Don’t you turn that commercial- it’s my 30 second Disney fix! TR Link Posted

[lbuzz52]

Hey, Lauren, I'm finally all caught up!

So going to go back a bit here in my responses:

1. I love that you wanted to be a street sweeper!! How funny.

I know. the things we think when we are kids! funny thing is, it still sounds like a fun retirement job to me

2. My Rachel (July will be 6) also had some speech issues. We did one year of speech therapy and it helped so much, they graduated her!

yeah for graduation! Maya is still in speech. she probably will be for at least another year. her ST made mention one time that most kids have common issues with speech problems but Maya has made up all her own rules. She has come so far but has a ways to go. In Kindy next year one of the classes is Japanese. I keep thinking that is crazy because Maya has to work on English still Maya's birthday is July 28th- when is Rachel's?

3. How cool that Chris was already saving up $$ for Vacation.

I'm so glad he was! Unfortunately i have yet to figure out the way to make the bills stop when we arent at home!

4. 5/16 we'll be at DHS...but we are only arriving for the new Pixar Parade, then trying to do Disney Junior/Little Mermaid and Bug's playground. Then we'll eat dinner (we never did Pizza Planet so maybe we'll try that and see you there.) and then stay for EMH Dance Party.

Wow, we have a few chances to meet up. I definitely want to hit the dance party too. we did one at MNSSHP and had a blast. Maya thinks she is a dancer anyway. So between that, the Disney Junior show, and Pizza planet we have a good shot. i need to get on the ball and get the touring plans knocked out for that day, then we can check our schedules again. Do you think the May show schedule will be similar to April or totally different with the lighter crowds? this is one day i am nervous about crowds anyway. It seems that the EMH nights are typically not recommended- but with F! the day before and the day after, and SWW that weekend, i'm hoping that people are saving there DHS touring for other days. There really isn't any better day to fit it in, at least not without messing up some other recommended day at other parks.


5. I waited 2 year and 4 months before getting Rachel's (DD5) first haircut at MK!

James will be 2 years, 4 months also Thank the Lord for curls! that hair is a mess!

6. Ohhhh, reading what you wrote about maya and not believing in the characters anymore ... You are right ... that is probably right around the corner in the next year or so (hopefully longer). I like knowing that she still believes in all of that.

I'm really hoping that it was just for that show. i *think* that they were people wearing headdresses as well as people in full costumes. I've been too afraid to ask her about what she thinks about Disney characters. There are plenty of people who say there kids still believe in Santa at 8 or 10 so maybe we have longer than we think!

7. Did you DH hear anymore on the chef job? (I didn't see any other posts on it but maybe I skipped it).

No decisions have been made yet- but at least he's not out of the running yet! i"m not really sure what i feel about it. I've always wanted to live in Florida, and i've always wanted to get out of our city. But the thought becomes a lot more stressful once it could be real.

8. Pins -- DD5 wants to do pin trading too. I followed that thread as well and was going to purchase some but then DD5 said she wanted to do vinylmation. I told her to wait on pins and do V now instead. I figure she can still pretend and play with the V.

I think we are just going to take a few from our last trip and not really make it a big deal. Ive been reading a bit on other TR's about Vinylmation and i think it sounds fun! I'm thinking i may have to point those out and hopefully get them interested in those too.

9. Thanks for the info on the Cars. We may try to go to DTD on May 14 or 15 now to check it out.

No problem! if you are there on the 15th look for Maya in the princess parade!

And your kids look really adorable! It would be cool for Maya and Rachel to meet -- who knows?

thanks for the compliments! do you have a LGMH?

see other comments above in green.

 

[lbuzz52]

Is it wierd that athough i feel that there is less to do here than other parks, but yet i'm afraid i'm going to run out of time here? Maybe because its only one day for us? Maybe because a lot of it is scheduled and therefore dictates extra time?

At any rate, i'm really wishing i had a little more time here. I think i'm going to really look over my schedule and see what i can figure out. Even enough time to do a show or two could help our full day.

