On Sunday, we celebrated
AM's 8
th birthday at the park with our family and a few friends.
Cal trying to stay cool with his water bottle spilling all over him.
My sweet Shea girl.
Alex
takin' charge of the four-wheeler...HOLD ON, KASEY!
Rich showing
AM the ropes of football.
My darling Charlotte. Such a ham. "
Uhm, so, what's your name, Auntie Karyn? What's your name again?...CHEESE!"
Me and my best friend Heather.
"Did you see that, Karyn? Did you see it?!?!?"
Alex
chowin' down...
AM a little embarrassed about us singing him Happy Birthday.
Thank the Lord for wet wipes!
Charlotte's brother Josh. I LOVE this kid.
Right before he poured his ice cream all over himself and the grass.
My incredible mother.
Colleen and Tony
Chris and Heidi
Kasey eating ice and ice cream.
My big brother, Clint.
AM huggin' on
Zacky.
Getting ready to blow out the candle on his birthday cupcake.
Matchbox cars, which he proudly lined up along his dresser the SECOND we got home.
Rich went out and bought this especially for him. He now tells us he's a "professional skateboarder".
I have to say, I am so incredibly impressed with our family and friends and the way they have rallied around this sweet child to love on him and show him what family is REALLY about. I want to thank everyone for supporting us, praying for us, and encouraging us throughout this huge transition. Never before have we had a school-aged child, let alone one that is in need of such love, attention, reassurance, guidance, structure and emotional healing. This has been a big undertaking and we are tired, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Everything seems to be a struggle, from house rules to academics...from truthfulness (or lack thereof) to emotional scars and fears, but we take it ONE STEP at a time. Because of the support and love we have from you, we are able to continue every day, knowing that we are not alone and that we ARE making progress. We love this child and will do whatever it takes until HE believes it as well.
We've had a fun last couple of days. On Friday, Zack and I went to my brother Clint's to have a play date with Cal while AM was in school. The little boys love to play together and, for the most part, get along really well (for toddlers!).
Snack time!
Hide-and-go-seek in the pantry.
"Where'd Cal go?"
"There he is!"
My brother is a wonderful dad.
AM and Uncle Barnes arm wrestling.
The last day of this long, shaggy hair! I have yet to take pics. of his new "do" though.
Friday night, we surprised AM by inviting our nieces over for a sleep-over. They had fun with a water balloon fight, pizza and movie, then they all crashed out.
My handsomeness.
