Catching up, part 1

This is less a "what's new with Hunter" post and more a summary of what our family has been up to the last couple weeks.  This year {more than most} I have appreciated this change in season and watching my boys experience fun fall activities.  I probably don't have to explain that much!  How sweet it is to be all together for the big and little stuff!      

headed out to Baird with their bows--otherwise known as drink fanta and play phones for the little 3

This last week at therapy has been a little bit of torture for Hunter.  His calf muscles and weight bearing ankle joint have lost a lot of flexibility without use.  This week he got dry needled, his calf knots "massaged" with a metal stick, and lots of stretching.  This will help his heel not come off the ground when he steps, and will help his walk look more natural.  Poor guy had an audience, and Hunter had to keep telling the twins he was tough and it was ok that they were sticking needles in his legs.  He also has been practicing stopping, turning, and walking different speeds without his sticks.  All things he needs to be able to navigate outside of therapy to walk without his sticks!

 

We had so much fun at ACU's homecoming!  After a softball game, the food truck, bounce houses, and the parade, the boys were worn out.  I did a terrible job of taking pictures, but it was great to catch up with friends we don't get to see enough.  These last 10 years since graduation have flown by!

watching Casey May play some softball

dressed for the wrong sport, but they were excited:)

with Willie the Wildcat

laser tag inside an inflatable

 One of the highlights for me was running into my precious friend Patsy.  I would often get phone calls from the hospital to come down to the lobby where she would be waiting with a hug and home cooked meal.  Her door was always open to me, even if it was late or I just needed to shower.  She understood the road we were walking because she had been down it before.  Her presence was so calming for me, and I am so very thankful for her!    

fell asleep with the lights on before I could tuck him in

 I finally brought my big camera to one of Benton's soccer games.  He is having a lot of fun learning how to play!  

Way to play #6!

After soccer, we dropped the boys off with my parents and headed to Ft. Worth for the rest of the weekend.  Hunter got me tickets to the Taylor Swift concert for my birthday, and we had a blast.  She put on a really fun show.  I think our ears were ringing for several days from the girls screaming behind us:)  It was my first big concert, and it will be hard to top!

We had a pretty sweet ride!

Hunter and his therapist chose our seats wisely so he could navigate the stadium.  Thanks Jodi!

the big screen at AT&T

Meanwhile, the boys had a big time at Honey and Poppa's!

 Back in the grind, the twins had homecoming at their school and dressed up for "twins day."

Praying for Hudson and the Wade family!

We had to stop and look at this rainbow! 

I couldn't wait for some rainy weather to make soup!  The kids were a little more excited about carmel apples.

It's hard to be 4!  I wish I had a picture of the smile when he bumped Benton's game piece.

Love my boys!

It's hard to believe it's already November!  It is possible to be overwhelmingly thankful for how far we've come but also long for normal?  I hope that makes sense.  Last November was definitely the low point in our journey.  Hunter lost the ability to communicate with us and was totally paralyzed with being "locked in" and my boys were so ready for all of this to be over.  `Here we are a year later.  Hunter is 1000 times better today, but still struggles daily with nerve pain and other neuro issues.  Right now he still can't fire some of his leg muscles.  Will you pray with me that his nerves heal and those pathways regenerate so he can reagain his full function in his legs?  We are so grateful that God listens to prayers and we know he is the great healer!