A Summer Visit to Riverbanks Zoo {July 2022}

We needed to have one last summer hurrah before the kids went back to school and before Mattox's special friend moved away.  This friendship was such a special relationship for Mattox who does not make new friends easily.  Mattox and his buddy made a connection because they both wear special BAHA hearing aids and work with the same special teachers at school.  Mr. J is a good influence on Mattox because he is very outgoing and social and loves to talk.  J also has a little sister close to Maggie's age so that was another instant hit.  Sadly, they decided to move to the mountains for a change so we will not get to see them as often although we do plan to keep up the friendship. 

A lovely hot summer playdate at the zoo.

Checking on the bears who were feeling very hot and lazy. 

Brody and Grayson were feeling very brave to tackle the high climb like their biggest brother Evan. 

They all followed Evan's lead. 

Evan encouraged Brody to make it across. 

Brody was fine on the rope bridge. 

Evan is an old pro now. 

Brody kept getting more brave. 

Mattox and Grayson had to make sure they were tall enough. 

Mattox tried his best but decided heights weren't for him. 

Daddy tried to be brave too. 

Grayson would like to ride a real tiger please. 

Evan says you are never too old for the carousel. 

Daddy and Brody agree. 

Maggie loves riding a lioness. 

Grayson thinks it would be cool to ride a zebra. 

Happy girl!

Mr. Mattox liked his noble steed. 

Feeding the birds is always an adventure. 

Trying to entice a bird to come down to the kids. 

I encouraged one onto my hand and then passed him on to our pal J. 

Feeding the giraffes is usually a favorite, but they were too hot to be interested in food.  They just walked away and never came back. 

Sweet friends at the zoo.

J and his sister and Mattox and his brother Grayson

The moms and sisters wanted a girl picture, but the boys would not allow that. 

Cooling off at the splash pad. 

 

Ranger Mattox's 7th Birthday

Mattox has developed a new love of Power Rangers shows on Netflix so he wanted a Power Rangers birthday.  We did our best to make our boy's dream come true.  This year has brought some big changes for Mattox as he finally has his new hearing aid and has already started making big progress in school.  His confidence has already gotten better too.  He is just such a special and sweet boy, and we will keep fighting to get him what he needs for success.  His adorable sense of humor is always making us smile and laugh.  We are just so thankful for this precious rainbow baby! 

The first cake was for our little family party on his actual birthday. 

Some special Power Rangers balloons and decorations. 

Oh I love that smile! 

He loves his little sister. 

But we had to get some pictures of just him. 

Singing Happy Birthday. 

Happy boy with his family. 

Cake time!

Daddy enjoyed his cake. 

And Maggie did too. 

Cheese!!!

Just the girls. 

Best friend Grayson will always be beside his big brother. 

Oh these two and their special friendship.  Grayson was just as excited to see the presents. He knows they share everything.  Haha! 

Oops, Grayson was upset because Mattox gets to do the opening.  

A cool Power Rangers mask. 

And sword. 

Our red Power Ranger. 

Maggie claims the pink Power Ranger. 

And Grayson claims the blue one. 

Mattox had a special friend come to the party who is also in first grade at his school and wears a BAHA on the same ear as Mattox.  They have become such good buddies.  His friend's little sister was a fun friend for Maggie too.  His friend's mom is so amazing and teaches a special needs class at their school.  We feel very blessed that her class got moved to their school this year!

His friend couldn't wait for Mattox to open his present because it had...Hex Bugs.  Mattox loves toy bugs and playing tricks on people with them.  He puts them in one of his favorite teacher's chair sometimes when he gets a new one from the treasure box and comes home to "surprise" me with them. 

He got lots of goodies from his friend. 

Miss Maggie was interested in the jar of slime.  Yikes!

Our neighbor friend came for a few minutes in between a busy day of extracurricular activities. 

Playing with the crazy Hex bugs. 

Enjoying some birthday cupcakes. 

Mattox's new trick of plugging his ears and saying "I still hear you."  His BAHA gives him this "super power."  Haha! 

Singing Happy Birthday. 

Maggie loves sweets!

Some crazy fun on the trampoline. 

I guess it got too crazy for Brody. 

Miss Maggie and her new friend.  Pretty girls! 

And these cool Power Rangers. 

Happy Birthday, Mattox!  7 years has gone so fast, and we can't wait to see how you grow and excel in the next 7 years.  We love you to the moon and back to infinity and beyond!