One week ago our sweet girl was feeling pretty lousy due to developing an unexpected UTI. Of course, in typical Annabelle "superstar" style she is back to her happy self once again. Although, I was initially disappointed that she had developed a UTI because it had been just about year and a half (can you even believe that?) since she last got one. Seriously, how awesome it that? I'm not afraid to say it, that is super great! The reality is that UTI's are bound to happen due to her frequent catheterization. So truly, there was no need to be upset about it. Thankfully, we caught it quickly and were able to get the right medicine on the first try.
Because the boys get out of school early on Friday's we decided to play at the park to burn up some of that extra energy. We decided to go to the "accessible" park in the neighboring city to ensure that all 3 kiddos were able to have as much fun as possible. SUCH A GREAT IDEA!! We had a blast. The boys probably would have had fun at any park but Annabelle had a GREAT time and there's no question she would not have had this much fun at our local park we usually meet friends at on Friday.
This girl was on the move the whole time!
She wouldn't stop to eat or drink (not great, but understandable).
She threw a massive three year old tantrum when it was time to go.
The statements above and these pictures below are proof positive that accessible parks are awesome and worth the financial investment by the city. Thank you Lakewood, California for caring enough to build this new playground!
She wasn't too interested in walking on the paved path to the slide. She just went full throttle onto the sand and didn't miss a beat. She has never done this before and I almost stopped her as I figured she'd get stuck. Thankfully, she didn't and she couldn't have been happier to go directly to where the boys were playing.
She was going non-stop up and down the ramp of the play structure. She did it at least 20 times, no joke. She keep saying "watch out mama, here I come". She was hilarious. Check out her face, she was determined and working hard. She was going so fast that I was slightly worried she would fall. I say slightly because I've tried to not be too overprotective about walking and falling as I know it's not in her best interest to make a big fuss. If she falls (and she does) I just encourage her to get up or I help her up and we keep moving along.
Here's Annabelle's super awesome big brothers.
Her boys. Her protectors. Her two favorite people in the world.
Benjamin asked if he could take a picture of Annabelle and I. I agreed remembering THIS article I recently read about mom's needing to stay in the pictures regardless of what they look like that day, month, year, etc. So, although pictures of me lately clearly show that I am a good 30 pounds over weight and haven't bought a new outfit in what seems like an eternity I stayed in the picture. At the end of the day I'm so glad I have this picture of Annabelle and I. I really wanted one with me and all three kids but that just wasn't possible today.
Benjamin did offer to take another one with Jack in it. This is what I got. It didn't come out as great as I had hoped but at least he tried. I just love my little 5 1/2 year old photographer.
What a blessed woman I am!