The Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2019: Part 6

Hey, everyone! I just got back to Colorado Springs from the conference on July 27th. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the annual Chromosome 18p- conference this year. In case you are wondering, these are Thomas’s, Camilla’s, mine, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some related blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/07/06/annual-chromosome-18-conference-2018-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/ I hope you enjoy!

July 23rd: 

I woke up at 9:39 am. I then looked at my phone to see if there were any messages from Macy and sure enough there was. Eventually, Macy asked where I was and I told her I was up in the hotel room eating.

Then around noon, Macy went to her hotel room to eat lunch. Then about 9 minutes later she asked where I was again. I told her that I was still in the room but I told her that I was dressed.

So she told me that she was on her way to our hotel room. Then 2 minutes later, she was at the door. So I walked over to the door to open it. So we hung out in the hotel room for a little bit before heading to her hotel room.

During that time, Macy went to the restroom there. Once she was done drying her hands, she asked Siri what the weather was in Kentucky. After she got the answer to the weather, Macy asked what time it was in Kentucky.

Then she told Siiri to type a message to me saying we were in the same room together. After she sat down for a minute, we roamed the hallways and as we approached the 6th floor I asked if she wanted to see Patty, Frank, and Debbie’s hotel room.

She said sure so we did. Once we got to the door I pulled out the room key and looked at the room number to make sure it was the right door. Then I opened the door to show her what their room looked like.

I let her see the view then I closed the white curtains again gently. After that, we went to the 4th floor again. So we could ask Camilla about the pool. We went on a mission to find the age limit of going in the pool by ourselves.

Macy and I went outside and looked on the sign on the gate but to our surprise, there was no age limit on the sign. We went back to Camilla to tell her and she suggested we go look at the sign outside of the pool on the second floor.

So we went to the second floor to look at the sign and sure enough, the age limit existed. The age limit was 14 and under. So we went back to Camilla and told her. She told us to double-check with the hotel staff in the lobby.

So we went back down to the lobby to ask. The staff said it was okay for both of us. We headed back up to our hotel room. Camilla said good but she pointed out the pool had people in it.

We waited until 3:00 pm. At 3:00 pm, people started coming back from the zoo. In about 15 minutes, we got in the pool. I kept an eye on the time too to make sure it wasn’t 10 minutes yet.

When there were about 3 minutes left, Camilla came in the pool and I told her to let me know when 10 minutes were up. When the 10 minutes were up, Camilla helped me and Macy find a spot in the shade to dry off.

Once we dried off, we headed out of the pool gate and down the steps where we ran into the rest of Macy’s family. I followed them right into the elevator and managed to get a spot next to the elevator buttons so I could press the 4th-floor button.

Once Macy and I got off the elevators, we went in opposite directions so Macy could take a shower and so I could get dressed. While I went to the restroom, I Facebook Messaged Patty to talk to her about getting the presents Patty got us from exploring The Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.

Eventually, I began figuring out what to put on. I finally decided upon black baggy pants that are very comfortable with the shirt I wore before going to the pool. At 4:00 pm, I arrived at their hotel room on the 6th floor.

I sat down to hang out and before I left, they handed me a bag that said Garden of The Gods and Pikes Peak while Camilla got some ‘replacement’ earrings while Thomas got a dream catcher.

At around 4:30 pm, I found Macy in the elevator room on the 4th floor waiting for me so I quickly changed my pants into my blue skirt. Then I went down only to realize I forgot my sunglasses and my little white cape so I went up quickly to grab them.

Once I came to the elevator room, the elevator that came was crowded but there was just enough space for me to squeeze in (being small has its advantages). In the elevator, among the crowd was Katie and her father who were heading down to the lobby as well.

At around 5:00 pm,  I saw this party/tour bus we were getting on. I could hardly believe my eyes. The music I must say was interesting.  Camilla went inside the bus to get photos of the party bus full of self-advocates like me, Macy, and Lauren.

Camilla danced to the music which was very funny. Once she left, we started riding with no seatbelts which were awesome! All the bumps made me feel like I was dancing. Macy said that she was not expecting seatbelts but she liked it like me.

Too soon though, we arrived at the restaurant called Front Range Barbqeucue and again I had another friend hold it while I got off. Once I got off, I followed Macy and the other self-advocates to the entrance of Front Range Barbqeucue.

Then we turned left and I saw three steps with no railing but I looked around and found a temporary railing. Macy went first, I went second, and Lauren went last.

While I was going down the steps, I looked down to ensure that my feet were stepping in the right place. Once I was down, I walked into the room that the self-advocates would be in.

