The Amazing Colby!

As Colby is getting older I have noticed that I need to update my techniques in dealing with his Asperger's so I've been searching on the internet for information, books, lectures, etc to help me as a parent of a child with Asperger's Syndrome.  Luckily there seems to be a lot of advice out there so I need to trust my gut and trust the Lord.  Colby continues to amaze me everyday with how his mind works.  He is amazing to interact with.  Anyone who can get over the hurdle of his 'strange' behavior and spend some time getting to know him will quickly learn of his sweetness, sense of humor, and his genius.  I appreciate so much all friends and family who have taken the time to really talk to Colby and to try and understand what it is like for him.  Thank you for supporting us and loving my kids for who they are.  We love Colby and view him as just different, not less.

Baron's Fart Show...I mean Art Show

 Baron participated in his first Graphic Design Art Show!  He was asked to enter a piece by one of his coworkers and the show will last through June 30th at some Church in the Ave's.  Anyhoo, It was so neat to see what he has been working on for the last few weeks.  Baron wouldn't tell me anything about it so when I laid my eyes on his work for the first time I was amazed!  His 3D suitcase was pretty darn cool!  At first I was mad that he had the piece labeled as 'Not For Sale' but then when I saw I said, "That is going up in our house!"

There were a lot of other pieces there by Baron's co-workers that I loved.  It was a fun art show with great people and after wards we went with those great people out to eat for more socializing and fun.

Super duper cool, huh?

Ahhhh, doesn't he look nice!
("Pardon me sir, you don't look stupid in that shirt at all!")


P.S.  We will be accepting any and all donations for Baron to replace this shirt......please....anyone?

Salt Lake City Feis

Brielle has had another successful Feis.  She competed in four dances(Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig, and Single Jig).  She placed 2nd in the Light Jig and that was out of 16 in her group!  She also placed 4th in Slip and Single Jig and received medals.

Brie waiting for her turn to perform.

She did great and thank you Annette and Larry for coming to support and for the pictures!

Honor Roll

Colby made the Honor Roll for this year at the Utah Virtual Academy!  We are so proud of you Colby!

Tulip Festival!

We decided to catch the Tulip Festival this year at Thanksgiving point.  We took Brielle's friend Brieanne which certainly did bode well for Colby because he confessed to me that he was 'a little love sick for Brieanne.'  What a lil' Romeo!

The kids in front of the 'bath tub' waterfall.

What a nutter!

I love this picture of the two Brie's.  I'm happy Brie has such a good friend.

Easter Morning Duo

Easter egg hunt.

Colby: Happy, Brie: No emotion.

Colby: Posy and happy, Brie: Somewhat annoyed.

Colby: Nuts, Brie: Totally annoyed.

SOON!

Now I want a black Scottish Fold! Here are some more ominous SOONS!

Good Job at Your Recital Brielle!!!

Brielle had her recital last Friday and did wonderfully! She got to participate in two dances. The first was her traditional competition Slip jig and the second was a special choreography to modern music. The whole show was really entertaining. Great job Brie! Grandma and Grandpa Barker blogged about Brie's recital (that's where I got this picture). Anyway they got cute pics and a few videos of the recital. Check it out: paulabarker.blogspot.com

Colby Looses His First Tooth!

Yeah! His first tooth came out yesterday and over night the tooth fairy brought him a silver dollar!

Even Brie was excited for him!

And of course, Puddy could care less but please feast upon his majesty and uber fluffiness! (Sorry about he super glowy eyes!)

Amelia Earhart

Brielle got to be Amelia Earhart for her Biography report this month. The entire month she has been studying and researching about the famous female flier. With help, she put together this impressive poster complete with a time line, fun facts, and pictures. This picture was taken at the biography fair where the students were dressed as their chosen person and answered questions to visitors and students.

Brielle looked the part with a flying jacket, leggins, boots, and scarf. We fluffed her hair and gave her rosy red lips like Amelia in the 1930's.

Great job Brielle!

Don Quixote

Today we got to see a special presentation of Ballet West's 'Don Quixote' at the Capitol Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. Colby's school (The Utah Virtual Academy) was offering free admittance to this matinee performance.
We got to see act 1 and part of act 3. The abbreviated ballet lasted for about an hour. This was perfect for the kids and gave them a sample of the wonderful dancing, vibrant stage and beautiful costumes.

Grandma joined us on our adventure and treated us to lunch at the Garden Restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building.

Brie was upset because Colby kept copying what she said. I thought this picture said it all of her displeasure:)

The kids at Temple Square. Colbys wearing Grandma's coat and Brie is sporting a nice jazz pose!

Pretty Brie!

Wasatch Winter Feis!!!

Brielle had her most recent Feis (Gaelic word for festival) competition. It was hosted by her dance school, the Shelley School of Irish Dance, at Kearns High School and was entitled the Wasatch Winter Feis. She competed in four different dances, the most to this date. Her dances were the Reel, Light jig, Single jig, and the Two Hand Reel (done with a partner). She worked so hard for this Feis by doing her best in class and practicing all most everyday after school. The hard work paid off because she got a third place medal in the Reel and a first place medal in the Single jig. She had lots of support at the Feis also! Her aunt Bonnie and cousin Lauren came and stayed the whole time, what troopers! Aunt Autumn came and stealthy took these competition pics even though they don't allow it but I am kinda glad she was so sneaky because I have never had pics of her dancing in competition before. Thanks Autumn for coming and for your great pictures! Also my dear friend and neighbor, Dawn and her husband Greg, came to support Brielle. It was such a good day and a very successful one for Brielle!!!

Dancing the reel

Dancing the light jig.

Getting ready for the single jig.

The gold medal performance! Look at those pointed toes!

More single jig.

Brielle and Brook back stage practicing their Two Hand Reel.

Eye on the prize!

Bronze and gold medals!!!

CrankyCats.com

I thought I would let you all know where I got that Valentines cranky cat and it is from crankycats.com. I don't know the artists name but the painting are so fun! Enjoy!