Day 3 cont. - Christmas in the Village

The Give Kids the World Village offered SO MANY activities. There was something going on every morning and every night. We got a late start every morning because we were on California time. This created the domino effect and we missed most activities in the evening because we were still enjoying our time at the parks.

Thursday was our supposed "short day" because we wanted to return to the Village so we could eat at the Gingerbread house, check out the pool, & enjoy CHRISTMAS. It's Christmas every Thursday in the Give Kids the World Village. The volunteers do a little parade, Santa comes to visit & gives gifts, volunteers take photos of families with Santa, and there's snow pumped over the patio.

But Disney's Hollywood Studios had it's own list of enticing activities. We started at the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. They showed cool effects on three different sets. Indiana Jones running from the huge rolling ball and then watching them roll the ball back up the hill. They created a whole village scene with stuntmen falling off of buildings and sword fights. Finally they had a shooting scene that ended with a plane starting on fire. Lots of action. Lots of fun. Jayson wasn't especially fond of sitting in the seats, but we found that he ate fruit snacks and Dum Dum suckers quite well.

The other big show that we earmarked as a "must see" was the Lights Camera Action show with stunt race cars. Only two shows were scheduled that day. Once during the Indiana Jones Show & again at 4 p.m. We made it our finale event which put us in a time crunch to get dinner in before Santa left. But it was totally worth it.

What played out to be the absolute FAVORITE ride of Hollywood Studios AND all of Disney World combined was: the Rockin' Roller Coaster. The premise is that you are going to meet Aerosmith in their recording studio. The manager comes in to rush them off to their concert, but they don't want to disappoint their fans so we all get invited to come with them via a stretch limo. The coaster (ie. limo) takes off in a blast reaching 60 mph in just seconds.


This park also had the beloved Star Tours that we love in Disneyland. For souvenirs Jake selected a new light saber. He's maintained an ongoing collection for about 5 years now. Jessica fell in love with the Polly Pocket-type Star War Princess dolls. Only difference is that you can also POP the heads off. (just what we need - more pieces).



We also got to experience Toy Mania. This was new for us also. There was a two hour wait for this attraction. This is where Jacob's special pass came in VERY handy. We were pushed to the front of the line and only had to wait 15 minutes. You where 3D glasses and then are moved around to different game board of sorts. You have a blaster and you get to target different things. Points get tallied. Fun. Fun. Fun.

Day 3 - Disney's Hollywood Studios

And the Flickr Full Screen Version is HERE. So nice of me to provide so many options.

I'll tell you more about it later. For now enjoy the photos.

Day 2 cont. - Disney's Epcot

It's true - we visited TWO Disney parks on our first full day in Orlando. (There are four theme parks that comprise Walt Disney World & we only had 3 days to see them). In the morning we let the kids get a pin collector necklace. They added to that each day. In the afternoon we found Goofy & Princess Minnie hats for them to wear. I couldn't believe how committed James was to wearing his even though it was totally bulky and hot.

Most people love Epcot for the world showcase. We didn't even make it that far. We explored sections of Future World. Test Track was the boys' favorite. Jayson & Jessica played in the pixie fairy garden and later found the splash fountains. Jessica ended up getting SOAKED, but she was laughing and having the time of her life. People walking by would stop to watch how much fun my little kids were having in the water. I had a change of clothes for the baby, but Jessica had nothing. I bought her a towel, but returned to the store to buy a Cinderella nightgown for her to change into. We wanted to stay for the fireworks and I didn't want her freezing.

All the aquarium pics are from a display outside of the Nemo ride. This was one of Jayson's favorite spots.

We returned to the Village just after 11 p.m. We called in a pizza order for our late night dinner. California time it was only 8 p.m. :)

Day 2 - Disney's Animal Kingdom Slideshow

Or see it on Flickr Slideshow (full screen) by clicking HERE:


At 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, I went to the orientation meeting while Jon took the kids to the Gingerbread House for breakfast. We didn't get to bed until around midnight the night before. Keep in mind that Florida 9 a.m. is a Californian's 6 a.m.

It was hard to get the kids to leave the village because they hadn't had a chance to play there yet. We let Jessica enjoy a couple rounds on the Merry-Go-Round & and think the kids all went to the ice cream parlor before we headed over to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We headed straight for the safari tour. You ride in this cool jeep and drive through the terrain and see animals. There are no obvious fences so you can really imagine that you are on an African safari.

Next the kids LOVED the Kali River Rapids. These type of water rides became Jessica's ABSOLUTE favorites. We dared the kids to give Expedition Everest a try. The kids never actually saw the tracks. I don't think they would have gotten on if they saw how steep it was. I didn't take any pics there, but there's a beautiful image posted HERE. It's quite the thrill ride. The premise is that you are going to climb Mt. Everest and there's folklore about a Yeti. You head up a steep track, wind a little, and then roll to a stop when you see THIS. YIKES!!! You hear some click, clickety, CLACK, CLACK, CLACK and then you are rolling backwards toward super speed into THE DARK. You go upside down - maybe twice. A bit more twist twist and then it's light again as you go racing down, around, through the mountain. And YES - I spotted the Yeti - more than once. My kids on the other hand might have had their hands clenched across their faces. Nobody wanted to ride again with Dad.

