ahhhh....

What a day, just a great night to sit and just say "ahhh" to myself!!

We have been enjoying the sunshine! The kids have been outside every afternoon at daycare and in the evenings as much as we can around the rest of life that has to happens (eating, baths, and sleeping!!)

Today was a good day in Omaha! It was a little stressing at times with a few things that went on a little differently than normal! The radiologist came in to recheck Charli's scans and take additional pictures, which makes you wonder what they were looking for!! Thankful to know they are always making sure they have it right! We went up to clinic and were seen by a nurse first, then were told that Dr. had to go to radiology so it would be about 30 minutes. About 2 minutes later we were asked to go "downstairs" and have Charli's blood drawn. While waiting Charli quickly caught on that other kiddos were coming out crying and decided she didn't want to go. Austin is who took her blood today. She is not a big fan of Austin. Several hours later she said "Austin is not my friend, I am mad at him". And when she went to bed, Chad asked her what she didn't like about today and she said "Austin made me cry"! We made our way back up to clinic to be seen by another doctor and a resident...before our doctor came strolling in with "she looks great". I wanted to say..."couldn't you have lead with that and hour ago?"!! All in all, I don't care how I get the news, just that I get the news. Charli will not have to go back for ONE year! And, no more scans...just regular check ups, like a regular kiddo!! That comes with some, well almost a lot, of anxiety, but it truly is what we want.

In our tradition of doing something fun and all about Charli we left the hospital and made our way to McDonalds where she got an "I <3 Carly" bracelet that looks like a watch, she is in love with it! Then we went to pick out her new bike! She loves it! When we got home and after riding the new bike for a long time her and I got groceries, we all picked up Harper and made our way to the fishfry to see all of our grandmas and grandpas! And...we ended the night with a "Popsicle". Ahhh, life is good!!

When the doctor told me that we would need to contact them in several months to schedule the appointment she said, it will be easy to remember that it will fall around Easter. I laughed, like I will EVER forget this time of year!! Three year ago today Charli was having surgery and preparing for her first dose of chemo. I am pretty sure I will know that she needs to go back in March :-) Unreal!!

Enjoy the pictures!

fishing off of her slide. fishing is serious business

chubby little fingers! I am so not willing to let him grow up...



loves to play outside in his big sister's swing, rocking his dinosaur camo jacket

beautiful sunrise on our way to Omaha this morning

Charli did so well for her scans today. She really is a trooper! She walks back there on her own, steps on the scale, and turns to enter the room...plops up on the table and says "remember last time mom, I was scared to come in here?"

loves her elephant, he is holding her hand

lays so still

and when we have "tummy time" it is time for us to be silly with the camera and our faces!

We are in the lab here. Austin gave us the choice of her arm or finger. We picked the finger knowing it would be less dramatic for Charli. She picked up on that and was hiding her hands and fingers behind her back!

doesn't matter how much I try to distract with the stickers that look just like Wynston - it still hurt, scared her, and was something she was afraid of. Austin, this is where you lost her. You lost her for good.

what a champ! sitting very casually as she gets her blood pressure checked and her temperature taken!

she is talking to chad as if there is nothing else going on! and yes, she is in ALL purple! She HAD to wear short sleeves today (her rule, not the clinics!) and HAD to wear a jacket (zippie hoddie). She is starting to have quite the opinion on her clothes!

Waiting for the doctor to make her grand entrance! They couldn't believe how big and grown up she has become! I think they said she is still above 90% for height! I am pretty certain she gets that from me :-)

She really favored her "Austin" arm for several hours...but here she is just so happy to be home and outside!

I'm not sure, but I am pretty sure our "Fun Friday" fairies left this for her today! She loved it, nothing makes you feel more special than something like this after a trip to the hospital! We have the most amazing friends.

Rocking her new bike! She picked a Dora helmet which came with knee pads that she has to have on all the time now! She is a master already.

i love this picture!

ahhh, and what better way to end her night than with a popsicle...she loves these!!

PS. Charli informed me this afternoon that she has a boyfriend, and that he isn't a bad guy!

I am so thankful for this day, for this life. We have been put in so many situations that lead us to where we are going. I feel blessed for all of this. It is much easier for me to see and believe that when we hit forks in the road, that they truly are leading us where God intends. Had we not experienced Chad's accident and Charli's diagnosis specifically...I think I would never have the trust and faith that I have at this very moment. I am not saying that I enjoy being challenged in these ways, but I do know it is easier for me to throw my hands up and trust we are being guided exactly where we need to go. Thank you to EVERYONE along the way...truly.