Stella has had a wonderful year. Stella finished the preschool program at Church of the Holy Spirit with all typical peers (I did not cry at the graduation program). This fall she will be attending Farmington Elementary 5 days a week. She will spend part of her day in the preschool room and part of her day in the kindergarten class room. She rides the bus to school because she is a big girl like Lily! She loves school and has a great time with all of her friends. This fall Stella will be starting ballet and playing soccer. It is going to be a busy year! Stella still loves to watch SpongeBob.

She amazes me everyday and everyday I see how much more she is like other children than she is different.

We want to thank each of you for your support of Stella & our family over the past 6 years. Please join us as we STEP UP by stepping out and showing our support for people with Down syndrome. Come be a part of the largest disability awareness event in the Mid-South as we STEP UP for Down Syndrome on October 18 at Memphis Botanic Garden. STEP UP includes a one-mile walk that leads participants through the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. As you STEP UP you are showing the community that people with Down syndrome lead meaningful lives. Right here in the Mid-South people with Down syndrome are accomplishing amazing things everyday!

Love,

Alyson, Aaron, Lily, Miles and our "star" Stella!