DDA Chapter 22

[ReAnSt]

So my brother, brought up the possibility of going to Florida the week I took off in September. Which is like 3 weeks away. Airfare is about $39 each way. Although he talked about going to Universal instead of WDW. Which is OK with me as I already have my free 7 day ticket from the super bowl promo. We also talked about going to MNSSHP. Who knows if we will do it or not though.

So have any of you went to both Blue Man Group and La Nouba? If so which did you prefer?

Also does anyone have suggestions on an FM transmitter for an Ipod? I did not need one with my old car, as I used the tape player adapter. I do not have a tape player in my new car though.

 

[ReAnSt]

Becky, cruise director extraordinaire, why doesn't Disney have any 7 night cruises in May, June, July or August?

It is because the Magic leaves for Europe and the Mediterranean on April 10, 2010 and will not return to Port Canaveral until October 1, 2010.

I believe the Wonder is continuing to do 3 and 4 night cruises with some special 5 night cruises during this time, but I may be mistaken.

 

[tinker1bell]

Becky,,,I really liked La Nouba and would see it again in a heartbeat. I would love to see the Blue Man Group. If I could do both,,,,,I would.

 

[ReAnSt]

I'm not Becky, but the Magic is over in the Mediterranean next summer. Jennifer, Kyle and the girls are cruising then, I think Terry and Steffy might also be cruising, and I think Becky might also be doing the Med, (and some of them are doing the transatlantic crossing) but I'm going by memory and mine isn't always the greatest...

All of us are on the Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona back to Port Canaveral. We would love to have any of you join us.

 

[Steffy]

Debbie - How was Brandon's party?
Any thoughts on Dec. 5? Drinks? Dinner? All of the above?

Tom - I hope you guys are able to get some answers from Angie's employer soon! It would be great to add you to the DDA gathering!

Hmmmmmmm.. Friday we were going to do Narcoose and then watch Wishes from the GF. But we could do Pepper Market on Friday and then do Yacthman on Saturday with you guys. Maybe Debbie? Tom? We only have 4 days also. We want to see the Epcot Santas, Osborne Lights, Illuminations with the holiday tag, MVMCP, Holiday Wishes, the parade, Toy Story Mania, Fantasmic, Cat Cora's place, see the Boardwalk, stop and see Art, Soarin', Pepper Market, the Wave, one signature dining, CP with no package.

But the number one thing we want to do and are willing to completly rearrange our schedules to do it is to see the DDAs who are there in early December! That's number one with a bullet. So help us! The only thing set in stone is the MVMCP on Thursday the 10th. Everything else we're flexible.

 

[tmfranlk]

It drives me crazy to see families who are just venturing out of the confines of their home when their kids have already missed so many opportunities for stimulation, and for learning (barring any medical conditions, etc, of course!) because they didn't want to take them anywhere. Kyle and I have always been about exposing the girls to as much as possible, as early as possible.

And that would be why I ended up deciding that I had to turn down a new charge the other day. The mom asked if we stayed at home all day and about panicked when I mentioned that we did go out some. She asked what that meant and I tried to come up with something I was comfortable with. I explained about homeschooling and said we did things about once a week or so. There was definite panic in her voice over that thought (the baby would be 5 months when she started) and she asked, even more concerned, if that was all we did or if we also ran errands, etc. Yeah, that's not a good fit for us. Hopefully, something will work out for my charge's mom soon and she'll be back and then we can hold out until the new baby from next door starts in Feb.


Lindsay - I agree all around! I find WDW more manageable with a baby because, if nothing else, it's familiar and I know what to expect. I get bored too easily if we're stuck in a hotel room or there isn't much around to do.

Theresa - I hope things smooth out soon. Lots of that you get good news from the doctor office this week. I hope Cassidy is feeling better ASAP as well.

Elin - Glad Kathrin made it home soon. Hope the speedometer isn't too bad of a fix.

Tammi - Loving your report!

Janet - I hope Riley is feeling better for the first day of school. (I hope even more that I got the right boy. ) Good luck to them both!

Elizabeth - I hope DS' first day isn't too crazy!

 

[tmfranlk]

Good evening all!

We had a beautiful day here today and an even better weekend. Last night Phil, Terra and I had a family night and had a great time! We played Apples to Apples Jr, Disney Uno and (a partial game of) Disney Monopoly. After that, Terra and I set to drawing animal combinations - taking two animals and making them into one as in her dog/bumble bee and my giraffe/flamingo. Hers turned out really cute!

