"Frustration is the compost from which the mushrooms of creativity grow."

Just 4 days until Conference, and still so much to do! Today is planning day.

Since my ankle is still not healed, and I have to wear this cast for another month, we need to plan for a wheelchair at the conference and at Disney. I can hobble about a bit, but a day long event or walk about Disney is out of the question.

We cannot manage airfare for 7 people (David and I, plus the 4 kids, plus one mother-in-law to help watch the kids while we attend the conference and at Disney), so we're driving down to FL. We'll be swapping a full size passenger van for our mini van from a relative to give us a bit more wiggle room for the kids, and my cast, and all the luggage.

Our son Kyle has a food allergy, so we have to plan for his meals and what we can take or what can be bought on the way or at Disney.

Today at lunch, our eldest said "Mom, I'm really looking forward to being in Florida. Not driving there, but arriving". I had to laugh. My sentiments, exactly! At the moment, the kids are concerned about what sunglasses they can wear with their regular glasses.

Abigail, at least, doesn't have to worry about glasses yet and loves her new pink shades we bought for our trip.

Although the journey may be frustrating, we know the end result will be great. How true this is for every day life, and not just long car trips.

Even though there are lots of logistics involved, I'm positive it will all be worth it to experience National Conference. I still occasionally meet people that are totally ignorant of what Down syndrome is, referring to the condition as a disease or assuming my daughter can only be happy all the time.

We're hoping to come away from this conference inspired and energized with new ideas to help educate people with a positive attitude and outlook.

Education can happen in the strangest places, and every individual we can reach, either in a checkout line or at a family reunion or at a National Conference, is a positive change toward acceptance of people with Down syndrome. We want to be a part of that positive change.