I thought I would at least include some pictures of our visit to Disney from February.  I really can't think of a time when our family went on a real vacation with just us.  It was awesome.  We could just concentrate on what we wanted to do and what the kids wanted to see.  It was such a stress free trip.  It's definitely one I will always remember.  The kids were old enough to remember more too. 

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The trip was a surprise.  We kept from the kids where we were going as long as we could.  We had a layover in New Jersey so we told the kids our vacation was there and the reason we were waiting was because we had to wait for our car rental to be ready.  They didn't look too happy.  I said there is lots of stuff to do.  We can go to the Jersey shore and learn to fist pump.  Collin was not amused.  Wesley's only concern was that he wanted to stay in a hotel.  He didn't care where it was.  So then I had this idea that I was going to tape telling them that we were really going to Disney World!  It was going to be just like those commercials you see where the kids FREAK OUT because they are so excited.  I even envisioned myself sending in the tape because Disney would want to use it in their commercial, it was going to be so great.  Here's what happened when I handed them the tickets...

So, not quite what I pictured.  Collin was happy he wouldn't have to fist pump though ;)  A little better reaction when we finally made it to Disney.

Another funny was we got stuck on Splash Mountain at Disney.  Just as we were going up the final hill.  At first it was funny.  Everyone was cracking jokes.  Then it got super annoying we were there so long.  The animatronic birds would not shut up!  They kept saying the same thing over and over and over.  It was so loud and obnoxious!

Here is SeaWorld.  We bought tickets to be able to interact with the dolphins and feed them.

Well, I won't bore you with more.  We had an amazing time and I'm very thankful for these moments.  Thanks for checking on us.

So, I could tell you a little funny ha-ha about Quinn.  She is obsessed with frogs.  Last week she caught three tree frogs that were in our pool.  Yes, our pool looks like a pond.  It's gross.  But the frogs seem to love it.  As much as I like our little green sticky footed friends, they make the most annoying noise at night.  It's ear splitting and it drives me batty so I was excited when Quinn caught them.  She put them in a container, yes our lemonade pitcher, and we decided to drive them down to a park and release them.  We were conscious of not putting them near any other houses.  We didn't want to inflict the same auditory torture we go through each year on someone else and had fun trying to fling them out of the container as their little plunger feet held firmly on.  It was quite comical.  I didn't want to touch them because we were on our way to Jukado and couldn't wash our hands.  We flung those suckers, I mean they gently climbed out of the container on command and we were on our way feeling good that we had just introduced our little amphibious friends to a new better life.  A few days later, Gramma Maryann and Aunt Peg joined our family as we all gathered around our dining room table for a Memorial Day feast.  It turned a little awkward as we passed the lemonade pitcher around and Quinn proudly announced she had just had three frogs in it.

Yesterday Quinn found a new friend.  We really need to get that pool cleaned.  She once again caught him and this time was giddy at the fact that she supplied him with a couple of moths too.  Even more delighted when she saw him eat one.  She was just so proud she had fed her little frog.  I guess mommy instincts do start at a young age.  We had to leave to go pick up Collin at his girlfriend's house.  We decided to again give our friend a better life and drop him off at the park.  Much to Quinn's...delight...he had left us a little gift for Quinn's moth snack.  Ewww.  I begged Quinn to make sure the container didn't tip over as we drove.

Having a nice talk with Karen's parents while waiting for Collin to come out.  How's the new house?  How are things going?  What's new?  Quinn jumps out of her seat, grabs her container, shouts "LOOK!  I have frog poop!" and shoves past me to show Karen's parents her prize possession.  Ummm, sorry?  LOL!  They laughed and I'm so thankful they have a sense of humor.  Collin comes out and Quinn says, "LOOK!"  He asks if it's a chrysalis.  Kathleen and I start laughing.  Yeah Collin.  It's a chrysalis.  Go put it in your room and let us know when it hatches.  He defended himself by saying if we knew anything that we would know that sometimes chrysalis' look like poop so they aren't eaten.  It was super funny though. 

Where did that container go...

Well, it's been three years since I've updated.  Things have changed here in blogger land.  Not quite sure how to do all this anymore.  Considering though.  Thinking.  Maybe it's time for an update?  I think I've figured out how to add video.  Contemplating.  Wondering where to even begin.  It has been three years.  What has happened these past three years...

I just posted some other pics and videos today. You have to go to "older posts" at the bottom to see them. Now it's Camp Sunshine time. So, I will tell the story of us finding out Wesley had Fanconi Anemia at the age of one. My dad called me and said he had found a camp where FA families went to once a year. I asked where it was. He said Maine. Shocked I asked where in Maine. He said Casco. A couple of towns from our house so 5 months later we were surrounded by families who had children with Fanconi Anemia just like our son. It was scary, amazing, sad, wonderful and incredible. Where else could we talk with so many people who understood, who we could ask questions, and form forever freindships? Only Camp Sunshine...1/2 hour from our house. We've met families from Argentina, Africa, Australia, Germany, UK, Cananda, Israel, all over the states...I could go on forever. So, we were hooked and look forward to this every year. This has been our 6th FA camp and we've met the most amazing families and volunteers. So these are our most recent pics.

Here is Wesley and Jasper from Australia at a BBQ we had at our house before camp.

Here are some FA kids from Maine, Australia and Tennessee.

This is at camp. It's a balloon release with the names of our loved and lost and prayers for a cure.

Wesley watching.

This is the Tennessee family that came to stay with us.

This is Violet. Her sister Emma has FA. Violet totally stole my heart and I just had to hold her every chance I got.

Here is Emma and Wesley at the party.

Some FA kids and volunteers.

Collin at the party.

Jasper, Emma and Quinny.

Sean and Quinny.

The girls at the dinner.

Quinn, Lauren, and Baylor who is doing great post transplant.

Wesley asleep with his cricket shirt from his Aussie friend, Jasper!

Wesley, Quinn and Alma from Israel.

Sharon (Israel), Brooke (Australia), Sean, Paul (Australia)

I'm trying to get a hug goodbye from Emma. Ralf (Germany) lost two of his girls to FA and is now dedicated to research to help find a cure. We all gave spit samples, mouth swabs, and Wesley gave blood all to help.

One of our favorite volunteers Katie.

Collin with some of the teens in his group. The girl next to Collin lost her sister a year ago. Her family wears pink to honor her. They are from the UK and also have another son with FA.

So, we had an amazing time again this year. We are all still recovering from late nights and early mornings but thankfully we don't have school yet. Some kids had to go back to school the next day. Ugg. That would stink.

The summer is slowly winding down. Quinn and Collin had fun at their other summer camps. I am going to be at a loss when the kids go back to school full time. Not sure where life will take me but I'm sure I will find my way. Wesley is doing well. Never realized he was technically in mild bone marrow failure but I guess with his counts, that's where he is. But doing wonderful. Sorry it took so long to update but remember there are some more pics in the previous post (you might have to click on "older posts" to see them. Thank you everyone for your love and support. Love and prayers to those in transplant right now who are fighting for life. Hugs and tears to those who have lost their children. My heart is with every one of you.

-Kristin