Day 2

We began day 2 with breakfast, imagine that. GKTW is supplied with food by Perkins. Perkins also supplies the chef for each meal. Perkins has good food for any meal, but they are known for their breakfast menu. A fantastic way to start a busy vacation day.

Our first full day @ GKTW, we decided to go to Magic Kingdom. After we got our usual late start and our Griswold type start to our vacation ( I melted my debit card in my shorts when ironing them that morning) we finally saw Cinderella’s Castle @ 12:30pm. We first headed to the Wish Lounge. This is a special place for kids and their families to hang out that are on their “Dream” or “wish” vacation. Our special button gave us access to this fantastic room.

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The lady we met inside, instantly gave us each a bottle of water. 6x$30=$1,000 savings. OK so my math stinks. All I know is we each received a free bottle of water, which is priceless in Florida in the hot summertime, especially when it costs so much in Disney. We took a bathroom break and the kids watched a couple minutes of a Disney movie on a huge circular pillow. The whole room was straight out of Aladdin’s Castle. After I got into trouble for taking Adelaine to the potty which hadn’t been used yet that day, we headed out to the park.

The first rid we hit was Pirates of the Caribbean. With our special pass, we waited all of about ZERO minutes to board the ride. The longest it took to get onto the ride was the walk through the back gate to board the secret entrance. That is how we conquered 4 Disney parks in 3 days, of which the earliest start was 11:30.

We got back to GKTW in time for dinner and then hurried to our Villa for a tuck in form Miss Mary. Miss Mary is a 5 foot rabbit that tucks in the kids and winds them up at the same time. Adelaine started out lovin it, but by the end, she was ready for the giant rabbit to go. Bowen on the other hand was having aball with Miss Mary and got so amped that he was literally bouncing off the walls.

Miss Ashley was there to allow us to go out, but alas we were too pooped and crashed shortly after the kids did. Once again, ssssssssssnnnnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooooorrrreee…..

dug

I know the page is loading slow. We got a new camera before our trip. The megs are much higher on our camera and I added quite a few pics to our post.

Last night we had an extended version of our “Dream Week”. Dream Day with the Rays sponsor by the Children’s Dream Fund. We arrived on time (that was a miracle) received our goody bags and headed for our seats. Sandy for the Dream Fund found us in the middle of the first inning and leaned over and told Angela something. I assumed it was, “ You look absolutely beautiful” or something like that. After she walked away, Angela asked if I had my cell phone. I answered affirmatively, and she sadi “Good, because we are singing “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” and Sandy will call us when we need to go.

OK. Now this is unreal. One of my ultimate dreams in life is to sing “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” during a Major League Baseball game. Harry Carey was one of my most favorite memories growing especially singing this song during the Chicago Cubs games. We quickly taught all 3 kids to sing the song and at the top of the 6th inning we got the call.

At the top of the sixth, we quickly were whisked to the press box. The lady there asked us if we knew “Fins to the Left”. What?!? I thought we were signing the ultimate baseball song! She showed the kids the motions and they started doing a performance. I have to admit. We live approximately 3.2 miles from Tropicana Field where the Tampa Bay Devil Rays play their home games and as a family, we have been to a total now of 2 games in the 5 years we have lived here. I was a t a game earlier this year in my companies suite, but I don’t remember them signing a Jimmy Buffet song during the 7th inning stretch.

The program director gave me his set to keep me out of the way and the kids began their performance with Angela helping them. This is not at all how I pictured this going. I had dreamed of since second grade, sounding like Harry Carey, “ A one A two A three, take me out to the ballgame…” in a slow methodical druken sounding stupor and then shouting “Hey Hey Cubs Win!!!” but instead my kids have their hands pointed above their heads shaken their booties to a Buffet song.

But wait. This wa the middle of the sixth inning. After they were finished, the program director said to the organ player, “OK, they are all yours now.” They organ player leans over and says, “ Lets practice the song.” Bing! Beam of light shines down from the heavens. We actually are going to sign the hallowed song. After a quick run through, we are all amped. Bowen and Mason each have a microphone to hold and I have managed to weasel my way in behind Maosn for my big moment. The one and only thing the organ player mentioned was to say “Devil Rays” rather than “Home Team”. No prob. I grew up saying “Root root root for the cubbies, if they don’t win it’s a shame” So we had taught the kids to say “Root root root for the D Rays, if they don’t win it’s a shame” and he wanted us to sing Devil Rays rather than Drays. Easy.

