All four seasons in one week

There's a great song by Sting that talks about a woman who can be "all four seasons in one day." That's the kind of week we've had.

Anya Rashi's new words were our "spring." She mastered so many this week, including ribbit, blueberry, juice, knee, and please. She has also stopped using the sign for "more," and now speaks the word instead -- unless she really wants something, when she does both. This stage of language explosion is one of my favorite parts of the toddler years. It's so exciting to see her mind make connections.

Our "summer" news this week was celebrating 11 years of marriage! Today, eleven years ago, was the day we promised to love each other for the rest of our lives. I knew life with Peter would never be boring, but I could never have guessed all the twists and turns that have landed us here with three amazing, unique children and hearts that are even more alive than they were on our wedding day.

The "autumn" of our week was waiting for news about a surgery undergone by our dear friend Trina. Autumn, however, turned into spring as we received news that the procedure was a success, and was shorter than anticipated.

To celebrate, we drove to Green Bay and spent the afternoon with Trina's son Tyler. Mini-golf was well tolerated by Anya Rashi, who normally doesn't like to spend much time in the stroller. She got in the game by throwing her ball onto the greens. Afterward, all four boys took a few turns around the go-kart track. Peter and Tyler drove, with Aaron and Nathan riding shotgun. Aaron and Nathan are hooked, needless to say! They had a ball. Anya Rashi had her own ride in a coin-operated kiddie car. She loved it, and kept asking and signing for more.

Sadly, "winter" entered our week on Wednesday, when Peter's aunt Shirley passed away. She will be dearly missed by her four sisters, including Peter's mom. The strangest things provide comfort during times of loss. As I was freezing blueberries this week, I thought about how we would recapture a bit of summer during the cold months with blueberry crisps and pies. It made me think about how memories do the same thing when we're in the winter of missing people who have died.

Meanwhile, we hope for the day when we will see her again, out of pain, in heaven. Please keep her sisters, especially Peter's mom Mary Ann, in your prayers.