Wheelchairs Rock

So I am at Target yesterday with Sommer and realize that I can't "crutch" it around stores due to the intense pain in my arms/hands from the process. I then realize it might be a great excuse to finally try out one of those motorized wheelchairs the stores provide for their customers in "need."

Sommer was a bit leery of my decision (especially when I backed up and the contraption started beeping extremely loud to warn others) but in the end we had a great time zooming around Target...okay they don't really zoom...rather putz at top speeds of 2 mph. She did try to pretend I wasn't her mom a couple of times when she saw some of her friends but quickly had to claim me when I drove up to them with a big wave...I was lovin' this.

Today at Costco, Garth insisted I get another one so he could have a good laugh (I actually do "need" one since the crutches are way too painful for shopping trips). We went all around getting lots of looks (of admiration I think or sympathy) doing our birthday shopping for Ashton's big 4th birthday on Monday. We asked him what he wanted and he has told us two things: M&Ms and Starburst.

Later that day we had a quick stop at Walmart. Instead of taking one of the "slow" motorized wheelchairs, Garth thought it might be even more fun to just use a plain old wheel chair that he would push. He immediately started moving wildly through the store...packed with shoppers I might add. But admittedly, it was much more fun than the battery operated ones. He drove me into a few aisles of merchandise (on purpose? maybe...) but all in all, it was a thumbs up mode of transportation.

Since I can now drive with my left foot...check...and can get around stores with a wheelchair/basket...check...and I am getting a handicapped parking sticker Tuesday...things aren't looking so bad.

I just need to find a way to carry dishes to the sink, pick up, vacuum, etc while using crutches.

Casting a New Light

I have a cast. It is hard to use crutches. They hurt my hands. They hurt my pits. I am slow. It is difficult to clean. Messes are popping up everywhere. I can't carry things and use crutches at the same time. I can't drive (yet). Going down the stairs is a long and scary process. No weight bearing on foot for 3 weeks. No running, biking, swimming...nothing for 3 weeks, at least. I have a cast. Humbled, thankful, hopeful, insightful, empathetic...and free from housework.

I can't wait until I can run again though...

In Closing...

In the closing of our Alaska trip, I would like to thank the following people for making it a huge success! First Mom and Dad Novakovich for opening their home, giving me a car, golfing and making the best pancakes ever!

Matt and Tiffanie, thank you for your kids (cause mine had so much fun playing with yours...and meeting cousins!), hiking (and other strenuous activities), eating, playing hide-and-go-seek, and bike racing (I preferred watching both of you!).
I can't wait to eat here again...man, was that some awesome food!
I miss you all!

Now I can't end without thanking Garth and Sommer for allowing us to leave for 2 weeks! We know how hard you both worked to make it happen. Thanks to the Virginia Grandparents, The Gairs for taking the kids while Garth was out of town. And to those friends that took the kids every now and then...THANKS!!

Bears and Moose...of the friendly variety

We had to hit the gift shop before we left. And it was there we met up with these friendly animals.

Alaska is Beautiful

Alaska State Fair Baby!

It all started with the BMX bike stunt show. My boys loved this so much, they asked to see it twice! The riders were available for autographs after the show, and both Calvin and Ethan got a poster and hat signed by these national ranked X game bikers.



A fair isn't a fair without the expensive, totally unsafe, thrill rides. Here we can see a perfect example of how fair rides drain your pockets...

The funniest show (and my favorite...thanks Maleen for the suggestion), was the lumberjack show! They made hiliarious wisecracks, raced up these tall polls, logged rolled themselves into the water and carved a rabbit in a log with a chainsaw.

We spent the entire day looking for free stuff (you all know how I feel about that) and felt we came away with plenty of junk. I think this was one of our best days yet!

Cousin Josh, Cousin Liz and Cousin Gnome

Josh turned 8 yesterday! Happy Birthday Josh!

He received many super presents. One of his favorites was another ramp.
Here is the cutest cousin of all...Tally. I think she looks a bit like the Travelocity Gnome...but much cuter.