Father's Day

This was a hard Father's Day for us.
In my family every holiday, birthday, etc. is celebrated with a get-together.
This year, Father's Day came only 1 week after my Grandpa's passing.
He loved family get-togethers more than anyone and none of us were ready to have one without him.

We all got together anyway...that's what he would have wanted.
We released 20 balloons for Bop Bop. I think it really helped the kids to do something like this.



My amazing Grandma.



Koby wanted to write "Koby and Bop Bop" on his before he released them.



As his 2 drifted away, they stayed close to each other.
When I pointed it out to him he said, "I know, it's like me and Bop Bop...we'll always be together".



We miss you, Grandpa.

2008 Walk Now for Autism

Thank you to everyone who helped us raise money for Autism research through WALK NOW for Autism.
The walk was last Saturday at the Ballpark in Arlington.
Our team raised $765. YAY!!

With his dog puppet and popcorn, Kaleb is all set for the walk.



**Here he was last year, at the 2007 walk. He looks so little here. He has made SO MUCH progress over the last year!**



He loved that there were other puppets there to talk to his. lol



Our cousins Belinda, Brian and Zachary came out to walk with us.
Zach and Koby spent the entire time having a balloon sword fight.



Kaleb and Pawpaw



My Chloe



There were over 5,600 people there this year! Woo Hoo!!!

The Great Wolf Lodge

Things have been so crazy lately that I haven't had a chance to update with our pictures from The Great Wolf Lodge. It's a huge indoor waterpark and hotel in Grapevine.

Each year Chloe and I take a little trip with a few of our friends and this was the place we chose this year. We went the day after school let out. It was a fun way to start our summer!
We stayed one night and 2 days and it was so much FUN!
I didn't get any pics of the actual water part but here is what I DID get.



Karen, Me and Marylou



And our girls.



***Here we are just a few years ago. Everyone has changed SO much!**







The hotel room was really cool.
The girls had this separate area that looked like a log cabin with bunk beds inside.



And there was this really neat scavenger hunt that the girls played the first night. You use a magic wand to open treasures.



At night, there is an animated story time. The "people" were super creepy but it was pretty cool.





Chloe and Me! :)





And Chloe got an airbrush tattoo before we left.



She is still talking about how much fun she had and that she wished we could live in that hotel. lol

Thank You

As most of you know, I said goodbye to my Grandpa yesterday.

The funeral was a beautiful celebration of his life. He lived his life fully and well every single day.
It is hard to say goodbye to someone who is such a huge part of your life.
Having the support and love of family and friends makes hard times like this a little easier.

I don't know how but I have managed to surround myself with amazing, selfless, loving, caring, giving, wonderful people.

If I tried to thank each of you here, it would take me an eternity. SO many people stepped up to be there for my family and me in so many ways and I am so thankful for that. I will never forget the outpouring of love and support I have been given over the last week.

Some people sent flowers, some cooked food, some came to the service, some gave me a shoulder to cry on, some kept me in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for all of that.

I miss my Grandpa so much already. I will miss him every day until I see him again.
Having supportive people in my life makes it a little easier.
I love all of you.

June 8, 2008

Yesterday my Grandpa went home to be with his Creator and Savior.

I have been preparing myself for this for a while now. I have dealt with my emotions in different ways. But nothing really, truly prepares you for the pain you feel when someone you love so deeply is just gone from your life forever.

I am thankful for the many precious memories that I have with him.
Some people never get to experience the love that people like him give.
He was one of a kind. It felt weird waking up today...a day without him here.

I have such comfort knowing that he is in Heaven...looking into the face of Jesus Christ. He isn't sick anymore. He doesn't have to worry that his heart will give out or that he won't be able to catch his breath. He will be there for eternity. One day I will too. And he will be there, waiting for me.

Chloe is having a very hard time dealing with this.
She was so close to him and loved him so much. She knew how loved she was by him.
She is angry, hurt, sad, confused. In some ways she lacks maturity but she makes up for it in other areas. She has been so mature. She has thoughts that I never imagined a 6-year oold would have.
It's amazing how kids help us through situations when they aren't even trying to.

Obviously there isn't anything anyone can do.
The love, thoughts, prayers and support of the loved ones in my life is enough.
I am blessed to be getting that support from so many wonderful people. You all know who you are. Thank you.

Funeral arrangements will be made today.
Please keep my family, especially my Grandma, in your thoughts and prayers.