Beautiful Colorado Part I

For the past 20 years, my family has spent the 4th of July on the west side of Colorado camping, hiking & 4-wheeling.  Jeff & I are continuing that tradition.  We spent the 4th near Aspen (which I think is one of the most beautiful towns in CO), went to a parade and had a picnic with lots of family & friends.

We spent one day hiking around Maroon Bells (in background).  Gorgeous area.  Case hated hiking when we first started and by the time we finished, he said hiking was great.  The Maroon Bells are near Aspen and reputed to be the "most-photographed spot in Colorado"

On our hike to the waterfalls that we found out weren't there because there wasn't enough water.

The bus ride back to the car.

This rarely happens.  I think our hike wore her out!

A Very Busy Month Part IV

To end our very busy month of June we had Carson, Kyler & Corinne for a weekend while uncle Collin did the MS 150 bike ride.  Case loves his cousins and couldn't wait for them to get here and cried when they left.  After playing hard and in need of baths, I spent a good hour bathing all 5 kids.  To add some pizazz to bath time, we turned off the lights and they all got a bunch of glow sticks.  Even the 8 year old enjoyed this.

Siahna & I at the MS finish line - just waiting for the riders to get in.

The boys made a new friend who came over to inspect their toys from their happy meals.

Collin (left) at the finish line

Shiloh (center) about to cross the finish line.  Super proud of both of them and I suppose I may be pressured into doing it next year.

Update on Siahna

I thought I would give you an update on Sisi Lou since it has been awhile.  In January we saw a genetic specialist who recommended three tests.  We had them done only to find out that one test was ordered incorrectly.  After weeks of talking to nurses and our Dr. talking to Children's, it was finally straightened out  and we had the test redone in May.  A few weeks ago, we got a call from the Dr. that the test came back normal.  Good news.  However, when we got home from camping over the 4th of July, we had a letter in the mail from Children's stating that once again the wrong test had been performed.  Grrr!  They did state that there was enough evidence in this test to show that what they were looking for was not there and no further re-testing is needed.  Seriously, how hard is it to order a test.

Anyway, the good news is that she does not have any genetic defects that they were looking for.  We have decided that our time at Children's is done and over and will not do further testing.  I believe that she is fearfully and wonderfully made and created just like this for a good purpose. 

Things to pray for:
*Although we've decided not to do further testing, we want to be open to the doctor's advice & wisdom and have wisdom ourselves to know what is best for her.
*Siahna whines a good chunk of the day.  I believe it's due to her being unable to communicate and this is her way of communicating.  We pray for her understanding vocabulary to continue to grow and that her verbal communication will start soon!
*Stability on her feet - although she's been walking for 2 1/2 months, she still walks like a drunkard!  We pray for stability and steadfastness on her feet.
*Verbal - that she'll start talking soon.  We've come to realize that sign language has very similar signs and although she's signing more, all of her signs are the same because the signs we've taught her are so similar.  If we could go back and do it again, we would have made up our own sign language and made the signs more different from each other.

*Me - like any toddler, Siahna is busy to say the least.  I am often worn out and fed up with her by the time Jeff gets home from work.  Pray for patience. 

A Very Busy Month Part III

The 4th weekend of June brought us to Case's 5th birthday.  He wanted a spiderman party so that's what he got.  We decided to have his party at a park this year and of course, it was during our 100+ degree weather.

It took us three cakes, but we finally got it!

Jeff took the kids on an adventure through the stream that ran through the park.  This helped everyone cool off.

Dido & Siahna on the river adventure.

Grandma Sally aka Spider Woman

Present time!