Walk for Life--San Francisco 2013

I have marched several times in Washington DC when I was attending The Franciscan University of Steubenville and living just outside DC after graduating. We have been in CA for 4 Roe vs. Wade anniversaries now. Chris has worked every single one with Immaculate Heart Radio, and I never wanted to take on the crowds and craziness with young children all by myself.

This year, my sister-in-law who lives between us and San Francisco, was available and we figured out a workable way to attend. After looking into many different options, we decided trying to hop on one of the many parish buses would be our best bet. She found a bus that still had spaces near her place, and we signed up last minute.

The bus ride was fun, and the girls were as thrilled as if we were riding a roller coaster. In fact, when we arrived back at the parish parking lot after the event, Kayla had a small meltdown because she wanted to keep riding the bus.

Our bus arrived in San Francisco fairly early, so we had some time to kill before the Rally and Walk started. First stop: Find Chris and say hello. We easily found him under the large CATHOLIC RADIO banner, and took a few pictures to commemorate the event and the fact that we were all there. Perhaps next year we'll be able to actually attend the event as a family and walk together too.

I made Laura D. get in another quick picture with Kayla and Elise too

The event started near a plaza that had two sets of playground equipment, so we made a stop there for awhile with the girls. They loved it. Next, Laura D., the girls, and myself met up with my mom and little sis, Shannon who arrived on a bus from my hometown several hours away. We ate our lunch with them on the plaza and took lots of pictures.

We listened to some speakers and the Walk began shortly after. There were reportedly 50,000+ people there (you can read the recap here on Walk for Life's website. It will likely be completely ignored by the mainstream media, but we were there, by the thousand, and we walked for LIFE. They started the rally with the singing of the National Anthem. I cried the whole way through, saddened by our country's choices as a nation. But the event made me proud that even though our voices are continually stifled by the media and government, we were there and there was no denying in the flesh that there are many who still stand for LIFE and we're never giving up. Ever.

(just a few of the 50,000+ people who were there with us)

(leaving the event afterwards)

Just some shots of the city--it was a beautiful day.

Thanks for all your help with the girls, Nana, Aunt Shannon, and Auntie Laura "Tambourine"!!! You guys were the best!