It has to be one of the most significant and memorable childhood events: meeting the teacher and checking out the school before beginning kindergarten! Ryan has been waiting and planning for this special day. The boys decided that just “The Three Ds” would go, leaving mom, Karli and I at home. Ryan packed up his school supplies, carefully chose his clothes and the guys headed out the door yesterday evening with plans to meet their cousins at the school open house.
They had only been gone for about half an hour when I received the following text from Auntie Kirstin, “We have kicked off the school year in typical Juhl-Draz style. Ryan threw up all over himself within one minute of entering the building.”
Not to be deterred, Jay took Ry to the bathroom and cleaned him up while Drew hung out with his cousins. Apparently Ry did manage to complete the business of the evening.
The original plans included a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings for a celebration dinner after the school event. Instead, Ry spent the remainder of the evening on the couch with a bucket.
Apparently Ry wasn’t terribly upset about the evening as he announced, “I’m just glad that I threw up at school instead of when we go to the State Fair!”
Nana Barb
I continue to be over a week behind in posting Draz events. On Saturday, August 21, friends and family gathered for Karli’s dedication. The event took place on the lower deck. The weather was beautiful as Pastor Trent welcomed Karli into God’s family.
The summer fun continued through the week. On Sunday we had an impromptu party. It was so hot that Tommy experimented to see if he could fry an egg on the driveway. On Monday Nikki took the children to the science museum. Ryan liked the dinosaurs and Drew was fascinated with the human body exhibit. Thursday Jay and the boys attended the annual block party.
Summer is speeding by; that means that lock-down is approaching. So, the Draz Fam continues to pack as much as possible into the months when germs are less of a worry for Drew. In fact, there is so much going on that I’m way behind. So, I’m going to start with the weekend BEFORE last.
The guys had planned all week on going fishing at our local dock. On Thursday they got some special bait, packed up their rods and headed out to catch some big ones. Unfortunately the heavy rains had flooded the entrance to the dock. Although there was no fishing, in typical Draz fashion the boys had a great time anyway!
On Saturday we made a trip to WalMart for Ryan’s school supplies. While there Karli picked out her very own shoes. After trying on at least ten pairs, she chose shoes with glitter and hearts. Mom said the ones she chose were the cutest in the shoe department.
On Sunday the guys went to a party at their cousins’ church.
While they were gone, mom prepared a big surprise for Ryan. She decorated his room changing it from a toddler room to a “big boy” room. Ryan loves American flags, so the room is now red, white and blue. Ryan loves it!
Before:
After:
While Jen was working on the room Karli joined us for “coffee.”
The special activities extended into Monday when Nikki took the children on a trip to the zoo.
While this weekend was surely busy, the following one was even busier! Stay tuned!
Nana Barb
Thursday, August 5
Today was billed as a rest day since tomorrow will be filled with events for Drew’s birthday. The Draz Fam went swimming as we awaited Papa’s arrival.
After swimming, we noticed that Drew’s eyes seemed bloodshot. By early evening we realized we were dealing with a case of pinkeye.
It was no problem to get some drops, but as the evening wore on Drew became lethargic. We were concerned that he was getting sick and we began to pack up to make the trip home. Eventually we made the decision to go to bed and see how Drew did during the night. Luckily he slept well and seemed himself in the morning. That meant that the birthday activities were on!
Friday, August 6
Happy birthday to you…
For years Drew has asked that the birthday song not be sung. Apparently he felt shy with everyone singing and all the attention directed to him. Wow! Times have changed; today he absolutely beamed with joy every time we sang to him. So, of course, we sang often!
The day began with a return trip to the water park followed with lunch. Next we stopped at DQ to pick up the birthday cake. I think you’ll enjoy the count-down:
Drew, thank you for seven amazing years! We all love you so much!
Nana Barb
This is the day we learned we are privileged to be associated with what is possibly the best DME company in the country. We awoke unsure how we would charge Drew’s feeding pump. Once we contacted PHS we learned that there was a representative who would drive–from over two hours away–to our condo to deliver the part that we had inadvertently left at the waterpark yesterday. Luckily that turned out to be unnecessary as we were able to retrieve the missing piece. PHS, you are the best!
