Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Today was a big day!! We woke up very early to get ready for our trip to the mountains.  Brad, Michelle, and Nikki picked us up at 6:45 a.m. and we were off.  Of course there was Atlanta construction and traffic.  But we got to Blue Ridge, GA right on time and boarded our train. 

The train ride was awesome.  It was really smooth and a good speed.  Olivia loved looking out the window.  She saw leaves, big sticks, the river, deer and other train cars.  Brendon got some hot apple cider on the train ride that was delicious.  The train ride was an hour long and we stopped at Copperhill, TN/McCayesville, GA. 

We ate lunch at Patrick's Pub and Grille since it sits ride on the border of the states.  There is even a taped marked off area and labeled.  The girls did really good at lunch and ate! Then after lunch we walked around.  We had about an hour and a half once we got off the train for lunch and looking around.  We quickly stopped at the train gift shop and got back on the train.

When we got on we had a hard time finding a seat.  The rule was that you swapped sides of the train so you could see the views of the other side of the train on the way back.  Some people didn't follow those directions!! Which really irritated me! Finally a couple overheard me and they swapped seats with us.  While the train was going we walked to an open air car and took in some sights and sounds.  Then we were back in Blue Ridge already.

On the way home we stopped outside of Elijay, GA to get some apples, sweet potatoes, sorghum, and of course apple fritters and fried apple pies!

Then we had a long car ride home with Atlanta traffic and all that it brings with it.

Once we got home we changed some clothes and then went back to Michelle and Brad's house since it was his 40th birthday today!! We had pizza, cake, and ice cream to celebrate!

What a fun filled fall day!!

Choo choo!

Acorns and Loganville Football

Today we went on an acorn hunt after nap time.  Our daycare provider mentioned that she needed acorns for an activity and we have them in our yard.  I found a bucket and off we went! Olivia did great finding acorns, saying acorn, and placing the acorns in the bucket.  She was a great helper!!

Daddy surprised us today by staying home.  Karyn called and mentioned that they were going to go to the Loganville Homecoming Football game.  Brendon was easily convinced by this to stay home.  We met our neighbors there after dinner.  We knew we wouldn't make the whole game.  We stayed until half time.  I took her on a few walks during the game.  We saw a touchdown, a field goal, saw the cheerleaders, and heard the band.  It was a good time! She was pretty good during the game!!

Acorns!

Football!

Moments

I have to say that I treasure every moment that I spend with Olivia.  The good times and yes, even the bad times.  Today I realized even more how special every moment is after reading Henry's mom's post.  I think as parents we learn something each day and try to do what is best for her. She is growing up so fast. 

Today's special good moment was getting a craft from Olivia.  I love that Susan takes time to make us something special for the holidays.  Olivia loves her so much and when we leave she says, "Bye Susie! Love you!" all the way down her street! We love crafts in this house!

Today's special bad moment was after her nap.  Olivia was just very upset after her nap.  Crying, crying, crying! I was afraid we would miss Kindermusik tonight the crying was so bad.  Finally I took her outside.  We sat at the picnic table and looked around outside and she finally calmed down.  I think there was enough distractions out there to calm her.  She talked about the noise she heard, the birds we saw, and bees.  I did not see any bees...I think she calls everything that flies bees! Finally she was settled and we got in the car and the world was all good.

I know one day I will look back and wish Olivia was still little but right now I am trying to soak up every moment of her!

Olivia's Halloween Craft!

Update on Henry and Haircut #3

Here is the latest update on Henry from his mom Jessica:

Well, it's been a week of discussion, prayer, and reaching the most agonizing decision of our lives. All treatment options for Henry's brain cancer were weighed and researched and in the end we felt peace with only one path.
 
We have expressed our desire to Henry's medical team to proceed with inpatient rehab therapy only, for the purpose of reaching peak motor skill/mobility before bringing our precious boy home with hospice care for these final months.

The neurosurgeon said he wished he had a reason to disagree, or to encourage us to keep fighting... but admitted that he couldn't... and that he would choose the same path in our position. He spoke of the dignity we can give little Henry - taking him home to security & familiarity, surrounded by family.

Today we are thankful for the care he has received and will receive. We're thankful for his giggles this week while playing with play-dough and paints, and his wide-eyed joy as we explored the hospital from the view of his Radio-Flyer wagon.

We're thankful that for the past few years we've been studying the heart of God, especially in the face of evil. We've gained tremendous perspective from a book titled "Is God to Blame?" by Greg Boyd. Having that knowledge before tragedy hit our home has framed this whole experience with the assurance that our Father's heart is FOR us, and for little Henry, regardless of the outcome.

