Sunday, October 19, 2008

Buddy Walk

Today was the Buddy Walk. First of all, THANK YOU to those of you who donated!!! You helped us raise $100! Thank you, thank you! That means so much to me.

The Buddy Walk was a very emotional experience for me. I can't quite express it the way I would like to, but just seeing so many people with Down Syndrome in one place, their lives being celebrated.....was just a beautiful experience. It was especially meaningful that Ava was more than a picture pinned to our shirts this year. I couldn't help but think of all the other kids like her in Ukraine and other countries that would never see an opportunity such as this. Here she is getting her Buddy Walk t-shirt....
My good friend and former roommate got to be a part of it too. Thank you Jennifer for coming.
The whole fam.....
The walk....Jennifer (walking next to the stroller) never misses an opportunity to see the humor in a situation. She pointed out the comedy in the people passing out gatorades halfway around the track, as if we were running a marathon instead of walking once VERY SLOWLY around the track.
I wish I knew what was going through Jude's mind as I was taking this photo......
There was lots to do and each kid had their favorite. Here's a Corvette that I never would have noticed had it not been for my son pointing it out to me:
My animal lover enjoyed petting the ponies
My snake lover (Jude) enjoyed petting the snakes
My little nurturer enjoyed holding a baby kangaroo (and yes that kangaroo is wearing a diaper!)
Ava loved riding on her daddy's shoulders....Watch out for those sharp fingernails, Dad.
And my 2 personal favorites of the day: Ava signing "horsie" and having the opportunity to ride one in real life....
And all the mini Snickers and Hershey bars won for me by my kids while playing "toss the toilet paper roll in the toilet". Let's hope they don't get any ideas for home.

13 comments:

Kelsey said...

I'm so happy for you that you got to do your first buddy walk WITH Ava! It must have been an incredible day for you guys.
Love the pictures.. I can't believe the kids got to hold a baby kangaroo! How cool is that?

WheresMyAngels said...

I've been missing my Ava fix.

Love those photo's, what I wouldn't have given to have Aysha holding the kanga. It was so funny the other day because she thought a dead deer was a kangaroo.

Looks like you had a great time.

Marlita said...

Sorry to have missed it. We would have enjoyed spending the day with you.

mom2four said...

wow, looks like the kid had SO much fun at a GREAT event!! So what are you guys doing this friday?? Maybe you could come out??

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful. An awesome picture of you and your crew at the buddy walk. Looks like everyone had a great time.

Pan Cratius said...

YOUR blogspot lightens up CyberSpace. I get dark and depressed reading MSM news...and then when I get to your corner, I smile inside, and it spreads to the outside. Thanks

Qadoshyah said...

That must have been great to be able to have Ava with you on the buddy walk! What a great family picture!

We made it to the walk, but really late (we had some car troubles) . . . as they were doing the raffle. Hopefully we can make it next year for the whole event . . . and maybe meet your family in person :).

~ Qadoshyah

Dalene said...

Let me just say that you and Jennifer look EXACTLY the same as you did in college.

jennifer... said...

It was a such a special day!  My favorite "Buddy" moment was playing with a balloon with Ava.  I'd never thought to lick one before watching her, nor had I thought it so hilarious to bounce one off my head. 

My name is Sarah said...

Oh that snake was so scary. I am glad you got to ride a horse.

datri said...

Great pics! Love that kangaroo!

Amy said...

What a great family event for a terrific cause! I have been slacking on reading blogs lately - it looks like you have been busy!
Sorry that Jackson did not work out for you... but maybe there is another little four legged "angel" that is meant for your family!

Best wishes!
Amy

junglemama said...

Aww, the kangaroom is so cute. What an awesome event!