Micheala and Mariah's own dance recital...

Who came up with this Macarena song anyway....and how do I get it out of my head now!?

Saige's Dance Recital

Girl Scout Day Camp 2009

Last week Saige went to Girl Scout Day camp. As I watched her get on the camp bus the first day I kept thinking, "she doesn't seem old enough for something like this, does she?", even though some of the girls were even younger than she. As I watched her get off the bus that day, I had a mommy moment (choking back tears so I didn't look foolish in front of the other moms, although they would have understood) I just couldn't believe how grown-up she was. She steps off the bus with her jeans on (a big accomplishment for her if you are familiar with her clothing issues), her bandana in her hair, a ponytail frazzled from a day in the sun and wind, and the slightest sunburn on her cheeks....it just happens so fast. She is truly a grown up girl, well maybe not grown up, but she's not a little girl anymore.

Each time one of our kids hits a milestone (first day of school/preschool, losing their first tooth, going to their first friend birthday party, going on their first playdate, etc.) I'm always struck with the feeling that they are growing up so fast. Somedays I long for the days when they are more self sufficient, when I don't have to brush four sets of teeth every night and every morning, when I don't have to do six little pigtails every morning......but I know someday I will miss having kids who need me, so I will try a little harder to appreciate these times instead of wishing them away!

Anyway, here are some picts of Saige and all of her Brownie friends!

Progress!!!!

When our family entered this world of Autism 6 months ago we hoped for, prayed for, and anticipated moments like this. To those of you who have a child with Autism, and those of you who love a child with Autism, you know what a great moment this is. No, he's not speaking in complete sentences, no he doesn't even say a word in this clip. But....HE TURNS HIS HEAD WHEN I CALL HIS NAME!! Woo Hoo!!! It truly is a big step, he's responding to his own name nearly 100% of the time. Not only did he turn his head, but he came running towards me for some big hugs!

Not only that, but this picture captures another new milestone, he is LOVING to play with his siblings. They wrestle him, play house with him (guess who get's to be the baby every time), and give him tickles and kisses all over! I love the look on his face in this picture. He's having so much fun, and so was I :)

The cloud is lifting....

ABC n D Family Fun Day!

Wyatt's preschool held their annual "Family Fun Day" a few weeks ago. Let's just say water table + dirt table + Wyatt= A GOOD, BUT MESSY TIME! They also had a blow up bounce house, crafts, bubbles, water rockets, and snow cones! It was a great time!

Girl scout award ceremony

The pictures aren't great (I was trying to wrestle a very cranky Wyatt at the time), but you can definitely see the pride on Saige's face as she stood up with her whole Brownie troop and each took a turn telling what their favorite activity of the year was. They all worked so hard and earned a lot of badges! Way to go Saige!

A belated birthday post...

It's hard to even remember Micheala being this small. This picture is of the first day at our home over 1 1/2 years ago. It didn't take long for her to start growing taller, growing stronger, and of course growing sweeter every single day!

This is a picture of us celebrating Micheala and Saige's birthdays at Great wolf Lodge last month. We had a great time, but didn't get much sleep...

Micheala blowing out her candle's at Grandma and Grandpa McDavitt's house. Look at our big 6 year old!