Members Speak: Summer 2009 "YES!" Moments
Coordinated by Kathy SObesityHelp.com Support Services Associate
Bariatric University-Bariatric Coach
Have you ever had a moment in your journey where you just said "YES!"?
Over 50 ObesityHelp.com members chime in on their Summer 2009 "YES!" moments.
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I had a tummy tuck and lipo of the side flanks...that's a summer "YES" moment! To be able to get to that wonderful place where you are finally able to have the surgery. It's amazing. I had wondered if I would ever get to that point...and I did...this summer! - Submitted by tonjasm |
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My yes moment was when I went to Kings Island and I rode the rides. It has been 18 years since I could ride. I felt like a teenager with my hubby the whole day. I walked the whole park quite a few times it was awesome. - Submitted by IAMASWEETHEART44 |
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I had my brachioplasty this past December, so this summer was full of firsts for me. I wore so many cute sundresses, halter-tops, and sleeveless tops for the first time with confidence. It felt great!!! I am SO happy with my brachioplasty!!! Looking cute in all my sleeveless tops was indeed a "YES" moment for me! - Submitted by sboyd1 |
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I spent 2.5 days in an indoor water park in a bikini (and out of it - nude parts of the park - it's Europe after all!) !!!!!!!!! And.... I looked better than 2/3 of the women there - even with my scars - WOOT!!!!!!!!! - Submitted by cbhjr98 |
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My biggest YES moment of the summer was training up to the point of being able to run for 4.5 miles without stopping! Of course, it took more than a month of training, starting out with "run for 30 seconds, walk for 5 minutes," BUT I DID IT!! It made me feel so awesome to achieve that--to feel so good about myself, and my tremendously improved health! - Submitted by Waterwench |
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There have been so many! The most recent one was driving to South Carolina in a minivan with my family, and being able to climb to the back bench with no problem! May seem small, but there is no way I could have done that before. - Submitted by niffer1283 |
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I've been having lots of great moments this summer, since I'm down 139 #'s! A big one for me was while showing property in the country, we walked the property and a storm came up and we had to run up a hill to get to the house. I didn't even miss a stride, kept up with everyone and didn't even breathe hard!! I loved it! - Submitted by tnslpsher |
| I have had lots of Yes moments the most recent was flying to Texas to visit my son and having lots of extra seatbelt left, completing a 4 mile hike in a cave 800 feet below the ground and not getting winded! Life after RNY is GREAT! ! - Submitted by armymom1998 |
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| I just visited my brother and his family in Maryland...we all went to the beach...I just had my surgery June 29th and lost 35 lbs so far, but not enough to wear any less than a t shirt and Capri's to the beach...my niece kept bugging me to go in the water with her...I told her I promise next summer when I come to visit I will go in the water with you with my swimsuit on...this is going to be the last summer I am going to dread! That is a great feeling. - Submitted by cocoa12 |
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My biggest "YES" moment this summer was traveling to Mexico with a group of teachers. Not only could I participate in all of the walks and hikes, but I could fly with extra space in my seat, have a customs official ask if my passport was really me, and the best of all is that I now wear the same size clothing as my sister (a person who I has always seen as "normal"). - Submitted by Beanzo |
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HITTING MY GOAL!!!! Whooot hoo! Also wearing the cutest sundresses I thought I would NEVER, EVER wear. - Submitted by gottaspin77 |
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I went to Orlando for a convention, hubby met me there and we did the Disney thing. The WOW for me was that I actually went on any of the rides I wanted. I didn't wait to see if I thought I would fit in the seat or not go because I didn't think I would. I also bought my first jean skirt this summer and am wearing it! - Submitted by doreenh |
| My husband wanting to take me everywhere to show me off, and younger guys trying to hit on me! - Submitted by skinnybeach |
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I am 4.5 months out of RNY and have had quite a few "YES" moments. I am down about 136 or so and My life has totally changed.
