Off to see the "Real Tree" - April 19th - April 26th! Ali's Wish Trip PTR!

[balletmom97]

Thanks for the pictures! It warmed my heart to see Maya's big smile and Ali resting on her pillowcase.

I hope your trip is practically perfect in every way....

The Thompson Family

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Aww poor bug! I hope she is feeling better Oh yes I bet you are definately busy at school! Sierra's report card showed up in our mailbox on saturday and I hadn't even given it one thought When I got the mail from the school I thought OH NOO! lol. Thank goodness it was all good

 

[jham]

I love all the great Big Give stuff! Your girls are the best models!!! I hope Ali is starting to feel better!

 

[pnutallergymom]

Hi Kelly,

Just saying hello!!! Hope Ali is feeling better.....you've not got much time now!! So you better to tell her to "hurry up and feel better"!!

Your almost at single digits now!!!

 

[Mtopher4]

Lots and Lots of Big give goodies

Your girls look beautiful in all of their dresses

I hope Ali is feeling better.
I'm having trouble keeping up around here too. My girls made a HUGE mess upstairs UGH

Trying to keep up with life, house, bills, kids and boards is exausting

 

[kellyw8863]

Thanks for the pictures! It warmed my heart to see Maya's big smile and Ali resting on her pillowcase.

I hope your trip is practically perfect in every way....

The Thompson Family

The girls LOVE their pillowcases. I'm having a hard time convincing them that they can bring the cases without their pillows to Disney, and it will be all good. But they can't understand why we can't bring the pillows, too.

Aww poor bug! I hope she is feeling better Oh yes I bet you are definately busy at school! Sierra's report card showed up in our mailbox on saturday and I hadn't even given it one thought When I got the mail from the school I thought OH NOO! lol. Thank goodness it was all good

Thanks! I'm glad that Sierra's report card was good! My seniors are stuck in a major senior slide...already. I can't even imagine what things are going to be like after April vacation.

I love all the great Big Give stuff! Your girls are the best models!!! I hope Ali is starting to feel better!

Thank you!

Hi Kelly,

Just saying hello!!! Hope Ali is feeling better.....you've not got much time now!! So you better to tell her to "hurry up and feel better"!!

Your almost at single digits now!!!

Hey there! You're right around the corner, too! I know you have been crazy busy lately, but I hope that everything is going well up there in Cow Hampshire!

Lots and Lots of Big give goodies

Your girls look beautiful in all of their dresses

I hope Ali is feeling better.
I'm having trouble keeping up around here too. My girls made a HUGE mess upstairs UGH

Trying to keep up with life, house, bills, kids and boards is exausting

I know! I do spend a lot of time reading, and probably just as much time talking about you all with my husband, but I don't always post.

I thought that things would quiet down here after my grades were turned in but not so much. I can't believe we're only 11 days out! We did get our MAW packet with all the the GKTW info, our GKTW welcome letter, and our welcome packet/expense check from MAW, so this is really happening. In fact, on Sunday, we'll be able to say we're going to Disney...next week! I can't wait, and the kids are so excited, too!

 

[kellyw8863]

Okay, I have some "old" BIG GIVE pictures that I "owe" Wendy (BillWendy) and some "new" BIG GIVE photos from this week.

Okay, so we finally saw G-Ma and G-Pa this past Sunday for Easter and were able to give them the Big Gives that Wendy so generously made for them.

Here's G-Pa with his and my little niece Grace.

He promptly put it on over his Sunday best, but unfortunately, I don't have a good picture of that.

And here's G-Ma opening her shirt. I don't know what Ali's doing here.

Thank you, Wendy! G-Ma and G-Pa were really touched to be included and the girls think it's really cool that we all have matching shirts.

And then on Monday, the girls received another BIG GIVE, though I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know who this is from. There was no note in the box, and all I could find from the return address was that it's from Texas. I'm sorry!

The girls were so excited to see the FedEx man!

They got right to work!

Adorable MAW shirts with matching shorts!

There were also coordinating shirts for me, Garth, G-Pa, and G-Ma, but my camera battery died and now the shirts are in the wash. I promise I'll take more this weekend, but in the meantime, thank you so much!

 

[Wee Annie]

I can't believe we're only 11 days out! We did get our MAW packet with all the the GKTW info, our GKTW welcome letter, and our welcome packet/expense check from MAW, so this is really happening. In fact, on Sunday, we'll be able to say we're going to Disney...next week! I can't wait, and the kids are so excited, too!

