Jon and Kate Plus 8 official Thread, Part 2!!

[Jillpie]

Because of the direction the show is going, I think some people will find, as you have, that they relate less to the Gosselins. Not every family takes a trip to Hawaii, the Outer Banks, San Diego, Sesame Place, a Phillies game, NYC, etc. in a 9-month period. Especially in this economy.

You summarized that perfectly. I liked it so much more when they weren't given so many freebies. I know its fun for some to watch all these destination shows, but not so much for me. It didn't bug me until this baseball game, you just knew at every turn that they wanted to shower him with everything and it was kind of making me ill. It wasn't fun to watch. I hope it doesn't continue this way, I have loved watching them grow up.

 

[MichelleVW]

I think the pp was saying that those were huge meals. If you look at the plates that they get at home it is about half that amount of food and 4 year olds don't require an adult size portion. So, he could have gotten one meal for two kids especially since they all ate the same thing. But since he wasn't paying for it, he didn't.

Also, the gift shop scene was just embarrassing. It was like he was on a mission to get as much stuff as he could.

The Hawaii thing is just one more thing. This is why the show is becoming so unrelateable. How many people can afford 4 big vacations in the span of one year. This isn't reality tv anymore.

If he had made them split meals then the outcry would be, "omg can you believe he made the poor boys share meals!! I bet the chosen girls would have gotten a full meal" That just seems like something way too trivial to be concerned about.

They MAY or MAY NOT have gotten the stuff in the gift shop for free, I'm sure there are none of us that honestly know the answer to that. I'm not sure where the greed comes in, He got himself a shirt, he brought something home for the people that weren't there, that's what my family would have done. I guess the people that thought he was being excessive have never seen my DD17 at the counter in a Disney gift shop!

I guess the vacation thing doesn't bother me either because we do go on alot of vacations. Maybe not 4 big ones in a year, but I'm sure that people think that me going to Disney more than once a year is excessive and unrealistic.

No, I do not think they are perfect in every way, but I do enjoy the show...

 

[allison443]

Interesting speculation allison443..... My thoughts are mre along the lines of her having a little segment on a morning show, Rachel Ray or something like that.

Yes, I could definitely see that happening too!
Maybe J & K should hire you and me as their business consultants!

 

[mom2boys77]

My husband and I used to really love the show but lately it's just too much. I am not a jealous person but do they pay for anything themselves? I hate that they aren't really a "normal" family anymore.

 

[sha_lyn]

If he had made them split meals then the outcry would be, "omg can you believe he made the poor boys share meals!! I bet the chosen girls would have gotten a full meal" That just seems like something way too trivial to be concerned about.

They MAY or MAY NOT have gotten the stuff in the gift shop for free, I'm sure there are none of us that honestly know the answer to that. I'm not sure where the greed comes in, He got himself a shirt, he brought something home for the people that weren't there, that's what my family would have done. I guess the people that thought he was being excessive have never seen my DD17 at the counter in a Disney gift shop!

I guess the vacation thing doesn't bother me either because we do go on alot of vacations. Maybe not 4 big ones in a year, but I'm sure that people think that me going to Disney more than once a year is excessive and unrealistic.

No, I do not think they are perfect in every way, but I do enjoy the show...

LOL ITA with everything you said, especially what would have happened if he make the boys split meals.
As for the vacations...Reminds me of my cousin who couldn't believe we ent to WDW for a week at a time in 2000 and 2002. Of corse this is the same person who goes to the casinos (was Biloxi, don't know where they go now) every 6 weeks or so.

 

[madge]

As a twice a year WDW visitor this year, I don't necessarily have a lot of room to talk about the vacations .. except it's just a LOT to swallow at once. For the people that have been drawn to this family and their cute kids, struggling to get by financially or emotionally, whatever .. to have all these events happening in less than a year may be a lot to take. I've seen it asked more and more on mainstream forums.

These are this year's (through October) trips, as featured on the show.

