Chicago

We decided that since we were so close to Chicago, that we would go to Chicago for the weekend and see the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, and a few other sights. We left Friday after Marshall got out of therapy and it took us about 6 hours to get there. On our way, somewhere in Papa Michigan, we ran into bad weather and the windshield wiper decided that it was going to hang on by a thread. So, I pulled off of the interstate and couldn't find a windshield wiper, so Mark tied a knot around it with a Wal-Mart sack. We knew we brought those along for something. Meanwhile, everyone in Papa Michigan is standing outside the store saying that there is a tornado heading our way. We always find a way to add excitement to our trips, always!! Needless to say, we made it through the storm without seeing the tornado and made it to Chicago safely.
We left the hotel after dinner and headed to Navy Pier, and let me tell you, it was very windy, but beautiful. It was nice because the last time Mark and I were there it was during the winter and it is nothing like it was this time. There were so many vendors open and people walking around and so much food to eat. Since it was windy, they weren't running the farris wheel, thank goodness. I really didn't want to get on it, but I knew the kids would enjoy it and lucky for me, it was too windy! Yeah!
We had fun walking around and there was a really neat stained glass exhibit that was very interesting. This particular piece was in a very wealthy house under the staircase. Absolutely beautiful.

After we spent a couple of hours at Navy Pier, we decided that we were going to try and go to the Sears Tower. The last time Mark and I came, we went up at night and it was so pretty. So, we raced over to the Tower and parked without feeding the meter, and it may very well have not even been a parking place. I'm not used to parking in the city and it was crazy. So we hurry and unload the stroller and wheelchair and get the kids buckled up and run to the Tower as it was 8:55 and the latest you can go up is 9:00. We get in and a lady inside tells us that the Tower is closed because it is too windy! Wow! All that work for nothing. So we had to come back the next morning. Well, the next morning we had to park in the parking garage, which if you've every parked in one in a big city, they aren't condusive to a lot of space. I swear, it looked like we were going to scrape the top of the truck and get stuck. It was so crazy! I was so afraid we weren't going to fit and get stuck. Wouldn't that be great. But, we made it and made it to the tower. Jordan, of course slept the whole time, so she won't remember doing anything this vacation, because she slept through all of it.

This is a view from Sears Tower and Mark, Marshall and Becky posing while inside the Tower.

Detroit, Michigan

We spent a few days sight seeing in Detroit before Mark, Jordan and Becky went home. We went to downtown Detroit and road the tram, which Marshall loved. It was so nice because it gave us a chance to sit down and rest.

We went to the GM building, Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the River Walk. It was neat because while we were in Detroit, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup and when we went to Comerica Park the statue had a huge red wings jersey on. Of course Mark and Marshall had to get their picture taken with him.

We had a really good time walking around town. After visiting the stadiums, we went to the GM building and the River Walk. Mark and Marshall played in the water fountains they had. Marshall didn't care too much for that, but Mark had fun.

Jordan had fun during our adventures; however, she slept most of the way. It was a good thing that we brough the stroller with us, because she would just lay there and sleep. No complaints from her.
When we got off of the tram, there was a very neat statue of children doing YMCA. I just thought it was very cute.

Therasuit

Marshall spent the first three weeks of his summer vacation in Keego Harbor Michigan at an intensive therapy program called Therasuit. This intensive therapy program allowed Marshall to work on strength training and exercises to promote proper movement. It was a 16 hour drive from Arkansas to Keego Harbor and the kids did great for such a long ride! Jordan slept most of the way and Marshall watched movies. Thank goodness our kids love to ride in the car. We drove all the way through and got into Auburn Hills about 2:00 am Sunday morning. Mark and Jordan stayed the first week with us, which was great! Marshall went to therapy for 3 hours a day and worked very, very hard. He cried every morning that we would turn onto the street to go. Although he cried all the time, the hard work paid off. He gained so much strength in his legs and back, it was amazing! While Marshall was working hard, Jordan slept every morning through his therapy.

The first week we were in Detroit, we picked up Mark's mom from the Detroit airport on Tuesday. She stayed with us for a week and then flew back with Mark and Jordan to Arkansas. We spent the week going to therapy and then finding stuff to do around Detroit. We went to the Great Lakes Crossing Mall, where Marshall played in the play area on huge pieces of food. Oh yeah, food. His favorite was the banana or the watermelon, because he could slide down them and he thought that was hilarious!

We also found a cool cart at the Meyer grocery store that had a tv in it that played cartoons. We weren't sure what Marshall wold think about it, but he rode in it while we shopped and actually liked riding in it. He is such a big boy.

So, this was where we spent most of our afternoon's once Mark and Jordan went home.

Michigan was a very eye opening experience for us, in that we really learned how important it is for Marshall and Jordan to build strength in the right muscles to be able to learn to walk and do things more independently.

Marshall practicing his balance with Richard & Jordan getting comfy in the seat on a Southwest flight home from Detroit.

Conway Braves

This year, Marshall started baseball on the Conway Braves baseball team. This is a baseball team designed for children with special needs and each game the children have "buddies" to help out. Marshall didn't get to play much this summer because we had other ventures; however, when he did play, he loved it and had fun seeing his friends from school. This was such a great thing for Marshall, since it is very hard to find activities like this for our children. He truly enjoyed it and we can't wait to play again next year.

Neenaw Carolyn

It is so hard to believe that it's been a year and she isn't here anymore. So many things have happened in the course of a year. I wish that Neenaw Carolyn was here to see Jordan and Marshall now, she would be so proud of both of them! At least she got to see Jordan born and hold her and she knew that Jordan came home from the hospital. I think that is all that she needed to know before she left. There are days that it is still hard to believe that she isn't here and I hate it. We love you Neenaw!

Triumph Soccer

Marshall played soccer for his second year this Spring. He is a part of the Triumph Soccer program that is designed for children with special needs. This year we played on the amazing new field at Hendrix College and as usual, Marshall loved every minute of it. He loves being outside and really enjoys kicking the soccer ball around.

At the end of the season, each kid received a t-shirt and a medal. This year seemed to be so well organized and the kids actually worked on different skills for playing soccer. It was such a great opportunity for Marshall. We can't wait until next year!

Tennis

Mark and I have picked up the hobby of playing tennis, well trying to play anyway. It is very hard for us to find time, but when we do, we really love it. We put Jordan in her stroller and let Marshall scoot around the court. Although it rips his pant to shreds, he loves it. Marshall also loves to swing the tennis racket, whether he hits the ball or not.