Mom and Dad's Dream Trip-34 Yrs in Making-Jun08 SOUVIE PICS PG 51 NEXT TRIP!!???!!!!?

[tink1957]

What a wonderful post, there's nothing like seeing a realization of a dream. Your family is so lucky to have experienced it together, I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. Can't wait to see what Matt has in store for you.

 

[ampc3]

well add me to the list of getting all teary eyed reading your first paragraph! That is such a wonderful memory of all being together!!!

Thanks for such kind words about my family It was soo neat to run into you all as well, your family is a hoot! I can see Megs thinks her Aunt is something special!!

I was always wondering which way you all went after Dumbo.. We headed for Winnie the Pooh.

I can't wait to hear more

 

[Sarilas]

I can't believe you saw the same CM from last year AND he remembered! That's amazing!

 

[toocherie]

oh gosh! I can't wait to find out what happens!

what a bummer about the Dream Team--they shouldn't walk up there until they are ready to give out the passes--that was downright cruel and unusual punishment!

waiting for more . . . . and can't find the popcorn!

 

[cjhinch]

Well, you got me! I had tears streaming down my face as well! It is so amazing that you have an entire family that "gets" the Disney magic! My family mostly looks at me like I have 3 heads when I talk about how much I love Disney World!

I am on the edge of my seat waiting hear what happens to you the rest of your day! I'm sure it will be something amazing.......you have done a great job building it up!!

Hopefully you can get on tonight and catch us up!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

What an amazing addition to your trip report! I felt like I was sharing the moment with you in front of MK! You completely described how my husband, kids and I feel about WDW. Also, I love how you went straight for Dumbo--I have such a soft spot for all elephants! How amazing that you were able to run into Matthew, AND that you had that thank you card with you. I can't wait to hear what happens next!!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Aggghhh!!!! You can't leave us hanging like that!!! I just now that something wonderful is going to happen in the next installment!!! And yes, Jen, you made me all teary eyed reading about your family's sentimental moment waiting for the MK to open, and the CM recognizing Megan!!! I'll just keep the kleenex right here beside the computer.

Sorry to leave you hanging!!! I will have the new update here soon!

What a wonderful post, there's nothing like seeing a realization of a dream. Your family is so lucky to have experienced it together, I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. Can't wait to see what Matt has in store for you.

It was a wonderful moment!! One of the best moments of the whole trip! Stay tuned to see what else is in store!

well add me to the list of getting all teary eyed reading your first paragraph! That is such a wonderful memory of all being together!!!

Thanks for such kind words about my family It was soo neat to run into you all as well, your family is a hoot! I can see Megs thinks her Aunt is something special!!

I was always wondering which way you all went after Dumbo.. We headed for Winnie the Pooh.

I can't wait to hear more

To Megan, her Aunt "Kwissy" is the sun, the moon, and the stars!! She is TOPS in her book for sure!! They have such a beautiful bond--it literally has been like that since she was a baby! Too cute! Stay tuned for more soon!

I can't believe you saw the same CM from last year AND he remembered! That's amazing!

We could NOT believe we ran into Matthew again!! INCREDIBLE!!! My mom couldn't get over how I had the thank you card with me--always prepared I am!

oh gosh! I can't wait to find out what happens!

what a bummer about the Dream Team--they shouldn't walk up there until they are ready to give out the passes--that was downright cruel and unusual punishment!

waiting for more . . . . and can't find the popcorn!

SUCH cruel and unusual punishment!!! The funny thing too was that one of the people they gave out the FP to, came back and said they were with a group of 10 people, so she gave him a FP for each of them--even though they weren't on the ride with them! OH WELL!! Was NOT meant to be!

Well, you got me! I had tears streaming down my face as well! It is so amazing that you have an entire family that "gets" the Disney magic! My family mostly looks at me like I have 3 heads when I talk about how much I love Disney World!

I am on the edge of my seat waiting hear what happens to you the rest of your day! I'm sure it will be something amazing.......you have done a great job building it up!!

Hopefully you can get on tonight and catch us up!

Sorry I couldn't get back on last night!! I'll tell you more about that later! I am so glad you enjoyed the update!! We really do love that place!!

