summer 2008

Well I have finally figured out how to do this thanks to Todd. He must think I'm an air head.

Our summer is going so fast but the kids have all kept busy with swimming, softball etc. School here starts on the 18th of Aug.

June was filled with softball games, 5 a week seemed like alot at first, but I love watching them. The best ball I have seen played is by 5-6 year olds. They play for fun and it is hilarious to watch.

July started with a great family trip to the Black Hills. We had such a great and relaxing time. It was fun to catch up on the lives of the family. We think we do a good job, but when we get together we really get talk and find out what's really important to each of us.
We really need to do this more often.
I did miss my 35th class reunion, but I wouldn't have missed our vacation for anything.

Britt went to cousin camp (which was held at Grandma Jan's), and conducted by Aunt Renae, who apparently is braver then the rest of us. But it gave them time also to re-connect with each other.

We did no other camps this year. Usually we do but.... next year.
Anne had a great year in dance and learned sooooo much, she is really going to be our performer. not a day goes by that we don't have some kind of concert in the basement. And speaking of concerts, the girls were thrilled when I got them tickets to Taylor Swift in June. It was fun, except no one would sit down and it was had for a lot of little girls to see. We were only 8 rows away from stage so that helped.
Stacy finished her last year in girl scouts and she will soon be joining 4-H with Britt. AND I have volunteered to be the new leader. I hope that all goes well, it's a group that needs to do a 180 and I hope I can do that for them. Guidance, they need guidance.!!!!!
Sam, well he is so active. And yet he rather needs to be. We really have to keep him stimulated so that his brain continues to grow. I know that sounds odd, but with his Dandy Walker Syndrome and with his one missing Chromosome it's a necessity. He is learning alot of new words lately, and is using them in the proper sentences, and will be attending preschool this fall. our elementary school has set up a preschool especially for him and children with other disabilities. For a small school i think this is great. He will be having surgery on both of his big toes on the 22nd of August. The toe is bending in and crowding the second one, making it raise up. So we will have that straightened and he'll have both legs with casts on for about 21/2 weeks, doesn't sound long, but could be the longest 2 weeks of my life. A 3 year old in casts oh dear, any suggestion anyone?
Alicia is moving closer to her job, in a couple weeks. Her roommate bought a house only about 10 minutes from work and Alicia will just pay rent to her. It works out great for both of them. She said she'll save about 6 hours of travel time a week!!! What a $ saver that will be. And they have a fenced in back yard where Puffy can run and play!! (her dog).
Ashley got moved to the downtown office in Chicago (working for Office Depot). She takes the bus and train to work everyday, usually gone 12 hours a day, so social life is almost non-existent. But now she has her own townhouse and loves living alone. Found out she was allergic to cats so Mom and Dad have a cat 91l/2 months out of the year and we have yet to figure out who will have her the other 21/2. Maybe me?
Tyler is doing okay, he has custody of Hali, and he really is a great dad. He just needs to grow up some more. But he does have a house and a good job. I decorated Hali's bedroom for her b'day, now she has a princess room and loves it. She is such a sweetie, and I love to have her here, except that she gets a little possessive of G'ma and I become a battle ground for her and Sam.

Well enough for now. More later.

Sandy - September 6, 2007

Happy Fall Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Sisters, Brothers, and Parents,

Well it's been a year since I've last written so any news that we have has is OLD!!! So maybe I will just highlight a few things and let it go at that.

You know that in May we adopted our Sam, and he is growing and is in the terrible two's, he reminds me a lot of Tyler and why I lie girls. He is all boy and well Nickolas will have someone following him around.

Anne, is very unique and has a mind all her own. Yesterday, and these are her words and have not been added to, I helped her get dressed and when we were finished he said and I quote. "When I get home from school my room better be picked up, or you are fired." now, I marched her in to her father and made her repeat it and all she could say was, " well you don't have a job you know, you can do something". Well I remember her as a sweet little girl, what happened?

Brittany and Stacy will start piano lessons soon. Britts first year of 4-H went well she got all blue ribbons. Stacy is still in girls scouts and making new friends. Tyler keeps very busy and my granddaughter is growing, walking, and showing her daddy who the real boss is in the house. She is going to be a handful and it couldn't happen to a better person!!!!

Ashley keeps busy in Chicago, goes to lots of concerts and is now looking for a new apartment, and has changed jobs. now works at Office Depot main office and does well, I really don't know. Alicia is moving to Austin, TX. Will be working at the new resort as Executive housekeeper, you know the ones, they tell others to do their work for them, that's what experience will get you!! Good for her!!

Dave was off work for a couple weeks with work induced arthritis in his elbow not that was no fun for him. rest the elbow? what is rest? And me, well I am sitting for an 18 month boy with downs. Any Advice Sheila?

Love you all. More in Xmas Letter,
Sandy