Working the System - A NYE PTR - Link to TR is up! 1/13

[Chilly]

She is a doll!

Jill in CO

Wow - she is SO cute. congratulations!

Thank you both

 

[eandesmom]

Well done Kendall!

Here's a couple of Freya's newborn photos when she was 3 weeks, and then at Halloween, need to upload some more recent ones.

What an adorable little skeleton!!!!!!!!!

and yesterday...

Happy baby! she is just precious! Love the little tutu!

I bet it did! Hopefully it was 26 and sunny! That definitely can improve the mood!

It was 26 and sunny, I swear my legs never warmed up. LOL!

OMG - I think you DID tell me that. I thought you HAD to fill out the FAFSA, but I guess not. You know I have a friend who is a PA and her husband is a nurse anesthetist. She told me their student loans are so horrific that it will take them years to dig out of it. And both of them have very well paying jobs. The reality of the expense sets in after the loans come due. She said it really, really impacts what they do on a day to day, month to month, year to year basis. I feel so fortunate that I went to school before the tuition went through the roof.

I would like to keep kids loans to a minimum that is for sure, I had them but they weren't awful. Taylor likely won't have any and I do think Jeff would be more likely to take a loan himself than have K be burdened with one of any sort. That said, being responsible for a small amount of it is I think very important. I think it makes you more vested in graduating on time, keeping the grades up, all of that. I paid most of my way on my own and it made a difference. The boys will have a difference scenario than K&T. Maybe that's not fair but I don't agree with footing the bill 100%. How much the E's have to come up with will really vary on where they pick and both know the expectation is that they do everything they can to get any kind of scholarship money anywhere! It is just so crazy expensive it's mind boggling really. And when you can qualify for any actual aid and it's only merit well, the dollars drop down that's for sure. Gives me heartburn! I'm telling you though, graduate school they are on their own. What's going to kill us is the overlap when more than one is in school at once. In theory T will finish this summer so no overlap there but...UGH! If Eric keeps things going the way they have, he will likely get $$ offers on the merit side which will help give him a lot of options. He best if he keeps his eyes on places he thinks he wants now lol!
Evan is going to have to get the grades up for more options.

What is sad is that keeping it in state for both of them may be hard, or not the options they want but that is certainly the most affordable!

In Poly tech schools a lot of the GE courses are fulfilled by the major. I know that Nick only has a handful of GE classes that he can actually pick from. Most are from his major as well.

I think its smart to start out major heavy. I'm sure its a weeding out tool. Nick has noticed a huge disparity in how some kids are prepared versus others. Some kids were lost within several weeks. He said he noticed right away the difference in what schools call "AP" classes. Some AP classes are legit, but he's run into other kids where their AP math class was really just a glorified math class. It was an AP class in name only.

I'm sure it is a weeding out too. A very expensive one!

I bet they are. I know their engineering programs are like #1 in the nation. That's very impressive. Those kids have perfect SAT scores.

It all comes down to what is more important. I know that Nick decided academics over soccer, but his choices for soccer were really limited. If she really wants to play soccer she can certainly go the walk on route and the club route. I'm sure their club team is very competitive as well. I really do hope it all works out for her. Fingers crossed.

Well she definitely did not have perfect SAT scores. I'm not positive but I think with Cal Poly she went with her ACT score, not SAT.

I don't know that there is a club team. Probably, maybe, but not something she's looked into. I am glad Jeff is going on this one as he will be able to find things out for himself instead of relying on her mom to fill us in.

 

[KatMark]

Thankfully, not far behind on your PTR.

Congratulations to Kendall...that is awesome that she got her school of choice. Hopefully she plays soccer, but you can't beat a top-notch education.

I have to agree with Andy...you really aren't leaving yourself enough time with the lights, PP's and changing, etc. The lines were very long when we were there last week for pictures by the lights.

 

[Chilly]

She is a pretty happy baby, i'm very lucky

 

[eandesmom]

Thankfully, not far behind on your PTR.

Congratulations to Kendall...that is awesome that she got her school of choice. Hopefully she plays soccer, but you can't beat a top-notch education.

No, you can't. We do wish she'd have had more than one top choice and thus could compare some offers but...oh well. We will figure it out. UGH.

I have to agree with Andy...you really aren't leaving yourself enough time with the lights, PP's and changing, etc. The lines were very long when we were there last week for pictures by the lights.

If the lines are long it's irrelevant, I am 100% sure my group will not wait if they are long lines, just for a picture and it's not a battle I will fight. If it works to get one or 2, great if not, oh well. We will be there other evenings so it's not the only photo op, just the most likely night to get to see them turn on.

She is a pretty happy baby, i'm very lucky

She sure looks happy in those photos!

