My mad scientist

I remember when I was growing up "creating." The time that sticks out the most was when I wanted to bake a cake all alone, without a recipe. I think it was for my dad's birthday (sorry Dad!). Needless to say, it did not turn out well. But, I was given the freedom to create and try. 

In the spirit of that, I think we have created a mad scientist in our house. Addison is ALL over the creating/making thing. It doesn't matter what it is, what it's used for, or why we have it. She will find it, do something different with it and then ta-da, I have a mess to clean up.

On this day, I went to put something in the microwave and had to step back in surprise. I had NO idea what it was, but I knew who to talk to. Addison tried to melt toothpaste in a little cup to use it in something else she was trying to make. I swear, it never ends. 

I know one day she will put all of her experimentation to good use. I can't wait for that day! Since I BANNED slime and slime making in our house, she has conveniently gotten much better at cleaning her creations up.

Soccer days

We absolutely LOVED Jackson's coach this year for soccer. Jackson and his team learned more about technique and how to be a team than I've ever seen. I didn't love the 2 hour practices every night they didn't have a game, but it was worth it. I'd venture to say even Jackson thought it was worth it. He loves soccer.

He is already talking about summer soccer camps...I'll have to see what I can find. 

January Infusions

Infusions continued every two weeks. By January, we were only about a month and a half into them. Every two weeks, typically on a Friday night, this is what we do. We are completely thankful for them though because they are definitely making a difference. There is no doubt in mine or Dave's mind that without them, the fishing trip they went on would not have happened. Jackson's teachers have seen a difference. We have seen a difference. Most notably, Jackson has seen a difference. We do this "trial" until about April...and then we will see what the plan is.

He typically falls asleep during the infusions towards the end. They last anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours. From the genetic side, everything has come back normal. Which is a mixed blessing. Mixed because we still don't have an answer to the why question. I realize we may never, but to a 12 year old, that's not exactly his frame of mind. It's also mixed because the world of genetics is changing all the time. Because of this, they want to re-run the tests in a year. So really, we're still in the same boat as far as that goes. But it is what it is, and we will take what we get right now.

Climbing into 2018

The last weekend of Christmas break, Dave had a buying show. The kids and I were able to meet him after one of Jackson's doctor's appointments. We had a LONG day, but the kiddos got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa H while Dave and I had some time to ourselves. I got to the hotel just in time for dinner and a delicious glass of wine. 

The next day, Dave went to the show while I got to get a massage and putz around the mall. It was fun. We met up with Amber for dinner and went to a Comedy show. There were three comedians, and all did a great job. It's definitely a place we would both go back to.

The next day it was time to head home. Before we did that though, we met my parents, Trav and his girlfriend (now fiancé), Amelia, and Jackson and Addison at the climbing gym. Trav and Amelia climb a lot and it was fun to see them teach Jackson and Addison what to do. 

Trav was trying to get Jackson to repel down. Jackson was trying so hard!!! But he was having a tough time sitting back. Instead there was a lot of tilting his head all the way back. He eventually caught the hang of it before we left, although there was still a bit of the head throw back.

Climbing definitely was a fun way to kick off 2018. We can't wait to try it again.

More Christmas excitement

After the visit to Aunt Bonnies, we all headed back to our house. My nephews rode with Addie and I,  and had a good time. We kept waiting for their nap, but it never happened. We did have to stop at Costco, but everyone had a good time. Everyone was a tad cranky when we got home, but it worked out. The boys and Addie headed to the trampoline and bounced until they were exhausted. 

That night, we had family Christmas at our house. It just made it a little easier with all the traveling. Less to haul in the car for everyone. Grandma and Grandpa H got a surprise. I had an old picture of them that I had printed and framed. It was cute, and the kiddos got a kick out of seeing them when they were younger. 

Everyone else finished opening and playing with their gifts and then headed to bed. Well, bed was a process...it always is!

We had one more day to play until Dave and Jackson got home from their "boys only" fishing trip. I know the boys really wanted him there the whole time, but I was really glad the trip worked out. He was soooo excited! Addie was super excited to have her cousins all to herself. Poor Denae got to wear ALL of her bows that she got for Christmas. Thankfully she wasn't too bothered by them!

Puzzles are definitely something that we enjoy, so I try to have one going during all the breaks. Christmas was no exception. A lot of the time our kitchen table is where they are. I find that having it there, both kids will stop and do a piece of two. Gives them a chance to chill when all is crazy! 

All the kiddos loved the trampoline. But Denae loved it the most when she was out there with Grandpa all by herself. 

Addie and I took Parker, Bennett and Grandma H down with us when we went to feed Steve, Jackson's goat. They got to see and help with Steve. We also went over to the horses and they fed them some carrots. Banjo, one of the horses likes all the attention and let the kids know it a time or two. But I think all in all everyone enjoyed the animals. It definitely was a different experience for them. 

After Dave and Jackson got home (at midnight, which made for a rough day for Jackson the next day) Dave had fun getting his drone out and showing the kids how it flies. The picture of Bennett was taken from the drone. 

We had a full day with everyone, and then my sister and I packed up my car with everyone and headed out to meet her hubby for a family transfer. Everyone traveled well, which was a blessing.

We stopped at Urgent care on the way home because Jackson had a sinus infection going on. No fun, but I'm always thankful when we can get it taken care of before it gets too bad. When we got home, Jackson finished a lego set which is also a calming thing for him. 

It was time to pack for our last Christmas adventure before back to school.