Keyan's Make-a-Wish Trip

[hogansteph]

OK...I am not sure how good this will be, but I am going to give this trip report thing a try! Our whole family will be going to Disney October 15-20. We will be staying at GKTW and we are thrilled!!!! Alright, who is going...

Me-Stephanie-32 years old--I LOVE everything Mickey and if you look around my house you will see hidden Mickeys in most every room.

Paul-37-My fabulous husband who I have turned into a Disney liker, but not quite a lover! He is a Computer Geek by trade but dosn't fit into that mold at all.

Grammie-??-Wouldn't miss this trip for anything and we could not take the trip without her help. (You will see why as I continue with the list...)

Jamahl-6-been to Disney twice but not since he was two and a half. He can't wait to go since the last time he was not tall enough to ride some of the things that he wanted to. And yes..he remebers both trips VERY well!

McKenzy-3-my "alien" child. God love her but she is a little air-headed. She can't wait to meet Aurora and hopes with everything in her to see Wall-e! Wish me luck!

Sidney-3-our shy, nervous little girl who adores Belle and Spiderman. SHe is going to do "everything that Jamahl does!" when we get to Florida.

Abagayle-3-Our princess extrodinair. She loves EVERYTHING princess, especially Cinderella. Abby can't wait to meet Prince Charming when we get to Disney and has already packed all of her dress-up clothes! She is our Diva!

Keyan-3-Our Wish girl-She is obsessed with the princesses as well, but ARIEL is her favorite. Her exact wish is to sing with Ariel, although I am not sure how that is going to work out. She knows every word of every princess song and is absolutly precious singing them.

SO...Can you see why Grammie is going? Yes indeed, the girls are quadruplets. Yep, four three year olds and a six year old. Our house is crazy but our hearts are full. The girls were born at 27 weeks, weighing between 1-2 pounds. Keyan's umbillical cord stopped working so we induced labor in order to save her life. She, unfortunatly, got all the short sticks. She has severe chronic lung disease, cerebral palsy, some brain damage, breaths thru a trach, gets fed thru a tube in her tummy, wears contact lenses, and probably a whole slew of things that I am forgetting!!! She so deserves this trip. She spends a lot of time at the doctors, hospital, therapy, and just sick in general. She is just now realizing that she is "different", and it is so hard!!

Anyhow, more later...but for now that is us in a nutshell. You are welcome to check out our blog at www.hoganclan7.blogspot.com to get to know us even better!

[HeatherSue]

What a wonderful start, Stephanie! I'm so glad you started a pre-trip report so we can all get to know you even better!

My husband is the Disney-hater, so you're lucky to at least have a Disney liker!

[hogansteph]

Some more background information...

We just found out a little over a week ago that the wish was being granted. At first, our wish manager could not get us into GKTW but called last week to tell us she was finally able to confirm our dates for the 15-20th of October. She asked us if that would still work for us and I just had to laugh! Who is going to say "No" to going to Disney in three weeks?
Now we are down to two and a half weeks. Unfortunatly, the Michigan Wish foundation was unable to find us local volunteers so everything has been done over the phone, mail, fax, or e-mail. I think having an actual person would make it more real but we did get a package in the mail with our flight itenery and t-shirts so that has helped! I am finding it strange to not be doing the planning, and it is hard to know how many questions you can ask since we are being given this trip, but these boards have filled me in on most everything! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We are working on the last of the arrangments for all of Keyan's equipment to be rented down in Florida. It is sure scarey, not being in control, but yet so nice to let someone else do all that work. We have actually tried to plan a Disney trip two years in a row, but I got so flustered trying to figure it all out, that we gave up. So for us, not only is this trip wonderful for the financial aspect, I am even more grateful that someone can figure out how to get her there safely, and keep her safe while she is meeting all of those wonderful Disney friends.
Our biggest hurdle will be to keep Keyan healthy enough to make the trip. She is EXTREMELY prone to getting everything under the sun so we are sort of staying home as much as possible to control some of the germs. We are taking one of our nurses with us, whowill work third shift to keep Keyan safe while she sleeps. He is not going to be flying with us but rather driving down ahead of us. Can you believe that he didn't want to fly with 5 kids??? I think that He was the smart one!
So, this weeks plans will be to make sure that the nurse has his arrangments all set. He is not staying with us since he has to sleep all day and is a procrastinator so I will have to stay on top of him getting ready! I also need to decide if I am going to make any ADRs. I did call on a few today, but as you all know, with such short notice, it is virtually impossible. I really don't want to be tied down but am worried that with a party of 8 we will have a very hard time finding somewhere to eat without reservations.
***question*** Did anyone do a charater meal with a child that doesn't eat? Keyan is completly tube fed and would only lick a lemon or maybe a french fry, so I do not think that I should have to pay for her. Will they make me pay? I am so nervous about figuring this out. When I asked the reservatioist at Disney, she was unsure of what to tell me! I am trying not to be stingy, but with 5 kids, we have to watch where we spend our money! I think the biggest thing for me to remember is that no matter what we do while we are there, it will be great fun for the kids. THey will never know what they did not do! Why is that so hard to accept???

More later...I need to get some sleep before the week begins!

[hogansteph]

Oh dear lord I hope I can get this picture thing to work....


Our wish girl-Keyan
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1456.jpg

The whole family(including Poppie)
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1531.jpg

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

I don't have any answers for you about the meals, but I did want to chime in and say you have a beautiful family and I hope you guys have an awesome trip!

[jham]

What a great start! I LOVE Keyan's "exact wish" that is just too sweet! We will be in Disneyland the exact same days you are in Disneyworld! Which is why I'm not going to have time to help out with the Big Give. :sad1: I have one 3-year-old little princess, I can't imagine 4! I also have an almost 6-year-old boy (and a DS9 and a DD11). I just can't tell you how much I wish I could sew Disney outfits for quadruplet girls the same age as my Lily! :lmao: But I know of some wonderful surprises in store for you :rolleyes1 I can't wait to follow along with you as you go on your trip! And how is it that you look all of 16 years old? :sad2:

[jham]

double post

[tnmom25]

Stephanie, your family is just gorgeous! I hope you have the most magical time ever!

