The Last of the OCD Type A Planners To Get Her Dec 2011 TR started...

[momabaarjo]

Don't you just love family of 5...seems like mom always gets left out! Great picture on SM! I wish we would have rode it more than we did...

I will but a ticker on for September 2013 if you will...I actually was thinking about how bare it looks without one. Yay for Eddie not sticking his fingers in his ears...you are making head way. Jeff has no fingers in his ears and has agreed to the cruise, but it is going to have to be 2014 because after putting pencil to paper my budget for the cruise...and no frills is almost $12,000. YIKES! I can shave about $3000 off pretty easy providing Jeff starts racking up mileage points with the new business card...but with Ab's new school tution increase, new furniture, cabin expansion, and a new (used) car...not happening next summer. I do have him considering DL next spring...

 

[annmarieda]

Don't you just love family of 5...seems like mom always gets left out! Great picture on SM! I wish we would have rode it more than we did...

I will but a ticker on for September 2013 if you will...I actually was thinking about how bare it looks without one. Yay for Eddie not sticking his fingers in his ears...you are making head way. Jeff has no fingers in his ears and has agreed to the cruise, but it is going to have to be 2014 because after putting pencil to paper my budget for the cruise...and no frills is almost $12,000. YIKES! I can shave about $3000 off pretty easy providing Jeff starts racking up mileage points with the new business card...but with Ab's new school tution increase, new furniture, cabin expansion, and a new (used) car...not happening next summer. I do have him considering DL next spring...

DL in the spring would be super fun. I know it use to be that it didn't take a ton of days to get it done since the two parks are just a walkway apart. I think the most we ever did was a 5 day and that was a stretch. Now with the new stuff... I bet 5 wouldn't be. However... 5 days away is a lot more affordable than 2 weeks. Not sure how long a drive it is for you either. I know people here drive to it..(not me.. too long a drive) In any case, if you do go... I HOPE you do a PTR. I would so be there!!!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

I'm here! I just finished up "almost" another round of class... waiting on my last two sections of my final project to be graded and returned and then I will submit the entire project this week. SO far, all is well, so it's a matter of piecing it all into one and resubmitting. Ready for another break.

Going back through my PTR and this TR, I don't think I've ever told you about my 'day job' that pays the bills! We've discussed that I taught school for ?? years, and am working on my masters in school counseling - my DH is a teacher and a coach but my day job has nothing much to do with education. I'm excited to tell you about it now because of the new facility we just finished building and all of the theming we put into it.

I am a healthcare director for a pediatric/adolescent healthcare clinic, private practice, and we have 5 providers and a staff of 15. I basically make sure that the circus continues in as organized fashion as possible. A couple of my staff call me 'the ringmaster.' How did this happen you ask? As many of you know - teachers are OCD/anal/particular/meticulous... tend to think outside the box and try to solve life's problems and annoyances... (am I correct, Tammie??) Anyway - I have a brother who is actually a pediatrician in his own practice that had a colleage/friend who was looking for someone to organize his business, handle his staff, take over his financials, and he asked me. That was over 4 years ago.

I should back up and say that my last year of teaching school, I'd learned how to do some medical billing on the side for my pediatrician brother - he had a girl that didn't do a great job for him and over a Christmas conversation I opened my big mouth and said "I could do that..." so I did it from home for him as a side job... unfortunately, teachers in Oklahoma are not paid so great and with three kids, the extra pay sounded wonderful! But that opened a door for me that has been a blessing - and I owe it to the skills I developed as a teacher. I work while my kids are in school - downside is I work while they are out of school on breaks but I try to schedule my vacation time with their breaks, with the exception of summer. Upside is it gives my family a better income which used to drive Eddie bonkers but he's adjusted. It also pays for my Disney obsession and allowed me to take my kids to Disney as planned this past Christmas as opposed to my DH who had to stay behind a few days to finish up the school semester.

ANYWAY - the whole reason behind that information is what I really want to tell you now... the owner of our clinic is also a huge Disney fan and has a passion for the Polynesian. SO the new clinic we just moved into has exactly that... little touches of Disney, little touches of tropical Hawaii... and even though we've only been in there for a week, it's been a wonderful transition for us all. Some of you have seen the picture updates on my fb page. I will try to get some on here as well. But I've told him a couple of times we need to take some shots to send in to the Polynesian and Disney 'just for fun.' But who am I kidding... I secretly hope they'd reward us with a highly discounted trip back to the World.

And that's my day job...

Now I'm going to go work on an update for this TR. I think it's actually our last full day there... but I still have photopass pics to share with you all after that!

Glad you updated us because I agree, I had no idea either what you did after you posted the pictures! I love all the Disney touches!

I am thinking I will never finish mine. I am coming to the end of 12/18... but then there will be 12/19, 12/20, 12/21 12/22 and then I will do a wrap up for 12/23 (since we arrived home technically on that day and had vacation drama then) That is a lot of updates I still have to do. I just hope to get to them before my trip in the fall. I put a ticker on... but I can't manage a TR and a PTR...so for now, no PTR.

And no future trip? What about 2013? You could put a ticker on for that. I would... I might still. I bet that once we get into the summer I might. Sheesh, I know when we all started talking about it 20 months seemed so far. Now with the thought that summer is around the corner, fall 2013 will be a year away in no time. I think we should plan for September. Any thoughts? I will be honest... my reason is that if Betsy and I are sucessful in doing the run in September she wants to then do the princess half in (?) february. If we are also going again in the fall... then getting an AP might make sense for me...but getting it this September means going before it expires...so would have to go next September with all of you.

And...speaking of the princess half... are you planning that?

Ok, I am rambling on...on YOUR TR. I need to go to bed.

I have no problem with September or October. Either is fine with me. I know Ashley can't go into November though cause of Garrett, her son. He will be turning 2 then.




And I feel like I'm saying this a lot today... but a lot of random messages to your posts!

Oh geez about the service lady. I cant believe she was really going to give you the chicken like that! The boys look like the food was not even a little okay!

Not bad parenting! If was your vacation too, and if your kids had been all under like 6-7 range.. maybe bad parenting, but with older kids you knew you could enjoy yourselves a bit! Glad you did!

I think we all had the exact same peter pan!

 

[KatMark]

HI AMY!!!! Just popping in to say hi.

 

[shocky5]

Hello! WOW! I can't believe I'm actually in a quiet home with some time to do a little more updating! I finally got the photopass pics uploaded to my computer but as I'm typing this out I realize I don't have them uploaded to photobucket yet. So the tocks clicking until I have to go pick up Erin and Nate from their 2nd to the last day of school... last day is tomorrow and then it's summertime for the kiddos!

My mom brags... Erin had her awards assembly yesterday. She got several academic awards and then was honored with a presidential award for her gpa through her middle school years. Let's hope that carries on through high school...she's officially NOT a middle-school kid anymore after 3:10 tomorrow.

Nolan had his 5th grade graduation today and also received several academic awards, and he also received an award for his 4.0 gpa that I know I've shared with a few of you how diligently he (and encouragement from mom and dad) to earn those grades. It does not come easily to him as it does his sister.

Then Nate, who is also a good student, but as you know my little challenge, informs me he is also getting a special award tomorrow for something. Pray for this friends... I'll let ya know!

Now to go get some of those photopass pics on here!! I'll be back!

 

[KatMark]

Awesome job to the kiddos!!!

Good to see you back...I've missed you.

 

[momabaarjo]

And here I thought I would come and find a TR update and pictures...

Actually I like your proud mama brag lots! Way to go Shocky Kids making the parents proud!

Welcome to HS, well almost Erin and super job at the awards ceremony!

Way to go Nolan and the 4.0 and on to middle school!

Well, we have our own Nate (smarter than the 2 older put together, but the smarts just dont seem to show up for the good...). I wonder what the special award is..., I hope it is something awesome!!!!

My kiddos have 9 1/2 more days...and well just when I think I was getting July for vacation it looks like plans are changing!

 

[shocky5]

Awesome job to the kiddos!!!

Good to see you back...I've missed you.

Thanks Kathy! I've missed you, too! I've done a 'decent' job keeping up with your daily life on fb, but I'm so behind on TR's here! And your ticker is quickly moving in on another trip!!!

And here I thought I would come and find a TR update and pictures...

