mrsksomeday
My Prince uses a power wheelchair!
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a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e!!!!!
It's all part of the plan... More or less! A Dec TR!
- Thread starter Tinker_Tam
- Start date
Tinker_Tam
DIS Veteran
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You are always so sweet, telling me how cute my kids are. Brenda was surprised. She kept telling me "Mommy, I am beautiful!" I think if she ever gets low self esteem I will just have to take her back there and it will improve immediately! I was so excited when I was putting borders on things with Photopass. I thought that was too cute! Looks like Gavin is gonna get Tink! LOL
I'll be honest, at first I thought "WOW! That is a crazy price for them to basically style her hair, put a little make-up on and paint her nails. I could take her to a saloon aroudn her to half that price." In fact Jon and I talked about how much it cost. I will tell you that I have so changed my mind. If we ever get to return, and Brenda is still young and wants to, BBB is on our list for sure... as is PL! THe pictures afterward can not do them justice. They are great pictures though!
Prayers and good wishes for your family. I certainly know how these health issues can cause so much stress. My husband has been battling some unknown problem for over a year, they just can not figure out the cause. He just had a hernia operation 2 weeks ago for an unrelated matter. We had to post pone our original plans to visit last Spring due to his health but the good news is we are visiting The Mouse in April! Family time has become so much more precious as I am sure you will attest.
So good health to all and keep those TR coming
By the way, we are from South Central PA too.
I am sorry to hear about your husbands health issues. It really can be stressful. For me, I think I could handle it better if it just came one at a time. As I have said, I can deal with Gavin. I expect that. But then this whole thing with Brenda... and now Jon and this hernia. UGH! One at a time... one at a time.
We are practically neighbors!!! I am not sure where you are from but I am near Penn State.
jenseib
Mommy to Claire
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This really is a great picture of Gavin.
I LOVE this!!!!
That expression is just hysterical and priceless!
Tinker_Tam
DIS Veteran
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Thank you for your kind words. I think PL is a must if we ever get to go back! Gavin loved it and played the part all day! I was sure to tell Jon to buy the picture they take there. That is the only way they will put it on Photopass. I knew they had to get some cute shots of him. Also, If you do take Jack to PL don't forget to take him to the same place BBB gets there pictures taken. I love those pictures. They will take pictures for you there too, as long as they aren't too busy.
Thank you. He is such a sweet boy. I can't imagine him being anything but nice!
Cortlyn will love it when the time comes. They were great with Brenda. She has a sensitive head. Cries something fierce sometimes when I comb her hair. I left her FGM know that and she was great with Brenda. Brenda never fussed once.
Those step sisters were so funny... but you are right I think the pink one made the meet. I still don't know that Brenda was too excited to have her Cinderella dress covered in the picture though!
I posted that picture just for you!
He really did a great job changing his expressions when he was in the pirate garb. He did the whole ARGH thing too when they were taking the pictures with him and Brenda afterward. The Photopass guy was laughing so hard. We didn't have a wait at all for pictures. They were just finishing up a set of girls when we walked in. The guy was so nice. I had asked if he would take some pictures of Brenda and he actually suggested doing Gavin too. We got a couple really good shots but Brenda would cheese it up sometimes... those ones weren't as cute.
Thank you! I am not sure where he gets it but I think he is adorable too... but I am biased!
Tinker_Tam
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I LOVE this!!!!
That expression is just hysterical and priceless!
I should have told him that was a mean pirate look!
Tinker_Tam
DIS Veteran
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Hello again! I wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten you all! I think I have to the slowest TR on the DIS. I am working on an update so hope to be posting it soon.
Wanted to let you all know, in case you aren't a Facebook friend that Gavin's surgery that was scheduled for tomorrow has had to be postponed. He has a massive sinus infection and they didn't feel safe putting him to sleep. So it has been rescheduled. Brenda's test results all came back clear. Seems she has just had a nasty virus that has been kicking her butt. She has been having more good days lately so I am hoping this is the end of it. Jon got hte results of his CT scan back. He has a 4in X 4in tear. Its an umbilical hernia. He goes for his consult on 4/4. Being the man he is, he is hoping to put off surgery till after the students leave. He says we can't afford for him to take off work right now. I tell him he can't afford if it has to be an emergency because he has done something stupid. UGH!
