March for Babies

Each year, March of Dimes holds March for Babies all over the country. Shana & Chris invited us to walk with them this year. We had a great weekend catching up with them and remembering Abby's life.

On the road, in the new booster seat


Surprise! Chris & Shana had a birthday cake waiting for Charlie




And presents, too!


Helping Shana water the flowers


Saturday morning, checking out downtown Leesburg


Inside a super-cool train store


We spent Saturday afternoon at a farm near Leesburg. They had all kinds of cool stuff - a giant jumping pad, a corn bin, go-karts, along with the usual farm animals. It was a beautiful afternoon, which we finished off by sipping cold drinks on the porch of the general store [insert bluegrass music here].













The walk was Sunday morning, and we started off in a beautiful community park in Leesburg. The route was 5 miles, and it was about 90 degrees, so I was starting to regret not bringing a stroller for Charlie. But he was a rock star and probably walked 3 1/2 miles by himself.

Along the route were signs that told stories of babies who spent much of their early lives in the NICU. There were many sad stories, but just as many with happy endings. Hopefully, someday, there will only be happy endings.







After the walk, we were all ready for nap - except for Charlie, of course. Shana graciously bore the brunt of his energy.