Actually I like your proud mama brag lots! Way to go Shocky Kids making the parents proud!

Welcome to HS, well almost Erin and super job at the awards ceremony!

Way to go Nolan and the 4.0 and on to middle school!

Well, we have our own Nate (smarter than the 2 older put together, but the smarts just dont seem to show up for the good...). I wonder what the special award is..., I hope it is something awesome!!!!

My kiddos have 9 1/2 more days...and well just when I think I was getting July for vacation it looks like plans are changing!

You nailed Nate to a "T" with your description of your #3! He's very excited so I will definitely let you all know.

What's going on in July?? I'm beginning to think your family would warrant a cross over the state line and starting 'fresh.'

 

[shocky5]

These were my favorites I picked out from our disc. We have a lot... I'm starting to toy with the idea of a video montage... Sadly I'm not kidding... throw a little Disney music to it... and I could watch our vacations over and over...

Arrival Day - dinner at WL

Epcot - Day 2

Magic Kingdom - Day 3

Hollywood Studios - Day 4

And Animal Kingdom up next!!!!

 

[shocky5]

Animal Kingdom - Day 5

Next up... photopass pics with Eddie!

 

[shocky5]

Epcot - Day 6 with Dad back on the scene!

This Test Track is my absolute favorite!!! Shows our personalities perfectly! Poor sweet young single rider girl who got stuck in our car... she looks horrified!

Day 6 Evening at Osborn Lights

Hollywood Studios - Day 7 morning

And I love love love this family pic!

Animal Kingdom - Day 7 afternoon

Magic Kingdom - Day 8 (where my TR has currently left off)

Again... this pic shows my kiddos true personalities... Anyone shocked by this?

This is us with our friends from home whom we met up with periodically. It was 'snowing' on Main Street that night in the Magic Kingdom... that's all I'm going to say because I need to finish my update on this day!

To Be continued.... (I've got to go pick up kids!!)

 

[annmarieda]

Congrats to the kids!!!

And love the photo pass pics!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

OMG...I love the pictures. You had such better luck with Photopass than I did!

What is Erin doing on Test Track...that poor girl in your family car probably ran from that picture!

 

[momabaarjo]

I like the video montage...I think if you kept playing it over and over again Eddie would have to relent and take you back, it could be your secret weapon of torture until he gives in!

 

[shocky5]

Congrats to the kids!!!

And love the photo pass pics!!!

Thanks, Ann!!

OMG...I love the pictures. You had such better luck with Photopass than I did!

What is Erin doing on Test Track...that poor girl in your family car probably ran from that picture!

Erin was attempting to get a slam in on the boys (aka her dad and Nolan) being 'gross' Don't know how else to explain it.

I like the video montage...I think if you kept playing it over and over again Eddie would have to relent and take you back, it could be your secret weapon of torture until he gives in!

I know, right?!?!?!

 

[KatMark]

I love the photo pass pictures. I was getting worried hubby wasn't in any...but then he was there. . Can't wait to see the rest.

 

[shocky5]

I love the photo pass pictures. I was getting worried hubby wasn't in any...but then he was there. . Can't wait to see the rest.

Thank you Kathy! We had to wait for Eddie to finish up the semester so he came later and got in the park pics - round 2.

 

[shocky5]

(After checking my own TR because it's been sooo long... )

I left you in the midst of our final full day at Disney World of which we'd been enjoying the Magic Kingdom. I did indeed find the rest of my pictures I failed to upload to photobucket and I'm grateful or I might not have remembered exactly what we did!

After we rode SM, we worked our way back up Main Street to ride the train. On our way, we encountered this fun parade!

And then we made our way up to the train depot.

For some reason, I think Nate did not want to ride the train... and I can't remember what his argument was... I think he may have been wanting some ice cream or something and we kept putting him off...

After the train ride, we made our way to the hub to watch the Christmas Parade. The kids and I had missed this opportunity at MVMCP and we were happy to see it with Eddie before leaving MK for our 'Ohana ADR.

We found ourselves "here"

And sat down "here" and looking at my kids with Mickey bars in hand... this definitely was what Nate was upset about...

