Backyard Campout

As one last "hurrah" for summer, Chad decided to camp out with Gavin in the back yard. They were SO excited. They set up the tent in the afternoon and spent the rest of the day playing in and out of it. When it was time for bedtime, Gavin was giddy with excitement. We all went out and read books and used flashlights. Then, I took Sydney inside (because as much as she wanted to be out there, there was no way she would handle it) for the night. Gavin and Chad had to check every window before going to sleep to see what was outside but he fell asleep no problem. They stayed out there all night...I kept thinking I might hear Chad bring him in at some point, but they lasted all night long.

Chad said in the morning, he woke up to Gavin waking him up with a BEAMING smile on his face telling him the sun was out! Time to wake up!

There is confusion whether this tent is for sleeping or playing.

The set up.

Just testing it out.

Pirates beware!!

He is so excited!!

Jammies & Blankies all ready to go.

Bedtime stories.

Every good campout uses flashlights.

First Day of School

Already?  I feel like summer just started!  I've loved having Gavin home this summer and we've done so many fun things....but he is SO excited about school!  He loves going to school!  He is back in Mrs. Amy's class at Spencer Trail and definitely feels like a veteran.  I love to see his excitement about school but Sydney and I will miss having him home with us girls!

The first day of school was bittersweet at home....I couldn't believe how quiet the house was!  This made me so sad....because I missed my buddy...but it made me so happy...because who would have thought my little speech therapy kid would fill a house with so much sound!  I'm so thankful to recognize that I miss his voice while he's at school.

However....I'm sure he doesn't miss us!



"Meet the Teacher" night at school.

Gavin is very excited to be in the Blue Neighborhood still! 

And now we commence the first day of school pics.  They are too cute....

Little Islanders

When Chad and I went to the Isle of Capri we picked out these matching little ensembles for the kids.  Cracks me up....the look like they live an island boat life.  :)

Gavin's Glasses

So...upon my mom's recommendation, I took Gavin to see a nuerological optometrist.  She kept encouraging I look into this dr (who is over an hour away) and I finally relented. 

I have to admit, the first appointment went NOTHING like I expected and I left feeling frustrated, upset and annoyed.  We were there for over two hours.  The dr's assistant did a myriad of tests which are not your typical eye tests.  They tested things like motor planning, crossing midline, visual and auditory sequencing, etc.  She had him try on a bunch of different prism style glasses to see how Gavin reacted--whether they made him more or less aware of his surroundings, more or less unsteady, etc.

Finally when seeing the dr I was just confused....which she only made worse.  She talks in circles a bit and for me, is really hard to follow.  She did some basic eye tests but also tests I've never seen before.  One of them was a bell test.  She would have Gavin close his eyes and she would ring a bell on each side of him.  With eyes closed, he had to touch the bells (some of high and low frequency).  Rarely could he touch them.  Then she would put on different prism glasses and low and behold...he touched the bell each time. 

She basically explained that there was a deficiency between his auditory and visual integration and by wearing the prism glasses, they would change the way his mind filtered that information, making them work together.  Its hard to understand and even harder to explain.  I just use the bell analogy because it is the only thing that makes sense to me.

Regardless she prescribed him glasses. My little man is getting glasses!! I left the office feeling frustrated by the doctor....feeling like I yet again encountered a dr that is giving me a "problem" in my son and more things to fix...and deep down, sad that Gavin has to wear glasses. I love his cute little face and don't want to cover up any inch of it.  However, I know that any small thing we can do to help him out is worth it!

We've since gotten the glasses....Gavin LOVES wearing them and as far as covering up his adorable face....well, you be the judge. He's as handsome as ever!

Zoo Pics

Just a couple of cute zoo pics before school starts!

Peter Pan

Gavin is obsessed with Peter Pan.  We aren't sure how it started but he watched the movie once and that is all he wants to watch....all he wants to play...and is now obsessed with both Peter Pan and pirates.  This summer there was a 360 degree theater playing and adaptation of Peter Pan.  Since it is an event where Chad had all the toilets we were able to get free tickets and take Gavin!  He was SO excited.  He just kept talking about it.  Some of the show was definitely above his level but he definitely loved watching Peter Pan fly and kept asking (if they weren't on stage)..."where did all the pirates go?"  It was a fun and special night to just hang out with him. 

Walking up with Grandpa Tom.

 So excited!!!

 Proudly using "daddy's toilets."

 Getting ready for the show to start.

 Of course Gavin and Grandpa found the sweets during intermission.

 Grandpa let Gavin fill his own bucket full.

Bathtime Fun

The kids love taking a bath in our tub...usually with bubbles...sometimes with jets...but always with lots of laughter.

Silver Lake

Finally...our yearly mecca to Silver Lake begins.  My kids love.this.place.  This week was no exception.  The week was full of cousin fun, love and laughter.  Although our accomodations are nothing to write home about, the weather is always questionable and the layer of filth accumlated by the end of the week is beyond description...we love it. The kids love it.  We become part of this Silver Lake community of Loonies that just drops in from cottage to cottage for chit chat, cards, games and invitations to the Whippy Dip.  Its a great week....I'm typically solo for most of it so an exhausting week...but great nonetheless.

Swimming with Daddy at the dunes.

Sydney/Mommy, Gavin/Daddy and cousin Aaron going for a tube ride.

Sydney's first ride.

This was hardly the wild ride Gavin would have liked.

Twister on the deck.

Sydney's first introduction to Aunt Cath's iced tea...

...and she's hooked!

Reading a story with Papa.

Checking out the big lake.

Shipwrecked. Gavin & Sam.

How many kids can make Miss Greta smile?

Post Whippy Dip table march.

Complete with song.

Getting ready for our dune ride!

The back row!

Sydney was not so much of a fan...she spent the entire ride like this!

Gavin on the other hand...loved it.  Hands up in the air the whole time!

Grandma great and the riders.

Our whole gang.

Our morning craft--decorated visors.

Hitching a ride.

Craigs Cruisers.

The observers.  :)

Although he is grinning from ear to ear...he spent most of the time crashed into the wall.

Case in point.

Paddleboard rides.

Gavin and Charlie.

Erin & I riding with the boys.

An original Cirque Du Soliel show.

Hanging at "the beach."  Thanks Uncle Chuck and Aunt Phyl!

Kayak rides down the channel with Uncle Dave.  Thank the Lord for his patience.

They love this.

Annual Weenie Roast.

Complete with singing songs around the fire...

...and s'mores.

Sydney's first s'more...thanks Uncle Chad.

Two peas in a pod.  I love them.

Walking to the Whippy.

She hasn't quite mastered how to hang on.

Gram in her glory...holding a sweet babe and giving another a treat.  And if you don't smile at Sydney's belly in this pic, I won't believe it.

Tent picnic on the deck.

The petting farm.

Syd almost lost her hand here...but both of them just kept going back for more.

"Look over there Sydney--see the bunnies!?"  Melt.