Macy, Lauren, and I all found a spot to sit down together at. I got some water and a straw so I could drink that water instead of my thermos water. Unfortunately, when I was about to message Camilla my phone went dead so I had no way of knowing the time.

Shortly after that, the food was ready and I went to at least get two things of food. Chicken and a muffin. I knew I might not be able to eat both so I chose to eat the meat. Although, immediately I regretted my decision. I immediately wished that I had chosen to eat the blueberry muffin.

After I ate,  my stomach was grumbling, gurgling, and unsettled. So I just rubbed my stomach and drink water in hopes that would settle my stomach. My stomach took it a while but eventually, it settled down some.

I was wondering about the time. I was practically talking to myself about it but Macy heard me and showed me the time on her phone. (Thank you for that, Macy!) It was almost 8:00 pm.

Soon it was time to go so I went outside and went back up the steps using the temporary railing. I found Katie and she helped me get to Macy and Lauren. We got to the party tour bus and this time my hair was blowing around due to a window open behind me.

We saw the sunset on us while on the bus. It was a magnificent sunset. I really wished I could have taken a picture of it. Macy showed me the time again on the bus. Macy and Lauren’s mothers’ all went to get tattoos and Macy asked me if I wanted to hang out with them while they waited.

Then all too soon, we were back at the hotel. We walked back inside together.  And so the waiting began starting with a stop at the restroom for all three of us. Once we were done, Macy’s father asked about us having fun in the bathroom through text message.

We burst out laughing. Once we stopped laughing, we headed into the lobby and I sat with them for a while. When they were on their phones, I went to scout out a plugin outlet but couldn’t find one.

Eventually, Camilla came by and helped me find a spot for my phone and I eventually went over once it was on and messaged Macy through it. Then Macy and Lauren went up to grab their iPhone plugin cords.

I decided to go up with them so I grabbed my phone plugin and went up with them. Once Macy and Lauren got their plugins, we all found a perfect spot for our plugins that weren’t being used. So we plugged up our phones and sat down together on the floor,

Camilla stopped by to take pictures of us and I also asked for a cup of water as I already drank all my water. We sat there until almost midnight. We had a great time together.

Macy set up this group text with Lauren and I because she figured it would be easy to message us through. (Awesome idea, Macy!) I also dropped Macy off while Lauren continued on the elevator alone. I got ready for bed and then I used my phone until my eyes wouldn’t stay open.

So I got up and finished getting ready for bed. Then I went to sleep at about 3:00 am. (Yes, I know it was late but I was having fun on my phone and didn’t see the time until it was too late.)

Me, Macy, and Lauren hanging out aka Starfish Triplets! Taken by me!

Me, Macy, and Lauren.
Taken by Macy!

The Starfish Triplets aka me, Macy, and Lauren on a party tour bus! Taken by Camilla.

Self Advocates on the Party Bus! Taken by Camilla.

What do you like to do with your friends? I would love to hear your answers in the comments if it feels right to you!

Click here for Part 7!!!

The Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2019: Part 5

Hey, everyone! I just got back to Colorado Springs from the conference on July 27th. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the annual Chromosome 18p- conference this year. In case you are wondering, these are Thomas’s, Camilla’s, mine, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some related blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/07/06/annual-chromosome-18-conference-2018-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/ I hope you enjoy!

July 22nd: 

I woke up around 7:00 am to Camilla closing the blackout curtains so we could sleep a little longer. So I went back to sleep and winded up waking up at 11:00am. My grand aunt Debbie Burton had already landed at the Denver International Airport by that point.

So I messaged her to keep her company while she was waiting on Patty and Frank (the Romano Duo) to get there. I also kept Patty company through text throughout the day. Almost everyone wondered where I was including Rebecca and Macy.

I also took a shower (that was an accomplishment around Christmas 2018) and it felt so natural because I had done it at Patty and Frank’s home many times there. Afterward, I ate a few crackers before going to meet up with Macy by the elevators.

In the conference rooms,  I ate some of my assigned lunch served by the Marriott staff but provided by the registry slowly and cautiously. After I finished eating, I messaged Patty and found out they got stuck in the same traffic near Glenwood Springs.

Knowing that Patty overheated easily, I asked if they pulled over at the White River National Forest. Patty messaged me saying they did but just got back on the highway. After that, they got out of the traffic jam.

Then I went up with Macy to roam around the hallways. I messaged Debbie again to check on her as Patty was worried that she wasn’t okay sitting there all by herself. So I messaged Patty to tell her that she was okay.

