Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it's off to the CSR we go! A Feb PTR 2/28 Trip report started!!!

[tinacaplan]

Wow...its funny you should say that about parent conferences. I have often found myself feeling the same way; but then, when you think about it, it makes sense that the kids with the biggest problems tend to be the same kids whose parents don't show for conferences. So frustrating. Ours were last week, and I was actually busy the entire time; almost all of our parents showed!

I hear you on the threads, though. I really want to update mine with my most recent plans, but with everything going on, I just haven't had the time. Can't wait for the 24th, so I can just sit back and enjoy the holiday and the time off.

 

[dizneeat]

Congrats on the great deal on the car. We have never had a car there, but this time since we are driving down we will. I love Disney transportation. I am all about the I'm on vacation so I don't wanna drive mentality. However it will be nice to have it just in case, and so I can hit an outlet mall or 2.

I am with you, we might be paying off our trip before Christmas too. Unfortunately we had a hiccup in our financial situation do to the fabulous ice and white stuff on the roads. I love snow, I just wish it would stay off the roads.

We just love our rental cars. So much easier to get around. I guess I am just to impatient for waiting for a bus, than having to stand on the bus for 3/4 of an hour.
And ......... if we would not have a car we would not be able to get our beloved Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, hot off the conveyor! For those alone it's worth to rent the car!

I did read about the unhappy events concerning your car on your pre-trip report! Hopefully things will work out much better for you very soon!
And I am SOOOOOOOOO with you ......... snow is beautiful, if it just would not fall onto the roads!

I think I did pretty ok on my exam. I'm confident that I'll get a good mark. I forgot it was cumulative....so only intensively studied the latter part of the course. Good thing I have such a great memory and the questions about the rest of the course are questions she re-used from our last midterm!

It's already gotten past 20C over here My back is starting to hurt from the shoveling

Wow, a real Christimas tree! My best friend bought a 6 foot tree as well. I haven't had a tree since.....I was 14? We started getting less gifts from family and friends (they just gave us money) so we had nothing to put under the tree, and we got lazy about getting a tree and putting it up.

I really miss decorating the tree though! And I love christmas ornaments. I can't wait to have my own tree!

Oooh, 5 native English speakers from America? That's so cool!

It's great you did well in your exam!

Shoveling snow is no fun! Poor Tom has to do that a lot around our house.

We always have a real tree. They are very common here in Austria. I just love the smell of the tree and they look beautiful with all the lights and real candles! We also only have a few presents to put under the tree because instead of Christmas and birthday gifts we just pay for another vacation. But even if there are only a few presents the tree is still beautiful and festive!

The kids love the Native Speakers!!!! I don't think all 5 of them are American. Jayme definitely is. But Jeff is from Kent/England and I guess one of the other guys if from Britain as well. Not too sure about the other two! But they all do an amazing job! I am so impressed.

Wow...its funny you should say that about parent conferences. I have often found myself feeling the same way; but then, when you think about it, it makes sense that the kids with the biggest problems tend to be the same kids whose parents don't show for conferences. So frustrating. Ours were last week, and I was actually busy the entire time; almost all of our parents showed!

I hear you on the threads, though. I really want to update mine with my most recent plans, but with everything going on, I just haven't had the time. Can't wait for the 24th, so I can just sit back and enjoy the holiday and the time off.

Oh how I hear you on the parents issue. I always say that once you get to know the parents you know why kids sometimes act "strange".

I really can't wait for the Christmas holidays to roll around, so I can concentrate on the in depth planning and planning my summer vacation - I need to make ADRs for the first part, before we go on vacation - should be fun!

 

[tinacaplan]

Oh how I hear you on the parents issue. I always say that once you get to know the parents you know why kids sometimes act "strange".

I really can't wait for the Christmas holidays to roll around, so I can concentrate on the in depth planning and planning my summer vacation - I need to make ADRs for the first part, before we go on vacation - should be fun!

I suppose that if you are lucky enough to in the summer and in the winter, you could be continuously planning a Disney trip! I would love to be able to do that. It would be nice to experience Disney in the heat...I know tha sounds crazy, but it would be cool to know going on that you are definitely going to get to use the pool and go to the water parks. Then again, crowds and heat must be not all that much fun, either, and with my crazy school schedule, if we ever go in summer, we'll be going at peak season. I know I am far too young to be thinking about retirement, but taking a vacation in October is something I'm really looking forward to.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Subbing so I don't miss the fun - I'll be back to catch up!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Karin!!! Hope the weather isn't getting you too down! I've been doing so much back-breaking shoveling. The last few days have been non stop snowing. It's finally sunny today!

Subbing so I don't miss the fun - I'll be back to catch up!

Yay Tammie, you've joined us!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks Yuki! I was going to comment on the "Value Resorts" thread that I love how you are easily influenced in your dinner choices by the meals described in the TRs!

