Hey Mom, Do I get to be the line leader again? A PTR (My TR has started! - 6/1)

[brandip22]

Hey Megan! I found your TR through Mary's and wanted to say hello! I am also in South La- Watson, which is just North of Denham Springs. We are going the same dates. I also teach- Kindergarten in Baton Rouge. And, I'm leaving right when we get out that same Friday. We are also planning on driving as far as possible, spending the night somewhere, then getting back up. However, you have an advantage in that you are a tiny bit closer. My school also does not get out until 4:30, so I won't be home and ready to go until about 6- that puts us back a little. I've started a PTR as well if you want to check it out. I have 2 boys, too! A DS who is 7 and one who is 17 months! Our older one is also the one who is a bit more cautious for rides. The baby hasn't been able to experience it yet of course, but I can tell you now that he is my dare-devil- pure badness! Anyway, just wanted to intro myself! Oh, and we also own at DVC and are currently booked at AKV- Jambo, but may switch to Kidani. Have a great weekend before school starts back!

 

[Brave teacher]

Hi Brandi! Thanks for hopping over to read! It's amazing how many teachers there are on here! So much in common too! We may have to meet up one day at eith Jambo or Kidani - maybe a pool time one day. 4:30!!!!! I think I would die if we got out at that time. Please tell me yall take in at 9:30 though. If so, I may be able to handle that. Kindergarten woud be a tough age for me. I am so used to my students being so self-sufficient and understanding so much already, but I am sure you're probably thinking you couldn't handle those high school kids.

It was so nice of you to pop on over here. I'll have to go check out your PTR soon.

 

[Brave teacher]

I hope everyone had a fabulous day of shopping and/or decorating. We got all of our shopping for the boys done before Christmas, so there was really nothing special I needed to go get. My mom, however, wanted to get Cooper a Leapster for Christmas. She saw that Best Buy was selling a Star Wars themed one, and she wanted him to have it. BUT....I was not about to allow my mom to go through all of that traffic to go get a game system, so I went out and got it for her. She paid me bakc this evening though. While out, I helped Madeline buy her gifts for the boys and bought the gifts for them from my brother. While I was out, I noticed that Guess Who Extra was on sale for $15, so I got one for my godchild.

This evening, we went back to my parents' house for gumbo and potato salad. My mom has always made gumbo with the leftover turkey. It is everyone's second favorite meal of the year - gumbo, potato salad, crawfish cornbread, and french bread. YUMMY!!!!

Oh, bonus for me. My mom gave me $100 for my birthday while I was there tonight, so I am going get a few shirts for me at Old Navy tomorrow.

I'll try to post an update tomorrow sometime.

Anyone else put up their Christams tree? Mine is up today! BTW, thanks for helping Bryan with the lights on the tree tonight Randy.

 

[Brave teacher]

Another TR update as I promised...

The next morning, my alarm was set bright and early for 6AM. I woke up and got myself ready again before waking up Bryan and the boys. Once everyone was dressed, the boys again asked to eat breakfast on the balcony to watch the animals before we left. We headed down to the bus stop around 8:10 or 8:15, and the bus pulled up right as we walked up.

We pulled up to Epcot right around 8:30. Get this though. There was no one at the bus stops, but our driver dropped us off in the middle of the parking lot. Strange!

The plan for today? Soarin and Test Track using Child Swap. Plus, the boys wanted to try Figment for the first time. I also wanted to bring the boys into Innoventions for something new for them to explore. Sam loves Spaceship Earth, so we had plans for this again.

After we walked across the parking lot, I immediately felt the urge to go to the bathroom. Bryan wasn’t to thrilled about a potty break so soon, but who cares. When you gotta go, ya gotta go!

After the potty break, we see it finally – Spaceship Earth!

Bryan, Randy, and another friend are putting the lights on the house right now. I'll be sure to post pictures when everything is done.

 

[Brave teacher]

BTW, I just noticed that in the picture of Cooper and I you can see our bus parked in the middle of the parking lot.

 

[MaryAz]

Looks like a fun Epcot morning. Can't wait to see the lights!!

 

[Brave teacher]

Looks like a fun Epcot morning. Can't wait to see the lights!!

It really was a fun morning! I look forward to sharing the rest of it with you all. The light pictures will have to wait. We have a couple of things that need replacement lights and the inflatable Mickey does not stay inflated. I'm bringing it back to Home Depot to exchange since I just got it today.

