Apraxia Walk REGISTRATION . 2014

It's that time of year again!  The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of Northern America (CASANA) hosts an annual walk to benefit further research and support of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS, or just "Apraxia" is what I say).

You can see a recap of our perspective on last year's Apraxia Walk HERE.

The details for the upcoming Utah Apraxia Walk:

WHEN:
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Registration: 10:00-11:30am
Walk: 11:30am

WHERE:
Legacy Park - Foxboro Splash Pad & Park
1160 W 1100 N
North Salt Lake City, UT 84054
(about 20-30 minutes south of Ogden/Roy)

I don't know the exact length of the Walk, but it will be at least a mile, up to two - when I know more, I'll update here.

COST: 
$20/adult
$10/child
Registration increases $5/adult day of the Walk.

In order to ensure you get a shirt in your size, registration should be completed online by this Sunday - May 11, 2014.

2014 Apraxia Walk Shirt

To register multiple people in one transaction, CLICK HERE.  On the upper left corner there is a blue "REGISTER HERE" button.  After you agree to the Waiver/Agreement, select "Register Family", then "Join a Team", and choose "Team Hansen" from the drop-down menu.  

To register a single person, CLICK HERE.  On the upper right corner there is a blue "Join Team" button.  After you agree to the Waiver/Agreement, complete the form(s).

And, because I said it well last year, I'll repeat the same again - 
I do know the cost of the event can add up, especially if you have children.  I know it's in Bountiful North Salt Lake - a bit of a drive for many of you.  If it would work for your family, we would welcome the support of you joining us.  Walking with us.  But, for those of you whom this is not a possibility, for any reason, there is no pressure.  We know that you walk alongside our family "in spirit".


Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Let me know if you have any questions.

(Jarrett, Ryder, and Harvick)

We'll beat this thing, one-step-at-a-time.

Birthday Party Fun . 02.2014

Ryder's classmate, Jacob, is also the son of two of my co-workers.  The whole family got an invite to his birthday party!

All three boys were invited to Jacob's 5th birthday party (Ryder has attended school with him for 2 years, and I work with both of his parents).  The boys had a blast jumping in the bounce house, and with the various blow-up toys.  Of course, they also thoroughly enjoyed their cupcakes!

Hogle Zoo . 06.23.2013

We went to the Hogle Zoo on June 23rd to celebrate Lincoln's (my co-worker's son) 1st birthday!  The boys love the zoo, and thanks to Aunt Julie, we are able to visit often!  As always, we started by visiting the elephants.  Much of the zoo is under construction, but the animals we saw were out, and active.  The train is closed (until 2014), but the boys enjoyed ending our time there with a carousel ride.  Also - you'll notice we visited without a stroller - all the boys did well walking on their own!

Apraxia Walk . 2013

Yesterday was the Utah Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech.  Whew - I just call it the "Apraxia Walk"!

The Walk wasn't quite what I had expected, but I am glad we participated.

We got to the Walk early to check-in.  It had rained all morning, and it was still rather cold.  The boys were layered well, which worked out fine, since their shirts were way too big for them - they just wore them over the layers & jacket!  The boys each played the "Go Fish" game, and ate a picnic lunch under the bowery.

The Walk was actually 2.5 miles (a 4K), rather than the "1ish" mile I had been told.  Our Team was mostly together, but I am missing pictures of several people (ahead of us).

Once back, we waited as they drew raffle winners, and then awarded the "Apraxia Stars" with a medal, and a bag of various trinkets.

(Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett)

Due to some last minute events, our Team was down a few people.  I also didn't get a chance to grab a picture of everyone there.  There is always next year, right?!

Left: Us (Jarrett with me, Harvick with Patrick, Ryder standing)
Top Row: Reed/Sheldon Family; Jim & Martha Harris
Bottom Row: Felice Gant & Mariah Ruiz; Gerry & Roxie Sianez

I wrote the following on Facebook last night:

It's been a long day. A good day, though. Thank you to everyone that has supported our family in the Apraxia Walk today - those that donated, bid, and/or purchased items in our auction. Those that were thinking of our family today. And, those that walked alongside us. I took plenty of pictures, but they'll be posted later. Tonight, I want you to know we appreciate you. We appreciate you more than I can express, really. THANK YOU!

