Noah's Wish Trip (Wings ~ July 29, 2009)

[llurgy]

Have a great time Nichole!!!!
I am beyond relieved that you have actually been able to go, I am so happy that the day has at last arrived!!
I hope the journey is comfortable and a non-event!
The village is the most awesomest place ever! Disney World is out of this world

Noah......You be good now you hear??? No misbehaving now :) :)

Love
Mandy

[ndloewen]

Have a great time Nichole!!!!
I am beyond relieved that you have actually been able to go, I am so happy that the day has at last arrived!!
I hope the journey is comfortable and a non-event!
The village is the most awesomest place ever! Disney World is out of this world

Noah......You be good now you hear??? No misbehaving now :) :)

Love
Mandy

Thank you Mandy,

Your Becca will be in my thoughts and prayers while we are there. I have just fallen in love with her!!

[twob4him]

We are leaving for the hotel TODAY!!!!!!!

party: party: party:

I just can't believe this time is actually upon us and that it has all come together. When I think back to the place we were less than 2 months ago, this is truly a miracle...


http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_0905.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_0907.jpg


We are so blessed. Huge, huge thank yous to all you Big Giver's out there. We have been completely spoiled and we haven't even left yet! Words cannot express how you have blessed our family.:grouphug:

I am cryin again! God has truly put this whole thing together! I will pray for safe travel and many blessings and special moments! Enjoy your time (I know you will love every minute). We will all look forward to your return :hug:

[kimmylaj]

Have Fun:cool1: :cool1:

[autumnpalm]

Oh, I am so happy for you.:goodvibes I hope you have a trip full of magic, miracles and amazing memories. I can't believe your trip is finally here. I wish you and your family the most wonderful Disney vacation possible.:grouphug:

[kdzbear]

I hope that you are having a fabulous trip. I just found your trip report and started reading it from beginning to end today. Your children are so cute! I hope that everyone has a great time! :wizard:

[shordiebecka]

I am new to the Disboards and just found your (now current!) trip report.

Noah's story was so inspiring, it brought me to tears. I wish nothing but the best for your family on your well deserved vacation, and cannot wait to hear your trip report!!!!

:lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc

[3princesses+aprince]

I Hope You're Having A Fabulous Time!!!! Can't Wait To Hear All About It When You Get Home!!!!!

[ndloewen]

Unbelievable...amazing...I am unable to describe this place...how much our kids have done...how spoiled we have all been already. We barely have time to breathe, but it's all fantastic!!

Noah was not well yesterday...his lungs have not been great and I was quite worried...he slept through most of Magic Kingdom. Today he seems perkier...please pray for health and that we can get through this trip without incident.

Off to enjoy Christmas!!!

[WishMom09]

Praying Noah feels better soon! Enjoy Christmas.....I can't wait to see all your pics when you return!

[macntosh]

So glad to meet y'all, hope you have a safe trip home!

[twob4him]

I hope Noah feels better soon! Prayers for all of you! :goodvibes

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh , I'll continue to pray for Noah. I have been thinking about you guys since you left for your trip. I hope everyday that Noah had a good day!
Wow, I feel like I know you guys, I think about Noah alot, and Becca to, and always hope they are well.:cloud9:

[llurgy]

Prayers are needed for Noah.
His mom is trying to get him home at this very moment.
Lets hope he gets home to receive the medical attention he needs from people that know what he needs.

Mandy

[kdzbear]

I am sending more prayers your way! :grouphug:

[DisneyMom5]

We are praying!

[maroo]

Bumping this thread...


Please pray, you guys...


This was the quote from Nicole yesterday regarding Noah and the situation they face there...

"Noah is not doing well at all right now...we need many, many prayers. I am going to try to fly home this afternoon with him. Brad and the kids will stay behind. Pray that we can make it back home. Pray that they will let us on the flight even if he is not well.

Pray..."

No update yet...but as soon as I see one, I will post it!

[DisneyMom5]

Just read on her blog that they made it back home, and are at the hospital now. Still need prayers.

Dad and other kids are still in FL.

[maroo]

Here is the full update for you guys...


Just a quick update that Nichole and Noah are back in Winnipeg and at our second home at the hospital. Thanks so much to Kim for picking them up at the airport and staying with them a bit at the ER. Thank you also to everyone who has been praying that the flight would happen and Noah would arrive in a stable state. Your prayers are much appreciated and still requested.

Although this was a sudden (and sad) ending to Noah and Nichole`s trip, we have no complaints. They were able to spend 9 good days here and considering where we were only a few short weeks ago, we do not take this opportunity for granted.

Still in Florida with Kailyn and Josh,

Brad

We are all still praying for you guys.

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh I have tears in my eyes. I am so sorry Noah is sick, and you had to end your magical wish trip.
I'm so glad that they made it back home though, and I will pray for him everyday.

[autumnpalm]

Oh, my heart just sunk when I clicked on this thread.

Many, many prayers for Noah and the rest of your family.:grouphug:

[muttshouse]

Prayers and {{{{{{{{{{{{{HGUS}}}}}}}}}}}} to the family.

[maroo]

This update was posted yesterday around 8:00 PM...

As you know, Noah and Nichole made it back to Winnipeg last night. Nichole was quite worried that Noah may not even be well enough to make it home. While in flight, he looked really bad (grey) and was really having a tough time breathing. I guess there are very few parents that think about what they would do if their child passes away in the next couple hours, but this was one of those times. We have become somewhat accustom to that possibility and always need to keep that in mind. This time though was tough because was Nichole was on her own and not in Canada.

Then the pilot on the flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg came on the speakers saying they may have to re-route to Grand Forks, ND due to bad weather. A real `you`ve got to be kidding` moment. But as you know, by the grace and goodness of God (once again) and the prayers of many, he made it home.

He is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and on CPAP to assist his breathing, but happy, sitting up, and up to his usual tricks. He has RSV which he has had in the past and hopefully can get over again. (I will try to refrain from going into how he was denied the RSV vaccine due to his age of all things a few weeks ago). This is a time for thanks. Thank you to God for his deliverance, and thank you to everyone`s thoughts and prayers for our son.

Brad

[eyor44]

Prayers for Noah. :hug:

[autumnpalm]

Praying every night for your sweet little boy.:hug:

[3princesses+aprince]

I will continue to keep little Noah in my prayers. I think about the little guy everyday. So glad you guys made it home Ok.

[tinytreasures]

prayers for you sweet sweet little boy

[maroo]

Yeah! This was posted on Noah's site...in the comments section. I think she heard my cry for an update. :)

This is someone named Kim and I pasted exactly what she posted on his site...


Just an FYI - I went to see Noah this morning (Monday) and Noah is still in PICU and on the CPAP. This morning his blood gases were not as good as they had hoped when they decreased his settings, so he is still on the highest settings. Nichole said his chest is still really tight and they are just trying to ride out the RSV. Oh, and his GJ tube came out so they are hoping to get that back in today sometime.

Nichole & Brad - hope you don't mind that I put this little update here...people were wondering and since I saw you today thought I'd post it so people can continue to pray for Noah.

Hugs to my Bean...
Kim

I am going to pray for those blood gases to get better!

[llurgy]

There has been an update on Noah's website tonight, Dad and Kids are back home, Noah is still fighting as hard as he can the poor little tyke.

Prayers for little Noah

Mandy

[maroo]

Praying for Noah! And for Nichole...

Nichole, you must be exhausted. :hug:

We are praying for all of you.

:) Mary

[lizet313]

Praying for Noah and his family:grouphug:

[3princesses+aprince]

Still praying for you little Noah, The whole family as well, this must be so hard on everyone.:hug:

[ndloewen]

Thank you all for your prayers and comments. I was so looking forward to coming home and writing all about our fabulous trip, not giving updates from PICU again. To go from the high of GKTW to the low of PICU has been unbelievably difficult and I am quite an emotional mess these days. I am posting the update from my blog here...

Where to even begin...how can I even start to put this past week into words...definately one of the most difficult weeks I have been through...so disappointing to have the trip turn out this way. I had such high hopes...but, as we have been reminded once again, "the best laid plans"...We did have a wonderful first week, even though Noah was never great healthwise and wasn't able to enjoy everything as much as I had hoped he would. There were great, amazing times...I know there were...they are just very difficult for me to recall right now. I hope that once things calm down and we are home again, that I will be able to post pictures and write about the good times. But I think it will take me a while to emotionally work through all that has happened. Right now the disappointment and the emotions of the past week are still much too fresh.


There is much to be thankful for today...I am thankful that we were able to have 9 days together as a family in Florida...I am thankful that Kailyn & Joshua were able to have a wonderful holiday and be absolutely spoiled...I am thankful that we were able to get Noah home, where the hospital knows him, where we do not have to worry about insurance issues. We could be stuck in Florida right now in PICU. So thankful to be here. Thankful to have made it through an absolutely gut wrenching plane right home. Many miracles happened that day to get Noah back home. I honestly did not expect him to make it...he looked very, very bad on the plane and I was already planning how we would get his body home and everyone back for a funeral...it is an absolute miracle that we made it to the ER. Thankful that we were able to get flights so quickly...the last 2 tickets on those flights. Thankful for the angel I met on our first flight...the man sitting in seat 20F on that Thursday afternoon flight to Minneapolis, who helped me through the flight and off the plane, who gave me the hug I so desperately needed. Thankful that our portable oxygen lasted until we got to the ER. Thankful for Kim, who met me at the airport and got us to the ER. Thankful that Noah is now where he needs to be.


As for today's update...Noah is looking better today. He is still needing continuous CPAP and ventolin masks every 2 hours. RSV and asthma exacerbation was the diagnosis when he first came in, and he was sent immediately to PICU. After multiple masks, with no improvement, he was started on CPAP, which calmed him almost immediately. So he actually looked pretty good on the weekend. Then on Monday he developed a significant pneumonia in his right lung and started looking quite bad. His gases were getting worse and it was looking like he would end up intubated. However, he seems to be slowly settling out again and today he was more alert and sat up for a few minutes here and there.. Thankfully, he loves his CPAP, so we have been able to avoid intubation. And so now we continue to sit tight and wait. He has shown that he is still not ready for any weaning...hopefully in the next day or two we will be able to start. His blood pressures have become an issue lately and he is quite hypertensive. Right now, we are not treating it, but hoping that it will settle down on it's own as his health improves. His Gtube stoma has also become a huge issue, with prolapse of the stoma that will need to be surgically repaired, and constant leakage that is causing major skin breakdown. And to top it all off, he's got a very itchy yeast infection in his groin. Needless to say, he's still a pretty miserable little guy.

Thank you all for your many prayers. Please continue to pray for patience as we wait this out. I am exhausted and just so very anxious to be home

[maroo]

Gosh,

Nichole...:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

I am so sorry!! You must be totally exhausted. I don't think any of us know how you are feeling right now...but this has to be very, very hard...to go from GKTW to the PICU. My heart has been hurting for you so much for days now.

I am so thankful Noah made it home and have no idea how you managed that flight.

I am praying for all of you. I hope that Brad, Kailyn and Joshua had fun for the last few days that they were there...but I know they missed you and Noah.

I hope the trip was magical, despite how it ended.

I know you will post about your trip when you get ready. In the meantime, we are here praying for you. I check your blog every day...sometimes multiple times a day...to see how you guys are doing. I pray for you guys persistently, as you guys come to mind often.

We will all continue to pray. And post happy "hang in there" messages to you here on the DIS! :)

Hang in there!!!!

[DisneyMom5]

I am still praying for you all. You will be able to access those good memories later. Right now you can focus on being with Noah. (((hugs)))

[BrandyC1974]

Hi. I have been reading up on your pre-trip report but have not posted before. My prayers go out to your family. I hope Noah gets better soon. My daugther (now 11) suffered from RSV (she was born with spina bifida, hydrocephus, plus other stuff) when she was younger and it was a miserable time for her. I know how difficult this can be.

I pray for only the best for your family.

[LeeLee2U]

Oh Nicole my heart is aching for you and Noah. This was the second year Braeton did not get his synages shot and RSV was really bad @ here. I was so scared!
Thanks to Maroo for sending me here!

Please know you will all be in our prayers!!:hug:

[ndloewen]

Just when we were all beginning to get quite concerned with Noah's continued dependency on the CPAP, he decided that today he was done with it. The plan this afternoon was to try to switch him from a full face mask to a nasal CPAP mask, so that we would be able to transition to the ward more quickly. But Noah was very, very unhappy with just the nasal mask and kept trying to pull the whole thing over his mouth...yes, he was very attached to his full mask!! After a big wrestling match with 4 of us trying to hold this mask over his nose, we decided to just take the whole thing off and see what he would do. He has spent the whole evening a much happier boy, with just oxygen by nasal prongs and doing very well maintaining his sats. He is still very ventolin dependent, but this has been a major victory today! We will see how the night goes, as he always has more difficulty when sleeping. He may need to have the CPAP back on for the night, but if we can keep him off while he is awake, then we are one step closer to home.

[3princesses+aprince]

So glad to hear Noah is doing better today, I hope it continues through the night.

[eyor44]

still praying for Noah.:hug:

[maroo]

Woo Hoo! Noah!

Keep going buddy!

We are praying for you all! I hope you are able to get home soon and "decompress" from your wonderful trip!!!!

Praying persistently.

[kdzbear]

I am so glad he is doing better. I check his updates everyday and pray for you, Noah and the rest of the family. We will continue to pray that he can come home soon! :woohoo:

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Noah is such a fighter! I loved reading about his opinion of which type of CPAP he wanted. I know the trip ended badly, but hopefully in the near future you, your family, and a healthier Noah can look back at the great times you had on your wish trip.
I am keeping you in my prayers.

[maroo]

This was posted on Noah's Blog yesterday! Just wanted to let you guys know the good news!

Many prayers are still needed for them!


Home again...

