Big Steps



 We joined approximately 6,000 other walkers last Saturday to participate in the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk at Arrowhead Stadium. The walk directly benefits the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, and was a one mile walk around the stadium. The boys look forward to this all year long and had been talking about it for days. They couldn't wait to see their friends, Hunter and Kayleigh. It turned out to be a spectacular afternoon!

My mom came for a short visit so that she could attend Grandparents day at preschool this week. Jeremy and I took full advantage of having her around and went out to celebrate his upcoming birthday last night. This will be the birthday that technically makes him closer to forty than thirty, but it would not be very nice of me to mention this would it? Just pretend that I didn't and please don't remind me of this on my next birthday.

We ended up having a really great time together. It was nice to relax and enjoy a great meal and realize that it is still fun to hang out. Hey, we are still fun!

While we were enjoying a very tranquil atmosphere, Grandma was braving McDonald's-the one with the playland- with the boys. It just so happened to be Happy Meal Happy Hour. Believe me, if I would have known I would have warned her. I would not wish that on anyone! She said it was fun, which is why the boys would rather hang out with her than mean old mom.

Ben woke up extra early excited to take Grandma with him to school this morning. He just could not wait to show her all that he has been working on. She was impressed with the progress he has made with the reading program and loved the painting he made of a butterfly.

During the festivities at the preschool, Owen had one of our last home visits from our Parents as Teachers educators. He was adorable while working with Ms. Deborah. He breezed through the matching and sorting that were part of her intellectual assessment. It is reassuring to know that there are no worries with his development. He is still right on track.



Wordless Wednesday

We made it to Fritz's a few times over the last several months.  The boys still love going here and usually talk me into taking our guests when they come to visit.  This is definitely a place we can go where I don't  have to worry about keeping the kids quiet!

In September with Hannah and Wade:

In August with Grandma Guthrie and Spencer:

And in July when Grandma Uebinger came for a visit.



Saturday and Sunday

We had a fantastic weekend with the boys.  

Jeremy and I took them fishing at the lake in our neighborhood.  The boys went with their dad to buy worms.  This kind of cracks me up that you can just go to Wal-Mart and buy them.  When I was a kid the best part of fishing was finding enough worms to take with us.  My brother, Ryan, and I  knew all of the best places to look.  There was indeed a time in my life when I had no problem picking them up with my bare hands.  Then we walked to school barefoot in the snow up hill both ways.

Anyway once we had our supplies, which consisted of 2 kids fishing poles, worms, fruit snacks, juice boxes, lawn chairs and a blanket all loaded up we headed over to the fishing hole and got started.  After about 10 minutes, Ben decided it was time for a snack. Sadly no fish were caught that day.  Once the snacks were gone the fun of fishing quickly diminished.  Jeremy and I sat with our professional equipment, Iron Man and Lightening McQueen poles,  for a little longer until my pole inexplicably broke.  It was fun, but we might have a hard time getting them to go with us again. 

The Fall Festival was going on this weekend in Blue Springs.  I have thought about taking the boys for the last couple of years, but that's as far as it has gone.  With a little prodding from our neighbor on Sunday, we decided to check it out.  I am happy we went, even if I am still struggling with the heartburn from the food I consumed while there. Ben and Owen were very excited about the carnival rides and their excitement inevitably carries over to me.

 

          





Same old stuff

Owen and I have been hanging out and the days have been flying by.  I am taking the time to appreciate our one on one time together.  My little guy is growing up!  We have spent the last few days outside enjoying the weather.  He loves to go for walks to find bugs and butterflies.  When we are inside he is busy painting pictures and playing with the superheroes in Ben's room.  But don't tell Ben.  He is under the impression that we wait until he gets home to have any fun.

Ben continues to enjoy preschool and speech.  I can not wait to hear about his day when I pick him up.  Wednesday evening Ben excitedly announced, "Mom!  I'm an official reader at school tomorrow!"  This translates to mean that he will be learning to read.  His excitement thrills me beyond belief.  I hope that the enthusiasm continues and carries over to other subjects like my arch enemy-math.

There is just not a lot going on around here.  We have been pretty snooze worthy, but this is a good thing.  No news is good news, and I like it like that!



Catching Up

Preschool started back up a couple of weeks ago.  Ben was excited to "start learning things again" (a direct quote). He is in the same classroom as the previous years and was eager to get back to Ms. Claire and his friends.  Owen wanted to stay at school with his big brother the first few days.  I have to admit my heart aches at the thought of him being away from me.  Poor thing will be lucky if I ever let him go to school.

The boys are so precious when we pick up Ben in the afternoon.  Owen squeals "Ben!" as soon as he sees his big brother coming to the car and Ben climbs in with a big smile and can't wait to say "Hi Owen! Did you miss me?" 

The weather cooled down enough Jeremy and I took the boys to the zoo last week to check out the new polar bear.  We were able to see most of the animals in the "Africa" section during feeding time.  Owen really enjoyed himself.  Seeing the excitement in his eyes made my day.  Ben was hot.  He was thirsty.  He wanted to go back to the train.  This was the loop that kept running the entire time we were there.  I am hoping that he was just tired from his morning at preschool.  If not, we are in for it when he reaches the angsty teen years when that hanging out with the family is so not cool.  Both of them were sound asleep in their car seats minutes after we left.