Las Vegas Trip Recap: Gluten-Free Travel, Hoover Dam, The Strip & A Quick Washington Adventure

 If you’re planning a Las Vegas vacation, especially if you’re traveling gluten-free, love live streaming adventures, or want ideas beyond casinos, our recent trip had a little bit of everything... The Strip, the Hoover Dam, outlet shopping, Twitch IRL streams, and even a quick detour to Washington state.

Here’s everything we learned (including a few travel tips that will save you time and money in Vegas).

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Getting Around Las Vegas: Rental Car Tip Most Travelers Miss

If you’re flying into Harry Reid International Airport, here’s something that surprised us.

Even if you rent a car from companies like Avis or Fox Rent A Car, you don’t pick up the car directly at the airport.

Instead, you have to go to the McCarran Rent‑A‑Car Center, which requires taking a shuttle.

Important tip:
Don’t waste money on an Uber.

There’s a second shuttle that takes you directly to the off-site rental car facilities. It’s free and easy once you know where to go.

This is one of those small Vegas travel hacks that can save you time, confusion, and money right after landing.

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Walking the Las Vegas Strip

No matter how many times you visit, there’s something about walking the Las Vegas Strip that never gets old.

We spent several evenings just wandering, taking in the energy of the city, and stopping to watch one of the best free attractions in Vegas.

The Bellagio Fountain Show

The iconic fountains at Bellagio Las Vegas are just as incredible as everyone says.

The Fountains of Bellagio choreograph water, music, and lights into a performance that somehow feels new every time you watch it. We ended up catching the show multiple times during the trip because it’s one of those experiences that never gets old.

And honestly?
It’s still one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.

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Twitch IRL Streaming from Vegas

Cameron (known online as CabinetTerror6) even brought the trip to life online.

He did a few IRL streams on Twitch while we were walking the Strip and exploring the city.

If you want to check out the streams or follow future adventures, you can find him here:

👉 https://www.twitch.tv/cabinetterror6

Streaming while walking through Vegas is actually pretty fun, there’s always something happening and chat gets to experience the trip in real time.

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A Day Trip to Hoover Dam

One of our favorite parts of the trip was driving out to the legendary Hoover Dam.

The dam sits right on the border between Nevada and Arizona, and it’s one of those places that’s even more impressive in person.

Cameron also streamed part of this visit on Twitch, letting viewers see the views and scale of the dam in real time.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the Hoover Dam is worth the drive. The views of the Colorado River and surrounding desert landscape are incredible.

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Gluten-Free Travel in Las Vegas

Traveling with Celiac disease can make eating on trips tricky, so we always plan ahead.

We stayed at Tahiti Village Resort & Spa, which made things much easier because our timeshare condo has a full kitchen.

Our first stop after landing?

The grocery store.

Having a kitchen meant:

• I could make gluten-free breakfasts every morning

• We could control ingredients

• We didn’t have to stress about cross-contamination at every meal

For dinner, we usually ate out once a day.

Our most frequent stop was Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is one of the easiest places for gluten-free options when traveling.

But we also found a spot we hadn’t had since living in Washington…

Finding Cafe Rio Again

We were excited to stumble across Cafe Rio Mexican Grill.

If you’ve had Cafe Rio before, you know the house sauce is legendary.

Unfortunately I couldn’t have the taco shell (gluten), but the rest of the meal absolutely delivered. When you’ve been missing a favorite restaurant for years, it’s a pretty great travel surprise.

We also:

• Ate dinner at the resort one night (which was great)

• Pre-planned a gluten-free pizza night using ingredients we picked up at the grocery store

Having that kitchen made the trip so much less stressful.

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Vegas Outlet Shopping: North vs South

If outlet shopping is on your Vegas itinerary, here’s a quick comparison.

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

• More stores

• Outdoor shopping center

• $5 parking fee

Las Vegas South Premium Outlets

• Fewer stores

• Indoor mall style

• Free parking

Both are good options, it just depends on whether you want more selection or free parking.

