Last week the boys had the day off of school (why – I have no idea) so we loaded up and headed over to the movies.

We saw Astro Boy and the kids really enjoyed it.

Even Drake sat through the entire thing. Thank goodness for refillable popcorn and friends who are good examples.

After the movies, the older kids planned a nerf war at our house.

They came over and battled it out. It was quite fun to have so many kiddos running around and pretending to be in the secret forces.

Everyone was included and luckily there was a gun for everyone.

Davis was a sniper and REALLY got into it. Can you tell?

I got the boys winter church outfits in the mail this week. I realized on Saturday as I was opening them up, that I had better get their pictures taken BEFORE they wore them. You never know how an outfit will survive a Turk boy and 3 hours. {{giggle}}

So on a complete whim we ran over to Sears and got some quick shots of the boys. I was really proud of how well they did. Even Drake took direction and moved his hands and chin when asked. Who knew he could do that?!?

We all had a good time and this marked the 2nd round of pictures we have done that I haven’t gone home in tears. Boy we’ve come far. {{not kidding}}

Way to go boys!

Davis turned 11 years old this month. Holy Cow!! He started the day at 6:30am with his favorite breakfast – pancakes.

Jason took 30 cupcakes up to the school for his homeroom class, and all of his teachers and aids. Due to time constraints they ended up eating them at 7:40 in the morning. Turns out we gave 25 kids a sugar rush that day. {{evil laugh}}

Davis came home from school and everything was ready for the family party.

Well, I thought everything was ready. When Jason came home a couple minutes later he reminded me of 2 presents I had hid in my car.

We had Davis go up to his room while I got them out. This was his reaction when he saw his bike ramp.

Needless to say, he loved it.

He also got a beginner grinding station for his skateboard.

Gramma Betty & Grandpa Gary – this is your present for him.

He LOVED it!!

Since we really didn’t have a “theme” for the party – I ordered a sponge bob cake. I thought it would be funny. Davis said, “Mom this is very unexpected”. In a very serious voice.

Oops. Next time I’ll ask. 🙂

Jason got the duty of putting all the Nerf guns together.

Lisa got a pretty great Nerf gun war going with all the boys. They even wore their Russian hats Jason brought back for them.

They were having so much fun in fact, that Davis didn’t want to go out to his favorite restaurant for dinner. So we had frozen pizza instead. HA!

Davis,

Happy birthday big guy! I can’t tell you how impressed I am with how much you’ve grown in height and character. 6 years ago when I was reading a ton of parenting and autism books they warned me about your adolescense and the dificulties and chalenges you would be facing right now. They painted a picture of what you would be like and what I should expect from you.

I’m so happy to tell you that you have surpassed those expectations and are nothing like the descriptions in those books or what the doctors said you would be. Everyone who really knows you and works with you on a daily basis is so pleased with your humor, your social skills, and how loving and caring you are.

I knew from the moment we received your diagnosis that you would be the young man that you are today. Your father and I knew that you had the potential to surpass the weak milestones that the world would have laid out for you. It has been a lot of work and I’m still pushing you daily to learn, grow, and become aware of the world around you. There are days when you really don’t like it and wish I would be easier on you.

I want you to know that I know, that I push you and expect a lot out of you. However, I love you too much to let the world dictate who you are! I know who you are and what an amazing being you are with such incredible talents. It’s my job to make sure you have many different experiences to give you the skills you’ll need to be a productive, hard working, caring, spiritual father and husband.

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to give you an opportunity to live the beautiful and loving life that I live. That’s my goal for you and I remember it every single day.

I love you more than the universe,

Mom

Skate Rail Grind

I’m in complete denial that it’s already November and time to get my hiney in gear and get my Christmas shopping done. Usually, I’m much more organized but this year I have a new attitude and I’m just rolling with the punches and keeping things easy.

I’ve been getting requests from Grandparents to get the boys Christmas gift lists ready. Honestly, I have no idea what they want. The boys are getting older and their interests are changing. So I packed up all the kids, grabbed Lisa as my wing man, and we headed on over to Toys R Us.

