I had a chance to get down to Jackson this summer as well. I enjoyed it so much. If I'm not living there, it is nice to know there is a place in the world where I love to go. It is such a wonderful resting place for me. Galen joined me there before heading to the beach with my family, and while he was there we were able to spend some time with a family who has a teenager with Downs. They talked about their work to give Caroline a place at the elementary school associated with their church. It was not easy. They had to go before the board several times (at least 4?) before the hearts of the memberes were softened. I loved his argument before them, that Caroline should have a place there. If she was not one of the least of these, then who is? It took time, but God softened their hearts in His timing, and they took the extra steps needed to create a space for her too. Though I hope we don't have to fight for it, I so much want Jack to have the same experience, in a Christian elementary school, in particular.
I also loved what Mrs. Stone said about people staring at her daughter. (BTW, this is one experience I do not want, but realistically I anticipate.) She was bothered by their staring at Caroline, and brought it up to Mr. Stone. He said, let them stare. And let them see how much she is loved. Likewise, when people stare at Jack, I hope they also see how much he is treasured by us, and are reminded that his life is valuable.
Well, the remainder of this entry I'd like to fill up with all kinds of pictures. I'll try to go in chronological order...we took pictures at the farm where we went apple picking this past weekend, and I downloaded a ton of pictures off the camera. Some are from the early spring...Jack had to be as young as 4-5 months then. BTW, I forgot to mention in the blog that baby Collins #2 is due in Feb. 18 more weeks!
Rosy cheeked punkin!
And some shots in the young spring grass during Daddy time...
Mom and Jack, all dressed up....
....and casual. This must be early pregs or pre-pregs for me. Look y'all - no belly!
Our day at Applecrest Farms in New Hampshire. This first one is him looking through the fence at sheep, goats, and llamas.
And Jack in the grass. What a cutie!
He is happy to see the grass :)
Posing with an apple
With me and the apple crates. I just love the crates - so cute!
Daddy and Jack with the apples.
Lifting Jack up high to reach some apples with Daddy
Apples with Momma
And some of my favorite shots. Galen found a nice stick that Jack thought was a wonderful new toy. Who needs Toys R Us? I love these shots.
We went to the pumpkin patch and hung out a bit. Ah, what a punkin!
And Daddy found a raspberry patch, which we also loved.
Daddy with Jack and the pumpkins...
He started dancing to the bluegrass.
And with Momma.
He's exhausted! Sleeping on Daddy while we enjoy good sausage and butternut squash bisque (sounds questionable but one of this farm's best kept secrets...so good!). Such a wonderful day in New England!
