The Christmas letter I wrote didn’t make it in the mail like I had planned, so I thought I’d share it here instead. This way I can include more pictures than would fit on one page! Merry Christmas everyone!
We’ve had another great year in the Wingo household with oh so much to be thankful for. After a little R&R, we got back in to our normal routines of school, work, and therapy. In January, I was blessed with the opportunity to share our story at the Tipton Prayer Breakfast. Gage did his first round of intensive OT in February and was a rock star. The swing was his favorite part. Caleb liked to tag along and get in on the fun when he had the chance. March was our 5 year wedding anniversary so Evan and I snuck away for a quick trip to sunny (but chilly) Florida. It was unusually cold for that time of year, but we still enjoyed a few days to ourselves and lots of tasty seafood! In April, Gage started hippotherapy at Dynamic Strides and for the first several weeks, he HATED it! But with enough time, he came to love riding a pony named Coco, and now he rides the pony in black, Johnny Cash! In May, the boys and I had an adventure in Washington DC! It was the first trip there for all of us, and Caleb’s first time on a plane. While there, we enjoyed lots of sightseeing and had a chance to advocate for early childhood resources for families like ours.
In February, a good friend invited me to join her for some spontaneous last minute plans. We had a blast at the Luke Bryan concert and hung out with him backstage! 
Gage loved the swing at OT. Caleb was a little unsure. 
Happy anniversary to us! 
Gage loved DC! 
Caleb running the show in a Senate hearing room on Capitol Hill.
Summer is always a favorite time of year as we celebrate the whole family’s birthdays! This year’s celebrations included a luau, lunch at Lambert’s, swimming at Table Rock Lake, the boys’ first trip to the movie theater and a party at a splash pad!
Surprising Evan on his bday is tricky. The cupcakes took a little spill when I was sneaking them home, but they still tasted delicious! 
So much sugar! 
Gage and his birthday buddy. I hope they like celebrating together as much as we do! 
How is this big guy 4 already?!! 
Just chilling at Moonshine beach. 
2 years old!! After Caleb finished eating each of the facial features, he looked down and in a panicked voice, asked “Where’d Daniel go!?” 
Watching Daniel Tiger on the big screen. 
Strafford’s splash pad is one of our favorite summer destinations and the perfect place for a party!
We also took a family trip to visit friends in Arkansas and spent lots of time outside swimming, swinging, playing at the park, painting and more! Gage had another round of intensive therapy and Caleb took Spanish lessons! By the time August rolled around, we were gearing up for first days of school for all three boys. Evan started his 13th year of teaching, Gage returned for year 2 at Shining Stars, and Caleb started school a few days a week at OTC’s early childhood center. He loves it and has learned so much! I’ve continued working from home part time for OPT.
Gage loved using his new backyard pool and Otteroo floatie this summer! 
On our trip, we stayed a a boutique hotel in downtown Little Rock. Caleb was happy to be out of the car after a 4 hour ride. 
While we were there, we watched the Springfield Cardinals play the Arkansas Travelers. 
We split up the drive home with a quick dip in the Buffalo River. 
How could I forget the day Caleb crawled into the smoker? 
Lou made his first trip to Big Surf this summer to enjoy some fun in the sun with his cousins. 
He shoots, he scores! 
Bubbles are always a favorite! 
Working hard at intensive PT and standing so big in the Therasuit. 
Paint Party!
Caleb loves visitors from the zoo at his school. 
He even got to take a field trip to Daddy’s shop to learn more about cars and practice his airbrush skills! 
Gage loves his friends, teachers and therapists at school! 
I often have a couple extra ‘helpers’ join my in the home office.
This fall, Evan returned to Vegas for the SEMA conference and the boys and I enjoyed Halloween indoors, dressed as Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird! Caleb really liked trick or treating. In November, Gage got quite a treat and received an adapted ride-on car from Go Baby Go! He can sit in it and drive it all by himself, which he loves and it’s awesome!
Springfield’s Menards opening this fall was kind of a big deal for the Wingo fam! 
We heart Menards! 
Gage did more intensive OT in September. Look how straight he’s sitting in his Therasuit. 
Trick or Treat!! 
Gage was so excited to be reunited with Daddy when we picked him up at the airport after his week in Vegas. 
Go Baby Go!
The week of Thanksgiving, Evan took a hunting trip during his time off work, we ate multiple Thanksgiving meals with family and friends, and I had a blast putting up Christmas decorations with the boys. Caleb loved every single ornament that went on the tree. He took a very“hands-on” approach to the decorations this year. In less than a day, the angel from the nativity set was missing her wings and one of the wise men was headless.But a little super glue has them looking good as new. I love that Caleb is so into the “kiss-uh-miss” season. His version of Jingle Bells is pretty sweet too. Christmas came a little early for Gage when his “talker” arrived in early December. I can’t wait to see how his communication develops over the next year.
Friendsgiving 2018
Fun trip to see the lights at Silver Dollar City 
Gage loved having a picture taken with Santa. Caleb, not so much. 
Making Christmas ornaments. 
Family Christmas PJs! 
Gage worked hard all year learning to use a communication device.
Looking back on all the memories we’ve made over the past year, it’s clear that our year was very full. Full of appointments, activities, unique challenges and more, but also full of so much joy! We are reminded during Christmastime, and throughout the whole year, of all the wonderful blessings in our lives. We look forward to celebrating the reason for the season and spending quality time as a family. We’re hopeful for more good things to come in the New Year! May your holidays, and your hearts, be filled with love, gratitude, peace and joy.
Merry Christmas from the Wingos!