So that should catch you all up on life here. Keep an eye out for an update soon!
Wanted to let you all know, in case you aren't a Facebook friend that Gavin's surgery that was scheduled for tomorrow has had to be postponed. He has a massive sinus infection and they didn't feel safe putting him to sleep. So it has been rescheduled. Brenda's test results all came back clear. Seems she has just had a nasty virus that has been kicking her butt. She has been having more good days lately so I am hoping this is the end of it. Jon got hte results of his CT scan back. He has a 4in X 4in tear. Its an umbilical hernia. He goes for his consult on 4/4. Being the man he is, he is hoping to put off surgery till after the students leave. He says we can't afford for him to take off work right now. I tell him he can't afford if it has to be an emergency because he has done something stupid. UGH!
So that should catch you all up on life here. Keep an eye out for an update soon!
KatMark
DIS Legend
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Before we could start over to any ride we had one more stop I wanted to make. I wanted MORE pictures!
HOW THE HECK DID I MISS THIS UPDATE? I know I was behind on all of my subscriptions, but I ALWAYS watch yours to see how the kids are doing.
I am crying happy tears because these just turned out great and I'm so happy for the kids AND you and DH.
Simply wonderful!
Tinker_Tam
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You all have been so patient! I jokingly told Tracy that I was going to drag this out till I had another trip to plan... I WAS ONLY JOKING at the time but by the looks of things it will be that way. So I guess I should get on with our first day....
After the pictures, that BTW I think are so cute of my kiddos, we decided it was time to hit a ride. Now, this would be our first ride... other than the monorail rides. The kids were so loving riding the monorail. I think next time I will cut 5 days off our park tickets and just take them on the monorail those days!
I knew way in advance what our first ride HAD to be!!! I had dreams of taking my kids on this ride.... it is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Disney World. I am talking about Dumbo of course!
I knew that this is the only ride in the park that I had my heart set on. I knew too that Brenda had seen this ride in various commercials and each time she saw it she would ask if I would ride it with her. OH COURSE!!!! And I must tell you I was a little scared. Why, you ask... Well, I am a LARGE woman and I was so afraid that I wouldn't fit and Brenda would be heart broken. The whole time in line I stood and just worried about if I would fit or not. I have to tell you what a huge burden was lifted when Brenda and I got in with NO PROBLEM!!!
I was so happy! Its because of this perfect fit that I rode everything I wanted too and didn't worry too much (most of the time) about if I would fit or not. It was super. As I rode I just thought about how lucky I was to be here with my precious family. I thought about how much we struggle sometimes but how this moment made everything perfect... if only for a five minutes. I thought about how I got through so much the last 3 years and felt almost like this was the pay off. And I must tell you a part of me felt so bad for the many families that won't ever have this moment, for one reason or another. And yes, I felt a few stray tears roll down my cheek as I looked and saw Brenda with the biggest smile I have ever seen on her. If I could have frozen time it would have been right there... or at least till the next happy memory moment came along. I took a snapshot of that moment in my mind and try to think of it when the bad things have been happening lately.
When we got off Jon and I chatted for a minute. He had pretty much the same experience with Gavin. He admitted it was priceless and that moment alone was worth the price we paid for our trip. It was then that we heard the words that would be repeated over and over again from our kids... "CAN WE DO IT AGAIN?" I laughed. This was the moment I figured out that I was gonna need to throw my plans out. Like I was gonna say no to another trip on that magical flying elephant!! So we did ride it again! And loved it just as much!
On the way to Dumbo we passed Prince Charming's Horses. I told my very little Cinderella that we would ride them soon! I had to do Dumbo first so our next stop was the carousel... and off course we had to do that twice. But who could resist these too cuties on there horses????
After the carousel we hoped the train to Toontown.
We had a few things we wanted to accomplish in Toontown. First was a BIG first for Gavin!!!! Gavin would ride his first EVER roller coaster! I have to tell you I was a little nervous about this because Brenda is my fearless one... or at least she was up until this moment. Now I would have 2 fearless munchkins! So our first stop is Barnstormer!! We actually asked if we could wait for the next car so Gavin could ride in front. We explained that it was his first roller coaster and they were very accommodating. They even asked if we wanted a picture, took our camera and got this great shot of the 4 of us!
