Chicago area Diser's - check in here Part 4

[Crissup]

Slo, Congrats on the opening!!!

We did go Bass Pro in Bolingbrook yesterday and that was nice. I want to eat at that restaurant there, Isla Morada. Looks really nice!!

Carol and I have already eaten there (a few days after opneing). Aside from a few growing pains while the staff got into their routines, we thoroughly enjoyed the food!! I had the grouper portofino, which pretty much was a blackened grouper filet with a lobster and shrimp bisque poured over it. It was awesome!!

 

[paintnolish]

Sam- I haven't gotten out that way yet, but did you go to the Promenade Mall, too? I want to go to Salad Creations or Go Roma.
Bunchkin- Yikes! Sounds like you've got a rough neighbor boy there! DD dealt with a troublemaker this year in K. We went for the picnic and saw her and her "friend" play soccer. DD got nailed in the face two times in a row! I would always tell her to just stay away from her, but, no. Playing with fire...
Piglet- Have fun at the zoo! I am taking dd this week some time and look forward to the new exhibit, too!
Slo- Happy first day!
tiggerrn- Sounds like a busy day! Hope dd has fun at dance. My dd was big into ballet before we moved. I hope to get her back in once we get settled.

We went to the AG store yesterday and my arm still hurts from carrying the bag! She got Nicki, Nicki's horse, the tack box, an outfit, a bitty baby outfit, and doll glasses! We also went to see the Bean and did some shopping. It was pretty busy downtown bc of the Blues Fest. DBF and ds got picked to be part of a street performance. They got to stand in between some jugglers. Ds said he kept his eyes closed! Finally, we waited in a long line to get some Garret's. Caramel Cashew and cheese for the kids! Yum!

 

[HERSEY]

Piglet Paintregarding the zoo, make sure you get to the stingray exhibit early, less people. Some of those rays are huge! they are very cool.

Bunchkin Hope Lauren is feeling better today. Some boys can be so rough.

Crissup I was doing my usual, speed reading. I thought you and Carol ate at the Bass shop


Today I have finally heard the cicada's. I think mine must have gotten lost or just got their invites late

 

[macraven]

did anyone read the changes that will be coming to disney reservations for 2008?

this is what i copied from another board.
be sure to read the link that is in it.


> I just read on allears.net that reservations systems are changing
> (starting
> later this month) - apparently they are doing away with the policy
> that the
> rate in effect at check in applies to your entire length of stay.
> It says
> Disney may also charge premium rates for Fri and Sat night stays vs
> other
> nights. Here is a link to the article:
> http://allearsnet. com/news/ hnews.htm# 061107
> Anyone else know anything more about this?
> I would think this change will cause the cost of many people's
> vacations at
> WDW to increase :-(
> No more checking in on last day of value season to save $$$
> I would imagine this will put an end to carrying over free dining
> for length
> of stay past the last date of the offer too.




so this means friday and saturday rates can be at a premium charge and sun to thursday the regular charge for rooms.

and if you start in a value season and stay into a regular season, you pay per night the rate cost.


i think disney hotels are going to have some empty rooms when this happens.

the value rooms in peak/holiday season are almost $120 a night.
just think what the moderates will be then.

don't know how much AAA will knock the prices down

 

[HERSEY]

Mac I saw that. That might just price disney out for a lot of people.

 

[macraven]

Mac I saw that. That might just price disney out for a lot of people.

it will for me.
i stay 10 nights, 11 days at disney. start end of sept in value season and go into regular season.
and 2 weekend days in that period i stay at the value resorts.

i won't pay $112 a night in regular season and then a premium cost per night for the 4 weekend days i am there.

i would have to stay just 4 nights and then move over to universal hotels for the rest of the stay.
if i am going to pay that much i might as well be at the hrh.

 

[Becky2005]

Yikes about the price structure change! I wonder if it will be one of those things to raise the price and then give price breaks (especially when they seem to not have as many rooms booked over the weekend, etc...).

How many watched the Villian cake show last night? I would have LOVED to be in that audience. I would love to actually go to a taping of the show since it's one of my favorites, it would be interesting to see all the stuff that happens in that full time since obviously you don't see all of it on the show.

