ADAPTIVE BICYCLE
This past spring I began searching for a fun activity the whole family can participate in. Lucky for us Gwen's school received a brand new Rifton Adaptive Bicycle. Gwen's school's physical therapist brought the bicycle over to our house for us to see and Gwen to test. There is no chain, only cables that easily propel the bike forward and backward as Gwen pedals. If Gwen is having a hard time pedaling, there is a pull bar for us to pull her.She had a blast, but I felt like this activity would be short term since her head and trunk control are minimal.
WIKE
After weeks of online research, testing out a Weehoo, and visiting local bike shops, I came across the Wike (manufactured in Canada). It is a bike trailer, jogger, and stroller all-in-one! It is the perfect activity for our whole family! Since the Wike is meant for older children, we used Gwen's Special Tomato (the chair we purchased from Gwen's 3rd birthday donations) for more support. Luckily, it arrived just in time before it got too hot!
VACATION
We headed up north to Pinetop to get out of the heat and spend time with Jesse's family. We did a little nature walking with the Wike and took Quinten and Gwen on their first boat/fishing excursion! 
BALLET
Gwen participated in ballet lessons through Ballet Academy of Arizona. The teacher, Ms. Caroline, was so gentle, so patient, so sweet, so delicate, and so kind. We danced to music, we trotted around the room, we stretched all kinds of muscles, and we played with new textures! It truly was one of the funnest activities I have been able to experience with Gwen.
(Shout out to Ms. Amanda (Gwen's Classroom Aide) for the tutu!)
Aunt Diana even joined in on the fun!
SUMMER SCHOOL
Gwen attended Summer School "Camp" at Foundation for Blind Children.
SWIM LESSONS
Gwen took swim lessons at a local indoor swim school (until she got pneumonia from aspirating water).
MISS CAT
We hired Miss Cathleen (Miss Cat) as Gwen's Habilitation Specialist for the summer. Miss Cat came over 15 hours a week and did EVERYTHING with Gwen; therapies, social interaction activities, swimming, art projects, bathing, cooking, feeding, etc.! It has been wonderful having an extra set of hands to work with Gwen especially when Quinten demands so much of my attention!
Miss Cat and I spent a lot of time together this summer and I feel like I have gained a little sister and Gwen has another Auntie! Miss Cat has to leave us to go back to college, but it is so important for her to know that she is an amazing person and she was such a good fit for our family! Jesse and I thank Miss Cat from the bottom of our hearts for being so incredible from start to finish (hopefully this isn't the end)!
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