Our "long time coming", first time ever, very magical trip to WDW!Pictures 1/27!

After a fruitless search for the, once again, lost backpack we returned to find John had gone from the very first person in line and too early to check in to the back of a very long line. I was a little annoyed for a moment but before we knew it we were entering Cinderellas Castle and waiting for a picture with the hostess herself. The girls were wearing matching Tinkerbell outfits this day, as Tess had been insistent on meeting Tink on our first day in MK, but now that our dinner in the castle had arrived they had also donned matching Cinderella crowns that my then 12 yr old had picked out in the toy aisle. My two girls love to dress up so they were thrilled to have crowns. I think they would have worn full princess gear if they had it. Jonnie also likes to dress up so I knew from the start he would need something so he diden't feel left out. I had solved this predicemnt by packing a cheap plastic crown I found at a party store for my little prince. Once we made it to Cinderella's side she comented on the girl's crowns and then zereoed in on Jonnie. "Welcome Prince," Jonnie blushed. "Which Prince are you?" (Jonnie blushed some more) "Oh I know, you must be related to Prince Charming, you have his eyes!" By this time my little boy is really blushing but I can also tell that he is loving it:love:.The girls are talking to Cindy and trying to get in on the act a bit and she keeps the conversation going for awhile. Then it's time for pictures. She teaches the girls how to clasp thier hands and stand like princesses and tells Jonnie to pose like he's holding a sword (I'm tempted to photoshop the lightsaber he got at DHS into his hand:rotfl:). It's a beautiful pic and I wish I had a scanner so you guys could see it , but I will try to get it up before I finish the report (shoulden't be hard as this report is taking soooooo long:rotfl2:) but I do have this pic and I think it really shows how much Jonnie loved the prince interaction
Cinderellascrapbook.jpg

After our incredible session with Cinderella the kids and I were led up the stairs while John was taken up in a tiny elevator. He's a bit clausterphobic so he diden't love this part but luckily it diden't take too long. Once he joined us the CM's quickley realized there was a problem with where they were going to seat us. They had planned on seating us right next to the window where we would have had a beautiful view but there diden't seem to be any easy way to get John down there. It seemed to throw them for a moment and they left us there for a minute while they figured it out but soon enough we were placed at a table in the far corner. Honestly I was relieved. I would have loved the view but the hidden silver lining to this back table was that it was darker, a little quiter and just generally less of a sensory overload place for both John and Jonnie so I was quite happy with where we were put. We had a few stressful moments as Jonnie started getting anxious and upset about not having enough food (he was remembering the tiny plate in Japan) but as I was trying to calm him down the waitress offered Jonnie an extra side and promised to check to see that he had enough food so he was quickley appeased. I loved her for just jumping in and helping like that.The chef also came to our table to consult with us about all of the allergies in our family. Soon our food was to our table and we were all enjoying a great Thanksgiving Dinner. I have read bad reviews on the food in this place but we all enjoyed it. Tess went with the traditional thanksgiving meal and liked it more than she thought she would. She had been worried about the stuffing having apples in it but she loved it. She diden't like the butternut squash soup she had as an appetizer as much but I think that was because it was a little sweet and just not her thing. Jenna ordered the wedge salad and was surprised to actually get a lettuce wedge on her plate but she loved the bacon bits and ate a decent amount. For her entree she ordered the bacon wrapped porkchop which I thought was delicious and her only complaint was "needs more bacon" but Jen would think a plate of bacon needed more bacon:lmao:. John and I got salmon cakes and Prime rib which we both enjoyed and Jonnie our little worrier got grilled fish, mashed potatos, a fresh fruit cup and yogurt which he loved and agreed was enough food :thumbsup2. Our deserts were good with everyone getting the choclate buckle but Jonnie and I. Tess was the only one disapointed in it but she doesn't really care for chocolate, as for me I still dream about the Pumpkin Creme Brulee I got and Jonnie gobbled down his raspberry sorbet with fresh berries. The food was good all around and I am disapointed that the menu has changed but most impressive was the atmosphere and experience. This whole meal was one of our magical memories. EVERY CM we encountered commented on having a Prince in thier midst and it really made Jonnie feel special during a meal we had thought would be mostly for the girls. We were there when it was the Fairy Godmother and the mice and I loved the little show. I had heard these characters diden't really enteract with guests but they did with our family. One of the mice seemed especially taken with my DH and pretty soon he was laughing and interacting like a little kid. I wish I could show you that pic but he hates it. I cannot think back on this whole meal without grinning. It was truly a Thanksgiving Dinner we will never forget and a magical experience. Jonnie still talks about the castle and he may never get over his crush :lovestruc on Cinderella. Next up visiting some more mice and a few fairy's...
 
