Geen Yight - She's Out of Sight: A Trip of Leaps and Bounds

[MeMom]

So did I!!!

I don't remember which F&G pin I got. It's on my board at school. Maybe Chip and Dale.

I LOVE those pins, especially that first one!

That last picture is beautiful. It's crazy to think how much work and preparation goes into all of that.

I bet they have a huge landscaping department for all of the stuff that needs to be done just in that park. I think it was on that DVD about Animal Kingdom, a guy said they have people constantly planting stuff over there just to keep up with what the animals eat.

I love the pictures of the pins. The farmer Mickey and Minnie is so cute. That might become my next collection of souvenirs. I have been getting a magnet each trip, but my refrigerator is about filled to capacity.

It was great that you able to see Jiminy Cricket. In all my trips I have only ran across him one time at AK.

We often see him at Rafiki's.

I get the magnets that have the clips, and I use them at school all the time.

We are awaiting a house bill to pass to determine if PA will also not be allowed to start before Labor day. We always begin the third week with the kids starting the last week of Aug. We aren't allowed to go past June 30th by law. Currently, we are out around the 13th even with snow days.

Someone proposed an extended winter break to save on heating---Dec 16th through Jan 2... I really don't want to be there all of June instead!

I am hoping the proposal of July 25th is shot down for you. Would you have extended breaks then?

I love the update. I am sooo anxious to get back and seeing the land pavillion makes me even more so!

The length of the breaks would depend on wha they are doing with these intercession periods, and they have no concrete answers on how they'll do that yet. That part is going to be a mess, I bet. Some kids go and some kids don't. I think that's going to really be annoying to parents.

A couple of years ago, we had to have heat days off, because kids were getting sick on the buses. I can't see how this is going to help that situation.

Congrats! W are working on #2 in the potty over here

Hang in there!

Love the pictures of the Flower and Garden Festival pins! I love going during special times of year just for that purpose of getting things that aren't there all the time.

Yep, getting unique things is fun for us Disney crazies!

I just wanted to let everyone know SW is having a sale!!!

We saw that, too. Our October flights went down by $33! Yay!

 

[MeMom]

A firm but gentle approach works for me. I listen and try to figure out the "why" and work with that. I reassure that they are safe and will continue to be safe.

I hope all our Diskids learn to swim and use it for recreation and lifelong fitness.

I saw that today- It says they are taking the workdays so do it but don't make us make up days- use them as snow days.

Jillyb this crazy storm is coming your way. Another fast moving and horrible sounding one.

We used to vacation in Pa and since we always started school after Labor day I was the only kid around since we vacationed the week after Labor day.

Yes, we want all of our kids to be very safe around water.

Back in the old days, it was always the day after Labor Day. We're well into things by then in our system now.

You guys don't have air conditioning in your schools?! We do up here in London! I'm gonna feel bad for those kids tomorrow when it's supposed to feel like 35!
School does seem to go really long this year though! Don't you remember going back to school at the beginning of September and wanting to wear new sweaters and stuff and sweating like a wild woman? Usually you're not really ready for them until the end of October or so!

They put the fall clothes out in July. They're always way ahead of the game, in my opinion.

July 25th is too early, unless you are in year round school.

I agree Pat, since we are in the same state! When I was in elementary school(way back when!!! LOL!!!) school used to start after Labor Day so people could help out on the farms, but then they started backing the dates up. Of course around here they don't want to cut into tourism at the beach!!
Pat and JillyB, hope the storms don't get too bad!!! Send some rain my way!! It's cetainly been HOT here this week!! 101 yesterday!!!!

A few months ago we were saying 'Stay warm!' and now we're saying 'Stay cool!' I think we're supposed to be getting our more normal 80's for the rest of the week. We got a little rain, but missed the storms today.

Bella calls it Pop Cenchy? That's so funny and cute!

Yep. She is excited about getting in that kiddie pool and riding her horsies. That's all she will talk about.

I agree, the F&G colors seemed especially vivid and vibrant. I almost wish they would keep the displays year-round but I suppose then it wouldn't be as special.

You are getting close to hoesie and Pop Cenchy time!!!

We wouldn't appreciate it as much if we saw it every time we went.

It can't come soon enough for me. I'm ready to roll!

Those F&G pins are so fun! I'd love to go to Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival, it looks so pretty (but I'd definitely have to make sure DBF packed his antihistamines! )

It's probably not a great place for people with allergies.

Love the pins!! I have not started collecting yet, but I always browse the pins section and usually love most of them.

Pat,
I wish you were in my area so you could have taught my kids!! I think your approach is just right. The problem in our area is that most places are too gentle and do not get kids over the fear. The boys' teacher is a little strict for me, but he has done wonders with them so far. My husband showed me a video last night of Cooper jumping in the pool, going under, swimming up and then getting on a kick board and paddling across the pool. I fell over. I cannot believe the improvement. Just 2 weeks ago, he would not get water in his face in the bathtub. So, I am pleased with the progress.

Sounds like it was best for you to let the guys handle this one in a guy's way. I am glad he is doing so well.

I DO remember that actually. By the time I hit university I was smart enough to know that the summer wardrobe needed to stay out until the 3rd week of September at the very least and THEN those sweaters and jeans could be worn. But in elementary and high school, I just couldn't wait to wear my new school wardrobe.

We didn't have air in the schools in Chatham either...September and June were always rough when there was no breeze.

At least here in Windsor they compensate by having field trips, water days and trips to the splash pad. Oh, and they NEVER turn on the lights...like that helps much.

DD7 just read this over my shoulder and insists they DO have aircon but I was there Friday and it was ROASTING so I kind of doubt it.

The lights being off probably helps a tiny bit, but you need some pretty good air conditioning to fight off the high 90's. I hope we have some super-duper systems in our schools.

 

[MeMom]

GORGEOUS PICKS OF THE FLOWER GARDENS!

I hope it works out and you don't have to start that early...seems like it would disrupt a lot of families schedules.
But it would be nice for the families with a child who would benefit from more class time.

sunnystace your comment about wearing your new fall clothes made me laugh out loud!
So true, I can remember sitting in class just overheating because I insisted on wearing my new "cords" to school. (boy am I dating myself with that statement. )
I can remember many velour jumpsuits too...

My kids have never been like that...

I loved back to school shopping!!
Still get excitted now to the kids shopping...my DS has never gotten excitted. He says "it's just pencils and stuff, who cares what kind they are".

Aaron is already out for the year and Lexi is finished next week.
They both start back after Labor Day.

Every year we do an end of school dinner party to celebrate.
This year it's got a 'RIO' parrot/ tropical theme.
I ordered the McD's toys to use as decorations for a cake and found a coloring book and the CD soundtrack. Lexi will also get the RIO game for her DSi.
Should be fun!

I'm always up for a tropical themed party.

You love back to school shopping???
I have to step away from you now.

A change in schedule will really have us doing some juggling with our camps.

Holy windstorm!!!! That was a crazy storm last night! It blew in and blew out just as fast. Hannah slept right through it. No damage at our house. How's things in your neck of the woods?

Strong winds and lots of lightning last night but no damage at my house.

We were in Southport over the weekend and it was HAWT!! Had to go through Myrtle Beach on the way home and it poured down rain for a bit. Even had some hail!!!

I think all of our DIS folks made it through this one. Things are not so good in Minot, ND with flooding from what I hear.

Ditto here. Wailing winds but no damage for us. When it started up, DD and I were here at the library for a presentation on Harry Potter movies. Toward the end, a library admin had to interrupt to tell us there was a tornado watch and if the siren sounded, we would all have to shelter in the basement! Then there were some tremendous thunderclaps and half the room cleared out. DD was scared, but we stayed so we wouldn't be out in the worst rain & wind.

