Gearing up for the new school year

A week from today and it's back to school time! I think it kind of boggles Sawyer's mind that he's going to be a senior;  you spend so many years looking up to that group as you go through the grades, thinking it seems like forever before you're one of the top dogs. Now, boom, it's here! At this point his class is planning on going to Philadelphia in April for their senior trip and I know ideas are rolling around for a senior class prank.

This week a number of his classmates joined Sawyer at Alfred University for calculus class. Four mornings a week they will arrive on campus for class at 8:20 am, then drive to school afterward. We're delighted that he was able to get into the class since math is a high priority for the program he's interested in at SUNY New Paltz. And the AU professor he's taking it with has designed an entirely new curriculum and approach to teaching calculus that will make the class more enjoyable and understandable. It's being done under an NSF grant with a "homemade" textbook that thankfully only cost $20. I know we'll get sticker shock next year when we start purchasing college books.

Sawyer has also resumed his job at the University's dining hall this week. He'll work a couple nights each week. It's wonderful to see him starting to really be independent and taking charge of his life!

And.... we saw the shots from his senior picture session last night. Wow! Loved them! We are fortunate to have a number of professional photographers in our area, but the choice was easy for us to pick since we've known Janet for a number of years and have seen quite a few examples of her work. She put together a video slide show of some of the best shots that you can watch by clicking here. We had a some family shots taken as well that aren't included, but take my word for it they turned out great! We've ordered some professional prints and will be getting the digital files as well.

And yes, Sawyer is still receiving treatment. Daily meds with a trip to the hospital once a month to check in with the doctor and receive an infusion. Same pattern, repeated between now and January, 2015. He continues to do well and one wouldn't have a clue that he was "sick" if you didn't know it! Thanks as always for your continued caring, thoughts and prayers.