Last trip, we went here for one day also. It was my mommy meltdown day

We did TSMM and RNRC. Then I had an almost 2 hour break from rides/ activities. First, i spent FOREVER searching down baby bottles after we lost the only one we brought. It was super hot, i'm pushing a double stroller with my belly and carrying a baby and mixing formula and those stupid "players" wanted to joke with me. I controlled my temper though. Then i spent forever waiting on everyone else to get done with the fun they were having. When we finally met back up, i wanted a minute for a break to cool off, use the restroom, etc. Everyone else felt they needed to get on the GMR or they wouldn't have enough time before our ADR. So then i spent more time waiting for them. Yes, i could have gone to do something by myself but i was so hot at this point i just didn't care. Luckily after the ADR i became human again!

Our lunch also took about 2 hours. And then we saw LMA and B&TB, and rode TOT and Star Tours.

So by then, the day was basically over. Granted we saw most everything on our list, but there is more on my list this trip.

Must Do's-
Toy Story
Animation (new)
Playhouse Disney show (new)
VOLM
TOT
Disney Channel Rocks (new, Maya screams when she sees the commercial)

Want to do-
B&TB
Indy (new to everyone but me- i saw it in 89)
Muppets (new)
RNRC

We have a lunch ADR at 50's primetime. We ate there last time with no complaints. I'm thinking it will be a slow process as it was last time, just because of how busy it stays.

We will probably have dinner at Pizza Planet?

I wanted to add the park levels for this day.
TP has it as a 1.8, best park. easywdw has it as a park to avoid. The reasoning behind that is that it has evening EMH. I'm hoping that will be okay for the following reasons:
DHS has F! the day before.
DHS has F! the day after.
MK has MSEP.
DHS has SWW a few days later.

the park hours are 9am to 10pm.

 

[Marshay]

I'm not real sure on this. There's a thread here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2692208

It has been trying to discuss how it works, but still not a whole lot of information. It seems that the FPs are connected, but the windows are shorter on Mickey than ride FPs (like you can get another FP within an hour or your return window - whichever is first vs rides having a 2 hr wait or return window - whichever is first). I've been watching this thread, hoping that some good insight will make way. Robo has been active on it trying to research and debunk everything.

Yep, I've been reading on DIS and Lines about this too. That is what I've heard as well. Yes, they are connected. But the return time to get a new FP is shorter than other rides. Yes, CM will still take a late FP but could depend on the CM. You need a separate FP for M/M from the Princesses. Everyone in your group needs a FP.

M/M seem to be shorter so some have gotten Princess FP, got into line for M/M and then when that was done, go do the Princess FP (or eat a snack and then come back to the Princesses).

 

[lbuzz52]

I've been putting off this post as it means the end of the trip is near
(OT- the dis really needs a crying smiley. )

We will spend this day back at MK.

Here is what touring plans has to say-
Today the Magic Kingdom has the lowest crowd level of the week
•Crowd Level: 3.1 out of 10

The hours are 9 am to 9pm
Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at 3 pm
Wishes at 9 pm


We will start out our day with a coveted reservation- Pre Park Opening at Crystal Palace! I'm so excited for this one!

I have to remember to request the bill early so we can be done quickly. Maya & I must make sure to get out in time for rope drop. Do you know where they will stop me at? We will then run to Rapunzel. Hopefully, we will be one of the first in line and make it into the first "show" which i believe will be at 915.

In the meantime, Chris and James will pick up a set of fastpasses and then hit a favorite ride or two that we have already done. I have no idea what James will want. I wish he wasn't a late talker. He'll probably point at them all. I could see them doing the Speedway, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Pooh, really who knows

We will probably spend the rest of the monring redoing some things we have already done in FL and maybe hitting the mountains.

Lunch will be hopefully be at Pirate's.

In the afternoon, i believe we will spend some time in Adventureland if we didn't hit it on the first day. We will also likely spend some time on major meet and greets.

Dinner will be at Casey's maybe? or at CHH if we didn't eat there earlier in the week.

Again, we will stay until we are wiped out.

I'm going to repost the must do's i listed on our first MK day.

