A visit with Santa Claus

Well...every year the Kaman family has their annual visit with Santa Claus. I really think we only have one more year doing this with the middle kid. He's about figured it out. He is entirely too logical to understand how this thing makes any sense...here's his questions..."how could someone really fit down our chimney? how can one man deliver all those presents? what is an elf anyways??" Well... Brian and I have always said we would not lie to our kids about this whole Santa thing...but Gracie and Bubs are still firm believers and I hate to spoil this for them...so I just run when Samuel starts in on his quest for the truth. Let's just get through one more year, please.

I know some folks really have a problem with the whole Santa thing but we find really no harm in it. And...I don't have a problem with folks that don't really get into the Santa thing. If you ask my kids they will tell you the REAL meaning behind Christmas. They understand why Jesus' birth is so important to us. We make sure to spend more time on the Nativity and we do have a very special Nativity play we attend every year and our kids REALLY look forward to it. This year it was quite special...it snowed on us while we were singing our Christmas carols that night...God made that extra special for us I think. Oh, and...the whole Naughty/Nice thing isn't a focus for us...only God sees our hearts and knows if we are naughty or nice...but here's the thing I DO love about our yearly visit with St. Nick...my child's own personality comes out when we go.

So this year is no different for my kids. Bubs was absolutely EXCITED! You would have thought he was about to be given a plate piled high with Chick fil a nuggets and fries. He was quick to climb right into Santa's lap and give him a hug, he quickly told him what he wanted for Christmas...just the TOY STORY 3 movie. As always, this kid never has a long list. Usually just one thing he REALLY wants. And...quite frankly he would be content to just get that movie. You know he'll get many other things. BUT...that movie will be his most favorite gift...you mark my words. That's why I love that kid! :)

Well Samuel! HEE HEE HEE. That kid cracks me up... he brought his list. He was so scared he might forget the three things he wanted to ask for...Legos, a Spy kit, and a science kit. He wanted me to hold on to the list while he saw Santa. Poor kid...his nerves did get the best of him for a minute. He stood silent and stared at the man in the red suit for a minute and then ...he remembered and proudly smiled at me when he finished. Gotta say...I love that kid too!

And then Gracie...Santa couldn't resist that sweet thing..who really can??? So, I told him she would most likely be too scared to sit with him, I mean the last three years of her life she has screamed BLOODY MURDER when she saw him. She had already told us she would NOT sit with him. So she held Bubs hand at first. He asked her what she wanted and then all that came out was "Barbie." She really wanted a Barbie Make Up Vanity. But she couldn't get it out...
Now, we had an AWESOME Santa. He quietly put his arm around her, talked to her really softly and picked her up as gently as he could and sat her on his lap. Can you believe she didn't cry but smiled so proudly at me and Brian. Santa said, "See Mom, she's not scared anymore." Well...so I love that kid too and my eyes started to well up with tears. You know that's not really what got me...it was thinking...she has just grown up on me. She's not a baby anymore. That really made me feel like crying!

But I must say that seeing those three kids smiling at me and running to give me a big hug when they came off that stage was enough to make me feel like the most blessed woman in the world. So...I look forward to this Santa visit every year...not because I just love Santa that much...but because I love those three kids and just when I think my heart cannot love anymore it just fills up again some how... So Santa makes me remember that my loving God chose me to be their mom and for that I will be forever grateful!

Realities...

are a part of life. I think that facing realities are not of our own control. Well...you know I know that my life is not in my control. It's by God's gracious hand that my life has been shaped...but you know I think when we face a true reality in our worldly life it is through the Holy Spirit's conversations with us. You know I know we face some realties of our life that aren't life changing...like the reality that I am not a runner...I have tried to be a runner but the honest truth is that although I don't mind exercising I really don't have an interest in running. Another reality that is not that earth shaking that I have learned in my life is that I am a picky eater. I try to blame my pickiness on lots of things...but the reality is I am JUST PLAIN PICKY...and I think somehow I like being picky.