More coffee. I:love: it. Thanks so much for stopping by. I will get to that update soon. Today is a little more busy for me but maybe I can write it up while I'm sitting in the VA I always have plenty of time there. Thanks so much for the prayers for my mom. She has really been having a rough time and it came to a head last week, but she is doing much better now and is planning a visit out here in a month so the kids will get to see their grandmother for the first time in a few years. So that's great.

I really WAS out of my gourd last night, I thought I answered this post before I did any other DIS'ing last night!!! :upsidedow

Are you sick of coffee yet?:coffee: As you know, Not a coffee drinker myself; but, Pete drinks it all of the time, so I figured you could use a cup. :rolleyes2 I am here if you need to vent :hug::hug: I hope today will be less stressful/busy and the VA went well yesterday...I am CERTAIN it was long! I am glad to hear your Mom is coming for a visit, so sorry she has to have so many tough things to deal with...:grouphug:

NOW, to read the update, :yay::woohoo::yay:
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:
 
After a fruitless search for the, once again, lost backpack we returned to find John had gone from the very first person in line and too early to check in to the back of a very long line. I was a little annoyed for a moment but before we knew it we were entering Cinderellas Castle and waiting for a picture with the hostess herself. The girls were wearing matching Tinkerbell outfits this day, as Tess had been insistent on meeting Tink on our first day in MK, but now that our dinner in the castle had arrived they had also donned matching Cinderella crowns that my then 12 yr old had picked out in the toy aisle. My two girls love to dress up so they were thrilled to have crowns. I think they would have worn full princess gear if they had it. Jonnie also likes to dress up so I knew from the start he would need something so he diden't feel left out. I had solved this predicemnt by packing a cheap plastic crown I found at a party store for my little prince. Once we made it to Cinderella's side she comented on the girl's crowns and then zereoed in on Jonnie. "Welcome Prince," Jonnie blushed. "Which Prince are you?" (Jonnie blushed some more) "Oh I know, you must be related to Prince Charming, you have his eyes!" By this time my little boy is really blushing but I can also tell that he is loving it:love:.The girls are talking to Cindy and trying to get in on the act a bit and she keeps the conversation going for awhile. Then it's time for pictures. She teaches the girls how to clasp thier hands and stand like princesses and tells Jonnie to pose like he's holding a sword (I'm tempted to photoshop the lightsaber he got at DHS into his hand:rotfl:). It's a beautiful pic and I wish I had a scanner so you guys could see it , but I will try to get it up before I finish the report (shoulden't be hard as this report is taking soooooo long:rotfl2:) but I do have this pic and I think it really shows how much Jonnie loved the prince interaction
Cinderellascrapbook.jpg

