PTR JULY 2012: I talked my way into another Disney Day! 6-30

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

YAY FOR DISNEY PLANNING!!!! I can't wait for those things on your list too

 

[mgsmom]

More planning! Yay! I'm trying reeeeeaaalllllly hard to "under plan" our trip in July, so I'm depending on you to give me my fix! I think I'm going to sink my teeth into creating my own window clings for the room... that will kill some time

I hear you about testing. We just finished HSAP (they have to pass to graduate) last week, but it went pretty well. We have a break until EOCs (end of course - state tests) start - luckily the Algebras get to go first this year! That means I'll be done about a week before school's out! Hello to cleaning out cabinets!

Any soccer updates? Planning updates? Cruise updates?

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I am sure you are exhausted with all that testing Debby! Luckily, we have a year "off" - Ashley being a senior did not have to deal with it and Kyle is in 9th grade so they both got nailed last year. Of course, AP exams are looming which has Ashley nervous!

Good luck to the girls with tryouts!

We need to get busy planning our Dismeets!

July is coming fast!

We do need to get busy with the July meet!

What a nice year for the kids to not test; your son will have a repeat again next year. Unfortunately, he meet be looking at Keystones his junior year. I am unsure whether that is good or bad.

We are exhausted schoolwise, too. We just finished statewide testing and have three weeks to go. It will be an exercise in crowd control.

Isn't it exciting about Starbucks? I can't wait to see where it is going in each park and how it will be themed. Exciting! Exciting!

Three weeks! Yay! how exciting! We have the month of May and one week in June, so we are close too.

It will be nice to be able to get real coffee! The theming ideas I've heard so far sound subdued and cool!

Webmaster Alex is his name, I believe.

Our testing just started yesterday, but I was happily at the zoo yesterday with 136 second-graders instead of in the midst of the testing. I know he'll move me back to 3rd eventually, but it is sure nice having the break from the stress for a few years.

I'm sure the girls will do well in their soccer pursuits.

Jackie is so right about crowd control for the rest of the year. The kids are feeling summer right now, and they are ready to greet it!

Thanks Memom!

I'm glad you have a break from testing! Maybe you can enjoy the 2nd graders a couple more years before he moves you!

Our weather was briefly nice, but has moved back to spring. This is a huge help with student behavior!

This must be a crazy time of year for you Good thing you have a trip to look forward too You know there is one person in our house that was jumping around with your news of Starbucks...I had a hard time getting in that it wouldn't be there in May but for sure on our next trip!

I'm looking forward to the sandcastle!

The sandcastle looks beautiful! I can't wait to hear your reports for it. Tell Jas I am so sorry that her coffee won't be there for her in May. Just another reason to book another trip. hehe

I am experiencing the same craziness with my kids at school too. They have been out of control lately. I just can't believe I have to make it until June 12th. We all just want time to go faster. . Disney will be here before we know it.

Our weather has really helped keep our kids in check! Mid-May gets to be very difficult for us. The seniors are wrapping up, so the juniors want to check out too.

YAY FOR DISNEY PLANNING!!!! I can't wait for those things on your list too

You can pop right over to see the sandcastle the first night! Lucky you!

More planning! Yay! I'm trying reeeeeaaalllllly hard to "under plan" our trip in July, so I'm depending on you to give me my fix! I think I'm going to sink my teeth into creating my own window clings for the room... that will kill some time

I hear you about testing. We just finished HSAP (they have to pass to graduate) last week, but it went pretty well. We have a break until EOCs (end of course - state tests) start - luckily the Algebras get to go first this year! That means I'll be done about a week before school's out! Hello to cleaning out cabinets!

Any soccer updates? Planning updates? Cruise updates?

I am not intentionally underplanning, but I am very struggling with making decisions!!!