Today after church Terra and I took a picnic to a local park that is also an animal sanctuary. We hiked for a little while, picked off a few dozen seed ticks and saw 3 big male elk. It was a gorgeous day for it. All that's left to do is retrience our tick free clothes from the dryer - everything went straight into the washer when we got home as I wasn't taking any chances.

Well, I think someone is getting tired (not just me this time!) so we'd better head to bed. Night all!

 

[Steffy]

So my brother, brought up the possibility of going to Florida the week I took off in September. Which is like 3 weeks away. Airfare is about $39 each way. Although he talked about going to Universal instead of WDW. Which is OK with me as I already have my free 7 day ticket from the super bowl promo. We also talked about going to MNSSHP. Who knows if we will do it or not though.

So have any of you went to both Blue Man Group and La Nouba? If so which did you prefer?

Also does anyone have suggestions on an FM transmitter for an Ipod? I did not need one with my old car, as I used the tape player adapter. I do not have a tape player in my new car though.

My son loved the Blue Man group. I loved La Nouba. I'm lots of help aren't I?

 

[lovesdumbo]

Well here's our first attempt at decorating with fondant, Brandon requested a Mario Party,

That came out great! I agree with Brandon-you are the best MawMaw a kid could ever have!!!

Things are crazy here...my niece is acting out a bit more each day. I am sure it's a testing the boundaries thing but it's exhausting. My nephew, however, is a complete doll. So much personality. My mom, dad and sister have been over here pretty much every day. Drives me crazy...just too many people in my space, my house doesn't feel like my house. Once my sister gets her new apartment set up and CPS inspects it the kids will be going back with her. No one believes that she has gotten it together that quickly but we can't keep them and if we pursue custody then we involve my niece's father (and that brings on a whole new set of issues). So basically we hope and pray that she can do the right thing and if things change then we'll do it over again. But until then, I need to regain my house and get my kids settled into a routine.

I've got to get packing for my trip in two weeks!

Got my airfare for December. Yes, I have to pay $30.00 for my bags, so it will bring my total RT airfare for December to $157.00 And that is with choosing my seat. I don't think that is too bad. Plus, I'll be 30 minutes from the airport. Yes, I will have to get up at o'dark 30 to return home, but I will have DME take me to the airport. And when I arrive home I'll only have a 30 minute drive home. I feel like I'm cheating on SW, but when AirTran added a non-stop from my local airport to MCO, it is just too convienent to ignore.

According to "THE" rules you should be ALL packed by now!

Congrats on December airfare!

Last night's date night was fabulous! Alan and I really enjoyed the movie, and then we went for a burger afterwards. Nothing fantastic, just a Carl's Jr. teriyaki burger, but it hit the spot! We haven't been on a date for about 5 weeks, so this was very needed!

I have managed to burn all of our trip pics to DVD and load them into the desktop, I have emptied one more suitcase, we have put 4 suitcases away, I have done 3-ish loads of laundry, and we have gone grocery shopping. I have sort of surveyed the uniform situation, and DS has put some supplies in his backpack.

I still need to upload my photos to my Mac-I just have them on my notebook for now. I tried making DVD's of the photos off my notebook from the Cape to put on the Mac before my Disney trip and the Mac couldn't read the DVD. I finally put them all on an SD card and moved them that way.

I purchased the school supplies but we haven't really sorted them out yet.

Well, bless her heart, Stephanie found a way to get a coupon online and she sent it to me.!!!!!

Air fare down,,,check

Air fare home,,,check

Cruise---PAID-----check

Rooms---booked,,,,check

Gift Cards bought and will buy more.....check

ready to make ADRs ,,,,,YES

now to get a good rate on a rental car for the two days before the cruise so we can just drive ourselves to the ship,,,,,,,,,plus get one for after the cruise for two days.

Then when I have the two days with my sister, that will be a piece of cake.

We know there will be some things planned by mouse fan travel sorta like a mouse fest and we cannot wait to see what will be planned.

I need to do the ready to make ADR's thingy....

Bernadette, thanks for sending me the links to your photos! They are also great as usual!

