Couch Family

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Buddy Walk 2010

Since the Tri-State Down Syndrome group is kind-of small we only host a Buddy Walk every other year and since this was an off year we decided to attend the Sioux Falls, SD Buddy Walk. It turned out to be an incredible day and lots of fun for the kids. One of the great highlights was meeting Chris Burke, a famous actor from the 1980's TV show "Life Goes On". Seeing Chris on TV as a kid helped me see beyond many of the false stereo types at are associated with people with Down syndrome. Who would have known that this amazing little boy would change our hearts, lives and souls so much or that because of him we would make friends with some incredible families and build amazing friendships. It was an honor to celebrate and spread awareness of these incredible individuals at the 2010 Buddy Walk!

Brandon, Taylor, Caleb and Lori with Chris Burke

Caleb and his friend Cheyenne

Caleb and Daddy having fun

Chris Burke

Brandon and his buddy Tavian

Taylor, Caleb, Tavian, Brandon and Kadin

Emily and Caleb - A.K.A Double Trouble

Emily

The whole family

Taylor and her friend Kadin

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

1st Day of Preschool

Today was Caleb's first day of 4 year old preschool. This year he will be attending a traditional preschool for 4 days a week in the morning without an aid. He was very excited to go to school and despite being a little nervous as we entered his classroom he had a great day. He has an amazing veteran teacher that is genuinely excited to have him and sees him as a benefit to the class. We can't wait to see all the new things he will learn this year. We love you and are so proud of you Caleb!

First Day of Preschool!

Took a few tries, but we finally got a good smile!

Friday, September 3, 2010

First Day of School

Taylor and Brandon went back to school last week and I think everybody was ready. Even though they were both a little nervous, they had a great day and loved their teachers. Taylor started 3rd grade and the big talk was having tarantula in her room. Brandon started 1st grade and was super excited about having a bearded dragon in his room. I'm just glad they had a great day, love their teachers and that the spider and lizard are both at school and not in our house.

Brandon being silly

Taylor saying she is a little nervous.

Monday, August 30, 2010

A Special Visit

Wow it has been a couple of very busy weeks for both Charlie and I so now it is time to play a little catch-up. At the beginning of August we were blessed with a visit from Charlie's brother Chris, his wife Sveta and their new baby Alex. This was this first time we had been able to meet baby Alex and the kids could not get enough of him. Being the great big brother and sister they are, Taylor and Brandon really enjoyed holding, playing and talking to Alex.

Sveta, Chris and Alex

The kids - with baby Alex

Baby Alex - it's he so cute!

The whole gang!

All the kids!

Mall of America

During Chris, Sveta and Alex's visit we all drove up to the Mall of America for a couple days of shopping and fun. It was a fun trip and both Taylor and Brandon surprised us by riding some pretty big roller coasters!

The Mall of America

Taylor and Alex .

The roller coaster that Taylor went on twice!

The roller coaster that Brandon loved!

The bumper cars - Caleb, Taylor and Brandon loved these!

Taylor getting her dolls hair done at the American Girl doll store.

Caleb riding the Big Rigs - he could have rode this about 5 times and could have rode it all day!

Emily and Brandon with Cha Cha from the Rainforest Cafe

The bumper cars - round two or three?

Brandon and Alex

Brandon having with Alex

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Engine Show 2010

As always a highlight of our summer was our annual trip to Bird City, Kansas at the end of July for the Steam Engine Show. The show was extra special this year because the whole Wamhoff clan was there . . all 5 of Grammie's kids & spouses, 5grand kids + spouses and all 11 great- grand kids!