So Much Family Fun

Happy Summer -- Finally -- everyone! We've had so much fun as a family lately. Whether the zoo, the landscape arboretum or just hanging out at home, we're getting in some good quality family time and loving every minute.

Masud and I have taken to asking "Remember that baby who ..." and "What happened to that baby who used to ..." We can hardly believe how fast Lyla is growing what a strong, smart, independent little girl she has become. She loves to take on the interactive parts of the zoo and does a great job climbing structures, standing on her own and even fighting off other kids. She loves to jump and is getting pretty good at running.

Last week we got her report card from Miss Diane's class and she got good marks in every area and some great comments about what a fun kid she is. She did great in all the academic pieces and blew away the social skills section. Only things that got an I (for In Progress) was her gross motor function, which we obviously knew would be the case. Even so, I'm thinking by the end of the summer she'll be going strong wither her classmates there too! She loves to climb things now and can even get into and buckle her own car seat.

Last Friday night was Dreamnight at the MN zoo put on by a bunch of local sponsors for kids with disabilities and their families. We had a great time with other families from Gillette, Courage Center and the like enjoying a picnic dinner, dinosaurs, monorail rides and animals up close and in person -- they made sure the animals were well within viewing distance, which was super cool. I still get emotional every time we go to something like this. Walking to the entrance through a path of blue-shirted Cities 97 staff with fun music playing made me extra grateful for all of the wonderful people who make events like this possible.

Saturday Masud surprised us by being home and planning a fun family day at the MN Landscape Arboretum. We had never been there before and had a blast. Lyla loves nature walks and had fun playing on all the "stages" on the Green Heron Trail. She was a little nervous in the hedge maze when we let her lead the way, but we made it out safely.

More fun things to come this summer, but we've got to get through a busy week this week -- including a sleep study, therapy, uncle Ryan's birthday and more therapy -- before we celebrate Father's day this weekend!