{31 for 21} Buddy Walk, Part 1.

Our Buddy Walk was Saturday.  While our early Down syndrome events, including the Buddy Walk, were positive but very overwhelming, this year's walk was mostly plain old fun.

If you are one of the moms or dads who reads this blog because you have a new little one with Down syndrome, I urge you to keep attending events like the Buddy Walk.  Seeing older kids with Down syndrome can be overwhelming, but meeting other families who are on this journey with you will prove helpful down the line.  I also urge you to bring your friends along, so they can get a real picture of Down syndrome, and because everyone likes a moon bounce!

This year, Team Ellie raised $1020 for the DSANV, and enjoyed a morning of walking (for those who know how), a bounce house, and of course, meeting my buddy Chris Burke, aka Corky again.  We relaxed and the grown ups chased babies/toddlers, who seemed just as happy to run around in the grass as to greet Elmo or pet baby animals.

Here are a couple preview photos.  I'm sure I'll post more throughout the week.  The week ahead will end with a marathon on October 28, so expect some running-related posts coming up.

Pre-walk fueling up.  Also known as tackling each other for snacks.

Just because it's her Buddy Walk and we're there for Team Ellie doesn't mean she'll stay awake.

Sing it with me... Obla Dee, Obla Da, Life Goes On, Oh, La La La La Life Goes On!