I asked Patty what room number they thought they would get. Then Macy and I headed to our hotel room so we could hang out with Camilla. Afterward, Macy and I headed to her family’s hotel room so Macy could go to the restroom.

After that, we went back down to the lobby and I sat with Macy outside the Self Advocate Room for a minute before realizing I was getting nauseous again so I told Macy and then I went back up to the hotel room alone,

Of course, I wasn’t very happy that I had to leave Macy sitting there alone so as soon as I got up into the hotel room I messaged Macy to let her know I was resting in the hotel room.

In return, she told that she was in the Self Advocate Room again. Eventually, I found I was able to not be nauseous while sitting down so I went down to the lobby and stayed sitting there.

Rebecca and Lauren eventually came over to sit by me while I did things on my phone & message Debbie and Patty. Camilla eventually came down and she asked if I wanted more water. I said yes so I got up so I could order water with Camilla’s help.

I eventually started getting nauseous again. Once I got back to the couch, I got a message from Macy asking where I was. I told her that I was over by Rebecca and Lauren. I eventually got up so I could go with Macy to roam hallways again before she had to go back down to the self-advocate room.

I eventually went back down to the lobby with her. I asked Patty and Frank what their estimated time for their arrival was. She said 4:05 pm the first time then said 4:30 pm the next time.

At 4:00 pm we went outside for a group photo. While we were out there, I saw many cars that looked very close to Patty and Frank’s car. Right when Macy, Lauren, and I sat down together, Patty, Frank, and Debbie came through the doors.

Frank went to register Patty, Debbie, and himself. Debbie went looking for the restrooms. While Patty talked with Camilla and met Macy. Then Debbie came back to join Patty and Frank eventually came over.

Patty gave me the hotel room key. Then after I saw Macy off. I saw Debbie, Patty, Camilla, and Frank waiting for an elevator so I joined them. I got off on the 4th floor while everyone else got off the elevator on the 6th floor.

I eventually went to the lobby where they were eating. I also saw Macy’s father and mother eating together. I pointed it out to Camilla and eventually, Macy’s father came over to introduce himself. Macy’s mother looked over at me and asked me if I was still going to Olive Garden.

And I told her that I think I would. Macy’s mother asked if Macy would text me when they are done at Bulid-A-Bear and I told her yes. After Patty, Debbie, Frank, and Camilla got done eating I headed outside with them.

It felt very good outside. I then headed up to their room with them. While I was up there, Macy messaged me saying they were almost at Olive Garden. I then got Camilla to drive me there in the dark.

I then ordered french fries and a straw for my water. I winded up spilling water on the table but luckily no one noticed but me. It was a little too full for me. I then got my french fries.

It was a very small portion of french fries so I was able to eat all of them without it upsetting my stomach luckily. Macy finished shortly after me. At around 10:00 pm, the first Marriott shuttle arrived. Macy and I got on together. We sat together too.

Lauren was on the other side of Macy. I was happy but tired. Macy had to go straight up to her hotel room and Lauren and I went up too. I dropped Macy off by her hotel room. Then I headed to our room to drop off the money then I went to find Camilla in the lobby.

Of course, Camilla was talking with friends. I talked some too. It was 11:00 pm when me and Camilla headed up to the room. I then got ready for bed. Then I played on my phone a little until my eyes would barely stay open so I got up to go to the restroom.

After that, I went to sleep at around 1:00 am or 2:00 am.

View of the mountains from our hotel room. Taken by me!

The view from our hotel room. Taken by me!

What is your favorite hotel so far? I would love to see your answers in the comments if it feels right to you!

Click here for Part 6!!!

The Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2019: Part 4

Hey, everyone! I just got back to Colorado Springs from the conference on July 27th. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the annual Chromosome 18p- conference this year. In case you are wondering, these are Thomas’s, Camilla’s, mine, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some related blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/07/06/annual-chromosome-18-conference-2018-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/ I hope you enjoy!

July 21th: 

I woke up around 11:00 am. I took my time eating brunch and getting dressed. It was around 12:00 pm when I finally went down to the lobby. I sat down in a comfy chair so I could text Camilla where she was in the lobby.

I saw Emmalee Bauknecht (an 18p- friend of mine; first attenders) and her mother while I sat there along with another friend who attends the conference every year. After a while, I got a message from Camilla saying where she was.

She was in the restaurant with Thomas and his friend, sibling, and Camilla’s friend. She ordered some french fries. I went to the restaurant to grab the water Camilla ordered for me.

Then I found a spot in the lobby that had a table next to it and had a good view of the lobby doors so I could see if Macy or Lauren came through the doors. It was a very comfy couch, I must say.

