On a Roll...

Charlie's loaner chair is now in our home for the next week as we learn to use it and cruise around. He was immediately at home in the chair, looked comfortable and even tried to push a wheel with his right hand.  At the very least, Charlie will be spinning circles!  Jack and I are both very encouraged and hopeful that this will open up a whole new world for Charlie. Mobility, autonomy and independence are SO important right now and in the future. This is a huge step for our sweet little man.  And lucky for him, he's got a big brother who is MORE than willing to lend a hand.

Back at the house, Walker wheeled Charlie into the bedroom for a book before nap time. What a wonderful big five year old brother!  I didn't really consider, when we first discussed the idea of a wheel chair, how much it would impact Walker's ability to interact with Charlie.  What a boon!

Walker Turns Five

Happy birthday sweet boy! 

And here are some photos taken by his preschool teacher today:

All Aboard!

Tomorrow, Walker will turn five. Today, we're enjoying a gray windy morning at home. Walker has been itching to open two birthday packages and we thought this was the perfect day for presents. First, a book from Aunt B - "There's No Place Like Space" by Dr. Suess.  This kid loves all things space.  Here he is with his new book -  Thank you Aunt B!

Next up, the mysterious box from Florida.  When Betsy was here earlier in the month, Walker mentioned that he'd love to dress up as the Conductor from the book "The Polar Express".  Gramie Betsy came through BIG TIME with an amazing costume. Here he is realizing what's in the box.

We immediately suited up and headed outside for photos.

"Thank you Gramie Betsy!" ~ Walker

Walker's Birthday Camp Out

Today we celebrated Walker's 5th birthday by inviting his preschool class over for a "camp out". On the menu? Hot dogs, potato salad, carrots and dip, lemonade and of course - Smore's!  Walker specifically asked for a fire pit, so I came up with the solution of red and orange tissue paper.  It worked beautifully!  Here he is giving the fire pit a try before his guests arrived.

We set out a table of camp fare and waited for friends to arrive.

Yes - this is my ode to high fructose corn syrup.

Walker helped me dip the marshmallows in chocolate and graham cracker crumbs the night before.

Jack and Walker give the pit a test run and roast imaginary marshmallows.

Yay!  Friends arrive and we all have lunch in the tent!

From left to right: Alex, Harper Ann, Grant, Miranda, Walker and Ava.  

Jack and Charlie watch from the sidelines.

Now that everyone is fed and marshmallowed, they "turn in" for the "night".

I can' believe Walker is FIVE on Monday.  

Happy birthday darling boy.

Charlie and Jack Get the Giggles

I've spent the past week in Ithaca, NY and just returned home yesterday morning. 
This was my welcome home act:

Happy Halloween!

We stayed int he neighborhood for Halloween last night.  Walker went as a police man and Charlie went as the littlest Highlander.  It's nice to be able to recycle Walker's clothes for Charlie's future Halloweens.  After we were dressed and fed, we attended our neighborhood Halloween Carnival.  It was lots of fun and Walker came home with a not-too-obscene bag of candy.  Here are the photos from the evening.