April recap

 April went so fast for us. We celebrated two birthdays! Yes, two! Our oldest, Payton, turned 11 (you can see that here) and our youngest turned 1. You can read about her day here. It made for some busy weeks. We kept Avery's party simple with just our family and then Payton had an all class party that was gamer/escape room themed. Who knows if those themes really go together but we made it work!

Outside of birthdays, we also encountered some health stuff. Sweet Avery got very sick. We ended up in the doctor's office a few times and then headed to our nearest Children's. As I type this, she has recovered and is doing mostly very well. During this time her eyes started to cross and we are continuing to get them back to baseline but we hope for a full recovery. We will never know for sure what all she was sick with (we do know strep throat for sure) but are so thankful she's doing so much better and is not sick any more. 

So, I have lots of pictures of her just resting and sleeping. Some have her with an eye patch, which is what we are using for short periods of time each day to help her eyes become stronger. 

I am just so thankful for her sweet little soul. She was exactly what our house needed:

The big news at our house is that we got a hot tub:

We decided to get this for our 15 year wedding anniversary and we are loving! Well, the adults are at least. Some of the kids aren't sure how much they love long term since it means mostly sitting and resting. But, Monte and I try to enjoy daily and the sunsets can't be beat.

We made it to the park a few times this month and got outside to play every day:

This picture above reminds me so much of baby Payton. She played with this same toy and had crazy long hair that blew in the wind, too. Some times the most simplest of days makes my heart skip a beat. Time goes so fast.

I took a quick picture of the kids all on the blanket with Avery. Just an afternoon of being outside and together.

And just a random picture of Jayden outside:

He is a total vibe!

A picture I caught of Riley and Avery looking outside:

She loves looking for the horses across the road and watching cars go by. Her siblings are always quick to indulge her. 

Before the kids got out of school, I wanted to make sure I got all the 1 on 1 time with Avery we could. We made several trips to town to play in a small children's play room. She was obsessed with the dolls they had there.

They had to come with us everywhere the whole entire time we were there. She never wanted to put them down.

With our trip to the nearest Children's hospital to check on Avery's health, we made a few vacations out of it. Here is some of the fun we encountered, starting with a random park in the middle of downtown:

Big swings!

A climbing bridge!

A sleeping baby!

Table tennis!

And the zoo:

After coming back we got a ton of rain. Unfortunately, one morning after school drop off, I went downstairs to find an unpleasant soaked spot in the carpet. I quickly learned we had water come into our basement because of a broken gutter.

The room was cleared out and we dried the carpet out. All is well now and the gutter has been replaced. Hopeful we don't have to deal with that kind of stress again any time soon (or ever again would be okay). 

                                           

We ended soccer! The kids had a great time. This was Payton's last year and so it was very bittersweet for us all. 

Just a few random photos I have found on my phone. Dad with his girls:

And Avery playing away with her eye patch on (one that matches her shirt):

I know the hard stuff makes us better people. I'm trying to stay focused on that and all the good that will come out of this experience. One thing is for sure, I love this sweet little girl more than words can say. We are so thankful she's here.

Payton's Birthday!

 Payton had a birthday in April! I can't believe how fast the years go. This year, Payton requested an all class party, at our house, and an escape room/gamer theme. Maybe those themes go together, maybe not. It is hard to say.

We set up an escape room for the kids that was more of an escape the house game. I couldn't find one that focused on the gaming theme so we did one that focused on helping a girl go to the carnival for her birthday! Overall, the kids all had a blast, especially Payton who happens to be the one we most wanted to see beaming. It is her day after all. 

The kids we hosted! It was a great time! We had teams of 3 and Payton's team solved the puzzles the quickest winning the grand prize. Everyone went home a winner though with some cotton candy. 

                                                

Almost everyone was able to escape the "escape room."

A slight hiccup was when I picked up the cake for the party. We had the wrong name! 

I was able to make a quick fix though just in the nick of time!

Payton wanted donuts at her party and so we made it work:

It was a great Saturday party. Payton put out the lights she received for her birthday from one of her friends and took her last sleep as a 10 year old:

And when she awoke, she was 11!

Payton,

We love you so much! You made us parents and teach us about life every single day. You are so kind and cheer others on, even when you are struggling. I see you. I see how hard you work and I am truly delighted and thankful that God gave you to us. You are so needed on our team. I hope this birthday was as fantastic as you are.

Your light shines so bright, don't ever dim it!

Love, 

Mom