Father's Day, 2014, and A Weekday Visit

It was a great Father's Day to celebrate not only Norm's super recovery after surgery, but to spend time together as well. It was low-key, tacos on the menu, as is always the case when the kids choose. I'm talking the adult kids, by the way! :) 

The girls hit the "fancy box" when they first arrived and decided to get Papa all fixed up. He didn't stay that way long but we did get a couple of pictures.

Swimming was on the agenda, of course, and even though the water wasn't as warm as I would want it, the kids didn't mind at all.

Claire taking just a little break...

 

 

 

 

Chris giving the evil eye before he squirts someone....

 



 

Chloe taking a plunge towards the deep end....

 

 

Papa and Chloe negotiating the five dollar offer Papa made her to jump off of the diving board...

 



 

She didn't get the five dollars, but she got closer to the diving board...

 



 

We had a fun time and everyone was well fed and well exercised by the time the day was over.

 

Since Papa and I are leaving on a trip in a couple of days, Mike brought the three C's up to spend some extra time with us today (Friday) and to help Papa with a couple of things. We so enjoyed our time and so appreciated his help. The first order of business was to paint some rocks to add to our little painted rock section in the pool area. We had a couple of rocks from last year and so we decided to expand the rock garden this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

While the rocks dried they decided to do some swimming and in Chris' case, some hose playing. 

 

 

Chloe working her way closer to the diving board.....

 

 

On the diving board and working on her courage....



 

 

Wow....she did it!!! Papa paid up and she was a happy little soul~!

 

 

Our expanded painted rock garden.... lovely, don't you think?

 

 

 

We are looking forward to our trip to the Midwest but as I have said before we certainly miss the grand kids when we are traveling. Claire and Chloe will be attending a Kinder-Camp in their Noni's town for one week while we are gone so they will be very busy and entertained. 

 

Blessed beyond measure...and off on a new adventure!



Some Lows and Highs From the Past Few Weeks!

Sometimes the unexpected events of life bring stress and anxiety but as so often happens when we look back at those events, you can see that it was mostly just a bump in the road that needed a little navigation. We recently had one of those unexpected times when Papa Norm was faced with heart surgery. The good news is that he didn't have a heart attack and symptoms alerted him to the need to be checked. Or, if truth be told, it alerted me that I needed to insist that he be checked. :) At any rate, he had a very serious surgery with a few minor complications but is doing well now. The night before his surgery he was visited by several friends and family including his precious grandchildren which served to lift his spirits tremendously.

 

 

The three C's and Uncle Superman!

 

 

Following surgery, Uncle Superman urging Papa to eat. That has proved to be one of his hardest things, his appetite has not been great but improvement is on the horizon. 

 

 

A good sign after a day or so, reading the sports page.

 

 

Catching up on some sleep.....

 

 

Don't look if you are squeamish....changing the dressing....

 

 

Out of ICU and doing some walking....

 

 

After excellent care in the ICU and then the Cardiac Unit in our local hospital, he voluntarily went to the rehabilitation hospital for some additional therapy. It was a good move and really helped to get his strength, mobility, and confidence back. Again several visits from the three C's were the highlights of his days.

 

 

 

Occupational therapy and physical therapy filled his days, and after one week he insisted he was going home. Although they would have liked him to stay another week I think he made the right decision. He has done just fine at home.

 

 

 

Now, looking at the highs of the past weeks, you can see that Claire and Chloe completed their Kindergarten year and graduated. What a fun day it was for all. It was Papa's first outing and he did quite well considering that he was only 2 1/2 weeks out of surgery. Chris also got to attend and enjoyed seeing his sisters and their friends in a really sweet program of singing, dancing, and photo viewing of their past year.

 

 

Chloe marching in...

 



 

 

And Claire marching in.....

 

The whole class...



 

 

Our sweet K-Class grads.....

 

 

 

The teacher had each child sit on a chair while she talked a little about them.

 



 

 

It was a great day, a great way to finish out the school year, and a real highlight for us after spending a couple of weeks focused on hearts, hospitals, therapy, and keeping things running at home. Claire happily posed with Papa and with her Nonie after the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

I am so thankful that Norm came through the surgery well and that God provided so much support for both of us through our dear family and friends. Both Norm and I felt the prayers and love extended on our behalf. Life is truly good!