Gavin had no fear! When we got back to the station they gave Gavin this cute little card about it being his first coaster! It was cute! I put it in the backpack so I could take special care of it for him. It will go in the scrapbook... when I get there!
Our next mission was to see Minnie's and Mickey's. I knew they would soon be disappearing and this would be our only trip to see them. So we decided to hit Minnie's house first.
At some point Jon cut out of the houses. He gets a little closed in when there are tons of people sometimes... especially when he is the least little bit tired or hungry. I have a feeling he was both. And he really didn't get the importance of seeing the houses. To me it was a big deal. Brenda also wanted to see them so her and I finished Minnie's house and Jon and Gavin went to grab a snack somewhere. Gavin was happy to go with Jon. Maybe the houses are a girl-thing!
When we were done with Mickey's the crowd in Toontown was getting crazy.... and it seemed like people were just getting rude and pushing a lot. So I decided we would do Mickey's house another day.
So we headed off in search of another "icon-ic" ride... at least in my mind... The teacups!!!! I had been following the pooh size thread and this is one of the rides that it was said I may have a problem getting on. As soon as we came across it and I saw Brenda and Gavin's face light up as they watched the teacups spinning around, I KNEW I had to get on their somehow... Even if I had to hold my breath for the 3 minute ride. After all, Blue is a good color for me! I must say they only problem I had was getting in the door. That was a little tight squeeze... kinda had to turn sideways but I made it and we all rode together. What a fantastic ride it was for us!!!! Again, another snapshot for my memory.
At this point it was getting close for us to go check in at our Dinner reservations. We had a very special dinner planned and I couldn't wait to see Brenda's face! I won't tell you where we were eating... you'll have to come back for that! I do promise that I will get it up sooner than I have been. I would like to get at least one more update on before Gavin's surgery on Monday.
So I guess I should get on with our first day.... After the pictures, that BTW I think are so cute of my kiddos, we decided it was time to hit a ride. Now, this would be our first ride... other than the monorail rides. The kids were so loving riding the monorail. I think next time I will cut 5 days off our park tickets and just take them on the monorail those days!
I knew way in advance what our first ride HAD to be!!! I had dreams of taking my kids on this ride.... it is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Disney World. I am talking about Dumbo of course!
I knew that this is the only ride in the park that I had my heart set on. I knew too that Brenda had seen this ride in various commercials and each time she saw it she would ask if I would ride it with her. OH COURSE!!!! And I must tell you I was a little scared. Why, you ask... Well, I am a LARGE woman and I was so afraid that I wouldn't fit and Brenda would be heart broken. The whole time in line I stood and just worried about if I would fit or not. I have to tell you what a huge burden was lifted when Brenda and I got in with NO PROBLEM!!!
I was so happy! Its because of this perfect fit that I rode everything I wanted too and didn't worry too much (most of the time) about if I would fit or not. It was super. As I rode I just thought about how lucky I was to be here with my precious family. I thought about how much we struggle sometimes but how this moment made everything perfect... if only for a five minutes. I thought about how I got through so much the last 3 years and felt almost like this was the pay off. And I must tell you a part of me felt so bad for the many families that won't ever have this moment, for one reason or another. And yes, I felt a few stray tears roll down my cheek as I looked and saw Brenda with the biggest smile I have ever seen on her. If I could have frozen time it would have been right there... or at least till the next happy memory moment came along. I took a snapshot of that moment in my mind and try to think of it when the bad things have been happening lately. When we got off Jon and I chatted for a minute. He had pretty much the same experience with Gavin. He admitted it was priceless and that moment alone was worth the price we paid for our trip. It was then that we heard the words that would be repeated over and over again from our kids... "CAN WE DO IT AGAIN?" I laughed. This was the moment I figured out that I was gonna need to throw my plans out. Like I was gonna say no to another trip on that magical flying elephant!! So we did ride it again! And loved it just as much!
On the way to Dumbo we passed Prince Charming's Horses. I told my very little Cinderella that we would ride them soon! I had to do Dumbo first so our next stop was the carousel... and off course we had to do that twice. But who could resist these too cuties on there horses????
After the carousel we hoped the train to Toontown.
