Baja Mexico Cruise

With the approval of Rob's league of doctors, the Weidenfelds headed to San Pedro, CA on the 21st of July for their Royal Caribbean family cruise. Rob's mom joined them on a four-night sailing to Mexico. Although Patti had sailed several times previously with her parents, this was the first cruise for Rob, Hannah, Eva, and Kay.

They boarded the Monarch of the Seas, one of the fleet's smaller ships that holds about 2,744-guests. After finding their luggage in their adjoinging cabins on Deck 10, and marveling at their spacious verandas, it was time for a mandatory life jacket exercise. And then they were OFF!

As the second day was spent in San Diego, CA, most people stayed on-board. There were activities going on non-stop, so there was plenty to do. Rob was almost in a sexy man-leg contest, but backed out at the very last second. (Chicken!) Rob and Patti also took a dip in the chilly pool, did a lil' exercising, and detoxed in the sauna before getting "glitzed up" for Formal Night.

Day three was spent on the beautiful island of Catalina. After a brief ferry ride, they toured the city and ate lunch at Joe's Cafe'. The Weidenfelds also did a snorkeling excursion in Lover's Cove, in the city of Avalon. Snorkeling was the definite highlight of the trip for everyone! Patti almost didn't do it, but was extremely grateful to have been talked into it afterwards. Eva and Rob went under with their snorkeling gear, while Hannah and Patti stayed on the surface.

The next morning brought everyone to Ensenada, Mexico. Rob's mom ventured into the heart of the city with the family. Although the sidewalks weren't exactly "wheelchair friendly," Mom managed to see most parts of the city. Mexico left everyone feeling a bit depressed as there is just so much poverty at every turn. Still, there was some good shopping, food, pharmacies, and plenty of mariachi bands.

Dinner each night featured a bounty of choices, even for the vegetarians in our group. While Hannah and Eva spent their evenings doing scavenger hunts or in Club Fuel, the tweens-only club, Rob and PJ spent many hours in The Circuit Lounge, singing karaoke and later on, dancing the night away. No one experienced any sea-sickness (thankfully).

Although the last morning was crazy with deboarding procedures and what-not, everyone was sad to leave. They were just getting into the "cruising lifestyle" and making friends when it was time to pack it all up. With that being said, this will most definitely NOT be the Weidenfelds last sailing. Until next time...

(Once again, cruise photos are ready for viewing under the photo link.)

Hospital Horrors

(The Cliff Notes version of the worst week for the Weidenfelds)

On Monday, June 30th, Rob was taken to the ER at St. Rose Sienna (about 10 mins. from their home) in the morning for severe stomach pains. Late the night before, he had fallen down the stairs. While he and Patti initially thought he had injured something internally from the fall, the doctors suspected it was his appendix.

By 2p.m. it was confirmed. His appendix had to go. Although he was in a beautiful room for one by dinner time, the surgery didn't happen until well after midnight. Afterwards, the surgeon told Patti that Rob's appendix was actually gangrene, and one of the "worst" he had ever seen. He said that the fall had nothing to do with it.

Patti spent the night with him at the hospital, although neither of them really slept. The next day was very touch and go for Rob. He had several complications develop after the surgery; one of them relating to low blood pressure.

By Wednesday, Rob seemed to be improving. His vitals were finally stabilizing and he was up and moving about, although he ran a fever off and on all day. Somehow, through some poor judgement call, he was released late Wed. night. That evening at home, however, was a nightmare! Rob couldn't sleep. He ran a high fever all through the night. He couldn't breathe. It was awful!!!

The next day Patti called the surgeon to express her concerns and was told to take Rob in for a chest x-ray. Around 5p.m. they found out that Rob had bi-lateral pneumonia. There was also a scare about a possible blood clot in one of his legs at that point. He was admitted later that night to St. Rose San Martin (about 30 mins. from their house---the Sienna campus was apparently lacking any open beds).

Rob's pneumonia was pretty bad; he was given several breathing treatments and put in isolation when he was first admitted. Thankfully, the blood clot did not pan out.

By Friday afternoon, he underwent thoracentesis, also known as a "lung tapping." This painful and invasive procedure allowed the doctors to drain one of Rob's lungs. However, the decision was made to let the antibiotics work on the other lung. Since he was responding well to his meds, he was moved to a normal room again.

Saturday and Sunday brought hope for everyone. Rob was walking often, eating well, and showing overall signs of improvement. When there was talk of releasing him again on Sunday, he and Patti had obvious concerns. They had just gone through this a few days before. But the doctors were reassuring and Rob was anxious to recover in his own home.

So by Sunday evening, July 6th, Rob began the slow process of regaining his strength at home. That second week was not easy, but with each new day, Rob was able to do a little more. By the 18th of July, he was given the a-okay from his doctors for the family's first cruise the follwing week.

(The Weidenfelds would like to thank their family and friends who visited Rob or who helped out in numerous ways while they went through this horrible ordeal. You know who you are and we love you all very much!)

Camping FUN

Towards the end of June, the Weidenfelds headed to Zion National Park for a quick get-away with their friends, Rick, Kim, & Nick Blanc. The families decided to stay up at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch & Resort for two nights. However, the Blancs chose to rough it in their tent, while the Weidenfelds opted for a very cozy cabin.

On Sunday, the 22nd, they all toured Zion and went on a hike up to the Gateway of the Narrows. The cool river kept the temperature very comfortable and made it hard to leave. It was about another 30-45 min. drive from the park to the ranch. Everyone was checked in by 7p.m. Rick & Kim amazed the Weidenfelds with their grilling set-up. After a hearty dinner, the families stayed up late, star-gazing, swatting at critters, and sharing spooky stories.

The 23rd was Patti's birthday, and her goal for the day was horseback riding. Kim, Nick, & Hannah joined her for the hour long ride. Rob, Hannah & Eva also went on the zipline at the resort. It was a thrilling experience for them! Later that day, everyone took a refreshing dip in the two-level pools. The day ended with a delicious dinner at the Buffalo Reserve Restaurant.

After another wonderful home-cooked breakfast by the Blancs, it was time to say farewell. While they stayed in Zion for another day, the Weidenfelds drove north to Cedar City for the Utah Shakespearean Festival. They saw an afternoon performance of The Taming of the Shrew, then toured Cedar City for several hours before heading home.

(Pictures from the Zion trip are up for your viewing pleasure.)