It's Going To Be A Jolly Olly Holiday In Disney PTR I've got one foot out the door!!

[creativeamanda]

Refresh my memory. . .when is your last day? It's all getting so close! I have 66 days, you have, what? 59 or something like that!

 

[nic100308]

Don't worry about it, you are a very busy woman and I am impressed and shocked at how much you do now!! LOL where do you find the energy?!?! Disney is getting close and it will be here before you know it!! Keep trucking along girl!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I have begun to accept that during the weekends you are just not accessible. You've got three kids going in three directions and you gotta keep up! We're here, whenever you find time for us

I think we may have a late night the night before AK breakfast too - should be interesting

LOL...you picked up on the fact that it is pretty much on the weekends that I'm MIA, huh!? Well, baseball is almost over, so that may give me a bit more weekend time...maybe!!! Yesterday he had a double-header and it was FREEZING! I sat at the game in my chair with my jacket on (the one that has his team emblem on it)! (I'm trying to get that good mom meter back up!!!) And, I needed winter gloves and kept a comforter on me the entire time!!! I can't handle it!!! Anyway, enough whining!!!! Thanks for sticking around!

We are doing the Christmas party the night before and will be getting back late. However, we will be at AKV by then and will only have a short ride to AK so we won't have to get up too extra early. We may leave the party a bit early like around 11ish so we don't have a big fight getting back to the resort and can be in bed by 12. LOL I'm trying to be in a good mood for you! I'm not even one of those "talk to me after I have my coffee" people. I don't drink it! So, no help there!!! Ha!

I'm sure everything will be great, it's disney after all I'd like to stay at POR someday so you'll have to let me know your verdict - take lots of photos too

We did our first carriage ride on our honeymoon last year, the one at fort wilderness - it was lovely I've always wanted to do one!

We've got breakfast booked for 10am at crystal palace, so hopefully we are gonna try and do rope drop too. Are you planning on being there for rope drop too?

I will definitely let you know! I will take sooo many pix!

We did the sleigh ride at WL a few years ago...now it's at FW too. That was really nice! Aww! We are fellow horse and carriage ride brides!!!! LOL see how we can all find something other than Disney in common!!??

We have breakfast at Ohana for I think 9:30ish (can't remember off the top of my head when each one is!!) Anyway, we will be (hopefully) at rope drop. Then, leave to go to the Poly as EMH ends. Then, we are coming back for a few hours. Maybe we can meet up after our breakfasts?? I know the EMH will be busy trying to get in as many rides as possible! We will be in breakfast until probably 11 and then ride the monorail back to MK. So, why don't we try to do something then??

We were originally scheduled to be at MK from rope drop until the end of MVMCP that day, but I decided that it's my birthday and I wanna spend it at my favorite park! So that's now our Epcot day! So we'll be at Epcot's rope drop and staying there until after our 4:30pm dinner at Chef's, then heading over to MK. (And looking for Jo and Ty and whoever else is around! )

I know...I saw that you had changed your plans a bit! We are leaving MK forthe rest of the day at around 2:30 or so. So, we will not be there the same hours.

Refresh my memory. . .when is your last day? It's all getting so close! I have 66 days, you have, what? 59 or something like that!

My last day is December 11th. I thought our trips were closeer together or even overlapped...but it looks like I will be gone before you even arrive!?? I only have 51 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is sooooo huge!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Don't worry about it, you are a very busy woman and I am impressed and shocked at how much you do now!! LOL where do you find the energy?!?! Disney is getting close and it will be here before you know it!! Keep trucking along girl!

Ummm. thanks for the compliment, but I'm not all that energetic!! LOL I like my sleeping and tv and just plain sitting and relaxing time! So, energy...don't know where to find it? If you find it...tell me where I can get it plaese!!!!
I can't believe how close it is getting! We are all going to be back writing our TR's in no time!!!! I am going to keep on keeping on! You guys on here are truely a HUGE help!

