New Haircut and Sleep study

Benson got a haircut. It's super short and a totally new look for him. 

It came just in time because we got called in super last minute for Benson's sleep study. We were scheduled for September but they had a cancelation. It was a pretty awful night. They went overkill on all the cords and monitors. I was trying not to be upset for him! I expected a pulse ox and EKG leads. Not ten on his head, one on his throat, two belts for breathing, four on his legs, a pulse ox on his toes, two EKG leads, and a CO2 sensor that was supposed to go in his nose but he absolutely wouldn't tolerate it. It took over an hour to get all the gear on. Then there were constant wakings as they would come adjust sensors that got moved. Around 3am he broke down into tears begging to go home because this was "not his favorite place." I felt so bad for the poor guy. But the night did finally end and hopefully all is well. Even though he never wore the CO2 sensor, so hopefully they got the info they need.

A New Van

We think we found the one. The van that will fulfil all our family needs. It's in Michigan but the company drove a similar van down for us to look at. Here are a few pix. We feel so grateful to everyone that bought a shirt, contributed to our garage sale, and Taco Day. We've raised over $6,000 for Benson's van. It helps so much! 

Pix That Just Make Me Smile

Library Flip Card

The kids got a flip card from the library for doing their summer reading. It's basically a coupon book. Since we've been pretty bored, it was a perfect distraction. 

Our first stop was for cupcakes.

Some free bowling( my phone died so no other pix)

A little Chick-fil-a and some Orange Leaf frozen yogurt

We also got some crazy bread from Little Caesar. We are excited to do the rest of our activities on our cards.

Rain and Sunshine

My pictures of the yard were just a month ago but look how much it has changed with a little rain and some sunshine.  I'm glad they zinnias grew so well.  It looks much less awkward now.  And the garden got ginormous.  I can almost taste the salsa.  Wish my cilantro hadn't all died.  The one thing I sincerely have not been able to grow.

Guess Who

Our kids all look like siblings.  We aren't one of those families that no one looks alike.  While Vanessa and Brigham seem to have more similar coloring, they all have very similar features.  Check out these pics of the little sleepy heads.  They're all different ages, but all toddlers.

Boating

We were invited by Halls and Alphins to go boating with them.  They have a cabin at Bull Shoals and it's a beautiful lake.  They have a perfect spot where the water is always glassy and there are almost never any people.  The kids had a blast, as did Jon and I.  I can't even begin to say how much I would love to have a boat and take the kids boating every weekend.  A girl can dream.

Fourth of July

We started the morning at at some local fountains.  It was designed to look like a natural spring so you can walk up and down the "river" and then the fountain area is at the bottom.  The kids really enjoy it but it's a tough one to do without Jon.

That evening, we had friends over for a BBQ and fireworks.  We had the Durtschis and Doughertys.  Vanessa was so excited.  After we got home from the fountains, I think she asked every thirty minutes when everyone would be over.

Yard Camp Out

We need to plan a camping trip but in the mean time, we decided a good use of the fire pit and tent was in order.  The kids loved it.  It is definitely something we will need to do again.