World Down Syndrome Day

Common Ground Park

Several weeks ago I posted pics from opening day at Common Ground park. I now have more pictures that are a bit better. We've been back a few times and here are pics from those visits.

Pictures at Hollis Gardens

These are pictures I took this past weekend at Hollis Gardens. In March of 2005 Keith and I were married there. It's such a beautiful place. Unfortunately, there were two weddings there this weekend, so it was difficult to get the pics of the girls I wanted. Thankfully, when Keith and I were married we were the only wedding of the day.

Disney

These pics are from February, I'm just very behind at getting pics from the camera to the computer. A family friend came to town with his family. So, while Keith was home sick I took the girls and my parents to join the Gavin family at Disney. Here are a few pics.

Mom and Aubrey on Dumbo

Mom on the Carousel

Bailey Blowing Kisses and Aubrey in Back Pouting

School and Dad

Last week I attended open house at Achievement Academy. It went great. I'm so excited that Bailey has the opportunity to attend classes there. She'll arrive at school each morning at 9:00am and her day will end at 2:00pm. It's so funny to think of our little girl going to school. She'll have circle time, arts and crafts, she'll learn her ABC's and 123's. She'll also receive her therapies there. School starts in August! We just hope she is one of the few children able to attend.

Dad had his appointment with the doctor Monday to receive his diagnosis. He's been sick since 2005. The diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. He was apparently hopeful that he had something that could be treated, but when he asked the doctor they told him there isn't a treatment option for Vascular Dementia. It's just so sad to think of him still having hope, and now, it's just been taken away. He will gradually decline, and I honestly thought I was okay with that, but now that we've received a diagnosis I find myself in tears each day. I'm sad when I think about my girls not having their grandpa around forever. I'm worried about how Aubrey will accept the progression of this disease. How she will understand what is happening. Now, I just pray for my mom to have the strength she'll need, and for my dad to remain as upbeat as possible and enjoy his family. They'll be joining us in just a few weeks on our cruise, and I can't wait to share this time with them.

Tricia

Down Syndrome Advocates Lobby on Capitol Hill

I just thought I'd share this with those who aren't aware of the events in DC last week. A very sincere thanks for those who attended and were the voice for many families like ours.

Disability News

Trish