DANIELS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

My nephew Daniel started kindergarten today. Cool backpack and lunchbox. Mommy said he rode the bus like a big boy and really enjoyed school. Way to go little man !!!

GABRIELS' FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Well the big day is here in spite of my trying to will it to not come !!! It was an extremely difficult morning for Jim and I. Actually it has been a very difficult many months but as always God has placed people in my life to help me through it. First of course is this amazing person that I am blessed to be married to. Everyone who knows me knows how protective I am of my children and how I stress over keeping them safe. My husband was my rock and kept me strong with his constant encouragement and positive attitude. Gabriel was absolutely blessed with this truly amazing father and I with an amazing husband and best friend. Of course there are my amazing friends and family. As I said before God has placed the right people in our lives just when we needed them. My good friend Anne Marie who has helped me so much with support, encouragement and helping with all of my questions and concerns. If only she could give me some of that amazing strength that she possesses. It just so happened that she has been going through the same things since her little guy was two so she has been an awesome resource for us. My oldest and probably dearest friend June, who also has a little guy diagnosed with autism, has been there with support and encouragement. Then there are two new friends who have been awesome with support and encouragement, Stephanie and Fay. They have called regularly to check up on me and just listen. The first time your child goes to school is difficult for most parents but for us it was heart-wrenching. We arrived at school near tears and left in tears !! Thankfully we had people who made it easier. We ran into Stephanie at school who provided me a much needed hug and checked on me throughout the day. My wonderful sister-in-law Robin, who has been there throughout with love and support, checked on us to see how we all were and let us know that she was thinking of us. We also had a special needs teacher call and give us an update that afternoon. She said that she could see the anguish on our faces that morning and just wanted us to know that he was doing fine. We have been trying to protect him from mean and thoughtless people in this world but have been blessed with some of the most loving and kindest people.

Gabe sporting his cool new Spongebob back pack that Mommy found for him.

Our precious little angel all ready for school.

Gabe on our drive to school. He is trying to block out the sunlight which bothers him a great deal but it turned out to make a quite precious photo.

Mommy and her little angel !!!

It was definately a comfort to Gabriel knowing that his big brother Nick was just down the hall.

Here our guy is at his desk. He was quite discrunteled when he was told that Daddy could not help him color and Mom and Dad would be leaving. However there were not any tears, on his part anyway.

Our little best friends are reunited after their first time ever being apart.

Gabriel, Caleb, and Nick outside school after our big day !! After all of the stress and worry Gabe himself had a good day and looks forward to returning to school !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINA

My neice is celebrating her 23rd birthday today. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU !!!!

DAN, ROBIN, DANIEL AND ASHTON COME VISIT

Gabe and Daniel spending some quality time together. They would all surely be best buds if we lived closer. Maybe we can convince them to move to NC !!

Ashton and Caleb spending some time with Zac while he plays the videogame.

Gabriel, Daniel, Nicholas, Caleb and Ashton just hangin out in the sunroom. Too sweet!!

Apparently we had some trouble with traffic jams on the slide.

Daniel, Ashton, and Caleb.

Ashton really loved the slide. She is such a sweetie!! I loved every minute I got to spend with them and seeing them play with their cousins was awesome!! Thanks Dan and Robin for coming to visit it was really great to see you!!

The guys playing with the trains.

Caleb is taking a break to deal with a wedgie.

Gabes' picture of Aunt Robin. We didn't get any pics of Uncle Dan. Caleb thought his uncle Dan was the "the best" though for playing the video game with him.

Just hangin out watching some TV, Thomas I think.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY! I LOVE YOU!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRK

We hope you have a WONDERful day!!!!!!

MOMOM & POPOP VISIT

My parents come visit every chance they get so they can stay connected with their grandchildren. My boys do not get a lot of opportunity to spend time with our extended family and it is so difficult to travel with such a big crew so it means a lot to us that they go out of their way to visit as much as possible. Thanks Mom and Dad! We love you and look forward to your return in September or October.