DownSyn Forum

DanielsMommy

Ok, the Iowa people are making me very jealous with their get together!! Wink

So, before the nasty winter and snow comes rolling in.....let's do an East Coast get together. I was chatting with Kristen (kris10z) and my girl Stephanie...and we decided Maryland might be a nice spot where many of us can drive a few hours and meet. Now I am guessing RI is about 300 miles from Maryland. Stephanie said from where she is in PA, it's 2-3 hours. Now at our PA get together, there were lots of folks there so hopefully MD is a good place to meet. NJ residents shouldn't be far, how about VA....Bethany...where are you? Vonda, you're from MD right? Can you suggest a nice town? If we can find a nice spot with a kid friendly meeting place, maybe we can get a group hotel rate.

For my family....since we will be traveling pretty far, we'd probably leave on a Friday afternoon and arrive at a hotel by nighttime. Spend the entire Saturday and Sunday morning and leave Sunday afternoon for home.

Ok, let's talk everyone!!!! What are you thoughts? Who would be interested? And what dates?

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

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kris10z · Posted: October 05 2006, 4:42 PM Post subject:

Well, I AM IN!!! I would hope to maybe get off of work a little early and head straight up. I know it takes me 5 hours to get to the DC area, so I would leave Friday after work and leave Sunday afternoon as well.

Oh, yeah!!! This is making my day SO much brighter! Very Happy

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Kristen: Wife to Scott, Mommy to Ethan (5/25/01, DS & ALL)

Reylah · Posted: October 05 2006, 4:43 PM Post subject:

YES!!! The 2nd weekend in November would be IDEAL for me, but if you had another date in mind that's cool too (It's teacher's convention in NJ, so I have that Thurs n Fri off). There's always the zoo and that, but I don't know MD that well. we are interested tho - Hey Courtney, will Koby be able to come??

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Erin-Leigh
Mommy to Dillon James(DJ) 3/15/05

Stephanie · Posted: October 05 2006, 4:49 PM Post subject:

Well of course the only weekend for me that wouldn't work is the 2nd one in November cause we have a wedding and DH is in it! Megan's birthday is Nov 8 and I havent picked a date for the party yet! I am in denial that she will be 3!

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Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 05 2006, 4:53 PM Post subject:

Stephanie, what a great way to celebrate Megan's birthday...with all her friends from downsyn!!!!!! Hey, if there's cake....I'm in!! Very Happy

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

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,

Abigail'sMom · Posted: October 05 2006, 5:04 PM Post subject:

If you can let me know of the place you all have in mind and if it isn't farther than 7 hours, I am in!

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Eli
Mom to Abby (DS 10/21/03), James Thomas (01/31/06)

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 05 2006, 6:07 PM Post subject:

Eli, we are totally open to suggestions!! I am completely unfamiliar with the area....so I am relying on the folks who live closest to suggest a nice spot. Ideally we would find an indoor kid/amusement type place to meet for an afternoon. Then maybe a kid friendly place for dinner. Then to round the weekend out...maybe a Sunday Brunch. Can you tell I love to eat!! LOL!!!

So when we did the PA get together.....this is how the weekend went....Friday night we had a nice get together at Stephanies. Then Saturday we did the Giggleberry Fair and Sunday, we did Chuckie Cheese. So it gave everyone a few options if they had plans on one of the days. Since we stayed overnight...we were lucky to be able to do everything. Stephanie practically had to throw me out of her housein the wee hours of the morning!!!

It was really alot of fun and what I remember most is....we passed around our kids around to EVERYONE like we knew each other our whole lives. It was SO nice to meet everyone and let our kids play together. It will be nice to see everyone again and see how big everyone is getting.

Ok....let's get planning!!!!

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

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,

Carson's Mom · Posted: October 05 2006, 7:56 PM Post subject:

I want to come too! I guess LA is a little too far. I used to be there and could have joined you. Oh well.

