Vision Therapy

Kayla spent much of her summer at the Utah Vision Development Clinic for Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation, or what we call Vision Therapy.  With all her headaches and pain behind her eyes, her concussion doctor recommended having her vision checked.  Wow-zers!  Her vision was pretty much off the charts below the normal range.  Unlike many of the other systems and struggles, she has been dealing with, at least vision is measurable.  They can run lots of different test and measurements.

Her depth perception was way off (suppose to be near 80 and hers was 250) and she suffered from convergence insufficiency (her eyes don't work together) She spent 3 days a week working on improving her vision.  After completing the 8-week program, her vision had improved (her perception had come down from 250 to 120) and she had learned to read again using both of her eyes together, and she had become friends with all her therapists (Jen was her favorite!)  Unfortunately, her vision was still not in the normal range, so Dr. Davies could not clear her to play sports yet, but he believed she could see and read well enough to start school next week.   👀

Kayla Move-In Day

It's Move-In Day for Kayla.  There were moments throughout the past 4 months when we weren't sure this way would be come, but here we are. Heritage Halls Room 4204.  She is so excited to be living on campus and going to BYU.  She has worked hard to get here, and we are so glad for the doctors and therapist that have helped her to get to this point.  

With everyone's help, we got all her stuff up in one trip.  When we arrived the other 5 girls were working on putting a shelf together for their pantry.  It was quite a site and quite a task, as they worked with limited tools and directions, but they totally got that shelf up and going and by the time we left, they were loading all their new groceries onto the infamous shelf. 

Aubs starting to decorate the walls and make it cute.  What a blessing to have Aubs here. She is such a great support, friend, & sister to Kay and to all the girls.  So glad to have them here at BYU together.  

Today's move-in was quite different from Aubrey's 2 years ago Aubrey's Move-In Day (click on link to read) We went from just the 2 of us to now having 8 people to carry and help get things set-up.

  It's interesting to think how we left Aubs down here at BYU 5 days post shoulder surgery, in a sling, still hooked up to an ice machine and taking some medicine for pain.  Now we are leaving Kay down here with limited cognitive skills and abilities.  A memory that doesn't always function properly and on medication to help her neurons fire more rapidly.  It's been a tough start for both of these girls, but man they are Rock Solid ROCK STARS.  I know the Lord has blessed them tremendously in their trials.  Though he does not remove the struggles and difficulties, I can testify that He does give us strength beyond our own to work through them.  Life's challenges help us draw closer to Him, rely on Him, and use his Infinite Atonement to overcome the sorrows and suffering associated with our trials.  These girls have learned to push forward, figure things out, make adjustments, work hard, and to trust and rely on God's words and promises.  Though I sometimes shutter to see the suffering our children go through, I have complete faith in a loving and caring Heavenly Father.  I know that He loves them, just as He loves each and everyone one of His children.  As they continue to turn their hearts and lives to Him, He will watch over and bless then with the things they need to not only move forward in this life, but also to develop the Christ-like love and characteristics that will allow each of us to one day dwell in his presence again.  

One final pic before Kay and her roommates head off to a dorm activity.  So many great things ahead for her!

Spray Paint Sidewalk Chalk

The girls love to do sidewalk chalk together on the driveway.  I hope it's one of the memories they will have of their childhoods.  When describing where we live, I often say, "in the bend of Country Bend Drive....just look for the sidewalk chalked driveway.  Today we upped the game with spray paint sidewalk chalk.  Brenna had used it at a friends house, as when she saw it at Target, she just knew we could use some.  

Tie Dye Day

As summer is drawing to an end, Kayla is trying to finish up her 'Summer Bucket List' Today it was tie dye shirts. 

They made make shift aprons from trash bags and went to work.  Wade is working away at his

I never got a pic of the final products, but I know some were happier with their shirt than others.  Check.  Another item checked off the list.

Schmitt's Visit 4th Ward

Jon and Alexis are up in Utah dropping David off at BYU.  It's been so fun to see them again this weekend and for them to get to get to visit with former missionaries and friends from their pre-mission ward in Texas.  Robert happened to be speaking in sacrament meeting, so they came to support him and enjoy the spirit if South Jordan, before attending another ward and then heading back to Gilbert.  

BYU Golf Cart Tour

The Schmitt's invited us to join for a golf cart tour of BYU, as they drop off their oldest son David, for his freshman year.  The 4 of us attended the University of Arizona for our undergraduate, and for Jon and Alexis, their graduate studies as well, so BYU is new territory.  One of the sister missionaries from their mission was gracious enough to give us a full tour and share any insights she had gained during her time at BYU. 

Following the tour, additional sisters from the San Diego Mission our little group at the Creamery for lunch and ice cream.  It was fun to hear about their mission experiences and how it has shaped and changed their lives.  I think the enjoyed visiting with Jon & Alexis on a more personal though, though most couldn't get help but call him President.

These 2 were able to join us for a bit before the tour.  It's fun to see them in their element as they get ready for the upcoming school year as well.  

Goodbye Lani's

It's Kay's last night at Lani's Shave Ice Shack.  This has been such a fun summer job for her.

She's become a Shave Ice expert

Made great tips and loved when her friends would come by

We love this smile and the service that comes with it.