Since I couldn’t be with the older boys I took an easy approach and handed them my camera and told them to take pictures of what they want for Christmas! This way I could focus on Drake and figure out his list.

Davis’ Wish List:

Glow in the Dark Nerf

Geeze these kids are cheesy! {{I have no idea where they get it from}} I came home to discover some pretty funny pictures. Leave it to my boys to make a Christmas gift list and event. {{giggle}}

Skate Insane Air Sick Tricks

Vulcan Nerf

Electronic Command Helmet – please don’t get him this {{yuck}}

Dylan’s Wish List:

Any kind of spy gear – Satellite Listener

Automatic Tommy 20 gun

New Bike – Santa will take care of this one. 😉

Drake’s Wish List:

Once Drake saw the Disney Cars Geo Trax the shopping trip was over. He couldn’t focus on anything else. Santa will hook him up with this one. 🙂

Drake is addicted to anything Disney Cars, cars that move (battery operated), or anything with a remote control.

Drake only gave this toy up because the sweet sales Lady promised to give it to Santa for him for Christmas. He was so grateful he gave her a hug and kiss. {{Mean mommy wouldn’t buy it for him.}}

Mac Car Carrier

Yep – that’s it. This is what an hour in the toy store produced. Talk about unproductive. I expected there to be a LOT more pictures. It looks like we’ll have to do another trip or just browse online. Not that they’re going to get a lot this year, we have a budget. I just want more options to consider as some of these I’m not that excited about.

I usually like to make sure they get something to build, a video game to play, something for their imagination, one item to build on whatever they are collecting or really into currently, and then a big gift from Santa.

My philosophy is few gifts (3-6 depending on cost) but good quality so nothing breaks and in a variety so there’s plenty to do Christmas day an no one is disappointed.

What’s your Christmas gift philosophy for your kiddos?

Drake is finally loving his “little school” and was stoked about his pre-school Halloween parade. He’s really into Halloween this year which is fun to see. He picked out his costume and he’s going as Lightening McQueen’s pit crew chief. It’s perfect as he’s addicted to the Disney Cars movie and toys.

He did such a good job of staying in line during the parade and waving HI to everyone. It was a proud moment. {{snif snif}}

Drake has thoroughly enjoyed his Halloween cupcakes this week. Can you tell?!?

Lisa had us all over to her house for a pumpkin carving contest for family home evening.

She was REALLY into it as this is the first year she carved a pumpkin.

I on the other hand, am on my 11th year of this gig and I know the drill – pick the easiest template and getter done quick.

Lisa took a completely different approach.

I’m quite sure she was carving that thing all night! It turned out amazing but Geeze Louise. {{competitive much?}}

Another family tradition we have during Halloween is making the haunted gingerbread house. I just buy the kit, open up the packages, and let the kids go at it!

Davis takes this annual event very seriously. His little engineering mind takes over and he builds a sound house to decorate.

Drake on the other hand is just stoked to eat all different colors of candy.

This family tradition has gotten so much easier over the years now that the boys are getting older. It was so enjoyable watching them collaborate on this project. It amazes me how well they all get a long.

One of our family traditions for Halloween is go be the Phantom or Boo our friends. Which means we ring & run and leave goodies at the door.

Wondering how to Boo your friends? First print out the poem then make a goodie bag or plate with yummy Halloween themed treats.

Getting out of the car w/ treats in tact is always the trickiest part. That pink cupcake kissed the ground. Which is why I always plan on incidentals and bring extras. {{no worries}}

(Actually I usually try to cover our goodie plates but this year it was too messy.)

Next, be reallysneeky and tip toe up to the door.

You’ve got to be extra quiet if then have a window by their door. No peeking in!

Leave your goodies at the door with the poem underneath so it won’t blow away.

Let the younger kids get a head start and once Mommy’s in the car – Ring and Run!

Lastly, come home and celebrate with Halloween goodies of your own. {{yummy}}