DIS Dads DDC XIII - Zerphonics spoken here!

[katoot]

I guess I need to get a trip planned Since My wife was able to take a trip without me I think I should be able to set up some kind of trip to meet up with the DDC( I am sure Mark has my back on this).

 

[DisDadDoc]

I guess I need to get a trip planned Since My wife was able to take a trip without me I think I should be able to set up some kind of trip to meet up with the DDC( I am sure Mark has my back on this).

So I know it has been talked about and thrown around a few times but lets not let it die.We need a DDC week/weekend.I think it needs to be planned for 2013.I know if we keep bringing this topic up some one will grab the bull by the horns and get this rolling again

Okay I'll bite (see link to thread below)

This has been talked about a lot, so probably needs its own thread (Thanks, Carl!)

I'm posting a poll with dates, but I'd also like to know if you'd like to do this with or without families. My preference would be to do a long-weekend without families, off-season, at a Disney resort, and to share rooms. This would significantly cut down on costs and might get better attendance.

I'd be happy to take the lead on this and would welcome any help/advice

Thoughts?

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I guess I need to get a trip planned Since My wife was able to take a trip without me I think I should be able to set up some kind of trip to meet up with the DDC( I am sure Mark has my back on this).

So I know it has been talked about and thrown around a few times but lets not let it die.We need a DDC week/weekend.I think it needs to be planned for 2013.I know if we keep bringing this topic up some one will grab the bull by the horns and get this rolling again

As it happens, I already have a trip planned for March of 2013. We're doing a land/sea trip. 3 nights on the Dream March 7-10, then a week or so at WDW from March 10 - 16ish. If anyone wants to plan around those dates, I'll make a meet up work!

 

[IamTrike]

Here's my favorite thing about girls under 10 at sleepovers - they don't really understand the need to control the volume of their voices and they conveniently forget that you are within earshot. Why is this a good thing? Because if you're quiet and unobtrusive, it's AMAZING what you can learn.

Thanks for the tip. Our neighbors kids are spending the night tonight. I'll need to try and see if I can learn anything.

Playing Portal 2 with my oldest now. It is amazing how good he is at solving those puzzles. Plus, it's hilarious! So gives me the opportunity to give him positive reinforcement for figuring stuff out and lets me teach more about humor. I highly recommend it!

DS and I really enjoy bonding over video games. I really like Portal because it's essentially gore free. Really glad you had such a good experience playing it with your son.

My son is the same way... Really good at puzzles, always thinking 2 steps ahead, in fact he has recently asked me to teach him chess (now if someone could just teach me)

His teacher gave him an Excellent in Math on his interim report. She said he was the only Excellent in the class - but she had no choice. She said he could teach the class.

for the great report. I've wanted to teach my son chess. I even bought some books on amazon, but so far haven't done anything yet. One of my colleagues mentioned that their is an app that you can use to help you make decisions about what move to make. He says it's been very helpful in teaching his son strategy.

Another good non-video strategy game is Settlers of Catan. It was designed to be essentially or more modern version of risk. While there is competition within the game it was designed to ecourage trading. It was also designed to keep the games relatively even so that one person doesn't get lucky and quickly run away with the game and it was designed so that most games end in about 45 minutes.

Congrats on your son's math! Never got into Chess (nor my kids), but I know people love it for similar reasons!

This is my son with autism so we're always looking for opportunities to positively re-inforce his strengths. I'm pretty good with math and puzzles, but I was really blown away by how intuitively and quickly he got these puzzles (that involve 3D space, changing gravity and force, and by-passing obstacles with unclear rules). So much so that I emailed his behavior and development doctor to recommend it to other kids.

Speedy thing goes in..speedy thing comes out.

Its really neat to see video games having a positive impact.

 

[scott2997]

I hate to post and change the subject....just looking for some guidance...

My oldest DD had a follow-up appt today with her Pediatric ENT (ear, nose, throat) Doc about the tubes in her ears.