~ Utah skiing trip

~ Crayola Factory

~ Thomas the Tank Engine

~ each child had their special day

~ Chicago, for the Oprah show

~ hair plugs (was that in this year, or was just the episode shown this year?)

~ Sesame Place

~ Outer Banks

~ Phillies game

~ NYC

~ Hawaii

~ San Diego

That's a lot. A lot of travel, a lot of filming, and just a lot. Some might say, and have said, it's too much. That's not for me to say .. although I can certainly agree with it. But it's a TV show. It's what Jon & Kate have chosen to do, and they have to live with the choices they're making. I hope, for the sake of the children, that they're considering the future - the future that's years and years from now. Not days or weeks.

 

[MichelleVW]

~ Crayola Factory

~ Thomas the Tank Engine

~ each child had their special day

~ Sesame Place


~ Phillies game

~ NYC

These things don't seem like "vacations" or out of the ordinary to me. They seem like every day occurances to me.

Local amusement parks don't seem like a big deal to me.

The Phillies game doesn't either, My family went to 2 or 3 Rangers game this year and we had amazing practically on the field seats and ate everything under the sun!!

I left NYC on there because I don't think it's very far from where they live.

I swear I'm not the "Gosselins can do no wrong" kind of person, but I don't think the things above are that big of a stretch for a normal family.

I'm trying to think of the things I've done so far this year.

Disney in March (and from North Dakota believe me the plane tickets were NOT cheap)

Went to a Basketball tournament that my DD was cheering at. Not glamorus, but still a trip.

Sent the kids to Grandma's for a week. (not glamous again, but still, plane tickets from ND are expensive).

Moved from North Dakota to Texas in August-freaking adventure

Disney in Sept for free dining

Flew DD17 to Ohio for the weekend so she could go to an Ohio State Football game.

Ohio for Christmas.

DH went to Vegas at least once this year, I'm trying to remember if he went again.

Also a few trips to the zoo, major leage baseball games, national and state parks, a couple of trips to the theater in Dallas for plays and the State Fair.

My girls also went to visit their Dad in NC and went to Boston, New York City, and 2 Jonas Brother's Concert's along the way.

I'm sure there are things I missed, but this may seem like a lot to some people, but to us it's normal. We are by no stretch of the imagination rich, we just like to travel and stay busy!!

 

[sdarwkcabemanmy]

[Moved from North Dakota to Texas in August-freaking adventure[/qote]

Don't ya just love it here? I am really HATING this weather right now but at least we're not buried up to our eyeballs in snow.

 

[leahjade]

wow, there seems to be a lot of jealousy on this thread! I think it would be hard for most of us to turn down free trips to Walt Disney World or Hawaii especially if there was no way we could afford them ourselves. Everyone has a choice to watch or not watch the show. I certainly don't agree with all their parenting decisions, but those are their own choices to make.

 

[Camster0307]

These things don't seem like "vacations" or out of the ordinary to me. They seem like every day occurances to me.

Local amusement parks don't seem like a big deal to me.

ITA!

The Phillies game doesn't either, My family went to 2 or 3 Rangers game this year and we had amazing practically on the field seats and ate everything under the sun!!

Same here - went to a Red Sox game and drove to NYC for a Yankee game.

I left NYC on there because I don't think it's very far from where they live.

I swear I'm not the "Gosselins can do no wrong" kind of person, but I don't think the things above are that big of a stretch for a normal family.

I'm trying to think of the things I've done so far this year.

Disney in March (and from North Dakota believe me the plane tickets were NOT cheap)

Disney in June and again in 10 days!

Went to a Basketball tournament that my DD was cheering at. Not glamorus, but still a trip.

Sent the kids to Grandma's for a week. (not glamous again, but still, plane tickets from ND are expensive).

Moved from North Dakota to Texas in August-freaking adventure

Disney in Sept for free dining

Flew DD17 to Ohio for the weekend so she could go to an Ohio State Football game.

Ohio for Christmas.

