and we're back. [Walt, Wizards, and....Woolungasaurus?]

[bumbershoot]

Biscuit Books, OK I'll go looking for them!

Core Knowledge....I checked out those "what your kindergartner/1st grader needs to know" books, and they are big on core knowledge (as opposed to CORN knowledge as I was trying to type just now), in fact that I think they were the proponents/starters of it? It's a really good idea!

IN those books they talk about how hard it is at the start of each grade, without a shared core, to know where kids are at. Most of my school years were like that...got to the same place in the Vietnam War for 3 years, then started all over again with modern history the next year, in HS. So annoying.




OK but the really important news for today is that E's first* tooth came out! Just about an hour ago! He kept coming over to me and showing me that it was getting looser and looser, and I think he was worried he'd swallow it accidentally (and after Marble Watch 2010, no one wants to look through anything for anything else he has swallowed EVER again), so I asked if he wanted me to pull it out. He did, so I gently pulled it out, and there it was.

Wow does that tooth hole look WEIRD! It looks gross, but on the other hand, it's nice**.

*&** It's not the first tooth he's lost. It's the 4th. But it's the first that was lost naturally and non-traumatically. And there's quite a difference in the hole and how it looks compared to the nasty way his tooth at 6 months was banged out, and even from the extractions at 2 years old. Much more peaceful.



I think we're going with Calvert. Not sure if we'll use Calvert Math...honestly, I have NO idea how to evaluate what math to use!

But I sat with him today and he did Calverts math evaluation test...found out he's solidly at the First Grade Math level. Always good to know that you're starting with the right math! Of course, it's possible he could have done more into the second or third grade level...but I hadn't TAUGHT him those things, so how could he know them, ya know?

And right back to Jane Austen...I'm now on Sense and Sensibility (after catching the end of the Kate Winslet/Alan Rickman/Emma Thompson version the other night)...and it seems like she's always talking about someone who surely would have been excellent at such and such if only s/he had been taught it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Now I have to figure out how to get over to Toys R Us or Target today, so the tooth fairy can get the Lego sets she and her husband decided the Child should get, to make up for those three previous teeth that the tooth fairy didn't come for (we felt he was too young and wouldn't remember it, so delayed it until, well, now!).

I already have the gold dollars that so many tooth fairies leave, and I just get to decide what precedent to set per tooth...but the Lego thing has got me stumped. I thought it would come out this weekend, but he was just working on it this morning! How to get there without him???? And of course if I left him with a friend or neighbor, he would TOTALLY know what's up (or at least that something was up)....hmm.

 

[bookgirl]

Have the tooth fairy leave a note.

Dear E.

Congratulations on the tooth. Because you lost those teeth before, I wanted to bring you a lego set but legos do not make good pillows plus they were scuffing up my coins. So I have left you this $5 (?) bill for your mommy to take you to Target to pick one out. The gold dollar is for the tooth you lost today. Hope NOT to see you soon. No peeking.

Tooth Fairy

 

[bumbershoot]

Nice idea, bookgirl! Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

Looks like some better rates are coming out for Universal at the relevant times for us. And if we bought our tix through Universal's site before a certain date in September, they are sending the "commemorative tickets" without needing to get a package. I was second-guessing the 3 Broomsticks breakfast anyway, so....

 

[kaoden39]

Have the tooth fairy leave a note.

Dear E.

Congratulations on the tooth. Because you lost those teeth before, I wanted to bring you a lego set but legos do not make good pillows plus they were scuffing up my coins. So I have left you this $5 (?) bill for your mommy to take you to Target to pick one out. The gold dollar is for the tooth you lost today. Hope NOT to see you soon. No peeking.

Tooth Fairy

What a great idea!!

Looks like some better rates are coming out for Universal at the relevant times for us. And if we bought our tix through Universal's site before a certain date in September, they are sending the "commemorative tickets" without needing to get a package. I was second-guessing the 3 Broomsticks breakfast anyway, so....

Ooh, the better deals sound great.

 

[bumbershoot]

We did the note. I pinned it to the wall so he could see it when he woke up. He was a little confused, but now he's excited about it. Of course he is, it means Legos!


Universal: now we're having discussions of "cheap for the wallet" vs "really nice value". Obviously, their club level rooms (at their Stay More Play More rates) have come into the discussion. Those things have a lounge, free b'fast free hors d'ouvres, a sweet at night, beer, wine, coffee, tea, soda throughout the day.... They aren't *cheaper* than what we have slated right now, but they have a higher value.

Discussions continue.