We had a few things we wanted to accomplish in Toontown. First was a BIG first for Gavin!!!! Gavin would ride his first EVER roller coaster! I have to tell you I was a little nervous about this because Brenda is my fearless one... or at least she was up until this moment. Now I would have 2 fearless munchkins! So our first stop is Barnstormer!! We actually asked if we could wait for the next car so Gavin could ride in front. We explained that it was his first roller coaster and they were very accommodating. They even asked if we wanted a picture, took our camera and got this great shot of the 4 of us!
Gavin had no fear! When we got back to the station they gave Gavin this cute little card about it being his first coaster! It was cute! I put it in the backpack so I could take special care of it for him. It will go in the scrapbook... when I get there!
Our next mission was to see Minnie's and Mickey's. I knew they would soon be disappearing and this would be our only trip to see them. So we decided to hit Minnie's house first.
At some point Jon cut out of the houses. He gets a little closed in when there are tons of people sometimes... especially when he is the least little bit tired or hungry. I have a feeling he was both. And he really didn't get the importance of seeing the houses. To me it was a big deal. Brenda also wanted to see them so her and I finished Minnie's house and Jon and Gavin went to grab a snack somewhere. Gavin was happy to go with Jon. Maybe the houses are a girl-thing!
When we were done with Mickey's the crowd in Toontown was getting crazy.... and it seemed like people were just getting rude and pushing a lot. So I decided we would do Mickey's house another day.
So we headed off in search of another "icon-ic" ride... at least in my mind... The teacups!!!! I had been following the pooh size thread and this is one of the rides that it was said I may have a problem getting on. As soon as we came across it and I saw Brenda and Gavin's face light up as they watched the teacups spinning around, I KNEW I had to get on their somehow... Even if I had to hold my breath for the 3 minute ride. After all, Blue is a good color for me!
I must say they only problem I had was getting in the door. That was a little tight squeeze... kinda had to turn sideways but I made it and we all rode together. What a fantastic ride it was for us!!!! Again, another snapshot for my memory.
At this point it was getting close for us to go check in at our Dinner reservations. We had a very special dinner planned and I couldn't wait to see Brenda's face! I won't tell you where we were eating... you'll have to come back for that! I do promise that I will get it up sooner than I have been. I would like to get at least one more update on before Gavin's surgery on Monday.
KatMark
DIS Legend
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- Aug 5, 2007
- Messages
- 42,443
Tam, what a great update. And I'm glad you rode Dumbo twice and the Carousel twice. And the pictures on Brenda and Gavin's face our just priceless. That is what it truly is all about.
Don't worry if you can't get an update done before Gavin's surgery on Monday...you just take care of your precious family.
Don't worry if you can't get an update done before Gavin's surgery on Monday...you just take care of your precious family.
mrsksomeday
My Prince uses a power wheelchair!
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2006
- Messages
- 7,785
I knew you would have no issues with the rides!! You look so happy on Dumbo, such a wonderful memory to have.
I loved the Carousel pictures, they are adorable.
How wonderful that you got a picture of all 4 of you at Barnstormer!!
I am happy you got to do the teacups as well.
All the pictures are amazing and I can't wait to read more. I will be praying for Gavin.
I loved the Carousel pictures, they are adorable.
How wonderful that you got a picture of all 4 of you at Barnstormer!!
I am happy you got to do the teacups as well.
All the pictures are amazing and I can't wait to read more. I will be praying for Gavin.
jenseib
Mommy to Claire
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- Oct 28, 2006
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- 30,734
So excited to have an update!! 
I'm telling you, Gavin with that fake mustache makes his pictures priceless. He is so hilarious looking. Brenda is just gorgeous in her princess get up.
Can you believe I am finally at 1 week away from our trip...and things have changed. Skip can no longer come, so my parents are coming with me instead....makes for a whole new way of planning things.
I'm telling you, Gavin with that fake mustache makes his pictures priceless. He is so hilarious looking. Brenda is just gorgeous in her princess get up.Can you believe I am finally at 1 week away from our trip...and things have changed. Skip can no longer come, so my parents are coming with me instead....makes for a whole new way of planning things.
Tinkermom76
Gawrsh
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- Jun 18, 2009
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- 3,017
Great update! The kids look so cute!