We are still hoping to book our 25th anniv. trip in Dec. Angie still hasn't gotten the approval from her district manager yet. December is usually a block out time for her, but it is not a busy time for selling shoes, especially the early part of Dec. We shall see, but we are being optimistic!

Thanks!

I hear early Dec is a great time to go!!!!!!!!

Jackie starts has her first day of high school tomorrow...I know she is a little nervous. She will also be riding the bus for the first time, not a school bus, a regular cirty bus.

Will she be riding with any friends?

Well, I'm finished laundry. Watched Meet the Press. Caught up with FB and here. Cleaned out my refriderator and now see we have zero food.

And wiped off my shelf where I keep my coffee (which I need to purchase) and knocked my Mickey pepper shaker off the shelf. It hit my tile floor and shattered. All over the kitchen. The dining room, the foyer, the pantry. I have had this set for a long time, and I know they don't make them anymore. Plus, it was a gift from a friend. I am heartbroken.

I know I can pick up a new set while I'm at the World, probably at the Contemporary, but I need to have a small pity party. Okay. I'm done now.

Sounds like a productive day! Sorry about the pepper shaker.

Bernadette - I would love to see your pics if you'd send me links to them! If you need my e-mail address, just let me know. It hasn't changed since the beginning of the DDA lists - just use the Hotmail one.

Will send you the links. I find the performance is better if I send them day by day.

I have the DDA list on my Mac downstairs or at work but not on my notebook so it might have to wait til tomorrow.

Well, an update on things here - most importantly, we're still hanging in there! After seeing my doctor on Friday and having another ultrasound, it definitely looks like I'll be having a c-section. Austin is most decidedly all bottom first, and is unlikely to turn at this point - he's likely out of room for one thing. They're estimating that he's already about 6 lbs., and I'm measuring about 4 days ahead of my due date at this point. Based on all of this, my dr. has taken me off the meds that have (somewhat) controlled the contractions at this point, and we're looking at a scheduled c-section sometime the week of 9/14, assuming we make it that long. I'm no further effaced than I have been, nor am I dilating yet, so that's a good thing. I will say that the contractions I do have now seem stronger and more "productive" to me, but they're still somewhat infrequent. As my dr. said, the challenge now will be to retrain my brain from feeling and documenting every little thing as they wanted me to, to now accept and know when things are to a point that I need to take action.

At this juncture, I'm still to take it easy at home and just see how long we can make it. My prayer at this point is to just make it to the scheduled c, or have my labor start during the weekday, or when my doctor is on call. Knowing that I'll now be tacking on "surgery" to everything else, I'd really prefer to have my doctor doing the honors vs. one of her partners. I do already know that she's going to on call over Labor Day, so that's 5 days of coverage I don't have to worry about.

So, that's the latest. My mom was here for a while again to help finish getting things organized, and we're more or less "ready" at this point - just a few things left to hang in the nursery. I even have most of my bag packed for the hospital, and Jonathan is to pack his stuff today. It's a little surreal that we're getting so close, but I'm so ready to NOT be pregnant any more!

Hope you hold out til 9/14!

Okay, so I need opinions from you guys. I have finally conceded the fact that we will not be making a December trip this year (how that makes me want to cry!), and we'll have at least 55 DVC points that we have to use before the end of September '10, since we can't bank them.

I had just assumed we would take Austin for his first trip, likely in early or mid-May of next year. However, I would definitely like to continue the Dec. tradition, and also go in Dec. of next year. When talking with Jonathan, he mentioned maybe doing something different in May, if I'm set on December. (Blasphemous, yes.) Without dealing with a trade-out, which I have no desire to do, that leaves us only Hilton Head or Vero Beach as our non-Disney property DVC options. Plus, we have no real interest in going to Vero Beach, as we can go to my grandparent's house about an hour south of Vero for beach time, and it doesn't cost us anything.

So, anyone want to weigh in on taking a potential 8-9 mo. old to Disney, or to Hilton Head? Obviously, a trip with an infant will be new all the way around - I do know what to expect with Disney, while neither J or I have ever been anywhere near Hilton Head. I could see HHI potentially being a bit more "relaxed", but at the same time, I'm worried there won't be much we can do, other than the pool or just walking around, with an infant, while WDW has a lot of stimulation and built-in entertainment. Also, the cost for airfare to Savannah or Charleston is much more significant than what it would be to go to MCO (like almost double). And driving, IMO, would be out of the question for either location - just too long.

