Alex's first day of hippotherapy

Alex seemed to have a really great time at hippotherapy yesterday! I had been counting on needing several sessions before she would be willing to get on the horse and ride with people she didn't know, so I was totally amazed that she had no hesitation at all. She even participated in a ring toss game with them (this is the girl who is so shy she has trouble asking for snack at preschool!) I think all of her positive experiences with the kitties in St. Louis really helped us on that front! Alex's horse's name is Ladybug, and she will get to ride her every week. While it is still a bit cold and rainy, we will continue to ride in the covered arena, but when the weather is nice she will get to ride outside on the trails. The PT who worked with her said she was the perfect hippotherapy candidate, and she is optimistic that we will see an improvement in her core strength in the not so distant future.

Spring trip to STL

Alex had a lot of fun visiting family in St. Louis. Ever since we got back to Portland, Alex has asked about everyone and when we can go back. Very fun!



Playing with Aunt Rachel



Aunt Sarah taught Alex all about computers!

Alex was sick for much of the trip and more interested in hanging at home than going out to see the sights. We did make it to the science center and had a great time. I was a little nervous when Jim wanted to show Alex the great big moving dinosaurs, but Alex was completely fascinated by them and told us it was her favorite part of the museum. :)

Alex LOVED Grammy and Grandpa's kitty and all of Grandma's kitties. She especially loved nuzzling them with her forehead, touching their noses, and getting them to twitch their ears (these were very tolerant kitties!).

Alex was highly motivated to walk by her first Easter egg hunt, so we ended up having one almost every day of the trip!

Fun with Bubbles

Alex *loves* bubbles and has recently figured out how to balance in standing for longer periods of time and take small controlled steps to come pop them without falling. It has been great to see her having so much fun while working so hard!

Super Alex

Alex loves playing pretend games. Her favorite game in the morning is to be "Super Alex" who speeds away wearing her pajama cape. She is so much fun!

Some pics of Alex at her friends' Lizzie and Nick's birthday party. They had a real live fire truck come to visit and Alex had a total blast.

Alex is learning to read for real!

Alex is really getting the hang of sounding out words and reading them. It is so cool to watch her get it. Very fun! :)

Visit with Grandma, Aunt Rachel, Aunt Sarah & Uncle Patrick

We had a great time with Jim's family for Christmas! Santa brought everyone a pair of silly glasses, which were quite the hit with everyone. :)