Sweet Summer Surprise

Yes, we are still here... So much is going on. We hope to be selling the house in Georgia in a few weeks and also purchasing a house here. We are in the exact same spot we were at this point last year - LIMBO LAND!  We were pleased to hear this week though that Grant can go to the new school even though we won't be in that district until probably a month after we close and we have no idea when that will be (if ever). That was a huge burden lifted; along with our landlords telling us they weren't going to kick us out on August 1 when our lease expired. We are going to stay here until probably October 1. It's all coming together - a year of worry and fret is shaping up to work out just like I would have planned it if I could have...coincidence? Yeah, I know... it's yet another lesson for me in surrender. I'm a slow learner.

We have been on the go as usual this summer. Grant is at Grammy and Gramps' this week - which will be his 6th week away from home this summer! He spent a week at Mimi and Pop-Pop's, with the Websters,  at Camp Sunshine, on vacation with us, at the Baxter's and then add in VBS and visits from family and friends at our house - it's been packed (literally, his suitcase and our calendar)!

Tonight we returned from a fun day in Charlotte. Gracie and Chad went to Carowinds while I piddled around shopping. I love those kinds of days and I've had 2 in a row! Yesterday I was able to spend a few hours in antique stores and then playing in Charlotte today...you can tell that I'm on a semester break from both my UCD classes and Columbus Tech.  But the highlight of the day was a surprise package in the mailbox. We got an envelope full of pictures taken of Grant while he was at Camp Sunshine by Flashes of Hope. We weren't sure if they'd taken his picture because I forgot to sign the permission form and he just wasn't sure if they'd taken his photos (you know he's used to the paparazzi and doesn't notice).

First, let me say that his experience at Camp Sunshine was amazing. We knew he'd love it, but he loved it more than we could have imagined. So much so that we are seriously considering keeping his oncology care in Atlanta even though there is a perfectly capable hospital 20 minutes from our house. His sweet nurse was there with him and he loved being with her. It breaks my heart to think of going anywhere else. I really tried to get used to the hospital here, but it just isn't home. A few days ago the scheduling nurse from Scottish Rite called to give us the appointment dates for next month and I didn't tell her we'd moved his care. I took at as a sign from God that what we were feeling is ok and that we can continue to go to Atlanta! Plus they were supposed to call to give me the dates for the hospital here over a month ago and haven't....also a sign.

We anxiously ripped open the package to see the cutest picture of our happy camper:

His cabin was in the Texas area of camp, hence the cowboy hat and badge. But he was the only one that wore that hat ALL week. We have pictures of him in the pool wearing it, doing crafts in it, riding a horse with it on, doing a magic show, and on and on. I also love that he has on what appear to be 3 necklaces. The boy loves to accessorize! And it shows his new favorite bracelet from Camp Sunshine. This year was the 30th anniversary of Camp Sunshine and every year they have these bracelets made from fishing parts (not sure what those little brass safety pin looking things are called). But this year has a pearl colored bead for the anniversary and yellow for the spirit of camp sunshine. There were counselors that had 20+ bracelets on their arms. You know Grant sees that as a serious challenge - a reason to go to camp year after year AND you get to wear 20 bracelets at once?!?! He's all over that! I just love this picture and the sheer joy that IS Grant. That boy is one ball of happiness! Always. He's the happiest one in the mornings. He's always ready with kisses and encouragement (not just for his most beloved Mama, but for others too!). And you know there is a joke or silly dance right around every corner. This picture says all that! Thank you Flashes of Hope!!

Another great part of our summer is that Gracie has started a new swimming challenge. She tried out for the high school team last week and made it, which we were pretty sure she would. But the best part of all of this is that she is LOVING it. Her coach is very good at challenging them and pushes her much more than she has experienced before. But she loves it! The practices are in the mornings, which shouldn't excite either of us, but she hasn't complained a bit (wish I could say the same for myself). We are so proud of her and look forward to a great season and 5 more years of Chapin swimming. Who knows, as we see Michael Phelps signing off at the Olympics, maybe Gracie Melvin will be the next swimming star?!? Well, at least she is in our book!

Since it's been so long, I thought I'd better share more photos of our summer vacation. Who knows when I'll get around to updating the site again!