We frequently drive 4 hours to NJ to visit family. While there, we'll hit the Jersey shore or drive into NYC for the day.

DH went to Vegas at least once this year, I'm trying to remember if he went again.

Also a few trips to the zoo, major leage baseball games, national and state parks, a couple of trips to the theater in Dallas for plays and the State Fair.

My girls also went to visit their Dad in NC and went to Boston, New York City, and 2 Jonas Brother's Concert's along the way.

WooHoo - two Jonas Brothers concerts for us too!

I'm sure there are things I missed, but this may seem like a lot to some people, but to us it's normal. We are by no stretch of the imagination rich, we just like to travel and stay busy!!

Again, I totally agree with you. Our family likes to get up and go places, and we, too, are by no means wealthy! Just fortunate enough to have family that live in some good places!

I never, ever started watching this show because I felt I could "relate" to them. I just thought the kids were so darn cute. Felt that's why most people were watching. Again, I could never feel like I relate to anyone who is on tv - reality show or not!

 

[poshspice94]

that's what I thought! He let the kids have whatever they wanted at the ballgame, same with the ski episode (Happy Meals), etc.

Seriously ... if you're going to make broad statements about not letting your kids do something, at least pick something isn't on TV for all the world to see.

Hello. lurker here, just got back from Disney and already I wish I was there!

I just have to say, people have very different ideas about what they consider fast food. I remember the ski epi too, and I don't think Kate was aware Jon brought those Happy Meals to the kids. And I for sure do not feel that baseball food is considered fast food. Hot dogs and chicken fingers is my families staple, no matter how hard I try. I consider McDonald's and actual fast food places to be what Kate was referring to.

Alot of people try to pick apart Kates comments to call her out as a liar. But it really all depends on how you take what she says. Shes a great mom and I totally love her and the show.

 

[poshspice94]

I think that it's safe to assume that they probably were - if not for the reason that it was the feature of the episode, than because it was so obvious that the woman they were with (who is important in the Phillies management, help me out on who she is??) is SUCH a big fan of the show, and wanted them there... she did give them the personalized jerseys to wear. I think they got red carpet treatment. I'd say at the very least, the food was gratis. But you're right, Jon may have decided to splurge on the souvenirs at the shop/booth.

I just also have to quickly share for those that aren't aware, with those box seats, food is always included. Its usually in the room. But depending on the area there are places where you have to go get it and I guess this was the case.

I really personally love the destination outings. I do travel alot with my kids and we planned most of our summer doing the Gosselin Vacation. We went to Sesame Place and Hershey, and finally Dutch Wonderland. It was great advertising for these places, and I see nothing wrong with giving these cute kids a freebie day in order to boost up sales (this was of course BEFORE the market crash). People have such issues with the freebies. I say get as much as you can. People say they're not jealous, but then why hate on them when I know myself I would take every freebie I could for my kids? Granted they are not as relateable anymore. But no, your not going to see Kate staying home clipping coupons anymore. So in that case, what will you see if you want the episodes to be based more at home? Not much now with the kids being in school. So on that note they really have to have an idea of things to do while the kids are at home. Because with this family its dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. How may shows can they do of the kids being at home anymore you know??

 

[mla1977]

These things don't seem like "vacations" or out of the ordinary to me. They seem like every day occurances to me.

Local amusement parks don't seem like a big deal to me.

The Phillies game doesn't either, My family went to 2 or 3 Rangers game this year and we had amazing practically on the field seats and ate everything under the sun!!

I left NYC on there because I don't think it's very far from where they live.

I agree with you. I was thinking about what I've done in the past year. And I am a home body unless traveling.

2 Phillies games

1 Orioles game

San Diego

LA

DLR

WDW

Mohegan Sun

Hershey Park 2x

PA Ren Faire 2x

CT Ren Faire

Atlantic City

Renoir exhibit at Philly art museum

Longwood Gardens

Based on how people view the Gosslin adventures, I've had many vacations.

The only real vacations for me were San Diego/LA/DLR and WDW.

