Family Picnic 2011

This past weekend was packed with the usual errands, birthday parties, family visits, and church services that normally keep us busy and excited about weekends...but the highlight of the weekend was a special event that I've been looking forward to for awhile, and it was a blast. We went to the annual SBGNO family picnic at Lafreniere park on Sunday afternoon. The weather was perfect, the kids were excited, and my parents were joining us this year. Mason had packed his Elmo kite, along with every outdoor sporting good he owned. He. was. ready.

Last year was our first time attending this event. It was also our first ever event with the SBGNO, and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little overwhelmed. It was the first time seeing the walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches...and I wasn't sure if I was ready. Maddie was a happy, chunky 10 month old, and I knew once I saw all the other kids with different equipment, I would have to picture my little girl one day having it as well. I didn't want to. I wanted her to stay little, and for things to remain uncomplicated. A year ago at this same picnic, sitting under the exact same tree, I wondered how I would feel when it was my little girl with a walker.

Now I know.



I couldn't have felt more proud.



Maddie walked all over those grounds, through dirt, grass, and hills...and she was proud too.





Mason, true to form, played with all the kids, oblivious to any differences between them. He raced them, he flew his kite, he played putt putt, kickball...you name it. They both played hard, and this was what we saw in the rear-view mirror while heading home...




It was an amazing day for all of us...and this year, as I watched a little girl with her crutches reach the top of the massive hill we sit near, I couldn't wait for next year when I hope to see my girl do the same.