 

[rentayenta]

Claire, your baby is beautiful!

 

[podsnel]

Congrats to Kendall! That is so exciting- and so nice to have her first choice! We are just beginning the process with Tyler, in his Jr year- ahhh, it really does go too fast, doesn't it?

 

[Poolrat]

She is a pretty happy baby, i'm very lucky

Chilly - She is a beauty!! A cute skeleton indeed.

 

[eandesmom]

Congrats to Kendall! That is so exciting- and so nice to have her first choice! We are just beginning the process with Tyler, in his Jr year- ahhh, it really does go too fast, doesn't it?

Really fast! It seems like they are hammering Evan with info now (9th) and freaking him out (as in his grades aren't good enough to go anywhere, which isn't true but they aren't where they can and should be lol) and doing a number on his self esteem.

Will Tyler be looking to play ball?

 

[Poolrat]

Really fast! It seems like they are hammering Evan with info now (9th) and freaking him out (as in his grades aren't good enough to go anywhere, which isn't true but they aren't where they can and should be lol) and doing a number on his self esteem.

Oh yes -I remember that- Both my kids got battered starting in Middle School about how rough college would be to get into and all they were doing was preparing them for it.
Both have said College is much easier than the teachers made it out to be, not because the middle and high did such a great job preparing them but rather that they overcame all the ego destroying comments from teachers and kept their own problem solving skills to use when they had less parameters to limit their thinking abilities.

 

[Chilly]

Claire, your baby is beautiful!

Chilly - She is a beauty!! A cute skeleton indeed.

Thank you both

 

[natebenma]

I'm back and trying to catch up. And I realize there is not a whole lotta time before your trip. Wow!!! Exciting!

Super cute flashback photos and memories in your intro, of your immediate and extended family. Traveling with loved ones can be so much fun, and not without inevitable drama- can't wait to read all about it!

Why:

• Because it's been far too long and life is too short. It is really as simple as that.

Love this sentiment, so true and important to remember.

Great intros to your family! Although I have "met" some of you on previous trips, I look forward to getting to know the whole clan.

What a brilliant idea to register your parents as guests in the villa. Non-existent roomies are possibly the best kind.

Bummer about the Magic Band allergy.

Gonna send you a PM about Photopass

Your first day sounds busy and SUPER FUN!!! Can't wait to see how everyone makes out with the commando day. CP with your mom is a really nice thing to look forward to.


Be back soon! (I hope)

 

[natebenma]

I skipped ahead to your real life update.

Congratulations to Kendall! What a great accomplishment to get into her Early Decision school. I hope it works out for her on the soccer team, but she clearly has her priorities straight. What more can you ask for?

Claire- your daughter Freya is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pictures. Such a magical time for your family!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh yes -I remember that- Both my kids got battered starting in Middle School about how rough college would be to get into and all they were doing was preparing them for it.
Both have said College is much easier than the teachers made it out to be, not because the middle and high did such a great job preparing them but rather that they overcame all the ego destroying comments from teachers and kept their own problem solving skills to use when they had less parameters to limit their thinking abilities.

I don't think the teachers mean to be ego destroying...I think Evan is doing most of that all on his own He will be fine, the color of my hair maybe not so much. LOL!

I'm back and trying to catch up. And I realize there is not a whole lotta time before your trip. Wow!!! Exciting!

I am SO ready...and SO not all at the same time!

Super cute flashback photos and memories in your intro, of your immediate and extended family. Traveling with loved ones can be so much fun, and not without inevitable drama- can't wait to read all about it!

Love this sentiment, so true and important to remember.

Great intros to your family! Although I have "met" some of you on previous trips, I look forward to getting to know the whole clan.

What a brilliant idea to register your parents as guests in the villa. Non-existent roomies are possibly the best kind.

I think it will be good, some scrambling at the moment over tickets but...it will work out. Universal and Margaritaville is actually being a bit of a pita but we will get there.

Bummer about the Magic Band allergy.

Yeah. I've been "testing" it a little since it arrived. The cloth cover is tricky, it's either bunched up or, if you cut it, you still have all this extra band to either get inside it to close or goes over the back which then touches my skin anyway. So not ideal, or easy to work with and I can tell it will be hard to know where that mickey head is, which will be a bit of a problem. I'm thinking if I could coat the back of the band with something (what I am not sure) that would help and am also considering moleskin. Although with moleskin you have the same problem since the band has to wrap to fit.

Or I may just wear it anyway, but keep it loose and cover if/when things start to ramp up.

Gonna send you a PM about Photopass

Got it!

Your first day sounds busy and SUPER FUN!!! Can't wait to see how everyone makes out with the commando day. CP with your mom is a really nice thing to look forward to.

