shoe strings, velcro and bunny ears

So Ella has been learning to tie her shoes. It's been a big deal around our house. Ella started a new dance class and she has shiny new tap shoes- that have ribbon ties and she doesn't want to have to ask her new dance mates to help her with her shoes- so each night we practice. If you've never taught someone how to tie your shoes- you realize it's tougher than it may seem. We've watched videos on You tube and we've made bunny ears and I've cursed velcro over the last few days. But Ella is determined and she's being really patient with her mom- who happens to be left handed and Ella is right handed- WHO KNEW!?!?!? That was going to be an issue!?!?!? But this is one of those great milestones we wanted to share with our friends.

First day of school

Ella started Kindergarten this week. She's been counting down the days for the last 5 weeks. She had her backpack packed days before and she was discussing what to wear all weekend. I was more nervous than she was of course. I was struck by the new rules- pre-k we walked them to class and picked them up from class- Kindergarten you leave them outside in the morning and they meet you at the "walker's door" in the afternoon. I wasn't prepared for all the newness of Kindergarten. But on the first day we were allowed to walk her to her class and help her get settled. When we arrived- parents were snapping pictures, following their students with video cameras into the school- it was actually pretty fun to see the buzz around her room as they entered. Ella turned to me at the door of her class- she gave me a peck of a kiss and turned around and left me in the hall. I wasn't leaving until I made sure she was all settled- I was amazed- the teacher basically ignored all the camera flashing and anxious parents and started giving the kids instructions and many of the children were following suit. Ella searched all the tables for her name- she glanced at her coloring page and she reached in grabbed a purple crayon and she got busy. Ella was well on her way to her first day of Kindergarten- and I snuck out while a few others were still clinging to their mommas' arms begging them not to leave.

For Grandma Sue

Grandma Sue called this week and asked for an update so here you go! Jack is now walking from room to room and he can't get enough of his favorite game- ball toss. Actually it's toss anything he can get his hands on- Jack will find any toy nearby and start "tossing" to whoever is across from him. He can play toss for 30 minutes without getting distracted or bored. Jack's special school is closed for summer break -so he'll be home with Scott and Ella for 2 weeks. Scott is going to start working on the Wilbarger Protocol with Jack- which is a special brushing method that will help him with his constant need for stimulation. We're hoping to see some significant results from using this method.

Ella is doing very well- she is anxious for school to start. Last week she described in great detail the new backpack she wanted for school- purple with flowers. Two days later we found a lovely purple backpack with flowers- unbelievable!?! Well, it was right next to Tinkerbell- you can guess which one won out- she now has a lovely green, sparkly backpack with Tinkerbell on it! We are signing up for dance for the fall- her dance school has asked that Ella go up to the next class with 6-8 year old- in a combo class where she will learn ballet, tap and jazz! Mom is thrilled about the addition of tap shoes to her dance repertoire.

That's all we have to report! You need to come for a visit Grandma Sue!

Jack is walking!

Our little guy is walking! Now he hasn't taken one step at school yet- but he's all over the map at home and it's a hoot. So here's some video for you to enjoy!

Changes...

I started a new job last week- I'm now at the University working with students planning community service events. It should be great fun. We've had a nice quiet weekend- little man Jack is walking between chairs and it always has to be his idea! We are constantly cheering for him and I wish I had a picture to post but it's almost impossible to get a picture of the little guy in action. If I can get video of his toddle I'll post it soon.

Another big week

Jack's new touch board

Me and Ella

This week was Ella's 5th birthday. It was a big day- time with YaYa and then a big party with loads of friends. It was a great day and we all left the party completely exhausted. Jack had tubes put in his ears the next day and that was a big deal too! We're hoping this will help our little guy with his language skills and his constant ear infections.

The next day Scott and I attended a special conference for parents of visually impaired children. It was a great conference and we learned so much. We learned that our little guy practices a lot of normal VI behavior. We got some great ideas for activities for him- for independent play. There's a picture of Jack playing with his new touch board that Ella and I made for him today!

Big week

Scott and Ella in Branson

My Aunt B

We had a big week- we had to leave town for a family funeral. My Aunt B passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. We had a good time as a family together to remember her and celebrate her life. I was asked by our family to perform the service. It was an honor for me to have a chance to lead our family in such a time and to have time to reflect on her life. She was a beautiful woman with a sweet spirit and a great sense of humor. She loved her family and we will miss her- we already do...

Scott, Ella, Jack and I then headed north to Branson for a big reunion of families with children adopted from China. We met our buddies from Dallas for the event. It was great fun- the event was sponsored by the Shanghai Circus- it was a cultural event that allowed the children an opportunity to learn Chinese games and they prepared a traditional lunch and we had a private showing of the circus. The girls also had a chance to meet the acrobats. Our girls always have a great time together. It was a big weekend for Jack- his first road trip and his first dip in the pool! He loved the water! He also took 4 steps on his own! It was so fun to see him just take off on his own! We were thrilled.