DD wanted to get some books afterward, so I hopped onto a computer to DIS and work on a friend's WDW planner. Then there was a huge BOOM! and all the power went out. Happily, tho, DD had just come to me with her pile of books, so she didn't freak out too badly and I didn't have to grope my way across the whole builiding to find her. Driving home, we saw lots of big branches down, including some that would have crushed a house or car had it gone the other way. Once home, our neighborhood had power & fewer limbs were down. Just as a precaution, in case we lost power later, we thought we should eat up the ice cream. Shame when it melts in a power outage.

Today, we have glorious blue skies that look like MeMom's Epcot pix!

Blue skies and ice cream - sounds good to me. Glad you were all safe!

That is so funny! My most vivid memory of Hurricane Gloria in '86 was when after the storm, our next door neighbor knocked on our door, ice cream cartons in hand, saying "come on kids, you have to help me eat all this!" It almost made up for the lack of power and having to miss Saturday morning cartoons!

I remember when I was young - maybe 9 or 10 - having to go to the basement once during a tornado threat. We thought it was cool because we had to take food, and among the stash was a box of Ding Dongs!

I should have talked to you about this when we were sitting together and I could have shown you exactly what I wanted....

Anyway.

Jen and I need a favor.

It's Disney Pins.
Two of them. (Same)

40th Anniversary Edition Passholder Exclusive Limited Edition
Could you check and see what is out?

We have Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studio pins.

We need Animal Kingdom and Monorail...

Not sure if you are doing APs or not.

We actually discussed this earlier today. I know John and i are doing APs since we are planning on going in June next year so we can definitely take care of those things for you two.

Thank you Jill!

Talk amongst yourselves.

Hey MeMom and Jill, just wanted to let you know I'm still here! I haven't had much time on the DIS since we've been back. Super excited to hear all about your next trip since you guys leave so soon

I will be looking at all of your pictures.

Hey! I'm back from Gulf Shores! While we had a good time I would have much rather been at Disney! But, anyway I'm back and gotta go back and catch up.

So glad you got that fun beach trip!

dancing bananas for the swimming boy!! It is so great when they "get" it and they are over all their fear.

No damage just debris everywhere. I mentioned this to B and she made the comment that my early morning run was probably more of a steeplechase than a run.

Our DIStown swim team is going to be incredible, huh?

Thank you Jill for looking into those pins for us!!!!!

She is happy to do it. Jill just decided to go ahead and renew on this trip, since we will be going in June next summer. That will work out nicely. We'll get 3-4 trips out of them.

July 25th is wwwwaaaaaayyyyy too early to go back! Just give me the notice and I will make up some signs and we will all head down there and start a protest in your honor!



I remember the lights always being off near the end of the year, even with airconditioning! I hope you guys did ok during that storm....I saw some of the damage on the news earlier tonight and some guy at work today was telling me they closed the bluewater bridge after a tractor-trailer almost fell over the rails! Stay Safe!



I did the cords and velour jumpsuits too.... I seriously remember the first day of grade 10 I wore a wool sweater, a plaid wool skirt with opaque tights and boots. I remember looking at myself in my locker mirror after going outside at lunch and being red from overheating and feeling like such a fool! I swore I wouldn't do it again....of course I did though!

There will probably be some protests around here if the July date goes through. I am just glad to have a job, so I will do whatever, in spite of what my preference might be.

New fall clothes are pretty exciting, so it's only natural to want to wear them. Too bad the weather can't turn cool on, let's say... the day after Labor Day.

Is it just me or are we missing a Memom today?
Hope all is well!

Present. I have been off and on today. I was going to put up pictures, but my eyes need a break right now, so we'll do that tomorrow.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You are a night owl....

 

[MeMom]

You are a night owl....