Slo -- I hope your opening went fantastic.

Today was our *first* official day of summer break. DD went and got her retainer and then promptly lost another tooth this afternoon. I think all her baby teeth on top are now gone. She looks a little funny with her 4 top front teeth and then 2 rather big gaps on each side.

DD had to get up early though and go to gymnastics, so much for sleeping in on the first Monday! Her first day at Level 6, although they are learning their routines for the kid's day performance. Should be interesting as they only learned about the first few seconds/minutes she said. The performance is next week! They only have 2 practices to then. They will punt (or I'll be getting a note home soon saying oh by the way, here are more practice times.)

 

[SamIAm21]

Actually, this new pricing structure is similar to every other hotel/resort area around the country. In Vegas, you pay more for weekends and around holidays. I always thought Disney was sort of odd in how they did things and I guess they figured out they were too.

I also heard that there will be announcements on October 1st regarding the new Contemporary Suites. While Disney will not say officially right now, but everyone is pretty convinced that these will be DVC suites. Also, The Legendary Years at Pop Century will also be completed and that is to be announced as well on October 1st. Seems the post 9-11 slump is now officially over and they want the Legendary Years open before the Western Way is built up!

If you want to know where I get all my good information, head to wdwradio.com and listen to Lou Mongello's podcast. He does a pretty good job on this week's show of explaining all these new "happenings" at WDW. Just click on Listen To the Show. You don't need an iPod if you don't have one!

 

[Crissup]

Crissup I was doing my usual, speed reading. I thought you and Carol ate at the Bass shop

The fish was great!!

Today I have finally heard the cicada's. I think mine must have gotten lost or just got their invites late

CarolAnnC and DisTeach finally got to see their first cicada this past weekend. They've been completely freaked out about them since they first heard about them. It had never occurred to me that there were people in this country that had never seen or heard of them. So, we were out on a friend's boat on the Illinois River in Marseilles when I heard them buzzing away very loudly. Carol was amazed. Then, about a half hour later, a few miles upstream, one landed on the carpet in the back of the boat!! LOL!! Figures, we'd have to be sitting in the middle of the river for Carol to finally see one up close! So, I picked it up, but Carol was freaking out when I even got within 6 feet of her with it. So, I showed it from a distance, then tossed it into the wind and watched it fly away happily (Ok, I'm only *assuming* it was happy).

Carol has now seen all she ever wants to of them and is counting the days before this whole "horror-fest" is over.

 

[paintnolish]

I saw my first cicada on the back of a car in a parking lot. Iridescent wings, red, beady eyes...hideous!
On that appetizing note, any idea where to eat in the Merrillville area this weekend? DBF and I are meeting someone for dinner and were thinking about Cafe Fondue.

 

[HERSEY]

Good morning! How is everyone surviving having the kids out of school? Alex is staying busy. My friend is taking him around with her 2 kids this summer so he will be plenty busy. They have been bike riding in the forest preserve by our house and swimming. He has fallen into bed every night.

I need to find time to get him over to the library took get a book to read to relax for the rainy days I'm sure will eventually come

Got to go jump in the shower and get ready for my exciting day answering phones and goofy questions

 

[slo]

I had no more orders after my last post, but that's okay. It's summer, and I'm a new business - I know I'll be slow at first. Hopefully today will bring me 1 or 2 orders


Thanks everyone for the kind words on my first day - I appreicate it!!!



piglet too - Sounds like you had a very nice day planned for you and your son.
I hope you both enjoy the zoo

Sam - I understand how you feel about Megan, I often feel that way too when I take Stephanie to daycare (like today). The older kids have been together all year, and Stephanie just pops in once in awhile, so therefore, she has to really work at fitting into the cliques that are there. She usually has a hard first week, but after that she's okay.

Crissup -

paint - Stephanie really wants Nikki too I'm thinking about getting it for her birthday next month.
**I've never been to Cafe Fondu, but I know other people that have, and they really liked it
**There are so many places to eat around there. What type of restaurant are you looking for?

