First Grade?!

Today was the first day of 1st grade for Parker. Seriously, where did the last six years go? It's so unfair that it goes by so quickly. He's just growing up so fast but it's fun to see him learn and grow and become his little own self! He's been looking forward to TWO recesses and had a great time eating lunch in the cafeteria with his friends. I know he's going to have a great year! Now Anna and I just have to figure out what to do with ourselves!

Fun with Cousins!

Parker and Anna's cousins were here for a few weeks from California. While they were here we had a sleep-over, went camping, went to the park, watched fireworks - all kinds of fun! Parker and Anna miss them already!

Look below for a slide-show of some of the fun!

Fun with Cousins!

4th of July

Over the fourth of July weekend our family took our annual trip to Pineview. This has been a tradition for years and we look forward to it every summer!

Parker and Anna love camping and love boating and love playing with their cousins in the lake.

Anna's eyes were not just closed, she was asleep eating her s'more!

Unfortunately our weekend ended early. As most of you know, I had an accident while wakesurfing. I'll spare everyone the gruesome details but basically, a rope wrapped around my thumb and before I could get it off, I fell. The rope pulled off the tip of my thumb. My family rushed me to the dock where an ambulance met us. I was taken to the hospital where the surgeon tried to save my thumb. There was just too much damage though. It was a tramatic week for my family and me but with the help of our family and friends and neighbors we've made it through the worst part. It still hurts like crazy and I'm still trying to get used to the idea that my hand is permanently disfigured but through it all I still feel blessed!

First of all, it sucks. Really, there is no other way to put it but it could have been so much worse! It could have taken off my whole thumb or the rope could have wrapped around my wrist and pulled off my hand or it could have been my right hand! It could have been much worse!

Second, I had ski gloves on which was a miracle in itself! The night before, someone had climbed into my brother-in-law's boat and stole all of the ski gloves but halfway through my ride, my hands were hurting from gripping the rope and my sister found one pair that were tucked away so the thief didn't see them! Anyway, it spared Parker and Anna and my niece and nephew from witnessing the gore (me, as well!) and prevented my little thumb from ending up in some fish's belly!

Third, we live in an amazing neighborhood where we're close to our family who has helped us so much and where there has been so much support for my little family from our friends and neighbors. I can never say thank you enough to everyone who has helped with my kids, provided meals for our family, brought cards and flowers and cookies and treats. Really, I am overwhelmed by everyone's thoughtfulness and willingness to help! Really, I love you all and once I'm in better shape - if there's anything I can do to repay some of the kindness, I hope you will call!