Remembering

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Rememberance Day. Not only do we remember Emma and the other babies today but everyday. I wish everyone could have met Emma. She was only with us for 100 days but left a lifetime of memories. At 7 pm we light a candle for Emma and all the babies who left this Earth too soon. 

Happy birthday Emma

8 years ago our lives changed when we welcomed our baby girl into our lives. Emma is so special to our family and we make sure to keep her memory alive everyday. I love how our boys know Emma and talk about her often. I know they don't fully understand what happened to their sister who they never got to meet but they know she is their sister and that she is with Jesus. I love how little things remind them of Emma, seeing a heart or a cross or an Angel statute they always say her name. 

It's tradition to take balloons to the cemetery and let a few go up to Heaven. Thad asked me today "how do the balloons know how to get to Heaven? How do they know the way but we can't go there unless we die?" Oh my sweet boy, I wish we could visit Heaven for a day but unfortunately it just doesn't work that way. We made cupcakes and each boy picked out a carebear for her. 

Thad is so sweet. He put his arms around his brothers today. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming to see them here sitting on her bench. 

Happy 8th birthday baby girl. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think about her. She is on our minds a lot throughout the day. We make the best out of a terrible situation and choose to live for Emma. Hug your babies a little tighter today because you never know what the day will bring ❤️. 

1st Grade

Thad started school on August 1st. It's crazy they start so early but they also get 2 weeks off in October, December and March. It will be nice to have those long breaks. He started a new school this year and was really nervous. 

First day of 1st grade

New tradition picture of all the boys on the first day of school. Before too long all of them will be in school. 

I was really worried he would cry on the first day but he was such a big boy. He sat down and started his worksheet right away. 

 We told him good bye and snuck out. He did do good. He said school was fun and he met a few new friends. 

We sure are going to miss him during the day! 

Summer Days

We have had a great summer! Here are a few highlights. 

Movie date with Thad. 

We discovered Southern Maid donuts! Best donuts EVER! 

The boys did the summer reading program at the library and had fun playing some of the computer games. 

Spending time with friends at the zoo. 

Lots of park days

Found a fun splash pad

Found a new park at Thad's new school. It's so much fun!

Grandma and Papa came to visit. 

Thad went back to Kansas with my parents. He has gone every year since he was 3 1/2. He loves going and having some alone time with them. Of course they spoil him and then he doesn't want to come back. He spent 2 weeks there this summer and had so much fun. He told me next year he is spending a month. Not sure about that Grandma!! 

Andrew is a climber!! I took the trash out and came back inside to this! He is so funny and growing way too fast! 

I met my mom half way to pick Thad up and we had a mini reunion in Goodland. We met up for lunch with Adams 3 sisters and Aunt Marsha. It was fun seeing everyone even if it was for only a few hours. 

Lots of wrestling! 

More zoo days

Saw some old friends. The Gibson's came to visit and it was fun seeing all the kids together. 

We had such a fun summer. It always goes by too quick but we managed to squeeze in lots of fun things. 

Color me Rad 5K

I have never been a runner but over the past year I have trained with a few friends and we did our first 5K in December 2013. We signed up for the color me rad 5K and I am so glad I did! It was such a rush seeing thousands of people there and color bombs going everywhere. 

I ran with my sweet friend Adie and her son Zach. She made us these tutus to wear but we decided not to wear them for the race. 

Nice white shirts before the race! 

At every mile they had color stations and would throw the powder at you while running. I'm sure I breathed in way more than I was supposed to! 

We ran the 3.1 miles in 32.20 which is my best time yet! 

They give everyone a color bomb as you cross the finish line and then everyone throws them up at once. It was insane and so much fun! 

The boys were looking out the window as I came home and didn't know what to think of my look. They just kept staring at me and Thad wanted me to stay like that forever 😊

If you get a chance to do this fun race you should! Can't wait for next year! 

40th Wedding Anniversary

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on May 11th. We went back to Russell and had a nice dinner with some of their close friends. 

So proud of my parents and for the example they show of what a loving marriage is. 40 years is a big accomplishment! 

We had a sign made for them of some of their accomplishments over the past 40 years. 

Each color represents the Grandkids. Something fun for them to have and something fun from the kids! 

My brother Mike and sister Michelle

My gorgeous niece Shayna. I'm not sure how she got this big already. It seems like she was just born! 

The boys always have to have a motorcycle ride from Papa. 

We also had family pictures taken. Dawson, Mikes son couldn't be there so it was a bummer not to have him in the pictures. 

Congrats mom and dad!! So blessed to have you for my parents!