Thanksgiving Break

We took a week and ran the gauntlet. It was wonderful! Flew into CA on Sunday night, stayed at a hotel close to the airport. Drove to Arroyo Grande to visit the Bergs. Za was well cared for and loved and lead around... We ate like rock-stars, played with the dogs and horses, and had a wonderful time.

Then we headed south to spend a few days with my family. Turkey day was perfect! We went over to Kurt and Rosie's house. Mom did all the cooking, Rosie got everything together. Glenn and May were also able to come down. It was super great. And, as you can see, Isaiah LOVED the pie! He had his first taste of pumpkin and butterscotch pie. He's a fan.

Then, Friday afternoon, just as quickly as we arrived we headed home again. It was a very quick visit, but it couldn't have been better.

It was wonderful to have a few days to get settled in again. Dan heads back to work tomorrow and the craziness of December begins. Happy Advent to all.

What does the doggy say?

It's very fun these days. Isaiah is starting to make animal sounds in response to seeing the animal. The especially funny part is that we have a number of rhinos and giraffes and alligators... animals that don't really make much noise.

He's also starting "swimming" in the tub. He'll lay on his back and play with a toy, kick his feet, splash his arm around. Very cute! And he takes up a good part of the tub too.

On the health front:
Dan is super healthy and wonderful, of course.

Isaiah has a little baby eczema on his face. We went in on Friday to have it looked at as it was spreading slowly and there are a bunch of chicken pox cases right now. (I don't know the difference and I'd hate to be wrong.) Just a little lotion every day.

I am headed in to see an allergist to try to figure out what I'm having a strange reaction to. Every now and again my throat starts to close up. No big deal, right? Well, I finally went in and my doc gave me drugs to take daily, an inhaler, and an eppi-pen. Apparently, I should have been a little more concerned about this.

I see the new doc in December the same week Isaiah goes in for his 15 month checkup. This is also the checkup where we determine if the Iron treatment has been working. It should be an interesting week.

Other than this, it's been a great weekend home! The first one in 3 weeks. We're going to visit a local church tomorrow and spend the day picking up and playing around.

Flooded Birthday Party

September 12, 2008 was the day that hurricane Ike came ashore.

We only got storm surge here in Gulfport, but it did close Highway 90... the only access road into our place.

So, Dan called at about 10am. I was boiling potatoes for the potato salad (Schlatter recipe). The cowl slaw was already in the fridge (Spies recipe). The BBQ and Cake would be picked up later. Dan, calmly told me that I needed to be evacuated. I told him that this was not a possibility because I was prepping for the party! The party we were having at the house, with all our friend, in a few hours!!

After a little coxing, and a few more hours prep, AND the gracious offer of an alternate location, we packed up and hit the road. The Hazlett's let us use their house. Everyone came over, and we had a blast!! One day soon I'll get the pictures up online, but until then, here are a few of the super fun day.


We ordered the cake form a local bakery and got his "smash" cake for free. It took him a few minute to get the idea. Once he finally got his hands dirty, he wanted them wiped off. Very funny. Very much my son!



He was also very interested in sharing. Oddly, I was the only one willing to take a taste. Very yummy, and very cute! He did get a bit messy. Dan was responsible for cleaning him off in the sink. I think Joanna is still fining bits of frosting in their kitchen. You will also notice the new shirt for the rest of the photos.


Jagger is Isaiah's bestest friend. They are still learning to share. Jagger often snags Isaiah's toys and this was no exception. Andrea, Brian and Jagger got this great drum for Za. They were both playing with one of the sticks when Isaiah decided he wanted to perform with both. This is one of the rare shots we have of Isaiah asserting himself. Fear not, Jagger got him back. The eternal struggle will continue.

It was a wonderful day. For the record, Joanna and Gregg, Andrea and Brian, Jennifer and Michael, Lavonne and Daniel. EVERYONE took pictures. Those here are from Lavonne. Love and presents came from everyone. It's amazing that it's been a whole year.