Cooper deciding where to begin????

Riley pointing out the $400 Star Wars Lego :):)

F.R.O.G. = Fully Rely On God

LEGO STORE HERE WE COME.......

We arrived at the Lego store just as they opened today. The kids were in awe. There was a huge Yoda made out of Legos in the middle of the store. Riley said "that was the best part" Of course we had to talk them down from the $300 Lego sets.....who would have thought that little colored shapes of hard plastic could cost soooo much. Riley and Cooper both built some little "guys" and got to take them home. We walked around for a little while and rode the escalator. Cooper could not wait. He just kept asking about it. Well after we got on the escalator we knew why. Ever seen the movie "Elf" well he had never been on an escalator and about did the splits riding it. It was a very hilarious part of the movie. Well Cooper imitated it. Larry and I could not stop laughing. At least he didn't eat the already chewed gum on the railing. .... If you didn't get it then you need to see the movie. We went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It was really good. I had a wonderful salad. I know, I know... a salad at the Cheesecake Factory. Don't worry Larry got a huge piece of Chocolate Rasberry cheesecake to bring home. We had not been there since I was pregnant with Riley. We did get some Cheryl's Cookies to bring home...:)

We headed back towards home and picked up a few things we needed at Lowes then homeward bound. We couldn't get in the door fast enough for the kids to put their Legos together. It kept occupied so Larry could replace our screen on the back door and I went to Kroger and got a bunch of great deals with triple coupons...woohoo - I know hold yourself back from the excitement.

We did plan to build a fire and make smores but it rained and we had popcorn and are watching the Incredibles...again.

Thanks for checking in on us. We are so happy to have some quality time together.

Team RILEY :) :)

F.R.O.G. = Fully Rely On God

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.....
It is hard to believe that Riley is starting the second grade tomorrow. We are blessed that he is still doing so well. We are so grateful for the wonderful summer that we have had. God has been good to us. He is holding us in his hands. We have many more memories to make.... It can be overwhelming at times - trying to be "normal" -My Aunt Pat and Uncle Eric were very generous and sent us tickets to go to an OSU Buckeye game....we cannot wait. The boys are so excited. We are praying for a beautiful fall day and not too hot so Riley can enjoy it.
I think this new shunt has helped Riley. His next MRI will hopefully tell us whether his NCM is still progressing or staying the same.
We will hopefully update this weekend with some fun pictures. We are planning to visit the new Lego store....:):)

Praying for so many young children in this world that are suffering. They say when you think you have it bad - take a long look at others and maybe your story doesn't seem quite so bad. I have quite a few children that I pray for on caringbridge and now blogger. There are some really strong christian people out their. Their faith cannot be shaken. That is where I get my strength from. God has put it out there for us to embrace and lift each other up. That is what we are supposed to do. Yes, I know that our son has a terrible disease that is progressing that I or any medical person can do anything about BUT God is not allowing him to suffer, God is not putting him through terrible experimental drugs that may or may not help him. That is what I am grateful for. I think that would just make the inevitable worse. He is going to be as normal of an 8 year old as he can for as long as he can. He will be starting 2nd grade. He can swim this weekend. He can still walk, talk, play, and fight with his brother and sister. I would not change any of it. I am grateful to God for giving me this time with my child. He is a gift. God has given us this precious gift....
pray for those children out there that don't have parents that love them, abuse them, mistreat them.. pray for those children that sit in the hospital alone and scared. It is hard for me to imagine or see but it does happen. Pray for someone you don't even know right now and lift them up and give them hope.......
Team RILEY
F.R.O.G. = Fully Rely On God

F.R.O.G. = Fully Rely On God