Ode to 2011

Dear 2011, you were so good to us.

You will go down in the Fillmore Family history as our most eventful.
Or at least we hope so. 

You provided countless adventures,

learning experiences

and most of all, unspeakable joy. 

You taught us acceptance, tolerance, patience, and humility

as we struggled through some challenges.

You brought us closer to our Savior and to one another.

We are grateful you graced us with your presence.

You sent Jeremy and I all the way to Russia. Twice.  

You freed a special little girl from bondage

And grafted her right into our family.

We will forever thank you for this.

It wasn't all rosy and sweet, though.

Thank you for seeing us through some tough months of transition.

And turning two little people into the best of friends.

In early summer, you saw us through the sale of one home

and the purchase of another.

You also made us even more grateful for our Grandma Hinton

as her life was spared several times.

In late summer, you provided us with our most fun vacation ever 

and a very, very special day.

August and December each brought horrendous weeks for these two little toads

as they recovered from their respective tonsillectomies.

Thank the heavens above that you saw them through. 

October thru December brought us FIVE new cousins

And our finished basement! 

(So glad we're finally done.

We are LOVING it, by the way...)

You want to know what one of our favorite things are about you, 2011?

All the many friends who have come into our lives

through the Reece's Rainbow and Down Syndrome communities.

We are united by a passion for making a difference

and one extra chromosome. 

Thank you, 2011 for introducing us to a world that we

never dreamed could be so fantastic.

Even though you were tough

(not as tough as 2010, but tough)

I wouldn't trade you for anything.

Our lives are sooo much more full

and have greater meaning and purpose.

I am so grateful that you graced us with your presence

and for the way that you changed us.
Sadie told me that you were her favorite year so far.
I think I have to agree.
You were pretty dang awesome.

Thanks again,

Love,
The Fillmore's