A Gathering of Our Hearts

Kid's Menu Choices

2010-07-15T12:01:00.001-04:00

Sorry I had to call and get everything! Here are kid's menu choicies:

4 Regular Wings
4 Boneless Wings
4 Grilled Boneless Wings
Pizza
Grilled Cheese
Chicken Tenders
Cheeseburger
Hamburger
Mac-n-Cheese

Sides:

Jello
Applesauce
Fries
Carrots

Meals come with kid's drink

For those who haven't yet please get me your orders. It really will be much better for everyone if we have those ready when we walk in the door. We all know how hungry kids can be!!

It's getting close!

2010-07-13T09:01:00.002-04:00

This Friday is the big weekend. I am so excited to see some of you again and meet some of you for the first time ever.

Those of you attending dinner Saturday night please go to the Quaker Steak and Lube website here and look at the menu. I will have the children's & tweener (bigger kid portions) menu up later this morning. Please e-mail me your orders for dinner by Thursday morning. I need to have to time to get them all together. I am assigning each family a ticket number. With that ticket number will be your orders for dinner. When we arrive to the restaurant I will give them to the manager so they can get our orders started immediately. This will make is much easier on everyone and will reduce the chaos from last year from hungry children. Please send me your order via e-mail: agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com or message me on Facebook.

I will also be e-mailing everyone that needs them the directions to each location. The only place we will only need to drive to will be the zoo which is only about 15 minutes away. Everything else is right there near our hotel.

I am also making name tags for everyone to wear. It would be nice for those of who are "new" this year to know who everyone is. We have 11 families coming and most I do know especially due to Facebook but a few I do not. For those of you I haven't met yet I just want you to be aware I can be a bit shy. I know a shy person throwing something like this, crazy huh? Because of the smaller group this year I will definitely be able to talk to everyone which I am very excited about. There were so many people it was hard to get to know everyone.

For those who purchased zoo or ride tickets meet me at the will call window at 10:15. I already paid for them I just need to pick them up. I know there are only a few of you.

I can't wait to see everyone!!! Hopefully I will have some great news about our Travel Call for our son in South Korea on Friday. A girl can hope can't she!

Just some last minute info!

2010-06-28T10:21:00.003-04:00

Please, please make sure you register if you are planning on attending any of the events next month. I need all that information for final counts for everything. Right now we have 15 families attending the events.

Also those of you that plan on coming to the zoo Saturday morning we have the option of getting discounted ride tickets and souvenir cups. The ride tickets are usually $8.00 but we are able to get them for $5.00. Click on the link below for information about the rides. Some of the rides the younger kids are not able to ride. Also we are able to get souvenir cups for $4.50. It includes free refills throughout the day. I will need money for those ahead of time since I need to pay for them to pick them up. Please let me know by Friday, July 2nd so I can get the final count to the zoo.

http://www.columbuszoo.org/plan_your_visit/guest_information/rides.aspx

I had a very hard time finding a restaurant willing and able to handle our large group. I finally made reservations at Quaker Steak and Lube for dinner Saturday night. Please note the new location. There is a link on the blog for the restaurant. Please check out the menu and let me know the week of the even what you would like to order. As I have mentioned before I have assigned a number to each family. As soon as we arrive at the restaurant I plan on letting the restaurant know our orders so they are able to get our food out to us right away. We will sitting outside on the patio!

http://www.quakersteakandlube.com/Columbus_OH/

For those of you that live in the area

2010-06-25T09:11:00.002-04:00

I know there are like 5 families that live in the area that are thinking of attending some of the events for our weekend get-together. Please click on the link in the previous post and fill in the registration form. It will help me get a better count for the events.

Registration form

2010-06-17T09:05:00.005-04:00

Please click below to fill out the registration form. Fill out after you have made your room reservation.

Click here to take survey out registration.

Just the last minute details

2010-06-17T00:41:00.004-04:00

1) For those of you who plan on attending and staying at the hotel please get your reservation in as soon as possible. I have 15 rooms held until June 25th which is next Friday. After that the rate is guaranteed but only if they have availability. I can add rooms if need be. Please let me know via e-mail or Facebook that you booked your reservation.

