"Today was the happiest day of my life," said Sam

It's hard to believe that this magical weekend has come and gone. This event was planned months ago and now it's over. What a wonderful trip it was. For those who don't know, I managed to get Sam to a taping of his beloved "The Price is Right". He absolutely loves this show and all the people that are involved, most especially, Drew Carey. I had submitted a letter (click here) to someone at CBS and they eventually contacted me. Little did I know that it had gone through 3 different people before it got to Gina, a producer for the show. She was kind enough to see to it that Sam got his wish.

We were initially scheduled for the morning taping of the show but Gina called and asked if we could do the afternoon taping. We didn't care as long as we could go. It turned out to be a blessing because at 6am on Monday, Sam woke up and had a small seizure. Here we were worried about him having a cold! We didn't even think about a seizure! We were panicked! We did get him to eat a bit and he rested and he acted fine! Whew!

We had driven around LA that morning, picked up some lunch and went back to the hotel to get showered and ready. Sam wore his Sunday best and Abby wore a cute pink tutu skirt. I just told them we had an appointment. We walked to the studio, as it was just across the street from the our hotel. We checked in at the security gate and went to the Artist's Entrance. There we waited for a CBS page to come get us.

Sam waiting in the lobby

The page came and announced, "So you are here for The Price is Right?" Sam jumped up and said, "WHAT!" We were then lead down a hall into the back stage of the set. We saw the wheel, cars, prizes, etc. We then met Gina & I was near tears. I couldn't express how thankful I was for this opportunity. We sat on the left side of the stage in the 2nd row. The studio is much smaller in person. All the audience members were filing in and being seated. We all got name tags and we so excited for it to begin. The first person to come out was Rich Fields, the announcer for the show. This is who Sam wants to be for Halloween this year. He got the audience excited and gave instructions. Sam then proceeds to raise his hand to ask a question.

"Yes young man?"
"So, how do you get up on stage?"
"Just come up these stairs, right here."
"Ok. Thanks."
"You are looking sharp today in your suit."
"Thanks."

It was then time for Drew Carey and out he came! The audience went crazy, as did Sam. I think it was hard to believe that he was really right in front of him. Drew talks to the audience a bit. The show begins and players are called. We had so much fun yelling prices and cheering. Our hands hurt from clapping so much. During the commercial breaks, Drew would go to each section of the audience and chat with random people. During one of those breaks he came to our side.

"Hi Sam, how are you doing today?
"Great!"
" I see that you are dressed up. You are looking sharp. Stand up and show everyone. Turn around."
At this point, Drew walks down the stairs and Sam introduces all of us to Drew and he shakes our hands. He then gave Sam is microphone and they chat a bit.
"Why don't you tell your dad to "come on down."
In a quiet voice, "Todd Weinreb, come on down."
It was hilarious!

We finished out the taping and had a great time. We were then escorted backstage where we were able to meet Drew. He is so very kind. We got to go on the stage and take photos, as you can see below. We then got Sam's hat signed and Sam presented Drew with a little art project that he had made at school. It was a corrugated piece of cardboard that had a cut-out of Drew Carey's head. I wish I had gotten a photo of it. Drew got a bit teary eyed and was so grateful and loved it. We just had the best time. Sam kept saying, "I can't believe I was on The Price is Right!" It was something we will never forget.

Sam meeting the models

Sam hugged all the models

The whole crew

Looks like Sam knows exactly what he's doing

A big hug!

This photo was taken the same time Drew had one taken with his cell phone and he twitter Sam! Click here for the link.

Sam & Gina, the producer who made this possible!

After the show, we walked over to the Farmer's Market to hang out and eat. Two different people recognized Sam. They had both been in the audience and were so excited for him. We had such a wonderful time and are ever so grateful for this "once in a lifetime" chance.

We were not supposed to do video but I got this much: