New Years with the Kranks

[minkydog]

Welcome to our Magical Walt Disney World Vacation!
Cast:
DH
DW
DS20
DD13
DS11

A little Background: Time is fleeting, the kids are growing up. Already DS20 is moving on, separating from us. DD13 is in 8th grade and becoming more active in band & theater. Our opportunities for family trips are quickly passing by. We decided to plan one last Big Family Vacation.

In 2005 we planned a wonderful trip, to camp at Ft Wilderness for a week at Thanksgiving with the whole family plus Granny. Sounds like a lot of fun ...then Hurricane Katrina struck and that changed our plans. We didn't have any direct damage, but we have a lot of friends and relatives on the Mississippi coast, so we opted to help them instead. Oh well, Disney will always be there...

We moved our dates to Thanksgiving 2006. Everything was going swimmingly... until my boss changed my schedule. Suddenly, the dates I had reserved were the exact dates I had to work. I couldn't change my schedule without disrupting a whole lot of other things(like turkey!) so we opted to cancel..again. The kids were very disappointed..again

Then about a week after we cancelled, our ship came in An unexpected inheritance After paying off bills, there was still a little pile of money left. "Let's go to Disney World!" And we're pulling out the stops. I've always wanted to stay at the Polynesian. Let's get the Dining Plan, while we're at it. Spring for Park Hopper passes, oh, lets get 5-day passes instead of 4-days. Hoop Dee Do Revue! Sea Racers! Let's do it ALL!

Six days before we leave DH wakes me up with the words you never want to hear: "I have chest pain." We're off to the hospital, they think he's having a heart attack. The cardiac cath reveals no heart attack, but there is a different problem--fluid in the heart sac(pericarditis). DH has a severe lung disease which has invaded the heart & brain(sarcoidosis). He has had one previous bout with pericarditis 6 months ago and now they're saying it's going to be chronic. He knows what he's in for--a lot of chest pain, heavy steroids, lots of rest, out of work. Fortunately, this time they caught it early enough to help faster. The cardiologist gave him a steroid injection directly into the heart, plus enough Solu-medrol to raise his blood sugar to 400

Ack! I don't know what to do--should we cancel? I can only deal with one thing at a time. First order, find a respite provider for DS11 until we can get through this( and it's almost NewYears!) DS11 is severely mentally handicapped and autistic. He walks, but does not talk, wears diapers, and generally behaves like a 1yo. A 100lb 1yr old I cannot take care of him and DH at the same time. Thankfully, our trusty respite lady, Caline, came to the rescue. She offers to take DS11 for "as long as it takes" even if that means having him over the holiday. Whew! one less worry for me.

Three days before we leave, the cardiologist releases DH from the hospital with the admonishment to get a lot of rest. Well, ya see Doc we have this trip planned...to Disney World...uh....You should have seen his face DH pipes up and tells him we're staying at the Poly, right on the monorail line, we have a scooter lined up, he won't go into all the parks, he'll take naps...He finally wore the poor doctor down and Dr. Page gives us permission to go. I figure Orlando has some great hospitals if we get into trouble

DS11 came home on New Years Eve, while DD13 spent the night with her BFFs and DS20 was God knows where. In the meantime, I am madly washing clothes & packing, watching over DH & keeping DS11 out of the garbage, AND working a 4 day weekend. But I know it will all be worth it when we get up Jan 2

 

[Disney owl]

Thanks for sharing

 

[minkydog]

Jan 2--I realized some time over the holiday weekend that I neglected to take the dog to the kennel. So much for getting an early start. Oh well, it just gave DS20 a little extra time to pack...since he didn't pack anything until 8am Not a good start.

We finally hit the road at 9:30am. Atlanta rush hour is almost over so we sailed right on through. Whee! I worked until 2am, so I took a snooze while DH skirted Macon. Somewhere in the middle-of-nowhere-I-75-Georgia we stop to eat. The criteria: anywhere by Cracker Barrel, according to DS20. Okay here's a Dairy Queen with a giant plastic cow in front. This thing had to be a couple stories high. The udder alone was as big as a wheelbarrow The big kids thought it was the greatest thing, but DS11 was afraid of it. So I had one hanging off the butt of a plastic cow, another one running around in circles with his fingers in his ears & shrieking at the top of his lungs, and the other taking obscene pictures. Back in the car everyone...Nothing to see here...

