~Snowbird Chat 2~

[Disney Mommy 3]

Wendy,..did we miss your send-off?! If so, have an awesome time this week!!!
Sarah,...sorry to hear about your workplace-woes!! That stinks!! But, yeah, I think trip planning helps any situation seem tolerable! I think you should do the cruise! Sounds like a blast...we are actually super duper excited that the Disney ships are coming to Galveston this year!!! Of course, they all booked so quickly that we will have to wait to do one,maybe next spring? The kids all have said they would rather do that than go to WDW this fall--I have my Nov trip booked, but am checking into price details!!!
Do any of you have summer vaca's or trips for Memorial Day weekend? The official start to summer here in the south!! We do not,..it's crazy here once that weekend hits,..If we do anything we are considering driving to Destin,Fl, or Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area....did I tell y'all that the NYC trip we planned was off? The rates for rooms for a family of 5 + the airfare were just ridiculous at this point...maybe next year the airfare will be less insane, and we can find a room earlier in advance that is not outrageous.We did find a couple of hotels we could work into the budget, but neither had consecutive nights,...like we have Tuesday! OKaaaaaay, I need 4 nights! Oh, we only have one. RAts!!!! But, it'll be okay! We will find some other fun stuff to do closer i guess!!

 

[snykymom]

Do any of you have summer vaca's or trips for Memorial Day weekend?

I sure do - take a look at my ticker! Almost all packed and ready to go! Mentally checked out at work, but unfortunately, still physically here!

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah,...sorry to hear about your workplace-woes!! That stinks!! But, yeah, I think trip planning helps any situation seem tolerable! I think you should do the cruise! Sounds like a blast...we are actually super duper excited that the Disney ships are coming to Galveston this year!!!

I only wanted to see how the Fantasy stood up, price-wise. Disney cruises are - well, were! - outrageous and I think the same thing of the Oasis of the Seas. Then I found out they were the same price and I could get an extended balcony? Plus, hotels in Fort Lauderdale, pre-cruise, are OUTRAGEOUS. Like, I was able to book at a decent-rated hotel in Orlando for the same price for two nights as it cost for one. Seriously? Well, okay.

Do any of you have summer vaca's or trips for Memorial Day weekend?

We're pretty sure we're going to repaint our bedroom! Livin' the high life. Actually, we usually have DH's parents in town, but they're not coming this year, so it's a great time. And we're going to Ohio for a convention a couple days after the long weekend, so we're staying put. Well, DH is going for the convention. I'm going for four days in a hotel, that has a pool, near some good ice cream, and no work to think about. Mini-heaven!

 

[PEANUT1]

We are going camping on Lake George in NY this weekend and headed to NC for a beach week in August.

As for the rest of summer, we have season passes to a six flags near our house and we are like 50 minutes from the beach so we will spend lots of time there and at the boardwalk.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sorry your NYC plans are off Shawna. Stupid airfare is getting so ridiculous. And hotels in NYC!! Hope you get to go to the beach!

We don't really have any summer plans. Disney in May was our big trip. We may do a long weekend somewhere, but not sure where or if at all at this point. We are just happy to have some warm temps, that is like a special treat around here!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi all! We're sticking around here this weekend. DH's b-day is Thursday.
We had thought about going to his family reunion in PA, but it's on Sunday and it's too far and too expensive to go for just one day. Our kids still have school, so we'd have to come right back. No fun there.

Cruise? What's all this talk about a cruise??? I would love to go on another one - oh wait, I AM!!! But not until August 2013!

I did buy two of our park tickets for October though. I figure I can spread out the cost and if the price goes up, at least a couple of them will be less. We decided to wait on adding park hoppers only if we feel we need it. Trying to be more laid back and "wing it" more this trip, and enjoy the resort as much as the parks.

 

[Pluto_fan]

Sarah--nice to see you back! It sounds like work is a zoo...glad you'll be able to get away for a few days with your hubby (even if it is to a convention in Ohio!) The cruise on the Fantasy sounds great! If prices are more in line with RCCL, I might have to look into it...