I love Dumbo and couldn't imagine going and not riding it
I love Dumbo and couldn't imagine going and not riding it
Caretames1
Mom of Girls
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- Jan 2, 2010
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- 3,370
What a great way to start any Disney vacation! I love Gavin's pirate make-over. It just seems to fit
Brenda looks sooo happy.
Can't wait to hear where you had dinner!
Carey
Brenda looks sooo happy. Can't wait to hear where you had dinner!
Carey
Tinker_Tam
DIS Veteran
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It was truly a magical trip for us. Thanks for all the understanding on the slow posts. There is so much going on here. I really don't post too much on Facebook anymore because my dad has recently joined. When I post something negative about Gavin's health or Brenda being sick and I feel overwhelmed I get a call on the phone and told how wrong I am to feel that way. It stinks but I don't want to put up with all the junk.
I really have you to thank about not worrying all the time about me fitting the rides. You really are the one to ease my fears or I probably wouldn't have even tried Dumbo. Thank you.
Also, thank you for the prayers for Gavin.
So excited to have an update!!
Can you believe I am finally at 1 week away from our trip...and things have changed. Skip can no longer come, so my parents are coming with me instead....makes for a whole new way of planning things.
Wow! I have missed so much on your PTR! I went back today while the kiddos were playing and caught up on things. So sorry to hear Skip isn't going but it sounds like you have things worked out now.
I love all the pictures from this day because Gavin is in his pirate get up. Each time I look at him I get a smile on my face and remember what a perfect day it was for all of us!
Dumbo is that ride you see in your mind and say to yourself.. "Thats Disney World". Its just such an icon. I am wondering how the new Dumbo will measure up with that image.
What a great way to start any Disney vacation! I love Gavin's pirate make-over. It just seems to fit
Can't wait to hear where you had dinner!
Carey
It was such a happy time for us. Its so great to have those memories to hold on to. I know that when we are going through some rough times here I can think back and have such happy memories. Those memories have gotten me through so much lately.
Tinker_Tam
DIS Veteran
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I know that you will all be surprised but you are all getting a special treat... a second update in a timely manner. You all have Mr Insomnia to thank for it. With Gavin's surgery on Monday I having a hard time with just shutting down enough to go to sleep at all. As it is, on any good night I usually get about 3-4 hours of sleep. When the stress in life gets really high I can go with out for days. So far, my personal best so far this year is 3 days... I know, not much to joke about but sometimes you have to or it just gets you even more down. So.... what better way to spend the night than revisiting my Disney trip.
So when I last left off we were on the teacups and I was having the most amazing time with my family. We were having an amazing day. The only negative thing that happened was the nasty crowds being rude in Toontown and we cut our losses and hit the road to the teacups. Even the rude people weren't getting us down though.
It was getting close to our dinner reservation. We didn't really tell the kids where we would be eating until we got close to the castle.... we would be dining at Cinderella's Royal Table. I have to tell you I was a little worried since this was a 2 credit dinner for us. I was hoping it was going to be worth the extra credit. When you live on such a tight budget most days, you really try to make things stretch as far as you. In my heart I knew it had to be amazing, but in my mind I was thinking that is a dining credit that could be used somewhere else. The kids were so excited when they found out we would be eating at the castle. When we first got there we of course got our picture with Cinderella. Where that picture is on this computer right now escapes me. Jon is moving things around so I will have to post that later.
I had decided on something before we even left PA. Each day I was going to try 1 new food. Something completely outside my comfort zone. So after much debate I decided on the duck.... and boy was it delicious! I didn't take any pictures of dinner though. So sorry about that. I was too in awe of everything else.
Brenda didn't realize at first that we would be seeing the princesses. She was just happy to be eating in the castle.
Then the princesses started coming around...
Gavin wasn't as into the princesses as Brenda was. After all they really are a girl thing till boys are much older and realize those are GIRLS! They both made their wishes. I so love this picture of Gavin.
It was then time for dessert. I can't even tell you what I had or what Jon ate for dessert but Brenda had a cupcake and Gavin had ice cream. Pretty normal stuff, so why do I remember? Well, because Gavin chose to put each sprinkle on 1 AT A TIME!!! And this was driving Brenda crazy. So she decided she had best help him. After all, she was gonna wait for him to eat dessert... that was her decision too.
