The Bankston Family: First Day of School, Gymnastics and The Beach!

This Summer Matt and I decided to take a little trip to the beach. Orange Beach to be specific. We are typically Destin people but Matt's parents live in Orange Beach (right across the street from the beach) and we just couldn't turn a free trip down! They have had the place for a few years and sadly this is the first time we have been able to go. It has always been so hard to find the time and we were never brave enough to make the trip with the girls. I'm thinking this Summer is looking good though. So anyways, we played a little "house swap". They came up here to keep the girls and we went down there. Very much needed time off!! Both girls were sick and on a ton of meds which basically stressed me out putting someone else in control. I had to get over it though. There was a slight miscommunication with meds at the beginning but after that it was all good. As soon as we got there we rode our bikes across the street to the beach and put our feet in the sand! Here I am showing off my shell. We didn't really do much of anything. We rode their bikes a lot and had a blast doing that. It was like we were kids again. SOOO carefree! We would eat beignets, then hop on bikes and ride through parking lots chasing sea gulls. Our neighbors happened to be there at the same time and actually witnessed us chasing those birds! Pretty embarrassing! We loved hanging out with Bill, Charlotte, Laura, Clay, Kirsten and Lilly. They seriously are like family. We were lucky they were there cause we got our Tahoe stuck in the sand one day when we were trying to park somewhere we shouldn't have. Bill to the rescue! No matter if we are in Shreveport or Orange Beach, we always need him for something! Deep down we know he loves it though. He has a huge diesel truck with this big wrench and all the tools to pull a car. He was proud cause it was the first time he's needed it. Good memories- HA! He will never let us live that one down.

Oh Melody......what a funny little girl you are:) Thought you and Bubbi kinda resembled eachother right here.

This was Addison's first day of Pre-K 4. It was actually only a few hours so the parents could have a meeting. So y'all read a book and had a frog cookie. Y'all are the "Friendly Frogs" this year and like last year we had to make you your very own cookie to resemble the others that were made in a bakery. Last year we had to do an owl. We are getting pretty good at this! I will explain this in another post in way more detail but you will be starting a program in Dallas with your Allergist that will cure you of your peanut allergy!!! We will start in August and will more than likely have to go once a week. They have had amazing success with it and have been doing it for years! So by the time you get to Kindergarten you will more than likely be able to eat a peanut without going into anaphalactic shock!! The travel will be hard but will be worth it knowing you will be much safer since peanuts are life threatening right now.

Listening to Mrs. Davison read. You got to meet Mrs. Davison about a week before school started so that we could go over your action plan for the allergy. We showed her how to use the epi pens and went over snack rules. We then discussed the injury and just told her that you tend to still walk on your toes when you aren't focusing on it and when you get in a hurry. We explained that your braces keep your heels down. We also wanted to stress that Cognitive is completely fine and the only thing you would need some help with is fine motor skills. She still helps a little with your cutting. Your Occupational Therapist did your assessment not too long ago and you are getting closer and closer to catching up! You are only 6 months behind with fine motor!!! We are so excited and are really happy to be bridging you next year. We think it will be a great way for you to catch up, and I also selfishly want to keep you under our roof for as long as possible!! If I could hold you back 2 years I would! We will most certainly do the same for Melody.

Melody started gymnastics this Fall and it was right down her alley. She was probably the youngest in the class and loved it so much BUT would not listen. I seriously would chase her all over the place from station to station. In her defense it would be hard to line up against the wall and listen to each stations instructions that take a few minutes. I just sat back thinking does it really require this much explaining? Melody had had it and would always take off. She hated waiting her turn and would just fly through everything. I was exhausted by the end and it was to the point where the instructors just kinda looked at us in that special way. After awhile I just gave up and let you run around and burn that energy. I mean, isn't that why we're really there? So even though you do flips and are so very physical, I just don't think you were mature enough yet. I was refunded for the remaining classes and we will just try again next Fall!

Here you are "shopping" for gym shorts in the lobby.

Addison's first day of Pre-k 4. So precious. She was pretty excited to head back to school. For awhile there she thought she had 2 classes. Mrs. Davison's and Mrs. Blanchard's (from last year). She will still randomly want to walk down the hall to Mrs. Blanchard's just to say "Hi" and to tell her all the things she is learning. Melody will have Mrs. Blanchard next year and we are super excited about that!