Has it really been a month?

Hi all,

I cannot believe my last post was at the beginning of September. I apologize for not updating anything recently. September was very busy and went by really fast. I am so happy to have the summer behind us, but now am facing the holidays without Chris and trying not to think to much about this "first".

In my last post we were off to visit relatives in Indianapolis. The kids and I had a great time visiting with their aunts, uncles, and cousins and can't wait to go back. As soon as we returned from Indy, we headed to the Dells for a quick trip to the Wilderness Resort with some of Matthew's classmates and their moms. It was the perfect time to go because everyone else was already back at school and we had most of the lodge and water parks to ourselves. As soon as we got to the pool, the other moms scooped up my kids and told me I was needed in the spa. Being that I had never been there before, I had no idea what they were up to. I was shocked when I found out they had arranged for me to receive a therapeutic massage from one of the spa personnel. I was so surprised I started crying like a baby. It was just what I needed at that moment and for them to care so much about me to arrange this surprise made me incredibly humble and grateful. Thank you so much Lynne, Lisa, Stacy, and Jen. You girls are the best and I will never forget what you did for me! Funny side note - When I came out I asked them how in the world they kept Hannah (who is going through MAJOR separation anxiety right now) from crying? They kept telling her "Mommy just went to the bathroom, she'll be right back!" I need to try that one again to see if I can finally get her to stop being so clingy :).

After the Dells, school FINALLY started and Matthew and Megan are both doing really well. They are very happy to be back and to see all of their friends again. I even signed Hannah up for a class at the park district one day a week. Too bad it is only 45 minutes and leaving her even that long is not an option.

Did I mention that Megan turned FIVE years old on September 14th?! We started celebrating on Sunday, the 13th with Nana and Grandpa Weier. Then on her official day she got to be treator at preschool and then went out to McDonald's with Hannah and me for lunch afterward. But wait, it's wasn't over yet because the fun continued through the following weekend when she and a few of her closest friends gathered for a Pump It Up Party! She loved being the birthday girl and is finally coming down from her high!

Just as with Matthew, I have started a post of Megan's birth story but it is such an adventure I have not quite finished yet. Actually, I really want to make sure she can understand everything when I read it to her and so I need to think through a lot of it. Let's just say it was not a very fun pregnancy but the outcome was beautiful and five years later, she is worth all the trouble it took to bring her into the world.

So we are off on yet another trip! Are you surprised? This time it will be especially bittersweet but I think very healing for me. I am going to the outer banks of North Carolina with the kids and Chris' family for a week. I think this is my fifth trip to Duck with the Weiers who have done this many times over the years when Chris and Greg were growing up. The last time we went was when I was pregnant with Hannah. Chris and his mom planned this trip earlier this year but we all decided we still want to go. It will be hard to be back there without him, but somehow I think being on the ocean will make me feel even closer to him.

I will be sure to post Megan's birth story and an update on our vacation when we return. Until then, I hope you are all doing well. Please take care and thanks for checking in on us! God bless, Betsy