Optimist Games 2013

On April 5th, Benjamin, was able to participate in something extra special with his class at school called The Optimist Games.  They are a "special type Olympics" for those in special-needs classes throughout Redlands.  They had about 25 or more different types of activities for the kids to participate in and receive awards for.  And even though most of the kids in Ben's class needed some assistance to complete most of the activities, the kids had a lot of fun with it.  To begin the festivities, every school was able to walk around the football field at Redlands High, every one with their own decorated banner.  Volunteers and supporters, cheered and hollered from the side-lines while the middle school marching band played (which FYI:  Ben really loves).  

This was the last activity Ben did and received a 1st place ribbon for getting the most points.

This one was fun and required a bit more help from daddy, 

but Ben seemed to enjoy watching the machine do its "thing".

The parachute, was the highlight of the afternoon.  They filled the parachute with balls and everyone took a side of the parachute, bouncing them up and down.  Ben really just couldn't wait to play underneath of it.

And all of Ben's ribbons for the day.

We had a lot of fun doing these activities with Ben.  He loved being outside and hearing the band play.  This kid makes life special, and we can't wait to do it again next year.