And the big question - could we actually hold out 19 months before returning to the World?

I've never been to HH but would have to vote for WDW. I took Emma when she was not yet walking at 11 1/2 months. Joe turned 3 on that trip and Lizzy was 4 1/2. Emma was by far the easiest on that trip. One issue we had was that she slept a lot in the stroller in the parks and because she wasn't getting as much "floor" time crawling around she didn't sleep real well at night. After the first day or 2 I was more aware of her need for time to crawl around and made sure she got to do that-especially when we'd come back to the room for Joe & Lizzy to nap. Emma LOVED Small World on that trip! I don't remember anything that she could go on that she was afraid of at that age.

So 2 DDA thought the dessert party was just ok.

I know you've already made your decision but I would make that 3 who thought it was just OK. Of course we were up at 4am the day we went and didn't actually stay for the fireworks. I think you would be very hard pressed to eat $18 worth of desserts.

I feel bad for all of you with kids heading back to school. We still have another 2 weeks. Summer isn't over until AFTER Labor Day! But of course we don't get out until June 18!

We go back 9/2 and will get out 6/18 with no snow days.

I know nothing about Massachusetts inspection policies or requirements, but I wonder if it will "fly?" It apparently passed here in VA last week! Of course I am sure that any testing done in the garage would have been at a speed well under 45...

Not something they would test for here in MA. They check emissions every other year and safety every year but that is lights, wipers & horn. I can't think of anything else they do.

We just got home from seeing Ponyo.....what a cute movie. Beautiful animation.

I am ready for my kids to go back to school but I am not ready for the morning madness like everyone else. Sophie is not used to getting up as early as my other 2 & she likes her sleep so the first week should be loads of fun. I am going to make lunches the night before & make sure they all have their clothes laid out too. Hopefully that will ease getting them all out the door by 7:00am!

Glad you enjoyed Ponyo. Good luck with school!

I am hoping to hear about the dr's office job tomorrow.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Hmmmmmmm.. Friday we were going to do Narcoose and then watch Wishes from the GF. But we could do Pepper Market on Friday and then do Yacthman on Saturday with you guys. Maybe Debbie? Tom? We only have 4 days also. We want to see the Epcot Santas, Osborne Lights, Illuminations with the holiday tag, MVMCP, Holiday Wishes, the parade, Toy Story Mania, Fantasmic, Cat Cora's place, see the Boardwalk, stop and see Art, Soarin', Pepper Market, the Wave, one signature dining, CP with no package.

But the number one thing we want to do and are willing to completly rearrange our schedules to do it is to see the DDAs who are there in early December! That's number one with a bullet. So help us! The only thing set in stone is the MVMCP on Thursday the 10th. Everything else we're flexible.

I can make ADR's on 9/2 so I can call and make it if we can decide on a place. Yatchman's sounds great! I would be a party of 4 me, Lizzy, Dorinda & Ralph-you guys would love them! Ralph is quite the character and Dorinda is very easy going!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Yesterday we went to a "free" karate class. The instsructor was Dorinda's youngest son Tim-he's 19 or 20. I was really hoping Joe would agree to give it a try. Joe & I went to Disney with Tim in 2005. Joe says he remembers him but he wanted nothing to do with it. Lizzy wasn't sure but was willing to try it with Emma. Lizzy & Emma really loved it so we signed them up. They want you to go twice a week so we'll see what DH thinks of that after a few weeks. I'm hoping Joe will come to feel more comfortable about it just by going to the studio with the girls. Everyone else at the studio was really nice. Gene had taken Emma to a party at a studio in our town while I was at WDW once and said this studio where Tim works is a much nicer atmosphere.



Today we turned Joe's and Lizzy's beds into bunk beds for Lizzy & Emma. That was a huge ordeal. We moved Emma's youth bed into Joe's room until we can order a new bed for him. It looks so tiny in there but it is 63" long so pleanty big for him. He's not happy and is on an air matress in our room tonight. He says he's too hot (only our room has AC). Guess we better go look at beds soon!!!!!