Here are all the Must Do's- without talking over with the kids. I'm going to list them all here but obviously some will carry over to our second MK day.

Must do's-

Dumbo
IASW
Teacups
Pooh
Philharmagic
Peter Pan
Buzz
Speedway
Aladdin's Carpets
Haunted Mansion
Splash
Space *does this have a single rider line?
BTMRR
Pirates
Jungle Cruise
Rapunzel Meet and Greet
Mickey/ Minnie Meet and Greet
Princess Meet & Greet
Tiana Meet & Greet


If time permits:

Monster's Inc
Regal Carousel
Snow White
Tom Sawyer's
Railroad
Riverboat
Hall of Presidents

 

[lbuzz52]

I'm not real sure on this. There's a thread here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2692208

It has been trying to discuss how it works, but still not a whole lot of information. It seems that the FPs are connected, but the windows are shorter on Mickey than ride FPs (like you can get another FP within an hour or your return window - whichever is first vs rides having a 2 hr wait or return window - whichever is first). I've been watching this thread, hoping that some good insight will make way. Robo has been active on it trying to research and debunk everything.

Yep, I've been reading on DIS and Lines about this too. That is what I've heard as well. Yes, they are connected. But the return time to get a new FP is shorter than other rides. Yes, CM will still take a late FP but could depend on the CM. You need a separate FP for M/M from the Princesses. Everyone in your group needs a FP.

M/M seem to be shorted so some have gotten Princess FP, got into line for M/M and then when that was done, go do the Princess FP (or eat a snack and then come back to the Princesses).

thanks for the thread link! I MUST stay up to date on this. I can't imagine telling my kids that they can't meet Minnie & Mickey because mommy screwed up the FP and now the lines are crazy! i love that they are indoors because it makes it easier to go when the times are right instead of when the kids see them. I wonder if they will start running out? I think that it woudl be convienient to grab them near our parade/ haircut times, but eveyone else on Main street for the parade may think the same.

And for Robo! i feel like i need to send Robo a Christmas present for all the great info on practically everything Disney!

 

[lbuzz52]

I decided to stop by Dollar Tree Jr. last night on the way home from work. ( I call it Jr. because there is a massive one about 15 minutes away- they both always seem to have different things for some reason)

I found a few useful things for our trip.

I got random ziplocks (they were a different brand though) in sandwich, quart, gallon, and 2 gallon sizes. I'll use them for wet items and liquid items as well as anything else that pops up.

The blue striped shower curtain. I'll use this, along with binder clips, to cover the stroller for rain showers.

Shammys. If they work like they are supposed to, then i will use them after rain or water rides. If not, i guess i'll use them under my bottom when i sit on the ground.

I can't find the exact picture- but I got ones that were single bottles and attached to a caribiner clip

I know this is probably hard to read- so these are 24 ct individually wrapped antibacterial wipes.


I can't find a picture but i also got each child a Disney plastic water bottle. They aren't high quality or the kind that will stay cold forever- but they are Disney. I wont' care if they get lost. Plus the spout is not easy to open/ close which will be perfect for James. He has issues with the spout closing on him while he is drinking and he can't open them well yet. I got cars for James and fairies for Maya.


When I got home, i had some exciting mail............
..........
..........
..........

Hooray for our first Mickey Mail


My disney store package had also arrived.

remember last week when i ordered this Mickey hat in red for James?

well, I got my package yesterday. I was very happy to see that it seemed well made and was adjustable.

and I was very surprised when i opened it up and the hat was Hot Pink!

Dh immediately vetoed it so i called customer service. Unfortunately with the sale they had at the end of last week, they are all out of them. with what they have left, our options were to recieve a credit OR to try an adult version of the same hat.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but my son has a big head. Huge. He wears 5-7 or 6-8 size hats. So DH decided that he's certain that it will fit. I'm thinking no- but i guess if nothing else DH or I will have a little Mickey covering our head.

So if you see a cute little boy with unruly curls and a bright pink hat, feel free to say Hi

 

[Lidian]

And for Robo! i feel like i need to send Robo a Christmas present for all the great info on practically everything Disney!

