City Folk at the Farm

Be sure to see the previous post about Brendan's experience at The Gentle Barn.

The Madigan Clan has made a commitment to have more entire family outings, so today we ventured to Santa Clarita. The information gathering was not wheelchair accessible, so Áine was able to get an early start with the farm animals. The goat, Sassy, would not leave the chickie alone.  Sassy enjoyed nibbling Áine's wheelchair, and her shoes, and her hand. The emu, Yoda, started taking a liking to our girl as well.

For a "city girl" who knew she "picked the wrong day to look adorable", Ciara did pretty well feeding horses and helping her sister.

Here's to many more adventures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Young McBrendan

Today was a happy day for Brendan. We finally made it to a farm. The family headed out to Santa Clarita to The Gentle Barn. If Brendan had his way, he would still be out there. Thankfully they offer passes and Brendan hopes to be the proud owner of said pass sooner than later so Mom or Dad can make the trek back with him. (Self-proclaimed city girl, Ciara, declared today her first and last trip being one with the barnyard type.)

Brendan asked to see each animal one by one and was only slightly bummed that they didn't have any ducks.

Biscuit the pig made Brendan the happiest and I know he just wanted to lie next to him. Maybe next time, Bubba.

He saw his beloved chickens and the "wama" (llama) was a fave as well as the emu which he asked for first and then petted.

Brendan was a happy, happy dude today. Thank you for helping your family step out of their comfort zone, Mr. B. We love you!

Enjoy the pics!  (If you click on the individual pictures, I think you can see them larger.  His face is so sweet in some of them.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rain Forest

As those who frequent our blog know, the "rain forest" is in fact the Los Angeles County Arboretum. However, for Brendan, it's what passes for a rain forest in these parts.

While Ciara spent the morning with Dad before heading to summer school, Brendan and Áine and Mom headed to the rain forest. A good time was had by all as usual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Day at Alverno

Today was Ciara's first day of summer school at Alverno High School.

She was so excited to be able to choose her own shoes (for the summer at least) and wear nail polish! So wonderful to be able to express yourself.

 

Graduation

Ciara, we are so proud of you! We lost track of how many times your name was called on Graduation night. Thank you for being such a lovely daughter, devoted sister, loyal friend, and all-around awesome individual. Continue to march to the beat of your drum! 

 Alverno Jaguars here we come!!

And so it begins...

Giving her speech.

One of the times her name was called.

The proud recipient of an Alverno scholarship.

Ciara and Ms. Leyva her 7th grade teacher.  This 8th grade class was the first class Ms. Leyva taught.  She sang "I Hope You Dance" to them.  It was a beautiful and touching moment.  And my girl cried her eyes out.

Ciara and one of her BFFs, Genesis.

Ciara and Nativity principal, Sr. Stacy.

Ciara and Sr. Elizabeth Gildea.  Sister turned 101 years old at the end of May.  Ciara was the recipient of the Sr. Elizabeth Gildea, SSL scholarship. 

Pre-Graduation Night Fun

We missed pictures with Nana, Bruce, Aunt Eliz, Erin, Bernardo, Eileen, and Emilia! We will try again in 4 years. We were so happy to have everyone celebrate Ciara!

One of the best cakes we ever had!  Mueller's Monrovia Bakery rocks!  Thank you to Nana and Bruce.

The Graduate!

We love you, Ciara!

  

A rare shot of Mom and Ciara.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, CIARA!

The proud parents with their girl.

Ciara and Becky -- long time family friend.

Ciara and Becky being silly.

Graduation Breakfast

Ciara and Áine Clare at Ciara's graduation breakfast.  Ciara was so proud of Áine for sitting beautifully for about 3 hours between the Mass in Church and the breakfast in the hall.  It was an awesome gift for Ciara.

 

 

Ciara and big brother, Brendan, who slept through Mass and was a cool cucumber at the breakfast.

Ciara and one proud Dad.

The graduate and her 8th grade teacher, Dr. Rosa.

Áine Clare enjoying the breakfast festivities.

Miss Ciara after receiving a gift from the little guy she tutored.