I beat cancer,now we're going to Disney World!!!

[Mombits]

We're back and I have started the TR! Hope you come along! Find it here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36538598&posted=1#post36538598




Hi all! I am a newbie and I'm not sure if anyone will be interested in our trip details but I thought I'd give it a go anyway!
Who "we" are: Me- Chris, age 40, just finished treatment for breast cancer in February. DH- Brian, age 39, wonderful husband extroidanaire. DD- Hannah, age 10- super excited for Disney but not sure if she can still be a "kid" or if she needs to act more "grown up". DS- Donovan- age 7- pretty ok with going along for the ride, but boy don't get this one mad or fuhgetaboudit.

Here's a pic of the kids from this fall- we went to South Dakota and Wyoming (instead of Disney :confused3).http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5643.jpg
And one of dh and I from this summer, when I still had my own hair-http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/CopyofIMG_5367.jpg



So here is our back story. I am the only one who has been to Disney World. I took my mom there for her 60th birthday in 1998. We stayed at what was then Dixie Landings. I didn't know anything about ADR's or making detailed plans. I did have park hoppers and we did have a couple of character meals- one by accident. I decided then and there that if I ever had kids, I'd bring them to Disney but would wait til they were old enough to "get it" and to not cry and whine every few minutes (remember, this was my pre-mom brain talking). So about the time my kids hit age 4 and 6, I started thinking about taking them to "the World" but money and circumstances just wouldn't work out. Finally, in Dec of 2008, we got a small windfall and I decided "NOW is the time!!!" Hannah had just turned nine and Donovan was six. Of course, Brian didn't quite agree with me. He thought it might be good to use that money for oh say... bills. Crazy, right? But I was adamant and we put down a nice deposit for 7 days, 6 nights at ASMu from Oct 24th thru Oct 31st, 2009. DH finally jumped on the bandwagon and we got the Disney portion paid off quickly, then we got our airfare paid off and finally we actually added a night at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and also bought tickets to MNSSHP. We were all set and paid!!! Fast forward to July 2009. I turned 40 on June 23rd and went in for my first "annual" mammogram. Well, we all know how that turned out. In the topsy turvy time that happened after that, I tried really hard to hold onto Disney. It was the first thing I asked my onocologist. She thought it would be a bad idea. So with a really heavy heart, I told my kids that we were going to have to postpone our trip. I dragged my heels almost until the 45 day mark. I was just really so sad. It was almost like having cancer wasn't so much the punishment, but me being the reason my kids were going to miss out on Disney was! :mad:

I would finish my radiation at the end of February and thought about maybe going in March. But my good friends on another board (who are crazy Disney nuts) said that March til about mid April would be crowded and more expensive. So I decided on late April, also thinking it would give me more recovery time and never really "getting" what was coming up for me and how much I would have to recover from. :laughing:

So I set out on my journey through breast cancer. It was long and yes, I was really, really sick. However, Brian and I both had vacation time in October since we had planned to go to Disney, so we decided to try for a trip to South Dakota to see Mt Rushmore. I had been wanting to take the kids there but hadn't really thought it would happen for us anytime soon. Surprise!!! We weren't sure how well I would do and though I made it through, I ended up in the hospital a couple of days after I got home. Here is a photo of us in front of the monument. This is my wig! What do you think?
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5589.jpg

Now, all the cruddy junk is behind us and we are ready to celebrate! We are going to Disney in 9 days!!! Count 'em!! This morning I woke Hannah up and we did the single digit dance. We danced and danced. Then we went in and woke up Donovan (who was actually already awake because he heard all of our cackling and laughing over our silly dance) and we invited him to join in. So there we were in our jammies dancing around and laughing like crazy. Finally, we got dressed and went downstairs. Brian came home from work and the crazy single digit dance started all over so that he could join in. :dance3:


I hope you enjoy our very long awaited journey!

[Mombits]

We're back and I started the TR, which can be found here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36538598&posted=1#post36538598
Hope you come along!!!




OK! So we are on to the plans!
We leave on Friday, April 23rd about 3 o'clock ish. We have to drive an hour to the airport. Much to my kids' chagrin, I am making them go to school until noon and then we will pick them up, grab a quick lunch and head to the airport. My poor husband works nights and will get off work at 6:30, drive 40 miles to get home, nap for about 3 hours and then I'll wake him up so he can shower and get in the car. Right now, my plan is to pack the car the night before so that he doesn't have to deal with it when he is dead tired. Then he can sleep while I drive.
Here is a picture of the shirts I made for them to wear on our leaving day- I got this cute DISign here! I covered up the part that has our last name and Family Vacation 2010 on it. http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6106.jpg

We arrive in Orlando about 11 pm and we are picking up our rental car and heading to the La Quinta for some zzz's. Why? Because we are going to Vero Beach on 4/24!!! Yep, we were still able to do it. I debated about whether I wanted to try to hightail it up to the Disney VB Resort early in the AM so we can do the character breakfast- it's Goofy and Max I think- but decided against it because I know we will all be tired and probably want to sleep in and this will probably be the last sleep in day for a week!

So Saturday morning (or afternoon depending on how late we sleep) we'll hop in our rental car and head up to the Disney Vero Beach Resort. My niece and her family live near there so we are hoping to meet up with them. Go the the beach. Hit the somewhat Mickey-shaped pool and get some good food.