Kayla

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Kayla, Callan(5), Kenna (3), Carson 1 yr,

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 05 2006, 11:31 PM Post subject:

Ok, Vonda suggested the Aquarium. It's indoor and she says it's really nice. Want to make that our main event on a Saturday (which has yet to be decided). Let's vote on that for starters and we can work from there? I did a mapquest from my house to the aquarium and it's 366 miles. If anyone wants to do it from their house the address is:

501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Once we decide on a place....I'll search around for hotels in the area. If anyone has any hotel connections or suggestions...let me know.

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

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,

Abigail'sMom · Posted: October 06 2006, 8:09 AM Post subject:

Okay, I am DYING LAUGHING HERE!!!!! I mapquested our address to the aquarium and it is exactly 6 hours and 59 minutes. LOL, I don't think Vonda could have picked a better place for a 7 hour drive for us!

Let me talk to DH...

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Eli
Mom to Abby (DS 10/21/03), James Thomas (01/31/06)

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 8:27 AM Post subject:

OK, I am in.. And I don't mean to bust any bubbles here, bu the Aquarium does not allow strollers inside. So for all those Children who can not walk for very long, they would need to be carried.! Just some info while you make the decision.

And if I can totally make a different Suggestion. How about Hershey, PA?...We had a awesome time there a few years ago. And we get to see Mikey(stephlong), Grady and PJ...and all the new additions to each family. Plus, I heard that Christmas in Hershey is awesome. It begins on Nov 17th. Altough I don't know how long of a drive it would be for Eli.

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)

kris10z · Posted: October 06 2006, 8:46 AM Post subject:

I would love to visit Hershey, but it is 7 hrs. 4 min. according to Mapquest and that may be a little steep for us, since we would not be able to leave on Friday until around 6pm.

I am discouraged about the aquarium because Ethan does not walk. He weighs close to 40 pounds and I don't think that even my hips could take that for very long.

Hmmm....

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Kristen: Wife to Scott, Mommy to Ethan (5/25/01, DS & ALL)

Abigail'sMom · Posted: October 06 2006, 8:55 AM Post subject:

Hershey PA is a little closer about 6 hours drive time, a little easier on DH Very Happy

I told him about the seven and he gave a soured look Shocked

I am also looking into airfare for Abby and I...

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Eli
Mom to Abby (DS 10/21/03), James Thomas (01/31/06)

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:11 AM Post subject:

I'm open either way. Baltimore MD is 366 miles and Hershey is 346 miles from me.....so I'm up for either.

Kris....how far is Baltimore from you? Is Hershey too far for you to consider?

There are other things in Baltimore if that location works better for more people. For me, the mileage is almost identical....so it doesn't matter for me.

How about this......how about if everyone that might be interested.....respond to this post and vote for which location would make it possible for you to join.

If we are sure the Aquarium doesn't allow strollers, then I don't think we can even consider it. Daniel isn't walking and I couldn't imagine carrying him around the entire day. But, I'm sure if Baltimore works for everyone that we can find something else to do in that city.

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

vonda · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:16 AM Post subject:

The aquarium does not allow strollers, unless the child has special needs, and then I hear they are allowed in!!! We will all have VIP passes that day!!!!

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Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle

Stephanie · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:28 AM Post subject:

I have been looking at Baltimore for places to stay and play. Here is a "weekend Getaway Rate".
--------------------------------
Cost per person: $119 plus taxes
Partner attraction: National Aquarium in Baltimore
Accommodations: Two-night stay at SpringHill Suites Baltimore/BWI Airport
Meals: Deluxe continental breakfast
Contact: SpringHill Suites Baltimore/BWI Airport
899 Elkridge Landing Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
(410) 694-0555
Fax: (410) 694-0575
www.springhillsuites.com
---------------------------------

We may be able to get a better discount if we can get a number together and make a call to the hotel. It looks like the hotel is the one offering this deal.

