Happy New Year 2011! Emily's MAW/GKTW Trip - The Final Gives!

[NurseAnn]

That was such a fun day!!!! I have been fortunate enough to be there when some of the big gives are received and it always leaves me feeling good.

Giving Emily extra hugs from all the big givers that can't for themselves

 

[Emilyswish]

I have to apologize again, I am about 4 Big Gives behind on posting pics! We received packages from Mike W., Glenda C., Davis, and Jen (cjbear) in the last few days!! And the kids got some very special postcards from WDW too!

Things are getting VERY hectic around here and today is Drew's birthday party. He turns 7 tomorrow!!!!!!!

Here's my big guy on 12/13/03.

 

[brookerene]

I have just read your PTR and have really enjoyed all the wonderful posts and photos. Your family is beautiful and I hope that your trip is AWESOME! I'm a photographer and am always drawn to photos...Keep them up! Take care and God Bless.

 

[ms_mckenna]

Nurseann you can give her some hugs from us too Her smile just makes my heart melt!
Yeah for more gives coming!
Happy birthday to Drew! Hope his party is perfect

 

[Emilyswish]

I have just read your PTR and have really enjoyed all the wonderful posts and photos. Your family is beautiful and I hope that your trip is AWESOME! I'm a photographer and am always drawn to photos...Keep them up! Take care and God Bless.

Thanks Brooke! I'm a wanna be photographer so I take lots!

Nurseann you can give her some hugs from us too Her smile just makes my heart melt!
Yeah for more gives coming!
Happy birthday to Drew! Hope his party is perfect

Aww, thanks. He had a great birthday with family. My bil (dh's older brother) and future sil (dh's younger brother's fiance) have December bdays also so we had a combined party at our house.

 

[Emilyswish]

Let me just tell you, I read how the whole idea for the big give started, and Oprah has nothing on you guys!

But seriously, I really can not thank all of you enough for all you have given the kids (and dh and I), it has really been overwhelming. I think we're going to need at least 2 suitcases just for Big Give stuff!!!

So here we go.

On Wednesday, we got a box from Jen (cjbear). Drew had to have two teeth pulled (his adult teeth didn't have enough room and are coming in way too crowded and crooked ) so that is why he has gauze in his mouth!

She had a wrapped gift for each kiddo.

For Brenna:

A princess nightgown!

I have to tell you that this nightgown has hardly come off of her since then!!! She loves it and now her other dresses just won't cut it!

For Emily:

A Tigger shirt and pajama pants - soooo cute!!!
I don't want to take away from the thanks to Jen, but Em is sitting up all by herself in this pic!!!!

For Carter:
McQueen and Mater PJs!!!!!

You can see how thrilled he is!

And the triplets with Daddy!

And for Drew:
Buzz LightYear PJs!

Thank you so much Jen and family!!!!!

 

[Emilyswish]

Ok, I have been reworking and reworking my daily plans for the parks so many times. I even contacted our MAW coordinator to see if we could get tickets for an extra park day at WDW because I kept reading reports of the parks closing early due to capacity the week we'll be there. But she said they can't do that because GKTW handles the tickets. So I'm trying to figure out how to get to all 4 parks in 3 days without being able to park hop (possibly).

Plus, we have to do Epcot on the morning of 12/29 for our Akershus ADR and I got an ADR on 1/1 for The Crystal Palace too!!!!! So we have to be in those parks on those days at the appropriate times.

So here's my plan now.

Monday 12/27: Flight arrives around 2pm, head to GKTW, orientation, explore the village.

Tuesday 12/28: Magic Kingdom (opens 9am) / Hollywood Studios (closes 10pm)

Wednesday 12/29: Epcot (opens 9am), 10:35 ADR at Akershus with the princesses!! Afternoon/Evening at Animal Kingdom (closes at 7pm)

Thursday 12/30: Universal/IOA, then GKTW for the Winter Wonderland/Christmas Party 6:30-8:30.

Friday 12/31: SeaWorld or a Rest Day at GKTW: then Pirates and Princesses Party 7:30-8:30.

Saturday 1/1: Happy New Year! Magic Kingdom (opens 9am) (I read it might not be too crowded if we get there right away since most people are sleeping in!) Lunch reservation at The Crystal Palace, 11:30!

