October adventures for Clara

Clara had an eventful October. She was selected to participate in PERT, a five-day overnight program at the Wilson Workforce Rehab Center in Fishersville, about 35 minutes south of us. Students with IEPs from all over the state go and get to try out different vocational opportunities, learn about employment, and are evaluated on their independent living skills.

Clara was very anxious about it, but she loved her dorm room and it was fun to help her get set up. 

She got some great smiles from Clayton before we left. She had some hard moments that week, but she really enjoyed her horticulture and floral design classes, so perhaps that is something we can look into for the future. We were proud of her for staying for almost the whole week and for doing hard things.

A couple of weeks later, Clara sang with the SHS choirs at the homecoming football game. She did a great job (she is in the white t-shirt on the left)!

And then the next night, she attended a fun outdoor homecoming party at a classmate's home in our neighborhood. She loved dancing to the music.

A visit to Great-Grandma

 We were able to travel up to Gettysburg to visit Michael's grandma Weiler in October. His grandfather passed away earlier this year, and because of Covid we weren't able to see him. It was a blessing to be able to visit with Great-grandma.

Seeing one of her newest grand babies.

Clayton is a fan.

The pond behind the farmhouse is just a magical place. I was afraid the boys would fall in here as they kept leaning way over the dock, but fortunately they didn't.

Michael's cousins Becky and Eryn came to visit as well, which was especially kind given how chilly it was that day.

Playing with toys from thoughtful Aunt Kate.

Enjoying the view with Clayton.

The next day we were able to visit Great-grandpa's grave. It is located in a beautiful place. Thank goodness families can be together forever.

We also visited the Gettysburg museum briefly. Poor Abe.

We climbed this tower to get a panoramic view of one of the battlefields.

Benjy at the top.

A highlight for me of the trip was throwing the football with the boys on one of the battlefields. Traveling with all the kids was a challenge, but Clayton was a champ and the memories we made were sweet.