Askate

Dallin got to participate with an awesome foundation on Friday called Askate. A few months ago when Dallin and Todd were at Target Dallin pulled Todd over to the skateboards and showed him that he wanted one. Todd bought him the skateboard but we weren't really sure how to teach him or what we should do next. Then we learned about this foundation and knew it was perfect for Dallin!

Todd was able to take him to a clinic and they had a wonderful experience together. Dallin really enjoyed himself and we were very touched to know that people care about little boys and big boys with autism. We are thankful for all they do.

Why Askate Was Started

A Day with Askate

Ava's Funny Reaction

My kids are always scared of  toys that move on their own as babies - don't ask me why. Chloe is still nervous around dolls that make noise or move - she won't even go into the doll isle at the toy store. I was surprised when I showed Ava our dancing frog. She appeared to really like it. Then I realized it was just a delayed reaction. . . poor baby!

Promotion Day

The kids had their Promotion Ceremony last week. This was the first year that Dallin was able to go on stage (with his aide) and get his diploma. We were SO proud of him. He was proud of himself! He giggled and laughed and smiled afterwards when we told him we thought he did a great job.

Chloe was so excited to be on stage I thought she was going to jump right out of her skin. She made a bit of a scene jumping up and down with joy. She thinks Promotion Day is the best day of the year - because she gets to be on stage in front of everyone!

Maya was hysterical. She got up to receive her diploma and literally posed for a modeling shoot. She turned one way and struck a pose. Then she turned another way and struck a pose. She's totally ready for the catwalk - watch out America's Next Top Model here comes Maya Bouton!

I wondered if the people in the audience were thinking: "What is it with those Boutons? Why do they think they own the stage?" I gotta admit, they were pretty darn adorable up there.

Happy Father's Day Dad!

We wish we could be there to spend the day with you. Hope you enjoy this video. We love you.

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day this year the kids decided that they wanted to forego their usual swimming and playing and pay respects to our nation's soliders. We went to Memory Park in Brea to leave flowers on my Grandpa Nicksic's grave. He was a WW2 veteran. I haven't been to that cemetary since my Grandma's funeral, when I was 16.  It was really nice to have all the memories I have of them so close to the surface.

I wasn't sure how the kids would feel about it. I was surprised when Chloe told me it was one of the funnest things she's ever done and wants to do it every Memorial Day. Maya had a particularly spiritual experience as she sat next to my Grandma's name; she's never met her but she is named after her. 

Ava enjoyed being out in the wind. Dallin was happily irreverant. I was a little mortified when I looked over and saw him hopping from headstone to headstone. Even though stepping on them is a sign of disrespect I am sure the deceased forgave him.

It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad we went. We might just make it a family tradition.

We also went to the Gratitude and Honor Memorial in Irvine's Northwood. This memorial honors the soldiers that have fought and died in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (the wars that we are currently fighting). Every single soldier who gave his life is listed and it is updated frequently. It was a beautiful memorial and a good one for the kids to see since it involves the wars that are going on during their lives.

She's growing up fast!

 

Sweet Ava baby turned 9 months old yesterday. She is so fun to have around. She can scootch around on her bum and crawl backwards, no forward crawling yet.  She's already starting to talk, probably due to the way we simplify our speech for Dallin. She says, "Dallin", "done", "night-night" (which means she wants to nurse), "Maya" (sounds like Naya), and "Dada".  She doesn't sleep through the night anymore. She no longer screams when she has to go in her carseat (unless she's in the back seat all alone). She loves to dance and her favorite song is "Shall we dance" from the King and I. When we sing it to her she'll sing along and say, "bum-bum" to the drum sounds we make. It's totally adorable. OK- I'll stop- we're sure she's going to be one spoiled little princess!