Shawna, sorry to hear the NYC trip is off. I can relate to the difficulties in finding a hotel room for a family of 5! Destin is lovely...we lived just on the other side of Ft Walton Beach and still have the house there. Beautiful sand and water! I'll bet you can rent a nice condo there for less than a little hotel room in NYC.

Sheree, when did you book the Alaska cruise? Awesome! An Alaska cruise is definitely on my list.

Our summer travel plans...Baltic cruise in June! Sarah, please give me the scoop on what I need to know! We're on a 9-night NCL from Copenhagen, stopping in Germany (we've been to Berlin, so we'll stay closer to the coast that day), Estonia, two days in St. Petersburg , Helsinki, and Stockholm. All new places for us, except Germany. DH's niece, age 16, is joining us. I'm very excited!

 

[sarbah77]

Cruise? What's all this talk about a cruise??? I would love to go on another one - oh wait, I AM!!! But not until August 2013!

My husband has decided that warm weather cruising in the winter is where it's at. I don't think I should complain?



Though, he also only believes in one cruise a year. I asked him what we'd do if that ended up being in the summer, for a winter escape. Without a pause, he retorted "Disney. DUH." That settles that!

Sarah--nice to see you back! It sounds like work is a zoo...glad you'll be able to get away for a few days with your hubby (even if it is to a convention in Ohio!) The cruise on the Fantasy sounds great! If prices are more in line with RCCL, I might have to look into it...

I was surprised, but I do think the Oasis is pretty overpriced. That said, taking the Disney Dream for a 4 night cruise in January is about 2/3 of what we paid last year, so the Disney prices are coming down. Finally!

Our summer travel plans...Baltic cruise in June! Sarah, please give me the scoop on what I need to know! We're on a 9-night NCL from Copenhagen, stopping in Germany (we've been to Berlin, so we'll stay closer to the coast that day), Estonia, two days in St. Petersburg , Helsinki, and Stockholm. All new places for us, except Germany. DH's niece, age 16, is joining us. I'm very excited!

I loved Talinn, St. Petersburg, and Stockholm. Helsinki is KIND of a wash, but we had friends that we spent the day with.

Okay, so... in Talinn, we just walked. The ship's port was a brief 10 minute walk to the old town. We just explored and shopped a bit. We did, however, do this: http://www.inyourpocket.com/estonia/tallinn/Tunnels-under-Tallinn_70029f

If you scroll down, you can see the link to the company that organizes the tour. If you're interested, contact them ahead of time - simply so that they have English speakers working for the tour. It was really really cool, both literally and figuratively. For lunch, we ate at Old Hansa (again, we made reservations ahead of time). It is NOT for the traditional American food eaters, as it includes things like boar meat. We got elk jerky. We had some Ugly Americans next to us who SHUDDERED when they asked and we told them what we were eating. Old Hansa had excellent (alcoholic) pear cider.

Pictures of Tallinn are here. About 25-30 of them.

In St. Petersburg, we hired a private tour guide. WORTH EVERY PENNY. SPB Tours - http://www.spb-tours.com/ - it was fabulous. How often do you get to St. Petersburg? It was just my husband, myself, my parents, our tour guide and our driver. We compared with the people at our table. Split four ways, we paid about the same as they did and they were on the giant bus tour that the ship offered. Getting through customs was no big deal, as SPB will also give you the visa paperwork that you need. It was amazing and we still talk about how much we saw and how much we didn't see.

For my photos of St. Petersburg, start here and go forward about a zillion pictures. Well, probably 150. It was simply amazing.

Stockholm was also beautiful. Pictures here. About 50 of them. We bought the Stockholm city pass thing, which was definitely worth the money. We got to look at old castles and churches and so on. We also went to the Vasa Museum, which was regarding an old Swedish war ship. If your boys are into that, it'll be great. I enjoyed it. I think we spent an hour and a half at it? We also BOLTED to get there - it gets busier as the day goes on, as cruise ship do tours of it, but there's no need to not go on your own. Walk off ship. Catch water taxi. Enjoy museum!

The subway in Stockholm was also very easy to use. Everything is in English. At one point, we walked up to the counter (we had passes, due to that city pass that we bought) and the woman said "Good afternoon!" the minute we approached.

If you have more questions, PM me so I don't bore everyone here!

