July 11 Vacation

To say today started out rough would be an understatement. Jake woke up on the WRONG side of the bed and was difficult to deal with this morning. Then add Luke having a rough seizure day to the mix and me alone with the boys and you can see the problem. Rob took Ry on a tour of the dam, so I tried to take the boys to see some gardens here in Pella. This turned out to be a BIG mistake. I ended up having to give Luke Diastat and have scratches all over my arms from trying to hang onto Jake. I ended up leaving and taking the boys back to Pearl’s for a nap. We did manage to decorate the t-shirts for craft time before the break downs began.

As soon as Jake’s head hit the pillow he was out. Luke also fell asleep quickly as I gave him his breathing treatments. When Rob and Ry got back, I took Ry to the local pool with some of the other cousins. Now, this is not your normal pool and was filled with water slides and even had a lazy river. Ry had a great time and was fearless. She went down the fastest slides and even jumped off the diving board (so NOT her mommy’s girl). It was a nice break after such a rough morning and I loved seeing Ry have so much fun. I was wishing Jake could enjoy the pool, but knew it was MUCH better for him to be asleep

After swimming we headed back to the campground for dinner and some family time. The girls practiced gymnastics, while Luke played baseball. I was so grateful for the patience and help with the kids. Everyone has been so good with Luke. Despite such a rough morning, he was all smiles when playing ball. Rob’s cousin, Chris, brought his trucks for “mudding,” and although we didn’t go Jake was beaming from ear to ear when he was climbing on it. As we sat and tried to relax, Donna and Pearl took Jake for a car ride and Aunt Kathy took Luke for a walk. This left some free time that Rob and I actually got to RELAX.

The night ended with a campfire. Rob and Uncle Ken let Jake help get the fire started and Pearl got him singing songs. Luke was busy flirting and Ry just played and played with the cousins. As I watched Rob between my two boys, all smiles, I was overcome with gratitude. Who would have thought that a day that started so rough could end so great? Even now, all three kids are already asleep and Rob and I will be heading to bed soon. I will never cease to be amazed how God works out my life. Tonight was a good night, that I do not take for granted, but rather am overwhelmingly thankful. Not to mention the fact that Rob truly is an EXTRORDINARY dad to our children.