2) Those of you that are attending the Friday night fun I will need your money ahead of time for dinner. It is so the pizzas are ready for us when we get there at 6:00 so we can have plenty of time playing. I am confirming the meal prices with Magic Mountain (just making sure tax is added in right). Right now it looks like it will be $4.00 for the 2 slices of pizza and drink meal and $5.50 for the 3 slices of pizza and drink meal. I did add in the tip so I just give them one lump sum when I pay and you won't have to worry about it after. Just let me know if you want pepperoni or chesse. Please feel free to visit their website and decide how you would like to purchase your play time. You can do the 2 hour unlimited or pick star program. Those of us with small kids please note the height requirements on some of the attractions.

3) We will be doing lunch on our own at the zoo outing. There are tons of options there for lunch. For those of you that plan on attending I will also need your money for the zoo tickets. Our discounted price is $12.00 for adults and $7.00 for kids 2 and up. I can collect cash ONLY from you at the gathering if you would rather. Please note: I will NOT give you any tickets until you pay me. For those of you with zoo memberships check to see if it is a reciprocating zoo. You may be able to get your tickets half price there at the zoo. Regular zoo tickets are $12.99 and $7.99. I do know that Cincy is one. We also have ride tickets available to us for $5.00 instead of the normal $8.00 price. If you would like one of these let me know. I need to know for sure regarding these since I will have to pay for these ahead of time.

4) I did try calling Red Robin for dinner Saturday night. Unfortunately the manager laughed at me (not in a mean way) and let me know there is no way they can handle a group our size without basically shutting down the restaurant while we are there. We will be having dinner at BJ's Restaurant which is right near the hotel. They have a HUGE array of foods & a somewhat private room. I am checking with the manager but I believe to help them with our big group and help us get our dinner faster than last year I am going to assign a number to each family. Then you can let me know what you would like to order and I can let them know ahead of time so they are prepared.

5) I would LOVE for us to get a group picture this year. If you all are up for it I would love to meet at the zoo so the kids are not wild, crazy and impatient like they were last year. I can dream can't I! Let me know what you think.

6) Most of you registered for the gathering last year. I want to make sure everyone registers and I have final counts and names. I am getting the form ready for you to fill out and will post in on here tomorrow. PLEASE fill it out if you are coming. It is my responsibility to make sure everyone is not only accounted for but safe while there. I need to know who people are who are attending!

7) If you any suggestions or comments please let me know!!

Rooms are ready!

2010-05-27T09:57:00.003-04:00

I have held 15 rooms for now. If we need more I will add on more.

Families can secure their individual reservations by:
1) Calling 1-800-HAMPTON or 614-885-8400 and refer to the “A Gathering of our Hearts” group block.
2) Log online to www.hamptoninnpolaris.com and use code, GOH, in the Group/Convention Code field.

Again our rate is $99 a night for 2 queen beds with breakfast included.

Let me know if you have any problems. Can't wait to see you all!

Updates Below

2010-04-28T16:45:00.004-04:00

The hotel we are staying at is the Hampton Inn at Polaris Mall. Our rate is $99 a night for 2 Queen beds. The rate includes breakfast each morning and there is a huge indoor pool. For those of you that are arriving Friday we are doing pizza & crazy fun at Magic Mountain at Polaris. It is 1 mile from the hotel. The rates are on the side but you have any questions let me know. As soon as I have the group rate I will let you know so you can book your rooms.

Saturday we are on for the zoo. I am trying to figure out lunch b/c the zoo charges way too much for food. It will be $8-$10 per person which personally I feel is crazy. We are trying to arrange to get sandwich trays from Subway which should be about $4.00 per person but I will let you know as soon as I find that out.

Saturday we are doing our dinner as a big group. I put a poll up for you to vote which restaurant you would like to eat at. Being that I changed to all adoptive families I don't anyone to feel left out. If you are not on Facebook please vote so I can add in your choice.

