Doing great things!

 April has been another really great month for Ashton and he has had a lot of fun being super creative!

First, we celebrated his 14th birthday with two of his best buddies, Weyland and Stephen.  The boys enjoyed a sleepover, along with an ice cream cake, and California tortilla.

Best pic he'd let me get!

We also celebrated Easter and Passover with the family.

Ashton has been super clever and creative this month.  First, someone gave him an old razor motor scooter that did not work, and he used his birthday money and amazing knowledge to fix it up and turn it into a speedy dirt bike that he enjoys riding.  I am so impressed!  For the most part, he did all the research on his own and put it together.

Also, he and his buddies, instead of spending their spring break in front of screens, spent their time building forts at our local park.  One of the boys was even permitted by his dad to spend the night alone in the fort.  Apparently, he made it until 12:30 before he got scared, and his dad came to pick him up.  Ashton really wanted to spend the night as well, but that was a non-negotiable for us!  I kept asking for pictures of the fort, but Ashton kept forgetting.  Maybe one day before they fall apart!

Ashton also got to go with Mr. Rick to play airsoft once again!  I am so glad they can do that together.  

Ashton's lil side kick

 It's no secret that Ashton is really good with little kids and our little neighbor Grayson is no exception!  It's absolutey adorable to see how much Grayson worships Ashton and how awesome Ashton is with him!

Happiness!

 Yesterday we got an encouraging note from Ashton's math teacher!  He has had a great year in Math!!!!  He has worked really hard to "catch up" with his grade level peers.  Needless to say we are very proud of him!

Hello,

I just wanted to send out an email to let you know that Ashton has been doing fantastic in math this year.  He even just scored a 100% on one of the hardest tests that we will take all year.

He should be proud of his work, and I am excited to see how he does throughout the rest of the year.

Thanks,
Mr. Gaetani

Also it's not secret Ashton loves his bikes.  He loves riding them.  Taking them apart, putting them sometimes back together.  Well yesterday he created his own little "bike repair shop" in the shed.  He was so excited to show it off to me!  I was so proud of him!

Ashton's little bike repair shop!

Snow days!

We welcomed in the New Year with Katie and her family!

January gave Ashton the gift of two little snow storms back to back! He made snow forts, went snow skiing multiple times (even once with Daddy), created a snow ski bike, and did lots of sledding!  Needless to say, he loves the snow and has been a delighted boy!

Yesterday, he had his first "ski club" ski event at Liberty and adored it!  He skied from 3 p.m to 9 pm!!!! Even going on a black diamond trail for the first time!  He is already looking forward to next week! 

He also registered for his high school classes!  I can't believe our little boy is going to go to high school next year!!!!

December Download

 It's hard to believe 2024 is coming to a close!  Ashton has been very busy in December.  Of course, he continues to love riding his bike!  For Christmas, he received a new BMX bike!  He is very excited to try it out on our local bike park.  He continues to love to use power tools to create all types of things.  For Christmas, he even made his sister a desk Mr. Rick his birthfather also stopped by on Christmas Eve and dropped off a new Airsoft pistol.  Needless to say, he has been a very happy boy! H  Today Ashton is enjoying his first day of his Epic Snow pass, snowboarding with his buddy Nathan.

First day on the slopes!

Braving a cold day at Tree Trekkers

Ashton wanted to put Christmas lights on the house this year!

A little snow hike with my buddy

Santa, I've been very good!

Christmas Morning

A rare hug as a thank you for the handmade desk (in background)

Shooting his new airsoft pistol

Parker and the bike

Ashton has a new little friend named Parker, with whom he loves to ride bikes downtown. It reminds me of my carefree bike-riding days from the 1980s. In some ways, this is great because it gives Ashton some freedom, gets him out moving instead of sitting behind a screen, and gives him socialization. However, it also comes with some risks.  This month Ashton and Parker got jumped and threatened with a knife with a knife by a group of local middle school students.  The police were called, and apparently, this group has had several situations like this in the downtown area.  Ashton and Parker were able to identify the leader of the gang via a photograph so hopefully, the cop could work with the school resource officer at the local middle school to prevent this from happening again!

Loves to take things apart

 October flew by! Ashton continues to love to take things apart, figure out how things work, build things, etc. I feel like the last several weeks have been all about bicycles: building bicycles, taking apart bicycles, attempting to repair bicycles,  moding bicycles, building ramps for bicycles, etc.  Additionally Ashton has made some new friends in the neighborhood near Daddy's karate and has spent many happy hours riding his bicycle.  Additionally he has really enjoyed biking at a local skate/bike park nearby.  He has really gained a lot of confidence.  I was hoping to post a picture, but I only have videos!

School has been good for the most part.  Ashton has struggled with one particular teacher this quarter, but thankfully his school counselor was able to come up with a plan to help him be more successful!  Here's his school pic which unfortunately he dislikes!

Personifies Ashton to a tee!

2024-25 School Picture