SO...enough about these trivial realities. My thoughts are more serious than that! Lately my reality is about Benjamin. Here's the reality. He's eight. He has Down Syndrome. He was created differently. AND...what am I doing to help to foster his differences. He is mainstreamed in a typical classroom at school and church. He plays with typical friends. We treat him just like our other two children. I have always been proud of that about our family. BUT...I think it's time we celebrate the differences that God gave him. I will say that all the differences are not worth celebrating some days. Some days it just plain stinks. But...heres' the thing...he needs to find some friends he can relate to, he needs to find his place, and I need to help him to do that. I need to be more involved with the disability community. I haven't done that much because I think it is hard to be a part of a group when Christ is not your focus. So the final conclusion is that the body of Christ must be more involved in the disability community.

I know I have been feeling God's call to reach out in our community to those who are disabled in some way and to their families. Some families may be hurting...some families may be longing for a friendship from someone who can relate to them...some may be looking for Christ. I truly believe I was given this path for a reason. God didn't put Benjamin here by accident. It's time to face that reality. What does He want me to do now? I am praying for that very thing right now...more to come.

New fav artist

We love country music in our house. Being from Texas and Georgia who couldn't really love it...

One of my new favorite country artists is Miranda Lambert...here's one I really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCZg7EUlHFw

It is so different...

raising a girl. I know it sounds stereotypical and I know there are variations of the norm...but it is so different in this house. Brian and I just said last night we can't imagine just how different our family would be if we didn't have that little girl. I get more hugs...I love you's...I want to marry you (she knows she cannot marry me but somehow continues to ask if she can)...I want to be a mommy like you...the list goes on.

She tells her brothers she loves them..and she tells them she is mad at them, thinks they are not fair, wishes they would leave...that list goes on too. But..so different from my boys who don't really have a great grasp on their feelings all the time.

She's a bundle of girl energy...now that comes along with some female "fickleness" so Brian says. She is quite sensitive, emotional, and horribly DRAMATIC. But just so funny.

Gracie and I had the chance to spend some girl time this weekend. Brian took the boys on a Cub Scout camp out. We dressed up and went to her pick of restaurant ( Panera), went shopping and looking at girl toys and clothes. Then came home and watched a Strawberry Shortcake movie. I told Brian I am really looking forward to really enjoying her. I didn't get to really have a friendship with mom. She was sick for three years before I lost her at 15. I can't wait to be there for Gracie.

I feel blessed to be able to be her mom...

gracie the performer

My little girl is quite the performer. Most of you wouldn't know that because she only performs in quiet or with her family. When she does it is quite funny...She is the author of her songs. Know where she gets that? Me...when I was younger I wrote many songs...most of which revolved around my anger over something I felt was not going my way. I did have a knack for repeating key words or phrases until I would forget the rest of the song. Gracie does the same thing...except her songs are generally happy. This one is about her "digida" or princess wand she got at the fall festival.

Relentless

That's the word to describe living with a disability. I have been reading this book called Same Lake Different Boat by Stephanie Hubach. Here's how she describes relentlessness. "...an extremely unpleasant, repetitive process that, almost upon completion, is entirely undone only to be repeated perpetually. At time relentless difficulties are something we can laugh about when the intensity has ebbed. Often, though there is nothing funny about them..." I know every family with or without a disability encounters relentless behaviors but according to Hubach..." families affected by diability will find it to be more so..."


It has given me quite a bit to think about. To be honest, I don't ALWAYS think of Bubs disability. It doesn't plague my mind day in and day out as it once did when he was a baby. I see what a beautiful child he has become and I often forget that there are difficulties and struggles we face simply because of the extra chromosome. Most days he blends in with the rest of the chaos of our lives and he doesn't stick out. He is just Bubs to me...most days!


Yesterday I had one of those days when RELENTLESS is the only word to describe the difficulties.

