playing catch-up

Michael had a b-day last month. He's a legal adult now! But still likes Legos...

Easter 2017 - Skippy wandered into center stage just before I took this. It was kinda funny...

And Adrienne was sealed with the Holy Spirit at confirmation last night at the Cathedral of St. Paul. I should say Agnes, the name she chose...
 

Michael was her sponsor...

Interdimensional Compassion

Cool article at NWF:

New Wave Feminists: Interdimensional Compassion: Ben’s the baby of the family, but don’t try calling him that. Even with a limited vocabulary he still knows how to clap back. “BIG DUDE” he’ll insist, referring to himself. Then the follow-up under his breath: “POO,” -a curse word ‘round these parts - which we usually humor with a dramatic gasp. He loves it. Of course, the effect is more impactful if everyone in the room stops what they’re doing to be collectively offended.

Having someone with Down syndrome in your life is like having stepped through an interdimensional gateway. Things are different here. Before I arrived, I was aware that people with special needs were “out there” but they were probably being cared for by someone infinitely more benevolent than myself -- like angels or something, the kind with fluffy wings and halos. They lived in a separate place that I could only imagine. I always just thought, “Good for them!”... (click link above to continue)

3 teens!

Nicky turned 13 over the weekend, giving us 3 teens at once, for a couple years anyway. Seems a little scary, but only 'cuz the years fly by so fast. We don't have obscene amounts of melodrama in the house or anything. I think it's mostly unfair that teens get a bad rap in that respect. Anyhoo, he got an amp for his electric violin and some other cool junk like a gyroscope and drawing/painting supplies. And an unresponsive yoyo. I didn't know what that was until recently - a yoyo that needs CPR? Nope.

He chose a Chocolate Extreme Blizzard Cake from DQ for his dessert. Yes please.

Valentine's Day homework

Zach was told to make a Valentine box at home (as a Family Activity) to bring to school for the 3rd grade party next week. I generally prefer that the kids do that sort of junk at school because I am lazy. Especially given that the box had to have a theme based on a favorite book or set of books or character from a book or whatever. Too much thinking involved. But Zach brainstormed a bit and mentioned the I SURVIVED series of epic disaster type books, of which he has read several. Hmm. Yes. I thought that idea had promise.

I told him to give a grumpy shark look for this photo. It looks extra scary with his uncombed hair: