Make a Wish (and other organizations!) - Wish Trippers...UNITE!! Volume 2!

[LindaBabe]

I haven't been back on the boards much since our son Mark's Wish Trip, but something compelled me to check in.

I saw the message about Becca's surgery, Noah's many hospitalizations, Ambers quest to get to the bottom of Savannah's issues, and more. I wanted all of you to know that you are in my thoughts - you are all in my prayers too.

I've had challenges lately, issues pulling me away at times from what is important in this life. Superficial things like parent in-fighting on School Council, necessary but material things like picking tiles for bathrooms and elevators as we make our home more accessible for Mark. Important things like watching both our boys cough, being on the hospital watch ourselves as their ex-premie lungs fight what to other kids is a run of the mill cold. Feeling my own heart break as my mother has a moment of sufficient clarity to recognize the dementia that is taking her from us. All these things a reminder to treasure our loved ones and put aside that which is not important.

Several of the Wish Kids on these boards and their families have faced major health challenges recently, I see now. I am reminded of how precious life is, and how our love for our families not only gives our children strength, but also sustains us through difficult times.

When we first learned that Mark was being granted a Wish, we were thrilled for him, as he so deserves it. What I didn't realize was that I was being granted a gift as well. The bond we share here on the Wish Trip board is unique - most of us have never met in person, and likely never will...but we all share such a strong, commond bond in our love and concern for our children...our experiences place us in a "club" that many of the parents I know simply cannot "get." It's not a "club" we sought to join, but these life challenges have given us the opportunity to appreciate life, learn how to trust in God and be comforted by prayer.

So...to all my friends here, I thank you. I'm coming back with that trip report, even if it takes me months. I am struggling a bit to keep the magic of our trip alive - and by that magic I mean the memories of Mark and Douglas' smiles and feeling the bountiful empathy and support we felt at GKTW and through the parks. I think that by putting aside my guilt at not managing our trip report, but by visiting here and offering my prayers and support, I can bring back that magic.

Of course, perhaps another positive way to keep the magic alive would be to sign up with Maroo and others for that 1/2 Marathon!

Please know that you are supported, and the subject of a multitude of prayers.

Alison

Alison, that was beautiful. Thank you for writing it. When you are able to write your trippie, we will read your words with great pleasure, but please don't feel guilty for NOT doing it! There are far more important drains on your energy than guilt. Prayers for you and your family and also beloved Mom. May you have all that you need, and strength to endure through that which you are given.


Carol? Listen to macntosh! we are NOT in control.

Sleep well, Everybody!

 

[QueenMomof2]

I need some more advice if anyone is willing to offer it.

What's the one best Disney World guide book to get, what would you recommend?

I went looking for one at the book store for me to bring to DD's upcoming VEEG and I got overwhelmed by the choices. So I thought before I bought one I would ask here.

I want something that I can read in the small bits of "down time" I will get while she is in for the 5 days or more. A novel would just be too heavy I figured so I thought why not a WDW guide something fun.

So what do you suggest??

 

[keetmommy]

Our wish granters are coming over on Wed!!!!! I think she is leaning toward Disney now...we have had a hectic couple of weeks, she had an allergic reaction to her chemo, so we are having to stop it..so it will be a nice break...I would love to leave ASAP..it has been a long winter in Wisconsin...

 

[chcmama]

I need some more advice if anyone is willing to offer it.

What's the one best Disney World guide book to get, what would you recommend?

I went looking for one at the book store for me to bring to DD's upcoming VEEG and I got overwhelmed by the choices. So I thought before I bought one I would ask here.

I want something that I can read in the small bits of "down time" I will get while she is in for the 5 days or more. A novel would just be too heavy I figured so I thought why not a WDW guide something fun.

So what do you suggest??

My favorite is the Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld, good luck with the hospital stay.

Our wish granters are coming over on Wed!!!!! I think she is leaning toward Disney now...we have had a hectic couple of weeks, she had an allergic reaction to her chemo, so we are having to stop it..so it will be a nice break...I would love to leave ASAP..it has been a long winter in Wisconsin...

How exciting, we really felt things were moving when the wish granters came over. Too bad about the allergic reaction.


I haven't posted on here for a while, I don't know if you remember, my dd wanted a Disney cruise and this is where I came looking for info (you guys are so awesome by the way) and they were not able to grant a Disney cruise but she is going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in May and we are very excited. We have most of the details, airplane resv. and cruise resv. so we are having a great time getting ready. It has helped the last month or so, she was in the hospital for pneumonia right after Christmas for about a week and she is back in the hospital again now, it seems we didn't get it taken care of as well as we had hoped. But, things are looking good and she will hopefully be coming home next week. She has cystic fibrosis and has had quite a few picc lines and they are placing a port on Tuesday so we are hoping to come home Wed. or Thurs. depending on how she does.
I don't post on here often but I do read up on all of you a lot and you have all been in my prayers, I love reading about all your trips and maybe one day we will have a wish trip to Disneyworld and GKTW when my son is older and makes his wish (he also has CF) You who do the Big Give are just amazingly talented people I can't believe some fo the stuff you make I am in awe. Keep up the great work I love seeing the pictures of the kids when they are opening their presents.

 

[macntosh]

I need some more advice if anyone is willing to offer it.

What's the one best Disney World guide book to get, what would you recommend?

I went looking for one at the book store for me to bring to DD's upcoming VEEG and I got overwhelmed by the choices. So I thought before I bought one I would ask here.

I want something that I can read in the small bits of "down time" I will get while she is in for the 5 days or more. A novel would just be too heavy I figured so I thought why not a WDW guide something fun.

So what do you suggest??

I think Birnbaum's are the best:

Birnbaum 2009 Guide

They also make a version for traveling with Kids.

 

[QueenMomof2]

I was looking at that Birnbaum one and also the Passporter one. I'll have to check out the Unofficial guide I don't think I noticed that one.

I like the Birnbaum kids one it looked like it had great info.

Maybe I'll get more than one.

 

[twinmum]

To all - thank you for your kind words of welcome...back! I've missed being here.

To Maroo -thank you for all you are doing to keep this thread blooming. You are one of our angels - the people who support and sustain us, and understand us as parents. You understand us as few do. Yup, I'll think about that 1/2 marathon, but I have to warn you...I'm a "runner"...a slow "runner", but one of "those" people. I haven't ventured much beyond the 10K mark, but I have always dreamt of moving up to the 1/2 marathon, so maybe, maybe this is the one...

We're experiencing a bit of a thaw here in Toronto, above freezing since I just don't know when...it' was marvellous today...but heading below freezing again tonight. For the last 3 years, I have accompanied my hubby to a conference in March, to either Scottsdale or Palms Springs, but that is not happening for us this year...our only nights away from the boys together to reconnect...I guess we will have to find some good movie nights together...! It just seems like such a long time until spring will reach the frozen north. (I bet Khalana (sorry I cannot find your real name) is busting a gut over Toronto vs. Winnipeg as frozen north!)

Mark was remembering some special treatment we had at Bubba Gumps at Universal - he complimented them on one of the (many) shrimp dishes he tried (they kept messing up my lactose-free meal, and he kept on eating what they brought!). He asked about the ingedients, and they responded in typical Wish Trip style...they brought him one of the special cookbooks from the Bubba Gump store with a card saying Happy Wish Trip! Oh, how many stories...

Have a good night, everyone. I shall say a special prayer for my Wish Trip friends!

Alison

 

[twinmum]

Maroo - if I do decide to register for the 1/2 marathon...how do I do it? any special instructions?

And by the way, congratulations on your progess so far! I have dropped a few pounds in the last few months, some by trying, some by virture of the "renovation and my mother has dementia" diet...which I DO NOT RECOMMEND!, but nevertheless, it is nice to discover that many of my clothes no longer fit. I need to step up the fitness plans, I've spent too much time away from the treadmill and I have a 10K in April that I refuse to miss this year (it's downhill mostly, after all!). Looking forward to running outside, although it will be nice to get back in our own house with our new "mini-gym" for me and Mark - he's starting on the treadmill too!

God bless,
Alison

 

[maroo]

Christy and Alison- it is so good to have you back! You were missed. Alison- your words are so true!

Now I have something to share- something I haven't told anyone- not my mom/not my husband. I was afraid they would think I was crazy, or worse yet, that I was right. But somehow, I think maybe some of you will understand.

Nathan has been stable for 7 years- in fact each appt. showed his heart " just a touch better." Yesterday was our first "set back" ( even though it might not end up being a setback). Anyway, the first thought that went through my head was, " This is my fault! I never should have looked into MAW. He really wasn't that sick- now because I selfishly took a trip for our family, he is sick."

I know God doesn't work that way. I also know that you can't "cheat" MAW- a doctor has to say he qualifies. I know that all logically......but emotionally. Well sometimes emotions don't make sense.

Carol

Oh Carol...

You did not cause this! He was given a blessing...a MAW trip...because he qualified based on his condition. The trip did not make it worse. It just is...maybe? Maybe it is fine and just a difference in where the ultrasound was done? Did you use the same US tech? Maybe they measure a little differently. It is sort of subjective, isn't it?

Either way...you didn't do anything to bring this on. If anything...if it does turn out to be something. You did the exact right thing in accepting this gift. For him and for you family. Some more time where he is totally healthy.

You are not to blame!!! :

I need some more advice if anyone is willing to offer it.

What's the one best Disney World guide book to get, what would you recommend?

I went looking for one at the book store for me to bring to DD's upcoming VEEG and I got overwhelmed by the choices. So I thought before I bought one I would ask here.

I want something that I can read in the small bits of "down time" I will get while she is in for the 5 days or more. A novel would just be too heavy I figured so I thought why not a WDW guide something fun.

So what do you suggest??

I agree...Unofficial Guide to WDW was a good one. But...I have also heard of the Open Mouse ... Passporter...something like that? It is a book specially made for disabled kids/adults, etc. They have very detailed info about each ride, etc. You might want to look into that one, too.

Our wish granters are coming over on Wed!!!!! I think she is leaning toward Disney now...we have had a hectic couple of weeks, she had an allergic reaction to her chemo, so we are having to stop it..so it will be a nice break...I would love to leave ASAP..it has been a long winter in Wisconsin...

Woo Hoo!!! I would be SOOOOO excited if she chose Disney!!!

My favorite is the Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld, good luck with the hospital stay.



How exciting, we really felt things were moving when the wish granters came over. Too bad about the allergic reaction.


I haven't posted on here for a while, I don't know if you remember, my dd wanted a Disney cruise and this is where I came looking for info (you guys are so awesome by the way) and they were not able to grant a Disney cruise but she is going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in May and we are very excited. We have most of the details, airplane resv. and cruise resv. so we are having a great time getting ready. It has helped the last month or so, she was in the hospital for pneumonia right after Christmas for about a week and she is back in the hospital again now, it seems we didn't get it taken care of as well as we had hoped. But, things are looking good and she will hopefully be coming home next week. She has cystic fibrosis and has had quite a few picc lines and they are placing a port on Tuesday so we are hoping to come home Wed. or Thurs. depending on how she does.
I don't post on here often but I do read up on all of you a lot and you have all been in my prayers, I love reading about all your trips and maybe one day we will have a wish trip to Disneyworld and GKTW when my son is older and makes his wish (he also has CF) You who do the Big Give are just amazingly talented people I can't believe some fo the stuff you make I am in awe. Keep up the great work I love seeing the pictures of the kids when they are opening their presents.

Aw...CF...That brings back memories for me. I used to work at a camp for kids with CF. Until that Pseudonymous thing started up and they couldn't hang out anymore. Is that still true? That they can't get together in big groups? I loved that camp. Those kids are really special to me!

I do selfishly hope that your son picks Disney!! And we will be here! Maybe with a little different crew...people tend to come, plan, hang around some and eventually move on with life, I guess. But I see me being here for years.

Hang with us...even if you are not doing the Disney thing. We would love to keep up with you guys!

To all - thank you for your kind words of welcome...back! I've missed being here.

To Maroo -thank you for all you are doing to keep this thread blooming. You are one of our angels - the people who support and sustain us, and understand us as parents. You understand us as few do. Yup, I'll think about that 1/2 marathon, but I have to warn you...I'm a "runner"...a slow "runner", but one of "those" people. I haven't ventured much beyond the 10K mark, but I have always dreamt of moving up to the 1/2 marathon, so maybe, maybe this is the one...

We're experiencing a bit of a thaw here in Toronto, above freezing since I just don't know when...it' was marvellous today...but heading below freezing again tonight. For the last 3 years, I have accompanied my hubby to a conference in March, to either Scottsdale or Palms Springs, but that is not happening for us this year...our only nights away from the boys together to reconnect...I guess we will have to find some good movie nights together...! It just seems like such a long time until spring will reach the frozen north. (I bet Khalana (sorry I cannot find your real name) is busting a gut over Toronto vs. Winnipeg as frozen north!)

