Idlewild Park Visit

We were lucky enough to head to Pennsylvania last week with my mom to enjoy Idlewild Park. It is basically an amusement park for toddlers and young children. It contains Storybook Forest, Mr. Rogers neighborhood, and many amusement rides for little ones. Since Brian had taken off time at the start of the summer, I asked my mom to accompany me because I knew I would need her help with the kids.....or shall I just say, Reid??? We ended up making a mini-vacation out of it and stayed 4 days. It was a great time for all, and we really enjoyed our time together.

My own little Raggedy Ann and Andy in Storybook forest.

Reid loving life on the airplanes, and Ellie loving it even more since she was in control of the up-down motion.

Reid not sure if he is enjoying his teacup ride or not. I can tell you, after riding it about 3 times, I had had enough!

Reid in his glory on the train ride.

My little drivers

Reid followed "Ricky" around the whole time. "Ricky" was probably glad to see our vacation come to an end. We spent much time loving on "Ricky" while we were there.

As I said, Ricky was a popular guy!

Ok, this is my favorite. Look closely at the drawing. Obviously, it is Ellie and Reid. This girl did an AMAZING job on capturing the kids profiles. Here is the really AMAZING part....she was done in about 7 minutes. Thank goodness, because I didn't know if Reid would manage sitting or not. He did....with a promise that we would get some ice cream afterwards! I asked this young lady if she was studying art in school because she was so gifted. And she laughed and told me she was a junior in high school. She has no plans to pursue art. It's just a "hobby" of hers. It's an amazing gift is what I say!!!!

After being at Idelwild for 2 days, we headed to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. Ellie would have liked to have stayed longer here. I am thinking Brian and I may have to take her back another time. There was an entire room devoted to art, and we didn't get to it because with Reid, we have to pick and choose our fun! So instead of art, the kids climbed in what I called the human ant farm all the way to the second floor.

Ellie loved the pulley systems that were there. She was sending up parachutes to another little girl up high. Very fun.

And who doesn't like an entire FLOOR dedicated to WATER play??? All I can say is a big thank you to the lady who told us to do this last....and bring a change of clothes. Great advice!!!!

Reid wondering how to get in the water! There was one point when he had his shoes off and was lifting his leg to hop in the "pool". Gotta love the 2 year old's mind.

Reid loved his swimming time while we were away. He is a little too brave for my liking, but he was just in his glory in the pool.

And little Miss Swimmer did great. She was able to learn to float well on her back, swim without floats, and began swimming underwater on our trip. Swimming lessons are going to be a must for us this Fall to continue with the skills she is really quickly learning after a summer of pool fun. What a great trip it was. Maybe next year, Brian can go, too!

In love again

We were so blessed to get the chance to care for Hudson yesterday, one of our new cleft friends. He is an absolute angel, and I find myself in love again. I do believe that Ellie also is in love as you will see. Hudson is wearing the NAM device that Reid wore and is doing really well with it. His lip repair is scheduled for October with the same surgeon that we have for Reid. I have no doubt, he will do great. I feel so blessed by so many of you that helped us through this entire process when we were in the midst of it all, and I am just honored that we have the chance to give back to another family. Little Hudson.....we love you and loved our day with you yesterday!

Ellie and Hudson. Ellie didn't want him to leave. She cried and cried. Too sweet.

Sweetness......

Reid- Speech Sample at OneTrueMedia.com

I have wanted to post a sample of Reid's speech sounds for awhile now, and thought this was the best way to do it. I am going to apologize for the shakiness of the video because I was trying to get the words on screen so you could see what Reid was saying. His sounds are coming along well, and I think his therapy has made a difference in his articulation. Enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Guess Who....

...wears these shoes to soccer practice twice a week?

....and who scored the only goal in the soccer game tonight????

You are right! My Ellie-girl! So proud of you my soccer princess!

Rolling Ridge 2010

Today, Mom and I packed a picnic, rounded up the kids, and headed to Rolling Ridge Ranch. It is basically a ranch in the heart of Amish Country that has a wagon ride through woods and beautiful countryside to see all kinds of animals. From monkeys to deer to water buffalo...we saw them! The kids had a great time and it was just a perfect day for us to go!

Ellie laughing at a parrot that was talking to her. She would crack up because it would say, "Let me out!" then laugh. Ellie thought this was hysterical!

Reid checking out the talking parrot. He had NO idea what to make of it!

Reid loved the baby cow that was just so calm and sweet.

Ellie in her glory holding a baby bunny. She wanted to take one home.

She also wanted to take the baby ducks home, too. If we would let her, Ellie would love to have her own personal zoo here at home!

Reid on the wagon ride checking out some zebras and water buffalo. He had never been so close before!

This "zonkey" (part zebra, part donkey) loved Ellie. He would follow the wagon everywhere we went and come back to Ellie each time for more food. Ellie also wanted to bring this guy home with us!

Reid got to help "drive" the wagon....and that was quite the experience for him. I have never seen him so quiet!!!! He was just in his glory taking it all in!

Then, it was Ellie's turn! Here she is with our driver, Marty.

Mom and Ellie on the wagon. So much fun today! A great way to make some wonderful new memories!

Summer in a small town...

We live in a small town....where people know each other by name. It's a great place to live. Each year, the carnival week that preceeds the HUGE fireworks display is the first thing on Ellie's agenda. And this year, even Reid was getting in on the action. We love our small town!

We also love Grandma for taking Ellie and Reid on the Ferris Wheel....because Brian and I are too chicken to attempt it. Not height fanatics here.

Ellie stepping up to the plate this year and trying out the slide on her own. I think Brian is probably bannned from it. He took Ellie down and with his size, he got some major momentum going. I think he took out a whole lineup of kids waiting at the bottom of the slide for their turn! We were grateful that Ellie wanted to go on her own this year!

There she is on the yellow slide at the top. She LOVED it. And we loved watching her belly laugh the whole way down.

Ellie met up with a little girl from preschool and rode some rides together. As I said, in a small town, we all know each other.

Ellie and Reid on the helicopters. Reid loved watching his big sister!

More my speed.....the carousel.

Reid was just checking it all out.

The carousel was also more Brian's speed, I guess!

Nothing better than small town America in the summer. Now....off to pick some blackberries for jam!

Yes, I did...

Hey, when I find the pink Dora Little Swimmers in the size I need at the salvage place for $1.25 a pack instead of over $8.00 a pack....I BUY THEM UP! And yes, I dress my manly-child up in the pink Dora swimmers proudly. Here's some proof.....

Yes, I did this.....and yes, I am proud of my bargain buy! Did I put manly swim trunks over top the pink Dora swimmers to save Reid's pride??? Yes, yes I did. Did I contemplate just having him go in the pink swimmers for less laundry? Yes, yes I did.

Am I proud of my thrifty decision to have my hunk of a son wear the pink Dora swimmers? Why, yes.....yes I am!