There were other cool things there - like a Lion King show and a safari parade, but we left around 4 p.m. to go check out Epcot. So much for our idea to make it a "short day" at the parks.

In the Sky with Four Kids - Part 2

We taught the kids how to read the arrival/departures board. We tried to explain how they pack the luggage and how it ends up in baggage claim. Jessica was excited about having her own little tray table. We told her that it had to be up until the flight attendant told her she could use it. Every time a flight attendant passed, she would ask, "can I use this?"

We had a layover in Phoenix, AZ. I took the older three for a walking tour around the terminals. Most wings of an airport start looking the same, but they liked the moving walkways. I wanted to keep them busy, so they could save their video games & DVDs for the flight.

On the 2nd leg we hit a bunch of turbulence. It got quit uncomfortable. Every time the plane would bounce or dip, Jessica would squeal, "WHOA" and then giggle. Cute the first few times. Later that day I heard the boys comment, "I didn't really like the second pilot. He wasn't very good."

Our "direct flight" touched down in Albuquerque. We hadn't expected this. Notes for future: be sure it is a "NON-stop" flight not just direct. Jacob got real uncomfortable with the take offs and James got queasy during the landings. So doing it three times in the same day wasn't their favorite. When we stopped in New Mexico, we remained on the plane while other passengers exited and loaded. Jayson liked getting out of his seat for a few minutes. He was SCREAMING when we put him back in.

****
Return Flight:
Good thing we left extra early for the airport because the freeway was closed and we had to navigate a detour. Upon arrival at the Orlando airport, we ate milkshakes, smoothies, & doughnuts for breakfast. Way to start the day!!! Then we found out our flight was delayed but the agent was confident that we'd make the time up in the air.

Jon was going to move the kids and bags closer to the boarding gate. It was my turn to run to the bathrooms. The first one was WAY full (and so was my bladder) so I continued to the next set which wasn't much further down the corridor. I finished my business and cruised back to the gate - which was practically empty. They had started to board the delayed plane right after I left. My family was nowhere in sight, so I checked with the ticket agent to see if he had my boarding pass.

I felt terrible that Jon had loaded our whole crew on his own. He had the rolling bag with carseat on top, the stroller to be gate checked, my backpack, Jayson's bag, baby Jay, 3 kids with their accompanying backpacks, & a gift bag of treats. I claimed my boarding pass and got stuck behind dozens of people in the tunnel ramp thing that leads to the plane. I saw Jon come out of the plane to pick up our other carry-on items. He saw me and knew that I was getting on the flight.

Well, Jacob didn't know I was coming. He was in streaming tears. He thought I was going to be lost in Florida forever. He was too upset to consider that I might get on another flight and make it home. It actually was quite cute to see him all overloaded with worry.

Families with young children got to board after the business passengers. We were able to sit in neighboring rows or across from each other. Jayson always got the window seat with me next to him. He was a full time job except for the few glimpses when he dozed off. Jon was usually working to manage Jessica. Somehow Jacob had never had a turn with the window seat. We promised him the window seat on the last leg into California.

Well, returning home the Orlando flight was delayed and we DIDN'T have a 2 hour layover - just 40 minutes to switch planes. They didn't make the time up in the air (plus the stop in Texas took longer than they had hoped), so we were going to miss our connecting flight. The airline decided to hold the plane because there were several of us on the delayed flight and the next flight was also booked solid. Imagine their grief when they saw the family of six come down the hall. There were only middle seats left. "So. . . . who would like to sit next to my baby?"

A couple passengers shifted to give me a row for Jayson & Jessica. James sat up front between two strangers. Jacob was a few rows back from me between two strangers. He was sobbing because we had promised him the window seat. The flight attendant sneaked him a full can of soda which seemed to appease him. Jon ended up a few rows back from James.

I was out of tricks. Jayson had HAD IT! He threw whatever I handed him. Nothing was properly stowed in his row. I tried to talk calmly through Jessica's constant demands. I handed her the grocery bag of all the leftover treats and told her to take whatever she wanted. Jayson did go to sleep eventually, but I don't think the passengers in front of us had earplugs while he fought it.

James threw up (between two strangers) during the landing. He knew all about the little white barf bags because he had threatened to use one every landing. Rumor has it that he landed it all inside the bag.

I was absolutely exhausted. The kids got a 2nd wind because they knew a limousine was coming to pick them up. I just wanted to get home.

In the Sky with Four Kids

James & Jayson are the only kids who have been on a plane and they were only weeks or months old so they don't remember. James & Jacob have specifically inquired why we never take them on an airplane. So here was their big chance.

