Update

I haven't updated the blog in such a long time! I'm sorry for that. I guess we've all been so busy. But just recently, a newspaper reporter mentioned the blog to me and it jogged my thoughts about blogging. I used to really enjoy blogging, but with other online communication like Facebook, I don't seem to have much use for it anymore. I used to blog to keep my friends and family up to date on family happenings, but we're pretty well connected on Facebook now, so there is no real need. I blogged for the Backpacking Brailler contest, but I don't think I'll be doing too much more of that type of thing in the near future because I didn't enjoy doing the "product review" part as much as I thought I would. So here's an update since the blog left off. No photos, just words. The December birthday party that, again, wasn't: So in early December we were totally excited to FINALLY have a birthday party for JP. He didn't get to have one in 2011, the first year he was home, because our lives were still very turbulant. He was still in a BIG adjustment phase and his overall health was still not terrific. In 2012, I simply dropped the ball. I waited too long thinking I could call a place that he liked a book a party... WRONG! They didn't have any availability until well into February. So this past December I booked a bowling party, way in advance. I ordered a cake. I had favors. The pizza guy was on call. I had a cooler of juice boxes and water. The decorations and balloons....everything was set! And then... IT SNOWED! And I am not talking snow showers, I am talking full-out blizzard! White-out conditions! The roads got so slick so fast no one was going anywhere. So I made the phone calls and the party was cancelled. Sorry JP... maybe 2014?? Spring has brought a new love, therapeutic horseback riding. JP began riding March 1 on a very old gelding named "Snickers" and he absolutely loves it! Without fail, we get up every Saturday morning and make the 30 minute drive to the country, to the horse farm, where JP donns his riding helmet and mounts Snickers for a 30 minute session that includes 1 horse and 4 people... 1 person to lead the horse, 1 person on each side of the horse and 1 person instructing the lesson. JP is put through a series of exercises and tasks all while being asked to "control" the horse. He must use his core muscles to sit up straight, he must speak clearly to tell the horse when to stop and when to "walk on", he must use good judgement to complete the different little obstacles. It's a great activity for him and it's good time to let Mike and Camille sleep in! Both kids finished up the school year with flying colors! Camille is moving up to middle school next fall and that's something that's hard for me to wrap my head around. She also got summer homework for the very first time. It's a big packet and she's going to need to do a little bit each day if she's going to finish it in time. She did a wonderful job in her year end dance recital. She was in 9 dances this year. I am always in awe of her grace an beauty and her ability to remember so many dance steps! I know she's looking forward to getting back to her regular dance routine in August. We're having a good summer, so far. JP has ESY to keep him busy and Camille has gone to sleep away camp with scouts. She is otherwise spending most of her time with her friends. We are not taking a big family vacation this year, but rather day trips here and there when we are able. Both kids still have some camps coming up in August. That's about it for now...