Labor Day Camping 2011

This year for Labor Day we went to a different campground. We tried Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater. The campground was nice because the walk to Lake Michigan was just around the corner, however the camp sites were a small cement pad and the rest was sand. Not exactly the best set up for Addy to walk around and definitely very dirty, but the kids had lots of fun anyway.

Our group consisted of The Coffindaffers (Tara and Kyle), The Courtney's, The Seward's, The Coffindaffer's (Keith and Corrine), and us. We had a big group and we had a lot of fun planning theme nights for our dinners. We also got a chance to walk into the town of Pentwater a couple of times. Not the best weather we have ever had, but we made the best of it.

One of the coolest things about the campground is that they had a beach wheelchair for use. We have never encountered a beach wheelchair before. Lugging Addy and all our things across sand is very difficult and the wheelchair was a lifesaver. Now I'm begging Aaron to try and build us one that we can take apart and take with us whenever we go to the beach.

Krystal Lake Campground

In August we took a camping trip to Krystal Lake campground located near Lapeer. Grandma Kris, Grandpa Bub, Grandma Marci and Papa Rick all came with us. It was a very nice private campground. It had a pool, a beach, paddle boats, playgrounds and very nice sites. Definitely a place we could see ourselves going back to.

Shriners Hospital in Philly

I am very far behind in posting....so here goes!

Addy and I took a trip to Shriner's hospital in Philadelphia in mid August. This hospital has an orthopedic doc who specializes in dealing with the issues that having Arthrogryposis presents. So, away we went. A huge thank you to Continental Careforce who paid for our airfare to get there and back. While there we stayed at the Ronald McDonald house in Camden, New Jersey because the house in Philly was full. It was quite an experience trying to navigate my way around several cities that I didn't know while having Addy in tow, but we successfully did it!

When we arrived at the Ronald McDonald house, the room we were given just happened to be the Dora room. Addy was in heaven. We arrived the day before her appointment so we went downtown Philly and went on Ride the Duck. It's a sightseeing tour that takes you on a bus ride through the city and then it turns into a boat and you get a short ride on the river. Addy had a great time. We then walked downtown, grabbed a cheesesteak sandwich and saw the Liberty Bell.

The doctor's appointment went well. He does feel as though she needs a new set of braces and perhaps even a different style. Her ankles are so tight to the point that she is walking on her toes. He wants to put her through a series of casting along with new braces made by the orthotist that he works with. Our goal is to get her ankles loosened back up so that she can get her heels on the ground and be able to progress forward to independent standing. The only problem with this is that we will have to travel to Philly several more times because he wants to be the one to cast and brace her. Our first appointment to go back is October 24th. We will probably make the 11 hour drive next time around....yikes! I am hopeful that we can get Addy moving in the right direction. Will keep you updated.

And a big THANKS to Shriner's hospital, Continental Carefore and the Ronald McDonald organization for all you do for kids. This wouldn't have been possible without you.