Fall 2017 at the Dallas Arboretum

Yes... I skipped over the past 5 months. So sue me. Here are some sweet photos we took today during our last visit to the Dallas Arboretum. How many times have we visited these beautiful botanical gardens over the course of our time here? Countless! Our first visit was in April of 2008. Walker was 6 months old. Today was our first chilly day in Dallas and the winds off of White Rock Lake were fierce. So we got to drag out some of our cold weather gear!

Waiting Room Diaries

Today, the boys and I spent some time in an orthotics waiting room while Charlie was having his new AFO leg braces sized. The boys were troopers... 

Scout Promotion

Walker just completed his first year as a Cub Scout. Now that he's entering the 4th grade, he's a Webelo. This is the rank for 4th and 5th graders before transitioning into the Boy Scouts. Here he is with the some of the other kiddos in his troop and his Scout leader Linda. They gifted her with a National Parks coffee table book. 

STaAR Testing for Walker

STaAR exams start next week. These are the state mandated tests that are part of the public school accountability standards started by Governor George Bush. Basically its a tough test that doesn't do much to tell you about a child's potential, but tells you a lot about their ability to follow directions and proclivity for test taking. Texas students start taking them in the 3rd grade, which means Walker is up to bat next week for the first time!

Mrs. Jonsey, Walker's fantabulous teacher, made the kids a motivational video today on their last day before testing. I thought you'd enjoy seeing it! 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4bhgqiYJkf-VXFBQ1lTMUdUMjQ/view

Go get 'em buddy!

Charlie's Smile

Is there anything better?

Boy Scout Bliss

Today, Jack and Walker went on an outing with the Boy Scout Troop 1899 to a local bird sanctuary. They spotted woodpeckers, yellow crested herons, ducks with babies, doves, and red wing blackbirds. The boys also happened upon a group of fencers who were demonstrating some swordplay. The offered to give the guys a quick lesson. So Walker hopped into the oversized fencing gear and gave it a go! Such fun.

Run Walker Run

Walker participated in his school's fun run today. It was a one mile run and he rocked it by running almost the entire time! So proud of this boy.

All smiles after the race!

And here he is celebrating his hard work with his 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Ashley Jones.