~Snowbird Chat 2~

[danceintherain]

Goodness Wendy! That does sound frustrating. My brother got kicked out of one of his living situations, because there were too many cars parked on the street. I think it was a 4 bedroom house with 1 or 2 boys to a room. Of course they all had their own cars... At least the landlord waited until the lease was up before anyone was forced to move out...
The oddest thing about it was it was in Utah, where the streets are a mile wide. I can't imagine having a couple extra cars parked there really inconvenienced anyone, but I guess it's an aesthetic thing.

EDIT: I forgot to add that I booked an ADR at Be Our Guest for the week after our anniversary! We're not 100% going that week, but if we do get to go, it will probably be then. It's good I went ahead and did it, because the pickings were slim. The only thing I could get was around 4pm!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

speaking of booking things~and congrats on getting an ADR Becca!!!~ we booked our airfare yesterday. Oh My Gosh..it was painful. first of all, we used a new credit card this year because the point system was suppose to be so much better than the last one~not!!!! So, we ended up doing points for part of it and out of pocket for the other!!! And it was still super expensive doing it that way!!!!!
But, at least all that is set!!!! only question now...we have a ressie at Cali Grill,should we keep it or change it to something else? And has anyone eaten at Artist Point,Via Napoli or Tutto Italia? we have an extra meal for Epcot one night and didn't know if VP or TI would be worth it. If not, the kids would LOVE to do Biergarten twice!!

 

[crzyred]

Wendy - good luck with that situation! I would just make sure to talk to the boys and make sure they understand to try and stay on good behavior! Not saying they won't, of course, but it will probably also help that the neighbor seems to be on their side too! Keep him that way!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Phew! Sorry I haven't been able to keep up! It's been super super busy here. Andrew started school Wednesday and Emily starts Kindergarten on Monday. Both my babies will be in school ALL day long. All of my teacher kids for daycare have returned so I am full once again. I have a 4 month old, 11 month old, 2 year old, two 3 yr olds, two 4 yr olds and a 5th grader for after school care only. I'm one tired lady by 5pm! I'm so glad I changed my closing time to 5pm instead of 5:30 and I'm really hoping to switch to the school calendar for next year and have summers off starting next year. At least being so busy makes my days go by quickly! When I'm feeling overwhelmed I remind myself that I am working for my next Disney trip!

I found out everything is good with my heart. I have PVC's which is a harmless irregularity. I'm deficient in Vitamin D, potassium and magnesium. It's been much better since I started taking supplements. They also told me to keep stress low so they aren't triggered too much.

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Wendy - What a stressful situation. I hope it all works out. She had to know tht renting to college kids that they would have friends over. That's crazy!!

Becca - Congrats on the BOG ressie! And the possible trip!

Kim - I'm tired just reading how many kids you have there during the day. Having your summers off might be just what you need! Glad to hear all is good with your heart. Good luck with the stress thing while running a day care!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim...can't believe that baby is in Kindergarten!!!! you do have your hands full...the school calendar will work better for you I am thinking Good thinking!! You will feel so much better with that magnesium!! I am sure with all of it, but I can speak for the mag~it even makes me not be so jumpy!

 

[danceintherain]

speaking of booking things~and congrats on getting an ADR Becca!!!~ we booked our airfare yesterday. Oh My Gosh..it was painful. first of all, we used a new credit card this year because the point system was suppose to be so much better than the last one~not!!!! So, we ended up doing points for part of it and out of pocket for the other!!! And it was still super expensive doing it that way!!!!!
But, at least all that is set!!!! only question now...we have a ressie at Cali Grill,should we keep it or change it to something else? And has anyone eaten at Artist Point,Via Napoli or Tutto Italia? we have an extra meal for Epcot one night and didn't know if VP or TI would be worth it. If not, the kids would LOVE to do Biergarten twice!!

Have you stayed at the Wilderness Lodge before?
It's top in the running for our trip, but I'm going to have to control myself. I'm starting to think the 40% off military discount is a good excuse to book something more expensive! I'm thinking Boardwalk Inn, or maybe Yacht Club. It's hard though, because I'm also thinking we may skip Epcot entirely this trip. I don't want to do the Grand Floridian or Polynesian, because of all the construction. The Contemporary has never appealed to me much, but maybe it's worth a try this time. Why does Disney have to offer so many CHOICES!?

