Seventh Birthday Letter to Beans

Dear Grant,

This has been a big year for you full of high and lows. You've dealt with some new anxieties and new struggles, but I want you to know that you are the bravest boy I know. You're also still one of the happiest boys I know. You still fill our days up with giggles and smiles and you're very quick to forgive others. You love to be where others are and want to be included in all things. Your teachers describe you as a great friend and I would have to agree. 

You also know exactly what to say to make any adult melt over you and think that you are the cutest kid in the world and I love watching you when you do that because it's adorable, hilarious and pretty close to true. You might have been the favorite among the aunts at our family reunion because you paid them all so many compliments. Anytime anyone tells you that you're so cute you'll turn on your adorable voice and cute puppy dog eyes and reply back "well you're the prettiest lady in the world". Grant I can't even imagine what you'll be like as a teenager because you're already quite the charmer and you know it. In all seriousness though I can't even count the number of times where I might have needed a little encouragement and you've come up to me out of the blue to say "Mom I love you, you're the best mom in the world". I hope to be that same kind of person to you that you need during times where you're feeling scared, lonely or down. I want to be someone you can count on to come find you and cheer you up like you do to so many people. I love you and I want you to know that at nighttime when anxiety seems to be at a high for you I hope you know and feel that I'm just across the hall with a hug that always has your name on it. I love you sweet boy, and I always will no matter what.

Love,

Mom

Zoo with Cousins

My sister Melanie and her boys stopped by in Fargo for a day so that we could get together before they continued their trip to our family reunion. My nephew Edward loves to visit different zoos when they travel and really wanted to see the Red River Zoo which was great for us because of our family membership. My kids loved getting to know these cousins in a way that they haven't been able to before. Melanie's boys were so patient and kind to my kids which is always a joy to see. It was also my first time seeing my sister and her kids since the passing of James, so it was really nice to have a whole afternoon for just our families to spend time with each other. I'm excited to see them in a few short days once we make our way to the family reunion as well. 

Little Helper

Sometimes all anyone needs is some special one on one time.
Grant came with me to clean out the van before our vacation coming up and it was so nice to just have it be the two of us. I think he's been needing some extra positive attention lately.
 I love this cute boy so much.

Fargo 4th of July

Happy Birthday America 🎈🎈

We joined some of our good friends (Johnsons & Christensens) for a barbecue and had a lot of fun. We also found out that we couldn't handle the heat and were the first to head home which is rare for us. We're usually the last ones to leave a place. I couldn't help but keep thinking that our past Texas selves would have been so embarrassed because it wasn't even 90 degrees but it just felt so hot. It was the humidity that was making it feel unbearable. It really was fun while we were there though, as it was a new park for us.

With Grant wearing a white shirt this year I knew it was a smart idea to take pictures before he ate. 😁

The whole group.

After the barbecue the kids spent the rest of the day outside. The heat seemed to take a step back as the rain clouds came in. Neighbors from both sides of us came out and played with the kids which they loved. I kept an eye on the clouds as they looked pretty sketchy but nothing except some light rain came from it.

We ended the night setting off our own fireworks and then watching the people across the street set off their fireworks from our front porch. The guy across from us was so nice and even went and bought more parachute fireworks from the store around the corner so that our kids could all have a chance chasing them down.

Happy 4th ya'll. I can't believe a year ago was our last day living in Texas and now here we are celebrating in Fargo, North Dakota.