Ready. Set. Go?

[alizesmom]

We are 14 days from the start of our WDW vacation. The last trip we planned we made it to 7 days to go then had to cancel when our son, Brian, was hospitalized with pneumonia. So here I am, with breath held, as the countdown continues.

We are driving from NW PA and will start out on September 7th and arrive on the 9th. Our destination is Kidani Village for 6 days and 5 nights of magic.

"We" consist of myself (Karen), DH (Charlie), DD (8 yr old Ciara), DS (7 yr old Brian) and Janice (Brian's nurse).

Reservations are made and paid for including meals. Gotta love free dining which we upgraded to deluxe. The van has been made trip ready and the topper goes on this week. I have made long lists of what to pack and odd piles of things we'll need have started popping up in our home.

I can't even begin to say how much we need this trip. This past spring/ summer has been bad. In April DF died and Charlie was hospitalized with a bowel perforation and abscess then in May DGD (4) was diagnosed with leukemia and, finally, in June DS, Brady, died at the age of 9 from hydrocephalus. Once June we have been moving slowly from shock to coping to an effort to start living again. Being at Disney will mark our determination to enjoy life once more.

 

[MataHari22]

So sorry for all your losses, truly am. I am sure hoping that everything will go well, and you can enjoy your trip. You need a break in a happy place, and if you could have fun anywhere, it would be WDW.

 

[alizesmom]

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This is my girl.

 

[alizesmom]

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[alizesmom]

12 days till we leave and so far, so good. Just picked up adult daughter from airport. She will be living with us so there will be someone at home while we're gone. Sure decreases worries over pets, mail and robbery.

After getting some great suggestions from the Dis, I ordered a few snacks and breakfast items from Green Grocers. Now there will be food in our villa!

 

[alizesmom]

We're planning a slow paced trip. This will be more of a "soak in the magic" vacation although I strongly expect that we may not get out of Fantasy Land when we get to the MK. once Ciara gets on the rides we are in big trouble. She adores anything that spins.

Brian is extremely laid back and will just enjoy the sounds and other sensations surrounding him.

A few logistics for those who travel with medically fragile kids. We are driving since we have too much medical stuff to trust to airlines. We will be bringing 2 ventilators, 2 suction bags, 1 feeding pump, 2 oximeters, 1portable oxygen concentrator, a couple oxygen tanks, medications, formula for two kids, 2weeks worth of diapers for two and all the other equipment that goes with this stuff. Brian is in his wheelchair full time and Ciara requires her when she tires.

I've read the DisBoards for a long time and worry about upsetting people. We can't move quickly and don't want to slow others down. I'm terrified of using the buses and the GAC. I don't want to mess up anyone else's good time but we want to enjoy ourselves too.

So much else I'm concerned about but I guess that's for another time. Tomorrow is first day of school. Gotta get stuff ready.

 

[alizesmom]

First day of school for the kids went well. I took advantage of the time and picked up some stuff for the trip. Since its likely to rain while we're at the parks, I bought rain ponchos for all of us. I bought adult size for the kids. Gotta check to see if they fit over kid and wheelchair combined.

I am getting so excited about the trip. Disney is definitely my happy place and I can't wait.

 

[alizesmom]

We are in the single digits! Just 9 days to go. I'll officially start packing this weekend.

I so want to meet Donald Duck and am hoping to get a picture with him. Does anyone know if Photopass photographers take pictures at meet and greets?

I am so second guessing our plans. What are the must dos at Disney? I'm open to suggestion.

 

[alizesmom]

8 days to go and kids in school so I did what every other mom would do, went Christmas shopping! Made a good dent in my lists too.

Kids continue to be doing well but my fingers remain crossed.

 

[alizesmom]

One week from now we will be on our way. I'm feeling a combination of excitement and fear. I wish it could be different but our life is what it is. I just pray that Ciara doesn't have a meltdown and start beating the snot out of herself and that Brian's seizures aren't too bad. Maybe we can go a day or two without one.

I'm amused too since I feel like I'm talking to myself here. Maybe I am but it's helpful to me to just write it down. I wonder if I can print it out later as a journal of our trip.

 

[naomiatx86]

Glad the kids had a great first day of school.

Your trip is just a few days away. Your family will be in my prayers for a safe drive and an amazing trip

 

[alizesmom]

Wow! Only six days left. Just need to start packing the van but Charlie is procrastinating putting the topper on the van. He insists on washing it first and things just seem to prevent that.

 

[alizesmom]

Five days till we start our trip. One week and we will be there. Topper on the van so I will start packing in the morning. Now I need to be like Santa Claus and make my list and check it twice (or several dozen times).

 

[IntoTheLight]

Safe travels and I hope disney brings you all the wonder and happiness you can hope for! Look forward to reading about it!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

We are in the single digits! Just 9 days to go. I'll officially start packing this weekend.

I so want to meet Donald Duck and am hoping to get a picture with him. Does anyone know if Photopass photographers take pictures at meet and greets?

I am so second guessing our plans. What are the must dos at Disney? I'm open to suggestion.

Most of the meet-&-greets will have Photopass photographers, especially the ones for the Fab Five.

I hope you have a magical vacation and that everyone stays healthy and has an amazing, memorable time.

 

[alizesmom]

Four! Count em. Four days to go. Brian actually went two days without a seizure though he had four today which is about his norm. Ciara is doing great although she woke up at 11pm last night and didn't go back to sleep till 7pm. Hope she doesn't do that during vacation or mommy will be sleeping on TOT.

 

[alizesmom]

Noooooo! Three days to go and Ciara is coughing and acting off. We're going to start her breathing meds and try to stop whatever is going on. I'm going to think positive and keep packing.

 

[alizesmom]

Had to give Ciara oxygen last night but she's doing better today. We've packed just about everything we can until Saturday so I guess we're just about ready. Going to gas up the van tomorrow and do laundry. Also need to drop the dog off at the kennel but that's about it. I can't wait!

 

[alizesmom]

Wow! I thought I was excited before. I have butterflies in my stomach and can't sit still. It feels like Christmas Eve when I was a child.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I hope you have a truly magical trip!