Last Sunday, October 9th, we participated in the Atlanta Buddy Walk. We've been every year but one since Ethan was born and it's always a highlight of our year! I have a lot of photos of the boys because we do have such a great time, so I hope you enjoy them!
The boys started off the day dancing to the music. This year the event took place in downtown Atlanta at Olympic Centennial Park. This is where a lot of the festivities during the 1996 Olympics took place - including the bombing. Jason used to work right across the street from the park when we first moved here and it's where you will find CNN, the Atlanta Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the Children's Museum, to name just a few attractions.
Here the boys are wrestling. If only you could have heard the laughter! I love that these boys enjoy each other so much - at least for the most part.
And Jason is such a great dad, always getting down and playing with them, even when he is hurt and should be just resting. I know these boys will always remember their father fondly from their youth.
We were lucky enough to find our friends, the Bowen's (in blue), in the crowd of hundreds.
Then it was playtime in the great play area.
Ethan was holding up the line. He loves to sit at the top of the slides and then push (in a helpful way) everyone down. Both Jason and I had to climb up there and pull Ethan down.
Wyatt, of course, doesn't have that issue. This kid never rests.
From the park to the bouncy's!
Then over to the water area.
Jack wanted to walk all the way around the pool on the ledge and of course Wyatt had to follow.
Here are a few photos from Jack!
Let the walk begin!
I always get a bit emotional when I'm surrounded by all these families going through the same thing we are. Our first Buddy Walk was when Ethan was almost 9 months old and it was the first time I really felt at peace with his diagnosis. I finally felt good about what was in store for us, as I looked around and saw all the other families with kids of all ages just living their lives. It was my A-HA moment. And while we've had our ups and downs over the past three years, I realize what family hasn't?
Ethan has brought so much joy and love and compassion into my life and I know I'm a much better person, mother and caregiver because of it. He has taught me a lot and tried my patience a lot but I know that we will both be the better for it.
He has come so far in the past year. He's walking independently everywhere and his talking is improving everyday. And in another week he'll start going to school all day, two days a week. Our little guy is growing up so fast!
It was a long, fun day!
We really enjoyed having Grandma share the day with us!
At the end of the walk all the kids get medals for their participation. We had such a great day.
I want to give a great big thank you to all those that participated in my Shop For A Cause event with Willow House. Because of your generosity, I was able to donate $150 dollars to the DSAA.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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