TKers Take the Fifth!

[racetrack18kb]

Someone get me out of here!!! OMG, DD13 has totally raging hormones lately. I hope this is only because she "made the step into womanhood" 2 months ago and eventually she'll calm down. Or else this is going to be a long 5 years until she would go to college.

Marie, Your tickets came. Did you get them from Undercover Tourist? That's where I got mine last year and they were so quick to send everything.

Pikester, I saw a while back that you are stopping for a little in Daytona on your way to WDW. What are you planning to do there? And I'm so sorry about DH's grandmother.

MK, how are you doing? Tell Edward I'm sorry about the job situation. That really bites. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that he finds something else quickly.

DL55, you are much braver than me with this camping bit. I'll stick with the cabins you can rent. Way more my comfort level.

HI LITC!!! How's that wrist of your's feeling? Have you made a decision on your course of treatment?

M&N, looks like both our drivers did bad this week. I think I'm done picking Kyle in the racing picks. Everytime I do, he does horrible.

D&D, are you done with that laundry yet? Sorry about the jobs falling through. But I know there is something better out there just waiting for you.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Hey, I got a quick opinion question for all of you. OK, maybe 2 questions. Too bad my explanation of everything isn't quick.

Curt, DH, is going to be home this weekend. Big surprise for us since they originally told him that he couldn't come home with the other guys since he just took the weekend off for the tker meet.

Anyways, the NASCAR race is at Pocono this weekend. Only 45 minutes from here or so. I can still get tickets at a reasonable price. Not in the budget but we haven't been to a race in so long and we are dieing to go again. Buying tickets wouldn't hurt us all but just take some re-arranging of things.

DS would be at his mom's this weekend. As much as his mom annoys me, she has been reasonable about the weekends we want him with us for various outings. But this happens to one of the weekends that she requested to have him because it's her daughters birthday. And he's not really into NASCAR like we are.

My first question is....should we just not go because it's not our weekend to have DS? It's such a fine line to walk with this custody bit.

Second question....DD13 will not want to go if we do. She likes NASCAR and knows a lot about it but going to a race just would not interest her right now. We would leave about 6am to get there when the gates open and not get home until about 6pm if everything goes well with the race. Do you think she is too young to spend the day by herself at home? My dad lives up the street from us and of course we all have cell phones.

Help!!!!!

 

[BKMETV]

Definitely Go...DS shouldn't be a concern if he's with his mom and if NASCAR's not his thing. 13 is definitely old enough to be left for the day...(I would have your Dad check up though since he close by)

Today is laundry day...there's piles of it everywhere.

 

[Pikester]

Good morning TKers!

It looks to be a hazy, hot and humid day here today in Newport, NH.

DH and DS11 will be leaving about noon time to drive down to Foxboro, MA to see AC/DC perform at Gillette Stadium. They are going to be soooooo HOT!

racetrack: I see no problem with going to see the NASCAR race without DS. I also think that as long as you have Dad check in on DS13 that she should be fine staying by herself. Is there a way for just you and DH to go? Or, would the other girls be really upset?

If we stop in Daytona it will probably be just for a little while. I mentioned to DH about taking the track tour but he wasn't interested, atleast not on the day I asked him. We'll more then likely just drive on the beach, park and get out to enjoy the ocean.

Thank you everyone for the thoughts on Grammy C. We seem to be going through a rough patch when it comes to Grammies.

OK, I have a question about the caves that some of you visited on your recent Hershey trip. Are those the only caves around to visit? Are they close to the Poconos?

Have a good day!

 

[MagiKitty]

Grrr....morning....really fuzzy-headed today. Can't seem to shake the sleep out of me.

Racetrack, I'm with everyone else. If DD makes the choice to stay home by herself, and she knows what that responsibility entails, you should have no problem leaving her at home. You can check up on her via text/cell phone, and you can have someone check up on her. It is a huge deal, but ultimately you know her best. Besides, if she's like most teens, she'll sleep most of the morning away and you'll really only have to worry about her for a few hours in the afternoon....

Pikester, I'm not sure about the caves. The ones we went to were right there in the Hershey area. I know farther north, towards Scranton, there are a lot of train things to tour, as well as the new casino. The Poconos also have several of those waterpark hotels. I'm trying to think of what else...I know boating down the Delaware is pretty popular. I'll have to think about it.

 

[Pikester]

Grrr....morning....really fuzzy-headed today. Can't seem to shake the sleep out of me.

Racetrack, I'm with everyone else. If DD makes the choice to stay home by herself, and she knows what that responsibility entails, you should have no problem leaving her at home. You can check up on her via text/cell phone, and you can have someone check up on her. It is a huge deal, but ultimately you know her best. Besides, if she's like most teens, she'll sleep most of the morning away and you'll really only have to worry about her for a few hours in the afternoon....

