When we arrived in Atlanta Madison took a quick picture with the pilots and flight attendant. they congratulated her on her accomplishments and told her to tell the President hello.
We had already missed our 2nd flight to DC so we hung out for a while, browsing through the gift shop, getting a bite to eat at Chili's, stretching, etc. As we took the escalator up to Chili's, carry-on suitcases in tow, Madison got on the escalator first. She put her left foot on and then stalled... the longest pause ever... which you can not do on an escalator! Her left foot rose up and her right foot remained firmly planted on the floor. She ended up doing the splits and almost fell doing a backwards roll. I was terrified that her clothes or hair would get caught in the stairs! I panicked of course and grabbed heras she was recovering. I probably shouldn't have screamed. After that she made her Daddy carry her on the escalator.
After dinner I plugged my phone in to charge. The battery kept draining so quickly, even in airplane mode.
Toward the end of our wait I met a nice gentleman that works at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. I believe he said he did something with meteorology. But he travels back and forth to DC.
He reminded me of the places that we needed to be sure and visit- the monuments and museums and Mt Vernon. I told him that one of the reasons we were headed up a couple of days early was so that we could take a day to visit Mt. Vernon! The more I talked about it the more excited about it I got- I had not been since 8th grade and Wes had never been. We have talked about going for years and years but never made the time to actually go. I was so excited that we were finally given this opportunity! And I knew Madison would love running around and seeing the sights there.
We boarded the second plane and in a little over an hour later we started the descent- we looked out of our little window and saw the lights and activity in downtown DC! We saw the Capitol and the Washington Monument! Chill bumps covered my arms.
We landed safely and smoothly. Madison was sound asleep next to her Daddy. We forced her to wake and take her backpack until we could get to the stroller. All bags were found at a room next to the baggage claim area. Apparently they all arrived before we did. Better early than late!
We rolled out to the porte-cochere and hailed a taxi- a kind man in an SUV pulled over and loaded our 82 suitcases and stroller and we piled in. It was the first time Madison has ever been in a moving vehicle with no seat belt. She was fast asleep and was refusing to wake so I held her in my arms as the driver carefully drove straight to the hotel.
The bellman loaded all of our belongings onto a cart and walked us into the luxurious hotel- J W Marriott! It took our breath away! The chandeliers and the 5 star treatment!
I quickly checked in at the front desk (it may have taken a total of 45 seconds) and got our room keys. The bellman showed us the complicated elevator system they had and then showed us to our room on the 8th floor.
We asked for a roll away bed for Madison. While we waited we unpacked and checked out the view. WOW what a view! We could see the Washington Monument and other landmarks from our window!
Madison's little bed arrived and we all got tucked in- snug as a bug... it was almost 1AM DC time...
Friday, June 4, 2010
First Flight- Stop the Plane!!!
Well- due to bad weather in Atlanta, we were unable to leave Gulfport on time. In fact, after loading into the tiny plane our pilot announced that he would try to get permission for us to go back into the waiting area to stay comfortable. A minute later he came back on the speaker apologizing, we had to back out and give room for another plane to land and unload. So we were stuck on the tarmac for 2 hours waiting for the OK to take off for Atlanta.
Once we took off, Madison got super excited- she watched out the window, wide-eyed and couldn't get over how tiny everything looked from way up in the sky! She did great and the attendant was very sweet, giving her a big bag full of snacks and a can of Cranberry-Apple juice. Boy did he spoil us! He also told us a funny story about one of the passengers they had on board earlier that day. Here goes...
A husband and wife boarded, on their way to the daughter's wedding in another state. The mother was quite stressed out and nagging the husband over every little thing and complaining the whole flight. When they reached maximum altitude the mother gasped and yelled for the attendant- she was screaming and on the verge of tears. "What's wrong Ma'am? How can I help you?"
"You have to stop the plane! It is an emergency!"
"But Ma'am, we are in the air, there are no stop signs, no U-turns, we can not stop now! What is the problem? Maybe I can help you?"
"My daughter's wedding dress! I left it in the trunk of the car back at the airport! We have to go back! I must go get that dress!!"
She was a nervous wreck and excused herself to the restroom.
The attendant looked at the father of the bride and gently gave this advice- "Just tell her- Honey, I love you. Say nothing else!"
The attendant was great- entertained us and handed out snacks and drinks to keep us happy.
Once we took off, Madison got super excited- she watched out the window, wide-eyed and couldn't get over how tiny everything looked from way up in the sky! She did great and the attendant was very sweet, giving her a big bag full of snacks and a can of Cranberry-Apple juice. Boy did he spoil us! He also told us a funny story about one of the passengers they had on board earlier that day. Here goes...
A husband and wife boarded, on their way to the daughter's wedding in another state. The mother was quite stressed out and nagging the husband over every little thing and complaining the whole flight. When they reached maximum altitude the mother gasped and yelled for the attendant- she was screaming and on the verge of tears. "What's wrong Ma'am? How can I help you?"
"You have to stop the plane! It is an emergency!"
"But Ma'am, we are in the air, there are no stop signs, no U-turns, we can not stop now! What is the problem? Maybe I can help you?"
"My daughter's wedding dress! I left it in the trunk of the car back at the airport! We have to go back! I must go get that dress!!"
She was a nervous wreck and excused herself to the restroom.
The attendant looked at the father of the bride and gently gave this advice- "Just tell her- Honey, I love you. Say nothing else!"
The attendant was great- entertained us and handed out snacks and drinks to keep us happy.
Packing for DC
It took almost two weeks (I am a little OCD about planning and packing for a trip), but we got everything together and in suitcases for our trip to DC!
I packed a little of everything in each suitcase just in case we lost one or two on the way.
I bought a new hat for the trip, anticipating the hot sun beating on my pale white skin.
Madison was set since she had plenty of Champion t-shirts for the trip- but since she is so picky about her clothes I had to make sure she had plenty of knit shorts to last the week. The child does not like anything except 100% cotton, preferably knit. Gotta admit, I agree with her. She does not like to even wear jeans- they are not soft enough. UGH.
Flying out to DC today- Gulfport to DC with a short layover in Atlanta. Hoping that the weather will cooperate.
This is Madison's very first plane trip- I hope that she likes it! She has ridden a lot of rollercoasters and loves them so I think that she will do just fine.
Now... what did we forget?
I packed a little of everything in each suitcase just in case we lost one or two on the way.
I bought a new hat for the trip, anticipating the hot sun beating on my pale white skin.
Madison was set since she had plenty of Champion t-shirts for the trip- but since she is so picky about her clothes I had to make sure she had plenty of knit shorts to last the week. The child does not like anything except 100% cotton, preferably knit. Gotta admit, I agree with her. She does not like to even wear jeans- they are not soft enough. UGH.
Flying out to DC today- Gulfport to DC with a short layover in Atlanta. Hoping that the weather will cooperate.
This is Madison's very first plane trip- I hope that she likes it! She has ridden a lot of rollercoasters and loves them so I think that she will do just fine.
Now... what did we forget?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Is it true?!
All of our friends and the Wal-Mart associates gathered.
I placed Ted E. Bear, my camera and iphone with the bell peppers, hoping that was ok since the Wal-Mart manager, Robin, was standing right there!
Robin welcomed everyone and introduced Madison as the Children's Miracle Network 2010Champion of the Year!
She hugged Robin, Mama and Daddy- so excited!!! "Isn't that cool!?"
The Wal-Mart associates rolled out the banner with Madison's picture and she loved that!
Tena spoke for a few minutes- reminding us all that every penny that we donate adds up to a significant amount of money and it all goes straight to Blair E Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson! Madison whispered to her to tell everyone that she had Kawasaki Disease and was treated. She wanted everyone to know that she was very sick but Tena reminded all of us that she is all better now thanks to the great care at Batson!
She then told Madison that she would be traveling to... Washington DC! Everyone clapped and Mama and Madison high-fived when she announced we would get to meet the President of the United States!
Robin then took a few minutes to remind everyone to purchase a $1 balloon at the register! She also introduced Ms Barbara, a Wal-Mart employee that has been with Wal-Mart for 31 years! Robin then told Madison that we would go to the Disneyworld Resort in November! She GASPED for air and then gave Mama not just a high-five but a high-ten!!! then Ms Barbara gave Madison a special treat- a $500 gift card to Wal-Mart to buy a few things for our trip!
She ran over to Robin and Barbara and gave her a signature thank you hug!
Then Mr Ricky, the truck driver, brought over a box of goodies for Madison- a driver t-shirt, POLO, truck clock, truck toy, truck log book, speakers for her IPOD, coffee thermos, and a sucker because she is so sweet. He told us how proud he was of Madison and thanked her for representing MS. She gave him a big bear hug!
Robin thanked her and told her that they would all be watching her journey to DC and Orlando.
Ms Barbara gave her a Mickey Mouse balloon, Wal-Mart lunchbox and lots of little trinkets- toe rings, stickers, smiley face erasers, Silly Bandz and more.
I thanked everyone for joining us and supporting us these last 3 and 1/2 years. I shared the fact that Madison thought we were there for a fundraiser and brought her purse full of change to share... little did she know the surprises that Wal-Mart and Children's Miracle Network had for her!
She spent a minute going through her goodies and then was invited to help with the Wal-Mart cheer!
Clap, clap, clap, clap W*A*L*M*A*R*T, what does that spell? Wal-Mart!
While I participated in a couple of TV interviews (7 and 22) Madison was given a cake server and she cut the cake. She cut the first piece and LICKED the spatula!
The sweet bakery ladies took a few minutes to find a new serving piece and everyone got cake on cute Mickey Mouse plates!
Afterwards we joined Sam and the Arrington girls for a nice lunch at Newk's... we were still floating on Cloud 9 at all of the news and excitement- anticipating the trips and fun to come!
I placed Ted E. Bear, my camera and iphone with the bell peppers, hoping that was ok since the Wal-Mart manager, Robin, was standing right there!
Robin welcomed everyone and introduced Madison as the Children's Miracle Network 2010Champion of the Year!
She hugged Robin, Mama and Daddy- so excited!!! "Isn't that cool!?"
The Wal-Mart associates rolled out the banner with Madison's picture and she loved that!
Tena spoke for a few minutes- reminding us all that every penny that we donate adds up to a significant amount of money and it all goes straight to Blair E Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson! Madison whispered to her to tell everyone that she had Kawasaki Disease and was treated. She wanted everyone to know that she was very sick but Tena reminded all of us that she is all better now thanks to the great care at Batson!
She then told Madison that she would be traveling to... Washington DC! Everyone clapped and Mama and Madison high-fived when she announced we would get to meet the President of the United States!
Robin then took a few minutes to remind everyone to purchase a $1 balloon at the register! She also introduced Ms Barbara, a Wal-Mart employee that has been with Wal-Mart for 31 years! Robin then told Madison that we would go to the Disneyworld Resort in November! She GASPED for air and then gave Mama not just a high-five but a high-ten!!! then Ms Barbara gave Madison a special treat- a $500 gift card to Wal-Mart to buy a few things for our trip!
She ran over to Robin and Barbara and gave her a signature thank you hug!
Then Mr Ricky, the truck driver, brought over a box of goodies for Madison- a driver t-shirt, POLO, truck clock, truck toy, truck log book, speakers for her IPOD, coffee thermos, and a sucker because she is so sweet. He told us how proud he was of Madison and thanked her for representing MS. She gave him a big bear hug!
Robin thanked her and told her that they would all be watching her journey to DC and Orlando.
Ms Barbara gave her a Mickey Mouse balloon, Wal-Mart lunchbox and lots of little trinkets- toe rings, stickers, smiley face erasers, Silly Bandz and more.
I thanked everyone for joining us and supporting us these last 3 and 1/2 years. I shared the fact that Madison thought we were there for a fundraiser and brought her purse full of change to share... little did she know the surprises that Wal-Mart and Children's Miracle Network had for her!
She spent a minute going through her goodies and then was invited to help with the Wal-Mart cheer!
Clap, clap, clap, clap W*A*L*M*A*R*T, what does that spell? Wal-Mart!
While I participated in a couple of TV interviews (7 and 22) Madison was given a cake server and she cut the cake. She cut the first piece and LICKED the spatula!
The sweet bakery ladies took a few minutes to find a new serving piece and everyone got cake on cute Mickey Mouse plates!
Afterwards we joined Sam and the Arrington girls for a nice lunch at Newk's... we were still floating on Cloud 9 at all of the news and excitement- anticipating the trips and fun to come!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Announcement
The day finally arrived. May 18, 2010.
I woke Madison and told her that I had a day full of surprises for her! She begged me to let her sleep 5 for minutes. 10 minutes later she finally got up and seemed interested in what I was trying to tell her.
I let her keep her pajamas on while we drove to see our friend Kristen at the beauty parlor. I told Madison she was going to have a special day and she could choose any hairstyle that she wanted and Ms Kristen would fix her up. She surprised us all and chose a piggytail do. Kristen curled the ends and added two matching blue bows, one for each side.
Then I helped Madison put on her blue skirt and the important red "Champion" t-shirt that Children's Miracle Network had mailed a couple of weeks before. Madi thought that we were attending a fundraiser for the hospital and I told her that they requested that she wear this shirt. She easily complied.
We drove over to our church, I told Madison we had to stop and check on something before the fundraiser. I saw the huge Wal-Mart semi-truck parked across the way and asked Madi if she wanted to look at it a little closer- she shouted- 'Yeah'! I asked her if she wanted a chance to ride in a truck like that- she said- 'well yeah'! We walked a bit further to the back door of the church and saw the truck driver, a police officer, a newspaper reporter and photographer talking. The driver, Ricky, asked Madison if she wanted a ride. Her mouth dropped open and said YES! They chatted a bit longer and he told her that she had other surpries in store and he wanted to drive her over to Wal-Mart see what it was all about.
We walked over, climbed in and got buckled. There were 3 officers on motorcycles and one deputy sheriff to lead us. Once we got half-way to Wal-Mart 2 other officers on motorcyles showed. They stopped every car on the way- blocking every intersection and drove us on through each and every red light. I wish I could get that treatment everytime I wanted to go to Wal-Mart! WOW!
She shouted in glee the whole way there. She also told us some funny jokes. Ricky told her had some gifts for her later in the morning. She laughed and said she hoped it wasn't WORMS! We laughed about that- he told her she told a good joke. In response she told him- 'yeah, I am full of good jokes!'
We circled around the Sam's Club parking lot so that we could fit in front of the Market side door of Wal-Mart. As we got closer, Madison started recognizing some of her friends- I rolled the window down so that she could say hello and wave. The first person she saw was Derrick from the Multi Purpose Center (where I host my Duds for Doodlebugs sale). She screamed and waved at him- so excited! Ricky pulled right up to the front door and we saw others that we knew. Kelly and her Dad, Sara, Marye, Harold and Jennifer, Herbie, Jen, Tina, Keith, Malissa, Amy, Nellie, Sam and Thomas, Julie C, the church staff, Ken, Renee, Natalie, Anna, Uncle Dave, Glo and Donald, Davi and Isaac, Amy and Connor, Amanda H., Denise and Tony, our Children's Miracle Network/ Batson Hospital friends- John, Tena, Jennifer, and lots of others. (I hope I am not leaving anyone out!)
I opened the door so that Madison could climb down- she made it to the top step and then jumped down! Ryan, the photographer at the Hattiesburg American was lucky enough to get that shot- with her little skirt acting as a parachute. I love that shot.
She jumped down and ran to Daddy to give him a giant bear hug. He presented her with a bouquet of daisies that he picked out. (Those flowers were pretty for at least 10 days! We displayed them in a special vase on our kitchen counter.)
Madison was encouraged to lead the way inside and have everyone follow. Since she wasn't sure where to go she walked in to the produce section until she saw a HUGE cake. That thing must have been 3' x 2' sheet cake! She stared at it for several seconds until Tena called us over for the big announcement.
To be continued...
I woke Madison and told her that I had a day full of surprises for her! She begged me to let her sleep 5 for minutes. 10 minutes later she finally got up and seemed interested in what I was trying to tell her.
