Tyler's 9th Birthday Party

We are amazed that our second child is 9 years old. It just seems like yesterday that we started this journey in life with so many uncertainties. It is incredible how the Lord can pull a person through and make it possible to overcome obstacles that seem impossible to conquer. When we were pregnant and found out there were complications, we just had no idea what was in store for us. I still remember the moment he was born and the overwhelming feeling of relief that he was alive and healthy. Then he gave us 30 precious minutes of holding him and his eyes being WIDE open before the doctors/nurses took him to the NICU. We knew at that moment that God was carrying us through and would stay by our sides.

Since then numerous times we've felt overwhelmed, whether it be about another surgery, an issue we don't know much about, or just what will be next, but through it all we are provided with a "peace that surpasses all understand", which can only be given from the Lord. We are able to look at every challenge and afterward realize the strength it has provided us. Tyler has made us recognize what is important in life - not being physically perfect but striving to be all that God has instore for you. We so often witness him overcoming a task that others may wonder how he can do, but he never bats an eyelash as to how he'll succeed - and what an inspiration that is to us daily. Thank you, Tyler, for the example you are to us every day:)

So, to celebrate his birthday, we took 7 of his friends with us to Hutchinson to Ken's Pizza for supper, then Jumpin' J's (inflatables, arcade, and indoor mini golf), and then for ice cream. Yes, this was an experience with 8 3rd graders --- but Tyler had a great time so it was all worth it:)

The start of the party at Ken's Pizza

The group at Jumpin' J's mini golf

Playing mini-golf - the black light was pretty cool:)

Air hockey

Waiting in line to "race" through the obstacle course

Tyler on the slide

Last group photo before leaving

Happy 9th Birthday Tyler!!!!