While this Easter still didn't feel like a "usual" holiday for us, it was much improved from last Easter when we were awaiting brain surgery for Gavin. The Easter Bunny had an easier time finding us this year since we were all under the same roof and Gavin was actually interested in the fact that it was a holiday. Stark differences from Easter of 2008.
The boys technically got a picture taken with the Easter bunny. Jack The Rabbit showed up for pictures the other day while Gavin was getting chemotherapy. Gavin was actually very excited to see the bunny and gave him a few high fives and everything. Garrett, on the other hand, was far from trusting of this bigger-than-life bunny rabbit, but has been talking about it ever since.
Pictured above: Kristen (one of our awesome child life specialists), Gavin, Jack The Rabbit, Garrett, Mommy
As for today's festivities, the boys enjoyed a little (indoor) Easter egg hunt before we headed out for what everyone dreams of doing on Easter morning -- going to Children's Medical Center of Dallas for more chemotherapy. While we hope that next year is a bit more traditional and allows us to attend church as a family, we tried to make the best of it this year. And I can honestly say that the boys had a good time. We caught some smiles on camera for proof.
Garrett & Daddy
Gavin & Mommy
The boys were exhausted after the chemo trip. But, after a nice nap (and some anti-nausea medicine for Gavin), they were ready to attack the grocery store. We were brave and decided to let them each push a small child-sized shopping cart this time around. Both boys could use the physical therapy component of pushing that cart all over the store. And few who know me well will be surprised to know that I did glove up and wipe the carts down with hospital-grade sanitizing wipes before we got started.
Lucky for you all, I still had the camera in my purse. And I'm sure many people were thinking I was a crazy mom for taking pics in a grocery store. (Well, I guess I am that crazy mom because even before we had cancer to make us treasure life's little moments even more, I would have taken pics of such an occasion and put it here on the blog. Oh well!)
The trip started a bit rough, with Garrett swerving this way and that way and never the straight way. And he refused to let us help him steer the cart. But, he soon got the hang of it.
The boys were frequently distracted by items on the shelves. We had to keep an eye on the carts because they kept trying to throw extra stuff into them. Here, Gavin is super distracted by the birthday candles in the shape of ducks and Spiderman.
Garrett is distracted by a potato display. Look in the lower left corner of the picture. He's about to nail a water display.
And it wouldn't be fun if Gavin wasn't purposely running into a Coke sign, now would it?
All the wreckage was hard work. Gavin even had to stop for a water break!
But, once he was fueled up he and Garrett decided it was time for bumper carts.
Occasionally they were able to shop in a civil fashion, side-by-side and without bumping into things. Cute, isn't it?
Word to the wise: If you try this adventure out with your own kids, make sure you allot plenty of time for it. Pick up the foods most likely to perish last because you're going to be in the store for awhile. (And go ahead and pack your camera. Who cares what you look like. It's hilarious!)
It should also be noted that no damage was done to any carts, displays or other store products during this trip. We aren't that irresponsible.
Happy Easter everyone!
Much love,
Pictured above: Kristen (one of our awesome child life specialists), Gavin, Jack The Rabbit, Garrett, Mommy
Garrett & Daddy
Gavin & Mommy
The boys were frequently distracted by items on the shelves. We had to keep an eye on the carts because they kept trying to throw extra stuff into them. Here, Gavin is super distracted by the birthday candles in the shape of ducks and Spiderman.
Garrett is distracted by a potato display. Look in the lower left corner of the picture. He's about to nail a water display.
But, once he was fueled up he and Garrett decided it was time for bumper carts.
Word to the wise: If you try this adventure out with your own kids, make sure you allot plenty of time for it. Pick up the foods most likely to perish last because you're going to be in the store for awhile. (And go ahead and pack your camera. Who cares what you look like. It's hilarious!)
It should also be noted that no damage was done to any carts, displays or other store products during this trip. We aren't that irresponsible.
Happy Easter everyone!
Much love,