Thoughts and events from the Christmas season

Here's a little sample of what we've been up to the past few weeks.

This is our new house!!! Bryson has been working hard remodeling some of the interior.
View from kitchen of garage entry and family rm
View from family rm of kitchen and hallway to bedroomsHeather helping load the kiddos on our way to my family's ward Christmas party.

Me loading my handsome Hunter.

The three of us at the party. Bryson was working on our house so we were missing him.
Eleyna opening her first present on Dec. 23rd to celebrate the Prophet Joseph Smith's birthday.

Bryson helping Hunter open his gift. He got the Children's songbook on cd.
Eleyna playing with the wrapping paper afterwards. What a beautiful smile!

We are so excited about our new place and can't wait to move in--hopefully we'll be in shortly after New Year's. One thing I wanted to mention quickly is how grateful I have felt recently for all of the wonderful people who help me to take care of Hunter, but especially for his therapists from Kids on the Move. My physical and occupational therapists are amazing guys. They truly care about Hunter and all of the children they work with everyday. I know that the Savior has a special love for those precious spirits who struggle with imperfect bodies. I think He, along with me, cries tears of joy when He sees His other children working so hard to help improve the lives of little kids who cannot help themselves. I am so grateful to be able to associate with individuals on a regular basis who understand what it means to be a parent of a child with a disability--it helps me to not feel quite so alone.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Courage Reins

Hunter got to go to his first horseback riding session at Courage Reins today. It went really well. I think he enjoyed the experience, although he was very tired afterwards. The people who work there and who helped Hunter ride were great! We get to go every Friday morning for the next few months. I think it will be great for my little guy.

Physical therapy

This is a picture of Hunter with his physical therapist, Tiffany. That (cute) mad expression on Hunter's face says exactly how he feels about physical therapy. Right now Hunter is working on head control, sitting, and rolling. Mom is a slacker so Hunter was still in his pjs when Tiff arrived this morning. (At least they were his cool robot pajamas!)

Vision therapy

Hunter gets visits from his occupational therapist, physical therapist and vision therapist every month. Jamie, his vision therapist, comes nearly every week. A few of the things they work on together include tracking objects, opening and using his fingers to explore different textures, and lifting his head to see toys. In this picture, she was having him track his fish from side to side in a sitting position. He is sitting in the new chair KOTM (Kids on the Move) brought us this week. Hunter and Mom spend a lot of time attending his therapy appointments and practicing exercises on our own. Hunter works very hard and we are very proud him!