I allowed Bubs to stay home from school to get over his sinus infection. We needed to get out and headed to Target. It was turning out to be a fun outing until we stopped to look at the PJ's. Bubs and Gracie absolutely LOVE new pj's. I suppose the excitement combined with being in the cart way to long made them very silly. They started to hide from me under the clothes rack. That's something most all kids love! I could tell it was starting to get out of hand and I asked them to get back into the cart so we could go before someone had to ask us to leave! Gracie quickly obeyed but Bubs found this all a fun game. He threw down the Pj's I had asked him to put away and ran under a rack of clothes farther from me. I could tell this was not going to be easy to get him back to the cart. Oh...did I mention I had lost my voice from a sinus infection I had just had and could not pull out the BIG voice that he usually understands means business. Well...before I knew it, he had run laughing from the children's dept into the baby aisles and as quickly as I could get there he was gone. I couldn't see him anywhere. Panic hit me and tears were flowing. I grabbed Gracie and found an associate to help me. She called a CODE YELLOW for a little boy in a Spiderman shirt. They asked me how old he was. When I told them he was eight I had to explain that he had Down Syndrome so he really looked like a five year old! Several customers rallied around to help look under the racks. Within seconds but what seemed like minutes they had found him in the MEN'S department... hiding in the racks and still laughing. His laughing turned to fear when he saw my face and my tears. I couldn't help but hold him but I was so frustrated on the inside. How could he have seen no danger in what he just did? We have punished him for running away so many times...but I still feel like it's going to take until eternity for that kid to get it...

So...I come home hoping to recover from the ordeal from earlier. Bubs decides to color. He loves to color in new coloring books. That sounds pretty tame right? Well...something possesses him today to draw with the crayons on the carpet. What in the world?? I have told him not to do that so many times before and I thought surely he understood that. So...my peaceful afternoon is spent trying to remove the crayon stains from the carpet. It isn't easy at all!

So there seems to be no end to this day...but wait there is more. Now this next disaster isn't exactly Bubs fault but he was the cause. So Samuel's latest gameis bouncing tennis balls on the roof of the garage and then counting how quickly he can catch them. Well...Bubs enjoys the same game except never really manages to get the ball on the roof. Yesterday was no different. Bubs was using a very soft training baseball. If you don't know what these are...they are very light and pretty safe...so I thought. After a few throws to the garage door I hear a shattering sound of glass. I turn around to see glass lying all over the ground and a huge hole in the garage door window. Bubs is speechless along with the other two...both waiting to see my reaction. Fortunately I was on the phone and couldn't really exclaim the words that came to my head. I sent the kids inside. Shaking my head I picked up the glass and swept the ground. How could this kid get in this much trouble today...why is life so different? Knowing that it wasn't his fault I went inside and let him know I wasn't mad at him but at the situation and that it really could not have been his fault. But seriously???

I will go back to what I have been reading. Hubach reminds us that our lives should not be about the disability and how we can overcome it, bring pity to ourselves, or ignore it. Our lives should be God focused. As long as we can keep Him in the focus then our relentless struggles will pale and we can take heart.

Here's a verse I have found some comfort in day to day...

Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a

I need to daily ask God to evaluate my heart and to help put some perpespective on these relentless areas of my life. Many of us did not ask for the race they are running...disability, illness, death, financial problems... But we must run with perseverance and only with His help. It's the only solution!

Correction...

I meant to call the "lasso" a "whip." Sorry about that slip up...

Halloween

My kids always have the option of choosing their Halloween costumes. Ironically each one really says something about their personalities. This year was no exception...Gracie chose Strawberry Shortcake...or "cupcake!" as she says. She kinda reminds me of Strawberry. I guess because she is not quite an all out princess because she will wrestle and play boy games and doesn't like "itchy clothes"...but she does love girly things and loves most anything that smells so "yummy!" My Samuel was Indiana Jones...cracks me up since he has never seen the movie but he loves the WII game. He has moved past the superhero stage. I think that he understands that most superheroes are not real and that he could never become one of them. He could however be Indiana Jones, and has asked me how hard he would have to practice in order to be him one day. The costume was great until somehow we lost the lasso along the way. That was the coolest part of the costume and unfortunately it didn't make much sense to look for it in the dark! And then there's my Spiderman. Okay...so the kid has been Spiderman for four years...(not to mention we have had a Spiderman birthday party for four years also)...Well...this year was no exception. We did have to buy a new suit this year. He busted out of the old one last year when we had to wear it at the last minute when he decided he couldn't be Iron Man! You gotta love that about that kid!

So..the weather was great and except for a couple of scary houses, one fall, one kid who got tired of walking, and the loss of a lasso in the neighborhood...it was a great night!

