~Snowbird Chat~

[snykymom]

okay snowbirds I have a dilema... for our Nov trip we are taking DS girlfriend... we love her.. sweet girl... but the poor thing suffers from occasional seizures.. her family trusts her to be with us... this morning her mom sends me a text that she thinks it would be better if Lauren has her own sleeping space... so she wants me to price out a two bedroom villa and says they will pay the difference... yikes... I don't think she realizes how much that is and I would feel terrible asking them to spend that money... we were going to pay for Laurens trip... after all we have free dining... and we need a room to sleep in so its not like she is really "costing" us anything except her two day ticket... so here is what I have... right now the room with free dining at POR is about $2400... to add another room would bring the price to about $3600...

so then I started looking at the villasif I can get someone to rent me points then we could do AKV with dining and a two day ticket for around $4200...

but I feel terrible asking her parents to pay for something like that... even though it was their suggestion....

any thoughts on what I should do....

I would lay it out for the parents and give them the option of what they would like to do. Don't make it "you" asking them to pay for it; you don't set the rates. Disney does.

Would it help Lauren if you just got her an air mattress? Or if she has a bed to herself and someone else uses the air mattress? Does "own space" mean "own room" or just "own bed"?

 

[MAGGIED]

I talked to her mom and they want her in a bedroom that will be quiet.. so thats her own space... I told them them the prices... she said she would tlak it over with her husband and let me know... I just feel so bad...they are wonderful people... and even though it was their suggestion I still feel bad... this past week while I was tlaking Maggie to FL for the College Program my DH had to make an unexpected trip to Michigan (both his parents have cancer and are failing fast.. but thats another story).. anyway they took DS in without a question and kept him from Sat to Wed.... they are great people... I think if they decide on the villa that we will split the cost of the upgrade with them...afterall we would be getting enjoyment out of it as well....

 

[Kurby]

alright - so for a few years we've been trying to talk my brothers into coming with us to disney

my older brother is in England right now - waiting for his flight back home and we've been emailing back and forth (he bored lol)

so he just told me he'll come with us in Jan 2012

WOO HOO

we're going to book a 2 bedroom savannah view at AKV - and dd who will be 6 is so excited and can't wait to show him all her fav rides and of course all the princesses

brother is in the army and works for our courts and she's going to introduce him to the princesses gonna be cute

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Working backwards:
Kurby - that's great about your brother coming! I'm sure your DD will be in heaven with him and princesses! The villa sounds awesome too!!

Wendy - bummer about DS girlfriend's situation. I am sure if you and her family can afford the extra, it will be well worth it. If not, well, I'm sure there's some way. How about a family suite at All Stars? Is there a separate room there?
And I'm so happy that Maggie will be at AK. I only wish I had a fall trip planned so I could meet her there! We've missed AK our last two trips, so the next one we are definitely going there!

Meghan - hope Madison does great at her dance this weekend!

Rick - thank you for stopping in - want to share any of your plans? I think about you and Joni frequently and can't imagine how hard it is. I hope coming here will be of some solace to you. We sure try to have fun!

And I have posted an update on my TR - come on over! I'm still only on our arrival day and have more of it to go!

Got the girls' hair cuts today - SO CUTE!!! I'll have to post a picture. Also got them a few more clothes for school. Got Paige some bermuda denim shorts - nice and long! The school wants shorts to be as long as your fingertips when your arm is down. Hard to do - since the trend is short shorts. Then got Sarah a pair of jeans - she probably can't wear them until October it's so dang hot here!

 

[Monny2AE]

My goodness!!!! The Snowbird thread is like it was in the old days...I can't keep up with you chatterboxes!

Today, I took Andrew back to school shopping and came home empty handed. He's so tall and skinny that finding pants that fit him is terrible. I'm going to try the Carter's outlet near my house for their adjustable waist pants- it's my last hope. We found Star Wars shoes and he was so excited- again, not in his size. So aggravating! I ended up finding them online and ordered them.


Sarah- Glad you made it home! Sounds like it was an "interesting" trip. Nothing like spending time with family.

