Favorite Fall Things

I realize I’ve written some kind of downer posts lately, so I feel the need to assure you (and myself) that there are a lot of good things going on.  So here are the top eight great things that have happened in the last few months…

8. Pet Event. In September, Clara and I co-led a pet event in our community. She called over 40

animal rescues to ask them to participate.  Eight said yes – a great response for the first time holding such an event. Our partner in this event got several pet vendors to come and share their goods and we filled a section of the park with all things pets! The best part of the day was that several animals got adopted by families who met them at the event, including a puppy who was adopted by one of my colleagues. I was so proud of Clara and the hard work she put into this great cause.

7. Swimming Lessons.  Connor took six sessions of swimming lessons this fall and he really loved it.  His teacher was kind and patient. The goal was to get Connor to blow bubbles and start to learn to float on his back.  We didn’t quite get there, but might do another set of lessons this winter.

6. Birthday. Clara turned 12. Preteen drama has hit our house full on, but she continues to be a delightful girl filled with kindness, dance, emotion and love.

5. Pictures.  I’m a sucker for pictures of my kids.  We found a new photographer in the area and had
her take pics of the kids this fall. They turned out amazing.  So excited to have photographs that capture their cuteness and love for life and each other.

the cutest mice!

4. Halloween. We’re big fans of Halloween in the Dean household.  The kids decided to be Mickey & Minnie Mouse this year and it was adorable. They loved trick or treating even though it was super chilly.

Watching the dolphins

telling us what he sees in the tank

3. The Aquarium. On a random day off from school this fall, I took the kids to the Shedd Aquarium. Both kids LOVE going to the aquarium. We always have a good time exploring the exhibits, seeing the show and learning more about undersea life. A highlight this trip was Connor using his talker to tell us about what we were seeing.  Clara and I both got teary at how willing and wonderful he was being with his words.  I think our favorite part was find a table by the dolphins and eating our sack lunches watching them swim and play.

At the museum

2. Thanksgiving.  We had an awesome Thanksgiving break.  It was a much needed rest after a busy November.  My sister and her boyfriend came to visit and we went to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Easter Seals Photo Exhibit reveal

1. Easter Seals Photo Exhibit.  Each year Easter Seals partners with a local college’s photography

class to do a photo exhibit featuring a few kids from their programs.  Connor was selected to be one of the kids for 2017. We didn’t see any of the pictures until the big reveal event. The picture is perfect. It captures his joy, his cuteness, his uniqueness.  We are so thankful for Easter Seals, the services they provide and the way they encourage families.