Okay, now I'm beginning to get worried. We're leaving in 9 days and I haven't received any MAW packets/info, etc. We DID get the GKTW packet and have received a couple of emails from them, so I know we're going (phew!), but wondering when we're going to hear from MAW. Did you get the same letter, Genie stickers, etc. that Melissa got? Just wondering if it's standard, or varies from chapter to chapter.

I guess this is where I learn to relinquish control and just trust that things will come together. I may even start trying to get clothes together this weekend. Or not. Perhaps more like go buy things we need (like running shoes for my oldest).

Your girls take such adorable pictures. I wish mine were as photogenic! I especially love the tink picture of Ali on her CB page!

 

[billwendy]

Okay, now I'm beginning to get worried. We're leaving in 9 days and I haven't received any MAW packets/info, etc. We DID get the GKTW packet and have received a couple of emails from them, so I know we're going (phew!), but wondering when we're going to hear from MAW. Did you get the same letter, Genie stickers, etc. that Melissa got? Just wondering if it's standard, or varies from chapter to chapter.

I guess this is where I learn to relinquish control and just trust that things will come together. I may even start trying to get clothes together this weekend. Or not. Perhaps more like go buy things we need (like running shoes for my oldest).

Your girls take such adorable pictures. I wish mine were as photogenic! I especially love the tink picture of Ali on her CB page!

Hmmmm - Daniel got his MAW packet with info and welcome from GKTW, but no expense check at all - I wonder if they arent getting one????? THey also got their airfare and ride to the airport info!! They are sooooo excited!! Have magical trips everyone!!

 

[Tracie]

The Wish shirts came from me. So sorry, my notes get left on the desk away from the shirts. As soon as the shirts are done I have to put them away or my cat wants to lay on anything he sees new! So I tend to grab the shirts to mail but forget to grab the note on the desk. Just went to look and yep the note is still there!

I love the way the girls do hug poses!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful trip!

Tracie

PS love the pics of G-Ma and G-Pa they look so excited and sweet.

 

[kellyw8863]

Okay, now I'm beginning to get worried. We're leaving in 9 days and I haven't received any MAW packets/info, etc. We DID get the GKTW packet and have received a couple of emails from them, so I know we're going (phew!), but wondering when we're going to hear from MAW. Did you get the same letter, Genie stickers, etc. that Melissa got? Just wondering if it's standard, or varies from chapter to chapter.

I guess this is where I learn to relinquish control and just trust that things will come together. I may even start trying to get clothes together this weekend. Or not. Perhaps more like go buy things we need (like running shoes for my oldest).

Your girls take such adorable pictures. I wish mine were as photogenic! I especially love the tink picture of Ali on her CB page!

Have you heard from Elke's wish granters yet? They're the ones who contacted us about the final packet with all of our reservations and such. The MAW packet that Melissa has pictures we got a long time ago - shortly after it was first confirmed we were going to Disney. I would probably try calling them just to make sure.

I'm like you with the packing. I like to think I'll get it all done in advance, but that's never what happens. I did take the girls to WalMart yesterday to pick up some things, but it was more to get Ali into air conditioning than it was to be on top of things. I do need to make some progress this weekend, though. We have a couple of kids coming to house/dog sit, which means that I have some work to do around here.

It's funny how we see different things with pictures. I also love the Tink picture on her CB welcome page, but it makes me sad, too. To me, it's hauntingly beautiful, but part of that comes from the fact that she has such poor tone throughout her face. There is nothing to her cheeks and she's trying to purse her lips, but she can't. I keep it there because I absolutely love her eyes, but it's hard not to see these other things.

How is Elke feeling? Is her leg feeling any better? Is there anything that her doctors can do for her? I've been thinking of you guys.

Hmmmm - Daniel got his MAW packet with info and welcome from GKTW, but no expense check at all - I wonder if they arent getting one????? THey also got their airfare and ride to the airport info!! They are sooooo excited!! Have magical trips everyone!!

I'm sure they're getting an expense check. Some chapters don't give them until right before the trip so the wish recipients can't take off with the money. I know Daniel must be excited, but you all must be excited, too. How cool that you guys will be a part of something so great! Have a safe trip if I don't "see" you before you leave, and hopefully we'll cross paths at GKTW!

 

[kellyw8863]

The Wish shirts came from me. So sorry, my notes get left on the desk away from the shirts. As soon as the shirts are done I have to put them away or my cat wants to lay on anything he sees new! So I tend to grab the shirts to mail but forget to grab the note on the desk. Just went to look and yep the note is still there!

I love the way the girls do hug poses!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful trip!