Kim - I have that same CD! In December I went on a CD binge and bought all the park CDs I saw! Love it! I need to find the Soarin music somewhere though - I can never remember it.

Sarah - glad you survived!!! It's hard traveling with the in-laws - I should know! Sometimes it's better just to stay quiet and try to move on. Some people just won't understand anyway, and somehow it will end up being all your fault. I'm glad you were able to have some fun with your niece and you have your next trip to look forward to!!

I think the Soarin music is on the 4 parks CD...it's next on my "gift to self for no reason other than I miss Disney" shopping list.

Meghan- Our last trip was just the 4 of us and we never realized just how fantastic it could be. The 2 trips prior to that included my parents and my sister's family. Let's just say we don't all have the same personalities. We got along pretty well but there was some underlying tension. My parents will more than likely go the next time but I think some ground rules will be set first.

Hi Snowbirds! I've been reading along and keeping up, but haven't posted very recently.

Sheree--congratulations on purchasing DVC! That's definitely on my "when we win the lottery" list.

Wendy--hooray for Maggie getting an AK job! What a neat opportunity. I really miss Shades of Green.

Mel--welcome back! Once a Snowbird, always a Snowbird!

Sarah--glad you survived the vacation with the in-laws...I don't think I could do it. Now you can work on planning the Disney trip with your side of the family.

Shelly--hope things are going better at work. Don't hesitate to take things up to the next level if necessary...it sounds like that guy might really need help.

Kim--so glad to hear your FIL is doing better. I pray he continues to improve.

Sorry, I know I'm leaving some of you out...I need to keep up better!

The boys started school Wednesday of last week. So far, so good! DS12, in 7th grade, has started middle school and really likes the more "big kid" experience. No tears from me...yet, but...next Monday, DD starts school! In Belgium, they start Kindergarten (which would be called preschool in the US) at two and a half. It's the whole school day, 5 days a week! But I'm not planning to leave her in it that whole time. I think the boys both started at age 3, with maybe 2-3 hours, 3 days a week. But I think that, unlike her brothers, she will really enjoy it. We'll see how it goes! It will be entirely in French, so that should be interesting for her!

I've been feeling WDW withdrawl lately. Thinking about when we might go back to Disneyland Paris...which we really enjoyed, but somehow it's just not the same. So I'm also thinking about when we'll get back to WDW, sometime after summer 2012!

I hope DD (and you) do well for her first day. Belgium certainly starts school young. Then again I have newborns that are with me for 10 hours a day so it's really not that different than daycare over here.

You all are talking about how you HATE traveling with family and in the last 3 years we've gone to Vegas (for my wedding) with my parents and my In-laws, Mexico with my parents, WDW with my parents and now DL with my parents. I never really was close with my Mom until I had kids and now we are super close. I always ask my DH "should we ask my parents if they want to come?" and he doesn't want to travel without them They are a big help with are boys! I NEVER thought I would be (happy) traveling with them and now I couldn't imagine not sharing these great memories with them

That's so sweet that you and DH enjoy traveling with your family. DH hates traveling with my parents but I'm sure your parents know when to step back a little. Mine- not so much.

Hello ladies.... Well...it's FRIDAY!!! We made it through the last full workweek of August!! Now it's time for the hurricane scares!!! LOL...well, I think it's gonna be fine...so far!! But, the last few evac's have been in Sept for us--it's kinda made Sept a thing to be dreaded...I on the other hand love it!! It definitely ushers in the Fall season,..it ALWAYS gets me closer to Disney...and it usually means I am finished with the first Quarter of our school year!!!! So...I look forward to it!! Wed was 4 months til Christmas! If you haven't been over to the 2010 Christmas thread, come on! We are still in the early phases of list making..but Sept- Oct is when I,personally, get cranked up with the shopping and wrapping!! Oct I will start buying stuff for baking....since we will be gone the full week before Tday,I will definitely have to have it all done before then. Plus I gotta start getting my Disney stuff bought!!! Tiny toiletries,..snax...one kid still needs new shoes, & shorts...you know...the never ending purchases!!So... I hope you all have a fabulous weekend...doing whatever you have planned..Wendy-I never thought about paying tuition if she's not there

I'm avoiding your Christmas thread for a little while- it panics me to think about Christmas right now How exciting you bought toiletries! It's always a sign that the trip is soon! Praying hurricane season avoids you this year! Don't know how you do it!

