A WISH for Cold Tea? Ana's aMAWzing Disney Trip! 12/1-12/7 ~Last Entry~ p.127

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

It's funny, I have more time to DIS at work than I do at home, so over the weekend, I wasn't able to get on the boards, and I missed your beginning! But, you've started and what a great opening!

I have read Ana's cancer story three times, and EVERY time it makes me a soppy mess.... again, what courage and strength that beautiful little girl has. What caring, loving, adoring parents she has!

I love your chauffer!! What a nice touch! Do you think MAW planned that, or was it just the luck of the draw? The nice thing is it was just an extra sprinkling of pixie dust! Fantastic coordinated shirts, too! Looks like despite your delay, it was pretty smooth sailing!

Great start, Tim!

 

[my2girlsrock]

I don't know how to multiquote I am still learning the boards, so I am just going to write a reply to the whole update.....

I can not believe she got a call from Cinderella!!!! How exciting. How did you make your countdown calendar? I would love to do something like that for our trip the month before we leave... That was awesome that Santa picked you all up & drove to the airport. I am glad that the delay & flight was not to bad. That is my biggest fear because my 7 year old Samantha is afraid to fly so I am hoping for a clear beautiful day!!!
The picture of her pulling her suitcase is so cute, it is like she's a "big girl" . It is amazing to see how far she has come when you read her whole story. I am very happy for you all.
It looks like things started off really well for you guys, I can not wait to see more.

 

[marvali]

You sound like Rosie....

Oh that's just MEAN!!!

Juliana's Wish granters set up a call for Juliana from Cinderella. So on Tuesday morning the phone rang and there was someone special on the line... (click on the picture to see the video)

Juliana was so excited and very shy when she got the call. She couldn't believe that Cinderella was calling her.

I can't believe Ana ever being shy, but I guess when royalty is calling..........

I tossed and turned all night. I feel like I was up every hour checking the clock. I was excited and I didn't want to over sleep.

I'm glad I don't ever do that!!!

Then she saw our driver.... She asked him if he was Santa and he told her he was Santa's helper.

for being on the way, and having Santa drive the "sleigh" to the airport for you!!!

We arrived and breezed through security with no problem. They had the full body scanners at our airport but we only had to go through the metal detectors.

So glad you didn't have to deal with that! I know it caused no small amount of stress leading up to the trip!

Our plane finally arrived and the boarding process went pretty smoothly. We were only 45 minutes behind schedule. It was a good thing we got out when we did because shortly after we left, there were tons of delays in Hartford and the whole North East. Hartford had delays of 5 and 6 hours!

Even MORE pixie dust!!! I'm guessing the rest of your day was equally full of magical surprises!!!

The clouds finally broke up... somewhere over the Carolina's. I think?

Hey, I see my house!!!

While I was going over the rental info at the Alamo counter, the lady informed us that Alamo/National would cover the cost of gas so we didn't have to bring the car back filled. I wasn't expecting that at all.

See, I just knew there would be more magical surprises!!!

We had about a 25 minute drive ahead of us to Give Kids The World (GKTW), our home for the next 7 days.

Up next... Arriving, checking out the resort, and a very unexpected gift.

Great update, and off to a great start!!!

I've lost my cool factor a while ago... I can wear matching shirts with my girls!

No loss of cool there! What a blessing to get to do things like that!!!

2 updates a week sound good?

No, No, NOOO!!! Two updates a DAY sounds about right! We want MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

 

[pintamino]

That was just too cute with the limo driver... I cried a little! You have such a lucky girl on her trip day!

 

[tinkgurl]

I'm here Tim!!!

Santa!! How cute he was the limo driver.

Wii in the limo!?! How awesome was that!?! Who won in bowling?

Woohoo, so glad you made it to FL alright. It is so exciting to see those WDW direction signs.

 

[that's nice]

Great Update !I agree that was the real Santa !!!! How awesome AND a phone call from Cinderella !!

How fitting for Santa to bring us!

Juliana was so shy during that phone call... this was the beginning of a theme for the week...

Wow, Santa came early! what a special surprise for you all! can't wait to hear more! love seeing the excited in Ana's face, you two looked pretty excited too!

I wish someone took a picture of MY face when I opened up the garage and saw Santa standing there. I think my jaw dropped!

Good Lord! I'm busy for a couple of days and you're already on page 6! I'll have to go back and read now

Welcome!!!!

Okay, I love it that Santa was your limo driver! How fun for you all to be picked up in style! I'm glad your flight went well, and Ana had plenty to do! Nice that your gas was paid for - looking forward to more!

Thanks!!! It was such a magical start to her trip! More to come!

Looks like a fantastic start! I got a little teary eyed a few times too! Can't wait to read more

Thank you! Hope to have the next update up in the middle of the week. i hope.

As everyone else - Juliana's story still brings tears to my eyes, even reading it a second time! I can only imagine how much you must be looking forward to 2012!

Wonderful update about your trip to Orlando! MAW really takes care of you, don't they? I think it is a wonderful organization supported by lots of wonderful volunteers and generous people!

