Middle School Visit

How is possible? The twins are finishing up fifth grade and moving to middle school next year. It was hard to believe with Connor last year, but it's even harder to believe for Sawyer and Xander this year. We did early start for three years in the back of what will be there middle school next year. The building is a little familiar. But that was also six years ago, because they've been at their elementary school the past six years, and it's going to be hard to say good-bye in a few more weeks. Incoming special education students were invited out today to visit the middle school on a field trip from their own schools ... the good news is the boys seemed happy. There were arts and crafts activities set up, a sensory table in the hallway, pizza for lunch, and even corn hole to play. The school has a pretty amazing peer leadership program that helps the transition for all sixth graders, and a special subset that works with the special education kids as well. We are hopeful the transition is going to go well ...





   





Special thanks to the boys current teachers, Mrs. K and Mrs. B for sharing the images.

Variety Show

While Sawyer was off getting his chronic ear infections taken care of with surgery for tubes, Xander was busy getting ready for his big performance in the school Variety Show. He was playing guitar and singing "Counting Stars" by One Republic. He rocked all three performances ... two at school for the students (broken up by age group to help overcrowding in the gym) and one in the evening for parents and friends. He is so fearless, and has come so very far. I still remember when he didn't talk at all, when the words faded and we only had signs and sounds. And here he is, eight years later, singing in front of the whole school like he was born to do it. The people who know him best, who have worked with him and seen his progress over the years, were all in tears. Happy tears. Because our boy has come so very, very far. Past teachers were in the audience, driving in to cheer him on as he performed. And he LIVES for the applause. He loves the spotlight and the cheering.

The Sick One

All winter, Sawyer has battled ear infections and illness. He's missed more days this school year than in all of his previous school years combined. We went six straight weeks with an ear infection, multiple visits to the pediatrician and eventually an ENT, and tried multiple types of back to back antibiotics. Nothing worked. And the audiology tests confirmed that he wasn't hearing well because of all the fluid in his ears. After multiple visits and audiology tests, the ENT determined ear tubes was the best option. So today was the day ...  early morning appointment, waiting with iPad, icee from Sonic, then recovery at home with more iPad time ...

Maybe Someday ...

A rainy day adventure ... looking at more property out in the county for later on. Beautiful horse farm in the back yard ... sunsets to the west just over those hills ...

Hard Life

It's so hard to be Bruno ...

Bruno

After having the boys off from school yesterday, Bruno was feeling left out. We took him on a walk before we left for the rest of the afternoon, but he wanted to walk again today. I decided it was such a beautiful day we would pack up again and head to the local Rails to Trails path instead of just walking in our neighborhood. This is our halfway point, so we stop to take a break on the rocks and watch what's going on from our safe place.

Chef in Training

While we ultimately did not get to take these anywhere, Connor was being helpful and learning how to make these yummy Oreo truffle balls. We were planning to surprise our family by showing up for my aunt's birthday on the other side of the state for their get together. But as Sawyer decided to start throwing up this evening while he was out with Aunt Kelly, we're going to keep our germs and our truffle balls at home. Looks like we better start exercising now, because that's a lot of truffle balls to eat!

Snapshot Sunday

A beautiful view of sunset on the Elkhorn Creek. As always, Josh and I keep our eyes on property a little further out of the city with a little more land to roam for the boys and a little bit more distance from the neighbors. It's on our someday list. We checked out a lot that backed up to the Elkhorn Creek and offered this spectacular view, albeit down a rather steep and significant hillside where half of the property was down the hill. Gorgeous view, but in the grand scheme of things, not the safest location for the boys ...

State Tournament

Today Xander participated in his first ever state basketball tournament for Special Olympics. We had to leave incredibly early, which was not anyone's idea of fun, but we managed just fine. Xander got his beloved Chick-fil-a breakfast on the way, so he was pretty happy.

Once there, the tournament happened in stages. We played our first game, and were lucky enough to win. Xander scored six points, two baskets and two free throws. He was so excited. It was the most he's played and scored during a game all season. His smile lit up the whole room!









This is the "Hey, Mom, did you see me just score" face ...









The team won their first game and advanced to the next round. Xander had an icee and cookie between games ...



The second game was a little harder, and Xander didn't play as much.



And he was disappointed to come away with a ribbon (and not a shiny medal) ...



I was afraid he wasn't going to take the ribbon. He did. And then he immediately dropped it on the ground and stomped on it. Clearly, that's how he felt about not winning and not getting a shiny medal. Have I mentioned he's our most competitive child?

Board Games with Daddy

After our adventure of looking at property this afternoon, we dropped Connor and Sawyer off at Grammy's house to spend the night. We have an early day tomorrow with Xander in Louisville for the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament. We ended our evening playing Chutes & Ladders around the dining room table ...

Another Day, Another Doctor's Appointment

Poor Sawyer just can't seem to get well. On the bright side, he's getting lots of lunch dates after his pediatrician appointments ...

A Walk Through the Woods

Another beautiful day in our part of the world. Aunt Kelly and Sawyer headed out on their own adventure, so Connor and Xander and I made our way out to Raven Run (along with hundreds of other people, as we were in the back, back lot). We spent the day hiking through the woods and down to the river overlook ...

Snapshot Sunday

Despite the chronic ear infections, you can't stop that smile. It lights up the room.

Snapshot Sunday

One of my favorites from our day trip to Raven Run. The boys taking a water break on the bench after our hike, looking out over the field with a crazy blue sky and amazing cloud cover ...

Another Day, Another Adventure

Another day, another adventure with Connor and Xander. Today we opted for lunch at somewhere different, A & W. The boys loved their chicken and fries. Connor loved his root beer float. Xander loved sitting by the big windows and watching all the big trucks coming and going off the interstate.



Next we headed to a local elementary school park to play and walk on the city walking trail nearby ...

Bruno

Mommy and the puppy relaxing in the front yard sun, while Connor and Xander ride scooters around the street. Bruno is watching very carefully to make sure everything is okay ...

Big Boy

Riding the new bike around the neighborhood ...