🏈My 2026 NFL Draft Recap in Pittsburgh

There is something truly electric about being in a host city during the NFL Draft. This year, I had the incredible pleasure of heading to Pittsburgh with my son, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Natalie. While we truly missed having my husband Cameron and my daughter Brea with us, the three of us were determined to soak up every bit of the atmosphere.

The Home Base: SpringHill Suites West Mifflin

We started the trip on a high note, scoring a fantastic deal with a Travel Agent rate at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott West Mifflin. The journey there was not exactly smooth. We hit a massive storm on the drive that made for some tense miles, but we made it safely and checked in around 11:00 PM.

The hospitality started the moment we walked through the door. The gentleman at the check-in counter (I really wish I had caught his name!) was exceptionally helpful. He ensured we had all the logistics squared away for the Draft the next morning and even went the extra mile to print out the "Trolley" schedule for us while we were still unloading the car. It is those small local tips that turn a good trip into a great one.

Navigating the "Trolley" and the North Shore

The next morning, after a quick hotel breakfast and a frantic dash to Dollar Tree (Ryan needed cheap sunglasses and I had managed to lose mine during the storm!), we headed to the South Hills Village station.

Pro-Tip for Pittsburgh Events: Parking at South Hills Village was only $2 (maybe just for this event but they offer day passes), and the Light Rail system, affectionately called the "Trolley" by locals, was completely free for Draft weekend!

The ride into the North Shore was seamless. We hopped off at the Allegheny Station, right in the heart of the action between Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. We kicked things off with a quick drink at McFadden’s. It was so good that we actually circled back for lunch mid-day; you cannot beat a great burger and fries at a decent price when you are in the middle of a massive festival.

Stadium Surprises and "Super Lyte" Discoveries

One of the highlights of the day was the accessibility. We spent time exploring Acrisure Stadium and then realized PNC Park was also open to the public. We walked over after lunch to soak in the views of the skyline and grab another quick refreshment.

While there, we learned about a new local find: Sun Cruisers (Stateside Brands) has a new electrolyte beverage called Super Lyte. They are currently only available as a test in Pennsylvania, so we felt like we were getting a true insider experience! We liked them so much that we made a point to stop at Duffy’s on Friday to stock up for our upcoming trip to the Indy 500.

Lessons Learned for First-Timers

We did a pretty good job for our first Draft experience, but here are my top takeaways if you are planning a trip to a future NFL Draft:

• Comfy Shoes are Non-Negotiable: My watch clocked us at just under 18,000 steps for the day. There is almost no shade and a massive amount of standing, so support is key.

• The Hydration Hack: Bringing a refillable water bottle was a total lifesaver. It saves money and keeps you going in the heat.

• The "Pro" Porta-Potties: I have to give a shout-out to the flushing porta-potties at the event. It sounds small, but it is a luxury you will appreciate!

• Time Your Exit: We left right after Pittsburgh called their pick. The lines for the Light Rail home were already becoming massive; leaving when we did saved us hours of waiting in the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Pittsburgh, you were amazing. What an incredible weekend with Ryan and Natalie; we truly could not have asked for a better trip. If you have not experienced a Draft in person, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Just remember to support local businesses, stay hydrated, and wear your walking shoes!

If you want to hear more, we did an episode of travel trivia surrounding the NFL Draft. You can watch it here: 

Beyond the Game: Building Our Marriage (And Travel Business) from the Chat

For 16 years, I have shared my husband, Cameron (you might know him as CabinetTerror6), with a screen. For a long time, I felt abandoned, neglected, and honestly just frustrated by the time those games took from us. I would sit in the other room doing my own thing, feeling like a gaming widow while he was lost in another world.

If you are the partner of a gamer or a streamer, you know that specific sting. You have probably wished they would just turn it off. I was in that place for over a decade. But recently, something shifted.

The Turning Point: A Shared Vision

About six months ago, I realized that this hobby could actually become a viable part of our professional lives. More importantly, Cameron and I had a real conversation about how to bridge his worlds: his travel business, his love for gaming, and his natural patience for teaching others. We saw an opportunity to bring travel into the stream, incorporate charitable goals, and launch Mentor Mondays as a way for him to help other streamers grow and learn. It turned into a win-win-win. 

It was no longer just a hobby that took him away from the family; it became a brand we were building together as a team. While Cameron and my son, HolaMoca, originally started the Clashy Gaming Community back in 2020, Cameron has since returned from a break, and I'm excited to continue to grow and build it together.

From Feeling Neglected to Being Included

I am still not a gamer. I probably never will be! But now, I am his moderator, and that role has become a huge part of our daily life.

I stay busy behind the scenes adding points for his viewers and running ads if he needs a break. I track all of our charity donations and manage his social media to make sure the community stays connected. Basically, I do whatever I can to help his stream grow. The best part is that this work has not just helped him; it has actually helped the stream I co-host with my sister-in-law, Travel Wives, grow as well.

Moderating and streaming are not my full time jobs. I still own and operate my real estate company, Dream Real Estate Group, located in Washington and Ohio. Additionally, Cameron and I own and run Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations. While my professional life is busy, being in the chat and helping manage the backstage of the stream has replaced that old feeling of abandonment with a sense of inclusion. I am no longer the person waiting for the game to end. I am a part of the team making the stream happen.

A Note to the Streamers and the Partners

To the streamers out there: Your significant other's feelings are not an obstacle to your stream; they are the foundation of it. If they feel dismissed or like an afterthought, that team feeling disappears instantly. Inclusion is the best way to bridge that gap of disconnection. A little appreciation goes a long way, acknowledging your partner's support on-stream makes them feel like a valued part of the success rather than a spectator to it.

And to the partners who feel like I used to: I wish I could go back 16 years and tell myself that it was not going to change, so we had to find a way to make it work for us sooner. If you are struggling with a spouse who is glued to the monitor, I want to be a shoulder for you to lean on. I am here to listen to your journey and share what I have learned over the years, because you do not have to navigate this transition alone.

The Digital Destination

Just like we help people plan escapes to tropical islands or European cities through Olson Travel Group, streaming is a different kind of destination. I used to hate that he was traveling to a digital world without me, but now I have realized I can be the one helping build the world he is in.

Let’s Connect

Whether you are married to a travel agent, a gamer, or both, I would love to hear your journey.

• Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/CrqDJtKmQd Let’s vent, share, and support each other.

• Catch the Travel Wives Stream: Join Kahla and me once a week where we talk travel, trivia, and the reality of being Travel Wives and new streamers.

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.