Walt Disney World 2011

In November, we made the pilgrimage to Walt Disney World. With Julie's parents in tow, we embarked on a 5 day journey. We were not quite sure how the boys would do with travel and hotels and being out of their routine. But they both surprised us every step of the way. The memories we have from this trip are priceless. We all can't wait to go back.

Arriving at Orlando International Airport.

Two mouseketeers having lunch at Beaches and Cream.

Beautiful, cool day at the Magic Kingdom.

Our first ride. Aladdin's Flying Carpet.

Meeting Donald Duck in Frontier Land.

Gavin and Daddy watching the parade.

Special character dinner with Pluto (and Goofy). It was love at first sight for Cole.

Happy Halloween, Fireman style!

Trip to the pumpkin patch

Gavin's trip to the pumpkin patch.

Today Gavin's preschool class went to Beasley Orchard to pick pumpkins and go on a hay ride. I got to chaperone and it was really special to be able to spend some one-on-one time with Gavin. Two classes went. Gavin only has 8 kids in his class. 7 boys and 1 girl!

Group shot of class. Notice Gavin is not there.

He refused to be in the picture and held tightly to my leg... eyeroll!

Riding on hay wagon.



Pumpkin picking and trying not to get dirty.

Climbing Hay Mountain.

Girls weekend, Waupaca Style

What a weekend. I just got back from a wonderful girls weekend in Wisconsin with my best friends from growing up. It has been 9 years since I've been "home" and I enjoyed every minute of it. Brief visit in Stevens Point to have dinner with Crescent's parents and tour my old stomping grounds. Then off to Waupaca and a beautiful cottage on Columbia Lake. We spent the weekend reminiscing, gossiping, crying, comforting, laughing and relaxing. We are hoping to make it an annual event. Same time, next year.

Deanna, Julie, Crescent, Lorelei, and Kristina.

At the Wheelhouse Restaurant.

Karaoke at the Paca Pub.

Columbia Lake

Last morning before heartfelt goodbyes.

Fall came with a vengeance

One day we were swimming in the pool, 100 degrees outside. The next day it was 60 and rainy and hasn't let up since. Fall comes with mixed feelings. I love the cooler temps and busting out my fall wardrobe. Picking apples and carving pumpkins. But it also means that winter and sickness are right around the corner. And memories of the boys first year and being quarantined from Oct. to April. Talk about cabin fever. We have just endured our first round of flu/fever. Luckily it didn't last long, but I know more is coming. The lasting effects of prematurity. Poor immune systems and a small cold turning into something much worse. We pray for good health in the coming months.

Gavin sporting his "new" rain gear, thanks to cousins Henry and Artie.

Jackson Center field trip to the Anderson Apple Orchard.

OK, so Cole was not loving it at first, but once he stopped walking he really enjoyed his day.

Gavin and Stephanie

Cole in class reading a story about bees and ladybugs.

An ode to the Thomsons

How do I love thee, let me count the ways... a sentiment was never more true. Reflecting on the past few years always brings me back to this family. My beloved Thomson family. They are more than neighbors or babysitters, but true sisters to my boys, and daughters I will probably never have. Here is a recap of our visit to the Indiana State Fair. It was the boys first trip. I physically could not have taken them to all the exhibits, tractors, activities, etc. if it was not for Caroline, Stephanie and Lauren helping me the whole way.

Cole, Caroline, Gavin (the ugly face is all for show), Stephanie and Lauren

Feeding goats, and the goat feeding on Cole.

Introducing G. Pig and C. Horse.

Lauren, Gavin and Stephanie driving the tractor.

Cole and Stephanie...I think this one says it all. Absolute LOVE!!!!

Gavin's first day of preschool.

Today was the big day. Gavin's first day of preschool and first day riding the bus. It was a bitter sweet day. He did it alone. And he was brave. After encouraging him, OK pushing him up the stairs to the bus, Cole and I walked home together. I shed some tears, which I rarely do. The boys will not be going to school together this year. A first. They both start at 9, one in Brownsburg and one in Mooresville. 40 minutes apart.

It wasn't so much that Gavin was going to school or riding the bus. I felt sad for him not being able to experience it with Cole. We don't spend much time thinking about Cole's cerebral palsy. It is what it is. And we do the best we can to give Cole every opportunity available. But today is one day that the difference between them is pronounced. That they will not be going down the same path. The twin bond is there no matter the differences between the boys. I just wish some days that it was easier for all of us.

Leaving for school

Waiting at the bus stop.

Big bus coming!

Sitting in first row, getting strapped into car seat by Geena the aide. Ms. Kathy is his bus driver.

Georgia Aquarium

This picture of my family is just so cute I had to post. We were all assembled in about 3 seconds and the picture is great. We do a 1 hour photo shoot and can't get one decent shot of everyone together. What gives???

South Carolina and other summer events

So we have been busy. Summer has flown by. I already have the "meet the teacher" night on my calendar. But there is still time for lots of fun and we intend to make the most of it.

We have spent many hours on the road driving from one therapy to the other, but I feel really great about where Cole is getting services from. He is at the Jackson Center two days a week from 10-4. It is a long day involving 2 hours of preschool education, one hour for lunch/nap and 3 hours of Conductive Education. But he is thriving. We've decided to remove Cole from public school developmental preschool and keep him at Jackson Center in the fall. Very happy about this decision. He is also working with physical therapist Kim Curtis, once a week. She is known about town as a no nonsense, take no prisoners therapist. Very smart and up on new technologies. Cole is adjusting. I think I saw him smile for a second today. Both Cole and Gavin are attending Minds in Motion this summer. It is a sensory integration program. Lots of jumping on trampolines, swinging, twirling. They both love it, but will be finished the first week of August. Gavin will start preschool at Delaware Trail Elementary School on Aug. 11. He will be going without Cole, and will be riding the bus. Big changes for him. I think a little independence will do him and me some good.

We took a 10 day trip to South Carolina to visit my parents. My brother and his family were also there. We were busy everyday swimming, boating, riding tricycles, playing with cousins. We also went to Atlanta for the 4th of July and the Peachtree Roadrace. Eric, Mark and Dad ran this year.

Cole and Lara at the Children's Museum. Jackson Center field trip.


C and G chillin' at the pool in S.C.

A sideways look at Gavin's awesome water moves.

Cole and Daddy at the Georgia Aquarium.

Eric getting some love and support at mile 5 of the Peachtree Roadrace! One more mile to go.

Birthday Time!

Happy Birthday Boys! This year we celebrated Cole and Gavin's 4th birthday with a wonderful lunch and pool party. All of our great friends and supporters were there to help us celebrate two little miracles. Hard to believe it has been 4 years since they abruptly entered this world. In attendance were the Thomson Clan, Brianna the boys NICU nurse, Renee Cole's PT with First Steps, Trisha the great and hubby Bud with little boy Williams on the way and all sorts of other great friends and neighbors who have supported us, prayed for us and helped us every step of the way. It certainly takes a village in our case.

Party goers.

Caroline and Gavin

Stephanie and Cole

Gavin on his new Hot Wheel. (Thanks Papa and Grandma)

Birthday party on the actual day with the Thomson's.