On the Road to Vegas (2/09)

I know this is old, and I know it's been a while, but here's a video of Lydia in the car on the way to Vegas. I think she watched Shrek on non-stop play for the ride. The girl loves her ogre! Check out the wiggling toes . . . that's my favorite part! I remember another toddler who talked with her feet . . .

The Disco

This is one of Bo's favorite shots ;)

I think Colin got on this ride because he didn't see what it did. The ride spun, and then went up and down a big ramp. Neither boy was interested in a 2nd ride.

Roller Coaster

On our last day in Vegas, we went to the AdventureDome at Circus Circus. We got each boy a wristband so they could ride any ride. Nate wanted to ride the roller coaster, but Colin wouldn't get on when he saw that it had 2 loops. Nate still wanted to ride - so he went on by himself. THREE TIMES! He loved it, and probably would've ridden a few more times if other rides hadn't beckoned.

Vegas Family

We took a trip to Vegas at the beginning of the month. I have more pictures to share - - but have wanted to get this one posted since we got back! We have a branch of family living in Vegas and it was so fun to have the chance to visit with them while we were there! We got this great group shot and it makes me feel like home -- even though I haven't lived near 1/2 this family for over 30 years. I wish we were all closer so our young ones could have more memories of extended family.

It was a very nice evening! Great company, yummy food and lots of laughter :)

Nate Broke His Toe

A piece of flagstone dropped on Nate's foot and broke his big toe. Thankfully, the break isn't displaced and it doesn't look like any bone chipped off. This does mean the end of his soccer season, though, which is very disappointing to him.

Colin's Before & After

See those 2 bumps on either side of his neck? They were diagnosed as branchial cleft cysts when he was born. This picture was taken last night.

Last picture with branchial cleft cysts!

The surgery was successful. Here is Colin this afternoon after an early morning surgery. The doctor was able to make a small incision on each side to remove the cysts. They were much longer than expected, and the doctor had to cut into his neck muscles to remove them completely. Colin will have small scars, which will fade with time.

When Colin met the anesthesiologist, he was asked what flavor mask he wanted. He could choose from strawberry, bubble gum, cotton candy, chocolate . . . he chose cotton candy. When the mask was put on, he could smell the cotton candy as he blew very hard at a balloon in the operating room. He says "The next thing I knew, I woke up in another room!" I liked the fact that they waited to put in the IV until after he was sleeping.

Misc Shots

Colin doing a magic trick

Beulah & Lydia

I bought this car used for $10 when Colin was 2. It has been one of the best toys ever bought! My own kids love it, and I don't think any child that has ever visited has not played in it as well.

Nate's portrait of Bo

Nate's First Lost Tooth

Adopted Animals

Grandpa adopted animals in the kids' name this year through the National Wildlife Federation. The kids were very interested in learning more about the animals being helped in their name, and thought the stuffed animals were a great bonus! Nate has adopted a gray wolf (who he named Keller), Colin has a jaguar (which is probably named Jaguar), and Lydia has a sea turtle (which is probably named Baby since that's what she names everything right now, unless it's Elmo.)

Thanks, Grandpa!

Don't Mess With The Princess