Of course with my luck, we won't be able to book anything until after the general public discounts are released, and then the availability will go down everywhere.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hey Becca~we had stayed there for our last night a couple of years ago...it's very nice and relaxing!! I love the Beach Club, but we have been there several times~if you are skipping Epcot then I wouldn't recommend it. The Poly is just not one of our fav's,but after the reno it might be better!! The pool area and the mono access is fantastic!!!! The Contemporary-while not my decorating style-is one of our favorites too! Can't beat that mono and the walkway to MK!!! The WL is my hubbys favorite-outside of the Beach Club-and so we thought we would switch over to that one for this trip... I think you would like it. It's super family friendly, but not as loud as the Cont. I didn't like the GF~not sure why...I just felt that what we paid extra to be there,was not worth the $$...Also, if you are checking it out, the Garden Wing at the CR is just like what you get in the tower for cheaper...and that's where the laundry facility is, and you are closer to the pool...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi everyone! I'm keeping up, but just haven't had much time to post!

50 days and I will be at the world! I can't wait. My family treated me to a tour around the world for dinner each night this week -and some breakfasts too - we had Italian, Greek, French, German, Indian and Chinese food. Like my own food & wine festival. But I didn't drink wine.
Then they made me a cake - one section was a map of the world - all blue and green. The other was supposed to be spaceship earth, but they didn't consult the cake engineers, so it didn't stay in the shape of a ball. It is in pieces in a container now! It was a great idea, just lacking in the execution.

Kim - glad to hear it wasn't too serious - those kids will give you stress, so be careful!

Hope you all have a good weekend. We have one more week before school starts - although Sarah's been going to band all week for a few hours a day. It's so strange to us that so many other places start so early. Around here it goes back to tourism and farming. Those industries fought for legislation to keep kids from starting before the seasons were over for tourism and helping on the farm. I guess Labor Day is somehow magic that way, so we don't start until the day after. Some charter schools do though.

 

[danceintherain]

Hey Becca~we had stayed there for our last night a couple of years ago...it's very nice and relaxing!! I love the Beach Club, but we have been there several times~if you are skipping Epcot then I wouldn't recommend it. The Poly is just not one of our fav's,but after the reno it might be better!! The pool area and the mono access is fantastic!!!! The Contemporary-while not my decorating style-is one of our favorites too! Can't beat that mono and the walkway to MK!!! The WL is my hubbys favorite-outside of the Beach Club-and so we thought we would switch over to that one for this trip... I think you would like it. It's super family friendly, but not as loud as the Cont. I didn't like the GF~not sure why...I just felt that what we paid extra to be there,was not worth the $$...Also, if you are checking it out, the Garden Wing at the CR is just like what you get in the tower for cheaper...and that's where the laundry facility is, and you are closer to the pool...

Thanks. I'm really thinking something in the Magic Kingdom area is the best choice for us for this trip. Not only will DS be 2 1/2, but we're trying for another little one, so I'd probably be in my second trimester, and it will be the last time we'll be able to get DS in while he's free. It might be worth it to save the monorail for when we have two, but the Wilderness Lodge does look nice. Right now I'm hoping for 10 nights, but I'm not sure of our budget. It might make more sense to do a moderate (probably Port Orleans) for such a long trip.

I don't think I'd enjoy being in the tower at CR for the same reason I might not be requesting a "bear face room" at the Wilderness Lodge, I like to feel as if I have the whole place to myself. I'm abnormal though. I really enjoyed being all the way out in Barbados at CBR, because it meant the only time we really ran into other people was when we went to the food court.

I'm having the hardest time with this trip, because it's not as straight forward as the ones we've gone on in the past. I want it to be long, because I think we need a relaxing vacation as a family, especially if I'm due to have another. We're planning on only getting the AFS tickets though, which only give us 4 days in the main parks (hence skipping Epcot in favor of the Magic Kingdom). I'm considering adding WP&M, instead of Park Hoppers, but I'm not sure if January is the best time to plan on trying a water park for the first time.
We're also considering going off to Universal in favor of the IoA Harry Potter area. I know going with a 2 1/2 year old while pregnant isn't the best time for Universal either, but I don't think I'll mind.
I'm thinking we might be able to pull off a full open day for a trip that long. Both the Wilderness Lodge and Port Orleans have a lot of resort activities that we could take part in on a "day off."

I'm prone to attempting to do too much...
I've extended the offer to my sister to meet us down there, so we can help her get some of the AFS tickets. She doesn't take advantage of having in-laws with a house in Orlando half as much as I would if I was in the same situation.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

did you say if you wanted to do Shades of Green?

