Shaken, Not Stirred, With a Twist of Pixie Dust! A Food and Wine Trip!NEW! Pgs.75,76

[kschafer]

That would be a good school calendar.

A school district near us recently switched to a year-round calendar. They start in mid-July and finish their first quarter in late September then get a 2-3 week break. Second quarter finishes by Christmas time followed by another 2-3 week break. Third quarter is over in time for an extended spring break and the school year wraps up in late-May like the other schools.

I would LOVE a schedule like that! Obviously you trade the long summer break but still end up with 6 weeks, that's plenty for me.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Glad to hear things are on the mend! Wow a week at Thanksgiving!!! We get three days, but a week would be nice!

Looking forward to you next update!!!

This is the first time I will have ever had a full week at Thanksgiving -- in the past, we have only gotten three days as well. I love the thought of the whole week!

Wow, a whole week would be great. That would for sure mean, a turkey dinner with Mickey for us. We have only ever had 3 days at Thanksgiving.

I so want to go to Disney at Thanksgiving -- I wonder if I whined enough if Charles would give in to me...

They gave us a week last year for the first time ever. A Thanksgiving Disney trip was perfect. We got to see a lot of the holiday stuff, had a great Thanksgiving Day meal with Mickey, and then came home ready to get into the Christmas spirit in a big way.

See, I kept thinking of how much fun you and Julie had last year, and that makes me want to go then -- I want to see the Grand Floridian gingerbread house again.

This year, we only get three days, but they added that fall break.

You know what I want?

I want the full week fall break

and

the full week at Thanksgiving.

Oh yeah, and Groundhog Day, a week in spring, another week for Easter, two weeks at Christmas, a holiday for every president's birthday (that's over 40 days off right there! ) and, of course, a few snow days....

That would be a good school calendar.

That would be the perfect school calendar for me, but I would also want a pay raise so I could go to Disney on all of those days off.

I think your plan is workable if we start the Tuesday after Labor Day and finish the Friday before!

I don't see why not!

A school district near us recently switched to a year-round calendar. They start in mid-July and finish their first quarter in late September then get a 2-3 week break. Second quarter finishes by Christmas time followed by another 2-3 week break. Third quarter is over in time for an extended spring break and the school year wraps up in late-May like the other schools.

I would LOVE a schedule like that! Obviously you trade the long summer break but still end up with 6 weeks, that's plenty for me.

The counties to the west and south of us are doing that -- I have mixed feelings about it -- I love my summer but would also love the ability to take our long vacation in the fall.

 

[MeMom]

I so want to go to Disney at Thanksgiving -- I wonder if I whined enough if Charles would give in to me...



See, I kept thinking of how much fun you and Julie had last year, and that makes me want to go then -- I want to see the Grand Floridian gingerbread house again.



That would be the perfect school calendar for me, but I would also want a pay raise so I could go to Disney on all of those days off.

You guys would love it!

Thanks for reminding me. I totally forgot about the raise!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I do love my summers but I think the year round schedule would better serve my Disney addiction...
Our district discussed it many moons ago and the parents went to the board and quickly squelched the plan.

 

[kschafer]

I do love my summers but I think the year round schedule would better serve my Disney addiction...
Our district discussed it many moons ago and the parents went to the board and quickly squelched the plan.

Do you run into the same argument we do in Iowa?...families need kids home over the summer to help on the farms. Not that in our town (about 25,000 people) there are many farm kids at our school. Any kids who live nearby who want a farm-friendly schedule could go to one of the 3 rural districts in our county.

Time off in Sep-Oct would totally make for a guilt-free vacation when it's not blazing hot

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Do you run into the same argument we do in Iowa?...families need kids home over the summer to help on the farms. Not that in our town (about 25,000 people) there are many farm kids at our school. Any kids who live nearby who want a farm-friendly schedule could go to one of the 3 rural districts in our county.