MAW is very special... most of the helpers are volunteers too. Just like GKTW- they told us that there are over 1500 hours a week put in from volunteers. Now that I think of it maybe it was 1500 hours a day.

 

[that's nice]

Sounds like it is a good thing you got out when you did. I can think of a lot of things I'd prefer to have to do than sit in an airport for a 5 or 6 hour delay.

I know... I'm not sure who would of lost it first- Juliana, Melody, or ME!

Disney trips are always awesome, but if you can start your trip with Wii bowling in a limo driven by Santa...

I guess not many people can say that huh?

I loved this update! That's so fun that Santa came to pick you up in a limo! I also have to say, that I love that Melody and Juliana are wearing matching shoes. Yes, I notice things like that.

They were wearing matching shoes! I didn't realize I had a picture of that. Melody would be soon cursing those shoes though. I think it was after our 1st park day.

So Santa finally gave up the sleigh and reindeer for a pimped-out ride, huh? Did he offer you any venison on the ride over?

OUCH! That's just wrong!

I'd like a vanilla shot, please. In a ceramic cup, not paper. With a twist of lemon. No, better make it a half-twist. Is it too early for pastries?

They had pastries too! I think they put the shot in a mini plastic cup. No... it was paper.

Looks like a good start!

Thanks!

BTW, Tim, how much did you have to pay for that shot, and how did they give it to you to transport it to Mel's drink???

Surprisingly, she only charged me $.50 for the shot- same price if I put it in coffee. Then put it into a mini paper cup.

Love it so far!!

I am still amazed that her Ped did such a through exam to note a kidney mass - that is very impressive!

Love the trip so far. Soooooo glad you got out of the airport when you did! Can't wait for more!

HEY MAROO!

We are amazed that her pedi found it too. Juliana's surgeon said that we have a great pedi because he knew where the tumor was and said when he was feeling her abdomen before the surgery, he could barely find it.

 

[that's nice]

I can just hear Ana saying, "this way guys" as she totes off her luggage.

Pixie dust already on the trip...no gas to be put in the car when you return, etc.

Can't wait to see arrival at your home for the next seven days.

Puppy HAD to come with us. I couldn't imagine what would happen if we left her home!

The morning started out with Magic.. and that carried on throughout the whole day.

I love the phone call. Claire gets that smae shy look thing going about things too. Where she will look at me like I am supposed to read her mind, since she doesn't want to talk. LOL!

YUP, sounds familiar!

The limo ride looks so fun and how wonderful Santa was yoru drive. I think he WAS the real one too.

So glad you made it our of the airport before the real bad weather hit.
I love the matching shirts too. So fun. I think Skip has lost his "cool" too after having Claire.
I know there was somehting else I wanted to comment on, but can't remember now.
Can't wait to read more.

I was matching quite a bit this on this trip.

It's funny, I have more time to DIS at work than I do at home, so over the weekend, I wasn't able to get on the boards, and I missed your beginning! But, you've started and what a great opening!

Seems that happens a lot on these boards. The weekends are very slow- which is fine for me cuz I'm usually working.

I have read Ana's cancer story three times, and EVERY time it makes me a soppy mess.... again, what courage and strength that beautiful little girl has. What caring, loving, adoring parents she has!

Awwww thank you.

I love your chauffer!! What a nice touch! Do you think MAW planned that, or was it just the luck of the draw? The nice thing is it was just an extra sprinkling of pixie dust! Fantastic coordinated shirts, too! Looks like despite your delay, it was pretty smooth sailing!

Great start, Tim!

Our granters told us they just switched to a new limo service so I'm sure they knew. It was such a surprise!

I don't know how to multiquote I am still learning the boards, so I am just going to write a reply to the whole update.....

No problem!

I can not believe she got a call from Cinderella!!!! How exciting. How did you make your countdown calendar? I would love to do something like that for our trip the month before we leave...

You can make a calendar any way you like. Here are 2 different calendars that we have made:

That was awesome that Santa picked you all up & drove to the airport. I am glad that the delay & flight was not to bad. That is my biggest fear because my 7 year old Samantha is afraid to fly so I am hoping for a clear beautiful day!!! [/QUOTE]
Just bring a ton of games and activities for her to do. Where are you flying out of?

The picture of her pulling her suitcase is so cute, it is like she's a "big girl" . It is amazing to see how far she has come when you read her whole story. I am very happy for you all.
It looks like things started off really well for you guys, I can not wait to see more.

Thank you! More to come!

Oh that's just MEAN!!!

Sorry...

I can't believe Ana ever being shy, but I guess when royalty is calling..........

Her shyness came out on this trip.

So glad you didn't have to deal with that! I know it caused no small amount of stress leading up to the trip!

It was very nice just to walk through with no hassle. Just like the good ol days.

Even MORE pixie dust!!! I'm guessing the rest of your day was equally full of magical surprises!!!

It was!

Hey, I see my house!!!

Was it the one at the bottom right?

No loss of cool there! What a blessing to get to do things like that!!!

Thanks!

