Live and Learn 2008

We had a great time at L&L. I still get that let-down when we get home. Someday I hope I can just keep it positive for a longer period of time.

Once again, the best times were the ones not scheduled (although the Amy Steinberg concert was really, really fun and great). Seeing people we knew from previous conferences was incredibly special. I also met some really, really cool people I hadn't before. There isn't enough space here to list them all... Talking and getting to know them and finding where on this journey they are was so worth the time sitting and knitting! I also bought so many things from those who made items to sell. I loved how many young artists there were! Thanks for all the goodies!!! I'll have to post some pictures when I get a second...

Kai was up and gone pretty much as soon as we got there. He found about 3 or 4 groups of guys that he connected with and went back and forth between them. I think the best thing for him was being able to try and make it with a group of older boys. He tried to hang with some that were 11 and 12. Although maturity levels weren't the same, the older kids really put an effort into including him. I loved seeing this simply because he is the oldest in our core group, so rarely has the chance to see what older kids are like! I couldn't ask for a better 'example' set of kids! The only older kids at home we know are girls. This made it even greater cause the group he wanted to hang with were all boys...with boy views on things to do, boy humor and boy energy. I forget that he's getting closer to being a tween. He had a great time and enjoyed the complete freedom to be with others in a really safe environment.

Kade spent most of his time with Cameron and a few other friends. We saw far more of him simply because the Gomez-Fisher family was directly across the hallway from us. Cameron seemed to be most comfortable close to his mom and dad, so we saw much of Gardenia and Jim (yeah!). This meant Kade spent a lot of time with Jim and Gardenia, too, and I was able to go and do things. It wasn't until the 4th day that Cameron decided it would be ok to just hang with me and Kade...this was great in that it allow Jim and Gardenia to both go do what they wanted at the same time. Ella ended up staying with us for only about 10-15 minutes, but it was something! Kade really was bummed that he didn't get anything he put his raffle tickets into. He even put in about 10 in for one thing...and Cameron got it when he only put in one of his tickets. A great learning experience, but not an easy one to get through. The raffle happened at the same time as the dance. So, having Queen come on at that precise moment was a great thing. He got down from my arms and went to dance with all the teens that were still on the dance floor...singing every word and 'playing' the guitar at the same time. It was also great to see the teens impressed there was this little guy that knew all the words! Ben was great and joined the fun to dance with him. Ronnie and the teens included them, too cool. Another moment I remember. Kade said he was headed up to the game room to play rock star. I asked if he wanted me to go. He said, "Um, I guess." So up I went. He started playing with others, then looks over at me and says, "You can go back down to the lobby." Ok. I guess he's likeing the freedom to do his own thing too. The last day found us at the picnic down by the lake. Kade, of course, couldn't stay on dry land, so was in the water...and found the mud.

Jeff's chat went really well. An hour wasn't enough time to get through it all. Some great conversations were born from it, and I think that's the best outcome we can want from a chat. He also did a funshop of paper bag puppets. It was a huge success. We had precious few bits of crafty stuff left! Jeff hung out a lot with other dads and talked with so many people. He also loves to interact with the kids, so did a lot of that too. He had bought a bunch of balloons, punch balloons and glow sticks so spent 2 nights giving those out. Swarms of kids! All having fun. He did the SUDDs thing and spent some time with me in the lobby. He and his 'arch enemy' came to the conclusion that being great friends was fun too...he misses her, I know.

I followed Kade for part of the time. The chat was fine, but not as good as at LIFE. I don't know if I'll do it again. It's so nerve wracking. I was able to do the henna and door signs funshops. The woman who did the henna funshop (Maria!) is an incredible artist. The list she had was very long, so I was able to help out. I did my first baby belly! Thank you so much, Katy. I enjoyed that time. Kade went swimming a few times with me too. The water was WAY too cold for me, but Kade really loved that they had 2 diving boards. He's really working on his spin dives. I guess that's pretty much what I did. Oh, the boys bought my costume for the Mascarade Ball. It was a total surprise to me and worth every minute! I would have never come up with it on my own. I also really enjoyed the Fairy God Parent excitement. We, as a family, did it together. We even got to see one (Laura) open her surprise! It was really a special time.