We reach Florida. The weather has started to warm up, but the sky is getting cloudy. At least there is Orange Juice. My kids will drink anything if you tell them it's free. Everyone take 20--Dad took his Lasix this morning, so we're going to be awhile (we've already hit every other rest area from Atlanta to the state line). Tut-tut, it looks like rain Three hours to Orlando. We have ressies at Kona at 6:15pm. It's gonna be tight. Drive like the wind, Skipper!

At last we pull into the WDW complex. The kids know we're staying on-site, but they don't know exactly how that works. They know we're eating at the Poly, so I told them we had to take our stuff in and find out which resort we're assigned to So I run in to check in while DH directs the unloading of the car. More about this later

At the check-in desk we make small talk and the lady say, "I have good news for you, You've been upgraded to concierge". Yay~ My dreams come true! I've never been upgraded for anything! The kids walk in. DS20 is wide-eyed--"this place is awesome, I wish we could stay here." He goes out back and runs back in shouting, "They've got a volcano out there. This place is awesome!" He is about to officially die and go to heaven.

We trek off to Hawaii( we didn't know there was a riding thingy) where I share the good news, show the kids up to the concierge lounge, and wait for the luggage to arrive. Arrive it did--minus my son's wheelchair, diapers, water, food, jacket, and meds If you want something done right, you better do it yourself. I go back out to the valet and have him bring up the car so I can re-unload it. I stack everything into the w/c and roll it in, about 100lbs of stuff. Valet reparks the car. Grrr...

It's nearly time for dinner so we head up to Kona. Holy mackeral, look at the line! Half these people don't have reservations and already tension is mounting. We see a couple adults meltdown. I felt sorry for the lady at the desk,but she was cool and calm, very compassionate, but she never budged. How can people think you would go to a very nice hotel and just walk up to the restaurant without reservations? Sheesh. We were seated within 15 min, amidst much glaring on the part of those waiting. Sorry 'bout that, man.

DS11 can only eat mushed up food and there is nothing on the menu for him. We're on the dining plan, so he must eat from the adult menu. They would not make an exception. I am highly allergic to pineapple, so we have the chef come out to talk to us. He was very understanding and offered DS a special meal of diced chicken, mashed potatoes and overcooked broccoli, which we smushed up together and he wolfed down like a starving man. I had the Macadamia Mahi-Mahi, which was probably the best meal I had all week. DS20 had the sticky wings and shrimp. DD13 eats next to nothing, so the chef sent her some wings and a salad. We all had a little dessert--the creme brulee was the best!

As we waddle off into the sunset, the kids decide they want to go to the pool. Yippee! Everyone into their suits, last one in is...a frozen iceberg Remember those clouds. They were full of cold rain. THe pool is about 70 degrees. DH, who had just been released from the hospital 3 days ago, turned blue (his cardiologist would have had a heart attack!) I sent him in to warm up and captured DS11, aka "Flipper", and brought them all in for warm showers and jammies.

Just in time to watch the fireworks from Hawaii's 2-story concierge lounge window A cup of hot tea, a few little tiny tarts, nice music...it was the perfect end to an otherwise hectic day.

By 10pm we're all in bed, Zzzzzzz

Big day tomorrow

 

[mlill]

Wow! You're MY kind of family! I'm so glad that you went on this vacation! Sometimes you just have to go - get away - escape - all of that 'real life' stuff that always happens! I'm sorry about your DH, I hope he managed OK at WDW. No one deserves being upgraded to conceirge more! Glad you got some Pixie Dust!

I can't wait to read more!

-Michelle

 

[klmall]

You deserved this upgrade and a vacation! Can't wait to hear some more!

