Herpin'

Bryan has been busy with field work this spring. It's nice to ride his coat-tails on some adventures, especially in the spring. The clouds roll in late in the day. The temperatures and light under the overcast skies are perfect! These photos were taken at the sink hole. The flowers were starting their palates of color on the valley floor.

The valley's are starting to warm up while winter remains on the snow-capped peaks.....

The sink hole is a pretty amazing place. A sight of wonder.....

This next photo was taken at Mather Overlook. It may take a while for all the snow to melt. I'm looking forward to hiking some trails this summer.

Meanwhile in my yard, my wild roses bloomed. Yellow, glowing beauties. Our trees have gotten so big around our property that it looks like an oasis now around the house. I'm so happy we planted a forest when we moved into this house a decade ago. The wind has finally calmed down and the temperatures warm enough to start planting veggies. I'm thrilled to start growing some tasty food!

One of photos I submitted to a contest made it on the cover of the "Ruralite" magazine, May 2017 issue. I called it "Busy Bee." They sent me a poster sized copy in the mail which was a total surprise. I love it! I think our precious pollinators need more attention and I'm glad to see the bee on the cover. It gave me a happy buzzzzz ;)

Speaking of busy, that's the definition of our lives. Summer break is around the corner. I'm looking forward to a more relaxed schedule that gives us a break from marching orders early morning and night. I'm aware that there will be chaotic days. But, the summer will feel short. We don't have any big trips planned. But, we plan to hike, swim, and camp and enjoy our amazing, local vistas.

Isaac's Long-awaited Surgery

May the 4th was Isaac's big cleft palate surgery. The official term is "Aveolar bone-graft nasolabial fistula" repair. Years ago we knew the day would come; and here it was! The surgery was scheduled at Primary Children's Hospital under Dr. Louis Morales. I knew Isaac would be in great hands.

Tick Tock..... we did a lot of waiting.

Isaac dressed in his hospital gown..... the famous slippers too  ;)

Butterflies are calmed with kisses..... and a little medication haha. 

Our heartstrings were tugged. He didn't act nervous. I think I was more than him. I knew what was coming. I asked him if he was anxious and he nodded his head. I figured he was too but he put on a brave face.

"May the 4th be with you!" 

One of the nurses asked Isaac if he wanted to ride into the surgical room in a wagon. He gladly accepted....

He played games which helped his nerves I think.....

Waiting, waiting....

Scar buddies for life! Like mom like son. Haha

The surgery lasted 1.5 hours. Isaac woke up in recovery with his little hospital side-kick that he colored.....

It's difficult to see your child go under anesthesia and then have to manage the pain after surgery....

He didn't swell up as much as I thought he would. Just a little bit.
He slept when he didn't have discomfort. Pain of course is always worse at night. That was the rough time. He never complained about his mouth, only his hip where the bone was scraped from.

The next morning he was feeling OK (as long as the meds were given on time). He managed to sip down some foods in liquid form ;)

Eventually he was able to hobble around. Discharge papers took forever. We were all ready to go. It would be much more comfortable recovering at home. We had a 4 hour drive, plus a stop at the store, which wasn't ideal but we made it....

Isaac didn't go to school for a week. He had instructions that he couldn't do any physical activities like trampoline, biking, swimming, playing ball etc, for 5 weeks. This is one reason we didn't wait until summer to schedule the surgery. That would have been cruel. He did manage to get lots of screen time that week. More importantly, lots of rest.

He moved like an 80 year old man for a week and a half; posture and all. He couldn't walk up straight for a quite a while. Eventually he felt good enough to get a hair-cut. What a handsome little man! 

and have I mentioned that I  L.O.V.E  his style?!

He will continue to follow instructions and recover.
Thank you friends and family for all for your love & support! XO

Spring & Summer Smiles :)

Sssssssspring is here once again! The craziness gets kicked up a notch......

Isaac and Ava are both working on their summer smiles (some are there; some are not). 
Isaac lost one of his front teeth....

It wasn't long before another tooth followed suit! Wow, he looks like a first grader now!

Ava lost a bottom tooth. These kids are keeping the tooth fairy busy :)

 We are looking forward to moving our Friday night jam session to the porch when the weather warms up.

This is a little older news, but Bryan and I went with our friends to a Taj Mahal concert in Park City, Utah. It was great to eat some good food, hear some great tunes and have a date night!

 The season is going to get a little busier. Bryan has projects and field work lined up. Currently he's checking his study sites since the herps are coming out. Kids will be out of school for summer this month. Wow. We try to take time and relax when we can.....

 Earth Day we "Stood for Science" with our neighbors in town....

The weather this time of year gives you whiplash. We try to take advantage of the nice days.

The clouds make beautiful sunsets......

Looking forward to planting seeds and watching my garden grow :)
I have a feeling this summer is going to fly by. It's a trend now.