Ireland turns 13

Steven (17), Brad (15), Ty (15), Rowen (12) [Jen's sister, Lara's boy], Jake (13), Ava (8), and Ireland (13)

Eli, Ireland, Jake, and Ava

Enjoying their hot dogs and the sun.

Skip, Dennis, Ava, Ireland, Rowen, Ty, Steven, Brad, and Jake

Ty (with his broken hand wrapped in a bag), Grandma Jennifer (Jen's mom), Skip, Jen, Ireland, Jake, and Steven

Skip and Jen's daughter, Ireland, turned 13 this past Saturday. They invited us to join them at Camp Williams for some swimming and a BBQ. The pool was massive and even though it's been heated for a few weeks it was still cold water. The kids didn't seem to mind and still swam and had a blast. It was so fun to get together again. It's been quite a while. Jen had surgery on a Pituitary tumor and now has to have another surgery on a parathyroid tumor. Her father died of thyroid cancer when he was in his 50's so I hope Jen has found it early enough so they can get rid of it before it spreads throughout her body.

The boys continue to struggle with their emotions. Ty had a broken hand from punching a wall a couple months ago. I guess some neighborhood boys were making fun of him and so instead of punching them he punched a wall and broke his hand. Steven, had some trouble while we were there at the swimming pool. He was playing with Skip and Dennis in the pool, splashing them and having fun. Then Skip started to get him back and he exploded. It took about an hour for him to calm down. He kept saying how much he hated his Dad and said some really horrible things to him and about him but bless Skip, he just ignored it all until Steven finally calmed down. Autism really is so hard for not only the children but the parents as well. Steven, being 17 has a crush on a girl (he wants to watch his favorite show, Disney's Frozen with her) and wants to get his license but Jen says he's just not emotionally ready. I don't know if he ever will be but I so wish he could. My heart aches for these sweet boys and for Skip and Jen as they try to help them as they physically mature and will soon face a world that may not understand or be equipped to handle these outbursts.
Ireland was a good sport through it all and was happy to have us all there. She was proud of the cake she made with Jen and loved her presents. She and Jake and Ava played together the whole time and had so much fun. All three kids asked several times when they could come over for a BBQ at our home. Jen and I are going to try to plan something before she has her surgery at the end of June. We sure do love this family!