OH--IO

Our last adventure before the school year begins... Ohio.  Since we moved from Columbus, Ohio four years ago we had not been back.  Long overdue were visits with family and friends, but the main reason we made the trip this time was for Claudia.  

She has been so dedicated to the idea of having a helper dog that we are doing our best to support the dream.  After researching, we felt like a group in Delaware (close to Columbus) was the best for us.  The final step before being placed on the waiting list for a dog is completing a personal interview.  So you will see we have a photo from the interview with one of the dogs there at Canine Companions for Independence

There most certainly was an animal theme to our whole trip... Starting with the 

Davidson Dairy Farm.

(My apologies for not getting a better photo of family.)

Great Uncle Ned showing off the cows

Giving a calf some water

Tractor Rides!

In the above photo, we were visiting the early intervention teacher and therapists (Darla, Nancy, Dee, and Vicky) at the Childhood League.  Both of the girls qualified for early intervention services in Ohio based on their premature birth.  We are forever indebted for the great start they gave the girls.

Claudia and Eloise smiling at the Canine Companion Office.  "Patti" was kind enough to keep the girls company while we finished the interview.  Claudia had a chance to try working with a dog while she was there.  

Claudia and Helen (her first PT) posing at Children's Hospital in Columbus.  Helen has spent hours staring into those eyes working on rolling and sitting back then!!  We have always been amazed by Helen's dedication and fabulous therapy skills.

The Krueger Crew burning the night oil with the Rank kids in the hotel.  The kids had a blast playing together as always.  Their parents are wonderful too!!

Our neighborhood friends from Westgate gathered for a beautiful evening.  We dearly miss all these lovely lady role models.  Each one of them has been generous and kind to our family.

And finally a quick stop in Indiana to visit Katie, Matt and Speckles!  What a cute and well-behaved little puppy.  Thanks for having us.

Pheeewww.. we survived!

1 a tooth, 2 a tooth, 3 a tooth

Perhaps the Tooth Fairy is paying out too well!

Tooth...less?

We have officially entered into a relationship with the tooth fairy.

Nebraska

Here are some of the highlights of our Nebraska trip.  Honestly, we were a few naps shy of our best travel performance... maybe next time.  I apologize for the lack of sweet corn photos, my hands were busy.

Just for you.

Uncle Paul helping Claudia to climb a little higher.

"googled"

Here's the Davidson group.... so far!

Bobby

We are extremely blessed to have a kind and generous Uncle Bob.  He has taken time from a busy parish and driven across Wisconsin to spend time with us.  Above is from a visit in Ohio when the girls were just about two and below was early this week.  He is calm and sweet with the little ones.  He even allows the little ones to call him "Bobbi".  He also takes the time to listen to Matt and I chat about our thoughts and worries.  Thanks for the visit Uncle Bob!

Greetings

Some one didn't feel like taking a nap today.  She arrived in the living room looking too cute for me to put her back to bed.

Lemons

We had a few McDonald sort of days.  

While our babysitter was attending to the kids there was an incident.  Nothing too serious, just our hard drive.  

A pure accident, really, the headphones were attached to the computer and Claudia got the looong cord wrapped up in her wheelchair.  Back went Claudia and off the desk went our computer.  Fortunately, we were able to put a little money into a used hard drive and disc player and repair the damage.. though our e-mails, addresses, and miscellaneous stuff is gone.

And what better to do when life gives you lemons but to make lemonade.

and sell it!

Could you resist this sale??