First Weil Family ER Visit

It turned out to be a more momentous 4th of July than our family intended this year. We'd had a full day. We'd gone swimming as a family at Nancy's pool over lunch, home for rest time and then were squeezing in some quick haircuts before we all jumped in the shower to get ready for Mimi Val's annual 4th of July carnival. The boys were looking forward to it more than ever this year and we'd been talking about it for days, maybe weeks. BJ had already done his part to both boys and I was trimming the top of Blaine's hair while Pierce sat in one of the lawn chairs off to the side. They were watching the iPad like usual and then it all happened so fast. I turned my head as Pierce hit the deck- literally. He immediately began crying hard and BJ immediately scooped him up while telling me that he'd split his eye open. The three of us rushed inside. I semi-froze while trying to figure out what to do first/next. BJ directed me to get a towel and we held it on for a minute before surveying the damage. He had a pretty deep split above his right eyebrow. Knowing I tend to overreact I probably would have waited it out longer, but thank goodness BJ was decisive and in control and immediately knew they needed to go to the hospital.

In a 5 minute time span we went through about 3 scenarios of who would go where when we finally decided upon just BJ and Pierce heading to Children's Mercy since the bleeding had subsided some. I desperately wanted to go too, but Landry needed to eat and there was not point to making half of us just wait around. I helped load Pierce in to the car and prayed with him quickly before they left. We recited our recent verse, Joshua 1:9 about being strong and courageous and not to be afraid of discouraged. Timely verse for sure. They left quickly and Blaine and I waved from the driveway. In a desperate and scared voice Blaine waved after them yelling, "Good-bye, brover. I love you. I'll always be your brother!". It was one of the sweetest things I've seen. I looked down at him and he looked like he could have cried. I scooped him up into a hug and reassured him that everything would be ok. He had his shoes on just like I'd directed him earlier when I thought we were all going to go, but no shirt. Bless his heart. We talked through what had happened and what they'd probably do to help Pierce be ok. He settled down then. BJ did a great job of keeping us updated and we even got to face time with Pierce for a bit. BJ said later what an amazing job all of the staff did walking Pierce through everything and making it fun. Pierce literally said he had a great time! He ended up with 3 stitches which were named "string band aids". So clever!

My goal all along once I knew his status was to get us to that party. BJ had said Pierce had started crying as he got out of the car to go into the hospital. BJ asked him what it was and he said he didn't want to miss the party. Poor thing! So they rushed home and I had everything ready to go so we could pile in the car and head out. Nana and Papa followed and we made it in time for the end of dinner, a little carnival time, and plenty of cotton candy and ice cream. All 3 kids loved the fireworks thanks to Bob's hunting ear protectors and we ended up having a great night. Landry stayed up for the whole party and all 3 crashed on the way home. Definitely a night we won't soon forget!

My protectors

Awhile back we were reading a library book. It was a book with animal characters and at one point the mommy protects the kids. At the end I told them that I would always take care of and protect them, but before I could really finish Blaine piped up and with a serious look on his face told me that it was their job to protect me. Pierce chimed in to and they both explained to me that Daddy had told them since they are boys that they are the protectors. And since Landry and I are girls that they would take care of us. I was so touched and proud of them. They truly hold on to every thing BJ tells them as boys and I love it. And I really think they meant it. They're shaping up to be some pretty amazing boys.

Two Questions

It's been several weeks ago, but there was an evening a dinner where both boys asked a question back to back about the same topic. I'm kicking myself that I didn't write it down right away. But in the moment I remember stopping and looking at BJ and saying, "Does that not encapsulate each of them perfectly??". I'm pretty sure the topic was about caterpillars changing into butterflies.

Pierce: "How do caterpillars become butterflies? Caterpillars don't have wings and butterflies do. How can that happen?"

Blaine (at almost the exact same time with a concerned look): "Does it hurt the caterpillars?"

Each in a nutshell.

Spash Bash 4th Birthday Party

The theme of the party this year was Pierce and Blaine's Splash Bash. We planned a backyard water party and added a few more of your friends to the invite list. This summer started out really cool and rainy and as the weather forecast drew nearer it was looking like rain for your party day. I began to sweat at the thought of having 8 kids with nothing to do inside. (I am so not cut out to plan outdoor events.) So we went to Hobby Lobby and bought a few craft and game supplies for an impromptu indoor party if needed. I waffled on the morning of, but it ended up being perfect weather. Plenty of heat and sunshine! We set up a couple of wading pools, a homemade slip 'n slide, water guns, and a beach ball pinata. Everyone had a great time and once again you got some really fun and thoughtful gifts. I'd say your first friend party was a success!