See Ya Summer!

Thanks for the fun!

Lona went to Camp TECHie this summer at TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids) and had a great time. The goal of Camp Techie is to help reinforce social skills, academic skills, and gross and fine motor skills with the use of assistive technology (computers, iPads, and Wii), arts and crafts projects, and group activities.




Making new friends.




We went to the San Diego Zoo and unfortunately were only able to see the goats in the petting zoo before we had to leave. We just hate it when one of our backs go out. I'm glad that Lona was able to enjoy her visit, however brief it may have been.

Who knew goats were just the right size to do this?




And this.




And this.




Hey, are you paying attention?




We made up for it with some yummy pizza with Daddy overlooking San Diego Bay.




Lona enjoyed the Orange County Fair and getting to see all kinds of creatures, both big...




... and small




and everyone in between.




They were sharing a moment.




Her first pony ride was a huge hit. Lona loved it and did not want to get off,




and the funnel cake disappeared in record time.




Girls night out. Lona thoroughly enjoyed her first trip to the Hollywood Bowl. Every year we see John Williams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic and like a true Swerdfeger, she loved the music.




Wow! So much fun in just one summer! Next up... preschool!!!

It's Picnic Time

If anyone was wondering, Lona loves picnics. We attended two picnics this summer and she had the BEST TIME EVER!!! The first picnic was the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County's Annual Summer Family Picnic. The other picnic was for Nightlight Christian Adoptions Summer Reunion Picnic. Nightlight had sponsored a group of children ages 9-14 from a detsky dom (children's home) in Ukraine this summer and they performed traditional Ukrainian folk songs and dances at the picnic as well as various local churches and even Disneyland.


Here are a few of the many fun picnic firsts:
- Water balloon toss






- Limbo






- Hula hoops



You start like this.




::: SIGH::: Those big kids made this look so easy!




- Water Games










- Bounce House



Bounce house again... after water games



Whew! That's a lot of fun and we can't wait to do it all again next year!

Lona the Fashion Model?

Alyona was first spotted outside of Häagen-Dazs in Downtown Disney. She was wearing a cute purple top with denim shorts.




Lona was next spotted waiting in line for Flik's Flyers in a pink and peach floral sundress. Very cute, her pink sunglasses accessorized her outfit nicely.




Lona was then spotted in the Princess Dot Puddle Park. She and the sundress were both completely soaked to the bone (you are going to have to trust me on this one) and due to the heat, I was just a tiny bit jealous.

She was loving on a new friend, Arrow, a psychiatric service dog.




Lona was spotted on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in outfit number three. The Mickey inspired madras sundress was very cute and a nice way to end the day at the Happiest Place on Earth!



"Three Outfit Kind of Days" happen.