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.

Nana Barb

Thursday, June 24
Swimming was the main activity of the trip; it is enjoyed by every member of the Draz Fam. Thus, much of the last day was spent in the pool, culminating with a build-your-own Sundae activity in the clubroom.

The highlight of the day was a visit from Great Gramma. She brought some of Great Grandpa’s military papers and even his dog tags. We’ll be creating a special memento with these things. Drew has been especially interested in his Great Grandpa. He remembers that when he met Great Grandpa, “He was like me; he couldn’t walk either.” Drew is very excited to have these special things.

Friday, June 25
Everyone got an early start to the day. Plenty of time is needed to pack Drew’s equipment. Also, we need extra time for check-in and security at the airport. On the trip home Drew was seated next to a wonderful young man. Zach just graduated from High school and he spent most of the flight playing games with Drew on the iPad. We were also blessed with a wonderful flight attendant. She made sure that Drew was comfortable and even arranged for the boys to visit the cockpit at the end of the flight.

The trip to Phoenix was everything we had hoped it would be. Hopefully the rest of the planned summer events will continue to create wonderful memories for Drew and his family.

Nana Barb

Tuesday, June 22:
This was a day to hang out. The children spent some time at the playground, went to MacDonald’s for lunch and enjoyed being together as a family.

Wednesday, June 23:
The children all slept until 9:00; that’s 11:00 Minnesota time. It seems they are well into vacation mode. Once everyone was ready to start the day the family ventured to a new aquarium. Everyone enjoyed the fish and other ocean wildlife. However, the real highlight was the lift providing wheelchair access to a platform. Ry spotted the lift and took charge of the controls. The boys also enjoyed the playground area.

The highlight of the day was a visit from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dave. We hope you enjoy the video:

Nana Barb

“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.” ~John De Paola

The flight went reasonably well. We did have a crabby stewardess, Karli wasn’t thrilled about being confined and Drew became uncomfortable. However, we arrived safe and sound and were met at the gate by the owners of the company from whom we are renting a van. They were amazingly helpful and even offered to drop Kirstin and I off at great gramma’s house, thereby saving us time and taxi fare. The family arrived at the condo about 9:00. That was 11:00 our time; however, the children expected to explore and play so that is what they did.

Saturday: Because the children went to sleep on Arizona time, we expected them to rise according to Arizona time. That was not to be. Saturday was a typical Draz vacation day. Much of it was spent in the pool. The highlight of the day was a visit from Great Gramma! The day ended with a “Dive-In Movie.” The children watched a Disney movie on a screen set up at poolside.

Sunday: The day began with a trip to IHOP to celebrate Father’s Day. This was followed by a trip to Walmart. The boys each picked out a small toy; Ryan and Tommy chose trucks while Drew chose a motorcycle that he can share with papa during play time. Karli got the cutest patriotic swim suits ever. After a long afternoon swim, the Father’s Day celebration continued with a trip to Cheesecake Factory. By this time the children were getting tired; in fact, Tommy fell asleep on his mommy’s lap. I took all four children outside for some exploration so that the adults could enjoy their meal.

The following video has pictures from our first three days of vacation:

Barb
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton

In the second video Drew is back to his old swim tricks. Considering the extent of Drew’s disabilities, his “tricks” are quite amazing. Meanwhile, Ryan is learning how to swim and Karli loves to play on the steps:

We love summer at the Draz house!
Nana Barb

Today Jay returned to work so the children and I spent the day together. In the morning we took a long “exploring” walk and ended up at the park. The boys picked wild flowers and saw a family of geese. My favorite image in the following video shows Ryan using Drew’s chair as a step to reach a dragonfly on the wall of a tunnel. On the way home Ry had trouble getting his “green machine” up a rather steep hill, so Drew gave it a push with his power scoot.

During Karli’s nap the boys played with Drew’s sling; it is the first time since Drew’s surgery that his hip has felt good enough to swing. Then everyone headed out to the front yard where Karli played with her balls and the boys used kite string to pretend they were fishing. They ended the day with a “staring contest” back in the house (see the last image in this video):

It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed every single minute I spent with the children.
Nana Barb

I’m very proud of my dad and of Drew! God bless them both.
Nana Barb