Celebrating that Chromosome: 31 for 21

It's October, and its time to celebrate changing leaves, and escape from 100 degree weather, holidays centered entirely around candy, and... Down Syndrome.

Yes, it seems that everything has a month dedicated to it. This is one thing that happens means a lot to us.

Many parents in the Down Syndrome community are taking on a challenge to bring more awareness to the beauty and importance of those among us with designer genes. The challenge is to blog everyday of the month of October, 31 for 21. I heard about this from my fellow mom over at the Hailey Herald and I thought, why not? I think I am ready for the challenge. 

Our small town weekend

I was uncharcteristically excited for last Sunday. Perhaps being at the women's retreat last weekend left me with warm fuzzies for everyone in Haviland. 

We met at the park just before ten thirty for our annual Fall Fest. 

We sat in the crisp late morning singing and just being together. Elina couldn't get enough of the people watching. A girl after my own heart.

Nothing goes better  with a sermon than your favorite ball

Waiting in line for the classic potluck score

It's not a potluck without five different kinds of pasta salad

After lunch we made our way to the kids carnival, which is undoubtedly more fun if you can walk (next year, baby). We did join in on the face painting, though (Which may or may not have been a first time parenting fumble.)

The paint was promptly smeared all over her new dress that sewed all by myself. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best idea, although I would probably have done it anyway (paint washes out, after all). What I shouldn't have done is let her take a nap with it still on. She woke up looking bruised from the purple paint, with a rhinestone in her hair. 

Still worth it. 

Look for our posts everyday this month, and feel free to read it or simply scan the pictures if you are in a rush. 

Happy October!