After our incredible session with Cinderella the kids and I were led up the stairs while John was taken up in a tiny elevator. He's a bit clausterphobic so he diden't love this part but luckily it diden't take too long. Once he joined us the CM's quickley realized there was a problem with where they were going to seat us. They had planned on seating us right next to the window where we would have had a beautiful view but there diden't seem to be any easy way to get John down there. It seemed to throw them for a moment and they left us there for a minute while they figured it out but soon enough we were placed at a table in the far corner. Honestly I was relieved. I would have loved the view but the hidden silver lining to this back table was that it was darker, a little quiter and just generally less of a sensory overload place for both John and Jonnie so I was quite happy with where we were put. We had a few stressful moments as Jonnie started getting anxious and upset about not having enough food (he was remembering the tiny plate in Japan) but as I was trying to calm him down the waitress offered Jonnie an extra side and promised to check to see that he had enough food so he was quickley appeased. I loved her for just jumping in and helping like that.The chef also came to our table to consult with us about all of the allergies in our family. Soon our food was to our table and we were all enjoying a great Thanksgiving Dinner. I have read bad reviews on the food in this place but we all enjoyed it. Tess went with the traditional thanksgiving meal and liked it more than she thought she would. She had been worried about the stuffing having apples in it but she loved it. She diden't like the butternut squash soup she had as an appetizer as much but I think that was because it was a little sweet and just not her thing. Jenna ordered the wedge salad and was surprised to actually get a lettuce wedge on her plate but she loved the bacon bits and ate a decent amount. For her entree she ordered the bacon wrapped porkchop which I thought was delicious and her only complaint was "needs more bacon" but Jen would think a plate of bacon needed more bacon:lmao:. John and I got salmon cakes and Prime rib which we both enjoyed and Jonnie our little worrier got grilled fish, mashed potatos, a fresh fruit cup and yogurt which he loved and agreed was enough food :thumbsup2. Our deserts were good with everyone getting the choclate buckle but Jonnie and I. Tess was the only one disapointed in it but she doesn't really care for chocolate, as for me I still dream about the Pumpkin Creme Brulee I got and Jonnie gobbled down his raspberry sorbet with fresh berries. The food was good all around and I am disapointed that the menu has changed but most impressive was the atmosphere and experience. This whole meal was one of our magical memories. EVERY CM we encountered commented on having a Prince in thier midst and it really made Jonnie feel special during a meal we had thought would be mostly for the girls. We were there when it was the Fairy Godmother and the mice and I loved the little show. I had heard these characters diden't really enteract with guests but they did with our family. One of the mice seemed especially taken with my DH and pretty soon he was laughing and interacting like a little kid. I wish I could show you that pic but he hates it. I cannot think back on this whole meal without grinning. It was truly a Thanksgiving Dinner we will never forget and a magical experience. Jonnie still talks about the castle and he may never get over his crush :lovestruc on Cinderella. Next up visiting some more mice and a few fairy's...

Literally, I am crying...HOW SPECIAL!!!! What an amazing time and what an amazing amount of Pixie Dust was sprinkled on you in what IS (lets face it) THE most magical part of Magic Kingdom,the castle!!!! I am so happy the sadness of losing the backpack didn't ruin this magical moment in time and that you all had such a great, fun, family filled time!!!! :woohoo::yay::woohoo: AMAZING hardly covers it!!!! I love the pics and I just LOVE how Cinderella spoiled Jonnie and the girls as well...note to self, get my guys a crown! Not sure what David would do; but Christian would TOTALLY wear it! He would wear a costume if he was allowed! :lmao::lmao: And you have given me an idea if we DO get to go to MNSSHP!!!! I have always wanted to eat IN the castle, just have never thought we could/should afford it! I am SO HAPPY you did!!!!! :woohoo::yay::woohoo: I am with you, my 12 year old is DEFINITELY going to want to dress up. she is a LOT less shy now, although still quite shy...it used to be painful. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this update, you have made my day VERY happy!!!! :love::cloud9::yay::dance3::yay::cloud9::love:
 