There is a small zoo about an hour from our resort. Drew loves the larger animals and Ryan loves to feed the animals in the petting zoo. Drew, always cautious, chooses not to feed the animals, but enjoys watching Ryan. Karli loved the bunnies.
The day included a trip to Walmart/McDonalds and lots of time in the pool.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
After a leisurely morning, the Draz Fam had lunch at DQ. We ordered an ice cream cake for Friday, as we’ll be celebrating Drew’s seventh birthday.
In the afternoon the Draz kids played with Ben in the kiddie pool for almost an hour. None of the other kids in the rec center played with Ben. You see, Ben is a ten year old with Downs Syndrome, and had speech and behavior that was different than was most kids were used to. Without prompting, Karli played with ball with Ben and told him about her ‘shoes ON,’ while Drew and Ryan shared their Super Hero McDonalds toys. To the Draz kids, Ben wasn’t different; he was just the same as everyone in a different way. There may be some heartache with SMA but there are also gifts, and we experience the gifts daily. Today’s gift was watching three kids play and laugh with a child who was different without asking any questions.
The notable event of the evening was when Karli went down the big tube slide all by herself.
So far it’s been a wonderful week. As we anticipate Drew’s birthday I suspect the best is yet to come.
Nana Barb
Friday, July 30
On Friday morning the Draz Fam started getting ready for our annual trip to Breezy Point. First stop of the day was Jiffy Lube for the “Early Bird Special.” Drew and Ryan watched as the oil on the van was changed in preparation for the trip up North.
Saturday, July 31
Because check-in at Breezy is 4:00 in the afternoon, we spent a leisurely morning packing, figuring it would be a quick trip. Well… best laid plans! There was roadwork, weekend traffic, lunch and bathroom stops, etc. About an hour after a stop at McDonalds we realized that we had left Karli’s stroller in the parking lot. Unfortunately it was gone by the time we called. Once we reached Brainard we made our daily stop at Walmart to pick up supplies and a new stroller, and finally, headed to our resort. At least there was no line at check-in by the time we got there. The children had a bit of time to explore while Jen assembled the stroller.
Sunday, August 1
The Draz Fam began to settle in to the usual Breezy routine. This includes a daily trip to Walmart, which just happens to include a McDonalds.
One benefit of returning to the same place every year is reuniting with friends who share the same week. Drew and Ryan especially enjoy Ariana and Josiah, a brother and sister who have shared this August week for the past several years. The children were thrilled to be reunited, once again, at the playground. Ariana is a very special little girl who was adopted from the Ukraine. Drew and Ariana shared a very poignant moment in the pool. It began when Ariana noticed Drew’s JG tube and asked him what it was. Here is the conversation that followed:
Drew: it gives me food because I can’t eat.
Ariana: I couldn’t eat either. That’s because my parents were so poor. Then I had to go to the orphanage.
The way these two young children related on this topic literally brought tears to my eyes.
Monday, August 2
The Draz boys have always loved water parks and now Karli has joined them with that passion. There is a fabulous water park about half an hour from our resort. Reduced family rates apply on Mondays, so today we made our annual visit to the park.
It seems that the Draz Fam has unexpected excitement wherever we go. Drew’s feeding pump was not fully charged, so I asked the staff if they would plug it in while the family swam. They were happy to oblige. We collected the pump and charger and headed McDonalds for lunch. This particular McDonalds is modeled after the original style and includes motorcycles and car bumpers in the restaurant.
Once Drew had finished his feed for the day, it was time to charge the pump. However, the plate with the prongs had disconnected when it was unplugged at the water park, so the charger was inoperable and the pump was, once again, almost without charge. We discovered this at about 10:15 PM. Of course the park had closed at 10:00. Luckily Drew had finished his feed for the day; we decided to go to bed and figure it out in the morning.
It’s been a busy summer at the Draz house. After our Phoenix and Orlando adventures there was a special party for Drew and then we were lucky to play host to a very special family.
Drew and Ryan have very much enjoyed visiting Fawn-Doe-Rosa, a wildlife petting park and education center. The owners of the park wanted to give Drew a party to celebrate his recovery from surgery last spring. It was a wonderful day for Drew and many members of his “team.” The party included ice cream cake.
The day after the party our guests arrived. It was a wonderful visit with many memories made. We hope that Lizzy and her family will be able to come back to visit often!
