Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A Night on the Farm

This past weekend, our friends Don and Lynn had invited us to a harvest party at a local farm.  Unfortunately, Don wasn't able to make it.  As his cancer spreads quickly, his health is failing.  We were still happy to spend the evening with Lynn, their daughter, and their grandchildren.
 
Fresh air + Fun activities = Happy kids
 
And it's good to see Lynn laugh.
 
As always, Henry loved the animals. 
 
Claire and the calf stick out their tongues for the picture.
 
A giant fort made of hay barrels. 

So much fun for the kids.

Settling in for a hay ride.


Lyndon eating his extraordinary s'more.
 
Picking out pumpkins with Lynn.
That's a keeper!
 
As I post these pictures, it's with mixed emotions.  Don't health has deteriorated far more quickly than anyone could have imagined.  It seems he may be nearing the end of his life.  However, today is a day to celebrate.  Don is turning 69 years old, and it's also Don and Lynn's 42nd wedding anniversary.  So while there will be tears of sadness, I'm sure, today is also a day for rejoicing.  We celebrate Don's life and his faith.  And we celebrate the remarkable marriage Don and Lynn have built together.  We love you both! 

Monday, October 14, 2013

Good Days, Good Nights

Well, I did it.  I broke down and got myself a big girl camera.  It's something I've wanted for a while, and I had enough money saved in our credit card rewards program to buy a nice, slightly used, one.  I wanted something that took better quality pictures.  But I'm not a fancy photographer, so I need something simple. 
I had fun this week trying it out. 
 
Beautiful fall weather feels more like summer.

Henry enjoying a little Dr. Seuss.

My little card shark.
Look who got stuck with the Old Maid.

Henry finds H's everywhere and says, "H for Henry". 
He even found this H in his breakfast waffle.

Trying to get into the spirit of Art Prize.
 
Last week was exciting for Claire as she had Grandparents Day(s) at Preschool.  And she is so fortunate to have such loving, involved grandparents.  She had fun showing them around her school and introducing them to her teachers and classmates.
 
Showing off her class
 
 
The corn table - a class favorite.
 
Walking to school.
This picture of Henry cracks me up.  Front and center!

Another big event in our home this week was the decision we made to finally pull the plug...that is Henry's pacifier. 
 
Henry has loved his "paci" ever since he was born.  But we had always said when he was done with his scheduled surgeries we would take it away.  Truthfully, I was dreading this day.  Henry loves his naps and heads right to bed when he's tired, in large part because of his love for paci.  Joe and I talked, though, and knew it was time.  It's not going to get any easier.  After doing a bit of research, we decided the best way was to cut off the tip of the pacifier.  I expected major meltdowns.  Naptime came, though, and actually his reaction was more of confusion than anger.  He tried his paci, realized it was "broken" and set it on the nightstand next to him.  It took him awhile to fall asleep, but he did so without any real tears.  I was shocked!  At night, it was a bit harder for him.  He cried some, and after awhile he kept saying, "I'm ready to be nice.  I'm ready to be nice."  That broke my heart.  I tried to explain that he was a good boy, not being punished.  Even amidst the tears, he eventually fell asleep.  Well, the next couple nights were even harder for Henry as he seemed to go through all the stages of grieving, but now we feel we've turned a corner.  It is getting easier again, and I can finally envision Henry's life without a paci.  No going back now!  My baby boy is growing up.

May 2020

First bike ride of the year! And George's first time without training wheels! Such a champ! Enjoyed lots of bike rides during quarantine...