Fly Away!

This picture is such a good summation of our Summer 2013.  It has been a monumental summer in so many ways for the kids.  Katie, once our shy, cautious first child, has just blossomed over the past several months, conquering challenges and fears left and right.  Just about everything we've dared her to do, she's worked and worked to achieve.  Improving on the monkey bars, perfecting the hula hoop, learning to swim, diving off the diving board...  She's even begun some chores around the house so that she can earn money toward an American Girl doll!  In the picture above, she conquered a huge fear that she had involving loud sounds by fearlessly "flying" with the airplanes at a park adjacent to the airport this afternoon.  Up next: riding her bike without training wheels and reading chapter books fluently!!

Michael, as shown in the picture, desperately tries to keep up with his sister, with varying degrees of success.  Of course, he is only three, but his fears definitely pop out more often.  He often takes his cues from Katie and attempts to be brave with her.  Inspired by Big Sis, he has pretty much perfected his balance bike and learned to get the top half of his body wet in the pool (big difference from last summer!).  Up next: putting his head underwater, pumping by himself on the swings, learning to pedal, and kicking butt at preschool!

Of course, we can't forget about little Nevie.  She is not yet old enough to have manifested the same fears that appear with the imagination.  But, with the help of her PT, she is working through all of her physical challenges.  She's making fast improvement:  rolling over, crawling, pulling up to her knees.  Up next:  pulling up to stand, cruising, walking, and talking!!!

We couldn't be more proud of all three!