Aunt Martha

Our dear Aunt Martha passed away in July.  She had been dealing with cancer for over a year and her body was done fighting.  She was ready to go, but it doesn't make it easy on us all. 

She was like another mom to me and I am so very thankful that my kids were so close to her as well. She spent time with each of them -noticing their quirks, personalities, and reminding to me to cherish them every day.  

Martha was a safe place for me...she knew everything about us since she lived right next door to me as a child.  I would go to her if I needed help or a break from my house or if I thought maybe I was in a little trouble. 

When we moved to Spirit Lake, I was so anxious to get to spend more time with her.  We spent many mornings and afternoons with coffee, lots of talking, crying, laughing, and of course a treat or two. 

We were blessed to be a part of her care over the past year giving our relationship a whole new dimension. My kids got to see her and spend time with her up until the last few days of her life.  This is a special gift that I will never take for granted.  I truly believe that sharing this part of life- dying-with them as young children was the right thing to do. They got their goodbyes, they cried, said their prayers, and truly saw how ready she was to go meet Jesus.  

I also do not take for granted the moments I spent with Martha in her final days. Sitting with her in the hospital and her home just the two of us...those final conversations will be with me forever.  

This beautiful plant was given to us by our friends.  As soon as I saw it at the wake, tears filled my eyes.  The kids and I planted Martha's flowers for her at her house each Mother's day. It was our job to water and care for her flowers in her front yard and they took that job seriously. 
So, we have this special plant in our yard now that will always remind us of how Martha lives on.  She lives on in the stories she told us over and over again, they way she was kind to everyone no matter what, the way she made my kids feel like they were the most special little people in the world, and in our memories of her humor and laughter.   

Summer Fun

 I love looking back through our summer photos because it makes me realize just how much fun we really get to have. Sometimes it's easy to move quickly onto another activity and forget completely about the fun you had!  This blog is a way for me to re-live it all and I hope the kids will too. 

This summer has been full of adventures, baseball, friends visiting, lake days turning into lake nights, nature center camp, musical theater camp, and even strawberry picking.

 Andy & Nathan ran in the triathlon again and both did great. Right after they were done a huge storm picked up.  Thankfully everyone was alright but it was kind of scary.

 Brooks had his first experience with Camp Foster and he loved it. 

Bennett did day camp and enjoyed all the activities while Marie continued on with horse camp this year.

 On a random Tuesday night we decided to go to the drive-in movie to see "Lion King."  The kids were tired and so were mom and dad, but it was so much fun to cuddle up under the stars with popcorn.

 Each summer we wait until the end of the year to play the games at Arnold's Park...such a silly waste of their hard earned money but it is fun to watch these three compete against each other and the love it. 

This summer we had a wonderful nanny with the kids 2 days a week while I worked in my speech clinic. It was a bit of an adjustment for us all but it went smoothly and the kids had a lot of fun with her. 

Bennett is Seven!

 

 This kiddo is 7!

He is a smart, inquisitive, joker who is always looking for more information. 

Bennett wanted 2 things for his birthday: pizza and his buds playing games in the yard.  

  He was a little excited for this party :)  

Bennett, you are a wonder.  

You love to learn, you are always looking for a hug, you are so good at helping others and willing to try new things.  

Happy Birthday bud! We love you!

Summer So Far...

This summer has started off with a bang!

Brooks enjoyed his first big nature center camp for a few days.  He loved catching frogs and learning about our prairies. 

Arnolds Park is OPEN and we are enjoying it all - Brooks is big enough for so many rides and we are having a blast.

                        

Our first summer beach trips are underway - we enjoyed a hot day full of sun, fun, snacks, and some cold lake water.  Sun kissed tired kiddos were ready for bed that night!

Memorial Day weekend we visited my dad. The kids asked many questions again and took turns telling him all about their new interests and everything they are busy with lately.

 

Boat days are some of our favorite - swimming, snacks, and a slow ride around the lakes were the perfect way to spend father's day after brunch.

Bennett lost another tooth!  His smile is getting older and older by the minute....

After a big rain our field in the back yard filled up so much that Andy decided to take the kids for a ride! 

Our cow this year is named Root Beer. 

She is calm, adorable, sweet, and gets taken care of by 3 special kids two times a day!

Summer is such a busy special time of year where we fit in as much fun as we can handle!

Marie is 10!

 Marie Beth is 2 whole hands!  

This girl is a dreamer.

She loves people, animals, pushing herself, trying new things, sports, reading, taking care of others, making people laugh, dancing, singing, and more.

 For her party this year we gathered at the resort and swam in the indoor and outdoor water park on a beautiful day. She requested an ice cream cake and dinner at Okoboji Store.  

 We also enjoyed ice cream with her birthday buddy Aunt Martha who turned 81 on June 7.  

These two have a pretty special bond.

Marie - we love you so much. Happy Birthday sweet girl.