NYC and Lehigh Valley Buddy Walks 2016

In September, we headed to NYC for the NDSS #NYCBuddyWalk 

This was our 2nd trip to NYC for Buddy Walk (we went back in 2014), and Porter's 2nd time on the big screen in Times Square. Thanks to Erik and Kelly, Devan and Porter's love was on display for all to see.

We had a great time in Times Square and had an adventurous day in the city...the kids saw some characters in Times Square. We got to ride a school bus through the city, which is an experience in an of itself...our trip from Central Park back to Times Square included a stop on a narrow street due to a disabled vehicle that our bus driver and a few other Buddy Walkers from the bus in front of us literally picked up and moved out of the way so we could continue. 

We walked in Central Park. Porter, Penny and Nana had a blast! Many thanks to Nana for making the trip with us...I couldn't have done it on my own!

The next weekend, we Buddy Walked in the Lehigh Valley with Devan's Designer Genes. 

These two! They're game changers for sure! Love seeing them together!

Again, Nana joined us to make the day possible, while Daddy stayed home with croupy Pax.

This year, our buddy Evan also joined the team. Porter was so happy to see two of his favorite people in the same place. The Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk has so many fun things for the kiddos to do! They always have an amazing day at the Velodrome!  The sun was shining and spirits were high as we spent a day with some amazing friends celebrating some amazing kiddos!

 

Tomorrow, we'll Buddy Walk for CHOP at Villanova. We can't wait! Praying for good weather and safe travels for all our family and friends who will make the trip to join us. It's our most favorite day of the year! 

Calling our Peeps!

We're one month away from CHOP Buddy Walk. We'd love for you to join our team!

Visit Porter's Buddy Walk Page for more information!

These two hope to see you there!

Thank you so much to everyone who has and continues to support Porter's Peeps in the CHOP Buddy Walk!

The Down Syndrome Diary

I finished my entry for the Down Syndrome Diary in July. It's a project started by a mom from the Detroit area who has a goal of providing more than just medical information to those who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis. By sharing our stories, the hope is that others will gain knowledge and find support through our community. The original diary has been to ten countries and is close to complete. There are six new diaries making the rounds and I had the opportunity to share our story in one of those!

 

  

Here is what I wrote:

Thanks always for following our story and supporting Porter! We are so thankful for our village!

August

Where did you go August? I can't believe today's September 1st! Here are some quick highlights and random thoughts from our past month...

We enjoyed a month off from swim season, but still tried to enjoy the pool when we had time. 

We used our time to refocus and unpack. 

Porter started a 12 week course of outpatient OT at CHOP. 

Penny ditched the training wheels on her bike.

Pax slept through the night a few times.

We got to know our neighbors a bit better thanks to our neighborhood block party.

The kids loved playing basketball in the driveway.

We made it to the Schuylkill County Fair for the first time in years...so glad we made it!

My HS girlfriends still make my world a better place.

I don't know what I'd do without our support system of our parents, sisters and brother-in-laws, daycare family, friends and village!

WE MISS THE CARTYS DAILY! AND THE KIMS too!

Putting the water table on the back deck was one of the best decisions we've made here.

We went crazy for the Olympics!
Pax started singing along to songs in the car. His current favorites are Crocodile and Dino Dig from our Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band CD. 

We did a 5K to support Sebastian Riding Association...we hope Porter will start riding soon.

Pax's ear checked out great post-tubes!

Porter jumped in muddy puddles and made my co-workers smile. 

We went to a Phillies game with Papa and our friend Evan's family...so fun!

Penny had her first sleepover, had a great Nana-day and started cheer-leading.

We love LuLaRoe.

Everyone was happy to have Uncle Chris in town for a few days...it was so nice to get the Villanova crew together!

There's never a dull moment here with this crew. They keep my hands and heart full.