 

[minkydog]

I set up a wake up call at bedtime, but I'm awake before dawn. Like that commercial, I'm just so excited. I tippy-toe over to the patio window. We're on the first floor with a big tree right outside, so it's pretty dark still. I see a duck go by, then another. Then a whole bunch of ducks--prolly headed for the pool. Ooo, there's a bunny hopping around. i got so excited I trip over DS's wheelchair and fall on the kids. Oops! everybody's up now.

DH rides his ECV up to the concierge lounge to get some breakfast treats while I manage to herd up the animals,er...children. DD13 heads for the shower. Rats! DS11 wet the bed. Good thing I had housekeeping send over a big vinyl sheet last night. Too bad for DS20 who's sleeping with him I can already see we need two bathrooms. After much knocking and shouting through the door, I get the kids in & out & dressed. DH returns loaded down with buns and coffee. Oops! gotta watch out--there's pineapple in that one. I'm allergic; don't wanna have an "event" here. I eat a banana and a croissant. The big kids are hopping from foot to foot, so we send them off to find Froot Loops while I make DS11 some instant oatmeal. DH writes his cell phone number on DS's arm in magic marker, just in case he runs off. You never know with him--if he gets away from us, he could not tell you who he is or where he belongs. Frightening...Finally, we're all fed & watered, it's time to go to the Magic Kingdom. Everyone got their room cards? check Cell phones? check Emergency drugs? check

Let's take the little boat. It's a gorgeous, warm day and the water birds are flying around and landing on the water. DS11 has already kicked his shoes off 4 times. I stick them in his bag. The boat shows up, but there's a problem-- it has a step down. We cant' get the ECV and the w/c on it. We'll have to take the monorail. We tell the big kids to meet us at MK and we'll catch up later. They are old enough to do the parks without us and they have their dining plan. We don't have any ADRs until suppertime. Have a great day

DH & I trek off to the monorail with DS11. If we don't look like a sight--I'm wearing a black ankle brace to support the ankle I broke at Thanksgiving. DH is driving a scooter and DS is in a wheelchair, hauling a backpack full of diapers, pants, meds, drinks,and bananas. The monorail, we find, is fast, efficient, and easy to access. I am already liking staying at the Polynesian. We enter with no problem, other than holding up the line while I re-pack DS's backpack, and off to get our GAC "just in case".

Main Steet is still decorated and there is a lot of energy. I was a bit disappointed that the photographers didn't ask us if we wanted our pictures made, but I figured we'd get to that later. We like to do Adventureland first, so off we go to POTC. We haven't been for a long time and apparently things are different. We can't take the wheelchair with us;both DS and DH have to transfer to MK w/c's. Keep to the left. Not a problem, until I have to get them both up the ramp. I couldn't figure out a way to do it. Finally, a nice gentleman offered to push DH while I pushed DS and we eventually got to the loading dock. We put DS's shoes on and hop aboard.

DS has low-vision, so as we take off into the cave, he starts making little nervous eerie sounds "eeee,AAAHHHH,eeeeee,AAAHHHH" As if Davy Jones wasn't enough to scare the bejeezuz out of the other kids in our boat. DS grabbed DH as we sailed over the hump, and he began singing "Jesus Loves Me" when BArbosa started shooting at us Not too piratey, that one. I had mixed feelings about Capt. Jack. I love the POTC movies, but I'm not sure adding all the Capt Jack stuff was a good thing. Although, he is very lifelike. We get to the end and haul DS out of the boat. Crap! how much water sloshed on him when we went over that hump? <sniff> We need to find a bathroom! One diaper down, 2 to go. No more dry pants left.

As we left POTC, Capt Jack appeared by a little cart. We were standing at a distance, but Capt Jack motioned to me to bring DS closer. we move to the outer edge of the rope and DS can see everything very well. Capt Jack is very good, taller than I would have thought, but very cute. He came over twice to DS and included him in the show, which i thought was very nice of him. We got a parchment at the end that says DS is now an honorary pirate and anyone who messes with him will have to answer to Captain Jack Sparrow. Ye won't tell the cap'n about the diapers, now will ye?

