ACTIVITY #8

WOW! We really need to be better about keeping this updated! There really are activities going on, but sometimes we get so busy, that we forget to write about them.

Let me start by saying that our little girl is growing up! She's 12. Turned 12 on August 19th, 2009. Her present from her mother of a karaoke machine, an ICARLY karaoke machine is a hit. Apparantly, all of the neighbor children come over for daily singing adventures, and Hayden couldn't be happier! The Ongoy family got her a Hannah Montana sterling silver charm to add to her collection. We began this tradition when she was a baby, and by the time she is sweet 16 she should have enough for a rockin' charm bracelet. Each charm is representative of what was going on in that year. Can't wait until she is old enough to wear it, and appreciate it.

What else is new? School is back in session, and little miss 6th grader is doing well! Plans to take her to the new Rite Aid on Marconi Ave for ice cream are in the making. It will be the official "congratualations on starting 6th grade", activity. I am sure there will be stories to tell after that! Especially since Hayden's number 1 food group is: ICE CREAM! You can pretty much con her into doing anything with the promise of ice cream! Except maybe cutting her toenails.

Until next time, happy September!

Activity #7

Some of the best things come in twos! Hayden belongs to a play group for other children with Down Syndrome. She goes every week, and has made a lot of good friends. One of her friends is a couple years older than her, and her name is Katelyn. She is 13, and spent the night at Hayden's house. The next day, they decided to come over for a swim day at Aunt's house.

We played lots of fun games, and basically enjoyed a day of fun in the water. The most memorable moment, was when Katelyn and Aunt had to close their eyes so that Hayden could throw the diving sticks in the pool, so we could all race to see who would get the most dive sticks. Katelyn and Aunt were both "closing their eyes", when Aunt looked over and saw that Katelyn was actually CHEATING by watching where Hayden was throwing the sticks. Katelyn saw she was "busted" by Aunt for cheating, and started laughing, and with all the simplicity and pureness that could come from her heart, turned to Aunt, giggling, and said "I LOVE YOU!" I love you too, Katelyn.

Activity #6

So, a few years ago, we were all gathered at Hayden's house to have a family dinner. Makena had brought a friend, named Lauren. Hayden's other cousin, Kilinoe was chasing her around downstairs where all the kids, including Makena and Lauren, were waiting for dinner. Hayden almost tripped while being chased around by Kili, and in true little kid fashion immediately got angry. She steadied herself and turned to Lauren, whom she hadn't ever met before and shouted "I don't like YOU"... Even though Lauren had absolutely nothing to do with the incident. It's been about 3-4 years since this had happened. And while at a bbq at Aunt and Makena's house, Hayden was enjoying herself in the pool when Lauren walked in. As soon as Hayden spotted Lauren she said, in a sing-song voice, "I hate youuuuu".. We all started cracking up and then Hayden lovingly looked up at Lauren and said "I'm just kidding, I like you"...

Activity #5

Sammy aka Pickle, is a black, schnauzer/westie mix dog that lives at the Ongoy house. Hayden has a WHITE dog that was in need of serious grooming, so we suggested she take Lucy, her dog, to the same groomer as Sammy. When her mom told her that Lucy was going to go to the same groomer and get her haircut like Sammy, she was very excited that Lucy would be cute like Sammy, after her appointment. She thought for awhile, and asked her Mom, "are they going to put black in her hair?". "no", her mom replied. "GOOD!" said Hayden. "I don't want her to be black".

Activity #4

One morning, her Mom had a feeling that Hayden might not be eating a balanced breakfast that day as she saw Hayden walking through the kitchen. When she asked her what she was doing, Hayden quickly reached into the cupboard and pulled out a box of Honey Nut Cheerios, and said, "just getting out these Honey Nut Cheerios". "But you don't even like Honey Nut Cheerios, Hayden!" She saw Hayden throwing a napkin with crumbs on it into the trash can and walk away. "Did you have cake for breakfast, Hayden?" Shoulders slumped, Hayden said "You caught me!" and turned and looked at her mom with a look of complete seriousness, and said in a sweet Hayden voice, "I just like the taste." Ahhhhh, don't we all, don't we all my sweet girl.

Activity #3

Getting her toenails cut is one of Hayden's least favorite things. So, when her mom was getting ready to cut them, she told Hayden that it was no big deal. Everyone cuts their toenails. Dad does, Mom does, Spencer does...Hayden thought for a moment and said "Hobos don't!" Another nugget of wisdome that only Hayden would be able to come up with.

Activity #2

The picture on the left was taken today, after the swim excursion, and before dinner.

This would be the H in HAM and the M in HAM.

The picture on the right is the A in HAM and the H in HAM...at Kilinoe's High School Graduation.

All things considered, we had a lovely time tonight at Chevy's, Hayden's pick. There was a pink clown there that made her a pink poodle with a tail, that later was confused for his "weener". When Makena pointed out that Chevy's had ice cream, Aunt reminded her that her mom said she had already had a lot of junk. She looked at Aunt, and said, "what do you say?" Aunt said, "I think that if you eat a good dinner, what your mom doesn't know won't hurt her." "YES!" said Hayden, and she ate all of her dinner.

After dinner we went to the hospital, where Hayden asked a lady in the elevator who she was there to see. When the lady said her dad, Hayden asked what is name was: "JOSE", said the lady. "Oh, Jose", said Hayden, and then exited the elevator.

When we got into the car, Hayden rolled down her window, and as the wind was blowing her hair, she said "I'm sorry for Grandpa."

Check back for the amazing list of "HAYDENISMS" to come...we will leave you with a teaser, one I am sure most of you are familiar with.

1. Hayden, eat your applesauce! I know, don't be jealous!