Camilla came to give me french fries that she ordered for me. The french fries were delicious. If you are wondering, I had them as a snack. Then I dropped off the french fry box off where Camilla was sitting.

I headed up to the room to look at the storm clouds a little better. After that, I came back down and sat down on a similar couch and a similar view of the doors. Macy and I messaged each other for a while.

I even took a selfie just for her. Around 4:00 pm before Camilla went to get nametags, she talked to one of her friends and I saw Macy’s father come into the hotel to check-in and get their hotel room.

Shortly after that, Macy and her sister, as well as her mother (one of Camilla’s friends), came in through the doors. Once I said hey to Macy, her family went up to their room with their things.

So Camilla and Thomas went into the conference registry room. After I stayed in the lobby for a minute or two, I went into the conference registry room and hung out in the entrance of the room.

I got a message from Macy asking where I was because she was in the lobby looking for me. She found me as I was about to go find her in the lobby and of course, we giggled at it (hint; giggling duo!). Camilla eventually came over to us.

Macy and I stepped outside to get our picture taken by Camilla. Then we went inside, Macy asked how to get to the outdoor pool so I showed her how to get out there. We went up to roam around the hallway floors and show each other our hotel rooms.

Right before Camilla and Thomas left to go to the Garden of the Gods, I thought I had lost the room key. So I asked the front desk for a new one using my phone; it was a major accomplishment for me.

Once Macy and I did that, we headed back up to my hotel room. We stopped by so Macy could glance at the indoor pool on the second floor. Afterward, we headed down to the lobby at 4; 00 pm to sit down and I took the opportunity to charge my phone.

I found a place nearby so I could keep an eye on my phone while I was sitting down. While I did that, Macy and I chatted some. Eventually, they again invited us to a restaurant.

This time there was a twist. It was a Mexican place instead of a pizza place but I didn’t mind just so long as Macy and I got to hang out some. So we drove there; Macy and her family arrived there first.

Of course, Camilla got lost but winded up finding it after a U-turn. So we headed into the restaurant and found Macy and her family. The restaurant was called Los Palmitas by the way.

I had some of the tortilla chips while I waited for food. I naturally had french fries. It was almost hard to stop eating them. Once we got back, the opening social had started. Unfortunately, I didn’t go because Camilla told me it would be loud.

So I just waited for Macy to come back but she had to go back out so she could get something at 7:00 pm. Just before 7:00 pm, we heard thunder and saw lightning. The thunder had scared Macy.

She was afraid the power would go out. Just in case, I put my flashlight in my bag. Right around 7:00 pm, it started raining. At around 8:00 pm, I went down to the lobby again. Most people were in the lobby again so I was able to hang out and be social at the very end of the opening social.

I even managed to show a few people the coloring page. I showed Lauren and Macy. They liked it a lot. Lauren’s mother, Macy’s father, and Macy’s mother saw it too and they liked it too.

I went back up to the room at around 10; 00 pm but went back down with Camilla around 11:00 pm. We spent 30 minutes talking and being social before heading up to the room.

I started getting ready for bed when I got nauseous. (Psst… I won’t go into full detail on this because it’s nasty stuff). I finished getting ready for bed and I played on my phone some before attempting to sleep.

I slept for only two hours before I woke up to Thomas being sick in the bathroom which made me sick. I immediately knew that the whole vacation would change. It wasn’t until 5:30 am that I got back to sleep.

A selfie of me! Taken by me, of course!

Me And Macy Reunited At Last! Taken by Camilla Downs

What is your favorite restaurant to eat at? I would love to see your answers in the comments if it feels right to you to answer!

Click here for Part 5. 

The Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2019: Part 3

Hey, everyone! I just got back to Colorado Springs from the conference on July 27th. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the annual Chromosome 18p- conference this year. In case you are wondering, these are Thomas’s, Camilla’s, mine, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some related blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/07/06/annual-chromosome-18-conference-2018-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/ I hope you enjoy!

July 20th: 

I woke up around 10:30 am feeling happy, excited, and relaxed. Camilla was making coffee using a noisy coffee maker the hotel had which woke me up accidentally. I didn’t mind though because I was very excited.

Shortly after that, I messaged Macy for a little bit. Of course, Macy messaged me first. We messaged each other for about an hour. I got upset over food, time & taking a shower while  Camilla and Thomas were getting ready to go out to a vegan restaurant around 11:00 am.

It took me about an hour to calm me down. Then I slowly started to eat but I got distracted and soon Camilla and Thomas were back in the hotel room. I took my shower and felt very proud of myself for taking a shower.

