After dinner the kids took off and played in the game trucks. Abel and Ella made some awesome new friends: Alana and Carolyn. All the parents had a great meet and greet with athletes from the Paralympics and the parents of the other athletes, which gave everyone more perspective. Parents were able to ask questions and get the answers they needed. It was very informative.
Friday was the awesome surf clinic and swim. The beautiful weather and all the kids playing and talking was a great sight to see. All the kids loved the surfing. Proud moments were born watching theses kids get up on the board and take that wave. The smiles from that experience will go on for years. 
After that was the welcoming of the Million Dollar Challenge riders and a picnic. Watching all theses families welcome their riders home was a touching moment. We got to meet all the families as the kids played games. Abel played his little heart out and made great new friends for life. This was also his first time playing t-ball and golf. We also attended a great dinner that night. It was more up style and buffet style foods which is great for the kids. And awards followed for the amazing altheles.
Saturday's events were so awesome to watch and very memorable even though we didn't participate. Abel enjoyed watching his new friends and cheering them on. Then it was off to the CAF headquarters for the runners to sign up for the triathlon. Abel got to sit in his very first racing chair and guess what, he's hooked. We stayed around and talked with other people and families.
I was told Sunday is the "big day." Boy they weren't kidding, "big" is an understatement. This thing is huge. What an amazing event. Thousands of people making their way around both seeing and cheering on athletes. There were activities for all the kids to enjoy, which Ella loved. Once again, the weather was amazing. Touching stories were told and life changing experiences were had.
Wrapping things up I will say we are so thankful for this wonderful organization. With it they are changing the world and helping kids and adults no matter the ability. We departed there sad to leave all the wonderful families we had met and the amazing staff of CAF. But the happiness of these events and the welcoming, kind-hearted staff has made our hearts full and given us even more hope for the future.
Sorry guys had to too! Special shout out to Carolyn Odam and Travis Ricks for making sure we where were we should be. And made everything very comfortable. We miss you guys! So happy you both are a part of Abel's Journey.
Also very huge thanks you to Carolyn for letting Ella hang off your hip the whole time. This ment the world to her.