I meant it. The auction we held was very successful - thanks to Felice (pictured above) for initiating it, the many donations made, and to the bidders!  I know many family & friends weren't able to physically be there to walk with us, but I appreciated all of those who reached out to let us know they would be making a donation, or would be thinking of us.

And, at the end of what turned out to be a very long event, I asked Patrick to take a picture with me.  I often thank everyone who supports our family, but don't often take the time to thank him directly.

Thank you Patrick!

With the support of all of you, our total Team Hansen donation to CASANA was $766.00!  Thank you!

One-step-at-a-time.

Broncos Fans!

Peggy (my mom's friend) sent the boys Broncos shirts, after we weren't able to connect in-person when we were in Colorado.  They've been able to wear the shirts a handful of times, but I keep missing the opportunity to take a picture.  So, when they were wearing them last week, I thought a picture of them together would be perfect...and, as usual, the boys weren't on board.  So, I skipped it, and decided to take a few shots of them on their own...

My first attempts didn't go so well.  I especially love that when Patrick was teasing Jarrett, Ryder was all about the photo op, leaning into the picture!

Cute boys!
(Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett)

Thanks Peggy for the fun shirts!

Black Island Farms . 2012

Earlier this month, we decided to brave Black Island Farms again this year!  And...what an adventure.  Luckily, it worked out for us to be able to meet up with Kaebrie, Leighton, and London (and Jennika and Chris, of course)!  The place is definitely spendy, but we stuck to just visiting the Courtyard, where the boys could enjoy the activities.

An attempt at a shot of the boys together...
(Harvick, Jarrett, and Ryder)

Visiting the animals.  Jarrett especially enjoyed this part.

Making their way through the tunnels (playground tub slides placed throughout bales of hay).

Sliding!  This was quite the workout for Patrick and I...Ryder still needed a bit of help climbing up the rope, and, of course, Harvick and Jarrett couldn't get up to the top.  It was quite the assembly line effort!
(Jarrett on the top row, Ryder on the center, and Harvick on the bottom row)

Patrick sliding down with Harvick (left) and Jarrett (right) one last time!

Not sure what this is, but it is a giant storage container, with a simple hole cut out - the boys LOVED jumping in it!

Ryder, of course, wanted to ride the train (pulled by a tractor).  After riding, we met up with the girls - so he got to ride a second time with Kaebrie (bottom right picture)!

The corn box!  Jarrett, Harvick, Leighton (in pink), and London (in purple) all loved it (even if Jennika didn't!).

Sliding on the smaller slide!

An attempt at having the brothers slide down together.
(Jarrett, Ryder, and Harvick)

Ryder and Kaebrie!

Harvick fell asleep after being in the stroller for just a few minutes as we walked out!

After spending the afternoon playing, all TEN of us headed out to dinner together...and, yes, I did call ahead to ensure the restaurant would have FOUR highchairs...and, yes, we did get quite the looks when we clarified that the party was for TEN, including FOUR babies needing highchairs, TWO toddlers requiring kids menus, and only FOUR adults!  I did have my camera with me for dinner...but...all of our hands were a bit occupied!

Thanks Reed family for another great outing together...and, Ryder is still talking about coming to your house to play now...

Kaebrie's Birthday Party . 2012

I'm a bit behind on blogging...

A few weekends ago it was Kaebrie's birthday - the boys love going the girls' parties - there is 3 of everything!

Playing in the girls' backyard!

Harvick LOVED the little slide!

Ryder took turns with Kaebrie riding down the shed entry.  I love that he couldn't care less about the pink/flower scooter!

I wanted a picture of Harvick (left) and Jarrett (right) in the cars, like we got at Leighton and London's party in June...they weren't in the mood.

Ryder, my least-likely-to-fall-asleep-outside-of-his-bed boy, fell asleep before we turned onto the main road, after leaving the party - AND stayed asleep long enough to cuddle with me at home for a bit!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAEBRIE!  We're looking forward to your next party already!

Peach Days . 2012

Since 2008, Patrick and I have been going to Brigham City for their annual Peach Days.  Even though last year was a bit hard with a 2 year old, and infant twins, we enjoyed ourselves, and were looking forward to go back again.

Friday morning Patrick and I facilitated my parent's Yard Sale.  We decided to take the boys out to Brigham after picking them up from the babysitters.  I texted a friend (former co-worker) who lives in Brigham, and she met us for dinner.  