Noah was discharged yesterday, so we are finally all home!! Praying we can stay home for a while. His stoma is still quite bad, so we pulled his g-tube out and are just doing dressings with Flamazine in the hopes that we can get the skin around it to heal. There is so much mucosa that has prolapsed, that it will likely hold the hole open until we can get it repaired. He is unable to have surgery until the RSV is well behind him...not until closer to the end of April. So for now, we have put an NG tube in to drain his stomach. He is very tired today...not quite himself. Hopefully he is still just recuping.

It is so good to be home...a bit overwhelming as there is still suitcases to unpack and so much to catch up on...but at least we are home.

[macntosh]

Congrat's Noah!

[ndloewen]

Thanks for all your kind words and prayers. We are finally all home and trying to adjust back to life here again. We have spent the last couple of days looking at all the pictures and the wonderful memories are all starting to come back. It really was an amazing trip...a trip of a lifetime, despite how it ended. I promise to work on a trip report in the near future. Right now it is just too overwhelming and I think we are all feeling a bit lost these days, with no trip to look forward to. I have missed the boards and I'm looking forward to feeding my Disney addiction soon!

[llurgy]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

[maroo]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

what she said...(And way to go using ALL 25 icons!!!)...so I can just echo!!!

I am so glad you are home. And so glad you are already looking back on your trip with a smile on your face!

We can't wait to hear all about it!

[3princesses+aprince]

Aww, so happy to hear that Noah is home! I hope all goes well and you can remain home for a long time.

[ndloewen]

Sorry for the lack of posts. I am still here...mostly lurking on the boards lately. Noah's been sick...now I'm sick...uggg...:sick:

I am hoping to tackle a trip report soon. It just seems like such a daunting task right now, but I do promise I will get there!! We've all been trying to adjust to real life here again. It's been tough.

[oklamomof4boys]

Sorry for the lack of posts. I am still here...mostly lurking on the boards lately. Noah's been sick...now I'm sick...uggg...:sick:

I am hoping to tackle a trip report soon. It just seems like such a daunting task right now, but I do promise I will get there!! We've all been trying to adjust to real life here again. It's been tough.

Nichole- we're just glad that you are still hanging around here when you can. We'll be very patient, we promise. I'm sorry you and Noah are sick, but at least Noah is home for right now. Take care of yourself and spend your free time with those precious children of yours.

[maroo]

Nichole- we're just glad that you are still hanging around here when you can. We'll be very patient, we promise. I'm sorry you and Noah are sick, but at least Noah is home for right now. Take care of yourself and spend your free time with those precious children of yours.

Agree with this 100%!!!

We won't tolerate any popcorn:: popcorn:: on this TR...we will wait patiently, I promise!! :)

Take care of yourself and those precious kiddos! And, of course, your fans will be here when you start your TR! I can't wait, personally! But we will wait, patiently, as long as it takes. :thumbsup2

[3princesses+aprince]

As much as we want to see your pictures, yes, we will be very patient! Hope all is well tonight:hug:

[maroo]

I really hope I don't get in trouble for this....

But Nichole has started a TRIP REPORT!!!

here is the blog address...

So far she has not copied it over to her pre-trippie yet...but you can flag her blog and I will try to post here when she updates, too! :)

Noah's Blog: http://www.noahgrantjohn.blogspot.com

The Wish Trip Blog! http://noahswishtrip.blogspot.com/

[ndloewen]

I really hope I don't get in trouble for this....

But Nichole has started a TRIP REPORT!!!

here is the blog address...

So far she has not copied it over to her pre-trippie yet...but you can flag her blog and I will try to post here when she updates, too! :)

Noah's Blog: http://www.noahgrantjohn.blogspot.com

The Wish Trip Blog! http://noahswishtrip.blogspot.com/


Maroo, you are SO in trouble :rotfl: (just kidding!!) Yes, I have finally taken the plunge at the urging of friends and family who are dying to see pictures! But I am going to start copying it over here as well. It's just such a pain to upload pictures to photobucket!!

So what is better...should I start a new thread here in the trip reports, or just continue the trip report on this thread??

[maroo]

Maroo, you are SO in trouble :rotfl: (just kidding!!) Yes, I have finally taken the plunge at the urging of friends and family who are dying to see pictures! But I am going to start copying it over here as well. It's just such a pain to upload pictures to photobucket!!

So what is better...should I start a new thread here in the trip reports, or just continue the trip report on this thread??

You could do either. Up to you! :)

But when it is finally completed, they will merge both threads. It might be cool to leave yours as is and just keep going...since your story is so relevant to what happened on your trip... if that makes sense?


I am glad I am not in trouble! :)

And make sure you update your title each time, too...so that those that are not checking your website three times a day know to come over here and see the update! :)

[ndloewen]

Ok, sounds like I should just carry on here. Off to download pictures!!:)

[DisneyMom5]

If you continue here, and let a moderator know it's now a trip report, they will put it with the ongoing trip reports vs. the pre-trippies.
Looking forward to reading all about it! :thumbsup2

[ndloewen]

It is Monday...the plan is to leave for the Sheraton hotel at the airport once the kids are home from school. The kids still have no idea about the hotel night! The day is spent with me crazily trying to tie up loose ends, and run around like a mad woman to finish our last minute packing:scared1:. I must have opened each suitcase ten times each to check and recheck everything. But by the time the kids walk in the door, everything is packed in the van and ready to go.:yay:


The big suprise...I tell Kailyn & Joshua to go get changed as we are leaving RIGHT NOW!! First, the stunned silent look...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_3022.jpg

Then, it starts to sink in...We are leaving NOW???party:

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_3023.jpg

Kailyn got so excited, she began sobbing!!

Noah...all ready, but not a clue what is all about to happen...:confused3

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_3021.jpg

We load up into the van and head to meet Brad at his office. Then it is off to the Sheraton. We watched the planes for a while, ordered pizza , and then off to bed. 3:30am will come far too early!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009092.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009093.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009091.jpg

[ndloewen]

3:30am came all too quickly, and suddenly it was a mad scramble to get up. :scared1:Oh, how nice it was to just walk out of the hotel room and into the airport!! Going through security went smoothly, although time consuming, and by the time we got to the gate, it was time to start boarding. The flight attendants on our first flight were wonderful and very helpful and even presented the kids with wings from the pilot. Kailyn showing off her wings...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009102.jpg

It was nice having TVs and movies to watch (we've always flown Northwest, with no entertainment) and Noah was very happy to watch his Treehouse the whole way (without the sound as he didn't like the headphones).

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009101.jpg

We landed in Toronto and the flight attendant called for a golf cart to take us to customs.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009100.jpg

Once through customs, we grabbed some muffins for a quick breakfast and then it was time to board again. This flight was jam packed, so no special treatment. I thought the kids would all fall asleep, but nope...everyone was wide awake!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009094.jpg

Soon we landed in Orlando, and were immediately greeted by our first GKTW angel, holding up a sign with Noah's name. (Apparently whoever took this picture for us didn't think Noah was that important!) She helped us get our luggage, find our rental vehicle and then left us with directions to GKTW.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009104.jpg

[llurgy]

I am so happy!!
Happy that you have started your wish trip report but doubly happy that you feel Noah is in a place now where you CAN do the trip report :goodvibes:dance3::hug:

Love the photos......laughed at your comment about the un-Noah photo with the GKTW greeter....poor Noah:lmao:

[OhMari]

Welcome,
I don't get to the pre-trip boards to often, I do try.
:goodvibes

[maroo]

I can not even tell you how excited I am!!!!! It STARTED!!!

The GKTW Greeter picture is so funny! They totally cut Noah out. :confused3 :rotfl: :rotfl2: So sad...and so funny!

I am glad the kids got special treatment on that first flight! I wonder if the attendants on the second flight even knew what Children's Wish Foundation was? :confused3

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

I just LOVE Wish Trip Reports!!!!!

I will still be patient! But I am SOOOOO excited you started!!!! :)

[macntosh]

just subscribing....

[ndloewen]

"Imagine a world governed by a rabbit, where ice cream is endless
and having fun is a full-time endeavor..."

A bit of an intro for those of you who are hearing about GKTW for the first time...Give Kids The World (GKTW) is a 70 acre non profit resort that provides magical vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. This amazing place all began with the vision and inspiration of one man, Henri Landwirth. (To read Henri's amazing life story, from holocaust survivor to GKTW, check out his book Gift of Life)

As we get close to the village, Noah FINALLY has a quick catnap. Although I'm not sure how, with Kailyn & Joshua bouncing off the walls. Then we finally see the sign and the gate!!

From the moment we arrive, we are made to feel as if this resort is ours. "Welcome home!!" the gatekeeper angel says as we drive in...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0010WelcometoGiveKidsTheWorld.jpg

First stop...the House of Hearts to check in...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0050HouseofHeartsWelcomeCenter-Back.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0025HouseofHeartsWelcomeCenter.jpg

And the endless gifts begin...the kids each recieve t-shirts, and stuffed toys (a Mickey Mouse for Noah and Seaworld dolphins for Kailyn & Joshua). Our villa was not ready yet, so we decide to go have some lunch at Katies Kitchen (a takeout window with food provided by Boston Market).

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/n35697977990_1314473_3109.jpg

After stuffing ourselves full of chicken, mashed potatoes, fruit, cornbread, salad and amazing cupcakes, our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa was ready...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/000_0004.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009116.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009117.jpg

The fridge is stocked with drinks and doughnuts, and more gifts are waiting on the table...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009111.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009115.jpg

Then it was off to explore the resort...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009118.jpg

Ummm...kids???:confused3

We have this amazing place to check out, and they want to chase lizards!! Talk of ice cream finally lures them away! I had plans to meet up with a friend I had met on the wish boards, and so I sent Brad to the orientation session to get our tickets, and the kids and I headed off. After a quick peak in the castle, we found Mary (maroo) and went to have our first ice cream...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0350IceCreamPalace.jpg

The ice cream palace opens at 7:30AM!!! It is available all day long, as much as you can possibly eat! Although we did talk about having ice cream for breakfast, there were just far too many other yummy breakfast options, that we never did make it there quite that early!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0360IceCreamPalace.jpg

My amazing banana split... Oh how I miss these!!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009120.jpg

I think this was the only ice cream Joshua had the entire trip. The rest of the time he would ask for a bowl and fill it with m&m's from the toppings. Kailyn had an orange sherbet that first day, and then she was hooked...only orange sherbet for her!! My only disappointment was that Noah could not enjoy any of the endless supply of ice cream. :sad2:Thankfully, he has no idea what he missed out on!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009121.jpg

After ice cream, we headed to Amberville, the train station.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0120Amberville.jpg

Riding the boats (Noah loved these!!!)...of course it was ride all you want, no quarters required...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009122.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009123.jpg

Inside the station is the most incredible model train set. The pictures just don't do it justice. It is huge, and there are interactive buttons all around the edges to press that make the trains move, start the carnival etc. Pressing the buttons was one of Noah's favorite activities here...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0190Amberville-ModelTrains.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0200Amberville-ModelTrains.jpg

Kailyn driving the miniature boats...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009125.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0230Amberville-Boats.jpg

And of course, then we had to ride the train a couple of times...By this time, the kids were in heaven, :cloud9:and I think they would have been perfectly happy to forget all about Disney and never leave the resort. And this was only the beginning...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0250Amberville-JJExpress.jpg

Was this the end of our day???

Oh no...there is so much more!!

Stay tuned for more of Day 1!!

[WishMom09]

I am loving your TR! You have great pictures! :thumbsup2
I am hooked and can't wait to read more! popcorn::
oh and by the way...your kids are adorable!!

[ndloewen]

I am loving your TR! You have great pictures! :thumbsup2
I am hooked and can't wait to read more! popcorn::
oh and by the way...your kids are adorable!!

Thanks, I happen to think they are pretty cute myself!!

[eyor44]

thank you for the update! can't wait to read more.

[MRNsMommy]

I stumbled upon your TR a few hours ago and have been reading it on and off (in between taking care of my kids) ever since! Your kids are absolutely precious and Noah is about as cute as they come! I can't wait to read the rest of your TR! And I'm adding Noah, and the rest of your family to my daily prayers!:goodvibes

[ndloewen]

I stumbled upon your TR a few hours ago and have been reading it on and off (in between taking care of my kids) ever since! Your kids are absolutely precious and Noah is about as cute as they come! I can't wait to read the rest of your TR! And I'm adding Noah, and the rest of your family to my daily prayers!:goodvibes


Awww, thank you so much!!

[that's nice]

Hi,
I just 'stumbled' across you TR(pretrip too). I'm sitting here in my living room crying. My wife called me on the way home from work and was asking me what's wrong. I told her about your son and we both can't believe what you all have been through. Noah is a strong kid. Sometimes I think that kids are stronger than adults! We will be thinking and praying for all of you. I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Tim

[kimmylaj]

nichole i am so thrilled that you have started your trip report. i think i check your blog to check on noah more than i check my email. lol . anyways i cant wait to show my son ryan tomorrow, he prays for noah every night and he will be so excited to see him on his trip. the kids look adorable in that pic where they are all together laughing on the bed, and i think this might be the first pic i have seen of you and your husband too. i 'm not sure maybe i should go back to the intro. anyway i cant wait to hear all about your trip .

[ndloewen]

Hi,
I just 'stumbled' across you TR(pretrip too). I'm sitting here in my living room crying. My wife called me on the way home from work and was asking me what's wrong. I told her about your son and we both can't believe what you all have been through. Noah is a strong kid. Sometimes I think that kids are stronger than adults! We will be thinking and praying for all of you. I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Tim

Thanks Tim...yes Noah is strong. He continues to amaze us over and over again. The staff at the hospital refer to him as "the kid with 25 lives" (they used to call him "the kids with 9 lives" but he has far surpassed that!!). Thankfully kids are much more resiliant than we are.

[ndloewen]

nichole i am so thrilled that you have started your trip report. i think i check your blog to check on noah more than i check my email. lol . anyways i cant wait to show my son ryan tomorrow, he prays for noah every night and he will be so excited to see him on his trip. the kids look adorable in that pic where they are all together laughing on the bed, and i think this might be the first pic i have seen of you and your husband too. i 'm not sure maybe i should go back to the intro. anyway i cant wait to hear all about your trip .