I let her keep her pajamas on while we drove to see our friend Kristen at the beauty parlor. I told Madison she was going to have a special day and she could choose any hairstyle that she wanted and Ms Kristen would fix her up. She surprised us all and chose a piggytail do. Kristen curled the ends and added two matching blue bows, one for each side.
Then I helped Madison put on her blue skirt and the important red "Champion" t-shirt that Children's Miracle Network had mailed a couple of weeks before. Madi thought that we were attending a fundraiser for the hospital and I told her that they requested that she wear this shirt. She easily complied.
We drove over to our church, I told Madison we had to stop and check on something before the fundraiser. I saw the huge Wal-Mart semi-truck parked across the way and asked Madi if she wanted to look at it a little closer- she shouted- 'Yeah'! I asked her if she wanted a chance to ride in a truck like that- she said- 'well yeah'! We walked a bit further to the back door of the church and saw the truck driver, a police officer, a newspaper reporter and photographer talking. The driver, Ricky, asked Madison if she wanted a ride. Her mouth dropped open and said YES! They chatted a bit longer and he told her that she had other surpries in store and he wanted to drive her over to Wal-Mart see what it was all about.
We walked over, climbed in and got buckled. There were 3 officers on motorcycles and one deputy sheriff to lead us. Once we got half-way to Wal-Mart 2 other officers on motorcyles showed. They stopped every car on the way- blocking every intersection and drove us on through each and every red light. I wish I could get that treatment everytime I wanted to go to Wal-Mart! WOW!
She shouted in glee the whole way there. She also told us some funny jokes. Ricky told her had some gifts for her later in the morning. She laughed and said she hoped it wasn't WORMS! We laughed about that- he told her she told a good joke. In response she told him- 'yeah, I am full of good jokes!'
We circled around the Sam's Club parking lot so that we could fit in front of the Market side door of Wal-Mart. As we got closer, Madison started recognizing some of her friends- I rolled the window down so that she could say hello and wave. The first person she saw was Derrick from the Multi Purpose Center (where I host my Duds for Doodlebugs sale). She screamed and waved at him- so excited! Ricky pulled right up to the front door and we saw others that we knew. Kelly and her Dad, Sara, Marye, Harold and Jennifer, Herbie, Jen, Tina, Keith, Malissa, Amy, Nellie, Sam and Thomas, Julie C, the church staff, Ken, Renee, Natalie, Anna, Uncle Dave, Glo and Donald, Davi and Isaac, Amy and Connor, Amanda H., Denise and Tony, our Children's Miracle Network/ Batson Hospital friends- John, Tena, Jennifer, and lots of others. (I hope I am not leaving anyone out!)
I opened the door so that Madison could climb down- she made it to the top step and then jumped down! Ryan, the photographer at the Hattiesburg American was lucky enough to get that shot- with her little skirt acting as a parachute. I love that shot.
She jumped down and ran to Daddy to give him a giant bear hug. He presented her with a bouquet of daisies that he picked out. (Those flowers were pretty for at least 10 days! We displayed them in a special vase on our kitchen counter.)
Madison was encouraged to lead the way inside and have everyone follow. Since she wasn't sure where to go she walked in to the produce section until she saw a HUGE cake. That thing must have been 3' x 2' sheet cake! She stared at it for several seconds until Tena called us over for the big announcement.
To be continued...
Monday, May 10, 2010
getting closer!
Found out today that our announcement will be Tuesday, May 18th at 10am at the Oak Grove Wal-Mart.
I am getting so excited! I can't believe I have known this for 6 months and haven't told her. You know I am no good at keeping secrets from her!
She has guessed that we are going to DC but she doesn't know why or when... and she definitely does not know about the Disney trip.
Just 8 more days and we can start talking about it with her!
I am getting so excited! I can't believe I have known this for 6 months and haven't told her. You know I am no good at keeping secrets from her!
She has guessed that we are going to DC but she doesn't know why or when... and she definitely does not know about the Disney trip.
Just 8 more days and we can start talking about it with her!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Itinerary
Just got the itinerary in the mail for the DC trip- oh how I wish I could tell Madi!
We hope to arrive 2 days prior so that we can do a few fun things before the event starts.
We hope to arrive 2 days prior so that we can do a few fun things before the event starts.
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