I have had a busy day. I also went to the Y and applied for a job in the Kid Play section. I told them I wanted very much part-time, because I have my full-time job plus my T-Th tutoring. She said they'd be glad to have me. I told her I could not start until August, so if I don't change my mind, I'll be working 4-8 Mondays and Fridays, 1-3:30 on Sundays, and 8-1 every other Saturday. We'll see. It looks doable on paper, but with being at school at 6:30 a.m. and staying until 5:30 on the tutoring days, I may decide it's too much pretty quickly. Time will tell, but it will help. I can put half on bills and keep half for Disney money. It doesn't pay much at all, though, so if it is at all a hassle, I won't feel badly about letting it go. I'm hoping it'll work, though, and just be an easy way to pick up a few dollars.

I am going to bed now.
zzzzzzzz.....zzzzzzz......zzzzzzz

 

[momof2TNboys]

Good morning! Memom, I hope your job is great and it helps you finance your DISease! Funny thing about the DISease, I started working on Jason yesterday. I told him the benefits of an AP. I think it would save us money since we will be taking an 8 night trip in September and I am sure at least one more 7 night trip. He laughed and said I was relentless. He told me that we would be in Orlando every weekend if I had an AP. His excuse was that I would say "but it is so cheap since we have an AP". Okay, he is not that off in his thinking, but I am working on him. I saw a glimmer of resolve yesterday. I will keep you posted.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Since MeMom is asleep right now I will come and start this party. One week from today she will be here. We will be picking up the rental van and loading up. After a few hours of sleep we will be headed out in the middle of the night!!!!!

For those of you not on facebook I thought I would share that the girls 's suitcase (or tootcase as Bella calls it) is packed.

We still have lots going on so this next week will fly. The girls have gymnastics tonight, VBS tomorrow night. Brooklynn has dance practice, recital rehearsal and then her recital all on Saturday. Bubby and MeMom are coming down to see it and she is super excited because this recital they have real costumes. Last time they just wore a tutu with their practice leotards. This one is fancy with sparkles and a wand. They are dancing to "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo". Sunday will be the day to try and finish everything up because next week is crazy busy. Brooklynn has her last two swim lessons on Monday and Wednesday. She is doing amazing and swimming like a fish. I am sure she will want to spend lots of time in the big pools rather than the kiddie pool which is fine with me because that will equal better afternoon naps! Thursday night mom and I will take the girls to gymnastics and leave John here to load the fan engineer-style without any interruptions which will make for a much happier John. We will stop at McDonald's on the way home to get dinner and then early to bed for hopefully, everyone but at least me because I am driving the first leg of the trip.

 

[declansdad]

Once again I am jealous of your ability to take all these trips to WDW. I guess it pays to live closer.

Hope your week flies by.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, Jill!! I had heard of the ziploc bag packing but had never seen it. That looks awesome!!! Really wish I had known about it when Jeremy was little. We will be seeing you soon!!!

 

[DWGal210]

Sounds like a busy week!!!

We have our annual town fair this weekend, with family coming into town so that will be fun! Then next week is like yours - pack pack pack & get ready. We're rolling out at the crack of dawn on Saturday!!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Jill, it's so nice to hear from you. I haven't seen much of you on here lately. But after reading about your upcoming week's schedule, I can see why! And congrats on packing up the tootcases! That's when it's getting so close, you can taste it! I can't wait to see the girls in all their cute matching outfits that I know are packed away in all those ziploc bags!

Congratulations Memom on your new job! I am really excited for you! Maybe if it does turn out to be too much, you could just try cutting back your hours some first and see if that helps. I know some days will seem overwhelming, but I think it might work out for you. I don't know how big your Y is there, but ours never seemed to have many kids in it when I would go, so maybe it won't be too bad. At least you won't have to really do a lot with them like at school, so that should give your mind a bit of a rest. I mostly saw kids playing video games whenever I peeked into the childcare at our Y, and they usually had a baby or two. Best of luck, and keep us posted on how it goes!

Oh, I just had a thought... you won't have as much DIS time now with an extra job... Hmmm, maybe it's not such a good idea after all!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Jill- Packing makes it so close, doesn't it? I want to pack now--but it is just a wee too far and we have a week at the beach in between.

Memom- congrats on the Y job. I think your attitude going in is great. It is certainly worth it to see if you can handle the schedule. You are going to be very busy during the week!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Congrats on the new job...it's perfect for you! You will be a great babysitter!
I hope it's not too much but I know you will adjust it if need be.
Extra $$$ coming in will be wonderful.

I've often toyed with getting a partime job myself but I really can't because my hours can be all over the place.
Not to mention I need to be at home sometime.
Besides the "tax man" would take so much of it that it wouldn't be worth it.

Hi BrooklynsMommmy !
You are so close now! So excitting to be able to say...this time next week!
Cute little matching outfits all layed out and ready to go...into those suitcases.
Great idea to put them into ziplocs! Very organized!
I did that when Lexi was small and I would put her hair bows in there too.
Everything for the day...made it so quick to get ready.

Can I please ask a favor of you? Would you please put up a link for us non-facebook friends again?
I so enjoy the pics of the day...makes me not miss you guys so much!

comment about John packing the van! If it makes him happy, let him do it.
My DMom is the car packer in our family...going is not a problem but coming home she really uses her skills to the fullest!

Oh I checked the SW sale...this may sway me to try flying down in September.
It would be excitting to have a 5hr drive and then a 2hr flight....beats a 24hr drive.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Jill, it's so nice to hear from you. I haven't seen much of you on here lately. But after reading about your upcoming week's schedule, I can see why! And congrats on packing up the tootcases! That's when it's getting so close, you can taste it! I can't wait to see the girls in all their cute matching outfits that I know are packed away in all those ziploc bags!

I check in at least every other day, but it is usually on my phone while I am sitting waiting for the girls to finish whatever extracirricular is going on that day before taking them home for dinner, baths and bed.

Hi BrooklynsMommmy !
You are so close now! So excitting to be able to say...this time next week!
Cute little matching outfits all layed out and ready to go...into those suitcases.
Great idea to put them into ziplocs! Very organized!
I did that when Lexi was small and I would put her hair bows in there too.
Everything for the day...made it so quick to get ready.

Can I please ask a favor of you? Would you please put up a link for us non-facebook friends again?
I so enjoy the pics of the day...makes me not miss you guys so much!

comment about John packing the van! If it makes him happy, let him do it.
My DMom is the car packer in our family...going is not a problem but coming home she really uses her skills to the fullest!

I will definitely put the link up for you gusy.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

MeMom - hope the Y job works out for you. I've been contemplating a 2nd job, but mostly because I could be laid off due to government shut down in a week. I think I'm going to look into the travel industry...

Jill - Holy Cow - super organized and CUTE outfits for the girls!! Not that I expected any less, but YAY for packing! I wish I were going somewhere this summer. (see the above comment as to why not)

 

[Megablocks]

I hope the Y job ends up working out for you! I'm glad you found something where they were willing to work on hours with you.

Can't believe you guys are just one week away! I'm so excited for the Facebook pictures!

 

[MagicShell]

Jill, you make me tired just reading about what all you do. You and Memom definitely deserve a break.

 

[sunny_stace]

Holy Cow Jill you are well organized! Your "tootcases" will be very easy to navigate in the mornings! That's really smart to put the girls extra outfits into freezer bags! I'll have to remember that if I ever go with kids!

MeMom - the job at the Y sounds fun! I hope it works out!

I can't wait to hear about Brooklyn's recital! Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo would be a very fun song to dance to! I bet she'll be the star of the show!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I am definitely envious of your super-amazingly organized packing skills! The girls' outfits look adorable too! How fun you're so close to your trip!!

 

[Poolrat]

Our DIStown swim team is going to be incredible, huh?

Yes it will especially if I have to look what Jillyb put up on my TR.



I am offically booked for Oct!!! Flight wise the SW deal made it happen. Can't beat a $40.00 flight with free luggage.

The sacrifice I made is driving to Greenville SC to get the flight but it is worth it.