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...