Mark was remembering some special treatment we had at Bubba Gumps at Universal - he complimented them on one of the (many) shrimp dishes he tried (they kept messing up my lactose-free meal, and he kept on eating what they brought!). He asked about the ingedients, and they responded in typical Wish Trip style...they brought him one of the special cookbooks from the Bubba Gump store with a card saying Happy Wish Trip! Oh, how many stories...

Have a good night, everyone. I shall say a special prayer for my Wish Trip friends!

Alison

Aw...you are so sweet. I really feel like this is my place, ya know? I do "get it"...Lauren's Mom is always amazed that I get it. She can't figure out why. I don't have kids at all, must less those with special needs.

But I worked at a camp for disabled kids when I was in High School. All summer long we would have one week sessions and kids with different disabilties would come...CP, CF, MD, Diabetes, Asthma (severe), Deaf AND Blind, Autism, and Cancer.

So I got to know those kids and some of their families. And I know what it is like to take care of them. How much it takes out of a person to do it. You guys that were blessed with special needs children....I know you don't always feel blessed...God knew what He was doing when He chose you to be the parent.

I am so pumped that we could have a few of us at the half!!!!! That would be so cool!!

I am getting there on my walking...up to 4.5 miles...at last weigh in (although not "official"...I was down over 10 pounds!) I am getting excited.


Aw...TR teasers! That sounds like such a wonderful moment!!! I really do hope you can get around to that TR sometime. I think you will find the magic resides there.

Maroo - if I do decide to register for the 1/2 marathon...how do I do it? any special instructions?

And by the way, congratulations on your progess so far! I have dropped a few pounds in the last few months, some by trying, some by virture of the "renovation and my mother has dementia" diet...which I DO NOT RECOMMEND!, but nevertheless, it is nice to discover that many of my clothes no longer fit. I need to step up the fitness plans, I've spent too much time away from the treadmill and I have a 10K in April that I refuse to miss this year (it's downhill mostly, after all!). Looking forward to running outside, although it will be nice to get back in our own house with our new "mini-gym" for me and Mark - he's starting on the treadmill too!

God bless,
Alison

No special instructions yet...although, you might want to go the thread I mentioned and at least throw your name in the hat as someone that is interested. So that they have correct numbers. He seems to think they will end up with only 30 people raising money...I hope to, alone, bring 10 people that I spurred on!

And I can't wait to see what creative ways I come up with to raise money!!

I will keep this board (and the other 4 that I am I am trying to persuade) updated as I find stuff out!! And I am staying on top of it. And have already "raised" $80 for the cause. (Babysitting money and one donation!) Woo Hoo.

By the way...to clarify...I am NOT asking for donations on this site!!! Ever! You guys have WAYYYYYY to many medical bills to pay! So...no donations from here...Are we clear? I am serious. *puts serious face on*

*nice face* But, the more the merrier!!! Come join me!! We can come up with creative ways to train and raise money for the place we all love!

 

[chcmama]

Aw...CF...That brings back memories for me. I used to work at a camp for kids with CF. Until that Pseudonymous thing started up and they couldn't hang out anymore. Is that still true? That they can't get together in big groups? I loved that camp. Those kids are really special to me!

I do selfishly hope that your son picks Disney!! And we will be here! Maybe with a little different crew...people tend to come, plan, hang around some and eventually move on with life, I guess. But I see me being here for years.

Hang with us...even if you are not doing the Disney thing. We would love to keep up with you guys!

Yes, they prefer kids with CF not hang out together, it makes it a little concerning having 2 with CF and hoping they don't contaminate one another. My daughter is 11 so she understands not to share stuff but my son is only 3 and he thinks he should be able to drink from anyone's cup and he doesn't get it no matter how many times we have to get after him. That is great that you worked at a camp like that. Sounds fun.
I think that my daughter would have considered a Disney trip herself but we had just gone last year, so I don't blame her for picking something else. I think when my son is older it will be the perfect time to make another trip that he will remember.

 

[alizesmom]

I haven't posted a lot but am thinking of all the kids who are facing more illness and hospitalizations. Thinking of the families as well. Karen

 

[LoveTheseKids]

Prayers for all the families struggling right now.

Can I ask a question of the families who have already been on their trips? Did anyone do Sea World? How was it - how did they treat wish kids? I recall on Charlie's trip that Universal was amazing with the kids, anyone know how Sea World is? Do you know if you can do Discovery Cove? Also, does anyone know of a place to go horseback riding? Kate would really like to ride while we are there.