I agree! /sets out collection jar

 

[Marshay]

In Kindy next year one of the classes is Japanese. I keep thinking that is crazy because Maya has to work on English still Maya's birthday is July 28th- when is Rachel's?

Wow, we have a few chances to meet up. I definitely want to hit the dance party too. we did one at MNSSHP and had a blast. Maya thinks she is a dancer anyway. So between that, the Disney Junior show, and Pizza planet we have a good shot. i need to get on the ball and get the touring plans knocked out for that day, then we can check our schedules again. Do you think the May show schedule will be similar to April or totally different with the lighter crowds? this is one day i am nervous about crowds anyway. It seems that the EMH nights are typically not recommended- but with F! the day before and the day after, and SWW that weekend, i'm hoping that people are saving there DHS touring for other days. There really isn't any better day to fit it in, at least not without messing up some other recommended day at other parks.

No decisions have been made yet- but at least he's not out of the running yet! i"m not really sure what i feel about it. I've always wanted to live in Florida, and i've always wanted to get out of our city. But the thought becomes a lot more stressful once it could be real.

No problem! if you are there on the 15th look for Maya in the princess parade!

thanks for the compliments! do you have a LGMH?
see other comments above in green.

Japanese in Kindy? Really? Wow. I don't think our schools introduce a language until 5/6th grade.

Rachel's birthday is July 13th (same as Mine!)

I am not expecting May to be "that" crowded. I subscribe to Lines, too, and was sure hoping they are correct at the low park crowd number.

Anyway, our DHS day is really 'supposed' to be casual ... but I know me and once I get there I'll want to try to do it all! So I really have to remind myself we are only there for a few casual things like the Jr. show, parade and dance party. We go back to DHS on Thursday that week and we'll be there for rope drop to ride TSM, RnR and ToT.

I would love to move to FL ... I am so not a winter/cold person. I wish you the best in your decisions.

Oooh, what is the Princess parade? Is that for those who did BBB earlier in the day? Is it only at DTD? Where and when? We have a ADR at Garden Grill on Sunday night so I don't think we will go Sun...thinking about it more, we may try Saturday instead. Depends how much we got done at the Flower & Garden show.

Yes, I'll have a few LGMH on our strollers, diaper bags, etc. I also have trader LGMHs too so if we meet up, I'll give one to you/Maya!

I wanted to add the park levels for this day.
TP has it as a 1.8, best park. easywdw has it as a park to avoid. The reasoning behind that is that it has evening EMH. I'm hoping that will be okay for the following reasons:
DHS has F! the day before.
DHS has F! the day after.
MK has MSEP.
DHS has SWW a few days later.

the park hours are 9am to 10pm.

I'm routing for the 1.8!!

 

[Marshay]

Oooh no! I can't believe they gave you a hot pink hat instead of a red one. If it was for Maya, that would be great ...

Maybe you can still get one before your trip...


Hmm, I may have to do the shower curtain for stroller thing, too.

Are you taking a stroller for Maya?

We have 2 strollers and took them both in November and Rachel used hers, esp at night or to go across the park. but now I'm thinking she is getting pretty old and really is too big for the stroller and it would be nice to only have one to carry/unfold/fold up, etc. but if we don't bring it, I know she won't be able to keep up with us.

 

[lbuzz52]

I agree! /sets out collection jar

There is no money smiley, so i'll just have to give him some virtual love and a big thumbs up!

Japanese in Kindy? Really? Wow. I don't think our schools introduce a language until 5/6th grade.

Rachel's birthday is July 13th (same as Mine!)

I am not expecting May to be "that" crowded. I subscribe to Lines, too, and was sure hoping they are correct at the low park crowd number.

Anyway, our DHS day is really 'supposed' to be casual ... but I know me and once I get there I'll want to try to do it all! So I really have to remind myself we are only there for a few casual things like the Jr. show, parade and dance party. We go back to DHS on Thursday that week and we'll be there for rope drop to ride TSM, RnR and ToT.

I would love to move to FL ... I am so not a winter/cold person. I wish you the best in your decisions.

