trains

We spent another afternoon at the old train station in Eureka springs. We've been there before, remember?

 

The boys all enjoyed exploring the various train cars, walking up and down the tracks, and occasionally stopping for some pictures.

 



 

 

 

Attempts at portraits of the three boys are always hilarious.

 

Especially when there are train whistles in the distance, concerning some more than others.

 

Their favorite train was this little car, just the right size for little boys to explore and play.

 



 

Because we make the most of it

River and I spent 5 hours in the ER again last night. He had another asthma attack, multiple attacks, that just weren't resolving with all the extra inhaler puffs we tried throughout the day.

It turns out that he has bronchitis. And an ear infection. But the happy ending to this little story is that it didn't cost us a dime. Last week, we received ARkids cards for the boys, which is a very very big deal for our finances. And, it covers July's ambulance ride to Little Rock. Woohoo.

ER trips are still no fun, and River still has to work through the bronchitis, but knowing that we don't have to add this to our already sizable stack of medical bills is a relief all on its own.

And because he's no stranger to an ER, River wasted no time making himself comfortable and jumped right into the sillies. He thought modeling my glasses was great fun. I agree.

Petit Jean Mountain

We just got back from a weekend in the fog on Petit Jean Mountain, taking part in our first Hemophilia Foundation family retreat. 

I'm needing these connections: people who know the struggle. People who've already walked the road we're just starting on. People who look at River and offer plenty of hope for his future. 

Liam and River were mostly excited about all of the candy. So was Gabe.

But we were all looking forward to a weekend away at Petit Jean. Normally, the views from the bluffs are breathtaking. 

This is what we got instead:

It was a completely different experience than I had expected or prepared for. The boys quickly ran out of dry clothes and socks. And I should have brought more indoor activities, really, any indoor playthings would have been great. But being out in the mist wasn't so bad either. 

We stayed warm and snug in our cabin bunks, had plenty of good food to eat, and got to meet some new friends. 

The boys enjoyed numerous hikes in the woods.

Some of us didn't like the misty hikes so much... but misery loves company.

But to these little guys, it was perfect.