Thanks for being patient with me guys!!!

Please let me know!!

2010-04-20T23:20:00.001-04:00

Heather let me know the hotel I was looking at is in a very unsafe neighborhood so I am researching a few others. I will have a definite location for you guys this week. I am trying to find a place with a waterpark or a nice, big pool to contain us all for a great rate. I am really wanting to make this as affordable as possible for everyone to attend. I need to know how many of you are planning on attending either via facebook, blog comments or e-mail. We are having an outing at the zoo with us all getting together for lunch. I need a somewhat count so I can figure out what our discounted rate is. If we get 100 people for the zoo outing we get an awesome discount, free parking and free shelter rental. But we have to hit that 100 mark.

I am getting the logo finished up for t-shirts but was also wondering how many of you were planning on buying one. I am going to make this a separate fee so people don't feel obligated to purchase one if they don't wish to.

Help please!

2010-04-13T09:52:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delay but we are adopting a baby boy from South Korea and have been rushing around getting things together.

We will be staying at Fort Rapids in Columbus. It has a waterpark like last year. I know everyone liked that we could go there any time during our stay so I had to do it again. And guess what?! They do a nightly dance party for the kids on Saturday night. Saturday we are doing a trip to the zoo and I am arranging to have lunch there. The meals are $4-$5 depending on what we get but considering what you would pay eating there anyway I think it is a good idea and a way for all of us to get to know each other before dinner that night. If any of you know a good restaurant near the hotel please let me know. I will taking a trip to Columbus soon to check things out.

I want to get t-shirts made this year but need some help finding please to design and print them. This get-together is for all adoptive families not just Guate families. Quite a few of us have or are adopting from other countries. I thought a heart design would be good! (Get it!) I thought if we could put flags from all over the world in the heart shape it would look really cool.

E-mail me at agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com if you are planning on attending so I can get a room count to start with.

2nd Annual--A Gathering of Our Hearts

2010-02-02T19:25:00.002-05:00

The 2nd Annual event will be held July 16th-18th, 2010. This year it will be held in Columbus, Ohio. I am researching locations now so any ideas would be great. I am thinking of having it at Fort Rapids Waterpark and having a day at the zoo or COSI. If anyone is interested in coming please let me know either via comment or e-mail: agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com.

Everyone will have to register to attend. I know some people last year did not register and I let it slide but this year it is a must!! It is in the interest of the families & children attending that this is done. I need to make sure everyone will be safe that is attending!!!

I will be collecting money ahead of time for t-shirts. Any ideas of where to order from or logo ideas please contact me via e-mail.

I will also need some help with some things if anyone is interested. I did it all myself b/c honestly I had no clue what it would entail to hand out jobs. Hopefully there will be more families attending so I will definitely need help!!!

Please let anyone you know about our eventl. It is not just for Guatemala families but any families whom have adopted.

I hope to see all of you there that attended last year plus many more!!

Tomorrow is the day!!

2009-07-16T17:50:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the day for our weekend get-together. I am so excited and think I have all the goody bags together. Check-in time is at 3:00 & I plan on being there close to that time. The schedule is on the right of the blog. I will make sure that everyone has a goody bag with the museum passes in them. You will need to have these to receive the discounted rate when you pay for your ticket. This is NOT your ticket to get in. Please call me if you do not receive one. My cell number is on the registration form you filled out.

I will see most of you tomorrow & the rest of you on Saturday. Woohoo!!!

Still need registration forms

2009-07-08T11:29:00.004-04:00

I received the list from the hotel and I have room reservations and no registration forms or have never heard from these people. Please contact me asap via e-mail so I can get you the registration form. If I do not receive your registration forms by Sunday you will not be able to join us for the museum or dinner. I only have reservations for those that I have registration forms for.

Krista Schoster
Veronica Morris-Seales
Kathy Lekic

Deadline is Friday!

