A quiet holiday

Our house was SO quiet today. Blake and Allison went to their grandparents last night so they could wake up early and take part in their annual neighborhood parade. They spent the entire holiday with them and have decided to spend another night there as well. We tried to talk them into coming home to hang with us, but we can't really compete with the pool and the pond. Ash has been under the weather the entire week. After waking up Monday morning with an unsettled tummy she has elected to spend her days and nights sleeping. She doesn't have any energy and has no interest in sitting up, smiling, playing, or even being held. She just wants to sleep this one off. She continues to have no signs of fever and her bowel and output looks normal. We think she just picked up a little bug and it is working its way through her system. Since she has been down we decided it would be best to stay home with her and not get her out to celebrate at grandmas.

Dave and I had planned to work in the yard today, but since it won't stop raining we were forced to just stay inside and relax. Although it was nice not to have to be anywhere or have to do anything in particular it made for a very quiet holiday. Normally our family gets together with all of my siblings and we make a huge celebration out of Independence day. My dad's birthday is on the 5th so we have made it tradition to set aside this holiday as one to celebrate my dad's life. We are being so careful with Ash because of our plans to travel to Omaha on the 16th so we knew it wouldn't be possible for us to join them. Once we get the all clear signal from her surgeons and oncology team we hope to make a trip to visit all of the family. Most of them haven't seen her in over a year and some have never even met her. We called to make sure they were all missing us and to get in on a little of the fun over the phone, but its just not the same since we couldn't be there with them. Anyway, our hope is that by next summer our sweet Ashley Kate will be up and running and ready to attend the celebration.

Truthfully spending the day resting and hanging out with Dave was a real treat. We spent some time cooking together and watched a couple of movies. We were able to visit without interruption and that was a treat. I did force myself to work on the laundry so that it wouldn't get too out of control this week, but other than that we just sat around and watched or baby gherkin rest. As we laid on the couch together this evening I realized how wonderful it was to just be home. When you have been away for any length of time nothing quite compares to a quiet evening spent at home. I am so thankful God has allowed us to be home. Ash and I missed it so much.

I hope you all had the opportunity to enjoy your families today. I feel so very blessed to live in this country. Many have fought and paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy. I never want to forget those who have given and continue to give so unselfishly. Good night and God bless you. Trish