It sounds like Wayne gets a break after his next round of chemo (next round starts August 17).
A break means, they will leave him be for 2 months. At the 2 month mark, they will re-scan him to see if the tumors have broken through. If there has been no growth, they will give him 2 more months of a break, and re-scan again. This will go on for as long as the tumors do not grow. Once they do, he will start a different protocol. We don't know what it will be, but we do know the harshest is behind us ... just one more round to go.
So, with a "break" hanging over us, we have begun to dream of a vacation. We talk about the ocean - taking the kids and building sand castles ... drinking too many mojitos, playing in the water, and celebrating the fact that he will be able to do these things.
The last time we have taken a vacation was when Caeden was 1 1/2. We went to the Keys with the Havens' (that's the picture above). We were eating breakfast at this great eatery that had chickens running all over the place. Oh, we had fun! But it has been almost 3 years and I tell you this, I will whisk Wayne away this fall, no matter what.
(Wait. We went to Napa with Nik and John awhile back. But the story sounds more dramatic when I leave it out.)
Did you know we are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary September 24th? Which just happens to be over his break. Beautiful, beautiful timing.
So, back with where to go. I was hoping you guys would have some good ideas. We've been to the Caribbean on a cruise, but never stayed anywhere too long. But it's prime hurricane season.
We've been to Hawaii and loved it, but worry the flight would be too long for the kids.
Any ideas?? Do not shy away. I am SERIOUS about getting something booked.
Posts
I would not worry too much about the hurricanes. They have yet to have 1 named storm as the water is too cold... So they say. Now we'll probably get one. We watch them like a hawk and it is has been a super tame season. Caribbean sounds divine.
ReplyDeleteMaui –
ReplyDelete-Get a Condo in Kihei and spend sunsets on Kamaole Beach. http://www.bing.com/search?q=kamaole+beach&FORM=SSRE
-Rent a jeep and see the Bamboo Rainforest on the road to Hana http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway.
Swim with the kids in the Seven Sacred Pools http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Sacred_Pools#Haleakala_National_Park
Bring your camera and visit Iao Valley - one of the most peaceful places on earth that was once a battle field where Maui fought for his people.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=iao+valley&form=QBRE&qs=n
Ready to get wet? Snorkel off Molokini http://adventuremaui.com/molokini_snorkel.htm
-Get your shop on by visiting the old fishing village of Lahaina and let the kids climb on the Banyan Tree! Make sure that you end the day with The BEST Luau in the entire state (call ahead for reservations!) http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/
Before you leave kiss the sky on top of Haleakala - http://www.bing.com/search?q=haleakala&FORM=AWRE
Definitely Maui…
-Dpatrick
I hear Cabo is great!
ReplyDeleteI know you are busy with the kids...sooooo maybe it would be best if you just shipped him off on a guy weekend with the boys to Vegas:)
ReplyDeletewhy don't you just come to TX .......we'll feed you hominy & grits....and french dips. You could take the kids to Schlitterbahn, Moody Gardens, Splash Town, Galveston Beach, go deep sea fishing, find seashells, go to The Woodlands Mall (which is awesome) and you can drink whatever you want, when you want, here. Take the Trolley, Water Taxi, eat Sushi, or whatever you like. Won't cost too much and you can use the free babysitting service, whenever you need it. Love to have you !
ReplyDeletedo an all inclusive resort with kid activities on a beach-fun with and without the kids yet all together!
ReplyDeleteOkay...we just did that exact trip that Dpatrick wrote about above with three small children (8, 7 and 4) I realize I don't have a little, little one, but the flight was a piece of cake. I, too, was worried about the length, but all the flights home are red eyes so we all slept, and on the way there was not a big deal. We got up and did a lot of laps around the plane. It was such an amazing place for the kids...AND, it wasn't even as expensive as I expected once we got there so that was an added bonus!! Searching for coral on the beach was the kids' favorite part and that was free!!
ReplyDeletee have begun to dream place...
ReplyDeletenice place
Well, the selfish side of me screams, "ARIZONA!!!!!!!!!!!" We don't have beaches at the ocean but we do have sand! Lots and lots of sand. And nice lakes and huge cactuses (cacti I think!). We have Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Kellie, the London Bridge, Tombstone, Petrified Forest, Kellie, the Meteor Crater, Flagstaff, Kellie, and Phoenix. Oh crap...Did I mention that I live in AZ as well?
ReplyDeleteAnd then I think about other places...some that come to mind are Oregon....BEAUTIFUL COAST. Martinique...I hear the average year-round temperature is about 75 degrees. Alaska....never been there but I hear it is wonderful. I LOVE New York. Australia...I can hook you up with a place to stay for free there. It is a long flight, but would be worth it. Oh, and how could I forget....The perfect place would be GRACELAND. (If you go there, I will meet you there.) :-)
In any case, I am soooooooooooo excited for you guys!!! You need and deserve this vacation, Val. That makes my heart happy.
Maui, Maui and more Maui. Our kids are older, but the trip would be great with younger kids as well. We were there over Christmas. The road to Hana was great, the swimming and snorkeling were fantastic. The weather was great and after a week no one wanted to come home. First time that has ever happened on a family vacation.
ReplyDeleteI live on the ocean just south on San Francisco & fall is usually our best time. We are 30 minutes below SF, an hour & a 1/2 from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 45 minutes from Santa Cruz... perfect! I even manage a vacation rental near here within walking distance to the beach & has a hot tub... let me know :). If you want to see where we live google Half Moon Bay California :)
ReplyDeleteA vacation sounds fabulous!!! Where did Niki and John go on their Honeymoon??? Suggestions from me are very limited. It's sad to say that there never is time for a vacation. Maybe it's time to rethink that..... Somewhere tropical sounds amazing and relaxing to me!!!! So love the picture of you guys!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHere's my wishlist. I'll share:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.alisal.com/
http://www.ladera.com/?section=home&content=home
http://www.mackinac.com/index.html
http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/
There's always Orlando. It's nor as corny as you think-- there are just as many places to go for adults as there are for kids and SUCH a variety of hotels to choose from!
!Viva Mexico! If Wayne wants to dive, September is Whale Shark season in La Paz. Biggest fish on the planet and harmless to humans!
ReplyDeleteI agree with a previous comment and that Wayne could greatly benefit from the theraputic rest and relaxation of a guys trip. Vegas would probably be just what the doctor ordered.
ReplyDeleteI love how the guys suggesting a "guys trip" all remain anonymous!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Come to DC for a couple of days stay with us and then fly out to Rome for a week. When you come back stay with us again and then fly home. I would recommend breaking up the travel time for Wayne as well as the kids. You will also need the break so spread it out a little bit. Rome in the fall is WONDERFUL. The tourists are pretty much gone by then and the weather is very nice. Plus you will feel the love, especially the kids. I know a great hotel near the American Embassy which is right across the street from the Hard Rock that is about $80 a night but very cozy and warm. The breakfast is sooooooo good! And don't even get me started on the coffee. I felt very safe there both times I was in Rome. Walking around Rome is fairly easy but you also have the metro and the buses. It is a magical place and there are things for the kids to enjoy as well.
ReplyDeleteRome Baby!
Big Hugs,
Carisa
The beach mentioned in this article sounds amazing... and just what the doctor ordered for your family, IMO.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090522/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_best_beaches