2009-07-01T11:05:00.004-04:00

The deadline for room reservations & registration forms is this Friday, July 3rd. Please get me the registration forms asap so I have a final count for the museum trip & dinner at the restaurant. Below is a list of the families I do have a registration form for. If you do not see your name let me know via e-mail at: agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com and I will send you the form. Even if there is only one event you are attending I still need a registration form from you.

Watson-3
Foster-4
Roberts-3
Ray-5
Hill-4
Cimoch-3
Gregory-4
Hagerty-3
Wilson-3
Trost-4
McCarthy-2
Stanley-5
Shank-3
Velasquez-4
Koenig-3 maybe 4

Where is everyone?

2009-06-22T12:37:00.002-04:00

We had 46 families inquire & we only have 14 that are attending. Please let everyone you know who is attending that I need to get a count together.

Update: The Friday rate is $129 not $102. The $102 did not include access to the waterpark.

Getting close!

2009-06-17T00:01:00.002-04:00

I am so excited the gathering is next month. I have heard from about 20 people so far. If anyone else is attending please contact me as soon as you can at agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com. The deadline is July 3rd b/c I have to have a final count for the museum & restaurant reservations. If you are attending & have not received the registration please let me know & I will send to you.

I can't wait to see all of you!

E-mail Addresses

2009-05-07T21:06:00.002-04:00

If you are attending the get-together & I do not have your e-mail please send it to me at: agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com. Please give me your first & last name so I can add it to my list. I need everyone's e-mail address to send the registration form. I am sending to all the ones I have so far so if you don't get it it means I don't have it.

Getting excited!

2009-04-24T16:58:00.002-04:00

I am getting so excited for our weekend get-together. I keep getting more people who are coming. I know some of you have an agency get-together that weekend as well. You can still join us for whatever you like. We would love to have you.

I am still getting things together for our dinner Saturday night. The hotel is trying to charge us $10 a person for pizza and drinks which I think is crazy. There is a mexican restaurant right next door we can walk to that says they have the room to take our big group. I am still working out the details about dinner. We are either going to do some kind of buffet or just do a sit-down dinner and let everyone order what they want.

I am also getting a registration form together that I would like you to fill out if you are coming. It will help me with the final counts for dinner and the museum since I need to make reservations for both places. I will include my cell number on the form so you can call me if you can't make it at the last minute or get lost for any reason. I will post it as soon as I get it together.

I can't wait to see you all!

Our Hotel Rates are in!!

2009-02-24T14:04:00.003-05:00

FYI: I wanted to clarify. You have to call the hotel and tell them you are with the group 'A Gathering of Our Hearts' to get the below rate. It includes access to the waterpark on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

I just talked to the sales manager and they are giving us a great deal on rooms. Friday night the rate is $102.00 & Saturday night it is $129.00. We can also use the waterpark all day on Sunday. They have locker rooms & bathrooms so you can change. There is also a parking lot right outside the waterpark so you don't have to walk through the hotel.

She said to give her 24 hours so they can get in their systems. The number to call is (317) 872-9790 and the block of rooms is under "A Gathering of Our Hearts". They have 2 double beds in each room. They do have roll-a-way beds but you will need to request that when you are reserving your room. Any questions let me know.

One thing down!

2009-02-23T12:10:00.003-05:00

I just spoke with the hotel. They told me that the families that would like to do the waterpark it is $20 per person/wristband. She said it is first come first serve. The waterpark is open from 9:00 am-10:00 pm on the days we are there. If any of you will be doing this let me know. I can set-up a paypal account and you can send me the money for the wristbands. I can purchase them for you since we will be staying there so you don't have to rush to be there.

Also, I have spoken to them about using a banquet room for dinner one night. There is a price of $250 for set-up and clean-up of the room. We will just do pizza which they will bring in for us. I was trying really hard to not have a registration fee but with so many families coming it will be a little difficult. Right now for the cost of pizza, drinks & the room it is estimated at $6.00 per person.

I can also find out about using it both nights. Maybe just do sanwiches the next night if they offer it. I am putting a poll up. Let me know if you would rather do Friday, Saturday or both nights.