Just a 6 month check up. Well, it turns out that her one tube is blocked. The Doc said that we'll look at it again in 2 months and if it's not blocked we'll be fine. If it's still blocked he wants to do both ears again with new tubes.

I unfortunately, wasn't there to ask about possible treatment. I guess my DW asked about antibiotics and he said that all they would do is give her diarhea

And then I asked my DW if he said anything about possible ear drops or something to loosen things up. She said nothing was mentioned other than we'll wait and see in 2 months how it looks.

Has anyone else experienced a tube blockage? How was it treated?

I just feel we should be doing something rather than nothing I guess.

 

[DisDadDoc]

Its really neat to see video games having a positive impact.

According to my son's doctor, the iPads have been real game-changers for many kids. There's one girl in my DD's class with severe CP in a wheelchair that got one in 2nd grade (now 3rd). She can't speak, so no one realized how much was going on in her head. It has made a world of difference in her communication (and development)!

 

[katoot]

According to my son's doctor, the iPads have been real game-changers for many kids. There's one girl in my DD's class with severe CP in a wheelchair that got one in 2nd grade (now 3rd). She can't speak, so no one realized how much was going on in her head. It has made a world of difference in her communication (and development)!

It's awesome to hear a story like this.

 

[twokids0204]

Congrats on your son's math! Never got into Chess (nor my kids), but I know people love it for similar reasons!

This is my son with autism so we're always looking for opportunities to positively re-inforce his strengths. I'm pretty good with math and puzzles, but I was really blown away by how intuitively and quickly he got these puzzles (that involve 3D space, changing gravity and force, and by-passing obstacles with unclear rules). So much so that I emailed his behavior and development doctor to recommend it to other kids.

Very cool...

 

[BigTex71]

For food we have everyone stop by their favorite restaurant and order the "Sampler Platter" and bring that. YUMMY

That is a great idea! I need to remember that one.

 

[twokids0204]

According to my son's doctor, the iPads have been real game-changers for many kids. There's one girl in my DD's class with severe CP in a wheelchair that got one in 2nd grade (now 3rd). She can't speak, so no one realized how much was going on in her head. It has made a world of difference in her communication (and development)!

60 Minutes did a story on iPad and kids development. Especially special needs kids.
They actually did some of the story here in TO.

 

[twokids0204]

Random Ownage!

 

[DisDadDoc]

I hate to post and change the subject....just looking for some guidance...

My oldest DD had a follow-up appt today with her Pediatric ENT (ear, nose, throat) Doc about the tubes in her ears.

Just a 6 month check up. Well, it turns out that her one tube is blocked. The Doc said that we'll look at it again in 2 months and if it's not blocked we'll be fine. If it's still blocked he wants to do both ears again with new tubes.

I unfortunately, wasn't there to ask about possible treatment. I guess my DW asked about antibiotics and he said that all they would do is give her diarhea

And then I asked my DW if he said anything about possible ear drops or something to loosen things up. She said nothing was mentioned other than we'll wait and see in 2 months how it looks.

Has anyone else experienced a tube blockage? How was it treated?

I just feel we should be doing something rather than nothing I guess.

Outpatient medicine isn't really my specialty so I'm going to let others take a stab at this first, Scott. I do know that those tubes don't last that long, many fall out by 6 months, but having the hole to allow for drainage is a good thing. Also, it is not uncommon to have them replaced several times. The biggest thing you have to worry about is how recurrent infections are impacting her hearing (and thus her speech). For a 4 year old, this is very important long-term (which I guess is why you got the tubes in the first place). But again, not my area.

Also, don't hesitate to call your ENT's office and ask to speak to them if you have questions. They get questions like this all the time and should be happy to have someone speak to you (and if they are not happy to talk to you, consider getting another ENT...)

 

[scott2997]

Outpatient medicine isn't really my specialty so I'm going to let others take a stab at this first, Scott. I do know that those tubes don't last that long, many fall out by 6 months, but having the hole to allow for drainage is a good thing. Also, it is not uncommon to have them replaced several times. The biggest thing you have to worry about is how recurrent infections are impacting her hearing (and thus her speech). For a 4 year old, this is very important long-term (which I guess is why you got the tubes in the first place). But again, not my area.

