5 sets of feet and 5000 kilometers

We Finished!!!!

As of today, we logged 5000 self-propelled Kilometers.

I am so proud of the girls and how hard they have worked.

A new chart

A new start and a new sign to track our progress.

When we left Beijing we took our previous chart off the wall to bring with us but it tore beyond repair. I have wanted to put up a new chart, but haven't been able to get it organized.

Then we crossed 3000KM. We NEED a new chart so the girls can see how far they have come!

Happy Mother's Day!

I asked the girls to take a "super long bike ride" with me for Mother's Day. My request was no fussing, we go far, and have fun.

The girls delivered and I don't think my gift could have been any better!

It was cool and misting which was a great way to ride. We took a path along the bayou near our house and even went under the highway (which the Middle Bit thought was Ah-Mazing!).

We saw lady bugs, mystery beetles, red birds, frogs, fish, turtles, birds of all kinds, butterflies... and had a wild blackberry feast.

And now, we've crossed the 3000KM mark!!

800 KM crossed!

As of today, we have passed the 800KM mark!

We had a beautiful weekend and first part of the week. Autumn temperatures are setting in with cold mornings, cool/sunny days... and breezes so the AQI has been low.

The girls have been riding bikes, roller skating and walking. I'm so proud of them!

We don't often get lovely sunsets. Beijing is in a "bowl" with mountains all around. We had this lovely bit of light and color last night. This is what good air brings!

Busy Week and Wow!

This week has been crazy busy for our little family. We've had meetings and classes, illness and trips.

We did not get in as many Klicks as I would have liked, but I'm hoping we'll have better weather and time this coming week and can make up some distance. This week brought us up to 685.

Despite our low kilometer earnings, there is lots of exciting news...

• We've been added to the Participation House website! Click here to see the new link.
• We had our first donation by someone we don't know... !!!
• Oma has made some posters that will be posted in some London businesses to get the word out about our little blog. At the house picnic (read about it here), one of the guests offered to put a poster on display in his business... a tattoo parlor! Thank you!
• Klicks for Chrissy has inspired the creation of a Participation House "Dream Fund!" Our willingness to raise funds has inspired other families to help their PH resident raise funds to help reach their dreams.
• One of the businesses that sells supplies to the PH houses has offered a 10% rebate on all purchases to go back to the PH Dream Fund and so Klicks for Chrissy!
• Miss Elaine, famous for her Maple Syrup, Local Honey, Corn and Pies... oh, her delicious pies... has offered to make and sell pies in support of Klicks for Chrissy!
• And, last but not least, coming out soon will be Participation House Hoodies! Proceeds to benefit the PH Dream Fund and so Klicks for Chrissy!

I know, there are a lot of exclamation points in this post. There are just so many amazing things happening... what wonderful blessings!

I promise pictures as they become available...

Thank you to everyone who is reading and cheering us on.

10% Done!

I haven't posted because my computer has been on the fritz then crashed.  But I'm back AND.....

We hit the 500km mark!

In order to finish our 5000 klicks by May 31, we need to go 500km each month.  For August, we did it!

Truth be told, I am a little worried because this first 500 also included July. But it also included flights and the beginning of school. So hopefully we can keep up this pace...

Exciting update!

It's another cloudy, smoggy day in the Jing. But we managed 13.5klicks today!

This whole "Klicks for Chrissy" idea came about after a strategic planning meeting with Chrissy over the summer. A fantastic PH worker sat with Chrissy and her family to set dreams and goals for the year. The girls and I were fortunate enough to participate in the last portion of the planning session. It was fascinating to watch this woman work with Chrissy and read her responses. The PH worker incorporated our verbal input and Chrissy's subtle cues. I was impressed with how well she included Chrissy in the conversation and made the planning session about what Chrissy wants, not what we all thought Chrissy wants.

One of Chrissy's dreams is to be on the London Tour of Gardens. Broken down into time specific and achievable goals... build the sidewalk.

Another dream and goal is to stay more connected to her nieces (the girls) and her brother

And one more dream? To go swimming.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to get this note from Mom/Oma:

A short report re: Chrissy's swimming experience. The Y was recently renovated and they did well; larger change rooms with change tables and ceiling lifts. The therapeutic pool itself is warmer and has a ceiling lift for getting in and out of the water. The smile on Chrissy'e face was unbelievable, I have not seen that smile since before her kidney stones. It lasted the whole 45 minutes she was in the water and beyond. At on point I held her upright and her legs were down. I told her we could actually measure how tall she is when she is in the water. She was very relaxed and we are planning to go on Mondays for the time being. A rewarding experience.

I am so very excited for Chrissy and for Mom/Oma. They have wanted to get this done for Chrissy for as long as I can remember. I can imagine Chrissy's radiant and beautiful smile in the pool!!

I wish I were closer to give everyone a giant hug in celebration.