entourage parked out in the empty lot.

At Old Key West.

Nice little lobby.

I want a tree like this for my OKW den.

Fun ornaments.

Sorry so blurry.

We have not eaten at Olivia's, but I would like to. Maybe we can get a breakfast/brunch in there someday.

In the gift shop.

Christmas goodies.

Something here is very pricey.

 

[MeMom]

I want to be in the DVC family.

Resort specific merchandise.

We then went to the boat dock to catch a ride across the lake.

That's it for now. Have wonderful Saturday!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Glad you have you along!

You are familiar with that kiddie pool, right?
Do you think you guys will try Art of Animation?

Yes ma'am, very familiar! We love that sweet little pool
I definitely want to give Art of Animation a try at least one time. I'm not liking the prices, but I know that Jake would love the themed areas there so much.

What about yall?


Looking at those OKW pictures brings me back to our trip last summer. That's such a fun and homey place. Yall should definitely try and have a meal at Olivia's. We ended up eating there about 3 times on a spur of the moment type of deal. They always had room and were always so friendly. The food was tasty, too!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Great shopping trip this morning. I love the white DVC zip up! I probably won't order it though because DVC merchandise doesn't sell out, but then again, the weather will soon be perfect to wear it...decisions, decisions.

I am glad your observation went well. Oh course, you are a solid teacher! Anyone can see that talking to you about school.

How fantastic that teacher morale was boosted from your Mardi Gras celebration. For a minute, I thought, oh, we should do that, our morale is so low, Then the reality sank in that at this point, it isn't enough.

We are very frustrated by numerous situations. None of which I can really reveal as I'd be telling tales out of school. (hhahahaha) In my little world, things are going pretty well. My students overall are doing just fine, and I love them.

Old Key West was lovely for the holidays. We haven't eaten at Olivia's get either, but I've heard great reviews.

 

[MeMom]

Yes ma'am, very familiar! We love that sweet little pool
I definitely want to give Art of Animation a try at least one time. I'm not liking the prices, but I know that Jake would love the themed areas there so much.

What about yall?


Looking at those OKW pictures brings me back to our trip last summer. That's such a fun and homey place. Yall should definitely try and have a meal at Olivia's. We ended up eating there about 3 times on a spur of the moment type of deal. They always had room and were always so friendly. The food was tasty, too!

Same as you - the prices are a little intimidating right now. I'm sure we'll try both the suites and the single rooms for a night or two at the end of a trip just to see what they're like. We won't lock in an entire trip there until we know for sure we like them. For me, the drawback to the suites is that they have no balconies or outside doors, and to someone like me, that's kind of a big deal. I can see myself liking the single rooms better. (And the single room prices. )

I went to allears to check the Olivia's breakfast menu again. Those breakfast platters are looking pretty good. We might give it a try this summer, if we can get a walk-up. We could go do a park for a while, go eat a 10-ish breakfast, hit DTD, then go back to Pop for swim and nap time. That would be a nice half day. I definitely love the OKW atmosphere.

 

[MeMom]

Great shopping trip this morning. I love the white DVC zip up! I probably won't order it though because DVC merchandise doesn't sell out, but then again, the weather will soon be perfect to wear it...decisions, decisions.

I am glad your observation went well. Oh course, you are a solid teacher! Anyone can see that talking to you about school.

How fantastic that teacher morale was boosted from your Mardi Gras celebration. For a minute, I thought, oh, we should do that, our morale is so low, Then the reality sank in that at this point, it isn't enough.

We are very frustrated by numerous situations. None of which I can really reveal as I'd be telling tales out of school. (hhahahaha) In my little world, things are going pretty well. My students overall are doing just fine, and I love them.

Old Key West was lovely for the holidays. We haven't eaten at Olivia's get either, but I've heard great reviews.

I've been tempted to buy a DVC t-shirt before, but then I thought that would be cheating.

Our school was a mess at the beginning of the school year. This new evaluation stuff weighs heavy, and when we were first introduced to all of it, it was overwhelming, even to seasoned teachers. We were all staying for hours and hours after school, and there was a cloud of gloom looming large. As we made it through each step, it got better and better. Some teachers have not been happy with their scores, for sure, and some are leaving, but overall the mood has lightened a bit. Of course, we have to start it all over again next year.

All of the breakfast platters are sounding pretty good to me this morning. I hope we can give Olivia's a try this summer.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Ok, my 'vision' for your Mexico project was to have your kids make and decorate pinatas from cardboard boxes. Then you can give them all sticks to beat it with and you know how that will turn out!

I love the picture of Lilly on the bus! Very cute! And the ornaments on the OKW tree are pretty cool too.

 

[Poolrat]

The post-conference went well. This is the synopsis: She said I was a solid teacher. She said that she and the principal agreed that every time they pass my room or peek in I am actively engaged with my students either in directed teaching, small groups, or one-on-one. They never worried that I wasn't doing my job when no one was looking. On the other hand, she said that when someone is looking, I don't put on a 'dog and pony show'. I just teach in a natural way. She said my genuine love and concern for the kids is obvious. It all sounded good to me. I am glad they are pleased with what I do in my room. so I guess that means I have a job for another year.

