2017 has been another wonderful year for the Wingos! There have been some rough patches and new challenges, but through every single bit of it, God has shown us how faithful He is! There have also been plenty of fun and exciting things to celebrate. In March, Evan and I took a quick getaway to Branson for our 4th Anniversary. Even though it was only a 45 minute drive, we felt transported to a wintery wonderland because a fresh coat of snow covered the ground. It made for a gorgeous view from our dinner at Top of the Rock! Evan wrapped up his 11th year of teaching in May, and Gage bid his friends at daycare farewell as summer break started.
Summers for our family are full of fun, with all 4 family birthdays to celebrate! For our July birthdays (Evan’s, mine and Gage’s) we partied with friends at Table Rock Lake. We spent a gorgeous day on the water and enjoyed a swimming pool and basketball court at the vacation home where we stayed! Both boys are big fans of the water…but not so much of lifejackets.
For Caleb’s first birthday, we ate plenty of chocolate cupcakes! Caleb started walking just before turning one and now days he runs and climbs too! He definitely keeps me on my toes. Evan is trying his hardest to teach him good manners, with mixed results. He loves his big brother and shares plenty of kisses with him. Some of his favorite things are reading books and making messes.
In August, Gage wrapped up his final sessions with his early intervention therapists, then started at a brand new school. He goes to Shining Stars Early Childhood Center 4 mornings a week. He loves all his friends there. He also started feeding therapy at Missouri State 2 afternoons a week. The staff and students there are great and sessions are always messy and fun! Other highlights of Gage’s year include music therapy lessons over the summer, learning to take steps with a gait trainer, 3 weeks of intensive PT and winning over the hearts of everyone he meets with his contagious smile and laugh.
Evan took up a new hobby this year…reloading shot gun shells. He spends lots of time making sure they work well at target practice on his parent’s farm in Buffalo. The clay thrower they got earlier this year has proven to be a great investment as kids, grandkids and friends have all tried it out. One of Evan’s summertime goals was to shoot at least twice a week, which I think he accomplished for the most part.
Beginning in August, I returned to work for Ozarks Public Broadcasting. I work a few hours a week from home. It’s the perfect set up, allowing me to still spend my days with my boys which I love! I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the way it’s worked out for our family.
This fall, we visited the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium & Museum and the boys LOVED it! We splurged for a season pass and have been 4 times so far! Evan went to Las Vegas for the first time to attend the SEMA Car Show for work. I celebrated my mom’s retirement with her and my sisters during a relaxing weekend in Rocheport. Evan’s taken a couple bird hunting trips and we love to fry up his bounty and enjoy it when he gets home!
Life moves quickly, and we feel so incredibly blessed to spend it with each other and all of our extended family and friends who love and support us. Thanks for being part of our tribe! Our prayer for each of you is that the coming year would be filled with love and you will find joy in every circumstance.
Lots of love,
Evan, Hannah, Gage & Caleb Wingo