New Wheelchair

After months of trials and waiting, and re-trials, Krassimir *finally* has his very own wheelchair!

Although it's still very hard work for him to sit upright for any duration of time, it was sweet to see his eyes light up and a big grin spread across his face when the chair was put near him on the day it was delivered. He apparently remembered the two trial runs, and was excited to get back into it. His technique is not very good yet, but he is able to do a fair amount of maneuvering with his right hand, and Lori (his PT) is going to be working with him regularly (and we will, too) on using the left hand, as well. Even if he's never really able to give a good strong push with leftie, having it at his disposal will allow him to counter the rotation that happens when you're only pushing with one hand!

Big boy. ;)

Partners in crime

It's always so much fun to watch these two together.

Road Trip

This will be mostly photos, because if I don't just get them up here, it will never happen. ;)

Before our big trip to visit Andrea's parents next week, we thought we'd take a day trip to Duluth. We had no real agenda besides meeting my cousin's new baby and seeing the lake. We ended up doing the basic Canal Park tourist thing, but it was everything our crew wanted.

funny photo at the restaurant we ate at

neat water features along the sidewalks

and just enough space down by the shore to throw little rocks while climbing on big rocks

Krassi's chair wasn't going to make it over the big rocks, so Daddy carried him down.

'Vania's on my back, which is why she's missing in this photo of Dad and the kids.

There she is! Right by her buddy (whose found a cool "handle" in the rock.)

Look at that big throw! (You can see his rock at the top of the photo.)

Matt thinks we should title this one, "Taste of Minnesota." (Yes, those wet spots on the rock are from where he was licking it. And, yes, it made him that happy.)

Hiding in the rocks.

Big climber girl.

Pants rolled up to get right in that cold water.

Rinnah wading.

Look who found a "cave!"

And the best of six self-timer shots. Only one crying, and most of us are looking!

Can't post about a road trip without a photo of Big Blue. Here we are filling up at the antiquated diesel pump which stands off at the edge of the lot. And, because the pump is as old as it looks, and was apparently made before modern inventions such as credit cards, we had to go inside to pay. BUT, we paid the same amount per gallon for diesel as we would have for regular fuel, and our average miles per gallon for the trip? 22.9!!!! Can't argue with that! On the topic of Big Blue, I should also mention that as we were busy throwing our rocks I heard someone call to me, "Hi! We saw your van in the parking lot and thought, 'No way that's them, but how many big blue vans can there be?' and sure enough, it was you!" No hiding for us anymore. ;)

My cousin lives outside Duluth heading back towards home, so we ended our day there. Krassi was really glad for a break. Car riding is NOT his thing, and he got to bum around on the floor here. All of us, except 'Vania who was napping, are sitting around adoring Baby Joy.

My girls were delighted to hold her, and have spent the last few days playing with newly renamed baby dolls. Rinnah's are Hope Joy and Joy Hope, and Leah's are Rose Joy and Joy Rose. ;)

 Having a large family, and a large family that includes individual with unique requirements makes it hard to be easily mobile, and that means a trip like this is not only fun for the trip, but also for the freedom that it signifies. We did it! We up and packed everyone up, and made it work, and got to enjoy making memories as a family. Good stuff.

Coming soon

Life is going to get just a little bit more interesting around here in January!