13!!!!

 Love this kid so much!!!!

12 years old

 12 years ago I met this incredible boy. I couldn't have imagined what a great kid he would turn out to be, and how much better he would make my life. Happy birthday Rory! We've had some great adventures together, and I can't wait to see what comes next

6 years old

Rory had 3 birthday celebrations this year - one in Arizona with his grandparents, one in school, and finally one this past Sunday - a superhero pool party, complete with capes, masks, and lots and lots of running around.
We've had a great few weeks - I'm so very proud of Rory! He is a great friend, always including others in the game, checking in on his buddies. He's doing so well in school, and getting more independent every day. I think this year is going to be the best yet.

Seriously happy birthday boy

Good buddy Sam in full super-hero regalia

cupcakes!

Life in Colorado

It's so beautiful here, and although it's been a long transition, Rory is really thriving. He loves his school, can spell the names of all his friends, is writing his letters and counting so well. He gets amazing special services at school, including a 1:1 aide for the less structured parts of the day. I'm so happy to see how he is coming into his own.

 Rory, his cousin Lola and Nana and Papa heading to the farmer's market.

 Rory's goodbye party in Chicago

 The hiker, with his walking stick

 Rory gets to ride my friend's horse - he's great at it! (and prefers to be wearing his wings when he does).

 This is about 30 seconds before he pitched his shoes over the waterfall - I think I caught the moment when he first got the idea.

 Watching tadpoles.

We spent lots of time this summer playing in the stream.

This is what is outside our door - the foothills of the Rocky Mountains!

Some new pics - about time!

Rory walking Poppy. That boy needs a dog!

Rory and Max, best buds

Rory surveying his prized collection of scraps of paper with super hero and other creature drawings. He likes them better than actual toys! Cheaper, more easily replaced, but don't work quite so well in the bathtub, it turns out. 

Rory is 5!

 We had a pretty amazing power ranger pool party, with belts and swords. The best parts were watching Rory when everyone sang happy birthday - he couldn't have been more pleased! That and jamming on his new electric guitar. Of course the power ranger poster had to come home with us, and is now wall art of a not entirely peaceful kind in Rory's room. So proud of my amazing 5 year old.

 

I'm the blue one

Rory is the blue ranger. Has been for the past 3 days. He wears his 'power suit' all day, and sleeps hugging it at night. He caries the helmet under his arm like a football when the situation isn't critical - but can put it on in 15 seconds if any bad guys show up, so don't be fooled. Blue ranger is always on duty, and takes his practice sessions very seriously.