August Family Reunion

The weekend of August 12th we all try to get together. My sister Mandi's family couldn't make it this year. The rest of us had a great weekend hanging out at Bear Lake and my parents cabin. Grandma Alder was able to spend the weekend with us too. Lot's of kids, food, sun, naps, frogs, fish, llamas, and laughs. Dad's boat motor seized this year and they had to get towed in. Boat or no boat it was a great time!

Sweetwater County Fair 2011

On August 5th we headed back to the Sweetwater County Fair with my cousin Joey, her kiddos Nolin & Shanaya, and Shanaya's boyfriend. We weren't going to go this year but Joey was coming over to take the older kiddos to a concert so we thought it might be fun to let the boys play. It was hilarious to people watch. There are always very interesting people at those type of events, to say the least. Nolin and Aiden had tons of fun and even got to ride a camel. I'm bummed that I didn't get any pictures of Joey and I. Mommy duty always takes precedence.

Talking With Technology Camp

On July 23rd my girlfriend Shanon and I headed to Empire Colorado to attend a camp with two students from our school district. Talking With Technology (TWT) Camp is a week long program developed by Children's Hospital Colorado for young people ages 6 to 21 who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. One of our kiddos is a camp veteran who has attended for several years. The other student is one that I had just ordered a communication device for. I knew that it would be an incredible opportunity for both of us and was excited when we were excepted. Every child at camp is non verbal and requires some type of device to communicate with. We were there for 7 days and had the time of our lives. I gained so much as a Speech Pathologist and was inspired as a person and a mom. I also got to room with a girl that I went to graduate school with, Jen, which was really exciting. We had no idea that the other would be there. We participated in multiple activities throughout the week. Mid week all of the staff trainers at camp got a night out at a little local bar. It was a blast. We sang karaoke, met the town police officers, and many very interesting mountain people. The last night at camp was Prom. All of the kids had so much fun dancing the night away. It really puts things into perspective to spend time with so many kids with severe disabilities who don't let life pass them by or get them down. I can't wait to go back to camp!!!