Summer Woots and Woes

Summer is here, at least in Texas. It's HOT! We planned a little getaway to Oklahoma with our baby Moo to see and feed some animals at Arbuckle Wilderness. It was great and we all had a blast. She especially enjoyed getting to ride in the front seat like a big girl while we were driving through the park. We also took her swimming and fishing. She caught her first fish (with a little help from Papa of course!). She is such an easy child to take places. She is well mannered and well behaved...most of the time.

While we were gone, we began having some issues with the lift system on our van. It has always been quirky and we have learned some tricks along the way to deal. But suddenly it decided to just stop letting the lip down once it was lowered which made getting the wheelchair on and off a physical feat. We decided to put it in the shop once we got back to my mom's house.

They couldn't fix it right away and we were told it would be a few days before the part would arrive so we decided that B-man and I would stay at Mom's and I would drive Buddy back home in her car then return the same day.
That was great until halfway home, her car began acting up. We barely made it to our house before the brakes gave out. I ended up driving Buddy's truck back and he put her car in a local repair shop.

So, I decided that if I was stuck at Mom's, I might as well make the most of it. I called up a couple of old friends and arranged meetings. It was great to see them and catch up. Mom and I even took Moo to her first live play and her first movie. Without my lift van, getting B-man and his wheelchair in and out of the truck wrecked havoc on my already injured wrist and caused some spasms in my back as well. I finally called the company and asked for a lift van rental, which they provided at no charge because the part delivery for my van had been unexplainably delayed. I was so happy to have that rental!

Moo turned three that week and Sissy had planned a huge birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese for that Saturday evening. It turned out great and Moo had a blast playing games and opening presents. However, she was afraid of the character Chuck E. Cheese so we had to make sure she stayed far away from him! Overall, it was a great visit and I am thankful for the extra time spent with my mom.

We drove the three hours home after the party and I was very glad to get back into my own bed that night. B-man was too. He has a hospital bed here which allows him to be in a more upright position while sleeping to ease his reflux. At Mom's I have tried to raise the head of his bed but it just isn't the same. Overall, it was a good trip and one that, in retrospect, was probably given to me for a reason. I am sure that one day I will look back and say a little prayer of thanks to God for allowing my van lift to break.