And Now for the Fun

We came home from vacation to a big flurry of appointments, laundry, and therapy while we played catch-up from being gone.  Life has pretty much settled back down (as much as it ever settles), so I wanted to make sure to check in and post photos from our vacation.

Right before we left, Deena had an appointment with Dr. Vincent, her orthopedic surgeon, for a final surgery follow-up.  He said her leg was healing beautifully, she was cleared for all regular activity, and (barring any emergencies) we don't need to follow up for 6 months!  It's so exciting!  It was nice to be able to head out for vacation with a clean bill of health.

First up on vacation was Disneyland and California Adventure, of course.  We contemplate not going every year, because of the cost, but the kids love it so much and we always seem to end up there.  The parks were packed and a bit difficult to navigate, but it didn't stop us from having a blast.  There were multiple times I had to make a human blockade around Deena to keep people from bumping her, but we managed and it was totally worth it.  The girls favorite part was getting the princesses autographs and riding Dumbo, It's a Small World, Radiator Springs Racers, and the Haunted Mansion.  Conner loved all the fast stuff, with Guardians of the Galaxy being a favorite this year.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the parks this year:

After spending a few days at the parks, we headed over to Carlsbad and spent a week on the beach.  It was exactly what we needed; time to relax and recuperate, with no agenda.  We found a really nice, clean beach that had two beach wheelchairs, and the girls had a blast being out in the water.  Conner spent most of his time boogie boarding and couldn't have been happier.  We also spent time with my birth mom and her husband, as well as my birth dad and his wife.  It was really nice to get to see everyone, and the kids really loved visiting.  They have so many people who love them; we are so blessed!  We also spent part of a day at SeaWorld because they had their kids-go-free in October deal going on, and Ramya's been asking to go.  It was nice and slow, so it was pretty relaxing even though it was another park.  The kiddos all had a blast, and their favorite part, hands-down, was putting their hands in the tank with the fish that clean you.  They crack me up!!  We probably could have used another week on the beach, but we are so thankful for the time that we had.   

(This is Deena's face when she is "not cold")

Though there were a few bumps in the road with hotel issues and the crowds, we found most places to be really accommodating.  We are so glad we got some time away to re-connect and relax.  I have a lot more  "life stuff" to share, but the rest will have to wait.  Thank you for checking it!

We Made it to the Beach

Conner perked up this afternoon so we decided to pack up and head to the beach.  He said he would take it easy and not go belly boarding, but that didn't last too long.  Of course he made it in the water pretty quickly.  He had a blast, though, and is feeling much better.  The girls still only want their toes in the water, but they all enjoyed the ocean as well.  Deena took to playing in the sand right away and really enjoyed her first big beach trip.  I'm glad we were able to go! 

In the future, we need to look in to sand wheelchairs, but for now we are able to carry them to our spot, so that's what we do.  It'll keep us strong :). 

(See the little boy in the waves back there?)

She covered me with mud; thanks kid....

My feet are always happiest in the sand!

Another One Bites the Dust

I'm happy to report that Madi woke up feeling better and we were able to see my birth mom, Deana, and my half-sister, Lindsay.  We went out to lunch with them and enjoyed spending time with them. 

Monday everyone felt great so we took the ferry to Coronado Island, ate, walked around, and got our feet in the sand.  The kids loved it!  This was Deena's first time at the beach and she was in Heaven.  Wait until we get her to the "big" beach!

Yesterday I woke up feeling yucky, probably from what Madi had.  I didn't throw up at all, though, so that's good.  By the time the afternoon came, I felt good enough to get out, but still wanted to take it easy, so we took a trip to see the seals.  The kiddos thought they were hilarious and loved sitting and watching them. 

(she found a seed pod, put flowers in it, and wanted to give it to the seals)

(these are Conner's ocean photos that he took)

Poor Conner woke up around 12:30 am throwing up and threw up a few more times last night.  He is feeling better this morning but we are taking it easy until we know how he's really doing.  He ate a banana and is about to drink a smoothie and we will see how it goes.  He wants to go sit on the beach, but I don't want him to push it, so we shall see!

I'm so thankful we were able to get out and spend some down-time as a family.  It's so important for any family, but a break from our super crazy schedule is very, very welcomed.