Sam's First Day

Sam was awesome today. He doesn't usually do well with changes, and he's a serious homebody (like me). But, he got on the bus smiling. The bus driver is Mr. Jack, and I can already tell he will be one of Sam's favorite people. Sam rides the "monkey bus" (they use animals instead of numbers). So here's my little monkey waiting for the bus, and getting on the bus. See you in a few hours, sweetie!!

First Day...First Grade

Here he is...can't believe he's a first grader! He is in class with his cousin JJ this year. They are very excited. Ms. Morris is their teacher.

Ben, JJ, Caleb, Addie.

Power-Bat-Ranger starts school tomorrow...

Sam's Surgery

Many of your already know that we are considering a surgical procedure for Sam that would likely make independent walking possible for him. I thought I would share the link to the surgeon's website. Don't start reading at the top (unless you're good with medical terms). Scroll to the bottom and click on the last image which is a video of a six year old boy before and after surgery. I am near tears imagining Sam walking like that. Sam and I will travel to New Jersey for the procedure.

http://www.pediatric-orthopedics.com/Treatments/Perc_Lengthening/perc_lengthening.html

Sam, Self-Posed

Sometimes Sam does things that absolutely make me laugh out loud, which, honestly isn't something I do that often. Here's one.

A Conversation with Ben

This was a conversation Ben and I had one evening during summer school.

Ben: Can you help me choose which stuffed animal to take to school tomorrow?
Mom: Sure. You have some really interesting SMALL stuffed animals. Why don't you take one of them?
Ben: Three. I should take three.
Mom: I think you're only supposed to take one.
Ben: One BIG one!
(After a few more iterations..."How about this one?"..."Maybe this one?")
Ben: I'm going to take YOUR advice, Mom, and take TWO. But not any meat-eaters. Those are definitely out.

What??

Triathlon

I completed my third triathlon on Saturday. 200 meter swim, 8 mile bike, 2.1 mile run. Coming off several weeks of being sick, my time was a few mintues longer than I wanted, but...I got 2nd place anyway! I think the other 30-35 year olds all slept in that morning, but I'll proudly wear my medal anyway. Here we are showing off our race numbers: Zoe (Emily's friend), me, Rebecca, Emily, Jeremiah.

Danny's Wedding

The boys and I just returned from a trip to Boise, Idaho where my little brother Danny married his beautiful sweetheart Jenika. The wedding, and all surrounding events, were beautiful.

We love spending time with the Blazin clan. Here we are hanging out at Jim and Joanne's. (Mom talking to Joanne, Abby, Grandma Blazin, Grant, Lisa, Rachel, Halle, Rebecca) We had plenty of time to visit like this...sharing stories, catching up, laughing (or groaning) at Uncle Jim and Uncle Lance's jokes. It was great.

Jenika opens a gift at the girl's lunch before the wedding.

Swimming at the hotel with Grandpa Blazin. (Madden, Rachel, Ben, Sam, Grandpa)

Impromptu hula show (Ben, Saige, and Grant).

Rehearsal dinner luau at the Renell home.

Vacation exhaustion. The boys were amazing. They played all day with cousins, stayed up way too late, and were still pleasant each morning. Cousins Saige, Madden, and Halle were there, along with my cousins Grant, Paige, and Kevin. Ben followed Grant everywhere.

Just Married! (Boise Temple)

Reception at the Boise Depot.

Happy couple.