How exciting that you get to go first this year! My senior teacher colleagues get to do a ton of reading the last week of school. They hang out in each others room and have a coffee talking of sorting. I am always so jealous as I am pushing my juniors to finish strong. Of course, since I am going on the cruise June 10, my girlfriend told me I don't get to be jealous this year.

Soccer. UGH. the stress. The first tryouts happened. There were 47 girls for 36 slots. The coach told me that Hannah cried twice during tryouts. When I talked to her about it, she said that she doesn't want to be cut. Emma is a more consistent player and I don't think she is worried. Their coach told me that going into tryouts that he wasn't concerned about them making their team. Now, it is really about those who are coming out. Unfortunately, a fair amount of "club shopping" happens and our club is a desirable one. It boils down to numbers.

We have a backup club for them to play for if they are cut, but she doesn't want to play for that club. It sucks that at 10 they have to even go through this type of competition. There are two more tryouts, and we won't know anything for 2 more weeks.

Meanwhile, they team won again today. SO, they are 2-0 for the spring season.

 

[mgsmom]

I am not intentionally underplanning, but I am very struggling with making decisions!!!

How exciting that you get to go first this year! My senior teacher colleagues get to do a ton of reading the last week of school. They hang out in each others room and have a coffee talking of sorting. I am always so jealous as I am pushing my juniors to finish strong. Of course, since I am going on the cruise June 10, my girlfriend told me I don't get to be jealous this year.

Soccer. UGH. the stress. The first tryouts happened. There were 47 girls for 36 slots. The coach told me that Hannah cried twice during tryouts. When I talked to her about it, she said that she doesn't want to be cut. Emma is a more consistent player and I don't think she is worried. Their coach told me that going into tryouts that he wasn't concerned about them making their team. Now, it is really about those who are coming out. Unfortunately, a fair amount of "club shopping" happens and our club is a desirable one. It boils down to numbers.

We have a backup club for them to play for if they are cut, but she doesn't want to play for that club. It sucks that at 10 they have to even go through this type of competition. There are two more tryouts, and we won't know anything for 2 more weeks.

Meanwhile, they team won again today. SO, they are 2-0 for the spring season.

Oh, I hope you didn't think I was calling you an under-planner! Although, I do miss you doing the dining plan - I eat vicariously through your family!

Sounds like there is a lot of soccer pressure! Does it make it harder that they are in it together? Like, do they feel like the both have to make it? My sister and I were lucky enough to have entirely different interests, so it was never an issue. She was music, band, theater. I was gymnastics, cheerleading, student council. Although our boyfriends were apparently similar - we did quite a few double-dates! We weren't twins, but only two school grades apart. I can imagine how it would have been difficult to be competing in the same activities. Of course, it would have also been nice to have that in common...

 

[tinkerbell60]

Hang in there with the soccer, although that has to be stressful. I agree - it is too bad they have this much stress at their age.

I thought I had read that the Keystone exams were put on hold due to the budget - I remember reading that because I think Kyle will not have to take them. They take the PSAT every year and do not have the PSSAs again until 11th.............along with the SATs.

 

[newtexan]

too much soccer stress for me

our little league baseball has two teams that are just gung-ho over the top competitive while the rest are trying to teach these 6yr olds how to play, it makes us dislike those game days a lot

July is creeping up on us! I'm ready to think about packing.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Oh, I hope you didn't think I was calling you an under-planner!

Because that would offend me... I wear that badge proudly! (although, someone might think I am not worthy of it as of late.)


Although, I do miss you doing the dining plan - I eat vicariously through your family!

We will still eat at plenty of restaurants!! We will just share meals instead.

Sounds like there is a lot of soccer pressure! Does it make it harder that they are in it together? Like, do they feel like the both have to make it? My sister and I were lucky enough to have entirely different interests, so it was never an issue. She was music, band, theater. I was gymnastics, cheerleading, student council. Although our boyfriends were apparently similar - we did quite a few double-dates! We weren't twins, but only two school grades apart. I can imagine how it would have been difficult to be competing in the same activities. Of course, it would have also been nice to have that in common...