1. YES moment. Every time me and my wife and kid share 1 meal and the bill is under 7 dollars. (instead of 30-40 like before WLS) |
| I just have to say that I am amazed by you all and can't wait to experience some of the stuff you have mentioned :) - Submitted by Farmerswife |
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I too have had quite a bit if yes moments as well. I was able to knee board (while getting my ass out of the water in the middle of the lake) which I have not done in years. Flying and not needing a seat belt extender. Having a lot of room in my seat on the plane. Walking Las Vegas and not die. (left the hubby in my dust) LOL The way I feel about ME! That is just a few for me. Thanks to weight loss surgery. - Submitted by kunkelm |
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My top TWO WOW moments this year: 1. Meeting the love of my life and getting married! 2. Fitting into my first SIZE 8 jeans EVER!!! (pics on profile) - Submitted by jcheryld |
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This summer....for the first time in yeeeeears--probably over 10 years.... 1. I got into a bathing suit! (And, I even liked how I looked!) 2. Didn't sweat my butt off all summer!!!! LOL YaY me! YaY RNY! - Submitted by Hunniebear |
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I have loads of wows from this summer! Going to Vegas and sitting down at a blackjack table with 4 strangers (all guys) and have them smile and 2 of them ask me if I will bring them luck. They were all treating me as if I were this diva or something. OMG me???????????? Surely you must be joking! Flying with my son to Washington and noticing the seats must have grown and the seatbelts must be getting larger :) Getting out of the women's shop....nothing fits me there anymore!? - Submitted by iisme |
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Now that I am almost 180 pounds lighter, I have begun dating!! I spent far too many years being morbidly obese and basically hiding from the world. I am enjoying getting out now and meeting new people. Hopefully, I will find someone special to share my life with. - Submitted by Laura8603 |
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I decided at the outset of this summer that I wanted to move 100 miles per week under my own power. I walk and I bike regularly and sometimes I go kayaking or canoeing. All of those activities require some form of self-propulsion. Since early May I have walked 20 - 30 miles per week and biked 70 to 150 miles per week. I have only kayaked a little bit and I haven't gone canoeing yet. So far I have moved at least 100 miles under my own power every single week. My weight has dropped only a few pounds, but my waist and thighs are smaller and I look more fit than I have looked since I was in my early 20s. Last Thursday I rode my bike 42 miles in under 3 hours, including a 15 minute rest stop. YES!! - Submitted by rickpete |
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After losing more than 90 lbs since my surgery January 14th, this has been the best summer of my life! We put in a pool this summer and I spent every weekend IN A BATHING SUIT having pool parties with my family and friends and not feeling ashamed to wear the suit. I actually had a photo taken in a swimsuit for the first time since I was two and my parents took a picture of me in a little bikini. I was able to say YES to cute little sundresses from the REGULAR stores in a size XL or a 14/16. I wasn't ashamed to have my arms showing for the first time. I was able to go to several concerts with my husband and not have my hips bruised when we got home from being crammed into seats that were too small. That felt so good! And, just tonight, I went for a 1 mile jog with my 10 and 13 year old sons. This was something I will never EVER forget! It has been an amazing summer for sure! I feel like I am living a whole new life! - Submitted by erin_akey |
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Last year, about this time I had my psych eval before surgery. He asked me what I'd like to do in a year. I told him I wanted to ride a bike. GUESS WHAT I DID YESTERDAY!!! I rode a bike!!! It was so fun! I wasn't even sore today like I thought I would be. What a difference a year (almost) can make. - Submitted by on2anewme |
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I have had so many "YES" moments this summer I am sure I can't list them all...But here is a few... I went from barely being able to walk, and having to pull myself up stairs, to being able to walk miles without pain. I got rid of my C-pap and can sleep in the same bed with the DH without him having to wear ear plugs. I have went from a tight 26 to a size 14, so....I put on a swim suit and hit the beach I don't know how many times this summer. I started going to our neighborhood pool...I no longer feel like I am the beached whale sitting out there, and mistakenly get harpooned. LOL And I am very very excited to go on vacation this month and do quite a bit of hiking around Arizona. For the first time in years I am not worried one bit whether I can do something or not...whether it be hiking or ride a mule into the Grand Canyon (no way) My life has just totally changed. I have a whole new zest for life, and just want to be outside living it. I sure am glad at this point I live in Texas...it means more outside time during the year. To all considering WLS...do it...YOUR WORTH IT! - Submitted by idgett |