What an amazing addition to your trip report! I felt like I was sharing the moment with you in front of MK! You completely described how my husband, kids and I feel about WDW. Also, I love how you went straight for Dumbo--I have such a soft spot for all elephants! How amazing that you were able to run into Matthew, AND that you had that thank you card with you. I can't wait to hear what happens next!!!!

I am so glad you could enjoy it with us!! It was the first day for Mike's kids, and we just naturally felt like the place to start was Fantasyland--good decision on our parts! Stay tuned for more soon!

 

[GGOOFY1]

Jen, once again you have me checking back constantly for more updates. The suspense is killing me.

 

[nicoliosis]

i'm coming out of lurkdom to say that i am on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what he had in store for you at the castle! your tr sounds like a lot of fun so far, and i cannot wait to hear what other magical things happened!!

 

[momof2boyz12]

Just wanted to pop in. I am only on page 30, but I am loving your TR. Great job. We are going to try and surprise our boys with a trip next November/December and want to stay at OKW. Did you rent points or just pay outright for your stay?

Keep up the good work. Your daughter is just adorable!

 

[MegansMom]

Jen, once again you have me checking back constantly for more updates. The suspense is killing me.

I am so sorry to be torturing you so!! I have been SUPER ridiculously busy the past few days getting ready for some out of town friends that came in today from KC. They are spending the holiday weekend with us. Will update more soon!! I promise!

i'm coming out of lurkdom to say that i am on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what he had in store for you at the castle! your tr sounds like a lot of fun so far, and i cannot wait to hear what other magical things happened!!

Thanks for coming out of lurkdom!! I am so glad you are here! I will update soon I promise!!!

Just wanted to pop in. I am only on page 30, but I am loving your TR. Great job. We are going to try and surprise our boys with a trip next November/December and want to stay at OKW. Did you rent points or just pay outright for your stay?

Keep up the good work. Your daughter is just adorable!

So glady you popped in!!! WELCOME ABOARD!!! We rented points--this was the third time I have rented points for WDW stays, so please feel free to ask me any questions you may have!! Thanks for the compliments on Megan!!! I am a very lucky Mommy!! There should be another update soon!



To all my lovely TR readers: I have not forgotten you, and I am not purposefully torturing you by not posting the next update yet. I have been readying my house all week for some of our friends who came in today from KC. They will be staying with us over the holiday weekend, but I do think I will be able to post the next update soon!! Stay tuned, keep the tissues on the ready, and have a very safe and Happy Fourth of July!!! Jen

 

[jwwi]

Jen,
Caught up with the last posts.

It sure was hot at AK that day, I didn't see anyone from our group in your pictures, lol, but we did have lunch at Y&Y CS too. We were there right when it opened. We also had Honey Chicken but shared a salad with Chicken too. It was the perfect combo. We shared the two entrees between 3 of us, so not an overwhelming amount of food. Very good, very fresh and tasty.

We did not go on Kali, sorry about the CM experience. We also went back to our hotel, POP, but ended up in the pool instead of napping. No time for naps when we had to cover 4 parks in 2 days.

Your MK morning was action packed, how special you could share it with your family. Megan looks like she is having so much fun with her cousins. Can't wait to read about the BBB experience.

But take your time, enjoy your holiday weekend with your friends.

 

[Mousermom]

I just want to say that I am enjoying your TR very much. I am planning a "Grand Gathering" myself for 10 people for this coming February. I am really looking forward to this trip as it will be my mother's first time at WDW in 10 years! Before that, she'd never been there before. She went with us in 1998 and she just didn't "get it". I told her it was because she really didn't get the full experience of WDW. My son was 3 at the time and really all we did was stand in line for hours to see the Little Mermaid. We also went to Universal that trip and all we did there was wait in line for Barney!! This time, I promised her she'd get to see much more of what WDW has to offer!! I am so happy that I found your TR and hopefully our group will have just as much of a good time as yours seems to be having!!!

 

[jj1403]

Why oh why do I read these things at work!! My face is a little tear stained at the moment!

 

[cherbear]

that was SO beautiful!!! Of course I got a little teary eyed reading! (thanks for the warning ) How cool that you met Annette! And seeing Matt again...wow!

okay, I have to admit, as I was looking at Dumbo pictures, I saw the last one of you and Maddie, counted back, and thought.. "uhmm...the only ones left are Tom and her dad...surely they couldn't have ridden together!"
Imagine my relief when you stated they didn't ride.

