Saving the Magic (with Cam and Luke plus Morgan) COMPLETED - Page 71 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I love all of Morgan's "faces, from the excited/scared look on Dinosaur to the forlorn looks in the poncho and bed!
Adjusting and missing are two different things. You will never stop missing Stefanie, Cam, though you will eventually adjust to her being gone. She will always be there, just over your shoulder, whispering in your ear, "It's just pretend, Mom. I know that now." (... yeah, tears!)
I appreciate you sharing your personal thoughts.
OMGosh so enjoying your TR & pictures. Next time I go I'm going to hire you as a tour guide. You see so many interesting things.
I've learned much of what helps us tour from reading all the trip reports here on PassPorter. But maybe I should retire from teaching and lead tours at WDW.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mileese
I have to admit Morgan and her poncho gave me a laugh. )
And that flower arrangement was lovely.
Thank you again for taking us all along.
She was too funny with that poor poncho!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linnynad
I love those Gibbons!!! Oh, I hope to see them playing that way next month. Great pics you got there
Sorry about Morgan's poncho, she seems OK about it though.
As much as I love playing in the parks, I so adore that down time back at the resorts each day too. Glad you got to have some and also update your journal on your thoughts about Stefanie.
I was very glad for many nights when we just went back to the resort to unwind.
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeechef
OK this is just the most adorable picture yet.... I love this one.
What a fun day at AK.. did you make it to Nemo?
Watching the Monkeys is lots of fun to do. They do remind me of many families I know. I need to do more of the trails. stop and smell the animals.. so to speak.
Sweet rememberance of Stefanie.. not caring for Dinosaur, yet riding it with you all. I can only imagine how overwhelming memories like that one of Stefanie were for you there at AK and everywhere.
Stefanie is Disney and Disney is Stefanie.
I love that picture, too. I love how you put that! So sweet!
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Originally Posted by shnewell
Oh Cam, I know the photos show lots of fun times, but I know this trip must have been so difficult for you in so many ways. Thanks for sharing all of your trip with us -- the highs and the lows.
I've now reached the point where I can't wait to see the next Heather photo. She is a hoot!
And I truly appreciative that you all are still reading! I might owe everyone big for all the free therapy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc507
What fun watching that little gibbon family playing in their home Morgan's poncho is awesome - so something I would do!
I'd bet that it was Stefanie you heard whispering that the ride was just pretend - I'm sure she's there with you always, looking out for you and Luke.
I love the pics of the birds courting. We live in a very rural area and have wild turkeys. This one male comes up to our sliding glass door and does the same thing and pecks at the glass, we think he thinks it is another male turkey and keeps attacking it. It is very fun to watch.
I also love the Dinosaur picture, Morgan looks terrified!
But my favorite is the Mickey balloon in bed with Morgan, what a sweet pic that is.
That is too funny about your turkey!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsblady01
more please
Soon, I hope!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
Love Morgan's bed buddy . The flower arrangement is just beautiful. Morgan's reaction on Dinosaur was priceless. I have no dount Stefanie was telling you it was all pretend on the ride, just as you always did for her.
Morgan did something different with the Mickey balloon every night!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily
Love the animal pictures again! Morgan and the poncho had me cracking up! I can't wait to hear about more shopping! There is no doubt Stephanie was with you then and still is. Thank you for your wonderful updates.
Photographing animals is one of my favorites.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxie2006
Those gibbons were putting on a great show. Poor little Morgan looked so sad in her poncho. She looked like she needed a hug.
The Dinosaur Ride is very loud and it makes me jump at that picture moment. I have to tell my DGD the same thing "It's only pretend"!! How ironic.
No, I see Morgan very comfortable in her bed with Mickey at her head.
She was really adorable fussing about the ruin of that poncho. Just wait until the next morning's update!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Belle0824
Was the giraffe a Judy Derench original or a WDW product? I got to meet her during our trip last August. I was just looking for a carving after reading about her in one or your TRs and imagine my surprise when I walked into the store and she was there! She is supposed to be there again this month, but I'm not sure when. Would be great to see her again. She's so talented!
Tell Morgan she's very brave for riding Dinosaur!! I'm way too chicken to go on that ride!!
The giraffes I got in 2011 were Judy Derench originals and I had her sign both. The ones I get this year are WDW standards.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GinnyMouse
Once again, fantastic photos, and Morgan could not be more adorable.
I was so moved by what you shared from your journal. I think I might have some understanding of what you mean. Even though it sometimes feels like torture, I don’t ever want a day to go by that I don’t think about my brother and miss him. He was such an amazing person and I believe he is worth every ounce of my grief at losing him. From everything I’ve read, your little dynamo was a huge presence in the lives of everyone who knew her. I think it would be impossible for you, who shared in her specialness every day, to ever really ‘adjust’ to not having Stefanie at your side. Bless you.
