SOCO State Games

In June, my mom and I took Myles and Sydney to the Special Olympics Colorado State Games in Grand Junction. We went with the Young Athletes program where kids with disabilities and their siblings can participate in the events. We left on a Friday and arrived in time for the opening ceremonies that night. On Saturday the kids participated in track and field events in the morning and soccer in the afternoon. Saturday later in the day we played lawn games, browsed the resource fair, danced a bit at the very popular dance night, and got in on more than one free food event. We headed home Sunday morning after a fun weekend. The event is held at Colorado Mesa University and we were really impressed with the campus and their facilities. We stayed in apartment style dorm housing, which the kids thought was the best, and had most of our meals in the campus cafeteria. Overall a great event and another really special opportunity our family can participate in because of Myles. There are so many amazing people, organizations, and opportunities I would have missed out on if it weren't for Myles and his amazing life!

Myles and Sydney felt the need to unpack their items for our two night stay. We were a little rushed when preparing to leave, so they each packed their own backpack. We ended up with things like umbrellas, diaries, random toys, and lots of books. 

These two have the sweetest relationship - it brings me to tears when I reflect on the bond they have, and I pray it never wavers.

Track and Field events. Myles' feet got ahead of him during the 100 yard dash and he took a rolling tumble. His face bit the track, but he immediately got up and kept running to the end! Everyone was so impressed by his bravery and determination. I actually think he was so shocked that he wasn't sure what the alternative would be other than to keep going, but it is true that he is one tough kid!

Grandma and her kids. We are SO thankful to have a super involved and very energetic grandma to do fun things like this with us (and help me!). She is an integral part of these kids' lives.