Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A taste of normal...

We've had tickets to the Polar Express in Williams, Az for almost a year. I’ve been so excited to go and take our kids so when we first found out about Bree's cancer I thought it wouldn't be possible to leave the valley for fear that Bree might get sick and we'd have to take her to the hospital. However, the doctors cleared her to go for a quick overnight trip (3 hours away) and we did it! We packed up our little family and headed to Flagstaff for lots of cold fun on Monday!

We bought the boys some cute jammies with matching robes so they were all ready to get on the train and head to the North Pole.We had the best seats on the whole train…the caboose! We heard the caboose was the least crowed place so we were able to change our seats and sit there. There weren’t many people there and we were the first to see Santa! My boys loved eating the cookies and having hot cocoa on the train. It was fun to see how cute the train was decorated and the “elves” did a great job running the show! I love Gunner's face here. This was moments before Santa entered the train.
The boys met Santa and received their Christmas bells. Caleb loved shaking his bell and making his own music.  
Gunner was so excited to meet Santa, he could hardly contain himself!

We went with my parents and siblings and had a great time. We came home the next day and literally were gone about 24 hours. Bree had lots of fun and enjoyed her first experience on a train. We hope to make it a tradition every year. We’ll celebrate next year when Breezy is cancer-FREE! It was also good to feel a bit normal for the time being.

Bree is feeling good this week and her counts good. She obviously has a sweet tooth! We continue to pray for this cancer to leave her body and ask for a miracle every day. Please continue to pray for her especially this weekend when she receives her 3rd round of chemo. Our thanks to all!



35 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm a newcomer to your site (only 2 weeks). I check daily for updates and send prayers to Bree and your family. It's so wonderful to hear someone give all glory to God, even in trying times. Bless you and your familiy.

Tina McKinnon said...

To look at that little girl, you'd never know there was a single thing wrong.... she's sooooo cute! Glad you could get away.

brownymama said...

I am so glad you went! What a great time to share with her on her first Christmas. I'm sure the boys were in heaven. Love ya! Next year we go together!!!

Aimee's Family Journal said...

I am so happy you got to get away! It feels like a long trip, even if just overnight! I am sure it was needed! Speaking of your nasty cold... I think I caught it! I have been coughing like a maniac for a week!

I am so happy to hear her levels are up. We are keeping fingers crossed!

Ashleigh and Zebb said...

yea for a getaway!! even if it was only 24 hours, our family did that a few years back and had so much fun, I wanna be able to do it with our kids in a few years! so glad to hear that bree has been feeling well this week too and the family is always in my prayers!

Sommer said...

What a fun time by all... a wonderful tradition! And who doesn't like new jammies?!
I am always thinking and praying for your sweet little family.

Lana said...

I'm happy that you guys got to go do something to celebrate the holidays and forget about some of the troubles for a night. I've been wanting to do the Polar Express too, so I'm glad to know that it's fun. Great idea!

the bates motel said...

glad you guys were able to do that! so fun to feel "normal for a day"! so happy the kids loved it!

Addy said...

What a fun family activity and awesome memories to cherish for a lifetime! It will be even more fun next year when Bree really starts enjoying the thrills of Christmas time.

Annie and Clayton Evans said...

I love the Polar Express..I am so happy for your family and that you got to experience this..what a special memory!!

thegatewoodfamily said...

Hi I am also a newcomer as of a few weeks ago. I just want you to know that Bree is in our family prayers. She seems like such a happy strong little girl and I know that Heavenly Father is watching over her and keeping your family strong. Your kids looked like they had a blast on the polar express! I just found out about that this year and thought it was such a cute idea. I admire you so much for your strength and for your strong family. My little girl had to have surgery on her eyelid for a hemangioma and although that is no where near the severity as Bree's condition I know that its not easy to go to appointment after appointment, it takes great strength. We will be keeping Bree in our prayers.

Karis said...

I am so glad that you guys had a good time. Your family deserves a fun break! The kids look like they are in heaven in the pictures. Bree looks great!

Kelly said...

I am so jealous! I want to take my family next year on the polar express!! Kari you look soo Pretty in all the pictures! You are just glowing! And the kids look so happy! This time of year is a very special time! I love you guys! And hope to hear from you soon and maybe see you today! ;)

Summertime Designs said...

I'm so glad you got to go do this. And what a blessing to get to ride in the caboose and be away from the crowds. These pictures are priceless. I love Gunner's anticipated looks. You look absolutely gorgeous. Bree looks great. I'll bet Caleb loved to make music with that bell! I love all your pics of Justin and Bree. I am just picturing Justin with his shotgun scaring all the boys away when she's a teenager!

