Summertime Activities have begun

Summer time has officially began at the Portie household. We are juggling many activities with all 3 children.

Christopher finished the 10th grade and managed to obtain his driver's license. He has started driving his truck that he got as a Christmas present. This has definitely added to my stress and worry level but has relieved both my dad and I from many trips to Lake Charles for basketball practice. Summer League basketball has` started off with a bang - we have 8 games this week. He

will be playing basketball and attending team basketball camps for the entire month of June and even in to July.

Lizzy finished the 7th grade and is looking forward to her 8th Grade year. School rounded out with a final dance for all the middle school to enjoy. Lizzy just finished SCA Cheer Camp and has won All American Cheerleader. This award entitles her to cheer at the Orange Bowl for News Year Eve. Many hours of practice went into perfecting the team cheer and dance for Cheer Camp. So much practice that Maddie QUICKLY learned the dance with Lizzy and does it on command. It is hysterical! I will include a video of Maddie's performance for your viewing pleasure on my next post. Lizzy now is packed and ready to go to Camp Champions for the next three weeks. She leaves on Sunday and will not return until the end of June. Although she loves to go to camp and I want her to go - I sure miss her when she is gone.

Maddie has been busy as well. She finished PK2 (although she will repeat it next year because of her age) and has started the summer program at EDS. She is really enjoying her time at school and has improved both her social skills and communication skills. When she first arrived home she was hesitant to allow anyone (adult or child) close to her and definitely did not want to share or play with anyone outside of us. She is now socializing with the neighborhood children and thoroughly enjoys playing with them and actively shares her toys.

We have scheduled Maddie's baptism for June 27th at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church. We had her baptism dress made while we were in China. I recently had it cleaned and pressed for the big event. Godparents have been chosen and we are ready for this big milestone in her life. We look forward to a wonderfully blessed day shared with family and friends.

Maddie had her first cold this week and required a trip to the Doctor's office. She has been very healthy since arriving home so I wasn't too concerned about her runny nose. During our visit with the Doctor we learned Maddie has grown more than 1 inch and gained more than 1.5 pounds since her well check up in February. Before this confirmation Keith and I had both noticed a change in height. She is growing and thriving!!! She was prescribed an antibiotic and after a couple of days she is much better.

We are beginning to notice Maddie's skills and abilities. She has a memory like no other child I have ever seen. She remembers the specific way we went home, the roads we take and where we need to turn to get home and other familiar places. She recognizes cars and people and does not forget her connection with that person. She also exhibits unbelievable BALANCE. She climbs on many things around the house and balances herself. The other day she was riding a bike that had a very skinny banana seat. She climbed onto the seat and balanced herself for several minutes (until I took her down). She mimicks everything Lizzy does, especially when it comes to cheerleading and dance. She learned that dance so quickly and remembers it. She jumps and flips and is extremely flexible and limber. We have all decided that Gymnastics will be a good activity to start her in this Fall. She has a BIG personality and is infectious. All the kids that go to school with Lizzy and Christopher LOVE her and all want to hold her and have a few minutes with her. She is a ROCK STAR and knows it. LOL

I am looking forward to a great summer with all of my kids!