I don't mind pulling them out of school so much, as
they mind missing that much school. When I pulled them out of school last spring for our trip to Europe - it was major h3ll... Both of them had to work extra hard to get all their end of year projects and homework completed before we left on our trip - which wasn't nearly as bad as trying to get the teachers to give them their assignments in the first place... That was like pulling teeth. I understand that a lot of teachers don't have things ready that far in advance, but I gave them 8 weeks notice, and a reminder at 2 weeks - then 4 days before we were supposed to leave, the girls finially got their assignments from the majority of their teachers. There was even one teacher that waited until the day before we left to get the girls so come in after school - I drew the line and told her "too bad" you had pleany of notice, they are booked solid with other teachers, so you'll have to finalize their grades with out the work that you failed to give them. I was very angry - because they all
knew, and it wasn't fair to make the girls scramble when they had done everything right, and given ample notice and effort to get all their work completed and handed in on time.
~~~~ Sorry, can you tell I am still really upset about this???? ~~~~
Now, granted, there are a few different factors here - such as - it's not the last week of school, so they will have an opportunity to catch up after our return (that is huge)... And this time, it's
only four days, vs. 5. I know an extra day may not seem like much - but 5 days at the end of the school year compared to 4 days during the year is a big difference.
The teachers were horrible last year. As a matter of fact, I am afraid to tell them that we are going this year - as youngest dd has some of the same teachers that oldest dd had last year, and I don't want them to think I am constantly pulling the girls out of school. But in the end... I am pulling them out, and they will miss 4 days of school, like it or not. It's not as if they miss excess amounts of school each year - usually it's one or two days from being sick. It happens, families take vacations...
And, I am sorry, but $$ talks... if it was only a couple hundred - I would probably deal with it - we are talking an excess of a thousand... Yah - they are going to miss 2 more days, and we are going to have fun, and we are going to enjoy ourselves... that's just the way it is.
D~ <---who hopes you all don't think I am an ogre - well, I am, but....
That is a lot of people - and a huge age range - glad you were able to pull it off. 
It is so exciting to watch her trip unfold - and to really see the customs in action. I 
Thanks Lisa! I plan to mail your package this morning. 
Definately an original. 
Hopefully with it being during the year, they'll be a bit more prepared. 