Also, don't hesitate to call your ENT's office and ask to speak to them if you have questions. They get questions like this all the time and should be happy to have someone speak to you (and if they are not happy to talk to you, consider getting another ENT...)

Thanks Chris,

I have a call into the office to discuss this further with them. She originally had a Tonsil and Adnoidectomy due to sleep apnea and also ear infections. The tubes were also placed to help with the ear infections.

Thankfully her hearing and speech hasn't been affected.

Just trying to avoid putting my "baby" under the knife again if she doesn't have to!

 

[BigTex71]

DW had a great idea for a reward system for us losing weight. If we keep up good progress towards meeting our goals weights (myself, DW, and DS), we will go to Disneyland this summer! That is a great motivator to me!

The kicker - we will be driving! I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and do a long family vacation road trip. We decided the kids are old enough now and we have plenty to keep them busy on the the drive (between DVD players, iPods, InnoPads, books, etc.) We will leave on a either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning; spend two days to drive there; spend Mon - Fri between Disneyland, DCA, Legoland, and San Diego Zoo; then drive back on the weekend. Well, that is the initial plan. I will need to start more extensive research on routes/plans. Suggestions welcome.

 

[Emma's Dad]

DW had a great idea for a reward system for us losing weight. If we keep up good progress towards meeting our goals weights (myself, DW, and DS), we will go to Disneyland this summer! That is a great motivator to me!

The kicker - we will be driving! I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and do a long family vacation road trip. We decided the kids are old enough now and we have plenty to keep them busy on the the drive (between DVD players, iPods, InnoPads, books, etc.) We will leave on a either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning; spend two days to drive there; spend Mon - Fri between Disneyland, DCA, Legoland, and San Diego Zoo; then drive back on the weekend. Well, that is the initial plan. I will need to start more extensive research on routes/plans. Suggestions welcome.

Woohoo! Sounds like an interesting trip! And a good "incentive"!

 

[twokids0204]

DW had a great idea for a reward system for us losing weight. If we keep up good progress towards meeting our goals weights (myself, DW, and DS), we will go to Disneyland this summer! That is a great motivator to me!

The kicker - we will be driving! I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and do a long family vacation road trip. We decided the kids are old enough now and we have plenty to keep them busy on the the drive (between DVD players, iPods, InnoPads, books, etc.) We will leave on a either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning; spend two days to drive there; spend Mon - Fri between Disneyland, DCA, Legoland, and San Diego Zoo; then drive back on the weekend. Well, that is the initial plan. I will need to start more extensive research on routes/plans. Suggestions welcome.

Look into the Southern California CityPASS

 

[cj9200]

Afternoon Dads,

Local news just showed some aerial shots of MK and IoA crowds yesterday. Wow. Saw tweets of the closing and wait times but it adds a different perspective when you see it from the air. Glad I wasn't there.

Here's my favorite thing about girls under 10 at sleepovers - they don't really understand the need to control the volume of their voices and they conveniently forget that you are within earshot. Why is this a good thing? Because if you're quiet and unobtrusive, it's AMAZING what you can learn.

They also don't have a stop button, and will just talk and talk and talk. If I walk with them or play soccer outside, then they talk the whole time. It is a great way to learn things. My oldest said that a friend in her school told her that she had been sexually abused by her dad. Initially, I was horrified for the girl and then sad that my own child, will be 10 in 2 weeks, has to know about that stuff as well. But, I also know she is talking to us, which is a good thing.

Both are so true. It doesn't change. Find that out every time I am around DD and her friends. That is when they are not texting.

DW had a great idea for a reward system for us losing weight. If we keep up good progress towards meeting our goals weights (myself, DW, and DS), we will go to Disneyland this summer! That is a great motivator to me!