We walked around the vendors, where we ran into some of my previous co-workers manning one of the Coke booths.  I knew Vicki took a picture of Ryder and I, but was surprised when it was emailed to all of that area's employees!  Luckily, it got forwarded to me too.

Ryder and me at Peach Days!

The carnival rides were pricey (again), so we first looked around to see if Ryder would be interested.  Upon seeing the train, and a car ride, he quickly decided which rides he was interested in riding.  We had the discussion with Ryder, over and over, that he would only get to do two carnival rides.  He understood, and was excited to ride!

Ryder, on the car and train carnival rides.

Harvick (left) and Jarrett (right) waited patiently in the stroller while Ryder was on the rides...next year I'm sure they  will want to be on the rides too!

We walked around additional vendors, but when Ryder didn't want to walk anymore, he convinced "Reece" (Charisse) to carry him.  I think he weighs nearly as much as she does.  Patrick and I both told him no, but Charisse willingly gave in to his request.

Charisse carrying Ryder around the vendors!

Before we could leave, I asked Charisse to take a picture of us in front of the peach (and other fruits/veggies) display.  I wish I would have gotten one with her in it too!

Peach Days . 2012
(in the stroller: Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right)

Ryder has discovered the joys of taking pictures, and almost always wants to take one after he has  been in a picture himself.  We're working on him aiming the camera at the subject - Patrick was caught as he was bending down a bit because it looked as though Ryder was aiming low.

As we were walking back to our car, we walked along the street with free children's games - the games were similar to those at Tomato Days from 2 weeks prior, but had very long lines - not worth it!  That is, until Ryder saw the train ride.  It was free, and the line was minimal - so he was able to ride!

Ryder, enjoying the free train ride.  He had hoped to sit in the "green caboose", but when it was taken by the boys in front of him in line, he happily chose the purple car.

We had a fun evening!  Thanks to Charisse giving up her Friday evening, it was even more fun!  Whenever you transfer offices the hardest part of moving/changing positions is leaving the friendships you've made.  Leaving Brigham was hard for me - working in a small office, with the same team daily for 2 years led to several great relationships.  Charisse was on the hiring panel that promoted me to the position that took me to Brigham.  We became friends quickly, and I cherish the friendship we have maintained.  And, to top it off, Charisse loves my boys.  She regularly comes to visit, and even came to the hospital when Harvick & Jarrett were born!  

A blurry shot (I didn't have my flash with me) of Charisse walking with Harvick back to our car, while Patrick is ahead, pushing the stroller.

Friends! . Owen & Drew

Over 6 years ago, Bridget and I worked together.  We were on different teams, but were friendly with eachother at work.  After 2 years working in the same office, I took a new position (same agency, different office), and Bridget and I had only minimal contact.  On the day I announced I was pregnant with Ryder, I heard she had announced she was also pregnant with her first.  Our due dates were about a month apart - which, allowed us to form a pretty instant re-connection.  We took a few of the same parenting/birth prep classes together, and would compare how things were going.  Exactly 1 month after Ryder was born, Owen was born.  Bridget and her husband, Luke, had their second son, Drew, just weeks before we announced we were pregnant with twins.

So, picture this: 5 boys...and Ryder is the OLDEST!  To say it is hectic/chaotic when we get together, would be right on point!  We were finally able to match up our schedules last Saturday, and we headed over to their house for dinner, and for the boys to play while we chatted.  The boys all did great!  Owen and Drew have a train table, so Ryder was in complete heaven!

After dinner, the boys wanted to play outside...but, we had done early baths, and our boys were already in their jammies.  Thankfully, Ryder was able to borrow a T-shirt and shorts, and we headed out!

Ryder was not interested in smiling for me, luckily Owen (left) and Drew (right) were all about it!
Bridget - when I opened these pictures, I can't believe how much Drew looks like Luke in these pictures! What do you think?!

They have a ground level trampoline - Ryder loved having the ability to get on and off so easily. Harvick and Jarrett didn't want to be left out of the craziness, and quickly came over to join them!  Jarrett stayed around the perimeter, but Harvick walked (slowly!) around with the big boys, as they ran in circles.

Ryder and Owen working together!

It's so much fun to have friends with kids the same age.  And, when we get together again, there will be SIX children...Owen and Drew will be welcoming a baby sister very soon!

