Local Down syndrome group

I wrote this out a few days ago ... lost it ... and haven't had the energy to rewrite it until now.  I wanted to share a little bit about a fun day I had on Tuesday.  First let me share a little background. 

Eliana and I attended a workshop sponsored by our local Down syndrome group on literacy last month.  I met another mom there with a daughter just 4 days younger than Eliana.  We talked about how it would be fun to have a playdate.  Well, she set it up!  We met at a local park and there were 6 families there. 

It was a fun time to talk, share and learn from each other.  It reminded me of being a mom long ago when Christopher and Rebecca were little and we used to have playdates at the park.  I've done many since then, but not with a group of people I didn't know.  It also reminded me of being a new mom as we discussed some of the same things - even though none of us are new moms - just new to having a child with Down syndrome.  So many things to learn - and what a blessing to have other from whom to learn!

Here is a photo of all of the moms and babies.

Here are some photos of my children at the park.  They enjoyed playing and riding the rides (carousel, boats and train).  Eliana had her first ride on the carousel - and of course she liked the music and the motion. 

Later that evening, I attended a Mom's Night Out sponsored by the same group.  I've only attended one of these in the past.  I'm glad I went.  There was a large group there and we had dinner and talked.  I saw some gals I've met before (and even a couple from the morning playdate).  I also saw a gal I met at our local homeschool conference last month and am very excited about the opportunity to talk with someone that is homeschooling her son with Down syndrome.  It was also a blessing to see a friend I met via this blog - that ended up being local.  We haven't seen each other much and it was so nice to just be able to talk and catch up - and see pictures of her precious child.  I was blessed to hear her talk of what a joy her son is to her.  I hope that this is the message that I convey about our sweet Eliana too - she is a joy and a blessing!!!

I'm thankful for this day and the time to meet with other women who are walking a similar path.  I'm thankful for the encouragment, the laughter and the hope that I receive from hearing their stories and from meeting their children.

Our local group has a recent newsletter with some fun and helpful information.  There are also pictures from a recent picnic - and Eliana is in there twice - once on the cover.  Thought you might want to check it out

here

As always, I have so very much to be thankful for -  God is good!

Blessings,

Leslie