Answered prayers, but more needed

Another long stretch with no updates, my apologies.  The days and weeks are flying by.  I can't believe that next week we'll be into July!  We're planning on a fun filled week at the cabin with my sister and her family for the first part of the week, and Nate's family for Friday and Saturday.  We're hoping that the rain stays away for awhile (not just for us, but also to help with the flooding everywhere). 

Well, we'll start with the big news...a week and a half ago Mema had her surgery.  Poor Boppa was stuck with me at the hospital from 7 am to 7 pm as we patiently waited to hear from the surgeon that all went well.  After 10 hours in the OR, we finally saw the plastic surgeon who told us that everything went as planned.  She was discharged on Monday, and looks AMAZING!!!  Her recovery has gone much better than I would have ever anticipated.  We are so grateful for that answered prayer.  Unfortunately, we got the news that her lymph nodes came back positive for cancer.  Therefore, she is anticipating starting chemo and will meet with an oncologist next week.  Please keep her in your prayers as she continues on this journey. 

Father's Day was that Sunday.  Nate and Ava had a date to the doughnut shop that morning.  Nate went to the gym while the rest of us took nice long naps in the afternoon.  :)  That evening we were able to play outside and grilled.  A nice low key day at home. 

The week brought work and a couple of play dates.  We went to the park and the zoo with a few different friends.  We debated whether or not to go to the cabin this past weekend but decided to stay home.  Saturday was absolutely beautiful outside!  We headed to the pool down the street for awhile.  Grant wasn't so sure about it, and Ava loved it.  Grant finally went into the "kiddie pool", but wanted nothing to do with the big pool.  Ava on the other hand, had a great time "swimming" (with the help of her swim vest of course; if you remember she didn't exactly pass your last swim class).  That evening Nate and I got a sitter and went out for dinner.  That's right, we actually went out on a date.  We never get to do that.  Partially because we're usually busy, and partially because it kills me to pay a sitter so that we can go out for dinner.  It was a nice night though.  Sunday morning we got up, went to church, and then spent the day at Mema & Boppa's house. 

I doubt that I will update before the 4th of July.  Wishing you all a safe, fun filled 4th of July!
 

The deck is finally finished.  Now we just have to find some furniture for it.

This little guy has to have either a ball or a rock in his hands at all times while we're outdoors. 

A little nude reading before bath time

Checking out the bears with his friend Atticus at the zoo

Ava reading "Brown Bear" to Grant

I've been looking everywhere for a sunhat for Grant that fits his big head.  I still haven't found one, but he sure loved this hat at Target. 

A big thanks to the awesome mom who distributed these to all the kids on their last day of VBS last Friday.  Just wanted my daughter needed!

Our trip to the pool...

Daddy & Grant (as if you couldn't tell)

Great weekend

We had a great weekend here at home, in spite of the rain. We decided to stay home from the cabin this weekend due to the forcasted rain. And man did it rain! Thankfully we were able to get outside and enjoy the morning on Saturday before the downpours began. I think that Nate said we got over 5 inches this past weekend.

Ava has been a bit challenging over the past week or so.  I'm not sure if it's a stage, if she's wanting more attention and is trying to find it by acting out, or if she's just turning into a high maintenance girl at a very young age.  I'm hoping it's a stage...a Very short one!  No matter the reason, we're trying to put a stop to it (however yesterday she decided that dammit was her new favorite word, as she said it multiple times.  At least she said it in the proper context I guess :) ).  Anyway, I decided that maybe she needs some 1:1 time.  So, Saturday morning Daddy and Ava started their day by going to Donut Star.  Ava has been there only once before, but it left quite the impression and she's been asking when they can go back.  So, off they went together.

We then headed to the zoo.  We got there shortly after 9:00, and man did it get hot quickly.  Ava walked most of the way (a few piggy back rides here and there) and was exhausted by the time we got to the new bug exhibit.  She however managed to find lots of energy when we came upon the splash pad on our way out.  She was dripping wet by the time we left.  Thankfully it's a short 10 minute drive home.  Grant on the other hand was not a fan of the splash pad!

Saturday afternoon I was able to run to a party at one of our neighbor's while the kids napped.  Then Nate spent two hours moving dirt/sand out of our back yard before the real downpours started.  That was a lot of work for him, and included many trips with the wheelbarrow.  Unfortunately, the hard rain washed a lot of stuff back into the holes that were dug for the deck, so our poor builder is currently outside redigging them.  :(  Yes, we're finally getting a deck after waiting 59 days to get approval from our association (grrrr).  We will be very excited when it's done.

Saturday evening we were lucky enough to have "Uncle Josh, Aunt Kate", Tate, and Tess over for some dinner and play time.  They live so close to us, yet we hardly see them.  It was great to catch up a little and watch the kids play together. 

Sunday morning we went and checked out a new church.  We have decided that although we really really love Plymouth Covenant, it's much to far to drive every weekend and limits us in our involvement of the church.  So, the search has officially begun for a new church home.  Oh, how I dread this journey and hope that we can find something that we love very soon.

Hoping that you all had a great weekend!  

I usually don't buy shirts with words on them, but this one cracked me up!

We have a couple of job supervisors for our new deck project. 

Off to the zoo, hand in hand

She loved this splash pad!

Sweet little Tess and giant Grant