Friday was the Champions ceremony. All the champion families gathered in a room where they had a live feed on a huge screen of the events going on in the main hall next door. Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was the keynote speaker. She has been involved with the CMN for 20 years. She still has that killer smile and enthusiastic personality and she gave a great and inspiring speech.
After Mary Lou's speech, the parents left the children sitting in their seats and went next door to assigned places. I had prepared the girls for this, but Kayla wasn't feeling 100% and we weren't sure how they would do. Kayla said "Momma, I don't feel that bad", as if to shoo me on my way!! So off we went.
When we got settled in the main hall next door the awards ceremony began. As each champion was announced by name and state he/she came out on stage to receive his/her champions medal. There was not a dry eye in the house. These kids were delighted and it showed on their faces. Even the youngest child (Orna from Ireland) showed utter delight as she responded to the applause and cheers from the audience. One child (Brandon from Minnesota) stood up from his wheelchair to proudly display his medal. This meant so much to these children and they deserved every ounce of recognition and more.
As we've gotten to know these children and families just a tiny little bit, we've been struck by their spirits. These children do not feel sorry for themselves, they feel compassion towards others. They deal with their challenges, and then they get on with being children. They are full of fun (and some mischief, too). We have loved being with them. And they will be our inspirations for many years to come.
Anyway - back to the medal ceremony - Kayla and Keira marched out on stage as comfortably as they had danced on stage the night before, giving Miss America a big hug first, then moving on to receive their medals...big smiles, waves to the audience and biggest smiles/waves for Mommy, Daddy and Susan who were all crying and waving proudly from front and center aisle, and trying to snap and record as much of the moment as possible.
After the medal ceremony, the girls got their hair "touched up" by the professional stylists who were here for the events (BIG thrill!) and went on camera with Hall of Fame Quarterback Steve Young and Mary Lou Retton for promotional TV feeds back to WENY, our local TV station. There was quite a bit of waiting around as things got a little out of order, and we ended up being last. But the girls as always were troopers, though their weariness did reflect itself in yawns and bleary eyes during taping so it took several cuts and redos to get a version everyone thought would do.
All this before lunch even!! Poor babies.
After lunch they chose once again to "Go to Digs" (the big pool on this property)over Disney Parks or other things . On the way over, we saw several lizards and a black snake out sunning themselves, so even though we'd left the room before Daddy, and he also stopped to get soda refills, we all arrived at the Digs at the same time!
Miss Susan was already there. The girls, emboldened from their swim the day before actually talked a lot about going down the waterslide. When I told them they had to be OK with going "face in" Keira dropped it immediately, but not our determined Kayla. She set out to jump off the side "face in" to prove she could do it. She did accomplish her goal - twice off the side "face in", but in the end she did decide she wasn't quite ready for the waterslide (phew from mommy who really didn't feel her unsculpted body belonged on the waterslide anyway!!)
After our swim we threw on dry clothes, grabbed Susan and went into Downtown Disney for some browsing and dinner at T-Rex (similar to RainForest Cafe but with dinosaurs and meteor showers) followed by hot chocolate from Ghirardellis. Meanwhile, Victor from CMN at AOMC did the official evening duties with CMN leadership. Susan is newly retired and so she is here "unofficially" whereas Victor is AOMC's official representative. Then we went back to our hotel to drop our tired little ones into bed with the promise they can sleep as long as they like.
As my dear husband says...doesn't get much better than this!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I can't even begin to tell you how special today was. We have had so many great experiences you will be delighted to know that I will exercise editorial license to just hit the highlights otherwise I will be typing this all night.
We began the day with a Welcome to Walt Disney World breakfast for Champions and Sponsors. We were treated to several speeches from Walmart and other Corporate Sponsors followed by an inspirational speech from John Schneider (of Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville fame) who was one of the founders of Children's Miracle Network. There then followed a dramatic entrance of Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Minnie to delight the kids as well as Miss America (to delight the grown up men). Meeting the other parents and hearing their inspirational stories was the highlight of the session.
