Little Acts of Love

We were outside today and I had a good reminder of how happy little acts of love and kindness people make.  The kids were playing and we heard accordian music.  There was a man practicing his accordian up on the hill so we went and listened to him play.  Oliver was LOVING the music.  The man was carefully looking at Oliver with a concerned look.  When he realized Oliver was enjoying it, he came closer to him.  We started talking and we learned a little about him and he learned about Oliver.  We decided that Oli was a strong name.  He had a cousin named Oli who lived to the age of 100.  This man plays in a group and they wear bells on their legs and play English dance songs.  Before he left he put the bells on and demonstrated his dance.  Adina and her friend were giggling away and everybody was happy.  (Cora stood further back with her very serious look unsure of the whole situation.)  He didn't have to keep playing when we interrupted his quiet practice time, but he was a very kind man.  It is hard for people to see if Oliver is enjoying himself, but I know.  It was a very special moment.  Music is Oliver's favorite thing and this man was just there.  Little acts of love.

Oliver also got to go on a little hike today with me and the girls.  The chair is not easy to push up a gravel path, but we made it!  John is still patiently waiting for a call.  Oliver is doing well.  Early in the summer we were told that the medication Oliver uses to sleep in no longer being made.  John and I were ready to cry.  We are trying a new med and it is okay, but not as good.  Oliver went through withdrawal of course and had a rough week.  Adina gave herself a haircut, not a good one.  It was in her eyes so she just took care of it.  She had her dance recital and looked like a little beautiful little swan (or bull in a china cabinet).  Coraline is talking up a storm.  The first letter of the words truck, bucket, walking, and monkey are all replaced with an F.  It is something that we are excited for her to outgrow!  Phin Phin continues to be our little chunk, happy as can be.  He loves his siblings more than anything.  Happy 4th of July.

Cold ice cream!

                                        Looking for fish.

                                          My first haircut, kind of. 

                                      My pretty little swan waiting to dance.

                        Phin Phin happy as can be.  (Little John)

                                                              

                                 Open up! Give me ice cream!

                       Snuggle time with Grandma.

                               Walking in the woods.

                            Beautiful Cora with her serious look. 

                         Accordian Music.  He was such a kind man.

       Hiking time.  These two trails always remind me of my favorite poem by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken.

                       Who says a kid in a chair can't do stuff!

Our last dose of Chloral Hydrate.  You will forever be missed wonderful sleep (and sleep meds).

               Phinneus and Great Uncle Doug. 

                   Cora and Grandpa Dave. 

Adina dancing at John's cousins wedding, dancing with her cousins.  Do you think she
was having fun?

              Phinneus showing off his abs!  My little stud muffin!