Alex usually sleeps with Rachael or Jeff & me. One of the perks of vacation for Nick is that he gets to sleep with Alex. Apparently, he did more cuddling than sleeping because he was out cold for the entire trip home!
On Saturday the 20th, we headed down south and had the 'grandparent party.' The kids had so much fun riding the rides and playing the games! My parents got Nick a Wii Fit, my grandma got him a drill/screwdriver playset, and Jeff's parents gave him some money. I'll post some game pictures in the next posting...
On the 19th, Nick's actual birthday, we bought a little cake and let him open the gifts from Jeff, Rachael, & me. Rachael got him a huge bouncy ball, and Jeff & I got him a plasma car. We had been loking for something for him to ride on, but with his CP, everything that required 'pedal power' was just too difficult. The plasma car is perfect because it requires only upper body strength/coordination.
On Thursday, June 18th, Thomas & Ross took Nick out for his birthday. We went to the movies, Mr. Gatti's, and then to the mall where they bought him a Build-a-Bear. He had been wanting one for awhile, so he was thrilled! While at the mall, we also stopped by the pet store where all the kids were able to play with the animals.
No pictures today, but I wanted to post before I forget...
I received a phone call today from ITT Technical Institute. The man gave his name and asked for "Summers." I responded saying that I was Amy Summers. He then proceeded to tell me that he received an internet request for more information on their online degree program. I told him that I really wasn't interested. He said, "Well, I have your e-mail address as: 'Ross.' Does that mean anything to you?" As soon as he mentioned that I immediately knew the culprit...NICK!!!!! Apparently, he had filled out a form on Yahoo. As soon as I asked him about it, he laughed maniacally and exclaimed, "AHA! My plan worked. They CALLED you!!!!" (What the heck?!?!?!)
In the past few months, he's been ordering different things off our Tivo. He was ecstatic when we received our Oracea information in the mail. He proudly told me that it was for our red itchy skin called rosacea. (Nevermind that no one in our family actually HAS rosacea!) Fortunately, he doesn't have access to our debit card!
Then, this evening, as we were eating dinner, Rachael was telling us about one of her male friends who was upset because his mom sold his favorite barbie doll. Without missing a beat, Nick says, "That is wrong on SO many levels..."
Well, at least I can honestly say that life is NEVER boring in our household!
While Thomas & Rachael were at camp, Nick & Ross hung out together nearly every day. We made a trip to the Children's Museum on one day & Mr. Gatti's on another. Diana also kept Nick overnight on Thursday so that Jeff & I could spend the night in Indianapolis for our 15 year anniversary. We had planned on heading down to my mom's house for a night, but she's still not feeling well after falling ill after we were down there the last time!
Rachael also received a reward, but unfortunately, her group was on the other side of the church and I wasn't able to get her picture.
After the awards were presented, we all met in the FLC for an ice cream social. Throughout the year, the kids had earned points by completing their assignments. These points ultimately turned into votes. They had the opportunity to vote for one of their adult leaders to receive a pie in the face. (Talk about incentive!) There were several ties, but my favorite was watching Thomas blast Andy (his dad). After all was said and done, there weren't too many of the leaders who escaped pie-free!
After schoolwork & before piano lessons on Friday, we met some of our homeschool friends at the park. Rachael brought her new kite for its maiden voyage and took a hike through the woods with her friends. Nick spent his time swinging, playing with the multitude of caterpillars he found crawling around, and finding those elusive THREE-leaf clovers. (He was beside himself with joy that he found a WHOLE PATCH of those rare finds! LOL!) What a beautiful day to spend exploring the Great Outdoors!
Since Rachael started the co-op writing class, I decided to put Nick in the science class. This is the first 'real' co-op class (as opposed to preschool or play time) for the next generation of our co-op kids. I can't believe that Nick is old enough to start classes! It seems like only yesterday that Rachael started her first co-op science class. I have so many wonderful memories of those first co-op years. I still remember the first time we met and began planning classes and am in awe of how close our kids have grown over the years.
On this particular day, the kids watched a video about sound waves and pitch, and made their own Pan flutes out of drinking straws...
We awoke to a sidewalk and driveway full of them. Nick has always had an affinity for worms. Sadly, he couldn't quite convince his dad to let him bring them inside...
The dog was absolutely filthy after this. He had to get a bath as soon as we got home. In the 2nd photo, Nick is posing with 'Tina' & 'Cheryl'...yep, he named the rocks he had found!
Today was another trip to Lexington to Shriners Hospital. Nick had a 3 month check-up after receiving his new braces. This was Rachael's first time to Lexington. It's always worked out that she happened to be staying with friends whenever we had to go.
I actually remembered to bring my camera to get a picture with Nick & "Dr. T." Dr. Tylkowski is the Chief of Staff at Shriners and also Nick's Orthopedic Surgeon. I can't say enough good things about Dr. T and Shriners in general. Anyone who knows Nick, knows how much he can talk (and talk, and talk....) Whenever I try to shush him as he's talking about something that has absolutely nothing to do with the situation, Dr. T. always laughs and encourages him. He always makes sure that all our questions are answered and concerns are addressed - even telling us to call him anytime with issues that may arise. Everyone there is friendly and helpful. I've never met a rude person there - in any capacity - from the janitors to the receptionists to the doctors. I wish all medical facilities were this wonderful!
Name: Amy Home: Indiana, United States About Me: I am a Homeschool Mom of 2 awesome children. This is my attempt at Project 365 - to chronicle our world through daily photos... See my complete profile
SUBSCRIBE HERE