After this we headed to the pool area where our girls had a wonderful time and swam all by themselves (with life vests). Despite cries of "I don't need a nap" the girls crashed when we got back to the room before we prepared to head out for the evening events.
Following a Sponsor Dinner we attended a Meet The Champions event. All the champions were arrayed through the ballroom and a procession of sponsors came and had their event books stamped (in our cases by both of our girls with stamps replicating their signatures - a nice touch). It was wonderful to be able to thank all these people who raise money selflessly to support this wonderful charity. Of course, after what seemed like the 4000th stamp our girls were ready to crash and burn. However we then had to move on to the final event.
In procession we entered the Concert Hall waving our country flags to a tumultuous reception - a moment my girls will treasure and one that brought tears to my eyes - I'm turning sappy in my old age. We then enjoyed a concert by Julianne Hough from Dancing With The Stars and country music fame which ended up with our girls on stage dancing up a storm. At the end of the concert our girls were pulled out of the leaving throng to go backstage and meet Julianne for a photo call (as well as get another meeting with Miss America). The perfect end to a perfect day. The day was also marked by official confirmation that we will be personally greeted at the White House next week by President Obama.
Do days get any better than this? I think not. I hope to finally post some photos tomorrow if technology allows.
We began the day with a Welcome to Walt Disney World breakfast for Champions and Sponsors. We were treated to several speeches from Walmart and other Corporate Sponsors followed by an inspirational speech from John Schneider (of Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville fame) who was one of the founders of Children's Miracle Network. There then followed a dramatic entrance of Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Minnie to delight the kids as well as Miss America (to delight the grown up men). Meeting the other parents and hearing their inspirational stories was the highlight of the session.
After this we headed to the pool area where our girls had a wonderful time and swam all by themselves (with life vests). Despite cries of "I don't need a nap" the girls crashed when we got back to the room before we prepared to head out for the evening events.
Following a Sponsor Dinner we attended a Meet The Champions event. All the champions were arrayed through the ballroom and a procession of sponsors came and had their event books stamped (in our cases by both of our girls with stamps replicating their signatures - a nice touch). It was wonderful to be able to thank all these people who raise money selflessly to support this wonderful charity. Of course, after what seemed like the 4000th stamp our girls were ready to crash and burn. However we then had to move on to the final event.
In procession we entered the Concert Hall waving our country flags to a tumultuous reception - a moment my girls will treasure and one that brought tears to my eyes - I'm turning sappy in my old age. We then enjoyed a concert by Julianne Hough from Dancing With The Stars and country music fame which ended up with our girls on stage dancing up a storm. At the end of the concert our girls were pulled out of the leaving throng to go backstage and meet Julianne for a photo call (as well as get another meeting with Miss America). The perfect end to a perfect day. The day was also marked by official confirmation that we will be personally greeted at the White House next week by President Obama.
Do days get any better than this? I think not. I hope to finally post some photos tomorrow if technology allows.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
CMN Event Begins
Today was a great day. With Champions arriving all day long, we met several wonderful children with amazing stories - Nolan from Maine, Kace from Alabama, Kaitlin from New Jersey, and Zachary from Montana to name just a few. These little troopers are all smiles and joyful spirits and we are blessed to be in their company.
After connecting with CMN officials to say hello and receive our "assignments", we spent a couple of hours with the girls at the pool. They love the water - mostly jumping in to Mommy ("Face out, please"!!) and having me shepherd them around the pool and back to the steps or the side. Kayla is really ready to be swimming on her own, but isn't quite confident enough without her armbands which Mommy forgot. She keeps asking where we might be able to get some more - she is just so anxious to stretch out on her own. That's our independent spirited Kayla.
After swimming, we had the pleasure of being asked to speak to the group from Walmart and Sam's Club. We understand we were among the Associates who were the highest fundraisers for the CMN. We also learned that Walmart has had a 22 year relationship with CMN which is truly awesome!! We hope our story meant something to them as we sure know their efforts have meant to us and to so many more families. The group was definitely amused at how we chose to honor the place where it all began through Kayla's middle name - Samantha!!....It was great to be able to say Thank You.
Susan Reynolds, the newly-retired Executive Director of CMN at Arnot Ogden Medical Center (our local CMN hospital) also arrived today. She joined us on a walk/exploration of the parts of the complex we had not yet visited, including the bigger pool with waterslide and wonderful play area, which of course meant lots of stops and starts. It is always great to be with Susan. She has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. I have often seen her get moved to tears when speaking of the children and their journeys, including ours, and I know she loves us all; these years of service to AOMC and CMN have been a true labor of love for her. From the time she approached us in 2004 to be the Miracle Family for the local CMN to now she has certainly inspired us to want to do more. She is also the reason our story was submitted to the National CMN and, thus, she is the reason we are here having this fantastic experience. Susan - if you read this - thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts.
That's about it for today. Our tired but happy little ones fell asleep again tonight as soon as their heads hit the pillow and hopefully are dreaming of the Disney characters and other special children we hope to meet at tomorrow's CMN breakfast!!
After connecting with CMN officials to say hello and receive our "assignments", we spent a couple of hours with the girls at the pool. They love the water - mostly jumping in to Mommy ("Face out, please"!!) and having me shepherd them around the pool and back to the steps or the side. Kayla is really ready to be swimming on her own, but isn't quite confident enough without her armbands which Mommy forgot. She keeps asking where we might be able to get some more - she is just so anxious to stretch out on her own. That's our independent spirited Kayla.
After swimming, we had the pleasure of being asked to speak to the group from Walmart and Sam's Club. We understand we were among the Associates who were the highest fundraisers for the CMN. We also learned that Walmart has had a 22 year relationship with CMN which is truly awesome!! We hope our story meant something to them as we sure know their efforts have meant to us and to so many more families. The group was definitely amused at how we chose to honor the place where it all began through Kayla's middle name - Samantha!!....It was great to be able to say Thank You.
Susan Reynolds, the newly-retired Executive Director of CMN at Arnot Ogden Medical Center (our local CMN hospital) also arrived today. She joined us on a walk/exploration of the parts of the complex we had not yet visited, including the bigger pool with waterslide and wonderful play area, which of course meant lots of stops and starts. It is always great to be with Susan. She has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. I have often seen her get moved to tears when speaking of the children and their journeys, including ours, and I know she loves us all; these years of service to AOMC and CMN have been a true labor of love for her. From the time she approached us in 2004 to be the Miracle Family for the local CMN to now she has certainly inspired us to want to do more. She is also the reason our story was submitted to the National CMN and, thus, she is the reason we are here having this fantastic experience. Susan - if you read this - thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts.
That's about it for today. Our tired but happy little ones fell asleep again tonight as soon as their heads hit the pillow and hopefully are dreaming of the Disney characters and other special children we hope to meet at tomorrow's CMN breakfast!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Well, a more low key day today. We seem to be getting more and more leisurely every day. After a slow morning getting ready we were off to Animal Kingdom. We had a wonderful time beginning with a character picture with Pluto which got the day off to a perfect start.
We then headed to the Lion King show which was spectacular and resulted in the girls singing Lion King soundtrack songs for the rest of the day. After lunch we took in a small portion of the parade before queuing for an hour to do the Safari where the girls saw lions, elephants, cheetahs and other wild animals including the lesser spotted queue jumper. They had a blast and I know this has been an unforgettable trip for them.
We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and headed back to the hotel.
Tomorrow, our Children's Miracle Network colleagues begin to arrive for the next part of our big adventure and Kevyn and Kayla have already introduced themselves to the Alaskan representative, Landon, and his family. We are very excited to meet them all.
We then headed to the Lion King show which was spectacular and resulted in the girls singing Lion King soundtrack songs for the rest of the day. After lunch we took in a small portion of the parade before queuing for an hour to do the Safari where the girls saw lions, elephants, cheetahs and other wild animals including the lesser spotted queue jumper. They had a blast and I know this has been an unforgettable trip for them.
We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and headed back to the hotel.
Tomorrow, our Children's Miracle Network colleagues begin to arrive for the next part of our big adventure and Kevyn and Kayla have already introduced themselves to the Alaskan representative, Landon, and his family. We are very excited to meet them all.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Day 2 in Disney
Another full day for the Hennesseys in Disney. We decided to sleep in since it was late last night when we got in. So, it was probably 10 am before little Keira opened her sleepy little eyes. We are lucky in that way. Some kids wake up at exactly the same time every day regardless of when you put them to bed. Not ours. Our girls get the sleep they need.
We got to the restaurant in time for the last Mickey Waffles and then back to the Magic Kingdom. It was packed today and hot (well, at least for us Northerners). They were having a parade when we arrived which was a wonderful welcome to the park. Mommy scooted off to get Fast Pass tickets for Buzz Lightyear, and then over to Adventureland to ride on Aladdin's magic carpet. The girls rode in the front together so they could "drive". They loved it.
On our way back round the park to Tomorrowland, we ran into Rafiki (from the Lion King) who hugged the girls, blew kisses, etc. and really made them feel special. And then to make our "journey" even better we came across the show outside the castle with Mickey, Minnie, several Disney Princesses (Keira actually squealed with delight when she saw them), Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, the Wicked Stepmother, etc. The only one missing was Tinkerbell - Kayla's personal favorite. In fact, she was so small when she was born that we used to call her "Kaylabell" after Tinkerbell; and we still often call her "Bell" now for short. Kayla loves Tinkerbell and her special nickname. But never mind, Kayla got so say hello to Tinkerbell during Peter Pan's flight yesterday. So, while she did notice that Tinkerbell wasn't there, she was happy enough to see her second favorite Disney character - Snow White.
Tomorrowland boasted the Speedway where both girls got to drive cars with only a little bit of help from Mommy and Daddy (like pushing the gas pedal)...But, the day's favorite would have to be Buzz Lightyear (thank you again, Fastpass). Coming out of the ride we actually got to see and wave to Buzz Lightyear and hug and get pictures with Stich.
We didn't push ourselves too hard today, though, as we don't want to be exhausted later in the week when the other Champions arrive - so as the heat started to drag the girls down, we simply suggested a dip in the pool at the hotel (Kayla quite clearly would have traded all her remaining days at Disney for the pleasure of the swimming pool). As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment at Disney and so as we were leaving the park we ran into a cast member with Hoola Hoops and the girls were off and running on another activity altogether (forgetting at least for a moment that the pool was waiting). We certainly didn't master them, but we sure did have a good laugh watching the girls trying to get the hang of it. Though in most things sports-related, Kayla seems to catch on more quickly, clearly the hip-swinging skills belong to our other daughter who loves to sing and dance and will quite happily "shake her booty" whenever the music comes up (and in fact did so at lunch in the middle of the crowded Disney restaurant!!).
Back at the hotel we did manage a dip in the pool, a bath, and a meal. Wish I could say we made it to bed a little earlier tonight, but it was not meant to be. So, we will sleep in once again and head over to Animal Kingdom - which the girls very specifically asked for - once we emerge from sleepyland.
We are conscious that we have one more family day until the other Champions arrive and we really cannot wait to meet everyone and share a bit of this wonderful sunshine and joy with them. Until tomorrow...
We got to the restaurant in time for the last Mickey Waffles and then back to the Magic Kingdom. It was packed today and hot (well, at least for us Northerners). They were having a parade when we arrived which was a wonderful welcome to the park. Mommy scooted off to get Fast Pass tickets for Buzz Lightyear, and then over to Adventureland to ride on Aladdin's magic carpet. The girls rode in the front together so they could "drive". They loved it.
On our way back round the park to Tomorrowland, we ran into Rafiki (from the Lion King) who hugged the girls, blew kisses, etc. and really made them feel special. And then to make our "journey" even better we came across the show outside the castle with Mickey, Minnie, several Disney Princesses (Keira actually squealed with delight when she saw them), Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, the Wicked Stepmother, etc. The only one missing was Tinkerbell - Kayla's personal favorite. In fact, she was so small when she was born that we used to call her "Kaylabell" after Tinkerbell; and we still often call her "Bell" now for short. Kayla loves Tinkerbell and her special nickname. But never mind, Kayla got so say hello to Tinkerbell during Peter Pan's flight yesterday. So, while she did notice that Tinkerbell wasn't there, she was happy enough to see her second favorite Disney character - Snow White.
Tomorrowland boasted the Speedway where both girls got to drive cars with only a little bit of help from Mommy and Daddy (like pushing the gas pedal)...But, the day's favorite would have to be Buzz Lightyear (thank you again, Fastpass). Coming out of the ride we actually got to see and wave to Buzz Lightyear and hug and get pictures with Stich.
We didn't push ourselves too hard today, though, as we don't want to be exhausted later in the week when the other Champions arrive - so as the heat started to drag the girls down, we simply suggested a dip in the pool at the hotel (Kayla quite clearly would have traded all her remaining days at Disney for the pleasure of the swimming pool). As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment at Disney and so as we were leaving the park we ran into a cast member with Hoola Hoops and the girls were off and running on another activity altogether (forgetting at least for a moment that the pool was waiting). We certainly didn't master them, but we sure did have a good laugh watching the girls trying to get the hang of it. Though in most things sports-related, Kayla seems to catch on more quickly, clearly the hip-swinging skills belong to our other daughter who loves to sing and dance and will quite happily "shake her booty" whenever the music comes up (and in fact did so at lunch in the middle of the crowded Disney restaurant!!).
Back at the hotel we did manage a dip in the pool, a bath, and a meal. Wish I could say we made it to bed a little earlier tonight, but it was not meant to be. So, we will sleep in once again and head over to Animal Kingdom - which the girls very specifically asked for - once we emerge from sleepyland.
We are conscious that we have one more family day until the other Champions arrive and we really cannot wait to meet everyone and share a bit of this wonderful sunshine and joy with them. Until tomorrow...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Well, we are here in Disney for a few family days before the Children's Miracle Network Champions Event and what an adventure we have had.
Yesterday was a travel day and things went smoothly until Daddy suffered major stress when we drove to Rochester Airport and I discovered I had forgotten to put my laptop bag in the car!! No Laptop - no problem, Kevyn has hers. No iPod - no big deal. No reading glasses - a big problem. No memory card reader - major problem - and no way to post pictures on this blog (at least until Thursday when the reader arrives here - thanks Nanny and Susan!!)
Anyway, the rest of the trip went well and the girls were angels along the way. We checked into the Coronado Springs around 6pm. We met a 'cast member' here from Rochester and then later another one who had lived in Corning. I guess it's a small world after all! We then had a wonderful dinner here before crashing after an exciting day.
Today arrived and we made our way to the Cape May Cafe at the Beach resort for a Disney character breakfast. Well, the girls were in heaven meeting Minnie, Goofy and Donald and the smiles that lit up their faces were priceless. After a wonderful breakfast we made our way to the Magic Kingdom.
Well, the Hennessey's owned the place. After renting a stroller (vital!) we did a lot of rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland including It's a Small World (can't get that tune out of my head), Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight, Astro Orbiter and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Thank you Fastpass!!
The girls were troopers and loved the whole thing. Kayla got a little freaked during Mickey's PhilharMagic which plays the usual 3D tricks of blowing air on you and spraying you with water at key moments and both girls watched the show without the benefit of the 3D specs.
Kayla was also a little nervous during the Pooh ride although after it ended she wanted to go straight back on it again. Keira loved being a pilot on Astro Orbiter and she and her sister seem to love the faster rides. They have clearly inherited Mommy's spirit of adventure.
We then caught the bus to Downtown Disney and I got a special treat by seeing the Space Shuttle launch in the distance - simply awe inspiring. I then had to face a number of questions from Kayla on where the astronauts sleep and what do they do at the end of the day!! We love how they process new things and new information even if that means a million questions for us.
