Take Me Out To The Ball Game

We were fortunate enough to get some great seats and truly enjoyed watching the Washington Nationals take on the Hot-lanta Braves (as Mark likes to call them:)

We got our program, checked out the field, and grabbed a pretzel and hat, in no time flat!

Trevor was lucky enough to be given a ball by the first base coach!!! Very exciting!!

The Nationals played well, even after an hour rain delay, they pulled off a win! Go Nats!

Just Another Day in Paradise

That's what my parents always say! Well, we were able to enjoy a little piece of paradise once again. Our trip included: Dancing and Singing at Duck"s

Then we hit the beach!
Football fun

Surf"s up!
Rode a rollercoaster!

Dragon Boom (Broadway at the Beach):

A great time was had by all.

LOVE the POOL

The boys LOVE the pool. They always have. But this year, if they could go off the diving board for hours upon hours, they would! They do the same thing over and over....jump, swim to ladder, and go back in line. Trevor attempted to dive, twice now. The first time was a success. The second time proceeded in a belly flop that left him in tears. Haven't we all done that? So as he slowly climbed the ladder, tears boiling, I challenged him to ask anyone here at the pool if they too had ever belly flopped. At the moment, that meant nothing to him. But as he thought about it, he realized that it's the risk you take...and has accepted that...he also has not attempted a dive since then:) In time....in time.

Darren and the water are one in the same. At the pool, and even at the beach, I feel that Darren is in his element. These are places that Darren looks normal. Sound strange? Well, it shouldn't. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, the water and extreme coordination are passions and strengths of Darren's. He WANTED to swim...he now swims. He watched Trevor for a YEAR jump off the diving board....this year he jumped without reservation and hasn't stopped yet. He goes underwater, kicks a couple times and comes up laughing...he is SO proud of himself for trying something new. Does this sound like autism to you??? Not to me....this is normal:)

We love the summertime!

Summertime

We are all enjoying our summer thus far. Its usually during this that I noticed how much they have grown. Not just physically, but developmentally as well. I am convinced that Darren is going to be 6'5, he just seems so tall to me. Trevor is going to be borrowing shoes from Shaq at this rate and he has kept the tooth fairy on his toes...I can't even remember what Trevor looks like with teeth at this point:)

It is wonderful seeing their personalities blossom. Trevor continues to be my little Italian boy. He really enjoyed Kindergarten this year. His reading skills are really improving, still gets a little frustrated when trying to sound out words. We are trying to "practice" more often. Trevor REALLY loves Math. In the car he always wants me to give him math problems to figure out. He is also very good at counting coins.

Tball was a blast this year. Trevor had a great time and really enjoyed all-stars. It was a nice way to take the game to the next level. He continues to love sports and is extremely competitive. I love that about him. This season was a real learning experience. I was reminded how great sports are for kids. So many wonderful lessons to be learned. At an age when they are little sponges, it is a perfect time to learn about the concepts of TEAM, WINNING, LOSING, HAVING GOALS, and WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE THEM. So important. With Trevor, I constantly feel that I reflecting on my childhood...trying to provide him with all the good experiences of being a kid, but more importantly I have tried to evaluate my mistakes...and pass on the knowledge to him. I, too, was very competitive and very very hard on myself. I really try to talk things out with him. Share stories, good and bad. I think it helps us both:)

Darren continues to amaze me. If Trevor is the challenge of my past, Darren is the challenge of the future. He keeps me on my toes, that"s for sure. I feel that I have a built in sonar just for Darren that is constantly evaluating his location, mood, and excitement level. His school year was an absolute roller coaster ride, but I learned so much and truly feel that he is in the right school surrounded by dedicated staff that love and tolerate him:) Darren's personality is certainly shining through on all levels. He can be funny, engaging, silly, feisty, stubborn, and sweet. Patience is always needed, "the look from mommy" is always helpful as well.

Together, they are the Wonder Twins. I watch them play and fight and unconditionally love each other everyday. Trevor is a stronger person because of it, and Darren, a blessed child to have such a loving brother. They have great potential because of their special bond.