Pikester, I'm not sure about the caves. The ones we went to were right there in the Hershey area. I know farther north, towards Scranton, there are a lot of train things to tour, as well as the new casino. The Poconos also have several of those waterpark hotels. I'm trying to think of what else...I know boating down the Delaware is pretty popular. I'll have to think about it.

Ooops! I meant to put in my post that DH and I went to the Poconos to celebrate our 5 year Anniversary. While we were there, we toured some caves. Two things stick our in my mind from the cave tour. One, there was a heart shaped rock in the ground that lots of people got married in front of and Two, there was a point that we were so deep in the caves that when they turned the lights out it was dark. I don't mean just dark, I mean scary, freaky DARK!!! Was just curious if that was the same place that some of you toured.

 

[MagiKitty]

I don't think it was the same caves. Our guide did turn the lights off, and it was very scary and quite amazing to think that people explored those caves without the luxury of light. I don't seem to remember a heart shaped rock. There was an area that she mentioned a lot of people got married at. She told a cute story about a class trip where a little girl said she'd get married at the caves when she grew up. She actually did get married at the caves--to a boy that was on the same class trip!

 

[racetrack18kb]

Morning!!!! Feels like it's going to be hot and humid here today.

Thanks for the advice. I feel pretty good about leaving DD13 home. There are plenty of family members close by if she has any problems plus we can check up on her by cell. I think I'll have to set a few more ground rules compared to when we just run out shopping.

As for DS, there are a lot of people out there who believe that if you share custody of a child and you do something/anything when they are with the other parent, you are bad parents. Kinda like you do stuff with everyone or you do nothing at all. We'll end up planning something for Monday while Curt and Ds are home too for the whole family.

Pikester, I wish we would have had time to visit the beach in Daytona. I have pictures from when I was about 5 there and would have liked to have gotten some of the little ones there too. Visiting the raceway is nice but it takes a lot of time, much more than I thought. And as far as I know, there are no caverns in the Poconos. They do have hiking trails that you can take to go see waterfalls. Those are pretty. There is also a lot of paintball places, also tubing and go-karts.

 

[D&DDisney]

Good Morning!
Was busy moving my Mom from her house of 25+ years to a condo yesterday. So exhausted now.

DH took off Mon. too so he could help. What a sweetie. Spent the entire day off with my crazy family trying to move Mom in 90 degree heat. (If anyone knows about my family, they are not a pleasant bunch to spend the day with. ) Anyway, Mom is moved and now I can finish cleaning up, doing laudry, putting things away, cleaning the pool, refereeing the kids, sending out resumes...etc.

Curt, DH, is going to be home this weekend. Big surprise for us since they originally told him that he couldn't come home with the other guys since he just took the weekend off for the tker meet.

Anyways, the NASCAR race is at Pocono this weekend. Only 45 minutes from here or so. I can still get tickets at a reasonable price. Not in the budget but we haven't been to a race in so long and we are dieing to go again. Buying tickets wouldn't hurt us all but just take some re-arranging of things.
DS would be at his mom's this weekend. As much as his mom annoys me, she has been reasonable about the weekends we want him with us for various outings. But this happens to one of the weekends that she requested to have him because it's her daughters birthday. And he's not really into NASCAR like we are.
My first question is....should we just not go because it's not our weekend to have DS? It's such a fine line to walk with this custody bit.
Second question....DD13 will not want to go if we do. She likes NASCAR and knows a lot about it but going to a race just would not interest her right now. We would leave about 6am to get there when the gates open and not get home until about 6pm if everything goes well with the race. Do you think she is too young to spend the day by herself at home? My dad lives up the street from us and of course we all have cell phones.
Help!!!!!

I'll be the first to say YES go to the race. DD will be fine. She seems very responsible and w/ family near, she will be fine for the day.
Doing something w/o DS will be hard, but its not like you are leaving him out intentionally. There will be other races and family outings to take part in. Don't feel bad. You do so many wonderful things with him and the family.

DL55 - Welcome back from camping. I know what you mean about appreciating electricity and running water.

Ev - Welcome back!

Kitty - Only a few more days until you are a millionaire!!!! I also don't think you have to tip the driver, but then again, I am not one who tips - except wait staff and hairdressers. Hate the entire practice of tipping!
So sorry to hear about Edward. He is such a nice guy. Will pray that things work out for him soon!

Marie - Yay on the tickets coming in the mail! That is so exciting.

Hi Pikester, LITC, M&N, and everyone else out there!

 

[DL55]

Just popping in to say hello to all my TK buddies.
Kitty-good luck on Millionaire, just in case I dont talk to you before you leave.

and Marie--I didn't realize we shared the same hubby, how about that? I try not to complain to much but if I do complain especially about a pregnancy symptom-he always has something wrong to.

It's going to be interesting when the baby comes. Let him try to out do that!

racetrack18kb I agree with everyone else. If DS isn't interested racing then it shouldn't bother him. DD13 should be fine especially if Gpa lives up the road. Gives her some responsibility, not too early to learn.

