Our Five Ring Circus: Combating Sadness

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

14 comments:

  1. That looks like a WONDERFUL day! I love all the photographs, but you really need to make it in to more than ONE photo :)

    The kiddos are adorable - as usual - and the weather looked perfect!

    Hoping Benno gets to visit again very soon!

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  2. Looks like such a fun day! Your family is so beautiful. I know I say that too much.

    I'm sorry Dylan is taking Benno going home so hard.

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  3. We are supposed to get rain today too...boo!! I liked the 70-80 degree weather! Hope your little one doesn't stay sad for too long. Must be so hard to see! XOXO

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  4. Oh .. that picture of Grant with the kids in front of the cemetery is PRECIOUS!!! Love it!

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  5. Dair Queen combats all sad feelings :)

    Great pictures! It looks like you guys had a great day outside!

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  6. It sounds like you had an awesome Monday!! I LOVE the picture of Grant and Dylan on the bench, where Grant is looking up at Dylan and smiling. That's an awesome shot...as is the one of the kids on the rock together.

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  7. looks like you had a wonderful day! That trail looks perfect for exploring!!

    Love all the pictures as always and hope you get to see Benno soon!

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  8. Looks like y'all had a great day. What a cool trail. I hope Benno gets to come back & visit soon too, for Dylan.

    Love you Easter pics too. Too cute!

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  9. Take advantage of the wonderful weather! Ihave been trying to get outside as much as possible! The vitamin D is good for the winter blues too....not sure if that covers missing people, but it can't hurt!

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  10. You live in a beautiful area...and since you say your location is Pa and you are near a Menonite cemetery...could you be in Lancaster County? I don't mean to pry and I certainly understand if you don't want to say. Let me just say, again, beautiful countryside you showed...and lovely family!!!

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  11. I love the pics and that building is fabulous!!

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  12. Looks like a great spot to take Halloween pics!!

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