Special Olympics

We are experiencing fall weather at its finest here in the deep south...low 70's during the day and cool refreshing evenings once the sun starts to go down.  I have to tell y'all about the most amazing experience we had last Thursday. It was one of those picturesque fall days I was just describing.  Sophie Kate, Grey and I headed off to SK's very first Special Olympics at our school's football stadium.  We could hear the music and excitement building in the stadium as soon as we parked and started unloading all of our stuff, remember Sassy doesn't travel lightly these days. 

This was the scene as Sophie Kate entered the stadium, please note Grey's face it is priceless.

This was the scene as every participant entered the stadium.  Students from our high school, teachers, administrators and other supporters lined the entrance and cheered as every person entered the stadium for Special Olympics.  This was probably my favorite moment. I watched so many people walk or roll through this crowd of folks cheering for them each with a huge smile on their face.

Sophie Kate is not old enough to compete in the official Special Olympic events so she participates in the pint size games.  Take a look at all of the things she did...

 Parachute games...

 Bowling...

  Teeball...

 Stacking buckets...

Next we went to the sensory tent where Sophie Kate got to feel different textures...

 Play musical instruments...

and got her face painted...

 Look at that face...

This was our first experience with Special Olympics and it was a wonderful day.  It was so well done and our girl had a fabulous time.

Everyone should experience this day at some point in their life.  I am not just saying that because I have a special needs child.  I am saying this as a parent to typically developing children as well.  I want my boys to be a part of something like this...something that's not all about them. It's always a good thing to be less selfish, to be more understanding, to be more compassionate, to be a servant and to put other folks before ourselves.  Our world could use a lot more of all of those things.  It was a privilege to be a part of this day.