Our Quick Summer Get Away

Another school year was quickly approaching and we had not taken a true summer vacation. With one week to go we decided to go to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. We wanted to check out the Great Wolf Lodge which is an indoor water park and resort all in one.

We have arrived! We all changed and went right into the water park. After several hours of wet fun we were finally able to check into our room. Each of the kids received a "Pup Pass" which allowed them to participate in several other fun activities.


Tru stuffed a horse. His name is Browney. Tru was so disinterest in Browney that he freely gave the horse to Lin-Ley .


Lin-Ley stuffed a Panda (of course).


Our littlest wolf.


The kids were very excited that they had their own bedroom Wolf Den.


Complete with their own TV!


Our littlest wolf.


Tru's favorite part of the water park, by far, was the big bucket of water. The big bucket would fill with water and then empty onto anyone that happened to be beneath it.


Tru was fascinated by it and would not get any closer than this. Eventually Lin-Ley convinced tricked him into standing under the bucket. The force of the water forced him to the floor the first time. The next two times they both loved it.














Before we left we went to the Cub Club for some more activities. As the kids played in the club Dallas and I were left to finish their activities!!


Good Bye Great Wolf!


That evening we were to stay at a local Chateau. Ooh, La, La....


The scenery, as we drove there and walked around the hotel, was beautiful!


There were mountains and a lake,


swans,


deer,


ducks,

and even a pretty waterfall.

Then, with great anticipation, we went to check out our room...

And this was our view!


















It only went downhill from there. The most exciting part was when we had to get the kids out of bed at 9:30PM to switch rooms in a hurry. On the other side of our paper-thin walls were a group of young men who were loud, vulgar and tried to break through the adjoining door into our room. What an end to our family vacation!

Quote Of The Day:
No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one.
~Elbert Hubbard

Tru's Last Day Of Preschool

Tru waves goodbye on his last day of preschool.
He will begin "Big Boy School" (Pre-K) at the end of this month!


Tru, you have come a long way baby!
He began school in September, 2007 with only the ability to scoot on his bottom to get around. Now look at him! He is your typical agile, brave and fearless little boy!




















Tru's first day of preschool (September, 2007):

Oh those cheeks!!






























Quote Of The Day:
As we prepare for "Big Boy School" we went shopping, earlier this week, for school uniforms. Unfortunately, once we arrived at the store we found that it had already closed for the evening. I took Tru's hand and began leading him back to our van. He became upset and said,

"No, Mommy, no! I have to get my unicorns!"

Tru's Teachings

Tru and I spend this Tuesday "giving back". We started our morning at a day care facility for disabled children. This facility is sponsored by Kennedy Krieger Institute where Tru is also a patient. At Tru's last visit to Kennedy Krieger some of the staff at the hospital asked if we would be willing to speak with the employees of the day care facility as they were preparing to care for a child that will have a similar surgery as Tru. Afterward the child will have a prosthetic leg as well. The staff of this daycare facility are medical professionals and care for children with a variety of disabilities however, they wanted to learn more about what to expect from a parent's perspective.

I spoke to a staff of ten people that included nurses, administrators, social workers, etc. While we spoke about our family's experiences with Tru's surgeries, medical needs, care of his limb and prosthetic leg, etc. Tru helped himself to their expansive array of toys. As we spoke the staff observed Tru's play and the way he moved with his prosthesis. We talked for about an hour and then Tru and I gave them a demonstration on the proper way to wear and care for his leg. Tru was sooo shy! He was totally out of his comfort zone and did not speak to anyone there.

After our visit there we were off to the University of Maryland. Tru's Prosthetist had also arranged for us to be guests at a teaching clinic for physical therapy students. Again, Tru did not fully understand why we had come to this new place. He would not let go of my hand.

Before we met the students we met the other volunteers who were attending the clinic. Of course, all of the other volunteers were also amputees. As odd as it may sound, Tru has never met another amputee before! He has only been around other children and adults who have two normal, human legs. When we walked into the room with the other amputees (all older men) Tru was very confused and very timid. The men tried to befriend him but Tru only wanted Mommy.

We finally met the PT students and Tru had not yet warmed up. I tried giving him candy, soda or anything I could think to coax him to move around for the observing students.


Finally... one of the instructors blew up this beach ball for Tru. That did the trick! The poor PT students did not know what hit them. Tru turned into an entirely different kid.


Tru was soon playing soccer and volley ball non-stop for the next two hours.


Tru and two of his fellow volunteers.

These are about one quarter of the students in the class. Unfortunately all of them, at some point, got a beach ball to the head or some other body part courtesy of Wild Tru. Sorry guys and girls!




In the end Tru had a blast!

County Fair - 2010

Saturday was the first day of our County Fair. It was Armed Forces day so we were there flashing Dallas' military I.D. one last time for free admittance.

The sweet baby piglets!


Sheep kisses!


Admission was free but there were still rides, food and games which all needed cash!

Lin-Ley rode the swings all by herself.
(Big Girl!)
[4 tickets]


All of the kids enjoyed the giant slide.
[6 tickets]


Tru chose the Choo-Choo as his solo ride.
[2 tickets]


The annual photo with the Mermaid.


Priceless!



















One Year Ago:

Ready, Set, Swing

The new swing set is all done thanks to Daddy!

Tooth Fairy - Visit #2

Although Lin-Ley is 8 years old, she has just lost her second tooth.

She brought me the floss and told me to give it a try. I did not pull too hard and thought we could wait one more night.

Then she wrapped her tooth with floss and gave it a try. We both heard a cracking sound and her eyebrows shot up in despair. I quickly grabbed the floss and out came the tiny tooth.


Oh so proud!


The tooth was quickly cleaned and place in her special Tooth Fairy pillow.
















Last time we learned that the Tooth Fairy disappointed as she left $1 but it was only one coin. Lesson learned. This time the Tooth Fairy left $2 (all in quarters)!


Quote Of The Day:
Tru (after seeing Lin-Ley's tooth pulling experience)
"Mom, I have big boy teeth already. The Tooth Fairy does not need to come see me!"

Summer Performances

We celebrated Dallas' birthday at our local dinner theatre. Their production of "Hairspray" was fantastic! Lin-Ley was dancing in her seat with arms waving in the air. Tru is all about questions lately. His more frequent question during the show was, "Is it over yet?"


Lin-Ley ended her three week camp with a show as well. Their show was "Horton Hears A Who". This camp is great for many reasons. Primarily the location. It is literally next door to my office and I can see Lin-Ley having lunch in the courtyard of our complex from my office widow!


There is no pressure to go out and buy your children costumes (obviously). Lin-Ley was actually a monkey in this production....


Lin-Ley delivers her three lines.


Dance break.


Line!

The little girl in red (I'm not sure what that costume is supposed to be!) forgot her line. Lin-Ley leaned over and whispered it to her.


Line!

The little boy in the hooded sweatshirt forgot his line as well. Lin-Ley to the rescue! She leaned over another little actress to whisper his lines as well.


Finale.


Lin-Ley was all smiles after the performance. We are not sure what is up with Tru's newest smile!?!