Week with the boys

I'm still doing blog catch up from when I was home with the boys for Benton's birthday.  I left Hunter while he was in pretty poor shape.  The first two treatments hadn't worked yet, and we weren't sure how long we would be in the hospital before his cell destruction was under control.  It was going to be incredibly sweet to reunite with my kids, but I knew it was going to be a tough week for Hunter.  I arrived to pick up Benton just after his nap.  He didn't know I was coming, and when he opened the door, he just stared at me for a few seconds before he jumped into my arms.  He kept saying over and over "This is the best surprise ever."  Yes it was, baby boy! 

Then I went over to Honey and Poppa's to pick up the twins.  They were busy playing outside and it took them a few minutes to come around.  Clayton gave me the cold shoulder a little bit.  They cried when we left mom's house, and it did my heart a lot of good to know they didn't want to leave.  Once we were home, they didn't want me to be out of their sight.  After six weeks, I didn't either.

 The only thing we had on our agenda was the second week of Benton's swim lessons.  Caleb and Clayton were perfectly happy to watch Benton from my lap.  Crazy to think that next year, they could be out there too!

Benton and I had a lot of fun with some of his new birthday presents.  Home felt really good.

Putting away laundry wasn't high on the priority list, obviously

 Friday after swim lessons, we did venture out the the Childrens' Literacy Festival downtown.  We went to a book reading, decorated wooden trucks, and played at the Grace.

 Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and Nathan and Katie came over for Father's Day lunch.  Zach wasn't feeling well so the Percivals stayed home.  I wish we could have spent time with lots more of our family, but isolation from sickness will be our new normal for many months.

 We also managed to fit in a snowcone.  The boys are very serious about their treats.  They picked out Ninja turtle, Batman, and T-Rex.  They were quiet for at least 10 minutes focused on getting every last drop.  Fun sticky memories!

 My friend Erinn was an absolute lifesaver when I was home.  I was pretty much a mess, early in the week especially, as I would get updates on Hunter.  It just tore me up to think what he was going through.  Erinn would step in and just take care of the boys, or dishes, or fixing meals and let me get back in control.  I'm so blessed to have a friend that knows exactly what I need without even having to ask.  Love you Ernie, and so do my boys!

Goodbye was awful, just like I knew it would be.  By the end of the week, Hunter had made a little bit of progress and was starting to make the turn towards less destruction.  It was so good for me to see how well adjusted our guys have been throughout our absence.  Honey and Poppa, Erinn, and the rest of team  Hanner have done such a great job with them.  After being away from them, I soaked up every last book, kiss, snuggle, and bedtime story.  I couldn't help but sneak in and watch them sleep.  It will be such a happy day when we are all home together!