Remember November

NOVEMBER

I think it was fun.  It just ended yesterday.  

What happened? Where did it go? 

Lydia and I enjoyed a coffee date before her friend's roller skating party!

Spent some time at some soccer games.

First Reconciliation at Prince of Peace!

So proud of how brave she was. 

You could tell it was tough for her but she saw it through.

Happy Thanksgiving from St. Charles!

And Happy 8th Birthday Jillian!

Lydia had a craft and create day with Nana!

She rocked the Veteran's Day program.  

So proud of her courage and preparation.  Take that anxiety!  

She practiced, role played, talked through her emotions and she nailed it.  

 

October had some good times...and I'll tell you more about ADHD and Anxiety later.

The Renaissance Festival did not disappoint! 

We went with the best of friends, played all the games, 

watched all the shows and met mermaids and fairies. 

Lydia and the Brownie Troop went on a hayride at Shawnee Mission Park. 

The girls love this activity and all the sugary melted marshmallows afterwards.

Dan and I celebrated 11 years in downtown Shawnee.

A flight at Servaes Brewery and dinner at the Castle.

Halloween did not disappoint!

Lydia braved her way through the school parade and had a great party.

We went to Jam BOO Ree at the park that same evening.

Costumed up again for Trunk or Tree and Oktoberfest at church.

Then we hit the pavement for trick or treating on Monday.

Her hair is still orange and pink, by the way.

 

She's just a girl and she's on fire.

Spirit Day at LVE! Go Eagles!

We have been meeting with Dr. Gail, Lydia's Psychologist for about a month now.  School drop off has gone from long tearful attached goodbyes to mom moving back a sidewalk square each week.  Before long I won't even be crossing the third crosswalk!  Lydia is doing awesome and we are so thankful for the strategies and techniques Dr. Gail is providing.

Next up we will conquer several things, I hope, or at least make them tolerable rather than miserable for Lydia. Lydia has a big year coming up with lots of moments that may trigger her anxiety.  She does not like large crowds, lots of eyes on her, or loud noises.  

Halloween Parade

First Reconciliation

Veteran's Day Program

First Communion

At the same time, Lydia has started being seen in the ADHD clinic.  Therapy with Dr. Gail is one part.  Dan and I's approach at home with help from her teachers and her 504 plan is another part.  Medicine is the third part and the prescription was just sent to the pharmacy this afternoon.  I'm excited to see how this helps improve Lydia's everyday challenges and frustrations to her "cray cray" and her "motor mind".  These are her words for her constant motion, lack of focus and mind that won't shut off.  She's starting to notice her behaviors as different from her friends and talking about them more.  It's hard to watch her go through this and I'm so hopeful for a solution and improvement with the meds. 

 

Come September

Soccer Tournaments in KC make for some fun family sideline fun.  

So glad to see these people and hang out at the soccer fields.  

The big kids got in some brewery time and toasted Papa Sealey on the first anniversary of his death.

Let the Red Friday's begin!

Impromptu Deanna Rose visit!

Dan and I escaped to the mountains.  It was quiet and relaxing and sad.  It's so nice to be there and enjoy those almost near enough to touch blue skies.  It's sad to know that Lydia can't be there without supplemental oxygen and impacts to her health.  Someday my sweet girl.

Another Papa Sealey moment in the mountains.  

Send "well shit" to any of us and we'll laugh out loud!

Firepit season is here!

So much style in one little girl.

Can't go to the mountains but we can go explore the forests of Nebraska at Arbor Day Farm.  

We had so much fun wandering the trails, climbing on obstacles and apple picking.