Superhero camp 

was a flying success.  

The Fall Schedule is here!

The other day Nathan was struggling.  So we drove.  Just left the house and drove.  We ended up at the Jordan Valley Fountains.  It was so peaceful.  A few families and an old friend were there.

Peace quickly came.

(Peace also remained, because we didn't tell Chase where we went.)

Summer is not over YET!

Whether you call it Silver Dollar City or Steal Your Dollar Silly, 

We had a great time!

(Well Nathan tolerated it.  Two jumbo cinnamon sugar pretzels sweetened the deal though.)

So we came to the end of bike camp.

iCan Shine Bike Camp

gave Chase the skills he needed to learn to ride his bike independently.  In one week this intensive program, brought to our town by the Down Syndrome group of the Ozarks and many volunteers, came to a close Friday with many smiles and confidence beyond measure.

And here is the proof!

Season Ender

It took us awhile to get here with all the rain.

But another successful season.

One particularly special things about this season was a relationship was build with Nathan and his buddies (a husband and wife).  Many people might have interpreted his actions as disinterest in them or the game.  But, with slight encouragement and always being ready to respond Nathan began to trust his buddy (John).  Even leaving mom in the dugout and venturing out hand in hand.  I am so happy to see him being more independent.  I am completely content to be a spectator.  (Even though I loved being on the field with him.)

What a day to blog about Nathan last trip to St. Louis Children's Hospital.  Yes, Independence Day.  
Two days after Nathan recovered from a stomach virus regression hit.  Language loss, no sleeping, irritability, confusion.  After talking with his team it was decided that he should receive another IVIG treatment because of the success of the first one.
So he and I loaded up the car took off.  Waiting to get hooked up was hard. 

He wasn't happy about the treatment, but tolerated it well.  Anxious to leave, we were there just under 32 hours.  Two treatments complete.  Then we journeyed home.

Since we have been back his therapists have been asking, "What are you doing different?"  Telling me, "He did more today than I have ever seen."  "He said more, signed more and attended more."  

While this excites me I am for the first time finding myself guarded.  I always hope.  I always plan for his future in a verbal world.  But, always loving my young man just the way he is.