No, No, NOOO!!! Two updates a DAY sounds about right! We want MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

OK Marv.... that's pushing it!

That was just too cute with the limo driver... I cried a little! You have such a lucky girl on her trip day!

Thanks! It was an amazing start to the trip!

I'm here Tim!!!

Santa!! How cute he was the limo driver.

Wii in the limo!?! How awesome was that!?! Who won in bowling?

Woohoo, so glad you made it to FL alright. It is so exciting to see those WDW direction signs.

TINK!!!!!

I won bowling but Juliana beat Melody. LOL Juliana actually had 2 strikes- all on her own!

 

[my2girlsrock]

We are flying out of MacArthur Airport, it is about 20 minutes from our house so at least there won't be to much apprehension on the way to the airport.... or at least I hope not... LOL

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I wish someone took a picture of MY face when I opened up the garage and saw Santa standing there. I think my jaw dropped!

MAW is very special... most of the helpers are volunteers too. Just like GKTW- they told us that there are over 1500 hours a week put in from volunteers. Now that I think of it maybe it was 1500 hours a day.

Wait, you didn't know that Santa was coming to drive you?? What an awesome surprise for all of you then!

I had no idea that most of the helpers are volunteers! Wow, that is amazing. What an incredible organization, people taking time out of their lives to help children and their families! Uh-oh, here come the tears again, sniffle! I'm so glad you, Mel and Juliana received this trip!!!

They were wearing matching shoes! I didn't realize I had a picture of that. Melody would be soon cursing those shoes though. I think it was after our 1st park day.

We are amazed that her pedi found it too. Juliana's surgeon said that we have a great pedi because he knew where the tumor was and said when he was feeling her abdomen before the surgery, he could barely find it.

Oh man, what's the cardinal rule for touring Disney? Never, EVER bring new shoes that aren't broken in! I know that from firsthand experience. I had the worst blisters from my new shoes and although I looked fabulous in them (they were so cute!) I paid the price for it with sore feet!

What a blessing that your pedi was able to find her tumor! I can't imagine if you'd had to wait longer for someone else to find it. Amazing that the surgeon could hardly find it himself. It just means that Juliana got the best care! And August 2012 will be here before you know!

 

[PennyLane1084]

Great TR so far. Love that Santa picked you guys up. What a neat surprise. MAW does the most amazing things for these kids. Also, I think you have a budding photographer on your hands. The few shots I've seen her take aren't half bad for a 4 year old. When I was that age I was lucky if I actually got the object/people in the shot I was trying to take a picture of. lol.

 

[smileycrissy]

I agree with Marvali - more, more, more! LOL. Oh come on Tim - you just admitted earlier in the TR that you are only working on the weekends - there is plenty of time for you to write to us during the week about your trip. We can't help it we've all fallen in love with Juliana - she's too cute and hysterical!

 

[marvali]

I guess not many people can say that huh?

Counting you, I would guess..........ONE!!!

Her shyness came out on this trip.

It was very nice just to walk through with no hassle. Just like the good ol days.

Surprised you can remember that long ago!!!

Was it the one at the bottom right?

No, the one right next to it.....

OK Marv.... that's pushing it!

I agree with Marvali - more, more, more! LOL. Oh come on Tim - you just admitted earlier in the TR that you are only working on the weekends - there is plenty of time for you to write to us during the week about your trip. We can't help it we've all fallen in love with Juliana - she's too cute and hysterical!

SEE???? Ana's adoring public awaits!!!

BTW Crissy, you know you are forever condemned on here now for admitting you agree with MARV???!!!

 

[KatMark]

SEE???? Ana's adoring public awaits!!!

BTW Crissy, you know you are forever condemned on here now for admitting you agree with MARV???!!!

Marv, that's why I didn't agree with you.

Come on, Tim, we need more than two updates a week!

 

[smileycrissy]

BTW Crissy, you know you are forever condemned on here now for admitting you agree with MARV???!!!

Condemned - oh nuts. LOL. Well it would be worth it for more updates. Besides at least you now have company Marv.

 

[MaryAz]

I saw our pic on the fridge!! I really think that WAS Santa!! Yay for getting out before the storm. Can't wait to see GKTW!

 

[dizneeat]

Wow! A call from Cindy and Santa taking you to the airport! Now that trip got off to a truely magical start!
Hope it stays that way! Can't wait for more!

 

[dvczerfs]

hi tim, im in. i fell behind the last two weeks but ill be standing in the back with carl. i love the limo driver and the shot of her pulling her case down the ramp. again, im glad we got to meet up, i just wish i wasnt sick that night. i went to cp for dinner and didnt eat anything. went back to the room and a was shackin with the chills. glad i didnt get anyone sick. hopefully well meet up again one day. looking forward to reading the tr.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Tim - I'm finally here! (and I'm secretly excited to see if I get called a celebrity again in this trip report)

 

[vamassey1]

I'm a newbie so the story was fresh for me and heart wrenching. I'm s thankful things are going so much better for your daughter.

What a great start! First a call from Cinderella and then for Santa to be your driver. I love magical trips! I can't wait to read more.