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The Las Vegas to LA Bullet Train

Something else we noticed during the trip was the ongoing progress toward the new high-speed rail line connecting Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The project, known as Brightline West High-Speed Rail, aims to create a 75–90 minute train ride between the two cities.

The goal is to have it completed before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

If it launches on schedule, it could completely change how people travel between these two major destinations.

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Bonus Trip: Snoqualmie Falls in Washington

After Vegas, we made a quick trip up to Washington and took a short hike at Snoqualmie Falls.

Before the hike, we made a quick stop at Snoqualmie Casino. Why not?

The weather was perfect, and the waterfall views were incredible. Cameron also streamed part of this adventure on Twitch so viewers could experience the falls in real time.

It was the perfect peaceful ending to an already amazing trip.

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Need Help Planning Your Own Trip?

If reading about our adventure has you thinking about planning your own getaway—whether it's Las Vegas, Washington, or anywhere else in the world—getting help from a travel professional can make things a lot easier.

Our favorite resource is Olson Travel Group. They specialize in helping travelers plan everything from quick weekend trips to full vacation packages, taking care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

You can learn more or start planning your next trip here:

👉 OlsonTravelGroup.com

Whether you're planning a Vegas getaway, a national park adventure, or an international vacation, having an expert help coordinate flights, resorts, and experiences can make the entire process smoother.

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Final Thoughts

This trip had a little bit of everything:

✔ Walking the Las Vegas Strip
✔ Watching the Bellagio fountains
✔ Twitch IRL streaming adventures
✔ A scenic drive to the Hoover Dam
✔ Gluten-free travel wins
✔ Outlet shopping tips
✔ A surprise Washington waterfall hike

Sometimes the best trips are the ones that mix big destinations with small unexpected moments.

Vegas always delivers on excitement, but pairing it with places like Snoqualmie Falls made this adventure even more memorable.

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If you’re planning a Las Vegas trip, traveling gluten-free, or enjoy live travel streaming, this city still has plenty of surprises waiting.

And if you’ve been to Vegas recently, I’d love to know:

What’s your favorite thing to do on the Strip?

Want to hear more? 🎰

We had such a blast exploring everything Vegas has to offer. If you want to see our favorite moments (and maybe a few things we missed in the blog!), head over to Travel Wives on YouTube to watch the full trip vlog.

Respectfully Watching: An Ode to the NHL Goalie Warmups

 

Watching a hockey game is great, but if you aren’t in your seat 20 minutes before puck drop, you are missing the best free show in sports: the Goalie Warmup.

As a Navy Veteran and Travel Agency owner, I’ve seen some incredible things around the world, but there is something uniquely "Classy and Trashy" about the ritual of an NHL goalie getting ready for battle.

The "Cheap Seats" Hustle

Let’s be real: we usually choose the cheap seats because it means we can travel to more games! But here is the professional travel agent pro-tip: Your ticket doesn't matter for the first 15 minutes. In almost every NHL arena, you can walk right down to the glass for warmups regardless of where you're sitting. We might be sitting in the "nosebleeds" once the puck drops, but for those 15 minutes of warmups, we are living that "Classy" front-row life. There is nothing like being inches away from the elite athleticism of guys like Dan Vladar, Elvis Merzļikins and Jonas Johansson.

Why the Glass Matters

When you're that close, you aren't just watching; you're feeling the game.

• Dan Vladar (#80, Philadelphia Flyers): Seeing "Darth Vladar" from the glass at Nationwide Arena is a masterclass in efficiency. At 6'5", he’s a massive presence, but his movement is all about power. You can actually feel the ice vibrate when he digs in for a lateral push. He makes the net look tiny just by standing there, but when he moves, he is surprisingly explosive.

• Elvis Merzļikins (#90, Columbus Blue Jackets): Watching Elvis is like watching a gymnastic floor routine. He drops into the full splits with the ease of someone sitting on a sofa. Up close, you can actually hear the pads hit the ice.

• Jonas Johansson (#31, Tampa Bay Lightning): Jonas is a 6'5" wall of Swedish steel. From the glass, you realize just how massive these guys are. His routine is all about precision—post-to-post movements that look as smooth as silk.

