The 4th, Waterslides & Heart Memories

Well we are sad to see this long weekend come to an end!  Mike was off for four days straight, which is always a treat to have him home.  Conner is always bummed out when he has to go back to work after a long weekend of daddy time!  We enjoyed our Independence Day festivities - we checked out the fireworks at Fort Jackson on the 3rd, which was a pretty impressive display; we set off some of our own "kid-friendly" fireworks on the 4th and enjoyed uncle Gary's famous chicken.  We capped off the long weekend with a trip down to Charleston and the Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark where we met up with one of Hudson's nurses Christine, and her two daughters Caroline and Carissa.  One of Hudson's Cardiologists, Mrs. Kimberly Jackson and new baby Elsie also met up with us for a couple hours as well.

The kids all had a blast going down the waterslides and just enjoying time in the water to cool off from the 90+ degree weather.  We did have to "forcefully encourage" Conner on a few of the slides, but he managed to make it OK and once he went down them, he was ready for more!  Check out the photos:

Conner & Caroline

Judah & his girlfriend Elsie - he was trying to make a move ;)

We sooo enjoyed our time with both Christine & her girls and with Kimberly and little Elsie.  Both of their friendships and involvement in our lives is a testament to the bonds that are created during difficult times.  We are always reminded of Hudson anytime we visit Charleston, and when we visit these special friends as well - not only Christine and Kimberly, but all of those who touched our hearts and our Warrior's heart.  But these memories are not sad or hopeless, they are memories of a strong Warrior, a precious baby who fought so hard and is now healthy and whole.  Both of these dear friends we spent time with today are only a reminder of how special Hudson was/is and how we were certainly not the only ones to love him so much.  For their friendship and for the love they so graciously showed to our son, we are forever grateful.  It's bonds like those that are lasting - and we are so blessed to have people like Christine and Kimberly in our lives! 

Hope you all enjoyed your 4th as well.  A special thanks to the Soldiers/Marines/Sailors/Airmen who are in harms way right now, defending the freedom and independence we celebrated this past weekend!  God bless all of them and God bless this great nation!