Great update! Wow...those sure are some cliffhangers!!
ooh I certainly HOPE BBB is not a nightmare! I'll bet Matt has a big surprise for Megs!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Jen! Hope you are having a great Fourth and enjoying visiting with your friends!!! I wanted to give you a quick heads-up since I know you scrapbook -- Walmart is clearing out ALL of their Disney scrapbooking stuff -- stickers, embellishments, paper packs, albums -- at really, really cheap prices (from about $1.00 for the stickers and little stuff to $4.50 for albums). Our selection was pretty picked over this morning already, but I grabbed a little bit of stuff. So, if you have a Walmart in your area I would get over there as soon as possible.

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

This TR is so WONDERFUL ~ I am on pins and needles to see what happens next

 

[cherbear]

Hi, Jen! Hope you are having a great Fourth and enjoying visiting with your friends!!! I wanted to give you a quick heads-up since I know you scrapbook -- Walmart is clearing out ALL of their Disney scrapbooking stuff -- stickers, embellishments, paper packs, albums -- at really, really cheap prices (from about $1.00 for the stickers and little stuff to $4.50 for albums). Our selection was pretty picked over this morning already, but I grabbed a little bit of stuff. So, if you have a Walmart in your area I would get over there as soon as possible.

wow...I wonder why? I need to get over there and see if my Walmart has anything left!

 

[MegansMom]

Jen,
Caught up with the last posts.

It sure was hot at AK that day, I didn't see anyone from our group in your pictures, lol, but we did have lunch at Y&Y CS too. We were there right when it opened. We also had Honey Chicken but shared a salad with Chicken too. It was the perfect combo. We shared the two entrees between 3 of us, so not an overwhelming amount of food. Very good, very fresh and tasty.

We did not go on Kali, sorry about the CM experience. We also went back to our hotel, POP, but ended up in the pool instead of napping. No time for naps when we had to cover 4 parks in 2 days.

Your MK morning was action packed, how special you could share it with your family. Megan looks like she is having so much fun with her cousins. Can't wait to read about the BBB experience.

But take your time, enjoy your holiday weekend with your friends.

We had a great weekend!! Megan was having SO much fun with her cousins!!! She doesn't usually get to experience much with kids since she is a one and only, but it was fun to watch her experience everything this trip with the joy of kiddies!!! I am sure she was so happy to have someone who wasn't an adult to share this with!!!

I just want to say that I am enjoying your TR very much. I am planning a "Grand Gathering" myself for 10 people for this coming February. I am really looking forward to this trip as it will be my mother's first time at WDW in 10 years! Before that, she'd never been there before. She went with us in 1998 and she just didn't "get it". I told her it was because she really didn't get the full experience of WDW. My son was 3 at the time and really all we did was stand in line for hours to see the Little Mermaid. We also went to Universal that trip and all we did there was wait in line for Barney!! This time, I promised her she'd get to see much more of what WDW has to offer!! I am so happy that I found your TR and hopefully our group will have just as much of a good time as yours seems to be having!!!

I hope you guys have a great trip as well this time!! Those FP surely will help you forget about having to stand in line for much!! Going in February will hopefully be a nice quiet time for you too! Thanks for joining in!! I hope my TR gives you some great ideas about special things you can do as a grand gathering. WELCOME ABOARD!!!

Why oh why do I read these things at work!! My face is a little tear stained at the moment!

OH MY!! I am sorry to have caused the flood! You should have seen my face when I was writing about it--completely relived that moment all over again!!! I am glad I put out the kleenex warning for you all!!

that was SO beautiful!!! Of course I got a little teary eyed reading! (thanks for the warning ) How cool that you met Annette! And seeing Matt again...wow!

okay, I have to admit, as I was looking at Dumbo pictures, I saw the last one of you and Maddie, counted back, and thought.. "uhmm...the only ones left are Tom and her dad...surely they couldn't have ridden together!"
Imagine my relief when you stated they didn't ride.