The "Tendy" Zen

Goalies are truly a different breed. In a game that moves at lightning speed, they have to be the calmest people in the building. Their warmup isn't just a physical stretch; it’s a sacred ritual of "Zoned-In" Zen. From the specific way they tap their posts to the rhythmic pattern of their glove hand, every movement is designed to block out the noise of the arena. When you watch them, you realize they aren't just looking at the puck, they are tracking its every vibration, syncing their mind and body to become an unbeatable wall before the first whistle even blows.

The View from the Nosebleeds

Once the horn sounds and the "real" ticket holders arrive, we head back up to our "Cheap Seats." Honestly? We love it up there. You get a strategic view of the whole rink, and as a Celiac traveler, I’m usually closer to the best gluten-free stadium snacks anyway!

Whether you’re on the glass or in the last row, take a moment to watch the "Tendy" work. It takes a special kind of courage to suit up in all that gear just to stand in front of a 100 mph puck. They are the ultimate protectors of the ice, proving that sometimes the best offense is a fearless defense.

Keep it Clashy, Friends! 🏒

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💡 Planning a Hockey Road Trip?

Since my husband and I run a travel agency, we know the best spots to catch a game without breaking the bank. If you want to see Elvis or Jonas in person, reach out to us at Olson Travel Group we’ll help you find the best value seats in the league!

Surviving the Under Cut Grow Out: A Journey of Patience and Questionable Hair Choices

 

If you have ever attempted to grow out an undercut, then you already know this journey is not for the weak, the impatient, or anyone who needs to look consistently presentable in public.

And yet here I am. A survivor. Barely.

For years I have rocked short hair because mine is thick. Not fun, bouncy thick. More like industrial insulation thick. A few years back I decided to keep the top longer but shave the underside, a style I truly loved. Low maintenance. Breezy. Practical. Cute. The dream.

But two months ago I made a bold decision. A questionable decision. A choice that future me would definitely side-eye.

I decided to grow out my undercut.

Friends, it has been ugly. Spectacularly ugly.

The Grow Out Phase: A Modern Tragedy

Picture this. The top of my hair is long. The bottom is confused. It is not long enough to blend, not short enough to style, and absolutely not obedient enough to hide.

My options have been limited to two very unfortunate looks.

• Wear it down and resemble someone who has recently been electrocuted

• Wear it up and reveal the tiny Chia Pet that seems to be sprouting underneath

There is simply no winning in the undercut grow out phase. Only lessons learned and dignity slowly disappearing.

Then Came Real Estate CE at Sea

I spent a week with colleagues and friends on a cruise for Real Estate CE. There is nothing that will humble a person faster than trying to appear professional while the back of your head looks like a feral raccoon tail.

Each Day I Attempted a New Strategy

• I tried putting half of it in a claw clip and the other half in those annoying rubber bands, then attempted to hold it all down with a barrette. Chaos. Pure chaos.

• I tried a low bun but it fell out before it even had a chance to disappoint me properly.

• Half up half down. Still the reigning champion of half hot mess and half cry for help.

The Breaking Point and the Much Needed Appointment

After a week of pretending everything was fine, I finally hit my limit.

Today I made a hair appointment. At last.

And thank goodness I did. After hours of thinning and thinning and shaping and shaping, my hair is finally on a better path. For the first time in months, it resembles something that could one day become an actual hairstyle I am proud of. I may even look like a functioning adult again. Hope is alive!

I do not know why I waited this long. Denial. Hope. Sheer stubbornness. Whatever the reason, the wait is over. I am sprinting toward professional intervention.

At least I am now only mostly embarrassed instead of catastrophically embarrassed. I'll take the win.

Under Cut Grow Out Warriors, Unite

Growing out an undercut should count as a character building exercise. Possibly even a tax deduction.

