First Post from Transplant Games

SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2008 10:16 PM, CDT
Our trip so far has been nothing short of amazing. Thursday night after we checked into our hotel in Milwaukee, TMJ4 came and interviewed us for a follow up on Rece. They covered him quite a bit after Rece's tx in 2001 and even came to his 1st birthday party. The story aired that night on the 10 o'clock news.
The next morning we got to the airport and met some of our teammates. Some of them recognized us from the news the night before. What a bunch of wonderful people! We obviously didn't prepare Jack for the flight because he thought we were going to have to jump out of the airplane. And of course, Rece was amazed by the airplanes lavatory. His exact words after opening the door for the first time, "WOW!" Then he proceeded to visit it 3 other times during the 1 hour and 30 minute flight. Thankfully, the boys were right across the aisle from the bathroom.
Our hotel is absolutely beautiful. Our room overlooks one of the rivers and a bridge leading to PNC park. Once we got situated and got a bite to eat, we met up with Team Wisconsin at the Convention Center a few blocks away for team pictures and registration. Everyone received pins and the kids are enjoying trading them with members of other teams. It's a great way to meet other people.
Team Wisconsin met at a picnic area in PNC park for a tailgate party, Pittsburgh style. Participants of the TX Games attended the Pirates/Cardinals game. What a difference compared to Brewer games! Much more subdued, not nearly as much music, dancing, cheering, fan participation. Despite our efforts at starting the wave, we failed. Definitely not like a Brewers game. Nonetheless, it was a great time and very much appreciated. Rece got a Pirates hat signed by their pitcher, Zachary Duke. A young boy had won it in a drawing and gave it to Rece. The fireworks after the game were amazing! They were shot from a barge on the river. I got some cute pictures of the kids during the fireworks (hopefully, I'm able to get them on this website soon).
Today we visited the Carnegie Science Museum. We toured the SS Requin and watched the Wild Ocean in the IMAX theater. I think most of us napped through half of the movie. The dark room , reclining seats and cool air were too much for us.
I'll write about tonights opening ceremony later. I'm so exhausted, I can barely see the screen and I'm still so emotional I really wouldn't be able to see the screen through my tears too.
Take care and thanks for checking in on us.
Hillary and the gang