It's really a nice day and the crowds are not bad. We saunter over to the Jungle Cruise. Here we have to transfer, but it's okay. We just have a short walk and climb down into the boat. DS has a little trouble with that,but everybody is patient. Off we go to see "Inspiration Point"--I hope DS is looking the other way. Oh no! Here it comes--the Back Side of Water! don't look! Drip, drip, drip, we're in the canal. Now I have to go to the bathroom.

Whew! After an extended potty break we decide to go over to Small World. The last time we came it was closed. The lines are longer than I expected and the crowd is very thick here. We peel off at the handicapped entrance to wend our way down the ramp...except we have to run the gauntlet of able-bodied people coming up the ramp. Erg...

Small World is my favorite ride, always has been. And it's better than ever. All the dolls are fresh, their dresses are pretty, the colors are lively. The legs kick and the eyes move. Just beautiful. DS can't take his eyes off the dolls. I look over and he is humming his sounds for "thank you" over and over

Time to get a snack. We have tried to contact the big kids a couple times. It seems they have ridden Space Mountain a few times and are now in line for Thunder Mountain. Apparently Splash Mountain is closed--to bad,cuz it's actually kinda hot. We invite them to join us for lunch at Columbia Harbor House, but they never showed up. I hope they're having fun. DH is getting winded and my ankle is killing me. He sits with Christian while I go slay some lunch. It's fish & chips for all, very delicious, with chocolate cake for dessert--yum! Christian starts singing "Happy Birthday" and won't eat his fish. Gotta hide all the cake. DH begs some ice from the counter,to fill up my ice pack which I strap to my aching ankle. Ow~ He tried to go to the men's room,but only succeeded in getting his ECV stuck. Somehow he got it out, but he was too embarrassed to go back in there.

As we leave the restaurant, I'm realizing that DH is really getting tired. My ankle is throbbing and DS is wet again. Are we having fun yet? <sigh> we head over to the First Aid station where I can at least clean DS up. It's so cool and quiet in there. I'm able to strip him down and get him clean without doing it in a 2' x3'stall--we have a whole little cot to lay him on. DS stretches out on the bed and doesn't want to get up. I hear you, son. I so hear you. I man-handle DS back into his previously wet, now dry & stiff pants. DH has begged the nurse for more ice for the ice pack--she made him swear he would not drink the ice Uh, okay

It's 3pm. We're headed for the monorail. DH is beat. I don't know how he's doing it. And to think he argued with me about using the ECV! If he didn't have a scooter he would have been done within 30 min of arrival. Then he would have been apologizing and I would have been saying, "No, it's okay" and within 2hrs we would have been fussing. This ECV has allowed us to enjoy a fairly normal vacation I put DH to bed and take DS to the quiet pool. The water is still pretty cold (to me) but he jumps in like it's his second home. He uses a life jacket so I just let him swim all around. One thing about the quiet pool is I can see him easily anywhere in the pool and I don't have to worry about him getting away from me. An hour later, DH has joined us--I forbade him to get into the pool again--and we both haul DS out. It's like lifting a manatee out of the water. Time to get ready for supper.

The big kids show up just in time. They've been riding rides all day and didn't even stop for lunch. They ought to be starving. We have 7pm ADRs at Boma. Once again we witness a couple meltdowns at the checkin. There is a 2hr wait for those who don't have reservations. The place is packed. We scoot in and my big kids are not so sure about this place. For one thing, they don't recognize a lot of the food. But they're troopers and they try a few bits, along with some prime rib and some salmon. DD13 has never eaten salmon and she's totally taken with it. DS20 loves the ribs.And DS11 is going face-down in the Fufu! We eat as much as we can hold, including at least 15 zebra domes amongst us. The kids pronouce Boma their new favorite and I am pleased that they at least tried something new.