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I did this: http://fattyfightsback.blogspot.com/2009/08/doing-things-i-couldnt-do-before.html - Submitted by MacMadame |
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Took a vacation. Went to Santa Fe, New Mexico! Actually, enjoyed having my picture taken! Was able to wear a size 8 for the first time ever!!! - Submitted by dw45 |
| I bought a bike and rode one for the first time in at least 30 years, and am still enjoying it thoroughly...fit into a size 6 Esprit skirt...and am enjoying wearing skirts for the first time I can remember without having to wear bike shorts or similar underneath to prevent the dreaded thigh-chafe! - Submitted by Ros-mari |
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| My first victory since surgery was in Costco. My husband could not find me. He looked and looked, going up and down the aisles. Finally he found me. It seems that from the back I don't look like his wife anymore. He was in the same aisle as I but did not recognize me. Wow....a man who's been married 44 years didn't know his wife when he saw her!!! - Submitted by cutepuppy |
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| My YES summer moment, was riding my dirtbike!! Yes....I said Dirtbike! I bought one last summer and had decided that was going to be my reward for losing weight. At that point, I was still unapproved for surgery, and thought I'd be going the rode well travelled alone, yet again. But..'lo and behold, I was approved for surgery, and had my surgery on June 17th. I'm feeling great and down 67lbs. (45 pre-op). My husband was so happy to see me on the dirt bike, I thought he'd pee his pants!!! LOL. Hopefully, I'll get good enough to ride a street bike and get my license. - Submitted by carebare |
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I stopped snoring... I became a HEALTHIER person... I became a HAPPIER person... I found the will to be a BETTER person... I reconnected with my wife... I changed my outlook on everything... I saved my own life... - Submitted by larry_g |
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My own summer YES moments - Hiking - conquered that old summit that I haven't been to in almost 20 years, twice ! Cycling - bought a bike, found I loved it, put on 1100 km in 3 months (100 km in one ride !) Flying in an airplane - went to see my son - a year ago I would have had to pay for 2 seats ! Rafting down a river - water was warm and clear, very relaxing and fun; 1st time in 25+ years ? Canoeing and Kayaking ... still to come, later this month ! Speaking about my WLS experience at an Info Session for other potential patients (little ol' me at the front of the room ... crazy ! ) - Submitted by ridge_redhead |
| My favorite "yes" moment came last night at the movie. I had to get up to go out, aaaallllll the way down the aisle, since I was in the middle of the row. When I came back, had to climb over everyone's feet, and for the FIRST TIME, it was easy to do without touching them with my huge rear end and almost falling backwards. I didn't feel conspicuous at all, like I used to when I was fat and like everyone was talking about me behind my back. What a wonderful feeling to be able to do that! - Submitted by thin1soon |
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I fit into the bathing suit I'd bought but never fit into! I walked around in the thing! My body is far from perfect and so what! I'm not bad looking for a 54 year old chick! - Submitted by SunburyGirl |
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Where to begin? Went to the beach with my 19 year old daughter and someone thought we were sisters, seriously! My DH gave me a motorcycle for Mother's Day and I ride it all the time and don't feel like a whale on it. Bought a size 14 jeans and was unable to wear them in about 3 weeks, had to move down to 12 and 10's this past week! No longer have high blood pressure either. Have enjoyed so much more this summer, camping, walking, biking. Just being social for the first time in years when I was hiding myself from the world. I could go on and on...best thing I've ever done in my life! - Submitted by Marci C |
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My very best "yes" was yes to getting into a size 8 swimsuit. Hard to believe, but it happened. Now I'm not embarrassed to wear a bathing suit or have people look at me. - Submitted by Kathy G |
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My summer yes moment was when I was able to get into a size 16 pants and zip them without laying down on the bed or floor. lol. I toast to many more yes moments to come in 2009-until our journey ends. - Submitted by cdawson0425 |
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I had two "YES" things this summer: 1. I got my Rotorcraft Rating (see pic) 2. I went water skiing again; something I was very good at but haven't been able to do for many years (see pic). Here I am after skiing; exhausted but happy as I can be (see pic). - Submitted by Kerry J |
