Happy Birthday America!

What better way to celebrate our country than listening to a couple patriotic songs played by, none other than, Tyler himself.

America the Beautiful

Yankee Doodle

Happy 4th!!

Motivators

Two big motivators for Tyler are swinging and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We use these 2 things in different ways. For example, tonight Tyler was doing a little belly time (which he hates). I guess I shouldn't say hate, he just dislikes it and squirms around not wanting to push up and lift his head up.

So, I turned on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the laptop and placed it in front of him. He immediately lifts his head up and holds it there for several minutes to watch the show.

Hey if it works and he keeps his head up, why not.

And he's down for the count!

Happy Father's Day

My Dad and Travis are the 2 BEST Dads EVER, at least that's what I think. I love them both. My dad is awesome and I am who I am because of him.

And Travis is so great with Tyler. I love seeing the bond between them grow. They both love doing boy stuff - usually the rougher the better and he can make him laugh no matter what.

So today was their day and why not doing something they both love - FISHING!

The weather was kind of skeptical. We had thunderstorms pass through early in the morning, but by late morning the sun was out. So off we went. It ended up sprinkling a little but not enough to send us packing. We are some dedicated people and plus the fish were biting better than ever.

We ended up catching 23 fish. We went back home and had a fish fry. Mmmm it was so good.

The True Fisherman!

Tyler caught the first fish of the day.

It was so funny. Most people when they fish watch their bobber and as soon as they get a bite they jerk their pole to hook the fish. Not Tyler. He waits until the bobber is completely gone for several seconds and he's gripping tightly to his pole. Eventually someone notices that he has a fish and helps him reel it in. There were several times when we were fishing and we'd say to each other 'Where's Tyler's bobber?' and then realize that 'Oh he has a fish!'.

Waiting out the rain.

The dedicated fisherman.

I love how Tyler was never afraid to touch the fish. Such a boy.

Look at all those fish!!

16 weeks

I can't believe 16 weeks have already passed. I am nearing the half way point and in just 4 more weeks we will find out if Tyler is going to have a brother or sister. What do you think? Take a guess by taking the poll listed in my sidebar.

Family History

Back in February (I told you I was behind), my mom and dad were honored to be recognized as a Century Farm recipient, meaning that the farm has been in the family for at least 100 years. My dad is the 5th generation to be farming the land. My great-great-great grandpa came over from Austria in 1852 and settled in the small town of New Wells. In 1856 he purchased 40 acres and in 1862 he purchased 160 acres for $20 (12.5cents/acre). Wow!! Wouldn't it be nice for things to be that cheap now.

The land was then passed down to my great-great grandpa, then great grandpa, then my grandpa and now my dad. Thru all these years it has even kept the Mirly name.

It is such an honor for my parents to keep on this tradition. Love you, Mom & Dad.

Catching Up

So I have quite a bit to catch up on. It has been crazy busy around here and blogging has been the last thing on my mind.

Summer vacation is officially here for Tyler. His last day of school was May 20. Can you believe that he is a 1st grader? I sure can't. Where has the time gone?

The last week of school was busy with school parties and track/field day. I wasn't quite sure what Tyler would be able to participate in during track/field day. But his teachers and classmates stepped up and made sure that Tyler was a part of it. He did have to sit out on a few of the activities, like squirrel tag, three legged race and tug-of-war. But he still loved watching all the kids run around. Tyler did get participate in the 50 yard dash, relay and obstacle course.

Ben & Tyler

Tyler & Kade during the obstacle course.

All the boys in Tyler's class getting ready to run the 50 yard dash.

Stephen & Kade pushing Tyler to the next event.

Tyler & his teacher, Ms. Schroeder

His teachers always tell me when I pick Tyler up from school that all the kids adore him and always want to be his helper for the day. I love hearing that but sometimes wondered if they were telling me this to make me feel better. But I got to witness it on track/field day. Before all the kids went outside, Ms. Schroeder went around the classroom and asked the kids what they are looking forward to the most today. A lot of the kids said 'everything', some said 'to see my mom & dad' and others said 'to play with my friends'. But then there were 2 boys that said 'to help Tyler and to be Tyler's helper'. Oh my, my eyes got a little teary when I heard that. Maybe that's my pregnancy hormones kicking in, LOL!

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Another event that happened during the last week of school was a school recognition party that his special ed teacher and paraprofessionals hosted. There are 9 kids in his special ed classroom and they range from Kindergarten to 5th grade. His teacher, Ms. Shelly, was going to have 3 of those kids 'graduate' to the next building (Middle School). So this night was honoring those 3 that she has taught for the last 6 years. It was very special and another teary-eyed moment.

Tyler with his teacher Ms. Shelly

Tyler with his para's (Ms. Misty & Ms. Kia)

Did I mention how much I appreciate Tyler's school and all of his teachers. They are truly the best!!

Teaching golf etiquette

Travis has been dying to take Tyler golfing with him. We knew Tyler would love riding in the golf cart. And just the idea of being outside, he loves!! So yesterday, the three of us ventured to the golf course. We took his seat and strapped it to the cart and took off.
Tyler did great. Although he has a little bit of golf etiquette to learn. He was a little vocal when we were teeing off. But there was no harm done :) It was actually kind of cute!
It was extremely warm yesterday and wasn't sure if Tyler would make it the entire 18 holes but he was a trooper and made it. We made sure to drink a lot of water. At least there was a nice breeze.

Fresh Air

So I was taking Tyler to therapy today and I look out my side mirror and see this..

Do you see them? Let me zoom in a little...

Yes, those are 4 tiny fingers hanging out. Apparently, Tyler thought I didn't have the window down far enough.

Who's in Charge?

Tyler knows how to work the ladies and his therapists. All he has to do is give them that sweet little smile and he gets whatever he wants. He has them wrapped around his cute little fingers.

So today in therapy, he got exactly what he wanted. First let me say, that he is getting really good at saying no by shaking his head. Although a lot of the times when you ask him any question, he will answer no. Even if he means yes. We are working on that but aren't quite there.

So back to today in therapy, it was nearing the last 10 minutes of therapy and Jenny, his therapist, asked Tyler if he wanted to lay on his side and push up to a sitting position. He looked her straight into her eyes and shook his head NO. We both laughed because he is not a fan of that task. She then asked him 'would you rather get on the swing.' He did NOT shake his head no, instead he said "eh" and smiled really big. So what does Jenny do, he lets him swing for the remainder of the session.

Again I say "Who's in Charge?"

What's in store for 2011...

Wow, what a year it has been so far.

We started building our house and should be completed by the fall (as long as the rain will stop).
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Travis is starting up his own business on the side. He is designing websites. So if you know anyone who is interested in a website, let us know.
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Travis just accepted a new job with the University.
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Oh and I'm pregnant!!

Man, that's a lot of life changing things to fit into one year, but we are ready to take on each and every one of them. I can't wait and we are extremely excited.