Aunt Karolyn’s House

Our 5 weeks with the Thurgoods had come to an end, and we were headed home. It was so surreal. We kind of left everything behind and didn’t even have a chance to think about it. I was sad to leave, sad to go back to our old lives, it was just weird. I packed up a bunch of our stuff prior to leaving thinking the move was to be permanent. Going home to the boxes with no plans for a move was a big bummer for me. I was so ready for a change.

Aunt Karolyn is always sure to cheer us up! We stopped by her house in Idaho on the way and had a really fun weekend. The boys loved swimming in her pool, and it was such a fun time. Going from taking care of 5 kiddos to just 2 was such a piece of cake, and Karolyn totally took over and let me sleep in and take naps. She even watched the boys while she made Clint and I go on a date. For the day. A whole day. It was a few hours later and we went back to bring the boys treats from target before heading back out again. We are so lame! It’s just hard to get your mind off kids when that is normally what I think about 24/7. I am so grateful for Karolyn and all the ways she spoiled us all.

Celebratory Hike

The very same day as Kelli’s last radiation treatment, we went for a family hike. Seriously, she must be wonder woman or something! The end of 6 weeks, and she was feeling well enough for a hike. It blows my mind.

This was the most beautiful afternoon. We had so much fun. It makes me tear up just thinking about how perfect this day really was. I’m so grateful for family… for the love of little cousins. And for all of the memories we made this summer back in 2013.

End of Radiation Party

For Kelli’s last day of radiation, I wanted to plan something. This was a HUGE deal, and I felt like we had to celebrate somehow. We planned a celebratory hike later that afternoon, but I thought maybe something more! I didn’t want to overwhelm her with a huge party because I knew she had to say goodbye to her fave techs/nurses that morning and it would already be an emotional day. I snuck away earlier that week to buy a few decorations and cake at target and invited a few of her friends.

The décor was pretty lame, but I did have to get 5 children fed and dressed – a cake made – house cleaned – and decorations done in about an hour and a half.

We heard the garage open and it was go time. We needed to light the candles (6 candles for 6 weeks of radiation) so Clint rushed to get that done and right as he got them lit, we heard Kelli talking to Aaron in the pantry room. She was mad about something to do with lights and was giving him a hard time. To her surprise, she walked in to see us all! She was kind of flustered and embarrassed for just yelling at Aaron, but I thought it was funny! I just love those two.

She blew out her candles, showed us her radiation mask, and we ate cake and ice cream. It was a pretty fun time! I’m just so proud of Kelli and her awesome little fam for all that they have gone through with this whole brain cancer ordeal. It’s like the never ending battle to save her life and she is doing so well. None of us will ever know what it has taken and continues to take away from her, and how she gets through with a smile on her face and an inspirational message for all along the way. Love you so much Kelli!!

After everyone was gone I told Kelli she had a package just arrive. It was from our other sister, Erica. It was the cutest balloon!! Kelli and the girls loved it.