 

[Monny2AE]

Hooray for Friday! Madison is going over to a friend's house this afternoon, so I'll have a few hours to myself. After she gets home, I have to curl her hair. She'll be dancing at the Buffalo Irish Festival tomorrow night and I'll be working at our school's booth during the morning/afternoon. Then, she's dancing at an arts festival on Sunday afternoon. I'm hoping I can do something to keep the curls nice for Sunday. There is NO way I'm re-curling her hair tomorrow night. It takes forever!

Tonight I'm heading over to a friend's house for a girls night with my dance team buddies. Some of the girls will still be dancing next season, but most of the girls I'll see tonight no longer dance. Lots of Bandette alumni! It should be a lot of fun. We all wanted to get together one last time this summer before all of our schedules get too crazy.

Hope girl's night was fun! Pics of Madison's curls from the festival please!

Hey everyone, just wanted to stop in and say hello. Things are going as well as one could hope with us. I hope you guys are all doing great. Have a good weekend!

Hi Rick! Glad things are going well for you and the kids- keep taking it one day at a time, one breath at a time.

Hello Snowbirds!

Lots to catch up on here. . .

Welcome back Mel! Of course we remember you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sheree!!

Shawna -- I am so looking forward to fall and Disney too!!


Hey Rick, thanks for checking in. Glad to hear you are doing well. Love your new ticker.

Hello to all other Snowbirds


The boys are having a bunch of friends over tonight for an end of the summer party. Then we are having a garage sale tomorrow morning. Busy, busy!!

Hope you made lots of moola at the garage sale to add to your Disney fund!

alright - so for a few years we've been trying to talk my brothers into coming with us to disney

my older brother is in England right now - waiting for his flight back home and we've been emailing back and forth (he bored lol)

so he just told me he'll come with us in Jan 2012

WOO HOO

we're going to book a 2 bedroom savannah view at AKV - and dd who will be 6 is so excited and can't wait to show him all her fav rides and of course all the princesses

brother is in the army and works for our courts and she's going to introduce him to the princesses gonna be cute

Great to hear that your brother will be joining you!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

I think the Soarin music is on the 4 parks CD...it's next on my "gift to self for no reason other than I miss Disney" shopping list.

Yes, it is!!! We bought the 4 Parks, One World CD in January 2009 and it is sooo wonderful!!! It takes me to my happy place when I am jonesing so bad for WDW!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Yes, it is!!! We bought the 4 Parks, One World CD in January 2009 and it is sooo wonderful!!! It takes me to my happy place when I am jonesing so bad for WDW!!!

Heck, I think I have that! I better check. I could have been listening to it all this time and not even realized?!?! DOH! Is there a smilie for hitting oneself in the head???

So Shelly, how did the sale go???

 

[sarbah77]

I did get a couple nice pictures from our trip, however!


New Buffalo summer trip by sarbah77, on Flickr



New Buffalo summer trip: sunset by sarbah77, on Flickr


University move-in starts Tuesday and the first football game (college, of course) starts in a week. Yikes!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Pluto~ Well, come over when you start shopping!! LOL
Sarah~ Love those pics!!!!

 

[Pluto_fan]

The school wants shorts to be as long as your fingertips when your arm is down. Hard to do - since the trend is short shorts.

And yet the boys' shorts cover their knees.

and the first football game (college, of course) starts in a week.

We'll see you in two.

 

[snykymom]

Had the best evening yesterday! We were going to the theater (dh had bought tickets for our anniversary a few weeks ago), and looked for a place to have dinner. Well, we found a place run by one of the winners of the Food Network competition Chopped! We didn't actually like the chef on the show, but the restaurant was wonderful! And the server told us that the chef was really nice, but it was the way the show was edited that made the chef look like an a$$. But it was such fun! And the theater was great - saw a show we weren't familiar with (Songs for a New World) with a very talented cast and a beautiful production!

