Just the Five of Us

Lots has been going on in my blogging absence. The most exciting of which is the arrival of our little blue eyed boy, also known as Hinckley (or if you ask Victoria, 'Prince Eric'). He's already a couple months old, and we love him to pieces!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day

(one of her favorite things is snapping 100 self portraits/minute on my phone)

Today is the day we celebrate all those who live life with an extra chromosome.
I especially celebrate my sweet, silly, spunky Antalya who fills my life with so much goodness.
She is the light of my life and is absolutely perfect just the way God made her!

Christmas

If I had to sum up the holiday season this year in one word it would be "peaceful". I even found moments where I was truly bored and wished for something important that needed to be done. 

We enjoyed playing in the snow, sledding (a first for both girls), a ride on the North Pole Express, visits to Santa Claus, family, friends, nice weather, and reflecting on the gifts from the Savior. I feel incredibly blessed to have my family with me, our health, and for all this past year has taught us. 

The girls loved the magic of Christmas this year, and it was so fun to watch their excitement build and build all December. Santa was kind to them this year and brought them both a bike. I can't wait for the snow to melt so we can get outside and start pedaling away. When Antalya was a baby I remember mourning the fact that she might never learn to ride a bike. But two years ago she mastered the tricycle and rode it everywhere until it finally broke last summer. I think she will enjoy the freedom and challenge of a big kid bike.

Hope your Christmas was just as merry and bright!