Camilla went back down to the lobby to eat her lunch and I asked her to take my lunch down to the lobby for me. So she did. I dried off until I was dry minus my hair. I got dressed and got my bag ready to head down.

After I did that, I went the wrong direction accidentally and I had to turn back. So once I found the elevator room, I hit the down button. Once inside the elevator, I pressed the “L” for the lobby. I was down very quickly.

There I saw Katie and her mother. She actually wondered when I would come down. After that, they went to check on their hotel room. I proceeded to sit down in the lobby to eat.

One of Camilla’s friends asked if I went swimming and Camilla said that I had just gotten out of the shower which was true. After she was done talking to Camilla, another one of Camilla’s friends (also a former DJ) with his wife came by to talk to us and so his wife could meet us for the first time.

I messaged Macy while the former DJ talked to Camilla. Of course, at one point, he noticed I was messaging someone and asked who I was texting. I told him, Macy and he said of course.

After he and his wife were done talking to us, I finished eating lunch then I went up to the hotel room so I could grab my sunglasses. Then I headed back down to the lobby so I could check out the outdoor pool and patio. Camilla went out with me the second time.

She headed inside the pool to talk to some of her friends. I went up to the pool to set down my water and bag but not my phone. During that time, thunder was rumbling. I said,” Don’t you dare rumble at me! Is that right?” at the thunder.

I immediately sent a message to Patty and Frank and took a selfie with the dark cloud. The lightning kept getting closer. When I left my room key in the room, I went up to grab it but I got caught in a downpour. So I took a shower outside kinda sort of.

I also took pictures of some flowers too during the rain being careful not to get my phone and book too wet. I saw a friend of mine in the lobby and she asked me if I was excited for Macy to come tomorrow. And I told her that I was with a smile.

Once I got up to the room, I got the room key and I watched the rain and wind for a minute before going back down.

Around 4:00 pm, I headed back up to the room and once I got up there. It started hailing outside. The thunder was nearly ear-deafening and the lightning was almost eye-blinding.

During that time, I attempted to Facebook Video Chat Patty and Frank (aka the Romano Duo) to try and show them the room. Of course, the wifi wasn’t cooperating right, the hail and the thunder made it difficult to show them.

I still managed to show them the room anyway. I messaged Macy to tell her two knock-knock joke.

After that and the storm calmed down, I went down to the lobby to see if anyone I knew was there around 4:30 pm. I checked my Facebook on my laptop.

Then I headed back up again until 6:30 pm. At 6:30 pm, we went down to the lobby to meet up with some of Camilla’s friends for a barbeque at one of Camilla friends’ mother in law’s house.

We got there and Thomas’s friends were there at the barbeque. Of course, I was a little bored with none of my friends there but I managed to still have a good time. We even saw a deer on the way back from the barbeque and it was standing still as there was a dog getting ready to chase it.

By the time, we came back to the lobby we were all tired.

Of course, I needed to find the restroom in the lobby. I actually had to ask Camilla to show me where it was.  After I was done, I went back to the lobby where Camilla was talking to her friends. It was about 2 hours that Camilla got done talking.

I got ready for bed and again I stayed up until my eyes couldn’t stay awake anymore. I messaged Macy before she went to sleep too. I went to sleep very excited about Sunday.

 

Selfie of me. Taken by me!

 

A selfie. Taken by me!

Flowers behind the hotel. Taken by me!

Flowers behind the hotel. Taken by me!

Rose Meadowsweet behind the hotel. Taken by me!

Roses in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Roses in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Roses in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Silverweed in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Roses in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Lilies in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Lilies in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Lilies in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Rose Meadowsweet in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

Flower in the back of the hotel. Taken by me!

What’s your favorite flower? I would love to hear your answers if it feels right to you.

Click here for Part 4…

The Annual Chromosome Conference 2019: Part 1

Hey, everyone! I just got back to Colorado Springs from the conference on July 27th. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the annual Chromosome 18p- conference this year. In case you are wondering, these are Thomas’s, Camilla’s, mine, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some related blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/07/06/annual-chromosome-18-conference-2018-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/ I hope you enjoy!

July 18th:

I woke up at 5:00 am but since my mother, Camilla bumped the start of the road trip to 7:00 am, I attempted to fall back to sleep.

But since I couldn’t sleep, I simply rested until 5:30am when Camilla came and got me. Then I got most of my last minute things to pack out of our bedroom.

Thomas woke up shortly after I did and used his supposedly 1 hour of free time to go to the restroom while I used mine to take a quick bath.

Afterwards, Camilla started packing up the car (we like to call her Rosie for her red color) which took approximately 2 hours.

