So, I know I haven't posted in FOREVER it seems like. I've tried to post here and there, but I have ultimately failed at keeping family updated on the day to day that is the O'Neill circus. The past few months have been incredibly busy...to the point that we are now processing how to slow things down just a bit. I won't get into a big post about all of the happenings lately...instead I will just give you a list of the big events of our lives in the past few months, followed by a slideshow featuring none other than the O'Neill beauties. :)
- We had an amazing (and suprisingly smooth) trip to Georgia, where we saw Uncle Ry Ry and Aunt Sheena get married. Veda was the flower girl, too shy to walk down the isle.
-We saw 2 surgeries in one week. My surgery on a monday, which was way more brutal than I expected, and then LJ had tubes put in that wednesday. Please don't ask me how Shane survived it...I'm sure he's forever damaged.
-We celebrated another Easter with our sweet girls. The babies had their first Easter egg hunt and Veda finally warmed up/fell in love with the Easter bunny.
-Veda rode a horse for the first time. The first time, mommy had to be included, but the second time she hopped on a pony all by herself. And now...we are having a horse themed birthday party!
-We had a wonderful visit from my sister Megan and her circus. We had a lot of fun, and Veda enjoyed spending every waking moment with Kadence and Maddie. We miss them like crazy, but that 1 week was what we all had needed for quite some time.
-We participated in Relay for Life again this year. The second year without my brother. It was emotional and yet comforting. I got on the back of a harley (against shane's better judgement...im a bad listener) and participated in his memorial ride. It was a blast, and I plan to do it again next year.
-I have registered, trained and dedicated almost all of my free time to participating in a triathalon in September. I'll be training and competing with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. So far, the training has been great. I'm enjoying it, and every donation I get towards research just motivates me even more. It has and will continue to be challenging. I'm looking forward to crossing the finish line in September (a week before James' birthday) knowing that I raised money for people who are facing the same things James faced. (Thanks to Louise who picks up all of my slack at night with the kiddos while i work out for hours. You're amazing and I couldn't do it without you.)
-My sweet little (but bigger) brother, Chase turned 18 in May. Yes, I got a little misty eyed. I changed his diapers. So, I feel old, and I feel proud of the young man he is. He's dedicated to his goals and he's got his head screwed on straight. And now that he has a truck, he pops by whenever he wants...a breath of fresh air. I love him so much.
-We celebrated a wonderful mother's day. Always one of my favorite days. And I was able to give my mom and nana a very special gift in rememberance of James that we all can share. Everything about the day was special...as always.
-Shane and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary in May also, and 7 years of being together as of June 3rd. It's been one heck of a ride. It's amazing how much we have changed as a couple since that first year together. I'm thankful for the changes, and the challenges that have brought us here. Our biggest problem: we don't have enough time for each other! But, we've been fortunate (thanks to all the grandparents) to have 2 romantic get aways to the beach. Even if all we do is sleep, eat and talk...its so nice to get away with just him.
-Shane has been studying for months and just tested for staff. Fingers crossed that he makes the list! I have faith that he did though...even if he disagrees with me. He worries too much.
I think that pretty much catches everyone up. I'm sure there are things that I've missed. Every day flies by faster than the one before, and we find ourselves trying to hold on to the sweetest moments with our girls. They are funny and wild and full of...birth control techniques. :) One day with our girls, and I think most people are refusing children. But for us, its a normal and wild day. And eventually, the screaming and squeals don't seem as loud as they used to be...maybe we are just slowly losing our hearing. But, not a day passes that I don't have to just sit there and giggle and think of how blessed i am because, THIS is my life. :)
