Girls trip

I was heading to tutoring on Monday, only to find that the jolly green giant wouldn’t start. It’s been 12 years and that’s never happened, so it was quite surprising. Matt tinkered with it and figured it was probably the starter which is buried so far into the engine compartment that he didn’t want to mess with it. So on Wednesday morning my big girl got a ride on a tow truck. I’m in a feeling phase and it was weirdly emotional. After some spends repairs, I’m happy to say she is back to normal. 

Delaney came sauntering up after horseback with one of their barn cats. 

She loves animals so much. 

Thursday morning dawned bright and early as we headed out for our girls trip to Orlando!

We flew Spirit, which wasn’t bad at all if you know what to expect. We easily fit all of our things into a backpack and ate before we left since we knew they don’t serve any drinks or snacks. A quick 2.5 hour flight, and we landed in rainy Orlando. First stop - Chili’s, because we don’t have one here and it’s easy. 

Kori moved last year, and so graciously offered her home and services. She has a membership to SeaWorld, so we spent the rainy afternoon there in a very empty park. 

You can’t really tell, but the cute little penguins are behind us here. 

We walked all around the park, saw a dolphin and killer whale show, and just had a lovely time. 

Sarah, Alecia, and Kori rose the tallest and fastest coaster in Florida, and I said nope. I used to push myself to do things like that, but in my old age I just don’t feel the need. We walked through Sesame Street and ride their kid coaster and that was much more my style. I wish I liked crazy roller coasters, but I just don’t, and that’s ok. (Pep talking myself)

Cute topiary ice cream. We had the best photogs this trip! Our first shot with this was normal, and then he said we had to hug it, sooooo...

Even fake lighthouses are adorable. 

Meanwhile in Maryland, Frankie performed in her winter concert. I was sad to miss it, but I got pictures and videos, so it was ok. 

We went back to Kori’s house and watched HP works videos in preparation for our fun day at HP world. I was so tired, and it was like 9:00. 🤷‍♀️ And that wraps up girls trip day #1. 

Bum thumb - the final edition

On the 3rd I had my thumb surgery. I had trigger finger from repetitive use, namely painting our whole house, culminating in a 12 hour paint-a-thon wherein my thumb was never the same again. It’s frustrating because I used to be able to do things like paint for 12 hours with no problems, but not anymore. So my tendon became inflamed and would no longer fit through the tendon sheath, which meant that I couldn’t bend my thumb. It got worse and worse, until I finally decided to just get the surgery done. 

It was super simple. We went to the surgery center and within 30 minutes they’d numbed my hand and I was waiting for my turn. My friend, Anne, just happened to be right before me, so that was funny. It was like a surgery conveyer belt, super fine tuned process. Everything went well and quickly, and before I knew it, Matt helped me get dressed and we were headed home. 

They wrapped my hand up nice and padded and protected and I had to leave it like this for 2 days. 

My guys spoiled me with lunch, and then Debby and Izzy brought a delicious Greek meal. 

And I rested and healed. 

giant hand! I didn’t have any problems, I’m basically a model patient. 

I thought I was getting my stitches out on Friday and that I’d be back to normal. That was my first dose of reality that this was actual surgery, and I would need time to heal. No stitches removed for me. I got my new instructions to keep the bum thumb wrapped and protected and not submerged. In December. 😩

I got my stitches out a week and a half later, and I thought for sure this would be it, and we could get back to normal. But no, then I got steri-strips and had to still keep it protected and covered and not submerged. 

Basically, you should understand your surgery before you do it, otherwise you’ll have lots of surprises. 

*phases of healing. 

It was hard and frustrating and made December busyness go very slowly, but we made it. This last pic is today and my skin isn’t so tight anymore, my thumb bends again, and the swelling is going down all the time.

i am back to painting, but now i switch hands, take lots of stretch breaks, and call it good after just a few hours. I’ll be happy to not have to do this again. 

More December

It was fun having extra co-conspirators helping with Rainbow Ellie Sparkles. This was the most fun morning, when RES visitors each girl in her bed. 

I sent the kids this picture because...

I gave myself another trim. On picture day. Because people should always cut their own hair on picture day. 

Frankie is a sweet little safety patrol officer. And she loves her Aina’s. 

Picture outfits. Sadly, baby Em was off his A game for pictures. We were all running late and it was the coldest day of the month. Soooo. Not our best family picture session. 😞 

Sandy and Amy sent me a new pot. I love new pots!

Emmett got to meet Isla. She was a fan! In true Emmett fashion, he was not. 

Lu sent me this sunday morning when I was at ward council. Emmett getting all the love. 

So many of our ward friends went to see Addie and Matt in Seussified. It was so fun to enjoy it with so many friends. 

We got to take Abby with us one day, and it happened to be the day that Frankie won the kid raffle. They were all so excited!

The Scrooge was awesome. He did such a good job, and he is also such a nice guy. 

Frankie wanted one with the ghost of Christmas present. She was great also. 

Our crew with Narrator 1 and Narrator 2, my personal favs.  

The big girls with the big girls. 

Enjoying their spoils. 

All about Em

I took roughly one million pictures of this precious boy. I’ve always heard having grandchildren is the best, and in my vast 6 month experience, it’s pretty rad. 

He loves lights, so his little aunties were all over that and all offered up their room lights. 

Little Aunt D obliging baby Em. 

They even decorated his bed. 💕

He’s just so sweet and we all have such deep love for him. 

And his plumbers crack. 

I was a little worried that after my surgery I wouldn’t be able to hold him, but I made sure to wrap my finger nice and snug, and it was just fine. 

Love this goofy one. 

The girls would hold up their piano posters to show him the lights. He’s like the Queen of Sheba. 

And also, we love games. 

He loves his momma, and she’s such a good little momma. 

💕

Uncle Bubba was so excited to finally meet Emmy-Bob. 

Ever bodies fav. 

We lovingly call Emmett “blockhead.”

Piano lessons with grandpa. 

😍

Being the center of attention is exhausting. 

Bubba shares this on his snap.

Baby gloves are a must for our scratchy boy.