Casey turns 16 and Colin 'skates'

I cannot believe that we have a 16-year-old child.  That the said child has SMA and has thrived is even more unbelievable.

Casey had to go to school because he didn't finish his mid-term exams.  Send him off with little fanfare but he was in a good mood.

Colin had his first class like normal, and then we had to rush to get him ready to go skating.  I had him in his long johns, a warm shirt and lined pants and he had on his DAFOs and socks, but I forgot his "Puss in Boots" booties, oh dear.

Since we had no nurse for Colin, Gene came with us skating.  Priscilla drove with us to Cairnes Arena.  We made it there after all the kids had already donned their skates and were out on the ice.  We watched the kids for a while and then headed down to the smaller rink.   Man it was cold in there!

We got Colin settled on the sled and he was much less anxious than last year.  He was all comfy and snuggled.  Priscilla brought her thermos of hot water and her water bottle so Colin had some warm toes :)

He really enjoyed himself this year.  Last year he was ready to get off the ice after a couple of circles but this year he went round and round and round.  He had lots of pullers.  Mrs. TC, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Dabritz, and some of the kids.  We were a little worried since neither Gene nor I skate so no one was on the ice with him, but they assured us they would listen for any beeps and they watched him like a hawk.  He did great!

Priscilla warmed up his chair with the hot water bottle before we put him back in.  We headed into the warm up room to hang out.  Colin got to use some of the questions Priscilla had programmed into the DynaVox and had a conversation with Mrs. Damon.  We headed out not to long after that.

Went to iParty so we could get Casey's football balloons filled.

Came home and Casey was there.  (he got his exams done--yay!).  Colin gave the balloons to him as a gift.

Julia and I worked on Casey's cake.  I baked and she decorated.  I did two yellow mixes in the bottom rectangle and one chocolate one in the oval one.  I think it came out pretty good but Julia wasn't satisfied.  What do you think?

So, then it was time for celebration!   We got the boys up in their chairs and we started in on some gifts and cards.

I think he was a little overwhelmed but enjoyed himself.  He got some handsome dude shirts, DVDs, cash, gift cards and lots of goodies.

And then it was time for some excitement.  Gene popped the popper!

Time for candles!

Julie is the official cake cutter.

 

 More cards, more gifts.  Listened to some of his new music and then the day had to end.  It was certainly a big day for all of us!