Benson and Claire were born with a rare genetic disease in which their liver produces too much oxalate--called primary hyperoxaluria. Claire's condition has progressed much faster than Benson's. She was on dialysis since she was 3 months old and for much of that time, did dialysis 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. She receive a much needed kidney / liver transplant on December 18, 2009. It is expected Benson will eventually need similar transplants.


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

finishing up summer

Well we finished off our summer vacation with a fantastic week in Utah!  We loved every minute we had to go on adventures with family, hang around with cousins, and make memories with grandparents.    Here's a few shots of some of the things we did in Utah!

Fun at the Tree House Children's Museum



The girls really enjoyed the nursery area.  So darling.  I love the pretend play they love to engage in. 





Playing school.  So cute.



Benson played a life-sized game of chess with an older boy and his older brother and he WON!  He's got such a smart mind and really loves the game.


Another day we enjoyed time at the zoo.  Everyone loves seeing all the animals and the kids simply enjoyed playing and being together.  




At Grandma and Grandpa's house Benson caught a few small snakes!  He was so thrilled with his accomplishment.  He wanted to take it home for a pet but he somehow gave up on the idea.


He and I also got to shoot a few of Grandpa's air guns.  Benson was a good shot and I wasn't too shabby myself!  I was surprised at how much fun it was!



 And then we got to be pulled behind a pony in an authentic Amish buggy!  Mabel loved this in particular...she absolutely loves animals and has no fear of them.  Fun for this city-family to have some country-fun!


It was such a fun trip!  In every way.  The last night we got to go see the play Tarzan.  Smiles all around for a wonderful production, memorable actors, and catchy music.  It was a busy two weeks with family adventure and we simply loved it!  The kids were tired of driving upon having to make the 8 hr trip back home, but we all survived and were happy to be home again!  Time to get back into the swing of things in real life!

It was an adventurous summer.  We packed and moved.  We unpacked and then packed again.  We rode roller coasters and ponies.  We drove and stayed up late.  We smiled and cried upon leaving Rochester.  We watched movies and played doctor.  We met Miney Mouse and laughed at gorillas.  We made memories and renewed bonds.  We enjoyed safety and good health.

Just look at all this.

We are grateful and so blessed.

1 comment:

grandpa Terry and Diana said...

looks like great fun was had by all. Soon it will no longer be playing school; but the real thing is finally here. School. Home school sounds like it will work. Good luck