Waiting, waiting, waiting

2009-02-22T22:28:00.002-05:00

Several of you have e-mailed me wanting to know if we have gotten a discounted rate. I e-mailed the hotel and they will give us a discounted group rate. I am now waiting on them to return my phone call and let me know what it will be. Several have also asked if they are able to just do the waterpark since they live nearby. I have left a message about this as well. I know have a count of 35 families interested in attending. Any of you on Facebook I created an event on my page called 'A Gathering of Our Hearts'. If you would like please confirm you are either attending or may be attending. I thought it would be nice for every else to see who all is attending. I know a lot of us are friends on Facebook but to know who is actually attending would be great. Hopefully I will find out tomorrow the discounted rate.

On another note we are getting a discounted rate at the Children's Museum but I do have to make a reservation a few weeks before letting them know how many children & adults who are attending. That is why when you know you can attend I need this information.

I can't wait to see you all there! I am overwhelmed with how many are attending.

Holy Cow!!

2009-02-11T23:16:00.002-05:00

I have been working on Cameron's birthday party on Saturday so I have not been on the computer in a few days. I just went and checked all the places I left information on the get-together and we are up to 28 families. I never expected this. I thought maybe 10 families at the most.

After Cameron's party is over this weekend I am going to get everything finalized as best I can. I have only heard from a few families that definitely plan on attending. I will let you know as soon as I get the rooms blocked and what the discounted rate will be.

I can't wait to see you all there!!!

Roll Call

2009-02-08T00:35:00.004-05:00

I have made a list on the blog of people that are either coming or are interested in coming. If you know for a 90% fact you are planning on coming please send me your e-mail address at agatheringofourhearts@hotmail.com. Also give me your kiddos names, ages and a total that will be coming for your family.

I have most of your blog sites but having your e-mail to get to you directly would really help. Also some people have left comments of wanting more info. but their is no e-mail or blog site in your comment. Please leave those so I know who you are.

Wow!

2009-02-08T00:26:00.003-05:00

I can't believe how many people have already said they are coming or are interested. I am so excited. I found out we can get a discounted group rate for the Childrens Museum. I am calling the hotel on Monday to find out if we can get a discounted group rate on rooms. Right now the rate is $185 a night for the waterpark rate. I think I am going to block out 20 rooms for now and see if we can add on later.

Right now we are planning to do the following things:

1) Have dinner Friday night at a kid-friendly restaurant. Obviously with this many of us we will probably have to make reservations or get a private room. If anyone has suggestions of close kid-friendly restaurants either leave a comment or e-mail.

2) Go to the Children's Museum on Saturday. Again we can get a discounted rate but I have to put in a reservation.

3) Right now the rest of the time playing in the waterpark. Hannah says there is some close good shopping but that is up to you.

I really want this to be very laid back and relaxing for all of us. I know some of the get-togethers have things planned at all moments but I would like to be realistic when it comes to our children. If you have any suggestions about other things to do let me know. Pass this info. on to anyone you think may want to join us. I know some people aren't on Facebook or are blog staulkers like the rest of us. I am getting so excited to finally see some of you in person and not in Blog or Facebook Land.

Our first post!

2009-02-05T01:07:00.000-05:00

I just decided that maybe it was time for another yearly gathering of adoptive families. Every one I have found so far is at least 10 hours away or longer. We really wanted to attend Guatoberfest this year and go on the cruise but it was just too expensive. I started this group with mainly families from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois in mind but if anyone else wants to come you are welcome. I am trying to get an estimated number together so I can block out some rooms and get a reduced room rate. We are doing our 1st meeting at http://caribbeancovewaterpark.com/ in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was trying to find a place that was somewhat central and not too far of a drive from all the great friends I have made from the wonderful world of adoption. Right now the only event planned is to go to the Childrens Museum on Saturday the 18th. If you have any other ideas you would like to see happen let me know. I would like to have dinner on Friday night but it depends on how many people attend to figure out where. Please e-mail or comment and let me know if you would be interested in attending.

Please keep in mind this is my first year doing anything like this so any pointers are helpful.