[oklamomof4boys]

What a beautiful family. I can't wait to read more. I keep telling my husband that I need a baby girl. I am a speech pathologist and I just started seeing the cutest little 3 year old girl. I told my husband, " I don't need a baby girl anymore. I want a 3 year old girl!" I absolutely love that age and I keep thinking how fun it would be to take a little princess to Disney! You are going to have a wonderful time!

[bigdisgrandma]

You have such a darling family. I have 3 3year old grandchildren, 1 girl and 2 boys and when they are all together, they are a riot. Can't imagine having that experience everyday!

I am so excited for your trip. Can't wait to hear all about it. As for ADR's we had some and we just walked up to a couple of places where we didn't have an ADR and they were able to fit us in and we had 10 in our group. Eating at odd times is sometimes helpful. I would imagine that if you explained your situation with Keyan, they would not make you pay for a meal for her. Most of the CM's we met were very helpful and worked with us in all kinds of situations.

:grouphug:
Denise

[hogansteph]

Happy Tuesday! Exciting things are happening this week with our Disney planning! I have had a lot of communication with our wish manger this week and it sounds like she is working on a special meet and greet with Ariel. Keyan will be so excited if it comes to fruition. Our wish manager is also going to schedule a character breakfast for me so that I don't have to worry about it. She was kind enough to ask if there were specific characters we wanted to meet, and what time would work best for us. From my experience thus far, MAW does a really good job finding out what you actually want, not just giving you what they can find. It is so impressive!

I guess that is all for now, we are busy counting down the days on our princess calendar! It will be here before I know it!

[muffinstuffin]

I can't wait to read all about your trip. Your family is beautiful!!!

[hogansteph]

2 weeks from today we will be arriving in Florida!!!!!
I can not believe that literally 14 days from this exact minute we will be landing in Orlando! It seems impossible that this is actually happening to us. We feel so overwhelmed and blessed that I can't put it into words. We just started talking to the girls about the fact that we will be flying in an airplane to get to Disney. McKenzy tells everyone who comes to the door, including the UPS man that we are going to ride in an airplane. They are all so excited. Jamahl is busy scoping out the internet to decide what his "must-sees" are. I am really hoping to get a ADR for Ohana becasue I know he would love the whole experience, however, I am not having good luck. It may come down to some of us going and some of us staying in the parks doing something else. I know that he is going to get tired of the princesses pretty quick!!:)

Oh! I guess it is time to let everyone know that we have been "adopted" by the disboutiquers and are lucky enough to be included in the "Big Give." This group of artists have hearts so big it is incredible. We are anxiously awaiting some of their creations! Did I mention how blessed we feel?

Back to my everyday chaos of the kids!

[bex271]

I just found your ptr, I can't wait to hear how everything goes I know y'all are excited and your family is beautiful.

becca

[hogansteph]

Can it really be only 11 more days until we leave? Actually, it is so late that it is almost 10!!! All of the kids have been taking turns putting a sticker on the calendar and than counting the days left. Jamahl just said that we are almost into single digits!
We have SO much going on before we go that I havn't been able to focus on planning like I have wanted to. The girls start preschool on Tuesday and we are still missing a preschool sized spiderman backpack! Sidney is starting to panic. We have parent-teacher conferences next week, Jamahl started science camp today, Keyan has three doctor appoinmets, two of the other kids have to see the doctor also, and that is not counting all of the pre-trip shopping that I need to do. If there is one thing that I am sure on, it is that we NEED a vacation.
Good news, the nurse officially booked his hotel last night, so I have one lesss thing to worry about! He is also making a master list of all the supplies that we need to pack which will be extrmemly helpful. So many of her things we just can't pick up at Walmart if we forget them!
I did make reservations for Boma....not sure if we will keep them, I was really hoping for Ohana, but that is not working out so well. Any comments on Boma???? The other thing I did was pick up some glitter for the girls hair and face. We would love to do Bippity-Boppity-Boutique, but with 4 princesses, that gets way to costly. So, we are going to have our own boutique in our room. Wish me luck though when Abby realizes tht she could have visited the Fairy God Mother...Abby truely thinks she is Cinderella, so I could have one very upset princess on my hands!
Anyhow, enough rambling...it has been a long day, off to dream of Disney!

[teachermom]

oklamomof4boys, I have a 3 year old girl with a cochlear implant. She goes to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia one day a weel for speech therapy and attends preschool at PA school for the deaf where she gets 20 minutes of speech therapy a day! Do you want her?!? LOL I wouldn't get rid of her for anything but let me tell you she is lucky she is a cute 3 year old little girl! Megan

[jham]

I did make reservations for Boma....not sure if we will keep them, I was really hoping for Ohana, but that is not working out so well. Any comments on Boma????

We went to Boma on our trip last January (for full report click on the link to my TR) :rolleyes1 and I was surprised it was one of my kids' favorite meals. They loved the fresh fruit, the kid standards like mac 'n' cheese (I swear it looked better here than anywhere else) and chicken strips and they all tried some new and different things :yay: I'm not a vegetarian but I think I ate vegetarian at Boma. They had a lot of good salads, soups, etc. (oh, and desserts) :thumbsup2 It is also fun to walk around the AKL and look at the animals from the balcony.

[bigdisgrandma]

Bomas is one of our family's favorite restaurants. They have marvelous soups, salads, desserts and main dishes. I am allergic to tomatoes and that makes eating unusual foods a little difficult but the head chef always takes me on a tour so that I know what is ok and what I need to avoid. Luckily I seldom have to pass up the desserts but I love the foods at Bomas. I am so excited for your trip. I know you will just love it.

Denise

[portocall]

I stayed at GKTW in 1992, I was 17, my "wish kid" sister was 5 and had cancer (she is lucky and made it). I remember taking those same precautions to keep her healthy enough, as me and the other two "well" kids went by our grandma's for a week.

This is what I remember, I hope that it is still the same for you. The rooms were great, plenty of space for the 6 of us. They did the charachter dining at GKTW, princesses, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto... you name it. Pool was nice, playground was fantastic, fishing was fun too, neat arcade, and nothing cost a penny there...

Have they sent you any information about what to expect. I will be interested in hearing your post report since I donate to them every year thanks to the wonderful time we had...

[hogansteph]

We got our confirmation e-mail from GKTW today! When I read it to the kids, their faces just lit up. This is going to be such a special trip.
After the recommendations, we have decided to keep our reservations for Boma. It should be a fun experience even if the kids don't eat much. We are also looking forward to get our final itenerary, expense check, and all the rest of the information sometime this week! I will be posting more when the package comes!
That is all for now....

Stephanie

[hogansteph]

For all of you out there that believe in prayer, PLEASE PRAY FOR KEYAN! Starting at 6 this morning her heart rate has been high, she has a lot of yellow secretions, and is running a temperature. She can not get sick! We only have 9 days to go and I especially don't want her to be sick while we are in Florida. I have a call into her Doctor to see if there is anything that we can do right now. This cannot be happening!!! Thanks for your prayers.

[oklamomof4boys]

oklamomof4boys, I have a 3 year old girl with a cochlear implant. She goes to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia one day a weel for speech therapy and attends preschool at PA school for the deaf where she gets 20 minutes of speech therapy a day! Do you want her?!? LOL I wouldn't get rid of her for anything but let me tell you she is lucky she is a cute 3 year old little girl! Megan

Now you're just teasing with me-get my hopes up for a little girl, just to dash them that you won't send her to me! I would give her constant speech therapy if you let me "borrow" her just for a bit-lol!

[oklamomof4boys]

For all of you out there that believe in prayer, PLEASE PRAY FOR KEYAN! Starting at 6 this morning her heart rate has been high, she has a lot of yellow secretions, and is running a temperature. She can not get sick! We only have 9 days to go and I especially don't want her to be sick while we are in Florida. I have a call into her Doctor to see if there is anything that we can do right now. This cannot be happening!!! Thanks for your prayers.

Oh! I am so sorry! Hopefully this will be a quick moving thing- and not move to the rest of the family! That is always my fear with a big family. Nothing like a sick child to put a kink in vacation plans. We will certainly keep her in our prayers. Let us know what you find out!

Carol

[hogansteph]

I just spoke with the Doctor and we are going to wait 24 hours and see how she is. She is such a fighter, so hopefully, she will fight this bug too.

On another note....I am really worried about how I am going to capture all of our magical moments on film when I have three adults and five kids. We are thinking about doing the photo pass. Any pros or cons about it??? What is everyones feelings on it? Thanks for your advice.

Stephanie

[GoofyDoo]

I'm a lurker, so I'll go on and sub!! I have been seeing some awesome things heading your way! I'm saying a prayer for your baby that she'll get all better. Nine days is a long time when getting over a bug. Don't stress!

Also, I have to chime in on the PhotoPass. Do it!! We prepaid for ours and saved $30 (there is a link posted somewhere in my TR). We have a large family as well, and although my husband hates to have his picture taken, I knew the PhotoPass was the only way we'd get pics of ourselves as a family (I'm usually the one behind the camera, so I worry that my kids won't even know I was their mother some day!). My husband is also pretty tight with money, so once I told him I had already paid and we needed to get as many pics taken as possible to get our money's worth, he obliged. I was proud of myself for being so clever. There were many PhotoPass pics that weren't great, but many, many I wouldn't take for. They captured some moments that we didn't, even though we took almost 2,000 pics ourselves! On my Photopass account we had just under 200 pics when we got home, and when I was through editing and playing (for three days), we ended up with over 500! Money well spent!!

[teachermom]

Saying prayers, I hope all is well. I apologize for hijaking your thread about the 3 year old with speech therapy! I hope you enjoy your time at Disney.

[hogansteph]

Thanks for the well wishes, Keyan is sleeping peacefully at the moment and we are all hoping for a good night

Amy, I just read your TR and found the link to the photo pass pre-pay. Thanks so much. Your pictures of the things you received from the disboutiquers has me just dying to see ours. I SO need to make one of those twirly skirts and matching tanks for myslef!!! If only I was that talented! Your TR made me even more excited about our up-coming trip.

teachermom, do not worry about hijacking the thread, I am just glad someone is reading this silly thing!!!:)

I am off to do some more research and packing. Our nurse left the three page long list of things Keyan needs so I am starting on that, trying not to get overwhelmed. My current concern is how we are going to fly with only three adults and five kids, four of whom are three. You know what the other passangers on the plane will be thinking don't you??? It will be interesting!!!

[tnmom25]

Steph, I really hope Keyan is better tomorrow. Keep us posted!

I also think the photopass is a good idea, anything to lighten your burden!!

[hogansteph]

Keyan is holding her own redarding whatever is going on in her lungs. She is going on with life so thank goodness we have a week left. If she continues to do alright, we should be fine. She just has to give us a scare!!! Her lungs are definetly not up to par, so we are just hoping that she sontinues to improve instead of get worse. We have her on some additional medications, so we are doing everything that we can!

A week from today we will be in the airplane, flying to Florida! I have so much to do!!! We are awaiting our final package from MAW, which will fill in some of the blanks that we still have.

In other news, the girls started preschool yesterday. It is just 2 hours a day, two days a week but they are thrilled and so am I!!!! I have not had 4 hours a week to myself in almost 4 years. THe girls are very excited about it and we are thrilled to have all 4 of them in the same classroom. This is only possible because there is a paramedic training center across the hallway of their classroom. It could not be a better set-up. Here is a picture of them waiting for school to start....

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1543.jpg

Well, Keyan has three therapy appointments today so I need to keep moving. I will be sure to post pictures when we start getting packages from the disboutiquers! We can't wait....it is just adding to our excitment!

[tnmom25]

YAY!! Some "me" time for Stephanie! You deserve it! I'm sure this first week will be spent packing, it's going to go by fast!! It's great they all got in the same class and I'm glad to hear that Keyan is not getting any worse.