HERSEY - We still have no cicadas here, and I hope it stays that way. The girls, especially Katie, gets totally freaked out by bugs, and she would never go outside again, if those were here

Mac - Thanks for posting that about the prices. I guess it's a good thing about us using Kevin's parents condo in Orlando.

Becky - Good luck to your DD in level 6 of gymnastics



Well, I guess I should get ready for my day
I got stuff to do around the house before I leave
Have a good day today everyone!!!

 

[Debbie6221]

I am back in town…. old but tan and happy !
(I know when your old you shouldn’t be getting tan anymore, right! )
The trip was a GREAT time! I loved being in Disney World for my birthday. It was perfect…A Mickey Mouse birthday cake in the castle and all! It was a blast! I will definitely give you more details when I upload my pix!
Naples was beautiful. So….sunny! The kids loved the beach and pool at their constant disposal. Elizabeth is a fish! I always forget how strong that tropical sun is. We went through the sunscreen like you can’t even imagine and that sun still got through!
Today will be rough but then I am sure we will get back into the swing of things. At least we gained an hour coming home. That helped a little.
So far 40 doesn't feel too bad.....

I have a lot of catching up to do. Haven’t read all the posts yet but eventually will try.
Have a great day and I will talk to you guys later!

 

[slo]

Welcome home Debbie!!!!!
I'm glad you had a nice trip and a nice birthday
I can hardly wait to read your trip report!!!!


As I sit here at the store, I am looking at the Speedway gas station, and I see the price of gas went down to $3.18 I guess I will need to fill up when I leave tonight



Stephanie was excited to be back at the daycare today. They are having a pj day where the kids bring in sleeping bags and watch movies - how fun!!!! She was happy to see some familiar faces - especially a couple old teachers that are back for the summer. One of the teachers she has was her teacher when she was 4 years old - so Stephanie was pretty happy about having her again



Well, I gotta run - later gaters!!!!

 

[KimRaye]

YIKES!! Slow day here today. Just wanted to 'bump'.

Good morning! How is everyone surviving having the kids out of school?

NOT!!!!!!!!!!! SHE IS SOO GOOD SOME TIMES and SOOOOO NOT the other times!!!!!! She's only been off, school day/weekdays for 2 days (I'm not counting the weekend) but, MAN, this is gonna be a LOOONNGGG summer! Sat. she had a game, after that we went to Kiddieland for over 6 hours, Sunday she wanted to go bowling - NOT! WE (Mom & Dad) were tired from Sat. But, I went shopping with my DSIL while DD spent 3 hours at my brother's swimming and playing! Go figure!! Monday she helped me pack 12 boxes for Ebay sales, still not enough for her to do! She's playing Nintendogs on her DS which is fine but it's NOT how I want her to spend the summer! Next week she's at a camp, with her friend, mostly for company as I do NOT need to spend the $$ on this but, she'll be with her friend from school. Overnight(s) planned as well.

Sooooo, NOT, so far, handling summer - to DD's expectations! "I'm bored!"

I had no more orders after my last post, but that's okay. It's summer, and I'm a new business - I know I'll be slow at first. Hopefully today will bring me 1 or 2 orders

FOR ORDERS!!!!

I am back in town…. old but tan and happy !
(I know when your old you shouldn’t be getting tan anymore, right! )
The trip was a GREAT time! I loved being in Disney World for my birthday. It was perfect…A Mickey Mouse birthday cake in the castle and all! It was a blast!


So far 40 doesn't feel too bad.....

Welcome HOME Debbie!!! You are NOT old but you're probably TAN! And, from what 'they' say, a Tan is NEVER good, no matter your age. fyi

I'm soooo glad you enjoyed your BD in the World and had such a great time! Post those pics!!!!!!!!!!!


ALL!!!!!!!!!!

 

[slo]

Stephanie has to be at daycare by 8:20 this morning - not good!!! The "school-agers" are going on a field trip and they are leaving at 8:30am. I'm always up with the chickens, but Katie isn't - she's NOT going to be happy when I wake her up earlier than normal , and then make her go to school earlier than normal She's going to be really mad at me!!!!