Hershey Park is a camping trip and less than 2 hours from home, so it isn't a vacation in my eyes.

The rest were events that may or may not have taken the whole day, but were certainly worth it and fun for me.

 

[madge]

I just have to say, people have very different ideas about what they consider fast food. I remember the ski epi too, and I don't think Kate was aware Jon brought those Happy Meals to the kids. And I for sure do not feel that baseball food is considered fast food. Hot dogs and chicken fingers is my families staple, no matter how hard I try. I consider McDonald's and actual fast food places to be what Kate was referring to.

Alot of people try to pick apart Kates comments to call her out as a liar. But it really all depends on how you take what she says. Shes a great mom and I totally love her and the show.

fried chicken fingers & fries are fast food, no matter where they come from, IMO.

I don't care what she feeds the kids. My kids have a fast food meal once a week, and I'm not afraid to say it. LOL. But she claims her kids don't like fast food and then they're shown eating it. Can't have it both ways.

 

[madge]

I'm sure there are things I missed, but this may seem like a lot to some people, but to us it's normal. We are by no stretch of the imagination rich, we just like to travel and stay busy!!

I can certainly see your side point - my family likes to go and do as well. We've had a slower year, thanks to DH work schedule. But, we've always been like that.

I know that it's a double standard, when I make a point about what the Gosselins have done this year. But I think there's a difference in what your family, or mine, or any other poster on this thread does with their family. And as I'm typing this, I'm realizing that maybe there isn't. I guess we all work for our trips & outings - we just do it in different ways, whether it is as an engineer, doctor, clerk at Target, or TV personality.

It's just a lot - when you see the amount of shows that have been filmed this year alone.

I don't even think I made a coherent point. I apologize. LOLOL.

 

[sha_lyn]

Hello. lurker here, just got back from Disney and already I wish I was there!

I just have to say, people have very different ideas about what they consider fast food. I remember the ski epi too, and I don't think Kate was aware Jon brought those Happy Meals to the kids. And I for sure do not feel that baseball food is considered fast food. Hot dogs and chicken fingers is my families staple, no matter how hard I try. I consider McDonald's and actual fast food places to be what Kate was referring to.

Alot of people try to pick apart Kates comments to call her out as a liar. But it really all depends on how you take what she says. Shes a great mom and I totally love her and the show.

ITA...way back in this thread there were a lot of snarky remarks about the kids eating chick-fil-a. Since we avoid artificial food dyes and try to avoid other artificial additives I know that Chick-fil-a isn't usually lumped together with Mcd's and other FF food places by those who try to avoid FF, artificial "stuff" etc.

Now a Ball park food stand, sure I would consider it fast food, but ghee some people act like if they tr to avoid FF most of the time that they are hypocrites and liars for ever allow it

I just also have to quickly share for those that aren't aware, with those box seats, food is always included. Its usually in the room. But depending on the area there are places where you have to go get it and I guess this was the case.

I really personally love the destination outings. I do travel alot with my kids and we planned most of our summer doing the Gosselin Vacation. We went to Sesame Place and Hershey, and finally Dutch Wonderland. It was great advertising for these places, and I see nothing wrong with giving these cute kids a freebie day in order to boost up sales (this was of course BEFORE the market crash). People have such issues with the freebies. I say get as much as you can. People say they're not jealous, but then why hate on them when I know myself I would take every freebie I could for my kids? Granted they are not as relateable anymore. But no, your not going to see Kate staying home clipping coupons anymore. So in that case, what will you see if you want the episodes to be based more at home? Not much now with the kids being in school. So on that note they really have to have an idea of things to do while the kids are at home. Because with this family its dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. How may shows can they do of the kids being at home anymore you know??

ITA again...and thanks for pointing out that the food for the boxes if usually free no matter who is in the box.
I also agree about the "freebies". I've asked before would the complainers be happier if places like Hershey Park paid for a commercial spot then the $$ go directly to J&K. I see nothing wrong with bartering. I also read somewhere that product placement is becoming very popular because of DVRs. People aren't watching commercials like they used to, so advertisers are being creative in the ways they advertise their products. It is a win-win for both the company comping the trips and the Gosselins.

