The TRIP of all Trips... Ana's MAW PTR... *TR STARTED* Link- Post #1901 Pg. 127

[Wherem I Now]

Congratulations to Juliana! (and to her parents that might be able to breath just a bit easier)

 

[that's nice]

OO hope it's not bad luck !!

LOL... I thought it might be bad luck to add a ticker to dates that aren't even confirmed yet!

As everyone knows by now, we did not have much fun at the CMas party, so I don't want to beat a dead horse (where on earth did that expression come from, anyway???) BUT...just to add to some of the things Maroo mentioned....

I think beating a dead mouse (no Mickey) just doesn't have the same effect!

I didn't see anyone dressed up for the party. Not saying people were dressed ugly, just not fancy or even Cmassy. I think Amber and her fam wore Cmas colors because they wanted a family pic, but that's the only one I can think of.

Interesting.... I figured there might be kids dressed up for 'Christmas'

YES, def. see santa first, then do the other stuff. Santa must have taken his time with the other families but by the time he got to us we were past the "end time" of seeing santa, and there was still a dozen families behind us. He didn't spend any extra time with us. We also felt bossed around by him and the photographer. If my kids were hoping to have a neat experience with santa they would have been disappointed. Thankfully, I was the only one with any expectations. Also, Tonya said they did not have a great visit either. I think they were actually first in line. I agree 100% with what Maroo said about if you happen to be late and there is already a line for santa - SKIP HIM! The few minutes you get with him would not be worth missing all the other stuff at the party (what happened to us). [/QUOTE]
Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it!

If I remember correctly, you will get a ticket to each park and they are also "hoppers" so you can go to either one or both on two different days. The kid sections are not that big (picture Toontown and the amount of time you can spend there). Then there are "big" rides that she might still like to do (like MIB). Tim was able to sneak away and do Dueling Dragons. We just sat down and had a snack. He didn't take that long so it wasn't a big deal. There are splash pads and playgrounds that Juliana could play at while you went and did a big boy ride.

I think I have some reviewing to do on some TRs. Juliana measured at 42" today so maybe that will allow her to get on some different rides.

 

[that's nice]

I have been back 3 times since our trip.

The first time I was coming to visit two wish families and I just had to have their name to get through the gate, but then they would not let me out of the check in area until that family came and got me - which I felt really bad about, because I think they were still sleeping when I got there (early meet for breakfast). So they had to get dressed and come all the way to the main building to escort me across campus.

But the last two times I came - both for meets with wish families - I just signed in as a previous wish tripper - I had to have Lauren's name and some info about her and the trip and they had my name on her list. So they gave me a welcome back name tag and a ticket to eat. I actually ended up purchasing a book of meal tickets for $20.00 or something like that, because I refused to eat there for free - Lauren was not even with me. And that was much easier than having to inconvenience another family to come escort me through GKTW. Hope that makes sense.

I did not call ahead for any of those times. I was able to give Lauren's name at the gate and they looked her up in the computer and had me sign in at the welcome desk.

As with everything, it seems like it depends on who is there when you arrive. It is amazing that after the trip, GKTW still gives you vouchers to eat. So it seems like if/when we go back to just give Ana's info and we would be all set.

Oh yes, I am a Tim stalker! LOL! Actually I wish i had time to stalk more people. I follow so many already, but I see alot of the same names on several PTR/TR's I read, but just don't have time to read everyones.

Sweet! I've always wanted a stalker!!!!!

Omg!! Too many choices We are wanting to check out Sea world, would love to visit Universal and then Legoland is coming next year!! I sort of giggle when I say this but I would like us to skip the next 1-2 years and save up for like a 14 day vacation to catch it all as well as the new Fantasyland expansion and the new Animation resort at POP.

Just know you guys will be back!

Heather

Legoland? I haven't heard anything about that... That sounds like it could be fun! I need to read up on the Fantasyland expansion. I feel like I never read the parks board anymore... I'm always reading PTR/TR!

