Curious about Caed

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Animal Kingdom/Epcot

I really just have one word for today's post.................

EXHAUSTED!!!!!

All is going well.....just going strong and realizing 6 days isn't long enough to do it all! We have a little change of plans today. Heading out to Magic Kingdom! (the day they have been so patiently awaiting) Everyone is excited!!!

(I took about 175 pictures yesterday.....but here are a few highlights) :)

Animal Kingdom

just one of about 100 photos we now have of the kids and the Disney characters

Caed and I headed to the restroom and ran into these 2 guys. (Reagan was a little disappointed)

The Lion King Musical.....Reagan and Caed were asked to join the dancers.....I bet you can guess who went, and who STAYED!

surprised?? (Caed wasn't sure what they were going to make him do) ha! Reagan LOVED it however!!!

sporting their new headgear

Daddy was a little nervous

Mt. Everest......Caed's 1st BIG roller coaster. He did AWESOME!!!!

Desert African Princess

"Ferocious bear!"

Spending the evening at Epcot

Waiting for the fireworks show at Epcot (amazing!)

2 VERY exhausted little chicos! By the time we made it back to the Animal Kingdom parking lot......our van was sittin' SOLO! ha

Monday, September 14, 2009

Sea World

Once again....another wonderful day! Although a bit different. It began here at the Village where some of the Disney characters came for a private meeting with the kids. It was a surprise as we walked out of the House of Hearts and came face to face with the one and only Goofy. Reagan and Caed were beside themselves and ran to give him a big hug. We were then told to head over to the theatre where Mickey and Pluto would be waiting for us. Once again....it was SO nice.....everyone here at GKTW is made to feel like kings and queens. No lines....just walk up and see Mickey! They were wonderful to the kids here. Not rushing anyone away, but letting each child/family take their time.

Next we headed off to Sea World. The one in Orlando is definitely extra special. Lots of neat things the San Antonio one doesn't. Again, Reagan and Caed had lots of fun seeing Shamu and feeding the dolphins. The 2 things they most certainly didn't want to miss! Todd and I tried to talk Reagan into riding the Manta. (big roller coaster) Reagan is our coaster girl.....loves riding them. However, this would have been the biggest one she had been on. She wasn't sure at first because it went upside down....and every which way. But, finally she consented. She was SO excited! Then.....she was measured and fell just a couple of inches too short. Oh..the disappointment. Utter devastation. ha! We tried to reassure her by next year, she would surely be tall enough to start riding all the BIG roller coasters.

Then, we headed over to Aquatica. (one of Sea World's water parks) By the time we caught a shuttle and got there, a new rain shower was brewing. So, we decided to "call it a day" and head back to the Village a little early today. We knew we all needed some rest seeing we have had 3 busy non-stop days and still 4 more to go! (the kids were NOT excited about mommy and daddy's decision) After they rested a bit, Todd took the kids to the GKTW pool (while mommy got another hour of sleep!.....ughhhh, I was tired) Then, after supper, we all walked back over to the Candy Land playground and had a fun time of hide and go seek (boys vs. girls) This is Reagan and Caed's favorite part of the Village.

There are some other things here that we need to make sure we find the time to do. They have given each Wish child a glass star. You then go to the Castle of Miracles and get to write your name, etc... on your star and "the fairy" takes it, flies around the room and throws it into the "sky." Later, you can come back and see where exactly your star is located. There are literally thousands! (there is a bar code on the back of each star.....and that is how they can locate yours exactly) There also is a pillow factory where Reagan and Caed can make their own pillow (kinda like Build-a-Bear). SO many fun things.....SO little time!

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! We will probably head to Animal Kingdom and Epcot.....and then do Disney Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom the following 2 days. It's tough. We came here to see Mickey Mouse and Cinderella's castle, and yet we have saved them for the last few days. The build up and anticipation make it all worth it! We have been in contact with a guy named Travis that works for Disney (and is a friend of Todd's aunt and uncle). Our plan is to meet up with him sometime on Wed. Should be FUN!

meeting Goofy after breakfast

Caed kept telling us "how soft" Pluto was. "I just wanted to stay with him forever!"

waiting for Shamu!

Universal Studios/Adventure Island

Had a GREAT day yesterday at Universal Studios and Adventure Island theme park. We did both in one day, and we are exhausted. With all the walking we have done (and have yet to do).....who needs Tony Horton? (Todd would argue) The kids are having a blast!!! It has rained off and on....but the showers usually only last 30 minutes or so. We have ponchos, so we can just keep on truckin'. Definitely the highlight of yesterday was The Blue Man Group!!! wow.....so cool. I think it was for Caed too. You know how he loves drums!!! He just couldn't understand why they drum with PAINT!!

I don't have a whole lot of time to really share with you about our trip so far. (the kids and Todd are at breakfast while Mommy is blogging) But....wanted to at least share some pictures.

Our plan today is SeaWorld......and then Disney the following 3. We've been told Caed will get to "pet" Shamu.....he's a little nervous about it though.

NBA restaurant

Caed and Spidey (he was a little nervous.....Spiderman was too real!)
btw....Greg, he reminded me SO much of YOU! ha

one of the highlights of their day (and by "their"....I'm referring to Todd, Caed, & Reagan)
This was Curious George's ball factory - it was neat

little rain delay

Jaws

Scooby and Shaggy (Caed asked us why Shaggy talked in such a high voice.....funny!)

Animal Actors show (Caed received special treatment by sitting on the front row and then getting to pet Frank the pug.....apparently this dog was the star of Men in Black 2) ???

....and yes, Caleb will soon be sporting "Thing 3"

AWESOME show! (but no pics allowed)

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Give the Kids the World Village

...this the name of the resort we are staying at. It isn't affiliated with Make-a-Wish, so to speak....but they do have lots of "wish kids" that stay here. Every child (family) here has a medical condition of some kind. I am not sure I can even begin to describe this place. It is amazing! It really is like a theme park in itself. (or almost like its own little town) There are several hundred individual villas with street names (after kids, of course) and everything is geared for children. Just ask Todd or I about the drinks we were served for dinner this evening. It was so funny.

Today was a long day, and we are all very tired. I am posting several pics of our resort and will try to leave it a that. Most of the "staff" here are volunteers and you can really see how much they love children. Each "wish child" and family is treated like royalty!!! You pay for nothing here! Want ice cream? Great....head over to the Ice Cream Palace and tell them what you'd like. Just a few of the fun buildings/amenities are:

Marc's Dino Putt
Amberville Train Station
Julie's Safari Theatre
House of Hearts
Chapel
Katie's Kitchen
Ica Cream Palace
Castle of Miracles/La-Ti-Da Royal Palace
Gingerbread House Restaurant
Keaton's Korral
Matthew's Boundless Playground
Audrey's Pool
fishing pond

There is so much more I can write about GKTW! (some neat things they do specifically for 'wish kids') Will post those on another day.

Not sure which park we are headed to tomorrow. Possibly Animal Kingdom...... :) Will probably do Disney later in the week. (for sure less crowds!) We are very excited to begin this adventure filled week. I better get to bed. Just realized I am still on Texas Time.....ugghhh.....didn't realize it was almost midnight here in Florida! I think I'm going to need a long vacation after this is over.....ha!