Halloween

 

Happy Halloween

 

 

Hope is 3 months old

Hope just turned 3 months old. I think she's pretty cute in these pictures and looks just like Noelle. Time is going by way to fast!

 

 

 

 

 

The Happiest Place on Earth

We decided to take the kids on a surprise trip to Disneyland.

 

After the Buddy Walk we all went home took a nap, loaded the kids in the car and drove to Disneyland. We planned it well so the kids would all be sleeping by the time we got there. We woke them up to get them into the hotel and they immediately passed out again. We woke up in the morning and told them we had to get back in the car to start driving again. Once the shuttle got to the hotel we said would take that to breakfast but instead we were dropped off at Disneyland. They were so happy and surprised when we got there. Last year when we went we left Karly home with Grandma and Pop, this time we left Hope home with Grandma and Pop.

The Mertz Family
Disneyland 2012

The kids are only going to know what Disneyland looks like decorated for Halloween because every time we have gone it's been during their school break in October. It's the perfect time to go because the park isn't busy at all.

 

With the surprise of going to Disneyland also came the surprise of a visit with

 Auntie Julie, Tyler and Kate.

 

 

When we got to the hotel after the first day, it took about 10 minutes for this to happen.

 

 

Our second day we went to California Adventure. Thomas and Noelle were thrilled to go able to go through Cars Land

 

Thomas even talked Noelle into going on the Tower of Terror. Auntie volunteered to take Karly over to Bugs Land while they did that. Then they met us there to do the rides all over again which made Karly was pretty happy. I think "do it again" were her favorite words the entire vacation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing the kids this happy and spending time together as family is the best feeling. I'm so glad that I get to join them to make memories that will last a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

Buddy Walk

My bestie, Wanda, has a daughter that was born a month after Karly.  They both spent time in the NICU around the same time. Karly had some medical issues related to her being premature and her epulis tumor and Emme had some medical complications related to Down Syndrome. So, you'd say they've had a special bond from the beginning.

So, when it time to sign up for The Brighter Side of Down Syndrome's Buddy Walk there was no question about it, of course we wanted to support Team Emme Jax! This was a perfect teaching opportunity to not only talk to the kids about Down Syndrome but to teach them about helping others and having fun while you do it.

 

The walk was at Micke Grove park in Lodi. When we got there the kids were able bounce around in the bounce houses and eat some snacks while all the walkers got checked in. There was a great raffle with some awesome prizes, we didn't win. Then it was time for the walk and a nice picnic lunch afterwards.

 

 

The kids had a blast! We had a nice walk around the park. Unfortunately, Wanda got sick that morning so she was able to come but we were there with the rest of the family. Noelle was in heaven with all the little kids around. They really enjoyed spending time with Will and Emme.

 

We had a great time and I'm so glad we were able to support Emme!