Hannah did ask about Emma being selected over her. I think/ hope that the club sees them as a set...BOGO.

Driving home from their game Sunday (they won Sat and lost Sun), their friend mentioned something that made Gregg and I turn our heads. Apparently, when Hannah cried at tryouts, the guy in charge of the U9 to U12asked her why she was crying. She told him she was afraid that she wouldn't make a team. He told her that she would make a team. He isn't one to appease, so hopefully, he was speaking honestly... Gregg and I were both like "Really, you couldn't have told us this before?"

2nd tryouts are tomorrow. Final tryouts are Monday.

Hang in there with the soccer, although that has to be stressful. I agree - it is too bad they have this much stress at their age.

I thought I had read that the Keystone exams were put on hold due to the budget - I remember reading that because I think Kyle will not have to take them. They take the PSAT every year and do not have the PSSAs again until 11th.............along with the SATs.

I read that The Keystone Exams were on hold for this year... the PSSAs are supposed to take place for 2012-2013 and just in time for Kyle, they should be ready for AYP in 2013-2014. However, who knows... it might be at a district's discretion, or maybe delayed further...

Regardless of the soccer outcome, we have a plan. It does stink that this club is so competitive. At the same time, it is another life lesson. My girls are very blessed with many talents. They have little adversity to overcome - which is what I would like. However, at some point, they will have to face it. (Praying it isn't now, though...)

too much soccer stress for me

our little league baseball has two teams that are just gung-ho over the top competitive while the rest are trying to teach these 6yr olds how to play, it makes us dislike those game days a lot

July is creeping up on us! I'm ready to think about packing.

There's a great sign about little boys playing baseball being little boys. Have you seen it? If not, I can post it here. Sorry that you have those parents; it's tough to face that and ensure the kids have fun!

I need to get busy planning!!! (Then, I can get out the suitcase. )

I have friends flying out in the AM to stay at the BC for the week!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Let's begin the morning with this gem...My student sent me this picture.

A day after seeing the picture, I decided that it would look lovely on my wrist. It is in a thrift shop near her house for $15, so I gave her money and she said she would buy it for me.

I hope it's still there (how many crazy Disney fans visit this thrift shop/ and what are the chances that they would beat her there? )


========================================================

In only 64 days---which seems soon but far...we will be on our flight!!​

Day 1 what shall we do?

So, I was thinking outloud and looking at park hours, when little miss thing 1 (LMT1) came in.

"Where are we staying?" she asked.

"Clearly, you've bumped your noggin little miss thing" should have been my response as I questioned booking AKL and my girls both assured me they love it. "Jambo." was the actual reply.

LMT1- "Why are we staying there? I hate it there. I want to stay at Beach Club. Animal Kingdom is so dark and lonely."

"You told me you love AKL..." Then I simply heard noise and asked her to leave my room.

GRRR-

So back to my planning. AK has EMH at 8. BUT we are going to visit it when we arrive.... MK has extra magic hours the night before (which we will certainly be taking advantage of...)

I think we will have to head back to MK to say Good Morning to the castle!

We will hit Big Thunder Railroad first, maybe second and third...the girls love it and I don't mind letting them go on multiple times while I stand at the viewing area.

I think on this morning we will have to explore Tom Sawyer's Island. We haven't done this yet. Does anyone know if they still hide the paint brushes?

I think we will also have to take another ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat - Liberty Belle. It is a 17 minute venture that we have only done once.

Of course, this will put us near Hall of Presidents - I'll have to see if Dh is interested, if not, we can put this on the do again another trip list.

Certainly, the Haunted Mansion is not to be missed!

So how's this for planning...I think we will do three parks on this day. After Frontierland and Liberty Square, I think we will head to EPCOT. Not sure if we will get lunch at MK or at Sunshine Seasons...depends on hunger levels.

