One last pre-Hawaii post

In preparation for our Hawaii trip, I signed the kids up for swim lessons at our local pool.

The first day. I asked them to pretend like they liked each other and this was the result.

 pigtail Ari!

 The kids and I spent a day at a local pool with friends.

 Ari and her backpack. She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

 We went camping. Playing peek a boo with dada.

 She loves papa.

 Helping dada start a fire.

 More swim lessons.

 Ari was such a good girl everyday as we watched sissy and fwafwa swim.

 The last day, they got to use the fun slide!

 The kids with their friends, swim lessons complete!

 Their certificates!

 Lexi was in a magazine. Last year she was able to visit a local college.

In a few days, we leave for Hawaii!

2 months

Today marks 2 months since my precious beloved mama passed. I have cried (a lot), yelled, begged, and smiled. In 2 short months, I have aged more than I care to, become stronger than I knew possible, learned who I can count on and what really matters. I have swept all of the everyday small problems far from my view, I have squeezed my loved ones tighter than ever before realizing how precious life is.
There are no words to describe my pain, that each and every day brings. I know this will never subside as there is no 'fix'. I talk about my mom daily, laugh out loud as I replay moments in my head, listen to her favorite music (I am glad she had such great taste in music) often, chat with my siblings more, love deeper and laugh harder. My mom left me with all she knew. She taught me more than anyone can hope to learn and I will keep her love alive. After all, she was the most selfless, caring, loving, warm person and is missed every moment that passes. RIP mama, it's about time you are out of pain.

enjoying summer

Lexi, myself and Kyler passing the time during a quiet morning.

 The kids each had a friend sleep over. They had pizza, soda floats and ice cream sundaes. They were pretty happy, to say the least.
Lexi and her friend Amber

 Kyler and his friend Brock

 Ari loving her ice cream.

 With the heat, we've been hanging out at the river by our house. Bliss!

 Ari and I, courtesy of Lexi.

 My silly girls

 Kyler and Jared took this little raft down the river.

 Ari rowing.

 Beautiful day.

 Lexi and her friend Khloe, during Kyler's soccer games.

 Go Kyler!

 Ari

 My dad came over to spend the day with us.

 At the river, again.

 My fear-less Lexi caught a snake.

 Setting the snake free.

 They love their grandpa.

 Ari and daddy.

It's been such a fun-filled, busy week. It's always nice to stay preoccupied, but eventually sadness catches up
Thanks to my friends: Erica for sending me a journal to write in, Ellen for scrapbook supplies, Sarah for homemade ice cream sandwiches and everyone else who has shown such support. The fact that you are keeping me in your thoughts means the world. I am blessed to have some amazing people in my life.