 

[Dancegrl624]

No huge plans for the weekend here. On Sunday we're heading to Syracuse for a 1st birthday party. My cousin's son is only a few days older than Cole....crazy that they're turning 1!!! Monday we'll head over to either my parents or sister's house for a family picnic. I don't think either of them have their pools open, but it's supposed to be 86 here on Monday. The weather has been wonderful lately. Today is the "coldest" day of the week and it's 72 right now.

Next week is crazy week. Well, it starts today with Madison's band concert. Her and her friend are doing a flute duet! Next week is dress rehersal, 2 dance recitals, Irish dance competition, a wedding and Cole's birthday! We're not having his party until the following weekend though. After I get through next week, I can finally relax!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Hi ladies!!

Life has been totally out of control over here. The current result at work is that we have a new boss and we're short two staff members for the foreseeable future.

And I think we have plans to go back to Disney. As in, Disney Fantasy next January. Hard to believe, but it was the same price as Oasis of the Seas with a better room, better balcony, and better itinerary (other than that, no reason to switch, huh?). Just waiting for my TA to finish up the booking process and then we're set!

I'm hip-deep in trip planning to deal with the work stress. I guess it keeps me out of trouble?

WOW! A Disney cruise that is the same price as a RC?? That's crazy! I definately would've taken that too!


Well, ladies, tomorrow is a big day for our family. Two weeks ago I put in my resignation at work (I've been there 16 years) to make the switch to SAHM to DS9. It's something DH and I have been talking about for a while now. Well...it didn't turn out exactly as we thought. Work really wants to keep me there and have offered such a great compromise....I'll be working part time (15-20 hours a week) from home during the summer, and once school starts back up I'll work from home on Mondays and the rest of the week will be home to put him on the bus in the morning and get him off the bus in the afternoon (the kids have an early release every Monday so it really doesn't make sense to make the trek into the office). Plus, any time he is off school (we're on a modified schedule of 9 weeks on 2 weeks off) I'll work from home. I really couldn't believe they even offered it. So, tomorrow is my last "full time" day. As a family we're so excited!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

WOW! A Disney cruise that is the same price as a RC?? That's crazy! I definately would've taken that too!


Well, ladies, tomorrow is a big day for our family. Two weeks ago I put in my resignation at work (I've been there 16 years) to make the switch to SAHM to DS9. It's something DH and I have been talking about for a while now. Well...it didn't turn out exactly as we thought. Work really wants to keep me there and have offered such a great compromise....I'll be working part time (15-20 hours a week) from home during the summer, and once school starts back up I'll work from home on Mondays and the rest of the week will be home to put him on the bus in the morning and get him off the bus in the afternoon (the kids have an early release every Monday so it really doesn't make sense to make the trek into the office). Plus, any time he is off school (we're on a modified schedule of 9 weeks on 2 weeks off) I'll work from home. I really couldn't believe they even offered it. So, tomorrow is my last "full time" day. As a family we're so excited!!!!

good for you!! And how awesome that your work is willing to be flexible for you!!

 

[sarbah77]

Wow, that's amazing! You must be super-awesome!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

WOW! A Disney cruise that is the same price as a RC?? That's crazy! I definately would've taken that too!


Well, ladies, tomorrow is a big day for our family. Two weeks ago I put in my resignation at work (I've been there 16 years) to make the switch to SAHM to DS9. It's something DH and I have been talking about for a while now. Well...it didn't turn out exactly as we thought. Work really wants to keep me there and have offered such a great compromise....I'll be working part time (15-20 hours a week) from home during the summer, and once school starts back up I'll work from home on Mondays and the rest of the week will be home to put him on the bus in the morning and get him off the bus in the afternoon (the kids have an early release every Monday so it really doesn't make sense to make the trek into the office). Plus, any time he is off school (we're on a modified schedule of 9 weeks on 2 weeks off) I'll work from home. I really couldn't believe they even offered it. So, tomorrow is my last "full time" day. As a family we're so excited!!!!

Congrats, that is awesome!

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

Congrats, Lil'Mermaid75! I'm really pleased for you!

 

[Monny2AE]

We are camping this weekend and I am looking forward to relaxing for 3 whole days!