 

[MAGGIED]

Packing Dan up to leave for school today - sad day.... I miss him so much when he is gone... don't miss the extra laundry, high food bills though... looking forward to seeing him at the first tournament of the season though on September 5th...

 

[Dancegrl624]

Good morning everyone! This week has been a strange one for me. My weekend trip really messed me up and I never knew what day it was! I've also been super tired....it could be from waking up early all weekend and staying up WAY too late. That mixed with the unbelievable humidity really did a number on me. I feel like I still have tons to do before our trip. I made a big trip to Target the other day. I wanted to make sure I was stocked up on everything I purchase from there so I don't have to keep running around in the weeks leading up to vacation. Well, I forgot a bunch of stuff so I had to make another trip yesterday. I feel like every time I get home and put everything away, I realize that I forgot something. AHHH!!!!

I still have no idea what day Madison starts school. I can't remember if it's the Tuesday or Wednesday after Labor Day. We haven't received our school calendar in the mail yet...I think it might be late? I picked up some new jeans and a few shirts for her. It's still pretty warm here in September, so no need for sweaters yet. Since her birthday is in October, I typically buy her cold weather clothes then. I also need to schedule her birthday party. We're going to do an indoor pool party at the University of Buffalo....she went to a party there in March and it was awesome. $100 for 3 hours, 3 lifeguards and as many kids as you want. You can bring in your own food and cake too. Awesome!

Hope that everyone is doing well! We're a whole lot of crazy over here!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Wendy, I know you will miss your baby!! I can't imagine what a sad sack I will be when my kids leave!! I know by then they will be ready, and it's natural, but dang I will miss them!! Of course, your cooking and grocery shopping should lighten up tremendously I know! And what is the Surprise Trip ticker? Tell us!!
Meghan...aahhhhh...humidity. It's the enemy. We have tons of it here and I Loathe it. really. I do. It makes you not fit to kill in the summer time...you are just drained and every thing you do is an effort...add that to days with a heat index of 100+, and you are just weak and lazy.
Hopefully you will get all your ducks in a row for the trip quickly~I think your little weekend there probably only made your next trip more exciting!!
And I think it's weird you haven't gotten a school calendar! You should call...and her party sounds like it'll be a blast!!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Hi everyone! I'm keeping up, but just haven't had much time to post!

50 days and I will be at the world! I can't wait. My family treated me to a tour around the world for dinner each night this week -and some breakfasts too - we had Italian, Greek, French, German, Indian and Chinese food. Like my own food & wine festival. But I didn't drink wine.
Then they made me a cake - one section was a map of the world - all blue and green. The other was supposed to be spaceship earth, but they didn't consult the cake engineers, so it didn't stay in the shape of a ball. It is in pieces in a container now! It was a great idea, just lacking in the execution.

What a good idea! And sounds like so much fun. We're right behind you - 54 days today! I am SO ready for a vacation!

Thanks. I'm really thinking something in the Magic Kingdom area is the best choice for us for this trip. Not only will DS be 2 1/2, but we're trying for another little one, so I'd probably be in my second trimester, and it will be the last time we'll be able to get DS in while he's free.

So exciting!! Yeah for another baby!

And what is the Surprise Trip ticker? Tell us!!

Yes - you need to tell us!!

 

[danceintherain]

did you say if you wanted to do Shades of Green?

If I want to keep my 11 day trip, I might end up splitting a stay with Shades of Green. I don't think DH would like it though - the split stay or SoG. Since the discount for military is so good on property right now, I think I'll have a hard time staying in Shades of Green until it goes away. I do want to try it at some point, but I think it's a good option for the future, when we may not fit in a single room in some of the less expensive places on property.

Good morning everyone! This week has been a strange one for me. My weekend trip really messed me up and I never knew what day it was! I've also been super tired....it could be from waking up early all weekend and staying up WAY too late. That mixed with the unbelievable humidity really did a number on me. I feel like I still have tons to do before our trip. I made a big trip to Target the other day. I wanted to make sure I was stocked up on everything I purchase from there so I don't have to keep running around in the weeks leading up to vacation. Well, I forgot a bunch of stuff so I had to make another trip yesterday. I feel like every time I get home and put everything away, I realize that I forgot something. AHHH!!!!

