We live next door to a very special young man. His name is Christopher, and if you have read my blog for any length of time, you have seen previous posts about Chris. We have known their family since he was about 2. And then, a few years later, his family bought the house next door to us! Christopher has Down Syndrome. He has touched our hearts, and taught our family so much. We love him, and feel honored to have been able to watch him grow up. Turning 21 for anyone is a big deal. Vegas...first (legal) cocktail, adulthood, etc. Chris' parents wanted to give him a birthday to remember. So they brought Vegas to him! They had a Casino night, with all the bells and whistles. What a fun night!!! Greg and I dressed up as Farmers. Imagine that. Us. Farmers! Kind of cheating, because we wear our overalls around here all the time.
Greg switched his hat out before we left, for a much more appropriate Farmers toque, his old straw hat. Our daughter Erika was The Farmer's Daughter, and her little boy Noah was a police officer.
The Casino was held in a big tent, that worked out perfectly!
Coincidentally, on the day that Christopher was born, in the very same hospital, another baby boy came into this world. His name is Kevin, and he too was born with Down Syndrome. The two boys families have stayed in touch, and become close friends. The party was celebrating both of these young men.
Chris has been blessed to have been born into the most loving, accepting, wonderful family. He a smart, funny, thoughtful, sensitive, loving young man. Lover of sports, Chris knows more stats than the most avid of fans. He is a gift to everyone who knows him.
His Mama, Jane.
His sister, Katie, the bartender for the night.
Sister Breanne, with Erika.
We played blackjack most of the night, with friends, Kevin and Maryrose. At times, up several hundred dollars!!!
I have no idea who took this photo?
Chris and his buddy Kevin while we sang Happy Birthday.
Chris' sister Eileen read a beautiful poem that brought us all to tears. And then Christopher's Dad Mike had us all raise a glass to the two young men for whom the celebration was for. Cheers!!!
They had a photo booth, with all of the props. A margarita machine, and open bar. A dance floor under twinkly lights, and fabulous food from a local deli. It was a fun, fun night. We can't believe our Chris is 21!! We love you buddy!!!
XO Krispy (that is what Chris calls me
)
23 comments:
How totally fun! And you look so cute in your overall shorts and boots! Looks like Chris got the perfect family and they the perfect son. A gift for all.
Happy Fall!! Yay!
This looks soo fun! What a great way to celebrate! You look adorable Kris!
What a fun and special night. Happy birthday to your sweet neighbor. Heather
A true gala for two special young men! Looks like loads of fun too. Krispy? I like it.
Best,
Bonnie
What a hoot! Sounds like you all had a blast! FUN FUN FUN - love the photos! Good post, Krispy!
Such a nice party ! Cute costumes ! Looks like Chris had a great time !
What a fun post! Looks like a great party and fun for all! So nice to have such a wonderful relationship!
What a wonderful celebration for two special young men! You can see SO much love in everyone of those pictures! Cute costume, Krispy!
xo
AH Kris what lovely and cute pictures, I noticed you had a lovely times, Happy birthday to him, and you look cute!:))
Down's Syndrome children have a special gift, they are so loving. I know a young man who has it and he manages to work 2 jobs and loves them both. They are a joy to be around and what a blessing they are. The party looked to be so much fun. I am sure the birthday boys were having the time of their life.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)
This is a very "normal" way to celebrate a 21st birthday. It takes very special people to be blessed with a Down Syndrome child and DO IT (whatever that is) right...your friends are obviously members!
Merry Birthday Chris!
Oh and Krispy...you guys were ADORABLE ;)
You all know how to party like a rock star! What a fun event! I'm happy to see those two boys have been friends their whole life. Sweet.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
It looks as if everyone had an absolutely wonderful time. I love the friendship the two guys still have. It tells much about the family.
Blessings,
Betsy
Hi Kris! Looks like a lot of fun! Been thinking about you so came by to say hello. Looks like you are going through "stuff'. Hang in there my dear. We sure do have our up and downs in life. I love your hair color! You cute thing! Your chickens look healthy and providing some pretty eyes for you! Miss seeing ya! Take care. Hugs,
Maryjane
You all had so much to celebrate, Kris! Thanks for letting us enjoy the celebration as well through your post :) Happy Birthday Christopher and Kevin!!
Gracie xx
Krispy, that is so cute! Looks like everyone had a great time. What a great idea to have a casino night for a party.
Aw, touching post! Happy Birthday Christopher!
Looks like a fun time all round, love big get togethers with friends always the best.
Those pigtails are a great look on you :)
Karen xxxxx
Fantastic post today Kris. Happy Birthday Christoper, you are awesome!
Hugs,
Meredith
Hi Kris, Well I already know yesterday was a special day to be born, indeed. What a blessing to have Chris next door to you. I used to volunteer with Down Syndrome pre-schoolers. I have a special love for these incredible people.
Looks like you had a very fun time!
Hugs, Noreen
What a fun and great way to celebrate a wonderful guy and his best buddy! You look so cute as a farmer!
Happy Halloween dear Kris!!!
What a fun celebration for Christopher. I feel almost as if I know him myself. I bet he loved his casino night. You all look so cute in your digs!
hugs,
Jann
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