4th of July

No offense America, but Kanyon Luke Phillips trumped you when he decided to end his 100 day NICU stay and COME HOME on July 4, 2007!!!! We are always glad we live in America, but on July 4th, we're celebrating this little boy that started out like this:

(notice Kory's ring on his wrist)

and came home that rainy Independence Day looking like this:

That day is still so vivid in my memory. It was scary, exciting, sad, and overwhelming all at the same time. Coming home to friends and family that had been waiting out in the rain just to cheer us in and pray for our baby meant so much. I could go on and on and on (and on) about all the things that 100 days taught us. But I can give a quick version. We learned that GOD is faithful in keeping his promises. That doesn't mean we always get what we want or that things always go the way we want (or ask them to). It means that GOD is faithful in keeping THE promise. That he will never ever ever leave us. And that, my friends, is the ONLY way we made it to that "Phillips Phamily Independence Day" and that is STILL the thing that gets us through the realities of our life that are so hard and stretch us to the limit.

We sent out "Coming Home" announcements and we included this verse on them:

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your wonderful righteousness. Psalm 145:4-7

GOD granted us many mighty acts that lead to us getting Kanyon home. The word miracles seems like an understatement when I think of how tiny those babies were when they were born and the fact that they even stood a chance is a miracle. We will always share this story of GOD's wonderful goodness. Every time someone sees klp's million dollar grin or hears his sweet voice, they are experiencing God's wonderful goodness.

Phillips Pham pics:

2007

I've titled this one: "They had NO IDEA what they were about to start"

2008-In Montana at "Kanyon's" firework show
2009-In Montana at "Kanyon's" firework show
2010-In Longview at the Colliers (Yeah for Quinn's first celebration)
As you see, we weren't in Montana like we usually are this time of year. It felt weird not to be there, but we had a great time here with our friends. In fact, Kanyon spent this day with Blake Porter back in '07
and they were back together again this year!!
The church wide party got rained out, so we went to the Colliers and had a great time.

Kory got to feel like a super star on a 9ft. goal.
Kanyon found a puddle and enjoyed it for a LONG time
and we enjoyed a few sparklers! While Kanyon was holding them, he kept saying "Liiiiiiii" which is his way of saying "LIGHT!!"



No need to buy fireworks when the neighbors have some really good ones!! The kids enjoyed those and we enjoyed the price tag: $0
The next day Kory didn't have to work so we had lots of fun! We went swimming with Adam, Doodle, Caden, and Tate!
q and tate chillin' by the pool
Big buddies splashing away!!!

If any of the NICU nurses and Dr. Chris are still reading this, know that we think of you on this day too. We are STILL so very very very very grateful for your hard work for our kids. There is just no way to say thank you. But we will say it anyways, knowing its not enough. THANK YOU!