 

[sha_lyn]

I can certainly see your side point - my family likes to go and do as well. We've had a slower year, thanks to DH work schedule. But, we've always been like that.

I know that it's a double standard, when I make a point about what the Gosselins have done this year. But I think there's a difference in what your family, or mine, or any other poster on this thread does with their family. And as I'm typing this, I'm realizing that maybe there isn't. I guess we all work for our trips & outings - we just do it in different ways, whether it is as an engineer, doctor, clerk at Target, or TV personality.
It's just a lot - when you see the amount of shows that have been filmed this year alone.

I don't even think I made a coherent point. I apologize. LOLOL.

That is the point I've been trying to make for a long time and sort of touch on in the post that I was working on when you posted this. Advertisers want to reach the J&K audience. By giving them free visits the advertisers are just avoiding the "middle man"

 

[madge]

ITA...way back in this thread there were a lot of snarky remarks about the kids eating chick-fil-a. Since we avoid artificial food dyes and try to avoid other artificial additives I know that Chick-fil-a isn't usually lumped together with Mcd's and other FF food places by those who try to avoid FF, artificial "stuff" etc.

but Chick-Fil-A is absolutely fast food. It's yummy deliciousness ... but it's fast food.

Now a Ball park food stand, sure I would consider it fast food, but ghee some people act like if they tr to avoid FF most of the time that they are hypocrites and liars for ever allow it

"most people" aren't Kate Gosselin lying on national TV.

Those kids eat and enjoy fast food. We've all seen it. We have. A french fry or chicken finger, fried in grease, no matter where it comes from is fast food!

Now, the question posed to Kate is: "Is it true, you don't take them to fast food restaurants?" And Kate says it's absolutely true. That may be technically true. Those kids may not set foot into fast food restaurants. And she also goes on to say they've only stopped twice for food and both of those times the kids gave them the food back and said they didn't like it. It is possible they had a bad batch of fries each time.

But, it would have been far more realistic and respectable (IMO) for Kate to say, we do enjoy a good burger or fries or whatever every now and then, who doesn't? KWIM? She sat there and went right along with the whole "innocent little bodies" concept like they've never had fast food before? C'mon. It just perpetuates the snobby attitude that some of us feels Kate has when it comes to food. Like she's somehow better than us.

 

[sha_lyn]

I agree with you. I was thinking about what I've done in the past year. And I am a home body unless traveling.

2 Phillies games

1 Orioles game

San Diego

LA

DLR

WDW

Mohegan Sun

Hershey Park 2x

PA Ren Faire 2x

CT Ren Faire

Atlantic City

Renoir exhibit at Philly art museum

Longwood Gardens

Based on how people view the Gosslin adventures, I've had many vacations.

The only real vacations for me were San Diego/LA/DLR and WDW.

Hershey Park is a camping trip and less than 2 hours from home, so it isn't a vacation in my eyes.

The rest were events that may or may not have taken the whole day, but were certainly worth it and fun for me.

ITA...maybe it is just because we homeschool, but we do several day trips/fieldtrips a month and we travel over night 2-3 times a yr, more if the kids are competing in martial arts. If we are traveling for martial arts, we always work in local attractions.

 

[Seahunt]

He let the kids have whatever they wanted at the ballgame, same with the ski episode (Happy Meals), etc.

He so reminds me of a guy I used to work with This guy's wife was almost strictly completely 100% health foods, and he seemed to go along with her and talked the talk. But when we ordered in at lunchtimes at work, look out! Pizza, burgers, subs, etc., it was all fair game to him then. And when he watched their son, there was usually a stop at McDonalds with a "don't tell Mommy" included

BTW, just to compare shows and "gifts", I think the Roloff's have received much in the way of travel and items also. Guess it kind of goes with the (TV) territory.