1st Day of School

1st day of school for these cute girls.  Lindsay is now a Junior (11th grade)  and is looking forward to a great year.  She will be carrying of heavy load with several College as well as AP classes.  She knows it will be challenging, but having all your friends in your hard classes with you, makes the load more bearable and the journey more enjoyable.

 ***Post note:  Lindsay comes home from school almost everyday 'beaming'  She LOVES her classes, she loves her teachers, she loves the subject matters she is learning about, she loves being with her friends. I don't think I've even had a child more excited about going to school everyday.***

Emily is now a freshman - though 9th grade here in our district is housed in the middle school, so she is still a SoJo Snow Leopard, still on the PROWL.  This is her 3rd year as a Student Body Officer, which she LOVES.  She is also on the SoJo Middle Dance Team, and taking a heavy load of Honors classes.  With that heavy academic load, she was not able to fit Seminary into her school schedule, so she will be attending early morning seminary everyday before school.

***Post note: Emily is liking 9th grade.  It is probably her hardest year academically so far, and she is a busy girl. School, dance, eating, and sleeping take up most of her days and nights.  She does still try to fit in as much social/friend time as possible.  

Ballet West Auditions

Ballet West's Nutcracker Auditions.  This is Emily's first experience auditioning for a part in a professional ballet.  It has been a fun learning the ropes and being part of something so special in the dance world.  Nutcracker auditions are all done by Height.  Emi spent time at the Ballet West Academy being measured and that identifies which parts she can then audition for. 

Audition Day at the Capital Theater.  More than 500 children from throughout the intermountain west auditioned for the coveted spots in this years Nutcracker.  Emily was beyond excited to be cast as a Servant in Cast D (which is the cast she had hoped for)  What a wonderful experience this will be. Lots of rehearsals, sore feet, and good times ahead!

Solar Eclispe 2017

We didn't quite make it to Idaho to experience the 'total eclipse' but we did check it out with some glasses and a cereal box from our 'pool in a pool'.  

Nathan Balls was out doing mosquito abatement in our neighborhood at the time of the eclipse, so he stopped by to get a look at it with the glasses.  I loved how it got darker and cooler so quickly and the night bugs started chirping as if it were dusk.  I also loved the cool shadows that formed on the sidewalks.  It was a cool experience from the pool. 

Homecoming Proposal

The school year has not started yet, but asking girls to the Homecoming Dance is in full swing already.  Lindsay was excited to be asked her good friend Austin - and the best part is that so many of her friends will be their group.  That makes it even more 'LIT'  

Pool in a Pool Adventures

After a hard days work washing windows - Kayla & Johanna got together with Bryant & Nathan and purchased a good sized blow up pool to 'hang our in' while in the pool.  

Pool in a Pool

They spent hours floating around the pool, and once the boys went home, K & J spent the remainder of the night in the 'pool in a pool'.  It was an instant hit.  The following night, sister had a slumber party in the 'pool in a pool' and didn't seemed to be phased by the morning sunshine.  Of all the fun things we've done this summer, they say this is near the top of the list.

Shimmer & Shine Window Washing

Meet Kayla & Johanna - two young entrepreneurs working on a business plan for their newly formed company 'Shimmer & Shine Window Washing'. 

Upon advice from other local entrepreneurs, they have decided to start a Window Washing business. 

 This is their set up.  Maybe it should be called '2 Girls in a Jeep with a Ladder'.  They already have lots of customers, it pays well, and they have so much fun doing it together.

Dr. Matich Donut Run

Dr. Matich is Kayla's concussion doctor.  She seriously is the BEST!  We feel grateful to have Kayla under her care as she is so well versed in Traumatic Brain Injuries in athletes.  She pushes Kayla, but in a positive and caring way, and has been such a good advocate and resource for us throughout this journey.  We have a tradition of going to Dunford Donut Runs after Kay's appointments with Dr. Matich and it makes those early morning appointments even better. 

Still Smiling!

Family Pics Gardner Village

Getting ready...choosing outfits

Working on their famous 'jumping photo'

Nailed It

Hiking Mt. Timp Part 2

TimpoonekeTrailhead - We normally have to hike 1- 2 miles just to get to the Timpooneke Trailhead, and today was no different.  Many people hit the trail between midnight and 2:00am, so that they can watch the sunrise from the summit. We usually hit the trailhead about 6:00am, so those hikers have not yet descended down the mountains, hence the closest parking ranges from 1-2 miles from the actual trailhead.

Miller Shoe Crew

There is not quite like the beautiful meadows 

Lindz Lou starting to get a bit chilly at the 'saddle' 

A few of the mountain goats we encountered on the hike.  Next time we will be more cautious of falling/kicked rocks when we are hiking below them

Break time at the Saddle, getting ready for the final ascent to the Summit

We made it !  Nothing like feeling 'on top of the world' when your on top of Mount Timpanogos. 

Hiking Mt. Timp Part 1

5 am prep - lots of water and food for our 15 mile hike

Upward we go

So much beauty on this hike

About half way to the top

We love this place

There is a small shack at the summit to record your name in the 'official log' and just leave it on anywhere you can find a space in or outside of the shack

There's our Emily

and Dolla Mil

I could sit up here all day and take in the view.   

Heading down.  We had always wanted to see mountain goats on this and today was our lucky day.  We saw tons of them up close and up on the mountain side.  We had one small scare when a mountain goat kicked rocks and the came tumbling down the mountain side almost hitting a hiker not far from us on the trail.

LOVE this!