I like your wording, Stefanie is worth every ounce of my grief at losing her. Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
Sounds like a great day at AK - and I agree - your little fairy angel was sitting on your shoulder that whole ride whispering words of encouragement to you.
thank you again for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us through this journey..................I can't even begin to imagine how you must feel. I think of you so often, although we have never actually met, my heart is broken for you and Luke.
And on a funnier note.............that pic of Morgan in the poncho!!!
When I feel overwhelmed by sadness, I just remember how many people are still lifting Luke and I up and I gain both strength and comfort.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark
You got some great pictures of the animals and some cute ride ones too.
I wish I always knew exactly where the ride photo was taken like I do for Dinosaur so I could pose because my ToT ride photos are blah and it's my favorite.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh my goodness, the Dinosaur photo is classic - I saw it and immediately thought exactly what you wrote - Heather really was striking a pose there!
Heather has perfected ride photos. I've got some work to go.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackid2
What a fun day at AK!! Morgan seemed to have really enjoyed herself even though she was having poncho issues. I agree with everyone else, I think you had a little Angel with you on the ride.
Your update brought me both chuckles and tears. The courting bird and Morgan in her poncho cracked me up! What a face she has on in that picture! And that flower arrangement is just gorgeous!!! Love the glass slipper!
Of course your journal entry made my heart ache, as I know how much you missed your precious Stefanie during this trip... and of course every day. I am sure you will never stop missing her, but in time the pain won't hurt quite as much. I've lost my brother and my best friend... so I really do understand how profound losing a loved one can be. It does leave hole in your heart, but hearts are quite amazing... they just keep growing so there's always room for love.
Luke says we Morgan girls (Morgan is my maiden name; meaning me, Stefanie, June and Morgan) all have very expressive faces. We don't hide how we feel; don't even try.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeL
Love the pics but am starting to wonder how much of WDW is Miss Morgan going to experiece if you keep monkeying around at AK. Picture of her face under Poncho is priceless
When you stay for 13 days, you can afford to do some monkeying around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfirst
First of all, thank you so much for sharing your journal entry. I'm sure Stephanie was there with you in so many ways, as she will continue to be with you always!
The pictures of Morgan - especially her in the poncho, and later with the Mickey balloon are great, as all your pictures! Your pictures really help to tell the story!
My pictures are the focus of my scrapbooking because I feel they always tell the story best.
Quote:
Originally Posted by roaminggnome
Another awesome set of pictures!! Morgan and her bed buddy is a hoot.
Dylan was reading over my shoulder about Stefanie telling you it was all pretend and he said of course she was there with you cause she is your little angel. Thank you for sharing your journal and I have to say that it brought tears to my eyes. Just know that we all have you in our prayers.
That is so sweet of Dylan!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
More great pictures from AK! Glad you all had a great time there! Thanks for sharing your journal entry with us!
I almost didn't share the journal entry, but I felt you all would understand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tinker_me_happy
Oh I hate the Dinosaur ride, but some little guy was promised by his mama and "Fishy" (his grandmother) that Aunty would ride it with him. Sadly I did not get a vote as it was decided before I arrived. I know exactly how Stefanie felt riding for the ones she loved!
That is a cherished memory that will never be taken away from you!! Thank You again for sharing your Magic Moments with us!
It is a cherished memory and those are getting me through one day at a time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MosyBliss
I loved all the pictures of the animals and the pathetic picture of Morgan and her demolished poncho made me laugh. She is a doll.
Stefanie is forever a part of you...missing her everyday is totally natural.
Morgan is a doll for sure.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
Great pictures of the Gibbons!
The flower arrangement was just beautiful!
I know that that was a hard moment for you riding Dinosaur thinking of Stefanie.
It was a hard moment.
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Originally Posted by mommapants
nice update and beautiful journal entry. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
I love the photo of Morgan in bed with the Mickey balloon. What a vacation she's having.
Even I have "Stefanie" moments-- had a couple at Disneyland 2 weeks ago-- and I only met her briefly. I'm sure nearly everything you do reminds you in some way of your sweet girl. I always remember her being glad that the dinos are dead, and can just hear her say it in her no-nonsense way.
I have folks almost every day who tell me of their Stefanie moments. I had one very special kid.
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I have only been on the Dinosaur ride once and hated it. I don't plan on going on it ever again even though it's "just pretend".
The last time we were at AK the gibons were hysterical. We spent lots of time watching them and laughing.
Morgan's poncho was so funny and her face was priceless. I hope you were able to get her another one. The Mickey balloon was great and the flower arrangement was just beautiful.
