Final Reports

It's hard to believe that just a year ago Jason and I were so worried about Adam's school work. He was struggling so much in reading we just didn't know what to do. We are so thrilled that he has turned a corner and now brings home A's on his test and is feeling so successful in school. This is his end of the year report card for third grade and he did really well. Not only did he get a 4 (exceeds grade level standards) in reading he also got really great comments from his teacher about what a great kid he is in class. He has worked really hard and we are so proud of him.

Noah's a great student. He got all A's and one B plus on his report card. His teachers wrote great things about him--a pleasure to have in class, polite and courteous at all times, makes meaningful contributions to class discussions, and his Language Arts teacher mentioned that he has read 42 books this year. We are very proud of him!

Starting off Summer

Summertime is here! We are just barely getting into the swing of it, it's only been two days off but we are pretty good at the takin' it easy stuff.

Katie does some sidewalk chalk art. 

Adam shows off one of the many perks of summer- pj pants all day if you so desire. 

A little four-square for two. 

Masterpiece complete- it's her cousin Evie.

And look- they found another neighborhood kid who wanted to play. Yea for Summertime!

Batter Up

Baseball season is coming to a close. After yesterday's double-header we only have one game left. Adam has loved playing, but he is definitely ready to stop for a while. He made the All Star team but at this point just isn't sure if he wants to start a whole new baseball season back to back. Adam has played in the outfield and a little at second base. He is second in the batting order and usually gets a hit.  Adam is so confident about himself and his abilities. He went to the try-outs knowing he would make the team because according to him- "I'm the best kid out there." And make it he did. We are really proud of him! He loves every sport and it's fun to watch him go!

Park Pals

Summer is here! I hope I didn't just jinx it. Seriously it has been so nice. Sometimes you forget how wonderful feeling the sunshine is. We love taking the girls out to play at the park. They have a great time eating, swinging, and chasing. They are, for the most part, sweet little playmates. It works well because it gives us grown-up girls some time to talk too!

Haircut

Now that's cute!

Wyatt David Lauper

"An angel, in the Book of Life, wrote down our baby's birth, 
and whispered as she closed the book, 'too beautiful for earth'"

It is with such deep sorrow that I write about the passing of my sweet angel nephew, Wyatt David Lauper.  So very sadly, he passed away last weekend...leaving our family broken-hearted. 

Michelle, Aaron and June have faced this great sadness with courage and grace-to watch those you love grieve in this way has been heart breaking.
That being said....being with my family, to find comfort in each other's care, I've learned a few things. I've learned that God is there.  He just is.  He loves us so much and cares for us when we don't have the strength to move forward.  I've learned that my family is the most wonderful family on earth.  We have been there for each other and grown closer through such a tragic ordeal.  We've discovered that we would drop everything for one another if need be.  We would help each other no matter what.  It's a discovery maybe we imagined existed, but never knew fully until it was necessary.  I've learned that friends and ward members can make a difference, even when something so terrible, so devastating as this happens. Michelle and Aaron's church congregation supported them last week in ways that I've never seen, or dreamed of!  It was so kind, so loving and so full of the spirit.  Their presence at the funeral- even in the rain in the middle of a thursday afternoon.  Their putting on a beautiful luncheon for family and friends after the funeral.  Their messages, notes, presents, flowers, balloons-- filling the Laupers' home after the funeral.  It was all so touching and so wonderful, amidst such sadness. 

Our family will miss Wyatt for the rest of our time here on earth.  We will think of Michelle and Aaron every day and pray that they recover and heal after such a lost.  We know they will, but it will take time.

Marston Girls

Steph and her girls got to come for a weekend visit. We had beautiful weather and the whole family got together so it was great fun. We even slipped a little St. Peter in.