 

[exwdwcm]

Ummm. thanks for the compliment, but I'm not all that energetic!! LOL I like my sleeping and tv and just plain sitting and relaxing time! So, energy...don't know where to find it? If you find it...tell me where I can get it plaese!!!!
I can't believe how close it is getting! We are all going to be back writing our TR's in no time!!!! I am going to keep on keeping on! You guys on here are truely a HUGE help!

heck, we are all busy- i am just now hitting my stride and keeping my PTR somewhat updated. I don't know how you do it with 3 kids. so no worries there!!! we can be patient, okay, we will try anyways!

energy- when you find it, let me know!!! Maybe i need to go visit Ellen's energy adventure?

 

[JoJo1980]

We were originally scheduled to be at MK from rope drop until the end of MVMCP that day, but I decided that it's my birthday and I wanna spend it at my favorite park! So that's now our Epcot day! So we'll be at Epcot's rope drop and staying there until after our 4:30pm dinner at Chef's, then heading over to MK. (And looking for Jo and Ty and whoever else is around! )

Hope you'll be wearing your birthday badge!! Told you, just look for a heffalump - that'll be me

We did the sleigh ride at WL a few years ago...now it's at FW too. That was really nice! Aww! We are fellow horse and carriage ride brides!!!! LOL see how we can all find something other than Disney in common!!??

We have breakfast at Ohana for I think 9:30ish (can't remember off the top of my head when each one is!!) Anyway, we will be (hopefully) at rope drop. Then, leave to go to the Poly as EMH ends. Then, we are coming back for a few hours. Maybe we can meet up after our breakfasts?? I know the EMH will be busy trying to get in as many rides as possible! We will be in breakfast until probably 11 and then ride the monorail back to MK. So, why don't we try to do something then??

I'm considering booking the sleigh ride - is it worth the extra $$? That's if it's not already fully booked 'horse and carriage ride brides' now there's a mouth full

Oh heck, you know what - I totally didnt factor in EMH morning hours when i've been planning on going to rope drops there's no way we'll make it over there for that time will have to double check everything now

We can definately meet up with you after breakfast, that'll be perfect timing Let's get our planning caps on

 

[Elevationist]

Hope you'll be wearing your birthday badge!! Told you, just look for a heffalump - that'll be me

Oh, not to worry. DBF and I are hard to miss in a crowd, we don't exactly blend. Just look for the 6'0'' tall pasty-pale heffalump wearing Crocs and Minnie ears and a dopey sappy look on her face, on the arm of the 6'3'' tall dark-skinned East Indian dude looking totally bewildered.

Oh heck, you know what - I totally didnt factor in EMH morning hours when i've been planning on going to rope drops there's no way we'll make it over there for that time will have to double check everything now

Yep, 12/3 is an early EMH day at MK. That's why I had originally planned to make that our MK day, to take advantage of it. Now we're going on 12/2 instead (which works out better anyhow, since it's our first full day, and Ron wants to go to MK first), and will just be there for rope drop at the normal opening time.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

We are doing the Christmas party the night before and will be getting back late.

Oh, you're going to the Chirstmas Party? I thought you weren't doing that!

​

 

[dreamer423]

Ok...I finally had time to read your WHOLE PTR!!!!!

Some random comments:

Your family is beautiful! i love all the thoughtful surprises you have planned. You will love AKL. We've been there a few times and I love it. I have been lucky enough to have spent time in East Africa and gone on different safaris and seen amazing animals and great lodges. ANd aKL brings it all back. Really relaxed and foreign country-ish-even wih hordes of WDW tourists!

AKL just has a different flavor about it that truly reminds me a little of Africa. All the CM's are SO nice. There are lots of naturalist talks and they are all so proud of their countries. I hope you are able to enjoy some of the talks, camp fire stories, etc. while there.
A fun thing is the culinary tour @ Jiko in the afternoons.

Also-Love the POR boat to DTD. And don't forget a trip to POFQ for hot off the fryer beignets!

have you read the AKL threads? VERY LONG BUT TONS OF INFO. Sorry my chubby little fingers keep hitting the Caps button. LOL.

