Thanks for everyone who kept our big kids in your thoughts and prayers while they were away at grief camp. It was a great success, and the kids are still talking about their experiences, and the people who surrounded them. Many more friendships were made, phone numbers were exchanged, and lots of  play dates are planned. On Saturday night, they each made luminary bags, and cut out designs for their loved ones. They were then all taken out on a boat, lit, and allowed to float in the water while each name was read. The kids were able to tell a part of their stories and of the person they lost. This seems to be the most emotional and memorable part of camp, as each kid has continued to talk about it. I can only imagine how beautiful, and yet emotional it was. So thankful for all the people involved in making this camp happen for all these sweet kids.

Here are some pictures from the closing ceremony.

 

The group from Gardnerville/Minden

Camp. (Grief Camp)

Three of our sweet kiddos are going off to summer camp tomorrow on the beautiful beach of Lake Tahoe. It's a grief camp, that allows them to camp out with other kids who have lost someone important to them, and allows them to express their grief in healthy and fun, creative ways, and in a very safe place. They also do things outside of grief...kayaking, hiking, swimming, games, play on the beach, etc. When Sierra went, she didn't know anyone at first (Then she found two sweet girls from church), but she made some great friends. This year, all the kids have been in the same grief group together, and have grown pretty tight, so I'm excited to see the healing and deeper friendships that will come from this. This is Phoenix and Kai'Lani's first summer camp, and of course first grief camp. Mommy's a bit of a wreck sending them, but I know they've got this. They're excited and ready to go. We let them make the decision on which camp they wanted to go to this year, and all wanted to go to this one. So I'm praying it does good for them.

Please keep them in your prayers as they spend the next few days digging deep and reflecting on their losses. I pray they feel safe to express themselves and to talk about their sister (and/or grandparents), and I'm praying they will feel comforted.

Thanks!

My kids all picked out these pictures to take and share.

Our precious Ari. Loved and missed more than I ever imagined possible.

 

Easter Sunday. Still in the NICU, so we brought her Easter dress to the hospital.

 

Sierra pretty much delivered Ari, as the doctor showed her where to put her hands to safely catch her. She was the first person to hold her, and was the one to cut the umbilical cord.

Kai'Lani in the NICU meeting Ari for the first time.

 



Phoenix loving his sister.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No news....

No new updates to post about. We were on our way to the oncologist last Thursday when the hose to the transmission ruptured, pushed all the transmission fluid out and in the process, damaged the transmission. We missed the appointment, and won't have another for a few weeks. Bryce has been doing pretty good, thankfully!

Just wanted to share some new pictures of the kids.