The kicker - we will be driving! I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and do a long family vacation road trip. We decided the kids are old enough now and we have plenty to keep them busy on the the drive (between DVD players, iPods, InnoPads, books, etc.) We will leave on a either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning; spend two days to drive there; spend Mon - Fri between Disneyland, DCA, Legoland, and San Diego Zoo; then drive back on the weekend. Well, that is the initial plan. I will need to start more extensive research on routes/plans. Suggestions welcome.

Grand Canyon is a must. We stayed a couple of days there and still did not do everything I wanted. They have ranger guided family tours that are really interesting. DD participated in a Jr. Ranger program and got a ranger badge. I did the helicopter tour and that was unbelievably cool. Also might want to plan a trip to the Hover Dam. Very impressive.

 

[Wherem I Now]

Speaking of pics in the shower we are due for a photo blitz Do we want to do it here on FB or both? I was thinking of new yrs eve... We could all post our midnight(or close to midnight for some of us ) pitures..... what you guys think we are way over due for one!

I was just thinking a week or so ago that we hadn't had a blitz in a while. I personally vote for FB just because it's easier for pics than here.

I know what you are talking about, but have not heard anything having a visit from the Tag Fairy lately. Seems that fairy likes to stay on the Podcast side of the house. I stopped listening and participating for various reasons, none of which I am willing to share here.

Just wasn't the same without Bob. (and other changes)

Here's my favorite thing about girls under 10 at sleepovers - they don't really understand the need to control the volume of their voices and they conveniently forget that you are within earshot. Why is this a good thing? Because if you're quiet and unobtrusive, it's AMAZING what you can learn.

I think that they call this an invasion of privacy. When it comes to my kids... I am all for it!

Mornin' Carl!

Mornin' Dads.

I just found out some wonderful news! My DW told me that the tickets we received for Disney on Ice happen to fall on the same day of her extended family's christmas get together. (the weird side of her family)

So it turns out, we'll be missing a good chunk of our get together! Shucks!!!

Funny that it worked out this way for my DW's extended family this year for Christmas as well. Too much drama...

DW had a great idea for a reward system for us losing weight. If we keep up good progress towards meeting our goals weights (myself, DW, and DS), we will go to Disneyland this summer! That is a great motivator to me!

The kicker - we will be driving! I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and do a long family vacation road trip. We decided the kids are old enough now and we have plenty to keep them busy on the the drive (between DVD players, iPods, InnoPads, books, etc.) We will leave on a either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning; spend two days to drive there; spend Mon - Fri between Disneyland, DCA, Legoland, and San Diego Zoo; then drive back on the weekend. Well, that is the initial plan. I will need to start more extensive research on routes/plans. Suggestions welcome.

That's an awesome incentive for you! Of course, driving from VA to CA would take a bit more time and it would be more of an incentive for me not to...

Yesterday we left Christmas in the rear view mirror as we drove back home from where DW's and my families both live (also where we both grew up). Today, Christmas goes back in the box. We've never taken the decorations down this early, but with the way that New Year's falls this year and having to go back to work and school on Monday the 2nd, there's too much going on over the next few days.

Goodbye Christmas. This was fun. Let's do it again next year!

 

[scott2997]

DW had a great idea for a reward system for us losing weight. If we keep up good progress towards meeting our goals weights (myself, DW, and DS), we will go to Disneyland this summer! That is a great motivator to me!

The kicker - we will be driving! I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and do a long family vacation road trip. We decided the kids are old enough now and we have plenty to keep them busy on the the drive (between DVD players, iPods, InnoPads, books, etc.) We will leave on a either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning; spend two days to drive there; spend Mon - Fri between Disneyland, DCA, Legoland, and San Diego Zoo; then drive back on the weekend. Well, that is the initial plan. I will need to start more extensive research on routes/plans. Suggestions welcome.

Just don't go passing any Christy Brinkley's in red Ferrari's in the BigTex71 Family Truckster!

 

[that's nice]

My kids lighting their Menorah's on the last night of Hanukkah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09cNlUkwZQk

Great video! Thanks for sharing!!!!