As for surprises...

Its our tradition to get new disney pj's for both of us each trip. Sometimes I prebuy @ Disney store and sometimes on Main Street.

Also-a disposable camera is a great trip gift. MArco gets drunk with photo power.

Love the cake! Thinking about one for MArco. he's really into star wars and pokemon. I've got time to order though.

One thing the younger kids might like...PIXIE DUST! Our tooth fairy parties in Marco's room and leaves tons of iridescent pixie dust (glitter) every where! He's almost 8 and still loves it. Of course I'm a bit of a tease and make sure now more than ever that there's a lot! But nothing can beat the first time he woke up dusted.

That's all I got for now.

 

[pmama]

We are arriving in the late evening too at 9:40 p.m. I'm thinking by the time we get to the resort we will not get in bed before midnight. Our breakfast ressies at Chef Mickeys are 10:50 and I'm worried that may be too early. I try to allow for 9-10 hour nights so that we do not have to take napping breaks. Can't wait to read your report and see if you actually get that all in.

 

[nic100308]

Ummm. thanks for the compliment, but I'm not all that energetic!! LOL I like my sleeping and tv and just plain sitting and relaxing time! So, energy...don't know where to find it? If you find it...tell me where I can get it plaese!!!!
I can't believe how close it is getting! We are all going to be back writing our TR's in no time!!!! I am going to keep on keeping on! You guys on here are truely a HUGE help!

Well you fooled me!! I just think that the way you're able to run around and do like a million things with three kids is pretty awesome. I guess you just kind of find a way when it's your kids? right? Anyway, good job, Mom, you deserve all the tv and couch time you want!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

heck, we are all busy- i am just now hitting my stride and keeping my PTR somewhat updated. I don't know how you do it with 3 kids. so no worries there!!! we can be patient, okay, we will try anyways!

energy- when you find it, let me know!!! Maybe i need to go visit Ellen's energy adventure?

Thanks...you are all so understanding!

I need to find a waterfall of energy...sort of like the fountain of youth!!!!

I'm considering booking the sleigh ride - is it worth the extra $$? That's if it's not already fully booked 'horse and carriage ride brides' now there's a mouth full

Oh heck, you know what - I totally didnt factor in EMH morning hours when i've been planning on going to rope drops there's no way we'll make it over there for that time will have to double check everything now

We can definately meet up with you after breakfast, that'll be perfect timing Let's get our planning caps on

Um.......the sleigh ride was a bit cheaper when we did it. I think the sleigh ride is no better than the carriage. If the sleigh were pulled through the snow and Bing Crosby rode with you and sang White Christmas while you rode, maybe??? LOL But, really the sleighs are fake...there are hidden wheels because they can't use sleighs through the dirt paths in Disney!! LOL

Yeah...EMH that day...hoping I can make it...not promising anything!

After breakfast sounds great! I will look at my plans and PM you.

Oh, you're going to the Chirstmas Party? I thought you weren't doing that!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Funny 007!!!! You know what you did and how you did it!!!!!

Ok...I finally had time to read your WHOLE PTR!!!!!

Some random comments:

Your family is beautiful! i love all the thoughtful surprises you have planned. You will love AKL. We've been there a few times and I love it. I have been lucky enough to have spent time in East Africa and gone on different safaris and seen amazing animals and great lodges. ANd aKL brings it all back. Really relaxed and foreign country-ish-even wih hordes of WDW tourists!

AKL just has a different flavor about it that truly reminds me a little of Africa. All the CM's are SO nice. There are lots of naturalist talks and they are all so proud of their countries. I hope you are able to enjoy some of the talks, camp fire stories, etc. while there.
A fun thing is the culinary tour @ Jiko in the afternoons.

Also-Love the POR boat to DTD. And don't forget a trip to POFQ for hot off the fryer beignets!

have you read the AKL threads? VERY LONG BUT TONS OF INFO. Sorry my chubby little fingers keep hitting the Caps button. LOL.

As for surprises...

