The sun was shining and the weather was perfect for jumping on the trampoline. I had been jumping for a few minutes when Alden came out and picked up our hula hoop. He’s never kept the hula hoop on his hip for very long, but it is always fun watching him try and try. I was prepared to encourage and congratulate his efforts.

The sun was shining and the weather was perfect for jumping on the trampoline. I had been jumping for a few minutes when Alden came out and picked up our hula hoop. He’s never kept the hula hoop on his hip for very long, but it is always fun watching him try and try.

We had spent the last week or so camping cross country from California to Nebraska to meet up with a group of friends from college. We were celebrating the 15th anniversary of our good friends and traveled back to her hometown where the wedding had been and her brother owned a steakhouse.

Pinning your frightened child’s arms to their side so a stranger can stick them with needles is traumatic. When that child is an incredibly strong preteen with Down syndrome, the trauma is multiplied. Alden doesn’t understand everything we explain to him. Multiply the trauma.

The most important thing I do everyday is my hair.

Playing drums, surfing, hanging at the beach, soccer, baseball, listening to music, eating, playing with Hot Wheels and tracks, dancing, football, camping, and playing with cousins.