Pumpkin carving

I just love the fall! Apples...pumpkins...cooler weather...and then Halloween. I know it's a controversial holiday for Christians but I just love it. I think we have done pretty well at keeping it pretty child like. The unfortunate thing is that this year I am appalled at the world's ability to make this the scariest, creepiest, most demonic holiday ever. Thank goodness for churches that provide fall festivals, and fall parties to keep the party fun...but not scary! The kids love dressing up...photos to come... and I just love watching them. They have been counting the days until they can wear their costumes. This week we carved "Jack!" We named him this year...thanks to the book Pumpkin Jack! Dad always does the work...this year with the help of Samuel...

Meant to be...

Ran across this today...just beautiful
A song by Steven Curtis Chapman

Long Before You Drew Your First Breath
A Dream Was Coming True

God Wanted to Give A Gift To The World
So He Wrapped It Up In You

Every Step That You’ve Taken
Every Move That You Make
Is Part Of His Plan

You Were Meant To Be Touching
The Lives That You Touch
And Meant To Be Here
Making This World So Much More
Than It Would Be Without You In It

You Were Meant To Be Bringing
The Gifts That You Bring
And Singing The Songs
You’ve Been Given To Sing

You Are Perfectly, Wonderfully,
Beautifully Meant To Be
You Were Meant To Be

Long Before You Took Your First Fall
You stumbled to the ground
God started telling the story of you to the angles around
Every failure and victory
Everything inbetween
Its all in his hand

You Were Meant To Be Touching
The Lives That You Touch
And Meant To Be Here
Making This World So Much More
Than It Would Be Without You In It

You Were Meant To Be Bringing
The Gifts That You Bring
And Singing The Songs
You’ve Been Given To Sing

You Are Perfectly, Wonderfully,
Beautifully Meant To Be
You Were Meant To Be (yeah)
Meant To Be
You are
You are
You are meant to be
You are
You are
You are meant to be

For every breath that your taking
And every move that you make
It’s a meaningful life you’ve been given
Live it well

You Were Meant To Be Touching
The Lives That You Touch
And Meant To Be Here
Making This World So Much More
Than It Would Be Without You In It

You Were Meant To Be Bringing
The Gifts That You Bring
And Singing The Songs
You’ve Been Given To Sing

You Are Perfectly, Wonderfully,
Beautifully Meant To Be (yeah)
You Were Meant To Be (yeah)
You Were Meant To Be (yeah)
You Were Meant To Be
To Be

Sweetpea Beauty

I watched this Veggie Tale movie with Gracie last night. She was a little too young to get it. It had a great message of inner beauty that only is God given...I cannot wait to have them all watch it again. It is great for girls who are growing up in today's world and it really is good for my kids as they get older in understanding Bubs...take out the part about little girls and this song was written for him too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orc4TuIO56s

Cub Scouts and Soccer

We have been so busy lately. Seems that Brian and I apparently do not understand how to say, "NO!" This fall has been packed with Cub Scout Meetings (Brian's the den leader) and soccer (Brian's the coach!) ...not to mention we are teaching Sunday School and I am teaching preschool. It's been a lot to get to used to but also a lot of fun. Samuel is very excited about being a new Tiger Cub. Bub has been a part of it all as much as he has wanted to. He is certain he does not want to wear a uniform but enjoys doing some of the activities. The whole family recently attended Tiger Day. It was an all day event packed with every boy activity you could imagine. It was held at the Boy Scout Camp in Goochland. Here are some pictures of our last few fall days. Oh...did I mention the soccer team this year is yet again UNDEFEATED...They have an awesome coach! :)

Bub's Buddies...

Yesterday was our eighth year at the Buddy Walk. It's a great day filled with smiles, laughter, and many thanks to God for our sweet Bubs. It sometimes takes a day like this to make we realize how blessed I am to have my Bubs. I see so many things that almost make me want to cry...adults with DS that make me fast forward to what an older Bubs will be like, children who haven't been as blessed as we have with good health, friends who love Bubs, kids who accept Bubs and walk along side him,and Bub's sweet-sweet smile when he gets to do the things he loves...bounce houses and standing with that Chick fil a cow. It is truly a most wonderful day for a mom! I have to step back and just look at Bubs today. He is an incredible kid...with some incredible siblings and friends! We have so much to be thankful for and so good to be reminded for the days that are hard!