Well things rapidly went downhill when we found the wait time at Rainforest Cafe was 90 minutes!! We wearily abandoned our dinner plans and caught the bus back to the hotel. But not before the girls played for a few minutes in the "magic fountain" - you know, the one with water holes in the ground that pop up seemingly randomly. The kids try and run through without getting sprayed. Our girls loved it! Even at the end of a long day and with dinner plans awray and as tired as we knew they were, our girls were cheerful and fun-loving. Through the eyes of babes!! Don't get me wrong, we had a few moments of "I'm hot. I'm tired. I'm hungry." And tears when we told Keira she couldn't have a Mickey Mouse balloon...but on the whole, the fun of the day and the adventure of everything being new is what won out.
While waiting for the bus, we managed to tape a video journal entry - hopefully when the sundries arrive from Daddy's computer bag, we'll be able to post some video clips, too! Stay tuned. Kayla fell asleep sitting up on the bus on the way back and Keira crashed soon after we got to our room. A great day and I am typing this surrounded by two sleeping girls and a sleeping Mommy - this must be close to heaven.
Yesterday was a travel day and things went smoothly until Daddy suffered major stress when we drove to Rochester Airport and I discovered I had forgotten to put my laptop bag in the car!! No Laptop - no problem, Kevyn has hers. No iPod - no big deal. No reading glasses - a big problem. No memory card reader - major problem - and no way to post pictures on this blog (at least until Thursday when the reader arrives here - thanks Nanny and Susan!!)
Anyway, the rest of the trip went well and the girls were angels along the way. We checked into the Coronado Springs around 6pm. We met a 'cast member' here from Rochester and then later another one who had lived in Corning. I guess it's a small world after all! We then had a wonderful dinner here before crashing after an exciting day.
Today arrived and we made our way to the Cape May Cafe at the Beach resort for a Disney character breakfast. Well, the girls were in heaven meeting Minnie, Goofy and Donald and the smiles that lit up their faces were priceless. After a wonderful breakfast we made our way to the Magic Kingdom.
Well, the Hennessey's owned the place. After renting a stroller (vital!) we did a lot of rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland including It's a Small World (can't get that tune out of my head), Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight, Astro Orbiter and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Thank you Fastpass!!
The girls were troopers and loved the whole thing. Kayla got a little freaked during Mickey's PhilharMagic which plays the usual 3D tricks of blowing air on you and spraying you with water at key moments and both girls watched the show without the benefit of the 3D specs.
Kayla was also a little nervous during the Pooh ride although after it ended she wanted to go straight back on it again. Keira loved being a pilot on Astro Orbiter and she and her sister seem to love the faster rides. They have clearly inherited Mommy's spirit of adventure.
We then caught the bus to Downtown Disney and I got a special treat by seeing the Space Shuttle launch in the distance - simply awe inspiring. I then had to face a number of questions from Kayla on where the astronauts sleep and what do they do at the end of the day!! We love how they process new things and new information even if that means a million questions for us.
Well things rapidly went downhill when we found the wait time at Rainforest Cafe was 90 minutes!! We wearily abandoned our dinner plans and caught the bus back to the hotel. But not before the girls played for a few minutes in the "magic fountain" - you know, the one with water holes in the ground that pop up seemingly randomly. The kids try and run through without getting sprayed. Our girls loved it! Even at the end of a long day and with dinner plans awray and as tired as we knew they were, our girls were cheerful and fun-loving. Through the eyes of babes!! Don't get me wrong, we had a few moments of "I'm hot. I'm tired. I'm hungry." And tears when we told Keira she couldn't have a Mickey Mouse balloon...but on the whole, the fun of the day and the adventure of everything being new is what won out.
While waiting for the bus, we managed to tape a video journal entry - hopefully when the sundries arrive from Daddy's computer bag, we'll be able to post some video clips, too! Stay tuned. Kayla fell asleep sitting up on the bus on the way back and Keira crashed soon after we got to our room. A great day and I am typing this surrounded by two sleeping girls and a sleeping Mommy - this must be close to heaven.
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