If you have lived through this disaster zone of a phase, share your pictures or your tale of survival. Show me your proof that we all go through it.😂

And if you have not attempted it yet, feel free to learn from my mistakes. Or at least enjoy the comedy while I endure it.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

(a few days later with my sisters-in-law and niece)

💌

Cruising Gluten-Free on Jewel of the Seas

Girls’ trip (we missed my cousin Angie this time, so my husband Cameron graciously stepped in): Kathleen, Cameron, Kahla, and me, Shannon. We set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, ready for sunshine, laughs, and (for me) the ultimate test: gluten-free cruising.

If you’ve ever traveled with celiac disease or follow a gluten-free diet, you know the drill. Every meal can feel like a game of “Is it safe, or will I regret this later?” Spoiler alert: I lived to tell the tale and eat dessert too!

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Buffet Confusion and Small Victories 🍽️

The buffet had a small gluten-free section, and the dessert section also had a few GF options available. Great start, right? Well… the gluten-free section within the buffet was on a U-shaped section, which looked like the entire area was gluten-free. Thankfully, my Celiac senses tingled, and I asked. Turns out, only one side was safe.

Lesson learned: always ask questions, even when the sign says “gluten-free.” 

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Tides Dining Room: My Gluten-Free Heroes 🌟

The Tides Dining Room on Decks 4 and 5 deserves a standing ovation and maybe a gluten-free cookie bouquet. From night one, our dream team of servers (Aldren, Donald, and Rajeev) treated my gluten allergy with total care.

Each night I enjoyed a Caesar salad (no croutons, of course), warm gluten-free bread, and dishes that made me feel like I was dining at a five-star restaurant instead of dodging wheat.

My favorites for the week:
🥇 Mushroom arancini (crispy, creamy, and totally safe)
🍝 Spaghetti bolognese
🥩 Prime rib
🍍 Pineapple upside-down cake
🧀 And the cheese plate minus the smoked cheeses and that fig thing that looked way fancier than it tasted.

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The Spinach Artichoke Saga (and Why Donald Deserves a Medal) 🥇

One night I asked about the spinach and artichoke dip, and Donald didn’t just say “no” and move on. He actually went back, talked to the head chef, and returned to explain that since the chips weren’t made onboard, they couldn’t guarantee they were gluten-free.

Did I get the dip? No.
Did I feel seen, heard, and safe? Absolutely.

Shout-out to Royal Caribbean for having staff who genuinely care and take the extra step. It makes a huge difference when you’re traveling with celiac disease.

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Perfect Day at CocoCay = Perfect Gluten-Free Snacking 🍪 

My favorite part of any Royal Caribbean cruise is always the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. The Snack Shack is a gluten-free dream come true.

I grabbed my go-to burger with a gluten-free bun (actually tasty, not cardboard-like), a crisp Greek salad, and the real treasure…the gluten-free cookies! Not the ones sitting out near the toppings (those are not safe). If you ask, they’ll bring out a wrapped Udi’s cookie, usually chocolate chip or snickerdoodle. And if you know me, you know I’m a snickerdoodle girl through and through.

Fun fact: my husband Cameron, who doesn’t even have celiac, loves them too. That’s how you know they’re good.

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Pre-Order Like a Pro 📝

Each evening, I got to pre-order my dinner for the next night, which is a total game-changer for gluten-free travelers. Rajeev told me they could make almost anything I wanted, so of course I tested that theory.

The highlights?
🍄 Mushroom arancini (I could eat this every day)
🍤 Coconut shrimp (crispy perfection and something I almost never get to enjoy gluten-free)

I honestly felt spoiled in the best way possible.

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Final Thoughts: Smooth Sailing for the Gluten-Free Traveler 🌊

If you’re gluten-free and thinking about cruising, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas gets a big thumbs-up from me. Between the attentive staff, safe dining options, and the chance to enjoy dessert every night, it was a worry-free (and wheat-free) weekend of fun.

Want to see all the gluten-free goodness in action? Check out the video below for a look at my favorite meals from our Jewel of the Seas cruise!

👉 Read more about our full trip on Travel Wives where we share the behind-the-scenes of our cruise adventure and all the laughs that came with it.

