FALL SPORTS

Fall has been busy for these two guys.  

They are two of the neatest people!
 

For fall activities for the boys, Ben participates in Special Olympics bowling.  

This is his second year of bowling.  We saw great improvement from last year.  

He is learning to keep the ball down the middle of the lane.  He is also almost completely independent while at bowling: he pays for his game, puts on his own shoes, and knows when it's his turn to bowl.  He acts very appropriate while bowling: he sits quietly as he waits for his teammates to bowl, he politely communicates to someone if they are blocking his way to get to the lane, and he even has some conversations with his teammates.  

We are so proud of him!!!!  

Ben also continues to be on the Esports team at school, but I don't have any photos of him- I don't want to be that kind of mom :)

Right down the middle

Jonah is on the junior varsity football team.  He attended one practice each week, suited up for home varsity games to cheer on his team, "played" in the home junior varsity games on Monday nights, and joined his team at then end of game and say "good game" to the opposing team.  

His participation in a game is just like last year for 7th/8th grade football.  At the beginning of half time, one more "play" is run with Jonah getting a handoff and taking it in for a "score".  Somehow, the way is always completely clear for him to get thru :). 

 

We are very thankful for the willingness and cooperation of our coaches and players, the opposing team, and the officials for letting this happen for our guy.  

We can't say enough about our coaches and how open they have been to include Jonah on the team.    

My observation of Jonah being able to play football these past few years is that joy and happiness is not just experienced by Jonah and our family.  I have had coaches, parents, fans, officials, and Jonah's teammates tell us that it is so cool to come alongside Jonah and help him play football.  We are very impressed by the kindness shown by Jonah's teammates.  These guys have helped Jonah with his helmet, shown him how a water bottle works, guide him on what to do during the national anthem, play catch with him on the sidelines, run drills with him, and one of them may even have helped him with a runny nose.  And of course, many of the guys have danced on the sidelines with Jonah!  

It's pretty neat to see inclusion at it's best!

It's hard work sitting on the bench.

Jonah photo bombs the Homecoming Court presentation

Watching his team play during the first half

Coaches giving final instructions to Jonah before the half time play

The way is clear to the end zone

Celebrating and dancing in the end zone 

with his teammates