Oooh, what is the Princess parade? Is that for those who did BBB earlier in the day? Is it only at DTD? Where and when? We have a ADR at Garden Grill on Sunday night so I don't think we will go Sun...thinking about it more, we may try Saturday instead. Depends how much we got done at the Flower & Garden show.

Yes, I'll have a few LGMH on our strollers, diaper bags, etc. I also have trader LGMHs too so if we meet up, I'll give one to you/Maya!




I'm routing for the 1.8!!

The japanese is on a grant at this school. Its not a full class- its in the realm of P.E. , music, art, and library. They go twice a week. I'm nervous about it. i really hope she doesn't have homework because i'm not sure i could be much help Is Rachel finishing Kindy?

Thanks for the well wishes! I, too, hate winter. Although recently i've started thinking that the snow we had this winter beats the downpours and tornado warnings.

When i called to make Maya's BBB appointment, it was suggested that i make it before noon so that she can participate in the Princess Parade. I believe all the girls who have been made up go on a parade around DTD. I have since read somewhere that it might be at 2pm on the weekdays. i don't think that they have it at the MK location.

What is a trader LGMH?

Oooh no! I can't believe they gave you a hot pink hat instead of a red one. If it was for Maya, that would be great ...

Maybe you can still get one before your trip...


Hmm, I may have to do the shower curtain for stroller thing, too.

Are you taking a stroller for Maya?

We have 2 strollers and took them both in November and Rachel used hers, esp at night or to go across the park. but now I'm thinking she is getting pretty old and really is too big for the stroller and it would be nice to only have one to carry/unfold/fold up, etc. but if we don't bring it, I know she won't be able to keep up with us.

It would be perfect for Maya except i got her a light pink Minnie one when i ordered the red one. I guess i'll take the hot pink one along... they wont see the hats until we arrive so i can't try them on until then. Maybe i'll pass the one out for some pixie dust or something

I am taking a stroller for Maya. I'm just not sure which one yet. I believe that we will take two.

I have this one-

First Years Ignite

I really like it and use it almost exclusively. It is rated to 50 lbs. The only problem with it is that Maya really is a bit tall for it. Definitely not something she could nap in. well, and the storage. it has one of those stupid crossbar backs that make it impossible to get anything in and out

I also have a Sit N Stand. It is horribly bulky BUT has a good storage area. we tested that one this weekend to see if they both fit in it well because the two of them are technically over the weight limit by a couple pounds. They fit fine but i had forgotten how large it is.

I thought about buying another umbrella stroller but am having the hardest time finding height recommendations for any of them. It seems like overkill but would be cheaper than renting one.

My friend has a stroller that she said i could borrow. i'm going to check Maya's size in that one.

If James was a bit older i would just take one and give them time blocks.

So, what i will do is either
1) take the ignite and another umbrella stroller. Hopefully i could figure out some way to rig it so that i could fold one up and support it on the other if we only need one at the moment.

2) take the ignite and the sit n stand. i'd use the ignite at dtd and any days that are lighter in schedule


What stroller did you use for Rachel? how big is she? i tried to guess by peeking at your pictures but most all of them had kid girl sizes. so all i could really tell was that she was larger than a 3 LOL

 

[britt_ji]

Crying smileys...had to click the more link for these.

Can't wait to see your pictures from the pre-opening breakfast at Crystal Palace...those are always so great with the empty park Sorry to hear the hat you got was hot pink. Hopefully an adult size will fit.

 

[lbuzz52]

Yesterday, Maya had her little mothers day out program at school. (so cute!) anyway, I had an oppourtunity to test James again with the no stroller thing. Well, he did great inside the building. He was content holding my hand as long as he was free. Well, then we went outside on the way to the door. He immediately broke loose and ran towards the parking lot. Thank goodness it was just the drive through and not the busy part. So as soon as I can wear my contacts again I'm monkey leash shopping.

Yep, I said once I can wear my contacts again. I guess my eyes were feeling left out by being te o ly ones in the house pink eye free. So wierd that we all have gotten it about a week apart though.


And in other more important news.....
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I GOT MY MICKEY MAIL!!!!

