California Disneyland

After we went to the SMA conference, we decided to take advantage of being in California and we drove down the coast to Disneyland. Alexander loves all the Disney characters, and we could not pass up the opportunity for him to meet Mickey Mouse! We arrived at the Disneyland Hotel, and I don't think Alexander quite knew what to think. Everywhere he looked he saw "Hot Dog" (Mickey Mouse)! We got all our stuff to the room, and decided to go check out Downtown Disney. Alexander loved everything about this place. He saw pictures of all his favorite characters everywhere! We had a great evening at Downtown Disney, but we were all ready to go to Disneyland that next morning. Alexander had no idea how much fun he was going to have the next day.

We got up and headed to Disneyland! We could not wait to get in and start having fun. Since our hotel was within walking distance, we decided to let Alexander take his wheelchair in. He did so well with his wheelchair, and lasted about 8 hours in it! He got to see so many characters, and they were all so great to him. They would run up and hug him, and he absolutely loved it! He loved all the characters, but got a HUGE smile on his face when he saw Mickey Mouse. He kept calling him Hot Dog, and when we explained to Mickey why Alexander called him that... Mickey started doing the Hot Dog Dance. I have never seen a happier little boy!

Alexander did amazing on the rides, and he is definitely a little thrill seeker. He could not get enough of the rides, and Disneyland was incredibly accommodating to him. He rode Pirates of the Caribbean (twice), Dumbo, Casey's Jr. Circus Train, It's a Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan's Flight, and many more!! We were all so impressed with how well he did on the rides.

We all had an incredible time at the park, and will never forget this day!

Alexander at the Disneyland Hotel with Mickey!

Alexander, Daddy, and Lego Woody!

Mimi, Alexander, and Nana at Disneyland!

Daddy, Alexander, Mommy, Mimi, and Nana meeting Mickey Mouse!

Alexander and Mommy about to ride Dumbo!

Alexander being goofy in his Dale hat!

A very tired Alexander, asleep in his stroller, at Disneyland!

California SMA Conference

Sean, myself, Alexander, my Mom, and Sean's Mom all traveled to Santa Clara, CA for a Families of SMA Conference at the end of June. Alexander and I got to go on our first flight together, and I was definitely more nervous than he was! He absolutely loved flying, he just kept saying "weee" the whole time we took off, and wanted more when we were up in the air. He was a great little flier! We were all so excited, but at the same time didn't know exactly what to expect since it was our first conference. When we got out to California and got to our hotel, we immediately felt welcomed. It was so exciting to see all the other SMA kids there, and we knew that Alexander was going to have a great time. They had many workshops for us to choose from (OT, PT, fund-raising, etc.) , a reception dinner, and a kids carnival throughout the 3 days. I have to say that meeting all the other parents and kids was one of the most meaningful parts of the conference. We were actually in a place where we didn't feel alone because we knew that all the other families were going through the same things. We learned a lot of helpful hints from the other parent's experiences, and were able to share some of ours with them. We also learned a ton about the research that Families of SMA sponsors, and we are looking forward to setting up a fundraiser to help support finding a cure! This conference was an incredible experience, and was an incredible opportunity for all of us. Alexander had a blast every single day we were there. He loved being able to drive his wheelchair every where and loved seeing all of the other kids in their wheelchairs! Alexander had a blast at the carnival because every one was so accommodating and fun! So, obviously we had a wonderful time and can not wait to attend next year's conference!

Our views from the hotel!


Nana helping Alexander drink some Cali OJ... he loved it!

All of us at the dinner reception!

Alexander in a Standing Dani!

Alexander driving to the carnival!

Alexander being goofy at the carnival!

Alexander wheelchair bowling!