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While I was putting together a Green Machine for my kids this summer, the directions said "For anyone under 180 pounds." Realizing that this actually included ME, I hopped on took it for a spin myself after it was built! (see pic) Of course I let the kids all have a turn first! Lol! Submitted by Lori Black |
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We had a pool party and there were about 20 people there. Some were close friends, some were friends of friends and employees of my hubby and their kids. I would NEVER have walked around in a bathing costume & skimpy cover up and eat at the same time before. I would have been conscious that everyone was looking at the fat girl eat AGAIN!! Now they all marvel at how often I eat and that I wear a size 6 bathing suit. I played water volleyball with everyone in the pool, sat in the hot tub with a SF margarita and gossiped with girlfriends and ate the most gorgeous rib eye steak!! that for me was the pinnacle of summer!! Sorry, don't have any pics though!! too busy have a great time. - Submitted by yorkieGal |
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Putting on the size 2 clothing I wore last summer and it fits perfectly this summer--or is loose!! Sitting in a seat at our favorite outdoor concert venue and having to adjust myself because I'm too bony to be comfortable but I CAN adjust and scootch around in my seat BECAUSE THERE'S ROOM! Buying cheap patio chairs with 250-lb weight limits and realizing TWO OF ME COULD FIT IN IT!! Becoming a true foodie and cooking like a chef AFTER WLS... For dinner the other night I cooked bacon-wrapped monkfish in a white wine beurre sauce with chorizo risotto and--because I can only eat so much--was stuffed after half a plate of food ... HOWEVER ... a couple of hours later I was ready for my Blue Bunny NSA Turtle Sundae cone... My God, how I love my DS!!! - Submitted by Melissa Mermaid |
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I can tell you one thing I didn't do -- I didn't sweat so much that my glasses slipped off my face! I didn't complain that our house was too hot for the humid southern summer. I even turned the A/C temp UP a few times, or slept with an extra blanket! My husband and I have traded roles; he's sleeping naked with the just the sheet on top of him, and I'm wearing long-sleeved full-body pajamas and shivering! Went to my friend's house for a barbeque, and spent a few minutes chatting with her husband, who I haven't seen since just after my surgery. He did not recognize me. He introduced himself and asked me my name. I said, "Bob, it's me! Erika! Our kids play together all the time!" He was so embarrassed, but I was thrilled! #1 Wore a bikini. #2 Wore a bikini and felt comfortable in it. #3 Wore a bikini, felt comfortable in it, and looked fantastic! - Submitted by geberika |
| I finally got the will power to say I will no longer be overweight.....and my husband and I walk every night together. So now next summer I will be able to say I wore I swimsuit with no tee-shirt....WOOOOHOOO - Submitted by shellmc2004 |
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Seatbelt fit much better on the plane. I looked and felt much better in swimming suits, not feeling like it was a sausage casing! - Submitted by Cheryl N |
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I still have about 40#s to lose, but I sure have enjoyed losing 122#s and feeling like a new person. I put on a swimsuit and went on every waterslide I could...and had a blast!!! It was no problem climbing all the steps all day, because I work out faithfully 5 days a week. I also rode a coaster for the first time in at least 10 years. The lap bar wasn't even close to my stomach. I climbed in every kiddie ride I could with my 4 year old and didn't have to worry about the buckle not reaching. In the kid water park they have these play areas with ropes and tunnels and I tackled every one with my little guy. Life is Good! - Submitted by Sherie H |
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I have had many "YES" moments this summer! I went on a plane and didn't have to put the armrest up next to me. I was able to keep my butt on my own seat. I was able to get into an old swim suit that was a 1X instead of the 3X with a cover up! I got out of the size 20's+! I am able to play with the grands! - Submitted by pineview01 |
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One of my proudest "yes" moments was when I went to Las Vegas in June. I went to the hotel swimming pool and wore a bathing suit. I didn't wear a t-shirt, or a towel around me. I felt good enough about the way I look that I actually walked around the pool area in my bathing suit!! It's a great feeling! - Submitted by melly37 |
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It's only been three months but a HUGE yes moment for me. I realized after walking from the parking garage to my desk that I wasn't gulping in air and feeling like I was going to faint. I was actually breathing normally. - Submitted by ktunnell |
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Not wearing a black bathsuit this summer, not feeling like the biggest person on the beach. Having a new wardrobe of clothes I enjoy wearing. Use to be 28-30, now wear 18's and they're getting baggy. It's a good summer for me! - Submitted by Virginia H |
