Today marks one year ago that we yanked Marissa's trach. She has done phenomenally well without it, and even though her stoma did not close on it's own and required surgery to close it in May, it's absence has given us all such freedom. She was able to go to school last Fall when she wouldn't have been able to with her trach. We have been able to go where we wanted, when we wanted, without packing up tons of equipment and supplies. This Summer, after the closure surgery, we were able to introduce her to playing in water. She had an amazingly awesome Summer, all because a little piece of silicone was removed from her neck a year ago today.
Speaking of Summer fun, I have to show you all pictures of some of the things we did.
Playing on the water slide with Uncle Brian & Aunt Julia. This was the best purchase we have made in a long time. Rissa was so incredibly happy to be able to splash, slide, and swim.
Tubing at the lake in Grand Junction in July. We were there for my little brother's wedding and this was her first time in an open body of water. She was ecstatic! 
Swimming in a real swimming pool for the first time, at the age of four!
Splashing at Uncle Wilber's Fountain!
Happy First Decanaversary, our sweet Rissa Roo!