Great update! Wow...those sure are some cliffhangers!!
ooh I certainly HOPE BBB is not a nightmare! I'll bet Matt has a big surprise for Megs!

Oh Cheri--you are too sweet!! You made me laugh so hard thinking about my dad and Tom riding Dumbo together--now THAT would have been a GREAT picture!!! I am sure Dumbo himself is relieved that they didn't ride together!!!

I can't wait to take care of those cliffhangers in the next update--stay tuned!

Hi, Jen! Hope you are having a great Fourth and enjoying visiting with your friends!!! I wanted to give you a quick heads-up since I know you scrapbook -- Walmart is clearing out ALL of their Disney scrapbooking stuff -- stickers, embellishments, paper packs, albums -- at really, really cheap prices (from about $1.00 for the stickers and little stuff to $4.50 for albums). Our selection was pretty picked over this morning already, but I grabbed a little bit of stuff. So, if you have a Walmart in your area I would get over there as soon as possible.

Thanks so much for the info!! Looks like I have a little shopping to do! We had a great weekend with our friends--we love them so much, and are so bummed that they live so far away. At least we are all committed to getting together to see each other as much as we can! Never enough though!

This TR is so WONDERFUL ~ I am on pins and needles to see what happens next

You are too sweet!! I am so sorry to leave you hanging--I hope the next update will make up for it!

wow...I wonder why? I need to get over there and see if my Walmart has anything left!

ME too!! ME TOO!!

 

[MegansMom]

Happy Monday everyone!! I hope all of you had a safe and happy Fourth of July!! We had a great weekend celebrating with our lovely friends Allen and Nicole from KC and their niece Laila. There was lots of great food, good times, and never-ending laughter---the staples of every get together with them! So sorry to be away from you all, but I think you can understand what has been keeping me preoccupied!!!

So when I last left you, the majority of our group was "flying" over to the Castle for the girls' BBB appointments, and Grandpa took the boys out for a good "GUY" time! We quickly arrived and checked in to the BBB at Cindy's Place. It looked like it would still be a few moments, so we all got comfy in the lobby.

View from the lobby

The Fairy Godmother came in for a visit, and the girls were all huddled together watching and taking in everything as they waited for their turn.

The girls were enjoying watching everything that was going on at the BBB and talking to the other girls who were waiting to go too!! They looked over the brochure and each picked out the hairstyle they wanted--Megan wanted the Fairytale princess, and Maddie the Diva Princess. While we were waiting for Tom to get back--he had run over to get FP for BTMRR I think--the girls were entertained by several of the FGIT in the lobby. Before long, came walking through the door, with much more than FP in tow---he had run into Matthew on his way in!! As promised, Matthew showed up at the castle at 12:40 to see us!! He came in hoping to see Miss Tinkerbell being transformed into the real thing, but was happy to get to see her once again--even though it was just out in the lobby. He started talking to us all again--I really couldn't believe that he took time out of his busy schedule to come back to see us/Megan. I felt so bad that he didn't get to see her going through her transformation. He started telling us that after he ran into us, he went back to his office and showed the card to his secretary and told her all about Miss Megan. He told us that he put the pictures of the two of them up on his desk---I couldn't believe it! We talked for a little while longer, and before he left, he said I have one more surprise for you--and then he pulled out a stack of special FASTPASSES!!! They could be used at any ride, at any time, on any day!! I couldn't believe it! I told him thank you (of course) and said that he really didn't need to do that for us all, but that we would appreciate it so much! We were all so overwhelmed with gratitude and so touched by his gesture--this man REALLY did not need to do anything else for our family--he has already done so much in the past!! We all gave him hugs and said our goodbyes--we were so stunned by all that had happened with running into Matthew!!! I wish I would have remembered to take another picture of him, but I forgot!! What a great moment!

Before we knew it, the two princesses were being called back!!! I wish they could have sat together, but that location is small enough that you can see everyone in the room at the same time--so we didn't miss anything! Here is Princess Megan getting ready to go!! Her FGIT was Connie--and she was FABULOUS!!

