Run/Walk for SUDC

Last year Dan ran a 5K for Ariana Mae, a child that died early in an unexplained death.  This year the cause hit home for us.  Though this cause is for SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Children a year or older) and not unexplained fetal death, we felt it was a cause worth supporting.

Dan signed up for the 5K and I signed up for the 1 mile walk (I'm still getting back into the swing of exercising after the 5-6 month restriction the doctor gave me throughout the pregnancy/post-birth, so I wasn't up to the 3.1 miles yet.)

They had different colors for participants.  Dan didn't know what the color thing was all about last year, but it was touching to know that all of the orange wearers are families that have lost a child.  What a sweet way to help each other recognize others who have lost.

Dan and I have thought it would be great to set up a race to raise money for Fetal Death Research if there isn't already.  It's something for us to look into.  Meanwhile, this will be a race that we will continue to participate in.

Happy Birthday Donovan!

Donovan turned 8 this year!!

 

 Donovan wanted a Bumblebee Transformer cake.  He looks awfully angry I thought.

 

 This was such a special birthday that both sets of grandparents were able to make it out to Michigan to be with him!

 

 Turning 8 means that Donovan was able to join our Church's Cub Scout Pack.  He is so excited!

 

 On August 25th, 2012, Donovan was able to be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He asked Daddy to baptize and confirm him.

 

It was a beautiful day!

We had many friends come to celebrate with us and Donovan had a great time.  We hope that since Donovan has been taught right from wrong his whole life thus far, and is now accountable for his actions that he will make good choices for the rest of his life.

New School Year

This school year started early for us.  Usually Michigan doesn't start until after Labor Day, but our Charter School changed to a balanced calendar that starts Aug. 13 and ends June 21 to allow less time for summer learning loss.  During the year we have several one-week breaks where we can enjoy fun time together.

 Elliott starts 1st grade this year.

 

 Donovan is a big 3rd grader.

 

My kids are growing up way too fast!!

FYI

Avery is not so fond of brussel sprouts.

(She did eat 3 of them though!)

 

Elliott was way too happy cleaning Moon's poop box!

 

Leaving Roswell alone in a bedroom with markers at naptime does not always end well.  He became a green ogre and mommy became not happy.  :( 

Ox Roast Parade 2012

Dan had to work for this year's DeWitt Ox Roast Parade, so I ventured out to it alone.  A pretty busy year to try it alone because our home-town Olympic hero was the Grand Marshall and EVERYONE in town and surrounding areas was there!!!  It was tough to find a good spot.

 

 Our friends the Solomons and Holm were able to sit with us!

 

 A fun old-fashioned car.

 

 And the Grand Marshall...

 

17 year old 2012 Gymnastics Gold Medalist Jordyn Weiber!

We were rooting for her during the Olympics this summer as well as the rest of DeWitt, so it was fun to see her donning her Gold Medal.

We got lots of goodies this parade.  I even got a new fly-swatter!  My boys even got their picture taken holding up "I (heart) Jordyn" signs up - they were handing them out before it started.  I don't know what it was for though because it wasn't in the paper.  We had a fun time.

We LOVE Our Zoo!

Haven't I mentioned it before?  We love our zoo!  Each year they have a member's night where they have tons of free stuff, free dinner included, and behind the scenes in many exhibits.

 

 We got to touch a lot of shells and learn more about the fish that are in the aquariums.  The zookeeper also showed the kids a "sexy shrimp" named so because they wave their bums in the air (but not really in the air because they are underwater...) - interesting tidbit to share with young children.

 

 The highlight for me and the kids was that we got to personally meet Doppsee their new rhino in her hut.

 

 We got to pet her and see her get fed.

 

 She has rough skin but it is very sensitive for her.  And she doesn't have the bristly hair like an elephant does.

 

We are so grateful to have a smaller zoo that has these kinds of experiences for our kids!  We never had these sorts of experiences when we were members of the Phoenix Zoo!  Living in a small town really does have its perks!