What We Did on our Summer Vacation

Here are some pictures of our cruise a few weeks ago. I have no idea why this font has decided to underline itself...oh, well!

Below is the girls closing their eyes the first time we walked into our room. It was their idea to be "surprised".

Dinner the first night.

Riding the water slides on the ship

Our date night, after pawning the kids off to the kids club

The girls projects they made in the kids area

Holding a turtle at the Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman

The shark tank

Unfortunately, we didn't notice that the camera was foggy from the temperature change

Our carriage ride through Cozumel

One Brave Kid

We were in Tallahassee a few weekends ago for a Winter family reunion at the Tallahassee State Museum. There was a really neat animal show where the kids were able to see owls, snakes, and even a baby alligator. Esther is much braver than her mommy...that's for sure. If you know me at all, then you know I am deathly afraid of snakes. The last picture was actually taken from the other side of the room. Thanks goodness for good zooms on cameras because I wasn't getting anywhere near that huge snake!!!

Pounding the Pavement

Well, I have made the final decision to run another half marathon. Who's with me? The race is the DisneyWorld Wine & Dine on Saturday, October 1st at 10pm. I looked today and we have 115 days to the BIG day and the race is 70% full, so if you are planning to run with me (and I know there are a few of you out there considering it), please let me know.

This morning I decided that I needed to start running again, and it was the first official time running since my last 13.1 miler. Whew!!! I forgot how much it hurts to really have to push yourself. I only ran 3.75 miles and it took me forever! Gunna have to do that a few times a week to get back in the groove! Hope some of you will join me!!

Picture of Lydia

Mrs. Morales, the lady who took care of Lydia while we were gone on our cruise, took a gazillion pictures of her. Here is one of my favorites.

Hannah Update

I am so excited to share with those of you who have been on your knees with us, that Hannah's bald spot is continuing to grow new hairs! Everyday the hairs are growing longer. I did some research on Alopecia Areata, and I read that can be caused by a stressful situation. About a week before I first noticed the spot, she had a really rough time with getting her blood drawn for allergy testing. I am really hoping that that is what caused this and that she has no other reoccurances in the future. I cannot express to you all how much I appreciate all your prayers about this and the other matters that are going on in my life lately! I am so blessed to have your friendships! Please continue for my family, as things seem to continue to get worse.

Adventure Island Fun

Josiah, the kids, and I joined the Winter family on an annual trip to Adventure Island yesterday. We had a great time!

Esther jumping off the cliffs

Lydia & Daddy

Hannah is doing awesome with her swimming and can now swim without the use of any floatation devices!




Hannah & Auntie Joy

Isaiah, Caleb, & Josiah

Lydia

Esther at Splash Attack...doesn't she look like a swimsuit model?

Lydia wearing out Grandpa Ken on the water slides.

After wearing out Grandpa, she proceded to wear out Aunt Grace too!

Grandma Sheila about to collapse after climbing all the steps up the water slide

After the water park closed, we went to a hole-in-wall (there are literally holes in walls) BBQ restraunt, where they actually serve bat. These are the boys bibs they brought out. Notice they are paper toilet seat covers.

All in all, it was a perfect day! I think everyone had a ton of fun and got a little sun burnt.

More Prayer Needed

Well, we are in need of prayer again, so I am sharing this to ask for you to be praying with us. Earlier this week, I noticed a small bald spot on the top of Hannah's head. I thought that maybe she had pulled her ponytail holder out and ripped out the hair, but it was very smooth so I wasn't really sure. I tried to cover it up for several days, hoping no one would ask me why she has a bald spot, since I really had no explanation. I am so blessed to have so many friends in the medical field and was able to ask Kyle, who is PA in a Dermatology office. She recognized it right away as Alopecia Areata. She said that it can spread and lead to full baldness if left untreated. The treatment would be a few injections in the affected area. I am really upset about this, especially since Hannah had such a hard time with passing out and vomitting after having her blood drawn last week. She is such a sweetie and I hate to have to put through that pain.

My plan for now is to wait a few weeks, and pray earnestly that the Lord would heal her without have to get the injections. Even this morning, just hours after I learned her diagnosis, I noticed a few new hairs growing in the bald spot. Please pray with us that the Lord will work a miracle and she will be healed. I truly believe He has the power! Thanks All!