Heading Home - Day 7

It was 5:14 am when I woke up, just 1 minute before the alarm sounded.   I got myself ready for the day and made sure the kids were up.  Then I went to work finishing the packing job.

We all met downstairs at 6:00 am for our pick up.  The same driver came to get us.

We checked our bags curb-side, making the move into the airport much smoother.  We had less than 20 minutes to get through security and then we boarded the tram again to get to our terminal.

We had only about a 30 minute wait before boarding our plane.

It was a smooth flight arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule.  We had about 1.5 hours in Atlanta, so we used rest rooms and then made it most of the way to our gate before stopping for lunch at Five Guys, Burgers & Fries.  

Then we sat down and enjoyed some quiet time before boarding our next flight.

 

Our next flight was appx 2 hours up to Grand Rapids.  Although we left the gate late because of delayed pilots, they planned to make up the time and arrive as scheduled.  However about 20 minutes out, they came over the loud speaker to announce the runways were shut down for snow removal and they would be slowing down to take up the time.  

You'll notice in the pic that the adults are all sleeping.  Yup, the kids played together while we all slept.  Just goes to show those who can and cannot handle a Disney trip!

We arrived only a few minutes later than planned.  It was great to be home but the snow didn't feel too welcoming to my sandal-clad bare feet.

Our driver was waiting and took us home... first the DeYoungs, then us, and finally Ray & Bev.

It was a great week but boy, is it good to be home!

I'm Sorry - Day 4

We walked into the Magic Kingdom ready for the Christmas party.  What I didn't plan on was the bombardment of people sitting / standing / crowding Main Street preparing for the shows and parade. I couldn't even step inside the park without my blood pressure jumping... I just knew we were in for trouble.

The family met us at the big Christmas tree just inside the park.  We took one big family photo and then the DeYoungs and Ray & Bev headed off to find their place for the night's events.

I'm not gonna lie... I teared up.  I was overwhelmed and needed time to make a plan, unsure of how this night would play out, and disappointed to be separated from the family.  

I received the following text moments later... "I'm so sorry".

At first, I wasn't sure how to take it.  But while writing my response I found great peace in our situation and what needed to happen next.  Here's what I wrote back:

"We knew it was a tough night for Sammy but wanted to give the family the experience in spite of that.  We love her to pieces.  Loving someone comes with pluses and minuses. But we love them anyway... I know you get that, but it's ok to remember :).  We take the bad with the awesome!   Yup tonight was tough.  But we stick together and make memories wherever we land..."

And that is what we did.  Life doesn't always go the way we plan.  Especially with autism, we need to be flexible and make accommodations as needed.  BUT... memories are made even in the unplanned moments and love shows up in unexpected places!  

It was a great night in spite of it all!

Breen Family Disney Trip 2016 - The Plan

Throughout the years, we've often said that there is no better way to make memories than to travel with someone.  We really wanted an opportunity to make memories with the Breen family... Ray & Bev and the DeYoungs.  And since there is no place on earth more Magical than Disney, we have asked the family to join us on a trip this year.

Tomorrow morning the ten of us will fly out of GR.  I got a great deal, so we are all flying first class.  Then we've booked three suites at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa on Disney property.  The  Breens will stay in a 1-bedroom studio while DeYoungs and us will stay in a room with this floorplan.

Then we've planned 5 fun-filled days in the parks.  Maddie and Kyle had never been before so we are eager to see their reactions!

I've made reservations for dinner each day and a few extra surprises as well.  We are literally counting down the weeks... days... now hours until we can go!

We are off on a magical adventure!  I cannot wait to see the kids soak it all in.

The Rest of the Story...

I can tell you that the remainder of our trip was incredible!  We had lots of fun and made many memories.  Unfortunately I didn't take the time to write about each day and now have lost the details. Even so, I wanted to share the photos from the remainder of this trip.  It was amazing!


We looked for Halloween Costumes

We played at the Children's Museum

 

The Black Town & Country Passed 100,000 miles

Enjoying some Desserts

Waiting at the Airport for Daddy to Arrive

Riding the Ferris Wheel with Grandma and Grandpa

Enjoying a Meal Together

Hands-On Learning at Myrtle Beach State Park

Playing at the Upside-Down Building  (WonderWorks)

Surprising Grandpa and Grandma with a Fast Boat Ride

Playing with Balloon Launchers

Huntington State Beach

Saying Goodbye

Grandpa Meindertsma flew down so that he could drive our van home.  That allowed Daddy to fly home with Mom and the kids.  We were very grateful!