Saying goodbye until we met again...

We received a call from Tripp's cousin Pam this morning around 4:30am that we had lost his Grandma. We are still in a bit of shock because she was a woman we had no doubt would live to be 100 at least. Grandma Heasty was a woman of great faith, love, and kindness to everyone. And an unbelieveable cook, too ;-) She was well known in our family for her homemade Noodles that she would make everytime we would go back to Kansas for a visit. We never had to request it. She just knew we'd be looking forward to stuffing ourselves with them. The Heasty Farm door was open to everyone. They didn't know a stranger. The farm will never be the same without her their. As we were talking with family this morning, we were told she had just been rebaptisted about a month ago. Afterwards traveling to Argonia, Ks to a friend of hers who does facials where she told her, "I'm new on the inside, I need some new skin on the outside." We haven't yet told Austyn (Avery is still too young to really know or remember Grandma Dear) because Tripp and I wanted to do it together tonight, but this morning as I was packing she asked me where we were going. I told her we were going to make a trip to Kansas and immediately after those words came out of my mouth she said, "are we going to the farm and do I get to see Grandma Dear?" I just told her that Daddy and I were going to be talking to her tonight before bed about why we were going back to Kansas. That broke my heart to think that we have to tell her Grandma Dear is with Jesus now. I don't know that I'm prepared for this. Hopefully God will provide the right words and support for her through us. Grandma and Grandpa Dear (Heasty) at our wedding

Celebrating 50 years of marriage

Grandma and Grandpa Heasty's immediate family celebrating 50 years

Tripp, Krissi (Tripp's sister), Tony (Tripp's brother), Grandma and Grandpa Heasty at Tony's wedding around a year ago

There is one thing we know forsure about Grandma Heasty and that is this...she is now with her daughter Kathy (Tripp's mom) who passed away from cancer when Austyn was 3 months old. The picture above was taken when we had gone back to Kansas for a visit and Tripp and I had taken Austyn to Kathy's graveside when she was about two. Grandma Heasty had put four bunnies on her tombstone to represent Austyn and Krissi's kiddos (Tripp's sister), Dakota, Dylan and Drake. She was such a thoughtful woman of God.

The Finale and Surprise Attack

Tonight was the last night of VBS and it was so much fun! We had a contest tonight to see what kiddo could show their team spirit the most...it was on like Donkey Kong. Austyn was so excited to get all decked out and loved showing her team spirit. She even won 2nd place behind her good friend Richie. I think she's going to be singing the songs in her sleep tonight. In fact, she asked if we would put the music cd in while she tries to go to sleep. They were very catchie as always. It takes me months to get them out of my head. The video below is of Richie's momma, Julia, getting me back from a water fight I won several months ago. They had the surprise attack WELL planned out and had several sceaming team members. I was covered in silly string when it was all said and done along with a bruise from running into the door as I was trying to escape the string attack. Bring it on, Julia. I'll get ya just when you least expect it, my friend. Just wait and of course...be watching your back ;-)

Avery's moment at VBS 2008

Avery had a special evening last night and got to go with Austyn and I to VBS. At first she wasn't too sure of it all, but when the music started...everything turned out great! She even snuck up on stage...well, ok...I must confess...I whispered in her ear to try to get up on stage and dance with Mrs. Amanda. She was so excited as you can see in the bottom picture. Tonight is the last night of VBS. I have been taking pictures all week and have put together a video for the parents to watch during the program. It will be a lot of fun.

Piggy Tails and Red hair dye

My little mini me with piggy tails and tumbs up! This was the first time I'd ever had piggy tails that I can remember. A dear friend of mine that is helping me out with the kiddos this summer turned our day yesterday into a hair day for us girls. Thank you, Claire Bear. We love you!!!

This years VBS has a carnival theme to it. Each day a colored team wins for their spirit in celebrating God's love for them. Tuesdays winning team was...you guessed it...the red team which just so happened to be Austyn's classroom. YEAH!!! So...everyday the volunteers spray our hair with the certain teams color to celebrate their victory.

Friends and VBS 2008

We went swimming with some friends of ours this weekend and had a blast. Richie (the little man in the picture above) calls Austyn his girlfriend. It is so cute! He even asked Tripp for permission to marry her. Taking the blunge!!! We to go Big Girl!!! Vacation Bible School started today!!! These are my peeps that helped me take pictures tonight. We called ourselves the Peep Squad. Another good friend of Austyn's, Josiah, trying to run from her and the wet sponge!!!

Taking the plunge

Austyn and Avery has made the official decision to really start swimming. This just happened in the last month. Tripp and I are are blown away by how much they have changed and grown in their strength for swimming. Both are swimming completely underwater without fear and jumping off the edge of the pool too. Below are some videos of the girls swimming along with a sisterly moment that ends in a Avery burp. You've got to be listening for it. Just as Austyn says I love you...Avery burps.

Austyn and Avery, we are so proud of both of you. We cannot wipe the smile off of our faces right now because we are so excited and amazed at your swimming. You both of overcome a lot, faced your fears and dived right in. Lord, thank you for allowing Tripp and I the blessing of watching these girls grow, change and find out they really can do things they put their mind to.

A milestone for Avery

Avery showing off her new "big girl" bed.

Showing her momma just how to lay in bed.

Everynight before bed we give the "i love you" sign. This is Avery's sign.

Momma and her baby girl celebrating the big night.

Last night was Avery's first night in her big girl bed. We made it offical by taking down her crip and moving it out of the room. Avery was a little sad at first until she realized that the big girl bed was for her. I even did some more decorating to continue the celebration. She stayed in bed all night long. We are so proud of you, Avery K. It's so hard to believe that our baby is now old enough to sleep in a big bed. It just doesn't seem possible. And to think that we'll be celebrating her 3 year old birthday in just a few months. Avery, God continues to show us your personality and the strength of character he was provided for you. You have many gifts ahead of you, but just know that even at 2 years of age we see how big your heart is and the unbelieveable strength you have. Stay the course, my baby girl. We love you, Avery K. Congratulations!!!