Cruising Into 50: Richie’s First Cruise Adventure 🎉🚢

 On August 11th, we set sail on an adventure like no other, my cousin Richie’s very first cruise to celebrate his 50th birthday! This trip was made possible thanks to the generosity of our amazing family and Richie’s unbelievable circle of friends. Together, we raised enough money to cover all of his expenses, and yes, we went just a tiny bit over budget, but hey, that’s what memories are made of. 😉

Richie, who is deaf and has some mobility challenges, got the royal treatment all week long, complete with chauffeur service in his wheelchair (mostly thanks to Cameron). Honestly, he may never go back to walking on vacation again after this “celebrity-level” pampering.

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Getting There and Back ✈️🚖

Travel days are always an adventure of their own, and this one was no exception.

• Night Before the Cruise: Angie, Jonas, and Richie stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Gahanna. The hotel offered a park-and-fly option, which was great on the return. But with our 5 a.m. flight, the shuttle timing didn’t work out since it didn’t start until 4. So, they had to Uber to the airport. Note to self: always double-check shuttle times before booking.

• Our Ride: Cameron and I stayed with Breanna the night before. She deserves a gold star for shuttling us bright and early. We first met up at the hotel to help get Angie, Jonas, and Richie loaded into their Uber, then we were all on our way.

• Flying to Florida: We flew Spirit Airlines into Fort Lauderdale and honestly had excellent customer service. A shout-out to Viktor at Spirit, who kept checking in with us to make sure things were going smoothly. Once we landed, we ordered an Uber XXL (a Suburban), which fit all five of us, our luggage, and Richie’s wheelchair perfectly.

• Heading Home: The return trip was less smooth. We ordered a Lyft XL, but a Kia Sorento showed up with the driver’s own belongings filling part of the car. There wasn’t enough room for us and our stuff. On top of that, the driver had himself marked as deaf or hard of hearing, but really he just didn’t speak English. We ended up calling a second vehicle to get us to the airport, thankfully with plenty of time to spare. After several hours of back-and-forth with customer service, Cameron managed to get a $25 Lyft credit. Not exactly a win, but better than nothing.

• Flying Home: Our Southwest flight was excellent. Richie got the window seat in the front row with Cameron and me, while Angie and Jonas got to spread out in their own row. A comfortable ending to a very full trip!

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Life on the Norwegian Gem

This trip was aboard the Norwegian Gem. She’s one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s older ships, but in great condition and full of charm.

• Food & Dining: Buffet seating during peak hours was a battle royale, but the included restaurants were blissfully wait-free. We only made it to Magenta since the other dining room wasn’t easily accessible by elevator. We later found out there was a separate accessible entrance. 

• Ship Accessibility: Some flooring transitions gave us a few literal bumps in the road, but overall, maneuvering was manageable. Even better, one of the tenders to Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island) had a handicapped elevator. A short wait, but absolutely worth it. Definitely, looking forward to the new pier expected by the end of 2025. 

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ASL, Laughter & Bathroom Emergencies 🤟😂

One of the trip highlights was how many connections Richie made through American Sign Language (ASL).

• A woman walking by our Yahtzee game stopped to sign with him. She was an interpreter from upstate NY.

• At dinner, a waiter noticed our signing and joined in because he knew ASL too.

• Richie, Cameron, and Jonas were ornery throughout the entire trip, which also led to someone sneaking a video of the "scenery" on the pool deck and walking track. 😉

Richie had been teaching us signs all week, so these surprise encounters felt like magic. Jonas in particular went from beginner to “ASL pro” in just a few days, constantly telling Richie he was funny (which Richie loved every single time).

Of course, not all our “signing moments” were so magical, especially when it came to the sign for Poopoo. Let’s just say… if you see multiple rapid-fire “Poopoo” signs, you move. Fast! 🚨💩 Lesson learned.

And yes, our late-night Yahtzee tournament was tragically cut short by a bathroom emergency. I won’t name names. (But you know who you are. 😉)

No trip with Angie and Cameron would be complete without Cameron picking on Angie, although he did refrain quite a bit this time around. The best was when he called her out for making up signs. 😉 She had a tendency to make up a sign if she didn’t know it, which led to some very confused faces and looks.

