Beach!

Last weekend, we took a family vacation to the beach. We have come to realize that "family vacation" won't always mean that our entire family goes together. Ryan opted to stay home from this trip as he can't really participate much. His new beach wheelchair is not comfortable for him to sit in. And it's a pretty bumpy ride besides for a child who has had spinal fusion and currently, a broken leg! Not to mention, those things are TOUGH to push through the sand. NOT an easy task at all! It's always a little sad when we have to leave Ryan behind. But, we have to give our other SMA free kids a chance to experience life too. Activities such as the beach or camping rarely happen in this family. And it's mostly because we don't want to leave Ryan out. So, we just don't go at all. But, now that Jorie and Josh are getting older, we will need to start taking these trips for their benefit. Even if that means, sometimes leaving Ryan with Grandma and Grandpa.

The weather was cool. But, it was a nice break from the heat we've been having. It remained mostly in the 60's while we were there and sometimes 50's! We spent most of our time on the beach playing in the sand, flying our kites or searching for crabs and sea shells. We also took a day to visit the aquarium. I think Josh and Jorie had a blast. And it was good to see them so happy.

Family Pictures!

Today, I enjoyed one of my most favorite things. Taking pictures of my family. And it was a beautiful day to get a few shots outside too! We did manage to get a few shots with ME in there. Just had to set the camera up on the porch to do so. :)

A special man

As a little girl, if I could have written down everything I wanted in my future husband, I think Steve would have come pretty close. From the beginning of our relationship we faced trials and sadness. One of the first trials we faced together, was losing Aaron. We have both watched as our son has been near death more times than we can count, we have traveled to New Jersey with him for a major operation. One that we weren't 100% certain that he would even survive given his weak respiratory health and history of pneumonias. And through it all, we have grown stronger as a couple. We have learned not to sweat the small stuff! And we have learned to really enjoy the blessings in our life!

As our kids are growing up; I am realizing more and more that I not only hit the jackpot for a husband; but also in father to my children. He is an amazing example to our kids and they are closer to the Lord because of his example! What an amazing man God brought into my life. We are all truely blessed!

Just some pictures!

I loved how these pictures turned out of Jorie and Joshua in their pretty blue shirts!