I'm dancing!!!!


I'm on my phone otherwise I'd be cheering too lol

it just makes it real! And so close.


I have to get rid of the luggage tags. I have issues with some textures and the tags are one of those. Touching them makes me nausous. My kids love to exploit that so I think it's best just to get rid of them
before they even see them.


I spent a lot of time this evening going back over kids meals. I was reading tips on the kids dining plan and was seeing a lot of people upgrade thier lids to adults so they could get larger portions and more of a variety.

I starting thinking this could be an option for us. If Maya was an "adult", recieving adult portions, then she would have all this extra food to share with James, who isn't recieving meals. I would have to pay the difference between a kid ticket and an adult ticket- about $30. There would be no difference for the dining plan as we are on free dining.

I made a list of all the meals Maya and James would eat if on the kids plan. And then I did the same with Maya as an adult.

I was thinking that we would probably come out a good bit better with the adult dining. However, I forgot that adult dining means tipping on adult prices. So in all actuality, it will probably be about $10 cheaper to stay on the kids plan. I think that we have enough variety that they will be fine with the kids options. I'm going to show it to chris once he gets home from work. But unless he objects, I think we will stick with what we have. With either option, we can easily pay the kids tips and feed James for the 9 days for under $90. Not too bad and that is worst case, we are all starving and no ones willing to share for every meal. That's not likely though between the heat and the excitement.

I hope to work on my packing list and also need to go through the to do list.

So much to do and running out of time.

It's a good thing though!!

 

[lbuzz52]

Crying smileys...had to click the more link for these.

Can't wait to see your pictures from the pre-opening breakfast at Crystal Palace...those are always so great with the empty park Sorry to hear the hat you got was hot pink. Hopefully an adult size will fit.

Thanks for telling me about the crying smiley. I'm not sure how I missed it. I must remember it for when I get the post trip blues.

 

[sl_underwood]

sorry about thepink eye. That must be miserable. This week our house is full of poison ivy. Apparently the bush we were trimming last weekend was full of it and boy has it spread!

 

[Lidian]

sorry about thepink eye. That must be miserable. This week our house is full of poison ivy. Apparently the bush we were trimming last weekend was full of it and boy has it spread!

Oh no! Hope you guys get rid of it soon!!

 

[lbuzz52]

sorry about thepink eye. That must be miserable. This week our house is full of poison ivy. Apparently the bush we were trimming last weekend was full of it and boy has it spread!

Yuck! I hope you guys get it under control quickly!!!

 

[lbuzz52]

I mentioned before that DH took a new job in November. It is head chef at a fancy pants steakhouse inside a local casino. As such, he has to answer to the casino executive chef, who is in charge of all 8 restaurants. And when he was given his offer, DH made mention that we had a vacation scheduled for May. He was told that shouldn't be a problem.

So fast forwarding... DH's boss has been giving him a hard way to go and some days making work really difficult, although DH enjoys the job. His boss second guesses him or vetos him frequently, among other things. In short I guess I'd describe it as a control freak almost hazing the new guy in a way. It definitely didn't help that he is the youngest there by 15 years. Just because he is still in his 20's doesn't mean he's going to give you the work quality of a frat boy. Besides, they came after him to take the job.

So when DH asked for the time off for our trip a couple months ago, his boss told him that he didn't remember them discussing it last Nov. He said chris had better come up with a plan for a different vacation time. He tried to tell chris it was mothers day. Chris explained we knew better than to schedule on the busiest restaurant day of the year. He came up with a couple more excuses, each of which chris was able to explain why they weren't valid. At the end of the discussion, his boss just said, well it's not approved for now.

Chris and I were surprised. We discussed the options and decided to continue as if we were going. We decided that in the meantime we would not say anything to the kids. He's been super stressed about it, almost depressed. He was so excited about this job- it's great for his resume and the pay isn't bad either. But between the distance and the "hazing" it's wearing him out.