Grandma and Grandpa cook said...

So glad all went well! We're so glad that you got to get out and feel normal for 24 hours. You can see the excitement in everyones faces. Loved the pictures. I want to go next year too when Bree is cancer free!

Nuestra Familia said...

That is so awesome to enjoy the train ride with the family. Everyone looks so great, one of my favorite pictures is Caleb behind the seat with his santa bell. I had so much fun with your boys the other day, call me anytime and I'll head right over. All our prayers are with Bree and your family, Love, Ale

Jessica said...

Looks like you & your family had a wonderful time! What a neat experience! Bree looks so beautiful...

Hot Diggity Daws said...

Oh I am so glad you guys got to enjoy the Polar Express!!! The kids looked so excited!! What a blessing that she was able to go and enjoy herself. Great pictures. We will pray that the chemo does the trick, and she doesn't get very sick!!

Anonymous said...

My heart just melts everytime I look at Bree. She is the most amazing little girl. It was just last night I was telling my mother about her, how much she reminds me of my own...I truly pray from the bottom of my heart for little Bree! I was so thrilled to see y'all were all able to go on a little trip...what great memories you'll have forever and I'm glad the boys had such a great time!!!

Melissa Bosen said...

I cannot wait to take the boys on Polar Express next year! Guess I had better get my tickets right now. Thanks for lunch yesterday. What a treat to get to spend time with Bree too.

JakenDebbie said...

What a fun thing to do! I am so glad you you were able to make it work. Kari, your family amazes me! You all look so good through all of this. I know it's not ever easy, but you are so tough through this! Thank you for your constant example. Love you much!

Anonymous said...

So fun! My prayers continue for Bree and your sweet family. Can't wait to hear about next year's extra special cancer-free Polar Express! Miracles happen!!! I know they do...

Clay's gal said...

I'm so glad you were able to go! I talked to Kristin today and she said you all had so much fun! We want to try and go next year! Love ya!

hmrickertsen said...

I pray that all goes well for your little girl. I came to your link by the way of Summer's Scrapbooking Blog. You have such a great amount of faith and joy through this trial. It is an inspiration to the rest of us. I can't een imagine what you must be going through. Just know that people everywhere are praying for your little girl and your family.

Steph said...

I'm so glad you were able to go! What great memories. Good luck tomorrow. I'll call you Saturday!

Anonymous said...

so glad you were able to have an enjoyable get away! good luck with round #3! after this round you'll be 1/3 of the way through! you're in our thoughts and prayers and remember MIRACLES are real!!! the barneys

ceryl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brooke said...

What a neat thing! I wonder if they do anything like that around here......Bree is looking good. Her eyes seem a lot better. She remains in our prayers. Glad you guys were able to have a good time together!

Kasey said...

I starting visiting your site a couple of weeks ago, and my prayers are with you. I am so happy that you and your family were able to get away for some much deserved and needed fun.

Alisa Larson said...

Kari, I'm so glad you got to go with your ENTIRE family and have some much deserved FUN! All the pics are great - looks like you had a fab time!

The Johnson Family said...

I love these pictures...memories your family will treasure forever. Could you look more stunning?? Everyone looks so happy, I bet it was nice to do something festive and normal. We are praying for Bree, I know she finished her last treatment for this round. I hope she is doing as well as possible.

Linz said...

That is so great! The Polar Express is always so fun! So glad that Bree got to go! YAY! We think about you guys often, pray for you and keep your names on the roll. Lots of love from England!

Heidi Ann said...

I'm in Alisa's ward and have recently become one of your blog stalkers. Do you ever wonder what the heck you were thinking when you signed up for this in heaven! She is an angel and I'm sure there are many looking over her. She's a fighter which may make the teenage years a little crazy! How wonderful you and your family must be to be given such a sweet baby!

steph said...

Kari,
I have been glued to your blog for the past hour catching up. I am so sad to hear about poor Bree. I wish I could hug you. I can feel your strength, though, through your words. Hang in there! Bree is definitely a fighter....and BEAUTIFUL, just like her mama!!

Beth said...

i don't know if you know me-i'm married to sonny goodman. i just wanted to tell you that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. we cannot imagine what you are going through. your little bree is just so precious. it is amazing to read of your positive attitudes. i can tell you are a special mom. we wish you the best.

beth goodman