Patrick's Performance

Patrick had a holiday program at his school. We are so proud of him. He sang, did the hand motions and had a good time. Singing is more difficult for kids with Apraxia. His teacher said that for weeks of practice he just stood in the group doing nothing, but in the last couple days before the show he started singing! His brain just took that extra time to process. In the video you will see him in the back row, the third in from the left. The picture on top is of Patrick and his best buddy, Maddy. They both had a great time performing.

Christmas Season is here

We had a fun day celebrating Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Mary at their house. We had a wonderful brunch and opened presents. But the best part of the day was making our own Gingerbread house!



Everyone helped. Daddy cracked the roof which required a lot extra frosting and careful hands. Patrick was very patient during the roof repair.


After the adults finished with construction, the kids were the main designers with the frosting and candy. Of course they ate plenty of candy too!


Unfortunately, the roof started to cave under the pressure of the candy. Grandpa had a brilliant idea! He simply got out his power drill and put a couple of screws right through the roof for support. Doesn't everyone use power tools to make a gingerbread house!?!? We're very pleased with the final result. You can't tell from the picture but the house does, however, have a "sky light". It's sure to be a favorite holiday memory for all of us.

Give Thanks!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my Uncle Steve's and Uncle Craig's house in Chicago. We celebrated the holiday with family and friends. Uncle Craig roasted hazelnuts with Isabelle in addition to doing most of the cooking. Dinner was amazing! But, of course Steve and Craig always know how to throw a good party!


For only the 3rd or 4th time in our marriage Kevin was able to join us for Thanksgiving. He left the store at 4:30 and even made it for appetizers!


Isabelle showed off her big turkey leg. Uncle Craig's mom, Genevieve didn't think Isabelle could possibly finish it. She was right! It was really a wonderful holiday with good food and good company.