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)