Our drama started right after the Super Shuttle showed up to take us to the airport. Jacob realized that he had misplaced his Nintendo DS (the video game system that I told him NOT to play until he was sitting inside the plane. He only has like 3 hours of battery & it's 10 hours of travel time). He went on a frantic hunt. Jon & I joined him while trying to stall the shuttle driver who had already packed our 4 luggage bags and our 6 carry on items.

We looked everywhere and then we looked there again. I checked in ridiculous places because Jayson moves things to ridiculous places. Jacob was sobbing. Time was ticking. Not a convenient time for a hard life lesson, but we could NOT miss the plane. Trip of a lifetime and all my son was going to remember was that he didn't have his video games to play all day. But we marched them all out to the car. I was mad and sad and frustrated.

Turns out it was in his backpack the whole time. He had moved it to the side pocket instead of clasped onto the top. Thankfully finding the DS was a tension breaker and we laughed about it on the way to the airport.

Traveling with 4 kids, 1 stroller, 1 toddler carseat, & 10 various sized bags (actually we used 13 coming home) isn't as tricky if you let the porters & curbside assistance help. The kids all wore their backpacks & took turns pushing Jayson in the stroller.

I had worried about getting them all through security - removing shoes, taking no liquids, etc. You have to take the baby out of the stroller & x-ray it. I was so consumed with guiding the kids that I walked through security with my cell phone & a ziploc full of loose coins (for the toll roads in FL) in my pocket. I also forgot to remove my belt. I set off the alarm & had to remove my metal before passing through.

To be Continued (it's time for me to go watch LOST :)

Bon Voyage Party

Jacob was referred to Make-a-Wish by his oncologist. We first met with Darla & Nathan (our Wish Volunteers) back in October. They interviewed him to find out all his favorite things and to hear some of his wish ideas. My son is FULL of ideas, but those of you who know him also know that he isn't a big talker. He answered most of their questions, but pulled a blank when they asked his ultimate wish.

We seemed embarrassed to ask for anything and he didn't really understand all the friends that the Make-a-Wish Foundation could pull together. He later told us that "it's a big decision." He had always mentioned to us that he would like to go to Disney World. He didn't really care about meeting a famous person. He's only ever been in California, Utah, & the interstate between the two. He doesn't even comprehend how many places there are to visit. He loves to swim, so anywhere with a pool would thrill him. He always wondered what it would be like to go in an airplane.

After Jacob had time to complete his chemo and think about his wish some more, sweet Darla & Nathan came to our home and re-interviewed him. This time he was prepared to really voice his desire to travel to Disney World. They set to work to see what could be arranged. They called Jon & I to confirm travel dates and then set up a Bon Voyage Party to present Jacob with his WISH.

It would have been nice to have all our family and all the friends that have supported us during Jacob's treatment over to our home to celebrate. As it was we had a few of our local friends who have spent Saturdays playing with Jacob during treatment or serving our family in dozens of ways. Our house was full of love.






After enjoying pizza & fruit & soda (all provided by Make a Wish), we gathered for the big announcement.

If you've ever watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition, you always know they are going to do something awesome. And they always go the extra mile. The family is always crying and they haven't even seen everything yet or had a chance to realize how truly great it is.

I felt a little something like that. They presented Jacob with a backpack full of travel toys for the plane. They arranged a shuttle to pick us up and take us to the airport. They arranged the flights to Orlando. They connected us with Give Kids the World who would provide our accommodations, meals, and present us with tickets to the theme parks.

*3 Day Hopper at Disney World (they actually have 4 parks within Disney World)
*2 Day Ticket to Universal Studios (they have 2 parks plus the CityWalk)
*1 Day Ticket to Sea World

If you do the math, that's SIX DAYS worth of tickets. We were only going to be there for 5 days plus 2 travels days. More to do than we could even pack in.

They provided Jake with a t-shirt & button that would work like an all-day FASTPASS. This was probably one of the kindest gifts for a family of 6 who were traveling with a toddler. No waiting in long lines.

All of this was more than enough. All of this was exciting enough. But they proceeded to present us with a check to cover any meals we chose to eat out, additional fees or tips, & souvenirs. This is where I turned into those families on tv crying like a baby. It was just too nice. It was just more than I would ever ask for or hope to receive.

But they weren't done yet. They had one last Big surprise. They arranged for a limousine to pick us up from the airport and drive us home. I was SO SURPRISED at how excited this made the kids. They couldn't stop talking about getting to ride in a limo.

So as I share the pictures and details of the trip over the next several days, please know that I wish to sing the praises of Make a Wish Foundation & Give Kids the World. They truly wrote the recipe for a trip of a lifetime.

Wish Trip Sneak Peek

Words can't express my gratitude for the gift provided by Make a Wish Foundation together with Give Kids the World. I took HUNDREDS of photos. Here's just a peek into our favorite family trip.