Literally, I am crying...HOW SPECIAL!!!! What an amazing time and what an amazing amount of Pixie Dust was sprinkled on you in what IS (lets face it) THE most magical part of Magic Kingdom,the castle!!!! I am so happy the sadness of losing the backpack didn't ruin this magical moment in time and that you all had such a great, fun, family filled time!!!! :woohoo::yay::woohoo: AMAZING hardly covers it!!!! I love the pics and I just LOVE how Cinderella spoiled Jonnie and the girls as well...note to self, get my guys a crown! Not sure what David would do; but Christian would TOTALLY wear it! He would wear a costume if he was allowed! :lmao::lmao: And you have given me an idea if we DO get to go to MNSSHP!!!! I have always wanted to eat IN the castle, just have never thought we could/should afford it! I am SO HAPPY you did!!!!! :woohoo::yay::woohoo: I am with you, my 12 year old is DEFINITELY going to want to dress up. she is a LOT less shy now, although still quite shy...it used to be painful. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this update, you have made my day VERY happy!!!! :love::cloud9::yay::dance3::yay::cloud9::love:
Thank you so much for coming by Judy and for all your comments. I love having someone to share these stories with. Your right it really was magical and the castle is so amazing anyway that having all that extra pixie dust there, of all places, just made it more magical. I think the idea of Christian and maybe David wearing a crown is great. Actually when you said that I thought of these T shirts I saw on Etsy that said "Future Prince Charming" They were in younger boys sizes I think but something along that line in thier sizes could be really fun at the castle if the boys would go for it. With all the princessses there now I bet they would get great reactions.:rotfl: I love that your girls both want to dress up. Actually hearing that and seeing all the cute pics on your TR of them in costume has me even more excited for you to get dates. ;););)


Thanks so much. I have to say I feel the same way about you. I feel very blessed to have met you here.
 
Things seem to be settling down here, and getting back to normal. Today we were back at the VA for another one of John's appointments. Generally it was quite productive. First, and best of all, the tests are back and everything I was afraid of is all clear so there was no reason to worry:cool1::cool1:. Also he lost 3 more pounds which is great and I wish I was doing as well. The only negative was a small one and I was expecting it. This doctor has referred him for yet another clinic, this time with the sole purpose of controlling the pain. Basically he was our last option besides painkillers and even he agrees that's the only thing to do now. He told DH not to expect to be pain free but that he should look for a level that helped him have managable and livable pain. We figured we were there so reallly it's okay. I'm glad somebody agrees it's time to concentrate on reliving some of his pain. I'm looking forward to a quiet and restful weekend as next week is going to be a busy one. Hopefully I can get an update done this weekend as well.
 
Thank you so much for coming by Judy and for all your comments. I love having someone to share these stories with. Your right it really was magical and the castle is so amazing anyway that having all that extra pixie dust there, of all places, just made it more magical. I think the idea of Christian and maybe David wearing a crown is great. Actually when you said that I thought of these T shirts I saw on Etsy that said "Future Prince Charming" They were in younger boys sizes I think but something along that line in thier sizes could be really fun at the castle if the boys would go for it. With all the princessses there now I bet they would get great reactions.:rotfl: I love that your girls both want to dress up. Actually hearing that and seeing all the cute pics on your TR of them in costume has me even more excited for you to get dates. ;););)

I LOVE :love::love::love: reading them, I am just not always good at responding quickly...I want to say a lot then don't seem to say anything! :rotfl2: HOw cute would that be if they guys would do that (crowns, OPrince Charming...Christian would DEFINITELY play along, David would need some (a LOT) of coaxing, he can be so rigid. I KNOW you understand! He only wants Polo shirt, neatly pressed pants or shorts and a belt...At least he likes to dress nicely, I can't complain! Just getting him to do "fun stuff" is hard...Christian loves to play along though...he even wore princess crowns to play along with Lisa when they were a bit younger...he is such an amazing big brother! I am truly excited for the girls to dress up, I am going to be in frilly girl heaven!!! It will be so much fun. I am going to contact our Wish Granters April 1 and see if we can get the ball rolling again...Rachel is still not well; however, we have made progress with her health and I am going to BELIEVE that she will be well enough to travel by October!

Thanks so much. I have to say I feel the same way about you. I feel very blessed to have met you here.

