Make-A-Wish trip Day 1

Last week we went on the most magical trip of our lives Lucas's Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in Florida.  Those that know Mike and I know we take A LOT of pictures.  This trip we took over 3,200 and 125 video clips!  So I will be doing day to day posts.  Our day began at 10:00am with a non stop flight to Orlando.  Traveling with medical supplies is always a hassle.  When going through security Lukie was really nervous.  Mike had on a BYU hoodie, they asked him to remove it but he didn't have on anything under so he had to have a pat down.  When Lukie's medical bag came through they said Mike or I would need a pat down.  I have had my share of pat downs so I told Mike it was his turn (this was his 2nd pat down).  When the TSA officer was done patting Mike down he tested his gloves and they tested positive for explosives!  So then they took Mike in a locked room with 3 officers for an invasive private screening.  At this Point Lukie was crying and we were all worried Mike might not make it on the plane.  Finally he passed and we were able to load the plane.

We Landed in Florida at 4:30pm.  We were greeted by a sweet grandma who volunteers for Give kids the World.  Give Kids the World (GKTW) is a non-profit organization village where wish families stay during their wish trip.  This place is AMAZING!  I will talk more about the village later. From the moment we stepped off the plane our every need was met – we felt spoiled! It was beyond our expectations. How could we ever have imagined how perfect and magical this trip would be? Perfection!

 Our Greeter Welcoming us to Florida at the airport.

They let Lukie pick out any rental van he wanted.  He picked a blue van.  He was so excited about it he kept asking everyone if they liked his new blue van!  Now he asks us what happened to my blue van!

 This is when we first arrived at the village.  They welcomed Luke with a stuffed Mickey and the other boys with baby Shamu's.   He loved his Mickey and cuddled with him all night.

 Our Welcome sign at our village.  When we arrived at our Villa a cookie cart came with cookies and lemonade for everyone.  The cookie cart drives around every afternoon.

 This is the House of Hearts where we checked in.

 Our Home Sweet Home for the week.  When we arrived their was a welcome basket full of snacks and drinks in the fridge.  There was also stuffed animals for the kids from the "gift fairy" who leaves gifts for the kids every day!

 Every day we ate breakfast and dinner at the gingerbread house.  All of our meals are free, and is ran by volunteers.  They are wonderful!  They always have a smile on their faces, carry your trays, and clean up after you.  Don't even try leaving a tip and clean up yourself you will be in trouble!

 Miss Mary and Mayor Clayton are Characters that live in the Village.  Miss Mary stopped by for dinner.  The older boys were excited, Lukie was scared and jumped off his seat and ran to me as fast as he could.

 Out side the Gingerbread house is a carousel, Lukie wanted to ride on it after every meal. 

 This is the Ice cream palace where they serve ice cream free all day long!  Everyone has to eat ice cream for breakfast at least once during their stay!

 Kaleb looking at the stars.

 Once a week Kissimee EMT's bring cop cars, fire engines, and ambulances to the village for the kids to check out.

 Jayden turning on the siren.

Every Monday Evening in Halloween.  The kids went Trick-or-Treating and ended up with huge bags of candy!

 A magic show the boys participated in.

 Dessert in the ice cream palace.  The theme is Candy Land, it is decorated really cute.

Dancing in the street.

 The boys meeting Mayor Clayton for the first time.

 Luke was scared of the characters at first, but they have wonderful volunteers that helped Lukie warm up. It is also great to have older brothers that help him be brave.

 Dancing in the street!

The boys on their beds.  The kids get the "master bedroom" with a huge bathroom and Jet tub.  I do have to admit Mike and I were a little jealous and did sneak in the jet tub a couple of times.

That pretty much sums up our first day!  There is A LOT more fun to come!