Boo News, Busy Days And Goin' Away!

Now, just what do you think happens to old Susie Q when you add, one wading pool, a 9 year old with a propensity to splash, a 4 year old who LOVES the water, a bucket, a hose and me? Um, I get wet. Damp. Soaked. And I loved every minute of it. The giggling from these 2 children was like music to me.

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I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend...it is hot here again but gee Sue! What do you expect for late July? 40s? We have had rain of late so everything is growing and looking more lush. Grace and I attended a baby shower for my dear neighbor's daughter in law! This will be the first grand baby and yes. They know it will be a girl! The shower was held in our community clubhouse and was well attended. The new Mama and Papa are a special couple and are so excited. The new Grandma and Grandpa are just the dearest people and we truly hit the neighbor jackpot when we moved next door to them! Their lovely daughter flew in from Virginia and we were so pleased to see her. Grace just adores her. We attended the new parents wedding 4 years ago and the daughter's 2 years ago next week. She had exciting news for her parents! She and her husband are also expecting a baby! The pretty new Mama We were all given white onesies and fabric markers to decorate. This was my offering. I missed getting a shot of Grace's! You can guess that it was colorful and bright! Last week I won one of Donna's (from The Decorated House) precious treasures on Ebay! I just adore this and have it in my study...isn't Donna talented! And she is so sweet as well...she included a surprise for Grace. All wrapped in tissue with silk flowers and ribbon was this adorable treat. It now hangs in a place of honor in Grace's room. Thank you dear Donna. You are a sweetheart! Last evening we had a few friends over and bar b qued hamburgers. Everyone brought goodies to share and we had several dishes as well as this fruit salad. What is it about Summer fruit that just makes me so happy? Among the guests was my nephew Boo. He was just a hoot all evening. He has finally begun to clap (I know this is a given with most children but to us, it was a triumph!) and thought it fun to go around and have everyone clap in unison! Needless to say, there was much applause all night! His Mama told us of a new acquaintance that has been a true blessing to her. This lady and her husband have an 8 year old son who was diagnosed Autistic at age 4 as Boo has been. This little guy is now 8, speaks well, writes, sings and has been mainstreamed into school where he does amazingly well. He attended a pre-school/Kindergarten/1st facility like my nephew will attend. We have been tickled to discover that Boo will be enrolled in this new facility in late August. There is one like it in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. They have a fantastic record of success. It does not come inexpensively but there are grants and what a blessing to know Boo will be a recipient of one of these. It costs upwards of $70,000 a year to school Autistic children in these schools but to be able to help children like Boo unlock their potential is priceless. ~~~~~~~~~~ This afternoon we all went to my brother's and sis in law's for pizza. I guess you saw the top pictures! Splish splash I needed a bath after the soaking I got...and I had to get one more good dose of Boo kisses and hugs before leaving.... Grace and I are on the road to Tennessee now...I have my laptop and hope to check in if time permits. We are taking Mom back to see her friends in the Middle Tennessee town where she and Dad lived for 25 years. We will also see our relatives in the Knoxville area and make a little trip into Gatlinburg. Bill and Dan will stay here with the dogs (Kip and Mom's Abby) and cats. I am sure they will raise quite a ruckus and make a huge mess and get into tussles but I have hopes that Kip, Abby, Lucy and Henry will be able to keep a lid on Bill and Dan. *smile* I will try to visit each of you but, if I do not get to leave a comment, please know I will be thinking about all of you. I will try to catch up next weekend upon our return. Please stay well, safe and enjoy a week filled with smiles, sunshine and happy moments.

Warm hugs to you all,

Susie Q