We took vacation to South Dakota for the 4th of July, and it was amazing. So much fun just to get away from everything and spend some time with the kids in the great outdoors. I love camping with my family. No technology, no time constraints, just us and lots of laughs. We went to Mt Rushmore and it really is an awe inspiring thing to see in person. We also spent a day at the Crazy Horse Memorial as well. The kids actually enjoyed the day at Crazy Horse more than Rushmore. I think the fact that it is still actively under construction is really interesting and stirs up lots of questions for kids. Plus they each got a rock that was blasted off the mountain to take home :). I must say someone at the Crazy Horse is a genius. We paid money to come in and haul off their debris LOL! We also spent a gorgeous day in Custer state park. Driving the wildlife loop was amazing. I couldn't believe that the buffalo got so close you could touch them, if you would have been crazy enough to do that!
In August we went to Chicago for the Aicardi Syndrome Family Conference. This is one of the most amazing weekends we get to be a part of. I wish we could do these more than just once every two years. The time we get to spend with other families who are walking through this same journey is priceless. I love meeting all of the girls and getting to talk to the parents. The internet is great for connecting the families but there is nothing like getting to speak face to face and share those hugs and smiles together. We also took home some great information and new ideas from the classes and seminars. Nothing like learning from parents who have been there and done that. Of course we made our way to downtown Chicago for an afternoon and enjoyed some real Chicago style pizza and of course the kids had to go to the park to see the Cloud sculpture (or the big bean as the kids called it). I have never see kids more excited to see a sculpture. They said it wasn't a trip to Chicago if they didn't.
So the school year has already started and with that comes lots of new friends, activities and of course stress. Football season started at the end of August and that means lots of running around and hard work for Robert. Weeknight games now mean staying up until 10:30 just to get homework finished, but he knows bad grades means no sports. So far we have had an undefeated season, but our toughest team is still to come. Robert is the starting right tackle and really rocking it this year. He has found his strength and his spot on the team and continues to get better with every game.
My beautiful Katie has continued to grow into such a beautiful young lady. She has been working so hard to achieve nothing but straight A's this year. She has made a promise to herself to receive the highest honor roll award at the end of the year this year and is well on her way. She toured the Colorado Springs Early College Program campus this fall and has decided that is where she would like to attend High School next year. I can't believe I am a year away from having a freshman in High School! She has also asked to start taking archery lessons. Not sure where I am going to find that at but I will keep looking until I do.
Andie has moved on to 5th grade and is excelling! She is doing so well in conquering Dyslexia. I am so proud of the hard work she puts in and the progress she is making. She has not quite hit her grade level at this point but I know she will before the end of her fifth grade year. She has made so many new friends in the neighborhood and I love watching all of them grow together. It brings me so much joy to watch our house fill with her friends that she is getting to grow with and learn with. These are the connections that she will hopefully have for a lifetime. Which brings me to some really big news.....
We are buying a house!!! We have decided to buy the house next door to us!! After our dear neighbor Ron passed away his wife Joni decided to sell the house. We prayed on it and asked God for direction and feel that He has placed this blessing before us. The house is bigger than the one we are in now and of course the best part it keeps us in the neighborhood we love and lets the kids go to the schools they love. It feels so wonderful to know that they will not have to move again, that they can grow up in this neighborhood. We will be moving in on November 1st, after new carpet and linoleum are installed and we paint the interior. Thank you God for the abundant blessings you continue to pour out on our family.
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