Lots of Familiar Faces, Matching Shirts, and "Definitely the Frosted Glass!"

The girls had come up with a design for our Buddy Walk shirts and on Saturday night after Sharaya's party we all put on our shirts and surprised Beth with hers. Then in the morning we all headed to The Buddy Walk at the zoo.

The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 and raises money for programs for people who have Down Syndrome. There's hundreds of walks throughout the U.S. and even in a few other countries. They had vendors, and Star Wars characters and lots of things to see and do.

We walked around for a while looking at the animals. You automatically got into the zoo free when you registered for the Buddy Walk. 

Beth's back began to hurt so Chuck got her a wheelchair. She'd walk for a while, then ride. Then walk. I think we all ended up pushing her at one time or another.

Then the actual walk started (we followed a path they had set up through the zoo.) 

At the end, every participant with Down Syndrome got a medal. They're all so excited, it's such a happy event! A local high school football team held directional signs and interacted with the families.

After the walk we all headed to Red Robin, Beth's favorite restaurant. Of course we all sang to her. That's the best part!

Then home for cake and presents. Sharaya and Diana made the cake the day before, while I was at the Holiday Market. One of Beth's best friends was able to stop by for a few minutes.

Cheryl is her 'Bestie'

While Sharaya took Ally home we let the cake settle for a while, then we headed off to the Rock Box. It's a karaoke bar! Beth has sang karaoke for more than 10 years. We had our own private 10x12ft room and the staff member came in to show us how it all worked, how to choose the songs on the ipad, how to turn on the strobe lights... then he says, "You guys are in a unique room because you're on the end near the street. This button here turns on the sound so everyone outside can hear you. And this button turns off the frosted glass, see? So you can sing and dance if you want and everyone walking by can watch you." 

Hahahaha! No.

We had so much fun though! On the drive downtown, not knowing what to expect, we talked about singing a few songs then we'd leave, but we ended up spending the entire two hours singing and laughing! Didn't matter who had the microphones, we would all sing. It was really fun!

Diana flew home early the next morning and that was the official end of the celebrations. We had such a fun weekend. I think it took us all a few days to recover! 

31 for 21 - It Was Our First Time

Today was the Puget Sound Buddy walk! I think it's been held here for 16 years and this was our first time attending. We didn't know what to expect, certainly didn't expect all those people! It was fun! So many yellow shirts. So many more almond eyes.

I didn't see many adults with Down Syndrome. We didn't have a team or collect money this year. I wonder if it would be more fun if we did? I mean, we did have fun, but it was just the 4 of us. Chuck and Diana met two families who actually lived here in Edmonds; part of the time Beth and I sat by the stage and listened to the speakers.

We were in downtown Seattle, right under the Space Needle. This picture is about 20 years old, but it will give you an idea of where we walked. If you follow down the Space Needle (don't look to the right of the base, but below the base) there is a carousel, roller coaster and a few other rides. Well those aren't there anymore and that's where we all met. We then walked out toward the fountain (to the right of the stadium.) We walked around the fountain, following the tree line, then around the actual fountain and back to the start.

 

 Everyone gathering to begin walking.

There were so many people!

 

 

One of the speakers was Eliza. She went through all the hoops to get into college, then was told she couldn't attend. They told her college wasn't right for her. So her family moved to Washington State and now she's enrolled in college! Her basic message was "Believe in yourself! Don't give up on your dreams!" 

 

After her speech, we got up to go sit back with Chuck and Diana. All of a sudden, they started playing The Climb by Miley Cyrus. You bet Beth made a u-turn, sat back down and began to sing and rock out to the music!!

 

  

Hoopla

This is gonna be short and sweet. There's been a lot going on but I'll write more later.

In the last few weeks there's been a company picnic, doctors appointments, a day at the fair, the prom, a tenure award and Special Olympics bowling.

The next couple of weeks - a short visit to see Chuck's mom and sister, another doctors appointment, the start of a small group and the Buddy Walk!!

For the first time ever, we're taking part in the Buddy Walk! We've been wanting to do it for years but it falls on a Sunday and we're usually volunteering that day. But this year, we got someone to cover for us, I'm so excited about doing it! Can't wait to see all those beautiful faces! We don't plan to have a team, we just want to be a part of it. Go there, see what it's like. Find out what all the hoopla is about. :)