But tonight is R's 20th HS reunion, and he's all stressy about it. They didn't make it *at all* family friendly, and there aren't any rooms at the hotel so E and I can't even hang out like E and R did for my 20th. But he's going with his oldest friend, so that'll be fun for them.

OK off we go to the gym, so R can feel refreshed and vital for his reunion tonight!

 

[kaoden39]

The Legos are a fun thing aren't they. Even as teenagers they like them, heck I like them too.

I think the idea about "Stay More, Play More" is a better in the thought of the money you save from having those extras. That beer or wine at the end of the day is kind of nice and in a resort area quite pricey. We went to Uva Bar in DTD last time we were there and four draft beers and two shooter were over $40. When you think in those terms it is worth it.

I think it is sad that reunions are not more family friendly. I know taht I like to share things like that with my family.

 

[bumbershoot]

This one could have had a family component, for the Friday night casual get-together, but they chose a pub that is owned by a grad...and in WA there are strange liquor laws that make one beer place OK for kids and another not OK...they run that does NOT allow minors. I'm glad for the place they chose, but we really looked forward to a casual thing.

I guess at the 10 year they had a picnic for families... But I thik that the difference is...most people have had their kids and raised them to their teens or near teens by now in our age group. And if the people putting on the reunion are in that group, then it can be hard for them to imagine having classmates with littler kids. So they just figure the older kids wouldn't want to go, and they forget about those of us who waited (either by choice or fate).

My 20 year had a picnic too, but it was just a set spot in a huge festival in San Jose, and since I haven't lived there since I was 17 I didn't want to go get heat stroke. I do not get along with the SJ weather anymore! Well to be honest I never really did, which is why I left to begin with!

 

[kaoden39]

I am not a young mom. When it was time for my 20 year reunion my kids were 7, 6, and 4. I wasn't interested in going except to the family activities and there weren't any. I agree that most people have their kids younger than I did and by the time that the 20 comes around the kids are usually past the age of wanting to go to that sort of thing. My kids still go to the company picnics and things like that. Now though I would be more willing to go to a party in a pub, actually that sounds really good right now. An ice cold beer in a frosty mug. Now I want to go back to DTD and the Uva Bar and have a pineapple upside down cake shooter.

 

[bumbershoot]

Pineapple...upside down...cake....shooter????? Wowie what's IN that?????



R is at the reunion, having a lovely time. He got a shirt at the last minute, one of those button up, not-tucked-in, sort Cuban style shirts? He's very happy in it. He's already had a convo with one woman during which she confessed to wanting to ask him out in their junior year...awwwww.

And since we talked an hour ago (E's late bedtime) I bet he's looking around for those 38 year old women who are wearing dresses and tops where it's obvious there are no bras...and he's thinking "you're not fooling me, I know that can't be natural!" All because of me, LOL. There was one woman at my 20 year who was wearing a backless sideless j-lo plunging neckline dress... and her chestal region was standing at attention. Yeah, no, I'm not believing that that is happening because of genetics and good living! Of course, she had altered her face so much I'm still not sure if she was one or another person...only people who were still friends with her (as in, know her now) knew who she was. That's a LOT of plastic surgery!


Sniffle, E doesn't even remember my 20 year. He does remember learning to shovel from granddad on that trip, and he remembers some parts of Disneyland, but doesn't remember the hotel or watching Ratatouille, or anything else at all. Dang.

 

[kaoden39]

It is this magnificent combination of vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and a splash of amaretto. It is shaken with ice and served as a shooter. It is sooooo good.

I am glad that Robert is having a great time. I like that Cuban style shirts, I think they have a nice cut. How funny about the "I know their not real" Scotty always notices the obvious facial surgeries and botox.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yummo.

Though I'm of the "more liquid is better" thought with drinkies like that, so I wonder if you could make it more like a mai tai, where you have more liquid to drink, not just as a momentary shooter.... Either way, mmmmmmmm.

 

[kaoden39]

I am too. Every time I am somewhere and I see vanilla vodka I consider making my own version at home with a bit more than a shooter. But, on a hot day with a frosty beer it was perfect.

 

[bumbershoot]

Woman you're killing me.

Must. Find. Vanilla Vodka and pineapple juice..... The amaretto's going to cause some PTSD, though, LOL. Not for ME, the only drink that's caused me PTSD was tequila, but I liked it so much I managed to get over it! But during the "we're almost done with chiropractic school" trip my class took to Myrtle Beach, we rented a condo (awesome condo, if only I remembered the name!), and bought some booze... A classmate who is 90 lbs wringing wet, decided to go crazy with the amaretto sours. It did not go well.


Editing to take some out. NO need to say more than "it did not go well".



Rental car all the way? Or ME in and out, with rental car off and on to do errands? Being almost entirely dependent on Disney transportation, or having mega-options??? What to do, what to do...

And why doesn't Mears have their Universal shuttle info online? Why do I have to call them????

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hello Ladies,
I must say I enjoy reading your chats, even though most of the time I don't take time to jump in. I do feel a bit like an eavesdropper though. Very strange feeling. So thought I would make my presence known

I am completly with you Molly. I hate having to call when I could easily get the information or make the booking online!

Even HOJO bugs me that way, but it is worth it to get the Entertainment rate.

I am sitting here, up since 3 because my back hurts. Started 3 days ago and I am panicking because of my upcoming trip. I went to the chiropractor yesterday out of siimple desperation. I had never been, and it is a strange sensation to say the least. He did exrays and said he thinks I will feel better by my trip, and won't to take too much work to get straightened out. I hope so. If not, maybe that darn Indiana Jones ride will be able to work the kinks out!

Honestly, the pain when I am upright is really manageable, but sleeping is nearly impossible. And I need my sleep!

Molly, I can hardly wait to read your trip report and live and learn from your experience! I feel like I understand your perspective, so your reports will be more meaningful than reading a stranger's report.

PS I have skipped all of my reunions. They just are not my thing, family friendly, or not.

 

[kaoden39]

Woman you're killing me.

Must. Find. Vanilla Vodka and pineapple juice..... The amaretto's going to cause some PTSD, though, LOL. Not for ME, the only drink that's caused me PTSD was tequila, but I liked it so much I managed to get over it! But during the "we're almost done with chiropractic school" trip my class took to Myrtle Beach, we rented a condo (awesome condo, if only I remembered the name!), and bought some booze... A classmate who is 90 lbs wringing wet, decided to go crazy with the amaretto sours. It did not go well.


Editing to take some out. NO need to say more than "it did not go well".



Rental car all the way? Or ME in and out, with rental car off and on to do errands? Being almost entirely dependent on Disney transportation, or having mega-options??? What to do, what to do...

And why doesn't Mears have their Universal shuttle info online? Why do I have to call them????

I am not a huge amaretto fan myself. And although you edited I did read the original in my email so I know. Yuck. I told Scotty that I am all for skipping the amaretto because it is only a drop.

 

[kaoden39]

Hello Ladies,
I must say I enjoy reading your chats, even though most of the time I don't take time to jump in. I do feel a bit like an eavesdropper though. Very strange feeling. So thought I would make my presence known

I am completly with you Molly. I hate having to call when I could easily get the information or make the booking online!

Even HOJO bugs me that way, but it is worth it to get the Entertainment rate.

I am sitting here, up since 3 because my back hurts. Started 3 days ago and I am panicking because of my upcoming trip. I went to the chiropractor yesterday out of siimple desperation. I had never been, and it is a strange sensation to say the least. He did exrays and said he thinks I will feel better by my trip, and won't to take too much work to get straightened out. I hope so. If not, maybe that darn Indiana Jones ride will be able to work the kinks out!

Honestly, the pain when I am upright is really manageable, but sleeping is nearly impossible. And I need my sleep!

Molly, I can hardly wait to read your trip report and live and learn from your experience! I feel like I understand your perspective, so your reports will be more meaningful than reading a stranger's report.

PS I have skipped all of my reunions. They just are not my thing, family friendly, or not.

My husband Scotty has sciatica problems and he has to ride his bike and stretch his back out or it hurts to sit or stand.

I hope you get some rest.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hello Ladies,
I must say I enjoy reading your chats, even though most of the time I don't take time to jump in. I do feel a bit like an eavesdropper though. Very strange feeling. So thought I would make my presence known

...he thinks I will feel better by my trip, and won't to take too much work to get straightened out. I hope so. If not, maybe that darn Indiana Jones ride will be able to work the kinks out!

Molly, I can hardly wait to read your trip report and live and learn from your experience! I feel like I understand your perspective, so your reports will be more meaningful than reading a stranger's report.

PS I have skipped all of my reunions. They just are not my thing, family friendly, or not.

I know you're around.

Oh I hope he can help you! If you're having muscle pain along with the spinal stuff, if your'e ever at Walgreens or something and see Salon Pas patches, they are an Asian brand of capsaicin patches (like icy hot but without the icy?) and they can work really well. Don't put one on then rub your eye without washing hands though!

