Updates

Hello Everyone,

I'm a little bit late but it has worked out well since I now have interesting new material to show you than I would have had this blog been on time. :) But I'll get to that in a minute. First a quick update as to what's been going on in mine and my dog's life. For once - we actually have been up to some things.

First, I started volunteering at the 4-H extension office. This is my first time really successfully volunteering as normally it fills me with anxiety. The goal is for this to hopefully give me the confidence to one day have a job. The 4-H office is the perfect place for me to go because I'm so comfortable there. I spent ten years in 4-H and the atmosphere is still the same (I'm convinced it will never change and that is very comforting). The 4-H agent is new and I really, really like her. In fact, I wish she would have been around when I was in 4-H. She's much more involved than any we had when I was active. She's very understanding about my anxiety and PTSD and more than welcoming to Gus. Right now I'm helping prepare for the 4-H fair but this fall it sounds like I will be helping with their 4-H school program which I'm very excited about. I've only gone a couple of times but I'm enjoying it and not filled with anxiety at the thought of going which is what I need.

Second, Gus and I got a chance to go to a Nosework seminar. Benny and I attempted nosework awhile back but he didn't take to it mostly because of his anxiety. Nosework is an activity where the dog's are asked to find treats in boxes and then later certain scents. Eventually, they will search entire rooms or vehicles. I'll try and attach a video of Gus's first or second attempt at hunting. He was enjoying himself but not really interested in the hunting aspect so much. He's funny to watch but know what you are seeing is in no way, shape or form what is supposed to be happening.

Another newsworthy item is that my Disney World trip is cancelled sadly. The woman who I am really comfortable with is not able to go and I did not want to go without her. However, The National Eating Disorder Awareness conference is in Chicago this year at the end of September/beginning of October and I think I am going to be attending that instead. I will also have a chance to see one of my best friend's Katie who I have never had the chance to meet in person. So I'm fine with the substitute of trips. Andrew - if you and Katie aren't busy I'd love to see you guys too!

Of course the 4th of July happened and I'll share some pics I took during the day at the end of the post. Benny got to attend breakfast and he was a very happy dog to be there. He was drugged however as he now has doggy Xanax for occasions like this (and for extra effect we rub lavender essential oil on his back to increase his relaxation). Benny was happy to see everyone but especially grandma and was especially happy that he didn't have to share her with any great grandchildren. Benny is not good at sharing with cute human children that outshine him (although rightfully so). Gus attended the parade and the rest of the festivities although I don't think Grandma's carpet thanked me for that. I was holding baby Emily and Gus came to tell me he had to go potty. Well, I was in a baby haze and ignored him and poor Gus just couldn't hold it and pottied in the purple bedroom. Luckily, Adelynn caught him and was able to tell me so I could clean it up. And then while I was cleaning that up he managed to throw-up outside the kitchen. Thanks to Sarah and Grandma for that help as I wasn't even done cleaning up the first mess! As Cassi has rightfully stated dogs truly are like toddlers.

Last, my bonus item. The Ulster project (kids from Northern Ireland visit and are paired with teens from Hutchinson) visited Reins of Hope when I was riding this Monday. Two boys (ages 15) both Irish were paired to walk with me and my horse Nitro. Let's just say they were very much 15 year old boys and their sense of humor reflected it. The News also visited and I appeared on the front page of the paper today riding Nitro with the two teens walking beside me. Nitro is by far my favorite horse I have ridden. I used to be scared of him because he nips his walkers (which I did very graciously inform the Irish boys of) but he just hates being led. Another favorite activity of his is to push his walkers into the wall. Which I also informed the boys of. If it was later in the morning I might not have. Anyways, when you are his rider he is great and listens pretty well but what I love most about him is that he gives snuggles and kisses when you talk to him after you ride. I love that he nuzzles me and wants attention. I've gone from being scared of him to absolutely adoring his feisty and loving personality.  

And now for some pictures:

Gus at nosework:

Adelynn waves at the 4th of July Parade

Ava, Adelynn and Olivia watch the parade - they made out with a ton of candy 

Emily in her parade attire (I only got a back shot of Oliver unfortunately)

Gus wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July

Riding Nitro while the Irish teens walk along side (picture by Hutchinson News)

Rivers Ripple

Trip to Botanica June 2

Emily's baptism May 8th

Visiting GGma and GGpa June 17--Em loves GGpa's voice.

Summer is in full swing! Between Aunt Carol's pool, the backyard kiddie pool, and the Y pool we have been keeping cool!

Dan is in transition to his new job at Gray Communications. He's doing web and app development for them. They own KWCH. Dan is helping transition things at KWCH.  He'll eventually work primarily from home, but for now continues to go in most days.  His work schedule changed last week to 7am-4pm so he's been home earlier, which has been nice.

Sarah had the equivalent of a mini vacation this past week since the girls were at VBS. I had a small list of things to do, Emily got one on one time too.  Sarah is back to work two Saturday's a month.  It's been a good transition back and Dan has been more than capable--getting all three girls to a 9am soccer game the first Saturday on his own.  In between caring for the girls, doing housework, and the day to day, I try to make it to the Y twice a week.

Together Dan and I have been tossing house updating ideas around...so we'll see what project wins for this year. 

