Claire turns 9!

A week later we celebrated Claire’s birthday! She really wanted to go to a waterpark, so we planned to go to the Galveston Schlitterbahn for the Saturday celebration, so the Friday before we did gifts and cake, since we had to leave early in the morning. She got so many fun things, she’s really into axolotl’s right now, so she got a stuffed one with babies in side! She also got games and crafts and books, among other things. She was so excited to open each present, would scream with excitement, and it was soooo fun to watch her open them! She’s so adorable. She picked out some chocolate sprinkle cakes from the store as her treat, and also picked out her own candles! She is so funny. 

The next day we went to the waterpark and it was so fun. We rode lots of rides together and had a blast. We had Whataburger on the way home and it was such a fun day. I can’t believe she’s 9! Where does the time go? She loves stuffed animals and pokemon cards and playing with friends. She loves to read comic books and cartoon books, also the Dogman Series. She is so fun to be around, likes to have a good time, is very quick to say sorry and give hugs. She’s friendly and makes friends with everyone, no matter what your age. She’s creative and super thoughtful – she always wants to do nice things for her friends or others. She is great at remembering little details about people and the fun events at school and what people like. She’s kind to others, loves animals, and loves to be outside. We love her so much, and can’t believe she’s 9!

Grant turns 19!

 We celebrated Grant’s birthday! It was a fun day to celebrate him being 19. I can’t believe it! His last year of being a teenager!! We gave him presents and gifts early in the morning. He wanted bagels and cream cheese so we got some special bagels and types of cream cheese and they were soooo good. Then we opened gifts, where he got clothes, some protein powder and shakes, some cologne and some candy, and other stuff, but his big present was his cowboy boots that we shopped for on his actual birthday. We had to go to like 5 stores! WHEW! But we finally found some comfy ones in his size and style that he likes, and he loves them. 

He wanted to go play airsoft, so the boys went and did that with a bunch of friends. We went to true Texas BBQ for dinner. We did made a cake for him and it was one BIG sugar cookie which was so good! He loved it! We had a great time celebrating him. 

I was trying not to tear up thinking this could be his last birthday at home! SOB! He’s such a great kid. We love him so much. He has become such a great young man. He’s creative and artistic, loyal, good with money, kind, polite and respectful, so handsome, adventurous and spontaneous, always willing to try new things, like food or activities, he’s good at seeing the best in others, and compassionate to those that have less than him. He doesn’t judge other people and is quick to jump in and help those around him. He’s a good friend and brother and son, and we’ll so miss having him around so much! We love him like crazy! We hope he had a fabulous birthday!

Humanitarian Trip for Grant

 Grant got the opportunity to do a 2.5 week humanitarian trip this summer before he heads off to college. He went to Vanuatu, an island near Australia, to help build a school for the local people and children. He had a fabulous experience. He loved meeting and interreacting with the local people, learning new customs and traditions, trying new foods, and seeing a beautiful part of the world. He loved playing with the children and they loved having lots of fun teenagers to play with! He worked so hard (even got recognized for being the hardest worker!) and learned so much. And built relationships that will have a lasting impact. He said "Mom, they have so little, and live so simply, but are so happy and so willing to share with others. I really loved living so simply for a while." I am so so grateful for the people that make trips like this possible. He had an amazing time!