Vacation +

Wouldn't you agree??   Every family vacation has some sort of legendary story to remember that space in time.  Ours was not without exception.  In fact, it was so legendary that the legend has extended over the past 2 and a half months.

  Wow!  When we Hayden's do something, we do it up BIG!

Earlier this year we planned to vacation with our Greatest Aunt and Uncle McCain along with Super cool Dr. Cousin and her darling kiddos.  "A friend" had allowed us to takeover a "cabin" (more on that next) that was conveniently located a stones throw away from Lake Michigan.  Wow!  What a great opportunity!  Aaand we even found out that we would get to spend some time with the Lovely Texan cousin too!  

Our vacation started out beeeeautifully.  

 Sunny, blue skies...warm weather, a slow breeze, sand and waves.  

Beautiful sunsets and cool evenings.

Delicious food and superb company!

Super fun times with family! (Greatest Aunt Phyllis w/Sophie and Nicholas)  

Yep, we were having a great, fun filled time!  We celebrated Emily's 4th birthday in grand style with the family and ice cream cake.  She loved all of her gifts and cards.  She has been waiting to turn the big "4" and finally the day came!  
After a fun filled day, it was time to retire for the night.  All the kids were crashed on the floor in "The Man Cave" having suffered a vacation induced coma. (Part of what makes vacations so enjoyable for parents)
Brian had turned into lobster man  after a bit too much sun exposure and went in search of the gooey green aloe vera gel.  A good slather before bed always makes sleeping a bit more comfortable.  However, on the return trip down the stairs he "mis-navigated" the stairs...he "mis-stepped"...he "missed a step"...simply, he fell.
Not only did he fall, but he even started going into shock.  It was so exciting!  He got the chills and his breathing went erratic.  Oh yes, it was exciting!  He was in a GREAT DEAL of pain. (oh.my.word, that's putting it mildly)   So, we decided, after consulting with Aunt & Uncle and Dr. Cousin that a trip to the ER would be in order.  Thankfully, nothing was broken, but he was ordered off his feet for the duration of our vacation and beyond. 

 That was the night of July 27th...fast forward to September 12th and he was finally released to go back to work in a normal capacity.   He had been on "light duty" since the injury, which basically meant...sit, stay...good boy.   He was able to go to physical therapy for about 5 weeks, which helped his recovery speed along.  Through LOTS of prayers and hard work on his part, he has made a full recovery.  We thank God for all that he has done through this situation.  Through the help of our Lord, Brian was able to take 2 physical tests in the past week for law enforcement positions.  Each time the requirement has been that he run a mile and a half in 13 minutes and 30 seconds. The first testing he ran in 11:25 and the second he ran in 11:21. Each time beating out far younger candidates (we're talking about guys in their 20's).


I've decided that vacations are pretty risky business, but then again, I don't have a very good track record with normal conditions on the homefront either.  I guess will just go with what ever happens and trust the Lord for the outcome.  When all else fails, God will never fail and that's enough for me!