Its our tradition to get new disney pj's for both of us each trip. Sometimes I prebuy @ Disney store and sometimes on Main Street.

Also-a disposable camera is a great trip gift. MArco gets drunk with photo power.

Love the cake! Thinking about one for MArco. he's really into star wars and pokemon. I've got time to order though.

One thing the younger kids might like...PIXIE DUST! Our tooth fairy parties in Marco's room and leaves tons of iridescent pixie dust (glitter) every where! He's almost 8 and still loves it. Of course I'm a bit of a tease and make sure now more than ever that there's a lot! But nothing can beat the first time he woke up dusted.

That's all I got for now.

Hi! Thanks for getting in here! I went over to look over your PTR and realized I was not subbed...I thought I was, but nope! So, I took care of that! LOL

Thanks! I am hoping the trip is a huge success and a ton of fun! I am so looking forward to AKL...I'll probably be awestruck! How lucky are you to have spent time in Africa going on real safaris??!! That is a dream of mine!

Listening to the talks and stories is a definite plan of mine while we are there.

We are going to DTD while at POR and will be taking the boat for sure! And, beignets????? You better believe they are on my list!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have read some of the AKL threads, but not a lot. I feel like I am running out of time!!!!

PJ's are a cute gift! And, the camera idea is great...I'd love to see the photos from their point of view!!! I just may do that! As for the cake...I am rethinking it...every time I get an e-mail from them, the price goes up!!!

We are arriving in the late evening too at 9:40 p.m. I'm thinking by the time we get to the resort we will not get in bed before midnight. Our breakfast ressies at Chef Mickeys are 10:50 and I'm worried that may be too early. I try to allow for 9-10 hour nights so that we do not have to take napping breaks. Can't wait to read your report and see if you actually get that all in.

Hmmmm.....you think it will be too early even with the kids knowing it's the first day in Disney? I am hoping for some Disney adrenaline! We won't sleep 10 hours I don't think. DH wanted time in the afternoons this time, so that's kind of why I did it this way. Normally, we did the parks all day with no breaks, like you are. I don't really know that we will nap during the breaks...maybe just relax or swim. But, like I said, I am making plans...they may or may not stick??? We'll see!!! The trip report will tell all!!!!!

Well you fooled me!! I just think that the way you're able to run around and do like a million things with three kids is pretty awesome. I guess you just kind of find a way when it's your kids? right? Anyway, good job, Mom, you deserve all the tv and couch time you want!!

Thanks! I guess I should rephrase it! I would run on total empty for the kids! It just takes it's toll on me every now and then and I have a lazy day here and there! But, absolutely you find a way when it's your kids! I guess I'm hoping some day when I'm old and frail, they return the favor!!! But, thanks so much!

 

[MEK]

It does seem like a ton! I better bring the RedBull huh?!! I may sleep on the carriage and in my dinner plate! But, the Ohana dinner is the one thing I am most attached to!

I want to experience a lot! I think POR will become a new favorite! But, going to AKL for the end will be hard to top I think!! I am looking forward to that boat though!!!

Day two will be up tomorrow or Tuesday! Stay tuned!

RedBull! Hah! Good idea! Just tell the kids, "When mom looks tired just pull a RedBull out of my bag". Looking forward to reading about day 2.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

RedBull! Hah! Good idea! Just tell the kids, "When mom looks tired just pull a RedBull out of my bag". Looking forward to reading about day 2.

Hmm... Redbull! Might be adding that to the Garden Grocer oder...

 

[Elevationist]

Hmm... Redbull! Might be adding that to the Garden Grocer oder...

My strategy is to suck down as much iced coffee as I can possibly get my hands on each day.

 

[nic100308]

Thanks! I guess I should rephrase it! I would run on total empty for the kids! It just takes it's toll on me every now and then and I have a lazy day here and there! But, absolutely you find a way when it's your kids! I guess I'm hoping some day when I'm old and frail, they return the favor!!! But, thanks so much!

LOL aren't kids also know as "the retirement plan" Our retirement plans are going to be very successful so they can fund Mommy and Daddy living in Celebration, FL!!