Funny thing...

how God gives you what you need right when you need it...

We had been having some trouble with Bubs at school. He's never been the behavior problem but for some reason the last few days at school have not been good ones. We have had to really come down on him lately. The teacher at school was at her wits end the last few days and has even had to call me from school. He's just been really silly and doesn't seem to want to settle down and listen. He's been doing some "odd" things also like hiding under tables and running from the teachers. I could only just pray that God could work something out in his little heart...and help his momma to stop crying about what was going on with him and how those other kids in his class must really think he's "weird." So... Brian and I have this conversation reminding ourselves that God did create Bubs special for His purpose. He is different in some ways but he still is a kid...most every kid has their rebellion, right? Just Bubs is a bit atypical...BUT praying still that the other kids don't think he's "weird. "

Then the next morning this was on YAHOO...

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Down-syndrome-football-player-scores-TD-in-Washi?urn=highschool-272803

If you haven't seen it...it's about a high school kid that scores a touchdown for his school because his coach and his team think that he's worth it...they know he's a little different but they don't think he's "weird." He's truly changed their lives for the better...

So...maybe knowing Bubs (even seeing him misbehave) will somehow change those little lives for the better too...

See...God knew I needed to remember that! :)

Back to school...

Week one of school is now over. We all made it. Tues the boys started back to school, Wednesday Gracie went to "church" preschool at our church and this Friday was Day one of Homegrown Preschool. I think all in all the week went well. The boys love the bus! Bubs has the biggest smile the second he sees his driver turn the corner every morning. Although Samuel was a little hesitant the first morning he has taken to the ride quite quickly. I think it makes them both seem a little more independent. It's a little sad to see them growing up so fast but that's what's supposed to happen, right?? Gracie's doing well with our busy schedule. Thankfully all the activity has brought a few new naps into the schedule which has been nice for mommy. So here's some pictures of the first week.

Cat tricks, water balloons, and wings

It's the last week of summer break for the boys. It's been a truly great summer. This time of year is always bittersweet for me. I will so miss those boys when they are gone but the "quiet" of just one child for most of the day is at times a nice break. I am ready for my new adventure of a preschool and excited to start some new fall events!

Besides our three trips this summer we have spent our days at the pool, the library, bowling alley, playdates, outside, and lately we have been trying to teach Bailey some new tricks. I don't really think a cat that's 13 really wants to learn these new tricks but Samuel found a book at the library that he thinks will help us teach her. We do try everyday but she doesn't seem to be such a great student.

We also try to stay cool when we are outside with water balloons...well at least Samuel and Gracie...doesn't seem to be something Bubs is so sure of...actually he HATES balloons. Well...you know they are unpredictable and he hates anything unpredictable...

So here's a few pictures of our last few days...sure has been a fun time. I am gonna miss those stinkers...every now and then when I get sad I think that maybe I should homeschool to keep them with me a little longer...but no...they need to spread their wings...and mom needs to let them.

So it's life...

Life with a kid with special needs is indeed a special life. Bubs brings joy to most everyone who he is around. You cannot resist his smile, his laugh is contagious and his hugs are unbreakable. BUT...things aren't always easy. I have finally gotten that!

So every year we go to get his blood drawn for a yearly check for thyroid problems and leukemia. He HATES it! I cannot tell you how bad this kid HATES doctors. I would relate his fear to my fear of dying from cancer. NO JOKE. It paralyzes the kid. Fortunately the dentist, doctor, and eye doctor are used to working with my kid. If not...they would probably run when they see his name on their schedule. Well since we have lived here this whole blood thing has been a nightmare. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I tell them that he is going to hate the whole process they don't believe me. I mean it takes work to even get him in the room to draw his blood. I dread this every year because I know how badly it works him up.

