The first month of summer seems longer than just 30 days. It feels like more days have past since the last days of school. Summer vacation is full of all the emotions. At the beginning of the month I'm so excited and ready for rest. By the end I'm regretful I haven't done more and feeling loads of guilt. I have so much trouble just relaxing and letting go. This June however, hasn't really allowed for a ton of downtime. The calendar was FULL this month!
Notice only a few days are blank...we've had something to do nearly everyday of June.
Before I can get into our details of summer, I have to give a nod to the last days of school. It was a glorious end to a hard year, that I really enjoyed.
I may have stressed more than needed to pull off the first Promotion Ceremony for Wernli Elementary, but it turned out beautifully. I couldn't have been more pleased. Parents were happy, teachers were grateful, our school's namesake was sweet and gracious, and my admins were full of grace and such love for the teachers and students. It was a wonderful end to a unique school year.
I had lots of help from lots of people to decorate and pull off such an event.
This group of kiddos had to stay or chose to stay on their own after the ceremony. I never packed up a room so quickly! These kids were amazing help.
June has been filled with the "dog days of summer"... literally! We've spent a lot of time training and failing at potty training! 😂
Dianne the dog is definitely a great personality match for the Boyen Bunch. She's sweet and quiet, until she gets wound up, just like my kids!
Lorelei started diving again and loves it more than ever. She has decided she will dive in high school. She's doing so well, the coaches have said she will be moving to Team for the district as well after Summer Diving League.
We've also had plenty of pool time at our favorite neighborhood pool.
We've had lots of days where we have the whole pool to ourselves.
Jonas started working at Bahama Buck's with Savannah this summer.
His first paycheck!
June holds lots of celebrations for us as well. With several family birthdays and Father's Day we have had lots of get-togethers.
We celebrated Brieley's 13th birthday at her house and at our pool.
We celebrated Father's day with a great meal at home, but we went out to Jim's for dessert, which was a nice treat.
Savannah turned 19 this year on her birthday.
And finally we wrap up the celebrations with my sister's birthday.
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This month has also had some challenges. At the end of May we had some new concerns about Lorelei's congenital scoliosis. With her last small growth spurt, her curve changed dramatically. As many of you know, Lorelei has struggled with a variety of medical issues since in utero. We have met each challenge as it arises. After many visits and tests with the geneticists, we never received a diagnosis or syndrome. The pediatrician has always said there's no manual or book for her, we just take things as they come. We found out this month that her scoliosis is severe, with a curve of nearly 60 degrees, which requires a major surgery. This will be her 5th surgery in her short 14 years. Now she and I both realize, this is nothing compared to what some children go through and she realizes how blessed she is, however she has had a really hard time accepting this new development. She had her first MRI yesterday and cried silent tears during the whole thing. She is most upset that the surgery will cause her to sit out of diving for 6 months. Her surgery is scheduled for November right before Thanksgiving and the holiday breaks, so she won't miss as much school. She will have to be out of school for a full 6 weeks.
Lorelei has handled it all with more grace than you can imagine. Yes, she's cried, worried and has gotten mad at her body for not doing what it's supposed to do. But she's faced it all with calm confidence that is wise beyond her years. Her courage in the face of such a dramatic life changing event, has been awe inspiring.
With her permission, we are going to do our best to document this journey. We would love all your support, thoughts and prayers during her preparations, surgery and recovery. We will keep you updated.
Here's wishing you all a Happy July and...
Sending lots of love ad she goes though this. <3
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