Thank you, Bridget and Luke, for having us over.  We all had a great time, and Ryder has talked about "hopping (jumping) at OW-hen's home" every day this week!  And, we can't wait to meet baby girl!

Aquatic Center . 07.09.2012

Another Monday at the Aquatic Center!

Getting to the Aquatic Center after a full day of work, preparing dinner for everyone, getting in swimsuits, lathered in sunblock, loaded, then unloaded from the car, into the center, and ready to get in the water...well, it's a ridiculous amount of work.  Three kids, ages 2 and under (for another week!) makes for a lot of opportunities for everything to take an atrocious amount of time.

But, it's worth it.  Completely worth it!

Unfortunately, the Reed Family wasn't able to make it again this week (feel better soon!), but our neighbor and her 3 kids met up with us there.  Ryder is getting more daring in the water, and seems to enjoy it more each week.  Harvick is the most timid - he is okay with the water, but not enthusiastic about it.  Jarrett...he's in love with the pool - the kid is willing to crawl (at near the speed of light) into water much too deep for him - he has to frequently be pulled out, and redirected so that he remains safe!

I've never really looked forward to Mondays...but, as long as the Aquatic Center is open, I think Monday nights will be one of my favorites each week!

Swinging!

Tonight, as my parents and Rory left (of course, they wanted to see the boys the first chance they could after getting back from Kauai!), we walked outside with the boys.  We decided to let the boys play a bit - it was too late to go walking, but inside was nice and tidy from having toys already picked up.

Luckily for us, our neighbors were out also, and Ryan and Ryder played together in the front.  Before we knew it, they had wandered to our backyard...Tara and I walked back together to get them, and as we turned toward the playset, we saw them, swinging - together.  I ran back to the front to grab my camera...

Seriously, is that not the cutest thing?!  They did it on their own, 100%.  And, of course, neither wanted to stop.  Good thing we just live next door to each other!

Aquatic Center . 06.18.2012

For the second week in a row, we went to the Aquatic Center this evening!  Our friends, the Reed Family, were able to make it again as well!

Jennika was nice enough to pick up two swim seats for the boys, like the ones she has for her girls - since she lives closer that way than I do, she really saved me some time!

As expected, the boys loved it - especially Jarrett!  Seeing the 4 babies in the water, floating around in their seats, I wonder how many people around us thought that the babies might be quadruplets!  

Four babies, in their swim seats!
(Harvick, Jarrett, Leighton, and London)

Ryder did much better this week than last, until he slipped and fell face first in the pool.  He was in just deep enough water that he couldn't stand up on his own easily.  Patrick witnessed the fall, and he and Jennika were pulling him up within seconds.  He was completely fine, but lost all willingness to play in the water.  He would sit with Patrick or me, but didn't want to run around with Kaebrie, chasing a water toy, anymore.  Oh well, it was still better than last week!

By the time I had the camera, Ryder was wanting to get out.  Good thing Kaebrie would smile for me!

The pool requires "breaks" every hour(or two?) where everyone has to get out - the boys took advantage of the time, and had a drink and snack!

(Jarrett on the left, Harvick on the right)

Thanks again Reed Family.  Two weeks in a row...we may skip next week...but, are you up for it again in 2 weeks?!

Seeing these pictures makes me realize just how much I either need to replace my flash (it burned out!), or actually learn how to use the settings on the camera...with it so bright out, I couldn't see the display well anyway, and didn't realize how bad some of the lighting was!

Birthday Celebrations!

This past weekend, we helped to celebrate three 1st birthdays!  First up was Leighton and London on Saturday.  The party was at a family member's home, and was super fun for the boys.

All three boys LOVED the girl's push/ride cars...works out perfectly for the boys that there are 3 kids in the family!
(Ryder in red, Harvick in yellow, Jarrett in green)

Ryder swinging.

Jumping on the mini-trampoline!
(left to right: Harvick, Jarrett, Ryder, and Kaebrie)

Sunday we celebrated our neighbor, Reece's birthday at a nearby Park!  I didn't pull my camera out during the party, with the exception of one picture when we first got there.

Harvick (orange) and Jarrett (blue) want to walk so badly.  They loved walking together, with Patrick!

We had a fun weekend celebrating with friends.  It's great to have several friends with kids so close in age to our boys!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to REECE, LEIGHTON, and LONDON!!