I want to say also that DH has only asked for one other day off. It took multiple conversations over two months to get that day off too. And it basically took chris telling him he wouldn't take no for an answer. He spent that day off standing in line outside in the cold rain for 22 hours overnight so that we could get Maya at the top of the waiting list for the best public school. (there are a lot of not so good ones here). He then napped for 2 hours and went straight to work. It was then that his boss had him explain for the third time what he dis that night. It finally clicked to him and he apologized for giving him a hard way to go about it and told him he had his head on straight and did a great thing.

Anyway, yesterday, Chris came home and said his boss singled him out again, in the weekly meeting. He said- I need to say something about chris. Chris was thinking oh *%#^. But boss said I want you all to know that chris has been here 5 months. And for the past four months his food cost has gone down. And for the past 4 months his gsats have gone up. Why can't you all aim to be like chris?!!!!!
(gsats- customers fill out cards rating the experience/food/chef etc)

and I just got a text from Chris saying his boss approved and scheduled his vacation!!!!

Praying that this is the start of an upward turn there for Chris! He is a hard worker and great at what he does and I hope they are starting to give him the respect he deserves!

 

[Lidian]

I mentioned before that DH took a new job in November. It is head chef at a fancy pants steakhouse inside a local casino. As such, he has to answer to the casino executive chef, who is in charge of all 8 restaurants. And when he was given his offer, DH made mention that we had a vacation scheduled for May. He was told that shouldn't be a problem.

So fast forwarding... DH's boss has been giving him a hard way to go and some days making work really difficult, although DH enjoys the job. His boss second guesses him or vetos him frequently, among other things. In short I guess I'd describe it as a control freak almost hazing the new guy in a way. It definitely didn't help that he is the youngest there by 15 years. Just because he is still in his 20's doesn't mean he's going to give you the work quality of a frat boy. Besides, they came after him to take the job.

So when DH asked for the time off for our trip a couple months ago, his boss told him that he didn't remember them discussing it last Nov. He said chris had better come up with a plan for a different vacation time. He tried to tell chris it was mothers day. Chris explained we knew better than to schedule on the busiest restaurant day of the year. He came up with a couple more excuses, each of which chris was able to explain why they weren't valid. At the end of the discussion, his boss just said, well it's not approved for now.

Chris and I were surprised. We discussed the options and decided to continue as if we were going. We decided that in the meantime we would not say anything to the kids. He's been super stressed about it, almost depressed. He was so excited about this job- it's great for his resume and the pay isn't bad either. But between the distance and the "hazing" it's wearing him out.

I want to say also that DH has only asked for one other day off. It took multiple conversations over two months to get that day off too. And it basically took chris telling him he wouldn't take no for an answer. He spent that day off standing in line outside in the cold rain for 22 hours overnight so that we could get Maya at the top of the waiting list for the best public school. (there are a lot of not so good ones here). He then napped for 2 hours and went straight to work. It was then that his boss had him explain for the third time what he dis that night. It finally clicked to him and he apologized for giving him a hard way to go about it and told him he had his head on straight and did a great thing.

Anyway, yesterday, Chris came home and said his boss singled him out again, in the weekly meeting. He said- I need to say something about chris. Chris was thinking oh *%#^. But boss said I want you all to know that chris has been here 5 months. And for the past four months his food cost has gone down. And for the past 4 months his gsats have gone up. Why can't you all aim to be like chris?!!!!!
(gsats- customers fill out cards rating the experience/food/chef etc)

and I just got a text from Chris saying his boss approved and scheduled his vacation!!!!

Praying that this is the start of an upward turn there for Chris! He is a hard worker and great at what he does and I hope they are starting to give him the respect he deserves!

OMG what great news!!!!!

I am soo happy for you and for your DH hanging in there and doing so well!!!

 

[britt_ji]

It's so great that your vacation has been approved! I'm sure the hazing must be hard on your DH, but he is earning the respect he deserves by sticking with it.

 

[Marshay]

The japanese is on a grant at this school. Its not a full class- its in the realm of P.E. , music, art, and library. They go twice a week. I'm nervous about it. i really hope she doesn't have homework because i'm not sure i could be much help Is Rachel finishing Kindy?

