Devil's Lake part 1
(massive photo dump)

Devil's Lake is such a nice state park and there is so many things to do there.  We all loved the hiking and the swimming.  The hiking this year was the best the kids said.  Quite a workout for them.  The biking isn't the best for the average biker(uphill everywhere)so we walked instead.  Lots of uphill terrain everywhere you turned.  We had beautiful weather and nice easy lazy days.

Odin bought ice cream for everyone...

Jonah grilling real hot dog's

We had quiet time everyday..

rainbow painting

They love making their own walking sticks but barely ever use them for walking.  More like weapons.

We love morning wake up time by the fire.

painting anything she can find

Is this the biggest most grossest slug you have ever seen.  The kids loved it. 

so beautiful...

We have never seen a train go by while we've stayed there.  Gabe loved this.

This was Gabe after he was done.  On my lap under a few towels eating carrots and celery.

  I have 2 sick little stars.  Really bad sinus cold and cough.  Praying everyone else doesn't get it now.
Have a great Monday loving on others!

 

Mayo Clinic

 

 

This week we had another 2 day trip to the Mayo Clinic for follow up on Dave’s cancer treatment. This was his 6^th appointment after treatment and his surgeries. The first 8 follow up appointments are the most important because the best chance for Dave’s cancer to return is during the first two years after treatment so it is always a nervous time for us. Dave was doing fine until we walked into the Mayo Clinic.  Being there is hard.  Brings back so many emotions.  The waiting room was really crowded this time. The most people we have ever seen in there. The receptionist checked us in and said how much she loved our last name. We hear that all the time. Funny...People always comment about our last name. Dave said he hears it a lot at work too but the people he deals with call him other names. Once we got into the office we waited a little longer before the exam started. 

Praise God he was all clear again!

The doctors said everything looks great. Dave had no signs of any problems in his head or neck and everything looks OK. All of his exams and tests came back normal. His weight is back up and muscles are getting stronger too. We’re now making some adjustments to Dave’s diet and increasing his workouts to help continue his recovery. I got to watch his throat probe. Most of the time the camera picture isn't working for me to see or it isn't the best picture.  They stick a camera on a long tube up his nose and down his throat. It is really amazing. Dave has had this done so many times. He told the doctor he thought it was over 40 times and they said that was about right. Poor guy sits there as they shove this tube up his nose. We could see the inside of his nose and mouth and throat on a TV. Everything looked good. They even showed us his voice box and had Dave sing out the vowels so we could watch it move. It was really amazing to see how it all works. The only major problem he has right now is with some nerve damage in his neck from the radiation that causes him some pain and discomfort. His jaw  still hurts too. They reminded Dave about how severe his neck surgery was and told him that it could take many years for his nerves to fully heal. He has to make sure he keeps doing his daily stretching exercises. They are really painful for Dave to do but he knows how important they are so he keeps doing them. Everything else is going fine and they are very happy with how well he is doing in recovery. So we are now over 3/4 done through the most important time of his recovery and so far everything is going wonderfully. Our next visit to Mayo is in October. 

We also had a really cool God moment while we were in MN.  I'll share more on that later.

We can't thank you enough for your prayers and for those of you who blessed us with gas money and dinner money.  We are truly grateful and so thankful you are part of this journey with us.

We love you all!

 

Father's Day, dates with kids and Mayo

The kids love to play in warm rain.  Totally freeing!  The day they did this it was seriously a blast.  Gabe had no idea what was going on but he jumped right in.

This little man skins a lot of his toes.  He's constantly needing band aids.  The fun of summer and riding on his tractor.  He wears holes right through his shoes.

My favorite salad I concocted.  I 'll make a whole big bowl of it and Dave and I will eat out of there all day.  Chicken, nacho tortilla chips, black beans, cheese, onion and greens.

Jeremiah loves to fish.  He likes to do this for his date with Dave.  This kid would fish everyday if we took him. Totally cheap date!

Odin loves the Milwaukee Public Museum.  Once in awhile we get some free passes for there.  Problem is that he loves history like his father.  I am terrible at history.  It was always 7th hour after lunch and was either tired from just eating my lunch or not there.  When Odin goes there he likes to take his time and not be rushed.  He loves the new Egyptian set up they got there right now.  They had a blast.

Summer s'more time with friends.  We love s'mores.

This is Gabe's latest gig.  He has been hiding under blankets and talking to his imaginary friends.  It is quite entertaining.  

Olivia made this for Dave..

Project I'm working on and not quite finished with yet.  I am terrible at starting things and never finishing them.

Love these nerf gun notes I get flying all around the house.

We are headed of to Mayo this week.  Dave is getting his regular 3 month check up with Dr. Olsen.  We love that guy!  Thank you for blessing us with money in our account whoever you are.  We will be using that towards gas.  It gets costly(aside from the medical bills) driving there and staying overnight every time.  We are so thankful for your generous hearts.  Please pray for a great scope and we will give you an update when we can.  Thank you for loving on us!