Then it was time for the princess to dig into her cupcake... For some reason I am sure this is not how Cinderella was eating hers.
So the thing that I hadn't really noticed as dinner was going on was it was getting dark out! When we came out of the castle it was night. When you got downstairs your only choice was to go forward toward mainstreet. You could not go back. Due to wind and cold weather they had to close it off so that no one would get harmed during the fireworks. So this is the first picture I took after dinner. We are standing there looking up at the lit castle...
And what would we catch in front of the castle but...
We stood there and caught most of the parade and then we were ushered down to the front of the castle for Wishes! The castle was simply amazing to us and I don't think Jon or I could talk for at least 5 minutes when we first saw it lit.
And then Wishes started... as did the tears for me. We were having such an amazing time. I never realized life could be this awesome... at least not with the many struggles we had been having. But it was! I was able, through the tears to get some shots of Wishes...
Of course Brenda's favorite part was when Tinkerbell flew over our heads!
And then this shot that just made everything so much more amazing to me... my kids watching and enjoying Wishes...
And after Wishes the castle returned too...
We then made our way back to Pop for the night. Thinking the night was over I got the kiddos changed into their PJs. I knew we would get them bathed in the morning. I wanted to see how Brenda's hair would hold up. After changing them I got a text from Tracy (mrsksomeday). Bill and Tracy were on a bus back to Pop and were wondering if we could meet up. If you recall from my PTR, Bill and Tracy gave Jon and I the most amazing gift. They gave us 2 adult tickets to MVMCP!!! This is the only way were able to go. Long story made short for all of you that missed it in the PTR... Dad was going to get the tickets and at the last minute backed out. He decided he didn't want to spend his precious money that way. I was devastated! So I went to the PTR readers for some advice that if I cute BBB and PL and a few special things I had planned I could afford for us to do MVMCP. Everyone helped me make the tough decision to keep those and skip MVMCP. A few days later I got a message from Tracy that through luck of their own, Bill and Tracy had 2 extra adult tickets!!! They gave those 2 tickets to us and we were able to afford the kid's tickets! It is ONLY through their extreme kindness that we were able to go to the MVMCP later in our trip. And I will tell you now that I was able to make such amazing memories at that party that I could NEVER repay them for their kindness. So again, Tracy, thank you!
So back to that night... We still needed to meet up and get those tickets. I had promised the kids we would go get a snack and when Tracy text I suggested we meet in the food court area. I totally forgot to grab my camera when I was going out the door so I never got a picture with them. I am so disappointed about that! We got to chat for a little and it was great! They are such kind, caring people. Bill, or should I say Tracy taught Gavin to push the button on Bills chair and the kids were occupied. I have to tell you though. I was so afraid one of them would push the wrong button and send Bill flying across the room! Bill and Tracy also got the kids a gift card to buy themselves something they wanted. I was so taken with their kindness. BTW, the kids waited till the next day to use it! The kids did eventually get a little rambunctious... after all they were 3 and 4 and mom is talking to these people forever... at least in kid time! So Jon took them over to look for their treat. Gavin comes running at full speed back to us and says "THEY HAVE CARROT CAKE!!!" and then runs away. We laughed! Little did I know this would set the ton for dessert/ treats all week! I think Gavin got carrot cake at least 8 of our days.... and he wouldn't spare even a bite! Normally he is the most giving child I have ever met. I remember asking him one night if I could have a bite and he told me "Mom, there is more over there!" and points to the cooler. I took that to mean No way!
So after getting our treat it was super late for the kiddos. We headed back to the room. We were already in our PJs so we were good to go. We got settled in. Brenda was sleeping with me and Gavin with Jon. I couldn't resist anymore. I had to ask Brenda what she wished for at dinner. She waited a minute and asked if it would still come true if she told me. I said of course! I was really hoping she was hoping for some gift that she had seen that day. We really hadn't bought much in the way of WDW stuff. So far really only some small things, like Brenda's earrings.... I was hoping there was something special Brenda had made a wish for. Well, sometimes my daughter is the most amazing little girl. When she did finally tell me her wish it was that we could do this all over again. When we talked I got from her that she wanted the 4 of us to be able to come back to Disney again. I probably should have just left it go but I didn't want her thinking it was an easy task to get back. I explained to her how special this trip was that it was a "once in a lifetime thing". I explained that they way we lived it took a lot of saving to make this happen. I expected her to get pretty upset but she really didn't. She got quiet for a minute and she says to me "But mom, we can all wish can't we?" and right there my heart melted. We cuddled till heard her breathing slow down and then I fell asleep myself... after what was a dream day for us.
