Day 1: May 8, 2012 Travel Day and Give Kids The World

We got up bright and early Tuesday morning and headed to the airport. Bailee was really sick Monday night and Tuesday morning, but after a blessing, some medicine, more sleep and a lot of prayer, by the time we got to the airport she was feeling great.

The kids were both fascinated by the airport. It was fun to watch out the windows and see the planes coming and going. When it was our time to board, the kids were super excited.

They were both AMAZING on the flight. They sat in their seats and played quietly, they colored, played with play dough, and put stickers on paper. There was an in-flight movie, but it was the new Sherlock Holmes and neither of them were interested in it. However, they did each enjoy playing on the iPod and iPhone so that helped too.

We got to the airport and were met by a greeter from Give Kids The World, Pat. I let her in on our little surprise, and she was more than willing to play along. We picked up our luggage and "looked for the right place to go". Bailee was super surprised when she finally realized that Grammy and Grampy were standing right beside her. It was a fun way to start our time in Florida.

We hopped in our rental car, experienced toll roads for the first time, and entered the Magical World of Give Kids The World. It was incredible!

A volunteer greeted the kids with gifts, a Mickey Mouse for Maddox and a Shamu for Bailee, went over some basics, and then took us to our home for the week. It was so fun to explore and unpack. There were even more gifts for the kids on the table, left by the Star Fairy of course.

We changed into our bathing suits for the pool party and headed to grab some dinner. They had moved it inside due to the rain, and Bai was a bit disappointed that she didn't get to swim.

After dinner we headed to the Castle of Miracles to explore. Bailee had her nails painted at the La-Ti-Da Spa, and Maddox loved the slide in the Enchanted Forest. There were stars covering the ceiling and walls. Each representing a child who had made a Wish and stayed at Give Kids The World. It was overwhelming.

Luke and I headed to orientation while Grammy and Grampy played with the kids. It was pouring!

After we got our packet of magic passes for the week, we headed back to the Villa to meet the kids. We ordered some pizza and relaxed for awhile before taking Grammy and Grampy to their hotel. They fell asleep on the way back to the Village and settled into bed for the night.

(I have a few pictures of the first day, but I am still waiting for our disk from Give Kids The World to get the rest of them. So I'll add them when they come.)