Insert interesting title HERE

So another childhood dream (for me) was fulfilled this week. My mom and I brought Claire and Madeline to a Charlotte Diamond concert. I listened to her music when I was growing up and recently have introduced it to the girls. When I saw on her website that she was coming to Edmonton, we made sure to get tickets. I was totally geeking out about the whole situation. Who would have thought that I would be in my twenties before seeing the likes of Sharon (no Lois) and Bram, Fred Penner and now Charlotte Diamond. Is Raffi still doing concerts? If so I should probably see him too.

10 Carrot Diamond Poster


Eagerly awaiting the concert.


I wanted a picture with Miss Claire and it only took about 15 attempts!


Front row seats. Thanks Claire! But honestly, wheelchair seating is always a gamble. You're either right in the front or way in the back. There doesn't seem to be much in between.


Yay for Charlotte!


Some anticipatory news to share. SONIC BOOM. We're going. We're going to have fun. WEEZER!

We (and when I say "we" I mean Ryan) have begun the Battle of the Lawn. So far, so good. Power raked (Thanks Trevor!), mowed, fertilized, watered and now a couple days of rain. It's all very promising. Updates to follow.

Also, we are hoping to build a small (but epic) deck off the dining room and are excited about the prospect. Again, updates to follow.

Maybe I should only blog about things that have actually happened instead of what will happen. Otherwise I won't have anything to write about in the future.

Claire's new wheelchair is in the works. The frame will be expanded, a new seat insert, lowered footrests, bigger wheels, etc. They're going to situate the seat so she'll be able to start pushing her wheels (a.k.a. self propulsion) someday. Luckily we have pretty good programs to help cover the costs. It's just a lot of paperwork.

We've had a few other comings and goings this past little while. We had our last CNIB music therapy class and are looking forward to the fun Spring/Summer activities that the CNIB always provides for the kids. I attended an Inclusion For Life workshop at GRIT which was quite encouraging. Two parents of older children who have taken the inclusion route spoke about their experiences and challenges and triumphs with their children who have disabilities. It's always good to hear that other people have done it and survived and been successful overall. Ryan just took part in an Etiquette Night with the youth at church where they had a fancy dinner and lessons on manners. He and his "boys" (as Maddie calls them) made a video of how NOT to act on dates, at dinner, etc. to show at the gala. It was quite funny. Also, another Parents Association Meeting for me. It's fun to be on a board like that.

Also, as a side note, you know you're getting old when your university calls you to ask for donations as an alumni. That happened to both Ryan and I this week.

It is lovely weather we are having. I certainly hope it stays zis mild.*

*I don't think I'll make it a habit to title all my blog posts using quotes from the media. But this one works. From The (ridiculous) Pink Panther

Since I'm not feeling very verbose, I think I'll let the picture speak for themselves on this post.

Claire's Birthday

The happy birthday girl!


Claire getting birthday bear hugs.


I can't believe she's 5 already!


Claire got a lovely new swing from the Laytons. We love it!


Ryan (a.k.a. Mr. Transitions Lenses) and I.


Claire blowing out her candle with the help of the wind.


Justin, Broc and Maddie on the trampoline while Natalie dutifully monitors the chaos.


Mom & Dad & the birthday girl.


Greg & Steph


Steph & Brandon


Val, Claire, Jacky & Angela chatting inside.


Dad, Rob and Mel enjoying the yummy food.


Maddie, Steph and Natalie


Three guys relaxing on the couch, in the style of Claire. For those of you who know her, she will often end up in this position. We call it her "laying on the beach" pose.



Little Bits

The only picture I could snap since Claire was in the middle of the pack for the whole ride. She looks a little uncomfortable here, but was doing quite well. Her and Babe make a good team.


Madeline and her friend Haldon at riding. They are so cute!



Miscellaneous

Claire likes to roll around on our big mat in the living room. I left her there for a few minutes and came back to find her stuck under the couch. So I had a good laugh, ran to grab the camera and then rescued her. I'm such a good parent.



Maddie got her first bike! Here's Daddy helping her get used to pushing the pedals.


Madeline's first ride!


This was Maddie at about 8am this morning. She couldn't wait to try out her bike again. She has been wearing her helmet nearly 24/7 since she got it.


Claire relaxing on the tramp while Maddie was on her bike.


In other non-picture-related news, Ryan and I had a fun date night, had yummy food, saw "Date Night" (hilarious by the way), and on the way home Ryan gave me a quick lesson on how to drive his motorbike. I drove it around the block, in first gear. I think I might be close to getting hooked. It was very, very fun and not as tippy as I had originally suspected it would be. However, he has now taken this to mean he has full license to purchase a new bike for himself, generously allowing me to use the white bike. We shall see.

A belated wish for Claire

Things Claire has taught our family:

Little things can produce big smiles.


Belly laughs are the best kind.


Road trips rock.


A fuzzy animal can be very therapeutic.


Sisters are the best.


Discovery is good.


Brushing tangled hair is the worst kind of torture.


Good music can solve any problem.


Patience is a virtue.


Doing things in a different way can be extra fun.


You should sleep whenever you feel like it, if you can.


Screaming will get you a lot of attention, especially in church.


Friendship can be found anywhere.


Being in the hot tub is the best part of going swimming.


A smile can fix everything.


You can have a lot of fun with simple things: spray parks on a hot day, bubbles, swings, etc.


Thanks Claire, for having patience with us as we learn, for bearing with us as we advocate for you and for bringing such love into our family.

Happy 5th Birthday Big Girl!

*I am a belated blogger since her birthday was yesterday April 14th*