Oh The Places You’ll Go

We’re back!  The last two weeks has been an adventure to say the least.  Landon just got back from visiting the Wonderful World of Disney.  This week made me think back to how very different things were when he was first diagnosed.  I can remember when getting Landon out and taking him to Olive Garden for dinner was a huge accomplishment.  I remember taking pictures and talking about it for weeks.  I’m sure people thought I was crazy going on for days about how excited I was that I got to go to Olive Garden with my one year old nephew.  This memory flashed through my mind as we sat waiting for the Electric Parade to start at the Magic Kingdom.  Where a trip to Olive Garden used to make us nervous, here we sat 1,000 miles from home after a full day of riding rides grinning from ear to ear.  The characters rode by waving and blowing Landon kisses, me taking his hand and helping him wave back.  The “Fairy Godmother” pointed at me from atop the Cinderella float and told me to give Landon a kiss from her.  One of the donkey boys from Pinnochio ran over and asked Landon if he’d like to join their crew.  Landon took it all in with wide-eyed wonder and a smile. His Aunt  Monk may or may not have choked back a few tears.

It was a great vacation. Disney proved yet again why they’re so good at what they do. We came off of “The Carousel of Progress” to Chip, Dale, and Stitch dancing on the Tomorrowland stage.  We parked Landon’s chair off to the side away from the massive crowd of children so he could see and not get trampled.  One of the cast members came over and asked if we would like for one of the characters to come over so Landon could get a picture with them. We said “Sure!” Before it was all said and done all three characters had came over and danced/hugged/kissed/cuddled with Landon. It was awesome!

One of Landon’s favorite things was the new “Storytime with Belle”.  To all of our great amusement Landon’s dad, Drew,  was chosen to be one of the royal guards.  Drew didn’t find this nearly as hilarious as we did.  After story time was over one of the cast members asked if “Prince Landon” would like his picture taken with the princess. He was all about it, he always has time for a photo op with the ladies.  Afterwards Belle gave him a bookmark to take home. He thought this was way cool.

Another one of Landon’s favorite attractions was the safari at Animal Kingdom.  We had been telling him for months that he might get to see a giraffe up close. When we boarded the safari truck I said a silent prayer, “Dear Lord please let him see at least one giraffe, or he is going to be ticked!” We were so excited when not ONE giraffe, but TWO walked right up to Landon’s side of the truck.

Landon was at Disney to celebrate his 5th birthday, so he got a birthday pin with his name on it to put on his chair.  Every cast member that saw it would go out of their way to wish him a happy 5th birthday.  Landon was amazed that not only did everyone know his name, but they knew it was his birthday too! I told him before we left that I was sure his pal Mickey would tell them he was coming and that it was his birthday.  When the first cast member wished him a happy birthday I told him, “See? I told you Mickey would tell them you were coming!” His eyes got really wide and he grinned from ear to ear, like “Holy cow! How did he know???”

We also spent a few days at the beach, where Landon got to go on a dolphin cruise! Not only that but he got asked to be the captain’s special guest and sit right behind the captain’s seat. At first he wasn’t sure but then he realized he was on a boat and he thought it was awesome.

Overall it was a great trip, and I can’t wait to do it again!