The good thing about the girls going to school early is I can go to the grocery store before I go to work. I'm trying to keep food at the store, so when the kids are there, I know they have lunch, dinner, or snacks. We got a decent size fridge w/ freezer so I can keep lunchables and frozen dinners in there. So I'm going to go to Jewel and get some of these items before work.



Kim - Thanks for the PD for more orders I did take one order yesterday, and someone came in inquiring if I could fix his picture with broken glass - so I'm hoping he brings that in this week (fingers crossed)
**If it makes you feel any better, Stephanie is constantly telling me "I"m bored" all the time too It does get really annoying!!



Well, I gotta jump in the shower and prepare myself for Katie's wrath when I wake her up - sending PD to myself for that one

Have a good day today everyone!!!

 

[Bunchkin]

Good Morning Everyone!!


Lauren's doing better after the incident with the 'big kid'!!
Luckily he was a neighbors relative and doesn't live in the subdivision!!!
She was sore most of the next day though, but seems so be fine now.

Well, our tent is still up in the backyard and it seems to be the place to hangout!! Yesterday it was a pirate ship and everyone was crew members and had a job!! It's so cute to watch these kids play and use their imagination!!


Tiggerrn I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to meet you at the zoo today. As usual the business prevails over everything else. And of course the kids are not happy about it. I hope you have a good time with the family and we'll have to try again another time to meet there. Again, so sorry!!!!



slo That's great you've gotten some orders already!!! I'm sure more will come your way soon!!


Sam Hope you got your packing started!! I'm sure once you get to Branson you'll start having fun and be in the swing of things!!
Hope things are going better for Megan at camp!! It's always hard having to make new friends. Islamorada Fish Company We were thinking of eating dinner there on Father's Day but decided to go to Texas Roadhouse instead. We are going to Bass Pro shop in the morning and having lunch there instead. They have a special 'buy your dad lunch' thing going on. I think the huge Johnsonville grill truck will be there and you can buy your dad a brat or hot dog with a drink for only $2. So the kids both yelled "I've got $2!!!".
We've been to the Bass Pro in Gurnee before when they had the truck out.






Well, I've promised the kids that in between business errands today we'd stop for lunch at the "RAT" (Chucky Cheese) . I HATE the "Rat"!!!!
It was the only way to get them to stop complaining about not going to the zoo.



For anyone who's interested: if you sign up at Hollywood theatres web site they have sent out an email for 4 FREE tickets to see a screening of Ratatouille tomorrow night at 7pm. You can pick up the tickets beginning at 2pm tomorrow at the box office. Web site: atriptothemovies.com




Gotta run!!!

Have a great day all!!!

 

[Becky2005]

So, I'm doing my daily check in for this thread and lo & behold, I see I have a tag! I wonder how long that has been there! That discussion seemed to be a while ago. Hey, I live in the Chicago area waiting for a bus those leg warmers were great in the winter!

We are being bums today (considering I'm not even dressed yet nor the kids! ) -- I need to do that soon but was surfing instead.

Tomorrow we are heading out to MSI with some friends.

I'm getting a little nervous about summer school, I have not heard when the bus will be picking up DS-10 nor have I gotten any calls about when my 7 year old's speech is going to be.

I did double check the flyer I got at their IEP meeting and it definitley says June 18 for the start date. Usually, you see the busses going around doing a test run and they will stop at the house to tell you what time they are going to pick up your child but we usually have more than a 1 week break between regular school & summer school. I NEED to get the times down so I can see just how close we are cutting it for all the coordinating between all the kid's park district classes they are taking.

 

[Becky2005]

Editing this to say -- figured out what the news was all about here in Geneva.

I've also decided I *really, really, really* live under a rock. It was for the fake notice about a guy being a sex offender. The thing is we never got that in the mail, so apparently all of us on "this" side of the road didn't need the information if it had been true. Probably just cost too much postage to someone who has a grudge since there are a lot more houses on this side than the area he lives on.

It's quite scary what people can do to ruin people's lives though doesn't take much.

 

[macraven]

becky, congrats on the new kewl tag!

you wear it well.........