You are such a doll, God truly DID bring us together. I KNOW how busy you have been and how so much else in life takes your time and energy. PLEASE don't forget to check with your MD about a CHD cardiologist (Just a very gentle reminder, because I care)!:flower3:
 
Things seem to be settling down here, and getting back to normal. Today we were back at the VA for another one of John's appointments. Generally it was quite productive. First, and best of all, the tests are back and everything I was afraid of is all clear so there was no reason to worry:cool1::cool1:. Also he lost 3 more pounds which is great and I wish I was doing as well. The only negative was a small one and I was expecting it. This doctor has referred him for yet another clinic, this time with the sole purpose of controlling the pain. Basically he was our last option besides painkillers and even he agrees that's the only thing to do now. He told DH not to expect to be pain free but that he should look for a level that helped him have managable and livable pain. We figured we were there so reallly it's okay. I'm glad somebody agrees it's time to concentrate on reliving some of his pain. I'm looking forward to a quiet and restful weekend as next week is going to be a busy one. Hopefully I can get an update done this weekend as well.

YEA for John and the weight loss, that is WONDERFUL!!!! :yay: I hope the pain management clinic can help him to feel so much better...I had a severe hip injury back in 1985 and Pain Therapy Clinic was a GODSEND to me...it got me back on my feet (I was on crutches for three years) and back to nursing! Get as much rest as you can so you can face next week!! HUGS dear friend, sleep well!
 
You are such a doll, God truly DID bring us together. I KNOW how busy you have been and how so much else in life takes your time and energy. PLEASE don't forget to check with your MD about a CHD cardiologist (Just a very gentle reminder, because I care)!:flower3:
Awww, thank you, and thank you for the reminder. I know I need a reminder to pay attention to my own needs sometimes. I totally agree that god brought us together. Getting to know you has been such a joy.
YEA for John and the weight loss, that is WONDERFUL!!!! :yay: I hope the pain management clinic can help him to feel so much better...I had a severe hip injury back in 1985 and Pain Therapy Clinic was a GODSEND to me...it got me back on my feet (I was on crutches for three years) and back to nursing! Get as much rest as you can so you can face next week!! HUGS dear friend, sleep well!
He is really doing well with the weight loss. He is down ten pounds in about a month and a half. I am so proud of him. I on the other hand am up a pound and a half, but I will get back on track. They have suposedly referred us to pain mgmt. several times but he has always been deferred to some other clinic as any medication pauin mgmt for him will probably be permanent. So the idea was to wait until there were no other options before resorting to heavy pain killers. He has truly tried every thing else, all the tests they wanted, therapy, tins unit, accupuncture, chiropractic you name it he has tried it. Hugs to you as well. Hope you sleep well also and feel better (without a fever hopefully) tomorrow.
 
I still don't have the photopass pic scanned but in the mean time here are a few more pics from our castle dinner
Me after I stole Jennas crown. I decided if they got to be princesses I got to be the Queen for at least a moment:rotfl:
Tessacameravacation034-1-1-1.jpg

And a doctored version of the pic John hates so much. This pop art verrsion doesn't show the details John hates as much so I can get away with it and I think you can still telll how much fun John was having. He had een laughing with the children and the mice who were dancing around him.
Tessacameravacation032-1.jpg

 
Awww, thank you, and thank you for the reminder. I know I need a reminder to pay attention to my own needs sometimes. I totally agree that god brought us together. Getting to know you has been such a joy.
:thumbsup2
He is really doing well with the weight loss. He is down ten pounds in about a month and a half. I am so proud of him. I on the other hand am up a pound and a half, but I will get back on track. They have suposedly referred us to pain mgmt. several times but he has always been deferred to some other clinic as any medication pauin mgmt for him will probably be permanent. So the idea was to wait until there were no other options before resorting to heavy pain killers. He has truly tried every thing else, all the tests they wanted, therapy, tins unit, accupuncture, chiropractic you name it he has tried it. Hugs to you as well. Hope you sleep well also and feel better (without a fever hopefully) tomorrow.