So...I was hopeful this time things would be a little better for him. He is a year older. BUT...same scenario...the minute he sees the hospital he knows. We walk in and immediately have to find a bathroom for him to do both number one and two. I know that we will need to remember where the bathroom is so we can visit it a couple more times. He shivers, his heart beats fast, his hands are clammy. I just sit and hold him and try to whisper " I Love you!" He's such a quiet kid.. he doesn't scream, yell or draw too much attention to himself that way...but he does look pitiful. It's apparent to anyone around that something is "different" about this kid. Most kids his age don't have to carried to just get off the floor or the chair.


Thanks to my wonderful pediatrician I was hopeful that the actual blood draw would be better this time. He did so much research for me. He found one lady down at MCV hospital that has been drawing peds blood for 15 years! He told me how to find her and I was praying for a miracle.

We get to the lab and have to wait for this lady to come from another floor. Poor Bubs...we had to hit the bathroom in the lab again for the third time! He wouldn't sit down. He knew what was up now. He was a shriveled up mess on the floor of the lab. UGH...the germs that must be down on that floor!!! The anxiety was getting bad! Now...everyone is noticing that I am trying to just get him to move out of the doorway. He is shaking and saying something that sounds like "I scared." But most people would not understand his "code." Finally she gets there. She was a miracle worker. She stayed calm, relaxed, and quiet. She got her things ready. Told me to pin him down and in less than two minutes of screaming and yelling, she had his blood. She was even talented enough to shut the door while she held the needle in his arm. Probably a good idea that the rest of the patients not really hear what was happening.

She was wonderful to me. Bubs wasn't really as impressed with her skill but glad we were done and we could get out of this place. I made sure to tell her we would be back again next year.

So we headed for the door as fast we could after one last bathroom stop...and we were done.
Both mom and Bubs glad that we survived yet another trip to a doctor.

So this is life. Like I said...life with Bubs is special. Special but not always easy. I have gotten used to the looks and I understand them. I would probably watch too. It's a different life...but for now...I am just incredibly thankful for the lady at MCV. She doesn't know how much I appreciated her.

Our Gracie Girl

Today my baby turned three! Wow...cannot believe she's a preschooler now! Where does the time go! She's the perfect mix of all of us...and then some.

Here's some things Gracie really likes now...

anything PINK
Dance parties and pink Dora sunglasses
cupcakes and ice cream
birthdays
anything "tiny" (tiny houses...tiny food...tiny strollers...even tiny potties and sinks...)
singing
ponies and "digidas (that's what she calls princesses...don't ask...)"
polka dots
babies (pretend and real ones too)
play kitchens
coloring and playdough

Never in my life would I have thought I needed a girl but Gracie has proved me wrong...I need her! She's brought out every emotion I think I have or didn't know I had.


"Can I be a mommy one day??" Gracie asks me quite often.
"I love you so very much mommy!" While she said this she held my cheeks and kissed my head!


She's a really good dancer and singer...maybe she will be our little performer one day...I don't really know...but she's really won my heart! Can't wait to spend another three years with my baby girl.

Road trips...

Well... the Kaman house was gone again this past week on yet another road trip. It was time for our annual Savannah/Beach trip. I just don't know but think it might have been the best one yet.

Here's a few highlights...

FIRST...I got to visit with ALL of my family this time. My brother, his wife, and my niece were also visiting. I do miss that kid! Wish I could see her much more. She's grown up so much and it was great to see her playing with my kids. They love her as much as I do. Oh...and great to see my big brother and his wife too!!! Bubs was taken with Stella...very cute!

SECOND...We got to visit with Brian's sister Emily and her family. We haven't seen her in TWO years. I got to meet her newest little bundle of sweetness. He is beautiful...blond and blue eyes. Her oldest is a riot! So funny! But...poor little thing had strep throat along with his momma and was down a couple of days. He's about two years younger than Samuel and that automatically gave Samuel the opportunity to "show him the ropes."

Okay...so ALL kids slept in one room. It actually worked...AND they slept LATE! Yes...we have made it! :)

Oh...and my dad built this AWESOME play structure in the backyard and all the kids played on it. They had a blast and it meant a lot that they would build that for the grandkids!

Other highlights...