The top of the 7th dragged on forever. Did I mention that Adelaine is on her monthly cycle of steroids? Ok, they have not proven anything about Barry Bonds and steroids. It’s a good thing they didn’t have to test sis before her performance, because she defienlyt would have tested positive. When we began the signing ordeal, she was a ball of smiles. About 2 minutes before we started signing, she turned into grump monster and would not smile. The director of the Children’s Dream Fund announced the winner of the nights raffle and then the organ starts crankin out the beautiful melody. He cues us and the boys start signing softly and slowly. The music Director starts crankin his arm meaning for them to go faster so I start singing louder and faster and the boys do also. We get to the Devil Rays part and I think I said “home ray” and I hear everyone else in my family say everything from “home team” to “d rays” and I think Mason actually got “Devil Rays” and the song ends shortly there after.

After the song they whisk us quickly back out of the press box and we head back down to our seats. We did it! We sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at a Major League Baseball game! All I need to so now is to make out with Jennifer Anniston and then my life will be complete! Oh wait, don’t tell Angela that last part.

After we got to our seats, Adelaine had to go potty for the 12th time that night. We also were looking for the cotton candy guy. We had promised the kids cotton candy if they had done well with the song so the girls were going to score 4 cotton candies on their way back. Now the boys sang their little hearts out, but Adelaine had stood there with her little arms crossed with a pouty face on. Since it was steroid induced and she probably would have flown into a roid rage, Adelaine would receive the fluffy sugar spun into a cottony texture also.

Now there were signs all over the stadium concerning the alcohol sales being cutoff at the top of the 8th inning. No where were there signs about cotton candy sales ceasing at the same time. All we know is, trying to get cotton candy after the start of the 8th inning is like trying to get a beer at the same time. I’m sure the ingredients in cotton candy could possibly impair driving if you consumed 8 or more during a baseball game. But give me a break. Show a cancer family some love. We scanned the entire stadium and all the pink and blue fluffy stickiness was gone! There is nothing like a 3 year old woman scorned by not having blue cotton candy! We had to promise the children they could get a prize from walmart on the way home rather than the sticky goodness.

Needless to say the D-Rays won 9 to 2, the game was awesome and now our family owns 2 more Lego Bionicles and a little toy horse that whinnies when you push its head down. Toys have certainly advanced since we were kids.

I need to say “Thank You” to the Children’s Dream Fund for the wishes they fulfilled for our entire family this past week. The only wish outstanding is Angela’s date with Brad Pitt. Sandy said they are still working on that one and will let us know. Angelina aint got nothing on my woman, so I guess I better hope that one doesn’t come through.

I also need to thank God. He has blessed us tremendously these past couple months. I watched Joel Osteen this morning on television and his sermon was based on Isaiah 30:18. “Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you for the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.” The corner has turned for us. We are once again focused on the positive direction that God has for us. Please continue to pray for us as we do for each and everyone of you.

doug

P.S. Bowen has decide that he wants to be a magazine model. His grandaddy, uncle Phil and uncle Braxton did modeling when they were kids and Braxton acutally went on to be one of the Marlboro Men. Maybe Bowen could become the next Microsoft Man or somthng like that. If any of you have any modeling agency connections in the Tampa Bay area just let us know.

Day 1 Thursday July 26, 2007

Sorry we did not post during our vacation. We did not have an internet conection in our room. We will catch you up with the days as they unfolded accompanied by pictures. We were without instant access to news except for the television, which was tuned to Disney for the week. I almost asked where Simeon Rice was when we were at training camp on Tuesday. He had been released the day we left home.

The kids were excited, but I don’t think they could touch our level. Miss Ashley stayed over the night before we left so we could all get an early start to the trip. Angela had loaded all the suitcases the day before and I only had to take half of them out in order to get everything to fit. Mason had to get his allergy shot before we left so the girls and Mason went in Ashley’s car while Bowen and I went to Wal-Mart to get a few supplies. We actually got on the interstate by 12:30 pm! Yes, I did have a couple of meltdowns before we left. I think the restless anticipation I had experienced for the last 3 days had finally stopped and a couple things didn’t go as “Perfectly” as planned so, I got grumpy.

Kississimee is only 1 ½ hours away, but that can be the longest drive in history. I took a few pictures along the way. They have changed the airplane from a wrecked plane to a plane taking off at Fantasy of Flight . A few pictures of the exit signs for “The Strip” and we were finally driving down the Mecca of tourist traps. Of course, I took a few more pictures. We got a new camera right before the trip and I had to test it out.

