June Highlights

Spending Father's Day at a park in Ankeny, playing frisbee golf

Eric playing tennis in the Ankeny Tennis League

Cale all worn out, resting with his cousing Lexy.

Do you think they see a big fish?

On the plat form at Lost Island Lake

Lexy taking Cassie and Cale on a little ride with the jet ski

Zach and Lexy had a lot of fun on the jet ski, I was suprised that Zach kept wanting her to go faster and do circles. It was fun to see the big smile on his face.

Lexy giving Uncle Eric a ride on the jet ski

Jay and his boat

Zach, Cassie and Lexy just chillin

Relaxing at Sherri and Jay's camper set up at Lost Island Lake

Cassie and Cale playing in the water puddles left by the storms the previous night.

The Annual Gray Family Reunion. Always a great time, I didn't have my camera out as much as usual, so limited pictures. My beautiful cousins- Melissa and Emily

Some volleyball action

More volley ball

My neice Sara took the boys swimming- they had a fun time with thier cousin

Mark giving some of the littlest cousins a ride on the merry go round.

Good bye camper

This weekend, we said good bye to our camper. We posted it on Craig's list on Monday or Tuesday night and was sold by Saturday. I love the idea of camping and we have had some great times in the camper, however several negatives made it seem like a good idea to sell. We still plan to camp in our tent, but don't feel as obligated with less of an investment.

Other news:
I wish I would have had my camera, but our neighbors and Eric hit the sand volleyball court yesterday for a tournament to raise money for breast cancer. They did great, coming in second. They were fun to watch, just can hardly wait until I can play with them again. The boys (Zach and Cale) did awesome hanging out all day watching and playing.

I had my fourth blood patch this past Thursday, just hoping and praying to get to 100% again. So far, I think I have improved and just so thankful for a doctor who also wants to help me get completely well.

School's Out

Today was Zach's last day of first grade. Another year under his belt, with lots of growth (physically, academically and emotionally) to show for it. Zach loved his teacher Mrs. Forret and I was also thankful for her. I was so glad that she was honest with us early in the year and guiding us to seek help for Zach and ADHD. With Zach working hard, his teacher, us and medication, Zach had a superior year. Zach is gifted academically, but if he continued down a road where he is told to sit still 50 times a day, I think the giftedness would get hidden.

Most people have an opinion on whether you should medicate or not medicate a child with adhd. My opinion and in Zach's case, I think we would be doing Zach a huge disservice by not helping him with medication. It is obvious that he does not have a choice to sit still, it's a malfunction in his brain, comparable to a child having a seizure. At 7 years of age, he knows that the medicine helps him stay calm and can feel the difference.

I am so proud of him and happy with the successful year he has had at school. Zach is looking forward to the summer and returning to daycare. Mercy daycare provides a school age program which is so much fun for kids. Also, a lot of the kids that Zach has been in daycare with since he was born return there during the summer.

Cale is also looking forward to the summer, because his big brother will be at daycare. Granted they won't see much of each other, but still he is excited. Cale made a transition last week to the "yellow room" which is the last stop before heading to school. They did a preliminary kindergarten readiness eval on Cale and he is ready to start school. Unfortunately, he has to wait a year to be old enough. Cale is always trying to keep up with Zach and his friends, so eager to learn what they know, etc. I anticipate him reading before he starts school, he is well on his way.

He is a talker and story teller. He is growing up so fast. Last summer, when we would be outside, he would just hang by Eric or me, now he is the one that wants to go outside and play with the "boys" of the neighborhood. I see him playing tag or whatever the game is and trying so hard to win- oh yeah he is competitive- just like Eric.

Happy Summer to Everyone!

Getting Back to Life

Cale, Ryan (our neighbor) and Zach enjoying the evening outside.

Friday night, we invited our neighbors over for a bon fire and smores. I think Zach is negotiating with Eric for one more Hersey Chocolate bar :)

Cale and Zach just chillin

I am so thankful I am seeing a normal life again. This past weekend, I was up more than down for the first time in 8 weeks. We packed the 3 day weekend with as much stuff as possible- just like old times. God willing I am planning on going back to work on Thursday- 4 hour days for awhile. I have an appt next Thursday to see if we will do a 4th blood patch- I am not pain free yet, not sure if a blood patch will help me or if it will just take time to be pain free.