So when I last left off we were on the teacups and I was having the most amazing time with my family. We were having an amazing day. The only negative thing that happened was the nasty crowds being rude in Toontown and we cut our losses and hit the road to the teacups. Even the rude people weren't getting us down though.
It was getting close to our dinner reservation. We didn't really tell the kids where we would be eating until we got close to the castle.... we would be dining at Cinderella's Royal Table. I have to tell you I was a little worried since this was a 2 credit dinner for us. I was hoping it was going to be worth the extra credit. When you live on such a tight budget most days, you really try to make things stretch as far as you. In my heart I knew it had to be amazing, but in my mind I was thinking that is a dining credit that could be used somewhere else. The kids were so excited when they found out we would be eating at the castle. When we first got there we of course got our picture with Cinderella. Where that picture is on this computer right now escapes me. Jon is moving things around so I will have to post that later.
I had decided on something before we even left PA. Each day I was going to try 1 new food. Something completely outside my comfort zone. So after much debate I decided on the duck.... and boy was it delicious! I didn't take any pictures of dinner though. So sorry about that. I was too in awe of everything else.
Brenda didn't realize at first that we would be seeing the princesses. She was just happy to be eating in the castle.
Then the princesses started coming around...
Gavin wasn't as into the princesses as Brenda was. After all they really are a girl thing till boys are much older and realize those are GIRLS! They both made their wishes. I so love this picture of Gavin.
It was then time for dessert. I can't even tell you what I had or what Jon ate for dessert but Brenda had a cupcake and Gavin had ice cream. Pretty normal stuff, so why do I remember? Well, because Gavin chose to put each sprinkle on 1 AT A TIME!!! And this was driving Brenda crazy. So she decided she had best help him. After all, she was gonna wait for him to eat dessert... that was her decision too.
Then it was time for the princess to dig into her cupcake... For some reason I am sure this is not how Cinderella was eating hers.
So the thing that I hadn't really noticed as dinner was going on was it was getting dark out! When we came out of the castle it was night. When you got downstairs your only choice was to go forward toward mainstreet. You could not go back. Due to wind and cold weather they had to close it off so that no one would get harmed during the fireworks. So this is the first picture I took after dinner. We are standing there looking up at the lit castle...
And what would we catch in front of the castle but...
We stood there and caught most of the parade and then we were ushered down to the front of the castle for Wishes! The castle was simply amazing to us and I don't think Jon or I could talk for at least 5 minutes when we first saw it lit.
And then Wishes started... as did the tears for me. We were having such an amazing time. I never realized life could be this awesome... at least not with the many struggles we had been having. But it was! I was able, through the tears to get some shots of Wishes...
Of course Brenda's favorite part was when Tinkerbell flew over our heads!
And then this shot that just made everything so much more amazing to me... my kids watching and enjoying Wishes...
And after Wishes the castle returned too...
We then made our way back to Pop for the night. Thinking the night was over I got the kiddos changed into their PJs. I knew we would get them bathed in the morning. I wanted to see how Brenda's hair would hold up. After changing them I got a text from Tracy (mrsksomeday). Bill and Tracy were on a bus back to Pop and were wondering if we could meet up. If you recall from my PTR, Bill and Tracy gave Jon and I the most amazing gift. They gave us 2 adult tickets to MVMCP!!! This is the only way were able to go. Long story made short for all of you that missed it in the PTR... Dad was going to get the tickets and at the last minute backed out. He decided he didn't want to spend his precious money that way. I was devastated! So I went to the PTR readers for some advice that if I cute BBB and PL and a few special things I had planned I could afford for us to do MVMCP. Everyone helped me make the tough decision to keep those and skip MVMCP. A few days later I got a message from Tracy that through luck of their own, Bill and Tracy had 2 extra adult tickets!!! They gave those 2 tickets to us and we were able to afford the kid's tickets! It is ONLY through their extreme kindness that we were able to go to the MVMCP later in our trip. And I will tell you now that I was able to make such amazing memories at that party that I could NEVER repay them for their kindness. So again, Tracy, thank you!