Time to drive back to the Poly. Everyone is tired now and no one wants to watch fireworks tonight. Just as well. We have a big day ahead of us. DS11 falls asleep in his wheelchair. He still smells a little like the pool, so I guess he's clean enough. Pour him into bed with his little bear. Sissy on the day bed. Bubba in the bed beside him. DH has already started snoring. Oh, shoot! The strap on my CPAP broke. Dang! I can't sleep without it; I'll stop breathing over and over. Hmmm...I figure out a way to tie the tubes around my head. I look like a sea monster. Turn out the light so I don't have to look at myself.

zzzzzZZZZZ ZZZZzzzzz Musta been a good day

 

[AnninIowa]

Loving your report! Can't wait for more!!

 

[PKWallaby]

Thanks so much for sharing...my, do you ever have your hands full!! I'm tired after reading about just one of your days!!

Look forward to the next installment!

 

[minkydog]

Jan 4 already...DS20 wakes me up at 6:45am with a pillow upside the head. Apparently I lost my CPAP during the wee hours and he's heard enough snoring. Sorry

DH rolls out of bed to get coffee. He is really liking this concierge thing. In a little while returns with coffee and rolls, and a bowl of oatmeal for Christian. Uh-oh! wet again. Whisk him off to the shower and wake John up to give him the news. I do feel sorry for him, sleeping with DS11.

DH & decide we want to back to MK, since we didn't get to see the whole right side of the park yesterday.I resolve to do better in the diaper department today, if we have to "go" ever hour. Load the backpack with more diapers, fruit, clothes, wipes, and butt cream. The big kids head off to MGM & AK to ride all the coasters. We arrive at MK around 9:30. It's a gorgeous day, warm and sunny. On a whim, I decide to take DS11 to the barber shop for a haircut. We roll up and there are a few people in line ahead of us and two ladies cutting hair. Hmmm, do we stay or do we go? At first DH wants to go, maybe come back later, but we decide to stay and watch a few minutes. I'm glad we did. Those hair stylists really like their job and they made each person feel special. We waited about 30-40 min and the line behind us got longer and longer. Finally it was Christian's turn. Now cutting Christian's hair is a bit of a feat, because he doesn't sit still for long. Our motto is "Speed over Style." Anyway, Barbara isn't fazed by him, sits him down and gives him a darn good haircut. Then butters up his hair with blue goo and sprinkles glitter on top. What a handsome boy! So handsome, DH decided to get his done blue goo and all. So then, Barbara-the-barber wants me to get mine done--NO WAY! But she and DH wear me down. No cutting, but you can put my hair up. She styled it nicely up off my neck and dusted me with glitter. I looked like a princess (an old princess)

Now, it's off to see Tomorrowland. First stop, Buzz Lightyear. The line is fairly short and we got on quickly. DS was fascinated with the bright colors and all the action. I'm terrible at hitting the targets--DH has over 200,000 hits to my 13,000. I tell him I come in peace. After Buzz we go to my favorite ride, the TTA. I just love this ride! I love being up high and safe, riding around slowly and seeing everything. Oh, look! The kids are doing something from High School Musical down on the stage. The breeze is fine and I'm glad I let her put my hair up. I hated to get off, it was so relaxing.

Time for a little Coke break. DH took 18 pills this morning, including 40mg of Prednisone and he's a little queasy. As we are sitting in the shade, "PUSH" the trashcan comes out. He came right over to Christian, who didn't quite know what to make of that. Then some big boys came over and started to harrass the trashcan. Why do parents allow stuff like that? It's not cute or funny and just ruins everyone else's good time.

Off to the Hunny Pots. In all our years, somehow we have never ridden this ride. The line is long, though, so we get a FastPass. I like FP okay, but for us its a bit inconvenient. With all our mobility limitations it doesn't make sense for us to criss-cross the parks. To kill time we take DS over to the Pooh play area. He is at least a foot and a half taller than the other kids and not nearly as agile. He walks like Frankenstein. Some of the parents are alarmed seeing such a big kid lumbering around their toddlers. All Christian wants to do is climb up and down the steps to the slide, though. Up, down, up, down. Walk around in circles, walk over the bridge, back and forth. The parents see he causes no harm and visibly relax. DH sits in the shade nursing his Coke while I trot around after DS and keep him from stepping on the 2yr olds.

