Track

I recently learned about a weekly "track meet" that costs only $5 for the whole summer, and kids can run however many events they would like.  Mel has expressed interest in running, but not being a runner myself, I haven't been able to foster this interest.  We tried the track event out (sponsored by Runners Forum and held at Z'ville West Middle School) for the first time this week, and Melanie loved it.  She ran a 200m, 800m, 100m, and 400m.  It definitely helped that her friend Maddie was there, and she also found 3 classmates there.  She says she wants to keep doing it - so we'll see how she feels next week!

Random Pictures

Melanie has been soaking up all of the swimming she possibly can this summer.  She swims three days a week at camp, and then hits the pool again most weeknights.  Weekends she goes swimming at least once, sometimes more often.  Between our neighborhood pool, our next door neighbor's pool, Gigi's, Laura's, Bells', and our old neighborhood pool, her bases are covered!  And those are just the pools she's been in as of the date of this post!

Kindergarten girl pooldate one weekend

Joey adores his cousin Charlie

All the Worzala grandkids.  Nice face, Mel.

Melanie & Samantha

LLS SIBS Day

On Saturday, June 21, the inaugural LLS "SIBS" day took place at the Colts Complex (SIBS = Super Important Brothers and Sisters!)  While we had planned to go as a family, we decided to keep Joey more isolated, but since it was an event to celebrate the siblings, Mel and I went.  They did a great job - bounce house, game stations, face painting, an "awards ceremony," etc.  Melanie had a good time, and we'll definitely go back next year if we're invited!

Showing off her skills

As confused as she was by this game (trying to get the cookie into your mouth without using your hands), she later said it was her favorite.  Why?  Because she got a cookie, of course.

Photo booth station

Medal & certificate for being an awesome big sister

Potato sack fun!  She didn't want to race anyone (except me, after the event was over), but I get MOTY for doing it twice - once with, and once without, her.

Most of the participants

Zoo

Posing with the dolphins.  Yes, the girls coordinated their outfits :)

Our own little monkeys.  Wyatt declined joining the picture

Mel was pretty excited to be able to ride with other kids - last time she and Molly had to take turns riding with Julie, because Joey isn't tall enough to ride.  Yes, the security bar came down to keep them in their seats.  I got kicked off the platform before that happened.

They asked me to take a picture, and then secretly struck this pose.  You can tell they're related.

Kindergarten - That's a Wrap!

Left - Melanie on her first day of Kindergarten
Right - Mel on her last day of Kindergarten, determined to wear the same outfit

All the crazy kids toward the end of the year. 

On the last day with her K teacher, Miss Compton.  Miss Compton did not always wear sashes and bling - we were having a bridal shower for her, as she got married 3 weeks after school let out - she's now Mrs. Sorgen!

 

Melanie had an awesome year in kindergarten.  She made a lot of friends, many of whom helped immensely throughout Joey's treatment schedule - getting her on/off the bus, keeping her occupied during Joey's inpatient stays, etc.  She advanced 12 reading levels throughout the year, loves to write, and maintains her dream of wanting to be a teacher when she grows up. 

 

Miss Compton had the parents write our child a letter to put in a time capsule that the kids will open when they graduate from HS.  Reflecting back on this year for Melanie made me uncharacteristically emotional for all of the 'growing up' she did this year.  Part of it was her natural age progression, but part of it was her bravery dealing with the changes in our lifestyle due to Joey's diagnosis. 

 

Melanie is very excited to announce to anyone who's interested that she's a FIRST GRADER now!!

May Days

The Worzala grandkids - ages 4,5,6,7 on Mother's Day

Melanie went with Grandma to see "Annie Jr" on stage at Marian University.  Our friend Hannah Doran played one of the orphans, and Mel spent the subsequent evening acting it out, and then watching the movie.

Joey got a bag of superhero costumes from our cousin Wyatt.  Mel strikes a pose.

In Mid-May, both kids graduated from the 12" bikes they'd been on; Melanie straight to a 20", with Joey on training wheels on a 16".  They were thrilled, and spent the weekend testing out their new wheels. 

Mel's new bike!

Joey's new bike!

Fun with Friends

Just some random pictures of the kids playing with neighborhood and classroom friends :)

Mel & Alexa on a warm sunny day at the park

Playing with Hadley

Joey & Jake giving some air

Joey with Emily

Mel & Alexa

Joey with Luke & Molly

Enjoying some ice cream with Alexa & Bethany