Independence Day in Birmingham, AL

This year was a bit different! Our good friends, Jason and Emily, are now living in the medical townhomes at UAB after her double lung transplant. We spent the weekend with them and "did" fireworks like never before! We were able to sit comfortably on the sofa, in the air conditioning, with little Faith napping, our kids in their pjs, and watch the fireworks. The kids were able to play Wii while we waited for the magic hour! What luxury! It was wonderful to celebrate the 4th in style with best friends and air conditioning!

Jason and Emily were an important part of our lives during Ansley's short life. Her middle name, Jaye, was for Jason. July 4th would have been her 6th birthday. We know we would have had a major little spit-fire on our hands! God's grace has covered our loss and we were able to enjoy the day as the birth of our Nation and our special little daughter.

With school looming only three weeks away, things have been crazy here. We've been busy buying school supplies and gearing up for 3rd grade! I don't know where the time has gone! Grant and Dasha are both looking forward to the "big day." I can't remember when that joy began escaping me each year! They are both great students, although, Dasha has to work really hard to keep up while Grant breezes through. They are so different!

Dasha will begin Botox treatments in September to help with her sudden growth spurts and muscle tightness. When her muscles tighten up, she has a really hard time walking despite her braces and PT. The Botox will release her muscles enough for her to walk and run comfortably for a couple of months. Surgery seems inevitable but it's useless until she stops growing! Her growth has been exponential since coming to America. Two short years ago when she arrived in the US, she wore a 4T. Now, she can easily wear an 8/10 and sometimes those are way too short (especially if Daddy is on duty)! She's changed so much! I'm sure this year will bring many new changes, too!