Caleb's Glasses - Blessings abound!

Caleb got glasses this fall and it has made a big difference in his learning and attention span. We were worried that he would not keep them on, but he has done a pretty good job and we have only "misplaced" them a few times.  We have been so blessed by the staff at the Down syndrome Clinic at Denver Children's Hospital  and the Linda Crnic Institute for Down syndrome in Denver.  They both have been amazing. In addition, the Director of Education, Patricia McVay, an internationally recognized education specialist has held special workshops and training for many of the teachers at Caleb's school, creating amazing partnerships.   Overall, we have been SO blessed by great teachers, an incredible principle and wonderful staff members that work with Caleb on a daily basis.  We stand in awe at the doors that the Lord has opened for Caleb and the incredible relationships he continues to build.  Here is a quote from our pediatrician at the Down syndrome Clinic  - who happens to have a son with Down syndrome.  "I believe there is misperception out there that having a child with Down syndrome is the worst thing in the world.  Ironically, some things that certain people think are so dreadful can end up being the best parts of your life." - Dr. Fran Hickey

Christmas is coming!!

It is almost Christmas and that means Christmas programs and Christmas cookies.  Taylor's school has a choir that she sings in called Peak Singers.  They practice once a week and sing at various school functions including a Christmas program.  It was a great program and Taylor did a wonderful job! 

The whole Choir

One of the highlights leading up to Christmas is making Christmas cookies.  The kids love to decorate the cookies and some how they seem to disappear as fast as we make them! 

Hockey - Brandon as a Junior Eagle

One of the highlights for Brandon this fall/winter has been his continued involvement in playing hockey. He now plays for the Junior Eagles and has really improved this season. He has scored several goals and even got the chance to play at intermission during a Colorado Eagles game in early December. It was so fun watching Brandon skate on the ice in front of so many people and hearing the crowd go crazy when he scored a goal.

Colorado Eagles - Semi-Pro team (one step away from he NHL)

Colorado Eagles goalie

Brandon (in the white) playing a mini-game at intermission

Enjoying the rest of the game!

Brandon with Slap Shot - The Eagles mascot!

Go Broncos & Tim Tebow!

This year we have had the opportunity to attend two Bronco games.  Thanks to my cousin who has amazing front row seats we had a great time at both games.  In October, I took Taylor & Brandon to see the Broncos play the Chargers and then in December Charlie took them back to see the amazing comeback over the Bears.   Here is a few pictures of all the excitement.





The seats are right by Thunder - the Bronco horse!

Brandon getting some high fives by the cheerleaders



Tim Tebow



The Changing of the Leaves

One of the things we love most about living in Colorado is taking trips to the mountains.  This fall was amazing when we got to see the leaves change color. 

All the kids in Rocky Mountain National Park

Grand Lake - one of our favorite places!

Mom with the kids

Taking in the view.  Little did we know that Caleb was taking off his shoes and ended up throwing them down the mountain.  Luckily mom was able to hike down and around to find them. 

The top of Trail Ridge

 Daddy and Taylor

The Pumpkin Patch

One of the many blessings of being a stay home mom means I can go with the kids on their school field trips.  Caleb's kkindergarten class got to go to a local pumpkin patch.  Emily and I tagged a lot.  It was so fun to see Caleb interact with his friends.  He has several girls in his class that LOVE to be his helper.  All the kids are all so sweet and kind to him.  Here are some photos of our adventure.

Caleb's class with another kkindergarten class learning about the pumpkin patch.

Caleb and Emily in the big wagon

Emily & Caleb with some of Caleb's friends

Caleb with his pumpkins



Emily with her pumpkin



Fall Ultimate Football & Volleyball

This fall Brandon decided he waned to play ultimate football.  We very blessed with amazing coaches and a great group of boys.  They had a very successful season and Brandon loved every minute of it!  He really loves playing and watching football.  Here are some photos from the season -Brandon is number 36.

Taylor participated in parks and rec volleyball this fall and LOVED it!  It has turned into her favorite sport and since then she has got involved in a couple of camps through a competitive volleyball center near Windsor.  Here are some photos from her season.