Sunday 1/2: GKTW, Downtown Disney, Lego store, possibly visit Universal again (before getting to the airport by 5:30pm)

So, this puts us at risk for not getting to DHS or Animal Kingdom since we would have to "hop" there in the afternoon or evening. But MK and Epcot are my top picks and I think DHS and AK might be less likely to close because of crowds than MK?? Really, I don't know, I could be kidding myself!


Arrrgh, I know I'm trying to fit in too much but I know I'll regret it if we were right there and never set foot in one of the 4 disney parks!

 

[billwendy]

Those PJ\s Rock!!!!

DId you know there is a washer/dryer at your villa? They even provided the soap when we were there!!!
What are you most excited about for your trip?

I actually referred a family to NJ MAW on Thursday. Their little girl has Down Syndrome with all the heart issues and pulmonary edema etc. She had come in for a special needs stroller appt in our seating clinic. As we got talking I knew they had to go! I hope they get approved. She is supposed to get part 3 of a 3 part surgery and could pass away if her system doesnt take to it very well. We filled out the forms and faxed them directly to her heart doctor!!! how long did it take you to find out from NJ MAW?

 

[billwendy]

I like your plan. We have been at WDW for several New Years Days - and it isnt too crowded in the am - then it gets busy, but nothing like new years eve. ITs maily people with young kids there in the am!!! lol - like you guys!!! haha

I think AK is a pain in the but when its crowded - its kind of laid out differently than the other parks and its harder to maneuver around, especially with the kid kart and ?double stroller for the triplets. you will have your GAC though, and that will get you through the lines. ANd dont forget the rest areas in EPCOT and MK if you need them!

 

[Emilyswish]

Those PJ\s Rock!!!!

DId you know there is a washer/dryer at your villa? They even provided the soap when we were there!!!
What are you most excited about for your trip?

I actually referred a family to NJ MAW on Thursday. Their little girl has Down Syndrome with all the heart issues and pulmonary edema etc. She had come in for a special needs stroller appt in our seating clinic. As we got talking I knew they had to go! I hope they get approved. She is supposed to get part 3 of a 3 part surgery and could pass away if her system doesnt take to it very well. We filled out the forms and faxed them directly to her heart doctor!!! how long did it take you to find out from NJ MAW?

We will definitely use the washer/dryer I'm sure!!! We all have super sensitive skin though so we might have to get our own detergent, but I think they do provide tide - so nice!!

Let's see, I think we applied in August but I can't remember - I don't have that on my calendar. We had our first meeting with the volunteers set up for the end of August, but it had to be postponed a week or 2 when one volunteer went MIA. Had our meeting with the volunteers on 9/8 and had a phone call to approve dates with the MAW coordinator very soon after (maybe the next week?). Then got our official letter confirming flight dates and reservation at GKTW on 10/7.

I hope the little girl does well with her surgery and gets her wish approved soon too!! Em has only had the one surgery for her g tube and it is was very scary. I so hope she never has to have another one!!

 

[that's nice]

What great outfits!! It is so great that you have the whole family sitting around and opening together. Love all the PJs!!!


I think your plans are realistic. If you get to the parks early you will have no problem getting in. Before you park hop to AK, I would ask a CM at guest services if AK is closed due to capacity. I wouldn't think it would be, but you don't want to leave a park just to find out that you cannot get in somewhere else.

I think if you get to SW at opening or 9ish you can see a few shows, feed the dolphins, hit a few rides and be out by 3-4. Then you can relax and enjoy the village before the Christmas Party.

 

[billwendy]

I guess that wasnt too long (although I bet it felt like forever!).

Im not sure this little one will have that long. She needs to go before her surgery just in case. She was a sweetheart!! Just like EM!!!

 

[that's nice]

Im not sure this little one will have that long. She needs to go before her surgery just in case. She was a sweetheart!! Just like EM!!!

Wendy, that is so sad to hear. I'm sure MAW can expedite the process in a case like this. It is so sad though. Saying an extra prayer tonight for this little one.

 

[Emilyswish]

I guess that wasnt too long (although I bet it felt like forever!).

Im not sure this little one will have that long. She needs to go before her surgery just in case. She was a sweetheart!! Just like EM!!!

