Vacation to the Northwest

This last Monday, we arrived home after 14.5 hours of driving. We drove straight through from Spokane to Sacramento, only stopping a dozen times for potty breaks for Kyler...

On June 4, I drove up to Portland with Caden. Kyler had already driven up with my parents and was at their house in Hayden, ID. So, it was easier for me to drive up with just one child to take care of. It was a long drive, but we made it safely and Caden did great. We had a wonderful time staying with my sister, Shelly, and niece, Charli Jo, there for a few days. Also got to visit with some good friends. My back was having some serious problems following the long drive so I had to have a massage while I was there. It helped, but I still had a significant amount of pain.

On June 8, I drove to Spokane to my sister, Cheryl's house. I spent the next two weeks there. My parents brought Kyler over to me the day I arrived. It was so good to see him as it had been about 11 days since I had seen him: the longest I've ever been away from him! I really missed him. We had a nice time at Cheryl's house. On a few of the days, I drove both kids over to my parent's house for the day as Cheryl was working anyway. I also found someone to go to for massage while I was in Hayden because my back continued to cause me a lot of pain.

Greg flew up to Spokane on the 17th and stayed through the weekend. He volunteered at the Coeur d'Alene Ironman Triathlon so he could be first in line to register for next year's event. He'll be spending the next year training for the 2010 Ironman!

On the 20th, my Aunt Evelyn flew in from Ohio so she could meet Caden and see the rest of us and catch up. It was great to see her. I wish we had been able to have more time to visit with her, but it just didn't work out.

Then, on the 22nd, Greg and I, Kyler and Caden, all drove the long way home. Caden did really well on the trip. And, Kyler did pretty well also. My back was really hurting and Kyler said, “Mommy, ask Jesus to take the pain away.” I asked him if he would do it for me. So, he said, “Dear Jesus, thank you... Thank you to take the pain away from Mommy's back. Amen.” It was so sweet, it made me cry! Within a couple hours, my pain was SIGNIFICANTLY decreased. The rest of the drive was much more tolerable. It was the sweetest thing! Out of the mouths of babes, the most wonderful faith and trust in God.

Here are some pictures of our friends and family as they met Caden and got acquainted with our precious miracle.
Caden with cousin Charli Jo

Caden with Aunt Shelly

Caden with our good friend, Shawna

Caden with Aunt Cheryl

(Clockwise starting with Caden) Caden, Kyler, nephew Rylan, and niece Melissa

Caden with my good friend, Shaina

Caden with Grandma Jane

Caden with Grandpa Charles

Caden with Uncle Kent

Caden with cousin Melissa

Caden with cousin Rylan

Caden with Great Aunt Evelyn