A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Anyone who even remotely suggests that augmentative technology is too expensive has GOT to see these videos. We are trialing a few different voice output devices for Chance. Basically we're trying to find the right device that will give him a voice of his own. We have our first one and he's doing so well with it. I can't wait until we've trialed them all and we settle on the one we're going to get him so we can customize it for him more. Below are some great videos of him using his device. Also, Chance has been using ZacBrowser on my computer a lot lately. He absolutely loves his computer time and he's gotten quite good with the mouse. Thought I'd share a video of him playing on the computer. Him playing computer games and talking with a device are two things I never thought he would do. He has proven me wrong over and over again and it's just a nice reminder that I should never sell him short or assume he can't do something. The world is his to conquer! Enjoy!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Fourth of July

Since it rained on the fourth of July, the big fireworks in Martinsburg were postponed until the next day. That made for a long fun weekend of fireworks. We spent the actual forth just in our street with sparklers, little fireworks and some big ones blasting off over our house from the base of the mountain just down the way. Colin got a little scared, Cannon was FEARLESS and pretty much pyromaniac, and Chance just ran around like a chicken with his head cut off! ha ha ha... all in all... I was SOOOO ready for it to all be over, but it was fun while it lasted.

The Dog Days of Summer

This has been a LONG summer already. We are so ready for the routine of the school year! I think we're running out of creative things to entertain the kids for little or no money!
So far we have had a camp out in the living room, played Rock Star, pretended to be body builders, and tortured the kids with steamed crabs. I guess our work here is done! Is it time for school yet?

Father's Day at the Animal Show

Our local little mall does some nice things for kids from time to time. I guess that's to make up for the fact that shopping there is a joke. In any case, Father's Day weekend this year they had a big ol red and white circus tent up and hosted a free animal farm complete with tigers, camels, snakes, monkeys and more. Cannon thought the whole thing was "stinky" but I think he still enjoyed it. Chance was a bit tired and clingy but he started to loosen up and enjoy it. Colin was in awe! It was a nice day.

An 'Angel' Among Us - Newspaper Article by Crystal Schelle

A wonderful writer and photographer, Crystal Schelle and Ron Agnir did a piece on Chance and our family in our local newspaper, The Journal. I was absolutely blown away by the scale and detail of the article and very grateful for the awareness that has been raised about Angelman Syndrome, disabilities in general, and Chance. We really want our community to embrace our son and his unique gifts, and so far Martinsburg has not disappointed! But even more so, we hope that seeing the bright smile and glimmering blue eyes of Chance helps to put a face on disability so that when you see someone in public with special needs you recognize that they are someone's son or daughter, brother or sister, aunt, uncle or cousin. Someone brought that baby into the world and loves them, but even more so, God loves them. We hope you enjoy the article as much as we did! Thank you so much Crystal and Ron, it was beautifully done!

http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/507847.html?nav=5004

Summer of Fun!

Well, the much anticipated, and in some cases, much dreaded beginning of summer has arrived! School is out and that means three kids home all day unless we make some plans. School has been out ONE WEEK and they've already gone to the park, the pool, gymnastics, movies, and a playdate! ha ha ha... just have to laugh at how we can't stand to be doing nothing in this family. But when we just relax and settle down to some good ol' fashioned family time at home, we really do have lots of fun. The little inflatable alligator pool (which we have affectionately named Alexander the Alligator) is no match for the froggy slide, giant mushrooms and tons of screaming kids at War Memorial Pool, but Alexander does keep us cool and allows for Cannonball to do some, well... cannonballs! It's really nice to see Grandma and Grandpa Evans, who live with us, spending time with the kids too. Also, in this neighborhood, the kids are never alone as there are tons of friends to play with. I think Rob is the biggest kid of them all! He certainly comes up with some funny things to do with the neighborhood kids that I would never think to do. I guess it takes a child at heart to think like a child! The soda bottle volano had to be at the top of the list of silly things to do (check out the video below - too funny)! And the best part about fun in the sun, is that the kids get good and wiped out and sleep so well, including Daddy!

Angelman Syndrome Walk-a-thon Washington DC 2008

Every year the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and hundreds of volunteers organize ASF Walk-a-thons in cities all around the country. This year, for the first time, we participated in the Washington DC location. The walkers for Team 2nd Chance were myself, Rob, Grandmom Hunsicker, Cannon, Colin (who rode) and of course... CHANCE! There were at least 400 people there and probably 50 or so angels. It was really special to be a part of it. Team "2nd Chance" raised over $2000 for the ASF. We're still waiting to hear if the ASF hit their 1 million dollar goal throughout the country. Let's pray!
Thank you so much to all of our family and friends who sponsored Chance. He had a GREAT time. We did the long 2.5 mile walk and Chance walked probably close to half of it, if not more. If we didn't make him sit and ride for a rest, he probably would have walked the whole thing! The best part was watching his face light up when he realized everyone was clapping for him as he crossed the finish line. I had to fight back the water works (go figure!)
Afterwards, there was a catered lunch of BBQ that was out of this world! The weather was PERFECT! Thanks for all the prayers!
It was really great to meet Susan, Kassidy, Katrina, Justin, Sean, Jenna, Jule, Niko and all the other angels and their families. Today was just what we needed to remind us that this long journey isn't one we do alone. We have a super Angelman Family and we're so grateful. We're already looking forward to the next walk and the next conference!