A/N: Thank you soo soo much guys! I've made it to the 50,000-word mark! I'm not done with this story because I have a few more chapter ideas. This chapter just took forever because I went on a vacation and just had writers block, but it's done now!
The walk went off without a hitch. The family had raised 10,000 dollars towards the Elliott James Spina Bifida charity. A charity started by a few moms who had help from others during the early years with medical bills and equipment. While Kate and Castle could afford most of Arejay's wheelchairs, medical equipment, and hospitals, some people could not and the couple had wanted to give to those who needed it more.
It was the night before the family would get up and leave for Walt Disney World for their birthday trip. The kids had not slept in what felt like days. They had all been super excited to leave on their trip. It was the first trip as a family out of the state of New York. They go to the Hampton's every year, but this is different. This is a huge trip that takes a lot of planning. Castle had the trip all planned. He'd also set aside the money for the hotel so that He could decide with Kate what hotel would be the best. They wanted one close to Walt Disney World, so they did not have to travel far, but also one with hopefully a room for the kids. Not that Kate and Castle would be having sex but they wanted to be able to separate the kids from the parents and if needed could put Arejay down for a nap. They chose a suit at the Disney's Contemporary Resort. It was one of Castle's favorites because the monorail went right through the lobby. They also picked it because the monorail went through the lobby. The ease of being able to get to and from the park with the kids and the dog.
Getting up the next morning, Kate helps the kids get ready and hopefully get out of the door on time for their flight. The kids are dressed; everything is packed and ready to go. The Van arrives, and they get a hand cart to help bring the stuff down the elevator to the van. The family has a lot of stuff. It was crazy how much a family of 7 plus dog would take on a trip. To make things easier and fewer suitcases, Kate puts the kids in just three suitcases instead of one for each. One of those three going to Arejay and all the medical things he would need. It also let them use one of those suitcases for Dax so they could bring food, treats, and even a toy or two, to remind him of home. They also have a car seat for Arejay plus his stroller. Kate had also purchased before the trip, a board that would hook to the stroller with wheels just in case Victoria decided she was done walking. Finally getting everything in the van the family is in and on their way to JFK airport. There's traffic, and not to mention antsy kids wanting to be on the airplane for the first time. They make it to the airport and get a redcap to help them unload and get the bags to the check-in booth. It takes the family a while to check in but both Kate and Castle made sure they got out early to give them leeway. During this moment, Castle had wished his mother was here for help but she had a last few minute things and would not arrive till tomorrow morning. To say the kids were excited was an understatement. Sidney had been bouncing up and down all morning constantly asking if we were there yet. To which both Castle and Kate responded every few minutes with a "No!"
It was starting to drive Kate nuts, and she couldn't wait to be at the gate and waiting for the plane so she could have a talk with him. Finally after about ten minutes the family is done and walking to the gate with their carry on's. Security was a whole another issue with getting kids shoes off, putting bags on the conveyor belt, getting Arejay out of the stroller so it can be checked, and not to mention Castle and Dax had to go to secondary to be carefully checked over. Kate knew this would happen and tried to prepare for it but when you go on a trip like this with your whole family preparing does not help much because something always comes up. The two older kids had already made it through along with Victoria, but Sidney was bouncing all around and acting pretty hyper.
"Sidney, please calm down and help mommy." Kate sighs shifting Arejay on her hip as she tries to help Sidney through the metal detector. She puts a hand on his back and guide him through and to the other side to the rest of his siblings.
"Get your shoes on please, mommy will be over soon," Kate says placing her shoe in the bin and walking with Arejay towards the metal detector. She walks through with the babbling child while trying to keep her kids on the other side from running off. Within minutes, shoes had started to be put back on and thankfully Castle was back from his secondary screening with Dax. He hurries over, seeing a bouncy Sidney calling him for help with his shoes. They finally finish and get going towards their gate. They got there thankfully on time and had about 20 minutes before boarding. Kate likes being early but not too early that she had to sit around for two hours trying to keep her kids busy. Arejay had been hungry as they waited, and Kate hated making him wait, but she knew if they waited just a little longer she could breastfeed as they took off on the airplane. It would help with his ears and keep him calm. There's a voice over the loudspeaker that calls families with children and the disabled to board first. Laughing to herself Kate groans and rolls her eyes getting up thinking "that's us for sure".
"Come on, let's go!" She smiles pushing the stroller towards the gate. She hands the kids their tickets and she hands hers to the lady making sure she scanned it, and the rest of the kids had their tickets.
Finally making it to the plane Kate pulls Arejay out of the stroller leaving it at the gate so they can get it later. Holding him carefully on her hip the family finds their seats. Castle sitting in one row with Victoria and Johanna, Kate in the row in front of them with Nate, Sidney, and Arejay sitting on her lap. Before they take off and as other people are boarding, Kate hands Castle the snacks for Dax and the first round of toys and games for the boys. Castle had the one iPad and had put a few movies on it the girls wouldn't mind watching. Kate had the other iPad and put a few movies on hers to watch with the boys.