Time off in Sep-Oct would totally make for a guilt-free vacation when it's not blazing hot

No that's not an argument here. Even though we are surrounded by wheat fields, we aren't rural. Our population is less than yours but most of our kids are in town kids. I can see that argument in some of the surrounding towns. I think that parents were afraid that children attending different schools in our district would be on different rotations as far as time off.
I would love more time off in the fall, and spring....

 

[andrews1ma]

Just wanted to say a quick hello as I am more of a lurker than a poster- but I have posted a few times on your last few threads ( the time a mistook a leaf for a tarantula story) and I read the disboards daily! anyhow- I am loving your TR as always. I have never been during F&W- my mom and my ds 10 usually go at this time and do not even bother with F&W arrrgh . Which brings me to reply to the OP's about year round schools. I love love love the year round schedule for a few reasons- mainly for vacationing at Disney and what I have found ( my son is now in his 3rd year of year round- 9 weeks in , 3 weeks off and also the traditional holidays off..xmas, thanksgiving, etc..) is that his grades have improved significantly . I think it is due to the fact that they only have small gaps of time off and therefore they actually retain what they have learned. The summer break was too long and I found that when he went back to school in the fall a good chunk of time was spent reviewing the info from last grade. As for vacationing- last year he went with my mom in October and February ( shes bored, retired, loves Disney, and hes her only grandson so he is one lucky dude- me not so much as I work full time ) and then we ( my DH, DS and I) went for 10 days in May - no crowds!

Also wanted to mention to you CP that I was thinking about you- well actually Connor- last night. we went to the hockey game - Hurricanes vs Islanders and it was Clone Wars night! The stormtroopers were hanging out and taking pictures, they had light saber give away contests and showed the previews of the new show that is starting soon I think. Anyhow my DS thought he was too cool and couldn't be bothered ( but I did make him and his friend take a pic) then I sneeked off during the game to take a pic with one the stromtroopers too. They also gave away a little booklet with temporary tatoos and such- again DS had no interest but I snagged 3 just in case- I can't resist free stuff! I can post a pic if Connor would like to see but I promise not to hijack your thread

 

[addictedtothemouse]

I love the thought of school going all year. By the time summer's over the girls are absolutely bored. And driving me nuts, i also like the idea of being able to go to Disney in the fall.

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Jackie!

I'm slowly catching up, but I wanted to pop in and tell you that I tried the Dragonberry Colada on your recommendation and it darn near saved my evening!!

Yummy... and oh-so-refreshing!


Kathy

ETA: Hooray! All caught up!

 

[Happydog]

Hope all is getting sorted out at your house CP -- looking forward to hearing more about your F & W trip! I just received my Photopass CD from Christine, and it got me all excited again to be back for the F & W!

 

[Charleston Princess]

You guys would love it!

Thanks for reminding me. I totally forgot about the raise!!!

Yep, we would need the raise to support all those vacations!

I do love my summers but I think the year round schedule would better serve my Disney addiction...
Our district discussed it many moons ago and the parents went to the board and quickly squelched the plan.

The parents in the neighboring counties are not pleased.

Time off in Sep-Oct would totally make for a guilt-free vacation when it's not blazing hot

I love Disney in the fall so it would just be perfect!

No that's not an argument here. Even though we are surrounded by wheat fields, we aren't rural. Our population is less than yours but most of our kids are in town kids. I can see that argument in some of the surrounding towns. I think that parents were afraid that children attending different schools in our district would be on different rotations as far as time off.
I would love more time off in the fall, and spring....

The parents in the other counties use the argument that their kids won't be able to get summer jobs for quite as long.

