Special Olympics Bowling

     A couple days ago, Robb started Special Olympics Bowling!! Though Robb had never bowled before, he really enjoyed his first practice. He changed into bowling shoes with a smile, and though he would rather throw the ball than roll it, he enjoyed watching the ball roll down and hit pins. I think the noise and excitement of bowling also added to Robb's chipper spirit, and he often contributed to the sounds around us with laughs and aaaahhh. One of the great things about bowling is that if Robb understands how to act in a bowling alley, my family will be able to go together. Also, it provides another activity for babysitters to go to with Robb. Unfortunately, all bowling has to be done without anyone helping during the meets, but maybe after a few years of practice, Robb will be able to compete! Until then, we will attend practices, and watch Robb improve one step at a time.

Being Away From Robb

          I have not seen Robb for almost a month because he has been at camp, and while on the one hand I am so glad he is at a place where he is happy and active, it is hard to be away from him for so long. Robb's large contribution to daily conversation becomes very apparent by the  hole he leaves when he is gone. It is hard to explain in writing, Robb's large presence in conversations, but I think the sounds he makes really impacts every conversation. Robb always gets riled up and will yell during arguments, and he will laugh at all the jokes. If people start to talk about Robb like he isn't there he will always let out an occasional aaa, and often when there is a lull in the conversations he will also say aaa. If something is irritating him, he will say mum, and often look towards my mom to fix it. Robb's voice and his sounds blend and combine with what everyone elses making Robb the life and rhythm of day to day life. Without him there is less life in what we say, and the emotions conveyed become dull. I wanted to do a post about Robb's absence as a reminder to myself and everyone that we should never take anything or anyone for granted. I feel so lucky to have my two brothers, and I am counting down the days until I get to see Robb again!

Gifts

Robb is one of the hardest people to buy gifts. He will always give you a smile when he opens something up, but to get him something he will actually use is near impossible. In the past, he was very prone to bad gifts since most of our family and friends did not really know him well enough to get him something. A lot of times people just got him squeaky toys. I think they were for dogs (our dogs liked them an awful lot), and despite the good intentions, the gifts always seemed more degrading than kind. Fortunately though, we have recently found the perfect gift for Robb that everyone can have fun getting him. Funny T-shirts! Robb always cracks up when he gets them, and T-shirts are his favorite thing to wear and swing around! In honor of the start of summer I wanted to share a couple of Robb's favorite t-shirts with you all!

Here Robb is pictured with his dad!