Joni Camp

This picture is from last year.  I remember how awkward I felt... something was "off".  It was the first time one of the boys was not in a picture.  If both parents were in...both boys were in.  But this time Collin was with his STM and we were with Nathan.  His STM suggested the picture... I remember feeling like I should go get Collin quickly so he could be in it too.

This is our firetruck photo from last week.... it felt "off" too.  

Joni Camp was a real blessing to our family last week.  I will share more photos soon.

Shedd Aquarium

We stopped outside Chicago on our way to Michigan for family camp.  The first night we relaxed at a hotel.  Even did a little swimming.

The next morning we went to the Shedd Aquarium.  It was a little a lot crazy driving in downtown Chicago on a Monday morning.  I sure was glad to be sitting in the passenger seat!  I have a bit of an issue trusting the navigation system... although "she" did an overall terrific job.

Collin was less than thrilled with the experience.... Erich and I enjoyed ourselves.  

Nathan

Missing him more than ever.  His smiling face...the sparkle in his eyes...his voice.  Doing the things we have done in the past as a family of four are so hard to do now as a family of three.  We are a quiet bunch... the three of us.  Nathan was the the talker.  I never realized how quiet Collin really is.

Through the tears I continue to cling to the hope I have in Jesus.  

Erich's Birthday

Time for a little catch up... we celebrated Erich's 40th birthday last weekend.  Hard to believe.  Pam and I put together a little surprise party.  It worked... he had no idea.  He thought we were gathering for an early Father's Day.... um 3 weeks... yep, that is definitely early.

 Not sure what this look is meant to convey... maybe a little "I'm going to pay you back and I'll smile because I love you."  :)

 Popsicles are best when enjoyed with a cousin.

 The kids enjoyed shooting off this foam rocket and the trying to catch it.

Taking a break and checking the time.  

Collin is sure it is time to go to Charlie's house.

Summer Vacation

Summer vacation is here and Collin is thrilled.  He now gets up on his own at:

The past 180 school days required prodding and a whole lot of encouragement just to get him to roll over.  Not anymore... he is up and ready to go before 6:00 AM!

On his first afternoon off he went to the library.  This was the scene when I arrived home from work.

He asks to go to the library at least once a day.

I'm trying hard to adjust to being at home.  It's tough.  I can no longer get "lost" in the day teaching.  It was easy to forget and stay busy with the kindergarten kids.  Nathan wasn't "suppose" to be there, but  he is "suppose" to be with Collin and me during the summers.  I am missing him so very much.  The past 12 summers have been just the boys and me.  This has always been my favorite time of year.  I'm not loving summer right now, but I will do my best to make it a good summer for Collin. 

Respite Retreat

The local newspaper ran an article about the retreat the weekend we were there.

You can read it here.

The retreat gave us some tools to use in this new reality of ours.  Are we "fixed"? No.  Do we feel that we can continue moving forward? Yes.  Forward is hard though.  Please continue to keep us in prayer.