weekend fun

On Saturday, we went to visit some dear friends that we haven't seen in such a long time. They live out in the country and we ate dinner outside by the fire (thanks for the yummy food Emily!!), enjoying some great coversation and story-telling.


Jared's rabbit ears over Michael's head turned into a peace sign when Michael turned around and caught him in the act.

We brought Arty with us and we watched him go nuts running, running, and running. So much room to run around. At times, he sounded like a horse galloping when he was running so fast! He also visited with one of their sheep...this one is Bolt.

I think it's been said before that Randy and Emily have some cool toys and it wasn't long before the boys got them out to play.

Once it got too dark and cold to ride, we chilled by the fire until the little ones were tired.

We were glad we got to stay late enough to enjoy the campfire...thanks to Michael for being so good and well-behaved this time! We can't wait to see them again - and are so thankful for having such great friends!

summer is...

Michael's "what I did on summer break" in pictures! :)

Summer is...

sleeping late (with Arty)

baseball (Miracle League - Go Tigers!)

Gary showing Michael how it's done~

Coming home to score! Michael liked giving everyone "5's" at the end of each game.

horseback riding

With his teacher, Mrs. Murdock, and her family.
Then again with Keith, on Utah.

less clothes

family and bbq's

At Rick and Suzi's, with Keni, Josh, Gabby, Brannon and Mitchell.

pool time

Splashing around no matter what he was wearing.
One of his usual tricks...drinking the pool water.

sliding

First time requesting the slide over the swing; as well as climbing the ladder almost by himself.

golf (Special Olympics)

self-feeding

beachy sand and water

Michael's "turtle tracks" in the sand...

zoo animals

Suzi and Brannon brought a clouded leopard to our house on their way home from the fair. These pics are a little blurry because Michael was just so excited and silly....and baby leopards are just as wiggly as Michael.

open cup drinking

rock pit

Playing in the rocks with cousin Gabby.

practicing school stuff

So excited to see him want to practice school stuff and that he's holding the marker correctly (instead of throwing or rolling it).

G O N E

Waiting for the bus on the first day of school. He has the same bus driver and aide as last year (Chris and Loura)...we were all excited about that.
And with that....summer is over. Sigh.

Even with all the new things Michael did over the summer, I think one of my favorite memories has been Michael learning how to sign "mom". Not only that, but he seems to understand what that sign means....which is ME. He called me mom!!! YIPPEE!! I've only been waiting 9-1/2 years to have him call me mom. Of course, he's had the "dad" sign down pat for over a year. Why is it that even in sign language kids always say dad first?!?! hahaha!!

We hope your summer was just as fun-filled as Michael's! :)