Sahara Cares

Recently we learned that M has high functioning autism. With this knowledge has come a flood of questions and new doors of learning. It's an ongoing process - one that won't be easy to navigate - but one that we are willing to see her through. As I've tried to wrap my mind around all that M struggles with and all that she will struggle with - I find that my list of questions grows. One day - while I was searching my heart for answers - a neighbor informed me of a carnival that was for children with Autism and their immediate families. A carnival that was 100% free that was meant to give the kids a great day of fun filled memories and the parents a wealth of information to assist them on their paths. This is the 5th year of the carnival and it's sponsored by Sahara Cares - they are the largest non-profit organization in UT that supports and educates people about Autism.
I signed up for the carnival and upon arrival they instantly treated M like a princess. They called her by name - everywhere we went. They gave her a T-shirt and a "VIP" name tag that she used to keep reminding us that she was the VIP and we weren't! They fed us lunch, gave us prizes, took our picture, and more! The whole family was treated like VIPs and to be around other families who are walking similar paths was sort of comforting! Anyway - here are some pics from our day!

M checks in and gets our lunch tickets!

L meets up with a Storm Trooper and isn't sure what to think about him! (I LOVE THIS PIC)

Ring toss - just one of the many games that the kids got to play!

N on one of the many blow up slides that were available for the kids to enjoy!

K showing off her rock climbing skills! She climbed all 4 sides of the wall and made it to the bell once!
We are already looking forward to next year and to supporting Shara Cares as much as we can. Thanks to them we had a great day, we all learned something new and we grew as a family in support of M!!