 

[brandip22]

Hi Brandi! Thanks for hopping over to read! It's amazing how many teachers there are on here! So much in common too! We may have to meet up one day at eith Jambo or Kidani - maybe a pool time one day. 4:30!!!!! I think I would die if we got out at that time. Please tell me yall take in at 9:30 though. If so, I may be able to handle that. Kindergarten woud be a tough age for me. I am so used to my students being so self-sufficient and understanding so much already, but I am sure you're probably thinking you couldn't handle those high school kids.

It was so nice of you to pop on over here. I'll have to go check out your PTR soon.

It really was a fun morning! I look forward to sharing the rest of it with you all. The light pictures will have to wait. We have a couple of things that need replacement lights and the inflatable Mickey does not stay inflated. I'm bringing it back to Home Depot to exchange since I just got it today.

Nope, we actually start at 8:15, but most of my kids are there by 7:50. It's a school that was almost taken over by the state. So, we are all new staff and trying to turn it around. For some reason, "they" thought it'd be better to have the kids there longer. I think it's stupid. Esp since the Ks don't even get a nap time. We also only get one 10 minute recess. For 5 year olds! I can't stand that- they are crazy by the end of the day. I have several major behavioral issues and by 4:30, they are climbing the walls. I figure if I can just make it through this year, I can get to a better school. I would actually love to work in High School. That was my preference, but I was worried it'd be harder to get a job with just one subject. Many more positions to hope for when I can do PreK-3. After this year, I'll be fully certified, so I plan on adding on some certifications then, including middle and/or High School English. Maybe Business as well since I was a bank manager for so long. We'll see. I can't wait to see your lights! We got everything BUT our lights up over these past few days. Not sure if DH is going to put the lights up this year

 

[leamom2princesses]

It really was a fun morning! I look forward to sharing the rest of it with you all. The light pictures will have to wait. We have a couple of things that need replacement lights and the inflatable Mickey does not stay inflated. I'm bringing it back to Home Depot to exchange since I just got it today.

Great EPCOT update Megan! We bought the Mickey inflatable from Home Depot at the end of the season two seasons ago for 75% off. We tried to inflate it last year and he wouldn't stand up. Hope you find one that inflates-I'd love to see pictures! I opted for the Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy lighted pathway markers this year.

 

[Brave teacher]

Well, we just went ahead and returned the inflatable. The cashier told me when I walked up that she knew what I was doing because I was the sixth person so far today to bring that inflatable back to the store. We'll find something else eventually I guess.

Also, it's back to school again tomorrow. At least it is only for 3 weeks...

 

[Brave teacher]

Nope, we actually start at 8:15, but most of my kids are there by 7:50. It's a school that was almost taken over by the state. So, we are all new staff and trying to turn it around. For some reason, "they" thought it'd be better to have the kids there longer. I think it's stupid. Esp since the Ks don't even get a nap time. We also only get one 10 minute recess. For 5 year olds! I can't stand that- they are crazy by the end of the day. I have several major behavioral issues and by 4:30, they are climbing the walls. I figure if I can just make it through this year, I can get to a better school. I would actually love to work in High School. That was my preference, but I was worried it'd be harder to get a job with just one subject. Many more positions to hope for when I can do PreK-3. After this year, I'll be fully certified, so I plan on adding on some certifications then, including middle and/or High School English. Maybe Business as well since I was a bank manager for so long. We'll see. I can't wait to see your lights! We got everything BUT our lights up over these past few days. Not sure if DH is going to put the lights up this year

I understand the reasoning behind having them go to school longer. However, it is exhausting for the faculty and the students.

 

[Brave teacher]

Great EPCOT update Megan! We bought the Mickey inflatable from Home Depot at the end of the season two seasons ago for 75% off. We tried to inflate it last year and he wouldn't stand up. Hope you find one that inflates-I'd love to see pictures! I opted for the Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy lighted pathway markers this year.

Where did you find the pathway markers? I'd love to see them! I'm keeping my eyes peeled for something else for the yard this year. I did find a Mickey & Minnie Mouse Claus at Wal Mart for $20 each. They are on either side of my fireplace. I'll have to take a picture of them when I am finished decorating.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Where did you find the pathway markers? I'd love to see them! I'm keeping my eyes peeled for something else for the yard this year. I did find a Mickey & Minnie Mouse Claus at Wal Mart for $20 each. They are on either side of my fireplace. I'll have to take a picture of them when I am finished decorating.

I found the pathway markers at Kmart about a week ago. They also had a cool Mickey & Minnie seesaw inflatable and another with seesaw inflatable with Pooh and Tigger. They had the Mickey and Minnie one inflated. It is really cute the characters go up and down. Took everything I had not to buy it....

 

[Coach81]

So happy to help with the Trahan Christmas this year! I had a little more free time this year with the wife and kids out in Texas..

Nice Update.. love the water fans!!! I also really like the picture of you and Cooper. He is such a trip! Look for Alisa and I to get the Mickey & Minnie Christmas Characters that you have next to your fireplace very soon!

So excited.. only 3 weeks left until Christmas break.. it will be one of the most memorable ones we've ever had!!!

 

[MMitchell29]

I found the pathway markers at Kmart about a week ago. They also had a cool Mickey & Minnie seesaw inflatable and another with seesaw inflatable with Pooh and Tigger. They had the Mickey and Minnie one inflated. It is really cute the characters go up and down. Took everything I had not to buy it....

I seen the mickey and minnie seesaw at Kmart also but i'm trying to hold out for when they go half off. if they have any left. right now they are 99.00

 

[MMitchell29]

Hey teacher how was the first day back at work? were all your co-workers 5lbs heavier? LOL

 

[Brave teacher]

I found the pathway markers at Kmart about a week ago. They also had a cool Mickey & Minnie seesaw inflatable and another with seesaw inflatable with Pooh and Tigger. They had the Mickey and Minnie one inflated. It is really cute the characters go up and down. Took everything I had not to buy it....

Thanks Leanne! I'll have to go check out Kmart now.

 

[Brave teacher]

So happy to help with the Trahan Christmas this year! I had a little more free time this year with the wife and kids out in Texas..

Nice Update.. love the water fans!!! I also really like the picture of you and Cooper. He is such a trip! Look for Alisa and I to get the Mickey & Minnie Christmas Characters that you have next to your fireplace very soon!

So excited.. only 3 weeks left until Christmas break.. it will be one of the most memorable ones we've ever had!!!

I knew yall would be heading to Wal Mart pretty soon. LOL! I look forward to hearing about the Christmas trip. Bryan was saying he wouldn't mind doing something like that one day. I think we would have to wait a few years though. I don't think either boy would be cool right now about going to WDW right now and NOT spending every moment they want visiting attractions. Maybe one day...

 

[Brave teacher]

I seen the mickey and minnie seesaw at Kmart also but i'm trying to hold out for when they go half off. if they have any left. right now they are 99.00

Hey teacher how was the first day back at work? were all your co-workers 5lbs heavier? LOL

We may end up holding off till after Christmas in hopes of getting something on sale.

School was fine. No one looked noticeably heavier. HAHA!

 

[Brave teacher]

I wanted to get in a quick update before the game starts.

As we walked up to Epcot, Bryan took the boys while I went through bag check. We got in line at one of the turnstiles and waited for the CMs to let us through to the rope.

We get through and line up on the Test Track side. The plan? Ride Test Track using the kid swap, Figment, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, and some time in Innoventions.

The rope drops, and we head in the less crowded direction. Bryan went ahead first with Sam. I still laugh about the first time Bryan rode TT. It was only this past February. Sam and I were the ones who always went on it, and Sam asked Bryan to ride with him over Mardi Gras. After sitting in front of the attraction and listening to the cars zoom past. You would think one would assume it is going pretty fast. Bryan got off after his first ride on TT and asked me why I didn’t tell him it went so fast. I don’t get it. I thought he had figured that out on his own. Oh well.

Anyway, I had let Bryan and Sam walk ahead of Cooper and I. We took our time getting over there, walking through MouseGears, checking out the TT gift shop, looking at the cars. Eventually they came out. Sam said he didn’t want to ride again, so I hopped into the single riders line with a post wait of 10 minutes. It was pretty accurate. I was in and out of there. Bryan said it’s pretty sad I know where the camera is. I say – how does he NOT know where it is?

I come out expecting to see Bryan and the boys waiting in the showroom, gift shop, or on the benches outside. Are they there? Nope! I figured they must be in Mousegears then. I went through the back door by TT and walked through. Did I find them? Nope! I figured maybe I should check out the fountain since the boys love it. There? Nope! I walked back towards TT through the breezeway this time and looked around the showroom, gift shop, benches, and front again. STILL NOT THERE!!!! I took another walk through MouseGears and still they were nowhere to be found. I head out the back door by TT again, and there they are sitting. Bryan said I must have been bypassing him in Mousegears because he said they were in there the WHOLE TIME!

He decided that the boys NEEDED to get Mickey lightsabers. Whatever. While sitting there for the 5 minutes waiting for me, a squirrel decided to make friends with the boys.

Next, Figment!