Biking on the Cayuga Trail 🚴‍♂️

We took the Shecklets mountain biking at a state park near Crosby. We met Jake’s uncle there and split into two groups. Jake and his uncle rode with the three older Shecklets and I rode with Shecklet #4. After about two hours or riding, we headed to the skills park. They had a mini course for younger or newer riders and a more advanced one with different levels of skills, similar to what you’d find when you go skiing.

A short time later, our fun came to a stop and we had to detour to the ER. Shecklet #2 attempted a drop off, and he’ll tell you he “landed wrong.” Thankfully, Jake was with him and helped him get down off the course to where Helena and I were at. It didn’t take long to realize an emergency room visit was necessary – #2 couldn’t move his wrist, it was swelling, and he had a substantial gash on his elbow.

After cleaning out his wound (the area was numbed and he was given IV pain meds) they put his arm in a splint – including his elbow. We were told to have the wound looked at on Monday (Labor Day) and re-splinted until we could see an orthopedic doctor later in the week

My aunt and uncle sent us an electronic DQ gift card while were in the ER, which was a sweet surprise and delicious treat after such an eventful day.

Hedgehogs 🦔 🦔🦔

The current pet obsession for Shecklet #4 is a hedgehog. It has been her response to every question about favorite animals or desired pet so far this school year. (She has actually liked them for longer than that.)

Tonight we were outside drawing with chalk and she found the hedgehog instructions in the animal drawing book that Nolan received back in 2011 from Great Grandma Fran, Great Uncle Steve & Great Aunt Deb. I drew the outline and we colored it in together. (I love drawing with chalk. I’m glad my kids still enjoy it so I can join them 😊)

Tough kids 🚲

She said she was “drifting” and this happened. Good thing Grandma & Grandpa had their first aid kit with them!

Great night for a ride 🚲

Jake took the three older Shecklets to meet up with his brother (who is in town visiting).) the five of them went biking and according to the kids – had a blast!

Rose hunt 🌹

I took the kids on a rose hunt in a local suburb. We tracked down over half of the 20 statues scattered throughout the city. It was fun to see the different ways that the artists used paint and other mediums to decorate the 3D canvases.

I don’t have many photos of just me with the Shecklets individually, so I made sure to capture them today.

Another day at the lake

We’ve been fortunate enough to make several trips to Nissedalen this summer. Today is the second Saturday in a row that the kids have spent the majority of the day in their swimsuits being pulled behind a boat. They are at such a great age for having fun in the water and playing independently. (I spent most of the day watching them from the shore – in the shade.)

No photos of the day, just memories I’m keeping in my head. I hope the kids are able to do the same <3

Visiting my baby

Today is a hard day. I’m missing my baby something fierce and the tears are falling hard.

Jake and the other Shecklets are at Nissedalen for the day. (Cousins Day 2020, but with reduced attendance this year. Thanks COVID.) I just didn’t have it in me to fake a smile and pretend I was ok today. One of the things my therapist is challenging me to do is look for ways that I am advocating for myself. I guess the argument could be made that this is one of them – I can grieve how I need to grieve and allow my family to spend the day as they planned. It does make me sad to not be with them – I love watching the kids in the water.

I decided to make a stop at the cemetery and spend some time reading with my littlest Shecklet. My MIL made the sweet suggestion that I bring a favorite kids book and read it by Astrid’s grave. I brought two favorites – one that makes me cry and one that makes me laugh.

Sitting next to my baby’s gravesite, I’m finding a little joy amidst my tears today.

A day at Nissedalen

Jake took a day off of work (but did get on two video calls) so we could spend the day at the lake. The kids had a blast hanging out with some of their cousins and visiting Great Grandma Lois.