Week 25 of 52 in 2017

Jackson:  Jackson has been working on a friendship with Emma ever since he met her almost 2 years ago.  Typically, she throws him a ton of shade but over the past couple of weeks, I would say they became friends. On this day, the day before Emma and the rest of the Staahlberg kids were going back to Sweden, he was giving her piggy back rides in the pool. Their friendship has come a long way. He's sad to see Emma and the rest of the kids go but happy that he got some smiles.

Connor:  Connor had initially thought of Nils as Jackson's friend because they had the same Kindergarten teacher.  With being in Mrs. Kleinsasser's class together, things had definitely changed. They became good friends and had play dates and Nils and his big laugh will surely be missed next year.

Bikes and Beers

Michael agreed without really thinking through what a yes meant to a 15 mile bike ride. He was hesitant about the ride and uncertain on whether or not he could get on the bike and stay on the entire time.  Once we had confirmed that the weather was good, he was off the next morning to Union Brewery to get ready for the ride.

Much to his surprise, we arrived to cheer on our bike rider who made it. A big thanks to Fred for equipping him with all the necessities and having faith that he wouldn't crash or do damage to his very nice bicycle.

We couldn't be more proud of Michael.  The boys were more than happy to assist with putting the bicycle bake in his vehicle to return safely back to Fred.

Week 24 of 52 in 2017

Jackson: At the boys' 7 year well visit, the nurse who did an eye exam suggested that we have Jackson see an eye doctor as he struggled with the eye test. Unsure if it was his inability to sit still, we scheduled the appointment. After an almost 2 hour appointment that included his eyes getting dilated, it was confirmed that he will eventually need glasses but not this year. He was SUPER happy to hear that it was not now.

Connor:  The Giants played their last game on Monday. Connor came up big for his team with 2 hits. He FINALLY was able to reach 1st base. He didn't make it to 2nd but after struggling this season at the plate, we are thrilled for him.  And, he was super happy to have had Beck on his team this year.

Jackson doesn't need glasses yet...

At the encouragement of the nurse who administered an eye exam during the boys' well visit this year, we scheduled an eye appointment to confirm if Jackson was having issues or just couldn't sit still. He was very nervous and adamant about not really wanting glasses.  We arrived late in the maze that is Cross Keys but Jackson patiently waited.

Upon arriving, his tech performed numerous tests on Jackson applauding him for his good work. She confirmed the nurse's suspicions that there were some issues with Jackson and seeing distance. However, she wanted to dilate his eyes to confirm.

Despite being uncomfortable during the dialation, Jackson handled himself very well.  There was a fun waiting room with toys and they were playing movies.

After waiting 30 minutes in an already long appointment, we returned to the office and she confirmed that Jackson did not have perfect vision in his one eye and that he will eventually need glasses but not just yet. She added that it would only be necessary for him to come back for another consult next year is if someone administering an eye exam notices that he is struggling.

After over 2 hours, we were able to leave the office with the news that he wanted and to prepare him for the possibility of glasses that may come sooner than what he wants.

MD Zoo in Baltimore with the Reyes Family

The boys were excited to have Bella, Brenden and Bradley join us at the zoo for a day of fun.

We started off by checking out the penguins. I really do not think that it is possible to not look at the penguins when you walk into the zoo.   The penguin education center is your spot for close up views and measuring of the littlest boys.

After some time in the education center, we headed to the African Journey and spotted the flamingos, which are getting noisier and noisier.  And, we always make sure to get a picture for Michael as they are his favorites.

We detoured to the Chimpanzee Forest to avoid the large crowds that typically continue on to the  rest of the African Journey.

After catching up with the chimpanzees, we moved through the Forest and Lemur Island, heading towards the front for lunch.

I had read that there were some cygnets born (baby swans) and while the kids explored the farm yard, including the Owl Barn Slide and petting the goats, I was able to check out the cygnets. They followed what appeared to be the male in charge out of the pond to the bushes at the far edge. Knowing that the swans are bad tempered, there was nothing but cuteness going on.

It is ALWAYS good to see Bella show that she isn't too old for a trip to the zoo with her little brother and my boys.

After a bunch of slides down the treehouse slide, we moved over to the Children's Zoo and found the otters swimming, which is usually rare to see so this was a welcomed sight.

After some more animal sightings and a ride on the carousel, we made sure to check out the grizzly cubs, who never disappoint. It is always a fun day at the zoo made all that much better with friends.

Week 23 of 52 in 2017

Jackson: Jackson had his final day of lacrosse on Saturday.  The season ended with a loss to Team #1 but the team was missing the goalie and several other players. Team #4 struggled but got better each and every game. A big thanks to coach Keith for a fun season and sticking with Jackson despite his ever changing mood on whether or not he liked lacrosse or not....

Connor:  Connor's struggled at the plate this year for the Giants.  He FINALLY got his bat on the ball. Unfortunately, Thomas from soccer was in the right location and made the perfect throw to the 1st baseman who caught it. 9 times out of ten, Connor would have ended up on 1st base but this was not that time.  The entire team and parents were so happy for him to have finally made contact. I had missed it because I was at lacrosse practice with Jackson but everyone was giving me an update on how great of a hit that it was.

Week 22 of 52 in 2017

Jackson:  We attended the Bowie Baysox Star Wars night and it may have been Jackson's favorite day of the year and not because of the baseball game. Jackson and I spent a good bit of time finding all the characters that we possibly could and getting pictures with all of them.  How can I say no to that smiling face.

Connor:  The boys had their field day on Thursday and Connor had the best time.  It is by far one of his favorite days of the school year.  On his last rotation of the day before lunch, Connor got to be the mannequin that his team mates dressed up.  That smile says it all!!!