Be back soon! (I hope)

I am SO excited and glad we bought the package, the updates I've been reading about the lines are insane!

I skipped ahead to your real life update.

Congratulations to Kendall! What a great accomplishment to get into her Early Decision school. I hope it works out for her on the soccer team, but she clearly has her priorities straight. What more can you ask for?

We are very proud of her

 

[Poolrat]

I don't think the teachers mean to be ego destroying...I think Evan is doing most of that all on his own He will be fine, the color of my hair maybe not so much. LOL!

Well that is good in a way. Our Middle School teachers were much more negative than high school. 3 Principals in 4 years probably something to do with it too.

Yeah. I've been "testing" it a little since it arrived. The cloth cover is tricky, it's either bunched up or, if you cut it, you still have all this extra band to either get inside it to close or goes over the back which then touches my skin anyway. So not ideal, or easy to work with and I can tell it will be hard to know where that mickey head is, which will be a bit of a problem. I'm thinking if I could coat the back of the band with something (what I am not sure) that would help and am also considering moleskin. Although with moleskin you have the same problem since the band has to wrap to fit.

Or I may just wear it anyway, but keep it loose and cover if/when things start to ramp up.

You can just always put it on the backpack or bag you have. I hope you find a comfortable way to have it accessible with causing a rash.

 

[Pinkocto]

Pat beat me to it, but I totally agree, no need to actually wear the MB, just keep it with you.

And congratulations to Kendall!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Well that is good in a way. Our Middle School teachers were much more negative than high school. 3 Principals in 4 years probably something to do with it too.

UGH! We've had pretty good luck in middle school overall. A disastrous science experience but that was the teacher just being horrible, not negative per-se. I wouldn't say the HS teachers are negative, it's just a crazy emphasis on that the kids need to know NOW what they want to do.

You can just always put it on the backpack or bag you have. I hope you find a comfortable way to have it accessible with causing a rash.

Yeah, I know I can, that just seems like a pain but I'll figure something out for sure.

Pat beat me to it, but I totally agree, no need to actually wear the MB, just keep it with you.

And congratulations to Kendall!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I am still here, really!
I am lurking on most of my subscriptions but find posting from my phone beyond frustrating. I continue to be a bit on the crazy busy side, it is that time of year. After my dinner for 28, last weekend I put on a party for 100 (company party) and am elbow deep in almost 800 cards and about 250 gifts for our clients. It's pretty cool actually, we custom sign most cards, some by one person, some by up to 10 and all matched by who specifically works with the client. It is a logistical nightmare but in a world of ecards and gift cards I think the personal touch goes a long way. It does extend to hand delivery on some of those gifts, for the next 10 days or so I’ll be running around here...and Hawaii...hand delivering gifts to our clients.

Yeah, Hawaii. I did say there might be another trip this year didn't I? And this is/was why. In just over 48 hours on island, I will deliver 47 gifts and interview 3 potential employees. Not my idea of relaxing. LOL! If I am lucky I will not end up having any client dinners (have 2 lunches booked) and can go for a run in the early evening and then eat outside. That will be the extent of it. I leave Sunday night, flight back Weds am. Fun times. Jeff and I will actually pass in flight, he gets back from Cal Poly Sunday night after I leave…if my flight heads south first I could almost wave at him! We did find out that Kendall did get a small scholarship. I don’t know if that means that it is it, or if there is the possibility of more being awarded in spring. It's not much in the big picture of the tuition costs but still, far far better than nothing, it will cover her books. We are hoping to push her to apply for other outside ones though and then soccer is an outside possibility for additional funds. In between all of that I am trying to make sure we are set for our trip and Christmas! I did finally think to figure out what the heck I was doing with the cats. Usually my dad is our cat sitter however he will be on the trip! Neighbor boy was a prime candidate but alas, they will be out of town. My normal vet was full for boarding and is pricey (like UGH pricey) even for the waiting list option but neighbor boys mom suggested another place and I got 2 of the last 3 spots. It's not as fancy but is a little bit less $ so that’s cool. It even includes food, which mine doesn't. Of course they may hate the food but at that price…tough!

In general trip updates I have a few!

The first set of MagicBands have arrived. Yeah, it says Cindy. That's what the family calls me. Jeff doesn't, nor does anyone in my professional or post college life but it is the name I went by until then. Band #2 says Cynthia. It does help me remember which is for which part of the trip. That is a LOT of bands we have (the other box arrived today) LOL! I did a short "test" on the material and using the fabric cover. Honestly, they cover was awkward and bunched up a ton making it bulky. I trimmed it but getting the back flap of the band then inside it is hard if not impossible and if you don't, then that is still against my skin anyway. I can also see it will be hard to see where the Mickey head is with the cover on. I am trying to figure out what I could just coat the material with to provide a barrier but haven’t figured anything out. I may try moleskin but again the "wrap" issue makes that a little tricky as well.