Sunday morning super early we will drive back to Orlando to the airport, return the car and then hop on ME and head to the happiest place on earth. We'll check in at our hotel and then head over to the Magic Kingdom. We have to hurry because we have 1:30 ADR's at CRT!!! :cloud9: We are staying at All Star Music. We haven't asked for a preferred room and I am wondering if I will grow to regret this.

I am so looking forward to our first glimpse of that castle. For months, every time we watched a Disney movie, I'd tell the kids "We're going to eat there" and they would excitedly say "YESSSS!!! Yes we are!" or later "Yeah, mom, we know." Lately Hannah has said "Why do we have to eat at the castle?" This totally bums me out as I know that my baby girl is beyond the love for princesses for the most part. When we booked the trip she had just turned nine. Now she is 10 and a half and has had to do a lot of growing up in the last 6 months. I hate it. Every so often a glimpse of that princess-loving girl pokes her head out, but then she goes right back in like a turtle in her shell. I am hoping against hope that she will find that girl with the magic of Disney.

Monday is our Animal Kingdom Day. We will have a 9 am ADR at Tusker House and a 5 pm ADR at Rainforest Cafe.

Tuesday we go to Epcot! I think this is our second most awaited park. I loved Epcot when I went with Mom and the kids have caught the contagion. Donovan's most requested "activity"- he wants to go to club cool. I don't know why that is so appealing to him but that is at the very top of his list. Yes, I am "that" mom. I told him he HAD to try the Beverly! Hannah's- test track. Mine- Soarin'. Brian's- doesn't care. He is still sure that the trip will be ripped from our hands at the last minute and refuses to get excited until his booty is in the plane seat!!! Poor Mr. Grumpy Pants. He just doesn't "get" the fun of Disney Planning Mania.

Wednesday- DHS of course, with a 5 pm ADR for Sci Fi.

Thursday- I think we will probably do a half day at MK and a half day at Epcot. We had an ADR at O'hana's but apparently they are going to be closed at this time, so shhhhh we are doing a surprise visit to Chef Mickey's.

Friday- We are heading to DTD and the who knows???

Saturday- going home day. :sad2: But on the upside, we will have an early ADR at O'hana's. Our plane leaves at 5pm.

[Mombits]

It's getting crazy! This morning I did the online check in! Woo HOOOOO!!!! Hannah is starting to officially freak out. She is worried about her first airplane ride. She is like me- a worrier. I am sincerely hoping we don't have a major meltdown in the airport. I'm not sure how Homeland Security will feel about my girl screaming and crying and having a fit since she is not a tiny child- she's a big ole' 10 year old. I called the doctor this morning to ask for help and suggestions. It's not that I want to drug my child but on the other hand maybe the doctor can give ME the drugs so I can deal with my child. LOL. Well, maybe not. Maybe she can just give me some suggestions on what I should do to calm her down. I already know her ipod is going to come in handy. Normally we do deep breathing and turn the tv on to distract her until she feels better. Since this isn't an option, I really need to figure out what will work.

Last night I started packing. I am realizing I might need another suitcase so I actually have somewhere to put my clothes.:rolleyes1 I'll have to come back and post pics of the "stuff". I bought some great things to surprise my kids with when we get to Disney. But there is just a multitude of things that need to go with us. Ponchos, window clings, sunscreen, medications, snacks, etc, etc, etc. :scared1: It's a LOT of stuff.

So, we are on our way. Things are starting to get done. I still need to go out and get two more t-shirts for some cute DISigns that I want make. I think we're going to try to go thru our summer stuff- we're mid-westerners and it's still pretty chilly here for the most part. But we have a crazy busy weekend so we'll see how much gets done.

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Chris
I am so excited to meet you! your daughter will surprise you when she gets there; the magic will transform her back to your princess loving princess princess:. Sounds like you have a great plan. We have ressies at Tusker house on Monday also, but, at 8:10 (I believe) so maybe we will run into one another...I'll keep an eye out! My DS17 yr old last year acted like a stick in the mud but could not wait to go back this year :confused3...I was teasing him telling him that he and his buddy would have to take pictures with all the princesses this year and he laughed and said they had already discussed that they wanted pics w/the characters and the princesses :rotfl:

It will be a hot trip to you guys; so be sure to pack cool clothes...we are already wearing sleeveless tops in the day time and shorts day and night. we're from LA
As for the airport just keep reminding her that she will be on her way to WDW and see family she will be fine...do you have a handheld game unit or something that she can use visually that may help since no TV... Good luck! I'm sure she will be fine...

I look forward to planning with you for the next seven days!
:dancer: :dancer: :mickeyjum :dancer: :dancer:
we'll both be in Disney before you know it!
:wave2: Connie

BTW: Congratulations! on the completion of your BC treatment...:hug:

[longing2Batdisney]

OH! and as for the preferred room; I really don't think it makes that big a difference at the value's or the mod's...you really are not in your room enough for a view difference anywho...I really think the only time I would pay for that would be at a deluxe...we stayed at ASSp last year and we loved it...we are trying the POP this year!

[Mombits]

It's great to meet you too Connie. If you see a red-headed family and the pooh-sized mom practically has no hair, well that will be us! I am NOT wearing my wig to Disney. My son just about died of embarrassment the first time I went out in public without my wig. We were in Michael's and I was just about dying from heat, so I whipped my hat off and he gasped "MOM! YOU AREN'T WEARING YOUR WIG!" I laughed and said "I KNOW!!!!" Then I asked him if he wanted me to put it back on, he said no but I could tell he really wanted to say yes, but was just too sweet to do it. I think now he is pretty much over that. However, I still don't have all that much hair.

