The unusually wet and cooler weather we’ve had this winter broke and we’re enjoying spring in full force around here. Olivia snapped these pretty pics on a walk to see the ducks this weekend…
Life has picked up in full force as well with a bunch of school events and evening commitments…it’s good to be busy and in the midst of it all, Rudy just goes with the flow. Rudy had his monthly cardiology appointment a week ago Friday with Dr. Harake and things remain the same. Many have inquired whether or not Rudy’s new pulmonary hypertension drugs are making a difference and that’s just not something we’ll be able to detect in his routine echocardiograms. Dr. Harake confirmed that we’ll have to schedule another heart cath at some point before we can proceed. And so, we all wait as expected…but in the meantime, Rudy is not far from everyone’s mind down at UCLA as Dr. Harake told me that when he’s introduced to someone new in the ICU now, he’s introduced as “Rudy’s Doctor”! How cute is that!!!
We are grateful for this time, though, and see it as our window of opportunity to take the family back to Kansas over spring break to see my family. This has been my heart’s desire ever since Rudy was born and my Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. The plan was to go after Rudy recovered from the Glenn but with it being pushed back as far as it has, even Rudy’s doctors feel like now is the time. They have given us the greenlight to go as long as we don’t fly so we’re renting a RV and plan to hit the road next week for what will, no doubt, prove to be a memorable family adventure! I’m both nervous and excited and consider it a real gift to be making this family trip WITH Rudy! Stay tuned….
As I was busy organizing Rudy’s medical supplies for the trip, the big kids asked if they could borrow Rudy’s wagon to which I said “yes” assuming they were going to use it to give each other a ride or collect treasures of some kind…it wasn’t until “after the fact” that Rolf and I found out about the natural progression of BMX stunt tricks happening in our cul-de-sac…I suppose I should pay more attention should the children ask to borrow both the wagon AND Rudy next time!
Shortly after the filming of this video, Olivia made another donation to “Locks of Love”…a cool, summer look to coincide with the warmer temps:
Another indication that time is marching on…summer will be here before we know it!
Speaking of time marching on, our soon-to-be 13 year old is becoming a young man…Wilson participated in a 30 hour fast with his church youth group this weekend to bring awareness to hunger and poverty in the world today. During the “30 Hour Famine”, the kids walked through the neighborhood collecting canned goods for local families in need, built a food pantry in our church library, served dinner to the homeless at the Rescue Mission and slept outside in cardboard boxes. I kind of braced myself for him to come home tired and grumpy after the challenge of the famine but instead he came home clearly moved by the experience, energized and upbeat. At one point, the group watched a video about kids in need in Africa and Wilson said he couldn’t help but think about Rudy and how he probably wouldn’t have survived if he had been born in a place like he saw in the video. So true…how truly blessed we are and how very much we have to share! A powerful lesson for Wilson this weekend that I pray helps shape in him a lifetime of giving!
Okay, I’m off to do a little packing…
Rudy's Beat 
SO excited for you!!!!! Everyone needs a break from the scenery once in a while!!!
…Wow! Olivia looks stunning….her hair grows so fast!!!!
Kisses to Rudy!
Have a great trip!!! Go with God!! Love Jane and Joe
Awesome post! Awesome family! Milo and I love the video the big kids made. Milo’s favorite part was the jump of course. Mine was Max’s beautiful compliment to his sister. Milo’s planning a 30-hour project with his youth group, too! One of our favorite events! Have an amazing trip!
Well, nothing burned down, right?
Awesome Jump Max! Great nerves of steel, Olivia!
Excellent cinematography and directing, Wilson!
Much love,
Earl
I was afraid I was going to see Rudy in the wagon; during the jump…ha…….have a safe trip, prayers for all, Nick’s Grandma
I would get concerned when the kids ask for Rudy’s wagon with Rudy in it!
We are counting the days to your arrival and we are praying bigtime for a safe trip. You will have such a great trip — a real memory maker! This is a great post and Olivia we are proud of you giving your haircut to Love Locks. Wil, we are proud of your fast and its meaning….great. And Max, what can we say? You keep us laughing. Love to all.
I love Olivia’s haircut; too cute. I am so glad that Wilson had such a meaningful experience with the church youth group; very cool. I’m so happy that you get to go see your family with the whole gang in tow and I can’t wait to hear about all of the Winnebago adventures that you have along the way. xoxo, K
Welcome to the beautifulllllllllllllllllllllll flat lands 🙂
The Geylings in RV???? Oh my gosh! I have images of Chevy Chase’s Vacation in mind! Just don’t let Rolf go crazy if Wally World isn’t open! HA HA! What a fun adventure that will be. And please tell Olivia that she ROCKS for donating her hair to LOL and she looks adorable!
Sounds like an upcoming GREAT ADVENTURE! I look forward to LOTS of interesting pictures. Thanks for sharing your family with us. Prayers for a safe journey.
Yeah! You’re coming to Kansas! I know you’ll be busy spending time with family and that the time will go quickly, but if you get a chance to come to Covenant Chapel with Steve and family, I’d love to meet you all in person!!
Happy driving, Geylings! Have so much fun on your road trip. Way to go Wilson for your fast!
Oh, so glad you’re going to take this adventure together! Hooray for everybody – travel safely, take lots of pictures (and let Olivia have the camera – that girl has ‘the eye’ – gorgeous, level, focused pix — CONGRATS!!) and enjoy being together. This is a great gift to give yourselves and your parents. Lovely, lovely.
Wow! Have a wonderful trip back to see your Dad, Trish. Praying for a safe trip and blessed time with your father.
You guys ROCK! The cinematographer, the BMX wild child and the gorgeous girl with hair that grooooowwwws SO fast…all with hearts for the Lord. Give them all big hugs!
Can’t wait to hear all about the upcoming trip! I hope it is a wonderful experience for you all!
Much Love!
I adore Olivia’s hair like that! She would have been fabulous in the 20s and 30s.
You will be so close to us when you are in Kansas, so close and yet so far. We are about 3 hours from Kansas City, Kansas. Wish we could see you and that Rudy!
He’s such a ham, and such a cutie. I always want to squeeze those cheeks.
Holland sends her love to Rudy, she always inquires after him…we have his picture on the fridge. The girls call him “Baby Rudy”.
Love to all!
Can’t wait to see you all!! Drive safely! And…after snow this weekend, we’re looking at 65 degrees today!! Trying to make it as accomodating as can be for your visit!!!
That video is all time epic!