Noah's Dad

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• Rick -- I'm with you-- no flying over water for me. I think your road trip map is wonderful and I hope you will continue to share your adventures on the trip. I absolutely love to see all your posts even though I have no one in my family with Downs -- I've learned a ton from your posts though. I'm 82 and travel days are past but I remember so so many wonderful road trips as a child and as an adult with two children in the back seat -- "you're on my side", "don't touch me" , "stop looking out MY window" and so on. Have a great and a safe trip!

• Thanks for the kind words, and you can bet we will be sharing pictures through out our trip!

  By the way, you're only 82......! That's no where near travel time being "behind" you!

• Hi Rick, I just wanted to let you know that your blog has truly been a blessing and very uplifting to me and my husband. Our daughter was born February 16 and like you guys she surprised us with Ds. What a blessing she is !!! Here is a picture of our blessing :)

• Thanks for the kind words, and for sharing the picture. Your daughter is ADORABLE!

  Does she have any siblings?

• Very cute!!

• DISNEYLAND I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU ALL . Have a great trip my little rockar Noah.

• Noah wasn't a huge fan of Disney World when we went there last here...we're hoping he'll enjoy it a little more this go around!

  Do you guys live near by?

• You should definitely head south from Anaheim to San Diego! It's only 75 minutes from Anaheim. Noah would LOVE Legoland in Carlsbad, and the San Diego Zoo. Also, Moonligjt Beach is so family friendly with kids! Let me know if you have any questions! Have a great trip!

• I agree with 100% with Allison... if fact, if it were me, I'd skip the mouse house all together in favor of Legoland and San Diego!! Mouse house is crowded, overly priced, and the lines are ridiculous. Legoland, on the other hand is laid back, almost no lines (because there really aren't that many 'rides' to go on, yes, there are a few things, but mostly open play! There are areas for the kids to just build with Legos, and an amazing miniature Lego 'world', with replicas of so many major cities in the US... Vegas included... it's a MUST see for the adults in your world... but the kids get a kick out of it, too. There is a water splash area that is awesome, just bring swim suits and towels to change into (and water shoes, if desired). There is an enormous fort for running and climbing that Noah would LOVE! There is a great play area for all ages, with a great musical water fountain out in front of it... My point is, it's very INTERACTIVE.... and literally worth every single penny. Sea World and San Diego Zoo are also amazing! Now, if you are heading up into LA, after Anaheim... there is the LA Zoo in Griffith Park... there is Shane's Inspiration within the acreage of Griffith Park that is a fully inclusive playground for kids with different abilities, the first of it's kind ever built. Also, Griffith Park Observatory for star watching in the evenings (check their website for times), all make for a fun day in LA. All down the street from Hollywood Blvd, but that is more an 'adult' adventure, not so much for kids... and frankly, no where near as 'romantic' as the rest of the world believes it to be. If Disney souvenirs are your goal for Disneyland, you can go to Downtown Disney, and only pay for parking, you can shop or eat at Rainforest Cafe.... there is a huge Disney store with pretty much anything or everything you can find in the park, without having to pay the (over) $100.00 per adult admission, or having to wait the ridiculous times for ride (even with their so-called revamped disabled access system, it's going to mean wait times that are tough on the easiest of kids.) One other place, if Noah likes fish, is the Long Beach aquarium... I don't remember the admission fee, but it's not too bad... it's a walking tour through two floors of Pacific ocean found fish... and it's to me, one of the most relaxing places to go... And, lastly, if you happen to decided to come home via Phoenix... hit me up.... we can show you around some cool spots for kids, here, too. I hope you have a great trip... and that all of you enjoy every minute together!

• Legoland is a must see for you guys. And the San Diego zoo.

• *** just saw my typo...should be Moonlight Beach! I think if you head to San Diego, you'll find more to do with the boys, than if you went north to Santa Barbara. SB is GORGEOUS and wonderful...I just think there will be more things to do with your little guys in SD. Again...have a fun and safe trip! :)

• @Allison - Thanks! San Diego is for sure one of the places we have talked about going. We didn't know if Legoland was worth the money or not, but it sounds like lots of folks like it so maybe we'll check it out! Do you guys live near there?

• Yes! We live about 15-20 minutes south of Carlsbad in San Diego. Legoland is WONDERFUL and totally worth the money! I don't know anyone who hasn't loved it there. Can't wait to see pictures of your darling boys. We don't have any children with Down's, but your story is so amazing and I share it with many people! Enjoy your trip! :)

• We live in Las Vegas & would LOVE to meet you and your awesome family!
  My girls & I truly enjoy your posts & pictures... you are part of our daily routines

• That would be awesome. Do you guys live near The Strip?

• Rick,
  We are less than 15 minutes from The Strip.
  I sent a PM on FB with my cell, so if you & the family would like, just tell me when & where... my girls and I are free all weekend! I'll put my email in a PM on FB, too.
  We can't wait to meet you all!

• I'm in Anaheim and would love to see the “Noah's dad" family. We could meet somewhere at Disney, and/or if you want a meal away from the hustle and bustle my family would be happy to have you for dinner. There's some pretty good home made Mexican cooking that goes on here!

• Make plenty of time for Cars Land at Disney California Adventure!!! It is absolutely amazing and Noah will enjoy a visit with Lightning McQueen and Mater! The Pixar parade is awesome and the Disney Junior show was a big hit with our little guy! Have a great trip!!!

• I have done several road trips with small children. Two times we drove from KY to Austin, TX, a 18 hour drive. I have 2 tips.
  1. Have a cardboard/fabric box filled with toys. That you can pass them back to the child when they get crabby. When the drop that toy on the floor you have another one ready. It also allows you to pick up the toys while you gas up the car and allows you to carry them into the hotel.
  2. Take along his favorite "running/walking" toy. We took a soccer ball for our children to play with. When they are tired of being in the car a 15 minute detour at a rest stop or park can help you make it down the road another 1-2 hours.
  Have fun and enjoy.

• Hi, we would like very much to meet you all, but we live in Israel. We have two typical sons Amit is 7 years old and Maor is 4.5 years old and Matan a baby with Down syndrome in the age of one year and 4 months.
  We enjoy very much to read your site and facebook and we learn many new things. You even give us the idea maybe to open a blog or a site too.
  In Israel the atmosphere is not so tolerant to people with difficulties, like it is in your country.
  We would like to keep in touch with you. Enjoy and have a good trip!

• Since you guys love Legos so much, you should head down to Legoland in Carlsbad Beach near San Diego. Beautiful area and could be tons of fun for you boys!

  Enjoy your road trip, I too enjoy a good road trip. In Summer 1999 took a 7500 mile, 2.5 week trip to NY and back to WA, very memorable trip.