I should tell you that Tom and I had been very nervous about doing the BBB with Megan--with her SID, we thought the mere thought of a complete stranger fixing her hair, doing her make-up, and painting her nails might put her into sensory overload BIG TIME!!! BUT, we prepared her ALOT, and she really wanted to do this because she wanted to do it with Maddie! TOO SWEET! So we ventured forth into the great unknown! While we were waiting, she had noticed the part where they sprinkle the pixie dust on the girls, and Megan immediately came running to me telling me she did NOT want that sprinkled on her, so I started to worry---BIG TIME! When we first walked over to Connie's station, I quickly pulled her aside and explained Megan's situation. I told her that I was not sure how she would react, and was prepared to stop in the middle if we needed to. She quickly patted my arm, reassured me she would take good care of her, and then gently greeted Megan with the warmest smile I have ever seen. Needless to say, Megan warmed up to her immediately. This helped ease my nerves a little, but I was still unsure--until they really started....................................................................

So far so good---oh is the shield going to freak her out????

NO INDEED!!! Look at the smile creeping over her lips!!!! Ok, nerves settling down a little more!!!

Okay, here comes a doozy---Connie starting to pull back her hair---tears for sure, right??

Can you believe the smile on BOTH of their faces!!! Ok, now tears of relief are starting to bud in my eyes as I quickly realize, SHE IS REALLY ENJOYING THIS!!!!

Okay--this picture had to go in because she had just given Tom that "OH DAD" pre-teen look of mock disgust and embarrassment as he started to gush over how pretty she was starting to look!! IT was too funny!!! I should mention that Tom was busy videoing the entire adventure---that's right the ENTIRE THING!! He was so tickled, as was I, by her response to this that he taped every single second!!! I wish I could post the 30min video here, but not possible. Just trust me, it is TOO CUTE!

Okay, here she is "girl chatting" it up with Connie:

By this point, all my fears and worries had vanished. I finally relaxed into the realization that she was having one of the TIMES of her LIFE!! I foolishly began to choke up and tear up just a bit. I was just overwhelmed by the very unfamiliar feeling of being able to relax and enjoy an experience with her without having to be constantly worrying about what might happen next or trying to preempt anything that might cause her to meltdown. This might sound crazy to some of you, but it is the ever-so exhausting state-of-mind that we are too familiar with that comes with dealing with a child with SID on a daily basis. To be free from those worries, was one of the most rewarding moments of our lifetime with Megan, and to see the sheer and untarnished joy on our daughter's beautiful face was by far one of the most memorable, priceless moments of our life. I could tell by this point, that Tom was just as emotional about it all too. We exchanged knowing grins with teary eyes, and I settled back to watch and enjoy every single precious second!!

Then the make-up lady stepped in, and Megan revelled in every BIG decision she had to make!!!

And then our princess started to emerge:

Here she is showing off her pretty fingers!!

Joy-personified!!! (And she hadn't even seen herself yet!)

1-2-3

TA DA!!!!! THERE SHE IS!!!

I have even better pictures of this on my Photopass CD, but don't have it yet--will post them when I can!

Tom and I had smiles that matched and rivaled Megan's!! It was such a rush of wonder and joy to see that face!! She was so tickled and impressed with herself--and yes, they kindly skipped the pixie dust just for her! Tom and I couldn't contain our tears as they happily rolled down our cheeks at our beautiful baby!! I know we both flashed many years ahead to prom nights and her wedding day, and I know how beautiful she will be!! The $60 this cost was insignificant in our eyes--what we had just experienced you could not put a price tag on! For all the difficult moments and challenges we have had to face and endure for Megan to be where she is today, that one moment of joy and exhilaration made all of that fade away! Tom immediately started thanking all the FGIT, and told them how worthwhile they had made the experience. I then realized that my Mom, Dad, and Kristi were huddled around (as well as both boys) sharing in the joy with smiles and tears too!! We got Meg's down so she could take some cute pictures in the princess throne!

I got even better ones on Photopass--will share soon!

And thenTinkerbell was off to check out Maddie!! She was too cute at this point, because she was so proud of the way she looked, she no longer walked around--she skipped and danced!! Not too much longer, our pretty Maddie was all done as well!!!

The girls were GORGEOUS!!! Here is a picture of them together later that evening before dinner:

Okay--better post this, and more update in a little bit! There is much more to find out---like who is "that guy???" How did dinner go??? And so on, and so on!!