Myles Turns 9!!

Myles is now 9-years-old and it strikes me as so odd that I can have an almost 10-year-old, that's a whole decade! The old cliche is true when it comes to Myles - the days are long, but the years are short. I cannot believe he is already 9, yet life with Myles, and more accurately, life with Down syndrome, does not always come worry or stress free. He is an amazing little boy who has overcome so much, and still has such zest for life. He brings joy to so many around him, and has helped to mold our family - our perspectives, our values, our view of the world - into what we are today. Myles loves his life, is testing his independence, is fiercely persistent, not as easygoing as most think, but extremely loyal to his family. He enthusiastically greets most everyone, and makes others around him feel special. We have high hopes and expectations for Myles, and are eager to see where he takes life.

Myles' birthday was also the first day of Adam's Camp and our vacation at Snow Mountain Ranch. He went out with Daddy to get his birthday donuts first thing in the morning, and then we left mid-morning to head up the mountain. We stopped at Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs for a pizza birthday lunch, present opening, and ice cream. He was pretty pumped about staying in a cabin on his birthday and kept exclaiming, "My birthday party!"

Grandma's 90th

Grandma Haugen turned 90 on June 20th and we had the honor of having her in Colorado visiting to celebrate. David, Nancy, and Grandma drove out the day before Grandma's birthday and stayed for almost a week. We hosted dinner at our house on her actual birthday, and went out to eat the following day to celebrate both Sydney and Grandma's birthdays. I have said it before, but my grandma is one of the strongest women I know and I have been lucky to have her as a role model throughout my life.

 

Sydney Turns 7!!

Sydney Belle. A treasured gift to our family, a joy for a daughter, an amazing sister, humble, compassionate, empathetic, smart, creative, silly, inquisitive, nosy, rule-follower, kind - a little girl wise beyond her years who tends to carry the weight of the world around her on her shoulders. A worrier by nature, but still with the ability to be carefree and have fun. I cannot believe how blessed I am to be her mom. Seven years come and gone. I miss the little baby, toddler, preschooler she was, but am loving the little girl she is becoming. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. We love you!!

Day of Celebration...

Our tradition of donuts for breakfast on your birthday. Sydney and Daddy headed out early on the morning of the 21st to get donuts for the family.

 An impromptu park playdate with Nouvelle, one of Sydney's best friends. I am so thankful for their friendship.

 Slurpees after the park! It was hot!!

 Opening presents at Grandma and Grandpa's house after dinner out at an Italian restaurant. Sydney requested pizza and she got it!

Having Great Grandma Haugen in Colorado on Sydney's birthday was an extra special treat. Grandma's 90th birthday was the day before Sydney's 7th, so we had a fun combined celebration.