On “The Strip” we passed a huge building shaped like an orange, a giant wizard, and a 50 foot alligator eating a car. Yes, those are all gift shops! There was also a giant marlin, a huge yellow golf ball on a purple tee, a Harley Davidson Shop, a working Ferris wheel, this sling shot apparatus that will launch you 100 feet into the sky, approximately 10 flea markets, 6 putt-putt golf courses, 3 different helicopter tour business’, 40+ run down motels, a sign for the “Worlds Largest Gift Shop and Shell Factory”, Seven Dwarfs Lane, Medieval Times (more on that place to come), Super Wal-Mart, and right next to Super Wal-Mart is a green sign for Give Kids the World! Finally! We are at Bass Road! Our favorite store I the whole world, Super Wal-Mart, is our landmark to remember for the week!

Anticipation is high as the boys and I drive down Bass Road. Which side will it be on? Will the road dead end into a run down dilapidated old soggy camp, where all the buildings are painted dark brown? Will the road open up to reveal a solid gold gate with security guard wearing a tuxedo? Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, I had to jump on Pearl’s brakes and jerk the wheel to the right in order not to miss the entrance. Rule #1 when looking for the entrance of somewhere you have never been before, Don’t daydream while you are looking for it!

We pulled up to the box, mashed the # button and told them we were the Powell’s. Across the intercom a sweet voice was heard saying “Welcome, come on in”. We pulled up to the House of Hearts and looked around for the girls. No where to be seen. We had actually passed them along the way without even noticing. No worries they arrived about 3 minutes after us and we all sat down to check in.

They gave Adeliane a Mickey Mouse that matches the Minnie Mouse she got for Christmas. 3 small Shamu Killer Whale stuffed animals, an envelope of info that they went through that I think we caught about none of, and our room key.

We all walked to our Villa and WOW! It is basically a brand new beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath duplex that is much nicer than our house. Raised ceilings, crown molding, a full kitchen including dish washer, a bed room with 2 singles and a roll away with a HUGE bathroom attached. The bathroom is twice as big as both of ours combined at home. The kids bath had a shower big enough for a wheel chair, in fact I think it was big enough for 4 wheel chairs. A large jetted tub, a double sink vanity, and of course a potty. Our room had a California king size bed, our own tv and a Mickey Mouse phone. We instantly started thinking of ways to permanently move-in. Here is a link to view Villa #184, the video starts with the house of Hearts and in a few seconds you will be to Villa 2. click here We actullay stayed in Villa 183, which is the other side of the duplex. Just hold a mirror up to your monitor and you will be looking at a tour of our Villa.

Everyone else jumped into their bathing suits and headed to the pool, while I took a break to decompress. About 45 minutes later I wandered down the street and found Peter Mayhew in a rocking chair outside their Villa 4 doors down. We started talking about how much we both love work and how we would miss it so dearly for the 7 days we would be at GKTW. Finally Pete mentioned that Anissa was inside taking a nap with Peyton and that Angela & Ashley had all the other kids at the pool. We meandered down to the pool and they were all getting out. The kids had all already loaded up on ice cream and been swimming for over an hour to burn it off.

We started walking back to our Villa to get ready for dinner, when Uncle Bob called. He and Aunt Linda live about 4 miles (1 mile as the crow flies) from GKTW. They were going to join us for dinner, I mean how can you beat seeing such fabulous kids and having dinner for $1? We hadn’t seen then since Drew’s 21st B’day in December and it was good to catch up.

After dinner, we went to see Santa in the Castle of Dreams. Santa stops by every Thursday night. Each of the kids picked a present they just couldn’t have lived without and we got some more pictures. Yes, it truly was Christmas in July in more ways than 1.

Anissa and I headed to Orientation and listened to a gentleman tell us how hot it was in Florida, how there were mosquito’s and fire ants. Hmmm. No wonder I sweat so much and am constantly covered in itchy bumps at our house. Now I know what to do! He also handed out an envelope full of tickets, passes, get out of jail free cards, go to the front of the line passes, maps of the area, maps of the parks, time information, and a coupon for a professional picture of the kids and a character. With all the information flying at us, I didn’t realize the coupon was actually for a PROFESSIONAL PICTURE of our kids and a character and a scheduled time to take such picture at GKTW. I thought is was a 50% off deal with some knock off character at a tourist trap somewhere that would could do any time. What I didn’t comprehend was it was a scheduled time of 9 am Monday with the real Mickey Mouse at Julies Safari Theatre about 20 yards away. Anissa filled me in on the actual aspects about 9:45 on Monday morning.

After dinner and a stop at the ice cream shop, that is open from 9am-930 pm, Uncle Bob and Aunt Linda came back to our Villa and we talked until 9pm and then we put the kids to bed.

With Ashley there we were able to go check out local Super Wal-Mart. Anissa hopped into the car and away we went to get water and other supplies needed to conquer Disney the nest day. Wal-Mart is always a different type of world at night, and this store was no exception. In fact, this was on of the wildest stores I have ever been in. Super Target is actually closer to the parks by about 10 blocks, but it closes at 10pm. The parks are still open until at least 11pm, so they miss the night time rush. This Wal-Mart was huge of course and had a Disney/Florida clothing section positioned strategically at the front of the store. We picked through the t-shirts and bought a couple at a fraction of the price that they are sold for inside the parks. After finding some ponchos and the last case of water on the water aisle, we headed home.

We hit the pillows and snnnnnnnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee. The chainsaw sounds started. I haven’t reached the pinnacle of snoring yet. My Grandpa Powell was notorious for falling asleep in his chair and snoring so loud he would wake himself up. Now that is impressive.

First an update on Adelaine… She came down with a little cold the day we arrived at GKTW! However, she still seemed to feel good and hasn’t had an fever. Today she seems 100% over it, thankfully. Yesterday we took her to the clinic for her CBC and Vinchristine (chemo) port injection. She started her 5 days of steriods, so by the end of the week she may have horns underneath all those golden locks of hers! Her counts were excellent, at 2,100. Tonight we will be going to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game here in St. Pete, compliments of the Children’s Dream Fund! We have almost gotten everything unpacked and sorted out from our vacation. We are still planning to move, so please keep praying that the right house comes our way! Next Thursday, my parents have planned a camping trip with all three children for a week. This will be the first time Adelaine has ever been away from home without us! She and the boys are soooo excited. Please pray that they all stay safe and well during their adventure.

While we were at Give Kids the World, Sandra Rose,our music messanger, told us about a foundation the creates and writes songs for children and teens facing tough medical challenges. Below is the information we submitted on Adelaine. Each song is written from scratch and fully produced by a professional singer-songwriter. Hopefully we will have her song back in a few weeks and can’t wait to share it!

To hear actual samples of “Songs of Love”, visit, www.songsoflove.org.

Here’s what we submitted on Adelaine…Adelaine Brighton Powell
Age 3/12
Female
Diagnosed with ALL Leukemia July 1, 2006
Still undergoing treatment at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL
Please feel free to visit her website at www.hope4adelaine.org.

She Loves:
• Jesus. She prays that she will never ever have cancer again. She loves to pray!
• Tea Parties (We have real tea parties and sip from fine china, just for her)!
• Princess dress-up (she has lots of princess dresses) her favorite princess is Cinderella!
• Wearing jewelry. She wears lots of necklaces bracelets and rings.
• Wearing her high heals
• Having her nails painted, then adding “sprinkles” (glitter nail polish)
• Her “guys” as she calls them! Mason age 7, & Bowen age 5 (her brothers)
• Her while kitty, “Meow”, with pretty blue eyes like her! (She is a stuffed animal she’s had since birth!) She takes her on a pretend walk around the house by dragging her around on a leash!
• Her “Daisy” dog. She is a purple and white pretend poodle her Granddaddy gave her when she was first diagnosed. She drags her around the house on a leash also!
• Snuggling in bed with her parents after the sun comes up!
• Drinking her MonaVie (a nutritional beverage) and “apple juicey”!
• Putting puzzles together
• Playing with her baby dolls and pushing them in the stroller. Her favorite doll is named, “America”. She got her 4th of July!
• She loves her friend / baby sitter, “Miss Ashley”. Ashley comes by just to see her and spend time with her, and is such a blessing .
• Camping with her “guys” (brothers) and her Grandmamma and Granddaddy!
• She loves her Mommy and Daddy
• She loves her teachers at “pretend school” (as she calls it) Miss Sara, Miss Kay, Miss Dana and Mr. Cody (They are her favorite volunteers at the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa)
• She loves to ride her bike
• She loves to swing on the swing set
• She loves “Saturday night dance parties” with all her guys! (This is where she and her brothers play music and dance around the living room with their Dad)
• She is sweet, loving, smart, beautiful and has wonderful manners. She truly is our little princess!

Angela

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 08:48 PM

We made it home form our most fantastical week of adventures. We took over 1,000 pictures and several hours of video. We made the papers, and the Orlando and Tampa newscasts while we were @ Give Kid’s the World. We will be updating throughout the rest of the week & into the next so keep checking back.

In addition to all the theme parks and Give Kids the World resort, The Children’s Dream Fund sent us to Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp. It was so awesome! We even made the Buccaneer website.

Adelaine shows Gruden her “Chucky Face”!

Adelaine and Coach John Gruden

Peyton and Adelaine made the Tampa Tribune on Wednesday!
In It Together – Tampa Tribune

Oh yeah.
Trust me. There is more to come…

Story on Buccaneers Site