Please pray our days at home will be filled with joy, peace, and the making of precious memories. And please know, as long as his heart beats we continue to pray for a miracle. We ask that you join us.

We also humbly ask for extra privacy in our home and at the hospital during this delicate time. We aren't sure day to day whether Henry will feel up to having visitors, so please feel free to contact us via phone or FB if you'd like to check on his strength and capability to socialize with guests.

Thank you again for the tremendous outpouring of support. Love and blessings. Jessica

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What a difficult  decision Jessica and her family had to make.  I feel that if I was her, I would have made the same decision.  I would bring Olivia home and make every moment count. Please continue to pray for Henry and a miracle.  I sent a package today to them...even though it was a small box, it is box filled with love and hope.  

I took Olivia for her 3rd haircut today...just her bangs again.  She cried...not too bad but she still cried.  We also went to Gymboree today and saw all of our friends.  I can't believe how much of a climber Olivia has become! She truly is a monkey. 

These 2 are two peas in a pod!

A little fuss and polka dots

Brendon said that she slept until 8:30 a.m. today! I am sure she was tired because she decided to get up at 2:45 last night and play with her animals.  I could hear her talking and I didn't go in there...if she isn't crying then we don't go in unless to check on her.

When I got home today Olivia was nicely eating some tacos for lunch.  Then the fuss started! She was fussing about everything.  Brendon said she even fussed at Gymboree today.  I guess she was just in one of her moods today!  Eventually I just let her sit in my lap while I tried to eat lunch and then she calmed down.   

She also took a pretty long nap this afternoon too...hope it is not a sign of her getting sick! We played and ate dinner.  We did go outside...not for long since it was chilly again.  Not sure what we are going to do when it gets really cold...I guess this mommy is going to have to bundle up! She looked so cute in her polka dot pants today...I guess only toddlers can pull off that look!

Another cheap entertaining toy...a hangar!

Goodnight!

First Day of Jeans

We had to wear some warm clothes today! That is exciting and not so exciting.  I enjoy warm weather.  Brendon got up early and went hunting and didn't see any deer.  Olivia was a champ again and slept until 8:00 a.m. Nothing like getting to sleep in on your day off.  He came in around 10:00 a.m. and then I got ready for a run.  I did a little over 8 1/2 freezing miles.  I guess I misjudged what I should wear.  But the worst thing is that you don't want to overdress and then be too hot running.  So I ran as fast as I could! Then I came home and could not warm up.  I ended up taking hot shower and drinking some tea and then I felt better.  After Olivia woke up we played and talked to Grandma because I promised we would call her after her nap.  Then we ate dinner and went to see Karyn for her birthday! Happy Birthday to Olivia's Godmother!! It was a quick visit because it was chilly out there! Then Olivia helped me put the laundry in the dryer and we played.  It was a great day off!

Loves to look at pictures of herself!

Playing with Jake under the chair

A little fun with kitchen accessories!

Looking so big with her jeans on!

ok all done! Lets eat!

First Sleepover and Henry Update

Olivia had her first sleepover last night with Dymitrik.  He slept in another bedroom though.  Olivia is usually a good sleeper...last night she woke up shortly after going to bed and was crying.  When I checked on her she was all sweaty...took her temperature and she was fine.  I changed her diaper and she fell right back to sleep.  I did change her into shorts though since she was hot.  Then she slept in until 8:00 a.m.! Wahoo!! Dymitrik did not get the message about sleeping in.  He woke up at 6:30 a.m.! He played downstairs with his mommy until we woke up.  It was a chilly morning this morning.  We had breakfast and then played outside for a bit.  Then Dymitrik took a nap and Olivia had lunch.  Olivia got to say goodbye to him while he ate lunch and the she went down for a nap.  They played pretty good together.  Olivia shared her toys nicely and they did do some interacting and some parallel play.  Olivia was so sweet to him.  It was so good to visit with friends and especially since they have a toddler too!! It was a fun weekend!

Chilling with Jeff!

Here is the latest update on Henry from his mom Jessica:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:3, 4 NIV) While we feel the pull towards despair, you all are making that difficult by surrounding us with hundreds of encouraging posts, emails, cards, gifts, texts, and calls. You all have truly been the hands and feet of Christ, holding us tightly during this deeply difficult time. Today we are thankful that Henry's procedures to ease his comfort and mobility outside of the I CU went smoothly. We would ask your prayers for his peace while the longevity of this journey begins to weigh upon him, as well as for rapid healing from the latest procedures (and of course for a miraculous complete healing!) thank you and God bless.