Hunting for aspens...

We decided to explore an area different than we usually do for our annual aspen trip.

Except there were no aspens...

until we got to the same area that we go to every year.

Oh well, it was a good day for a drive and there was minimal complaining from the back seat, especially after we found a playground to stop at.

There were a few photo opportunities but by the time we got to them, the kids were done!

Racism in the 4th Grade...

www.googleimage.com

 Syd's elementary school is very diverse compared to the rest of the elementary schools in our district. Most of the schools have primarily white students on our end of town, so the fact that our neighborhood school is one of the oldest and most diverse is great.

 Since it is so diverse, it surprised me when Syd came home a couple of weeks ago and told me what she overheard a new classmate saying.

This new kid was telling someone that he wished T and T would go back to where they belong. One T is black and the other is mixed.

Syd went to the teacher and told her what she had overheard, which resulted in talking to the counselor and principal.  She was really nervous about talking to the principal but I told her that everyone is nervous about that :-)

We are so very proud of Syd for making the right decision in telling a teacher. 

 Telling on a classmate can be a tough thing to do but she knew that what she had overheard was wrong. 

We have always taught her that every single person is the same, we just look different on the outside. We know that some day, as hard as it will be, someone will make a comment about our daughter's beautiful eyes or tease her because she is so tiny or pet her head because they love her silky Asian hair (she has classmates that have done that for years). We talk about stereotypes and racism because  it's present each and every day in the news, in her classroom and every place in between. 

Talking about it is what made her do the right thing.  Many conversations we have are not easy but we are giving her the tools to be able to handle situations like this one. It makes me sad that 8 and 9 year old kids have to deal with racism at all but at least I know that my 9 year old is strong enough to make the right decisions on how to deal with these issues.

Alex graduated...

From physical therapy that is.

We've gone from these adorable
curly feet...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To these beautiful, straight and strong tootsies!

Of course, this long road has not ended yet.  He has to wear his AFO's M-W-F and the Ponseti brace at night.  His exercises are essentially just playing hard, no problem there!  He's also in a gymnastics class that has been fantastic for building his strength and balance, when he's not in a time out for pushing other kids off the balance beam.  

 

We'll see his dr in a couple of months and his physical therapist in March so we just maintain, maintain, maintain!  I'd like to never see another cast on his legs again!  

Dear Daddy,

As I sit here listening to your breath slowly fade away, I remember.

I remember the adventures we had when I was little when we lived in places that most people will never have the opportunity to even visit.

I remember whenever you had to fly to the States, you would always bring me new books and stuffed animals.

I remember exploring Colorado when we moved here and all the adventures we went on together.

I remember what a rotten teenager I was and how I wished you were there more for me.

I remember as I got older what a huge support you were to me.  You supported me and loved me unconditionally.

I remember how happy and proud you were when I stepped off the airplane holding your grandchildren.

I remember all the visits and long stays in the hospital and rehab.  It was so hard to see you so sick and hopeless.

I remember how full of hope and love and happiness you were 5 days ago when you were with your grandkids.

I remember the total love you had for mom.

Goodbye for now daddy.

I'll always love you.

I'll always remember.

Love, 

Reggie Lynn

Gold Medal Winners!

Here are a couple of pics 

of Syd and her team winning the

GOLD MEDAL

FIRST PLACE TROPHY

at a national inline hockey tournament.

I am so proud of these kids!

They worked super hard and they earned it!

After the tournament, they had some time for site seeing and went to Pier 39, the aquarium, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hockey, Hockey, Hockey...

 A message from James and Syd who are in CA where Syd and her hockey team are playing in a national tournament.  I think there are over 400 teams there, what an amazing opportunity for our team!

 7-12-12

Syd returns to Colorado after her trip from China feeling a little tired and wishes she could make it back home to her own bed.  After 12 hours of rest in a Denver hotel, we flew out of DIA to San Jose, CA for a hockey tournament.  Not just any tournament, but a national hockey tournament.  She did not rest on the flight and we played Wheel of Fortune until we landed.  We were the first family to arrive and we spent the afternoon getting settled. We took a stroll to get some lunch at a Mexican restaurant that was run by people from India.  No beef for the taco or taco salad.  Then it was the pool for us.  We had sun block but I guess we forgot it.  I got red and Syd got brown.

07-13-12

The Stallions played 2 games today and they won their first game 7 to 1.  She was close to a shutout with about 1 to 2 minutes left when they got a rebound that just went past her outstretched glove.

  Their second game of the day they tied with 4 to 4.

07-14-12

We started the day by waking up at 5:00am with a game at 7:10am.  We were lucky enough to get breakfast before we left the hotel.  The team has always started with scoring first and forcing the other team to catch up.

Some pic of Syd making some saves during the games.  Like all goalies, they are as good as their teams defense. 

 

This game was the first time they had to catch up.  With them loosing by one goal, the other team  was driving to the net when one of the Stallions takes down to the shooter causing a penalty shot. They lined up and the player brings the puck, Syd steps up and makes a challenge.  As the opposing player got closer, Syd drops to her knees and does the butterfly stance.  The player moves to the right and Syd kicks out with her left leg causing the player to go wider and miss the shot!  The Stallions came back and tied it up with about 40 seconds left and the game ended with a tie. 

The second game they won 8 to 4.

When we checked the placement board, we found out that they are in the championship game!  The Stallions are guaranteed a Silver but if they win the championship game this afternoon, they are the Gold medal winners!  

Go Stallions!