While the mice are away the cats will play.

Our big adventure started when we shipped Porter off to summer camp, Rayce off to scout camp and sent Ryann to my sister's in St. George. Coincidentally.. for the same week.

Sunday, June 28th, Porter went to a summer camp. It's near McCall, Idaho. That is located about three hours up a windy road. Which is fine.. unless you throw up. It's called Camp Ida Haven. This was his second year. I think this is as close to the summer camp that the twins from the Parent Trap go to (at least in my mind). He got to do all sorts of things; canoeing, hiking, challenge course and more. He went from Sunday to Sunday. I was feeling like this would be too long for him to be away from his mama. I think I was the only one worried about this.

On Monday, Rayce went to scout camp. It is also near McCall. I'm trying to think of something exciting to say about it... can't. He always has a great time at these camp outs and it is one of his favorite things to do... and since I wasn't there.. OH yeah.. He did come home with a gazillion mosquito bites. eewwww.

Tuesday morning, Ryann and I got up really early to make a 6am flight to SLC. She was off to St. George to spend the week with her cousins. St. George is two flights away from Boise. We fly with her to SLC and then put her on a small, 30 seat skywest plane to St. George by herself. Ryann loves to fly alone. In fact she is always thinking of places we can send her by herself. Although, on this particular day we had a very interesting conversation as we walked along the moving sidewalk. It went like this.. Ryann: Mom I don't want to fly alone today. Mom: Why not? You usually love to fly? Ryann: What if I crash. How will they know I was on the plane. Mom: Oh honey, They make a list before you get on the plane. They know everyone who is on there. Ryann: Oh, so they would read my name and then give you a call. Mom: Yes, that's what they do. Ryann: Oh, Ok...... Oh boy.. I'm thinking.. Phew, we made it through that one. Really that was all she was worried about. She just wanted someone to know that she was on the plane. I did think about that conversation as she walked out to the plane. She was so grown up.. pulling her carry on behind her.. climbing those stairs into that plane.. I felt a touch of sadness. We have these kids, that are so adjusted. She waved once and didn't look back.. I really wanted to bang on the glass and yell.. "Hey. It's me, mom. Don't you need me?" Needless to say, none of that happened. I watched from the window as the plane taxied. Called my sister to pass the word that she was on her way and ran to make a Delta flight back to Boise.

I was back home by noon. Kid free and looking forward to the week alone with my hubby. Where oh where would we go? THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!

AHHHHH.. Home at last!!!!

Wow... What a whirlwind. We've been kickin' butt and takin' names! Finally home. We are home and enjoying somewhat of a schedule. I will tell you all about our adventures.. a post at a time.
Our summer vacation started the end of June and didn't quit until...well, NOW.
Hold on tight.....

M-I-C....K-E-Y....M-O-U-S-E....

This is Rayce and his best friend Ryan. These two boys are digging for a cause! Way back in April, I struck a deal. Dig for Disney! I needed a hole and they needed some summer fun. I've been wanting to dig our trampoline in since we moved here three years ago. These two have been digging for two months... and now: after many many loads of dirt, blisters and sweat, and what must've been hundreds of otter pops...ahhh mission accomplished... Rayce, Ryan, Ryan's mom Val and I are flying out to Disneyland. Three days of magical fun. It just doesn't seem fair that us mom's get to cash in on their hard work? Oh well, life's not fair.

An Author's Tea

I just love the end of the school year. Not only is it OVER..no more lunches, early mornings and homework, but they always showcase the best talents. This is Ryann with Mr. Oliver her 2nd grade teacher. Mr.Oliver has a long running tradition of teaching the children to create their own novels. Thursday was the Author's Tea. The students were dressed in their best and showcased their books. (I didn't say my best.. but Ryann thought it was her best and she looked cool.) Ryann's novel was titled: A Squirrel Who Conked A Dog On The Head. It was a very exciting story and definitely displayed her humor. Ryann dedicated her book to Mr. Oliver. He has really played an influential role in her life. I am grateful to all the peeps who help to nurture and shape our children.

(time for a new camera.. sorry)

Crimson Point Showcase of Talent

Here's our Piano man playing in the school talent showcase.

We're still working on the nerves but it's good practice for him.

Of course, we are ever so proud!

One Year Ago...

This was my baby.. one year ago.
May 4th, 2008. David Graduated! Finally earning his MBA. WE were so excited! All those hours and hours of study had finally paid off. Not only was he getting his Masters Degree, he maintained all A's except for 1 B+. (It was the teacher's fault-at least that's what we hear from our kids when it comes to their grades-why can't it work for David too.) He is truly the smartest man I know. He is a little silly at times and always opinionated, but smart. As we celebrated his achievement, we still had one more hurdle to clear.
David suffered from atrial fibrillation. This is a condition where his heart gets to beating to its own drum. He was exhausted all of the time and would nearly collapse when reaching the top of our stairs. Of course, he didn't know how sick he was until he got better. Stroke is the concern with atrial fibrillation. The top portion of the heart beats out of rhythm with the lower portion. Slower and then faster. This allows for blood to pool in the heart and clot. When it gets back to its original beating pattern, clots may get pushed through the body and result in a stroke.
On May 6th, 2008 he underwent a fairly new surgery called the mini-maize. It was supposed to be a non-invasive form of heart surgery. Let me just say, there is no non-invasive form. What they mean to say is that they don't crack open your chest. They go in through the ribs by cutting two slits on each side. During the procedure, they deflate one lung to work on one side of the heart.. pump it back up..deflate the other. They test and kill any misfiring nodes on each side of the heart and they also remove a small reservoir at the top of the heart. (We always joke about his heart being too big.) I think they did a a few other things as well.. amazing how with time we forget. His surgery went well and if you ask him the worst part of the whole thing was the removal of the catheter... and not the one in his heart. He was assigned straight to the ICU. (Timpanogos Regional Hospital Orem, UT.) Two and a half days in ICU and we were discharged! ICU is not a good place to be.. everyone is dying up there. Really. Our Dr.'s kept reminding David that he was not sick, he was just healing. Armed with his oxygen canister and a prescription for his drugs we were headed home.. five and a half hours North. We made it 3 hours to Jerome, ID. It was time for an emergency drug run. Walmart here we come. I left David in the car and presented my ID to pick up the narcotics.. (I always wanted to say that) We made it home in time to meet the home health people and the oxygen man. David was like an old man! Three days after surgery his heart started acting up again. Back to the hospital.. He was treated for infection at the incision sites and had his heart jump started again. NO more complications! I was begging.. three weeks later he was running up and down the stairs with ease. He was wearing his new heart like a new pair of shoes, running faster and jumping higher! He quickly decided it was time to invest in another motorcycle. I now say, they fixed his heart but messed up his brain. :)
This May, we celebrate his healing. 100% cured! (at least the heart part) I love you Baby!

Porter the Piano Man

We are so proud of Porter. Something to note: We were running late to the recital and arrived just in time for his teacher to say.. Porter, It's you. I was thinking, "sheesh" can't someone else go in front of him? Give him a minute. But No, Porter was poised and professional. Made his way to the piano and played like he was the only one in the room. Porter has been taking serious lessons for about 6 months. We love to hear him play. Enjoy! (As for the hair cut, or lack there of, I've been waiting for Obama to pronounce "haircuts for all" but I think that's another post.)