Friday, October 14, 2011

October...a mad media month

In support of our children with special needs, those within the Kingdom often invest in philanthropy and causes--not only to honor our special royals--but to teach important lessons including empathy, support, awareness and inclusion.
One of the 'rules' in the Kingdom is "Labels do NOT define ability' and each day, we teach and learn from one another how this is a very true vision for our children. This month, we had the honor of building community awareness using media venues. Linked below are articles in which our children appear and incorporate powerful messages about inclusion and life successes.
A job well done by the Kingdom's 'trifecta,' right? :)
Bay State Parent - October 2011
Editor's Blog
North Andover Citizen 10.14.2011
and..
Patch.com

Thursday, October 13, 2011

October Follies.....

Welcome to Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
In perfect Abby-form, Miss Abs (although under the weather), rallied and led Team Abby's Cadabbies at her 6th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk this past weekend. Abs earned an MDSC Buddy Walk All Star ranking for raising more than $500 (she earned well over that amount) for the MDSC, and her 25+ member team filled with wonderful family members and neighbors were incredibly supportive on her special day. Uncle Ed even carried our little Abby Pie for a mile or so so that she could ultimately finish the 3-mile walk on her feet--holding Daddy's hand.
So precious. :)
Abby on the Wall of Fame -- second year in a row! :)
Uncle Ed B. carries a sleeping Abby--who made it the first mile and a half--and due to her sickness, pretty much collapsed. :( Thank you Uncle Ed for doing some really heavy lifting while your wife pulled the wagon containing yet another team member or two. :) Queen Wendy showed her fitness ability by shoulder-carrying Alec! :) Those 5 a.m. workouts are paying off!! :)
Crossing the finish line.... YEAH!!! :)
Since the entire month of October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we encourage all who read to make a donation to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (www.mdsc.org). It is a FANTASTIC organization (of which the kingdom's royals are all members), but more importantly, it supports thousands of families not only in Massachusetts, but around the world through its relationship with Children's Hospital Boston.
THANK YOU!!
After a very busy weekend, the royal kidlets weren't feeling so hot. Both Princess Abs and Prince Aramis had fallen victim to a cycling Fall cold, so we kept the royals home for most of the week so they could recuperate and regain their strength.
With all the rain we've had, we found ourselves busy in the kitchen--again experimenting with Halloween cookies. The kids are now officially hooked on baking--a good sign and pleasant surprise for Queen Wendy--who LOVES to be in the kitchen!
Abs cuts out some ghosts...
Aramis grabs a pumpkin, but as you can tell, he's a little overzealous with the flour! :)
"What'd you say, Aramis? you want to push my face into the flour?? That is sooooo mean!" :)
Our little Alec is so pooped and likely catching whatever his brother and sister have, so he passed out cold on the couch, snuggling with his train and bear--hopefully dreaming about something lovely, warm and happy.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

It is Buddy Walk season and National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (officially).
It is a wonderful month in the Kingdom and we're looking forward to 'representing' at this year's MDSC Buddy Walk. Team Abby's Cadabbies will have more than 30 team members and will raise more money than we have in previous years! It should be a great event!
Oh, and Princess Abby again makes news headlines. She seems to be a natural....