I still have no idea what day Madison starts school. I can't remember if it's the Tuesday or Wednesday after Labor Day. We haven't received our school calendar in the mail yet...I think it might be late? I picked up some new jeans and a few shirts for her. It's still pretty warm here in September, so no need for sweaters yet. Since her birthday is in October, I typically buy her cold weather clothes then. I also need to schedule her birthday party. We're going to do an indoor pool party at the University of Buffalo....she went to a party there in March and it was awesome. $100 for 3 hours, 3 lifeguards and as many kids as you want. You can bring in your own food and cake too. Awesome!

Hope that everyone is doing well! We're a whole lot of crazy over here!!!

Traveling always throws me off too. I'm still confused, and I've been back for almost 2 weeks now. It doesn't help that DH hasn't had to go to work much since we got back. Usually that gives me a better grasp on things.

It's nasty humid here too and a typhoon is coming, so the humidity won't likely go away for a while.

So exciting!! Yeah for another baby!

Nothing official yet, but we'll see. I hope it's soon, because I don't want another end of summer baby, but obviously I didn't care enough to start trying when the baby would have been born earlier in the year.

 

[MAGGIED]

Wendy, I know you will miss your baby!! I can't imagine what a sad sack I will be when my kids leave!! I know by then they will be ready, and it's natural, but dang I will miss them!! Of course, your cooking and grocery shopping should lighten up tremendously I know! And what is the Surprise Trip ticker? Tell us!!

Lol... you guys are funny.... It is a surprise trip to Scotland for my husband for his 50th birthday! His birthday is in October but both kids wanted to come and they will not be done with school until May so that is when we are going.... we will also be celbrating Maggie's graduation from graduate school.

I will tell you something... I can put together a Disney trip in about 1 1/2 hours... this trip to Scotland has been kicking my butt... Here is the plan... we fly out of Buffalo (as that is eaiest for our daughter) on May 9th. Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland on the 10th. Our plan is to stay in Glasgow for the day. We will be staying at the Hilton. The next day (May 11) we leave and head north to Inverness... sight seeing along the way. The boys will be playing golf late that afternoon (Daniel has made all the golf reservatoins - and I have paid for them...). Maggie and I will tour Inverness. We will be spending the night in a B&B just outside Inverness that night. May 12 we head to Aberdeen Scotland - we will spend two days here... the boys are golfing at the new Trump course and Daniel is very excited about that. Then we head to St. Andrews where we will spend three nights. Then off to Edinburg for the final leg of our trip. When I have more details about what we might be doing I will share... but I am late for a walk thru on a clsoing so I will have to keep you hanging...

have a good afternoon all....

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Lol... you guys are funny.... It is a surprise trip to Scotland for my husband for his 50th birthday! His birthday is in October but both kids wanted to come and they will not be done with school until May so that is when we are going.... we will also be celbrating Maggie's graduation from graduate school.

I will tell you something... I can put together a Disney trip in about 1 1/2 hours... this trip to Scotland has been kicking my butt... Here is the plan... we fly out of Buffalo (as that is eaiest for our daughter) on May 9th. Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland on the 10th. Our plan is to stay in Glasgow for the day. We will be staying at the Hilton. The next day (May 11) we leave and head north to Inverness... sight seeing along the way. The boys will be playing golf late that afternoon (Daniel has made all the golf reservatoins - and I have paid for them...). Maggie and I will tour Inverness. We will be spending the night in a B&B just outside Inverness that night. May 12 we head to Aberdeen Scotland - we will spend two days here... the boys are golfing at the new Trump course and Daniel is very excited about that. Then we head to St. Andrews where we will spend three nights. Then off to Edinburg for the final leg of our trip. When I have more details about what we might be doing I will share... but I am late for a walk thru on a clsoing so I will have to keep you hanging...

have a good afternoon all....

That sounds like a fun trip (well, not the golfing - YUCK - but the rest of it!).

 

[danceintherain]

I will tell you something... I can put together a Disney trip in about 1 1/2 hours... this trip to Scotland has been kicking my butt...

I feel the same way. For Disney it's one reservation, or a few related reservations. I know Disney.
Everywhere else is: ok we'll start here and stay here, but then we need to go here and see this...oh I have to drive on the other side of the road? Maybe I'll take a bus...let me check the schedule...oh I don't want to do that. etc etc

Then there's always the concern that I'm planning too much or not enough.

Too much to do, too little time. Then there's the jet lag.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

What a great birthday surprise!!! I think it all sounds great!! And I would love to go there..its on my list of must-dos!