Combating Sadness

We have been keeping busy this week. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous for over a week, so we are taking full advantage of it. We have taken trips to the new stable to see our horse, we have had picnics at the park, and we've gone hiking.

We're doing everything we can to keep Dylan's mind off of missing his Uncle Benno. Dylan had a horrible night on Easter Sunday. Grant took a vacation day on Monday, so we spent the day outdoors.



We decided to go to our favorite trail and enjoy the warm, sunny day. The trail begins at a big barn and ends at a historic cemetery, complete with a Mennonite meeting house. The trail winds along the creek, and it's so quiet and peaceful. We climbed down on a broken tree to look at the creek, Lexie kept stopping to pick flowers, I took pictures (and got yelled at by Grant for not using my new camera!), and I challenged Dylan to a race. Ever since I began running, it has become increasingly difficult for me to just walk. I just want to take off in a run! The four of us enjoyed a great family walk together, exercising and exploring.
















After our walk, we took the kids to Dairy Queen for our first ice cream cones of the year. They both devoured their cones! When we got home, we all took a short nap, and then we ended the day by grilling out. It was the perfect day, and Dylan was so occupied that he didn't even mention Uncle Benno until bedtime.

I have to admit, I'm really missing Benno, too. It is so difficult not to know when we will see him next. Even though we're not blood related, I love him just like a brother. When he was an exchange student here, 5 years ago, he quickly became part of our family. He considers us to be his family, as well. It has to be hard for him, because he has his real family in Germany, but has another family here that he wants to see frequently.

Dylan is handling it okay. He has asked about Uncle Benno every day, and has cried a bit. I'm hoping it gets easier for him.

Today, Spring Break ended, and Dylan returned to school, so life is getting back to normal. I surprised the kids with a picnic at the park after I picked them up, and they were thrilled! I have a feeling that they are going to expect this to be a daily thing!




Tomorrow, our good weather streak is ending. We have really enjoyed it while it lasted! Hopefully the good weather-and Uncle Benno- come back soon!