Sometimes Memories Don't Seem To Be Enough...

...but they have to be. I thoroughly enjoyed my family reunion over the weekend. I wasn't sure how the road trip would be with the girls, but it worked out well. I am so thankful that I didn't pass up the opportunity to be with my family. I don't know if it is the time of year, the gathering, or just my reflections, but I am missing Grandma so much right now--I always do, but I have really been having a hard time the past couple of weeks. People say that memories last a lifetime--true--but I wish that I could actually see those memories again. I wish that as a kid I was a little photojournalist, capturing the common things that seem so special now. I would love to see me at the table in my nightgown with Grandma eating a bowl of Kix before bed, her packing snacks and a jar of ice water for Brennen and me to go hiking in the pasture, feeding scraps to the cats, passing me Trident in church...., ordinary things that seem so extraordinary now. I am so grateful to have those memories though, and rather than memories fading, I think I remember more as time passes.

The weekend reunion was a good time for more fun memories to be made. I tried to take plenty of pictures. The time went too fast!




Uncle Kent and Norah playing Tic Tac Toe.







Matt, me, and Brennen on the observation deck.








And Matt scaring the pants off of me, sitting on the ledge of the observation deck. He wouldn't get down until I took this picture.










Uncle Tim, Norah and Mom. I wanted a picture of them with the watermelon that Uncle Tim gave to Norah. As I was trying to take the posed photo, some sort of sibling conflict took place and this is what I got---my mom's true colors.




And the posed photo with Norah eating watermelon.










Breaking the law on the paddle boats. They weren't aware of the no bumping rule--there's a good reason for the rule. Your boats may get stuck together--as shown here. Not to mention that someone could potentially be knocked off the back of the boat. You can't see their faces well in this small photo, but they were cracking up at their misfortune :)



Photo Op. David, Matt, Brennen and Elizabeth.








That's my first born being dangled off the back of the boat by her grandma -- barefoot. Breaking another law, or two. The sign did say no bare feet. We didn't read the rules until after the ride though, and nobody said anything about it.






Aunt Kim and Addie.







Poor Addie learned to sleep on the go.








On the way home, Norah learned what you do when you are surrounded by country, with no potty for miles and miles. She did quite well :)




I have more great pictures--too many to go on and on with. I am so thankful to have fun new memories--and pictures. What treasures these times are. I can't say enough about that.

A Birthday and a Bumbo

Last weekend we had a family party for Dave's birthday (he'll be 28 on August 17). We will be headed out of town this weekend to see my mom's clan at a reunion in Nebraska, so we celebrated with family that won't be headed that way. We are so blessed to have so much family around us. I was realizing on Saturday that we are able to gather with four generations. Our grandparents, parents, and siblings enjoy each other on top of that. I always took that for granted growing up. I was used to big family gatherings and always looked forward to them. My family members were and still are some of my closest friends. I am really looking forward to my family reunion in Nebraska too--our family has fun when we gather. No boring picnics in the heat with people you don't know or remember, just people that have a blast together and love each other very much. I can't wait!

I finally accepted earlier this week that Addie should be a part of the Bumbo seat craze. I thought these crazy seats were for lazy parents who didn't want to teach their children to sit up on their own. I also thought that they had a ridiculous price tag for a molded piece of foam--thick as it may be. This was until I realized how much Addie likes to be held in a sitting position--I can't keep it up all day--but Bumbo can. She can sit when I want to do something else and be able to play with both hands. She bats at things when she is laying on the floor, but in her seat, she can really get a grip on her toys. And she LOVES it! Bumbo seats are a craze for a reason, and I intend to spread the word of their greatness.

We got to enjoy some more pool time this week as well. We swam at Dave's party once and went again on Sunday night. Addie had her first pool experience, and Norah is getting slightly braver around the water. We enjoyed the extra time with Dave's parents too.

Dentists, Doctors, Appointments....OH MY!

Sometimes it is heartbreaking to be a mom. I know that I needed to take the girls to their respective appointments, but I hated waiting to hear medical professionals tell me my babies are doing all right. A couple of years ago, I would have thought that a ridiculous remark to make. What's the big deal about going to the doctor or dentist? That's what is best afterall. Luckily, I have been given two little champions that make these things so much easier.


Norah had to go to the dentist last Wednesday because I saw dark spots on the backs of her front teeth. I cringed as I waited to hear that the dentist would have to knock her out and cap her teeth. As it turns out, she grinds her teeth and has worn through the enamel but has no cavities. When I asked what I should do about that, I was relieved to hear "nothing". Apparently some kids grind their baby teeth to the gum line. If she does it to her permanent teeth, she'll wear a night guard, but for now we just keep brushing. Norah loved her appointment. That's her looking proud if slightly hesitant in the chair. She was thrilled to receive a ring and bracelet from the treasure drawer when she was done too.

Addie had to go back to the cardiologist for her two month follow up today. I was thrilled that she was so good. She didn't cry until the end of her ECHO when they had to pull off her "stickies". The doctor said that the heart defects are still there, but the hole (ASD) is slightly smaller and the other problems are very mild. As the ASD heals (I'm saying as, not if) the other things will heal or at least not have an effect on her. She is doing great, so we go back in 3 months to do it all over again. I am believing that God will continue to heal her and we will be seeing that healing continue to take place at her next visit. In this picture, she hadn't been to the ECHO yet, but she is red from a different batch of stickies that they had to put on her. The 2 hour appointments aren't fun, but it is fun to watch my baby charm the office personnel.










Over the weekend, the girls had some time with grandparents too. A little R&R....... We celebrated Papa Jeff's birthday--though it looks like Norah's since she took care of the candle blowing for him. We had such a relaxing and fun time. Happy Birthday Daddy!