Back to Disney, BYKTWD and Other News

I am going to work in reverse order again and hope that I can remember everything I wanted to write about. First, we are Disney passholders again! We bought the cheapest passes, which only allow us to go on weekdays, but they were roughly half the price of the next level up. We still have Universal, so weekdays should be fine. We can go during the summer and on random Friday nights throughout the school year and get our money's worth. Originally, I was only going to buy them for Thomas and me. We are off every other Friday and it will be easy for us to go regularly. The kids have said they do not want to give up Universal in favor of Disney, so I didn't feel too guilty. It is a slower season right now, so Thomas and I went to Epcot on Friday. We had so much fun! We rode Soarin', Living with the Land, Spaceship Earth, Grand Fiesta, and two new (to us) rides--Ratatouille and Guardians of the Galaxy. We also had lunch in China, saw the China movie, and walked the World Showcase. We did all of that and were still home in time to meet Luke after school. 

In fact, we had such a good time, we decided to let the kids get passes. However, we had some rules: 1) they had to agree to go at least 8 times over the course of the year; and 2) they had to understand we aren't buying fast passes, which means waiting in lines. Before I even laid out the conditions, Luke and Jack were not interested.  They are just homebodies. Anna was a little frustrated that we weren't going to buy passes that would allow weekend visits, but she decided it was better than nothing. And, Kara was definitely on board. 

Kara was supposed to have her cast party on Friday night. But, she wasn't sure she wanted to go. So, I asked if she wanted to go to Disney instead. That was a resounding yes. Magic Kingdom was open the latest, so we went there. Crowds were pretty light. We rode several rides, had dinner, and went to the Hall of Presidents. The longest we waited was 35 minutes for Seven Dwarf's Mine Train. We got off that right after park closing at 11. My feet were tired! Between my morning at Epcot and my night at Magic Kingdom, I had walked around 11 miles. But, I am happy to be back. Although, I don't love the new paid fast passes or the reservation system. 

Thursday was bring your kids to work day at my office. Luke definitely wanted to go. Jack was on the fence. I really wanted him to go and hear more about some of the engineering careers. Anna has no interest in STEM careers and is doing end of year test prep at school, so it wasn't really an option for her. At the last minute Jack backed out and Kara backed in. We had a great time! It was fun to show them the office and to introduce them to a few coworkers. They got to learn about some of the careers and try out simulation devices. They also had a cookout and a bounce house and waterslide. Luke loved the waterslide. He did it for an hour straight. Kara enjoyed learning more about what we do. I was really happy they came. I told them it was my best day at work ever! Unfortunately, Thomas was in a meeting all day, so he could not participate. Maybe next year. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside of the simulation devices, but here are a couple from outside. Also, it was May 4th, so they had a costumer contest, which is why Luke is dressed as a Storm Trooper. You can't see it, but Kara is wearing a May the 4th shirt.

Activity where they had to navigate boats to pick up objects in the water.

In other news, we had a big hail storm one day! It was really interesting to see. I took a few really cool videos, but the pictures aren't quite as impressive. 

The middle school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory took place in late April. Kara was on lights. Both Luke and his friend Beya read and enjoyed the book, so the four of us (me, Luke, Beya and Bevin) went to dinner and the show. Everyone enjoyed it. Kara said she wants to do tech again at the high school.

Jack had his final band concert of the year. They sounded great. The final number was by the wind ensemble (not Jack's band, but the highest level) who played the most fun song ever. It was called Godzilla versus Las Vegas and it was an entire production. They had a slide show playing behind the band that described Godzilla destroying Las Vegas as the music played in a way that matched whatever Godzilla was doing. For example, at one point, the slide show talked about Godzilla running into a group of Elvises and the band played Elvis music while some kids dressed like Elvis walked across the stage. Then, it would quickly change to something else (like a dramatic clarinet solo or Liberace).  I am not doing a good job describing it, but it was so, so entertaining.

This was when the school mascot came out to fight Godzilla

I think that about covers it. Thomas had to travel for work, which was not fun. We found Kara a dress for the 8th grade formal. The kids have been working hard on end of year testing. So. much. testing. Only 15 school days remaining!