We were able to have a wonderful 4th of July weekend in Philadelphia this year. We've spent the past few july 4th holidays in WV, so it was fun to load up the kids (Marlon was in Denver) and head out to spend some time with family. Both my brothers and their families came out to my parents' house, so all 5 cousins were able to get in some quality bonding time. I was also able to pay a visit to Lauren and Carter--they are doing well and Carter was just transferred to a rehab center in New Brunswick that specializes in brain trauma and spinal cord injuries in children, so he's in very good hands. He's also closer to his parents/grandparents now, so that's a huge blessing. He's a strong little boy and the doctors at the hospital kept saying they were shocked at how well he was doing and that it was a miracle he survived. We know it wasn't just any miracle though--it was God answering prayers!! So many people were praying for this little boy and He was listening! We are so thankful for both Lauren and Carter and continue to pray for their full recoveries. Here is a recent picture of Carter in his new wheelchair--don't you love that beautiful smile?!
We started off our trip on Wednesday and heading to Jon and Renee's new home. We got to spend some quality time with Nolan and Mia, which was nice. Nolan and Alex had their very first sleepover that night-they slept on an air mattress in Jon and Renee's room, and it was just too cute. It didn't last the entire night but they did pretty well for their first time! It was so cute listening to them talk and whisper in bed about being scared to be alone, and then seeing Alex snuggle up next to Nolan when I said they should keep each other company if they were scared. Alex later told me that she prayed for Nolan when he was scared--too cute! They continued to share a room even at my parents' house, each sleeping side by side in the firetruck beds at the house. They did sleep successfully together for the remaining nights--the only downside being the fact that Nolan is usually pretty tired by the time bedtime rolls around and is ready to sleep, where as my little energizer bunny takes forever to go to bed at night. We learned we just needed to put Nolan to bed first, then once he was asleep put Alex in bed and then everyone was happy! I didn't get a pic of Nolan on here but I'll have to add one soon!
We got to have some big family meals together, which is always fun, and we got to spend some time in the pool--Kellan wasn't too interested (he's going to take after his father I think) but Alex was all excited to swim around the pool with her swimmies on, even swimming into the deep end by herself and jumping in on her own. We were able to take Alex and Nolan to see some fireworks in Newtown while Uncle Josh and Aunt Kendy stayed home with the sleeping little ones (thanks!!). The fireworks were great and Alex really enjoyed them!
We headed back to WV on Sunday but loved having some family time. It's fun to watch the cousins get older and grow together as they get to know each other more. I didn't bring my camera so I don't have a ton of pictures to share, but I will post a few from Renee. Thanks for sharing Renee!
Kellan enjoying his frozen watermelon popsicle created by Aunt Nay Nay
Miss Kaylee Mae-isn't she so cute?!
Miss Mia Rose-I swear I have the cutest nieces (and nephews) around!
Renee, Kendy and I (no wonder my nieces are so adorable--look at their moms!)
Love you all!
