We hiked, we camped, we visited family out of state, we swam, we set off fireworks, we explored caves, we rafted on rivers, we played at parks and splash pads, we rode water slides and slip and slides, we picked cherries, we went to the zoo, we jumped off rocks into the rivers, we picnicked, we had movie nights, we saw a parade, we had a dance party, we mini golfed, we went ice skating, we handled reptiles, we took advantage of as many friend's pools and public pools as we could find. And we did it all together. It was an amazing summer that I don't want to forget.
There are a few pictures that wont make the cut for the video but I still want to remember. So here are some random pictures and thoughts outside of the long list of adventures from our summer:
Ty and his buddy, Chris, fishing at the river.
This boy. If you have read our blog over the past 3 years you will know that this boy gives us a run for our money. He has been a challenge to us in a good way and sometimes a challenge in a more real way. Ty is THE most amazingly gifted kiddo I know in many regards. He is remarkably curious and intelligent. He is ridiculously athletic. He is wildly adventurous. And he is super fun to be around. But it is fair to say this boy has stretched and grown us individually and as a family over the past 3 years. I am trying to decide if I will share in another post more detail. But I want to at least mention the miraculous changes that have happened this summer.
Ty is no longer the odd man out. He has finally moved beyond the 'outsider' status and has snuggled himself into our family unit in a way I worried might never happen. I have heard before that children who come from a traumatic past can make significant gains when the "tides change" and they have been in their 'permanent' home and family longer than they were in institution care. I put permanent in air quotations on purpose. To a child who has lost their family, you cannot simply say, "We are forever." Their first family was not. Their second living arrangements were not. Forever does not exist to them.
Ty spent just under 3 years in the orphanage. And this July we celebrated 3 years together as a family. This summer, Ty's tides finally changed. Ty seems to have figured out his forever.
Amber and Aiden driving home from Utah.
Somehow, Aiden seems to have slipped through all of the 'adoption norms' unscathed. He remains the current favorite of the younger siblings and the girls. He continues to be a daily delight. He eagerly embraces everything that is our family. I am still in disbelief. But after almost 5 months I have to believe this is real. Aiden was SO ready for his family. SO ready to learn. SO ready to participate. He is shocking all of the school staff with his ability to acquire new signs and spoken language. He amazes other parents and coaches with his ability to blend in on the soccer field. He anxiously jumps into whatever activity our family participates in: jumping off rocks, climbing trees, swimming in lakes and rivers, fundraising for his soccer team, saying the prayer for family home evening. He is never scared or shy. Never hesitant or uninterested. Aiden remains the ooey gooey lovey joy he has been since day one.
Drew showing his diving board rash after a swimming incident.
And then there is this boy. Drew just keeps pulling at mama's heart strings. You would think after adding 5 brothers in 5 years this boy might get a little lost in the shuffle. Not gonna happen on his watch. Drew is known in our family as the 'bed weasel' and we will often hear the term 'weaseling' as a descriptive from his siblings. This is not meant as a negative descriptive at all. Drew is just particularly skilled in getting himself into whatever others around him are trying to keep him out of. If there are snuggles happening in mom and dad's bed or on the couch, Drew will manage to appear in the middle of it. If there is a hug in the hallway, Drew will again somehow manage to become the peanut butter and jelly in the hug sandwich. If there is a game being played that is supposed to be full, he will find a way to share the pieces with someone to participate. This does not usually result in negative responses from his siblings. We all laugh about it together because of his skill. You don't even know it is happening until he is there.
Drew continues to hold the sweet spot and sway over mama. In the pictures above Drew had an accident on the diving board and received a decent amount of rub rash. I snapped these pictures and realized there is one solitary tear in his right eye in the shot I got. That picture is the perfect example of the power he holds over me. It still makes my heart squeeze to look at it.
The Rain Gutter Regatta at Boyscouts.
I cannot even describe how excited Drew and Aiden were to begin Boy scouts this summer. They love every moment of it. Ty still loves scouts too. And I love watching the three of them in their adorable uniforms.
Drew and Aiden wearing 'their' cochlear implants.
All of the kids have been learning ASL with us and all are super supportive of Aiden. But Drew has taken a special interest and often talks about how cool it is to be deaf. Drew loves to 'translate' for Aiden when in new environments with his limited little ASL knowledge. Aiden knows more sign than any of us already. But he graciously allows Drew to 'help' him understand what teachers and leaders are trying to say to him in spoken English. Aiden seems to enjoy the comradery from Drew and loves when our family members sign and help him learn how to say new words. Drew found a chip clip that he claims is his CI (cochlear implant) and wears it around the house and on outings occasionally. I love that Drew wants to connect with and support his brother. And I love that Aiden sees his efforts for what they are. Drew's little chip-clip CI is just an extra adorable touch.
All I want for Christmas..
Just this past weekend Drew lost his second front tooth. I need to get video of this kid talking before the adult chiclets grow in. So freaking cute.
The rest of the crew is hanging in there. Caity will be getting her permit soon and begs us to drive whenever a spare moment presents itself. Nathan has finally figured out how to use his voice and is gaining confidence in his English skills. Just this morning he came up with, "Dude," about every 5 seconds when referring to his brothers. Justin has managed to hold a part time job for three consecutive months and is experiencing some success with his grades. We are holding onto our butts for graduation this year and are super proud of his progress. Amber has truly found her groove at school and is loving her teacher. This year I was actually able to relax through the summer-to-school transition with her. I am super excited for what the next year or two will bring that girl. And Jacob just continues to be the baby. Lately there has been a lot of talk about how spoiled Jacob will be someday to be one of the last ones home. The kids say we will finally have acreage and 'the dream house', Jacob will have his own room, he wont have to share a car with anyone, and mom and dad will be so tired the rules will be so much lighter for him. Ha! The imaginings of the teenagers.
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