Tavis' Blank

How much can one blanket take? Tavis is 7 1/2 and has loved on a quilt that my Aunt Carol made for him every night since he got it (as an infant).

Here is Tavis holding it (and acting goofy) while he opens his 2nd birthday gifts, notice the nice tan backing-

Here it is in March 2007 as the backing is slowly being rubbed away-

Here it is today with almost no tan background left -

I'm almost afraid to wash it - like one time I'm going to put it in the wash and it will disintegrate. It has been well-loved! Of course, it isn't going anywhere, but we are trying to convince him to leave it on his bed rather than carry it around. Thanks, Aunt Carol!!