Once we got in the car, Camilla went to our local Sprout’s grocery store to grab some ice packs for our 2 ice coolers.

Once Camilla was done, we were on our way to Colorado Springs. We went through Sparks, NV all way to Winnemucca where we stopped for gas and to go to the restroom.

At one point, we went through Battle Mountain. I also had some homemade trail mix at one point. The homemade trail mix had golden raisins, marshmallows, chocolate, cereal, graham crackers, honey sesame seed cashews, cashews, dried apricot, dried banana, banana chips, dried strawberry, and dried pineapple. I ate half of it.

After that, we went almost all the way through the border of Nevada/Utah but we stopped in Wells, NV to get our lunch from the back of the car, get gas, and go to the restroom.

After that, we kept going on the highway. We drove by Wendover and switched over to the Mountain Timezone (Yay!!).

Then shortly after, we started seeing the Salt Flats. Then about an hour afterward, we saw some small sections of The Great Salt Lake.

After some time, we saw the Great Lake. Then we went off the highway toward Salt Lake City heading toward Provo, Utah.

Although, we got stuck in some traffic jams & construction halfway through Salt Lake City. After we got through the accidents, we were almost to Provo, Utah. When we arrived in Provo, the hotel we stayed in was in view.

The hotel was Holiday Inn Provo River/Springville Area. So after we got some essential stuff we needed out of the car, we headed up to our hotel room. For a little bit, we settled down.

We eventually went to a nearby Denny’s for dinner. Once we got back, it was 2 hours later. Then I got ready for bed and went to sleep at 1:00 am.

I had decided to use one of the hotel pillows up under the pillow I brought from home and that was very comfortable.

I had messaged Macy who is a very close friend of mine throughout the first part of the road trip.

Me taking a picture of my shadow before the conference. Taken by me.

My painted toenails & its shadow. Taken by me.

Warming my feet up before starting the road trip and its shadow. Taken by me.

Toenails with my shadow. Taken by me.

My toenails decorated for the conference. Taken by me.

Me taking a selfie. Taken by me!

In Wells, NV at a gas station/rest stop for lunch. Taken by me!

Me on the way to Provo. Taken by me!

Me on the way to Provo, Utah.

Me in Provo for the night. Taken by me.

 

What’s your favorite trip you’ve ever been on? I would love to hear your answers if it feels right to you.

Click here for part 2…

Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2018 Part 7

Hey, everyone! I just got back from a trip to Baltimore for the annual Chromosome 18 conference. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the Chromosome 18p- conference this year. I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. In case you’re wondering, the links are Thomas’, Camilla’s, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some similar blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/ and https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

July 5th: 

I woke up with my leg feeling sore from dancing hard the previous night. Anyway, I got dressed and ate breakfast and got ready to go for a walk around the Riverwalk. Camilla, Thomas, and I walked for about 30 minutes.

Afterward, we came back hot, hungry, and sweaty. So we ate lunch and eventually went down to the lobby. In the lobby, we waited until 3:50 pm for a Lyft driver to take us back to the airport.

At the airport, I was bored so I Facebook Messaged Macy while I was waiting to pre-board the plane with Camilla and Thomas. Right at 6:00 pm, we took off for McCarran International Airport.

During that flight, I wrote a story called A Brave Girl. (Click on the link to read the story). Anyway, I had Fritos, juice, and water on the flight. I also played games, read books, looked out the window, and took pictures.

On the way there, I saw tons of halos around the sun and a magnificent Nevada/Arizona sunset which was amazing welcoming us to Nevada. I walked around without holding Camilla’s hand.

I even went to the public restrooms all by myself.

Anyway, at 8:30 pm, we had plenty of time to wait so we took our time this time. When we finally sat down, I Facebook Messaged Patty and Macy letting them know we made it to Las Vegas.

At 11:00 pm, we preboarded the plane again. The plane was an old Southwest Airline plane. Once we took off, I was tired but didn’t go to sleep. Before I knew it, it was 11:50 pm and we were hovering over Reno.

At midnight, we got off the plane very tired. The airport was surprisingly very quiet and empty.

I even managed to walk through the whole airport without holding Camilla’s hand. Anyway, we made our way back to our car. Once we got some things unpacked, we all got ready for bed.

That is the end of our enjoyable adventure.

Gorgeous Flowers.

Pretty pink flowers.

Amazing flowers!

Along the riverwalk.

A Brave Girl

Hey, everyone! I wrote this story on July 5th inspired by a daydream I had for a year. The character’s name is based on Macy Miller (a close 18p- friend of mine). I hope you enjoy!

