Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Make-A-Wish Vacation part 1


I'm sitting on the back porch of our suite here in Kelowna, thinking over the last few days, weeks, and months. A year and a half ago I applied to Make-A-Wish, on Mason's behalf, for a beach vacation, not thinking that it would actually happen. Within 5 minutes the phone rang! And the process began. Mason LOVES beaches, so originally we thought of going to a hot beach location during winter...until we discovered that Mason would not go on a plane! So after tossing around a bunch of ideas, and decided on Kelowna.

We met our wish granter, Jay about a year ago. He volunteers for Make-A-Wish and has the fun of getting together with the families. He's come out to our place several times, always bringing gifts for Mason, stickers, games, hats, and so much more. He even came to see Mason in the hospital in February, and to our big Purple Day celebration in March! A week before coming to Kelowna, he came over with more gifts for Mason, beach toys and bags, and a big surprise...a Wii ga
me system! Others are too difficult for him for the most part. We have really been spoiled so far!

Sunday, August 15 began with much excitement! The drive in was uneventful for Mason. Yeah! That was one of our concerns, that he would get restless and have a difficult time being in the car that long.

Upon arriving at the Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, the assistant manager escorted us to our large two bedroom suite. She showed us around and explained various things to us. It did not take long for Mason to pat the sofa seat and engaged her in doing crafts! A little later, he had her sitting on the hard floor with him looking at his Eye Spy book! I was quite impressed! Especially as she was wearing a suit with a skirt! There was a lovely gift basket waiting in our suite for Mason as well. Loaded with Sponge Bob items and candy and journals for the girls. soon after our arrival, they brought special drinks for all of us (shirley temples). A little while later, they brought some fruit and
fancy snacks. Meanwhile, we also found out that valet parking was included! What a treat that has been! They brought all our luggage up for us, later on when we returned from getting some groceries, they brought those up for us too! Each time we want to go out, our car is ready at the front doors. Mason gets upset if we get there before our car does... our parking spot is always the same...right in front of the door...Mason doesn't realize that they drive it away! Sometimes the valet guys give us water bottles as we head out. We sure are feeling very very spoiled!

Our suite itself is quite luxurious. High end appliances in the kitchen, granite counters, exquisite ensuite of marble. Beautiful cork floors throughout, designed in an intricate pattern, with inserts of marble tile. One of the balconys has stairs going down to the promenade along the lake. Yes, we are just a few steps away from the marina, with the beach about a 5 minute walk away. Unless w
e go Mason-walking-speed, then it's a bit longer. He has two speeds run -full-blast or walk-like-a-snail. The view from our second story location is amazing. The balcony off the master bedroom is covered and quite long. We've spent many hours lounging and reading on the outdoor couches. Asia and Sydney have made a lot of bracelets out on that balcony!

We have access to the pool by either going through the building, or down our steps and taking the outside route. It's quite crowded there, and it's difficult to get lounge chairs most of the time, but we sure have fun playing around! I love it that my toes can touch the bottom everywhere in the pool! I can't swim and don't like it when I can't touch the bottom.

Make-A-Wish has given us quite a budget for food and activities. We're feeling uncomfortable at times with the amount our restaurant meals are costing! Yet, this is our opportunity to say 'yes' to the kids when they ask for milkshakes with dinner, or hot chocolate at breakfast! Sydney is on a mission to have a milkshake or 'special drink' every day. LOL Our pattern seems to be that we eat out twice a day and eat in our room once. One night we ordered in Boston Pizza and a movie for the kids, while Daryl and I walked up the street for dinner on our own.

There is so much within walking distance from our place! Paddle boat rental right next to us. Many many restaurants and interesting shops. There is also a section where vendors sell their wares. The girls and I had some Henna designs painted on us at one of the booths today. Fun Fun!

well, I shall sign off for now. I want to make sure that I write down as much as possible here, or I know I will forget some of the interesting details!
The hotel gave us gift certificates for boat or paddle boat rental, one free movie, and the activities group is not charging us for any of their daily kids' activities. Mason loved painting a picture frame! Tomorrow is Tie Dye! The girls really want to do that!

5 comments:

Sister C said...

That is so awesome. I am just so glad that you are ALL getting treated so well, you all deserve it.

Char said...

I do not think there is a more deserving family that you guys! Shirley, you take care of everyone all the time, I am so glad that you are getting some pampering and wonderful family time for you! be blessed!

kinneyland said...

Awesome. What a wonderful experience for the whole family.

kristy mckinney said...

I loved reading so many posts!! So Sorry to bother you on your awesome trip. So Thankful you are getting this time away.

Michelle said...

Sounds like you had an awesome time! So happy for you all!