We want to do the Behind the Seeds tour and I think this would fit in here well. Then, we aren't taking away from the EPCOT touring.

After the tour, we will head back for swim/ rest before heading to the third park of the day!

 

[mgsmom]

Hope you get the bracelet! How awesome!

Yay for 3 parks! How much fun!!! We did all four parks in one day YEARS ago - when we were a bit younger and had no child.

So, are LMT1 and LMT2 on board with AKL now? I've never been there, but we definitely need to check it out. I know a VIP Disney person who says it is her favorite.

 

[annmarieda]

Let's begin the morning with this gem...My student sent me this picture.

A day after seeing the picture, I decided that it would look lovely on my wrist. It is in a thrift shop near her house for $15, so I gave her money and she said she would buy it for me.

I hope it's still there (how many crazy Disney fans visit this thrift shop/ and what are the chances that they would beat her there? )


========================================================

In only 64 days---which seems soon but far...we will be on our flight!!​

Day 1 what shall we do?

So, I was thinking outloud and looking at park hours, when little miss thing 1 (LMT1) came in.

"Where are we staying?" she asked.

"Clearly, you've bumped your noggin little miss thing" should have been my response as I questioned booking AKL and my girls both assured me they love it. "Jambo." was the actual reply.

LMT1- "Why are we staying there? I hate it there. I want to stay at Beach Club. Animal Kingdom is so dark and lonely."

"You told me you love AKL..." Then I simply heard noise and asked her to leave my room.

GRRR-

So back to my planning. AK has EMH at 8. BUT we are going to visit it when we arrive.... MK has extra magic hours the night before (which we will certainly be taking advantage of...)

I think we will have to head back to MK to say Good Morning to the castle!

We will hit Big Thunder Railroad first, maybe second and third...the girls love it and I don't mind letting them go on multiple times while I stand at the viewing area.

I think on this morning we will have to explore Tom Sawyer's Island. We haven't done this yet. Does anyone know if they still hide the paint brushes?

I think we will also have to take another ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat - Liberty Belle. It is a 17 minute venture that we have only done once.

Of course, this will put us near Hall of Presidents - I'll have to see if Dh is interested, if not, we can put this on the do again another trip list.

Certainly, the Haunted Mansion is not to be missed!

So how's this for planning...I think we will do three parks on this day. After Frontierland and Liberty Square, I think we will head to EPCOT. Not sure if we will get lunch at MK or at Sunshine Seasons...depends on hunger levels.

We want to do the Behind the Seeds tour and I think this would fit in here well. Then, we aren't taking away from the EPCOT touring.

After the tour, we will head back for swim/ rest before heading to the third park of the day!

I LOVE that bracelet!!! I really hope it is still there for you.

Days plan looks awesome. I do think I read that they have stopped doing the paint brushes on TSI... but I could be wrong.

3 parks in a day!! I think that will be awesome.

 

[newtexan]

Multiple rides on BTMRR sounds like a great start to the day.
hope you get the bracelet too!
3 parks in a day - Epcot then maybe HS for Fantasmic????

 

[anjalee6]

I felt like you must have been talking to my son. The other day he asked, "When we go to Disney next (he doesn't know we are actually going) can we stay at WL? I love it there." I said, "Thought you loved AKL (where we of course are staying!)" He said,"yeah, but I really want to stay at WL. That place is awesome." Ugh!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I hope that bracelet is still there for you, too. That is super cute and would look lovely on your wrist!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I love that your student thought of you right away when they saw the bracelet! Fingers crossed that you got it!

First day plans sound great! BTMRR has been a family favorite for years and this past summer my sister and I let them go on again and again and we just enjoyed people watching!

Not sure if you heard the news but Winnipeg will be hosting some of the games for the FIFA Women's World Cup in the near future (can't remember the year exactly...maybe 2014?)

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I LOVE that bracelet!!! I really hope it is still there for you.

Days plan looks awesome. I do think I read that they have stopped doing the paint brushes on TSI... but I could be wrong.

