Michael's Surgery

Michael has had a herniated bellybutton since he was a few months old. It has never bothered him until recently, so we decided he needed surgery to correct it.

This is it before surgery.

At the hospital he was so nervous when they were taking his measurements, temp, etc. He relaxed in the waiting room thanks to this nifty car.

They took him to and from surgery, and even to our car in a wagon. I think Michael would have liked it more if he had been more awake both times. He had to bring his Tiger for protection.
Everything went perfectly and he is doing great. Notice the red lips from all the Popsicles he ate in recovery. I think he had three.
He says it doesn't hurt, but won't let me touch the bandage, so he's a little trooper.

The BIG one

So I'm going to say it. I'm 30. Oh the pain. I can't tell you how hard this birthday was for me. I insisted it wasn't happening. I was only going to have the 1st anniversary of my 29th. But I have decided to suck it up and deal with reality. Thanks everyone for all the phone calls and cards. And really thanks for the advice, "Don't worry, It only get's worse." It was SOOO comforting :<

Here's my nifty badge from Mandy. She said I had to wear it with pride.

Todd brought me some beautiful flowers.


Since I really couldn't deal with 30 candles, Michael blew out 1 for me on his piece of cake.

Las Vegas

VEGAS BABY!!

So we went to Las Vegas last week for 4 days. Originally we booked the condo so that we could see Wyoming play in the Mountain West Soccer Tournament. Unfortunately they didn't make it (sorry Tamika). My parents decided to go anyway and since I have never been there we decided to join them.

My boys loved the pool, but that's where we found out Michael was sick. Both Boys and I ended up not feeling too well.

Michael threw up his lunch of mandrin oranges. So my mom made Todd scoop them out. It was pretty bad. They even had to close the pool to add chemicals.

We moved to the Hot Tub which Jake loves. He was so relaxed he fell asleep.

SHARKS

We went to the Shark aquarium at Mandalay Bay. It was pretty impressive.

Michael was sure the fish were going to get him. He didn't understand the glass and refused to even touch the it.

I missed the picture of the Kamodo Dragon coming at Michael. I think he thought Mike was just the right size for a snack. Anyway, here is the croc.

The Strip.

Lots to see.

Jake wasn't sure what to think about the water show at the Bellagio. He was pretty tense and had a tight grip on Todd's head.

We had to let him walk up and down the street to keep him happy. Usually he is so easy and completely laid back, but keep that little guy up past bedtime, and he is a handful. Luckily Grandpa has some good patience.

Here we are in front of Ceasar's Palace. WOW that place is huge. It really kind of is like Italy (though the real things are WAY better!!!)

Halloween

A bit before Halloween, Stephanie and I took the boys to Gardner Village. They had a petting zoo which my boys loved. Jake kept trying to sit on all the animals.

Michael and Taiten made witches hats



Here's all the cousins together.
Taiten, Brycen, Jake, Michael
(No Luck getting them to all look at the same time)




For Halloween Michael had 2 costumes. The first was made by Grandma Izatt. He loved to be an Indian and shoot his bow and arrow. He's getting pretty good.



The other costume was a Dalmation, and it was a bit warmer for Trick or Treating. He got the idea this year, and didn't want to stop.


Jake was a white Tiger. He was so upset when we put his candy in the bag. All of it had bite marks through the wrappers.

Todd was a Pirate and I was a witch. We had a good time out as a family.

Election Results

Today really is a historic day for the United States so I felt the need to make a few comments. I was slightly undecided about the candidates, as I liked and disliked things about both, but was leaning towards McCain. But I find myself pleased with the outcome. People keep talking about what this means for African Americans, but I would also add that having a black president is something special for us "white folks" as well. Being a history teacher, I have a great love and respect for those who have come before, have worked so hard, and given so much to bring change to America, both black and white. The civil rights era has a special place in my heart (as was evident as I sobbed in Rosa Park' bus seat), and I feel that Obama's win is a culmination of what has been worked for for generations. In 1963, Martin Luther King said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" and even though I don't agree with everything Obama plans and stands for, I believe his election has the power to unify a nation and bridge gaps that have long been present. I hope that we will judge him by his character, not by the color of his skin. I find myself excited and hopeful for the future of our Nation. I hope it stays that way.

Just for fun, this was emailed to me, and I thought it was funny. It is titled "The next season of Dancing with the Stars."

Family Pictures

We went to Gardner Village last Sunday to try and take some family pictures. Jake would NOT cooperate, so we thought we would share some of the photos. Notice how composed Todd is in all of them.

He's moving so fast he's a blur.....


Here Todd, you try.



NOPE, that didn't work.




It's not hide and go seek.



I'm definately getting a workout.



Here it's just a face, don't throw up.


BUT. . . we got one I love! Thanks Angie for taking them for us!

Michigan Trip - Planes, Trains, Boats, Bikes, and Automobiles

On September 17th Todd and I were able to fly to Michigan to visit Mandy and Eddie Liu. When we got to the airport we took a car to Ann Arbor. It was super nice and pretty cool.

That night we went the the BIG HOUSE, and believe me, it's HUGE!!

Thursday we drove to Dearborn to see the Henry Ford Museum. It was unbelievable. The not only have cars, but trains, planes, bikes, houses, furniture, and more. They even have the actual Rosa Park's bus. I was so overcome with emotion while sitting in her seat that the tour guide asked Mandy if I was okay and Todd thought something was wrong. It was amazing to be there.

Friday we started at the Farmer's market where we ate delicious, homemade, pumpkin donuts, which is saying something because I don't even like pumpkin.

Then we drove up to Frankenmuth and visited the Largest Christmas store in the World, ate the famous chicken diner, and shop the small markets.

We continued our drive to the Upper Peninsula to visit the Island of Mackinac. There are no cars on the island. The residents get around by bike, horses, or walking. Little did we know that the last ferry left at 8:30. We had to charter a plane to fly us to the island. Todd thought it was awesome, Mandy's lucky I didn't bruise her knee from grabbing it so hard during the flight. It was definitely worth the $27 per person.

On the island we stayed in a cute bed and breakfast, rented tandem bikes to explore the island, and tasted the fudge they are famous for. Saturday we took the ferry back to the mainland.

Michigan is beautiful and we had such a great time. Thanks Mandy and Eddie!!