Mommy & Caleb Date Night

A couple of weeks ago Jeff wasn't feeling very well, so I decided to take Caleb to see a movie - he had been asking to see the Smurf's for quite a while.  I told Caleb I wanted to go on a date with him and go have some dinner and see the movie.  He responded, "DATE?!  We can't go on a date, 'cause dates are for falling in love!"  I explained it wasn't going to be that kind of date :),  more like a play date, but just for the two of us to enjoy each others company.  We had so much fun chatting about Star Wars, Super Mario, and so much else.  Any time he would start up with "boy talk" (e.g. about poop or something), I would tell him that we don't talk about those kinds of things on a date.  Then we'd change the subject and move on.  Good training for a real date (way, WAY in the future).  Unfortunately he made me foot the bill this time.  

Ready to eat our pizza (he picked the cuisine)

He got a cupcake after dinner.  Can you tell what flavor?  This is when I knew for sure that my date was not trying to impress me.

1st Day of 1st Grade

Last week Caleb had his 1st day of 1st Grade (*sniff*).  It kinda hit me that this was REAL elementary school!  I mean Kindergarten was just like practice school.  Now he's in an actual grade.  Enjoy the pictures of my little man!

Posing with a couple of his Star Wars buddies

Using the Force as he gets on the bus.

Sitting in his 1st Grade desk.

One of his friends, Lily.  They've lived in the same neighborhood their entire lives, but the first time they've gone to school together.

That's his best buddy, Collin, next to Caleb.  They have become best friends over the last 6 months and now get to be in the same class!

More Swimming!!!

Caleb has been doing absolutely AMAZING in swimming lately.  He had a scare in the pool a couple of weeks ago, and ever since then he has been taking it very seriously and wanting to practice in every spare moment of the session.  This has made him progress in his skills by leaps and bounds.  Enjoy these videos!

Newport

A couple of weeks ago we got to spend some time with family up in Newport.  We had so much fun spending time at the beach and just lounging around.  

Enjoying some kayak time with Papa Mickey.

Taking another ride with Dad.

Building a sandcastle with Uncle Dan and Cousin Braden.

Hmm.  Looks like they're burying more than just your feet this time.

Good thing it was low-tide.

Enjoying a frozen banana at the Fun Zone.

Beach Time!

I can't believe I forgot to post these pictures from Father's Day.  We had a wonderful day at the beach enjoying the sun, sand, surf, and a bunch of family.  It's become a tradition, one that we enjoy every year.  This year we were even blessed with perfect weather.

Playing in the sand with Papa Mickey and his Cousins, Brookie and Zoe.  Notice the big pile of sand in front of Caleb - his favorite thing to do in the sand is to have other people bury his feet, then he pretends they are monsters escaping from their slumber.  It's cute, but the kid can do it for HOURS.

Checking out the waves with Dad.

Weeeeee!

Ridin' the waves.

Catching some rays to get warm.

Enjoying some ice cream

Another great day at the beach!

Back in Swimming!

Caleb recently started swimming again.  It is so incredible to see him and his instructor, Mr. Brett, work together.  He is able to do such amazing things in the water - walking independently, holding his breath for long periods of time, and SWIMMING!!!  I mean he is actually propelling himself in the water.  When we started on this journey when Caleb was 11 months old, we signed him up for it to just be water therapy.  He has completely exceeded our expectations.  At least half of my time of every session is spent with my jaw dropped open, just watching what he can do.  Anyway, enough of my mommy bragging :)  Enjoy the video!

Sleep Study

A couple of weeks ago Caleb went in for a routine sleep study.  One of the first signs of progression of Caleb's form of Muscular Dystrophy is usually sleep apnea and can often occur around the age of 5.  So we decided to get the sleep study done, even though he wasn't showing any signs/symptoms of apnea, just to make sure.  I'm happy to report that everything checked out A-OK, and no concerns were seen. 

Even better, Caleb was an absolute champ, and the sleep study itself was completely uneventful.  This was especially a relief after the one we did when he was 2, which was one of the worst nights of my life!    Click here to see what I'm talking about :)

Nighty-Night!

Caleb's Room

Caleb got ahold of the video camera the other night and wanted to give you a tour of his bedroom.

*Warning:  This video may cause motion sickness!

MDA Outback Golf Tournament

Last week Caleb was once again asked to represent the MDA at the Outback Golf Tournament.  This is always a really fun event - one that mommy looks forward to every year.  This year Jeff and Kylie got to join the festivities as well.  Such a fun day!  Here are some of the things he got to do.

Doing his duties of taking pictures with some of the golfers.

Getting interviewed by the TV station.

Having epic battles in between duties.

Taking a ride in the golf cart.

Oops, did we forget something?

More epic battles.

More pictures.  By the end of the day some of the golfers were getting ahold of some of Caleb's weapons (note the guy in the blue shirt).

Caleb even got to drive the golf cart!

Here's Caleb as he mentally prepares for his big wheelchair race :)

Here's the big race!  He was so excited.

Last Day of Kindergarten

Last week Caleb had his last day of Kindergarten.  *Sniff*  I can't believe his first year of Elementary School is done!  The time went by so quickly.  He had an amazing year with a fabulous teacher and an equally fabulous 1:1 aide!  He made so many friends in his class that accepted him for who he is right from the start.  And, yes, he was even part of a Kindergarten love triangle :)  We are looking forward to First Grade and all the new things he will learn.

This is a video of Caleb's class singing, "I am a Pizza."  You can see Caleb between the two ladies' heads.

Here he is getting his certificate of completion.

Caleb and Mrs. Salmon (Annick), his aide.

Mrs. Miller, his teacher

Caleb and Kelsey - his "one love", the one he is determined to marry :)

Leslie, who claimed Caleb was her "best friend."

Jenny, another adorable classmate who loved Caleb.