This has been a BIG “Back-to-School” week for us…we’ve had a “Back-to-School” night at a different school almost every night! 🙂 Although the introductions to the kids’ teachers are always lightening-quick and information-packed, it’s great to get a glimpse into the kids’ day and meet the individuals who are investing in them so significantly…it’s an impressive list this year!!
We’ve also spent a good bit of time preparing for the Heart Walk and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission’s annual fundraising event BOTH less than a month away! Yikes!!! This is always a full time of year with many significant celebrations but this week included one of the most special…the anniversary of the day our sweet Olivia was born! 🙂 Although her 12th birthday on Tuesday was full with school, soccer practice and a jr. high bible study, we managed to squeeze in some celebrating!! This is a particularly significant bday for Olivia as it’s her last one before the teenage years and it also officially marks the start of a new era…she has now lived longer with Rudy IN her life than not. For half of her life, Olivia has journeyed with Rudy by her side and I can only imagine the ways her life has been impacted as a result. I pray each day that the impact has been and will continue to be a positive one for all the big sibs. It’s hard to believe that Olivia was just 6 when Rudy was born…WWWWHAT?!?!?!?! She was so small…since “Rudy years” are a lot like dog years, it feels like a lifetime ago. 🙂
We’re grateful for the thoughtful and compassionate young lady Olivia is growing up to be…there is much fun on the horizon for her as she settles into the big world of junior high and we celebrate all the joy and growth of the past 12 years while anticipating all the fun to come!! Happy Birthday Big Girl!!
In preparation for the upcoming Heart Walk, we had the opportunity to visit the Westmont baseball team on Monday and share Rudy’s story. The Warriors form a team of their own every year and have become a special part of our Heart Walk experience! Go Warriors!!!
Rudy has been working hard on his walking…Oma caught the Wonder Boy on video during her visit last month…at the rate he’s going, he’ll have no problem walking on his own at the start of the Heart Walk! Go, Rudy, Go!!!
Rudy has also been working hard in therapy…motivated to try new things in PT like “mountain climbing” and is super proud of his “snack time” during OT…
Here are a couple more recent highlights…
No matter what today holds for you, I pray there is something to savor and celebrate! Bless you friends!!!
Rudy's Beat 
Between Rudy walking & Wilson dancing with the elderly- my heart is on sweetness overload!! Hope Livy had an awesome birthday! Hugs to all of you!
Olivia is growing too fast! she does look like a young lady! Cool dancing idea, too! Your kids rock!
This is one of the loveliest things I’ve read all week! And I read a LOT of things out here. Congrats to lovely Liv – and to all of you, for living your lives so very well. Watching that boy walk made me cry! You go, Rudy!