One sister has bought her Disney tickets. UT said 10 business days when she ordered them. Melissa ordered hers on the 9th so worst case that puts hers here on the 23rd. YIKES! However, Kerri will likely have to get them direct through Disney and pay more as she flat out waited too long. As of yesterday UT was saying 15 days which would puts them here on the 27th.
Yeah, so much for FP+ huh. I honestly don't expect to be able to add Mel’s tickets until xmas day and then will just have to see what I can add for the boys then. And...Kerri ordered them from UT anyway...supposedly it's been confirmed they will be here in time via phone...I hope so. I mean in theory the 27th works for Kerri, they leave on the 30th but...UGH!

None of us have bought our Universal tickets. Our plan was to get the transfer package. With a 2 day ticket, you save basically one round trip Mears transfer this way and 20 bucks is 20 bucks. However Mears and Universal haven’t figured out their 2014 package yet so it is not available to buy! Which isn't’t really a big deal since they are e-vouchers anyway. I have since then seen a few reports on those transfers alluding to the first leg (Disney to Universal) as taking a VERY long time due to the multiple resort stops. We've decided that for the 2nd, our first Universal day and prime Harry Potter day, we will book 2 vans to take us direct and then do the shared shuttle back. We will do the shared shuttle for the 2nd day. Or at least most will, I’ll likely be run over by Jeff after grocery/THV move is done. Sadly, we will NOT be having dinner at Margaritaville on January 2nd as planned. I went to make a reservation via OpenTable at 30 days out and couldn't get one. For the ENTIRE day! Other days were open. Sure enough, they've been “bought out” starting at 3pm. I was able to make a lunch "priority" reservation for 1pm which allegedly puts you at the top of the waiting list for a table your size. I'd feel better if I could have done that through open table versus verbally but I guess the good news is we do have the 4th as a back up dining option (for lunch) should it not work out on the 2nd. As you might imagine this could be a HUGE problem for Jeff!

The mickey scarfs arrived, they are SO cute I can’t stand it. So did the boys trading pins which I will dole out at breakfast. The capri's though...they go back tomorrow. Bleh.

And...back to our plans!!!!!!!!!!!!

We left off with a crazy day at Universal and a hopeful Treehouse Villa burrito/taco bar dinner. Morning will bring us to packing up for both my sisters. Kerri and Eric will need to make their way over to us, or at least to the front desk at SSR. We will get everyone’s bags set and out with DME and then head to DTD. We are having brunch at Raglan Road! This is a new offering and is a pretty neat menu, combo of breakfast items, and lunch. After we will get our shopping on. It is likely that this may be our first time hitting DTD all trip so anything not picked up yet will have to be from here as my sisters, BIL and nephews will be out of park tickets. I will be curious to see if the DTD pickup from DME is an option or if they will need to go back to SSR. Either way, at about 3pm for Melissa and 4pm for Kerri, they will be headed to MCO and home. The rest of us will head to the MK. We have…
BOG reservations! I am SO excited for this. I know the food might not be stellar, I've certainly read mixed reviews (not bad but several mehs). But the ambiance? To die for! We have FP+ booked, well actually I do. Right now that’s all that can be booked until we add days to everyone elses tickets once we get there. I may slide the first FP back, I currently have them at 4, 5 and then 8pm (dinner is at 6:25). One of them is for talking Mickey . After dinner I am thinking we may head over to the TOWL to see the fireworks, it would be a nice end to the week for my folks as this is their last night.

Up next, our last couple of days. In the meantime...

As we were light on pictures in this update….

Here's a few from my tree! Which finally got up on Sunday but still is completely barren of presents.















It's a wonderful life!

 

[Poolrat]

My experience with UT is that they have been very conservative on arrival dates. They usually beat it. Now that being said holiday mail and USPS in general.... Hopefully they will be be an early Christmas present.

Sounds like you have a plan for Universal. Better safe than late to Harry Potter.

2 weeks from today!!! Hey 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! Yeah I go back and forth and I am home every day mostly all day.

One of my small issues is making sure I have clothes I can in and out of over my arm that I can't lift up. Getting much better but I have some normal positions I just can't do. I feel like a T-rex on the right side.

 

[KatMark]

Lordy lordy, that is a lot of Christmas cards.

I hope ALL of the park tickets arrive before their owners leave for their trip.

I love your tree...it's very pretty.

Plans for Univeral sound great.

And love the idea of lunch at Raglan Road and shopping. Be sure to get a Bailey's Shake.