Andrew

On July 11, my younger brother Andrew died. He was only 19 years old, but he lived an amazing life. Andrew was born with Cystic Fibrosis, which he battled with until he was 18. On February 17, 2007, he received a double lung transplant and for the first time was able to breath without difficulty. The recovery was difficult, but Andrew pulled through and faught just like he has faught his whole life. For the past year and a half Andrew has had some ups and downs, in and out of the hospital, but he has also been able to do so many thing he has never been able to do before. He was able to do something as simple as swimming the length of the pool twice without a breath.
Before Andrew died our family was able to stay in a beach house on California over the 4th of July. We had so much fun spending time together hanging out on the beach, going to surf shops, having bon fires, watching fire works, playing rock band and much more. We were all so grateful for that time together. Dan, Hollyn and I have also spend lots of time with Andrew this summer since we have lived with my parents while Dan did his internship. What a blessing that has been for our family.
The day before Andrew left for Heber, AZ to hang out with my grandpa at his cabin he took Hollyn swimming. They had a special little bond together. She loved swimming with him, diving for rings, racing on the kick boards, and diving off the diving board. They also loved to play tickle where they would lay on the floor and take turns tickling eachother. I am so grateful to have these memories of my brother.
Andrew died unexpectantly in Heber, AZ with one of his favorite people, his grandpa. After years of hospital stays, surgeries, treatments, and pills, Andrew's heart finally stopped beating. Although it was hard, I know that he would have much rather died doing something he loved than being in a hospital for days, weeks or months.
We know that our Heavenly Father has a mission for Andrew to fulfill. He will be missed greatly. He was an amazing brother, son, uncle, and friend.
We love you Andrew!

Rewind

Rewind

I have been so behind in my blogging this summer. So I thought I recap our last few months. Before we left Nebraska for Arizona this summer we had a few first in our family. Hollyn went on her first horse back ride, with and without a saddle. Hollyn also had her first dance recital. They were both so fun to watch and Hollyn loved every minute.
While here in Arizona we have had lots of fun with friends and family. We went to the Tempe Splash Pad with cousins and had a swim party with the cousins too! We also went to California with my family for the 4th of July. We had a blast playing on the beach, visiting friends, and spending time with family. The fireworks were amazing too! We always love hanging out on the beach, playing in the water, making sand castles, and digging for sand crabs. Dan, Hollyn, and I were even able to go a few days earlier and spend a few nights in Laguna Beach with just our family.