last time swimming because it's going to be winter soon

This week we went to Rainbow Lake on Tuesday and headed to Downata Hot Springs in Downey on Thursday to get in the last of the swimming before our little summer is over. Downata is really a great place. The water is so warm and the kids can wear their life jackets in the pool and down the slides. They have a nice new handicap ramp too. The changing room could use a little help but Mesa loved the warm water and was exhausted after kicking around the pool for an hour. We went to Red Lobster to eat afterwards and I have never witnessed a 2 year old eat as much shrimp and fish as Greyson did. He even tried to eat the tails!

my sister...my hero

My little sister Josue is still hanging on with three babies in her rapidly growing belly. She has been in the hospital for 5 weeks now. She got a surprise visit from my mom this weekend because it was her birthday. Every time she answers the phone she says she is fine and manages somehow not to let the tears flow. She is strong and a great example to me! Not too long ago that was me and I can't say that I was strong. We all have our trials in life and one experience only prepares us for the next. Sometimes I feel like I have such a long road ahead of me. My body is starting to feel the physical demands of carrying, bathing, feeding and caring for a daughter who relies on me for everything. But when she looks at me and smiles, I can see in her eyes that she understands and loves me. Pretty soon Josue will be looking at three new faces and will feel a little overwhelmed, but imagine the happiness that will come to all us mothers in the end when we see the fruits of our labors.