I am crossing my fingers you are right about Miss Hannah reverting back to her 7 yr old self. I was able to get some medication for her for the flight. I'll hold off giving it to her of course unless it's dire circumstances. It's supposed to just relax her. Maybe she'll be too excited to have a panic attack. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the advice on the preferred room. That is my thinking too. The only thing I really want is to be close to the bus stop because I still do get very tired. But the way I figure it, I'm going to be tired for the entire week, why let that stop me?

It's awesome that your DS17 is excited to go back. Go figure!

[firecracker725]

Congratulations on beating cancer! You certainly deserve this trip, and I can't wait to hear all the details.

We're staying at ASMu in late May, and we didn't choose the preferred room either. I'm guessing I won't be spending enough time in the room to even matter.

[Mombits]

Thanks, I am really getting excited!

[Mombits]

Man, it is getting so close. No way do I feel like I am ready. I had such a busy weekend that I got NOTHING done for Disney. Nothing. No packing, no nada. So I will have to hit it hard tomorrow,tuesday and thursday. Tomorrow I have a Girl Scout meeting. I am the leader. Do I have anything planned? Nope. I have to work until noon and then I go to Cancer rehab on Mondays from 1-4. So I'll come home and try to figure out what we are going to be doing, pick up something for the girls to have for a snack and drive across town. It's about a half hour drive to get to the school that the girls meet at. Hannah used to go to the school, but we moved and I continued on with the troop for both of us. I love my girls! We are currently planning their bridging ceremony for next month. I can't believe I am going to have a middle schooler. But back to Disney. I do have some photos that I wanted to post. One is the purse that I got for the parks. It's not a Vera but it really looks like one. It's by Liz & Co and when I googled Liz Claiborne + Vera Bradley, it looks like Vera is owned by LIz??? If so, then maybe that would explain why they look so similiar. I also wanted to post a photo of "the stuff". This is for the kids' goody bags that they will receive in our room at Disney. Today I was at Barnes and Noble and found cute Minnie and Mickey book lights for 50% off. I was buying each kid a book for the plane - hey look I DID get something done for Disney after all, lol- and I couldn't pass them up. Hannah said "Mom, won't they have lights on in the plane?" LOL. Smarty pants.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6114.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6115.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6118.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6119.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6121.jpg

Autograph books and lanyards:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6122.jpg

Countdown Chain!
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/Disney2010/IMG_6123-1-1-1.jpg

[Gwendolyn]

Congratulations on beating cancer.

Im sure it must have been a long, emotional and difficult time you have had. It will take time too, to give it a place. To get in peace with it. It was for my mom. My mom hated her wig, I mean, the wig was beautifull, and of great quality, like yours, but she didnt like to wear it.
So she wore bandana's all the time. Really pretty bandana's even. They suited her well. My mom shaved the first hair she got back when it was about 2 inches long. And now, 3 years after her chemo's, she has gorgious long hair again.

Your Disney plans look great! I'm sure you will have a blast! You really have something to celebrate. Let the castmember of your hotel know, and you will get a celebration button. Castmembers will ask you what you are celebrating, and you will have a big chance they will surprise you with a little bit if Disney Magic :)

[longing2Batdisney]

love your bag; I love the colors...wow you sure did a great job on the kids stuff!
and I love how your countdown chain is so small; that means you are going to be in Disney in a few days:mickeyjum

have fun packing...I have most of our stuff pulled still looking for a pair of my shorts and Danny's swimsuit (just used it when we went to Nashville--have no clue where he put it)...
:wave2:

[elizabethswan]

what a great ptr. you and your family deserve a wonderful magical time in wdw and i hope your trip is a blast. you have clearly been through so much. this trip will hopefully mark a new start for you and help you put the ordeal in the rearview mirror. i hope this trip will be a turning point for you and your family and you do have so much to celebrate. enjoying reading about your plans and looking forward to your trip report once you return. tell your son our fav at club cool is the kinley. my ds actually went online to see if there was some way to buy it here. no such luck! i could go for one of those right now tho! also, soarin is my favorite ride in all of disney .i could ride it all day. wish they would make other versions of it. have a wonderful trip and keep us updated!

[Mombits]

Congratulations on beating cancer.

Im sure it must have been a long, emotional and difficult time you have had. It will take time too, to give it a place. To get in peace with it. It was for my mom. My mom hated her wig, I mean, the wig was beautifull, and of great quality, like yours, but she didnt like to wear it.


I didn't hate my wig too bad until toward the end. Mine was synthetic and it started to feel like Barbie hair. That is when I really got to hate it. But yes, it was terribly hot and itchy. I never wore it at home but when I went out in public I almost always did wear it. As much for my family and for others as for myself. I think people in general feel uncomfortable around someone who is obviously bald because of chemo or some other medical reason and I just wanted to take as much of that away as possible. It was funny because even people who knew I had cancer and had lost my hair, forgot because I always wore my wig. So when I quit wearing it, some of them were sort of shocked. :eek:

I do plan to shout if from the rafters "I am done with cancer!" so I am certain the castmembers will all know;)

[Mombits]

Thanks, Connie. I told Brian this morning that he really needs to go thru his summer stuff TODAY so we know if he needs anything. I already bought him a new swimsuit because I'll bet he has no idea where his swimsuit is. Men. LOL.

