Father's Day

For father's day we got together with my parents at their house. Unfortunately we weren't able to get together with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew due to a schedule conflict. I was bummed that I missed my brother's first father's day, but it is sometimes hard to coordinate schedules. Despite that we had a really nice visit. Kelsie is always excited when we get together in general, but she really loves it when we are celebrating something! To her it really doesn't matter what we celebrate, she just loves "special days". We had a great time! I am so blessed to have my family close enough to us that we can get together like this. I am looking forward to the next get together!

Roller Derby

We always get together with our neighbors with the kids. Well we decided it was time for us all to "escape the cul-de-sac" and go out for an adults night out on the town. We decided to check out the roller derby. We weren't sure what to expect as none of us had ever been to that one before, but it turned out to be a really fun night. It was great to watch the games and we were amazed at how strong some of those women are! We sat up above the rink and were able to see everything really clearly without being in danger of getting run over. We will remember next time to bring our own chairs, because there is very limited seating unless you want to sit in the "danger zone". Other than that we had lots of fun.

Afterward we went out and played some darts. Mike and I won which is pretty amazing considering it was my very first time to play darts!! I have to say though I definitely had some beginners luck. I got at least two bullseyes and made some other pretty good shots. It was a great night and I hope we get another opportunity to "escape the cul-de-sac" soon!

Our Trip to Mike's Work

Mike took Heather, Heather's sister Sonja, me, and the kids to take a tour of NASA. None of us had ever gone before and it was very exciting to see everything that you usually see on TV up close. I had worked there before, but Mike was able to take us in places even I hadn't seen before. The kids enjoyed it, but I think the adults had even more fun. It is really neat to see and hear about the innerworkings of NASA.

The highlight for everyone was when we went into the old mission control room. We could touch and play with all the equipment and pretend like we were working a mission. To top it all off the kids had a chance to run around and were able to explore more than anywhere else, which made for a good break for them. I am so sad that much of what we learned about may not exist if the current administration has thier way. I am glad I got to see everything before that happens!

Maja's Birthday Party

We went to Jump and Jungle for a friend's birthday party. Kelsie had so much fun!! As always she wanted us to accompany her on most things, but we were very pleased that she handled the party so well. The only hiccup we had was when it was time to move to the party room from the play area. She of course wasn't ready to stop playing, but after a little consoling we were able to get her into the party room. Considering this is the first birthday party we have had in a while I would say it went great! I will definitely consider taking her to Jump and Jungle more often now that she doesn't seem to be as bothered by the noise.

First Time on the Zipline

At occupational therapy one of our main goals is to get Kelsie to try new things and take risks. We have been going for about a year now and she has never even considered trying the zipline until the last time she went. Out of the blue she said she wanted to do the zipline! Although it is hard to tell Ms. Mary is barely helping her at all. I was so happy that she asked to try something new without prompting!!! I hope this trend continues!

Kelsie's First Family Portrait

Kelsie decided to draw a picture of our family, which is a huge deal for her since she hardly ever wants to draw. She drew a family portrait of the three of us and I think she did a great job! She was very proud of herself and so were we!

Swim Lessons

We started swim lessons at the YMCA this week. We thought she might do a little better if other kids were around for her to watch. She seems to enjoy them and she loves her teacher Mr. John. He is really patient and kind to her even when she doesn't want to do what he asks of her. I am pleased that he knows how to push her just out of her comfort zone without getting her too upset. He already has gotten her to put her face in the water which is always a battle with her!

Also, unlike last summer, she says she really likes swim lessons. She asks all day when she gets to go. She even discusses them with the child watch folks apparently. I am so happy that she is really having a good time. I think it is so important for her to learn to swim and it is so much easier to take her to lessons when she enjoys them!