Special Olympics and Walk for Autism

Thursday was special olympics and today was the walk for autism.

Here's a family shot. Lee had gotten off of work at 7 this morning and had not been to bed.

Here's a family shot. The turnout wasn't as big this year within our family or the general public, but it was still pretty good.

Morgan got loose.

This is special olympics. Morgan was not a happy camper. It was hot and she wanted to ride on this mule instead of participating.

When it was her time to race, she wanted to walk, but as soon as she hit the finish line, she took off running.

Her and Paige. I didn't get to go because I had to go on a field trip that day, but Lee went.

Early Easter

Sandra has to work next weekend, so we did easter at their house today. Afterwards, we stopped by Mel's.

This is what Mel's kitchen now looks like.
Okay, so Sandra bought a pinata and the kids spent their time and energy busting the thing only to find out it was empty. Sandra thought it came with candy in it. We all got a good laugh and Jackson and Lauren decided to make hats.

Jackson had fun hunting.

Morgan preferred swinging, but she did get up and find a few.

Lillian and Abby in their matching outfits Sandra bought them. Lillian is getting pretty good at sitting up which makes me sad because before I know it I won't have a baby to snuggle with anymore.

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Awareness Month. I thought I would include some information about autism.

Autism Facts & Statistics

1 in 150 children
4:1 ratio of boys to girls
1 in 98 boys
Fastest growing developmental disability
100 billion annual costs
In ten years the annual costs are projected at 200-400 billion.
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3rds with early intervention
A family with a child with autism will fund 3 to 5 million dollars of services throughout the lifetime of the child.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than cancer, diabetes, Downs Syndrome and AIDS combined.
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of most of the more prevalent childhood disorders.
Approximately 1 million individuals in the US have autism
Incidence vs. Private Funding (2007)
Condition Incidence Private Funding
Pediatric AIDS 1 in 8,000 394 Million
Leukemia 1 in 25,000 310 Million
Muscular Dystrophy 1 in 20,000 175 Million
Juvenile Diabetes 1 in 500 130 Million
Autism 1 in 150 42 Million

This is my beautiful child with autism and her awesome aide that works with her at school (Paige).

If you have free time:) find something in your area that benefits autism and get involved. Go to this website and watch some of the videos. Be sure to have some kleenex.http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214