Once long ago, there lived a young girl named Macy Helens who was afraid to fly on an airplane. One day though, her parents who were named Hannah and William announced that they were going on a family vacation but they needed to take an airplane to their destination.

Hannah had made a smart decision to use this vacation to help Macy get over her fears of flying. So Macy was scared but she knew she had to overcome her fears eventually. So Macy agreed to go. They left the next morning.

First, they went through TFA (The Fairy Association which is similar to TSA) and Macy wasn’t even scared but she was proud of herself. Macy handled the searching for a gate number, waiting, and the walking quite easily. The hardest thing was getting on the plane but she told herself not to look down.

It worked perfectly. Once they were about to take off, Macy was afraid of the steep incline that what she did was look out the window for familiar sights. Macy saw circular rainbows, a beautiful sunset, and a gorgeous sunrise as well. She was very impressed. Finally, their flight landed and Macy was very happy and proud.

Rainbow around the sun

Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2018 Part 6

Hey, everyone! I just got back from a trip to Baltimore for the annual Chromosome 18 conference. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the Chromosome 18p- conference this year. I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. In case you’re wondering, the links are Thomas’, Camilla’s, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some similar blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/ and https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

July 4th (known as 4th of July): 

I woke up at 9:00 am. Macy was hanging around on the 9th floor and when Camilla and Thomas were out of the room, I let Macy in. Anyway, Macy left at 9:30 am to go down to the 5th floor and again I took my time getting ready to go down to the 5th floor.

I went down at 11:00 am so I could hang out down there. At 11:30 am, the self-advocates went to lunch (I knew there was live music so I didn’t go). They got back at 1:30 pm.

So I went up and down until it was time for group pictures. It was pretty fun to do. Anyway, after the photos were taken I went up to my hotel room to get ready for the dinner and dance.

At 5:25 pm, I arrived at Macy’s door and she let me in. We talked in the hotel room for a little bit. At 5:48 pm though, we walked around the halls until 6:10 pm which is when we agreed to go down. At 6:00 pm, we found Katie and then we found Camilla.

Shortly Katie showed us the table my friends were sitting at. We both sat down and waited for our food to come. Once my food came, I ate most of it. Anyway, the music started when I was eating my chicken.

I went out to the dance floor the moment the song Let It Go came on. We sang along to it. Eventually, Macy joined the dance floor and we danced together. Around 9:15 pm, we went into the firework viewing room to watch a few fireworks.

At 9:30 pm, the real fireworks started. It lasted until 9:50 pm. Macy had to go to the public restroom afterward but there was a long line. So we made the decision to go up to Macy’s room so she could go to the restroom.

At 10:13 pm, we ran all the way to the elevators. We made it to the 5th floor at 11:10 pm when the last 2 songs were played. Here are some of the songs I danced to are  Y.M.C.A, Let It Go, and We Are Family. Anyway, after the last song ended we hung around talking and saying see you again soon before Macy and her family left.

We left shortly after that. I went up to the hotel room and got ready for bed. I went to sleep at 1:00 am.

Me waiting for dinner.

Macy and her family with Camilla and me

Macy and me with Macy’s father.

Me with Rebecca

Fireworks

The whole 18p- group.

See part 7 here

 

Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2018 Part 5

Hey, everyone! I just got back from a trip to Baltimore for the annual Chromosome 18 conference. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the Chromosome 18p- conference this year. I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. In case you’re wondering, the links are Thomas’, Camilla’s, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some similar blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/ and https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

July 3rd: 

I woke up at 8:25 am. Again Camilla called room service so she could order breakfast shortly after I woke up. At 9:23 am, Macy was outside my hotel room. Anyway, I let her in and I had already started getting ready to go down to the 5th floor.

So I finished getting ready quickly. Instead of going to the 5th floor though, we explored the hotel floors again. Eventually, Macy and I went into her hotel room and we hung out in her room there.

We sang a couple of songs from Youtube (luckily my throat wasn’t dry) before deciding to go down to the 5th floor. At 11:30 am, I went with Macy and Katie to listen to the pre-self-advocate panel in a certain room.

The pre-self-advocate-advocate panel was finished at 11:45 am for lunch. Macy’s parents weren’t out of a session yet so she asked if she could sit with me for lunch. I was perfectly fine with that.

I ate most of my lunch while waiting for Macy to get her water. I ate my dessert while waiting for Macy to get her dessert. After we both finished eating lunch, we went back up to Macy’s hotel room for a few minutes before heading back down to the 5th floor.