We are currently spending our annual summer week at Breezy Point in northern Minnesota. I’ll update soon with news and pictures.
Nana Barb
Orlando, July 2010
Whenever we told someone that we were going to Orlando, it was assumed that we were doing Disney. However, we found that Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove had more to offer Drew as far as activities that he could actively participate in. The story of this magical trip follows with a day-by-day account. If you prefer images, just enjoy the video and skip the journal.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Unlike the late afternoon departure for our Phoenix trip earlier in the month, this time we had an early morning flight. Everyone rose at 6:30, finished packing Drew’s equipment and the children got dressed in their patriotic outfits. (Thanks, Claire!) Then we headed for the airport. The trip through security went well as this time the agents didn’t find it necessary to examine every single can of Drew’s formula. We stopped at Wendy’s before boarding the plane; Drew was disappointed that they don’t serve French fries that early in the morning.
When we arrived in Orlando, Ryan was thrilled that we needed to take a tram through the airport. Our rental van was waiting and we headed off to the condo. Because it was too early to check in we squeezed in our daily trip to Walmart. When we arrived back at the resort we attended a “critter” show where the children learned about and touched several animals native to Florida, including a live alligator. If you look carefully at the picture, you can see that the gator has its mouth taped shut. The day ended with t swim in the lazy river pool.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
We celebrated Independence Day with our matching $3 Walmart shirts and a trip to Busch Gardens. It was over an hour from our resort and by the time we arrived, it was pouring rain. Not to be deterred, we stopped at Walmart for some large umbrellas. There is a possibility of Drew’s scoot shorting out when it gets wet, so we were relieved when the rain stopped. Drew loved seeing the animals up close and personal and Ry was thrilled with the train ride. We attended a presentation at the elephant exhibit. When Katy, one of the trainers, realized how much Drew loves elephants, she suggested that he attend the “Elephant Insider” tour the next morning, so we registered for the tour before leaving the park. We stopped iHop for dinner. Ryan and Karli slept the whole way home. However, Drew, never one to end any event, chatted the whole way home.
Monday, July 5, 2010
We got an early start in order to be at Busch Gardens in time for the Elephant Insider tour. Once again it was raining and we were glad to have our umbrellas. Once again, it stopped so that we didn’t need to worry about Drew’s scoot. We started the tour behind the scenes where the elephants spend the night. Our tour guide apologized that the facility was not as tidy as usual; however, the boys loved seeing all the elephant poop. Next we were led to the area where the trainers keep the ellies healthy. We were surprised that Otto, the head of the elephants, took over our tour from the assigned tour guide. We watched an elephant receive her weekly blood draw–in her ear–and her daily weigh in. At that point, the guide announced that they were splitting up the group since they were worried that Drew’s scoot might not make it up the dirt path. I assured them that, if it didn’t, his dad would carry him to the outlook, the next spot on the tour. Katy, told me that we should wait. At that point I realized that the staff had planned something very special for Drew. Once the rest of the tour left. Otto asked Drew if he wanted to touch an elephant! WOW! Drew was really going to touch an elephant! Although we had been told that we could not take pictures in this area, I was given permission to capture this very special moment! After this amazing opportunity, Drew fed the elephant he had touched and then proceeded to the overlook with no problem. Here the participants in the tour fed the elephants before they proceeded outside for the day. The elephant staff at Busch Gardens gave Drew an experience that will never be forgotten. I will be forever grateful to them for taking the time out of their busy day and making an exception to the rules for this very special little boy. The staff recognized that they had a chance to make a difference and they did! Thank you, Otto and Katy!
Next we headed to the Rhino Rally. For this tour everyone boards a Land Rover to see the rhinos. Interestingly, we went from the very best possible experience to one that surprised me. We found a spot to leave Drew’s scoot and proceeded to the boarding area where we were told that everyone needed shoes. I explained that Drew did not have shoes because he could not walk. The attendant assured us that shoes were required. I removed my sandals and placed them on Drew’s feet. The attendant allowed Drew to board the Land Rover. Apparently shoes are required because there is a chance that the participants might have to walk through manure. I sincerely hope that the staff from the Rhino Rally will take an example from the elephant staff and treat disabled children with compassion and reason.
Next stop was the train. During the ride we noticed a Serengeti Tour; this sounded like something not to be missed, so we headed right over. Jay, papa, the boys and I boarded the Ford flatbed where we fed giraffes and kudus and saw rhinos, wildebeests and other animals native to Africa.
