Our new addition ...

No you didn't read that wrong ... our family can't seem to stop adopting. This time an animal. I thought after one year I would be finished with dogs. I didn't miss the poop cleanup or the hair. After looking here and there very casually, I fell in love with Gus.

We have no idea of his breed. He has these really short legs, the face of a lab and the body of a beagle. His sister was on site as well and they were listed as part spaniel mix. The sister definitely had the coat of a spaniel. The last dog Nick wanted was a beagle. I am leaning towards thinking that is what he might be. The kids are totally in love, for today. I am realistic. Nick has agreed to the walking. I agreed to the outdoor cleanup. The kids have been helping with both.

He came from North Carolina and was rescued by a wonderful place in West Bend. He was placed in foster care where we met him. His placement was Sunday, October 30th. We had him home on Sunday, November 6th. He will be 4 months old on Tuesday (tomorrow).

In love today ... despite training a puppy again. He is a cuddler and spunky as well.

Tune in for more Gus stories along the way!

Babysitting

This is Will and his little "bub" Olivia. We had the pleasure of babysitting on Saturday night. We had a great time with her. She is such an angel!

Trunk or Treat 2011

Once again our 2nd annual Trunk or Treat was a huge success. I am going to do it again next year if it is okay with our PBO. We had over 325 children participate along with their families.

This family had the version of the Adams amily. It was so cool. Teh stairs in the trunk of the car moved. They won one of the gift cards.

This is Will's friend Jessica. Her mom always dresses her up so creatively!

Our good friends the Kreuser's. They were decked in a Pirates theme. Will's BFF Amber and her sister Samantha.

This year we have a Kill the Rooster theme going at school. This is my friend and right hand woman at school (our Title 1 assistant) and someone she must have found along the way dressed like her!

Playoff Game 2 - and now its 2-0

We had a great time tailgating with Jim and Renae.

Date 2 with my hubby! That doesn't happen too often. Rally towel in the pocket ready to go!

A visit from Bernie Brewer.

Axford ready to finish it up!

2-0 on our way to Arizona!

Playoff Game 1 and a WIN

Tailgating with the boys! Jimmy, Nick, my nephew Josh and me!

Play Ball!

Me and my handsome date.

It's a win!

Updates for the month (before it ends)

This was Will's "me" bag for school. In it he chose the things that he wanted to describe himself. He included our "fake" butterfly, his Guatemalan passport, his coloring book, googles, his Disney scrapbook and his cross chain.

We came home on Friday the 9th to find we had a butterfly. It was huge and beautiful.

Will says goodbye to his butterfly. It was hard for him to let it go. We let it go on Saturday - and told him that we would take him to the zoo to see the butterfly exhibit before it left, which we did.

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Our weekend thus far

On Friday our painted ladies and our monarch caterpillar turned into the chrysallises. Will is very intriged by them. We attached them to the top of the habitat. Now we wait ... and wait ... and wait.

Reagan coming down the slide at swimming.

Will and his teacher at swimming lessons today.

First Day of School

First Day of School today!

Reagan with his first grade teacher at Open House.

Will with his 3rd grade teacher at Open House.

It's going to be a great year.

Back to work

We enjoyed a leisurely walk to the Ice Cream Stand at the end of the block. Made a stop at Jackson Park so Reagan could act crazy!

They still love each other!

The newest addition to Jackson! An ice cream shop locally owned.

Chocolate is their favorite.

Summer's Coming to an end ...

Today was my last day watching my love Olivia and spunky Isabel. Isabel couldn't come today. I have so enjoyed just spending time with them. Drew and I were always tight growing up. We had no cousins. We had one aunt and uncle. Our family was not large at all. (Kinda funny we both married into large families.) I feel so blessed to live so close to my family (and Nick's too) and spend time with the kids. I was so sad to see her go today ... til Drew said he might need an overnight sitter in October. I am all over that!

Go Brewers Go!

A few weeks ago we tried a day game with the boys. It was hot and we had terrible seats. We sure had a great time though! And boy are the Milwaukee Brewers on a hot streak. Can't wait to see them in the playoffs!

Reagan has found his niche

Reagan has found the thing he loves ... much to his Grandpa Dobson's approval ... Golf.

He tried a new golf course with Grandpa this week, the rest of us tagged along for the lunch.

Beautiful place ... the pictures don't do it justice.

Round and Around and Around We Go ...

The only way I can describe my life to you is this ...

You know a picture of a hamster on a wheel and it goes around and around continually til it finally jumps off ...

That's our family.

I have meltdowns often ... I am sure any parent of a child with autism does. And if you don't have a child with autism it is difficult to understand.

Our lives are rollercoasters. Doctor appointments, insurance appointments, home visits, this test, that test, school coordination, sports (if we even want to try), friendships, in home therapies, outside therapies, running from here to there and never really finding a conclusive answer about anything.

