Survived

Imagine this face (and the associated crying). Now put this face on an airplane. Then times that by five hours. Actually make the last hour not even sad crying but full on angry screaming. All I can say is that I'm glad Justin will be with me on the flight home.

Bye bye rat poison!

As you may recall, a few months ago (four to be precise), I had a little stroke thanks to my chiropractor. Besides feeling yucky for a few weeks, the only lasting side effect of that potentially life-altering experience was that I had to take a daily dose of rat poison--otherwise known as the blood thinner Coumadin.

I am very happy to announce that I had a follow up MRI last week, and it showed that all issues caused by the damage to my vertebral artery have been resolved. This is great news in general, but most especially because it means that I don't have to be on blood thinners any more. Good riddance, Coumadin!!

Priceless

Push mower: Free from a friend.

Back yard: Part of our lovely little (or big as the case may be) mortgage.

Looking out the window and seeing Justin mowing the lawn with Colton in his arms: Priceless.

He actually mowed our entire lawn this way. And as you can see, Colton loved it.

Cousins

It's great to have cousins. I should know. I have somewhere in the vicinity of 70 first cousins. With my sister Emily and her family in town this week from Hawaii, Colton got to experience first hand how helpful cousins can be. Charlie seemed particularly concerned for Colton's well-being. While Justin was belaying the older kids on the rocks above, Charlie was making sure Colton didn't get hungry while we hung out below. Colton especially liked the dirt-covered ones Charlie picked up off the ground...