3 parks in a day!! I think that will be awesome.

I heard they stopped the brushes too, but maybe they started back up?

I'll let you know soon if I have a new accessory!

Multiple rides on BTMRR sounds like a great start to the day.
hope you get the bracelet too!
3 parks in a day - Epcot then maybe HS for Fantasmic????

You have the right park! Not sure if we will do Fantasmic on this trip, though. I have to take a vote. I like Fantasmic, but I don't need to see it every trip. We saw it on our last trip (or was it the one before that...)

I felt like you must have been talking to my son. The other day he asked, "When we go to Disney next (he doesn't know we are actually going) can we stay at WL? I love it there." I said, "Thought you loved AKL (where we of course are staying!)" He said,"yeah, but I really want to stay at WL. That place is awesome." Ugh!

Don't you love kids! I told LMT2 about what her sister said and she questioned why she wouldn't like AKL... At least one is not crazy. (Well, at this moment.)

Oh, I hope that bracelet is still there for you, too. That is super cute and would look lovely on your wrist!

I'll let you know soon!

I love that your student thought of you right away when they saw the bracelet! Fingers crossed that you got it!

First day plans sound great! BTMRR has been a family favorite for years and this past summer my sister and I let them go on again and again and we just enjoyed people watching!

Not sure if you heard the news but Winnipeg will be hosting some of the games for the FIFA Women's World Cup in the near future (can't remember the year exactly...maybe 2014?)

Why isn't there a fingers-crossed smilie? haha

I think the first day is a good option. See the castle, do the tour....

Cool for Winnipeg! We have tickets for May 27 to see the US women play China in an exhibition game to prep for the London Olympics. It is in our lovely Union stadium.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Hi everyone! Quick update since OUAT will be on in 25 minutes! I LOVE that show, and my girls are hooked too!

Today, I ran the Broad Street Ten Miler with about 40,000 others.

I basically wanted to finish! I had a time in my head, but it wasn't a big deal. The only promise I made to myself while racing was that I wouldn't walk.

I didn't walk at all. I did stop and drink water...I tried drinking a little and walking and choked, so, I decided that wasn't the way to go.

I finished under two hours, so I averaged under a 12 minute mile (I wanted an 11, but those last two miles were SOOO hard!)

I don't really want to ever run that far again...my gf and I run long runs of 8 on weekends. BUT I do want to do the princess half. HOWEVER, I have no desire to make the no walking promise to myself for that one. I want to stop and get my picture with every character!!!

Anyway, being the serious running that I am...here are some photos I snapped on the course. The course had so many cheerleaders...I wish I had taken more pictures--but then I would have been over 12...

Ahead at the corral:

Behind to other corral:

Mile 1

Mile 4 City Hall

Mile 6 - I had to hustle to get close enough for picture, but as with God's gifts, this came at exactly the right time.

It took 8 long miles to get to this...

8.2 Mummers!! Philadelphia Tradition!

Maybe 8.5 - it took forever to see the 9 mile flag!

I didn't get finish line shot- I really just needed to finish! There was a girl walking (person my age - maybe five years younger) who was walking. I tried to talk her through the last bit but I underestimated the finish. She ran with me for a couple minutes but was struggling. I had to leave her, and told her only walk to the sign, then run again. It was probably another .10. I hope she ran the last little.

Here I am after the race...

(notice the Lime Green?)

Good night all - more Disney tomorrow.

 

[mgsmom]

You are so awesome! Great job!!!! And you even took pictures!

Hope you're not too sore tomorrow.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great job, Debbie!!!

 

[MeMom]

(notice the Lime Green?)

Way to go,

and way to represent the lime green!

 

[annmarieda]

Way to go!!!! I am registered for the ToT ten miler...but I doubt I will be able to run the entire thing. Your ran the entire 10 miles? I can only run a couple minutes at a time... 2 hours?