Let the summer fun begin!

 We kicked off summer with a traditional camping trip with our former small group friends, including Ashton's half-sister Ariana.  Both the kids and adults had a great time!  As always camping is Ashton's happy place!

Boy party: Micheal O, Aaron, Xavier, and Ashtong

The "twins" all grown up!

Lastly, Ms Taylor and her new husband Stephen came to visit the group at the campground.  She brought with her your half-siblings Noel and Eli.  You didn't want much to do with them, but I figured I'd include this picture in case you are ever interested in the future.

So much growth

Ashton has made incredible growth this year, emotionally, socially, and academically!  We are so proud of all he has achieved this year!  At the beginning of the year, he struggled with math and was significantly below grade level.  This year he closed the gap and is almost at a 7th-grade math level in many areas. A little more tutoring and he will be all caught up!  He also did a fantastic job improving his grades in all his subjects.  Really applying himself!  Socially he has made himself a nice group of fellow knucklehead friends, whom we have the pleasure of meeting.  He also has really proven himself very gifted when working with younger children.  He loves playing with our little neighbor Grayson, and yesterday when we went to a friend's house he entertained their visiting 6-year-old nephew extremely well! He will be fantastic in his CIT job this summer!  Emotionally he has gotten much better at self-regulation and self-awareness.  We still have some things we are working on, but his growth has really been incredible!  Sometimes now he will even joke around with us!  It's fun!  I pray that Ashton has a fantastic summer and continues to blossom!