Stepping Up

Saturday began with the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome.  The event has changed it's name after having the largest turnout in the country and bringing in the most donations the previous year.  Someone wanted a bigger percentage of the proceeds- so we actually attended the "First Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk". 

We were part of Hunter's Heroes as we enjoyed the festivities and camaraderie of the day.  Several of the families from our neighborhood turned out to support our friends, the Koval's, and their son Hunter who has Mosaic DS, a form of Down Syndrome. 

When Owen wasn't strapped into the stroller he was everywhere. I do mean E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E.   He tried to chase down the KC Wolf, the tailgating mascot for the Chiefs, and was rather irritated each time I thwarted his plan to escape.  Ben had a great time running around with his best friend, Kayleigh.  It was such a wonderful morning.

Shortly after the walk it was time to head out.  I managed to keep track of my two boys in a crowd of about 7,000 all dressed in the same shirt.  I was pretty proud of myself as we walked towards the car.  That feeling faded as I was still looking for my car forty five minutes later.

I lost the car.  Did someone steal it?  Certainly once they caught a whiff of the faint but still noticeable spoiled milk smell a thief would have chosen a car not littered with juice box straws, goldfish crackers and skittles.  OK- probably not stolen, but where on earth could it be?  As I pushed a sleeping Owen and and exhausted but patient Ben up and down the aisles for  third or fourth time I threw in the towel and called Jeremy.  It went something like this.

Me: I lost the car

Him: What?

Me: I can't find the car in the parking lot.

Him:  Hmmmm....

Me:  Where are you?

Him: Do you want me to come and help?  (note: reluctance very noticeable in his voice)

Me:  (intentionally ignoring any reluctance)  Thank you!  I don't know where else to look.  I'll call if I find it before you get here.

As I was walking the parking lot started noticeably thinning.  I happened to look up across the entrance and see my car all by it's lonely self in lot B.  I had been meandering around lot C the entire time!

Owen got a nap out of the ordeal, Ben received a lollipop and I was awarded with a headache along with that sheepish feeling you get when you do something really silly. 

I just took a few extra steps this year.

PS. Jeremy arrived in time to see me loading the stroller into the car... we can laugh about it now.