PS- I'm a huge fan of 5 hour energy. DH gets a ton of it from work and I already told him we're going to need like a case of it for Disney just in case.

 

[JoJo1980]

Um.......the sleigh ride was a bit cheaper when we did it. I think the sleigh ride is no better than the carriage. If the sleigh were pulled through the snow and Bing Crosby rode with you and sang White Christmas while you rode, maybe??? LOL But, really the sleighs are fake...there are hidden wheels because they can't use sleighs through the dirt paths in Disney!! LOL

Yeah...EMH that day...hoping I can make it...not promising anything!

After breakfast sounds great! I will look at my plans and PM you.

about the sleigh ride, I think i'll give that one a miss this year then

Don't think i'll be making the morning emh rope drop - not with all the other early mornings we've got going on, a girl needs her beauty sleep, especially this girl

OKey dokey, let me know and we can work something out

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Ok guys!!!! I know I was supposed to do my next itinerary update today, but I have to get this out on here and get some feedback!! I know my Disbuds can help! So, here goes:
(I have to give you a bit of background first)

As you all know, Poot started Kindergarten about a month and a half ago. Him and I did all the prep work needed to get into Kindergarten. He knew his ABC's, could rhyme, write his name (with the first letter uppercase and the rest lowercase), recognized the letters, knew several letter sounds, etc. Well, for some reason, by the second week of school I was getting a letter from the school that he needed remedial reading help. So, I called the teacher to see exactly what this meant. She said that he woulld be leaving the classroom for an hour every other day to work with a reading specialist. While I was concerned that he was going to be missing three hours each week to do this, I agreed because I want the best for my son. Now, the whole time I was still wondering exactly what the concern was. He did not read on his own, but the other two kids didn't either when they first started Kindergarten and they are both straight A students and have never had a problem. So, I didn't think that was it. Well, as it turns out, they thought he should be able to read and more importantly he was telling them that he didn't know what the letters were, etc.
So, I explained to the teacher that he did in fact know all of this because he does it at home. She said they had to do these supplements, but that I could also see where I could get at home. I agreed to work with him for a half hour every night to reinforce what they were doing in school. I felt like after this we were all on the same page and were going to work together. I asked her to keep me updated. She said that was fine and that he may need this class until the end of the school year. I figured he would be fine before that, but didn't tell her that.
Then, jump to the following week. Poot gets home from school and I sit down with him to do flash cards. I see this bruise on his neck. I asked him what it was and where it came from. He told me a girl in his class grabbed him there when they were walking to buses at the end of the day. I had him show me how she did it and he grabbed my throat pretty tight. So, the next morning the mark was still there. I called the school and left the message for his teacher about the whole incident. That afternoon when the kids got home, I asked Poot if the teacher spoke to him about it. He said yes she had.
Ok, so after explaining the background...jump to present! (Sorry this is so long...just a lot of background and it's kind of a big deal to me!!)
Friday the kids brought home their progress reports and Poot had several negative marks. The teacher said that he doesn't follow directions, he still doesn't know his alphabet, he doesn't recognize letters and that he doesn't stay on task. Justin and I were really shocked to see this. So, I called the school. Left a message for the teacher. She calls me back. I explain to her my surprise and again tell her that he does all of the things at home that she says he will not do in school. And, I bought him early reader books (they are like 8 pgs each) and he reads all 10 that came in the box on his own. She proceeds to tell me that the reason she said he does not recite the alphabet is because he says X Y and Z at the end and that in school they say X Y Z. As far as the recognition, she said he had to think about 9 of them. The direction following...we didn't touch too much on. I will give her that he is an active little boy and has a lot of energy. But, let's give him some time to adjust to Kindergarten! And, he leaves at 8:30 am and doesn't get home until 4:45 pm. That is a long day for a little boy to sit still.
Anyway, before we got off, I asked about the neck grabbing incident. She said that it was so long ago, she really didn't fully remember it, but that she knew when she asked Poot he didn't know the girls name. I asked her why she just dropped it there and didn't try any harder (like having him point the girl out). She said she didn't remember.
By the time I got off the phone, I was in tears! I mean full blown cry! I have made an appointment for Justin and I to speak with the guidance counselor on Friday morning. I was actually ready to go to conferences next month and tell her that I felt that he could stop going to the enrichment classes based on the improvement that he has shown. I guess she doesn't feel that he has made very many improvements. At this point, I don't know if I'm more upset about the progress report or the disregard of the neck thing?? And, REALLY X Y AND Z is that bad??? I honestly feel that she either does not like him or there is some sort of personality clash. He also told me a few weeks ago that they were learning feelings in school (happy, sad, grumpy...). I asked him who he knew that was like each feeling. When it came to grumpy, he said Mrs. Y. LOL Maybe she needs to retire??
Ok, so that's my situation. What am asking for is some good honest feedback! I don't want anyone to tiptoe around...please tell me exactly what you think. I know a couple of my Disbuds are teachers...I'd like to hear what you think as a teacher. Anyone else, I'd like to know what you would do in my position! Please help me with this one guys! Thanks a bunch!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I wish I could offer advise but I am neither a parent nor a teacher.