A 14 day trip would be awesome!!!! But maybe you can sneak in a couple day trip before your long trip!

We will be trying the waterparks next year along with Disney Quest !!We did SeaWorld in 2007, and I just know Universal is gonna come up , I have NO interest but I am gonna try at leasy 1 waterpark and DQ!!Then I'll leave them and head to our Park of the Day !!I am looking forward to the Fantasyland Re furb !!!!

We still have Disney waterpark tickets from the first tickets we bought in 2008. One of these days we might use them. We haven't been inside DQ either. Maybe when Juliana gets a little bigger.... although I'm sure I would like it there!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Hooray for less visits! That is awesome news! So sorry she had a hard time with the draw. BTDT. Breaks our hearts every time.

42in should be good for plenty of rides! Tessa was about 40.5 in April and it seemed she was able to do everything she wanted (including some of the "big" rides like Thunder Mtn, Atlantis, MIB...). The ones that she couldn't go on were psycho rides like Manta and Superman. She thought she wanted to do them but didn't seem to upset when we told her she wasn't tall enough. We did however use that as a way to get her to eat all her veggies! (so she would grow for next time)

 

[that's nice]

Hooray for less visits! That is awesome news! So sorry she had a hard time with the draw. BTDT. Breaks our hearts every time.

We are really happy. The draw is the worst part, but her draws have been cut by 50%!

42in should be good for plenty of rides! Tessa was about 40.5 in April and it seemed she was able to do everything she wanted (including some of the "big" rides like Thunder Mtn, Atlantis, MIB...). The ones that she couldn't go on were psycho rides like Manta and Superman. She thought she wanted to do them but didn't seem to upset when we told her she wasn't tall enough. We did however use that as a way to get her to eat all her veggies! (so she would grow for next time)

I like the veggie idea! LOL We are lucky that Juliana eats most of her vegetables. We are just on her constantly to drink fluids. It is like we are broken records telling her to drink over and over.

 

[that's nice]

Here I am. Sorry to be late. Ok, I'm gonna read page 1

Nice too 'see' you again!

This has made me so emotional. You can truly see the concern in your faces. I wanted to cry. I wish I could hug both you and Mel right now.

Thank you. You can send us a cyber hug!

It really seemed weird at the time, but I'm glad we took pictures to show her what she went through when she gets older.

 

[LilAnn]

Yay! I am so excited for you guys! That's fantastic news. Little kids are such troopers, I am always amazed by how much they can handle and still come out smiling. I can't wait to hear more about your plans for this trip and the trip itself.

 

[that's nice]

Tim, that is wonderful!!

Wonderful news! God does answer prayers!

Wonderful news!

Thank you!!!!!!!!

WOOHOO for 6 month visits and clean scans!

Poor baby girl, I don't blame her for not wanting her blood taken. I hate having mine done, too. Big hugs to her!

Oh - I finally started my TR. Link is in my signature.

Juliana gets herself so worked up with the blood. She screams and cries so hard that the blood stops flowing out of her arm while they are trying to take it. It would go so much faster if she was calmer.

Off to your TR!

Yeah for Juliana!!!!!!!

Heather

Nice dancing!

That is such wonderful news Tim.
Sorry about the blood test though

Thanks!

Congratulations to Juliana! (and to her parents that might be able to breath just a bit easier)

Thank you... although I don't know if we will be able to EVER breathe easier. (OK maybe just a bit )

Hey Tim! I've seen you around on several threads....thought I should dive in here before this puppy gets too far along.

Thanks for posting Juliana's story. It's heartbreaking to see a child have to go through all she's been through. But, it's great to read the good news you received today.

She has been through a lot but we are getting closer to the 5 year mark. She will be considered cured 5 years after treatment with no reoccurrence. Her doctor is happy with her progress and always checks her for any late effects from the chemo she received.

We really consider ourselves lucky. There was an 8-10? yr old boy in the clinic yesterday receiving chemo. He was totally bald and they had to have him change rooms. He could barely walk. His chemo is so strong it has deteriorated his motor skills. You feel like just walking up to these kids and just giving them a hug. It really breaks your heart.