And before too long, we saw "this"

I was somewhat frustrated that I did not consider the placement of the sun... I had a hard time getting pictures without it overbearing the exposure and quality of the pics...

I must say... I do remember feeling bad for the performers in the parade... so many costumes replicating the winter/Christmas theme and it was HOT this day!!!

We enjoyed the parade and Santa calling people out by name - wishing them happy birthday, etc.

We left after the Christmas Parade to catch the ferry back to the Polynesian so we could get ready for our dinner ADR.

And back to the Polynesian we go!! I know at this point of our day, I couldn't believe we were quickly approaching our last night...

We found ourselves riding this ferry back and forth more than the monorail on this trip. It's just so peaceful.

 

[shocky5]

We love 'Ohana... sometimes I think it's the one pull that keeps my hubby saying "yes, let's go back to Disney World." We had a pretty early ADR, 4:50 or 5:00 if memory serves me correctly, but we were ready. We'd had an early lunch at Peco's Bill and everyone was hungry! One thing I noticed right off the bat with my kids... they weren't intersted in the coconut race or hula lesson this time! Wonder what that is supposed to be telling me....

But here we are (minus the picture taker - me) getting our 'eat on' at 'Ohana.

I have no complaints about 'Ohana. Service was great, food was good and we left with what we'd came for... full tummy's.

I know I was happy to use Nolan's leftover TS to pay for Eddie's meal and grateful to the Plaza for not charging us for Nolan's uneaten food when we were there earlier in our trip. Just a little Disney magic... after dinner, we were basically left with 1 little QS credit for our departure day... and I'll tell you when I get to that point of our trip just how we used that...

After dinner - we were headed back to the Magic Kingdom to close down our trip. We planned on meeting up with our friends from home and closing the park DOWN. It was getting 'darker' outside and I really had to push back the Post Disney Depression I know we all feel as the trip comes to a close....

SO we caught the monorail (one train behind our friends who were eating at GF) and met up with them at the monorail station in MK. We walked into the park to this....

We went back to SM. Actually, Lisa and I took the kids over there and watched the Christmas show in Tomorrowland while waiting for Eddie and Chris to grab us fp's for BTMRR. We all gathered in line, went through the fp line and seriously, the fp line was longer than the standby... only in SM, you don't really know that until you are up in to the queue line... As we reached the loading area, we discovered that our youngest in our party (Chris and Lisa's) was just a tad too short... so Lisa left with him and the rest of us stayed to ride. They gave her a complimentary FP for all of us to use later in the evening because he was so upset... another little bit of Disney magic.

Here are the boys getting ready to load up:

Next, we headed to BTMRR. Tonight was all about re-riding our favorites and whatever else we felt like doing. We rode BTMRR twice, the walk on was surprisingly short for some reason and we had fp's as well. We had a lot of fun trying to snap pics on the ride...

And my personal favorite..... See... he really does have fun!!!

We braved Splash Mountain one more time... the crowds really thinned out as the evening wore on and we walked on to this as well... and then headed over towards Peter Pan. We had not ridden this ride on the entire trip and we were going to use the complimentary for it. On the way, of course, the boys had to have their pics here:

Just as we arrived to Peter Pan, Wishes had begun. We stood smack in the middle of Fantasyland with this right above our heads. Even though we were constantly having debris from the fireworks falling on us, there was something magical about being here amonst so few people with these right above your head. You don't get the 'whole effect' you get from mainstreet but it was still spectacular:

After Wishes ended, we hopped on to Peter Pan. My pictures were NOT GOOD so I opted to just quit trying to take some and enjoy the ride. Because after Peter Pan... we would be leaving the park until another time...

We said goodnight to our friends, hopped the ferry boat back to the Polynesian for the last time and found a very quiet, sleeping resort...

I love this pic of Erin wading through the volcano pool one last time headed to our room...

My last view of the castle at night from the beach area...

A very empty concierge lounge... because you know we needed one more drink from here...

And it was off to bed for the kids and packing time for Eddie and I...

Wonder what our departure day will hold... it will be Christmas Eve and we have to fly back home... (the real cliffhanger here is how long is it going to take me to come back and finish the departure day of my report... )

 

[shocky5]

Double Post (sorry!!!)