Very cool! Hope you can learn some Japanese, too!

Yes, Rachel is finishining Kindy. Next year we go to full day 1st grade. It'll be hard for us! Or rather me, b/c I am NOT a morning person. We usually sleep in until 7:30am, sometimes even 8am!

Thanks for the well wishes! I, too, hate winter. Although recently i've started thinking that the snow we had this winter beats the downpours and tornado warnings.

When i called to make Maya's BBB appointment, it was suggested that i make it before noon so that she can participate in the Princess Parade. I believe all the girls who have been made up go on a parade around DTD. I have since read somewhere that it might be at 2pm on the weekdays. i don't think that they have it at the MK location.

What is a trader LGMH?

I made up a LGMH with googly eyes and my DIS name to hand out to my DIS friends! Over the last 4 years I've been on DIS, I've collected about 3-4 others from other people on DIS. Not everyone does them but when I get them I think of them as my "baseball cards".

It would be perfect for Maya except i got her a light pink Minnie one when i ordered the red one. I guess i'll take the hot pink one along... they wont see the hats until we arrive so i can't try them on until then. Maybe i'll pass the one out for some pixie dust or something

I am taking a stroller for Maya. I'm just not sure which one yet. I believe that we will take two.

What stroller did you use for Rachel? how big is she? i tried to guess by peeking at your pictures but most all of them had kid girl sizes. so all i could really tell was that she was larger than a 3 LOL

We have a McLaren Triumph and a Baby Jogger City Series strollers. Last trip we put Elizabeth in the McLaren and Rachel in the jogging stroller...but her knees are up into her chest, so it's not comfy...but as you said, it's cheaper than renting one.

Rachel is size 8-9 Gymboree clothes and is somewhere over 48" (haven't measured her in a while!).

Yesterday, Maya had her little mothers day out program at school. (so cute!) anyway, I had an oppourtunity to test James again with the no stroller thing. Well, he did great inside the building. He was content holding my hand as long as he was free. Well, then we went outside on the way to the door. He immediately broke loose and ran towards the parking lot. Thank goodness it was just the drive through and not the busy part. So as soon as I can wear my contacts again I'm monkey leash shopping.

I spent a lot of time this evening going back over kids meals. I was reading tips on the kids dining plan and was seeing a lot of people upgrade thier lids to adults so they could get larger portions and more of a variety.

We did the leash for Rachel when she was 2 at WDW ... but really didn't need it. Now that Elizabeth is 2, I'm not going to use it again. In fact I just sold it at a consignment sale! I'm hoping that is not a mistake. However, Elizabeth is not the type to run off on her own. If anything she'll follow her big sister.

Re: the meal plan. Don't upgrade the meal plan. I typically find the portions to be large enough that you can find food from your plate, your husband's plate and Maya's plate to share with the youngest. Get one healthy dessert (like fruit) and ask that it be brought with the meal.

Also, you can always order something extra OOP like more veggies or a side of mashed potatoes or applesauce or an extra bun if you make one of your meals a double-cheeseburger or order an appetizer.

This is cheaper than upgrading and then you only order extra food as you need it. I know with Elizabeth sometimes she just stuffs her face and I wonder how a 2yo can eat like that. Then a day or two later, she hardly touches her food.

I mentioned before that DH took a new job in November. It is head chef at a fancy pants steakhouse inside a local casino. As such, he has to answer to the casino executive chef, who is in charge of all 8 restaurants. And when he was given his offer, DH made mention that we had a vacation scheduled for May. He was told that shouldn't be a problem.

Praying that this is the start of an upward turn there for Chris! He is a hard worker and great at what he does and I hope they are starting to give him the respect he deserves!

So does DH watch any of the chef shows like Top Chef or Hell's Kitchen or Iron Chef? Just curious what he thinks of them.

What area is he a chef at? When you say casino, I immediately think Las Vegas but I can't recall where you are from.

That is awesome news that the EC gave such high praise to your DH!! Sometimes the person that gets treated the hardest is b/c they have the most potential.

I know it's not nice at the time but hopefully your DH can take it as a very tough but very good learning experience!