Where or where did summer go

This is the first weekend Mat and I have been home in 4 weeks.  We have been traveling continuously (and loving it) and so we are finally home.  Our yard has been sorely neglected.  And the house.  And just about everything else.

 (zucchini from our garden)

So we are spending the weekend at home - soaking up the last of the summer days.  The kids go back to school in 2 weeks.  2 weeks!  I can't believe it.  Arlington found out her new teacher this week, and so we are busy finding out what classmates she will have.  Her teacher is new to the district, but I have heard wonderful things about her!  Arlington is very exciting because her friend "E" is in her class this year.  Hopefully the girls will behave!

 This past week was doctor's appointments for the kids, art class for Arlington, horseback for Finley, Enrichment class for Cainan, and not much free time.

 Arlington and Finley had their annual physicals on Monday.  Arlington is 50%tile all the way.  She is 55 pounds and 47 3/4 inches!  1/4 inch and that opens a whole new roller coaster world for her.  She is excited about that!

 Finley is 31 1/2 pounds and 40 1/2 inches.  She is tall and thin.  She is in the 10%tile for weight and off the chart for height!  Crazy.  We know she is long and lanky.  But she doesn't eat well - she eats like a bird!

 Arlington's art class was Monday through Friday this last week.  2 1/2 hours a day!  She loved it.  It was an art/science class.  Day one - they made a volcano.  Day 5?  We had to bring said volcano home.  AFTER she exploded it.  So.fun.  But she had a great time.  She had a chance to get messy, make new friends, and do something she truly loves.

 Horseback riding for Finley is still going very well.  She has even been able to trot a few times, and she really likes that!  We are going to continue the class through the fall, until the weather turns cold.  I do think it is beneficial to keep going.  Her teacher has taught her a lot about balance.

 Finley got a new "end" to her canes this week.  She has been getting the marshmallow tip caught in the cracks outside, and getting frustrated.  So her orientation and movement specialist brought her some balls that are working much better!  The one is huge!  I will have to take a picture.  But she loves it.

 Cainan's Physical was Friday.  He is 40 1/2 inches as well, but 30 1/2 pounds.  A whole pound LESS than Finley.  How is that possible?  He eats monsterous amounts of food every day.  I haven't seen anyone eat like him before!  Yet he is smaller than our little bird?   He is in the 60%tile for height and 25%tile for weight.

 August is always our time for appointments.  We try to get all the big stuff in right before school starts, so August always moves quickly for us.  Next week Cainan has a neurological exam, Finley has an eye exam, Cainan has a Cleft clinic appointment, and I have an appointment or two.

 My parents are coming tomorrow and will be spending the week with us to help me get through the appointments.  Some of the appointments are too hard to take all the kids along, so they will help me watch the others while we are at these appointments.  We also have some fun things planned too!  Of course - we will be hitting our favorite - Six Flags!

I hope that all of your are enjoying the last days of summer before the days turns colder, and the school bus makes its daily appearance.  I will miss sleeping in, and relaxing on the porch, and swinging with my kids, and growing flowers and plants.  But I am looking forward to the fall because soon it will be time for Christmas and then our trip to Disneyworld!

 I wanted to announce the grand opening of our Finley's Fighters Website.  Mat worked very hard on it all afternoon, and I love what he has come up with so far!  It is still a work in progress, but if you want to check it out (and bookmark it!) go to www.finleyfighters.com (yes, we forgot the "s" after finley - sorry if that confuses you!)  We only have the first page and "our storyy" up and running, but you can see what we have so far, and order a silicone band if you want one!  It will be fully finished soon, so stay tuned!

If you noticed - I have also done some changes to the blog.  Mat is going to be working on it a little more - changing the header for me (those pictures are 2 years old now!)  BUT- Mat and I are still in the throws of fundraising for research to help cure Finley.  So - we now have Finley's Fighters Silicone band!  They are red and say "Finley's Fighters - Knocking Out Blindness".  All proceeds go to the foundation to fund research for RDH12!  We are excited and hope that you will want one.  You can either email me at jenniferpletcher(at)gmail(dot)com, order one right here on the blog, or got to our brand new Finley's Fighters Website!   Get yours today and help us spread the word!