Walking in my shoes... WALK A THON 08!

We just got back from the 2008 walk a thon in Buffalo.  What an awesome trip!  Aunt Casey and Rylan joined us for the road trip caravan.  Nana, Mia, Mom and I in one car and Casey and Ry in the other (Daddy met us up there).  All the way there it was snacks, movies and lots of commentary (from me).   You see I have found my voice and this thing called babbling is totally cool.  I started to discover it when my sister was making all these kind of noises and mom and dad were responding.  So I thought I'd try it out too.  I tried it about a year ago, but it didn't stick.  I'm a fan of the bbbbb sound and the mmmmm, but sometimes I get an L or a K out depending on my mood.  But it makes for a good story.

We went to the Buffalo Zoo on Friday and we had the whole park to ourselves, so that meant we could create some good times without getting in trouble.  We saw monkeys, who I swear wanted me to join them for  a bite to eat, but mom said no.  We also saw zebras, hyenas, rams, otters, bears, polar bears and peacocks.  The peacock actually was a construction Foreman (see our photos at www.ariannasawesomeadventure.org). The gorilla was very hungry and looked a little grumpy.  We also saw a rhinoceros, well only his hind end since he wouldn't turn around.  We almost had to spend the night because we couldn't figure out how to get out.  I was all ready to shack up with the monkeys, but then mom found the way out.  Bummer!

That night we saw daddy's friend Jon who lives in Buffalo, he came to dinner with us.  Mia and Rylan made him share his food! 

The next morning I got up bright and early with mom and nana and had breakfast.  We all got ready for the walk and saw there was NO RAIN!  I was hoping for a soak fest, but mom and dad were happy cuz they don't like to be cold and wet.  Since they said it was going to rain, the walk organizers (RJ's mom- thanks Mary!) had umbrella's for the parents who were afraid of melting.  I opted for the rain parka (since it mom strongly encouraged me to wear it).  We all had matching Adventure T-shirts and name tags courtesy of mom! 

I got to walk about 1/4 mile of the 2 mile walk (up and down hills!) then I got tired so I made mom chauffeur me for the rest of the walk.

We met some wonderful friends in person (who we know from our online adventures) and some new friends.  We can't wait to see everyone again at the next adventure.

On the way home we had to go to cracker barrel, since they are so good to us, and have some kickin food.  Sister had a good time in the gift shop playing with the toys.  Once we got back on the road headed for home we popped in some DVD's and settled in for the long haul... until the bathroom breaks, the gas stops, and more bathroom breaks... I wanted to watch my own dvd on my lap so I started to harness the player- mom got mad and took it away.  I was babbling away to her in my own language... "mom don't you understand I can do it by myself, I want to watch my own dvd and it's too far away".  Well mom said if I could say Movie, she'd give me the player.  Well I no sooner go MMMMMooooo out and she handed me the dvd player and smiled.  I kept it on my lap a long time while I watched my movie.  Mom was so proud.

I heard from Maggie her yard sale (fundraiser for the most rockin therapy bathroom EVER!) was a big hit.  Sounds like the Sheldon-Hickey Angel Spa will be opening soon.  I've already put in my reservations for a personal spa appointment with Maggie!  Congrats girl, I can't wait!

So our next adventure is this weekend... off to LI... I wonder who will hit us on the GW bridge this year?  All I know is mom better bring lots of snacks and entertainment cuz Dad says we aren't stopping!

If you still want to donate to the walk you can go to our page at www.firstgiving.com/A3

Thanks everyone for your support!  It really is making a difference... don't believe me... stop by sometime and see all the cool stuff I can do, I'll change your mind! - Peace out - Ari