back to school...

Shawnie is adjusting remarkably well to her new school. She loves her teachers and has made some pretty incredible friends already. She is excited to participate and interacts with her peers really well. She is even completing her school work quickly so that she won't have so much homework!! Her school is getting to know her and her positive attitude has already affected many.


Sari. My sweet FRESHMAN Sari. She flew into this school year so gracefully, I just watched in awe. I can't believe the maturity that she possesses at this point in her life. She is going above and beyond in her classes at school, she is always looking for ways to make things more creative and out-of-the-ordinary, school assignments included. She is friendly and thoughtful to everyone, so naturally she has lots of friends, girls and guys alike. She went to her first high school football game the other night! Her memories of the night included falling on the bleachers (right in front of the seniors...) and not watching a moment of the game because she was socializing. I am so excited for her to be able to have the experiences that come with these next few years of life.

teton science school

So WAY back in October, Shawnie FINALLY made it to Teton Science School with her 5th grade class. Her teacher and I have been talking about it since she was in second grade. It was more incredible than I imagined it could ever be for her. Thanks to wonderful people who bless our lives, she had everything she needed to be successful while she was there. We had a medical stroller that mom found at DI adjusted by 'Stan at the AT Lab' to be able to handle the terrain, and at the very last minute the night before we left, mom saved the day by creating a mini-sleeping bag with built-in pockets for handwarmers to keep her warm in the frigid temperatures.
She had so much fun! Before we got there, they set up ramps to the doors of all the buildings so she was able to get around the camp in her wheelchair. She got to sleep in the bunks with the other girls in her class. Her group went on a special hike to Jenny Lake so that she could be successful. She saw elk and bison and a fox, heard the elk bugle at night and was voted the best imitation elk bugler by her classmates, she rocked at it!! Her group leader, Jared, was thoughtful and kind, and Keith made sure all her needs were met during the days and I was able to help her at night. Her teacher, Mrs. Jensen, is incredible and has so much faith in her!
In the parking lot of the school when we got back, Mrs. 'J' and I both looked at each other and started crying! We'd been mentally preparing for so long, it was hard to believe it was over, and such a success. I am so grateful forever, she'll never forget this experience.