Awww...thank Ryan for the prayers! I think there is more pictures of the whole family at the beginning of my pre-trip report. We ordered the Disney photo pass cd (still waiting for it), so we got lots of pics with the whole family.

[ndloewen]

After we had our fill of the train, it was time to check out Matthew's Boundless Playground.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0561BouldessPlaygroundpanorama.jpg

This is an amazing, fully wheelchair accessible, play structure. It is set up like a giant Candyland game board. It was so neat to be able to bring Noah right up to the top in his stroller.

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We had tons of fun getting to know Mary better and checking the place out with her.

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After a while, we figured we'd better go find Brad, who should be done with orientation by now. So after dragging the kids away, we headed back. But, hey, the carousel is running! We had to stop for a ride or two...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0525CastleofMiracles-Carousel.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0530CastleofMiracles-Carousel.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009144.jpg

Fully wheelchair accessible of course...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0540CastleofMiracles-Carousel.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009145.jpg

The carousel turned out to be Noah's absolute favorite thing to do at GKTW. We have been working on teaching him a bit of sign language, and he began signing "more" on the carousel. By the end of the week, he would sign "more" throughout the entire ride.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009146.jpg

[MRNsMommy]

Wow! That playground is pretty amazing! And, I have to say, that last picture is priceless...the joy on his face!

[WishMom09]

WOW...that is some playground! Looks like Noah had a wonderful time on the carousel! Love his big smiles! :love:

[maroo]

It was so fun to be able to share some of this time with Nichole and her precious family!! Future DIS meets with Wish Kids should definitely occur on the playground! :cloud9: Thank you so much for letting me share this time with your family. I really can't thank you enough! :)

After we had our fill of the train, it was time to check out Matthew's Boundless Playground.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0561BouldessPlaygroundpanorama.jpg

This is an amazing, fully wheelchair accessible, play structure. It is set up like a giant Candyland game board. It was so neat to be able to bring Noah right up to the top in his stroller.


This playground is completely amazing! It really feels like a dream. :cloud9:

Nichole, your pictures are awesome!!!! :goodvibes But it is so hard to describe the feeling of being on that playground, surrounded by these castle-type villas...I really felt like I was in some sort of dream land. :cloud9: The fact that it was accessible and I could see Noah (and imagine others, including Lauren) possibly doing things on a playground that he has never been able to do...it was awesome!

Nichole and Brad get to enjoy this every day... But I have to share this with you guys...Joshua and Kailyn had lots of fun too! It is hard to describe, too, how cool it was to see them interact with each other. How sweet they were to each other. I don't think I saw them fight one time over the tire swing! They shared it, let each other take turns, pushed each other, even! Precious children. So well behaved!! And then they included Noah in everything they could. We could not take a picture, because both Nichole and I were standing there with our hands out to catch any mishap...but one of the sweetest moments for me (and something Nichole probably sees every day!) was when Joshua and Kailyn invited Noah to get on the swing with them. I wish you could just hear Noah giggle. It makes me cry happy tears now just thinking about it. Just laughing, and laughing. He had so much fun with his big brother and sister on that swing!




We had tons of fun getting to know Mary better and checking the place out with her.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009131.jpg


Aw...you are so sweet!!

This was a fun picture! Check Joshua out...just smiling at his little brother! Kailyn is so cool! :cool2: Noah just kept giggling, looking up at me, and giggling some more! He is so sweet! :goodvibes





The carousel turned out to be Noah's absolute favorite thing to do at GKTW. We have been working on teaching him a bit of sign language, and he began signing "more" on the carousel. By the end of the week, he would sign "more" throughout the entire ride.



That carousel...I can almost hear it, even sitting her at my office. I have listened to the DISUnplugged broadcast about GKTW several times and my favorite part is at the very end...just listening to the carousel...

This was a magical afternoon for me. Thanks for letting me share in part of your wonderful trip!

And thank you SO much for sharing it!!!! I know that your days are probably long and you have taken time out to share your wonderful trip and provide the future Wish Families with a wealth of information already! Thank you. :hug:



And with THIS...I just can't say anymore....

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009146.jpg


Priceless.

[kdzbear]

I love your updates and photos. They made me cry to see your family so happy. We have been praying for you every night. My three year old (4 in June) has been learning sign language since he was six months old and it definetely cuts down on the temper tantrums since he still does not talk. Signingtime.com has great ALS videos to learn sign. Our local library also carries them. I can't wait to hear more about your trip. I am so glad that the whole family is back together at home again! :wizard:

[ndloewen]

Maroo, thank you so much for your beautiful comments. We loved meeting you and had such a wonderful first day there. So glad you got to see Noah looking so well.

[ndloewen]

We finally find Brad again, who's been missing out on all the fun. He got all our tickets and Noah's special magic button (more about that later), so we are set! Now we haven't eaten enough yet today, :laughing:so it is off to the Gingerbread house for some dinner.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0570GingerbreadHouseRestaurant.jpg

If you look up, the shelves are lined with hundreds of dolls, all donated by previous wish families.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0580GingerbreadHouseRestaurant.jpg

Perkins restaurant supplies a different food feature each night (buffet style, with a separate special kids buffet, and if that's not enough, a yummy dessert buffet as well). Tonight is Mexican night. Of course, you are not allowed to serve yourself here. Everything is done for you...someone even carries our trays to the table. There were even volunteers to sit with the kids if Brad & I wanted to go get more food...we LOVED that!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0600GingerbreadHouseRestaurant.jpg

Everything in the gingerbread house is made for the kids. The chairs and tables are all kid size. And if you look closely at the tabletop you can see that they are all made up of candies!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_0107-1.jpg

And who did we run into on our way out of the Gingerbread House?? The mascots of GKTW...Mayor Clayton and Miss Merry!:yay:

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Jan2009148.jpg
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By this point, we were all beginning to feel the lack of sleep. But there is a party going on at the theatre. It is Family Fun Night and a magician is getting ready to perform. So we can't leave without checking it out...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0280JuliesSafariTheater.jpg

Inside the theatre is a fully stocked concession stand...yes, more food!! By this time, Brad & I cannot even think about eating. But of course, we get the kids some popcorn and slushies, the kids make some Pucker Powder (tubes of flavoured sugar), and we go find a seat.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0290JuliesSafariTheater-Concession.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0300JuliesSafariTheater-Entrance.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0310JuliesSafariTheater.jpg

We are only there a few minutes, but the kids are all starting to droop in their seats, even with all the sugar in their systems!! So we decide to skip the magician tonight, say goodbye to Mary, and head back to the villa for some zzzzzzzz's.

One more surprise was in store for us...as we are getting ready for bed, Macntosh showed up at the door. (He is another friend I had met on the wish boards who was there with his family that same week). He had 20 trading pins for our family, donated by Mousepinsonline. For those of you who have not heard of Disney Pin Trading, it is this whole other world inside Disney, and it can be quite addicting and expensive! Kailyn & Joshua had gotten a taste of it during our Disneyland trip and were hooked. So we were all SO excited to have more pins for trading. Thank you Mousepinsonline for the pixie dust!! And thank you Macntosh for delivering them to us!

Finally, we get Noah's TPN hooked up and then it's off to bed. It has been an incredibly long, amazing day.:)

Tomorrow...Magic Kingdom!!

[ndloewen]

For some reason this posted twice. Just deleting the second post!!

[lookingforward]

I wanted to send you a :hug: and thank you for letting us share your beautiful son's trip to disney! What a gorgeous family! I can't wait to read more. Thanks again for posting a trip review.

[PrincessCaitlin]

I am amazed by your family and your story

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your trip with us disers

Your story has really touched me and I am amazed by how strong you, noah and the rest of your family is

Thank you so much

[MRNsMommy]

Wow! Sounds like lots of good eating! Everything just looks so amazing!

[DisneyMom5]

REALLY enjoying your report. We have been praying for you all!
I am such a sap, but I cannot look at pictures of GKTW without choking up, and I have never been there. LOL

My kids were eyeing that playground big time! When my son (recovering from TBI) was in a stroller wheelchair years ago, that playground would have come in handy! [He runs now! whoo hoo!]

Looking forward to hearing more!

[dmbfan]

Oh boy, after looking at these pictures of the village, makes me want to cry again...lol

I have to have more time to sit down and peek at this thread, but so far I love it.

[oklamomof4boys]

What a great start! You took some wonderful pictures- the expressions on your kids' faces are just priceless. The pictures you got at Matthew's Boundless Playground are incredible!

Where is Katie's Kitchen? I wonder if it is new- I don't remember seeing it when we were there in November. I would hate to think we might have missed an oportunity for food-lol!

[ndloewen]

Thank you all for your kind comments!! I hoping to get my photo pass pictures soon and then I will post Day 2!!:)

Where is Katie's Kitchen? I wonder if it is new- I don't remember seeing it when we were there in November. I would hate to think we might have missed an oportunity for food-lol!

Yes, it's new. I think it just opened in February and it's right beside the ice cream palace. We LOVED their food!! They delivered to the villa too, which was really nice!! You'll have to go back to visit and check it out.

[HeatherSue]

GKTW looks like such a magical place! I love seeing pictures of it and of your kids playing!

As I was skimming and trying to find your first TR post, I thought "Wow, she really looks like Maroo". Then, I realized that WAS Maroo! :rotfl:

Thank you so much for sharing this trip with us. :hug:

[ndloewen]

As I was skimming and trying to find your first TR post, I thought "Wow, she really looks like Maroo". Then, I realized that WAS Maroo! :rotf:

:rotfl:Yes, really we're long lost twins separated at birth!!

[ndloewen]

Morning comes far too early. The night was rough...Noah had alot of trouble sleeping...which meant I had alot of trouble sleeping. He kept waking with difficulty breathing and needing his Ventolin. It was at this point that I began to get a bit worried...perhaps it was just an off night??? :confused3Still...there was that nagging feeling that Noah wasn't quite right. It was proving to be a bit of a challenge getting him up and going that morning, and so we decide to order the breakfast cart instead of going to the Gingerbread house.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip001.jpg

We loved the breakfast cart! You just dial the phone to order it, and a volunteer shows up outside your villa with coffee, pastries, bagels, fruit, yogurt, cereal, milk and juice. How neat is that?? Later in the day, it becomes the cookie cart, and they drive around the resort serving cookies...mmmmm...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip002.jpg

After we have stuffed ourselves full, we pack up and head to the Magic Kingdom!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/disney_world_entrance_sign.jpg

I think I almost shed some tears when we first saw the entrance sign. Disney is just so...magical. It has such a special place in my heart and it always will...some of our best memories are from Disney. It is not often these days that we can feel like a normal family, just hanging out and having fun. But Disney does that for us...they make it easy...so we can just be a family...enjoy each other...laugh...have fun:).

First stop...Guest Services to get a special stroller tag. This tag allowed us to use Noah's stroller as a wheelchair (what a lifesaver this was!). We already had our special Guest Assistance Card from GKTW, and Noah's special GKTW button. All we had to do was show these to the CM at the entrance of each attraction, and they would do what they could to expedite things. Usually that meant going straight to the front of the line, sometimes it meant going through the fast pass line, but rarely did we wait in line for anything!!

Walking out of Guest Services, we ran into Pinocchio...

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Main Street...stop for photopass pictures...

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We decide to head to Tomorrowland first...we baby swap and ride Space Mountain. As we were going in, two children came over and handed the kids their balloons. Not sure if it was because they saw our buttons, but it was very sweet and the kids were thrilled!! Then it was off to Buzz Lightyear and Transit Authority. Noah loved Buzz, but the Transit ride was too dark for him and he was not happy. So I decided to take a break with Noah, while Brad and the kids ride the cars at the Indy Speedway. By this time, it is getting close to our special character lunch at Crystal Palace, so we start to head out. But wait, there is Buzz & Stitch...

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After some pictures, we head to the Crystal Palace...this lunch was set up for us by the wish foundation, so Noah would be sure to meet his Tigger. But he was already looking really tired and his nose was running like crazy. I was getting worried that a restaurant might not be such a good idea. Restaurants are difficult at the best of times with Noah, since he doesn't eat. It can be hard to keep him entertained for a long period of time. But we really wanted Noah to meet Tigger! :tigger:

[llurgy]

Ahhhh! YOU CANT LEAVE US ALL IN SUSPENSE LIKE THAT!!!!

Only joking :) No I'm not :)

I wanna know whether Noah met his Tigger....I wanna know now :)

[ndloewen]

Ok, I won't leave you in suspence for too long!!

Lunch at Crystal Palace was all-you-can-eat buffet style...very yummy, although I think our kids barely ate a couple of bites. They were far too intrigued with the characters. First up was Pooh Bear...

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Noah was still wide awake at this point and thrilled with Pooh. They spent lots of time fawning over each other...

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Next up...Eeyore...He was so sweet to Noah!

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Noah was getting droopier here, but still enjoyed playing with Eeyore. Love this picture of Joshua...

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Piglet wandered over next...

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At this point, Noah starts losing it...he is tired and obviously not feeling well:sick:...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip034.jpg

Just a bit longer, Noah...Tigger is on his way...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip037.jpg

But our window of opportunity had closed:sad2:...Noah slept through the rest of the meal. I was SO disappointed as I had wanted to get some great pictures of Noah and Tigger. After all, this was Noah's wish...

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Despite the disappointment of Noah missing out on Tigger, we had some great character interaction, the palace was beautiful and the food was excellent. (Wish I had gotten some pictures of the food). But no lingering over this meal...still so much to see...:yay:

[maroo]

Oh no, no, no! He is even in his Tigger outfit!!!

Oh, please tell me he gets to meet Tigger on this trip! :confused3

**pouting** (We need an emoticon for pouting!)

[WishMom09]

What adorable pictures!! So sorry to see Noah missed Tigger!
I can't wait to read and see more!!:goodvibes

[MRNsMommy]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear that Noah missed out on Tigger! Maybe later in the trip?

[that's nice]

I hope Noah had the chance to see Tigger.

Great pictures! Everyone seemed to be having a great time!:goodvibes

[maroo]

Please pray for Noah!