Thank you for sharing that special part of your journal. I know that it had to be so difficult for you and Luke missing your very special princess but I know she was with you every step of the way.
The next poncho story will begin when I post the next update.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jessie092408
It took me quite a while, but I finally got all caught up again. You seem to be having quite a lot of fun on this trip, mixed with moments of sadness. Reading your TR made me realize that David and I have never been down the trail that the gorillas are on. We've only been down the one with the tigers. Those are two different trails, right? I'm not crazy. Anyway, we're going to make a point to explore the other one!
Both trails are part of the Maharajah Jungle Trek, at least I think they are.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tdhc
Great update! Thank you for sharing your trip with us. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
That was truly a great day! I'm so glad I got to share it with you.
I'm so glad you joined us this day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny
I love all of Morgan's "faces, from the excited/scared look on Dinosaur to the forlorn looks in the poncho and bed!
Adjusting and missing are two different things. You will never stop missing Stefanie, Cam, though you will eventually adjust to her being gone. She will always be there, just over your shoulder, whispering in your ear, "It's just pretend, Mom. I know that now." (... yeah, tears!)
I appreciate you sharing your personal thoughts.
Ok I'm finally caught up. Sounds like a nice day at AK. You got some amazing safari pictures. I'm never good at taking those. The past trip I'm going to blame the squirmy toddler for that though.
I've never seen the gorillas active before. We've always been lucky enough to catch the monkeys playing around though - so glad that you were able to catch them this trip.
Morgan is getting brave with the rides! I won't ever go on Dinosaur again cause I'm a chicken. I don't know if it's the dark parts or what, but I don't like it! Of course when my son is older I can see him twisting my arm to ride just so that he can laugh at me in my moment of being terrified.
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What a fun day at AK!! Loved Morgan's expression on Dinosaur...too cute! And the poncho is a hoot! Love the flowers, how beautiful!
Cam, I know you will never stop missing Stefanie, but the memories will begin to gentle out and not cause the pain you are feeling. I think you and Luke are doing an amazing job coming to grips. But as others have said, Stefanie is right at your shoulders, always.
There are so many fun memories that you and Luke are getting to share with Morgan on this trip. Great pictures and I cannot wait to hear more of the trip.
Thank you for sharing your journal entry. Continued prayers to you.
__________________
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Sounds like a great day! I laughed and I teared and I sighed. A perfect entry in the TR. I do have a question though How many pictures do you take in a day? I went to a baseball game and took 36 pictures, which I thought was a TON, and when I came home I took 5 pages of notes and realized I didn't take enough pictures. I wanted to practice a TR, but am stumped.
Ok I'm finally caught up. Sounds like a nice day at AK. You got some amazing safari pictures. I'm never good at taking those. The past trip I'm going to blame the squirmy toddler for that though.
I've never seen the gorillas active before. We've always been lucky enough to catch the monkeys playing around though - so glad that you were able to catch them this trip.
Morgan is getting brave with the rides! I won't ever go on Dinosaur again cause I'm a chicken. I don't know if it's the dark parts or what, but I don't like it! Of course when my son is older I can see him twisting my arm to ride just so that he can laugh at me in my moment of being terrified.
That is interesting that you've never seen the gorillas active and we've never seen them not active.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NanaTink
What a fun day at AK!! Loved Morgan's expression on Dinosaur...too cute! And the poncho is a hoot! Love the flowers, how beautiful!
Cam, I know you will never stop missing Stefanie, but the memories will begin to gentle out and not cause the pain you are feeling. I think you and Luke are doing an amazing job coming to grips. But as others have said, Stefanie is right at your shoulders, always.
for your kind words. I know the pain will ease as it did when Kevin died, but I just have so many more memories with Stefanie that it seems almost anything can trigger the tears.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 061706
There are so many fun memories that you and Luke are getting to share with Morgan on this trip. Great pictures and I cannot wait to hear more of the trip.
Thank you for sharing your journal entry. Continued prayers to you.
so much!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Great pictures from the rest of your time at AK. Sorry about the rain though.
I think the rain actually worked to our advantage this day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaimeandChad
Sounds like a great day! I laughed and I teared and I sighed. A perfect entry in the TR. I do have a question though How many pictures do you take in a day? I went to a baseball game and took 36 pictures, which I thought was a TON, and when I came home I took 5 pages of notes and realized I didn't take enough pictures. I wanted to practice a TR, but am stumped.
Normally, I'll take 200 to 300 pictures a day. But we noticed this trip with the grief pulling on us that we took fewer and fewer pictures every day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by twins4me
I'm still enjoying the TR! Your strength and wisdom still continues to amaze me! Thanks again for sharing journey!
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Thank you for sharing your trip with us. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. 
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