Helping the boys get belted in she gives one last look to Castle blowing him a kiss before she adjusts her shirt and lets Arejay latch on as they get ready to take off. She's slowly trying to ween him but it's a lot easier to breastfeed on the plane then have to deal with having to fill bottles. She's smiling as they take off. It's a short flight so it shouldn't take them long to get to their destination.
They finally get in the air, and Kate puts the movie on for the boys letting Arejay finish up feeding. She's also about to switch seats, so Sidney gets to sit by the window. Nate gets to sit by the window for the second hour, and Kate gets her seat back for landing. Getting up she switches with Sidney and is happy to see him excited to look out the window. Turning back to she smiles at Castle seeing a sleeping Victoria in his lap.
"She seemed awake but once we got in the air, she leaned on me and fell asleep." Castle chuckles stroking her hair softly as Kate glances over at Johanna. She had the iPad and was watching the movie that Kate had put on their for her. She'd put three movies on each iPad. Two movies that both Victoria and Johanna could watch together plus one that was for a little older person such as Jo. Kate did not want Jo to get stuck watching movies for five-year-olds, so she added one for her, just in case Victoria fell asleep.
It's halfway through the flight when Sidney looks at his mom asking to go to the bathroom. She sighs softly and helps herself up putting Arejay on her hip.
"Nate, Sid has to use the bathroom; this would be a good time to get your window seat." Kate smiles as the three scoot out and leave Nate to watch the movie. He nods and takes his seat, by the window taking a break from the movie to peer out and see what's going on. Opening the bathroom door the three squeeze into it as Kate tries to help Sidney work the toilet.
"Hurry up buddy mommy has to go too," Kate says using this time to also give Arejay a fresh diaper and clean him up. A few moments later Sidney finishes going pee, and Kate switches with her son so she could pee. They finish soon after and Kate leads Sidney back to their seats. She takes a peek at the girls before taking her seat, she's thankful Victoria is still asleep. It has made the trip one bit easier having a sleeping child.
About an hour later they land and wait till everyone gets off the plane before they deboard. Picking up the stroller on their way out Kate slips Arejay in it, and they head to the baggage claim with the few bags they brought with them on the plane. It takes them longer than Kate would of wanted because it seemed as the plane ride made all of her kids sleepy. Finding baggage claim B, the kids want to help find their bags, and Kate just wants to quickly get the bags and go. So, in the interest of the kids and giving them a fun time on vacation she tells them they can go up to the conveyor belt and help get the bags off.
"Careful please!" Kate hollers as she pushes the stroller closer to the belt hoping to be within earshot of the kids.
"Mommy and daddy's bags are heavy." She warns leaning over and placing a kiss on Castle. It's just them as Victoria is rolling over one of the bags Dax starts to bark. Looking from Dax to Castle, Kate takes a deep breath and quickly reaches for whatever Castle has in his hands making sure he does not toss them. Setting them on top of the stroller she turns to check on him slowly cracking inside with every shake that comes out of her husband. He'd been doing so well on his meds; it killed her that the first day of their vacation was ruined by some seizures. They turned some heads but about five minutes later everything this back to normal and the kids have acquired all of the suitcases.
"Thank you for helping guys." Kate smiles at her kids as they stand in front of her. She's been so distracted by Castle she was happy they had done a good job.
"Ok, let's go get our car," Kate says putting one hand on the stroller and the other on one of the rolling bags. Castle had paid extra for a van from Walt Disney World to come pick them up and take them to their hotel. They start to head towards the exit when Castle spots a guy holding a piece of cardboard with the words "Castle Family" on it.
"Look! Over there Kate!" Castle blurts seeing the sign and smiling. The driver sees them and smiles back walking over towards them. They finally meet, and Castle sticks his hand out for a handshake.
"Hi, I'm Richard but you can call me Rick, this is my wife Kate, our youngest Arejay in the stroller," He starts and then points to each of the other kids and naming them off.
"Well hello everyone, I'm George, I'll be your driver today." He smiles softly.
"I bet mom and dad are happy for all the help." He chuckles softly as Kate laughs back and nods.
"Yes, we are always thankful." She smiles as George takes the bag from Kate and leads them to his van. He helps them in putting the bags and the stroller in the back making sure Arejay's car seat is securely in before strapping him in. They are loaded in, and their driver starts off towards their hotel. Pulling up to the hotel George helps the family out, and they get a bell hop to load the bags on a cart.
"Jo, I'm going inside to check in, will you help mommy with the kids?" Castle asks his daughter as he checks for his wallet before starting to head inside. She nods at him sighing softly as she takes Sidney and Victoria's hands.