He had to be air lifted to the hospital. They stopped the traffic on the interstate so they could go pick him up! :eek: He has a pulmonary hemmorhage and is in the PICU!

Please pray for the whole family as it looks like they will be in the hospital for Easter!

[kdzbear]

I have been saying prayers for your family since you had to leave Disney early. I will continue to pray for your family and especially Noah. Please know we are praying for a speedy recovery! :grouphug:

[MRNsMommy]

Thinking of them and praying!:grouphug:

[llurgy]

I just read the blog.....poor baby :(

I so want him to be well, just for a little while. Praying really hard for him at the moment, harder than usual.

[IDoBelieveinFairies!]

Thanks so much for sharing your story, it truly has been a blessing and lifted my spirits, as well as my girls. :hug:

Hope the blessings continue to roll in for you and your family

[Eeyore's-tail-tack]

For Christians this weekend is a celebration of a miracle. I hope and pray that you get the miracle your family so desperately deserves. My prayers go out with the multitude already praying.

[WishMom09]

Praying for sweet Noah! Feel better soon sweet angel!

[Madi100]

We will keep Noah in our prayers. I'm going to post this on the podcast board.

[aspen37]

We will keep Noah in our prayers. I'm going to post this on the podcast board.

Thanks for posting this on the podcast board Nicole.

Noah is in my thoughts and prayers.:grouphug:

[princesskelz]

Noah is sooo adorable!:cutie:
i will add your family and Noah to my prayer list tonight :hug::hug:

[twob4him]

Oh my goodness....I haven't read the blog today and was simply rereading and looking at the pics here when I see Maroo posted about the hemmorhage....I am so upset...prayers and well wishes being said! :angel::hug::grouphug:

[jewjubean]

I am praying for your son. I do not have children and wont for some time but I wish you the best of luck in the next few days. I could not deal with the things you and your family have gone through. I just read through your report and I cannot wait to hear more about your trip. BTW this makes my donation to GKTW seem real reading your PTR and TR!!

[ndloewen]

We interrupt this trip report for a hospital update.

Just when we think we've been through it all...

Noah decided to bring some excitement to our small community yesterday. And he did it in true Noah fashion. One moment we were watching Treehouse, and the next moment Noah is coughing up large amounts of blood. It happened so suddenly...I began suctioning...and suctioning...but he just wasn't stopping. Knowing that there was no way I could get him to the hospital like this on my own, I called 911. Yes, there was a moment, (or moments) of pure panic, but the adrenaline took over. When the paramedics arrived, they took one look at Noah, covered in blood, and we were in the back of the ambulance on the way to the highway to meet the helicoptor. That part I certainly wasn't expecting!! How surreal to think about it all now...the helicoptor landing in the middle of the highway...police...firemen...traffic lined up. Those are images I will not soon forget. Because of policy, at first they were not going to allow me on the helicoptor, but thankfully they decided to make an exception. And so we had our first helicoptor ride (I think Brad was pretty jealous) and within 4 minutes, before I could even comprehend what was happening, we were at the airport. Here we were met by another ambulance who took us to Childrens. We were definately the talk of the hospital, and we even heard the story on the news that evening. How bizarre that we just happened to have a helicoptor standing by...amazing how God watches over Noah. It was wild...crazy and very frightening, but how thankful we are for the way it all worked itself out.

During the transport to hospital, Noah's bleeding/coughing did settle. Given Noah's history, at first everyone assumed this was a GI bleed, however, he was not bleeding from his NG tube(until later, when he had swallowed blood). Once in the ER, Noah was resuscitated with fluids and was settling nicely. He then had another episode of cough/bleeding, and it was at that point that we all decided that it looked like pulmonary hemorrage (bleeding from his lungs) and he was transferred to PICU. His xray showed some definate lung changes as well. CPAP was started to put pressure into the lungs and help stop the bleeding. We also started the pentoprazole again, just to cover him in case there was any GI bleeding. He did have one more episode yesterday evening, but since then the bleeding has stopped and he is now stable. Once again, he is happy on his CPAP and his work of breathing is much improved. As to why this happened, no one can give us an answer. His bloodwork all looks okay...no clotting issues that would have caused the bleeding. Of course, his Enoxyparin (blood thinner) puts him at higher risk for bleeding, however he is on a pretty low prophylactic dose. There was some talk of scoping him to look for a source, but the risk of anesthesia right now is far too great. So if he continues to remain stable, we may have to settle with never knowing the reason behind this new issue.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Once again, we are looking at another holiday in hospital which is very disappointing. But we are thankful...so very thankful to have our son with us this Easter. Praying for a boring, uneventful holiday weekend.

[llurgy]

Phew!!! So glad to hear that things have settled down again and that Noah is in a stable and comfortable position.
Sorry that you have Easter in hospital, but at least all seems well for now.

Been on tenterhooks waiting to see how Noah was, can breathe a sigh of relief now :)

Love
Mandy

[eyor44]

Interesting thing, I hadn't read your TR in a couple days yet try to pray for Noah (and few others) every day. Wednesday morning as I stepped into the elevator at work, I thought, I haven't prayed for Noah today and said a quick pray asking God to please watch over Noah. Now I know why. :hug:

[princesskelz]

thats great!
still praying for Noah and your family!:hug:

[Derby4me]

I found out about your family today from a post on the Podcast board and read the entire thread this afternoon. What a beautiful family you have. Your strength and faith are amazing and I am so happy you have both. I will be sure to keep your family in my prayers as I celebrate this Easter weekend.

[pixiefairy]

I just found your trip report. I have a Noah and a Joshua too...great names, aren't they??? :) Just wanted to let you know that your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[Britgirlus]

Wow. I just came across your pre-trip/trip report and read it all so far - SO sorry to hear that Noah is sick again. I, too, will be praying for him and all of your family over this Easter weekend.

[llurgy]

Wow. I just came across your pre-trip/trip report and read it all so far - SO sorry to hear that Noah is sick again. I, too, will be praying for him and all of your family over this Easter weekend.

For fear of hijacking this thread my question will be a quick one......

Your user name suggests that you are British living in America??
If so, I too am a Brit girl living in the US

Mandy

[Britgirlus]

For fear of hijacking this thread my question will be a quick one......

Your user name suggests that you are British living in America??
If so, I too am a Brit girl living in the US

Mandy

Yes - I've been here 11 years now :) I just started reading Becca's trip report :)

[ndloewen]

Thank you all for your kind words. I wish I could answer you all individually, but please know that I read every word and it gives me such joy to know that Noah has touched so many lives.

A quiet day here, which is what we want...no more bleeding...Noah is content on his CPAP. We did try about a 1/2 hour off the CPAP today. Noah did fairly well, but was definately working to breathe by the end of the trial period and his sats began drifting down. But it is a good start to weaning, and hopefully tomorrow we can do a longer period off the CPAP. There is more serious talk once again about the need for CPAP at home. It obviously seems to help Noah so much...perhaps having him on it at night would allow his lungs some rest, give him more daytime energy and hopefully improve his overall respiratory status. We have some doctors advocating for us, however, he does not fit the normal criteria for home CPAP, so it seems there may be some hurdles to get past. However, we are getting quite used to jumping through all the hoops to get Noah what he needs.

So we are settling in for the long weekend...the kids get to have Easter with my parents...for which I am grateful. But once again, our family is separated for another holiday and I can't help but feel disappointed, knowing that we are missing out on so many memories we will never get back.

[autumnpalm]

I just wanted to let you know that you and Noah (and the rest of your family) are continually in my prayers.:grouphug: I'm so sorry you have the spend Easter apart. Lots and lots of hugs and prayers.:hug:

[maroo]

I am so sorry that you are stuck in that hospital - AGAIN - over another holiday.

But I am so thankful that Noah has done well today! :) That is fantastic news!

We are all praying for you all...including Brad and the kids...(and I will add your parents, too! Those caregivers are priceless!)...that you guys will have a peaceful weekend.

Hang in there!!

And we will continue to pray for you guys.

:hug:

[burly]

Just read the whole thing. Amazing and unbelivable. Although i want you to know that Noah is in my prayers, i must also say....
You are an amazing MOM. And your family...unbelievably lovely.
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[saveaquarter]

I just wanted to say that my husband and I have been following this from the beginning, and we're pulling for Noah. He is an absolutely amazing little boy, and you are an amazing family.

Keep fighting, little Noah, you can do it! :goodvibes

[MRNsMommy]

Just got caught up on all of Noah's recent events...I continue to keep y'all in my prayers and thoughts daily! I'm so sorry that y'all will be separated over the holidays; I know that must be hard, but as a PP said, you are a wonderful mother and we should all aspire to be like you!

[ndloewen]

A good day...Noah's 1/2 hour off CPAP turned into an hour, which turned into 2 hours, which turned into 3...he ended up spending most of the day off CPAP and did very well. It is back on for night now, but hopefully tomorrow he can spend all his waking hours off. He spent most of his day watching his Baby Einstein videos (or "baby crack" as one of the doctors has named it...seeing how addicted Noah is!), so he is quite content.

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter season.

[MRNsMommy]

A good day...Noah's 1/2 hour off CPAP turned into an hour, which turned into 2 hours, which turned into 3...he ended up spending most of the day off CPAP and did very well. It is back on for night now, but hopefully tomorrow he can spend all his waking hours off. He spent most of his day watching his Baby Einstein videos (or "baby crack" :lmao:as one of the doctors has named it...seeing how addicted Noah is!), so he is quite content.

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter season.

So glad to hear that things were better today! I know that your family will be apart tomorrow, but I hope your family will be blessed with a Happy Easter!

[sarcasticfiesta]

Subscribing and praying for you and your family. I'm usually only a lurker, but your son's story touched me.

[macntosh]

A Happy Easter in deed! Keep it up Noah, keep it up.

[ndloewen]

A rainy, gloomy Easter day here...it actually seemed quite fitting. It is always easier to be here when there is not a beautiful sunny day beckoning outside the window. Another good, quiet day...Noah spent the whole day off CPAP and is back on for sleeping. He did great and he was back to his charming self, flirting with the staff and showing off all his tricks. He had a small episode of coughing up some bloody sputum this morning, but it never amounted to anything more than that. Surgery came by to talk about scoping Noah, however, we are hoping to just leave well enough alone. Right now no definate plan...just waiting this out. We are so thankful this Easter day...thankful for a gracious, loving, heavenly Father...thankful for another miracle in the life of our little one.

[that's nice]

Happy Easter. Glad to hear you had a good day:goodvibes We are praying for Noah and your family. Hopefully Noah will be out of the hospital soon.:goodvibes

Tim

[maroo]

We are so thankful this Easter day...thankful for a gracious, loving, heavenly Father...thankful for another miracle in the life of our little one.

:hug:

We are thankful, too! :)

[saveaquarter]

Wonderful news! We're glad you're feeling better, Noah :goodvibes

[MRNsMommy]

A rainy, gloomy Easter day here...it actually seemed quite fitting. It is always easier to be here when there is not a beautiful sunny day beckoning outside the window. Another good, quiet day...Noah spent the whole day off CPAP and is back on for sleeping. He did great and he was back to his charming self, flirting with the staff and showing off all his tricks. He had a small episode of coughing up some bloody sputum this morning, but it never amounted to anything more than that. Surgery came by to talk about scoping Noah, however, we are hoping to just leave well enough alone. Right now no definate plan...just waiting this out. We are so thankful this Easter day...thankful for a gracious, loving, heavenly Father...thankful for another miracle in the life of our little one.

Glad things are continuing to get better! Continuing to keep Noah and your family in my prayers!:hug:

[ndloewen]

Another gloomy day...where is our Manitoba sunshine???

Things are settling down nicely...Noah is doing well and had another good day off CPAP. He is ready to be transfered out of PICU and to the ward, however because of a bed crunch and staffing issues, he is still in the unit for another night. Hopefully tomorrow we can get to the ward and then put together a plan to get home soon. The respirologist on call is on board, and so it sounds like home nocturnal CPAP is the new plan...hopefully this will go a long ways in helping Noah.

Macntosh, praying that all went well with Aidan's dental surgery. I've been thinking about your family today

[eyor44]

thankful that Noah is doing so well. :hug:

[llurgy]

It is so wonderful that Noah has bounced back again, continued prayers for a speedy move to your "home" ward and then home.

Love Mandy

[WishMom09]

I am so glad to read that Noah is doing well! I pray he will continue to improve and be home soon!

[Dreaming~of~Disney]

I just found your TR this morning. Praying for Noah and your family.

[MRNsMommy]

Hope Noah is continuing to get better! Were y'all able to move into the ward?

[ndloewen]

A beautiful, spring day and we are home!!:cool1:

Noah was moved to the ward yesterday and did well overnight. We did have to start the Nexium again today, as he is having old blood draining from his NG tube that seems to come and go. Today it was just a matter of getting our CPAP teaching done and then he was able to be discharged. We are so glad to be home, however an hour after we got home, both Kailyn & Joshua started throwing up. So I've been cleaning up puke all evening, and praying that Noah will stay safe. Anyone know where we can get one of those bubbles like on the latest Huggies commercial???

This evening Noah was all over the house, into everything...Brad & I sat and marveled at the energy he had tonight that we have not seen in so long. I don't know if it's the CPAP or just that he is feeling better, but we are hoping it will last. So now Noah is all hooked up to his CPAP, oxygen, TPN and monitors...all is quiet other than the odd beep...hopefully our first night at home goes well. And hopefully this is a longer stay at home.

[autumnpalm]

Oh, I am so glad Noah is home!:goodvibes

He is just full of miracles.:lovestruc

[MRNsMommy]

Oh, I am so glad to hear that Noah is home now! :goodvibes That's wonderful!
But I'm so sorry that Kailyn and Joshua are sick! Not fun!:hug:

[Applemomma]

Haven't posted on your thread yet but I've been checking daily for updates and praying for all of you.

I'm just out of bed and this is the first place I come and Noah's good news has given me the best start possible to my day!! Better then that first cup of caffine!!

