July 4th- Panana City Beach

We spent this July 4th week at my dad and step mom's condo in Panama City. We go to the condo at least 4-5 times a year. So often.. my kids feel like they should be included in decorating changes, pool policy changes or anything related to Panama City in general. My dad has this place set up perfectly for us.. all with a twin and double beds in one room, kids videos, craft supplies, candy, etc. You name it.. he does it for them. It even has wireless- great for Skip and I.

This year was particularly crowded at the beach. We did go see WALL-E. My kids loved it.. I thought it was on the same scale as Curious George. Skip and I argued over who would take the kid to the bathroom. There is very little adult humor which we have grown accustomed to in Pixar movies.

I did put my kids through misery by making them dress up and go to St. Andrews park for photos. They were cooperative until they realized that they could not just run around in the water (which did not stop Grant).

My kids found a part of the ocean with a shallow end. They thought this was great fun and 'how come' we don't go there more. Hello.. we have a beach right outside the condo!
By looking at this photo.. you would never know the directions it took to do this..
Don't want like a soldier, walk normal, stop running, no look that way, Grant.. quit swinging your hands, Slow down. They just look like sweet angels.

Birthday photos

Grant turns 7!

Wow... I can't believe my baby is 7. It's times like that make you realize how fast time flies. It was only yesterday that the hospital folks did not believe I was in labor only to deliver 2 hours later... It was only yesterday that we were told they would do surgery in the morning if Grant was still with us.. It was only yesterday when he was taken to the hospital by ambulance in his little car seat... it was only yesterday that he was admitted at age 2 1/2 on Christmas Eve with resistant pneumonia.

Grant's life has been a whirlwind of adventures. He had endured over 20 hospitalizations, 2 cardiac surgeries, countless evasive medical tests and too many illnesses to count. Even with all that he has been through, he is not defined by his illness.. He is defined by the miracle his life is and the rough and tough way in which he leads it. Grant should not have survived if you reviewed his medical stats. He should have brain damage or organ failure based on these stats. Grant was given life. I have always thought that he will do something great one day.. that he will change someones (or some thousands) life in a remarkable way. God kept him on earth for a reason. I just hope I am here to see it all.

Grant is a rough little boy. We have learned to not live in fear or we would be in a constant state of shock. Grant's aorta was sewn in a sling to his rib cage at age 4 to prevent it from closing his trachea. With this tidbit of information.. you can see why any frontal contact would make me nervous. Our neighbors have said they close their blinds when his wobbly scooter goes down the hill. Grant plays football with the older boys. They are a little soft on him because of his size and age but I would not want to take tackle like he does. It is still rough.

All Grant wanted to do for his birthday was to play football in the front yard. So.. My sweet husband built a field goal out of PVC pipes. We just knew the Home Owner's Association would be all over this. Surprisingly, we did not get a letter. I just think it was down by the time they came to deliver the letter. So.. the guys played football in the front yard. Skip wore a ref skirt, blew the whistle and threw down the yellow flag. He argued with players over calls and kept the time clock. It rained so the grass was really slippery. Did I mention our hill has about a 20 degree slope? The boys loved it!!! Grant said it was his best party ever.. So much for spending money at an expensive place. This ROCKED!!! (in 7 year old language).