They Like you, they really like you!!!!! I hope they appreciate the lack of a dog and pony show and you keeping it real. I am like that too, you want to see what I do, then come on in. I will be doing what I always do and you can judge me on that. Congrats on a great observation and you can celebrate that you are done 'being watched' this year.

Before we knew it.....

That little girl is a mess!

 

[Kgroo]

Hi Memom
Things have been crazy both at work and home. I have had so many work deadlines in the past 2 weeks that I am just burned out!!! Good thing I have a little get away planned . Plus I am trying to get summer clothes together for our trip. Have to get the totes out of the garage to get Chloe something to wear on our trip. It is going to be 87 degrees one day that we are there.

I am so sorry that you have such mixed memories from your trip. But, it is great that you have such wonderful memories of such an amazing lady.

Glad that your observation is over and it went well. I have a big meeting at work on Tuesday (right before we leave for the trip on Wednesday) that I am going
to have to work on all day tomorrow . The feeing of relief that it is over and that I can leave with a clean to do list at work will be wonderful.

Loved the AK shopping pics. Great way to start the weekend!!!

 

[disneyfan61]

Congrats on the great observation I knew you would get a great review.

Aw I did not know they sell little "Lily". Very cute pics of her on the bus but does look like she is getting out of hand.

When I think of Mexico I think about the hats. BIG hats. I am sure you will represent Mexico very well.

Have a great weekend!! By the way I have FINALLY updated my TR from Oct.

 

[IluvXU]

Love the OKW pics. I have only seen it from the ME bus, so getting there this summer is on my lists of must. It should happen since we are staying at SSR. I sure hope they have some resort gear for Vero... that is my #1 item on my list.

Morale hit a low this week when the cuts for next year were released. 140 teachers in my district, after two years of cuts already. I can barely stomach all the changes that will happen to get 140 cuts. We lost art, music and gym for next year, except for 30 minutes, one day a week in a rotation of the year. So we gained 30 minutes of core instruction.... but 8 and 9 year olds need to move, not be talked to for 30 more minutes!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Your pictures from OKW really took me back to December. We spent some time in that store since we stayed there for part of the trip!

The kids enjoyed pin trading with the CMs at OKW!

Congratulations on a solid evaluation! Administrators can spot a good teacher and they know you are the real deal.
Dog and pony shows can certainly backfire!

 

[declansdad]

My swahili is a bit rusty but I think it means media station (probably more like radio).

We have only been to OKW as a Magical Express Stop. It was nice to see those pictures.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

We stayed at OKW during the Christmas season and it was such a pretty, peaceful resort. I love how your photos seem to get each piece of detail.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great pictures! I love the new animal friends! Nice and small!

I can see we will be doing some shopping at the OKW shop in October! DH loves the resort specific stuff and the DVC stuff. I think we'll plan to eat once at Olivia's too. I've heard it is a bit of a hidden gem.

 

[sunny_stace]

OKW seems so pretty and peaceful. I've thought about staying there before but it's never happened. I should do that sometime! I could definitely go for some of the items in the gift shop! Lily the gorilla seems to be having lots of fun on the bus ride! And I would love to see miss Brooklynn's pictures sometime!

As for Mexico, it makes me think of bright colours and music and sunshine and food and cocktails, fountains and carvings. I've never been to the real Mexico so that's more or less from the Epcot pavillion and other people's vacation photos! I think it would be a fun country to study at school!

 

[marDgreen88]

Animal Kingdom looked SO busy! What a contrast to your Hollywood Studios morning. Aww, seeing Brooklynn's photos would be so cute!

I've never been to Old Key West, but I love the look and feel of it! I'm just drawn to anything beachy I guess, hahaha. I love the resort specific merchandise!

 

[<3myfamily]

Too bad your Mexican celebration is next week. Since I live miles from the Mexican border, we have all sorts of Mexican stuff around here. If I wanted it cheap, I could cross the border, but sorry... I haven't crossed in years (too much trouble & problems in Tijuana)or I could have to seen who was going and had them pick up some cute/cheap items. Let me know if you want me to be on the look out for something for you next year! But, it would be cute to have the kids make pinatas and then lots and lots of color! Could you make them some food....some homemade tortilla's (or just buy at the store), make some beans (pinto beans are pretty cheap & add in garlic seasoning), and then some spanish rice. Have fun... whatever you decide to do will turn out awesome!

Sorry about your sad ride on the train. So glad you got to spend time with her before she passed away. And you have such good memories of such a wonderful lady.

Loving the pictures. I REALLY want to go at Christmas. My oldest DD would like to go for either her 20 or 21st birthday. Of course her birthday is Dec 28.. the busiest day at Disney. I would love to pull off a mother/daughter trip with both my DD's for after New Years when it calmed down (and got a little cheaper). We will have to see what Disney offers in the next couple of years.

Have a great weekend.