MAW Trip Day 1 - Let the Wish Begin...

After a few hours of rest it was time to get ready for our Shuttle pick up. Our Granter had called to let us know that he was snowed in and would not be able to meet us at the airport. With the snow we had gotten we were glad we had opted for the shuttle.

Steve and I let the kids open their gifts from us so they could use them on the flight.

The shuttle was late picking us up. The kids were out front playing in the snow waiting. That poor man was bombarded when he finally got here. We got loaded up and off we went. The roads were so slick. I was surprised when we found out he was picking up 2 more people. He had to put one person's luggage up front. We only had 8 bags, 7 carry-ons and the stroller for the 7 of us. I can't imagine what it would have been like had we had more.

We were late getting to the airport but thankfully got checked in and through security just fine. There weren't any problems with Drew by-passing the metal detector. They looked at his medical card and let him walk right through.

We got to the gate and waited and waited.



So many flights were delayed. Finally we were called to pre-board. They made us board in shifts which I thought was odd, but it worked out. We were and hour late leaving.



Ryan was so funny when the plane took off. "It's a Rocket!!........BLAST OFF!!" It was a nice smooth flight.

They didn't announce Drew was on a MAW trip but he didn't mind. There were 3 kids traveling alone. One of them was something else. He kept picking fights with the other two. It was a full flight so they couldn't move him. Just before we landed in Chicago he punched the little boy sitting next to him square in the face. I couldn't believe it. The flight attendant yelled at him and held him back to talk with the parent meeting him.

Finally all that was taken care of, seats were switched and we were on our way to FL.

About an hour into the flight Madilynn tells us "I'm ready to launch back now" LOL





And finally we touch down.

We got off the plane and dropped all the bags in a pile for Steve to watch while we made a quick run to the bathroom. We looked and looked for a greeter. Finally mom & Brittany headed off in the direction of the Magical Express and we hoped we were headed in the right direction to baggage claim. It's now after midnight and I'm ready to be done.

As we walked clear down to claim our bags we finally saw this.

Tears came to my eyes seeing "Grampa" Bob (as he referred to himself) holding Drew's sign. Grampa Bob talked with all the kids and joked with them while Steve & Zander got the bags. As Zander brought them over Grampa Bob got them all on the cart - all 8 bags on ONE cart. I should have taken a picture of that!

We finally get our van and load everything in and get very detailed directions from Grampa Bob on how to get to GKTW. Finally at 1:10 AM we see.........

We were enthusiastically greeted and checked in.
The kids were so glad to be out of the airport and van.

We loaded back into the van and headed to our villa. 119 would be our home for the next week.

As I walked through the front door a sense of peace came over me. It's been a very long time since I've felt that much peace. I could feel what a special place we were.
Drew opened our Welcome Bag.

Thankfully Sub Sandwiches were provided as all the restaurants we passed were closed and we were a hungry bunch.

Drew just HAD to check out the jacuzzi.

Jammies were put on.


Pills were taken

And finally at 2:30 am everyone was tucked in bed.