Summer is fast approaching the end, and I really have to say that after nearly 3 months of "summer break" the kids really do need to go back to school. The boys are "bored" a majority of the time or just don't want to see each other anymore. I am keeping them busy watering the lawn for Tom, watering the vergetables, picking vegetables, picking fruits, cleaning and freezing them. I am going to have to find another chest freezer or start canning before I have this baby.
We've found time for fun things this summer. The kids and I went to Wisconsin for a few weeks in June and helped out at Mom and Dad's. We've gone to the beach a few times, done scavenger hunts, caught tadpoles, chased baby fish, gone for bike rides, and just enjoyed playing together.
Updates on everyone:
Tom: Working a lot of hours, but being somewhat of an expert in his field, that is to be expected. He also is in the midst of changing his hours for work to an earlier time so that I can get to work without needing a babysitter for the kids. His favorite hobby lately is playing boomarang with the boys...I am pretty sure that Patrick has taken to showing him up.
Nikki: Working as Store Detective nights a weekends. I get to play spy and catch shoplifters for the store. I am really liking the work and the hours. It has been nice to get out even for a few hours and meet up with adults and use my mind to learn new things. Baby is doing well. We were hoping to find out the sex of him/her on July 20th, but baby was stubborn and wouldn't move their foot. We are hoping to schedule another U/s to check renal function and the spine one more time in a few weeks, so we may find out yet before baby come in November/December.
Patrick: He's growing tall, already up to my armpit and I am sure by December will be to my shoulders. He had a big accomplishment last night, he tied his shoe for the first time by himself. This is a huge accomplishment as he doesn't have the fine motor skills that most children his age do, due to the Autism. I haven't had him on his concerta all summer as it gives him headaches, so I just deal with the outbursts and daily outcomes as they come. We've also been working on the reading and writing, two skills he is really lacking. his favorite activity has been playing the wii and playstation. I really wish they made games that would work towards the reading and math on there, but haven't found any yet.
Sean: He has been a socialite this summer, making friends and having friends over nearly every day. He also has gotten to be quite the artist with Legos. We've had so many creations over the summer and a lot of imaginative play with them. He got a big boy bike for his birthday so his little bike has become a trick bike that has gone down slides, off ramps and down hills and stairs. he is all boy for sure.
Veronica: a princess comes to mind when I think of her. She even has told me that the new baby cant be a princess if it is a girl since she is the princess in the house. She has gotten really good at riding her bike, doing flips on the monkey swing out back, talking and is learning her letters, numbers and counting. She is all about babydolls, doll houses, and being a little mommy. Too bad that she hasn't yet figured out how to keep her room clean.
Nicholas: aka pickle.. is finally growing. He is into 18-24 month clothes, talking and just jibber jabbering, His favorite activity other than snuggling with mommy is playing outside in the water. anything to do with the sprinkler or hose and he is right there. He loves to play with his siblings but hates when they play with any of his toys. His largest use word is NO lately so we are working on YES...
well that is all for now...need to go freeze some more beans and do another load of laundry.