Just wanted to say a quick hello as I am more of a lurker than a poster- but I have posted a few times on your last few threads ( the time a mistook a leaf for a tarantula story) and I read the disboards daily! anyhow- I am loving your TR as always. I have never been during F&W- my mom and my ds 10 usually go at this time and do not even bother with F&W arrrgh . Which brings me to reply to the OP's about year round schools. I love love love the year round schedule for a few reasons- mainly for vacationing at Disney and what I have found ( my son is now in his 3rd year of year round- 9 weeks in , 3 weeks off and also the traditional holidays off..xmas, thanksgiving, etc..) is that his grades have improved significantly . I think it is due to the fact that they only have small gaps of time off and therefore they actually retain what they have learned. The summer break was too long and I found that when he went back to school in the fall a good chunk of time was spent reviewing the info from last grade. As for vacationing- last year he went with my mom in October and February ( shes bored, retired, loves Disney, and hes her only grandson so he is one lucky dude- me not so much as I work full time ) and then we ( my DH, DS and I) went for 10 days in May - no crowds!

Good arguments -- both for Disney and for retaining information!

Also wanted to mention to you CP that I was thinking about you- well actually Connor- last night. we went to the hockey game - Hurricanes vs Islanders and it was Clone Wars night! The stormtroopers were hanging out and taking pictures, they had light saber give away contests and showed the previews of the new show that is starting soon I think. Anyhow my DS thought he was too cool and couldn't be bothered ( but I did make him and his friend take a pic) then I sneeked off during the game to take a pic with one the stromtroopers too. They also gave away a little booklet with temporary tatoos and such- again DS had no interest but I snagged 3 just in case- I can't resist free stuff! I can post a pic if Connor would like to see but I promise not to hijack your thread

What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing! Connor would have been all about Clone Wars night at a hockey game!

I love the thought of school going all year. By the time summer's over the girls are absolutely bored. And driving me nuts, i also like the idea of being able to go to Disney in the fall.

It's those fall trips to Disney that make me wish we had a slightly modified calendar!!!

Hi Jackie!

I'm slowly catching up, but I wanted to pop in and tell you that I tried the Dragonberry Colada on your recommendation and it darn near saved my evening!!

Yummy... and oh-so-refreshing!


Kathy

ETA: Hooray! All caught up!

Hi Kathy!!! I am so thrilled that you liked the Dragon Berry Colada and can't wait to hear how it saved your evening!

Hope all is getting sorted out at your house CP -- looking forward to hearing more about your F & W trip! I just received my Photopass CD from Christine, and it got me all excited again to be back for the F & W!

Hi, Happydog!!! Hurray for getting your PP CD -- can't wait to see those pictures. I am getting ready to update if my family can manage to be quiet for just a few minutes!!!

 

[Disneymoon09]

Hi CP! Totally Off topic question. How much is it (generally) to make a light saber in Disney? I cannot remember if Connor made one or not (ive read toooo many TR's lately lol). My sister would like me to make one for her husband for christmas and we were wondering on the ballpark cost. thanks!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi CP! Totally Off topic question. How much is it (generally) to make a light saber in Disney? I cannot remember if Connor made one or not (ive read toooo many TR's lately lol). My sister would like me to make one for her husband for christmas and we were wondering on the ballpark cost. thanks!

Hi! Connor has never made a lightsaber at Disney before, so I don't know how much it costs. Sorry.

 

[Charleston Princess]

After our scrumptious foray into Canadian delicacies, we continued on our way towards the Emerald Isle.

We bypassed New Zealand, but I loved the theming of the kiosk.

Ah, Ireland! The home of our ancestors! I actually visited Cork, Ireland when I was fifteen years old. Our two weeks in Ireland was one of my favorite trips ever.

Standing in line, I once again amused myself with random pictures.

Charles and I knew we wanted the Fisherman’s Pie and the Bailey’s Ganache cake. With our little treats in hand, we found a bench down near the water.

The Fisherman’s Pie was filled with chunks of lobster and scallops and topped with mashed potatoes. So delicious! I could have licked that bowl clean!

The Bailey’s Cake was so rich and decadent.

At home, our three dogs often beg from us. At Epcot, we had little beggers, too.