So back to that night... We still needed to meet up and get those tickets. I had promised the kids we would go get a snack and when Tracy text I suggested we meet in the food court area. I totally forgot to grab my camera when I was going out the door so I never got a picture with them. I am so disappointed about that! We got to chat for a little and it was great! They are such kind, caring people. Bill, or should I say Tracy
taught Gavin to push the button on Bills chair and the kids were occupied. I have to tell you though. I was so afraid one of them would push the wrong button and send Bill flying across the room! Bill and Tracy also got the kids a gift card to buy themselves something they wanted. I was so taken with their kindness. BTW, the kids waited till the next day to use it! The kids did eventually get a little rambunctious... after all they were 3 and 4 and mom is talking to these people forever... at least in kid time! So Jon took them over to look for their treat. Gavin comes running at full speed back to us and says "THEY HAVE CARROT CAKE!!!" and then runs away. We laughed! Little did I know this would set the ton for dessert/ treats all week! I think Gavin got carrot cake at least 8 of our days.... and he wouldn't spare even a bite! Normally he is the most giving child I have ever met. I remember asking him one night if I could have a bite and he told me "Mom, there is more over there!" and points to the cooler. I took that to mean No way! So after getting our treat it was super late for the kiddos. We headed back to the room. We were already in our PJs so we were good to go. We got settled in. Brenda was sleeping with me and Gavin with Jon. I couldn't resist anymore. I had to ask Brenda what she wished for at dinner. She waited a minute and asked if it would still come true if she told me. I said of course! I was really hoping she was hoping for some gift that she had seen that day. We really hadn't bought much in the way of WDW stuff. So far really only some small things, like Brenda's earrings.... I was hoping there was something special Brenda had made a wish for. Well, sometimes my daughter is the most amazing little girl. When she did finally tell me her wish it was that we could do this all over again. When we talked I got from her that she wanted the 4 of us to be able to come back to Disney again. I probably should have just left it go but I didn't want her thinking it was an easy task to get back. I explained to her how special this trip was that it was a "once in a lifetime thing". I explained that they way we lived it took a lot of saving to make this happen. I expected her to get pretty upset but she really didn't. She got quiet for a minute and she says to me "But mom, we can all wish can't we?" and right there my heart melted. We cuddled till heard her breathing slow down and then I fell asleep myself... after what was a dream day for us.
KatMark
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2007
- Messages
- 42,443
Tam, what a very special evening you all had. The dinner at CRT seems to have been a hit, you saw the castle beautifully lit, you saw my favorite show -- Wishes, you met wonderful DISer's, Gavin found carrot cake and fell in love and sweet Brenda's wish was just beautiful. 
haleofafamily
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2006
- Messages
- 1,144
I love your updates...no matter how long I have to wait for them 
. You usually make me teary eyed over something.
I took my girls to the breakfast in Cinderella's Castle (the boys went to a water park). One of my favorite Disney World memories is my oldest daughter making her wish and then opening her eyes, looking around and saying, "Nothing happened. Mom, nothing happened!"
I have no idea what she wished for but she believed in it.
Merci
. You usually make me teary eyed over something.I took my girls to the breakfast in Cinderella's Castle (the boys went to a water park). One of my favorite Disney World memories is my oldest daughter making her wish and then opening her eyes, looking around and saying, "Nothing happened. Mom, nothing happened!"
I have no idea what she wished for but she believed in it.
Merci
Caretames1
Mom of Girls
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2010
- Messages
- 3,370
Everytime I see the Castle all lit up for Christmas, it just makes me want to go for MVNCP! I bet Brenda was just thrilled to be in the castle. I'm sure was Gavin awed to, he must just keep a good straight face
I have a wonderful pic of my Kadence when we ate to the castle making a wish, eyes closed tight with her wishing star pressed against her lips
I loved Wishes the first I saw it. It just seems so grand. It's my favorite show!
I have a wonderful pic of my Kadence when we ate to the castle making a wish, eyes closed tight with her wishing star pressed against her lips
I loved Wishes the first I saw it. It just seems so grand. It's my favorite show!
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