OK, back to reality today. Have to pack up all the stuff my daughter still needs for school & drive out to give it to her next weekend. Oh, well , , ,

 

[Pluto_fan]

That sounds lovely, snykymom. A belated happy anniversary!

 

[MAGGIED]

Well snowbirds I am off to call Disney again... I do think that they must know my phone number by now and say "Oh its her AGAIN".... but DS girlfriends parents have decided to pay for an additional room so now to find a resort witht he two rooms... thinking of changing from POR to CSR or PQFQ.... will have to see....

Has anyone checked to see if you can download the music from the Four Parks CD to an ipod?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well snowbirds I am off to call Disney again... I do think that they must know my phone number by now and say "Oh its her AGAIN".... but DS girlfriends parents have decided to pay for an additional room so now to find a resort witht he two rooms... thinking of changing from POR to CSR or PQFQ.... will have to see....

Has anyone checked to see if you can download the music from the Four Parks CD to an ipod?

I'm glad she will be able to go with you! Let us know where you end up!

I have the music on my ipod.

 

[MAGGIED]

Well we ended up at POFQ.... my DH picked it... and CSR was sold out... so now I have to do some research as I haven't stayed here in many years....

okay... I have to go on line and find that music...I am so excited!!!!

 

[Kazooie01]

Rick - thank you for stopping in - want to share any of your plans? I think about you and Joni frequently and can't imagine how hard it is. I hope coming here will be of some solace to you. We sure try to have fun!

January 16-23 we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village in a dedicated 2 bedroom, savannah view. I decided for our first visit as DVC Members we should do it right (It's where Joni always wanted to stay and I know she'll be there with us). Her Sister (w/Hubby) and Brother (w/fiancé) are coming along with us.

The kids are very excited. We have locks of Joni's hair that Kaili and Bryant are going to leave behind (so Mommy is always a WDW). Mommy’s special place with the kids was always Disney World. The trip will certainly give the kids a sense of normalcy.

I’m not sure how I’ll do the first time I see “Wishes” or walk up Main Street not holding her hand. She was my best friend and I miss her terribly. It will be tough, but she left me with two of the most beautiful, loving children in the world. So, I’m still pretty lucky.

At the very least, we were able to have 5 amazing trips to Walt Disney world with our children. She'll be there for number 6 I'm sure.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Rick~ glad you have family going with you! It should be a spectacular, if emotional, trip for y'all..your children will always be a blessing and gift!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

January 16-23 we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village in a dedicated 2 bedroom, savannah view. I decided for our first visit as DVC Members we should do it right (It's where Joni always wanted to stay and I know she'll be there with us). Her Sister (w/Hubby) and Brother (w/fiancé) are coming along with us.

The kids are very excited. We have locks of Joni's hair that Kaili and Bryant are going to leave behind (so Mommy is always a WDW). Mommy’s special place with the kids was always Disney World. The trip will certainly give the kids a sense of normalcy.

I’m not sure how I’ll do the first time I see “Wishes” or walk up Main Street not holding her hand. She was my best friend and I miss her terribly. It will be tough, but she left me with two of the most beautiful, loving children in the world. So, I’m still pretty lucky.

At the very least, we were able to have 5 amazing trips to Walt Disney world with our children. She'll be there for number 6 I'm sure.

Rick-It sounds like a lovely vacation. I know Joni will be with you and your family on each vacation you take. Have a wonderful time with your kids.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Evening Snowbirds!

Rick - your plans sound great! I'm sure it will be different, but it's great that you have Joni's siblings with you.
We just are in the process of a resale DVC purchase. I hope someday to have enough points to stay at AKL villas. We loved AKL when we had our one measly night there!!

Anyone start school today? A few schools around here did, not my kids. We have a law that says you have to wait until after Labor Day unless you get some special dispensation from God or someone. We start on 9/7. The girls are getting excited - we got their haircuts on Saturday and packed up the school supplies. Meet the teacher is on Wednesday afternoon.