DH went grocery shopping last night (he can't go with the kids) and was listening to the radio in his car when he got home. He said while sitting there (just for a minute or 2) his car died and now it won't start. His Mom is going to let us borrow her car for a few days. We are going to go look at cars then we'll have his car towed to a repair shop to see how much it will cost to repair. His car has some sort of water leak so it really stinks. The book value given the low mileage is nearly $4,000 but I can't imagine we'll get anything for it-and certainly not if it needs a lot of work. I guess we'll look for a new car for me and he can drive my mini van. Now that Lizzy is out of a car seat and Joe & Emma are only in boosters I'm thinking of returning to a sedan.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Reading the above paragraph I think you have answered your own question While going some place new is always nice, I think taking a trip with the baby for the 1st time you would feel more comfortable going to Disney. But then asking us this question we might all be partial to where we would choose lol

Hi Lindsay!

Hey, you asked. I would so go to Disney. HHI was nice, if all you want to do is relax. There's the beach and the beach house. There's Big Murphy's Den, sorta like the community rooms at any DVC resort. There's bike riding and nature walks. You can watch the grass grow.

At WDW you can do all of that plus. If you want to relax you can relax. Swim. Beach. Watch the grass grow. Play pool at the community center. Sign out a DVD. Oooorrrrrrrrr, you can ride Its a small world, go to Playhouse Disney, have breakfast with the Little Einsteins, go over to the Poly to the Neverland Club, go see a parade, watch the fireworks, go to the campfire and roast marshmallows, go for a walk, bike ride, boat ride, monorail ride... need I go on???????

We brought both of the grandsons before they were one. I'd suggest bringing your stroller that reclines and that he's used to. There are baby care centers to sit in and have air conditioning while you feed him. You could nurse there. Buy a diaper if you've used them all up. You could take a raft to Tom Sawyers Island. My grandsons LOVED the parades, the shows, the boat rides EVERYTHING. Their eyes didn't stop moving, except when they slept. They took in all the smells, the lights, the CMs saying hi.

My DDIL said she didn't want to take another toddler to the World, so we went to HHI. After the second day of biking and playing in the sand, she stated that there would surely have been a whole lot more to do at WDW.

So anyway, you asked.

Lindsay - I'm with everyone else that thinks that you should go to WDW. If you read Jennifer's blog, I think in hindsight she would have waited awhile, but then again, she had 2 babies in tow. Just prepare that this trip is going to be COMPLETELY different. VERY slow. Maybe some character interaction, a few attractions, but that's it. Of course, it's all going to depend on Austin's temperment too. When Nicholas was 6 mos. old we flew to Arkansas to visit family. He adapted well. I said from the moment that I became pregnant that my life would continue as it always had, just with kids along. We never stopped going places, out to eat, to church, or what have you. Taking them from an early age taught them how to behave appropriately in different environments. Anyway, my advice is go to WDW, just be prepared to slow down.

Thanks to each of you for your thoughts. I had admittedly been leaning a bit more towards WDW, and not just for obvious reasons. I know there is a lot of support there with the baby care centers, etc., and a lot more to likely do. HHI looks great, but I could see it being a better destination for maybe a 4 or 5 year old boy, what with all the fishing, nature walks, wildlife, etc. I was a bit afraid that we would go and be bored - don't get me wrong, I like to relax, but still....

Stephanie, I really appreciate you weighing in, since I know you had been to HHI and liked it. I read Jonathan your post, and he nodded in agreement. So, I'll probably start fiddling again with on-property point charts tomorrow.

And Tammi, that's definitely what we hope to do with kids. We definitely still want to travel, go out places, etc., and I totally agree with exposing them to things early (within reason, of course) so they know how to behave/adapt. I do realize we'll probably have to be a bit cautious the first few months, what with cold/flu season kicking in to high gear and the uncertainty of the swine flu returning, but I would go absolutely insane if I were cooped up here at home with him, day in and day out. I've already done going on 7 weeks of that, thank you very much, and have no interest to continue!!!!

Hi, Lindsay! Momboss will be taking Princess to school because her drop-off is bascially the same time as DS. The baby will be arriving via C-section Sept. 24. After that the schedule gets kind of squirrelly, but we'll figure it out!

She's close then, too! I hope Princess is still excited about another baby Princess!

We were in a studio. I'd never be able to swing 1BR points!

Hope you guys are still hanging in there. Do you have a date scheduled?

