NDSC Convention at Disney!

As a new Special Education teacher, there is a lot to learn. A lot to know. A lot to do.
It can be overwhelming.
I took the chance and applied for a chance to attend the conference this summer.
The local parent group, DSAT, chose me.
I was honored.
I took my mom with me and we explored Disney for four days.
We didn't actually do the parks, because I was in training all day each day.

However, we had breakfast with Mickey Mouse and went to Downtown Disney each day.
I had a great time and learned a lot.

I am forever changed by what I learned.
I can't even begin to describe it. I will try to write more later.

I can't wait to use my knowledge in the classroom.

And she came to visit..

It's been two and a half years since Violet came and lived with me while in Foster Care.
She's doing great and is entering the 3rd grade this fall.
She is living with her family and is so loved by all of them.

She had a good time, and so did I. We did a lot of things, but I just picked a few favorite shots.

splash park fun

I absolutely love the picture of Kate below.
It screams "JOY" to me.
Her face. Her smile. Her eyes. Her arms. Her running legs.
Ah, that made me happy.

the buddy went along too!

Andrew really wanted to swim too.
He would pull to take off his shirt and shorts.
And his shoes.
He supported his brother and sister.

He had fun.
Kissing his brother too.
Smiling and taking pictures.
I'm glad he likes to do it. It's fun to snap pictures of beautiful children.

proud to be a swimmer...

Kate took swim lessons too.
She loved it.
One of the pictures below is of her kicking....she's winking her eye. I think that's her way of concentrating.

And, the swam for diving rings. That's a first. We were soooo proud of her.

and he's a swimmer

Swimming Lesson Fun

Will has been taking swimming lessons for two weeks. I went the last two days to document some of the fun.
I was ready to jump in too.
It's hot inside that place!

his smile melts my heart....

Aren't his smiles awesome?
Pardon the cell phone shot, but it was too cute to resist.

He's two months old now and just adorable in every way.
He loves the heat and he loves to cuddle.
I love that boy.