We do everything for our son. We try to provide him the best life possible. It annoys me when people say, what do you think his future will be like? Do you think he will go to college? Do you think he will have a job? Do you think he has a learning problem? My answer is Why? Do you honestly think that Nick and I can think that far ahead. Today we worry about Today! Tomorrow we worry about Tomorrow! That's how our lives work. We love him with all our heart. We always will no matter what. I don't really care if he lives with us the rest of his life ... although I think he would prefer to live at Disney World!

My Alpha Xi Delta sisters shared a You Tube video that is really worth watching. Nick and I needed kleenex. For those of you that don't have a child with autism, please watch this. Without speaking it will tell you what our life is like. So, when we don't come to things, leave early, bring our own food or don't participate, please don't judge us. We think of our child first ... and other needs second.

http://youtu.be/z2B1FeS5VX4

We hope you will continue to support the research of autism and education for families like ours!

Olivia's Baptism

Olivia Jo Dobson was baptized on Sunday, July 31, 2011.

It was a great service with a very welcoming congregation.

Headed to my brother and sister in law's for some lunch.

Came home to swim.

Ended the night with my brother's family swimming and my neice sleeping over.

On to a new week...

Tonight's adventure

While my dear husband enjoys himself at the baseball game, I am home with the two crazy children preparing for my dear Goddaughter's Baptism tomorrow.

Fruit was my contribution ... and then I spiced it up a little.

Strawberries are so much better dipped in chocolate and nuts right?

Fun + Family + Food + Friends = Festa Italiana 2011

I think this says it all about Friends ... the MacCudden and Krajnak kids waiting for the fireworks to start.

Family ... Erin's first official Festa. And she loved the rice balls and fireworks.

Food ... it wouldn't have been the same without some Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Off to camp

Day 3 and all seems to be going well.

Reagan is so bummed he can't go ... next week is his turn, but it is only a few hours. Not most of the day like Will's.

God sure is Good!

First Day of Camp

Today was Will's first attempt at Day Camp. He is attending Camp Kidzbrook at Northbrook Church. The boys were so nice when I picked him up. He told us all about the day. Didn't like the tag game (required touching I assume). He told us he played kickball and UNO. What a great Christian environment for his first experience!

Thank you to all the young women and men ... and Julie and Mickey that coordinated this awesome event for our kids! You are wonderful people.

Next week is Reagan's turn. I am working ... arts and crafts/welcome!

Disney ... it never gets boring

Our meet and greet with Minnie Mouse!

Breakfast at the Crystal Palace with Norah!

A great view of the castle.

Erin watching the Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom.

Erin was such a joy to see!

Rain, rain, go away

Please come back another day .... like Saturday when we leave!

Today is July 3rd

We have had two days of beautiful weather. In the high 80's low 90's with no rain.

Boys are in the pool for awhile.

We saw Fantasmic last night at 10:30 so we were all up late. Boys slept in til 9:00 today.

Still deciding what to do tonight and for the 4th.

Day One ... Disney bound

Today we traveled through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and finally South Carolina.

We put on about 800+ miles.

We traveled for about 16 hours.

Finally took up rest in Orangeburg, SC.

Today we are headed through Savannah bound for Disney!

Kids have been fantastic and I haven't had to drive 1 mile yet.

The Power of Prayer ... as said by Will

Will has developed a true anxiety of storms. He knows all about weather and wants to be a weatherman someday. Not sure how if we don't get over the storm issues.

Last night we were at the Brewer game when a bad storm came.

Will: I think I need to pray.

Me: OK.

Will: Mommy you do it.

Me: No you do it.

Will: Dear God, Storms really scare me. They are junk. Could you please stop the wind, the rain and the thunder and lightning? Then I will be brave again. Amen.

Me: Nice job Will. Now we have to wait and see what happens. (In my mind I was thinking while watching the game, but he wanted us to sit right by those windows and watch.)

Just like that the wind subsided, the thunder and lighting was more quiet, and the rain was settling down.

Will: Mom that's the power of prayer.

Me: Yes Will it sure is!

Happy 6th Birthday Reagan!

Over time it is funny to see how God creates the right person for your family. I think Reagan was definitely created for our family. He challenges us, makes us laugh, savors the small things, acts bigger than his britches, and has a lot of love deep in his heart.

We celebrated his birthday the way he wanted ... a trip to Toys R Us in lieu of a party with his friends.

Morning golf lesson at The Bog. Little foggy!

He picked out a new DSiXL and with it go the CARS 2 game and new case.

Brewer Game ... 4th level ... lots of storms but we made it to the 6th inning. The kids were beat and birthday boy fell asleep on the way home!