Happy 60th Birthday Papa Kenny!

We love you!

Feliz Navidad

We've had an action-packed holiday season, especially since Tayler is here for a visit while Tom successfully opened a new restaurant only three days before Christmas. Tayler will be with us until the New Year and we're happy and excited to share the holidays with her. Tom is now at Le Meridien on Sunny Isles Beach -- back with his boss from the Diplomat, Terry, who is the general manager at the hotel. Terry recruited Tom to launch a new restaurant after a contract with the existing restaurant ran out. Tom is loving his new gig, although he's been working long hours including Christmas and New Year's. In the meantime, Bean and I are enjoying two weeks off of school and work, respectively.

Here are a few videos -- the first is Lucas dancing on Noche Buena (traditional Cuban celebration on Christmas Eve which we shared with Lucas' godfather, Armando, and his family). The second clip is the aftermath of Christmas morning, and the third is Lucas with his first junior ATV. Enjoy! Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season. More pics from our holiday will follow...

Vrrooommmmm.....

Watch Lucas with one of his favorite activities...he already mastered the Leap Farm animal version so he's moved on to the vehicles...the pieces are smaller so it's good for eye-hand coordination and in building fine motor skills. He likes to mix and match the pieces too and we're trying to break him of his need to toss them across the room...it's getting better.

Lions, Tigers, and Giraffes? Oh My!

We had a great day at the Miami Zoo a couple of weeks ago. The weather was beautiful which helped bring the animals out. Lucas was entertained by the elephants, the monkeys, and the giraffes... see for yourself (don't forget the volume).

More Alike than Different

At the National Down Syndrome Congress annual conference in Boston this past July, I was so moved when they played videos which highlighted the totally real, totally "normal" lives of four young people with Down syndrome. The NDSC posted this video on their site recently and I invite you to watch for yourself.

Although it sometimes seems challenging to be on this journey, these role models and others like them have paved a path for Lucas and the next generation of kids with DS. Because of their determination, perseverance, and spirits, we can all dream a little bigger.

Happy 1st Birthday, Roscoe!

Roscoe turned the big ONE today. He has turned into such a character and is Lucas' side kick and partner in crime...they're already on their way to causing lots of trouble. Here are a few pics from today, including Roscoe enjoying his birthday grub of buffalo chili (quite a treat since he never eats people food, except for when Lucas shares). He also has a favorite trick so check him out on the short video (last frame).

Here's Roscoe when he first joined our family as a nine week old puppy...and now as a full grown Havanese. Happy birthday, Roscoe!

Beanie's Farm

The weather in Miami today was fantastic...about 65 and sunny so we headed to a petting zoo where Lucas got to see farm animals up-close and personal. Lucas got to pet and feed the cow and goats, and pet a pig and ponies...chasing the ducks was priceless! The little turkey didn't want to ride the pony...maybe next time.

Weekend Fun

We had an active weekend which featured one of the best investments we've ever made...Lucas' first play set...he LOVES it, don't you think?! Oh yeah, if you look closely, you can see he's wearing his pajama top and hasn't even had his hair combed. Too busy having fun!

Tom and I went to the Dolphins vs. Seahawks game, and sadly, the Seahawks were defeated 19 to 21, but we had a great time just the same.

We Made History

Tonight, America voted to change the course of our nation by electing Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States of America, and effectively end the Bush reign. History was made with the election of the first African-American U.S. president who has brought so much enthusiasm and hope to the people of our nation.

We believe Obama will provide "the change we need" and help unite our country, and take our nation in a new direction both at home and overseas during the most challenging time for our country since the Great Depression. Personally, as we look to Lucas' future, it was critical that Obama articulate his position on disability, including his plan to fully fund IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) -- and he didn't disappoint.

This very long road has come to an end...and the next chapter is about to begin.

We toast to President Obama & Vice President Biden -- and to our fellow Americans as we embark together on this historic and exciting time for our country and our world!

Trick or Treat

For Lucas' first true Halloween experience, we went to Hollywood to join our friends' Susi and Adam and their girls for trick or treating fun in their neighborhood. Lucas made out like a bandit in the candy department. We also visited with our friends Cat and Jimmy and their cutie new addition, one-month-old Valentina. Earlier that day, Lucas dressed up for a Halloween party at school and we carved and decorated pumpkins. Here are photos including one with Lucas and his sidekick. Enjoy!