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Mishaps, Speedos & Unintentional Comedy

No family trip would be complete without a few hilarious disasters.

• Angie may have bumped Richie’s head while tucking him into bed one night. (She claims it was “gentle.” Jury’s out.)

• Cameron and I may have almost dropped him while transferring him into a chair at Spinnakers. Don’t worry, we got much better at it after that near-oops.

And then there was… the Speedo Situation.

As we left Spinnakers one evening, we spotted a man sunning himself proudly in a speedo. A little miscommunication led Richie to believe we said it was a woman, so wanted up to check it out, only to discover the truth. He thought we were messing with him, but the laughs that followed were worth gold. So much so that we may or may not have changed his phone wallpaper to “Speedo Guy” every chance we got. 😂

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Nassau & Great Stirrup Cay 🏝️

We made a quick stop in Nassau for some shopping. We picked up souvenirs and a very classy new coffee mug for Richie (complete with a protruding bikini top). Consider it our peace offering after the speedo jokes.

But the real magic happened at Great Stirrup Cay.

Thanks to Norwegian’s accessibility efforts (beach wheelchairs and helpful staff) and a little creativity on Cameron's part, Richie got to experience the ocean for the very first time in his life. With a rented snorkel set, life jacket, and a floating mat, we helped him into the water.

• He floated on his back.

• He did a little snorkeling.

• He even hopped onto the ocean swing.

Watching Richie in the ocean, laughing, relaxed, and having the time of his life, was one of those rare, unforgettable moments.

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Onboard Fun: Games, Trivia & Nonstop Food

When we weren’t in port, we stayed plenty busy.

• Richie sunk a great shot on the basketball court. 🏀

• We played giant checkers (with Cameron’s questionable “special rules” one round).

• We joined in trivia (no wins, but loads of fun).

• And of course, we ate. And ate. And ate.

Our daily routine was basically:
☕ Breakfast + coffee → 🛳 wander → 🍴 lunch → 😴 nap → 🍽 dinner → 💤 sleep → repeat.
Honestly, can anyone think of a better way to live?

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Gluten-Free Cruising: A Pleasant Surprise 🌾🚫

As someone with celiac disease, I always hold my breath a little when traveling, especially on cruises where food is everywhere and cross-contamination can be a challenge. But Norwegian really delivered this time.

• Breakfast: We alternated between the buffet and O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (a complimentary 24/7 pub-style spot). Both had plenty of gluten-free options.

• Lunch: O’Sheehan’s became our go-to. They had several gluten-free bread choices (multi-grain and a bun), which meant I wasn’t stuck ordering “just the burger patty” like I have on other trips. I enjoyed a burger, a Reuben, and even a chicken salad sandwich, all with the bread/bun. 🙌

• Dinner: Each evening I pre-ordered my gluten-free dinner for the following day. The best part? My meal was served at the same time as everyone else’s. On past cruises, my food often came way earlier or later, so this was a big win.

At both O’Sheehan’s and Magenta, the staff always asked about allergies. If they already knew, they specifically checked who had the allergy so there was no confusion. I felt confident and well taken care of.

My only complaint? The gluten-free dessert selection was slim. Then again… maybe that was a blessing in disguise. 😉

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Keep Richie Cruising 🚢💙

Richie’s very first cruise was everything we hoped it would be and more, but we don’t want this to be his last. He’s officially hooked, and we’d love to keep the adventures going.

We’ve set up a GoFundMe Future Cruise Fund for Richie. The idea is simple: once we reach the goal, we’ll book his next cruise and give him another chance to soak up the ocean, laugh until he cries, and create more unforgettable memories. We're even working on organizing a cruise specifically for the deaf/hard of hearing community.

If this story made you smile, please consider donating or sharing the link. Every dollar truly helps us keep the waves rolling for Richie, and we promise to share plenty of updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes laughs along the way.

👉 Help Richie Set Sail Again

Here’s to more sunsets, more laughs, and more cruises in Richie’s future! 🌊✨ 

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Final Thoughts

This trip was so much more than just a cruise. It was about celebrating Richie’s 50 years, giving him an experience he’ll never forget, and creating family memories we’ll be laughing about for years. From ASL bloopers to ocean adventures to speedo wallpaper pranks, it was the perfect mix of love, laughter, and adventure.

Happy Birthday, Richie. Here’s to the next 50, and maybe the next cruise too. 🥂🚢

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👉 Have you ever traveled with a loved one who needed accessibility accommodations (or tried gluten-free cruising)? Share your stories (and tips!) in the comments.

Finding HOPE on the Fairway: Our 6-Week Adventure with PGA HOPE at Yankee Trace

If you had told me six weeks ago that both Cameron and I would be spending our Wednesday afternoons swinging golf clubs and (mostly) smiling about it, I would've said you were nuts. But here we are, fresh off an incredible six-week journey with PGA HOPE at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, and honestly, I’m feeling a little emotional about it. In the best way.

For those who don’t know, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a truly inspiring program offering free golf instruction to military veterans. It’s more than just lessons. It’s community, healing, laughs, and learning to whiff the ball in excellent company.

I actually had the privilege of attending a PGA HOPE program once before in Northern Ohio with my bestie and fellow Navy veteran, Rhonda. That experience stayed with me in such a powerful way, I knew I had to do it again. So when I saw a session happening at Yankee Trace, I signed us up without hesitation.

Cameron, on the other hand… well, let’s just say he was a little more hesitant. 😂

But let me tell you, watching him go from “I guess I’ll sit in the cart” to actually hitting some solid shots (and maybe even enjoying himself just a little?) was one of the biggest highlights for me. He might still claim he's "not a golfer," but I saw the smile when he nailed that shot with his driver in week five. Don’t worry, I won’t make him wear matching golf outfits. Yet. 😂

We were so lucky to be part of this amazing group. Veterans from all walks of life, coming together for fresh air and maybe the occasional laugh. And the instructors at Yankee Trace? Absolute rockstars. Patient, positive, funny, encouraging. They created such a welcoming and empowering space for everyone, regardless of skill level.

They didn't just teach us how to hold a club or fix our slice (though I still need work there). They gave us confidence, camaraderie, and a whole lot of laughs. You could really feel their heart in every session.

Whether it was a chilly morning or a perfect sunny day, I found myself looking forward to each week more and more. The peaceful setting of Yankee Trace, the upbeat energy of the group, the shared high-fives after someone finally got that pesky chip shot, it all added up to something really special.

To the PGA HOPE program: Thank you for what you do. For creating a space where veterans like us can connect, learn, laugh, and grow through the game of golf. Your dedication, encouragement, and energy made every Wednesday something to look forward to. You’ve earned two very grateful veterans and lifelong fans.

And to Cameron: I know golf isn’t your thing, but I loved having you by my side through this experience. Who knows, maybe next time you’ll be the one dragging me to the driving range. (Okay, maybe not… but a girl can dream.)

If you’re a veteran or know someone who is, I can’t recommend PGA HOPE enough. It’s more than golf. It’s healing, hope, and a whole lot of fun.

See you on the fairway! 🏌️‍♀️🇺🇸❤️

Our Wild Ride to the Kentucky Derby: Ponchos, Mint Juleps, and Bucket List Dreams

If you've ever dreamed of going to the Kentucky Derby, let me start by saying: do it. Rain or shine, it's one for the bucket list, if you have one. From cashing in Christmas gifts to cheering on horses with names like Sovereignty and Journalism, our adventure to Churchill Downs was anything but ordinary. Here's the behind-the-scenes scoop on our trip to the greatest two minutes in sports.

🎁 Christmas Came with a Side of Derby Tickets

This Derby dream started back in December when we surprised Cameron’s mom, Kathleen, and his stepdad, Brett, with the ultimate Christmas gift: tickets to the Kentucky Derby. (I mean, what says “I love you” more than the smell of mint juleps and muddy turf?)

It had been on Ryan and Breanna’s bucket lists too, and while we weren’t 100% sure they could join until the last minute, the stars aligned and all six of us hit the road to Louisville.