I like the bag too. I was on the fence about that type of bag and in fact bought a different one and then decided that I didn't really like it. Well, truth be told, I bought two others! So I am hoping that bag #3 is the one.

I got most of the "stuff" either at Walgreens or at the Dollar Tree. I hope they are surprised.

[Mombits]

Thanks Elizebeth. I will tell him to give that one a try. I actually think he plans to try every one. He can barely wait. He didn't take a link off our chain yesterday so he could take off two today and make it look super tiny and boy does it ever! It only has 4 links on it. We are all getting really anxious. I think I am going to stay up tonight and try to get everyone most of the way packed so that if anything comes up, I won't have to try to do that on top of it all. Wow, really, really can't believe we are leaving in 4 days. Wooo HOOOOOO!!!

[lmillercrew]

Joining in from another TR and SO happy that you are surviving cancer!!! :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
I'm looking forward to reading all about your Disney adventure. 4 more days left!!!!

[Wannabinnc]

Congrats on beating cancer!!!!! I am so happy for you and your family. Now on to Disney!!!! I'm enjoy reading the PTR, so please please be sure and do a TR when you get back.

I know you will all have fun, but remember to also take breaks and rest when you can. Those days can be very long and very hot. Of course, ice cream really does help :)

God bless and have a great trip!!!!!

[Mombits]

Joining in from another TR and SO happy that you are surviving cancer!!! :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
I'm looking forward to reading all about your Disney adventure. 4 more days left!!!!

Me too!!! In fact, the day I finished my radiation, Donovan called me on the phone and said "Mom, now are you a cancer survivor?" and I was so happy to be able to say "YES!!!"

I can't believe how close it's getting, starting to freak out a bit about all the stuff I haven't gotten done. :scared1:

Thanks for joining in!

[Mombits]

Congrats on beating cancer!!!!! I am so happy for you and your family. Now on to Disney!!!! I'm enjoy reading the PTR, so please please be sure and do a TR when you get back.

I know you will all have fun, but remember to also take breaks and rest when you can. Those days can be very long and very hot. Of course, ice cream really does help :)

God bless and have a great trip!!!!!

Thank you! I will plan to do a bit of sitting here and there. My kids are pretty used to it. For three months, all I did was sit down because I wasn't able to walk or really move much, so they are loving the fact that I can get up and go. Thanks for joining in!!!

[longing2Batdisney]

:goofy: :goofy: :goofy:
HOW EXCITING! THREE DAYS!!!!

[Mombits]

I actually got some stuff done! After the girl scout meeting (which I cut short by half an hour) we came home and I got to work on the packing. This is when I realized that neither of my kids have enough shorts and my husband and my daughter and I all need new socks. So I guess I am going to spend some of my Disney money tonight and go buy everyone at least one or two more pairs of shorts and socks all around. :sad2:

Plus I think Donovan needs another pair of shoes. I know, I know. New shoes and Disney do not go together. What can you do? I'll only have him wear them if his other pair gets wet or has a problem. I tried to buy him some crocs a couple of weeks ago. No one is really carrying them around here and I am too cheap to buy them from the website. I was planning to buy the el cheapos from Payless but they didn't have them. So the drug store down the street had some real Crocs on clearance and I bought him a pair that he insisted fit him great and I took the kids on a forced march to make sure there were no problems with the new Crocs. Hannah's were fine, but Donovan's gave him blisters on his ankles. So those had to go. :headache:

So tonight the plan is- on the way home, stop and get cash. Come home, have Brian help me clean out the trunk of my car- it is so full of STUFF. I have four fold up chairs and multitudes of leftovers from winter when it was too cold to clean stuff out. I just seem to keep accumulating in my trunk. I am the very definition of "junk in the trunk" in more ways than one.

So, we'll clean out the trunk and then I am going to go hit ShopKo and Kohl's and possibly Target if I can't find what I need. We usually get Donovan's Nikes at Kohl's so I'll probably go there first and then to ShopKo for the socks and shorts. If I was smart, I'd take the kids with me and have them try stuff on at the store so I don't have to return anything. Too bad for me I am not smart. I hate to drag the kids around and they always have the "gimmees" and try to pester me into buying a bunch of useless junk. So I would rather suffer having to go back than suffer thru a shopping trip with both of them begging for every little thing. Man, when will they grow out of
that????:rolleyes1

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures to post but maybe I can get a few tonight of how beautiful Donovan's suitcase looks. :love: I have all of his outfits together in ziplocks and I even made him a new t-shirt. I made one for Hannah too. Sure do love those DISigners!!!

Hannah said to me this morning "Do you remember when we had 9 days left?" LOL, I am old but not so old I can't remember six days ago. So I said "yes, we got up and did the single digit dance." Ah, those were the good old days. So then I went in to see Donovan and he needed to do the "Three day dance". So we did:dance3: Three days!!!!!

