Easy Summer Living

I can't believe that the end of summer is nearing. In a month Aiden will be back in school and JP goes back a week later. The boys said they are having an awesome summer. We have spent a lot of time outside at the park,  playing in our inflatable pool, and going to the library.

JP has been recovering well from his last surgery. Again it was minor compared to others, but we were surprised how quickly he was up and moving. A week post op,he was jumping and climbing like nothing. He is still in physical therapy twice a week and we are still (desperately) working on his leg/foot which turns out.

Aiden has been staying on top of his skills with some school work every day and has become a bookworm. This kid loves to read and is doing so well with it. We actual fight about how late he can stay up and read, a fight I don't mind having, but don't tell him that- lol.

Aiden also got to experience camp at Apple this year, which was extra special because he got to see his Dad at work. He loved it!  He learned to code and program a robot.

The boys also are taking swim lesson (Aiden is in his second session for the summer and JP is in his first, as he wasn't clear to swim after surgery until 2 weeks later). Aiden has come a long way from being the boy last summer who loved the pool, but hated to get his face wet.  Now he jumps in, goes under, and glides under water. And JP well he is still a work in progress and tells the teacher what they're doing- lol.

And the biggest news of the summer is that we official have no signs of having a baby in this house. A few weeks ago we took the plunge and  both boys got "big" beds. JP has been sleeping in the converted crib/ toddler bed since he's been two and it was time for him to move on.  He started to seem as long as the bed. So Keith and I switched the boys furniture and JP got Aiden's single bed and the furniture that goes with it and we upgraded our toddler bed/crib to its full size bed for Aiden. Funny that he spent his first couple years sleeping in it as a crib and now it's his furniture again. Both boys love the extra space and their "new" rooms, but Mommy and Daddy are a bit sad how fast these two are growing up.

Lastly, this past weekend was Keith's birthday and while not a big number one for him, (but that's right @ the corner- lol), it was a chance to go away for the weekend without the kids (thanks to Nonni and Poppi). It was so nice to get a chance to have adult conversation without a little voice saying "Mommy, Mommy" or "Daddy, Daddy" and just reconnect. We went to Jim Throrpe, a town up near the mountains of PA, and we had a lot of laughs, got to enjoy some of the breathtaking views, but more important, spend time with each other.

Next up for us is summer vacation to OBX in a few weeks!

Two by two and Four by four

So we are in the midst of summer for the boys and they are enjoying it! This past Thursday we got to have a much needed family day. As always we hit our early season pass to Dutch Wonderland.

It was a much needed day for this Momma, who's  been stressed lately and just overwhelmed by details. To hear my kids laugh and enjoy such simple moments was all I needed to remind me about what's important.

It was also a day to reflect and realize (and feel a bit sad) that Aiden is really growing up (and to fast for me). There are now rides he just won't do and rides I have to beg for him to go on for his brother. Even the annual pick out something from the gift shop ended in him getting a mug.

I realize this kid is growing up quickly and the family days might be numbered.

JP had his 4th surgery on Friday- 8 plates. So this is very minor compared to the last few surgeries he has endured, but still not easy for this Momma. 

We went in thinking he was getting one eight plate, but he ended up getting two. This is actually a good thing because it is one less surgery to endure in the future.  The surgery went well, but JP wasn't completely happy.

It took us sometime convincing him that this 4th surgery he had (in 4 yrs of living) was worth it, it is hard to rationalize with a 4 year old,, but he's already walking and making his ways around.

This kid continues to amaze us and reminds us nothing is impossible! 

Another chapter closes

I can't believe the end of the school year is already here!  As you (might) know from the last post, JP finished his first year of preK.  He also wrapped up Camp the first Friday in June. This  past weekend he wrapped up TBall. He has done fantastic!

While JP was never truly into TBall (I think he did it because his brother did baseball), he did give some effort and showed people you can do anything you put your mind too!!

He also was the comic relief for the parents and coaches- lol.

And what a difference a year makes! JP was recently fitted with his new AFO and when they brought it out, I was convinced it wouldn't fit him and then they put it on....and it fit! This kid is defintley growing  like a weed! Next up for him,  8 plate surgery in a couple weeks.

And Aiden...where to begin with him. He just has had an amazed year!

No surprise how much he has continued to want to learn, but his reading has taken off. He now gets time (which isn't digital), money, and simple multiplication. He still has this thirst for learn even though it doesn't show as much. 

He had an amazing teacher (again) this year and a great class (with some of his kindergarten friends as well as some great new friend).

We are so proud how well he has adjusted and continues to do in school and can't believe he's going into 2nd grader 😕

And Baseball, where to begin. This kid went out and did something he has never done before and enjoyed every second of it! He showed great improvement,  had a great attitude, and never once gave up!! I also credit the amazing coaching  staff he had, a bunch of volunteered Dads who encourage him and never gave up on him!

And now summer- we have much to look forward too! 

Always a milestone

This time a year always seems to bring some kind of milestones to our family and 2016 is no different.

Starting with Jonathan- he just finished up his first year of preschool.

I can't believe how much he has grown and in so many ways. He did great with school, just like his brother, he went in and never looked back. He's learned his numbers, most of his letters, his shapes and how to write his...well initials, JP. 

He made friends and loved staying for lunch bunch, especially if it was dinosaurs, Sharks, Legos or music oriented.  He was sad on Friday that school was ending, mainly because he was going to miss his friends, but still I was impressed! Luckily JP has two weeks of "camp" at school now so it won't feel to different for the next couple weeks.

For Aiden-  he is wrapping up first grade and just had his last class field trip to Longwood Gardens, which Mommy went on. It was a great experience for the kids and dispite that it rained (yet again) all the kids had a great time. I think the favorite of the kids was the treehouses, which they loved playing in.

All in all the kids have had a great school year with fantastic teachers and I couldn't be more proud of how well they're doing! We hope to celebrate their success in a few weeks!

We also did a family day to the Franklin Institue a few weeks ago.  They have a current exhibit called - The Pixar Experience. It shows how all the kids favorite movies are animated. Although at times the exhibit was a little over the boys heads, it was a very cool experience and they enjoyed it.

And last milestone is Keith's and my Anniversary- on May 22 we celebrate 12 years of marriage. It's been an amazing ride so far. We definitely have had a crazy ride, but this journey is much easy weathering it together!

Springing into the next phase

So I have been saving this post to tell you all about the boys' Opening Day of their First year of Baseball and T- ball. But apparently Mother Nature wasn't okay with that.

So anyway the boys have "started" their baseball/Tball and so far Aiden has had 3 practices (one with snow) and JP none.  Since Mother Nature decided she wasn't ready for Spring to happen, it has foiled our first season, but we are smiling through and excited for the season to start... Some time.

Otherwise, things have been going well. We had a nice Easter and really enjoyed our time with family. We can't believe how fast our niece and nephews and grown up!! 

Other then that- two other big things happened

First- Aidens school fair. Which he loves going too and playing all the games and I'm so happy to support the school. This year JP also got to enjoy the fair!

Also JP had an his Ortho check- in. He's doing great and his doc his happy with his progress. He will need a minor outpatient procedure in June to help his knee, but this is a common procure for FH patients. His surgery is putting a 8 plate in his knee and he might be down for a few days. I had already prepared myself to hear he would need this year, so no shock here, but it will be JPs  4th surgery. So we will keep you posted and as always ask for prayers and good vibes!

So all in all, both boys are thriving in school and life and keeping Mom and Dad busy!