Travel Day

Today was our travel day from Disney to DC - an impressive logistical feat. We dropped our luggage off, grabbed breakfast, checked out and basically hung out with the other families until it was time to go. Then we all got loaded onto buses and off to a private airport. The buses drove directly onto the tarmac where our chartered Delta flight was waiting for us.

We did have to pass through a quick no hassle security check before boarding our flight. One of the pilots and a few delta crew members in Make Miracles Happen t-shirts were also on the tarmac for pictures with the children. We didn't snap any - but the CMN photographer got a great one of the pilot with Kayla and Keira wearing his cap.

The Orlando fire department was also on hand and they saluted the plane with a shower from their fire hose as the plane passed them along the runway. The kids loved it! The Delta crew couldn't have been more kind and helpful. Delta is also a big CMN supporter. In fact, we met several Delta sponsors at the Meet the Sponsors event on Thursday night.

On the bus I happened to mention to Aubrey, one of the CMN staff, that Keira was having some trouble with her ear and I hoped it would not bother her too much during the flight. Next thing I know the family doctor who is traveling with the group was on our bus asking if she could peek in Keira's ear. Sure enough an ear infection. The doctor said she'd call in a prescription into a pharmacy near the hotel in DC and it would be awaiting our arrival at the hotel. Wow!!

Keira had an awful flight with her ear giving her lots of pain and she really wasn't herself the entire day, except when she encountered Miss America. On the bus into DC, Miss America offered for the girls to sit on her lap during the bus ride, which they both gladly accepted (along with two other little girls who sat around her). She is wonderful with the children. I could hear Kayla chatting away and telling her she was going to have a Sundae because it was Sunday...something she'd talked her Daddy into earlier in the week. The girls did not stay with her the entire time, and once back with us, Keira resumed her fussiness and complaining over her ear as if she hadn't just moments before been sitting a few seats away flirting with her new role model!!

Anyway, we were able to meet a few more of the families and kids during this journey and we arrived relatively unscathed at the hotel. Baths, a quick snack, and some prescription medicine and hopefully we will be as good as new tomorrow for our Capital Hill luncheon and Bus Tour of DC.