We did it! On Christmas eve we all piled in the handicap van that was donated to us by Koons Automotive and went out on the town. Everything went off without a hitch… just as smooth as silk. That van rocked! We were able to carry all his medical equipment, supplies, three passengers, Ryan in his chair, and me as the driver with plenty of room to spare. It was the first time in over thirty-seven months that we went out as a family for the sole purpose of enjoyment. It was a wonderful evening (all things considered).
With Christmas music on the radio, we headed to the next town over, Sterling. The town has a street (Juniper) where homeowners get together as a community and do an amazing job of decorating their houses. You never know what you’ll see. Themes can be anything from religious to whimsical. It’s so good that in past years it was featured in national media. Every since I can remember we always took the children to see it. The only exception being these past three years.
We took picture-after-picture and I will share a few with you.
This is a photo from our first (failed) attempt to see the lights last week.
A rare white(-ish) Christmas. We thought this made a cute picture of Kari.
Driving through a McDonald’s to load up on their peppermint hot drinks.
We pulled off in a parking lot to get a family picture in the Koons van.
Yesterday I shot some short footage of Ryan sampling Christmas dinner. I know how you love seeing him tasting holiday meals and will be sure to post the video soon. Maybe even today. I’ll also post a light-hearted one of Kari putting (ah… attempting to put) the angel atop the tree. It is a tradition known for not to going so well, and this year was no exception.
So amazing!! What a wonderful memory built for y’all! I am sure you were calm and collected going out compared to me and my anxiety out the roof as I took Ben out for the first time! Horns were honking and fingers were thrown but after the massive accident we were in and the precious cargo I had on board I went as slow as I wanted and sat at every stop sign and light until I was ready!
So glad you got out and heres to many more!!
Have a blessed New Year!
very nice family pictures!! Happy New Year!!!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures, Ken. They bring joy to my heart!! Please give Ryan a big hug from me too xoxoxo
Thank you ofr such an inspiring and positive post! That made my year! 🙂 God bless and may you all be blessed with many more resources to help lighten the load to take care of your precious family. Please give Ryan a big hug from me!
Love this! So happy to see you guys made it out to see the lights! Here’s hoping to a hopeful New Year!
This made me so happiful 🙂
I just love the beautiful pictures
This is what Christmas is all about. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year. My prayers continue for Ryan and his family.
Glad you’re able to get back to those family traditions…Merry Christmas, Diviney family!
Love it! Merry Christmas!
Yay! So glad you were able to get out! So excited that you now have the opportunity to be more mobile!
Such a wonderful thing to here! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!
Yay, yay, yay!! Love, love, love!!! Thanks so much for sharing your family’s Christmas joy with all of us <3
The smiles on all your faces are priceless!
Merry Christmas to all of you! We’re so glad you got out to enjoy the lights. You all look great in your new van.
Ken, Love the pictures and so happy you got to see lights…with a little snow too.
Ken, this is great! Merry Christmas to you all! May 2013 be the best yet for the Diviney’s. Rock on!
Ken, Sue, Ryan and Kari, I’m so glad that you got out as a family. Wishing & praying that the New Year brings you peace, happiness and some miracles.