Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas 2013

Well, we didn't get our Christmas cards mailed in time, but we had a lot of fun.

  

Halloween Eve

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Thanks for always doing fun stuff with me!

  

Buddy Walk Love

The 2013 Buddy Walk was the most fun one yet. It was a typhoon-y kind of a day, so there was a last minute change in venue and most of the festivities took place indoors. 



The weather didn't seem to keep anyone away, though. Team Book Buddies and Pen Pals (aka Team Literacy Launch Pad) was Number 2 in fundraising overall, with a final total topping $2500.

Team Anthony didn't do too shabby either, raising over a thousand dollars and some awareness. 

As always, the day was full of fun, friends, and adorable kids.

 Like this one.

And this one.

And especially these ones.

Thanks to everyone- near and far- who shared the day with us.

Today is October 1st, which means it's Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I just don't think I have it in me to participate in 31-for-21 (a blog post every day of the month) this year, but for what will surely be some memorable writing and photos, I recommend you head over to Leah's blog and follow the adventures of our friend Cora, starting with her take on the Buddy Walk.

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful Wife!

12 years ago today, I uttered the smartest words of my life - "I do." I'm so deliriously lucky to spend each day with the love of my life. Susan, thanks for a truly delightful dozen! Happy Anniversary, Baby!

 

Hello, Fall

His version of a bear skin rug.

Let the rains begin!

Gently Down the Stream

Summer's not over yet, so last weekend we headed out on our first family canoe trip. 

We tackled the mighty Tualatin River, just about 10 miles from Portland. At Cook Park, we rented a canoe from Tualatin Riverkeepers, a non-profit organization that works to protect and restore the river. The person who was working that day couldn't have been nicer, and I loved that he asked Anthony, without any hesitation,  if he wanted a paddle. I have to admit, I didn't consider giving him one until then. A reminder to never underestimate our little guy.

We were so proud of our little oarsman. He got right in there and helped us paddle upstream. This kid definitely has an adventurous streak.

"What? You didn't think I could handle a canoe?"

Signing "boat". The sign for canoe is just what you'd think it is- you make like you're rowing a canoe.

The whistle was tricky, but he kept at it.

It wasn't all hard work. There was time to put our paddles down and let Daddy do all the rowing.

Nice, right?

A blue heron. We saw several along the way.

Phew! Back on dry land.

There's still time to make your own river adventure, but hurry. Rental hours are 9am until 7pm, Saturdays and Sundays after Labor Day until the end of September. Boat rentals from Tualatin Riverkeepers at Cook Park in Tigard on a drop-in basis, no reservations required. Rental rates are $20 for solo kayaks, $30/canoe or tandem kayak for up to 4 hours and $10 for additional hours. 

It's Buddy Walk Time: Join Team Anthony!

It's that time again! 

Please join Team Anthony

for the Northwest Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk and Festival

Sat, Sept 28th, 2013

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Rose Quarter Commons, next to the Rose Garden Arena

Some of last year's little buddies. 

It's always a fun day and funds raised from the event support NWDSA's programs and mission of creating a loving and inclusive society for all people with Down syndrome. $12 registration fee includes a t-shirt, food and fun!

Click here to register for Team Anthony. For more information on NWDSA, click here.

This year, we're also supporting a second Buddy Walk team! The members of our local parent literacy group, Literacy Launch Pad, are joining forces to raise funds for NWDSA. If we raise $3500 we'll win an iPad, which we'll donate to a little reader who could use one. 

Click here to join Team "Book Buddies & Pen Pals" and show your support for our little readers!

We'll see you at the Buddy Walk!