| Getting approved for lap band in June and having Lap band August 19 YES! ? Submitted by frcmac |
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| Went on my first real vacation with my son and some old friends from high school and their families. I wore a bathing suit most of the time there, laid out by the pool, swam and floated. I wasn't self conscious once about the bathing suit which is saying something because we were probably always surrounded by 20 or more 18-21 year olds. Nice and relaxing! - Submitted by O2BThinAgain |
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Fitting in the airplane seat was a HUGE deal! I didn't have to pull the seatbelt to the loosest position - I was able to tighten it! Yay!!! - Submitted by keen3732 |
| One of my Summer Wows is that I have started riding a bike again. I ride the bike for 12 miles during the week and 30 miles on the weekend. The best part is now I can almost keep up with the person I ride with and he used to ride his bike everyday for his job. So he is fast with riding the bike. What has made it even better for me is I recently saw one of the doctors I worked with up to about 6 months ago and he asked what happened to the rest of me. So that had made my day. Even though I have only lost about 20 pounds since the last time I had seen him. - Submitted by tinkerinky |
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I actually have more than one, I'll ramble them off as I think of them: *I don't have to yank down the legs of my shorts as I walk! My thighs hardly even touch anymore! *I went canoeing for the first time this summer, something I never would have attempted before! *While canoeing, I allowed my picture to be taken in a bathing suit, and didn't try to hide! *My feet aren't touchy and sore anymore, so I can wear flip flops just like everyone else! This has been my best summer ever! I owe it all to my RNY! Life is good! - Submitted by pennynurse |
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My goodness, there have been so many YES moments this summer...where do I start. YES, I bought my first ever 2 piece bathing suit...and I display it proudly at the beach! I try and get there a few times a week...which leads to the next YES moment...I have a great tan this summer...another thing that I have not experienced in years (Maybe that is why my skin looks so good, LOL) My biggest YES...I hit my goal!!!! On August 4th, 2009 I stopped worrying about losing, and starting thinking about maintaining. On August 6th I bought my reward outfit, and that is on my blog if you ever choose to look! I have learned so much about myself through this experience. I have learned that I really like saying YES to going out dancing. I have learned that I really like to say YES to going for walks. I like to say YES to buying myself things, whether I really need them or not...I have learned that YES, I am worth it! I think the most important Yes's that I have learned tho, is to say YES, I am full, satisfied, fulfilled....Happier than I have EVER been!!!!!! YES TO EXPERIENCING LIFE!!! - Submitted by aniduff |
| Since having WLS in 2006 and recently having a brachioplasty done, for the first time in well over 30 years I went sleeveless. It is going to take some time getting use to showing some skin, felt almost naked with my arms exposed but great none the less. - Submitted by sel |
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My yes moment was purchasing my very first swimsuit ever in 39 years! Although the trip to the water park was canceled due to the weather, I looked really cute in my swimsuit that morning. I have since bought two more swimwear outfits since they are on clearance at this time and I was able to get them at bargain prices. I do plan on going to the beach and/or rescheduling the water park adventure so that I can flaunt my swimsuit. - Submitted by: Faith T |
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This is going to sound funny....maybe even weird... I have been in a 3X swimsuit for about 15 years. I had actually "grown" out of purchasing at Wal-mart to the more expensive stores for large women...NOT THIS SUMMER!! I walked straight into Wal-mart...I couldn't find a suit to fit me ....UNTIL.....I went to the little girl's department..yes, that's right ~ I wear a 10/12 in the little girl's department. From 3X (size 24 womens) to Little Girl's 10/12 ~ that's a hell'ofa jump I would say!! I am 2 1/2 years post op, no plastic surgery and love'n this summer time!! Maybe next year I can talk about the nice set of hooters that I will purchase that will bring me back to the adult size swimsuits!! LOL Thanks for letting me share!! - Submitted by PuggyDawn S |
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Well my big yes moment was wearing my bikini out in public for the first time in 20 years. I have worn it all summer long now and feel just very liberated. I hit goal late spring and feel so good about my accomplishment. Another first was hanging upside down and swinging on the monkey bars. Not since gradeschool! It was so much fun! - Submitted by MelissaM39 |
Share your Summer "YES!" moment below. We want to hear from you.
Watch for Kathy's sticky posts next month, where she will post a brand new Member Speaks question! ♫
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