The flight was pretty uneventful. The girls don’t mind flying and they look like pros on the plane…they get their pillows out and arrange their blankets and activities. They kept themselves occupied on the flight for the most part and I thought how nice it was that they were getting older and didn’t need constant attention. I, on the other hand, wasn’t doing too well. I think it was the McDonald’s breakfast and mocha latte that was setting my stomach spinning and to my dismay they no longer put airsick bags in each seat. But luckily I located one and more luckily didn’t need to use it. Once we got off the plane, I felt much better. We were in Florida! And had beautiful hot, humid weather to great us, along with a Give Kids the World Representative. She had a luggage cart waiting for us and took us down to baggage claim and then out to our car.
Gabriella decided to be difficult at this point and refused to pose with her sign at the airport, but did oblige at the Villa.
Once we had our luggage we were wisked away to our rental car and just a few more minutes and we were on our way.
Aleah was thrilled that in Florida she didn’t need a booster seat. At this point it already became evident that they seem to have thought of everything….from the luggage cart to printing the directions to GKTW on the back of your welcome sign! By the time we reached Orlando, the girls were cranky and hungry and we all learned a valuable lesson…they would not be allowed to sit next to each other in the car!
Too much fighting and “she’s touching me” whining going on. We stopped at
Walmart for a bite to eat at McDonalds and bought some snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Then onto Give Kids the World! We pulled in to the House of Hearts about 1 pm and were greeted with “You must be Gabriella’s family!” What a great greeting! Gabriella was given a stuffed Mickey and Aleah got a Shamu. Richard met with us and gave us our room key and meal key, etc. and explained a few basic things while the girls played on the interactive computers. Then the girls and I rode in the golf cart to our villa, Richard pointing out all the sights and shortcuts along the way. We arrive at our Villa and are excited to find that we are in a CASTLE in the new section, right across from the playgroud. Gabriella loved to talk about going home to her “Castle”.
Inside the girls shriek and are exited over everything, especially the fact that they have a HUGE bathroom, and mom and dad only get a small one! We found an extra toy and snack on the table and pop and water in the fridge.
Although the stuffed animal was a little questionable looking, Gabriella loves puppies and quickly became attached to him.
We did have one hitch, and that was that Abby was not listed on our paperwork despite her signing all the forms and me giving our Wish Chapter all her information. The front desk person called me and when I assured her MAW MN had approved her, she said she would take care of it, and an hour later Abby’s meals and stay were all approved.
We quick unpacked and got organized and then headed to the pool.
At this point I was pretty sure we were in heaven. The pool was gorgeous and empty!! Maybe only 3 other people there.
The girls loved the beachballs and noodles floating about and Gabriella especially loved the zero-entry.
She was able to lay down and jump in and splash all around.
With the palm trees and island music and sun, I never wanted to leave.
BUT, someone had to go to orientation! After about a half hour I left the family at the pool to head back to the House of Hearts.
I took the opportunity of the walk to take a few pictures.
Now they tell you this orientation will take a half hour….it took an hour, and I left right after the presentation while everyone else was still asking questions!
We changed and got ready for supper. We ate at the Gingerbread House for supper and then went to check out the Castle of Miracles.
Stay tuned for The Spa, The Wish, and The Star.
Will say a prayer for fabulous weather & LOADS of fun!! 
