So long, Summer!

Do you ever get so caught up in the day to day stuff, that you completely miss the big picture?  Today I realized that summer is over....How could I not, right??  The stores are packed with school supplies, Halloween candy is popping up everywhere, and Hobby Lobby has the Christmas decorations out.  How could I miss it?  I think I missed it the way I miss most things...by rushing around from one thing to the next, never slowing down long enough to see what I might be missing.  It's sad, really, because I looked forward to this summer for so long...the last summer with Mason before he starts kindergarten, and goes to school 5 days a week.  But just like everything else, it goes so fast. 

In all the craziness, I've really neglected my little blog, and alot has happened that I need to catch up on....so that's what this is...a "better late than never" post.  :)




Saying Goodbye...

 The week after the IEP, we had all of our final sessions with our Early Steps team.  We've been dreading this for a long time, always knowing that it would end once the third birthday rolled around...and it did.  There were hugs, and some tears, but mostly just happy reminiscing of all the amazing moments we've witnessed in these last 3 years. We've all learned so much from each other, and from Maddie.  It's been an incredible journey, and I know it isn't over...it's just a new chapter.  These special people who we have come to love, might not be in our home with us each day, but they will always be in our hearts...cheering Miss Maddie on every step of the way.  Thank you doesn't even come close to the gratitude I feel.


Happy Birthday Maddie!

My Sweet girl turned three this summer!  Maddie's birthday party was such fun!  She is a huge Ariel fan, so we wanted our favorite Little Mermaid to be a part of her big day.  Here are a few highlights...


Party Time!


Big Brother and Little Bear


Cake Table













My Birthday Girl



It was a blast, as you can probably tell from this post-party pic...








SB National Conference

So a few days after Maddie's party, I was on a plane for Indianapolis, to attend the National SB Conference. I had the privilege of attending it last year, but I found myself really overwhelmed. This year felt different. This year I tried to only take in sessions that applied to our current situation, and not focus too much on all the issues that may, or may not be in our future. It was a better strategy, and I left feeling so much better about everything. It was a great experience, and another amazing opportunity to spend time with all my friends from across the country. Love you all!








When I got back to New Orleans, this is what was waiting for me...









It just doesn't get any better than that. :)