April and May 2012

The last two months have been filled with lots of activity and fun things for our family. God continues to bless in us in this season and direct us in His path. His path is narrow and the world's is wide. Walking the narrow path isn't always easy, but always the best! We have had a very dry Spring here and warmer temperatures than normal, so it's really felt like Summer these past few months.

April was Autism Awareness Month. Around here, that is a special month for us. The Lord surprises us from time to time, and April was His surprise month for us. Tyler was awarded 2 camp scholarships and another camp grant this month. Because he was awarded all this unexpected and gracious amount of money, he is able to attend a 7 week special needs camp in Boulder and a one week overnight camp for kids with autism. Tyler was also awarded a yearly grant until he is 14 years old to be applied to therapies, respite, or any other camps. God continues to show us His hand in Tyler's life and directing us to the proper treatment and help for Tyler. We couldn't be more happy for this summer and what Tyler will now be able to experience.

The beginning of April Markus went to the East Coast for a business training for the week. We survived but was hard on the kids because they aren't used to Markus being gone at all. April was mostly filled with sports - Abi played soccer and was in a gymnastics class, Markus was the assistant soccer coach, Tyler played baseball, and mom started taking a Water Aerobics class. Abi has loved taking her gymnastics class each week and playing soccer for the first time, was a good experience for her-learning that its a sport and not a social hour....girls! Every Saturday and Sunday for 8 weeks was filled with a soccer field, snacks, baseball field, and our chairs. You know your kids are getting older when your life is like this.

Tyler and Abi's last day of school was May 14 (we pulled Tyler out a week early). Tyler finished 2nd grade and Abi finished 1st grade. On Tyler's last day of school we had a little party for him with all his friends and teachers. He loved his teacher and was very attached to her, but sadly he won't be returning to that school next year. It was a hard day for him to say the least.

That same day, we left for Oregon to celebrate my sister's wedding. We had a great time staying with my brother and his family. The cousins all loved being together and the adults enjoyed family dinners each night together. It was a busy week filled with a Bachelorette Party, Bridal Shower, and Rehearsal and Dinner, and the Wedding. I was honored and blessed to be a part of such a special day for my sister as the Matron of Honor and the Wedding Coordinator. Markus was of course the sound guy and babysitter. Abi was one of three flower girls and Tyler had the honor of walking my mom down the aisle.

The following morning Markus, my 2 brothers, and cousin went for a boys hike. I slept in and returned all the tuxedos.

We left the next day for home and was able to meet my dear friend from college and her kids for breakfast. It was so great to be able to see her again!

And summer vacation began!!!

BBQing almost every night, fires in the backyard, s'mores, staying up late, sleeping in, and just plain fun!

Our first weekend of summer vacation Rebekah and Aaron stopped for the night on their way back to Mississippi. It was so great to see them and just hang out, laugh, and have fun together.

The next weekend Markus mom came to visit us for a few days. We went to a Rockies game with her and some friends. We went swimming, bowling, and the usual summer vacation protocol, listed above.

Have a happy Summer!