Olivia is 5 1/2.  Most days she is enjoyable and a bit stubborn/testing some limits.  I think this is a 5 1/2 thing, but it's hard to say!  Olivia has spent her summer days with her imagination in full swing--most days in various parts of the house there is evidence of whatever her most recent idea has been.  This can be anything from treasure hunting to house to doctor office to hair salon.  Olivia has been doing Little Lambs Preschool Summer Camp two days a week and seems to really enjoy it.  She finished preschool in May and had a good year--lots of friends.  We have toured her school for next year so she's ready for Kindergarten.  The past few months Olivia took swimming lessons at the Y and also continued in gymnastics.  She also played soccer this spring, which she also really enjoyed. 

Kinley June 17

Kinley is 3 1/2.  She just celebrated her half birthday and enjoyed that special day.  Most days Kinley plays hard--Lalaloopsies, ponies, and LEGOS or whatever Olivia has dreamed up.  She has emotional times and struggles with how her clothing feels many days.  Kinley tried out soccer this spring.  She also took swim lessons, which she was very excited about. 

Emily sharing some smiles. :)

Emily is 4 months.  She is easy going and is the perfect edition to our family.  The older girls love her and Olivia especially likes to tote her around and include her.  Emily has been doing well developmentally.  She's holding her own--propping on her elbows when on her tummy, holding onto toys, reaching out to get some toys/blankets/hands, and making cooing and gooing sounds.  At times she is stingy with her smiles, but she has a good one!  She has therapy 2x a month.  Most recently we're trying some kinesiotaping to facilitate some abdominal muscle use.  Emily is up to 11.7 lbs and 23 inches.  One the growth chart for Down Syndrome that is right at the 50% range.  She's holding her own at the 5% range on a regular chart.

Family Pictures May 15

Mr. Brisco is doing well on his new allergy medication.  He's been a bit more spry and active since starting it.  He also still likes to do naughty things--eat small toy pieces, take toliet paper off the roll, and tear up paper.  He's also been a hungry hippo lately, we increased his food to see if that will help. 
We've settled into somewhat of a routine and are enjoying summer and each other. 

I'm trying to blog when I get a free moment, so feel free to check in there too--theriverscurrent.blogspot.com 

Summer Starts for the Tollesons

Things are going well in Austin. James traveled to Coronado Island in San Diego, California for his annual Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association (CIVSA) conference. The timing was perfectly aligned with the end of my school year, so I flew out to join him the day after his conference ended and we spent a few days exploring San Diego together. A few highlights included the sea food, beer, beautiful beaches, sea lions, pandas at the San Diego Zoo, gorgeous bougainvilleas, and the USS Midway Museum. We both agree that we have to return soon to catch all of the things we missed on our first visit. 

Beautiful San Diego, California! The view from Point Loma Seafoods (thank you Uncle Randy for the suggestion).

Sea lions at La Jolla Cove in San Diego.

Panda at the San Diego Zoo

Another pic from the San Diego Zoo. They paired their cheetah with a dog and they have become best friends!

The bougainvillea were spectacular!

The beers we brought home with us from San Diego (Modern Times, Lost Abbey, and AleSmith Breweries).

James just recently finished reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed (one that mom passed on and I plan to read next). I'm almost done with Xeonocide by Orson Scott Card, the third book in the Ender Quartet. Yay for summer and more time to read! Of course summer would not be official without a puzzle. I love completing a puzzle every once and a while (usually one in the summer and one around Christmas). Other summer projects have included bread making inspired by the Netflix short series, Cooked - four intriguing episodes about food, definitely worth watching. Also, we went through the many t-shirts in our closet and I've started a project using the shirts we are no longer wearing. We'll see how my braided t-shirt basket turns out. Rimsky and Duncan have been there to help us pack, play with the t-shirts, and regulate the amount of Netflix we watch :). 

Summer 2016 puzzle!

Yummy homemade bread!

The first step in making a braided t-shirt basket; a pile of 3-inch wide strips of t-shirts and some extra jersey material to reinforce the braids. Check it out at: http://bloggingcornerblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-braided-basket.html

Rimsky says: "No more Netflix for you!"

Duncan taking care of his two favorite toys: owl with a bell and squirrel with catnip (from Chris and Theresa)

 Happy summer to all! Lots of love,

James and Hannah

Summer 2016

Hello to all!

Not too much in the way of news for us over the last couple months.  The big events since our last post was our trip to Europe, which I already put together a write up for over at my own blog (waking it from a long slumber):

European Photo Essay

Since I spared no details on that post, I'll be brief here.  Our basement project continues to go slowly forward.  We have hired some help to finish it up at this point, or we may have never quite made it.  They are tiling in the bathroom this week and drywall should be up soon too.  That will really make it go from feeling like a construction zone to a series of rooms waiting to be finished.

As for work, Katie is finishing up with her conference and client presentation season.  It was a success as they reacquired a big account they have been courting for a while.  She just spent a couple days downtown doing their report to re-insurance buyers (which meant I got to join for a fancy meal at the Shedd Aquarium!) She has also been moving through her Associates in Reinsurance designation exams, which will give her some additional letters to add to her title and the commiserate pay increase.

I have been continuing my work at Peapod.  We've been in our low demand season for a couple months at this point.  We have short spikes for the various summer holidays but otherwise it's a much slower pace.

Other than that, we're looking forward to a family visit next week, and then we'll all continue on to Minnesota for Grandma Shook's memorial service.  It will certainly be a different place without her daily presence but it will be great to gather together in her memory.

I hope all is well with everyone across the country!  We're looking forward to getting together at Christmas time again!

View from the Shedd Aquarium during dinner at the conference