Time for lunch. We have ADRs at Liberty Tree Tavern. I've already called the big kids several times to remind them but they don't care. They're having fun on Everest now. Oh well, they have their dining plan. if they get hungry I'm sure they'll find something to eat. LTT is very nice. DH & I had delicious pot roast and DS had the turkey & dressing, his favorite meal. I'm originally from Virginia and spent a good part of my childhood in Williamsburg, so it's very relaxing and comfortable to me. A nice hour-long break at midday is just what DH needs to perk him up a little. Not to mention the shortcake

Off to ride Hunny Pots now. We loved this ride! It was a little difficult to get into the pot with DS, but he recognized the characters and they weren't threatening. We didn't have so much luck with Peter Pan--too dark and scary. After we get out of the Hunny Pots, we take a trip through the gift shop. I found a collection of small bath toys, enough for every child in his class. Put together with a bar of Mickey soap and some WDW lotion, that will make a nice little treat for his friends. I also found a darling coverup--it looks like Tigger! DS takes aquatic PT once a week and he has needed something to keep him warm between the pool and the dressing room. He's a little old for it, but he loves it. What are ya gonna do?

By now it's 3pm and DH is exhausted. We head for the monorail. Once DH gets tired, it's all over. He has to take a nap to recover. That's okay, DS & I will go to the pool. We dress out and walk over to the volcano pool--it's a good bit warmer today with the sun out. I strap on DS's swim vest and set in in the water. Off he goes, like a killer whale zooming through the water. He's having a blast, although the other kids are puzzled by his splashing and shrieking. Oh well They'll never see us again. DS is gradually working his way around to the flume where the kids shoot out. I try to get the lifeguards attention. He's standing right by the flume. THe lifeguard notices Christian, but does not notice me. He shouts for Christian to get away from the flume. Christian is like the Tar Baby--he say nuthin'. A kid comes shooting down the flume, barely missing DS. The lifeguard shouts and waves his big red floatie thing, to no avail. He blows his whistle. All the while I'm trying to get to DS or get the lifeguards attention--He can't understand you. Grab his hand and pull him out! Finally a mom standing nearby makes a lunge for him and points him in a different direction. Being a bear of very little brain, he thinks he hasn't seen "that" pool yet and happily swims off. Thank you kind lady!

DH has joined us. DS20 called. He wants to eat something exotic in Epcot for dinner. We have no ADRs and it's 5pm Can't we just get counter service? No, apparently not. They have been riding all day and never stopped to eat. DD13 is about to faint and DS20 is overly crabby. They need a meal. I go in to the desk and present our dilemma. Never fear, concierge is here! They can seat us at Biergarten at 8:30pm. Hmmm, that's kinda late for us. anything else? Nine dragons. Nah, we eat Chinese a lot. How about Les Chefs de France? what, are you kidding me? Take this crew to a French restaurant? The concierge assures me the food is great and the kids will love it: they have Chicken Cordon Bleu and Duck a L'Orange. Well, who wouldn't like that? Better get moving.

We're out of the Poly by 5:30 and on the monorail to Epcot. It's much easier to take the monorail than to have to take apart the ECV and put it and the wheelchair into our van. Unfortunately, it's not as fast as we'd like--we forgot you have to change monorails at the TTC. We arrive at Epcot at 6:30pm. Not to worry, we'll be on time. I have seriously misjudged how much walking my ankle can handle, though. Pushing this 100lb kid around in his w/c all day is taking it's toll on me. DS20 takes over the pushing, but i still can't keep up. They keep stopping to wait for me. I tell them to go ahead,so we don't miss our ADR. I finally arrive at the restaurant to find my family all sitting and standing around waiting to be seated.