I made some Jerk Chicken, BTW - used the pressure cooker, but didn't shred the meat - it turned out great! How was yours?

 

[dizneeat]

I suppose that if you are lucky enough to in the summer and in the winter, you could be continuously planning a Disney trip! I would love to be able to do that. It would be nice to experience Disney in the heat...I know tha sounds crazy, but it would be cool to know going on that you are definitely going to get to use the pool and go to the water parks. Then again, crowds and heat must be not all that much fun, either, and with my crazy school schedule, if we ever go in summer, we'll be going at peak season. I know I am far too young to be thinking about retirement, but taking a vacation in October is something I'm really looking forward to.

It looks like I am CONTINUOUSLY planning a Disney trip, or at least reviewing one!
WDW in the summer is fun, but the heat can be "a pain" sometimes. The first few years when we used to go "commando" style we were beat by the end of the day - EVERY day. Nowadays we take breaks during the day and hit the pool, or "sit out" rainshowers in our villa/room. That way we will be able to hit the parks for EMH, when it is slightly cooler. I love the time after Labour Day - the crowds subside and you REALLY get to enjoy the parks. Try the summer season, so much going on, LONG park hours, yip crowds, but still fun.
Like you I am dreaming about taking vacations in off seasons and not during our holiday periods, but that is still a long time away!

Subbing so I don't miss the fun - I'll be back to catch up!

Welcome! I love new friends!

Karin!!! Hope the weather isn't getting you too down! I've been doing so much back-breaking shoveling. The last few days have been non stop snowing. It's finally sunny today!



Yay Tammie, you've joined us!

Yuki, you would not believe HOW much snow we have in the village where I teach! I need to take pictures on Monday and post them - it's unbelievable!
Even here in the city there is LOTS of snow. You can barely see our Christmas decorations along the stairs that lead up to our house. They are SNOWED in!

It's not even been Christmas yet and I cannot wait for spring to begin!

Thanks Yuki! I was going to comment on the "Value Resorts" thread that I love how you are easily influenced in your dinner choices by the meals described in the TRs!

I made some Jerk Chicken, BTW - used the pressure cooker, but didn't shred the meat - it turned out great! How was yours?

Jerk Chicken? ......... any chance you would share your recipe?

 

[YukiPhnx]

Yuki, you would not believe HOW much snow we have in the village where I teach! I need to take pictures on Monday and post them - it's unbelievable!
Even here in the city there is LOTS of snow. You can barely see our Christmas decorations along the stairs that lead up to our house. They are SNOWED in!

It's not even been Christmas yet and I cannot wait for spring to begin! [/IMG]

Oh yes, show us some pictures!! I can't wait for summer already!!

Jerk Chicken? ......... any chance you would share your recipe?

Ditto!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Thanks Yuki! I was going to comment on the "Value Resorts" thread that I love how you are easily influenced in your dinner choices by the meals described in the TRs!

I made some Jerk Chicken, BTW - used the pressure cooker, but didn't shred the meat - it turned out great! How was yours?

The Dis is such a big influence on us!

My jerk chicken didn't turn out the way I wanted, so I'll be trying again soon.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

It looks like I am CONTINUOUSLY planning a Disney trip, or at least reviewing one!
WDW in the summer is fun, but the heat can be "a pain" sometimes. The first few years when we used to go "commando" style we were beat by the end of the day - EVERY day. Nowadays we take breaks during the day and hit the pool, or "sit out" rainshowers in our villa/room. That way we will be able to hit the parks for EMH, when it is slightly cooler. I love the time after Labour Day - the crowds subside and you REALLY get to enjoy the parks. Try the summer season, so much going on, LONG park hours, yip crowds, but still fun.
Like you I am dreaming about taking vacations in off seasons and not during our holiday periods, but that is still a long time away!



Welcome! I love new friends!



Yuki, you would not believe HOW much snow we have in the village where I teach! I need to take pictures on Monday and post them - it's unbelievable!
Even here in the city there is LOTS of snow. You can barely see our Christmas decorations along the stairs that lead up to our house. They are SNOWED in!

It's not even been Christmas yet and I cannot wait for spring to begin!



Jerk Chicken? ......... any chance you would share your recipe?

Thanks for the welcome!

Jerk Chicken

I loosely followed this list of ingredients from Allrecipes.com:

* 6 green onions, chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
* 3/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

I left out the Jalapeno, and used dried thyme. I didn't have the green onions, and I used Red Wine Vinegar.

In my small pressure cooker pot, I browned the chicken and onions in oil, then added all the ingredients. I cooked at full steam for 10 min, then turned off the heat and let it steam for another 15 min or so.

It was really good! The pressure pushed the seasonings into the meat, so there was no need to marinade.

**True Jerk is BBQ, so you would marinade overnight in the above mixture and cook slowly on your grill**

 

[Stefy]

Looks like all the planning is going well Bet you can't wait to go already

I love your Christmas decorations and how awesome are those advent calendars, where did you get them from?

