Back on track

...unstuck at last!



Eden loves this book (thanks Grandma Jeanne "Nene"). We read it a lot and I could almost quote it line by line... don't worry, I won't. If you haven't had the pleasure, the "duck in the truck gets stuck in the muck" and with some other clever rhyming help he eventually is "back on the track, unstuck at last".

This is how I felt tonight when my camera's battery charger reappeared (from Eden's room... hummm...). It has been missing for over a week - amazing what a love letter can do. Now if blogger will just cooperate, we will be back in business.

Absentee Blogger

My dear Canon battery charger,

I know that I have been neglecting you some these days (get in line) and you have had to do quite a bit of traveling outside the comfort of your little desk drawer, but if you would kindly show your face again I would be ever so grateful. After you give my camera's battery a boost again and I am able to upload some of Eden's wonderful recent pictures/travels, then I promise to take better of care of you. Cross my heart.

Tearfully,
Your forever servant

4th of July in Omaha

We had so much fun catching up with all of our South America Volunteer friends at Nate and Loli's Wedding. Our families may be growing, but little else has changed. I can definitely say that my heart grew and my life was forever altered in the months we spent together. Fourteen hours in the car with Eden was well worth seeing these guys again.

...and you know... Brian and I met all because this group of volunteers ventured down to Bolivia. So you might say that Eden would never have been born if it weren't for them...

Still Here!!

No, Eden has not been flushed down the toilet... just busy with fun summer travels and intermittent school days.


We have much to share:
--4th of July in Omaha
--KC and Missouri trip to Table Rock Lake
--Our second annual Donor Dash Run
--Brian's upcoming Courage Classic Bike Ride
--And a whole lot of "heart birthday" plans


We hope you are enjoying your summer too!

Summer Lovin'

Eden is truly having a great summer. I think back to a year ago and can't believe the difference time (and a new heart, of course) has made. Even little things, like an evening of running through the sprinkler, are such gifts. So often I am reminded of how fortunate we have been and am even more grateful that Eden is unaware of her difference. She lives with careless enjoyment - like every 3 year old should.

Meet one of Eden's regular playmates, Vincent, who lives across the street...






... and Roseellen, his mom.

Back on the Ranch

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Eden and I were spending a week at my parent's ranch with my nephew, Zachary. I had forgetten my camera cord and thus began my much delayed blog posting. Here are the snapshots of our time. For the most part, the pictures speak for themselves. These two cousins had a blast!

Catching Up - Father's Day, Part II

Eden and I took Brian to enjoy one of his favorite summer past-times:
(The visor was just for fun... Brian has a little feud going with my aunt and uncle.)



It was a very hot afternoon, so Eden loved the water being poured on her head.



Eden loved the "game". Well... I should say, she loved the music, the cheers, and the Dip'n Dots. The atmosphere overshadowed the fact that there was a game being played. Go Rockies!

Catching Up - Father's Day, Part I

The gift creation:



The proud artist:

FINALLY

HOLD ON TIGHT (OR COME BACK OFTEN) BECAUSE THE BLOG ROLL WILL SOON BE COMING AT YOU FAST. EDEN'S LATEST COMINGS AND GOINGS, STARTING WITH FATHER'S DAY AND ENDING WITH THE FOURTH OF JULY ARE ON THEIR WAY.

WE HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR SUMMER WEATHER, TRAVELS, AND ADVENTURES!

MOST ESPECIALLY, WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON... EDEN'S FIRST HEART BIRTHDAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. IF YOU'RE READING THIS (OR YOU'VE HEARD THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE), THEN YOU'RE INVITED! SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th, 3pm 'TILL BEDTIME, OUR HOUSE.

WE HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF EDEN'S HEART TRANSPLANT (AUG 6, 2008).

WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE S'MORE TIME...


WITH OUR LITTLE SPARKLER!!


(We call that foreshadowing :)