ChloeWatts.com

Saturday, July 4th

July 6th, 2009 Posted in Daily News Post

Last year on the 4^th of July, Chloe, Dana and I spent the evening on the atrium on Emanuel Hospital watching the fireworks. Not a bad night for us but this 4^th beat that one hands down!

A couple weeks ago we heard about Vampire Baseball coming to town as a fundraiser for Make A Wish kids. This was to be a game by some of the cast and crew of the Twilight and New Moon movies. Chloe is a wee bit of a fan…. Like a MEGA FAN maybe!!!

The event sounded like a great idea but we weren’t sure if it was a private event. Dana called her contact lady to see if there were tickets. She didn’t think there were so we pretty much let it go. Then on Thursday Dana heard a bit on K106 and asked me if I could research it for her while she was at work.

The online ticket prices were quite spendy so I emailed the Make A Wish website people and asked if there were any discounts. “We’d love to have Chloe join the other Make A Wish kids at this event. We’ll leave four tickets in will call for you.” Thank you Laila!

When Dana told Chloe she was in shock. It’s hard to get her speechless but I understand this was the way. She probably didn’t get much sleep Friday night.

Saturday morning I arrived at the house by 7:30 am and EVERYONE was up and ready to go. The game didn’t start until 9 am so we had plenty of time to find good seats. After a few circuits around downtown to find the parking garage we took a stroll on the deserted downtown streets to the PGE park where the game was to be played.

It was our first time in the park so I called Laila to ask where we were sitting. The tickets looked like the fourth level. No answer, so I asked where the Make A Wish kids were sitting and they pointed to the sunny seats right behind home plate! Not bad. We might even be able to see some of the cast up close and personal… or at least within camera range.

Laila showed up and we made our introductions. She gave Chloe a button with her name on it and told us that in about 20 minutes we would all be gathered up to go to a private room under the stands. There, the Wish Kids would be given a gift packet from the cast, and we would be able to meet them all. Chloe and Colin about fell out of their seats. Dana was blown away as we never expected this. We were just there to see a fun time game.

In the room there were about 10 Wish Kids and their families and friends. Laila prepped us for the cast who were to arrive soon. We made introductions all around and then the first cast members arrived. Then more arrived. The room was full. The two top stars weren’t there but Dr. Carlyle was, along with Rochelle (Victoria) and Eddie the other bad V.P. and Chloe will have to fill you in on all the names. She’s the one who has seen the move over ten times…. Me, only once.

All the stars met Chloe and most had pictures with her and autographed her book and 8×10 glossies. I say the stars met her but actually She became the start when word circulated that her wish was to go to Washington and meet Pres. Obama. Rochelle wrote in her book “Your wish is my favorite.” And she’s Canadian. (Just a side note. Both Dana and I recognized that Rochelle’s looks, actions and personality matched my youngest daughter, Crystl, to a tee. Crystl is also an actress.) Dana says Rochelle is as sweet in person as she is Bad in the movie.

Dana says Chloe was “Over the Moon.” When you see the pictures on the website you’ll understand. Her face hurt from smiling so much. And Colin, he loved the fact that there were a bunch of 16 year old girls around. He made a good impression in the room as well.

When the V.P. Game started we were shuffled off into our own box dugout. Talk about great seats! We were also out of the 95 degree heat of the day. The game proceeded as any group of non-players would, and it was a ton of fun. A few of the cast had never even held a bat before. It was all Crazy but funny and fun.

The kids couldn’t stop talking about it for the rest of the day. I had to go home to take care of Kitty who just had surgery, so the rest of their 4^th of July was spent out on the hill at Bridlemile Elementary watching the neighborhood fireworks. So much better a venue than we had last year at this time.

If you asked me I’d have to say that this was one successful 4^th! Chloe still says meeting Dave Ramsey was extra special… but I think this was a VERY CLOSE SECOND. I’m dying to see where she places President Obama on the happy list.

Hope you all had a happy 4^th and continue that throughout the rest of the year!

Blessings,

Ron