Real Estate Investment

Over the weekend, we purchased the kids their own house. It's been getting way too cramped in ours, so we thought it was time that they moved out on their own. ;-) Zachary's 2nd birthday is coming up in June, so I've been searching Craigslist over for playhouses to see if I could find anything for him. I was finally giving up hope of finding anything used and was just about to order a new one from Toys R Us when I came across this one on Saturday...less than a year old, kept in a garage, and about the same price as the new one I was looking at, but double the size, so it's perfect for both Elaina and Zachary to play in! Now we just have to stock the kitchen with some play cookware and food...the plastic hot dog bun and potato chip that were left in the cabinet just doesn't seem to be enough!

New 'Do

Even though Zachary just got a haircut a few weeks ago, he was already getting overdue for another one, so we decided to have it buzzed this time. Here's his new summer look.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Ryan's Dad

Ryan's dad passed away last Thursday. Last Tuesday, he was put back on a ventilator and went into cardiac arrest. The doctors called the family in at that time, so Ryan and I and the kids flew to Iowa on Tuesday night. Ryan was able to be with his dad all day Wednesday. We made the decision to take him off of the ventilator on Thursday after the doctors did more tests and explained further the damage that his stroke had caused. We prayed that he would have a quick and peaceful passing and God answered our prayers. He passed away within a half hour of going off of the ventilator and Ryan and I, his mom, sister and her husband were all standing at his bedside when he took his last breath. It was a very hard thing to go through, but we all find peace in knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers for us throughout this difficult time.

2nd Grade Beach Day

Today was Elaina's 2nd grade Beach Day. Each year they have a special day for each grade. In kindergarten, it was Clown Day and in 1st grade, it was Cowboy Day. Beach day has been a much anticipated event for Elaina. All of the 2nd grade classes get to stay outside on the playground for the entire day with their beach towels and flip flops and play different games and have a picnic lunch. Ryan, Zachary and I joined her for lunch and it looked like everyone was having a great time. The weather was really nice today...the sun was out, but there was a good breeze stirring, so it wasn't too hot.

It's hard to believe that we'll be coming back for Zachary's 2nd grade Beach Day before we know it!Elaina and her teacher.

Already trying to escape the BJ gates! ;-)

UPDATE ON RYAN'S DAD:
On Sunday, the doctors began talking about the possibility of needing to do a tracheotomy on Ryan's dad to help his breathing, which was becoming worse, and to help try to prevent pneumonia from setting in. They didn't want to do it unless it was absolutely necessary though, so they said they'd wait it out as long as they could to see if he would improve on his own. Well, today his breathing was better and they said that they do not think it is necessary to do the tracheotomy, as of now. As long as he continues to gradually improve, he will not need to have it done, so please pray for healing and wisdom for the doctors to make the best decisions about what to do for him.

Update on Ryan's dad

Today showed a small, but exciting, improvement in Gene's condition. He is now opening his eyes, although with somewhat of a blank stare. But when Ryan's mom asked him if he knew that she was there with him, he nodded his head "yes" and when the nurses ask him to hold up a certain amount of fingers, he does it! (Although, not always the correct number, but the nurses say that that is normal.) Praise the Lord for these small milestones! Please continue to pray!