Summer & Rory's Adventures

While in Nashville for my birthday, we visited Dave and Busters. It was quite loud but Rory stuck by me throughout. We had a lot of fun playing these two games and many more.

For my 21rst birthday my parents took me on a trip to Nashville, TN, where we did fun things like attend a wax museum with music icons.
Rory even got to take some pics with some of the stars like Taylor Swift (she didn't seem as excited as I was 🤣) and Alvin, Simon and Theodore.
Overall we had a great time at Madame Tussauds.

While in Nashville for my birthday we had to take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry.
It was AMAZING!!!
10/10 recommend
We got to see back stage, dressing rooms, the green/family room and even step on that famous circle.
It was a trip I will not forget and Rory did a great job opening doors, and helping with my jacket when needed.
Rory did a wonderful job as well.

We went to Rory's first Special Olympics competition - basketball skills.
There was a lot going on but Rory did great despite the noise, people and numerous basketballs bouncing all at once.
She got to meet a couple of our Special Olympics directors, she met more new friends, sat next to my while I sang the national anthem, helped open doors for me, and was right next to me when I received my gold medal.
She says she can't wait till we go to state in March!

Each year my Special Olympics team - TNT Firecrackers has an awards banquet and Rory, Mom, Dad, and I had a great time celebrating with many of my teammates.
The theme was the Roaring 20's. Rory had a feather headband but was not very fond of it, so I didn't put it on her. She did great with picking up some things I dropped,and helping take off my coat.
She also got to meet many of my teammates which everyone enjoyed.
She came up with me when I got my award as well 😃
It was a great night and Rory did amazing.

Rory and I have been attending Special Olympics basketball games, gymnastics practice (I'm just watching for now while my foot heals), bags practice and basketball skills practice. Life sure gets busy with Special Olympics, but I love it and thankfully Rory likes it as well.


Summer's Soldiers

Hi friends, Rory and I have been super busy lately and haven't had a chance to sit down and write a post. With the weather we have found some downtime and I will try to catch you up. Thanks for following along on our adventure.

Summer's Soldiers

A little over two weeks ago I was coming down the stairs and I missed the last step.... Insert loud scream, but no tears.

I went to convenient care later that afternoon because I thought i broke something in my foot.

Unfortunately, I was right - I have a nutcracker fracture of my cuboid bone in the top of my foot 😫.

I thought this would halt any and all training with Rory, but we just pivoted a bit and we are still continuing to build our relationship.

Mom and dad have been filling in some gaps but because I have a power chair, I can still take walks and train in public, while still staying off my foot.

On the day of these pictures Rory helped keep me company at my foot doctors appointment. She also helped open doors and pick up my wallet that I dropped.

Best Christmas ever! As of 12/26 I am officially Rory's person! When my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her that I wanted a service dog. I got my wish! I not only got to spend Christmas with our family dog, Sadie, But Rory too! So many good memories made. 🥰

I have been training with this wonderful dog, Rory for the last couple of months.

Rory has been training for the last 2 1/2 years with an amazing group of people with Illini Service Dogs.

I'm so grateful for them, the program and the opportunity to be more independent with Rory's help.

Thanks so much for coming along for on our adventures! 🥰

-This pic was from one of our first training sessions.