July 5, 2010, will be a day that Drew and his family will never forget. It was truly magical for Drew. By the time we completed the Serengeti Tour, Drew was exhausted and his bottom was very sore from sitting in his scoot all day. We took a last ride on the train so that he could rest before starting for home.
We stopped at Walmart for some frozen pizza, heated it, ate quickly and everyone went to bed. Thank you Otto and Katy!
“I love elephants because they’re gentle!” Drew
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
This morning the Draz Fam headed off to Gatorland. Here the children got up close and personal with gators and other Florida species. Drew’s favorite part of the day was seeing the white gators; Ryan liked the train ride. To be honest, the real highlight of the day was the gift shop. It was extremely hot and humid so the family cut the visit short and headed back to the pool. The final event of the day was a bubble bath.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Today was a relaxing day as we awaited the arrival of Auntie Kirstin and cousin Tommy. Drew was so excited that he awoke at 5:00 AM saying, “Tommy, Tommy, this is the day that Tommy is coming!”
The family enjoyed a brunch at iHop and then relaxed at the condo while we waited. Soon after they arrived everyone headed for the pool. I was sitting in the lobby with my computer—we didn’t have wireless Internet in our rooms—when Jay summoned me to the pool. Drew, who never ceases to amaze me, was making trips down the waterslide on his mom’s lap! At first I was almost too nervous to watch; however, then I got tears in my eyes. This little boy doesn’t miss anything that he is able to experience.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
This was the day everyone was waiting for: the day to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. We got an early start—even skipping Drew’s morning treatments. From the moment we arrived, it was apparent that DC is a first-class operation. It is expensive–$300 per person. However, this covers everything needed—wet suits, sunscreen, breakfast and lunch, a swim with the dolphins—even unlimited beer for the adults! Our dolphin encounter was scheduled for the afternoon, so after breakfast the children swam in the “Tropical Reef” where they shared the water with tropical fish and stingrays. Drew decided to touch a sleeping stingray. That was probably not the best decision as the startled stingray proceeded to hit Drew in the face.
The Draz Fam LOVES lazy rivers and they reported that this was the best and most beautiful one they have experienced. Even papa thought the scenery was amazing.
After lunch it was time for the dolphins. I stayed on the beach with Karli, but everyone else entered the water with Acai and his trainer. Drew was, of course, unable to hold onto Acai. The trainer had not anticipated that, but mom was ready. She simply wrapped her arms around Drew, her elbow around the dolphin and off they went!
The day at Discovery Cove was truly magical! A big thanks to great gramma who paid for Drew and Ryan’s admission.
Much to our surprise, there was continued excitement after we returned to the condo. One of Drew’s top front teeth has been loose for weeks; that night it finally came out with a little help from mommy and a toothbrush.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Drew wanted Tommy to have a chance to see Busch Gardens, so we made a return trip on our last day. The visit included the Jeep ride, Rhino Ralley, the train ride and the grand finale—Condo River Rapids.
Back at the condo, everyone enjoyed one last trip to the pool.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Once again we packed up everything and made the trip through security. Drew was uncomfortable and needed some time out of his chair. The seats in the waiting area are small, so I put him on my lap in a manual chair. Before I knew it, Ryan was taking us for a ride.
After a stop for lunch/French fries we boarded the plane and had an uneventful trip home. Although both Drew and Ryan were sad to leave, they agreed that it was great to be home.
At least that’s how it felt on Monday. The children spent most of the day outside enjoying perfect Minnesota summertime weather. Uncle Matt took a break from yard work to help Drew examine a daddy longlegs spider. Then we all went on an “exploring walk” ending up at the playground. The boys were excited to find two of their good friends also at the park. Next it was home for a swim where Drew showed off his new swim trick: daddy jumps in the deep end of the pool while holding Drew.
After the swim everyone relaxed on the deck while Unk (Uncle Matt) grilled a fabulous dinner. This was a real treat since dinner most nights consists of frozen pizza. Who knew that Monday–typically considered the worst day of the week–could be as great as a weekend day! We hope you enjoy the video:
Nana Barb
“One thing you will probably remember well is any time you forgive and forget.” Franklin P. Jones
