Camp Kostopulos

Yesterday was friends and family day at Camp Kostopulos.  Matt, Benson and I went to visit Bryan who is working as a group leader there for the summer.  The camp is located a few miles up Emigration Canyon.  During the summer months the camp accommodates handicapped children, youth and adults, who come at week long intervals to experience therapeutic recreational activity and education.  The campers enjoy horse back riding, swimming, ropes courses, a beautiful playground and park,  basketball, canoeing, fishing, and arts and crafts.

We were able to try out the ropes course where BJ was belaying for the day.  Matt went first while I watched Benson, then we switched.  The course is on average 20 ft off the ground, some sections higher than others,  I felt so confident watching Matt from the ground - he made it look so easy!!  But when I arrived at the top I felt like I was going to die!  I haven't done anything exhilarating like that in awhile and forgot how my adrenaline rises when I'm in the air.

We are so excited to have Uncle BJ close to us this Summer!

Now I Can 5K

Today, our family ran the Now I Can 5k.  The race is to provide awareness and financial support for the Now I Can Foundation (http://www.nowican.org/).  The foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation to children with disabilities – many of which are severe musculoskeletal disabilities.  Using the latest techniques and the ‘Neruosuit’ (an orthotic suit worn by the children to teach the brain and body correct patterns and posture of movement) the group is able to teach these children to do things that they could never do previously – encouraging the end response, “Now I Can!”

Matt’s brother, Mike, has been leading this organization for about a half of a year as its Director and had worked so hard to make sure that this race was a success.  As his senior project in the BFA program at UVU, he selected this organization to highlight and try to bring additional publicity to the group.  He spent some time with children and documented through photography their struggles and victories.  These images were then compiled in a beautiful book and exhibited in the Orem library for a period of time.  During the exhibition, KSL even took a few minutes to highlight his work on the evening news.  Upon graduation, the organization was so pleased with his passion for the organization and his other skill set that they selected him to act as Director for the Foundation.  He has done a wonderful job as evidenced by a great race and happy kids.  Several of the kids were able to walk the mile and finish through the finish line with a loud round of applause and cheering.  How inspiring and fun!

We met a lot of good friends at the finish line.  Mom and Dad Ririe, Steven, Ashlyn, and Mike & Natalie's family were all there.  Lisa's brother Bryan also came in hopes of winning the overall prize.  He finished 6th with a sub-20 minute finish.  Not too bad!  Also, MGIS, Matt’s current employer, was a corporate sponsor for the group.  As a result, a handful of MGIS employees ran/walked the 5K and we were able to take some pictures.

All of our Family (Matt, Lisa, and Benson) ran the 5k.  It was our first race with the jogger stroller which worked just fine – but it definitely uses some different muscles and is a little bit more tiring having the jogger to push for 3.1 miles!  At the finish line, we pulled Benson out to let him jog across on his own.  Great job Benson!  All in all, it was a great day, with great people, and a successfull race!  Thanks Mike!

Benson at 8 Months

Benson is growing up way too fast!  We feel so grateful to have this little bundle of happiness in our lives.  Literally – he is a bundle of happiness.  His smiles and laughter are contagious.  It takes Lisa an extra half hour to get through the grocery store because of how social he is.  He looks at every passing customer and just lights up.  It’s so fun to watch the reactions.  Each person’s life seems to get a little better.  It’s not rare for someone to stop and just stare and start to talk to him.  We probably get asked several times a week if we’d be willing to give him out on loan (or permanently).  He is just lovable and we love him so much!

Every once in a while, a passerby will lower his/her head and avoid eye contact.  Maybe their day had been bad or something had happened - but they consciously avoid this ray of happiness staring right at them the whole time.  It is a good reminder to me of how our Heavenly Father might sometimes feel as he reaches out and seeks to bless us - but because of our own pride, we turn away and avoid that contact.  There is so much to gain if we let these good things in our lives - and sometimes all it takes is to look up and say hi to a little 8 month old to improve your day.

Last week, we took a couple of pictures of him in his high chair.  We found a couple of his common expressions and thought we’d share.  He has learned to feed himself now and doesn’t want anyone putting a spoon in his mouth if he feels he can do it himself.  We’ve given him his freedom at the expense of some mess every time he eats.  Hopefully this is just a phase!  No teeth yet, but he seems to be able to get at least some food in.

Meal Time!  Benson and his many expressions demonstrating satisfaction for Mom's cooking!

Today, after church, we took a couple of pictures in our front yard.  It was a beautiful day and we couldn’t help but try out our camera for a little ‘photo’ shoot of the little guy.  We don't have any official 6 month pics, so we thought this one would do.  We think we got a few good ones and they will be going up on the family wall as soon as we can get them printed.  Enjoy!

Benson Photoshoot

You're so loved Bud!

Bryan Graduates From BYU - Idaho!

We had the awesome opportunity to be in Rexburg last Friday to celebrate my brother Bryan's graduation  (Exercise Science) from BYU-Idaho.  My parents, Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins, Scott and his wife Haley, and David also attended.  Bryan will be working this summer in Utah while he takes the MCAT and applies to medical schools.  We are so happy for him!

We were relieved at Benson's performance sitting through both the commencement and convocation ceremonies, especially considering both were after his bed time!  When he is in a room full of people now, there is no way he will sleep in public - there are too many people smiling at him and he loves the attention!