Since my last post, I have done something I hadn't done in a really long time...traveled outside of the state of Ohio borders. Besides quick weekend trips to Indiana to see my parents, the last year and half we have pretty much been home or in the hospital. Before that, we were constrained by Avery's need for blood and platelet transfusions every few days, so trips were planned and short. As 2013 began, Phillip and I vowed that if we didn't do anything else, we were going to try to get out and enjoy some things we've not been able to for a while now.
We headed to Tennessee for the last few days of January and the first few of February. Phillip has always wanted our family to attend the Minister's Conference in Pigeon Forge, so this year, we made it happen. We took Bryson out of school and spent about five days in Tennessee at the meeting and then at Phillip's dad's and step-mom's house. It was both refreshing and encouraging to be around so many people that we hadn't seen in so long and hear some amazing messages. We mixed a little fun in with a tiny bit of shopping and dining.
We got home with just enough time for me to unpack and catch up on laundry, and four days later, Avery, Emerson, and I headed even further south to Alabama with my mom for a visit with my sister, Rebecca. It had been nearly two years since I'd been there! It was so nice to spend that much time with Rebecca and let the kids play together. Unfortunately, all the kids had colds, Rebecca is dealing with serious pregnancy-related nausea, and Avery spiked a fever while we were there, which all put a damper on any plans to go anywhere. We ended up staying at the house pretty much the whole time, cooking each day, and chasing the two little princesses, Ava and Emerson. Mom did watch the kids a couple of times for Rebecca and I to do a little shopping, and then I stayed home with kids while Mom, Rebecca, and Brandon went for an ultrasound revealing that Becca is having another girl! We had a great time just being together, despite having sick kiddos.
So now I'm finally home...for a little while anyway. We have Avery's Make-A-Wish trip to Florida scheduled for March 14th, so in less than a month, we'll be gone for another week. All of this traveling isn't just about catching up with friends, family, and experiences that we've missed out on recently, but it also represents a new chapter in our lives where we recognize more than ever the importance of living in the moment because you really never know what the future holds. We're still being cautious about taking Avery around crowds, but we're enjoying the freedom to go if we wish and looking forward to making lots of memories together!
Bethany
