The Northeast Florida 2011 Buddy Walk was this past Saturday. Created by the National Down Syndrome Society, there are hundreds of Buddy Walks across the country each year meant to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

One of the perks to living in Florida is that our Buddy Walk is on the beach…and while last year we were in shorts and t-shirts, this year we were bundled up in sweatshirts and jackets!   Our one-mile walk took us on a blustery walk along the beach – I was so impressed with how many families participated despite the bad weather.

After the (usually fun) walk down the beach, everyone celebrated with a great Buddy Walk carnival filled with bounce houses, a mini ferris wheel and a great dance floor packed with kids showing off their best moves.

While we didn’t have a “Team Molly” this year, I’m already making plans for having our own team next year and raising money for the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville.   Come visit us next year and join Team Molly…. I’ll do my best to provide sunny, Florida weather!