Abilities Expo

Back in July, Rob and I got to enjoy a couple of days away together.  We went to Houston, Tx to check out the Abilities Expo.  He was able to talk to many different reps with wheel chairs, chair cushions,  handicap accessible vehicles that have been modified for handicap people to drive, handicap accessible bikes, and so much more.  

Here he is trying a motorized wheel that you can be added to your manual wheelchair which will drive your wheel chair for you so you don’t have to worry about tiring out your arms. 

We looked at many different modified vehicles and talked to different reps so we could find out info regarding what is available in case Rob ever gets to where he can drive again.  This truck was really cool for those who like trucks.  Boy, these modified vehicles are really expensive too!!!

They even have off road options for handicap people!

Rob talking to another quad about cycling.  This was his personal racing bicycle.  It was pretty neat to see all of the options available for quadriplegics. 

It was a great couple days.  We learned much while at the expo but the best part for me was spending a few days with my man.  This was a very rare occasion for us.

 

*Trying to catch from the past few months!

A Quick Trip with Friends

On Friday, Jan 31st, Rob, Anna Claire, and I along with our friends, Craig, Candi, and their new baby, Maggie took a trip to Houston, TX.  It was a quick overnight trip to see Rob and Craig's old friend, Ted, get married.   We weren't sure if Ted was ever going to get married that day finally came.  

Rob, Craig, and Ted were buddies growing up.  Ted taught them how to iron (I mean really iron.  If you want the creases just right, they would be the ones you would want to take care if it for you!) He also taught them how to shop.  I mean dig and find great deals kind of shopping.  This was a plus for me because I dislike like it and they love it!!!

Ted was in our wedding and in Craig and Candi's wedding.  We are so thankful we were able to be apart of this special evening.

Candi is my closest friend but really she's more like my sister.  Her husband, Craig, grew up with Rob so they've known each for a very long time.  Here's Candi and I before the wedding.  

 

The vows (Ted and Anndra)

The whole wedding party 

(This was the biggest wedding and reception for Rob and I.)

Craig, Ted, and Rob

Old Friends

Rob, Anna Claire, and me 

Craig and Candi

The Travel Buddies

It was a fun getaway with friends.  Thanks to our friends the Slaytons and C-Gs for keeping our other children so we could go celebrate with our friends

Our Trip/Update

Thank you so much for praying for us as we were attempting our 1st overnight trip since Rob's accident!  We enjoyed a great time with my family for Thanksgiving.  It was very different than the past but it worked out ok.  

There are many different aspects to traveling that we never had to deal with before the accident.  I believe it went well for our first experience with little difficulty. Rob still sleeps in a hospital bed at home so sleeping in a regular bed brought challenges and some discomfort.  These are all things we must try and was helpful to see what worked or didn't work as we continue to transition him back to our regular bed.  This trip helped to see what was truly necessary or not.  

It was a very jam packed visit in 4 days/3 nights.  We enjoyed celebrating Emma's birthday with our family which happen to fall the day after Thanksgiving this year.  We were able to see my dad and his wife whom we hadn't seen since before the accident.  His wife had a stroke while Rob was in the hospital in New Orleans and is still trying to recover for the many physical issues that was caused by it.  It was great for each of us to be able to see one another in person in order to understand the physical challenges that the two if them are facing.  Also, my sister came in town to visit.  Rob and I hadn't seen her since before the accident too.  Her and my father were both able to meet Anna Claire for the first time:)

Rob enjoying some pizza at our favorite local spot sitting next to my stepmom.  We had the entire family there for lunch (Rob and I along with our children, my mom, my sister, my dad and his wife, my aunt and my uncle).

Me with my sister, Kelly, and Anna Claire

Tate enjoying some time with my mom and sister's dogs while visiting my mom's (aka Nana) house.

Abram, Aunt Kelly, Cai, and Cade with the dogs 

Ian enjoying some doggy time;)

Aunt Kelly enjoying some Anna Claire time.

Sarah, Aunt Kelly, and Emma

My dad (aka Poppy) with me and Emma

Poppy with me, Anna Claire, Emma, and Kelly

Me with my mom and sister 

Sweet Anna Claire fell asleep snuggling with her Nana

We had a great visit.  Now, we're getting ready for Christmas with my mom, aunt, and uncle who are traveling down here to spend a few days with us.  

For anyone wondering, Rob is doing great.  We have been enjoying not to mention thankful for a season of good health for him and our family.  He hasn't gone to therapy for several months due to the fact that insurance wouldn't cover it any longer.  However, we joined our local YMCA for him to go and continue strengthing his arms/muscles in place of his other therapy.  It's amazing how much he has been able to train his body and increase in strength since the day he came home from the hospital.  

Our family is very grateful for your continued prayers.  It is comforting to know that there are those of you from all over lifting us up to the Father.

Navy Fleet Week in NOLA

A little over a week ago (Thursday, April 19th), Rob took off work to take us to New Orleans to tour the war ships and the tall ships that were on display for Navy Fleet Week in honor of the Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812.  We thought it would be a fun, learning day with the family.

When we found out about this opportunity it was just a few days before the event began but I was still able to schedule a group tour of one of the war ships for our family.  You had to have 10 or more for a group tour so our family qualified:)

Here’s 3 of the war ships as we are heading there for our group tour of the USS Mitschner.  We toured the one in front.

A large cargo ship going down the Mississippi River full of 18-wheeler truck boxes.

The Navy band playing as we got closer to our ship.

USS Mitschner

The kids waiting for our tour.

All of us

Our big boys with the “big” boys!

Yes, they had them armed and ready around all of the ships. 

These sailors were teaching our kids all about their weapons, uniforms, and what they do before we got on the ship.

 

The U.S Coast Guard were present.

Tall Ships

We passed this paddle boat on our way to eat lunch before going on the USS WASP.

After lunch, we got on the USS WASP.  This was a carrier war ship and it was huge.  I didn’t get a picture of the outside due to the size.

This ship had two other smaller boats/ships inside it.  We were able to tour different sections of the ship, touch and feel, and get in/on the different vehicles.

 

 

 

Outside on the deck were more vehicles along with this helicopter.

Inside the helicopter

Yes, they got to hold the real thing!!!

 

 

Isaac exploring the training missile.  Cai came over to make sure Isaac didn’t hurt himself.

 

These packs were heavy.  Cai and Tate needed help to lift them on but not Ian.

 

Our crew in front of the tank:)

I love this face that Isaac makes.  It makes me smile every time.  Ian was carrying Isaac after we departed the ship.

A view that we had while walking down the street.

To finish our day, we decided to take a ride on one of the trolley cars. 

Waiting for the trolley

Hanging out on the trolley during one of the stops.

Isaac playing with Daddy’s hat:)

It was a long day but very fun.  The little ones did great especially without naps or a short nap and a lot of walking.  Isaac and Asa fell asleep in the strollers while we were waiting for lunch.  Most of them fell asleep on our drive home after our full day.

I think we all had a good time and many of us learn a lot.  I’m thankful that Rob decided to take the day off to take us on this adventure.  It was a great, family, field trip!