Happy Halloween. I’ll have you know I take my one half of Lainey’s classroom room mom responsibility so seriously that I didn’t wait until party day to get craft supplies. No, I got a head start hitting up Party City the night before Halloween. So instead of standing in a line of 320 people holding a costume they don’t really want, but it’s all that’s left; I stood in a line of only 290 people. Because I’m responsible like that. Got my plastic spiders, so we’re good.
Today is the last day of Down Syndrome Awareness month, but we live it every day and so do you. These are our daughters, our sons, our brothers and sisters, our coworkers, our friends; and we recognize the challenges and joys of DS well beyond this month. Last weekend we walked to celebrate the things we are learning and to commit support and love to each other as we help our loved ones face extra challenges.
It’s such a happy day.
Look. The smiles.
Recognize that face? Little Coco was part of the Everybody Plays shoot in San Diego. Her family was visiting Disney World and missing their Buddy Walk in California for their trip, so they headed to Naples to be part of ours.
I love our village.
I loved watching Lainey instantly make a new friend this year. She was introduced to Sydney ten minutes before we began walking and they held hands for the entire walk.
And Coco is a phone-stealer like Nella. When she realized the phone was locked, she handed it over and said “CODE.”
Olivia was adopted from the Ukraine last year through Reece’s Rainbow. Still adjusting to her new family and progressing from delays, her mama thought for sure this trip would be difficult for her. She smiled the entire day and happily embraced any open arms.
Again, it is always an honor and a privilege to be part of this community and to celebrate the many ways we are teaching each other. A special day indeed.
Okay, it’s 3:00 and I already have a girl begging to put her costume on.
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I’m over at BabyZone this week with 15 Lessons I’ve Learned From My Hardest Parenting Moments
…and at All Parenting with My Budding Naturalist–fostering a love of nature in our kids (Lainey likes centipedes now!).
Happy Halloween! I love this night with our family.
Oh. My. Word. The little one with the dimples? I could just eat her up!!! Of course, all of the children pictured are too cute for words, but I just giggles at little Miss Dimples!!!
Oh, oh, oh! I recognize Sydney! I love when I see two world’s collide. xo Happy Halloween to your crew.
When she realized the phone was locked, she handed it over and said “CODE.” …. oh my gracious!!!
Adorable photos…
Happy Halloween ~
Happy Halloween! Lovely photos of gorgeous kids. Hope y’all have a great night!
Those girls NEVER fail to put a smile on my face! 🙂
Those are the cutest photos! Why does it suddenly seem that your girls look a few years older than the last pictures I saw of them?!?!
I love your village too. They’re the best!
I’ll be in Naples next October~hope it’s around Buddy Walk time. I would love to join your village.
Big Halloween post please~your costumes look totally awesome!
Happy Halloween!!
Loved the little one with the white headband. What a cutie! And I can’t believe how big your girls are! (It’s been a while since I was on here.) Lainey is changing and really growing up.
What a beautiful post. Tearing up.
Big fat happy tears seeing all those outstandingly beautiful faces. xoxo
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LOVE seeing Naomi, Finn and Sydney here! 🙂 And CANNOT wait for the halloween post with your circus costumes. Hope you all had a great Halloween!
What a beautiful event! You do such greatness for your community! Hope your Halloween was wonderful!
Kelle, it was a pleasure to meet you at our first Buddy Walk! It’s a honor to have Jasmine’s picture in your blog! Thank you!
Please check out Jasmine’s blog when you have a chance: https://www.facebook.com/PrincessJasmineSchallert
Been following your blog for a while, I love it! It’s so inspiring and I love the love and acceptance flowing through it. The pic of Lainey – she looks so much like you! Lovely smile 🙂
Cheers from Australia!
Kelle….
“Today is the last day of Down Syndrome Awareness month, but we live it every day and so do you. These are our daughters, our sons, our brothers and sisters, our coworkers, our friends; and we recognize the challenges and joys of DS well beyond this month.” That was beautiful…. 😉
–Raelyn
Yeah for the Buddy Walk!! I love how Lainey made a friend right away – kids are so cool like that! 🙂
Precious babies!!!
Hi Kelle…
I read your blog often and have enjoyed watching your little ones grow… I want to share a link someone posted on Facebook, I thought you would enjoy seeing this precious little video. It made my cry. 🙂
http://www.godvine.com/You-Need-to-Hear-What-a-Little-Girl-Says-About-Her-Brother-With-Down-Syndrome-4188.html
I had never given any thought to kids/adults with Down Syndrome until one day, many years ago, while I was doing a demo in a grocery store. A young girl, with Down Syndrome, (guessing she was about 11 or 12) came up to me and told me I was so pretty and could she give me a hug… My heart MELTED. I can’t explain how her face radiated joy and love, but it SO did. Pure joy packed in that beautiful girl. And every, single time since then I can’t help but notice how happy and sweet they are…… and what a blessing they are to their family. My heart bursts every time!
God bless you and yours!
Spencer