[Porturican]

So, we'll clean out the trunk and then I am going to go hit ShopKo and Kohl's and possibly Target if I can't find what I need. We usually get Donovan's Nikes at Kohl's so I'll probably go there first and then to ShopKo for the socks and shorts. If I was smart, I'd take the kids with me and have them try stuff on at the store so I don't have to return anything. Too bad for me I am not smart. I hate to drag the kids around and they always have the "gimmees" and try to pester me into buying a bunch of useless junk. So I would rather suffer having to go back than suffer thru a shopping trip with both of them begging for every little thing. Man, when will they grow out of
that????:rolleyes1



1st let me tell you Congrats on beating Cancer! :cheer2: :hug: I almost cried reading your post because I lost my Mom recently to a different form of Cancer.
You guys are going to have so much fun! But did I read wrong are you only doing MK for a half day?
I quoted the above portion because I have a 16 & 15 yr old and they still ask for everything when we go shopping! So I dont think they ever grow out of it! :rotfl:

[Mombits]

1st let me tell you Congrats on beating Cancer! :cheer2: :hug: I almost cried reading your post because I lost my Mom recently to a different form of Cancer.
You guys are going to have so much fun! But did I read wrong are you only doing MK for a half day?
I quoted the above portion because I have a 16 & 15 yr old and they still ask for everything when we go shopping! So I dont think they ever grow out of it! :rotfl:

Thank you! I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Cancer sucks.

No we are going to be there for a full day on Sunday and then probably another half day on Thursday and we might turn up there on other times too. Depends. Friday isn't all that planned out and we don't leave til later on Saturday so we can hit a park for the morning that day too. I'm leaving some of it up in the air so we can go back to parks where we feel we missed something we wanted to do.

Yes, I figure they will likely never grow out of it until they have to start paying for it themselves.:rotfl:

[Cory's Gal]

Yeah !! I got caught up Chris!!! 3 days dance!!!! WOO HOO!!

:banana::banana::banana:
:dance3::dance3::dance3:
:yay::yay::yay:
:cool1::cool1::cool1:
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

Your trip plans sound fabulous!! A lot of our goody bag stuff does match!! Great minds think alike!!! Congrats on beating breast cancer!!:hug: A Disney trip is an awesome way to celebrate!!!!
~Beth

[Mombits]

I know, can you stand it??? Are you ready? How is the packing going? I saw on your TR that you had some crocs issues too. ARGH!

[Mombits]

Thanks, Beth. Thanks for coming over to my PTR! I am just so darn excited. Does your little girl love the princesses? Or is she a bit too young? I don't think Hannah got into them until she was about three. It didn't last nearly long enough for me:( but she does still love Tinkerbell!

[Mombits]

Oh, meant to say that I love your little Tink and Snow White! How adorable! Have you been to Disneyland before? Can't wait to hear about it!

[Porturican]

Oh, meant to say that I love your little Tink and Snow White! How adorable! Have you been to Disneyland before? Can't wait to hear about it!


I love Tink and Snow White and of course Mickey! Last year at WDW my sister and I were about to get on the train and I looked down and saw Snow White and I was speechless...needless to say i got out of line to go get in her line and then right when i got there they cut the line off cuz she was going on break :headache: and at the MNSSHP she was there with ALL 7 dwarfs :cloud9: and I missed her again! I finally got a pic with her in Epcot and my son was laughing at me cuz i was so determined to take a picture with her. :love:

As for Disneyland I have gone every year since my kids were about 4 & 5 years old soooo this makes it our 11th year going to DL. We usuaslly drive down and it takes about 5.5 to 6 hrs to get there.

[wdwgirl03]

Beating cancer definitely deserves a trip to WDW!:hug: When we were there I saw a family all wearing t-shirts that were pink (even all the guys) and said something about fighting, winning, and now it was time to celebrate. I thought that was cute.

Hooray for leaving so soon!

[Mombits]

I love Tink and Snow White and of course Mickey! Last year at WDW my sister and I were about to get on the train and I looked down and saw Snow White and I was speechless...needless to say i got out of line to go get in her line and then right when i got there they cut the line off cuz she was going on break :headache: and at the MNSSHP she was there with ALL 7 dwarfs :cloud9: and I missed her again! I finally got a pic with her in Epcot and my son was laughing at me cuz i was so determined to take a picture with her. :love:

As for Disneyland I have gone every year since my kids were about 4 & 5 years old soooo this makes it our 11th year going to DL. We usuaslly drive down and it takes about 5.5 to 6 hrs to get there.

Lucky kids to get to go every year!!! I have to agree, Snow White is awesome!

[Mombits]

Beating cancer definitely deserves a trip to WDW!:hug: When we were there I saw a family all wearing t-shirts that were pink (even all the guys) and said something about fighting, winning, and now it was time to celebrate. I thought that was cute.

Hooray for leaving so soon!

I actually thought about making some BC shirts but there were just too many cute DISigns so I never. I can't believe that the day after tomorrow I am going to be winging my way to Disney!!!!:banana:

Thanks for reading my PTR!

[999ghostslover]

I'm still catching up but I wanted to say you have a beautiful family and deserve a magical trip. Good luck and God bless. Ill catch up and BBL.

[Mombits]

Shopping update. Wish I had pictures, lol!

When I got off work last night I headed over to CJ Banks, my favorite plus size gal store. I got myself two pairs of shorts but just about died from how expensive they are. I love that store but I NEVER, I mean NEVER buy anything at regular price. I always do clearance - not even sale, because their sale prices are still high. Each pair was $40! :scared1: Well, I had two shirts and the two pairs of shorts in my hand and I asked the sales lady if they were on sale and told her "I'm only going to buy one pair if they aren't on sale." Well, they weren't but she gave me the "girlfriends" discount of 15% off, so I went ahead and got both pairs but it was still $71! Luckily I had about $46 left on a gift card or I'd have been sweating. I just don't spend that much on myself. Of course, Brian said "Why didn't you get the shirts too?" It's weird how different our brains are wired, isn't it? :confused3

So I went home only to find that Brian had let D invite his buddy and his buddy's brother over. They were riding bikes in the street. The street is super busy. My kids know they aren't allowed to do that, but of course Brian was oblivious. I told the brother that he had to stay out of the street and he mouthed off to me that he can pretty much do what he wants and I told him "Look, you are at my house, we are responsible for you and you won't ride in the street or you won't ride at all." (He was riding Hannah's bike and Donovan has two bikes so his brother was riding D's other bike). ARGH. I was happy to leave! I went in the garage and chewed Brian out for not paying attention to what was going on and then Hannah and I left.