It IS nicer to read people you know, isn't it? Although strangers who explain themselves and their perspectives well can really make a good trip report as well. Knowing why a person didn't like something is much better than just knowing THAT someone didn't like something. Oh, marivaid is one poster that I LOVE to read. She's actually AT WDW right now, with mom, her sister, and sister's sig other! Must go see if she's posted anything.

I forget where you grew up? Around here, or are you a transplant like me?

I am not a huge amaretto fan myself. And although you edited I did read the original in my email so I know. Yuck. I told Scotty that I am all for skipping the amaretto because it is only a drop.

I'm SUPER sorry about that. I had a feeling at least a few of you would be subscribed (I rarely subscribe to things, but when I do I go withOUT emails)...bleah. What was I thinking?




We booked our flight home! On Alaska, so while the actual fares don't make me jump for joy, the fact that Robert is on ff miles so we only have to pay for two people does make me smile. Plus, Alaska has their price guarantee that is now good for ANY point after booking (it used to be only a set number of months, though they did round UP the amount to the nearest $25), so if it lowers, that just means funds for Molly's future trips to Anaheim. Just like if the SW fare getting out there goes down.

So we have all the DVC rooms...E's ticket (that we'll upgrade while there based on our needs)...flying there, flying home...half of the CBR room (the deposit)...I also still have tons of glowsticks, Eamon has a mickey ear baseball style cap to bring, several light spinners to bring, some stuffed Mickeys to bring.... OK maybe the things we bought *before* don't count, but it's been pretty well proven in our family that bringing souvenirs on subsequent trips does cut down on the "I wants".


We remain completely undecided on the rental car issue. We know that we most likely will want/need one a few times. We need to get to the store. We need to get to Universal (oh dangit I forgot to call Mears). We need to get to DinoWorld and Orange World! etc etc. Robert ALWAYS whines about the carseat, but gosh it's just NOT that big of a deal.

But the questions are...just get one for the entire trip and not take Magic Express at all? (this would yield the lowest daily rate, though of course for a longer period of time, because the airport rental places seem to be much cheaper) Take ME, and get a car for *most* of the trip? (lower number of days, but higher daily rate because we'd be using a city rental car place) Or just pick the car up as needed from Alamo or National at the Car Care Center or at the Dolphin? (high daily rates, lowest total cost)

I would make a poll on the transportation or resort boards, but I know what the answer would be, it would be half of the people saying "get it the whole time!" and the others saying "ME all the way, order from Garden Grocer, take Mears to Universal, forget your Florida Kitsch tour altogether!" OK maybe they wouldn't be THAT specific, but basically I know it would be half and half. I already have that going on in my head, so why have others help?


Robert's heading out on another trip in August, then will come home late at night, then the following morning we will head off to the big company picnic (that I LOVE)...next day he will head off on another trip. Exhausting for him, tiring for me, excellent for us b/c we get to go to the picnic and we'll just celebrate our anniversary on that day b/c he'll be gone for the actual day...and also, nice for the Disney funds, b/c once again I'm booking his hotels, and we get rewards from Sunshine for that, and it all adds up!

He had fun at his reunion and is glad he went, even though he felt unattractive. I knew he would.

And today, even though I felt unattractive and large, I had lunch with a longtime friend (from junior high through grad and beyond) who is on a whirlwind Pac NW tour with her family! Her 7 year old and Eamon got up to no good at the restaurant, and it was so nice to see a kid acting just a little bit nuttier than E was. Her 10 year old just acted bored by it all. I was super-nervous b/c I know (from Facebook) that she is still skinny, and is actually much prettier than she was as a younger person (not b/c of "work", but b/c she just grew into herself), but I've learned, yet again, that it just does not matter. A friend loves you no matter how much you balloon up. I have to keep learning this! Why can't I remember and just live life to the fullest? Why do I torture myself?

Then we got home, just in time for the every-other-Wednesday social hour here at the condos. I've mentioned before that we live with mainly long-retired people, and they are just too much fun. Every Wednesday, the gather in the lobby and get their drink on. We can tell when it's Wednesday b/c the elevator smells of cologne, perfume, and wine with a touch of whisky. But I'm usually too nervous to join in, so we only go there for a few minutes when Eamon begs me to go. But today we went up to check mail, and it was starting. They asked us to stay (they ADORE Eamon even though he's called Aidan, Damon, and Ian more often than Eamon), we did, and it was a blast. Those seniors know how to party! Of course they do, they've been doing it for quite awhile! We ended up staying until the end (2 hours!), which was fun for E.