[hogansteph]

Our first package from a disboutiquer has arrived. I was so excited that I could hardly wait for Jamahl to get home from school to open in, but I was good and let him do it. It was so great that Jamahl was the first to recieve a package, it made it extra special for him.:)

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1574.jpg

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1575.jpg

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1577.jpg

Thanks so much to jillalvarez2003. He LOVES the shirt. It fits great and is the perfect mixture of Disney and tough-guy! What amazing craftmanship. We are all very impressed.

[jham]

Love the first Big Give arrival! That's nice that Jamahl was first. I know some very talented people have been working on the greatest things for the kids! I'm excited for you to get them. The girls looked so cute at their first day of preschool!

[bex271]

the shirt looks great on Jamahl very tough looking.
The girls look great and getting that time for yourself is going to be wonderful. I felt the same way when jonah started. They are going to enjoy it so much and it's good they are getting to stay together too.

becca

[tnmom25]

:woohoo: :yay: WooHoo!! Let the fun begin! Jamahl looks really happy with his package and that shirt is way too cute!

[HeatherSue]

How cute is he?! That is such a cool shirt!

I was eyeing that table of yours a while back. It came in black too, right? I really love that table and chairs!

[hogansteph]

Oh my goodness, what a day we had! We recieved 2 packages from disboutiquers and our final wish kit. I just kept crying and crying as we were opening the gifts. Our kit contained our itenerary, expense check, Disney planning book, stickers, bunny slippers for Keyan, little stuffed animals for the other kids, and all of our intructions. I have a lot of reading to do tonight after Parent-Teacher Conferences! Here are some pics.

First the wish kit....can you feel the excitment? It was hard to get pictures, because the kids couldn't help but gather around the package.
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1592.jpg

Here is Jamahl modeling his Nemo shirt and shorts from someone in Green Bay, WI. He really liked the outfit, as he LOVES sharkes
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1583.jpg

The girls all needed to get a close-up look
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1585.jpg

The infamous Twirl Skirts. Here is the deal...not only did Tom make all the girls matching skirts, but he also included a bag for ME!!! Unbelievable, no one ever remembers ME!!!! And how did he know that I have an obsession with bags???? Tom also included a very nice letter that made me cry even harder than I already was. When I was reading it to the kids, Jamahl looked at Paul and said, "is she crying?" He has a little bit to learn about women! BTW, don't worry, we will not be wearing these shirls with our skirts!!!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1618.jpg

And we have to have pictures of the twirling...
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1612.jpg

I could post picture after picture of them all twirling like crazy! Thank you all for your unbelievable generosity. Our hearts are so touched. We can't wait to model our art in Disney!!!!

[jham]

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1618.jpg



OMG look at Keyan's face in this picture. How cute!

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

I am so glad that you received them!
I forgot to mention that you will be receving another package in the mail from another wonderful Disboutiquer with something to go with the skirts.;)

My wife has a bag obsession herself! She is the one who insisted that I make you the bag so that you can match your precious little ones!

I am sorry that my letter made you cry. I put a lot of thought and love into everything that I make, and I just wanted to let you know what I was thinking as I was making them.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers! Hope you have a wonderful, magical, memory making vacation!

[tmfranlk]

Wow, you're getting so close!!! We just got back from WDW almost 2 weeks ago so I have a couple of pieces of advice for you. I also wanted to send you loads on :wizard: that Kenyan is going better and stays helathy for your trip.

Wall-E! - You won't find a moving Wall-E, but there is one you can take a picture with complete with a backdrop from the movie. It is located in the Animation Building in Disney Hollywood Studios. You can skip the building tour part and go straight to Wall-E if you enter through the gift shop. Go to the back of the shop, through the automatic doors (usually already open), through the little hallway type things and into the big room. He's right in the middle of the room.

Prince Charming - Are you going to a Halloween party? If so, make a beeline for Toontown and the Judge's Tent (between Minnie and Mickey's house). Cinderella and Aurora are there and during the party Prince Charming and Prince Philip join them. If you are not going to the party, can you get a reservation for dinner at 1900 Park Fare? Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters are all there.

Characters meals - The character meals have an "entertainment fee" option when someone can not eat, but they charge $5 for the character entertainment. However, I would guess that they wouldn't charge you for Kenyan due to the nature of her reason for not eating combined with a Wish trip.

Ariel - I know that they are working on something special, but you could take the kids to Ariel's Grotto to meet her on your MK day as well. I'd bet Ariel would love to sing with Kenyan if you mentioned it on your visit.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE GKTW. You are going to have so much fun there alone. We got the honor of having a tour of GKTW a few years ago and it was wonderful. Even though we were just touring, they invited my DD to make a Wish pillow and have ice cream at the parlor. I can't wait to hear all about your wonderful trip and all of the magic that comes your princesses' and prince's way.

[tnmom25]

OMG how cute they are in their skirts and I just LOVE that bag!!!!!

[HeatherSue]

I just love those skirts and the bag!! The pictures are ADORABLE!!! Isn't Tom sweet??

The Finding Nemo outfit looks so cute, er...I mean handsome on Jamahl! She did a great job on that!

[hogansteph]

Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I do not think it could get any more exciting around here. More packages came in the mail today....I am thinking that when we get home, the kids are going to be pretty bummed about the mail! Let's see, where to begin...First, I have to say, that even with a GREAT camera, it is virtually impossible to get good pictures of all the kids, all of the time, so just bear with me!!!

We opened the Minnie shirts that go with the twirl skirts first. Thanks so much Stephanie! We all love the shirts and the gilrs want to wear them to school on Tuesday! My best friend was here when we opened them and she immediatly made a copy of your business card!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1626.jpg

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1627.jpg

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1629.jpg

Don't worry, we got all 4, Abagayle would not hold still long enough to take a decent picture!

