Lizzy the Thespian

Lizzy was in her first Jr. High production - Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Lizzy played the part of the Dutchess.  She was in several scenes and did a great job!  I was impressed with Lizzy's poise and also the way she played her character and also projected were voice - Bravo Lizzy - I am glad I got her to autograph my play bill because that signature may be worth money some day!

A strange way to nap

During the Halloween Party, Michael Hawk, AKA Spiderman, took his nap in this weird position kinda laying, kinda leaning, kinda falling out of his stroller.....only a 2 year old can sleep like that!  He later woke up and had a blast playing at the park, but I thought this way of napping was very funny!

Halloween Party in the Park

some of the kids in their costumes

Nana and Kim

Alex and Zach being the Hulk

Spooky Snacks

Bobbing for apples! 

Tiana and Alexandra bobbing

papa and nana

Bella was a cupcake kitty I think

I had my second annual Halloweeen party in the park!  This year all the moms brought "spooky snacks" and we also got pizza.  Nana and Papa were in town, which was great!  Again this year all the kids wore their costumes.  We had bobbing for apples, badmitten, crafts and lots of food and drinks.  As usual, the party went on most of the day, and everyone had so much fun.  Since everyone kinda goes their separate ways for trick or treating, it is such a fun party to have to celebrate the holiday and give the kids another chance to wear their costumes.

Step Up for Down Syndrome

We had some first time walkers at our SUDS Walk this year - Aunt Terri and Mitch, and Nana & Papa from Yuma!  This year was great as always - my signs rocked it this year and so many people were cheering for Alex - he was smiling and waving back!  Walking in the parade is so good for awareness and we had such a good time!  I raised over $800 (with Bill's help from some generous co-workers too) for the DSN and I'm very proud to help raise money for an organization that directly helps our family!  Can't wait til next year!

Ben the Soccer Player

It's great to see Ben doing a team sport!  He has really been enjoying soccer and gets to be on the same team with his BF Evan and his cousin Mitch.  They all have done very well considering none of the three have played soccer since they were little.  They are on a co-ed team that includes ages 10 - 15.  Some of the kids have obviously played before and have great skills, but Ben has held his own and we have been impressed by his efforts.  He seems to really be enjoying it too which is fun to watch!  The team has practiced for 6 weeks and had their first game yesterday - which they won!  The boys all played the entire game and really did well!  Go Sidewinders!!

Alex the Swimmer

Alex has been taking swim lessons from Sami at Swim Kids for almost 2 years - he has progressed so much - it's just amazing to watch him swimming and floating!  A few weeks ago, Alex had to show his skills to the head instructor to pass his survival series.  He had to do the entire lesson in his pajamas!  It was so great to watch him accomplish passing this level!  He got to ring a bell and everyone in the pool area clapped for him.  He also got a medal and had his picture taken!  We are so proud of Alex's hard work in swimming!

Fall Break Fun

Fall Break was pretty mellow this year but we did have some fun like the Bounce place with the Phipps and a few sleepovers with Ben's friends.  One day we went to Kiwanas Park with Tina, Heather and the kids.  The boys played a little soccer, some of the kids brought their bikes and rode around.  Of course we had Markie in tow as well!  Alex had fun on the swings.  When Alex got overheated, he went and dipped himself in the icky water of the pond there - he was cooling off as I was running after him to get out while a dead fish floated by!  While Fall Break was a little subdued, we always have our fun moments with Alex!