Our Five Ring Circus: Ringing in 2023

Monday, January 2, 2023

Ringing in 2023

Big family blogs

Once upon a time, New Year’s Eve was a big celebration for us. I have never been a fan of New Year’s Eve, and we aren’t drinkers, so we shifted our focus. New Year’s Eve became a party with my big family, until everyone started doing their own thing. 

Soon after, a big New Year’s Eve party with friends became our thing. Over time, our group whittled away, families moved, and kids grew up. Finally, instead of going to a party, we became the hosts. It has been that way for several years now. 

I miss how it used to be, but as long as I’m with my immediate family and closest friends, I’m happy. I realize that our traditions will adapt and change over the years, so maybe one day, it will become a big celebration again! Nothing is forever. Maybe I will even start to love the holiday!

This New Year’s Eve, reality took over. I had errands to run, grocery shopping to tackle, and laundry to do. I arrived home just before our few guests came over. 

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Pajamas and lots of food were a must! We ate, talked, and watched movies. I wrangled kids. I have a crew of night owls - who may have napped - so they were ready to ring in 2023 with us. 

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A few of our favorite people were missing, including Dylan. We made the most of it, and made sure to talk to everyone who couldn’t be there, and FaceTimed Dylan just after midnight, so he could be in our first family picture of 2023!

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Life with Down syndrome

The Lucky Few

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Life with Down syndrome

New Year’s Eve with kids

Trisomy 21

We stayed up WAY too late, so everyone was dragging on the unusually warm and rainy New Year’s Day. We didn’t have much planned, and Dylan had to work a 4 hour shift. Our only plan was to have dinner at my parent’s house.

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Pittsburgh blog

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Real life with Down syndrome

Dinner revived our spirit! Everyone was happy to be together, and as usual, my mom’s cooking was delicious. Before we knew it, Dylan had to get to work, so we all went our separate ways. 

Back at home, a dear friend joined us for movie/TV night. We had one more day of holiday break left, so we made the most of it! Again, we stayed up too late, so the return to reality tomorrow is going to be tough!


Happy New Year, friends! Here’s to a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous 2023!

Big family and Down syndrome blog




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