Make A Wish

Nothing says cool more than having your family photo session with "Frank" from Men in Black!

Okay,... there may be a few more things that are just as cool,... but for me, it will BE the top highlight of Hannah's Make A Wish trip.

"It seems like it went soooo fast," Kim seemed to be on her downward slide which tends to happen after a long anticipated trip to Give Kids the World, Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Orange Manor. Did I mention a drive-by at a local Harley dealer? Probably should since we went there on the only day of the entire year that they are closed.

We had heard about level of care you receive when you're on a Make A Wish, but come on! These people are insane in the best way! "Welcome. We're here to serve you," said the greeter who met us at the House of Hearts at Give Kids the World. "If you need something,... anything,...all you need to do is ask," she finished her greeting with a big smile. We arrived just before midnight.

While chatting with Mrs. Clause (that's right, we had the Mr. and the Mrs. meet and greet) she insisted on two things,... the first was that Sam sit on her lap, "You're not too big for me," she said in such a quiet, confident, caring manner. Her second request was that the children have ice cream for breakfast at least once while we were there. I didn't think that would be a problem since after our first morning trek to the Ginger Bread House for breakfast, we made a second stop at the ice cream shop for breakfast dessert!








We had such a wonderful time and so many people to thank for taking their time to make this a wonderful experience for our family. I'm currently working through about a trillion photos and epic hours of video film in order to turn this journey into a DVD extravaganza. Thank goodness I gave up scrap-booking to a more technological approach.

Thanks Make A Wish!

Going South Should Be Easy

We met with Harry and Sharon yesterday over pizza and pop.  What a wonderful couple to represent the Make A Wish foundation.  They came to deliver our shirts, check on our plans for Hannah's Make A Wish, and brought us pizza and treats to boot.  We even got to hear about their trip to Africa in support of building a school.  It was fantastic!

We finally received the 'BIG' package from the Michigan Make A Wish headquarters, which outlines our travel plans and time to be spent at Give Kids The World.  It was one of those moments that makes you sit back in order to catch your breath - right before all the screaming begins:  "WE'RE HEADING TO FLORIDA!"

Hannah and Max have never been on a plane before, so our excitement for them matches their excitement to go.  It's a lot like watching the kids come down the staircase on Christmas morning to see what lies under the tree.  Besides the plane ride we found out that the whole family gets to have a luncheon at the castle with the princesses.  I could see the puzzled look on Sam's face when I said, "The reservation here says it's for five people.  Guess what,...you're dining with fairy tale gals!"

"Nooooo!  Do I have to go?"  Sam may have been outwardly protesting, but deep, deep down I know he's thinking he's the luckiest guy on the face of the planet.  

Aside from the ladies in big puffy dresses, we're ready for takeoff and what ever comes our way!  I mean,... once we figure out what the parameters for flight actually are.  

Tis The Time

Going Christmas Retro

"Have you done the Holiday Cards yet?"

Kim already knows the answer to the question. She's just toying with me psychological-like. We've been receiving various cards and photos in the mail (thanks everyone). It was just her casual way to put verbal reminder-foot to my butt in order to get me moving. And yet,... I sit here once again, having left everything I need at home.
I still have time, right?

The whole family is getting geared for Hannah's Make A Wish trip over Christmas Break - "Sixteen days," Sam mutters to me as I drop him off at school this morning. I didn't even need to ask what he was talking about. We are heading to a place called Give Kids the World.
Countless smiles, endless laughter… and a week full of dreams come true. Each day, Give Kids The World lives by this mission and has made a promise to never turn a child away. The Village was built through the selfless commitment and generous spirit of individuals and corporations who wanted to make a difference in the life of a child. Since 1986, more than 88,000 children have had their dream come true at Give Kids The World. No child in need has ever been turned away – and no child ever will. Give Kids The World is a place where families find joy, laughter, serenity, and a lifetime of memories. Through the tireless support of our volunteers, employees and generous partners, we dedicate each and every day to these special families.

With the trip to GKTW, also comes three days at Disney, two at Universal Studio, and a trip to Sea World. The biggest excitement for Hannah will more than likely be on that first day when she receives a Princess Makeover at the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo boutique in Cinderella's Castle.
Sam on the other hand had other questions, "What the heck are we suppose to do?" Not to worry about the boys during 'girl time', I think we'll be able to find something in the Magical Kingdom to occupy our time.

Hannah is doing great with her arm. They want to cast her pinkie finger in order to keep it stretched out, along with starting her back on therapy two days a week. The idea is to keep things stretched as much as possible, while she continues to grow, and before surgery.

One last note before I go: As a teacher I get to hear and see wonderful things from students all year long. Just this week, for example, my students were pealing off the layers of snow clothing in the hall - the noise level climbing to a fevered pitch as they discussed issues of not being able to feel their toes, fingers, or face muscles. Trying to get through the mine field of snow pants and boots was the Autistic class. As they began the trudge through the mess, one little autistic boy lifts his head and yells, "Shut The Hell Up!"

The hallway dropped to a hum. Well said,... and effective too. There was nothing more to say,... unless you consider,.. And Merry Christmas to All!