Thursday, January 28, 2010

Welcome Home

The first greeting that you hear when you arrive at the Saratoga are the words," Welcome Home"...and truly everyone has made us feel as though they were all waiting just for us and we are finally home.

I am not the technology person - thankfully God has surrounded me with members of our family who are quite gifted in that area and so no one is dependent on me for that ability- but this morning, before we head out for another Disney day, I wanted to share with you just a few of my favorite moments from the trip so far.  There won't be any photos with my post (that's the technology gap I have) but hopefully you will still get a glimpse into the wonderful moments that we are sharing here in Florida. There are so many...no disrespect intended to those ones I don't list...it's just I don't have near enough time this morning to list them all.

  • After the official proclamation declaring Amanda a Disney princess, we opened the door to the most beautiful tree house villa. Making it even more special were the many balloons, gift bag of snacks, balloons, fruit basket and stuffed Minnie Mouse that was waiting for us. And Belle herself (Amanda's favorite Disney princess) had left a framed photo of herself with a special message to Amanda and (dare I say) more balloons welcoming us "home".
  • The gifted park tickets helped us start our first day at the Magic Kingdom out just right. First ride together...Space Mountain.  One of my favorite memories involves Matt, his hat, a dark ride, it flying over my head and hitting Larry in a dark tunnel, Larry believing that perhaps this Disney ride was falling apart, and us discovering he was holding Matt's hat at the end of the ride and laughing so hard we couldn't get out of our cars. 
  • Watching as Cinderella's fairy god mother knelt down and quietly talked with Amanda, wishing her happy dream come trues and sharing a special hug with her.
  • Soaring at Epcot.  If you come to Disney...it is a must.
  • Best "mom's heart" moments - Amanda snuggled up next to Larry (and trying not to get wet on the rapids ride, Abby & Amanda holding hands as they "walked" together to the next ride, Amanda asleep against Caleb's shoulder on the ride home, Amanda in Joshua or Matt's arms as they carried her up and down steps, Haley and Amanda laughing and sharing their favorite cotton candy together, and Amanda and Anna sitting with Pooh and Tigger for a photo op.
  • A private pontoon ride around a large Disney lake. A very dear captain shared stories with us and made the ride so wonderful and then, with snuggly blankets wrapped around us, we watched the evening fireworks display over the water.  Magical, truly magical.
There are more...so many more..especially a very dear bus driver, who once carried his own son and whom we shared quiet tears with, but I must go now.  My family is ready to leave and and fill this day with new Disney memories!

A thankful, blessed mom...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing! I loved seeing the pictures and hearing about all of your wonderful experiences so far. It sounds like an incredibly magical trip! Can't wait to hear more when you get home!
Melanie

Anonymous said...

We are thrilled that you are having such a wonderful trip. But I don't think Disney World is that different from CFS, because I see some of the same behavior one would expect from Goofy, Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, etc. right here in the school hallways. Okay, maybe it isn't the same magic kingdom. We miss you, Amanda and Caleb. God bless

Mr. Williams

Anonymous said...

Amanda~
Dearest Amanda and family. Everyone that I work with at the University and I and everyone here in Iowa that love you and have been keeping up with you are so overfilled with joy and happiness that you are happy and smiling and having fun. We all wish you all...all of the magic in this world and stand in awe of his grace. We all love u and cannot wait to hear and see (pics) of the trip.

Love
Dori

Deb McGonagle said...

We are having fun right along with you all! Make sure you have a Mickey Mouse funnel cake for me. We love the princess and her entire entourage.
The McGonagles

Anonymous said...

We are thankful you are able to have this time and enjoy Disney. Glad the weather has been cooperative so far. May God continue to hold you all in the palm of His hand. Elaine

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, thanks for taking this journy, and for taking so many along. May God continue to bless, and we'll all be together soon. Love Uncle Doo, and Tara

Anonymous said...

I am about to wet myself with laughter! Larry, magic mountain and a hat. Sounds like a great major motion picture comedy!
We are so glad you all are having so much fun.
As many have said already. Thanks for bringing us along.
Bring us back some warm weather when you come back!
Blessings to you all,
Ross & Cindy

Anonymous said...

Thank you for allowing me to make Amanda a citizen of Disney. It was a pleasure and a honor to meet Amanda and the family. I feel like i am part of your family and keeping all of you in my prayers.

Long live the Magic!