Oh no Wendy! I hope they can get her there fast. Oh, I hate to hear that.

 

[Emilyswish]

One week from today my parents come down from Maine to stay with us for Christmas!!!


12 more days til Christmas!!!


Two weeks from today we'll be in the air and almost to Florida!!!!!!!!​

 

[smileycrissy]

One week from today my parents come down from Maine to stay with us for Christmas!!!


12 more days til Christmas!!!


Two weeks from today we'll be in the air and almost to Florida!!!!!!!!​

Firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DREW!!!!

Gosh, I can't believe Christmas is almost here. Yay for Em sitting up on her own!!

 

[Emilyswish]

Firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DREW!!!!

Gosh, I can't believe Christmas is almost here. Yay for Em sitting up on her own!!

Thanks Chrissy! He is out picking out a bday gift with his grandpop right now, lucky boy!

I have to work on Christmas cards tonight, but I'm determined to also get 2 more Big Give sets of pics posted tonight! We got more amazing gifts today!


I wish I could give each and every one of you a big !!

 

[Emilyswish]

We got a box from Mike W. (not sure of the dis name, though Nurse Ann seems to have some kind of suspicious inside scoop and says that it is most likely from effervescent??)

"I throw my hands up in the air sometimes, saying heeeeey-yo!"

Inside the box was a wrapped package for each of us

McQueen tshirt for Carterman

Incredibles shirt for Drew (which was an awesome choice becasue he has these Incredibles pajamas and we have a running joke that everytime he wears them we say "those are some incredible pajamas!" and he thinks it's hysterical - so now we can do it with the shirt too!)

In this one, he's running so fast his hair and shirt are flying back!

For DH, Star Wars Mickey!

For me, Ariel! (some days I am just not getting in the picture, sorry. Ok, MOST days!!)

For Brenna, Princess Aurora! This dress is really fantastic, the pics don't even do it justice! And, matching bows too!

Look closely so you can see the sparkles on the skirt -

And for Miss Em - Tigger blouse and patchwork skirt!!!

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much, everything is just fabulous!!!!!!

 

[Emilyswish]

Then, from Glenda C. in TX (gcast1) we got another box!

I don't think Em was feeling quite right when we opened these. It was after her first day back at school after being out sick and I think she was spent. So please don't take her expression for dislike!!

Glenda made Em 2 reversible hats, the first Tigger/Princesses, and then Minnie with a Minnie head made by Wendy (wendya23)!

Happier with the hats off for now . . .

Thank you so much Glenda! And the Minnie hat matches the Minnie dress we already received - so great!

 

[ms_mckenna]

On Wednesday, we got a box from Jen (cjbear). Drew had to have two teeth pulled (his adult teeth didn't have enough room and are coming in way too crowded and crooked ) so that is why he has gauze in his mouth!


I have to tell you that this nightgown has hardly come off of her since then!!! She loves it and now her other dresses just won't cut it!

A Tigger shirt and pajama pants - soooo cute!!!
I don't want to take away from the thanks to Jen, but Em is sitting up all by herself in this pic!!!!

Poor Drew I hope he is feeling better by now!
Brenna is so stinking cute! She just gushes girly girl <3
Yeah for Emily sitting up That is such awesome news!

One week from today my parents come down from Maine to stay with us for Christmas!!!


12 more days til Christmas!!!


Two weeks from today we'll be in the air and almost to Florida!!!!!!!!​

"I throw my hands up in the air sometimes, saying heeeeey-yo!"

Incredibles shirt for Drew (which was an awesome choice becasue he has these Incredibles pajamas and we have a running joke that everytime he wears them we say "those are some incredible pajamas!" and he thinks it's hysterical - so now we can do it with the shirt too!)

In this one, he's running so fast his hair and shirt are flying back!

For DH, Star Wars Mickey!

For Brenna, Princess Aurora! This dress is really fantastic, the pics don't even do it justice! And, matching bows too!

And for Miss Em - Tigger blouse and patchwork skirt!!!

Your family is just to cute
Love your Incredibles joke.
The dress is perfect on Miss Brenna. Tigger is so perfect for Emily! Honestly I saw the before pictures of them both and loved them before but on your girls they are even more perfect.

I love the hats too Poor Miss Emily she looks like she had a long day. I hope she gets some good rest.