Meeting an Idol & a Journalist

Saturday morning, we had a meeting with two very special CMN celebrity partners, American Idol alum David Archuletta and the Today Show's Merideth Vieira.  They came to show their support for Childrens Miracle Network and to meet us!!!  Can you believe they came to meet us??!!??!!  WOW!!!  Both hung around to chat, take photos, and sign autographs.  Merideth Vieira pinned my red "Ask Me About Olivia" button on her lapel and  

  David Archuletta actually asked me for MY autograph!!  And, of course, I gave it to him!!!  Like all of CMN's celebrity partners, David & Merideth are very important because they are highly recognizable figures who can use their platforms to help raise awareness about  Childrens Miracle Network.  Thanks for all you do for CMN Hospitals David & Merideth!! 

Freetime on Friday

On Friday, we were given the day to spend as we wished.  I started my day by having breakfast with the BIG CHEESE Mickey Mouse!!  We strolled downstairs (in our pajamas!!!) to see if we could get into Chef Mickey's.  It's one of my favorite spots to dine, but we didn't have a reservation; however once the hostesses identified me as being a CMN Champion, they immediatley led us to a table where we began to chow down!!  YUM! YUM!!  After putting on clothes that were suitable for a public appearance, we hopped aboard the monorail.  Destination: EPCOT!!  We rode all of my favorite rides & attractions!!  I absolutely love Soarin'!!  We rode it 2 times!!!  Before I knew it, it was time for lunch.  We took the water taxi over to the Yacht & Beach Club for the go-to spot for ice cream..............  Ariel's Beaches & Cream!!  Lunch was great, but the No Way Jose was the ultimate treat.  Only Disney could create an ice cream sundae that is the size of my head!!!  After lunch we decided to head back to the hotel because I was feeling kind of crummy.  I'm not a big complainer and who wants to take a nap at the hotel WHEN YOU'RE AT DISNEY WORLD!!!!  But, mom knows best. :)  She called the doctor, who then came to my hotel room to check me out.  Turns out, I was very, very sick.  Dr. Forbes was fantastic!!  She got me all fixed up so that I could survive the next 5 days of our trip.  Two prescriptions and a 6 hour nap later, I was starting to feel like my old self!!!  And I would have never imagined that the doctor who took care of me that day would become such an important & special person in my life.  She is the most lovely person inside & out!!  My friends over at the Whispering Canyon Cafe (thanks "Slick Sam") heard that I was sick and they sent over a very nice "Get Well Champion" gift to cheer me up and boy did it help!!  I am surrounded by such very kind, caring, big-hearted people, and I feel so blessed to have each one of them in my life!!  Love y'all!! :)

The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

At the Champions medal ceremony, I met Evan, the 2011 CMN Champion from Rhode Island.  He and I became instant friends and remain very good friends today.  Evan inspires me to smile through everything!!!  Evan like to tell jokes just like me and he is a great dancer!!  And my moms says he is very handsome!!   

Olivia Receives Her Medal

At the medal ceremony, each Champion was individually recognized. I thought this tutu was perfect for the occasion! Upon receiving my medal, I posed like a true champion. I know that no matter what comes my way, I can overcome any challenge and any obstacle. *Philippians 4:13*
My mom reminds me every day:
Challenge is inevitable.
Defeat is optional.

Sleeping Beauty

Even a Champion needs a little beauty sleep now & then!!

Move It! Shake It! Celebrate it!

This afternoon, some of the Champions hopped on the monorail to head over to the Magic Kingdom. As the 2011 Childrens Miracle Network Champions, we were special guests featured in the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Parade on Main Street USA. We all got to dance with some crazy characters and circle the hub in front of Cinderella's Castle. Talk about shaking your tail-feathers!!! The 2011 Champions really know how to move & groove!!! Later in the day I was made an honorary conductor of the Walt Disney Railroad!!

Mickey's the boss, but Donald will always be my #1!!

And John Schneider is pretty cool too!!!