It felt really good to be out, seeing my old friend and her family, then chatting with my neighbors who are all good people...I haven't gotten out of my "shell" in quite awhile, and I forgot how energized it makes me. Of course I'm also still thinking back on the stupid things I said, but I'm not sure anyone is really free from that nonsense.

So while I'm on a roll of socializing, I should trek to Mukilteo!

 

[QueenDoOver]

I know you're around.

Oh I hope he can help you! If you're having muscle pain along with the spinal stuff, if your'e ever at Walgreens or something and see Salon Pas patches, they are an Asian brand of capsaicin patches (like icy hot but without the icy?) and they can work really well. Don't put one on then rub your eye without washing hands though!

Thanks. I am feeling better! Finally got some sleep last night and pain is much better. I will try some of that if I can find it.
It IS nicer to read people you know, isn't it? Although strangers who explain themselves and their perspectives well can really make a good trip report as well. Knowing why a person didn't like something is much better than just knowing THAT someone didn't like something. Oh, marivaid is one poster that I LOVE to read. She's actually AT WDW right now, with mom, her sister, and sister's sig other! Must go see if she's posted anything.

I forget where you grew up? Around here, or are you a transplant like me?

I'm from Port Angeles, so yep, around here



I would make a poll on the transportation or resort boards, but I know what the answer would be, it would be half of the people saying "get it the whole time!" and the others saying "ME all the way, order from Garden Grocer, take Mears to Universal, forget your Florida Kitsch tour altogether!" OK maybe they wouldn't be THAT specific, but basically I know it would be half and half. I already have that going on in my head, so why have others help? [/B][/COLOR]
I vote for a car the entire time. I'm just a control freak like that!



He had fun at his reunion and is glad he went, even though he felt unattractive. I knew he would.

And today, even though I felt unattractive and large, I had lunch with a longtime friend (from junior high through grad and beyond) who is on a whirlwind Pac NW tour with her family! Her 7 year old and Eamon got up to no good at the restaurant, and it was so nice to see a kid acting just a little bit nuttier than E was. Her 10 year old just acted bored by it all. I was super-nervous b/c I know (from Facebook) that she is still skinny, and is actually much prettier than she was as a younger person (not b/c of "work", but b/c she just grew into herself), but I've learned, yet again, that it just does not matter. A friend loves you no matter how much you balloon up. I have to keep learning this! Why can't I remember and just live life to the fullest? Why do I torture myself?

STOP torturing yourself. You are right! It does not matter!

Then we got home, just in time for the every-other-Wednesday social hour here at the condos. I've mentioned before that we live with mainly long-retired people, and they are just too much fun. Every Wednesday, the gather in the lobby and get their drink on. We can tell when it's Wednesday b/c the elevator smells of cologne, perfume, and wine with a touch of whisky. But I'm usually too nervous to join in, so we only go there for a few minutes when Eamon begs me to go. But today we went up to check mail, and it was starting. They asked us to stay (they ADORE Eamon even though he's called Aidan, Damon, and Ian more often than Eamon), we did, and it was a blast. Those seniors know how to party! Of course they do, they've been doing it for quite awhile! We ended up staying until the end (2 hours!), which was fun for E.

That is awesome! I love old people. Truly. And they are good for kids, whatever their name is...

One of my favorite videos of my 14 year old is when he was about 14 months old and we were visiting my Gram in Arizona. All her friends were over to play cards and they put Andrew in the middle of the table and clapped and sang for him as he danced for them. It is so precious.

It felt really good to be out, seeing my old friend and her family, then chatting with my neighbors who are all good people...I haven't gotten out of my "shell" in quite awhile, and I forgot how energized it makes me. Of course I'm also still thinking back on the stupid things I said, but I'm not sure anyone is really free from that nonsense.

So while I'm on a roll of socializing, I should trek to Mukilteo!

You Should! But not until I get back, k? Actually I am planning a little end of summer beach party on Aug 27th (is that a Friday?). My company has a meeting at a park in west seattle that is right on the sound. (forgot the name), and we rent two shelters, cater bbq and have our meeting and then everyone leaves, usually by about 1:00. But we have the shelters (Lincoln Park, that's it) until closing at dusk. It is an amazing location. So I have decided that if the weather is nice I will send out invites to all my friends and have them show up with kids and bbq, sandwhiches or whatever, and spend the entire day on the beach there. You are on the invite list for sure!