School beginnings...

What a morning! Today is something we have worked towards all summer, and for the whole last year for that matter. Grace started Kindergarten today. She did it! When I walked her into class, she was nervous and then I saw the face. She started bawling. My heart just burst for her, knowing how nervous she was. She bawled, but then little by little gathered her courage and I just got home from leaving my little girl at school-the first TRUE seperation since she was diagnosed with Leukemia over a year ago. JR and I were so concerned for how she'd do. I think we slept an hour last night, but the natural progression of things has to happen and we're thankful she's well enough to go. And, we're extraordinarily proud that she overcame her fears of leaving us. I think she's going to have so much fun in Kindergarten!

T's Friend Party

Although his birthday is not for a few more days, Tanner really wanted to have his party before school started. A weekend luckily opened up and we were able to host a sleepover/lazertag/airsoft war. We had a great time as you can see and Tanner did what he loves most right now...pretended he was an army guy. I even got in the mix a little bit, but 4 on 1 was a little unfair, especially since there were airsoft grenades flying my direction.

Since we are still very behind on our blog here is a movie of the kids the other day. We have loved summer and although the kids are excited to start school Kim and I will miss the late nights and time we had to spend with each of them. Grace starts school on Tuesday and Tanner starts on Wednesday. Grace has been very brave and is looking forward to starting. This last month Grace has been conquering her fears and trying new things. She is teaching herself how to skateboard, she rode her bike down a very big hill, and many other things. Each time she gets so excited knowing that she has overcome a fear or tried something new. We hope school will be similar. She had a meet and greet with her teacher on Tuesday and she is excited to be a special helper in her class. Tanner's honor society had a lock in on Wednesday where all the kids stayed at the school overnight playing night games, looking through telescopes, and other fun stuff. We cannot believe he is a sixth grader and are so proud of what a great boy he is. I am sure Eva is also excited to have some one-on-one time with mom and meet all the fun kids in both Tanner and Grace's classes.

NICK, MAX, AND SAM VISIT...

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to have Max, Nick, and Sammy visit us. We had a blast talking, playing cards, making candy sushi, going to sushi, visiting Pacific City and an amazing beach, going to the Nike employee store, and just being together. They are such incredible people and we adore them. Tanner, Grace, and Eva cannot get enough of them. The kids cried for days when they left. Thanks for visiting us guys! It made for a REALLY fun week!

Although we are very behind on updating our blog we will try to keep it chronological. Part of the reason for this delay was the lack of a camera.

About two weeks ago my siblings came up to visit for a week. It was a great surprise for our kids and they had a great time. We loved spending time with each of them and had the great opportunity to spend the day in Pacific City, splurge at the Nike Employee store (thank you Jerry and Kim), hang out and enjoy these great kids, and eat lots of sushi. We got to see pictures and videos of Max's trip to Africa, spend some time seeing what Nick's new car could do on the beach, and enjoy what a great young woman Sam is becoming. Grace had chemo that week, and having her aunt and uncles with her made it easier. Annabelle loved having her friend Kong (Nick's dog) at our house. Their entire trip was a blast and we cant wait to see them.

I will update the blog when we get some pictures from that trip.

Nick, Max and Sam thank you for all your thoughtfulness and love. We loved having you and had a great time.

Here are some recent pictures and a video.

CABIN TRIP