We haven't gotten much further with our living room. I painted 3 walls. One more to go and then I have to paint the foyer. The flooring didn't go as planned. We ordered a laminate and realized how cheap it was when Jason started installing it. After a long night of discussing it we ended up exchanging it and upgrading to real hardwood. It costs more but with the laminate we would probably find ourselves having to replace it in a few years and we'd rather do it right the first time. Now we have to wait for that flooring to come in and it could take a couple weeks to a month at the longest. In the end it will all come together and be worth it!

Kim, I have lost track,...did he start the new job last week or the week before? I guess I should say the old , new job!! Going good? Those projects always seem to get bigger as they go- I think the mentality is "as long as stuff is torn up, lets get it over with"! Dont you?!
Well,.have had a crazy last two weeks..finish with an awards ceremony at my older sons High School tonight...next week they take a few finals and they are done!! I can not believe I have (almost) a JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL!! What the heck?!! How did that happen? My junior year and senior year are very vivid in my mind--not possible that I have a child there!!!
Lord, I sound like my grandparents!!

He's been back for two weeks now. It's going okay. It's not much different from when he left and he's reminded daily why he left in the first place but it's a job at least and for that we are thankful.
I can't believe he's a junior in high school! It hit me the other day that Andrew will be half way through elementary school in a couple weeks and Em will start K in the fall. I won't have either of my babies home with me during the day. It's going to be strange.

Sorry... just had to post so I could see my ticker... ONE WEEK!!!!

Almost time to go!!!!! 2 more days!!!!!

Hi ladies!!

Life has been totally out of control over here. The current result at work is that we have a new boss and we're short two staff members for the foreseeable future.

And I think we have plans to go back to Disney. As in, Disney Fantasy next January. Hard to believe, but it was the same price as Oasis of the Seas with a better room, better balcony, and better itinerary (other than that, no reason to switch, huh?). Just waiting for my TA to finish up the booking process and then we're set!

I'm hip-deep in trip planning to deal with the work stress. I guess it keeps me out of trouble?

Enjoy planning the cruise! What a great idea to focus on planning and mentally escape from work stress! I think I may try that...

 

[Monny2AE]

WOW! A Disney cruise that is the same price as a RC?? That's crazy! I definately would've taken that too!


Well, ladies, tomorrow is a big day for our family. Two weeks ago I put in my resignation at work (I've been there 16 years) to make the switch to SAHM to DS9. It's something DH and I have been talking about for a while now. Well...it didn't turn out exactly as we thought. Work really wants to keep me there and have offered such a great compromise....I'll be working part time (15-20 hours a week) from home during the summer, and once school starts back up I'll work from home on Mondays and the rest of the week will be home to put him on the bus in the morning and get him off the bus in the afternoon (the kids have an early release every Monday so it really doesn't make sense to make the trek into the office). Plus, any time he is off school (we're on a modified schedule of 9 weeks on 2 weeks off) I'll work from home. I really couldn't believe they even offered it. So, tomorrow is my last "full time" day. As a family we're so excited!!!!

How wonderful for your family! You must be a great employee for them to want to keep you on!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim, you are going to LOOOOVE your floor!! It's easy to clean too-just make sure you get the right stuff to clean it with,...
I can't believe how big your kids are getting...I remember when you were torn over sending A to Kindergarten or HSing him...now little Em is going off with him!!!! they grow up so fast.
Hope you enjoy your 3 day getaway!!!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Kim, you are going to LOOOOVE your floor!! It's easy to clean too-just make sure you get the right stuff to clean it with,...
I can't believe how big your kids are getting...I remember when you were torn over sending A to Kindergarten or HSing him...now little Em is going off with him!!!! they grow up so fast.
Hope you enjoy your 3 day getaway!!!!

I know!!! And there are days when I still contemplate HSing him!


I'm really looking forward to our floors I just wish we would have picked this one from day one and wouldn't have to wait another month for it to come in. They will be worth the wait!

 

[MAGGIED]

bye ladies.... car is packed and we are off to the airport!!!!

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

bye ladies.... car is packed and we are off to the airport!!!!

Have a great time!