SMA Conference: Santa Clara

( Jonas, Roman - Type I 3 yrs, Hayden - Type I 2 yrs, Gwendolyn - Type I 2 1/2 yrs)

We just got back from Santa Clara, California where we went to the SMA Conference. We had a great time meeting new families and finally meeting families that we talk with online a lot. The conference was good too, but the families were the highlight. It was really, really nice to just be with them, see their children who are just like Jonas, hear their machines, and talk about all the things that we go through each day, the good, the bad, and the ugly. One father mentioned that he didn't want to leave because it felt like he was leaving extended family and he didn't want to leave the support we give each other. I agreed. We probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for Whit now working with Dr. Swoboda, but I think we are hooked.

First time meeting Gwendolyn Strong. These two are only 2 months apart in age and have a lot in common as far as SMA goes. SMA can vary so much with each child, so we feel very connected to them because our circumstances are so similar and have been throughout this whole journey.

Watching their good pal, Elmo at the banquet.

Jonas was in love with this pool.. it was almost as warm as a bath.

Jonas was the ladies man..hanging out with all of the girls.
In order closest to us: Gwendolyn, Jonas, Lucy, and Hayden. All Type I's

Whit had to be there a day early for some extra researcher meetings, so we took advantage and used some time to visit San Francisco. How can you not when you are so close. We tried to jam all that we could in 4 hours and we did pretty good. I would definitely like to visit again and see more.
What is this perma-smile from?...
This swimming school of fish overhead of course
The Aquarium at the Bay was a huge success in Jonas' eyes. He had a smile the entire time..we had to go through the tunnel twice. Wish we had something like this in Utah.

Alcatraz in the background from our restaurant.
on the other side the sea lions. Whit and I were pretty fascinated with these. Poor Jonas just couldn't really see them, but he got to watch the huge boats head out to Alcatraz and back.
Neat piers to walk out on and big boats to see. Whit would have liked to board some of the war ships..but time didn't permit.
Driving down Lombard Street...I know I'm a dork

On the way home we took the scenic route through Lake Tahoe.

We were quite the sight trying to get down to the lake.. a stroller that wasn't moving, a pregnant lady trying to help, and then eventually taking everything out and making several trips carrying equipment, blanket, camera, and Jonas. The sand is very rocky there and it kind of hurts. However, it was very beautiful, and cold, and we enjoyed watching the sunset and being together as a little family.

Our First family trip with just the three of us..well I guess four.