 

[dizneeat]

Oh yes, show us some pictures!! I can't wait for summer already!!

Photos coming up shortly! Photobucket is still acting up again!

Thanks for the welcome!

Jerk Chicken

I loosely followed this list of ingredients from Allrecipes.com:

* 6 green onions, chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
* 3/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

I left out the Jalapeno, and used dried thyme. I didn't have the green onions, and I used Red Wine Vinegar.

In my small pressure cooker pot, I browned the chicken and onions in oil, then added all the ingredients. I cooked at full steam for 10 min, then turned off the heat and let it steam for another 15 min or so.

It was really good! The pressure pushed the seasonings into the meat, so there was no need to marinade.

**True Jerk is BBQ, so you would marinade overnight in the above mixture and cook slowly on your grill**

Yum! Sounds really good. Gonna try that recipe over the holidays!

Looks like all the planning is going well Bet you can't wait to go already

I love your Christmas decorations and how awesome are those advent calendars, where did you get them from?

Stefy, I am so ready to leave for WDW!

I defo need to take more photos of our disney decorations, but I just never seem to find the time or the camera!

I got the Mickey and Minnie calendar during our visit to Vienna, the other one is from DLRP. The large castle one is from the Christmas Store at WDW. They used to sell it last year and since it is thick cardboard I just close the windows after Christmas and keep it for next year.
The Christmas tree box one that is underneath, actually opens up and has 24 little drawers. We fill them every year with chocolate truffles. One per day! YUM!

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, what's new?

Most exciting news ........ we fell under the 2 month mark for our trip! Only 61 more days until we leave!

Yesterday we had a discussion if we should book the Wine Tasting Flying Fish dinner. We discussed back and forth, but in the end decided that we didn't want to be tied down with too many ADRs this time. We actually want to have some offsite meals as well, so I leave that one to include in my itinerary for summer maybe!

And yes, we have not even started a pre-trippie for our summer vacation yet, let alone done much planning and I am already looking into DCL prices for 2012.
Yesterday Tom and I sat down and had a look at 2012 cruises. We are torn between taking two 5 night cruises on the Dream. These would take us to our "usual" cruise destinations of Nassau and Castaway Cay and give us 4 days at Castaway Cay or ........

one 5 night cruise on the Dream, than a night at Cocoa Beach and another 7 nights on the Fantasy, doing a Caribbean cruise that includes St. Thomas, St. Maarten and only one visit to Castaway Cay.
Decisions, decisions, at least we have a lot more time to think about it, as I will only book any of those cruises during our stay on board the Dream in 2011.

And finally, since Yuki asked about it, here are some winter photos. They are not very good, but neither is winter. Maybe you have read that quite a few of our European airports are closed and railroad travelling takes a lot longer than usual, this is why!!!

This is in front of our school. There is an aweful lot of snow and I will be so happy when it is finally all gone again!

These are from our house! I am so sick of all the snow! It is going to get warmer soon ...... or at least that is what the weather report told us and I cannot wait for it all to be gone!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Oooh, I like the sound of the Fantasy Cruise. I'm thinking of sending my parents on a similar cruise in 2013.

You guys are BURIED in snow!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Oooh, I like the sound of the Fantasy Cruise. I'm thinking of sending my parents on a similar cruise in 2013.

You guys are BURIED in snow!!!

Yes, the "double" cruise on the Dream and Fantasy sounds like fun, but so far nothing is decided yet!

I could so do without the snow! February cannot come early enough.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Less than two months! You'll be there in no time! I'll just have to experience the warmer weather vicariously through your TR.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Wow! That is alot of snow! Reminds me of my Minnesota days as a kid.

We have heard about the crazy airport delays. I hope you stay warm! Looking forward to hearing about the Dream and Fantasy!

 

[Stefy]

Wow sounds like 2012 is going to be another awesome trip for you guys, the Dream and the Fantasy. Take me with you

 

[2princesses2princes]

Great pics Just pack some of that white stuff up and send it my way. Could you spare a foot or so? I love the snow, of course not on the roads as I have said before. But we got our first snowfall on Thanksgiving and we have had nothing but flurries since then, well ice of course causing our car problem. But for snow on the ground it's yucky right now, you can see the dirt and grass still with bits of white here and there. So much for a white Christmas.

We would love to take a Disney cruise. My hubby and I will be celebrating 10 years married in 2012 and we are thinking about doing something Disney related, but I just don't know if I could do it without the kiddos.

 

[that's nice]

Your cruise ideas sound wonderful! I hope to take Juliana on a disney cruise someday....

I wish we had some of that snow. We have had a total of 2 inches all year. We still have a dusting on our lawn but that's it. I think they are calling for a Christmas Day storm here.... stay tuned!