It really seems to me though that she is failing at her job. Telling you that he is not up to par with the class because he says X,Y and Z. Really? I don't see why that matters, he clearly knows his alphabet and that should be the important part, who freaking cares if he says and!

The neck grabbing, it seems as though she was being lazy/apathetic. She should have tried a bit harder to find out who the girl was who did that to him. That sort of behaviour should not be tolerated and needs to be dealt with or the kids won't learn and they will grow up and continue with the harmful behaviour.

So basically what I am saying is that I would be upset too if I was in your shoes.

 

[nic100308]

Erin, I can only imagine how hard this is for you. Honestly, the first thing I thought of when you said he knows his letters at home but will not recognize them in school was that he was either intimidated by the teacher. I learned how to read when I was in Kindergarten, and back then it was uncommon for kids that age to know how to read. However, by the time I was in first grade I was so afraid of my teacher that I was in the remedial reading group. And while math was always a struggle for me, reading and English never was. Before I knew it I was in reading classes, all because my teacher was so scary to me that I never wanted to read out loud and when she made me I would get so nervous that it sounded like I did not know how to read.

Is it possible to get him put in another class? I don't think that you are making a big deal out of this, and I cannot believe the teacher made light of the situation with the girl (another indication, maybe, that she makes him nervous. If she had approached it in a carrying and concerned matter then, I think maybe Poot would have pointed the girl out right away) I'm very surprised that she reacted this way. I am not a teacher but I have many friends that are and they say things like that are so serious. My one friend said she can't even help her little first graders button their overalls because if the parents take it the wrong way she is in a lot of trouble. I am so sorry that you have to deal with this, I know it must be really hard, but thinking back on my school days it just sounds so similar to how I was when I was young. My teachers were so much meaner though, my first grade teacher separated the room left side was the smart kids and the right side were the not so smart kids. Guess which side I was on. And she had no problem telling the students, at the age of 6, that that's how she split up the room. My second grade teacher would put you in a box if you didn't do your work in the specified amount of time. No kidding!! It was almost like those 3 sided poster boards and it would stand up on your desk. I was also put in the box every once in a while. As I got older I was less shy and did very well in school. By the time I was in Middle School and High School I was an honor roll student and I graduated college Cum Laude. But I had such a hard time in the beginning because I was so shy and I had these mean teachers that scared me. Third grade I started to turn around, that was my first nice teacher since Kindergarten.

Sorry to highjack for this story, but as I said Poot just reminded me of how I was. The poor thing is probably scare of his teacher, and not for nothing he can probably sense that she does not like him that much. I mean what teacher would just let some physical violence amongst her kids go like it was nothing. I don't have kids yet, but I think if I were in your situation I would look into getting him swtiched to another class, if possible.

Oh and PS she is totally overreacting about the x,y, AND z! Seriously!?!?!?