Welcome back BKMETV

 

[D&DDisney]

Okay, here's some trip highlights...

Day 1: We begin driving at 4am. Kids are completely wired. The drive on the turnpike is long and VERY EXPENSIVE. Holy Cow... not used to spending $6-20 at a crack just to drive on the interstate. Yikes! Eventually we get to Hershey and our dear friends are already waiting at the campground for us. It was like a reunion of people who never met before. We spend the night eating burgers, hot dogs, smores, snacks, pasta salad, Shoo Fly Pie, and drinking Wave Runners.

Day 2: Our goal is to get up early, make breakfast, eat and get to Hershey park at rope drop w/ the rest of the gang. We were on time, until DS7 decided to play hop on the boulders and fell head first into a large boulder. Got a huge bump on head and we iced it for 30min just to make sure he was okay. Needless to say, we didn't make it to HP until 11am. Oh well! We had a blast riding the rollercoasters and other rides with the Tkers. Kids got along so well and had so much fun with everyone. Felt more like a vacation w/ family than "internet strangers". DH also had a great time and commented on how nice everyone was. We end the day at Red Robin sharing good food and friendship. Sad hugs good-bye.

Day3: We're off to Philly. Stopped in Intercouse to get a magnet, stickers, and other souvies. Ate picnic lunch at the Intercourse town park and kids ran off energy at the playground.

Loved the scenery. DH took tons of pics

Then it was onto the Liberty Bell. So very cool to see that and Independence Hall where the first capitol building was.

Got to the campground late and turned in for the night.

 

[D&DDisney]

Day 4: We spend a quiet day at the campground swimming and relaxing.

Day 5: Off to DC via the Metro. Not too bad. Then it is a lot of walking in DC. First stop the Smithsonian Museums. Next the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII & Vietnam Memorial. These are so cool. Gives one chills up the spine just to think of all the history here. The bummer part is it is very hot and humid and makes walking around very difficult - espcially to the kids. Many water stops and breaks.

That is us in the reflection of the wall. Very moving.

Day 6: Capitol tour. Very cool!!!! Beautiful architecture and sooo much history in this building. Got to see the House of Rep. vote on a measure. No cameras in there, but was cool to see. Kids were excited too. DS liked to pose w/ all the president statues he could.

Then it rains, but we are prepared.

 

[D&DDisney]

The future president of the United States

 

[D&DDisney]

Day 6: Visit Jefferson Memorial, Arlington and parts of VA. We found FREE parking close to all these places so it made for a much more enjoyable visit.

Then, having run out of money, it was back on the road. DS was exhausted.

All in all it was a WONDERFUL vacation. Saw many cool things and met many GREAT people. Too bad it had to end.

 

[D&DDisney]

You'll notice I now have 7 new states added to my map!

Life really is about the journey!

 

[DL55]

Day 6: Visit Jefferson Memorial, Arlington and parts of VA. We found FREE parking close to all these places so it made for a much more enjoyable visit.

Then, having run out of money, it was back on the road. DS was exhausted.

All in all it was a WONDERFUL vacation. Saw many cool things and met many GREAT people. Too bad it had to end.

What an adorable picture. Is this the DS that bumped his head?
Sounds like you had a fun time. My feet still hurt when I remember walking around DC.

 

[racetrack18kb]

D&D, love your pictures especially the one of DS giving his speech.

 

[D&DDisney]

What an adorable picture. Is this the DS that bumped his head?
Sounds like you had a fun time. My feet still hurt when I remember walking around DC.

Yes, that's him. He was a little more into the trip than my other DS11. (That's why we have more pics of DS7) I guess, being close to teen years, he was bored. Wanted to be back on the rollercoasters w/ Racetrack's son.

 

[M&N]

D&D--Such good pics...the one of the VN Memorial was beautiful. I have not seen it up close---did a drive by! Poor ds---way too tired but then he never slows down as long as he can go does he? It sounds like you sure got a lot in your trip. Glad the Liberty Bell turned out ok. Glad you were able to get through my favorite part of Lancaster Co. Which magnet did you get? Did you get to Kitchen Kettle Village? I cannot picture where the town park is!

Racer: as kids get older, everything you do as a family may not include everyone. I think dd is ok at home with rules and family close by. I would have said no if ds were home too---too much time for disagreements but alone, she has no one to fight with! I just hope you aren't expecting you being there to change 18's luck!

Pikester: I know there are several caves in PA. One is a boat ride through-I think called Crysal Caverns but not sure of others. That one is west of here, closer to Penn State. I think MagiKitty picked up brochures or at least we saw some for other places. They are dark for sure. I just cannot imagine exploring them with just firelight.

 

[M&N]

D&D---I almost forgot...How did you get that pic of MagiKitty roasting marshmallows in your siggie?