Dayna

 

[mom2lilnick]

We went to sea world. Personally if it wasn't for the amazing time that the kids had feeding the dolphins that would have been a half day wasted for us. We have one of the best aquariums in the U.S. less than 45 mins from us, so our kids were like.. ummm okay? We did see Shamu and they enjoyed it, but they weren't impressed with the rides.

 

[maroo]

Prayers for all the families struggling right now.

Can I ask a question of the families who have already been on their trips? Did anyone do Sea World? How was it - how did they treat wish kids? I recall on Charlie's trip that Universal was amazing with the kids, anyone know how Sea World is? Do you know if you can do Discovery Cove? Also, does anyone know of a place to go horseback riding? Kate would really like to ride while we are there.

Dayna

GKTW has free horseback riding on Tue and Wed mornings from 8:00 - 11:00, per the GKTW website. This schedule could change!

Sea World was great for us for feeding the dolphins! But everything is spread out and there is a lot of walking. I liked it, but could skip it. They do give close parking. You do get front of the line for all rides. Feeding the dolphins and stingrays is free and they do make sure Wish kids have a good experience!

There is a good lunch - Backstage at Believe - that we really enjoyed. The food was AWESOME and very similar to what they do at the dinner backstage, but a lot cheaper. You get to have special seating at the Shamu show, too.

In the pink link below...there is a section about our Sea World experience. Lauren was sick...but if she had been well, it probably would have been one of our favorite days! William really liked the rides.

But, if you kids really like Shamu or fish stuff, then it is definitely perfect for them!!!!

You can do Discovery Cove. But it would be out of pocket and is expensive! Never seen a TR with a child that got to go. If we had the means we certainly would have!


If you decided to do Horseback riding...you could pair up Sea World with the horseback riding day and just do half a day at Sea World and catch the highlights.

 

[maroo]

Yes, they prefer kids with CF not hang out together, it makes it a little concerning having 2 with CF and hoping they don't contaminate one another. My daughter is 11 so she understands not to share stuff but my son is only 3 and he thinks he should be able to drink from anyone's cup and he doesn't get it no matter how many times we have to get after him. That is great that you worked at a camp like that. Sounds fun.
I think that my daughter would have considered a Disney trip herself but we had just gone last year, so I don't blame her for picking something else. I think when my son is older it will be the perfect time to make another trip that he will remember.

I guess now the children with CF are growing up not hanging out together - so I am sure they are sort of used to it. But I remember so clearly how awful it was for our camp kids at first. They were used to the week long camp every summer...where they felt completely normal. And we did retreats twice a year for the kids with CF, too. So it was a real void for those kids for a while.

I loved that Camp!

I can't imagine trying to get a 3 yr old to not share germs! Bless your heart!!

It will be perfect for him, once he is older, to go to Disney! If he doesn't have some rock star he wants to meet.

 

[Khalana]

It just seems like such a long time until spring will reach the frozen north. (I bet Khalana (sorry I cannot find your real name) is busting a gut over Toronto vs. Winnipeg as frozen north!)

LOL!!!!!! Yes, I can't say I feel too sorry for you Torontians (is that a word? lol). Try minus 48 with the windchill!!!!!! Then you'd be longing for some !!! But it's very nice here today, just aboe freezing.

I do selfishly hope that your son picks Disney!! And we will be here! Maybe with a little different crew...people tend to come, plan, hang around some and eventually move on with life, I guess. But I see me being here for years.

You're so sweet, Mary!!! I hope you stick around for a long time.

Now I have something to share- something I haven't told anyone- not my mom/not my husband. I was afraid they would think I was crazy, or worse yet, that I was right. But somehow, I think maybe some of you will understand.

Nathan has been stable for 7 years- in fact each appt. showed his heart " just a touch better." Yesterday was our first "set back" ( even though it might not end up being a setback). Anyway, the first thought that went through my head was, " This is my fault! I never should have looked into MAW. He really wasn't that sick- now because I selfishly took a trip for our family, he is sick."

I know God doesn't work that way. I also know that you can't "cheat" MAW- a doctor has to say he qualifies. I know that all logically......but emotionally. Well sometimes emotions don't make sense.

Carol

You know, Carol, I thought almost the same thing when we started worrying about Lydia (we're seeing the doctor tomorrow) but I realized it's just not how it works. It's not as if they haven't been through enough already... And we just never know with our kids. Really, none of us know that tomorrow will bring... We just gotta live today.

 

[LindaBabe]

I need some more advice if anyone is willing to offer it.

What's the one best Disney World guide book to get, what would you recommend?

