Kai's Endless Summer

Swinging on our cross-country road trip

We had a crazy summer this year, but it was a lot of fun. We moved across the country and had a really long car ride. We left all of our great friends in Rio Vista, CA for a new adventure on the East Coast. We got to go to my Grandma and Grandpa's house in Illinois and then move to our new house on Cape Cod. We visited lots of friends and relatives all over the country and stopped at some pretty cool places. We even went to Niagara Falls! We spent lots of time at the beach here in Chatham, and I even got to go to summer camp school, where I met my classmates and teachers! 

Niagara Falls

During the last week of summer, we had Camp Mom. During this week we built a volcano, baked cookies, saw a juggler, made a movie and went camping. My mom finally had a chance to edit our theatrical debut: The Three Little Pigs (note- this link will take you to youtube). We had lots of fun making it, but mom said it was a lot of work, so we will wait until winter to do another one. Take a look and let us know what you think!

Fishing in Maine

Painting the volcano

Baking cookies

Dancing in Maine

Petting a hedgehog

Archery at Camp

End of summer family camping trip in Maine

My First Homework Assignment!

My teacher, Mrs. Johnson and Me

This year I am in 1st grade at Ezra H. Baker Innovation School in West Dennis, MA. It is a great school and I am loving it every day. My teacher is Mrs. Johnson and we have lots of aides and a nurse in our classroom. I have 5 friends in my main class, but get to go to my homeroom class for morning meeting, recess, and specials.  When I am in this class I get a special buddy who helps me, and sometimes they get to come to my other classroom and see all of the cool stuff we have there. We have lots of great specials like PE, Art, Music, Library and even Spanish! Today I got to lead the hula hoop line in PE.

Me signing in on the Smartboard

At school I also get lots of therapies. I have special people come to my class to work with me for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and vision therapy. I have a really busy schedule! My favorite part of the classroom so far is the Smartboard. Every morning I have to come and sign in on the board. We also get to read stories and play games using a switch. The screen is SO big, which makes it easier for me to see.

My first homework assignment!

Today I had to do my first homework assignment. I was kinda confused at first, but my mom was so excited about this project. It was math homework and we had to count all of the doors, windows and clocks in our house. First, we counted the doors, windows and clocks on the main floor, then we did the same upstairs. To count the doors and windows my mom would take me into a room, then knock on each door (or window) and ask me to count each knock. Then she would ask me how many there were by giving me two choices (I can make a choice between two things by holding my mom's hands and letting go of one to make my choice). In all of the rooms I answered all but one counting question correctly! My mom made tally marks on the page and then we counted the groups of 5. This part was pretty complicated, but I will get there! 

Introduction

I'm Kai!

My name is Kai! I am six year's old and just started first grade. My mom says I am a very special kid! I am different than other kids my age, but similar to them also. I really like to ride my bike and my horse, listen to music, read books, spend time with friends and go to school. I also have cerebral palsy (CP). Lots of people have CP. I do not walk or talk like most people, but am learning ways to overcome this challenge.

Let me tell you about my family. I live with my Mom, Dad, brother and sister. I am a new resident of S. Chatham, MA, but spent my younger years in California..  Here they are:

Getting a ride on Dad

This is my Dad. He is a Senior Chief in the US Coast Guard. We move around for his job. He REALLY likes boats! He has a lighthouse at his new station in Chatham.

Hangin' with Mom on the beach

This is my Mom. She stays at home with us but is also a teacher and curriculum/assessment specialist. She works from home part-time. She likes to exercise and do fun stuff with our family.

Trouble!

This is my brother and sister. Liam is 4. He is a little wild, but lots of fun. I like to watch him get into trouble!
Addy (Addison) is 2. She is my best friend (I know because she tells me all the time!). She is a character and likes to snuggle with me when we watch TV.




My Auntie Erin started a blog for me when I was just a couple of days old because I had to spend some time in the hospital. We kept that blog going for 4 whole years, until my mom had too many kids to chase around! Now, she says we have more time to write all about my life. Here is the archive of my old blog. It will give you a lot of background about the beginning of my life, which was a bit tumultuous. Please ask me any questions! I am happy to answer anything on your mind about CP (cerebral palsy) or what it is like being me!

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My family on a camping trip in Maine