Making m&m cookies with nana, having a hermit crab for a day (it's a long story and very sad...we had to take the poor thing back after we found out we couldn't keep him...Samuel's last words about Hermie was tearfully..."That's not how I wanted him to go Mom!" Now...we have a new Hermie..who is meant for the cage we bought but I am terrified how long he will last...).

Our dolphin cruise with Aunt Patty...enjoyed so much having her...we needed her help and her company. Bubs LOVED it...the boat ride and everything. The others were entertained for about half and hour and then the heat, the boat rocking, and the hot life jackets just about did them in and I was worried we might need to hang someone overboard! :(

Seeing Grandmommy and Granddaddy again is always a blast. The kids loved seeing them and playing with them. Gracie really warmed up this time. She must have given Grandmommy a million hugs...

We found so much marine life...sand dollars, starfish, crabs, etc. Very, very fun!

There is so much to write about but I don't have the time right now...but here's some photos to enjoy...

Bubs swimming lessons

I believe in MORGAN SWIM SCHOOL!

For those of you not from Richmond you probably have no idea what I am talking about. It's the boot camp of swim lessons. They don't believe in using any type of flotation devices, kickboards, noodles, etc. We had heard of them through the Down Syndrome Society and we knew they were pretty successful! You cannot stay with your child so I have hesitated up until now for fear of the hysterics that might be involved with our decision.

BUT...the time came we felt Benjamin needed us to pull out the big guns! He's had two rounds of your average swim lessons but still had not learned to swim...or to be safe in the water. Now...the kid LOVES the water and always has...but I need to feel like I could trust him not to drown himself!

So...yesterday was his fourth lesson. I have nothing but good things to say! He can now float on his back (got a ribbon for that already!) and will put his head in the water for 5 seconds and can jump in and "swim" to the side of the pool. I am impressed. How did she teach him to hold his breath?? I have been trying to do that for four years now. I have no idea how they did it (you cannot stay for the lesson!) but I am a believer. He is so much more confident in the pool now. Sometimes I think we underestimate this kid!

The thing that is even better than him holding his breath and "swimming" is that he is so proud of himself. I think he likes having something he does that is "all his own." He talks about it all night long! He demonstrates even out of the water how he has "rocket" arms and can lay like a soldier! It's one of the cutest thing to watch! I think he has made his brother and sister jealous of him, and for once I think that is a good thing! He needs his time to SHINE!

We have four more lessons left and then we will see how far he's come...but I think it's been a success even if he doesn't have the best strokes or dives...it's been a lesson for the rest of us!

Milestones...

Our first summer trip this year was a momentous one. For those of you who do not know we just returned from a five day trip to Ft Lauderdale. It was quite a memorable time...not just for the fun we had but the major steps we took as a family transitioning from being a family with diapers, formula, nursing, and babies to a family with some really "big" kids! I have to admit I do sometimes miss the "idea" of another baby. But right now it is becoming really nice to be able to travel and do some things that although are possible with tiny ones just aren't as enjoyable.

Well...here are some milestones we accomplished with this trip.

1.Traveling 16 hours in a car without having to make frequent stops to "nurse" or feed the baby!
2.Traveling through the night!
3.Traveling with two kids old enough to play video games to occupy their time so they didn't ask a hundred times "are we there yet?" Now it will really be nice when Gracie can do that. For now...we just watch A LOT of Dora!
4.Being able to go down to the beach/pool without anyone in a swimmy diaper! Those things are gross!
5.Being able to go to the beach with three kids and have a enjoyable and somewhat relaxing time!
6.Being able to sleep in a hotel room together without someone waking the other one up! This is huge for us...most of you know what BAD sleepers my kids are. This brings me comfort that this summer in Hilton Head...Brian and I might have a room to ourselves! :)
7.Being able to go out to a relatively nice restaurant at a "normal" eating hour and not feel like the entire restaurant is staring at you...and hoping you are leaving really soon! AND also not nervous that your children will have an emotional meltdown if they are not fed the minute they complain they are hungry!
8.Being able to get home and think about the fun we had...and want to take another trip again! :)

So...all in all it was indeed a fun time. Now don't get me wrong...it was tiring and since Brian had to work a lot of the time we REALLY missed him! But all in all a really memorable time!

Here's some pictures!