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!