 

[that's nice]

Yay! I am so excited for you guys! That's fantastic news. Little kids are such troopers, I am always amazed by how much they can handle and still come out smiling. I can't wait to hear more about your plans for this trip and the trip itself.

Thank you!

Now that this appointment is over I can really direct my focus on getting this trip planned! (and finishing that 'other' report I've been working on for way too long! LOLOL)

 

[englishrose47]

Great news about Juliana !!Kyle gave me a hard time with bloodwork , well to be honest the Nazi phlebotomist caused it !!So I took him with me to where I go ( Dang insurance he couldn't go there ) He watched me have it drawn with a baby needle and the woman in the next chair showed him how easy it was too .I took hoim to the office that my guys said was new and good and here he got a GOOD phlebotomist and was fine !!!

 

[praisehisname]

That is wonderful news about Juliana's appointment! You and Melody must be very relieved!

 

[onelilspark]

Yay!!! What fantastic news!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

THAT IS FANTASTIC NEWS! I'm sure you and your DW are sooooo relieved, excited and happy!!!! Yay, yay, yay!!!

 

[hgpiglet]

I'm just starting to follow your PTR, your daughter is adorable and I'm so glad that she is getting her wish and that she gets to go 6 months between checks now, that is GREAT news!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

For Juliana. What great news you all got.

 

[KatMark]

I thought I'd post this picture while I'm waiting for you to post yours.

 

[that's nice]

Great news about Juliana !!Kyle gave me a hard time with bloodwork , well to be honest the Nazi phlebotomist caused it !!So I took him with me to where I go ( Dang insurance he couldn't go there ) He watched me have it drawn with a baby needle and the woman in the next chair showed him how easy it was too .I took hoim to the office that my guys said was new and good and here he got a GOOD phlebotomist and was fine !!!

I think having someone who is sensitive and listens to your concerns and relates to your kid is key. If the kid is comfortable I think the whole process goes so much easier. Plus it helps to have someone who isn't a 'nut job'! LOL

That is wonderful news about Juliana's appointment! You and Melody must be very relieved!

Thank you!!!! We are very relieved! I'm not sure Juliana totally understands what it means but we told her she doesn't have to go back as often... not sure if she is happy or sad about it!

Yay!!! What fantastic news!!

Thank you!!!!!!

THAT IS FANTASTIC NEWS! I'm sure you and your DW are sooooo relieved, excited and happy!!!! Yay, yay, yay!!!

Thank you so much!!!!!! We are so happy!

 

[disney<333]

Yay, for great news! I'm sure you must be thrilled with only having to go six months!
Aww, poor Jul having to have blood drawn does she get to pick a prize after?

 

[that's nice]

I'm just starting to follow your PTR, your daughter is adorable and I'm so glad that she is getting her wish and that she gets to go 6 months between checks now, that is GREAT news!

thank you for the kind words...

We are so happy for 6 month appointments!

For Juliana. What great news you all got.

Thank you.

I thought I'd post this picture while I'm waiting for you to post yours.

LOL I think I know that girl!!!!!!

Pics coming up!

Yay, for great news! I'm sure you must be thrilled with only having to go six months!
Aww, poor Jul having to have blood drawn does she get to pick a prize after?

We have been waiting to hear her appointments were going to 6 months for about 1 year.

She gets a prize everytime... sometimes more than one when she milks it! LOLOL

 

[that's nice]

On Friday afternoon Juliana received a package in the mail. I had already left for work so she got to open it on Saturday morning..

The princess in her throne...

Hummmm what could it be?

The gifts kept coming..

All her gifts...

Juliana loved all her gifts.. and her parents did too! I would like to thank you Kathy (KatMark) for sending a little pixie dust our way. Melody loves the wall decal that we are going to put on Juliana's wall once we repaint her room. (sounds like I am painting soon DOH!)