The Climb

Pierre, Katie, and Evan were up bright and early this morning to meet up with Den 1 to hike part of the Appalachian trail. Last night, like a good Boy Scout, Evan made sure he and Katie both had all their supplies packed in their backpacks. He made a mental checklist...extra sweatshirt – check, water bottle – check, bandaids – check. I had no doubt that they would be well prepared if Evan was in charge.

Camping is one of Evan's favorite things to do. The only thing you need to know about Evan is that he is overly eager to help and be involved, and he has no fear. Watch him around the campfire, he has been known to get his shirt, gloves, and eyebrows singed.   

Someday, I picture Evan serving as Den Chief for Linus, teaching him how to build a fire or practicing carving a piece of soap. Which reminds me that Evan asked for soap when I go shopping this week.  I am thinking this extra soap is not going to be used in the bath.

Everyone has a mountain that they need to climb. Linus' first mountain was being born at 24 weeks. He grew stronger and overcame that obstacle. Linus' next challenge is to stretch and strengthen his neck through physical therapy and wear his helmet. Before he knows it, that will be behind him as well.

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” - Sir Edmund Hillary

Start your engines

Dad, Can I borrow the keys?

Linus needs to wear his helmet for 23 hours a day from now on.  He seems to be doing well with it, and I think he is used to having it on.

Linus went to the Pinewood Derby today to cheer on his brother, Evan.  All the moms were happy to see Linus and there was hardly a mention of his helmet, except to tell me how cute he looked in it.  One of the boys asked what the helmet was for.  After I explained it, he told Linus how cute he was and that "he was going to be a great kid some day!"

There was a little bit of excitement this afternoon. While at the Pinewood Derby, Abigail went to the playground to hang out with her friends (who have younger siblings in Boy Scouts), fell climbing a rock, and broke her leg.  So as Linus raced around in his race car today, I had the opportunity to speed through town in an ambulance.