I saw some info. the other day that compared square footage of all unit sizes for all the DVC resorts - that definitely played out with BLT. I know when we went through the model in May, the studio felt very cramped to me. I didn't find the 1BR all that spacious, but supposedly they're some of the biggest 1BR on property - maybe that extra sq. footage is all in the extra bathroom. The point charts for BLT are definitely amazing! I'm sure we might try it one day, but I'm not hard up to do it at this time.

We don't have an official date for the c-section yet - my dr. was to be contacting the hospital Friday after my appt. to see what was available, so I'm sure I'll hear something from them tomorrow. 9/15 would be exactly 39 weeks, but we'd like to avoid that date as I already have a niece with that b-day. Our preference would be the 14th or the 16th from there - we'll just have to see where we can squeeze in! Jonathan is really hoping for the 14th, as that would mean I'd likely be home by the weekend if all goes well, and he and my dad could sneak down and attend the Texas/Texas Tech football game on the 19th. You've got to have your priorities!

 

[Tinkaroo]

I am hoping Kathrin is old enough and financially stable enough that those things won't touch us if they do happen!!

ETA: Actually I am going to amend that and say that she is a grown a$$ woman (my daughters' terminology, not mine ) and it won't touch us!

I love her terminology! Glad she made it home safe!

OK, December 5 DDAers!
So far the only suggestion we have had for a meeting place is the Victoria Falls lounge at AKL. The lounge opens at 4 PM, so that would allow us time to meet and chat before everyone goes off to do their evening stuff.

Does that work, or do you all have another place that might be better? Anyone? Anyone?

We were to have been there 12/5...sniff....sniff....

As I was scrolling through here I thought you said you just went to see Porn-o

I just started typing a long thing and it went poof!Thankfully I had really just started typing but still.


Can we stop this life I want to get off.


This is going to be long and rambly and a lot will be stuff I've said before so you can pass over it...but if I don't get it out I may just explode or worse.

With the girls hitting such large (and old) milestones this past week...I've come to the realization that I am probably not going to have more kids which put me in a funk as it is. As my friend put it though "At least you didn't have a bunch with Jim before you came to your senses."

Then the relatively new keyboard went out and after 2 days of messing around with it I got all but about 8 keys to work. That is why I am not putting commas anywhere.

This is all complicated by the fact that Jim is still doing things and then telling or asking about them later when I can't do anything about it. The first thing I am going to do is open a checking account in my name only. It always comes down to money doesn't it?

After Cassidy woke up not feeling well we cancelled Water World again...and it's wicked hot....so I went and took the last of some money I earned doing the sounds board and paid for Sonic drinks...on the way home the engine light came on We have to go up to Pueblo next Saturday...with what money I still don't know as some other crap hit the fan last week too...mainly Jim doing what he seems to do best...screw with my life.


So it's not very long and I don't feel much better...I see alcohol in my future.

Theresa - lots of winging your way. I hope a drink (or two..or three...) took the edge off. I hope you hear GREAT news from the doctor's office tomorrow!

So my brother, brought up the possibility of going to Florida the week I took off in September. Which is like 3 weeks away. Airfare is about $39 each way. Although he talked about going to Universal instead of WDW. Which is OK with me as I already have my free 7 day ticket from the super bowl promo. We also talked about going to MNSSHP. Who knows if we will do it or not though.

So have any of you went to both Blue Man Group and La Nouba? If so which did you prefer?

Also does anyone have suggestions on an FM transmitter for an Ipod? I did not need one with my old car, as I used the tape player adapter. I do not have a tape player in my new car though.

Becky, I've never seen the Blue Man Group, but we really enjoyed La Nouba!

Also, does your new car by chance have an audio input jack? If so, get a cord that will plug in to your iPod that way. I have yet to find a FM transmitter that is worth the plastic it's made of - I have one, but it's nearly impossible to use in any sort of metropolitan area with a decent amount of radio stations. The only place I can somewhat use it is Kauai, where there are hardly any stations! I use the tape player adapter in my car, as I thankfully still have one! Jonathan's car has the audio jack.

Good evening all!

We had a beautiful day here today and an even better weekend. Last night Phil, Terra and I had a family night and had a great time! We played Apples to Apples Jr, Disney Uno and (a partial game of) Disney Monopoly. After that, Terra and I set to drawing animal combinations - taking two animals and making them into one as in her dog/bumble bee and my giraffe/flamingo. Hers turned out really cute!

