I don't think I've ever anticipated a party quite like this one...not because I over did it and had a ton of decorations (like Avery's 2nd birthday party), and not because of the number of people or anything, but solely because of what the party meant. This party meant my dear husband had become what we now coined "the 16%". For those that still don't understand where the 16% comes from, when someone has relapsed metastatic melanoma (like Andy) they have a 16% chance of surviving 5 years. We are now included in the 16% and we couldn't be more excited! The party was a good time getting together with friends, old and new, and celebrating life. We didn't make a big deal of Andy because I knew he wouldn't like that, but we did get together right before we ate and I said how grateful I was not only for Andy's life but for all of those that supported us through this journey and some of us cried:) Then we prayed, ate, and played some more. Both Andy and I agreed after that part of why it was so special was because of the people that came. We definitely missed those that couldn't come BUT having people there that were with us from the beginning (family, the Farmers, Hibbs'/Hiroto's, Redemers, the Meyer's etc) to people that we just met 1-2 years ago (almost the whole small group, the Scale's, the Pearson's etc) but have become really important to us was great. We love you all, really appreciate you all, and we're grateful for every one of you. Thank you for making the day a great celebration.
I decided last minute to make t-shirts for all of us...definitely not my best work but fun from afar:) The first one is Myla's, the 2nd one is Avery's.
I had little sunscreen "party favors" as people came in the door with a welcome sign.
Friends that have been throughout the whole process, Kellen, Becca, and Yami Hiroto!
Church/small group girls, love them!
Andy trying to get the wi to work for the boys to play...
Malachi, Levi and Dawson wishing they were playing!
Just chattin' it up!
Uncle Dave and Meg:)
Myla was so excited her friend Evan was there.
The Koning family.
Hanging out and meeting new people
Probably one of the best things about the party...we turned some cement in our backyard into a four-square court and we had way too much fun playing:)
Circle time for some words and then prayer.
So great to have all the people gather together.
Trying to squish more people into the circle
I said a few words about Andy and how we were grateful for everyone there
Then Andy (from small group) prayed for us.
I love the fact that everyone came together whether they knew eachother or not:)
This was the group that congregated in our bedroom to watch the Stealers game (you can guess who instigated this:)
Yep there he is
Eating all the delicious food that people brought...
So grateful to have these people in our lives (our small group:)
Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Annie Meyer, I think they traveled the furthest and have definitely journeyed with us throughout this entire process. Thanks so much for coming guys, it meant SO SO SO much to us!
Michael and Avery (twin stars:)
And don't forget Dawson!
These 3 are T-R-O-U-B-L-E:)
Me and little Millie.
Family shot!
The party is winding down...
Grandpa Koning and Evan (he loves babies!)
And the person that's been around for Andy even longer than me...his sister Meg!
Myla was ready to cuddle after everyone left the party:)
Again thank you thank you thank you for all of those that have loved us, supported us, and most importantly prayed for us throughout this melanoma journey! We love you!