"Ok kids, let's go inside and wait for daddy." Kate smiles softly as she pushes the stroller into the hotel. It does not take long and Castle long before all their Magic Bands are set up, and their room is ready. While the kids are excited to see the room, Kate, and Castle are extra excited for the room so they can finally sit down while not moving. Getting to the elevator Kate makes sure all of her family was in the elevator before they headed up to their hotel room. Both Kate and Castle are exhausted from traveling but as they traveled up the elevator, Kate watched her kids excitedly jump up and down. No doubt Kate was excited just like them but being so tired she could not show it.
The door dings and Kate ushers the kids out. 352, that's the room they had. Finding it was easy. It was close to the elevator but not close enough that they would hear it all night. Not something Kate wanted to deal with. Opening the door with her magic band Kate holds it open so Castle can usher the kids inside and get Kate and Arejay inside. The first thing Kate does is get Arejay out of the stroller and lay him on the bed so he can be out of the confines of the stroller. The next thing they do is set up a puppy pad and the dog food for Dax so he can finally relax from the travel. Just as they finish, there's a knock on the door. Castle rushes over to open it propping it open so he can help the bell hop bring the bags in the room. Having help from Jo and Sidney, they finish soon after and Castle tips him before he leaves. He thanks them and Sidney waves him off before Castle closes the door.
Turning Castle can't help but smile when he looks over to see Victoria and Kate playing with Arejay as the other three children have just ran into the other room to check out the bunk beds. He's happy. He's usually always happy but seeing his work finally pay off feels so good. Walking over he goes and carefully sits on the couch as not to startle Arejay. Smiling the little boy turns and pulls into his father's lap.
"Dada!" He giggles as Castle adjusts the boy so he can sit better in his lap.
"Very good buddy, what about mama?" He asks pointing to Kate.
"Dada!" He giggles again looking from his mother to his father.
"No, Mama." Castle sighs.
"Dada!" The little boy giggles. The two adults sigh watching Victoria join in on his giggling.
"You'll get it one day." Kate smiles softly shifting so she can then pull Victoria in her lap.
"You have to help him, ok little sir?" Kate smiles again watching Victoria nod.
"I'm a good big sister; I can do anything!" She beams just as a smell starts wafting from Castle and Arejay.
"Not me!" Castle shouts as Kate reaches for Arejay but with Victoria on her lap she's not close enough.
"Check his diaper, maybe he needs a change," Kate says watching as Castle pulls the boys pants and diaper back only to jerk his head away quickly.
"Ok yeah, that was him." He laughs situating himself and Arejay so they can get up and get changed.
"So happy for you little guy! You pooped all by yourself!" He smiles as he bounces the boy up and down on his way to the bed. You may be laughing right now that Castle is so happy that his son pooped but for a parent of a child with spina bifida pooping on their own without the use of medication to help them go is a pretty big accomplishment. Laying him in the middle of the bed behind them Castle goes to the child's suitcase and grabs a new diaper and the changing pad. Getting him all clean and dressed he then lifts the boy up and bounces him all the way back to the couch to sit next to Kate. Victoria had already ran off to go see what her older siblings were up to.
"Did you poop little guy?" Kate smiles a Castle plops down with him on the couch.
"Mommy is happy for you, so happy." She smiles again as her son reaches for her. She takes him from Castle and holds him carefully.
"You must be hungry." She sighs pulling her shirt off and unhooking her bra. Laying him in her arms she lets him latch on and start to feed. Moments later Sidney comes in complaining that he was starving.
"Are you saying you want daddy to order dinner?" Castle asks watching the eight-year-old in front of him. He nods and climbs on the couch making it move every which way as he tries to climb into his dad's lap.
"Woah, careful Sid, Arejay is getting his dinner." Kate sighs watching Sidney jerk his head to look at his mom. The boy sighs and pulls on his dad trying to keep his father's attention.
"Ok ok, fine, daddy will get dinner." Castle sighs and helps his son up and setting him on the floor.
"I'm going to get room service, leave mommy alone for a few minutes ok? Arejay needs some alone time with mommy." Castle says warning his son because he knows his son will want to get up in her face. Heading over to the phone Castle orders burgers for dinner wanting something easy. It does not take long, and the tray of burgers and fries arrives at their room. Watching some TV while they eat the family finishes within the hour. Getting up Kate helps the kids clean up and start getting ready for bed.
"Shower please." Kate sighs pushing a slow Sidney towards the bathroom.
"You too Nate, shower!" She turns her head as she pushes Sidney into the bathroom. Since only having one bathroom she wants to make the night go faster by having the two boys shower at the same time.
Getting the kids to bed finally Kate is sitting on the couch with Castle holding Arejay in her lap. He's starting to fall asleep, and Kate can't wait. She's so exhausted she can barely keep her eyes open. Standing up Castle takes Arejay from Kate and lays him in the crib they got from the hotel. He then turns the TV off and helps Kate to bed, and the two of them change and fall into bed so they can have a big day at the park tomorrow.