Reading Whiz

See this girl?  

Well, she is amazing......I know this isn't a revelation.  But let me tell you why I say this today.  

While at work, my phone rang and it was Mrs. Surratte (Abby's teacher).  She asked if I had a moment.....and to be honest, I was a little nervous.  Then she said Abby wanted to tell me something......again, nervous.  Ab came on the phone and excitedly said "I'm reading on level K!"  Oh, I was so happy for her and proud of her.  All Kindergartners should be reading on level G by the end of the year.  And here she is reading FOUR levels past that.  

After chatting a little more with Ab, her teacher came back on and said how proud she was of Abigail.  It made me beam of course!  Immediately I called Josh and gave him the great update.

Love getting & making these kind of calls!

Ab ~ you amaze us ~ keep up the great work!!!! 

Baker

Sophia loves to bake!  She'll just look a recipe up on-line and run with it.  This time it was vanilla cupcakes.  Auntie Susannah gave the girls frosting & cute baking cups, so she was all set.

They were YUMMY!  Thanks sweetie for making these and baking other things for us.

Little Read ~ Rules

Our school district participated in the Little Read program through a partnership with Lenoir-Rhyne University.  The mission is to make reading come alive to elementary school children and their families with the appearance of a major children's author.  Students read the book, saw a play of it and then created an original work of art or wrote about an important theme in the book.  Sophia was selected as one of three winners for her school and was recognized on stage during a celebration ceremony with the author Cynthia Lord.  It was a proud parent moment (actually I had tears as Cynthia spoke about the book).  Over 1,000 were in attendance.  

Hearing directly from the author on this important topic (family in which one child has autism and exploring the family dynamics) was touching and moving.  

Sophia is such a kind, thoughtful person; we are so proud of her!!!  

Love you honey!!!!

Outside L-R University with the copy of her book

Her work of art

Our family with Pops & Grandma

Sophia on stage
Other districts participated as well

Sophia & author Cynthia Lord at the book signing

Spring Break 2013

The first week in April was Spring Break.  We jammed a lot into the days off; playdates, time with Grandma & Pops, painting pottery @ Bisque & Beads, Science Center, Library, feeding the ducks, bowling and to top it off......a big sleepover!  Below is a sampling of pictures.  

@ Glenn Hilton Park

Strolling along

The ducks loved the bread & crackers

Even coming pretty close!

The squirrel too!

Sister helping sister who was tired out

Science Center
Sophia & Aiden

Abby with the animals

Some of our group

Abby & Miles picked right up playing together

Sophia & Claudia

Sleepover!!!
Playing Headbanz - so fun!

5 girls + our 2 = LOUD FUN

Pizza before bowling

Movie time

Some painting nail

Some playing Barbies

Friends

New Biker in the House

Just a week ago, Abby decided she was ready for her training wheels to come off.  About a month ago, I suggested it, but no, she wouldn't have it.

So, we headed outside and Daddy took them off.  She was leaning quite a bit while Daddy held on to the back of the bike.  But she was determined, I could see it in her face.  30 minutes later (a few breaks between there), she was off and biking ALL BY HERSELF!  I was shocked!!! 

She did great and just took off, actually going really fast and scaring me.  Since last Monday, she's been cruising the driveway.  We even went to the new middle school and let her cruise around in the empty parking lot.  She LOVES riding her bike!  

Another big milestone in the books...  

PS - you have to see the videos below (especially Josh cruising on Abby's bike......hilarious)

Our Cherry Blossom Tree

We are in love with our Cherry Blossom tree......it is GORGEOUS and smells oh so fresh & sweet!  The past couple of weeks it has just popped open.  And it makes for a great climbing tree!   

 

Cousin Time with Sebastian

Last week Sebastian was in NC!  It is amazing to me how much he has grown in 7 months.  When you are 13, the changes are fast.......like his height!!  It was great he had lots of fun times with his Dad that week and we were glad to spend time together too.  Sebastian is a sweet, kind, young man, just like his Daddy!  We love you buddy!!!!

Sebastian - 13; Sophia - 11

Playing the Wii

Hiddenite Gem Mine

Sluicing - I think that is what they call it

Love his sweet look in this picture