Both he and his mother, Vickie, are "exhausted," said family spokesman Mark McDougal. But Alan, known as A.J., is looking forward to being able to "eat the food he wants and sleep in his own bed," McDougal said.

The Bingham High junior was shot in the head Feb. 12 as he left the mall with his father, Jeffrey Walker. In 911 calls released Thursday, witnesses described the terrifying moments as the teen, covered in blood, ran for help.

A.J.'s motor skills are improving and so is his ability to talk, McDougal said. He still has trouble with his vision and is wearing a patch on one eye.

"It's too early to say [about lasting brain damage], but the doctors are encouraged he's doing so well physically," McDougal said. "He looks great for a kid who was shot and had brain surgery."

A.J. was one of nine people shot by Sulejman Talovic; his father, 52, was among the five who died. Survivors Stacy Hanson and Carolyn Tuft remain in fair condition in hospitals.

McDougal said A.J. is working hard in physical therapy, which he will continue as an outpatient.

"The key factor is his attitude," he said. "He's putting his whole heart into his recovery."