Next, Jamahl opened his and immediatly tried it on!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1667.jpg

We than opened fun things to do on the plane!!!! Again, I will post better pictures later, but I wanted you to see some of the initial excitment! Thanks Glenda! These are a life saver for me!! No fighting over crayons. How thoughtful to put washable ones in the girls!! If you ever get back to Holland, please look us up!!!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1632.jpg

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1635.jpg

Last for today was the girls package from The fairy Godmothers. These outfits are to die for! I will let the picture speak for itself!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1661.jpg

Everything fits perfectly....looks amazing...and totally restores our faith in mankind. We have a lot of people in and out of our house every day due to therapist, friends, helpers, nurses, ect. Every single one of them has been blessed by the stories I have to tell of this amazing group of people called the disboutiquers. I literally sat on the floor, in the middle of my very messy kitchen and cried a prayer of thanks. You will never no what you have done for our spirits. More information tomorrow on everything else that we are keeping busy with! Thanks again!

[HeatherSue]

You've gone and made me cry. :hug: I'm so glad you are all enjoying your packages!

Wow, that's all I can say about this last round of wonderful gifts! I have met such wonderful people on the disboards!!

[luvinyou]

The girls look gorgeous in their new outfits! And Jamahl looks so cool in his!

[jham]

Wow, you're getting so close!!! We just got back from WDW almost 2 weeks ago so I have a couple of pieces of advice for you. I also wanted to send you loads on :wizard: that Kenyan is going better and stays helathy for your trip.

Wall-E! - You won't find a moving Wall-E, but there is one you can take a picture with complete with a backdrop from the movie. It is located in the Animation Building in Disney Hollywood Studios. You can skip the building tour part and go straight to Wall-E if you enter through the gift shop. Go to the back of the shop, through the automatic doors (usually already open), through the little hallway type things and into the big room. He's right in the middle of the room.

Prince Charming - Are you going to a Halloween party? If so, make a beeline for Toontown and the Judge's Tent (between Minnie and Mickey's house). Cinderella and Aurora are there and during the party Prince Charming and Prince Philip join them. If you are not going to the party, can you get a reservation for dinner at 1900 Park Fare? Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters are all there.

Characters meals - The character meals have an "entertainment fee" option when someone can not eat, but they charge $5 for the character entertainment. However, I would guess that they wouldn't charge you for Kenyan due to the nature of her reason for not eating combined with a Wish trip.

Ariel - I know that they are working on something special, but you could take the kids to Ariel's Grotto to meet her on your MK day as well. I'd bet Ariel would love to sing with Kenyan if you mentioned it on your visit.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE GKTW. You are going to have so much fun there alone. We got the honor of having a tour of GKTW a few years ago and it was wonderful. Even though we were just touring, they invited my DD to make a Wish pillow and have ice cream at the parlor. I can't wait to hear all about your wonderful trip and all of the magic that comes your princesses' and prince's way.


Thanks for the Wall-E info! My DS5 LOVES Wall-E and keeps asking if we get to see him at Disneyworld :confused3

The girls look gorgeous in their princess outfits! And Jamahl looks pretty handsome too. I feel proud to say those disboutiquers are my friends! I also love the girls' halloween outfits and bows!

[tnmom25]

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/th_IMG_1661.jpg

Now this is the most precious thing EVER! Those smiles are my whole reason for doing this!!!!!!!!! You made my day just by posting that picture!

[2cutekidz]

UGH!! I just realized you have a Trip report going!! I've been checking your blog for updates. This is waaaay easier.

The Minnie skirts look adorable on the girls! I can't wait to see them with Stephanies tees in action at the park.

Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I do not think it could get any more exciting around here. More packages came in the mail today....I am thinking that when we get home, the kids are going to be pretty bummed about the mail!

Last for today was the girls package from The fairy Godmothers. These outfits are to die for! I will let the picture speak for itself!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1661.jpg

Everything fits perfectly....looks amazing...and totally restores our faith in mankind. We have a lot of people in and out of our house every day due to therapist, friends, helpers, nurses, ect. Every single one of them has been blessed by the stories I have to tell of this amazing group of people called the disboutiquers. I literally sat on the floor, in the middle of my very messy kitchen and cried a prayer of thanks. You will never no what you have done for our spirits. More information tomorrow on everything else that we are keeping busy with! Thanks again!




OMG!! I'm so glad you got the princess package!! The girls are simply beautiful in their new outfits!! I'm crying seeing how happy they look and that picture made my day!! I'm glad they all fit so well! They are going to cause quite a stir at Disney!!

[jessica52877]

Wow! I LOVE everything! The girls look so happy and precious with all the different outfits on! I hope you are ready for a TON of attention at Disney!

[jillalvarez2003]

Everything looks sooo great! You guy are going to have a blast at Disney!

[2cutekidz]

I have a friend going during your trip and she hopes to catch a glimpse of yor family in all their new finery! ;)

[eeyore3847]

Last for today was the girls package from The fairy Godmothers. These outfits are to die for! I will let the picture speak for itself!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1661.jpg


Love there matching princess outfits, just TDF!

[hogansteph]

Just a quickie...Keyan just walked up to me and in her precious, breathy, trach voice, asked if the mail was here yet!!!! What am I going to tell her??? She thinks all this pixie dust is never ending! How cute is that????

Thanks for the Walle suggestion....I have noted all the details and we will be there! Can anyone tell me where the wish lounges are in MK and Epcot?? I am sure GKTW will kknow but I like to be prepared.

Steph

[tnmom25]

I have a friend going during your trip and she hopes to catch a glimpse of yor family in all their new finery! ;)

Honest to goodness I came here to post the exact same thing!!!!

Steph, we do have a friend going, so don't be surprised if someone comes up to you and starts talking to you!!!

Just a quickie...Keyan just walked up to me and in her precious, breathy, trach voice, asked if the mail was here yet!!!! What am I going to tell her??? She thinks all this pixie dust is never ending! How cute is that????
Steph

That is so stinkin' cute!!!

[Stephres]

I have been checking your blog like a dummy wondering if you got anything yet!

I'm so glad the girls like the shirts and I can't wait to see them with Tom's beautiful skirts (and your bag) in Disney World. You will be the main attraction, for sure!

And Jamahl looks so handsome in his outfits too. I was trying to decide whether to do a mickey head or a J. I decided on a J, just in case he wants to wear it when you guys get back. But it won't hurt my feelings if he doesn't, my son will only wear what I make in Disney!

Those princess dresses are to die for! Your girls are just so precious in them. You are going to have a great time!

[hogansteph]

OK floks, we did recieve a package today but you will have to wait until tomorrow to see what it was....today was a HORRIBLE day, and I have been up since 2am so I am going to bed. I promise to post pics and an update tomorrow.

I am so sorry to those of you who have been checking my blog. At first, the plan was to post everything there, but than I was re-asked to do a PTR so I figured you all were made aware of that. I am so sorry..... There should be a new post on the blog with extended pictures of "The Big Give" tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Good Night, and if tomorrow does not go better, I don't know if I will make it!!!:)

[twinmum]

Hello! I realized today that there are a few pre-trip reports out there that I hadn't read. I knew you guys were out there, but hadn't found your report. I am so pleased to be able to learn more about your family.

Our twin boys were born at 26 weeks, almost 10 years ago - they turn 10 on Oct.23rd. We leave on our Wish Trip on Nov.1, so we're going just after you.

Your family is absolutely lovely! The girls are precious, and you can tell from the pics you have shared that Jamahl is a really good big brother. I was so pleased to read that he received the first of the Big Give packages, and he seemed to so happy to open that, and other packages.

Aren't we all so blessed to be part of the Big Give?!? What a wonderful group of people! I think it was your report that used the phrase "restpred your faith in humankind." I agree. I have told a number of people about the Big Give, and everyone is so touched by the kindness of these "strangers"...yet they are feeling like friends to me - to be contributing in sucha tangible way to our children's memories, to be so generous with their talens...I keep trying to find ways to describe it, and I can't.

I look forward to hearing more! Only a few more days to go...so glad I found you before you go!

With prayers that everyone stays healthy...

Alison

[t-beri]

I am so glad you like the mice work! All of the outfits are spectacular (as usual;) ) I hope that they will make your trip all that much more special and memorable!

..t.

[bex271]

The girls look so precious in their princess outfits. I can't wait to see what else you have received.

becca

[hogansteph]

Sleep sure makes the world look brighter! I am back to my chipper self, excited beyond belief that we will be leaving for Florida in 3 days! I actually can't believe that this dream is coming true. So, back to yesterday....I got home from shipping Keyan's diapers to GKTW and picking up a few last minute things to find that the mail man had delivered another box!!! Yea! I took it inside and the girls attacked me, unable to refrain themselves.
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1669.jpg

We looked inside to find Minnie outfits and hair bows. They are the cutest outfits and once again, fit great! It is amazing. Thanks Lacy! We would love to have you e-mail me a picture of your little girl in the matching outfit!!! The work that you did on these is incredible
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1681.jpg

After I pried the Minnie outfits off, we put on the Minnie shirts with the twirl skirts so that the girls could model the entire outfit. Several of the neighbors stopped to see the girls in their new clothes. I think you are all right when you say we will get a lot of attention at Disney. We are pretty used to it,as we seem to draw a crowd wherever we go, but it should be extra fun while at Disney
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1691.jpg

Of course we had to all start twirling!!!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1693.jpg

Thank you all from every cell in my body. I wish that I could express the depth of our gratitiude. Having a child like Keyan, with extensive medical needs, takes such a toll on the entire family. Each and every one of you has contributed to making us feel like royalty and making this not just about a vacation, but instead an experience of a lifetime. I have walked around with a smile on my face for the last week because we have had lots of extra joy in our house. And believe me, for a tired, stressed out mommy of a special needs little girl, a permanent smile is not always there. You will never know how you have changed our lives!!

[t-beri]

OOOH!!!! We hadn't seen the Minnie outfits they are ADORABLE!!!! I am in love with them!!! Your girls seem to like them too!
...t.

[jham]

Yes, that is our first glimpse of the outfits from Lacy, she did an amazing job! And her DD is adorable, we do need pics of her in her Minnie outfit too! I'm sorry you had a rough day yesterday :hug:

[Stephres]

Oh the girls look so cute in their outfits! I am so glad that you are doing better, you are such a strong mom!

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

The girls looked so cute in all their outfits!

Hope this vacation allows you to destress yourself a little! You need it too Mom!

Have a great trip!

[adoptionmomma4]

Sleep sure makes the world look brighter! I am back to my chipper self, excited beyond belief that we will be leaving for Florida in 3 days! I actually can't believe that this dream is coming true. So, back to yesterday....I got home from shipping Keyan's diapers to GKTW and picking up a few last minute things to find that the mail man had delivered another box!!! Yea! I took it inside and the girls attacked me, unable to refrain themselves.
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1669.jpg

We looked inside to find Minnie outfits and hair bows. They are the cutest outfits and once again, fit great! It is amazing. Thanks Lacy! We would love to have you e-mail me a picture of your little girl in the matching outfit!!! The work that you did on these is incredible
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1681.jpg

After I pried the Minnie outfits off, we put on the Minnie shirts with the twirl skirts so that the girls could model the entire outfit. Several of the neighbors stopped to see the girls in their new clothes. I think you are all right when you say we will get a lot of attention at Disney. We are pretty used to it,as we seem to draw a crowd wherever we go, but it should be extra fun while at Disney
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1691.jpg

Of course we had to all start twirling!!!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1693.jpg

Thank you all from every cell in my body. I wish that I could express the depth of our gratitiude. Having a child like Keyan, with extensive medical needs, takes such a toll on the entire family. Each and every one of you has contributed to making us feel like royalty and making this not just about a vacation, but instead an experience of a lifetime. I have walked around with a smile on my face for the last week because we have had lots of extra joy in our house. And believe me, for a tired, stressed out mommy of a special needs little girl, a permanent smile is not always there. You will never know how you have changed our lives!!

Ohh My Goodness they look SOOOO CUTE in everything.

