A couple weeks ago school ended, so Maria’s done with 2nd grade now, can you believe it? I sent Maria to school the last day so she could say good-bye and go to the party. She had a nice time and the kids were happy to see her, but she had a fever that night and the next morning. Argh!
We went to New Mexico (Albuquerque) for a few days–I had a meeting and since Maria’s out of school, she and Manolis came with me. Dad & Ida were out of town, so we stayed at The Hotel Blue, downtown. It’s a funky place! Looks ratty outside, but it’s nice and clean inside. They even upgraded us to a suite at no charge–Maria’s charm worked again! We had her wheelchair, her bike, and a bunch of stuff, as usual; the room we originally got was very small–barely bigger than the 2 beds. The suite was sooo much better, one room with a bed, and the other room was a full kitchen and lots of space; we called it Maria’s equipment room. They also had breakfast every morning and cookies every day (Yummy). I got my fill of green chile for the few days.
Tomorrow Maria’s starting summer school, they call it ESY (extended school year). Last year was fairly crappy in ESY, but I discussed it with the head person and it sounded like she was trying to make some changes. The sign language teacher is supposed to see Maria every day and we’re hoping her awesome aide is going to be her ESY aide. One of her regular school year bus drivers will be driving her to school (last year, I never even knew the bus drivers’ names). We will see. I still have some disgruntlements (like, which goals are they working on? Who’s her teacher? What am I supposed to send in? etc etc etc). Oh well, baby steps, I guess… The other good thing is that it’s at a school that’s much closer to our house, so the bus ride will be shorter.
Oh yea, soccer–today Uncle Andy and I took her to soccer. He was helping her stand up with a ball at her feet and she kicked the ball! then did it again, and again and again. She actually walked more than half of the field, kicking the ball!! And I didn’t have my stinkin’ camera. I ALWAYS bring my camera. Of course, I forgot it today. Jill made everyone leave the ball alone so Maria could kick it into the goal. It took a long time and I heard one kid say, “this is going to take forever!” to which I replied, “we’re teaching you patience.” When she finally kicked the goal, everyone cheered and clapped and Maria tried to clap, too. It was fan-frickin-tastic! So awesome! Too bad her daddy wasn’t there to see.