FEBRUARY
Dr. Office Shout Out
I am sooooo grateful for our pediatrician and his office staff! Is it sad to say that I love going there (as does Gwen!)? They have been amazing with Gwen since our first visit 5 years ago. They love her, they care about her, they are incredible about squeezing us in, and superb about tedious paperwork! Thank you to the entire office, most of all "Dr." Steve and Danielle.
FBC Valentine's Sock Hop
For the third year in a row (and the last...ugghh it's so painful to write that) Jesse joined Gwen at her preschool's Valentine's Day Sock Hop. She loves it when he is there! She knows it's their special day and I think the pictures say it all! That smile makes my world!
FBC Phoenix Zoo Day
Gwen's preschool invited families to the the Phoenix Zoo (for free)! Unfortunately I didn't get any good shots of Gwen, but Quinten sure had a good time at the petting zoo! Oma (Grandma Magee) sure is a trooper riding horseback ;) with Quinten!
The Miracle League of Arizona
I'm always excited to try new things that Gwen can participate in. Ryan House invited its families to come out for a fun day of baseball with The Miracle League of Arizona!
"The Miracle League of Arizona is a non-profit organization in North Scottsdale, dedicated to providing a safe, successful and enjoyable baseball experience for children, teens and adults with disabilities or special health care needs. We offer adaptive baseball, at an accessible stadium, removing the barriers that would normally keep individuals off the baseball field".
Each child is assigned a "buddy" and this day the baseball team from South Mountain Community College came out to play with the kids! Gwen's buddy was Lucas. This was the first time Lucas had ever done anything like this, but he took to Gwen immediately. He helped her hit the ball, he ran her around the bases, and at one point we all noticed Lucas gave Gwen his hat to keep the sun off her face! It might not sound like a big deal, but to us it was a melt your heart kind of moment.
Quinten's First Haircut
My dad has been going to Papa Joe since I was a little girl. Once Jesse realized Papa Joe's skills, he started going there as well. Well the time came for Q to get his first haircut and without a doubt he had to go see Papa Joe. It started out ok, and then......
MARCH
Ryan House Run
Once again, we attended another Ryan House event. This time it was their annual run. Lesson learned: Gwen does NOT like marathon's, especially if they start before 9 am! Girl needs her beauty sleep! It was pouring rain, but we made the end of the run. I'd like to thank everyone that came out that day to support such an amazing organization!
Adaptive Day
Gwen's Godmother, Kelly, is a special needs teacher in Tempe, and her school hosted an adaptive day along with the Suzy Foundation. Gwen had a blast in the petting zoo! I'm pretty certain this girl has a future as a vet or pet therapist!
APRIL
FBC Farm Day
Just like the sock hop, this was our last year to attend Farm Day. Gwen had fun painting and petting the animals and Q had a blast riding the tractor and planting in the garden.
Swim Lessons
Quinten is a very busy boy so I am always looking for activities for him to participate in. I found some swim lessons through the City and he and his two buddies, Casey and Alex, took their first swim lessons together! I enjoy that Quinten gets to experience being around Gwen and her peers, but I can't let that consume his life. It's important for me that he gets to do "normal" things like swim lessons with his friends.
Easter
Jesse's brother Cody and new wife Lauren came in from Seattle for a week to spend time with the family. We had a great time eating, decorating, and hunting for eggs!
MAY
San Diego
Jesse has been working and traveling a lot lately, and quite frankly I needed a break and he needed to spend some quality time with his kids. So I suggested (no, more like demanded) we get out of town and head to the beach for Mother's Day and Jesse's Birthday! To my surprise, we did it! We went with Oma and Opa Magee and we stayed at a quant three bedroom cottage walking distance to the beach. There was no schedule, there were no plans, just relaxing and enjoying eachother's company.
