Garrett came home from school one day and said he was so hungry.  He proceeded to eat and eat and eat.  He then ate a big dinner with us not long after.  I am amazed at how much he eats.  He said he was hungry all day long.  I am glad the boys aren't closer in age.  They would drain my bank account trying to keep food in the house. 

They came and dug the holed for the deck piers.  Jack was very curious to check them out that evening.  I am glad to see small progress happening.  We are looking forward to enjoying our backyard again.  

I got together with some of my family to spend a little time with Courtney and Jesse before they go back to Utah.  We meet and went for a walk together.  The weather has been so pleasant, and it was nice to spend some time with them. 

Nolan had his first football game.  He was so excited to play.  He had a lot of fun and played great.  He had two really good blocks.  One was a big game changer and kept the other team from scoring.  

Lucy was able to return to playing basketball.  She is playing club ball this off season.  They had their first game Saturday evening.  Her team is mostly made up of girls from her school.  She played good and had a three point shot.  

Garrett was making pancakes Sunday morning and looked so grown up!  Its crazy how fast he is growing these days.   

It was a busy weekend.  JJ was on a conference call all weekend with OEP.  We missed him at church and spending time with him this weekend.  Sunday evening, we went over to the park and did the corn maze as a family. Nolan was excited to see his was dressed like JJ.  They were twinning. 

 

Labor Day and Mom's Birthday

We wanted to do something fun to celebrate mom's birthday.  Last year we got together and went boating at Lake Springfield and that was a lot of fun.  The only thing we wished we had was a day beach for the kids to play at.  We decided to try the lake in Litchfield Illinois.  They have an awesome day beach there.  They have inflatables in the water, a platform with rock walls, a slide and a diving board and fun things to do on the beach.  Lauren and Braden went down one Saturday and checked it out for us.  They loved it and we were excited to plan a day there with everyone.  We were all in town except Kelsey.  Natalie and her family came in town and spent a few days in Nauvoo.  Courtney and Jesse were also in town and spent a few days in Nauvoo.  Natalie and Chad brought their jet ski down for us to use at the lake.  We pulled up just as the day beach was opening.  We noticed the water inflatables weren't in the water.  We asked about them and they told us they had already been taken down for the end of the season.  The diving/waterslide platform was also closed.  We were so bummed!  We got set up and saw the volleyball net was still up and they still had kayaks and paddleboards.  As we set up and started to play, they cut down the volleyball net and put away the kayaks and paddleboards.  We questioned them about the amenities, and they said it was the last day of the season and they were putting things away.  It was so disappointing.  We also found out jet skis were not allowed on the water since it was a holiday.  We were shocked!  This was not our day and we felt disappointed over and over again.  Lauren especially felt back because when she came down with her family her experience was completely different.  We tried to have a good attitude and make the most of our time together.  It was hard to not feel upset by the rules and lack of amenities.  We keep trying new things and trying to find a place where we can have fun.  We thought this was going to be it.  I am sure any other day this would have been everything we were hoping for.  Lauren put so much work and effort into the day and I know she took some responsibility, but it was completely out of her hands.  She bought two cookie cakes, and we enjoyed singing to mom and remembering her.  I know that mom loved when we were together.  I know she was happy to know we were getting together.  We tried to remember that was the most important part, being together and having fun.  We had a fun time floating on the innertubes and playing in the sand.  The kids handled the disappointment well and enjoyed being with their cousins.  It is hard to think this is mom's second heavenly birthday.  She wouldn't have enjoyed sitting in the sun and being in the heat, but she would have loved being together.  We all miss her so much and miss celebrating with her.             

They came and took down our old deck.  It is strange to not have anything out the back door.  It is going to be hard on Jack.  He loves to lay on the deck, and it is so convenient to let him out to use the bathroom.  Hopefully the project will move forward quickly and smoothly so we have a new deck on the back of our house soon. 

Some updated pictures of Lucy.  She was three weeks post-op.  This is a fun milestone for her because she can now return to all normal activity.  It is hard for her to sit around and not participate in things she enjoys.  We are so pleased with the results.  I hope they are long lasting for her.  

First Freshman Game

Garrett had his first high school football game.  He plays on Monday evenings which makes it hard for JJ to come to any of the games.  I was glad I could go and support him.  I took video of him every time he played.  He is playing will lineman this year.  He doesn't get into much of the action, it's not a big role position.  He has worked hard practicing all summer and enjoys being part of the team.  I am proud of him for playing and deciding to be a part of something while he is in high school.    

 

2 weeks post-op