I went looking for one at the book store for me to bring to DD's upcoming VEEG and I got overwhelmed by the choices. So I thought before I bought one I would ask here.

I want something that I can read in the small bits of "down time" I will get while she is in for the 5 days or more. A novel would just be too heavy I figured so I thought why not a WDW guide something fun.

So what do you suggest??

Passporter, especially if you're a first timer. Nice easy 'sound byte' layout, and pockets to help you stay organized and prompts to help you take notes for your trip report and save your receipts and stuff.

 

[twinmum]

Dayna: Really, SeaWorld was one of our nicest days, but there were a number of factors at play. (I'm sorry you can't read about it because I STILL haven't written that trip report!) Our family includes me, DH and twinb sons, age 10. They were excited to go to SeaWorld because they had never been to anything like that before, and the real highlight was going to be "meeting" the dolphins. I had also ensures some extra magic by booking the in-depth dolphin tour. We found the park easy to get around (Mark is in a wheelchair), close parking, friendly people etc. It was also very quiet (first week of November, and a fairly cold day). I think the only ride that anyone did was the Kraken, and that was just my hubby and me.

The boys LOVED feeding the stingrays and interacting with any animal life they could. Maybe it's just been a while since the "going to the zoo all the time" early years, and it was a novelty again. They are old enough to know about the animals and they did actually spend some time reading the info signs and so on.

I believe Wish Kids get a free tray of food at the stingrays and the dolphins.

We lucked into being able to eat lunch at the Shark Grill (I hope I got that name right), but at the bar, not at a table. That was fine, we explored the aquarium before our food came (and I also was quite confident that we had a table beside the glass coming up at the Coral Reef at Epcot because I had already worked on that!). Our food was really quite good, and eating at the bar, on bar stools was an added novelty - especially since the bar top is acutally a shallow aquarium with little fishies swimming right under your plate! The boys thought this was great!

We went straight from there to our in depth tour, which was pricey but was so wonderful. As well as a backstage tour and lots of info about how they care for and train the dolphins, each family group had its own dolphin encounter, with our own trainer and our dear own dolphin, Ajax. Ajax did all his tricks, patiently allowed us to pet him, we fed him, he talked to us, it was fantastic. All the time, the photographers were taking pix from acress the bay and we broke down and purchased our CD - it has 88 pictures of our family alone with Ajax!

After that success, we enjoyed a couple of shows and headed back to GKTW.

I think one of the reasons it was a wonderful day is that it was our very first day in any of the parks. We were still a little tired from getting ready to go, and from travelling, so we'd had a not brutally early start (we got there at 10:00), and there's less walking around, and time to rest at the shows. Also, the boys had no idea what to expect, so I think we experienced more that they expected (the dolphin tour was a surprise for the boys and my husband!). With an important element of Mark's Wish Trip achieved (interacting with dolphins), we were well on our way with our magical trip.

I did look into Discovery Cove, but felt I couldn't justify that cost at all. Also, Mark would need support in the water, which might take away from the intimacy of the experience. Finally, the water is not very warm...and he's teeny tiny with no body fat and I was concerned that he's not manage to get into the water which would be heart-breaking. So, as always, I went for the situation I felt I could control...and it was TERRIFIC!

Hope that helps!
Alison

 

[maroo]

Yeah!! A good Sea World review! We do need something like that in a TR...

Hmm...



I am so glad you guys had a magical day!!!! And see how easy that was? Now if we could just get 88 pictures loaded of that awesome dolphin experience...

Seriously, take your time. I think you will find that writing it and doing the pictures would really "seal" the trip in your mind and have something that you can look back on after your memory gets a little fuzzy. You will be surprised how fuzzy it will get. I thought I would remember EVERYTHING - FOREVER...but I find myself going back and reading and smiling because there was something I had forgotten.

Thank you so much for the great Sea World review...

Do you mind if I post it on page 2 of the thread as a Sea World link? For future Sea World questions? Or...if you do upload pics...I could link that.

Thanks!!

And....I am SOOOOOO excited that you are going for the Marathon Weekend!

 

[twinmum]

Mary: Feel free to post at will. I am working off 2 computers right now and have uploaded pix in one place, but mostly using this, my laptop. There will come a day when I'll be adding pictures and more of our story!

And re: 1/2 marathon...that one is still an aspiration...me getting away anywhere on my own can be exceedingly difficult, but I'm working on it! I'd love to be able to do it, though - I just wish it took place at a time that was more conducive to the family coming along!

Alison