This never gets easier

Our summer didn't go by without a hitch. Zachary spent 2 days in Childrens Hospital. It's not easy to admit your child to the hospital. Even if you've done it many times before. The signs were written on the wall that he was having shunt problems. This time he got violently sick very quick. He started out with a mere headache, then some vomit. Next thing we knew he was in excruciating pain. Pain so severe that only morphine mixed with lortab could relieve the pressure. Every hour on the hour he woke up writhing in agony. Next dose, please. The doctors decided to tap the shunt in hopes for answers, and information as to what the shunt was doing. Fortunately, the tap flushed enough fluid through the tubing to unblock it. Within 6 hours, he was back to normal. Fiesty and without pain. We avoided the need for a full surgery. Zach is a soldier. He carries on. He accepts his lot in life and handles his challenges without question. He was so sick lying in that hospital bed and never once complained about the situation. He was polite. He prayed and asked for strength and health. And, never doubted. We can all learn from this faithful boy.

Do you see what I see?  A sister that deeply loves her brother.  Always helping and caring for him.

I just couldn't resist taking this shot.  It's just to cute to pass up.  Zach may not think so.

the girls brought us some cards and pictures to brighten the room and Zach's smile

the first time he was up and around moving.

Hip Hip Hooray, no surgery for Zach.  We were jumping for joy that Zach was ok.

Busy

Wow, I can hardly believe this summer is quickly coming to an end.  We have definitely power packed our days.  This was the summer of "camps."  The girls were interested in trying new things and thankfully the dates and times alligned up perfectly. 

Zachary wasn't interested in any camps this year.  He has a renewed commitment to attend boyscouts.  He loves Scott Brezack his current leader and friend.  Scott makes scouts fun and the waterskiing field trips make Zach's day. Thank you Brezacks. I can't believe how much this kid loves the water and the thrill. 

He also enjoys special time alone with me in the afternoons.  We went to lunch together many days when both girls were away. 

Zach also did his tutor 2x a week on Wed. and Fri. Dare I say...no pic of the happy little boy scooting off to tutor.  Nope.  He protested with all his might each day.  But, ultimately gave it and... I think he secretly likes his time with Ms Sindie.

We were busy.  I felt like a taxi driver going to and fro most days.  But, it was great.  I love having the kids learn new things on their own.  Avery decided she doesn't like basketball (even though she won "most baskets" each day.) Man, that girl is stubborn.  There is no changing her mind about it.  My hope is that in time, she will give it another chance.  Ellie decided she does like volleyball (even though she never got a good hit on the ball)  She wants to continue in the fall.   Perseverance! Love her for it.  She has a strong will and I like to see it put to a good use.  Busy summer days with crazy evenings.  Isn't that what summer is all about.

a hidden gem in downtown Omaha

A few weeks ago...before this unbearable heat we stumbled upon this park.  Freeedom Park.  Surprisingly enjoyable.  It was a simple park where World war 2 ships, mine sweepers, planes, submarines etc. are displayed.  The volunteers work hard to restore what they can and preserve the rest in it's natural state.  So the park has kept it's authenticity, rust, dust and all.  The big mine sweeper fighter ship also serves as a muesuem. We even scored ourselves an off duty, private tour of the big ship.  I don't know if I consider this a bonus or not.  The volunteer took her job very serious and had a passion.  But, with the close quarters in the ship and no air moving it made me claustrophobic.  (which I have felt more,  the older I get...another bonus)  But, Jeff loved it all.  And, I have to say it was really cool.  Retro cool. A hidden little gem in omaha.

This is awesome.

As I was gathering laundry in Avery's room I found this.

 Avery's schedule according to Avery.

My favorite line: prar.
That would be prayer.  But, yes phonetically it is prar.  Good job, Avee.

My second favorite line.  Smootch mom.  I will pretend not to notice that I come in 2nd to Dad.

 I love how she fit in some TV time.  Twice.

And I laugh at her scheduling owtside as I'm am sure she can hear me in her mind saying..."all kids outside to play NOW."

And, just so you know... she is very diligent to feed the fish. They are HER Fish afterall.  Each and every morning she marches over to the tank and feeds the fish.  These are the same fish that she brought home from school in the begining of kindergarten.  I didn't plan on the fish living this long...just so you know.

As a parent who is trying her darnest to keep these kids on task with chores around the house it makes me happy to see clen room and mak bed on top.  Maybe just maybe, my constant reminders are  sinking in. Now, if only I saw her other chores on the list....maybe next time.

4th of July

We love celebrating the 4th of July.  This year we stretched out the holiday for a full week.  Which isn't unheard of here in this crazy state of Nebraska.  Our week was complete with parties,    BBQ's and the best darn firework displays!  Lots of them.  I love everything about this  holiday.  Especially big smiles on the faces of the children when they see the fire and hear the boom!  Oh yeah, and the men who can hardly contain their own excitement with the fire.  I love all the yummy food and spending time with our great friends here.  Oh, and the hoards of children that run around happy and silly all through the night.  Which then makes for very tired and messy children to put to bed.  All in the name of fun.  Thanks to all for the many fun nights.

Garage sale

Total sold  $427.00.  Was is worth it?  The jury is still out on that.  However, there is a strong case for it when you involve your children in the entire event.  We watched them clean out their stuff, organize, price, and set up a garage sale.  It's work, I'm not debating that.  But, with it comes with the wonder and high hopes from children that makes it all worthwhile.

Little things I want to remember from the Big sale.

Avery and Ellie counting the money over and over again. 
Zach's funny converstations with the customers which always involved the money  (so emabarrasing)

Ellie and Avery doing dance moves in between the tables. 

Ellies snack sign and fighting over who is in charge.

Ellie thanking each and every customer.

My shock and disbelief that people were really buying this JUNK.

The delight in knowing that we now have a "decluttered" house.

Flowers for mom

Only Jeff would stop the car (on the first request) to pick flowers in the field with his daughter.   Wearing a suit.  On a humid summer day.  To make one little girl happy.

And, her mother.

Thank Jeff and Avery for recognizing the simple pleasures in life.

Oh dear.

It was a traumatic morning.  The morning we flew out to Mexico my dad had emergency surgery to place 2 stents in his heart.  We were in the air to Phoniex and my mom was alone with the girls.  I was filled with guilt.  My dad was scared.  My mom watched over 2 sleeping girls.  She was brave but nervous and cold.   I just felt guilty. 

In the end, all was well.   Mom promises the girls were a nice distraction.  Dad loved the homemade "get well"  cards and signs.  As only girls can make.  Ellie and Avee cherished the daily visits to the hospital and time snuggling with papa and gigi. 

 And, I am sure all of them loved the extra hugs and kisses!  Now, I don't feel so guilty.

2 girls

This is the face of 2 girls that just left their brother in Salt Lake City for 1 week. 

This is the face of the same 2 girls when they realized how much more room there will be in the car for the road trip.

This is what happens when the car is quiet and comfortable on a road trip.

Salt Lake City

I highly recommend starting your summer out with a 2 1/2 week vacation.  It sure gets you in the grove of summer!  We left the day school ended and took off for Denver, with Salt lake as our final destination. 
We stopped in Denver just in time to go to bed.   We left the city the next morning after a bite at a favorite breakfast diner.   The car was crowded and packed and we were off to SLC. 
    After several stops along the way (we are notorious for stopping and taking it easy...) we made it to Grandma and Grandpas house.  And enjoyed a nice 4 day stay.  And then we were off again.  This time back to Denver with Mexico as a final destination.  This time without the kids.   Zachary stayed in SLC with grandparents.  The girls stayed in Denver with Gigi and papa. 

Grandma and Grandpa always have a few new kittens at their house.  The girls love 'em.

And, the drive-way.  Oh the driveway.  It's long, hidden from the street it and provides hours of fun.  It's a perfect driveway for playing.  Games, basketball and all kinds of goofing off. 

And in this case, the kids are on the roof.  Not my favorite thing.

The trip wouldn't be complete without a stop to Cafe Rio.  Yum! 

Or the mountains for a picnic.

                                                    

Thanks grandma and grandpa for a wonderful stay. And, for keeping our little dude the next week.