You can check out:
http://www.baltimore.org/

Here is the Aquarium prices and website:
http://www.aqua.org/prices.html

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Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:29 AM Post subject:

I was at the aquarium in the beginning of the summer. They do allow strollers in for Special Needs. I went to the front desk and asked for a pass. They put this big handicapp sign on my stroller and then off we went. However the Aqurium got so crowded and the hallways are really small, that it made it tough to get the stroller through plus, Nolan could not see anything from his stroller so I was constantly lifting him out. Also, the way the aqurium is set up you have to take elcalators to reach the next floor. But in our case we would have to take the elevator. Well when you get to the floor and see all the exhibits with the flow of traffic and then you have to walk back against the flow of traffic to get back to the elevator to go to the next floor. After the second floor, I gave up and sent DH down to the main level with the stroller!

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:35 AM Post subject:

I just called the Aquarium and talked to someone who had no idea what Down Syndrome was.....but he said that if the child is handicapped....strollers are allowed in. Now, here's the problem....someone like Daniel who is still a baby.....are they going to allow me in with a stroller just because I say he has Ds?

What do you think?

Vonda, any other suggestions in Baltimore that we can toss around for potential places?

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

Stephanie · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:38 AM Post subject:

Vonda, do you know of any other nice place to stay in MD besides Baltimore? We don't have to do the aquarium...I know we all have seen 1 before anyhow! Outside the city would be cheaper too. So Vonda, I nominate you to come up with a place! Laughing

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Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:46 AM Post subject:

This looks like fun for the kids and its in the harbour!

http://www.portdiscovery.org/generalinfo/visitor.html

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:47 AM Post subject:

I second the nomination of Vonda. Very Happy

Just please not too much further south....Baltimore is 366 miles for me.

Hey Kris....how far up for you?? What's the furthest UP you can come? I know for me....6 hours is probably as far as we can go in a day which is around Baltimore. Vonda mapquested her address for me...and she's 465 or so miles from me.

So for our southern members in VA, NC area....how far up can we go and still make it realistic for you guys and still make it work for me? Anyone good at geography???

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

kris10z · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:49 AM Post subject:

Ok, according to Mapquest- there is only about 20 minutes difference between getting to Hershey or Baltimore, so either one I can work with (I may just be really tired Saturday morning!).

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Kristen: Wife to Scott, Mommy to Ethan (5/25/01, DS & ALL)

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:50 AM Post subject:

Colleen....that looks like a GREAT place!!!!!!!!

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:53 AM Post subject:

Baltimore also has this one for the Guys! I know Joey would like it!

http://www.baberuthmuseum.com/

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)

Stephanie · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:55 AM Post subject: Lisa, this is for you!

here is Maryland:

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Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 9:58 AM Post subject:

So looks like Baltimore has lots to offer.....but Hershey is also do-able for both Kris and I....and I know for you PA folks (and there's lots of you guys) it would be great.

So should we decide on a location so we can get a date for this get together? Stephanie, what's your thoughts? Where's everyone else in PA......Carola, Valgab, Reylah.....

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 10:02 AM Post subject:

Thanks Steph!!! You know I am staring at that map and realizing how far some people are from me!!! Sad

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 10:15 AM Post subject:

http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/hours/christmas.html

Just some info in case some were considering it!

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)

Stephlong · Posted: October 06 2006, 11:29 AM Post subject:

How about Pittsburgh??? We would SO welcome all of you!! If you all came in on Friday, there is a wonderful place we could go to on Saturday!! We have a center here call The Center for Creative Play, it was originally opened and geared toward children with disabilities!!! Im sure Aprilperez and I could arrange some other activities (dinners etc) for us too. What to do you all think? Maybe early on Saturday before we would go to the center or if anyone would be in early on Friday, we could make arrangements to go to a local pumpkin patch too!!!

Here is a link to the center for creative play:
http://www.centerforcreativeplay.org/
Let me know what you think!!!

Also, we're close enough for Marlene, Pookeymom, ginnym (Maeves mom) is here in Pgh., I bet we could have a prettly big turnout!

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Stephanie
Mom to Molly 12/3/01
Michael (DS)1/10/04
Ava 7/7/06

marlene · Posted: October 06 2006, 12:02 PM Post subject:

Kfurnival and I were trying to make plans to go to Port Discovery together, but Skyler was approaching her heart surgery date and we had to cancel. Kristi said that Port Discovery is supposed to be one of the best childrens museums in the country.

I'm up for Baltimore, Hershey or Pittsburgh! I just love getting together with everyone, so if the date works for us, we'll go to any of the above locations.

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Marlene, mommy to my precious Aleena (1/30/04)

Stephlong · Posted: October 06 2006, 12:05 PM Post subject:

Now that I think about it, I guess a pumpkin patch would be silly if we planning for a Nov gig! Thats OK we could find something else to do!

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Stephanie
Mom to Molly 12/3/01
Michael (DS)1/10/04
Ava 7/7/06

kris10z · Posted: October 06 2006, 1:17 PM Post subject:

Ok, Pittsburg is about an hour closer for me! I am liking that idea, but I will still go farther if that's what the majority wants to do.

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Kristen: Wife to Scott, Mommy to Ethan (5/25/01, DS & ALL)

DanielsMommy · Posted: October 06 2006, 1:20 PM Post subject:

I'm up for anything and PA and MD are the same distance. Let's just keep in mind our Kristen (kris10z) is in NC and she is making the trip north to be with us. I think she is coming the furthest north....can someone PM her a Pittsburgh address so she can mapquest it and see if it works. I'd totally be into Pittsburg!! How does that work for everyone?

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Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

,
,

Abigail'sMom · Posted: October 06 2006, 1:24 PM Post subject:

Alrighty, I have to say that I am in love with the idea of Pitsburg. DH said he might have to go to Chicago during that work week. But if it is that close, Abby and I can come on our own... Or maybe I could even talk alexmom (Jennifer and Alex) to make the roadtrip too Very Happy

Going to Balitmore and Hershey are a little farther and I would really have to think about it for it might just be me and Abby and I don't know if I can do that long in a car with her and flights are going to run us about 300.

This is exciting!

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Eli
Mom to Abby (DS 10/21/03), James Thomas (01/31/06)

Stephanie · Posted: October 06 2006, 1:27 PM Post subject:

Well, I am thinking if we do Pittsburgh that we can get Beth and Rhonda to drive down from NY...I wonder what the distance is for them????
Ok, I vote Pittsburgh if that means Eli and Abby will be able to be there too and it is closer for Kris and Ethan!

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Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

Stephlong · Posted: October 06 2006, 1:37 PM Post subject:

Have you all decided on a weekend yet? Also have any of you checked out the site for the center, what did ya think?

I talked with April earlier, once we get this together and see exactly whose coming and what weekend, her and I will shop around for discounted hotel rates!

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Stephanie
Mom to Molly 12/3/01
Michael (DS)1/10/04
Ava 7/7/06

LovelyKennedy · Posted: October 06 2006, 2:25 PM Post subject:

Pittsburgh is like a 4 hour drive for me, that is nothin'! I could handle that, and it would be the most amazing thing meeting everybody! Have we chosen a date yet??? It pretty much hinges on that for me!

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Beth Mom to Cameron 2/26/2000, Kendall 6/25/2002 and My Lovely Kennedy 9/10/2003(DS)

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 2:37 PM Post subject:

I think Pittsburg is a good idea! I think we might have a really good turn out. It seems driveable for everyone?

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)

marlene · Posted: October 06 2006, 2:49 PM Post subject:

It is sounding like Pittsburgh is a good choice for a lot of people! Dates?

I cannot go the first weekend - Aleena has eye surgery on the 3rd and I have a conference on the 4th.

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Marlene, mommy to my precious Aleena (1/30/04)

Kcnolan21 · Posted: October 06 2006, 3:01 PM Post subject:

How about the weekend after Thanksgiving! Most people are off on Good Friday and we all would have early starts?

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Coleen
Mom to Nolan (3/7/04, DS)