Harrison's Big Project & Spring Break Cousin Fun

About a month ago, Harrison's school sent a letter home saying that the kids could participate in Exceptional Kids week at school by completing a project that focused on an "exceptionality" that certain kids have to face in life (ADD, Autism, Cancer, Down Syndrome...).  There were a bunch of prizes that they could win, the biggest being lunch in a limousine.  At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to deal with it, but I have an Aunt with Down Syndrome and Harrison has asked a lot of questions over the last year about her so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for him to learn a little more about Aunt Mary.
So, we went to the library to pick out some books on the subject.  I found a few really good ones that explained it on his level.  We read those together, he asked questions, I tried to help explain, and we were on a roll.  Then, I found this video online, and bawled the first time I watched it, just thinking about how different my Aunt's life would be had she been growing up now.  This is a fantastic video put together by 3 kids with down syndrome and their best friends.  http://www.special-and-determined.com/down-syndrome/down-syndrome-awareness-great-presentation-to-kindergartners/
This was the most impactful for him in terms of learning.  We even tried the marshmallow trick explained in the video and that really sunk in for him, some of the extra things that they have to deal with everyday.  I sent this to his teacher and she let the class watch it, which I loved.
We put a poster together, and he wrote every letter on it.  I was so so proud of him.  He is not the biggest fan of homework already, so this was a big deal.  He did most of it without complaining...

 Once he turned it in, he presented it to the class and then it was displayed outside the classroom.  There were a bunch of prizes but only the top 5 entrees per grade got the lunch in the limousine prize.  His teacher said there were about 50 kids that participated overall.  My heart about exploded when the letter came home that he won lunch in the limousine!
I couldn't resist going up to take some pictures!  The top entrees were posted in the main hallway, but I was so bummed b/c they had taken them down before I could get a picture of his up there.  I was also proud that he won b/c most of the projects were done on the tri-fold "science fair" boards.

I loved that they put out a red carpet for them!  They did the limo lunch by grade, so they had plenty of room to stretch out.

This was also an exciting week because Lance's sister's family came in town.  They live in Colorado, so the boys don't get to see them very often, so they were very excited.  I let it be a surprise that they were coming, so they just rang the doorbell and I let Harrison open it.  He fell on the floor he was so happy!  Harrison had a baseball game that day, so they came with us to the game...
Davis showing Laurel his favorite baseball activity...digging up gravel and rocks...

 

Harrison had an awesome game that day, hit the ball every time he was up to bat, made a great throw from the outfield, and had two runs throughout the game.  He really is improving so much this year and its fun to watch his confidence grow as he gets better.  He still says its not his favorite and he thinks the games are too long, but I told him we will play this season and then decide if he wants to play again next year.  He is doing great though, so I'm hoping he comes around.  He still loves being catcher and its great because it keeps him busy and focused while his team is in the outfield. 

While our cousins were in town, we decided to get pictures taken of all the cousins together for Lance's parents.  Thankfully the studio we went to wasn't busy b/c it was supposed to be a 30 min appt, but it took almost two hours trying to get everyone to cooperate and hold still.  It was chaos, but we got some cute pictures that will be ready next week.  I can't wait to show them and get them printed up!  They had fun playing with props while we were narrowing down the pictures!

We hung out at Grandma's and then spent the entire evening at the park.  We stayed until past dark, which is later than we have ever been up there!  Harrison kept asking why kids were allowed to play so late!

They had the best time running around all over...

silly gooses...

Davis still loves the swings...

Go Laurel!  This one has no fear and loves to keep up with the big kids!

These two had a great time watching the skate boarders...

Pizza time!

Emily was cracking up b/c she has mastered the head tilt...

We had a great time and were sad to see them leave.  

We are supposed to be on our way to Alabama right now but Davis decided this would be a great time for a stomach virus, so it looks like we are laying low for another day or two.  We are praying with all our might that it ends with him!!!