Needless to say, I was a bit frazzled when I left. I told Hannah that we were hitting Mickey D's. So she and I got the Bistro grilled chicken sandwich with a smidge of honey mustard. It was really good. I hadn't been to McDonalds in a really long time.

Then we went to ShopKo. That store has gotten pretty darn expensive- it was almost as bad as CJ Banks! Hannah got two pairs of plaid bermuda's-on sale they were still $20 each! I also got D two pairs of basketball shorts, which is pretty much all he wears except for jean shorts- which I thought might be too hot. I got Brian one pair of plaid shorts and then I got Hannah, Brian and I all new socks, I got D a pair of Nike sandals on clearance for $18 and I got Brian 5 new shirts. I also got Hannah a case for her ipod and I got myself two new shirts. My wallet was SCREAMING when I left! Because when I left there I headed over to Kohl's. Yep, I wasn't done spending. I got D a new pair of Nike's and I got myself two pairs of earrings and Hannah a new wallet. Everything was on sale and the checkout lady said we had saved "$69.01". Seriously? So when I got home I looked. It turns out that one of the pairs of earrings was sterling silver and was originally $40 and I paid $4. Hannah's wallet was $25 and we paid $2.50. D's Nikes were on sale too. OK, so you'd think we were done, right? What else do we need? Well, we headed over to Blockbuster to buy some DVD's. Both kids plan to bring their portable DVD players on the trip (????) so we went to get some of the 5/$20 movies. Monsters Vs. Aliens was in the pile, surprisingly. So we got our five movies and finally, finally stopped spending money and headed home.

As you can see, I am a cheapskate. Or, as I like to call myself "budget conscious". Normally, I would have shopped around a lot more and waited maybe for a better deal, but time is of the essence because we leave in 2 Days!!!!!!:woohoo:

[Mombits]

I'm still catching up but I wanted to say you have a beautiful family and deserve a magical trip. Good luck and God bless. Ill catch up and BBL.

Thanks, Erin! Congrats on the weight loss- that's awesome!!!:cheer2:

[Mombits]

Since I don't have any pics of the shopping bonanza, I thought I'd post a couple of pics from our South Dakota/Wyoming trip from October.

Donovan met these cool fellas- who had come down from the mountain to get a bite to eat.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5585.jpg

The mall at the monument.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5584.jpg


http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5637.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5617.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5630.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5633.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/mombits/IMG_5636.jpg

[999ghostslover]

The South Dakota trip looks awesome. I have never been to a National Park (and I have been all over the world). I would love to take our kids on a trip like that but will wait until they are older. Have you had a minute to relax today?

[Mombits]

The South Dakota trip looks awesome. I have never been to a National Park (and I have been all over the world). I would love to take our kids on a trip like that but will wait until they are older. Have you had a minute to relax today?

I thought it was wonderful. However, not really being able to walk and not feeling so great, that part wasn't the best. My kids loved it though. I thought they would be bored but they weren't. Now, I want to take them to Yellowstone. That is next on my wish list. (Well, really Alaska in next on my wishlist, but Yellowstone is next on the list of stuff that could actually happen). We are taking them to Branson this October during fall break. I think that will be nice too. We'll drive thru the Ozark Mountains and I think the kids will enjoy that. Plus I am hoping we can get tickets to Dixie Stampede. We're going to rent a condo.

No, I haven't had time to relax. I am at work and it has been pretty busy. I am leaving at 3 though to go pick up my compression garment ( I have to wear it when I fly, so you may see it in upcoming pictures) and then I have physical therapy. After that, Mom is coming over for dinner and THEN I will finish the packing. Or at least give it my best effort. Right now, it feels like I'll NEVER finish packing.

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Chris,
sounds like you were able to get some serious shopping done yesterday! glad to hear you are done!
the SD trip looks so relaxing we did that trip waaayyy back in 1993; we drove from LA through CO, WY, and SD...Yellowstone is my next trip; my wish list is YS, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon...I have alot more but those are the big one...

I'm not all packed either; plan to get to it tonight...I have most eveything pulled just need to iron a few pieces...

Have a great day and enjoy dinner with you MOM!
:wave2:

[longing2Batdisney]

Oh! and
YOU ONLY HAVE TWO DAYS UNTIL
YOUR FRIENDS WILL WELCOMING YOU TO THE MAGIC!! pixiedust:
:mickeyjum :donald: :goofy: :tigger: :stitch:

[Wannabinnc]

OMG, don't you just love Kohls!!!! You did really good shopping at all the stores. I went to Kohls today and between their big sale, a 15% off coupon and the spend $50 get $10 offer, I was able to get 11 new things for me at an average cost of $8 a piece!!!! I couldn't believe it. That included tops, sweatshirt jacket, dress pants, bathrobe and three pair of flip flop sandals!! We need to go shopping together......LOL Have a great day!!