While I was standing by the fountain a woman walks up and asks is the two older kids are mine. She had seen them on the bus earlier. Uh-oh, what have they done! She reassures me. Apparently she saw them board. DD13 was tired and laid her head on DS's shoulder. DS20 then put his arm around her and laid his head on hers. The lady said it brought tears to her eyes to see their obvious love and she hoped her son & daughter would be like that. That just did my mother's heart good.

My foot was killing me so I found an empty bench and sat down. DD13 came to sit with me while DS20 entertained DS11 by the water. As we sat there, two young women came and sat down with us. They never said a word out loud, but it was obvious their were "friends." In fact, more than friends. One girl began nuzzling the other and squeezing her in an uncomfortable public display of affection. Now I'm pretty open-minded. I have no problem with other people's sexual orientation. But if your going to be pitching woo, could you please do it without touching my leg and blowing my hair. Thank goodness they called our name! I didn't want to make a scene and so far, my kids hadn't noticed.

Ah, dinner at the French restaurant...so very French. Hee hee hee, haw haw haw....no chicken cordon bleu...no duck a'l orange...Hey, they have escargot! I choose the onion soup, something I can recognize. I'm still a little skeeved from those girls. DS20 tries to get everyone to try the escargot, but they look just like worms in mud to me. DD has cheese and DS11 has his banana--there is nothing on the appetizer list for him. I'm worried. However the entrees are wonderful. We got some pork chops and sweet potatoes for DS11 which he scarfed off and DD stuffed herself with salmon. Our waiter is good, but slow. The meal took over 2hrs during which time DS had to get up an walk twice. Uh-oh, Pants wet. No more clean pants available. Hope this meal ends soon.

As we came out of the restaurant, the fireworks started. Oh no! the last time we stayed for fireworks, Christian cried until he passed out. It was horrible! But this time, he's with his big brother. I see John has him over by a post, holding Christian in both arms, whispering to him, Christian's fingers are in his ears but his eyes are open. I can relax for a moment and enjoy the show. Well except for those two kids wearing Heelys who did a face-plant on the pavement right in front of me. Stupid parents, letting them skate in the dark in a crowded park.

Time to turn in. World Showcase is lovely after dark. It's a long slow monorail ride back to the Poly. We decide to get off at the TTC and walk to our hotel. It's so peaceful walking down the lighted paths, so quiet--until DS20 jumps out of a tree right behind us and nearly gives me heart failure! I'm thinking I'm kinda glad this is our last Big Family Vacation. DS20 decides he'll stay up for awhile in the lounge and read his Stephen King novel. I pour DS11 into bed, fingers crossed that the diaper will hold. Ice my foot again, it's throbbing. DH is snoring. Adjust the CPAP and turn out the light.

Blessed relief To sleep, perchance to dream...

 

[Becky521]

I'm enjoying your trip. I really like your attitude. I am sure Christian is a much bigger challenge than you let us think. I love that you just embrace life and "go with the flow". And I just couldn't help but mutter an "aww....what good kids" when I read your story about John and your daughter on the bus.
Thanks for sharing your family with us.

 

[DisneyFan06]

I love reading your report Looking for more...

 

[B&Lmom]

Enjoying your trip report. Your kids seem very sweet.... even in those moments when they jump out of the bushes to scare you for fun I have a DS15--- I totally get that!

 

[minkydog]

Enjoying your trip report. Your kids seem very sweet.... even in those moments when they jump out of the bushes to scare you for fun I have a DS15--- I totally get that!

They are good kids, if challenging. I take no credit. John and Eleni have been best of friends since Day 1. He has always taken care of her and she looks up to him. They never fight. Never. And they both look after Christian like it's second nature. I'm very blessed to have these kids.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Your report is amazing and inspiring, I love it that your kids are close to each other, especially with their age differences. And it is so cool that they all love Disney! A few of us writing current reports seem to all have one of "those" sons who loves to tease Mom no matter how old they get, but they still come to Disney with us because they love us! How cool. And your DS11 "saying" thank you thank you on Small World, I just don't know what to say, except thank you for sharing your family's memories with us.
-mary

 

[lennon2004]

This is very interesting. Thank you for sharing!