No, we are not sharing our lobster and scallops with you!

Charles needed a restroom, so we strolled towards the International Gateway. How I would love to use Christine’s private entrance sometime!

Near the International Gateway, Charles and I witnessed a drunk story to end all drunk stories. There was a young girl, her boyfriend, and his parents standing there while the girl was talking to a CM. She was clearly a bit the worse for wear from too many drinks!

Girl: When I was younger, I never liked Epcot and never understood why other people did. Now that I am over 21, I GET it!!!

She proceeded to keep talking to the CM (which is how we learned that the guy was her boyfriend and they were there with his parents), and then…are you ready for this? SHE KISSED THE CM! Right there in front of her boyfriend and his parents!!! Charles and I were about to die laughing. The CM was quite pleased and even gave her a pin. As her way of thanking him, she kissed him again! I had heard tales of the rowdiness of Food and Wine on the weekends, but who would have thought that it was like Mardi Gras -- only with pins instead of beads. HA HA HA! Wonder if the girl will get invited on another trip?

Charles and I needed a drink of our own after that -- preferably one with Grey Goose vodka in it. In France we found what we were looking for…

Cabernet Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes:

A Parisian Cosmo Slush for me:

And a Grey Goose Slushy for Charles:

Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Soon it was time to meet up with Heidi (MRYPPNS) and Tarzanskat and her family.

We spent an absolutely lovely evening swapping trip stories and meandering around World Showcase (there may have even been a couple of more Dragon Berry Coladas somewhere in that time ). Heidi and Kat are absolutely delightful people -- I have decided I think DISers are some of the nicest people I have ever met, and I hope we all converge on WDW at the same time again in the future!

We all watched Illuminations from Italy -- well, Charles and TK’s son slept, but the rest of us watched the fireworks and then, we had to say our good-byes.

Here’s Charles waiting for Reflections of Earth.

The bus line for CBR was crazy, but buses came quickly and before we knew it we were fast asleep in our bed -- well, after Chelsea called to make sure we got back to the room okay. I have no doubt we were dreaming of Day Two at the Food and Wine Festival.

ASIDE: Today is Charles' 40th Birthday! Guess where we are going for his birthday meal? The local Japanese restaurant. Not quite Teppan Edo, but the next best thing. LOL!

 

[Disneymoon09]

Hi! Connor has never made a lightsaber at Disney before, so I don't know how much it costs. Sorry.

Thats ok! Like I said, I could not remember! And your thread just so happened to be the one I was reading when the thought popped into my mind...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Thats ok! Like I said, I could not remember! And your thread just so happened to be the one I was reading when the thought popped into my mind...

To be honest, I am surprised that Connor has never wanted to do it. Of course, he does already have about five lightsabers hanging around the house.

 

[DisMomAmy]

No pictures of the DIS meet?

 

[Charleston Princess]

No pictures of the DIS meet?

There is one, but TK doesn't post pictures of herself on the DIS, and I look like a deer caught in the headlights, so no visual documentation will be posted.

 

[punkin413]

At home, our three dogs often beg from us. At Epcot, we had little beggers, too.

that duck looks like he's in jail.

oh, and as far as our dogs go with begging, there is no "often" about it....they ALWAYS beg!!!

SHE KISSED THE CM! Right there in front of her boyfriend and his parents!!! Charles and I were about to die laughing. The CM was quite pleased and even gave her a pin.

the fact that he gave her a pin made me literally laugh out loud. that just makes the story for me for some reason!

A Parisian Cosmo Slush for me:

oh, that looks YUMMY!!!

ASIDE: Today is Charles' 40th Birthday! Guess where we are going for his birthday meal? The local Japanese restaurant. Not quite Teppan Edo, but the next best thing. LOL!

.....to charles!!!!

hope you guys have fun having some hibachi today!

 

[kschafer]

Mardi Gras with pins

How was the cosmo slushie? It sounds good

Happy birthday Charles!