Hope you enjoyed the post below. It was written 1/2 by Carter and 1/2 by myself. We actually took turns with the laptop writing each sentence last night. :) He's been inspired to start his own blog now, I can't wait to see how it develops and hope he keeps it for years to come. You can find him at: carter1b.blogspot.com.

We had an amazing time together Sunday hiking the mountain and although I'm still slightly sore, I can't wait to do it again very soon! We are thinking about Saturday and having a picnic lunch under the flag. The hike was 2 miles up and although it's not too steep, it's quite a workout when pushing Carter in his manual wheelchair. I wanted to stop a few times but he kept me going. We got disappointed when we'd turn a corner and see that there was still just trail ahead and that we weren't to the flag/cross yet but he kept saying, "lets think positive", "it's going to be so exciting when we get to the top", "we can't turn back now". Once we got up to the top we parked his wheelchair and climbed up some big steps and then rocks over to the flag and then same thing with the cross. It was a great time and so worth it!! Amazing how rewarding that hike was with Carter compared to if I would have gone up on my own. It made it that much more taxing physically, but was so empowering. Nothing like seeing the joy on my sons face after he was able to climb up the final bit to the top of the mountain himself. It was hard for him, and probably something Dr. Wong would frown on, but there are certain things that I just can't stop him from doing. Some things are priceless and I feel we need to let him experience them while he still has the ability.  If we can figure out parking and some other logistics, we will be hosting a "Climb to Cure Duchenne" event at Mt. Rubidoux in June. Please stay tuned for more info on that..

Carter recieved the 'Principal's Honor Roll' (all A's) award today for the second trimester at school (he recieved it last trimester also and for the full school year in Kindergarten). He's starting his academic career off great and we couldn't be prouder of him!!

Carter decided this year to take part in his school's fundraising efforts for the American Heart Associations Jump Rope for Heart. Although he isn't physically able to jump rope he is very excited to "raise money to help other people with heart diseases" and is really looking forward to the event. Heart health is something that effects us all and although Carter's determination is to help others; research in this field is of great benefit to him and all of the boys/men living with Duchenne. Please help him make a difference by making a small donation if you're able. http://honor.americanheart.org/site/TR/JumpforHeart/WSA-WesternStatesAffiliate?px=2712650&pg=personal&fr_id=1445 Thank you! =)

Mountain Climbers

I had to work Saturday, but Carter marked Sunday as "Carter & Mommy Day" on the calendar. We weren't sure what to do, but it was a really pretty day out. So we went to Mt. Rubidoux. It was very hard to find the place because we could not find a parking place. There's a beautiful paved 2-mile hiking trail. On the top there is a big American Flag and a cross. We climbed all the way to the top and sat below each of them for awhile. Next time we are going to the top and going to have a picnic. It was a lot more work to get up to the top than we thought. It was so pretty once we got up there; I forgot about the discomfort of pushing Carter up the mountain and was just so happy to be experiencing the moment together.  I don't think I needed pictures to remember the day I think I could remeber it myself. But, we did take a lot of pictures, so we could show everyone just how beautiful it was. Here are a few:

 By Carter and Rhiannon :)