Where Did Summer Go?

It's hard to believe that it is September already.  The weather has turned chilly and wet, the girls are back at school, and we are left wondering, where did the summer go?

By the time Zoe got out of hospital there were only 22 days left before school began.  Of those 22 days, Zoe had appointments at the hospital 6 days.  So that only left 16 days to have fun and make summer memories.  I think we made pretty good use of those days!

6 Days at the Lake  

Zoe loved swimming and being outside.  She also really loved visiting Grandma!

This is Zoe's new lifejacket- it allows her to be completely independent in the water.  She loves it!

5 Days at Niagara Falls!

 This is us on the Hornblower cruise.  Zoe LOVED getting soaked.  Ailsa was not sure about it and Willow hated it!

 Our hotel was North of the falls (which is actually down river) in a ravine area.  So we got to walk along the ravine and see the rapids.  Zoe kept asking to go swimming- the 6 foot high waves did not bother her!

 The girls loved the Butterfly Conservatory.  They kept wanting a butterfly to land on them.

 Even Zoe kept still in hopes of a fluttering visitor.  She was not so impressed when a cricket landed on her chest and then jumped on her mouth!

1 Day for back to school shopping!

Both girls picked our their own outfits they were excited to wear the first day of school.  Zoe was pretty tired waiting for the bus but she was very excited once it arrived.

Zoe has been pretty tired from all illnesses and travel but is feeling much better.  The other day Zoe was having some pain and she made it clear that she did not want to snuggle with mommy, she wanted her sister.  So Ailsa suggested they sit on the couch and snuggle under a blanket while she read to Zoe.  Zoe fell asleep after 15 minutes but Ailsa kept on reading for an hour.  She said, "I know when Zoe is sleeping she is still kind of listening so I am going to keep reading."  After that, Ailsa watched TV while snuggled against Zoe.  Zoe just kept on sleeping.  

I love watching the girls have their own relationship completely independent of us.  I am so proud of Ailsa for being patient with her sister and not turning away from her pain.  Watching someone you love in pain is very difficult and I am glad Ailsa has found a way to cope with her feelings and remain present with Zoe.  She has found her own way to connect with and comfort Zoe.