Little Saharah

It seems as if we can never make it to the sand dunes before dark - even when we're loaded the night before, and leave in the afternoon. This trip was no exception, except that we did arrive just after dark, instead of at midnight or so. To throw a little interest into the weekend, we got stuck in the sand. No joke. A lot of digging, a crowd, and two trucks later - we got out, with no damage! It made the night pretty interesting.

On the way down we had been talking about how we need to find some more friends to come with us. The only ones that came this weekend with us to camp were Marshall and Rondi, and my parents came down for the day on Saturday. The people camped next to where we got stuck were really nice and helped us dig out. Jed stated that this wasn't what he had in mind in how to get new friends :)

We still had a great time and laughed about it all weekend. Saturday was a pretty nice day, until the wind kicked up to a nice gust of about 50 mph. Everyone at the camp was scrambling to pull the awnings in, hold down tents and shade canopies, and just keep from blowing away. It was actually pretty nice because it started to rain, and all the day campers took off. The storm blew through and it was a great day after that.

Kate loved riding with Jed on the 4-wheeler. It's one of her favorite things. She cried about her helmet, but completely forgot about it as soon as they started riding.

One of our favorite things to do at the dunes - fly a kite.

The Zoo w/ Zoie

Zoie invited us to the zoo for her birthday and these two had so much fun. We saw most of the animals, hit the carousel as well as the train. Such a fun day, thanks for inviting us Zoie and Happy Birthday!

Ruffled Leggings

I saw these darling leggings a while back. She has a simple tutorial, and so I found some fabric on Etsy and Ebay.  The fabric from the website is a bit pricey, but you use very little. Can't wait to make some for baby Paige. Kate was really excited they were done, and put on her pink sparkle shoes to finish off the outfit.

California 2011

We went to California last week with Jed's family for the Dewsnup Reunion. Two days for Disneyland and California Adventure, and a day at the beach.

Kate probably would have stayed all day with Jessie if she could have. She was so excited to see her. By the way, Jessie did not look this scary in person :)

Nic thinks he's one of the kids.

One of Kate's favorite rides - the teacups! She wanted to spin it all by herself.

Seriously, we waited in line to see Tinkerbell for 45 minutes. Guess we won't do that again.

Jed taught Kate how to blow water through the noodle.

Kate drove the Autotopia car by (I did the gas). She loved that ride and laughed everytime she hit the guide rail.

The beach was a blast, although Jed and I got fried. Kate loved playing in the sand and even liked jumping the waves, until she got in a little too deep.

First Stitches

Kate's first stitches at 2 1/2 years old. She was running around and slipped and went head first into the railing which left a nasty cut. She was really brave as the Dr.'s looked at her and didn't cry much until they gave her the numbing shot. Two stitches and an enormous bandaid later we were headed home.

Bad news

It's been a tough week for my family. My dad lost his voice about 4 weeks ago. We first thought it was from a bad cold he had caught, then maybe acid reflux causing swelling. He went in for a scan last Friday, and the Dr.'s called Monday morning to get him in for a scope to get a better look. The believed the cancer was back, and it is. He's had various tests this past week and we get bad news over and over. First the cancer is back, then a stay overnight in the hospital because he aspirated during the scope, and now the cancer is possibly in another spot so more tests to follow. The cancerous node is pushing so much on his trachea that the Dr. is afraid it will collapse, and so he will be getting a stint this week. Without treatment, 5-6 months, with, maybe 11.

We always knew that the chances of it coming back were 85%, but this happened so fast. Now we're waiting for the next test, discussing treatment or no treatment, planning trips, filling out living wills, and planning for what may lie ahead. A million thoughts running through all our heads. No one should have to go through this. It's such a strange feeling planning for this.

I'm so thankful for such supportive family and friends, even though they make me cry with their loving words and actions, it's a good cry. This is the only way we'll get through this. And I'm especially thankful for all of my dad's friends. He has such good friends that care so much for him.


Please keep him in your prayers.

It's A...