Physical

Courtney had a check-up appointment this week with her pediatrician.  Dr. MacNeil was very happy and impressed with Courtney's health.  She asked what we do to keep her weight down.  I just explained that she eats well, has really liked swimming this summer and she is good about taking her supplements...most of the time!

We are very grateful for Courtney's health.  It has been a blessing to her.

It is also fun for me as a parent when a doctor is impressed with her-it reminds me that all the work we do is worth it!

Favorite Activities

Courtney LOVES swimming.  She loves jumping right in the water, loves swimming under peoples legs, loves diving down for rockets and always has a great time in the water.

Brooke and Courtney

 One of our favorite spots (outside of Rebecca's pool where we are almost everyday during the summer) is Nimbus Flats.

This year Courtney has really been getting the hang of Kayaking.  Her Grandmas (Tuki and Kaleem) have some child-size kayaks that they bring to the lake for the kids.  She loves to climb on it and ride off.  She can manage it close to us all on her own and loves when it is her turn! Kaleem is always great about riding in a kayak next to her and teaching her and exploring the lake with her if she wants to go a little farther.

*My computer decided that it doesn't have enough room to store the amount of pictures I have on it and so I don't have the picture of her kayaking readily available right now.

Another fun activity that we have enjoyed is going to Sky High Sports.  They have wall to wall trampolines and a foam pit!  Once a month they have a night for kids with special needs and their families.  Courtney loves jumping, playing games and swinging into the foam pit and crawling out of it!  The reason she is on her knees in this picture is because she has just completed a super-cool jump trick and is awaiting her applause!

Donating Glasses

Courtney recently made the decision to donate her old glasses.  These are pairs that she has outgrown or that have a different Rx then she needs now.  We found a box for Lion's club and donated them!  I'm proud of her for choosing to share and help others.

Royal T Graduation

The summer group "Royal Ts" that Courtney belonged to had their graduation.  The girls each wore a crown (they earned a "gem" to go on it each week that they came to the meetings).  They began by each being rewarded with a certificate and a heart necklace.  Then the girls did a skit.  I was so proud of Courtney for participating in the skit (she sometimes gets nervous performing in front of people).  Then the girls all sang their theme song.  Courtney started to scoot so that she was off of the "stage" area.  All the girls scooted over so that Courtney was still involved-it was very sweet of them to include her even when she was feeling nervous.

 Courtney, Elle, ___, ___, Eve, ___

Then each girl got to come out on stage while a little narrative was read about each of them.  Courtney's talked about how one of her heros is Macee because she has a great singing voice.

I was so proud of Courtney for making new friends and for everything she learned while attending this group.  It has been such a fun thing to have going on this Summer.

Soccer Practice

Courtney has joined the TopSoccer team here in Elk Grove.  She practices once a week and will start games in September on Saturdays.  She is really good at kicking the ball and blocking the goal.

 Courtney loves to wear her red "practice" shirt and so when she got this red water bottle she was excited to make it her "soccer practice" water bottle.

 Courtney out with her team at their first practice.

The team she is on is a team for kids with special needs.  They have "buddies" out on the field (older kids) that help them play.  Courtney loves getting a buddy to play with her each week, but has also enjoyed making some new friends.  She is nervous about starting to play games because she doesn't like the idea that everyone will be watching her.

Royal T

Courtney has also made some friends this summer at a group called the Royal Ts.  Her friend, Elle created the group.  It was friends that were all about ages 9-11ish.  They met once a week during the summer and each week had a theme.  They had activities around the theme and each theme and activity helped the girls focus on remembering that they are daughters of God.  Courtney loved going and making new friends.  She loved the activities and the food.

Courtney and Elle

New Friends

Courtney has been making lots of new friends this summer!

Sarah, Gloree, Courtney, Megan

These are two friends from a play group that we have formed.  We have gotten together as moms and daughters and have had lunch and playtime.  There are about 4-5 girls all Courtney's age that all have DS.

Sarah and Courtney played at the water park.

Courtney, Sarah, Megan

These girls had a great time having a playdate together at Sarah's house.

 Natasha, Courtney, Sarah, Gloree, Megan, Brooke

Courtney and Natasha

So the pictures are all out of order because these last 2 are from the first playdate we had.

Courtney is having a wonderful time with these new friends.