John is a computer engineer, which means he can design the chips and components used in computers. He enjoys reading and writing science fiction and fantasy novels, and he plays hockey whenever he can.
Shannon gave up a full-time desk job for full-time momhood. She loves aerobics, watching I Love Lucy and BBC's Pride and Prejudice, and listening to great chick lit books on CD. She's a certified group fitness and Zumba instructor. Want to know when and where Shannon teaches Zumba? Go to zumba.com and click on "Find an Instructor."
Wesley joined the family on September 12, 2007. We learned shortly after his birth that Wes has Down syndrome.
John and Shannon have been married since July 2002, enjoy life together, and still feel like newlyweds.
On Easter Sunday before church I attempted to get some nice, posed pictures of my two kids in their Easter best.
Oh, well.
In the afternoon we headed out back for our first-ever family Easter egg hunt. I filled some eggs with chocolate (for Wes) and others with crackers (for Carissa, who’s allergic to nuts processed with the chocolate).
I love Carissa’s Easter dress.
Here’s the end of our hunt:
And then they got to sit inside and reap the fruits of their labors.
The day before Easter we took the kids to BYU for two Easter egg hunts.
The first was on the green below the bell tower, sponsored by the Athletic Connection group. They have activities every Saturday during fall and winter semesters that connect people with Down syndrome with BYU athletes. But today it was just an Easter egg hunt.
The day was beautiful, and Wes had a good time.
After the hunt they sat in a circle and played Duck Duck Goose. The adults have as much fun as kids Wesley’s age. And Wes REALLY gets into the game. He can’t wait his turn to race around the circle, but basically jumps up whenever anyone does and makes a few rounds on his own. Nobody minds.
After lunch at Arby’s we headed to LaVell Edwards Stadium for the first annual BYU easter egg hunt. Four thousand people RSVP’d online, including us. The football field was strewn with candy and Easter eggs.
We patiently waited until they were ready to begin. Wes–Mr. Football himself–was in awe of the stadium and kept saying, “Football!” as he gazed across the green.
When it was time for the “hunt” they lined everyone up around the field’s perimeter. We were in the area for kids ages 0-3. There were a lot of bodies. Once they said, “GO!” there was a big rush onto the field.
Wes didn’t mind. He just found a little area and happily scooped up candies. Carissa had a good time, too.
Both my kids like ice cream. Obviously they get this from me and not their dad.
Carissa eating with her cousins.
Grandma and Grandpa brought Wes and Carissa each a pinwheel last week. They love them, using them as swords in duels, clubs to hit each other over the head with, or as seen here in their proper use as docile wind catchers outside.
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