Tracie

PS love the pics of G-Ma and G-Pa they look so excited and sweet.

Thank you so much! We know exactly what we will be wearing on the day that we leave.

G-Ma and G-Pa are thrilled. They've never been to Disney before, and are just beside themselves that they will be a part of this. Not the best picture, but here's G-Pa just hanging out in the shirt Wendy made for him. We haven't talked to them since Sunday - they will be floored that they have more shirts waiting for them.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying this PTR!!! And I am very excited that it is so close to your big day!!! I'm only on page 15 but I am definitely loving all of the pics. You have a beautiful family!

 

[billwendy]

YAY for G-Pa!! Wheres G-Ma?

 

[pacrosby]

OMG I just love that second picture of g-pa (post #407) I don't know, something about it just sent me giggling! He looks like a great sport. No doubt you all will have a great time together on this trip

I can't believe you are going next week????? Where the heck did the time go?

 

[Wee Annie]

Have you heard from Elke's wish granters yet? They're the ones who contacted us about the final packet with all of our reservations and such. The MAW packet that Melissa has pictures we got a long time ago - shortly after it was first confirmed we were going to Disney. I would probably try calling them just to make sure.

I emailed the wish coordinator, who said the wish granter should be calling me soon.... Interesting that you got that packet a while ago. I guess they're saving it all up to give to us at the last minute.


It's funny how we see different things with pictures. I also love the Tink picture on her CB welcome page, but it makes me sad, too. To me, it's hauntingly beautiful, but part of that comes from the fact that she has such poor tone throughout her face. There is nothing to her cheeks and she's trying to purse her lips, but she can't. I keep it there because I absolutely love her eyes, but it's hard not to see these other things.

I'm sure you see all that, but I just see the absolutely gorgeous child. I think what really does it for that picture are her eyes, and the way she is holding her hands and blowing. It's so cute.


How is Elke feeling? Is her leg feeling any better? Is there anything that her doctors can do for her? I've been thinking of you guys.

Elke is actually doing a bit better. Haven't used morphine in a couple of days. So I am feeling MUCH more positive. Unfortunately, we go in for some chemo on Monday that can cause her tremendous neuropathic pain for the next 7- 10 days . Not ideal, but what can you do? (Bring the morphine....)

I did find out that GKTW has bed rails (that's why I emailed our wish coordinator. Our coordinator has also offered to rent us a stroller. We are bring an umbrella stroller for Elke for the airports, etc, so I wonder whether we should just say no. But if it's a lot more comfortable....

I'm really beginning to look forward to this trip. I think that the fact that I haven't let myself plan like crazy has actually been helpful, ironically, in keeping my stress levels down. I just want us to be able to enjoy ourselves.

Of course, I do have dining reservations, and basic plans re where to go each day. So I guess I'm still somewhat in control freak mode. But at least I haven't made a commando "plan of attack" for each park!

Have you decided if you are going to do any of the parties/events at GKTW aside from the Christmas party?

 

[yinyanggirls]

All of those shirts are great! The colors of those outfits are perfect for spring!

Love the pics of G-pa and G-ma. They are your parents, right?

I emailed the wish coordinator, who said the wish granter should be calling me soon.... Interesting that you got that packet a while ago. I guess they're saving it all up to give to us at the last minute.


I did find out that GKTW has bed rails (that's why I emailed our wish coordinator. Our coordinator has also offered to rent us a stroller. We are bring an umbrella stroller for Elke for the airports, etc, so I wonder whether we should just say no. But if it's a lot more comfortable....

Maybe they knew that you were refusing to do any planning ahead of time so they are saving it until the last minute.

I'm trying to refrain from emailing or calling ours, but it's tough. If I don't hear anything over the weekend I'm definitely calling! We have the flight info, but don't we need tickets?

 

[cydswipe]

Oh my!

I love, love, love the pictures of gpa and grma!

The girls are darling in their MAW outfits... tooooo cccuuuttee!!!

Monica

 

[jessica52877]

Grandma and Grandpa look so cute! Have they really never been to Disney?? I think it is so neat that they get to go along for the wish trip and everyone had to experience Disney atleast once!

I am just like Tracie, my items often (okay always) lack notes! I think a note might have made it into a box once! Of course I have no good excuse besides I don't want to look for pretty paper and don't want to write it on ugly paper!

Love the wish shirts! Can't wait for your trip to get here!

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

How cool gma and gpa got shirts too. I love them! The girls outfits are adorable. I love the colors.

We got our Disney/Genie packet and check one week before we were supposed to leave.