🚗 Road Trip Shenanigans

It was an early morning but as always, Cameron was our fearless driver. Ryan had co-pilot duties, and he took the role seriously, navigating like a pro and keeping the vibes high up front. Kathleen and Brett were cozied up in the middle seats, and poor Breanna had to squeeze into the back with me. She didn’t rat me out for my signature micro-naps (though for all I know, she was napping too and just as guilty). Everyone knows by now: I nap, I eavesdrop, and I wake up pretending I’ve been part of the conversation the whole time. Classic mom move.

🌧 Wet, Wild, and Wonderfully Derby

The weather? Oh, it was classic Kentucky Derby chaos, cold, wet, and soggy. But thanks to our clear bags packed with essentials (yes, 12"x6"x12" is your new best friend), Breanna and I prepared with snacks, drinks, ponchos, and even some gluten-free goodies for me (because celiac disease + questionable food stands = no thanks).

As we parked at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium and made our 10-minute trek to Churchill Downs, fate handed me a blessing in the form of rain boots I’d forgotten were in the back of my vehicle. Kathleen, offered me her spare (cute) socks and even swapped her flip-flops for the shoes I had been wearing. Let’s just say she deserves a medal and probably some foot warmers.

🐎 The Mint Julep Misadventure

Let’s talk Derby drinks. Only Ryan was brave enough to order the traditional Old Forester Mint Julep, which came in at a cool $22 for an 8 oz cup. Naturally, the rest of us had to try a sip—because when in Rome, right? Let’s just say it was… an experience. Cameron went a different route and ordered the Woodford Spire. Breanna and I held off for something else (preferably something cold and not herbal), but we couldn’t resist a taste of the iconic julep. It’s tradition, after all. Just maybe not something we’d make a habit of.

White Claws and beers ran about $16 to $18, so we weren’t about to blow the budget on canned cocktails, especially since I’m already chipping away at the kids’ inheritance with all my other nonsense and travel escapades. A few rounds was plenty. But hey, it’s the Derby!

💥 Drama at the Fence

Now, you haven’t really done the Derby until you’ve witnessed (or participated in) a passive-aggressive turf war over viewing space. Kathleen, our MVP, was holding it down when a woman rudely tried to take over our spot, trying to bring her whole group with her. Breanna, in full protective granddaughter mode, swooped in to stand with her. Cameron held his ground, Ryan and I locked eyes from across the group, and suddenly we were a united wall of Derby defense.

We didn’t come for a fight, but we sure weren’t backing down. (Spoiler: we won. Kentucky spirit, y’all.)

🧺 Food, Fog, and Final Races

Between the sandwiches, summer sausage, and snacks Breanna and I packed, we stayed fueled and fabulous. The races were a blast, even if some poeople the infield were passed out or arguing by mid-afternoon. (Note to future Derby-goers: pace yourselves. It's a marathon, not a sprint.)

Though no one in our group won big, I did score a small win in the final race with Sovereignty in first, Journalism in second. Not enough to retire early, but enough to brag all the way home.

🏁 Lessons from the Infield Trenches

Leaving the infield felt like a full-contact sport, with people shoulder to shoulder all trying to squeeze through the tunnel at once. It was chaos, and patience was definitely the MVP of that moment. 

Pro tip: pack patience with your poncho. We eventually made it back to the car and hit up Buffalo Wild Wings before heading home, soaked, tired, but absolutely exhilarated.

🎩 Final Tips for Your Kentucky Derby Adventure

• ✅ Bring a clear bag packed with snacks, a blanket, water, and rain gear

• 🧢 Get to the fence early. People will try to snake your spot

• 🥪 Pack your own food, especially if you have dietary restrictions

• 🌧 Always bring a poncho. Even if it’s sunny, trust me

• 🏇 Be patient when exiting. Or hang out a bit longer and wait for the crowds to thin

👒 Verdict: Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely. Rain and all, the Kentucky Derby is an unforgettable experience. From the southern charm to the thunder of hooves and our family’s laughter echoing through the infield, it’s a day I’ll treasure forever.

Next time? We’re praying for sunshine but bringing the ponchos just in case.