The Vetter's: Time of the year before the most wonderful time of the year

'Trying to keep my mind right, my soul straight, and my heart strong'

Sometimes it's nice to be busy...to go and do...because just a year ago, we couldn't go and do as much, as freely. Trust me, our family loves our downtime too...but being on the go this month reminded me of what a different place we're in now than just one year ago. Anyways...

Here are some key memories from this month:

Ran the MedAssist Beer Bacon and Pancakes 5k -- special shout out to Drew for placing 3rd overall while pushing our kids in the stroller; I placed like 60th overall pushing nothing ha!; huge thanks to our friends the Webers and Michael LaCourse for running for Levi with us again and for the #runforlevi signs along the course - SO awesome!
Light the Night Charlotte -- LLS event where you walk in honor or memory of survivors...it's very powerful being surrounded by other families that are on the same journey or have been along that journey...I find it comforting and was very grateful for our family and friends in attendance. I cannot say enough great things about the LLS - our family has connected with so many kind-hearted people through them.
Visit to the Ripmaster Ranch -- we enjoyed a weekend get-away in Asheville to visit with our close friends the Ripmaster family. We just love them and my kids LOVE going to their house - Levi didn't want to leave. There's nothing better for the soul than just some r&r with people you love.
Work trip to Minneapolis -- nothing to write home about but I did get to visit with some awesome people that I work with and see my virtual BFF face-to-face which is always worth it.
Hospital Stay -- Levi had a fever brought on by a nasty cold/virus so we had to be admitted...on my birthday of all days. Cancer doesn't care what day it is BUT Levi and I cuddled in bed and watched movies, someone came by to play music with us, and we got a visit from Paisley the golden retriever therapy dog. Not bad and we were in and out in 24 hrs.
My 38th Birthday -- my family spoiled me completely. Date night with Drew at Dean & Deluca Wine Bar, day of shopping and eating with my Mom and Elle Belle and cupcakes and balloons from my babies along with a birthday bash with my nephew Mateo who I share a birthday with; I am beyond blessed to have spent another year with the ones that I love even if it was a difficult year. But I've learned a lot about myself and I am eager to grow over the next year.
Thanksgiving -- we enjoyed doing our own turkey trot then visiting and eating a ton with our families

Levi Update --- Levi is doing amazing. School is going well. He's in Pre-K preparing for Kindergarten. Visits to clinic are monthly. He is doing very well with his daily chemo routine and even learned to swallow his meds now vs having us crush them. He is growing and moving along the growth chart as he should. While he is very aware that he has to take meds to keep the bad guys away, he never complains or says 'why me'...he is teaching me so much.

Ellie is doing awesome as well - she's into princesses. Her vocab is growing - she's growing! She's our heart. She's the laughter that fills this house. I absolutely LOVE my girl time with her.

And that is a long overdue update and now some pics!