The Great Green (Cold) North

Here are a few of our photos from our trip to Minnesota. Most of these are from our stay at the cabin and some of our fun at the family reunion. I have many more to load, but I thought I would start with these.


Our beautiful niece/Goddaughter, Elizabeth having fun with her cousins. She had surgery on her jaw while we were in MN, but we were still able to see her a few times.


Here is the wonderful ramp that my brother built for Erin. They will actually be able to move it to the garage until the next time we visit. Thanks Mike!


This was right after we got to the cabin. It was probably in the 60's, but Jade insisted on going in the water.


The day after we arrived, the temperatures reached a high of 58 degrees. As you can see, the girls didn't let that stop them from going in the lake. I wouldn't call it swimming, because they never went in deeper than their waists, but they certainly went in much farther than I did (which was not at all).


Doesn't this just look cold? My sister took the girls out onto the dock to enjoy the wind and frigid temperatures! I stayed back to take the photos. :0)


Not to be outdone by her sisters, Erin took the plunge for about two minutes. That was enough for her to know that her sisters were a little crazy. But at least she can say she went in too.


Yes, that is Erin standing in front of the ladder. We were able to find the right position where she could support herself standing for short periods of time. Very exciting to see!!


Taylor riding the innertube for the first time. She LOVED it!!


Erin and Aunt Dee Dee riding the tube. I had some serious tears watching them!


Jade rode on the tube for the first time with her cousin Mitch, who was very protective of her. They had a great time! However, Jade did ride by herself later.

Erin's Helicopter Ride

Here are the rest of the photos from Erin's hospital stay. It was a tough one, but she is completely recovered now. I literally have hundreds of photos to go through before I can post more from our visit to KKI and our trip to MN, so hopefully I can have some up in the next few weeks.


Erin being taken out and loaded into the helicopter.


Watching our little girl being taken by helicopter to Children's National Medical Center (without us).


One of our toughest moments


After being admitted, Taylor and Jade quickly found things to do in their sister's room.


One of her many breathing treatments. This is when her respiratory rate was 60-70 breaths per minute. Try that and see if you don't pass out.


Dr. Buckles


A visit from her boy, SOLOMON. It was so wonderful to see his reaction to Erin, and he definitely cheered her up!


Lots of love between these two!


SOLOMON is not sure if he should protect Erin from this thing on her face.


Erin tired out quickly, but SOLOMON was up for some snuggle time.


So sweet!


Can you tell that Taylor loves him too?!


A visit from Katelyn for more cheering up. A spirited game of CandyLand

Junky Pneumonia

Here are a few photos from when Erin was in the hospital. I have many more to load, but I thought I would put these up for now. I probably won't have time to load the rest until this weekend. These ones are actually from when she was feeling a little bit better; I will post the photos of her helicopter ride and first few days in the hospital later. Sorry it's kind of backwards!

Please pray for baby Stellan. His heart is not doing well right now, and he is being airlifted to Boston. As parents who have been at the bedsides of critically ill children, we know how much support this family needs.

Anniversary of Separation Surgery

Today we are celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Erin Faith's and Jade Hope's separation surgery. Please check my update on our other blog for more info: Buckles Family. It has been a miraculous 5 years, and we are absolutely blessed with each moment we have with our daughters. I will try to post photos later from before separation.

Thanks for checking on us!

Sunset Parade

Hanging out at daddy's show. We had so much fun!


The girls with their daddy and the Sergeant Major.


No, it wasn't raining, but everything is so much more fun with umbrellas.


This is my handsome and talented husband coming around the Iwo Jima memorial


Kevin's salute. It doesn't get any better!

Field Trip

Here are Taylor and Slade playing an old-fashioned bean bag toss. Rest assured that her ability to throw like a girl is rock solid!


Playing a game called "Graces". I'm pretty sure she's already walked too much at this point.


Taylor's class. Aren't they cute?!


Slade, Gabby and Karla pushing Taylor together. They each really wanted to push her by themselves, but I thought a team effort would be best. They took their job VERY seriously.


My group of wonderful kids, all of them Taylor's BFF's.

Medicine Droppers

O.k., seriously? These are the medicine droppers/syringes I washed last night. I just thought I would post these so you could share in this enjoyable endeavor. Kevin usually washes them, and after doing it, I feel like I should give him a massage afterwards (at least that's what I would have liked -- unfortunately he was out of town). Seriously! :0)

Updated

I just posted a new update to our other blog about our day yesterday. We had a speaking engagement, and it turned into an extremely enjoyable evening. To read more about our exciting night, please go to our website: The Buckles Family

Memorial Day

We had a great day today at our friends' barbecue. The girls all enjoyed jumping on the trampoline and driving Katelyn's Barbie Jeep (until it started raining). Check out our other blog for longer posts about our adventures: Buckles Family


Fun on the trampoline!


Hanging out with friends


License to drive!


Perfect teamwork. Erin steers and Jade pushes the gas pedal.


Nothing but tail lights...




Katelyn and Erin. Too Cute!


"Hold on, Erin!!"