Back to reality!

Mark and I had a fabulous time in Vegas and now wish we'd gone a day earlier! The weather was nice at only 104 degrees with overcast and sun mixed in throughout the day. We stayed at the Wynn this time and rented a canopied daybed at the pool which was luxurious with great service. The first night we saw "Jersey Boys" (great, great show) after enjoying dinner at Margaritaville. I had never been to the original "strip" downtown so we did that Wednesday night; didn't take long for me to realize it really wasn't my style and couldn't wait to get back to the modern area! Before heading home yesterday we went to "CSI: The Experience" as I'm an avid fan of the CSI and NCIS shows. We thought about Kelleigh Wednesday and hope she was serenaded by the group for her 12th birthday; yesterday was Blanche's 91st. Tomorrow afternoon the kids come home and it's also the wedding I've been helping with. Sunday we will all be a little tired I think but will celebrate "the girls" birthdays in a relaxed fashion!

Doctor appointment

Today I had my appointment with the orthopedic doctor regarding the on-going pain in my left hand. He confirmed that I do have "De Quervain's Tenosynovitis". Because I have already had two or three cortisone shots in my hand/wrist, having another one is not an option. Apparently the past shots have weakened the tissue and skin density too much and he couldn't have given me one even if I wanted it. So, I have to wear the brace until my surgery to keep the inflammation down and surgery will be September 2nd. While I don't look forward to another surgery, it will be nice to be pain-free again.

Off to camp!

Connor and Kelleigh left this afternoon for church camp. Despite being packed and ready to go for hours, they were both a little quiet when we got there. Hopefully Kelleigh will make some new friends this week as she isn't as outgoing as Connor is. After Mass tonight we are taking Blanche for dinner to celebrate an early birthday as it's not often it is just the three of us. I did put a birthday card in the bag with Kelleigh's medicine so the counselor can give it to her on Wednesday since she was upset about being gone on her birthday.

So...what are the odds that one of them would have their eyes closed on both pictures? That will teach me to check next time before I leave!

Today's visit

We all went to see Ryan today and he continues to do well. Told us that he had decided he wants to stay for the whole 18-month program. When we saw him he had on a whole new outfit which was a little surprising! The Director had brought a huge box of clothes he used to wear to the house and, since Ryan is the biggest guy there, he got most of them! (Mike is now nowhere near as big as Ryan so he's lost a lot of weight!) Ryan had on an expensive shirt from Nordstrom's, Lucky jeans, later a new pair of shorts, and much more. Even I don't have Lucky jeans!! He looked really great. Because he had clean-up duty after lunch, we took the time to go to Target and get all of them stuff for their respective camp trips coming up. Saved me from going tonight and was a good use of the time. Sadly we won't see him for three weeks due to other obligations and his camp trip but we'll be able to talk throughout the week.

Tomorrow Connor and Kelleigh leave for their church camp trip. They are very excited and all packed up! Kelleigh is a little annoyed that it is her actual birthday while they are gone but we will celebrate next Sunday both her's and Grandma's. Connor has his last lacrosse game for the summer league tomorrow morning. Where did July go? I am just not ready for it to be August yet!

Quail Botanical Gardens & Bug Exhibit

Last weekend Mark took the kids to a bug exhibit at Quail Botanical Gardens. They were disappointed that there weren't too many bugs they could hold and that decided Mom probably wouldn't approve of purchasing a Madagascar hissing cockroach! Connor did bring home information on what a great pet Bearded Dragon lizards are and is lobbying to add one to our life after he returns from camp. We will see!

Here Connor is holding a "walking stick" bug on his hand...how can you not think of the "Bug's Life" movie when you see one of these?!

Of course his first request for a reptile pet was a snake but his mean mother told him that would never happen in her house!

He was quick to point out to me how Bearded Dragons prefer human contact. Okay...not exactly the cuddliest looking creature...

Where naughty children go...

Afternoon showers

After spending yesterday morning doing yardwork, we lounged in the pool as it was high 90's and very refreshing despite the darn bees that wouldn't leave us alone. Mark kept reminding me they were thirsty too...great! As we were picking up to come in, it started getting darker...much like it gets before an afternoon thunderstorm on the east coast. Within the hour there was thunder and rain - it was great! Despite the hot days, we are loving the warm nights which we don't get very often. Today and tomorrow are also to be in the high 90's and then back to 80's. We're working out the final details to the backyard's "remodel #4" so that work will start the first week of August. I"m looking forward to the new changes but it will seriously cramp my tanning program!

Hurricane Harbor

Yesterday we took the kids (and Connor's friend) to Hurricane Harbor. Was the perfect day for a water park as it was 97 degrees there! Today Grandma had to have an emergency root canal as she was in pain when we got home last night and had made an appointment for this morning. In a few minutes I will be joining my friend's 30th birthday lunch and then home for a little pool time as it's quite warm today too! Have a great day!

Today's visit

We all went up to see Ryan today and it was an interesting visit (yes, he loves his purple shirt!). Mark and I thought he was quieter than usual but we were able to visit with him some before the family meeting began. Connor and Kelleigh were happy to see him and it appeared to be mutual. Following the family meeting only the parents meet and the boys (and siblings) go out to prepare for lunch and visit. When I went to find them for lunch, Ryan was smoking with the kids right next to him. When I told C & K to go get lunch and gave him my "evil look" he so loves, he (and all the guys around him) knew he'd screwed up and that I was livid. I had explicitly asked him to respect how we felt about that and to not even have cigarettes with him during our visits; he has 6-1/2 days to do as he wishes but respect our time. The house manager and director both knew something was wrong so we talked and Mark was asked to join us. We had promised Connor and Kelleigh that we would go to Starbucks with him so stuck with that plan before heading home. To get across to him that we aren't kidding, Mike will tell him tonight that he will lose his allowance this week (and get only enough to do his laundry), has to call and ask us to visit again when he's ready to respect our wishes, and write C and K a letter apologizing for his choice. Ryan knew that I was upset and apologized when we were leaving. It will be a long road and we've only just begun...

July 4th Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend with pool time, fireworks, bbq, and s'mores! The kids worked very hard moving a pile of river rock we had delivered for the backyard too. Tonight also marked the first time that Blanche ate s'mores! Even at nearly 91 it's not too late to try new things! I saw Ryan on Saturday and he's doing great. He was proudly wearing his new shirt and had his hair spiked.