A Visitor of a Different Size

This is Samson. He came to visit us for a week when we traded some dog-sitting with some friends. This is Samson trying to fit into our Lucy-dog's bed. A little tight since he was at least twice the size. He is a sweet dog with an extremely tolerant of kids disposition. The kids had a lot of fun playing with him.

Sparkle and Samson.

The girls and our Lucy.

Starting Second Grade

Slugger started second grade last week. In the rollercoaster of my mother' s heart it seems like such a long time coming, and absolutely amazing that it has come so fast all at the same time. In this picture, he is ready to head off to the bus for his first day...new rolling backpack in hand and a 7-year-old attitude on his face.

At this point, he is officially getting into the groove of being back in school. The first day (only a half day), he was completely wiped out...so I was anticipating some serious tiredness for the full days, but he seems to have gotten into the routine quickly. Of course, not too much homework has come home yet, so we will see if that has any influence on the enthusiasm level. Otherwise, Slugger likes his teacher and is quickly making and renewing acquaintances with friends. Definitely his favorite part of school...seeing his friends. Not the most academic of pursuits, but definitely high on his list along with recess, PE, and music. Actually, he seems to enjoy his schoolwork too, but has more to say about his other pursuits. He also makes sure to give me the daily play-by-play of the soccer game at recess.

The Motherland

We just got back from a 10-day trip to Minnesota, or "The Motherland" as LT affectionately refers to the state of his birth and childhood. We went out for LT's cousin Ryan's wedding. The wedding was actually up in northern MN in the town of Nevis (near Walker, MN). So, besides spending a few days in this beautiful part of the state, we spent the better part of a week down in the Twin Cities area seeing lots of family and just generally playing around. The trip was full of fun, family and great experiences. Not necessarily relaxing (traveling with 3 small kids rarely is in my experience), but a good family road trip. We enjoyed meeting some new family as well as catching up with those we don't see often enough. Here are a few of the highlights:

Sparkle, Slugger and me try out our favorite ride at Nickelodeon Universe...the Log Ride!

Sugar's favorite...Dora, Boots and the "Diego Bus" ride.


Dock jumping at Leech Lake in Walker, MN. (About 3 hours north of the Twin Cities).

Swimming fully clothed in Leech Lake. (The kids were magnetically drawn to the water)...

The aquarium @ the Mall of America.

A Purple Cast and Other Torture

Here is the broken finger update:

When I went to see the hand specialist two weeks ago...the Dr. had x-rays retaken and determined that the bones in my hand had NOT moved (big sigh of relief), but that there was still a chance they still could. If the bones did move...I would need surgery to place a pin in my finger because the bone movement would cause problems with my joint. So..it was important that I immobilize my hand for at least 2 weeks. The doctor gave me a couple options...primarily discussing a 4 finger splint (with my fingers in an ackward salute position) or a cast. Among the factors to be considered...my 3 small and active children, my high activity level and difficulty slowing down, and a slight tendency to try too much...plus, I was leaving in a couple days for a trip full of kids, waterparks, weddings and roller coasters.

So...I opted for a hard splint that day. I actually went to a fellow occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy and she designed this particular torture device. Very interesting to be on the other side of this process. Will definitely give me some more empathy if I go back into practice.

After about two days of this splint...I realized this would not work so well on a 10 day trip to Minnesota with 3 kids who are relatively oblivious to the whole thing. Particularly with my strong willed, strong bodied and unpredictable two-and-a-half year old. So... two hours before we left on our 14 hour road trip...I went in and was fitted with a purple, waterproof cast. It immobilized 4 fingers and my wrist. LT affectionately referred to it as my "club". All that to say...it was a very good choice. I was able to swim, do some mild tube waterslides, roller coasters, and generally have a good time while still being "good" and not stressing my hand too much. But, I was about as excited about it as I look in this picture.

On Tuesday (2 weeks later), I went back in, got the cast off, x-rays redone, and was released to "buddy" taping my finger and starting hand therapy to regain my movement. Ugh! Who would know breaking one little finger would be such a pain. Yet, all-in-all, it has gone really well; three weeks out I am starting rehab and hopefully will be back to near normal in another 3-6 weeks.

What's in a name?

A conversation with Sparkle and Uncle E on "How to talk in Australia" :

S: How do you say, "hello" in Australia?
E: "robandbobareyouruncle."
S: (Give's E a quizical look) How do you say, "hello" in Australia?
E: No wait,wait... actually, that actually means that you really liked something or it was really good in Australia. So, when you are done with your dinner tonight...you should pick up your plate and say "robandbobareyouruncle". So..remember, tonight, pick up your plate, set it down, and say, "robandbobareyouruncle".
S: What's a plate?
(I break out in hysterical laughter.)
S: What would my name be in Australia?
E: I don't know, what would your name be in Australia?
S: Olivia