Our Summer So Far

We are having a pretty good summer so far. It's been a busy and hot one, but we are finding ways to have a little fun in our schedule and trying to stay cool.

Evan is really enjoying his A-Camp and his program at Easter Seals. He just finished up two weeks at Easter Seals and he did fantastic with the STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) program. At the end of each week, the parents get to meet with someone who has worked with their child over the week to give feedback. I have to admit I had tears when the occupational therapist that worked with him was saying how smart Evan was and how quickly he picks up on things. I know this about him, but it was so nice to hear someone who doesn't know us well also make that observation. It made my day! Autism makes Evan's brain work differently, and I'm so thankful we have found a learning style that works so well for him. That can be the difficult thing about autism...what works for one child, doesn't necessarily work for another.

Everything he does at Easter Seals is a learning opportunity. He has come home with some incredible crafts he has made and treats he has prepared in cooking time. I thought this sushi roll was SO cute.

It is made by balling up Rice Krispy treats. A gummy fish is on top and it is held together with a fruit roll-up. Adorable!

Here he is going to Easter Seals. On Fridays, they get to wear these shirts. I think they are hysterical with the body of the player right underneath their heads!

This was his first day going into A-Camp. He looks so big! His favorite thing here so far is the playground and the fish tank that is in the classroom (all boy I tell you). They are doing great things here, too. Evan was only there a week before Easter Seals started and he had the best time including a private concert by Brian Kinder (who is a well-known children's musical artist). He'll be having fun at camp for the next three weeks. =)

We are having THE best time in our swimming pool. We are so busy in the mornings, we usually don't get out there until about 2:00. The water is nice and warm by then. =) Derek got to swim in it all of two times before he had to go out of town for a month with work. The kids and I get in it every single day. We are planning on spending most of the day out there today, and Ella Grace is having her friends over this week for a playdate. The hardest part is the kids being patient enough for me to coat them with sunscreen. They hate it! Evan is tanning right through it though. He is already brown as a berry. I used to be that way when I was little, too. I took these pictures the first time we were able to get in the pool.

I love this sun ledge. It's almost like a baby pool for EG!

Derek going down the slide. Ha! He is the biggest kid of all!

Poor guy. Pool just got finished and he had to leave! =( He was covered up so he wouldn't get a sunburn. A sunburn covered up with flight gear is not a good mix!

Oh, and lastly, something Ella Grace said to me this week, "Momma, I like your hair. It's just like a puppy dog!" Ummmm, ok, I'm taking that as a compliment because she loves dogs, but REALLY? Ha! Happy Summer, y'all!