Macy and I hung out with Katie, Kaylyn Earl (an 18p- friend), Rebecca, Irene Mckay (an 18p- friend I’ve known), and Remy before my friends had to go to the certain room. Also, Macy and I got our photo taken as well. At 2:15 pm, Macy came out to take a break and I hung out before Macy and Rebecca had to go back to the certain room.

I went up to the room again until 3:00 pm when I went back down to the 5th floor. At 3:10 pm, Macy came out and we hung around the 5th-floor talking and giggling (or laughing, whichever you want to call it).

At 5:00 pm, I went down to the lobby with Macy to see Macy off for Self Advocate Dinner (didn’t go since it wasn’t my type of food). At 7:28 pm, Macy messaged me through Facebook Messenger saying she was on the 5th floor.

So I headed back down to the 5th floor right away. After that, we went up to my hotel room to hang out and talk until 9:50 pm. I decided to go down with her to right outside her hotel room and then I went up alone thinking and daydreaming (at night while awake).

Then I got ready for bed and went to sleep late that night wondering what would happen tomorrow. I was excited that the next day was the 4th of July. I went to sleep happy but tired.

Me and My friends

See part 6 here

Annual Chromosome 18 Conference 2018 Part 4

Hey, everyone! I just got back from a trip to Baltimore for the annual Chromosome 18 conference. This blog post is a summary of what I did at the Chromosome 18p- conference this year. I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. In case you’re wondering, the links are Thomas’, Camilla’s, and Chromosome 18’s website.

Here are some similar blog posts: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/15/my-adventure-to-surprise-part-1/ and https://lilliandarnell.com/2017/09/13/annual-chromosome-18p-conference-2017/. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

July 2nd: 

I woke up at 8:35 am. In just over a minute, Macy came up with Camilla. So I finished eating breakfast, put on clothes, and put the stuff back in my bag. The final thing I did was put on the name tag.

Macy asked if I wanted to explore the hallways of almost every floor of the hotel. Unfortunately, we ran out of time because Macy needed to be in a certain room at 11:00 am.

So we headed back to the 5th floor so Macy could go to the public restrooms around 10:50 am. Once Macy was in the certain room, I sat down for a minute before heading back up to the room. I came right back down at 11:10 am and we continued to explore the hallways where we left off.

At 11:30 am, we went back to the 5th floor. Once Macy was back in that certain room, I sat for about 5 minutes before going back up again. It wasn’t until 11:50 am that I went back down again.

At 11:30 am, I got stuck in line for lunch but managed to get out of line once Camilla got there. I wanted to sit with Macy but I couldn’t find her so I got out of the sunny area so I could not overheat. During that time, I Facebook Messaged Macy to see if she had finished eating.

Apparently, she was just finishing eating her cookie. So I waited and by 1:00 pm Macy found me with Camilla. So we decided to go up to both Macy’s hotel room and my hotel room.

Eventually, we went back to the 5th floor again. At 1:30 pm, Macy went back to the certain room. So I went up to the room again, I kept coming down though. At 3:00 pm, Macy snuck out of the certain room because it was too loud so we continued exploring the hotel floors.

At 3:30 pm, Macy went back to a certain room and I stayed down there until Macy came out at 3:45 pm and explored a floor until 4:15 pm when we went down to the lobby.

I had enough time to get my sunglasses and go back down to the lobby. So then I waited with other friends beside Macy. At 5:00 pm, we walked over to the Cheesecake Factory as a group.

Once the leader of this group announced we should be split into 9 groups. Macy and I offered to be in the nicest group.  The only thing was all of us didn’t want to wait. So we went to Build-A-Bear Workshop (don’t really care for the place) to wait. We walked back at 6; 00 pm and sat in 6 booths.

So we ordered dinner and I ordered apple juice, water, and french fries with some help from my friends. Some of my friends ordered dessert but I didn’t since I was full. Anyway, one of my friends helped with the math.

Once we got back, we all went up to our rooms so we could put our leftovers away. So once I went up to the room, I texted Camilla to see where she was. She said she was at the pool with Thomas.

So I went down to the pool to talk to Camilla. Anyway, I checked with Macy to see if she would go swimming. She was thinking about going swimming. She said she was getting her swimsuit on so I went up to the room to get mine on.

I came straight back down to go to the pool. I got in but it was too cold for me and for Macy it was too loud. I also tried the jacuzzi but the jacuzzi was too hot. So Macy went to bed and I went down to the lobby to see if there was any action happening down there.

I also stopped by the 5th floor to see if anyone was down there but there wasn’t so I went back up. I took a bath and got ready for bed. I went to sleep at 1:00 am exactly.

Cheesecake Factory. Borrowed from Google Images

See part 5 here