That is wonderful for John about the weight loss, he will feel better overall and the meds. will work easier and with a less amount. As for you...it is very difficult to lose weight (or simply not gain it) when you are under so much stress! The Pain Therapy Clinic worked well for me...I was fortunate to NOT be on narcotics, just muscle relaxants and have actually managed to wean myself from those on a daily basis...of course, my situation is very different than what John so bravely faces. There was a lot of rehab/and exercise all day, as well as biofeedback,etc...I was thankful, because it gave me my life back and got me back up consistently and independently on my two feet...I was in my early twenties when I injured my hip. John will of course have a different regimen; howeverr, I am certain it will be life improving! :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes For ALL of you! It truly isn't good when you are in constant pain...
 
I still don't have the photopass pic scanned but in the mean time here are a few more pics from our castle dinner
Me after I stole Jennas crown. I decided if they got to be princesses I got to be the Queen for at least a moment:rotfl:
Tessacameravacation034-1-1-1.jpg

And a doctored version of the pic John hates so much. This pop art verrsion doesn't show the details John hates as much so I can get away with it and I think you can still telll how much fun John was having. He had een laughing with the children and the mice who were dancing around him.
Tessacameravacation032-1.jpg

LOVE the photos, and Mom's are NATURALLY Queens...even if we don't always get treated that way! I have a friend that always calls me Queen Judy...she says the girls can't be Princesses if I am not the Queen, because they must come from royalty! :rotfl:

Not sure what John doesn't like about the photo (He was laughing so hard tears were rolling down his face maybe...) He DOES look as if he is having a blast and the children definitely are..Love how you did the photo, I am SO happy you shared!
 
I hope you have had a great day! I couldn't resist sending this to you! :flower3:

Thanks so much for the too cute graphic. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. John liked it too he even asked if there was anyway we could blow it up and frame it, isent he sweet? Thanks again for posting it, it really made my day.
 
Thanks so much for the too cute graphic. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. John liked it too he even asked if there was anyway we could blow it up and frame it, isent he sweet? Thanks again for posting it, it really made my day.

I am glad you liked it, I like it too! I panicked for a minute when I thougt I had misspelled your name. Of course your name is MOM..:lmao: I hope your Monday gets off to a GREAT start! :hug::hug::hug:
 
Judy, did you catch the post before I edited it when I was saying Jenna wondered who Krystal was. She just had one of those Duh moments but I wasen't sure it made any sense so I just edited it out. But yes your right my name is Mom that's the problem:rotfl:
 
I love the castle pics! Jonnie is adorable. I bet they don't see many princes there. What a treat for the CMs! How funny that they were going to put you by the window when you really were better off out of the crowd. We requested the window, they said ok, then went to seat us in the corner. We had already messed up the table a tad before I got the guts to tell them we could lift phoebe's chair down the 3 little steps. Thank goodness she's still light! We loved the window seat. :thumbsup2
 
Judy, did you catch the post before I edited it when I was saying Jenna wondered who Krystal was. She just had one of those Duh moments but I wasen't sure it made any sense so I just edited it out. But yes your right my name is Mom that's the problem:rotfl:

I get instant updates to my email on your site, so I read it there before I read the site and it had the original update about Jenna! :laughing: It made perfect sense,
just :scared1: me for a moment. :lmao: I am a bit overwhelmed lately.:upsidedow I hope your day went well! :hug: I know this was a busier than ususal week for you! :grouphug:
 
I love the castle pics! Jonnie is adorable. I bet they don't see many princes there. What a treat for the CMs! How funny that they were going to put you by the window when you really were better off out of the crowd. We requested the window, they said ok, then went to seat us in the corner. We had already messed up the table a tad before I got the guts to tell them we could lift phoebe's chair down the 3 little steps. Thank goodness she's still light! We loved the window seat. :thumbsup2

Melissa, I actually thought of you and your family when I read what Krystal had written about the seating! :goodvibes
 
KING JOHN AND QUEEN KRYSTAL...

I pray today is a wonderful one for your entire family! :flower3:
 












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