Swimming Lessons

Matthew and Hannah just completed two weeks of swimming lessons. They had a lot of fun going with their friends each day. They both came away a lot more comfortable with the water.

Hannah- all smiles

Josh, Casen, & Matthew

Hannah

The boys gearing up for their next activity.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get the kids enrolled into another session this summer. All classes were full. As much of a hassle that it is to get them to lessons, it sure is worth it. I'm trying to get them into some private lessons to finish out the summer.

Friends.

Matthew and Casen have been friends since they were babies. They have such diverse personalities, some times they fight, and they really have different tastes; but in the end they are the best of friends. Now that summer is here, it has been spent swimming, riding bikes, and having sleep-overs. Such fun!

T-Ball

This was Hannah's first summer to play T-Ball. She came in with no real knowledge of the game. Sad to say, I didn't get her properly prepared. My poor girl didn't even know how to hold the bat or what running the bases meant.


She has come a long way. She plays every game with a HUGE smile. Most of the time she is playing in the dirt or wearing her glove on her head.

She loves to hit the ball.

She was pitcher for an inning of her last game and that was her "awakening". She finally realized that you have to run after the ball and throw it, not just watch it.

She is on a fairly young team. But they have a lot of fun. She has some pretty great coaches too. Notice the pink and purple ball glove? Hannah just had to have it.

Storm Damage

Todd was in Denver last week on a business trip. We had a pretty major storm move through while he was gone. We had several small limbs and one rather large limb come down in the 60+ mph wind. Along with the wind was a heavy downpour of rain. Needless to say, the basement wall has not been fixed yet so we ended up with water in the basement again.

I am proud to say that the kids and I picked up all the limbs and I even managed to cut the large limb up without injuring myself.

Todd came home from his long week away with no yard clean up awaiting him.

Dance Recital

Hannah had her dance recital earlier this month. This was a first for our whole family. It was so much fun to watch Hannah learn throughout the year. She has become very close to several of the girls in her dance class.

The recital was held at the Stiefel Theatre which was wonderful choice of locations. I do not believe that there was a bad seat in the house.

Hannah's dance class did their routine to "Chapel of Love. Their costumes were wedding dresses.

Hannah was very excited. This was her big day! We were so proud of her for performing in front of such a large crowd.

Afterwards, we presented Hannah with a bright pink rose bouquet. I'm already excited for next year's recital. Thanks to Lacey and all her staff at Dance In Motion for a terrific year of dance!

Sold.

We recently sold our first home. After many months of juggling two houses, I am glad that this phase of life is complete.

Riding the Rails.

Summer is here which means the train is up and running. The steam engine made it's first run a few weeks ago. Todd and Matt are really enjoying volunterring with the railroad.

Hannah loves to hang with her dad and brother. She has been begging to go along. Last weekend, Todd took Hannah on the excursion train and she loved it. She was very careful and observant. I was out of town with Matt and Mallory so we didn't get any pictures. Maybe next time.

Camp

Jackie headed out to church camp to pick up the crew. They were pretty tired but had a lot of fun.

Hannah rode out with Jackie. She was excited to see the boys. She's not afraid to admit she missed her brother.

Memorial Weekend

Memorial Weekend was pretty uneventful for us. We spent most of it working on our porch. Todd has been busy replacing porch boards and I have been busy painting. Despite all our remodeling projects, we are enjoying decorating our large front porch.

Hannah.

Hannah is my little helper. If there is a chore to be done, she does it with the exception of cleaning her room. A lot of times, she takes the initiative to start something. Alot of times it's way before you are ready. Such as this evening when I found her attempting to wash dishes.

Trouble.

This could be trouble........Matthew and his friends headed to church camp. Hopefully, somebody warned the camp staff.

Camp.

Matthew and his friends headed out for church camp this morning. They were pretty excited. Matthew said he was excited to get a break from his sisters. He was also pretty pumped about his new flashlight

The boys had no fear. Gosh, when I was 7, you couldn't ge me to sleepover ANYWHERE.

I took the boys in and got them settled in their bunkhouse. It's a pretty big deal to get the top bunk...I guess. Forunately, all three boys got one.

They are in for a fun time. I bet they are exhausted tomorrow.

Looking Back.

10 years ago was when our journey started with Mallory.

10 years ago in March, we had our defining moment. That fateful day in Salina. Mallory left by helicoptor for Children's Mercy for her first heart surgery. Definately not what we expected for our little girl. I'll never forget the look on the cardiologist face when he realized the severity of Mallory's heart defect and how sick she truly was.

10 years ago this September, Mallory had her open heart surgery. That was the longest 9 days. A temporary pacemaker, a collapsed lung, tube feedings. What more could a parent take?

10 years ago, at the suggestion of our cardiologist, Mallory was screened for genetic defects. I am thankful now for that, although at the time I thought he was crazy.

After seeing the struggles that many parents go through trying to find the answers for their children with special needs, I am so very thankful that we had our answer 10 years ago. Long before it was evident that there were going to be issues. Long before we were prepared. But early enough to start all the interventions that were needed.

We are headed to Mallory's annual appointment in Salina with cardiologist today. I still get anxious as we await the cardiologist's report. I still get a chill up my spine every time I walk into the hospital there. Knowing that the day is getting closer for Mallory to have a valve replacement. Praying for good news today!