YOU LEAVE TODAY!!!!
Hi Chris! I found your PTR when you posted on my PTR. My internet was down for a few days so I just got to read your report now! PLEASE make a Trip Report & post tons of pics whenever you get back! My trip isn't until December & I soooo wish I was there right now! lol
Whenever I started reading your report, I started crying. It truly amazes me how much you have went through & your attitude is so incredible!!! You are so lucky to have such wonderful support from your husband & kids! CONGRATS on beating cancer!!!
Just about every type of cancer is in my family. My aunt actually was in remission for over 10 years, went through a horrible battle for about 2 years, and then sadly passed away. This was over 15 years ago, but whenever I read stories about cancer, I still think about what she went through. My grandfather also passed away 11 years ago after spending every holiday for an entire year in the long-term care ward at the hospital (after he suffered at home for a couple years). He tried to be so strong for us, but I wish he would have just let us take care of him. We were very lucky to have a great staff of nurses & doctors that actually took the time to become his friends instead of just thinking of him as another patient! It is amazing how much support strangers can provide! Anyway, enough about my family history, I just wanted to let you know that your story really made me remember my family.
I live in PA so our weather has been cold recently as well. During the day, it has been close to 60 or 70 some days, but in the mornings, evenings, and overnight, it is super chilly!!! I am very much ready for summer weather (or Disney weather!!!) The pictures of your South Dakota trip looked amazing! I have never been out West & thats a trip that I'd really like to make sometime!
Last year was my very first flight, so I relate to what your daughter is feeling right now!!! I couldn't sleep the night before my first flight & I think that made it worse. There were two young girls sitting across the aisle from me with their mom & she had them flap their arms while they took off...I was so scare that I flapped mine too! Yes, a grown woman flapping her arms on an airplane take-off!!! (I think she told them to pretend they were birds?) At the time, I didn't care what anyone else thought...I was just scared! BUT now that I have flown, I want to do it everyday (but can't afford to obviously!) I looooove flying now!!!! I would say to just give her something else to focus on...both the iPod and the portable DVD player should be enough to keep her mind off of the take-off & flight. I would say to let someone else sit by the window (unless she really wants to) because I think looking out the window makes you freak out more if you're already scared. Thats just my opinion from my own experience! I will say, now that I have flown to Florida, I will never drive over 20 hours to get there again!!! lol
I loved all the details about your shopping trips! I love Kohls & Target. Unfortunately there aren't many stores near me, so I have to drive at least 35 minutes to get to a shopping plaza. I think there are 4 Kohls & Targets within a 60 mile radius of where I live! I always find great deals on stuff for the kids there! I actually was at Kohls a few weeks ago & bought plain tshirts & tank tops for both myself & my son because I got a bunch of wonderful ideas from the DISigners!!! I, too, am very "budget conscious." I loved how you said that...it fits me perfectly! I love to shop & I love buying new things, but I just can't see paying retail price for anything!
Please make sure to update all of us after you get back from your trip! I can't wait to hear about the Character Meals! I've never done one before but plan to on our December trip this year. I'm sure your daughter will love eating at the Castle once you are there! There's something about Disney that is truly magical!!!
Make sure to take some time just to sit & people watch...my husband and I do that every trip. I think its magical to watch other people with their kids/spouses/friends/family at Disney! Some of my best moments last trip were just watching other people's faces light up when they saw something for the first time (or even for the hundredth time! lol) There's just something about Disney that makes even the smallest things amazing!!!
Enjoy your trip!!!! It sounds like you have really great plans for the week!!! Can't wait to hear more about it once you return!