Camping Part 3

The boys got to do lots of new things on our camping weekend, but one thing Jason really looked forward to was archery.

It was the first thing we did Saturday morning...

Waiting for our turn with our Pal, Kailee! (She was pretty awesome!)

They started telling the boys the rules. Then one of the Pals set the boys up with their bows and arrows!

They even had an adaptive set to help hold the arrow so Shawn could shoot, too.

They weren't too shabby at it, either. Shawn liked it enough to even go back for another attempt on Sunday morning. :) Lots of fun!

And Then, Just Like That, He's 6

Today our Jack is 6! 

When Jack woke up this morning, he found that we had decorated his room. He clapped and gushed about how today is a special day because it's his birthday. We couldn't help but smile. :)

Daddy also surprised him at the end of the school day with some goodie bags to share with his friends at school. He thought that was pretty awesome, too.

Jack was very insistent about what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday, and he was adamant that he was going to help me make it. lol. So together we made his request: a strawberry cake with white icing, blueberries, and candles. He was tickled pink about how it turned out.

Then it was time to celebrate!

He was so excited to get balloons and lots of presents!

He loved all of his presents...

He got a book, a movie, play-doh, and color-changing cars, but the big hit was a new train set.

He thinks it's pretty cool to drive his trains around the track.

It is so hard to believe our little guy is now 6 years old. Happy Birthday, Jack. May 6 be a year filled with happiness, laughter, and lots of love! 

Last Night of Five

We just tucked our Jack in bed and kissed away the magical and oh so fun year of five. 

Tomorrow he'll wake up 6.

We're going to miss the five year old Jack, and it is hard to not feel a bit sad that our baby is growing up so fast.

Sweet Dreams my boy. May the year of six bring us all as much joy, laughter, and excitement as five and oh so much more!

Award Time!

Jack got an award at his assembly today! He was quite proud of his accomplishment!! And we are quite proud of him!

Camping Part 2

On Saturday night, the camp had a talent show. While the big boys weren't exactly interested in getting up on stage, Jack sure was. :)



I just about die from the cuteness every time I see this.

  <3 nbsp="" p="">

Camping!

We spent the weekend camping here!  The boys had loads of fun, but whew, we are exhausted! More to come over the next few days. :)

Love on Me!

He came barging into the room and declared, "Mom! I need you to love on me!" How could I resist?!



And then he had to get me back. lol

This kid is such a snuggler! <3 p="">

Friday Four (Because I Can't Think of Five)

This week was report card week. The boys each did fairly well for himself. Jack's strength is definitely in reading. (Long gone are the days of pretending a show he wanted to watch isn't on tv. The kid can read the guide now. Sigh.) Jason's strength was also in reading. Shawn's strength is in social studies and science this time.

Way to go, boys!

~~~

Jack had a bit of an upset tummy and digestive track this week. He ended up with a touch of diarrhea and all of the fun that it entails. I think this experience must have been a first for him--and let me say, he DID NOT like the situation at all. Poor guy. lol

~~~

Last night, the boys and I got to put on a little talent show in Jack's room. Jack had decked his room all out in preparation. He had a sheet backdrop for the stage, a spotlight, and even his microphone. We all had to perform in the spotlight. Too funny!

~~~

A certain youngest child has a birthday coming up next week! How can it be that our baby is going to be SIX?! It was just yesterday that he was born!

Shawn and Jason have been really good about brainstorming some gift ideas for Jack. I think they did a great job with it, too!

Little Friends?

Jack cracked me up the other day. He insisted on playing with a plastic spoon and fork we had gotten with some take out food. Not long after, he asked for a marker and produced these:

And then he proceeded to play with his new friends. Lol!

Mostly Wordless Wednesday

Someone wasn't feeling very well today, so he climbed up on mama and took a little nap. ❤

Super Proud

Today Jay came home from school and announced his reading range is now up to 9.3 (9th grade, 3rd month)! That is 6 whole reading levels about his grade level. We are super proud of all of his hard work! Way to go, Jay!

Ahoy, Matey!

Anchors away, my friends!

Mr. Chef

"Jack I am."

"Would you like some green eggs and ham?"

I think he really liked Dr. Seuss week at school. :)

Life with Jack

Scene:

Jack was outside playing by himself. I watched him drag all of the outside chairs over so they faced the trampoline. He placed a ball on the seat of every single chair. He fussed and organized things for a few minutes before he flew to the door and came charging inside.

"I've got to get my tie!" he breathed as he passed.

Sure enough, the boy returned with a tie clipped to his shirt. Then he went outside and put on a "show" for his audience of balls by jumping on the trampoline. It was quite a sight, too!

He is SUCH a character!

Great Bike Update 2

There are a number of things that we need to do to apply for the grant for Jason's bike. One thing that is part of the application is a letter from the recipient. Jason wrote his letter this afternoon:

3-17-17

Dear Athletes Helping Athletes Foundation,

My name is Jason. I am 9 years old. I would like an adaptive bike because I've never rode my own bike befor (sic) and want to experience it myself. The only bike I've ever rode was at the XXX Therapy Unit. Riding a bike will strengthen my legs and my hamstrings. It will also let me go very fast. Maybe I can even race my friends!

I really hope you can help me get a bike.

Sincerely, Jason

How sweet is that letter? So proud of him!

The Great Bike Update

We were contacted by the bike company this week and finalized specifics so Shawn will get a bike that is perfect for him. It looks like it will be shipped soon! We can't wait!

Meanwhile, we got an application in the works to hopefully get a bike for Jay, too!

Stay tuned!

Mostly Wordless Wednesday

"Look at my muscles."

"Don't make me use them."

Ha! Cracked us up!

Brotherly Love

Jack's teacher shared this sweet story about Jack and Shawn:

At recess today, Jack saw Shawn and went over to him. They talked for a few moments, while Shawn told Jack that he loved him and told Jack to give him hugs. Before Jack went back to his side of the play yard, Shawn started to remind Jack to remember to "Think, Listen, and Be Nice" (part of our morning mantra to all the boys). Jack joined in, and they both said the phrase together. They hugged again, and both went off on their way. The teacher thought it was a very sweet brother moment. I agree!

Overheard

Bedtime is the hardest time for the little people lately. The busy-ness has calmed, and thoughts that were quieted by the bustle of the day push forward. It is at this time when we talk and reminisce about grandma, each boy still grappling with what this loss means. Sometimes there are tears and hugs and snuggles. Sometimes there is laughter and hugs and snuggles. Tonight we had another one of those conversations.

It took a bit before they were ready for me to leave their room tonight. I told them I love them, wished them good dreams, and turned their light out. Usually, that is the end of the conversation I hear coming from them for the night. So I was a little surprised to hear murmurs when I walked down the hall a few minutes later.

"I love you, Jay. Do you know that?" Shawn called out.

"I know. I love you, too." Jay replied.

And my heart melted all over again by the sweetness of these amazing boys. xoxo

Music Time

A few weeks ago, the boys went on a field trip to a local theater and experienced music played by an orchestra.

They both thought the trip was pretty awesome and loved the music!

Not only that, but they are now learning how to play the recorder at school, too. I even went so far as to get some recorders for them to practice with at home. They haven't done too badly with them (except for Jack's insistence to "blow the train whistle" on it). I can't wait to hear how they sound at the end of their unit. :)

Cute Big Boy Saturday

He's trying on my shoes. It be long before his foot size passes mine!