Today after church Terra and I took a picnic to a local park that is also an animal sanctuary. We hiked for a little while, picked off a few dozen seed ticks and saw 3 big male elk. It was a gorgeous day for it. All that's left to do is retrience our tick free clothes from the dryer - everything went straight into the washer when we got home as I wasn't taking any chances.

Well, I think someone is getting tired (not just me this time!) so we'd better head to bed. Night all!

Sounds like a great weekend!

Yesterday we went to a "free" karate class. The instsructor was Dorinda's youngest son Tim-he's 19 or 20. I was really hoping Joe would agree to give it a try. Joe & I went to Disney with Tim in 2005. Joe says he remembers him but he wanted nothing to do with it. Lizzy wasn't sure but was willing to try it with Emma. Lizzy & Emma really loved it so we signed them up. They want you to go twice a week so we'll see what DH thinks of that after a few weeks. I'm hoping Joe will come to feel more comfortable about it just by going to the studio with the girls. Everyone else at the studio was really nice. Gene had taken Emma to a party at a studio in our town while I was at WDW once and said this studio where Tim works is a much nicer atmosphere.



Today we turned Joe's and Lizzy's beds into bunk beds for Lizzy & Emma. That was a huge ordeal. We moved Emma's youth bed into Joe's room until we can order a new bed for him. It looks so tiny in there but it is 63" long so pleanty big for him. He's not happy and is on an air matress in our room tonight. He says he's too hot (only our room has AC). Guess we better go look at beds soon!!!!!


DH went grocery shopping last night (he can't go with the kids) and was listening to the radio in his car when he got home. He said while sitting there (just for a minute or 2) his car died and now it won't start. His Mom is going to let us borrow her car for a few days. We are going to go look at cars then we'll have his car towed to a repair shop to see how much it will cost to repair. His car has some sort of water leak so it really stinks. The book value given the low mileage is nearly $4,000 but I can't imagine we'll get anything for it-and certainly not if it needs a lot of work. I guess we'll look for a new car for me and he can drive my mini van. Now that Lizzy is out of a car seat and Joe & Emma are only in boosters I'm thinking of returning to a sedan.

Good luck with the karate classes, bed, and new car decisions! Sounds like you'll be doing a lot of research in the upcoming days!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I feel bad for all of you with kids heading back to school. We still have another 2 weeks. Summer isn't over until AFTER Labor Day! But of course we don't get out until June 18!

Us either..we start the 8th..I think the 18th may be our last day as well

It makes for a more creative parent, too, rather than one like a friend of mine who STILL can't figure out how to go to the grocery store with her two kids in tow )

Now, I know im not a parent, but this cracks me up. I have an aunt like that--couldnt take the kids to the store..or anywhere..would schedule things one at a time since she coudlnt handle two kids. In high school and college, i was a nanny for 2 kids, every night for a few hours. I took them everywhere from baseball games to restaurants to my house to pools, etc..she asked me one time how i managed to have them both listen to me at once and take them in public together(they were 2 and 4)..i was shocked

Well, its my last night in Texas--its been amazing! Today, we went to Six Flags--we got EVERYTHING done in less than 4 hours--there was practically no wait. Im exhausted but its been a great trip!

 

[bear74]

Jackie starts has her first day of high school tomorrow...I know she is a little nervous. She will also be riding the bus for the first time, not a school bus, a regular cirty bus.

Why not a school bus?

There are no school buses .

for Jackie and you for that situation.

 

[Tammi67]

I'm not Becky, but the Magic is over in the Mediterranean next summer. Jennifer, Kyle and the girls are cruising then, I think Terry and Steffy might also be cruising, and I think Becky might also be doing the Med, (and some of them are doing the transatlantic crossing) but I'm going by memory and mine isn't always the greatest...

Ah, well that would explain it. Thanks, Marci.

 

[Tammi67]

Bernadette - Good luck with the car.

Jen - safe travels today.

 

[Tammi67]

Good morning.

Ugh. Monday. Back to work. Bleh.

 

[PNO4TE]

We're like herding cats, aren't we?

We are, indeed. But you herd us so well, Elizabeth.

 

[PNO4TE]

Not something they would test for here in MA. They check emissions every other year and safety every year but that is lights, wipers & horn. I can't think of anything else they do.

Thanks for that info, Bernadette! Her car passed emissions testing here last year, so I have ot assume it will also pass up there. I hope!

Good luck car shopping!