playgarden and summer camps

Luca got a scholarship to one of the most amazing camps in Seattle, particularly, for kids with sp. needs. They have an inclusion model which means they try to have kids with or without special needs in the classes and help All the kids seriously PLAY and have fun! Luca had so much fun there from making ti-dye shirts to sawing, planting, making mud pies, scavenger hunts, circle time and much much more (he doesn't tell us much). He also had a lot of great counselors too. He especially bonded with Hannah and Noah shown in the pictures above!

Grateful for such a special week at the playgarden!

Last week he also got to go to a morning day camp through Alki Community Center. Teacher Kerri was awesome and Luca made quick friends with the other 10 students. They allowed him to be in their program and he had a blast. I am feeling less nervous already for next summer since I have a better idea of the camps he can do. This Alki camp runs for 7 weeks in the summer and it is for kids 3-5 which means he could be in it again next summer with Teacher Kerri!

At the end of the week with Teacher Kerri, she said, "I have really enjoyed getting to know Luca this week. I have never met someone with arthrogryposis before. Luca is so confident, and capable. I don't know what you guys have done in the last four years of his life but you did it right for him to be who he is today." 

It was so affirming to have a new teacher, and a new person in our lives, embrace him, enjoy him and affirm all the hard work that has been poured into Luca by John and I, our family, friends, therapists, teachers, etc. We are proud of Luca and thankful for the God given personality he has!

Adams Family Reunion

We had such a great time being all together with the cousins and everyone! What a blast! Besides being in four different houses several miles apart and Betsy and Eric in the middle of an international move and Josh and Meagan in the middle of remodeling and an cross city move, it went remarkably well. I and the kids had really meaningful times with someone everyday and it was so special to be together!!! I am not planning on flying again by myself with both kids for a LONG time though....at least till Juliette is interested in sitting for more than 1 min! It was worth it for sure! Thanks everyone for having us!
Highlight included going to the pool, bowling (Luca got to use an awesome ramp), playing soccer, seeing the cousins play together and evenings helping Betsy pack and a special mother-daughter time, sibling evening, Juliette playing with the bunny and doggie at Josh and Meg's, trail run with Meagan, time with Popeye and Cozy Nana time, and the meals all together! Luca, Juliette and I are in serious family withdrawal this week! Miss you all!

Tysuchia send off

We had to say good-bye to our dear friends, Kimi, Jess, Layna and Jonah, on July 20th. They are off on an adventure to Kigali, Rwanda, where Kimi and Jess will be working at an international school. I miss them already and feel the weight of their absence. Here are a few pictures of some of our last time hanging out together.
I know that I will see Jess again, we have been friends since we were 11 years old. After high school, we went to different colleges and vowed to never be roomates for the sake of our friendship:) I could never have imagined that we would spend the year before and then the first four years of motherhood within a 2 mile radias of eachother. I had no clue that our husbands would become good friends and our families would spend much time together. I guess I am hoping that just like I couldn't have forseen that, I am now not able to see into our lives overlapping again. Who knows what city or country it will be in but I am sure we will see each other again. And I am looking forward to that family reunion already! Love you Jess, Kimi, Layna and Jonah!

Luca's first kayaking trip

I took the opportunity to go kayaking with Luca while Juliette could hang out with my parents a few weeks ago. Luca really enjoyed being out on the Sound and kayaking! It was special to get to do this together. As I was paddling back to the shore, I told Luca that my arms were so sore. Luca said, "do worry mom, we can get you a cast for your arm when we get to the shore." made me laugh.

Orcas Island

John and I had a great time on our 4 day trip to Orcas Island two weeks ago! My parents graciously watched the kids and we had an excellent time relaxing, running, swimming in the lake, watching the sunsets and eat long delious meals.
ahhh, such a wonderful and needed break as well as time together. Just writing this makes me feel relaxed:)

Mountain Lake where we went running

Tracey, John, Luca and Sadie

Tracey and I have been facebook friends and met on-line shorthly after Luca's birth. It was truly a pleasure to get to meet her in person! She is quite a gift to the whole AMC community. Thanks for all your encouragement Tracey, we look forward to seeing you next year!

AMC conference 2013

It is hard to sum up in words the AMCSI (arthrogryoposis) conference. We left this last Tues and got back last night from Las Vegas, where the conference was held. The hotel was 20 mins outside of the strip near the Red Rock Canyon which was very beuatiful and hot!
A few of my highlights were:

Meeting several adults with AMC that we only knew virtually throught corespondance, facebook or through books read but had never met in real life. A few where, Tracey, Ward Foley "Scarman" and Luca lazy legs.These adults and others with AMC are really inspirational and down to earth. They live indepdant, full, rich lives that gives me great hope and encouragment for our Luca's bright future.

Watching Luca play tag with Sadie (a three year old with AMC), they play the same way.

Playing in the pool as a family and meetting new friends like Graci (a 7 year old with AMC that Luca loved playing with all weekend!)

Talking with parents and watching all the kids play togehter and dance!

I come away grateful for what Luca can do and the LITTLE amount of surgery he has needed.

Talking to a suregeon about a possible muscle transfer for Luca whe he is seven.

Listening to Scarman's inspirational talk.

Straws were everywhere.

AMC talent show.

Luca said, "I use to think there were only a few people with arthrogryposis, now I know there are A LOT of people with arthrogryposis!"

Looking forward to next year in the Twin Cities, MN!

 The bathtub in our hotel room, a big hit

 The pool

 Luca in the desert 110 degrees

 John and Luca jumping into the waterfall at the pool

 Luca and Graci

 Luca found springers

 Luca and Sadie at the talent show

 Luca and John traded hats on their hike

 Luca and Graci

 Luca and Luca

 Ward Foley and Katie

 Sadie and Luca

 Luca and Sadie coloring

Juliette ready to hit the pool