If you're headed to the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention this July, you'll want to come check out Old Sacramento.
Established in 1849, Old Sac is bustling with shopping, dining, entertainment, historical attractions and world-renowned museums set within the time of the California Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad.
Over Memorial Day weekend, Old Sac hosted the 36th Annual Sacramento Jazz Festival and Jubilee! It featured more than 60 bands at 23 venues, playing jazz music of all types, including sixteen bands made up of teenage musicians on their own stages.
We had a blast listening in on all the free family jazz venues.
My sweet John Michael.
Definitely all boy first...
Down syndrome is way down on the list of things to describe him...
Riding in an open car pulled by an old 1860's steam engine in Old Sacramento. A jazz banjo band entertained us for the 45 minute ride up and down the Sacramento River.
These brothers have a special bond.
John Michael makes a hard "K" sound for Nick!
I just love love love this little guy's smile. Thanks to Anna for helping me get this great shot. She is the best at getting him to smile for the camera. His eyes are sparkling in this photo!
We took a coffee and ice cream break aboard the Delta King Paddle Boat. Just over the rail we could see and hear below an excellent teenage jazz ensemble play old jazz standards. On the front side of the boat, we saw a huge family of Canadian geese and goslings swimming upstream and one lone turtle sunning himself on a rock jutting out of the river.
Me and my girls, Anna and Greta.
And a very special thank you to the men and women who have served and are serving our country. Freedom comes at a great price and we are grateful for all you do. A special thank you to those who gave their lives so that we might have ours.
PS: Drop me a note if you're coming to the Convention and would like to meet. I'd love to meet some of my blogging friends in person!
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looks like everyone had a good time! I would love to go to the convention but we cant make it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!I've never heard of Old Sacramento.I guess it was "the" place to be yesterday.Looks like a great time, and great pics.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE Old Sacramento!!! We have been there lots of times!!! How fun! I wish we could make it out there for the conference!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day. I was there about 20 years ago (wow, that makes me feel old). I was just a kid at the time, but remember how much fun it was to see all of the trains! My favorite was a dining car that was set up to shake and rumble as if you were really going down the tracks. Great pictures
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I love his smile. And great job trying to talk ("K" sound for Nick)!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun and what great pictures. We are looking forward to our trip to Sacramento for the convention and would love to meet up while we're there.
ReplyDeletewhat fun! I have never heard of Old Sacramento either...but it sure looks like a great family attraction. I didn't realized until just now how similar our families look...oldest son, two girls in the middle, and baby son caboose! What a beautiful family :)
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. John Michael is precious! Love that blond, blond hair.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to answer your question about Wil's neck and wasn't sure if you would follow up if I answered in my own comment section. It's a lengthy answer. You may get the most information if you just go back to my blog and link to the AAI tag at the bottom of my last post. That should pull up our journey from diagnosis a year ago.
If that leaves you with even more questions then please email me, stacy.walden@gmail.com, I would be happy to answer any questions you have!
Sounds like ya'll had a wonderful time!Your family is beautiful!Wish I could make it to the convention
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Looks like so much fun. I love John Michael's cheeks, just want to kiss them!!! I want so badly to go to the convention, but don't think I can this year : (
ReplyDeleteThey r all beautiful! Thanks for stopping by.
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