GO NOAH!! :banana::banana::cheer2::cheer2:

[WishMom09]

Praise the Lord! So glad to hear that Noah is home and doing so well!
I hope your other 2 get well soon! Vomit patrol is NO fun! And hope Noah doesn't get that too!!
Get some rest and finish that TR when you can!!popcorn::

[eyor44]

So wonderful that Noah is back home!:banana:

[kdzbear]

I am so glad to hear that Noah is back home and has his energy back. I hope your other two children are well again soon too! Take care. :yay:

[princesskelz]

oh thank goodness!
hope your kids get well soon!:hug::hug:

[ndloewen]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers these past few weeks. We are all doing well and things have settled down again. So now, after that bump in the road, we are back on track with this trip report:)...

After Crystal Palace, we decided to head over to some of the bigger rides and do some child swaps, since Noah was sleeping. So off to Splash Mountain and then Thunder Mountain, a favorite in our family, where we got a nice big dose of pixie dust. When the CM loading the ride saw our button, he asked if we wanted to ride twice in a row...of course, a resounding yes from us! They ended up letting us ride 4 times in a row without getting off!! This was a ride with a 60 minute wait!! :woohoo: To see their pure joy at this extra special VIP treatment...so priceless... wish I had taken pictures there.

When we finally got through riding the mountains, the parade was going, so we caught the tail end of it as we headed to Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise. Noah is STILL sleeping, so we took turns riding with the other kids. We still had Fantasyland and Toontown to do yet, but I didn't want Noah to miss out on it, so we decided to go find the Wish Lounge (a private lounge just for wish families) and take a break.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Disney-lounge-250.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip044.jpg

We made ourselves right at home...the kids watched part of a Disney movie, played with some toys and there was juice and bottled water in the fridge for us. We were told that there is usually a Disney CM there with you, but there was no one there that day. The nurse from the first aid let us in, and we had the place to ourselves. It was so nice to have this quiet place to relax...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip045.jpg

The kids loved playing on the magic carpet...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip050.jpg

We rested until Noah finally woke up. He still didn't look great, but I was hoping that he was just catching up from our long traveling day.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip046.jpg

Once we'd all recharged, we set out for more. Got some more pictures taken at the castle. I am so glad we bought the photopass and actually have some family pictures...
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image111.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image105.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image114.jpg

Off to Toontown to meet the famous mouse :earsboy:...

[maroo]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image114.jpg

Off to Toontown to meet the famous mouse :earsboy:... [/B]

This picture made me cry. :sad1: Am I such a sap? Is it because I actually got to meet you guys in person? Is it all that you guys have been through to get to this point?

Probably all of the above.

But to see the 5 of you in front of that castle with your arms up celebrating is such a wonderful sight! :cloud9: Even Noah has his hands up! :)

Loving the TR...and I am so glad Noah is feeling good right now!!!!! :hug:

[kdzbear]

I am so glad that Noah is finally feeling better. I love the family photo in front of the castle. It is beautiful. Thank you for continuing your report when you and your family have so many other things to deal with right now. We will continue to send prayers your way! :grouphug:

[saveaquarter]

I'm so happy to see things have calmed down enough for another trip update! I hope it stays that way for quite a while. The Wish Lounge looks like a great place to relax!

[ndloewen]

This picture made me cry. :sad1: Am I such a sap? Is it because I actually got to meet you guys in person? Is it all that you guys have been through to get to this point?

Probably all of the above.

But to see the 5 of you in front of that castle with your arms up celebrating is such a wonderful sight! :cloud9: Even Noah has his hands up! :)

Loving the TR...and I am so glad Noah is feeling good right now!!!!! :hug:

Awww...that's so sweet. I love that picture too. I just really sums up how wonderful it was to be able to take that trip. (I also love that Walt is in that picture too!)

[MRNsMommy]

Another great update! That Wish Lounge looks wonderful! How great that they have a place like that to take a load off and rejuvenate yourselves!
I just love the family pictures...can't wait to read the next installment!

[lillylynnb]

I love your little one it just brakes my heart, My prayers are with you and your family please keep us informed about your little one !

[ndloewen]

I love your little one it just brakes my heart, My prayers are with you and your family please keep us informed about your little one !

I will definately keep you all updated.

Another great update! That Wish Lounge looks wonderful! How great that they have a place like that to take a load off and rejuvenate yourselves!
I just love the family pictures...can't wait to read the next installment!

Yes, that wish lounge was just perfect to relax...it was SO quiet in there!

By the way, I also added some photopass pictures to my MK post on page 23.

[eyor44]

I love all of the pictures. You got some really great ones. Can't wait for more.

[that's nice]

The picture of you guys in front of the castle is great! I'm glad Noah is feeling better!!!!!!:goodvibes

[macntosh]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers these past few weeks. We are all doing well and things have settled down again. So now, after that bump in the road, we are back on track with this trip report:)...

After Crystal Palace, we decided to head over to some of the bigger rides and do some child swaps, since Noah was sleeping. So off to Splash Mountain and then Thunder Mountain, a favorite in our family, where we got a nice big dose of pixie dust. When the CM loading the ride saw our button, he asked if we wanted to ride twice in a row...of course, a resounding yes from us! They ended up letting us ride 4 times in a row without getting off!! This was a ride with a 60 minute wait!! :woohoo: To see their pure joy at this extra special VIP treatment...so priceless... wish I had taken pictures there.

When we finally got through riding the mountains, the parade was going, so we caught the tail end of it as we headed to Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise. Noah is STILL sleeping, so we took turns riding with the other kids. We still had Fantasyland and Toontown to do yet, but I didn't want Noah to miss out on it, so we decided to go find the Wish Lounge (a private lounge just for wish families) and take a break.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Disney-lounge-250.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip044.jpg

We made ourselves right at home...the kids watched part of a Disney movie, played with some toys and there was juice and bottled water in the fridge for us. We were told that there is usually a Disney CM there with you, but there was no one there that day. The nurse from the first aid let us in, and we had the place to ourselves. It was so nice to have this quiet place to relax...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip045.jpg

The kids loved playing on the magic carpet...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip050.jpg

We rested until Noah finally woke up. He still didn't look great, but I was hoping that he was just catching up from our long traveling day.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip046.jpg

Once we'd all recharged, we set out for more. Got some more pictures taken at the castle. I am so glad we bought the photopass and actually have some family pictures...
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image111.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image105.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image114.jpg

Off to Toontown to meet the famous mouse :earsboy:...

Great photos, great story so far. I wish we had checked out the Wish Lounge. There just was never enough time I thought for everything...

Love the updates!

[3princesses+aprince]

You got some great pictures. I'm glad to see that Noah is home again, and I hope he stays put for a while! That was quite amazing that you got that helicopter ride to the hospital!!!I cannot wait to see the rest of your pictures!

[kimmylaj]

i love your pictures they are beautiful
and splash mtn....4 times in a row. awesome

[ndloewen]

Great photos, great story so far. I wish we had checked out the Wish Lounge. There just was never enough time I thought for everything...

Love the updates!

Oh, I know what you mean about never enough time. We did so much, and yet, I still have regrets of things we missed (like the Epcot lounges)...sigh...I think we would have needed a month to do it all!

You got some great pictures. I'm glad to see that Noah is home again, and I hope he stays put for a while! That was quite amazing that you got that helicopter ride to the hospital!!!I cannot wait to see the rest of your pictures!

Hoping my next helicoptor ride is a nice leisurely one!

[ndloewen]

Ok, how cool is this???

Matthew's dad (of Matthew's Boundless Playground) found my blog today with pictures of our wish trip and asked me to send him some of my playground pictures! I was in tears when I read this and so touched. Wow, what that family has done for GKTW and for wish families. The memories we have of that place...priceless!!

[ndloewen]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image188.jpg

In toontown we toured Mickey and Minnie's houses...oh to be a toon!!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip055.jpg

When we reached the big character greet tent, we were immediately spotted by a CM, who took us directly behind the scenes and straight in to meet the fairies...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image116.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image171.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image125.jpg

Noah was not too impressed by the fairies, but they sure loved over him. I have to say, I was most impressed with Tinkerbell!! She did an amazing job and Noah got lots of extra love and kisses from her...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image127.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image155.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image158.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image151.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image149.jpg

After the fairies, we were taken directly in to meet the Princesses...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image175.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image180.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image185.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image193.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image201.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image206.jpg

Then it was time to meet the big guy himself (oh, and Minnie too, of course)...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image211.jpg

I think Toontown is where we saved the most time. The lines for each of these characters was well over an hour EACH! We were able to see them all in about 20 minutes.

After the photo sessions, we had one more land to hit...Fantasyland...where I guess we were pictured out...I took only 1 picture here!! What was I thinking??? We hit all the rides and Noah was able to ride them all which he loved. So here is my lone picture on It's A Small World...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip076.jpg

After catching the fireworks, we were officially beat...back to GKTW where we ordered pizza (free of course) and crashed.

[WishMom09]

Love the pictures!! Every time I read about these great character interactions...and not having to wait I am just amazed! Only 16 more days and we will get to experience that!:yay:
I am so glad to hear y'all had a great trip!
I can't wait to read more!

[kdzbear]

The pictures with Noah and the fairies are priceless. I am so glad you were able to meet all of the characters in Toon Town one right after another. Thank you for sharing your pcitures. I am glad Noah made some good memories before he became sick. Thanks for continuing the report! :wizard:

[maroo]

Aww!!!! What an awesome update! Check out all of that VIP character interaction! I am so glad you guys got to do all of that! It sounds like you guys had a great day!

I think it is totally cool that Matthews Dad (Matthew's Boundless Playground) found you and contacted you! :) That is too neat! :)

I am glad you got to see Wishes! :cloud9:

I totally understand not getting pictures. Sometimes you just gotta put down the camera and enjoy watching the rides and your kids with just the two eyes God gave ya! :thumbsup2

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image158.jpg


What a precious interaction! And the Photopass guys caught it perfectly!!! :cloud9:



http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Image193.jpg


Sweet Kailyn! I love this one, too!!!!! :love:


Thank you so very much for the updates!!!! I know you have your hands plenty full and taking the time to document this for all of us means so much! :hug: I love Wish Trips!!!!!!!


Side Note: Do we think I use enough exclamation points?!?!?!?! :confused3

[kimmylaj]

that is awesome about the playgrounds and noah looks so cute with tink

[llurgy]

Hoping my next helicoptor ride is a nice leisurely one!

:lmao::lmao: Same here, we were life flighted! People keep on asking me how I enjoyed my first ever helicopter ride......I dunno ,I cant remember it, all I was thinking was "I hope Becca is alright in the back and that we get to the hospital on time" and "how I dare not move any limbs on my body because there were helicopter controls all over, even on the floor!"

[ndloewen]

:lmao::lmao: Same here, we were life flighted! People keep on asking me how I enjoyed my first ever helicopter ride......I dunno ,I cant remember it, all I was thinking was "I hope Becca is alright in the back and that we get to the hospital on time" and "how I dare not move any limbs on my body because there were helicopter controls all over, even on the floor!"

:rotfl: I was in the back with Noah and barely took my eyes off him. Our flight took a whole 4 minutes. By the time I looked out the window we had landed! I so wish I had pictures, although I think I would have gotten some strange looks if I had whipped out my camera at the time.:rotfl2:

[ndloewen]

Ok, I'm so proud of myself. I finally figured out how to post with multiquotes!:cool1:

Love the pictures!! Every time I read about these great character interactions...and not having to wait I am just amazed! Only 16 more days and we will get to experience that!:yay:
I am so glad to hear y'all had a great trip!
I can't wait to read more!

Can't wait to read all about your magical moments too. I love how everyone's wish trips are so unique. Everyone has their own special moments.

The pictures with Noah and the fairies are priceless. I am so glad you were able to meet all of the characters in Toon Town one right after another. Thank you for sharing your pcitures. I am glad Noah made some good memories before he became sick. Thanks for continuing the report! :wizard:

Yes, we have some wonderful memories. This trip report is very therapeutic for me. It helps me remember all the great moments we did have, despite the way it ended.

What a precious interaction! And the Photopass guys caught it perfectly!!! :cloud9:
Sweet Kailyn! I love this one, too!!!!! :love:

Side Note: Do we think I use enough exclamation points?!?!?!?! :confused3

The photopass guy took SO many of us with the fairies. I have tons more, just can't post them all. I was thrilled with them all. And Tinkerbell just took so much time with our family. That was really special. Loved her!! I'd like to get the ones with Kailyn and the princesses blown up and framed for her room.

Oh, and by the way, I think I have your same love of the exclamation mark!! I get carried away with them when I'm writing on the boards. But there is just so many things that warrant it's use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that is awesome about the playgrounds and noah looks so cute with tink

Aww...tink...did I mention I loved tink???:)

[BrandyC1974]

I am so happy to hear that Noah is feeling better. He is in my prayers.

I love reading about your trip and it looks like ya'll had a good time. I can't wait to read more about your trip.

[MRNsMommy]

Yayyy! for learning to multi-quote!:cool1:

I loved the latest installment! Very cool that you got the VIP toontown treatment!:thumbsup2

Side note: my DH is sitting here and just said, "That's one hot tinkerbell! That's one lucky kid!" (talking about the one where she's kissing Noah! :rotfl:

[ndloewen]

I am so happy to hear that Noah is feeling better. He is in my prayers.

I love reading about your trip and it looks like ya'll had a good time. I can't wait to read more about your trip.

Thanks. I'm working on the next instalment now.



Side note: my DH is sitting here and just said, "That's one hot tinkerbell! That's one lucky kid!" (talking about the one where she's kissing Noah! :rotfl:

:rotfl2: :rotfl:

[ndloewen]

I forgot to add that at the end of our day yesterday, there was a gift waiting for the kids on the table of our villa. This happened every day, and it there was always lots of racing to get into the villa and see what was on the table.

After our exhausting day, and another night of rough sleep for Noah & I, we decided to not push Noah too hard with another big park day. So we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Gingerbread House (mmm...those waffles with strawberries and whipped cream were the best!), and a couple of rides on the carousel, and then it is off to the theatre. Every Thursday morning, Disney sends some of their characters over to GKTW. Today it was Goofy...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip077.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip083.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip079.jpg

Belle...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip081.jpg

Pluto...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip089.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip085.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip084-1.jpg

And inside the theatre were those famous mice again...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/DSC_0414.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/DSC_0422.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/DSC_0421.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/DSC_0426.jpg

Minnie was quite tickled when she saw Kailyn's outfit...


http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/DSC_0428.jpg

After hanging with the characters, the kids rode the cars at the House of Hearts, and then we checked out Amberville again...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip109.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip110.jpg

Then it was off to the castle for stars and pillows...

[MRNsMommy]

That is absolutely amazing that they send characters over there! I LOVE the pic of Noah kissing Mickey!

[maroo]

oh my gosh!!! An update and I almost missed it!!!!! :scared1:

Wonderful update! I love, love, love the pictures with Noah and those characters. He loves to grab some noses, doesn't he! :goodvibes Precious, just precious!

I also loved Kailyn in her Minnie outfit!

And Joshua and his batman shirt! Awesome!! :)

I am glad you took the day to relax!!! And I can't wait to see star and pillows!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[that's nice]

Noah looks so happy to see Goofy and Mickey!!!!

That Pluto.... always going something silly!!:rotfl:

[saveaquarter]

Those photos are too cute! They all look so excited to meet the characters.

From what I've read, Disney doesn't actually 'send' the characters over, they stop by before their shift begins at the parks, off the clock. Just another piece of magic from those wonderful castmembers. :wizard:

[kdzbear]

I love the updates. The picture with Pluto being silly and covering up everyone’s eyes including his own is too cute! I think the one with Noah reaching out for Mickey is too precious! I think Kailyn and Minnie are adorable. I am so glad your family got to have some quality interactions with the characters at GKTW! :cheer2:

[Britgirlus]

OK, you got me - I'm sitting here at naptime (I run a daycare - all 10 kids are sleeping, so I'm getting my DIS fix ) - I was looking at your pictures, and the one of Noah and Mickey is just precious - thanks for the tears !! :thumbsup2

[eyor44]

You got some wonderful character pictures. thank you for sharing them.

[ndloewen]

That is absolutely amazing that they send characters over there! I LOVE the pic of Noah kissing Mickey!

I love that one too. Noah was quite taken with all the characters.

oh my gosh!!! An update and I almost missed it!!!!! :scared1:

Wonderful update! I love, love, love the pictures with Noah and those characters. He loves to grab some noses, doesn't he! :goodvibes Precious, just precious!

I also loved Kailyn in her Minnie outfit!

And Joshua and his batman shirt! Awesome!! :)

I am glad you took the day to relax!!! And I can't wait to see star and pillows!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

I love the kids outfits from that day. Kailyn is still so in love with that outfit. She's worn it at least a dozen times since our trip, with tights and a shirt underneath, since it's still FRIGID here!

And yes, Noah does seem to have a thing with noses:)

Noah looks so happy to see Goofy and Mickey!!!!

That Pluto.... always going something silly!!:rotfl:

The picture with Pluto is one of my favorites.

Those photos are too cute! They all look so excited to meet the characters.

From what I've read, Disney doesn't actually 'send' the characters over, they stop by before their shift begins at the parks, off the clock. Just another piece of magic from those wonderful castmembers. :wizard:

Thanks for clearing that up. I didn't realize that's how it worked. Wow, how special that they volunteer their time.

I love the updates. The picture with Pluto being silly and covering up everyone’s eyes including his own is too cute! I think the one with Noah reaching out for Mickey is too precious! I think Kailyn and Minnie are adorable. I am so glad your family got to have some quality interactions with the characters at GKTW! :cheer2:

Yep, gotta love Pluto. He was quite a character:thumbsup2. The character interaction there was so nice. What a treat that was!

OK, you got me - I'm sitting here at naptime (I run a daycare - all 10 kids are sleeping, so I'm getting my DIS fix ) - I was looking at your pictures, and the one of Noah and Mickey is just precious - thanks for the tears !! :thumbsup2

Awww...thanks. You made my day. By the way, how do you get all 10 kids sleeping at the same time???? Wow!

You got some wonderful character pictures. thank you for sharing them.

Thank you!:)

[ndloewen]

The castle of miracles...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0380CastleofMiracles.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0400CastleofMiracles-Entrance.jpg

Each wish child is given a star when they arrive. The wish child takes it to the castle, signs their name (Noah got some help from big sister)...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip112.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_0222.jpg

and sends the star to the Starfairy...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip114.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip118.jpg

with lots of love and special wishes...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip115.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip119.jpg

The Starfairy takes the star, and the next day, the star will be on the ceiling with the thousands of other stars already up there...It is an overwhelming moment, surrounded by the stars...each one representing the children who have come before us...each child with their own journey. Noah's star will remain there and we can come visit it anytime we go back to Florida. Noah's star is on the hanging banner that the volunteer is looking at. They have had to bring in these banners, as their ceiling is already full!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip120.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0416CastleofMiracles.jpg

At orientation, each of the kids also recieved a certificate to make a pillow from the pillow factory. Yes, this place thinks of it all! First you pick the kind you would like...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip123.jpg

Then press the buttons as much as you can to stuff it...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip127.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip129.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip131.jpg

The machine starts making noise and blowing out bubbles (Noah's favorite part!)...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip124.jpg

And out pops a pillow!! The finished products...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip132.jpg

After stars and pillows, it was playtime in the castle. Jolly Hollow is a play area with a slide and special caves to hide out in...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0500CastleofMiracles-JollyHollow.jpg

The Fe-Fi-Fo-Fun Room...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip135.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0430CastleofMiracles-FeFiFoFunRoom.jpg

Noah's favorite part of the castle was the silly drawers that make all kinds of wacky sounds when you open them. Combine fun sounds with opening drawers, and you have Noah's perfect toy!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0495CastleofMiracles-SillyCabinets.jpg

The magic mirror. If you look closely in the reflection you can see the crown on Kailyn's head...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip121.jpg

The magical wishing well. Throw your money in and you never know what you might hear from deep inside the well. All kinds of suprise noises come out of it. Of course, pennies are supplied, as no money is required here...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip133.jpg

After we'd seen the castle, we decided to get some lunch and grab some complimentary tickets to check out Gatorland.

[kdzbear]

Yeah more updates with photos! The castle of miracles looks amazing. I think his star on the ceiling is a great tribute to Noah and those that have been there before him. Thanks for sharing more of your trip! I hope Noah is still feeling better. :wizard:

[eyor44]

More wonderful pictures. I am just in awe over this place. It seems to be absolutely wonderful.

[maroo]

Gosh...

Those stars get me. Every. Single. Time.

:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

[WishMom09]

Oh I just LOVE the star pictures...I can't wait to see them in person!
I love your update and all your wonderful pictures! Looks like y'all had a really good time!

[MRNsMommy]

More great pictures! I love these...I just can't get over how wonderful this place is!

[ndloewen]

More great pictures! I love these...I just can't get over how wonderful this place is!

Yes, thankfully the pictures help explain just how wonderful it is.

Oh I just LOVE the star pictures...I can't wait to see them in person!
I love your update and all your wonderful pictures! Looks like y'all had a really good time!

There is nothing like actually being there, surrounded by all those stars.

Gosh...

Those stars get me. Every. Single. Time.

:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

:sad1:...I can't even write about it without getting all choked up. Wish I could adequately put into words what that was like for me.

More wonderful pictures. I am just in awe over this place. It seems to be absolutely wonderful.

Yes, truly wonderful.:)

[ndloewen]

Just thought I'd post a little update on us...

We spent the morning at Rehab Center for Children. Our physiotherapist has been trying to get us in there for a while, and there happened to be a cancellation today. Noah saw the new orthopedic doctor to assess his weight bearing issues. His left hip and knee are very, very tight, which is what is keeping Noah from progressing to fully standing on his own. The xrays showed that his hip is slightly out of place, but not enough to do anything about it...the good new is that it's more of a muscle issue. Because it is only on one side, it is very difficult for him to even try and compensate. So the best thing we can do is to work on stretching and positioning. They decided to fit him for a stander...a device in which Noah will be forced to stand and weight bear. Ok, that sounds a bit barbaric...actually, they do look a bit like some barbaric torturing device, but it's really not that bad. It will have a nice tray in front, so basically like a high chair, only he will have to stand rather than sit. I'm thinking this will probably be a challenge to confine him. We will have to think of some fun activities to do when he is in it.

He was also fitted for AFOs (ankle foot orthotics, or braces) to help position his ankles better. This involved casting both of Noah's feet up to his knees to make molds. This was NOT fun. Noah was VERY mad about this procedure and it was quite the wrestling match trying to get these casts on. Wish I'd had my camera...we were quite the sight, with Noah kicking and screaming...plaster EVERYWHERE! So in about 4-6 weeks, we should get the stander and braces. The stander he will spend short periods each day in, and the braces he will wear as much as possible, even for sleeping if he will tolerate them. Just another thing to add to the mix! We did get to pick a custom design for them which was fun...Noah's will be blue with cars, trucks and airplanes on them.

CPAP is going much better. At our appointment last week, we got a different mask to try, which has different pressure points. It fits him so much better and his nose is healing, with no further skin breakdown. We are now getting very little leak in the mask, which means much fewer alarms during the night. The way things were going when we first came home, I did not know how we could do this long term. But things are so much better and Noah is getting used to his nightly ritual.

Off to work on my next trip update...gatorland!

[ndloewen]

After a well balanced lunch of ice cream and m&ms :)...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip136.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip138.jpg

It was off to Gatorland...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip139.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip140.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip148.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip142.jpg

You could purchase hot dogs to feed the gators. Think they were a bit overfed??

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip158.jpg

The gator jumping show...Apparently sometimes they will jump right out of the water for the chicken, but this was about as high as they went that day.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip162.jpg

This was an interesting place to visit and we enjoyed seeing the Albino gator. Fun and relaxing for a couple of hours, but likely not a place we would rush to go back to.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip164.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip167.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip165.jpg

Loved this sign...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip160.jpg

After a fun afternoon, we headed back to GKTW for our appointment at the Spa and then Christmas!

[kdzbear]

I loved your Gatorland update. I was there in 1986 and it does not look like much has changed! However, I do have pictures of jumping gators. I could scan one in for you if you would like. Great update!

[ndloewen]

I loved your Gatorland update. I was there in 1986 and it does not look like much has changed! However, I do have pictures of jumping gators. I could scan one in for you if you would like. Great update!


Oh, I'd love that! Guess they'd had too many hot dogs the day we were there:sad2:

[maroo]

Oh my gosh! Look at those fat gators? How funny!!! Hot dogs? Really? :confused3 Seems like they need some turkey dogs! :rotfl2:


And I totally understand how hard it is to put the stars into words. :sad1:

[ndloewen]

Oh my gosh! Look at those fat gators? How funny!!! Hot dogs? Really? :confused3 Seems like they need some turkey dogs! :rotfl2:


And I totally understand how hard it is to put the stars into words. :sad1:

Did you notice what's on that gator's head? :rotfl2: We got a kick out of watching people chuck hot dogs at these gators who couldn't care a bit and didn't even budge.

[maroo]

Did you notice what's on that gator's head? :rotfl2: We got a kick out of watching people chuck hot dogs at these gators who couldn't care a bit and didn't even budge.

Oh my gosh!! I just spewed Diet Dr Pepper! That is SOOOOOO funny!!!


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl2::lmao: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

[eyor44]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip167.jpg

I thought she was holding a real one :scared1: until I realized where she was standing.

[tinytreasures]

I can't wait to show the kids the gator with a hotdog on his head in the morning they will die :lmao:

[ndloewen]

I thought she was holding a real one :scared1: until I realized where she was standing.

:rotfl:...that was her plan! She didn't want to try holding the real one, but still wanted a picture!

[kdzbear]

Oh, I'd love that! Guess they'd had too many hot dogs the day we were there:sad2:

Here are the Gatorland photos. I guess I only have one of the gator coming out of the water and I seem to have taken the photo before he got all of the way to the chicken. They did not feed them hot dogs 22 years ago. The zoo back then also had bears, orangutans, zebras and some other animals. You can see that it has not changed much! Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. They look fine at Photobucket and when they are uploaded it separates the photos into squares.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/kdzarchan/Gatorland_Disney%201987/Gatorland4.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/kdzarchan/Gatorland_Disney%201987/Gatorland2.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/kdzarchan/Gatorland_Disney%201987/Gatorland3.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/kdzarchan/Gatorland_Disney%201987/Gatorland5.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/kdzarchan/Gatorland_Disney%201987/Gatorland6.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/kdzarchan/Gatorland_Disney%201987/Gatorland.jpg
This sign said, "Florida's original sunbathers."

[kimmylaj]

too funny about the hot dog on the gators head, one of my friends swear that it is not a trip to disney without spending the first day at gatorland. i havve never been there not sure if i could tear myself away from disney to do it.lol

[weswife]

Hello,

You have a beautiful family! I enjoyed the pics. The look on the "kids'" faces say more then words! I am glad everyone enjoyed the trip!

I too have a DD with special needs she has endured alot. I feel she has made us a strong family! She is now 16! Wow where does time go! She received a "dream" from Sunshine dreams. She wanted to see the Spice Girls! Dec./07 We went to LasVegas! This is a dream we still talk about! We have packed it in our treasure box of memories!

All the best to you and your family!!:love:

[ndloewen]

kdzbear, thanks for the pictures. Wierd how they come up in squares like that. :confused3

Hello,

You have a beautiful family! I enjoyed the pics. The look on the "kids'" faces say more then words! I am glad everyone enjoyed the trip!

I too have a DD with special needs she has endured alot. I feel she has made us a strong family! She is now 16! Wow where does time go! She received a "dream" from Sunshine dreams. She wanted to see the Spice Girls! Dec./07 We went to LasVegas! This is a dream we still talk about! We have packed it in our treasure box of memories!

All the best to you and your family!!:love:

Las Vegas would be fun! Those memories are priceless! :)

too funny about the hot dog on the gators head, one of my friends swear that it is not a trip to disney without spending the first day at gatorland. i havve never been there not sure if i could tear myself away from disney to do it.lol

It doesn't compare to Disney, that's for sure. But it's a very different kind of park. Much more relaxing and slow paced.

[ndloewen]

When we got back from Dinoland, there was a gift waiting at the villa. Today it was a big duffle bag to help transport all our new treasures home. Noah had a short nap, we vegged for a bit, and then off again for a round of mini golf at Marc's Dino Putt. What a neat place with fun dinosaurs, caves, waterfalls and lots of little surprises along the way. You never know which one will shoot water or start smoking!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0060MarcsDinoPutt.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip170.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip169.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip168.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0110MarcsDinoPutt-Cave.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/0100MarcsDinoPutt-Hole7.jpg

Brad needed to catch up on some work on the computer, so the kids and I went to the La Ti Da Royal Spa. In keeping with GKTW's theme, this is a special spa created just for kids. (Yep, this place thinks of everything!!) There were massages, tattoes, face painting, nails and makeup. Everything you need to fulfill the fantasy of every little girl, and fun for the boys too...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip172.jpg

The kids picking out their tattoos...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip174.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip176.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip178.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip181.jpg

We tried tatooing a sunflower on Noah. He was very unhappy about the whole thing, and ended up with just a yellow blob on his arm. He was feeling pretty crummy though, with a runny nose and terrible cough, so that was the extent of his spa experience.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/IMG_0009.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip184.jpg

Kailyn having her makeup done...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip183.jpg

The kids were able to choose from a wardrobe of dressup clothes. Josh had to be a race car driver of course...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip180.jpg

Kailyn after her makeover...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip186.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip187.jpg

After the mini makeovers, there were more gifts for the kids. A pony for Kailyn and transformer cards for Joshua and Noah...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip188.jpg

We loved the spa...very relaxing, beautifully done, and the kids enjoyed all the special attention. A nice way to spend an hour. But the best part of the day was yet to come. As we were enjoying the day, GKTW was being transformed into a Winter Wonderland...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip189.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip190.jpg

[maroo]

Ah...

Christmas is coming!

It looks like you guys had a great time! :) I am so glad you guys got to take some time and really enjoy GKTW!! :) How wonderful!! :) That makeover places looks fabulous! :)

[princesskelz]

oh thats awsome!
i was like how did you get the son's into the spa but thats cool that there is something for both boys and girls.

hope everyone is doing well:thumbsup2

[DisneyMom5]

Thank goodness you threw in some comic relief with those Gator pics. LOL
I swear I can't read any WISH trips without crying, and I don't even have a WISH kid.
I do, however, have a boy with AFOs. His are currently green with camoflauged straps. Very manly. LOL

LOVE, love, love the pic of Noah and Mickey. That is JOY on his face! Sigh.
Thanks for the updates! :wizard:

[miprender]

Just stumbled on your report. The name Noah caught my eye. I have a little Noah too who is the youngest of three. Your children are precious and sending prayers to you and your family for all that you have been through:grouphug:

I cant wait to see some more great pics. :)

[kdzbear]

Great photos of the Dino putt-putt. I love the spa for the kids. The race driver costume was great. I can't wait for the Christmas update! :wizard:

[BrandyC1974]

Just thought I'd post a little update on us...

We spent the morning at Rehab Center for Children. Our physiotherapist has been trying to get us in there for a while, and there happened to be a cancellation today. Noah saw the new orthopedic doctor to assess his weight bearing issues. His left hip and knee are very, very tight, which is what is keeping Noah from progressing to fully standing on his own. The xrays showed that his hip is slightly out of place, but not enough to do anything about it...the good new is that it's more of a muscle issue. Because it is only on one side, it is very difficult for him to even try and compensate. So the best thing we can do is to work on stretching and positioning. They decided to fit him for a stander...a device in which Noah will be forced to stand and weight bear. Ok, that sounds a bit barbaric...actually, they do look a bit like some barbaric torturing device, but it's really not that bad. It will have a nice tray in front, so basically like a high chair, only he will have to stand rather than sit. I'm thinking this will probably be a challenge to confine him. We will have to think of some fun activities to do when he is in it.

He was also fitted for AFOs (ankle foot orthotics, or braces) to help position his ankles better. This involved casting both of Noah's feet up to his knees to make molds. This was NOT fun. Noah was VERY mad about this procedure and it was quite the wrestling match trying to get these casts on. Wish I'd had my camera...we were quite the sight, with Noah kicking and screaming...plaster EVERYWHERE! So in about 4-6 weeks, we should get the stander and braces. The stander he will spend short periods each day in, and the braces he will wear as much as possible, even for sleeping if he will tolerate them. Just another thing to add to the mix! We did get to pick a custom design for them which was fun...Noah's will be blue with cars, trucks and airplanes on them.

CPAP is going much better. At our appointment last week, we got a different mask to try, which has different pressure points. It fits him so much better and his nose is healing, with no further skin breakdown. We are now getting very little leak in the mask, which means much fewer alarms during the night. The way things were going when we first came home, I did not know how we could do this long term. But things are so much better and Noah is getting used to his nightly ritual.

Off to work on my next trip update...gatorland!


My daughter Liz had a stander. It was torture for her!! :scared: She hated it. She was very happy when me and the doctor decided that she did not have to use it anymore.

Also, she wears AFO's. She does fine with them, but you do have to watch out for skin breakdowns. She has had problems with them in the past (due to her growing); but she is at a stand still with growth so the current ones have not been giving her any problems. She doesn't like wearing them at night (and she can't feel her legs at all).

I hope Noah does well with his stander and the AFO's.

[ndloewen]

oh thats awsome!
i was like how did you get the son's into the spa but thats cool that there is something for both boys and girls.

hope everyone is doing well:thumbsup2

Joshua wasn't too sure about the spa at first, but loved the tatoos and the nascar outfit.

Thank goodness you threw in some comic relief with those Gator pics. LOL
I swear I can't read any WISH trips without crying, and I don't even have a WISH kid.
I do, however, have a boy with AFOs. His are currently green with camoflauged straps. Very manly. LOL

LOVE, love, love the pic of Noah and Mickey. That is JOY on his face! Sigh.
Thanks for the updates! :wizard:

I know what you mean about crying over these wish trip reports...:sad1: They are just so special! Oh, those camoflauged AFOs sound cute! (Ummm...I mean, manly :rotfl2:)

Just stumbled on your report. The name Noah caught my eye. I have a little Noah too who is the youngest of three. Your children are precious and sending prayers to you and your family for all that you have been through:grouphug:

I cant wait to see some more great pics. :)

:grouphug: Thank you!

Great photos of the Dino putt-putt. I love the spa for the kids. The race driver costume was great. I can't wait for the Christmas update! :wizard:

The spa is quite new at GKTW, but it's such a fantastic idea!

My daughter Liz had a stander. It was torture for her!! :scared: She hated it. She was very happy when me and the doctor decided that she did not have to use it anymore.

Also, she wears AFO's. She does fine with them, but you do have to watch out for skin breakdowns. She has had problems with them in the past (due to her growing); but she is at a stand still with growth so the current ones have not been giving her any problems. She doesn't like wearing them at night (and she can't feel her legs at all).

I hope Noah does well with his stander and the AFO's.

I'm worried it will be torturous for Noah too:sad1: And thanks for the heads up on the skin breakdown issue. We are having that problem with Noah's cpap right now, but it's improving.

[ndloewen]

Ah...

Christmas is coming!

It looks like you guys had a great time! :) I am so glad you guys got to take some time and really enjoy GKTW!! :) How wonderful!! :) That makeover places looks fabulous! :)

Yes, Christmas is coming!! I'm actually having a hard time writing about it. The tears keep getting in the way:)

[3princesses+aprince]

Glad to see more updates from your wonderful trip. It does look like Kailyn was holding a real snake especially with the expression she has on her face.

[maroo]

Yes, Christmas is coming!! I'm actually having a hard time writing about it. The tears keep getting in the way:)

Aw.... :sad1:

And I ran out of kleenex beside my desk. I better go get some.

I can't wait to read about it. Tears are ok, sometimes...especially happy tears! :)

Noah's picture - the two of us playing with those blue drums on the playground - is still my desktop picture on my computer. I still smile every time I think about how much fun we had! And how stinking cute your kids are! I wish I could hear Noah giggle right now! :)

Do you have any videos you want to post? I remember when I showed Lauren and Lisa the pics of Noah you sent - and they were like, "Gosh, he IS cute!" Like they thought I was lying or something! :confused3

Take your time writing it...and we will be patient! :goodvibes

[kdzbear]

I did not go back and find the quote about the AFOs, but Tyler has worn them for almost three years now. We are down to night time for the moment again. He has some special grey tight fitting socks that the orthodist sold us to wear with them. They are moisture wicking and silver in them to help with circulation. I can't think of the brand, but I saved the package somewhere. I will look for it. They still do stink when they come off his feet each morning, but they do prevent most of the redness and they prevent all of the sores. Good luck with them. I am jealous that he has a patterned pair while Tyler's are plain white.

[RunningGirl]

I am coming out of lurkdom to let you know how much I have loved reading your TR! I'm so glad your family had the opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful time together. Now I wish I lived in Orlando, not to visit WDW more but so I could spend time volunteering at GKTW. What a great place!

[MRNsMommy]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip167.jpg

I thought she was holding a real one :scared1: until I realized where she was standing.


I thought the same thing! And I didn't even catch that they were in the gift shop! Doh!
That spa looks amazing! Can't wait to hear about Christmas!!!

[ndloewen]

I thought the same thing! And I didn't even catch that they were in the gift shop! Doh!
That spa looks amazing! Can't wait to hear about Christmas!!!

:rotfl: I'll have to tell Kailyn that!

I am coming out of lurkdom to let you know how much I have loved reading your TR! I'm so glad your family had the opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful time together. Now I wish I lived in Orlando, not to visit WDW more but so I could spend time volunteering at GKTW. What a great place!

I already have my parents convinced to go down next winter and volunteer. I think it would be a blast to volunteer there. Someday I hope we can do that too...for now, I just hope we can go back to visit!:)

I did not go back and find the quote about the AFOs, but Tyler has worn them for almost three years now. We are down to night time for the moment again. He has some special grey tight fitting socks that the orthodist sold us to wear with them. They are moisture wicking and silver in them to help with circulation. I can't think of the brand, but I saved the package somewhere. I will look for it. They still do stink when they come off his feet each morning, but they do prevent most of the redness and they prevent all of the sores. Good luck with them. I am jealous that he has a patterned pair while Tyler's are plain white.

Thanks for the tip about the socks. I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

Glad to see more updates from your wonderful trip. It does look like Kailyn was holding a real snake especially with the expression she has on her face.

:rotfl2:

Aw.... :sad1:

And I ran out of kleenex beside my desk. I better go get some.

I can't wait to read about it. Tears are ok, sometimes...especially happy tears! :)

Noah's picture - the two of us playing with those blue drums on the playground - is still my desktop picture on my computer. I still smile every time I think about how much fun we had! And how stinking cute your kids are! I wish I could hear Noah giggle right now! :)

Do you have any videos you want to post? I remember when I showed Lauren and Lisa the pics of Noah you sent - and they were like, "Gosh, he IS cute!" Like they thought I was lying or something! :confused3

Take your time writing it...and we will be patient! :goodvibes

Awww...I LOVE that you have that picture on your desktop:love: I have no idea how to post videos. Are we able to do that on here??

I finished Christmas...it's up next!:woohoo:

[ndloewen]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip191.jpg

Christmas comes once a week at GKTW...for no child's fantasy would be complete without Christmas! Every Thursday the place is transformed into a Winter Wonderland...Christmas music plays, decorations and lights are everywhere, and even some snow falls. After spending this past Christmas in PICU, I was really looking forward to this evening. I am a huge fan of Christmas and to have our family separated this past year, with Noah doing so poorly, was such a difficult time. So I had high expectations of this evening, and it was everything I had hoped it would be...it truly did feel like the Christmas we had missed:).

After the spa, and a ride or two on the carousel of course, we headed to the Gingerbread House for Christmas dinner...yep, traditional turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings, right down to the pumpkin pie! Mmmm! Outside the party was starting and we got word that Santa had arrived in the theatre...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip193.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Santa0226_25.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Santa0226_26.jpg

After the pictures, each child is allowed to pick a gift from a wall of toys, generously donated each week by Hasbro. This was an agonizing decision for Kailyn & Joshua...there was just so much to choose from! :confused3 They both finally decided on fur real pets. We chose a glow worm for Noah (which has since become his favorite bedtime toy).

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip195.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip196.jpg

After Santa, and more candy from the theatre, there were very messy snowcones...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip197.jpg

beautiful carriage rides...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip201.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip202.jpg

fun cookie decorating...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip206.jpg

and wonderful elves to read stories while we enjoyed more ice cream. The kids even got to keep the books that they chose to read...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip203.jpg

That was about all of Christmas Noah could handle. It had been another long day. He spent the rest of the party in this position...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip207.jpg

While Noah slept, there was a parade and then dancing to Christmas music with the characters. So he missed out on the characters that night, but I was very glad he was getting some much needed rest...


http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip214.jpg
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http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip211.jpg

What a wonderful evening it was! Many of the children who come here will never see another Christmas. :sad2: They cannot wait another year...we know Noah may be one of them. But GKTW, with the help of an incredible amount of volunteers, make sure that Noah and so many other children don't have to wait. They get to celebrate one more time! The tears come even as I write this...it was just such a special night for us...words cannot describe. The memories from this evening we will treasure always. :cloud9:

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip216.jpg

I am sure we all fell into bed that night, exhausted once again. Tomorrow Islands of Adventure awaits...

[kdzbear]

Now I have more tears streaming down my face. Christmas looks and sounds amazing. I could not imagine what those parents who are celebrating the last Christmas with their children must be feeling. I love the photo of Noah all tuckered out. Thank you for sharing more of your memories with us!

I found the insert that came with the socks. They are call "SmartKnit" AFO socks. We paid $10 for ours about a year and a half ago. I searched on the web for them and they seem to be around $15 a pair. Maybe your orthodist can get them cheaper for you. I know that they have helped Tyler a lot.

[MRNsMommy]

Once again I am amazed! Christmas once a week? Love it! How special, too, that you got to have a Christmas together after Noah being in the hospital for the "real" Christmas. The pictures were all great! Especially the whole family shot with Santa!
Can't wait for the next update!

[maroo]

Oh my gosh....I am totally squalling.

I will have to really comment later.

You were so right...

:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad::sad:

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[WishMom09]

LOVE your Christmas pics...and I too am crying! SO very true...we should ALL remember to treasure each and every day...or holiday!
Looks like your kids had a blast with all the celebrating!:cheer2:
Can't wait to hear about your trip to IOA!

[maroo]

Ok. I am composed now! :)

I loved all of the pics - and I am not going to back and look at them right now (like I usually do as I comment) because I am afraid the water works will start again...But I am so glad you got pictures of the "closet" where the toys are - I always wondered that looked like!

I am so, so glad you had a wonderful family Christmas! :hug:

And I am so thankful for a place like GKTW that really gets it. A kids dream place...of course...would have Christmas!

But you are so right...many families have spent Christmas and other important family holidays and family time in the hospital...so they miss that family gathering or Santa or picking out toys. How cool for GKTW to give that back to the family. I love that place. Just love it.

But even more than that...to think that they will make sure a child gets another Christmas........



Ok...that's all again...for now. :sad1:

[kimmylaj]

:love::love::love::love: thats how i feel about give kids the world even more so after reading this. they do really think of anything. those pics brought many tears to my eyes. the family pics are wonderful. i am so glad you had this special time together.

[dpuck1998]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! I will think of your family Saturday when we are running the muddy buddy!! Thanks!!

[ndloewen]

Now I have more tears streaming down my face. Christmas looks and sounds amazing. I could not imagine what those parents who are celebrating the last Christmas with their children must be feeling. I love the photo of Noah all tuckered out. Thank you for sharing more of your memories with us!

I found the insert that came with the socks. They are call "SmartKnit" AFO socks. We paid $10 for ours about a year and a half ago. I searched on the web for them and they seem to be around $15 a pair. Maybe your orthodist can get them cheaper for you. I know that they have helped Tyler a lot.

Thanks for the sock info. Wonder if they come in teeny sizes?? :confused3

Once again I am amazed! Christmas once a week? Love it! How special, too, that you got to have a Christmas together after Noah being in the hospital for the "real" Christmas. The pictures were all great! Especially the whole family shot with Santa!
Can't wait for the next update!

I am so thankful for that night. :santa:

Oh my gosh....I am totally squalling.

I will have to really comment later.

You were so right...

:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad:

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

:rotfl:

LOVE your Christmas pics...and I too am crying! SO very true...we should ALL remember to treasure each and every day...or holiday!
Looks like your kids had a blast with all the celebrating!:cheer2:
Can't wait to hear about your trip to IOA!

The kids had a blast. They got spoiled rotten...they SO deserved it!!

Ok. I am composed now! :)

I loved all of the pics - and I am not going to back and look at them right now (like I usually do as I comment) because I am afraid the water works will start again...But I am so glad you got pictures of the "closet" where the toys are - I always wondered that looked like!

When I was planning out trip, I really wanted to know what that looked like too. Wish I could have gotten a picture of the entire wall of toys just to show how much there was to choose from.

I am so, so glad you had a wonderful family Christmas! :hug:

And I am so thankful for a place like GKTW that really gets it. A kids dream place...of course...would have Christmas!

They SO get it! :)

But you are so right...many families have spent Christmas and other important family holidays and family time in the hospital...so they miss that family gathering or Santa or picking out toys. How cool for GKTW to give that back to the family. I love that place. Just love it.

But even more than that...to think that they will make sure a child gets another Christmas........

Ok...that's all again...for now. :sad1:

I know...after our Christmas spent in hospital, made so much harder knowing that we may not get another. But if our GKTW Christmas is his last, it will have been perfect...because we were all together...as a family. :grouphug:

:love::love::love::love: thats how i feel about give kids the world even more so after reading this. they do really think of anything. those pics brought many tears to my eyes. the family pics are wonderful. i am so glad you had this special time together.

Thank you! :love:

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! I will think of your family Saturday when we are running the muddy buddy!! Thanks!!

I will be thinking of YOU on Saturday! Thank you for support GKTW!! :cheer2:

[RunningGirl]

Well, you made me cry. You really amaze me - having a child with such challenges and you always seem to be finding the positive in everything and counting your blessings. I need to do the same thing with my healthy children. So glad you got to celebrate Christmas! I love the photo on Santa's lap.

[eyor44]

WOW! This place is incredible. and just when I thought it was perfect, you show us Christmas. Where do I sign up? I know where I will be volunteering if I get to move to Orlando.....in 18 years.

[ndloewen]

Well, you made me cry. You really amaze me - having a child with such challenges and you always seem to be finding the positive in everything and counting your blessings. I need to do the same thing with my healthy children. So glad you got to celebrate Christmas! I love the photo on Santa's lap.

Thank you. It's not always easy to find the positive, but I would drown here if I didn't try. I love our Santa pictures too. :santa:

WOW! This place is incredible. and just when I thought it was perfect, you show us Christmas. Where do I sign up? I know where I will be volunteering if I get to move to Orlando.....in 18 years.

Another recruit!! :woohoo: Wish we could move there too...goodbye Canadian winters!

Oh, and there is just so much more to tell you yet about GKTW!

[Britgirlus]

Wow - Christmas every week - that place is just amazing ! I have to admit I had never heard of GKTW until recently (when I started reading some WISH trip reports when I SHOULD be planning our Disney vacation next week) - what a truly wonderful place !! I have worked for 25+ years off and on with kids with "special needs", so this place definitely hit home with me - thanks for showing me how wonderful it is and sharing your trip with us !!

[ndloewen]

Well, we took the plunge today... :)

We have been toying with the idea of a late summer trip to California to take in some of the parks with Noah's world passport. (More to come about the passport in my trip report, but our family can get into a ton of places for free over the next year). So every day I've been scouting out flights. Everything was well over $2000 for our family of 5 to fly from Canada. :scared1: Also, not all airlines will allow Noah to travel with oxygen, which is limiting. :sad2:

But today I found an awesome deal...direct flights from Fargo (about a 4 hr drive from us) with Allegiant Air for $69 one way!! :cool1: Prices like that are unheard of flying out of Canada! Yes, it's a bit of a drive, but well worth it, and we would drive out the night before. And, the oxgyen is NOT an issue! So...

We booked!! :banana: Off to Los Angeles, San Diego and of course, Disneyland: August 29th to September 5th.

I am SO excited...but also freaking out a bit. We have travel insurance though, so we are covered if Noah gets sick. :sick: Or if the swine flu gets worse down there. We are NOT telling the kids, in case we have to cancel at the last minute. So it will be a surprise (which will be the other really fun part about this)!

:woohoo: Now I get to start obsessively planning (in secret of course)! Really, really hoping this will work out. We live day to day here with Noah's health, so to plan something in advance is really difficult. But I am bound and determined to get us some more amazing memories. :)

[maroo]

Woo Hoo!! A TRIP!!

That sounds like so much fun!

That is a GREAT price on tickets and I am jealous you guys get to go to Disneyland! That will be great fun!

[MRNsMommy]

:thumbsup2:cool1: for a trip! Sounds like it'll be fun! And amazing deal on the flight!

[KittyKat08]

Hi, I just wanted to say that I have been following your TR and it's just fantastic. I have cried many times and feel like I know you and your family. I'm thrilled to hear that you are coming to my neck of the woods. You guys will love California! Can't wait for more, much love to you and your family. :hug:

[macntosh]

Loving your pictures and ability to tell your story. Thanks for sharing it all. Only problem is you make me feel like I missed a lot. I didn't know about story telling. :headache:

Keep up the great work and I'm excited about your other "little" journey!

[kdzbear]

We booked!! :banana: Off to Los Angeles, San Diego and of course, Disneyland: August 29th to September 5th.


:woohoo: Now I get to start obsessively planning (in secret of course)! Really, really hoping this will work out. We live day to day here with Noah's health, so to plan something in advance is really difficult. But I am bound and determined to get us some more amazing memories. :)

Let me know if I can answer any questions. I have a sister that lives in LA and we used to go out there every other year when my oldest was little. I was also out there last fall with my two littlest. There is a link in my pre-trip report for our trip to Disneyland/San Diego. I can help with which beach to go to and can answer questions about other attractions! I am so excited for your family! :banana:

[maroo]

Prayers Needed...


Noah's Mom posted this on her blog...

Off to the ER...Noah's central line broke.



I, personally, have no idea what that means?? But it certainly sounds like they can use our prayers!

Here is a link to her blog, for those of you guys that want to keep up. I will try to update here, too, as I can!

http://noahgrantjohn.blogspot.com/

[MRNsMommy]

Definitely sending prayers to them!:hug:

[VroomVroomLightning]

:grouphug: My prayers are with this family! Lots of hugs sending their way! :grouphug:

[All7OfUs]

Hey There,

Wanted to let you know we are praying for you over here- way across the world. He's in Good hands!

What a fantastic deal on airfare- and you get a trip!! to my old stomping grounds- Disneyland! Yeah!!! You'll have a great time!

[VroomVroomLightning]

So glad to read that Noah is back home already. Reading that you all were home put a smile on my face for sure!

[maroo]

Woo Hoo!! I was so happy to hear that Noah is HOME!! I was afraid you guys would lose that line! He is very fortunate to have a great nurse AND Mom in one!! :hug:

[kdzbear]

I am so glad that Noah is ok and back home! :banana:

[ndloewen]

Thank you all for your prayers. After spending a second day in the ER yesterday, getting Noah's central line repaired a second time, we are now home with a working line. We are so thankful, as this is literally Noah's lifeline. We are praying that this time the repair will hold.:)

We also saw our surgeon in the ER, who decided she could start looking for some OR time for Noah to repair his prolapsed stoma. Next week we have an appointment with anesthesia...if they say his lungs are clear enough, then she will go ahead a schedule surgery, probably within the next few weeks. So looks like a hospital stay in the near future.

I am working on posting day 4, once I get my pictures uploaded! Stay tuned...

[MRNsMommy]

Take your time on the update! Glad to hear that Noah's back home! Praying for y'all!

[ndloewen]

After another wonderful breakfast at the Gingerbread house, and a couple of rides on the carousal, of course, we went to meet some of the Universal characters. Disney isn't the only one who has characters come to GKTW. Every week some of the Universal characters also come. This week was Scooby Doo and Shaggy...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip221.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip222.jpg
After meeting the characters and getting balloons, we were off to Islands of Adventure (one of Universal's parks).

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip224.jpg

This park is divided into 5 Islands. First stop, Seuss Landing...a whimsical, magical island based on the books by Dr Seuss...


http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip225.jpg

This was definately the kids favorite part of this park...and Noah was able to ride most of the rides in this part of the park. We thought Disney did a good job with wish families...until we got to Universal. Universal employees were absolutely fantastic...I think they spend their days scouting for wish families. We would simply have to wander by a ride, and an employee would be running out to us, pulling us towards the ride, right to the front of the line. One particular ride, we didn't see an employee right away. The line wasn't too long, so we just got in the regular line...no big deal to us. But when an employee spotted our button as we were boarding, they reprimanded us for waiting in line. We were given strict instructions to NEVER, EVER wait in a line at their parks...for them it is a huge deal to have a wish family wait in line. Really, they went over the top to make sure we had a wonderful day. My big regret is that we didn't make it back to one of their parks for a second day, but we had planned to go back during our second week.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip227.jpg

The carousal...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip229.jpg

Noah loved this ride, of course...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip230.jpg

One fish, two fish...Noah HATED this ride and screamed through it, as the fish spit water at us. Didn't do that one twice!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip226.jpg

As we were finishing up in Suess Land, we spotted the Grinch. After we get autographs, the employee told us to head for the storytime show, and then after, they would set up a special meeting for us with the characters.

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Storytime with the characters...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip235.jpg

Our special meet/greet with Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 & 2, and whoever that yellow guy is...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip238.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip241.jpg
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After spending alot of time in Seuss land, we breezed through the next couple of islands pretty quickly. The Lost Continent island I think we just walked through...alot of it was shut down as they are building a Harry Potter Castle. Jurassic Park island we stopped and rode Jurassic (a fantastic flume ride), and the kids rode Pterandon Flyers, a kids roller coaster, which I think is one of the shortest rides ever, but people wait over 60 minutes for it! Of course, we had no wait at all.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/Islands20of20Adventure2014.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/1477110521_843443ecf5.jpg

The fourth island is Toon Lagoon...full of water rides. And these rides you don't just get wet...you get absolutely drenched to the bone! We had our rain ponchos and wore them on these rides, after seeing the state of the people walking off the rides. Even with the ponchos we managed to get pretty wet. Thankfully it was a very warm day and we dried quickly. Noah was too small for these rides, so we took turns riding as Noah entertained himself with a coke can. He was actually feeling pretty good today, so it was a really good day.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/ndloewen/WishTrip251.jpg

Next up...Super Hero Island and a private meet/greet with the superheros.

[Eeyore's-tail-tack]

Our special meet/greet with Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 & 2, and whoever that yellow guy is...ndloewen

I looked it up this morning. It seems that it is "Sam I am" from the green eggs and ham book.

[kimmylaj]

this is by far one of my favorite updates to date. i am completely a disney girl, but noah just looks absolutely amazing thrilled in these pictures. i love it. every trip i say i will go to universal , it just hasnt happened yet, but seuss landing is quite appealing i think.