Modified Ride

Last summer, we had a major mishap with Mallory's trail-behind bike.  We wrecked.  It was awful!  She had went to reposition herself in the seat and turned the bike on it's side.
Lot's of road rash! OUCH. :(

Todd has spent a great deal of time modifying the trail-behind bike to make it safer for Mallory.

The seat now sits lower and is centered over the wheels.
He also removed the pedals and added foot rests.

Mallory loves it!
She begs to go for a ride every evening.

It's a good workout as well with pulling the extra 100 lbs.

A few more modifications are in the works.
Mallory wants the bike painted YELLOW.  Her favorite color.
We are also going to replace the velcro straps with a seatbelt.

We did it!

Mallory's school had their 2-mile Run/Walk/Roll today.
Mallory wanted me to partcipate with her while she rode her bike.
It's a fun event that is hyped around activity and wellness.
We completed 1.4 of the 2-mile route which I felt was quite the accomplishment.  I ran alongside Mallory most of the time.

Mallory got a kick out of squeezing the hand-brake every time we would hit a good stride. 
She thought it was funny.
I didn't.

Afterwards, Mallory enjoyed handing water out to all the participants. Especially to her buddy, Noah.

Horse Lessons.

Since the weather has warmed up, Jackie has started horse lessons again.  Mallory got to spend little time with the group and learn horse anatomy.

She has alot of fun participating.

She even wanted to be the teacher.

The best part was when Tonya would get Specks to jump.
The kids loved it.

Tonya even let Mallory jump in and lead Specks.

Back in the saddle........Again.

Sessions at Independence Farms are back in full swing but at a new location.  The riders get to be outdoors versus contained in a barn.  Weather will be a factor but this setting allows for so many possibilities.  It's exciting.

Testing the Limits.

Mallory had her Spring Program this evening.
She has been preparing hersef for this night for weeks.
Singing songs is something she loves to do.

The evening went well and Mallory eagerly participated however she was just a little bit ornery.  Mallory was intrigued with what her classmates were doing and had times where it was hard keeping her hands to herself. 

At times she would get distracted and try pulling the ties on the stage curtain.  Fortunately, she never did get the ties undone.

Great article!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ryan-marshall/life-with-sms_b_1413373.html

I came across this article today and thought it was worth sharing!

More Easter Goodness.

Mallory had more Easter fun over the weekend with the Walter-side of the family.  This time she got to hide and hunt Easter eggs!

We also colored Easter eggs and Mallory wanted to participate.  She actually did a great job of dipping her eggs and ended up coloring 3 of them.  I have noticed that the older she has gotten the more willing she is to try things.  In her younger years the sensory input of activities like this would have turned her off.

One more hurdle overcome in the world of Smith Magenis Syndrome.