San Clemente/ Spring Break

Two weeks off! I tried for days to think of things to do since our Disneyland passes were blacked-out. I shouldn't have bothered. The kids were determined to stay in their jammies all day and not leave the house! We did manage to get away and camp for a few days with Grandma & Papa and play at the beach. It's tradition, and we love it.










Speaking of tradition, we took the training wheels off Leah's bike so she could try to ride. Not this time. She was not having anything to do with that. She definitely needs more practice riding WITH training wheels. Maybe we'll try again this summer. Drewby took a turn on Dillan's old bike. He liked sitting on it, anyway. Feeling big. Not pedaling yet, but he'll get there.

The family camping across the road from us had a bunch of kids who became instant friends. We figured out later that their mother and I were on the same floor at DT at BYU. We had classes together in the Freshman Academy and in the same ward. "No wonder you look so familiar!" Once she said she was originally from Arkansas, I immediately remembered her.










Riding bikes, campfires, playing in the sand, playing baseball at the park, flying kites with Papa.
As an added bonus this year, we had cousins come see us!
That's what it's all about!

Drew & His Tummy

Many months ago I noticed a small bump above Drew's belly button. It didn't seem to bother him, and never got bigger and I would only notice when I changed his diaper. At his 2 year appointment I pointed it out to the doctor. She said it was most likely an umbilical hernia. She ordered an ultrasound just to be sure, and assured me if that was what it was, he wouldn't require any kind of repair until he was 4 or 5. The results were negative/normal.

OK...now what?
She said they sometimes do not appear on an ultrasound, you have to catch them at the right "moment." I thought that was strange since it was clear to me anytime he lifted his shirt! We were then referred to a pediatric surgeon. As soon as he lifted Drew's shirt, the surgeon said "Yup! He's got one!" Only it wasn't umbilical in nature. More intestinal-y. And there was no waiting till he was older. Umbilical hernias sometimes fix themselves over time. He assured us this one would not get better and would definitely get worse. So we were scheduled for surgery a few weeks later.

The surgeon is a really nice guy and promised it was a simple out-patient surgery and he would be good to go. I was mostly concerned about the anesthesia. And the recovery. Especially since we were supposed to camp at San Clemente starting the day after surgery.
Thankfully, everything went great! And Rady's Children's Hospital? That place is better than Disneyland for Drewby! There were motorized trains, fishies, a playhouse, bubbles, cartoons, tons of fun! Each patient is given a pager (for the parents) during each step of the process. There were kids all over in their cute little hospital gowns and bracelets. Drew didn't get any time off between his pre-op and the procedure. Once we went to the back they tried to take his vitals, but he held his breath. That's when the bubbles came out. Those guys were prepared for everything kids could throw at them. He was even asked what "flavor" anesthesia he wanted. I chose strawberry for him. Then the nurse came to take him away. I thought for sure he wouldn't go with her willingly, but he did once she mentioned "candy." We were told it was a 40 minute procedure, but it was more like 20.

The next few minutes we were paged and watched the screen that told us he was being taken to recovery. When we saw him he had a cup full of juice and a big red popsicle. He had been fasting a LONG time and was not giving up anything to let Mommy hold him. Three cups of juice later and his IV removed, we dressed him and were ready to go home. He ran out of there and straight for the train. He was perfect. Just fine, like nothing had happened. Not really even noticing the bandage on his belly.

He loves to show off his little scar.
Such a brave boy!

Mini Trip to France

Took a little trip to France with Mom and Shannon. It helps to have relatives that work for an airline. I didn't think it possible to drop everything onto Chris and up and go. Although he did say I should and he'd be angry if I didn't!
Good: Spending time with Mom and Shannon. Discovering I still understand as much french as I expected. Exit rows. Not being a missionary there. No cell phone.
Not so good: Losing contact lens. Not enough time to take in culture. Not having Chris with me. Jet lag. Discovering I don't speak french like I expected. Paris smells the same. Short trip. It is still winter in France.

Since when are kebabs called greques? They don't taste the same. At least this one didn't.
Also, I didn't set foot inside a boulangerie! Not even for a bagette! Unbelieveable!

Some who went with me mentioned they probably won't ever be back. But for some reason, I'm pretty sure I will. France for certain. Paris most likely.

Thanks for a lovely trip! We should do it again soon!