First days of school and the NICU picnic

The boys finished up their first week of school. Everything went pretty well, all things considered. One thing we know is, everyone was exhausted.

Cole and Shiloh sleeping Friday afternoon.

This year just Gavin and I went to the annual St. Vincent NICU reunion.

We had a blast. Here are a few highlights.

Bowling with the Optimist Miracle Movers

Having a child with special needs is an incredible challenge. It is also an invitation into a special club that not very many people get to be a member of. And through this club we have meet some truly amazing people. Today we went bowling with the Optimist Miracle Movers. An organization that is committed to providing opportunities to special needs children that would normally not be available to them. The lanes had bumpers in the gutters and a ramp to roll your ball. We had a blast!

Cole and Gavin were paired up with Buddy Matt.

.

Cole's first time up.

Gavin and Matt.

No caption needed.

Halfway through August...already?

The summer has flown up. August 14th already...seriously? We've had a great, hot summer. Lots of travel and visits with family and friends. Big milestones were achieved. Gavin is officially potty trained. Cole is now putting himself to sleep (no more rocking for an hour before bed.) They both have been eating like champs lately and finally surpassed the 25 pound mark. They start preschool on Monday, but we hope to enjoy the pool and great weather for a few more months!

The pool has been a great way for us to keep in touch with friends. Even if they don't come to see us, no one can say no to a pool playdate. Remember Brianna, the boys NICU nurse? She and her daughter Tessa came over to swim, play and catch up.

Buzz and Woody stopped by to chill by the pool. (Thanks Aunt Debbie!)

The boys trashing my folded laundry and proving they are still peanuts.

And here is the story of the summer, proving again that I have the best family in the world. A women posted online that she had a seating system that she was giving away. It was a good fit for Cole, only problem it was located in Rochester, MN. My 'sister' Susan drove to pick it up in Rochester. Then Susan and family drove it to Milwaukee. They dropped it off with my other 'sister' Anne and Anne and her wonderful girls drove it down to Indianapolis for us. Amazing. The chair is working out great for Cole and saved us thousands of dollars. Thanks to the generous and wonderful people in this world who would do anything and everything for us.