[longing2Batdisney]

Chris I wanted to wish you guys a safe trip :mickeyjum and friends are waiting for you guys!

Hope to see you there! Have a great time!
:wave2: Connie

[Mombits]

OMG, don't you just love Kohls!!!! You did really good shopping at all the stores. I went to Kohls today and between their big sale, a 15% off coupon and the spend $50 get $10 offer, I was able to get 11 new things for me at an average cost of $8 a piece!!!! I couldn't believe it. That included tops, sweatshirt jacket, dress pants, bathrobe and three pair of flip flop sandals!! We need to go shopping together......LOL Have a great day!!

I do love Kohl's. I can usually get better quality clothing there for my kids than if I went to a discount store. Looks like you did a pretty good job of shopping too. Woo HOOOO!
:cheer2:

[Mombits]

Chris I wanted to wish you guys a safe trip :mickeyjum and friends are waiting for you guys!

Hope to see you there! Have a great time!
:wave2: Connie

Wouldn't it be too fun if we did run into each other? Hope you have an awesome time and I'll be looking forward to reading all about it!!!!

[Mombits]

:cool1::dance3::yay::banana:

We leave tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cory's Gal]

:cool1::dance3::yay::banana:

We leave tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::cheer2::c heer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[Mombits]

Oh my gosh! I cannot believe we are leaving for Disney tomorrow at noon. Let me say, I got NOTHING done last night. I went to PT and I was dying when I left. In so much pain and then the tiredness hit. I went outside to play with the kids and didn't last long. I was in bed by 9:30 with absolutely no packing done. My list keeps getting longer and longer. Lordy!!!

So when I get off work tonight, I'll hit up the bank to get my Disney money. :banana: Stop to get another pair of earplanes because for some reason, I only had three pairs in my bag and there are four of us:confused3. After that, I think I'll get a few snacks as I just realized we really don't have any time built into our intinerary for eating. Hmmmm. Our plane arrives in Houston at 5:53 and leaves for Orlando at 7:10. Not sure if that would give us time to grab a snack or not.

We land in Orlando at 10:25. We'll pick up our rental car and head to the La Quinta.

Saturday morning, we'll get up and head up to Vero Beach. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of the Disney Resort. Still not sure if I should have booked that character meal as I don't think any of the ones at WDW have Max, but oh well. I just didn't want to have to hurry. As I keep telling Hannah, we can't have everything, no matter how much we would like to!

It was awesome to see one little ring hanging on our countdown chain this morning!! Single day dance!:dance3:

So now, I am not so patiently waiting for 5 o'clock so I can get the heck out of dodge and get my Disney on!!!

[Mombits]

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::cheer2::c heer2::cheer2::cheer2:

Beth, I hope you and your family have a wonderful, fantastic and magical vacation!!!!!:wizard:

[lmillercrew]

OMG! Was Donovan wearing a Nebraska Cornhuskers sweatshirt in that picture?? We are BIG Husker fans!!! My Jeep is decked out in Husker gear, which for us, living in the Buckeye state is HUGE!
Have a great time on your trip. I wish that we had a Shopko here!!! There are NONE in this state and no one here has ever even heard about it.

[Mombits]

OMG! Was Donovan wearing a Nebraska Cornhuskers sweatshirt in that picture?? We are BIG Husker fans!!! My Jeep is decked out in Husker gear, which for us, living in the Buckeye state is HUGE!
Have a great time on your trip. I wish that we had a Shopko here!!! There are NONE in this state and no one here has ever even heard about it.

:thumbsup2 Yes!! We are big Husker fans too. I need to see where Suh went in the draft :) We're sure gonna miss him. Thanks for reading my PTR...stay tuned, we leave in 12 and a half hours!

[Jake & Crew]

I just started reading your report on the day you are leaving so I needed to post a quick post (before I even finished your report....I can do it while you are on your trip:cool1:) because I had to send you some PIXIE DUST big time
and wish you the very best trip!

Your title really hit me because our first family trip was after I beat cancer ( 4 years ago) and my kids are the same ages as yours. I am so excited to read your Pre-Trip.

Now, go enjoy yourself and kiss those beautiful kids as you dance your way through Disney!:thumbsup2

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Chris
wanted to pop over and wish you and your family a safe trip...
have a great and magical time! hope we run into one another (we have 8:10 ressies at Tusker on Mon) I'll keep an eye out!
Have a magical time! pixiedust:
:wave2: Connie

[photographymom517]

:jumping1: YOU LEAVE TODAY!!!! :jumping1:

Hi Chris! I found your PTR when you posted on my PTR. My internet was down for a few days so I just got to read your report now! PLEASE make a Trip Report & post tons of pics whenever you get back! My trip isn't until December & I soooo wish I was there right now! lol :)

Whenever I started reading your report, I started crying. It truly amazes me how much you have went through & your attitude is so incredible!!! You are so lucky to have such wonderful support from your husband & kids! CONGRATS on beating cancer!!!

