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!