I am so thankful my outfit’s fit! I usually only sew for Katie so I was so worried they would not fit. I will have to get a picture of Katie in her outfit and post it for you. She wore hers to Joann’s last night. She was so naughty in the store, but several people commented on her outfit and said "she looks so cute I can see how she gets away with being so rotten:)” She was REALLY rotten!

Anyway- Your DD's are so cute and look so happy in their new customs. It brought tears to my eyes seeing how excited this big give has made them. It has also "restored my faith in humanity". When I was buying the fabric to make your outfits of course they asked what I was making. I was after all buying 5 yards of denim and 10 yards of Minnie dot (I didn’t use it all LOL!) not a normal combination I assume. When I explained what I was doing and why and about all of the wonderful, caring people on the Disboutique board not only was I crying so was the lady at the cutting counter and the lady in line beside me were crying also. These strangers were so touched by the caring and generosity of people they do not even know. It really is AMAZING!

Have a wonderful trip to Disney. Your family will be turning heads wherever you go :goodvibes

Lacy

[hogansteph]

A question for the experts. We will be staying at GKTW so we will be driving to and from the parks. I have always stayed on Disney property, so my question is about park hopping....
If I park at MK, and than want to hop to Epcot, do I go back to my car and drive to Epcot? Or, do I use Disney transportaion to Epcot, and than when I am finished, take it back to MK where my car will be?

Does that make sense? Am I over thinking this?

I have been busy all day making pony tail holders to match the girls MAW shirts and their princess outfits. It wouldn't be so bad except for the mass quantity!!! I did get my hubby to help for awhile! I wanted to take his picture but he would not let me!
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99/hogansteph/IMG_1700.jpg

I think that all I have left to do is pack! We have a very busy Monday and Tuesday so I know Wednesday morning is going to be here before I know it. The limo is picking us up at 5am. Won't that be fun!!!

[bex271]

They are so adorable. I love the minnie out fits. Y'all are going to get so much attention. The bows look really good.

becca

[tmfranlk]

The new outfits are just adorable! They all look so cute!

For your questions...I believe that the Wish lounge at MK is between Casey's Hot Dogs and Crystal Palace near the Baby Care Center and First Aid. I'm not sure where it is at Epcot, but I would think near Baby Care Center as well. I'll bet those on the Wish Trippers Unite thread could tell you easily. I only know because I've since read the TR and met one of the ladies on that thread.

For parking...Once you park at MK you could leave it there all day. Just monorail over to Epcot and back. You can get busses from the TTC to AK and DHS as well. Actually, you could get busses from any park to another so you never have to move your car.

Of course, if it is easier for you to move your car and have it available as soon as you leave the 2nd park, you can certainly do that as well. You just show your parking receipt or parking pass at the second park and you're in.

[gcast1]

It is so much fun to see the pictures of your beautiful babies - hope you have a fabulous, magical trip!
Glenda

[HeatherSue]

I am so sorry to those of you who have been checking my blog. At first, the plan was to post everything there, but than I was re-asked to do a PTR so I figured you all were made aware of that. I am so sorry..... There should be a new post on the blog with extended pictures of "The Big Give" tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Stephanie, I am really sorry! I could have swore that I posted a link to your trip report on the Big Give board. But, I just checked and I never did. Instead I posted the same post about something else twice. :headache: I'm sorry!

[t-beri]

It will probably be easier to just leave your car and use WDW trans. I would. Hey, you are leaving Wed. I just realized we will be there at the same time!! I am going to drive over Friday we will be there until the 25th. Hope you have a GREAT time I'll be keeping my eye out for the best dressed 3year olds at WDW WHOA, WAIT A MINUTE...I meant other than my sweet 3 year old Lily OF COURSE;)
I hope I run into you!!!
...t.

[t-beri]

It'd be kinda funny to run into you at MK...Lily is wearing her patchwork twirl too! So keep your eyes out for a little that looks like one of yours!:thumbsup2

[hogansteph]

Keyan has been up all night coughing! Please pray for guidance on our part to know what to do and pray for healing for her. I will keep you posted as the day progresses. Thanks!

[hogansteph]

We are on our way to the ER for a chest x-ray. If nothing else, it will relieve our fears. It is so complicated because I want her to be at the top of her game for her trip, but I may never get that. We have had such strange weather here in Michigan, that I can't help but wonder if we got her to the warm weather, maybe that would help. I DO NOT want ot make these decisions. Parenting is SO hard!!!!

[mom2lilnick]

I just found your PTR. I hope the chest xray is clear. I have to say that your family is soooo adorable! I can't wait to read all about the wonderful magic you will have this upcoming week!!

[jessica52877]

I hope all is okay. I think the xray will be good for your mind, although like you said I do think the warm weather would do her some good!

[hogansteph]

Our trip is a go! Keyan spent the good part of the day in the ER and she does have pneumonia::sick: After much discussion with the doctors, we have decided to attept the trip unless she takes a turn for the worse tonight, which is not going to happen!!!!!
We are back to being excited and doing our last minute packing. Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, gifts, advice, and everything else!! My next post, we will be in FLORIDA!!!!!!

[HeatherSue]

:hug: I'll keep Keyan in my prayers!

[tnmom25]

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee144/kEkESTERS/allyouneedispixiedust.jpg

[mom2lilnick]

Praying all goes well tonight!

[2cutekidz]

I hope all is going well!! I'll say a little prayer for Keyan and her wonderful family! Enjoy your trip!!

[bex271]

hope Keyan is feeling better and have a safe, fun and magical trip.

becca

[MousekaMaddi]

its 9 45 am in NY and Im bawling like a baby here! I have been reading the disboutiquers thread for over a year and altho I dont sew a stitch,the personalities of those women just keep bringing me back to their thread for a smile or a laugh, theyre such an interesting group of people(mostly women with one amazing dude:lmao: )...and then I read what they have done for u(all within a three week time period no less! Im speechless, and that says A LOT for me!:laughing: )

..fast forward to this mornin as I happened onto your thread, wow, what a Mom YOU are, Your family is so adorable and Im just praying like crazy for K to have a healthy easy breathing week! My faith in humanity has been restored tenfold and I only wish the very best in life to those who have given of their time, $, talents, materials, EVERYTHING, to someone they have never met, just boggles my mind actually!, thanks for a very uplifting morning my friends, and may u all have a wonderful trip! Ill be praying and watching for updates in here!!
Huzzzzzah to all u disboutiquers out there, u are what life is all about!!:hug:

[jessica52877]

I hope all the kids are feeling better and no one else got sick! I love the picture with Ariel on your blog and can't wait for more once everyone is healthy and you have caught up!

[hogansteph]

Ok, I really hate to do this, but after a week of all the kids throwing up I am taking the easy way out and just posting the link to my blog. I would be more than happy to cute and paste the journal, but there are way to many picture to post here and I have the slideshow set up on my blog. The first 2 days trip reports are posted there. If you all would rather I cut and paste, just let me know....otherwise, grab some tissues, follow the link, and be prepared to be transported to our magical vacation!!! www.hoganclan7.blogspot.com

THanks for understanding!!!!

[jessica52877]

I am fine with the blog! It is so hard to post pictures from the trips. I know it takes forever to upload them where needed and then insert! Going over now to check it out!

[maroo]

I have NO idea how I missed all of this... I guess it was because I was in Disney World when you guys started posting? Or at least getting ready to go?

What a wonderful trip report so far!! I LOVE it! And I love your blog. Your family is just beautiful!

I hope that they will move this TR to the "Trip Reports" board so that everyone over there can see it as it unfolds. I can't wait to see what you guys do next!

Tell your son that I think he is the coolest big brother EVER! Wow...he has a lot of girls to help take care of! :)

[tnmom25]

Ok, I really hate to do this, but after a week of all the kids throwing up I am taking the easy way out and just posting the link to my blog. I would be more than happy to cute and paste the journal, but there are way to many picture to post here and I have the slideshow set up on my blog. The first 2 days trip reports are posted there. If you all would rather I cut and paste, just let me know....otherwise, grab some tissues, follow the link, and be prepared to be transported to our magical vacation!!! www.hoganclan7.blogspot.com

THanks for understanding!!!!

Steph, you take care of the babies, we can follow the blog! I can't wait to read all about it!!!

[bex271]

Steph,
I just read your updates and it sounded like y'all such a great time and seeing Keyan dancing was sooooooo adorable. I hope everyone is feeling better soon.

becca

[t-beri]

I am sooo glad you all had such a great time!! I am of course sorry I didn't see you. Everyone in our group was told to keep their eyes peeled for 4 gorgeous girls that probably looked a lot like Lily!!!:rotfl: But alas we did not see you. The girls looked beautiful and I would say that Jamahl is quite a trooper to deal w/ all of that princess stuff...my DS is not that patient;) He usually taunts them.:confused3 Your family is beautiful and I think that it is wonderful that you got to have such a special time and I am very proud that our mice were able to make that even more special for you!!!
...t.

[tinytreasures]

sorry your kids are sick hope they are on the mend soon
your girls are so sweet

[maroo]

Oh my goodness...Day 3...WOW....

What a day!!

I just loved the Barney interaction...cracks me up that they wanted Barney to talk... What did Barney do? Just shrug? Bless him! Bless them all!

And Sea World...we had such a wonderful time feeding the dolphins. And your one picture has inspired me to talk to my friends and see if we need to visit Sea World again...

The party looks amazing...How sweet that you guys all had a job to do to get the girls all ready! And they look amazing!

"you see, there was Disney Princess music still playing over the speakers, so that meant that she just had to dance and sing along. She was up on the stage by herself surrounded by volunteers who were taking the set down. She did not care, she stood with her feet planted shoulder width apart, arms out wide singing the final note. Her tired, breathy, quiet voice was just as cute as ever. I stopped to watch her and it was if the world stopped. Everything sort of blurred except for Keyan singing her heart out. I could almost see the pixie dust shimmering around her. She was like an angel. You didn't notice the trach, you didn't notice crossed little eyes, you couldn't tell her feet are as flat as pancakes. She was perfect in every way. All I know, is Gods angels are working over time at Give Kids The World and we felt their presence so intensely."

Now...You see...I am crying!! Like big tears...How incredibly sweet. What an incredible moment in time...and you have it forever!

And...to top that day off with Miss Merry...I don't guess it gets any better than that!

I can't wait to read more...I just hate that EVERYONE is not seeing this...I hope some other folks on the Trip Report site get to see this...Just wonderful trip reporting...great slide shows...So precious!

I just love your family. :)

[oklamomof4boys]

Anybody who has not read day 3 on Stephanie's blog, needs to. I am so glad Mary posted this piece of it. I am boo hooing! Magic, pure magic.

Also, I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I really need some little girls! I want to take a Princess to the ball! I had better have a lot of money once I have grandchildren because we are going to Disney all the time!

[zeppy68]

I love your report so much.

Who made the princess lunch for you your make a wish organzation? Was this done well in advance?



http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1958228

[hogansteph]

Thanks so much for taking the time to read the blog and comment! I love knowing that I am getting the emotions that I felt across in my writing.

The princess lunch was set up by MAW. THey made the reservations after I inquired whether or not I should be doing that. We just used money from our expense check to cover it. It was expensive, but worth every cent!

Day 4 should be up by tomorrow night!!! Please keep reading

[mom2lilnick]

Awwww.. I am loving every minute of it!

[oklamomof4boys]

I can't wait to read about Day 4 with the 4 beautiful Princesses and the handsome Prince!

[maroo]

Cute halloween pics!!!!!! :)

I can't wait to read more about your trip!! :) (But, no pressure...I know it takes a while to organize pics and write it all out!!)

:) maroo

[jham]

I am loving reading about your trip on your blog!

[maroo]

Hi there!! :)

Just wanted to let you know that I put a link to your TR in the new Wish Trippers Unite thread...

so...

I love your TR!

I hope you guys are doing ok!!!! :)