Just about every type of cancer is in my family. My aunt actually was in remission for over 10 years, went through a horrible battle for about 2 years, and then sadly passed away. This was over 15 years ago, but whenever I read stories about cancer, I still think about what she went through. My grandfather also passed away 11 years ago after spending every holiday for an entire year in the long-term care ward at the hospital (after he suffered at home for a couple years). He tried to be so strong for us, but I wish he would have just let us take care of him. We were very lucky to have a great staff of nurses & doctors that actually took the time to become his friends instead of just thinking of him as another patient! It is amazing how much support strangers can provide! Anyway, enough about my family history, I just wanted to let you know that your story really made me remember my family. :)

I live in PA so our weather has been cold recently as well. During the day, it has been close to 60 or 70 some days, but in the mornings, evenings, and overnight, it is super chilly!!! I am very much ready for summer weather (or Disney weather!!!) The pictures of your South Dakota trip looked amazing! I have never been out West & thats a trip that I'd really like to make sometime!

Last year was my very first flight, so I relate to what your daughter is feeling right now!!! I couldn't sleep the night before my first flight & I think that made it worse. There were two young girls sitting across the aisle from me with their mom & she had them flap their arms while they took off...I was so scare that I flapped mine too! Yes, a grown woman flapping her arms on an airplane take-off!!! (I think she told them to pretend they were birds?) At the time, I didn't care what anyone else thought...I was just scared! BUT now that I have flown, I want to do it everyday (but can't afford to obviously!) I looooove flying now!!!! I would say to just give her something else to focus on...both the iPod and the portable DVD player should be enough to keep her mind off of the take-off & flight. I would say to let someone else sit by the window (unless she really wants to) because I think looking out the window makes you freak out more if you're already scared. Thats just my opinion from my own experience! I will say, now that I have flown to Florida, I will never drive over 20 hours to get there again!!! lol

I loved all the details about your shopping trips! I love Kohls & Target. Unfortunately there aren't many stores near me, so I have to drive at least 35 minutes to get to a shopping plaza. I think there are 4 Kohls & Targets within a 60 mile radius of where I live! I always find great deals on stuff for the kids there! I actually was at Kohls a few weeks ago & bought plain tshirts & tank tops for both myself & my son because I got a bunch of wonderful ideas from the DISigners!!! I, too, am very "budget conscious." I loved how you said that...it fits me perfectly! I love to shop & I love buying new things, but I just can't see paying retail price for anything!

Please make sure to update all of us after you get back from your trip! I can't wait to hear about the Character Meals! I've never done one before but plan to on our December trip this year. I'm sure your daughter will love eating at the Castle once you are there! There's something about Disney that is truly magical!!! :wizard:

Make sure to take some time just to sit & people watch...my husband and I do that every trip. I think its magical to watch other people with their kids/spouses/friends/family at Disney! Some of my best moments last trip were just watching other people's faces light up when they saw something for the first time (or even for the hundredth time! lol) There's just something about Disney that makes even the smallest things amazing!!!

Enjoy your trip!!!! It sounds like you have really great plans for the week!!! Can't wait to hear more about it once you return!

[Cory's Gal]

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND MAGICAL TRIP CHRIS AND FAMILY!!!!

Maybe we will "bump" into one another!! Enjoy your time together "celebrating"!!!!!!!!!!!

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:
:mickeyjum:mickeyjum:mickeyjum

[wdwgirl03]

Have an awesome time!

[999ghostslover]

Have a safe, happy and fabulous trip. I am so excited to hear how it goes. Enjoy the moments. Take lots of pics. Say hi to Mickey for me!:cutie::cutie:

[Mombits]

Hi all, we're back. Tired as can be. Trying to get my 2,000 pics loaded to my dinosaur of a computer, but as soon as I can, I'll start my TR, thanks for joining in!!!!

[Mombits]

I just started reading your report on the day you are leaving so I needed to post a quick post (before I even finished your report....I can do it while you are on your trip:cool1:) because I had to send you some PIXIE DUST big time
and wish you the very best trip!

Your title really hit me because our first family trip was after I beat cancer ( 4 years ago) and my kids are the same ages as yours. I am so excited to read your Pre-Trip.

Now, go enjoy yourself and kiss those beautiful kids as you dance your way through Disney!:thumbsup2

Thanks for reading, so glad you beat cancer as well! It sure makes you happy and greatful to be alive!!!
:lovestruc

[Mombits]

Hello! Chris
wanted to pop over and wish you and your family a safe trip...
have a great and magical time! hope we run into one another (we have 8:10 ressies at Tusker on Mon) I'll keep an eye out!
Have a magical time! pixiedust:
:wave2: Connie

I hope you had a fabulous time! We sure did. Can't wait to read about your trip.

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Chris
happy to hear you guys made it home safe! and had a wonderful time!
can't wait to read all about your trip...wow 2000 shots and I thought I had a lot with 966 :rotfl2:
I started my TR! the link is in my siggie...let us know when you start yours!
:wave2: Connie

[Mombits]

I'm sorry to hear you have had such a hard road with your family and cancer. I don't have much cancer at all in my family. I'm pretty much the only one. I hope and pray it stays that way. I LOL'd at your flapping your arms- hey, whatever works I say!

[Mombits]

Well, we didn't see each other Beth, but I had a great time and hope you did too.

[martinolichfamily]

Joining in...just found your PTR today and read through....ready to follow your TR! :goodvibes

Congrats on beating cancer! Hope you had a magical trip! You and your family deserve it! :thumbsup2

[wdwgirl03]

Welcome back!

[Jake & Crew]

Welcome Home! Looking forward to hearing about your trip:goodvibes

[lmillercrew]

Welcome Home!!! Can't wait to get this thing rolling!

[longing2Batdisney]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! CHRIS
HOPE YOUR DAY IS A WONDERFUL AND RELAXING ONE!:flower3: