Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth

Our summer has been off to a great start...or rather my summer has been off to a great start.  I feel like I have been on summer break since Will has been here, but school isn't officially out for another week and one day.  (One day.  One day of going to school for 2 hours.  This is pointless, but whatever it takes I guess.)

Memorial Day somewhat kicks off our summer where BBQ's, warmer weather (or wishful thinking of warmer weather) and much traveling to see family and friends begins.  Rasar State Park has been a camping tradition for the past 6-7 years. Some parts are a little fuzzy, which I equate to the good times we have had.  This year's trip was a little different...we had Will and we only made it a day trip because he wasn't quite sleeping through the night, or at least consistently sleeping through the night.

Our little family at Rasar State Park.

This past week Will and I took a trip to Lake Wenatchee to see Granny and Papa and hang out for a few days.  While we were there we took a day trip into Leavenworth and hiked part of Lake Wenatchee shore side trail.  Granny also taught Will, or at least introduced him to the steps to making sangria.  We had a great time.

Smiling with Granny.

A day in Leavenworth.

Mom and I...after wine tasting.  We had so much fun!

Sangria lesson...

...introducing Will to wine.  

Hike around Lake Wenatchee. Will was not cooperative for the camera.

Today we enjoyed and laughed hysterically (I was crying I was laughing so hard) at Aidan's preschool graduation.  This little boy means the world to us.  He is like a nephew to us and we would do anything for him.  He is smart.  Very smart.  And he loves to read, especially about Star Wars.  He is funny and always makes us laugh.  He also has a loving heart, but is often shy about showing it.  My favorite is when he secretly approaches and wants to give a hug or quietly says, "I love you, Monin."  He truly is an incredible little boy and I'm so thankful that Molly and Ryan share him with us.  Congratulations buddy on finishing preschool.  We are so proud of you, Aidan.

After Aidan's preschool ceremony.

There are many other "things to do, places to see and people to be with" for our summer...this will be another post.

Until then...welcome summer and hurry up warmer weather.

Little Arms Welcoming into Heaven

It's not even our loss, but my heart aches incredibly.  I've cried all night thinking about it and trying to imagine what our friends are going through.  I can't.  I'm completely taken aback by this and continue to ask God why.  And then I go into complete feelings of guilt for us not staying in better contact with them, for not calling when we are in the area, for not getting together more often when we lived closer.

I pray for the Demings and their extended family that is going through this loss. I ask that God wrap his loving arms around them, comfort them and surround them with loved ones.  Lord allow them to grieve and give them the time to work their way through this loss.  I pray, Lord, that you comfort the little hearts of Henry, Morgan and Max as they grieve in their own little way.  Allow them to have answers to their questions about their little brother, Andrew Michael.  Lord, in due time, give them piece of mind knowing that Andrew Michael is with You in Heaven.  God I also pray that your healing hands are upon Sarah.  Give her the strength and courage to face each day and a quick recovery to what her body has gone through.  God, please bless their family.

I can only hope that our three little ones in Heaven opened their arms wide to Michael Andrew and they are running through the woods, building forts, sword fighting with sticks, eating s'mores around the campfire, playing in the dirt and muddy from head to toe...freely playing as little kids do with huge imaginations.  Most importantly, that they have welcomed him and asked him to play and be friends.

God, I thank you so much for our little Will.  Although extremely difficult and still in question, I thank you Lord for the losses that I have experienced, only to be able to comfort and support others that have similar aches in their heart.  Today I'm grateful for life.

Throughout our losses, words of encouragement have been shared with us.  I share these same words of encouragement to the Demmings...

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. -Psalm 31:24

The Lord is near to the broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him (her) out of them all.  -Psalm 34: 18-19

I will turn their mourning into joy and comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. -Jer. 31:13

We love you Demings.  Our extended arms are here and we will continue to pray for you.