Doctor Visits

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

As November approached, and my mother was now in Oklahoma, instead of Michigan, I was getting a little worried about who would be able to collect the big girls from school during our quadruple doctor's visit in Grand Rapids.  My back up plan had been to use the Eatran, but they didn't run any routes this direction, that time of day, as they were short on bus drivers.

I finally asked my friend Natalie if she would be willing to pick them up.  She agreed, and that was the plan.  Then, my mom returned sooner than expected, so she did not have to worry about collecting them that day.  

With rides arranged, I was able to focus on getting the little ones to their appointments.  First up was a follow up visit for the curve in William's spine.  We were crazy early, since we left straight from Alice and Emily's school drop off, but they were able to take us back early.  After a few xrays, she told us that he had actually improved and that both curves were smaller than they had been!  So, she wants to see him back in a year, or if any concerns come up before then!!

From there, we went to have lunch, and then played.  

That still didn't eat up much time, and so we were quite early to the second appointment as well.  Sadly, they were booked solid, and were not able to bring us back early.  So, we finished the second part of Sonic 2, and got through the first half of Turning Red before we could meet with the Plastic Surgeon.

His assessment was also good news for now, no big changes yet. He wants to continue yearly checkups with them.  I was concerned about a lump that seems to be growing on Juliet's head.  He ordered a CAT scan for her.  I was surprised when we were able to schedule it so quickly.  So, about a week later, the day after Thanksgiving, Billy and I accompanied Juliet to a very short appointment.  

Since she had to give up part of her break, we decided to do some fun things with just the three of us.  

First up was a much busier mall than I had anticipated, despite being black Friday.  I guess I'm just so used to empty malls at this point, but the one in Grand Rapids was busy!  We found a booth that rents ride on animals, and she had her pick of the litter. (lol)

She and Billy also spent some time in the Arcade.

We were hungry, but skipped out on the Cheesecake Factory, because they too were swamped.  We drove out to an adorable town, not too far away, called Lowell.  We ate at the brewery there (because many things were closed!) and it was very pleasant.

I think Juliet had a good time, despite a less than fun task at the beginning of the day.  We didn't hear from the doctor (aside from the technical report in her online portal) which to me is an indicator of good news.  It's when the doctor calls himself, and promptly, that you have to worry.  So, I guess we'll be able to wait another year!

later days

<what happened previously

what happend next>

edit: backdated for continuity

Jellystone 2019!

When the Rosenthals came to visit in April*, they proposed that we get together at a Jellystone in Indiana.  We agreed on some dates, but when I called the first week of May, they were booked up for all of our options.  When I called back to get on the waiting list, she told me of a single opening for a few days.  I snatched it up, not knowing whether or not the dates would work for the Rosenthals.

As it worked out, they were able to getaway during that opening, but they didn't have any cabins available.  So, they were waitlisted, and booked a campsite.  About a week before we met up, they were upgraded to a rustic cabin super close to ours!  And then, mere days before our trip, they were moved into the cabin 2 down from ours! 

When the day finally arrived, we made the 1.5hr trip down, and checked in.  Sadly, our key did not work.  So, Billy ran back to the front (with our packed car, just in case we were at the wrong site) and tracked down the correct key. = )

This is a picture of our children waiting.

When Billy returned, we started setting up camp.

The children were very fast in unpacking all of their bags, but still had to wait for us to finish before we could go explore.  They found a cartoon on the satellite tv.

The Rosenthals hadn't yet arrived, so we changed and went over to the pools. For the first visit, we just stuck to the splash pats.  It was quickly becoming chilly, and the water in the splash pads was not heated, so we headed back to dry off and start a fire.

It was late when they arrived, but it was fun to be reunited.  The kids all fell asleep quickly, and were up early the next morning.

Our first stop was the craft barn.

Juliet didn't want to pose for this picture.

Emily opted to make a new shirt, since her old one has been passed down.

Everyone else wanted to paint!

Emily showing off both of her creations. = )

After crafting, we grabbed our suits and towels to check out the indoor pool.  The air was warm, but the water was chilly.  When the air temperature dropped, I had to get out.  The kids stayed in until we heard thunder, then everyone was out.

We started walking back as soon as there was a break in the rain.  Poor Alice was not prepared for this turn, and so Dave drove over and all the kids piled in for the short trip to the cabin. = )

Camping is not much fun in the rain, luckily the Rosenthals brought some movies and put something on for the kids to enjoy.  The dads had blown up the floaties that morning, in anticipation of a beach visit that afternoon, but the showers lasted all day.  When I was deflating the floats, Grace thought it looked like I was hugging it.  

The twins wanted to help!

Billy got the grill going during a second break in the rain, but about the time the burgers went on, it started to rain again.  He ended up grilling in a downpour.  The umbrella helped keep the coals from getting doused.

While we were waiting for the burgers, Grace crawled in bed and fell asleep.  Dave came by to let us know that Alice and William had both crashed there.  I asked if they wanted us to move them, but after discussing it, we ended up just leaving them there.

Because of the rain, I had to melt the cheese onto the burgers in a frying pan, which set of the fire alarm in our cabin. = 0  Grace woke up enough to eat a few bites, but was tired enough to go back to bed.

After we were all fed, I also took a short nap, and woke up to find my 'not tired' Juliet fast asleep on Daddy. = )

The rain finally cleared out that evening, but it was still very muddy.  The dads took those who wanted over to the arcade, then we all ended up joining.  They closed down the joint, and all the activities were finished for the day. So we spent time around the campfire, while the kids watched another movie.

The next morning was our last full day, and since we'd given up half of the previous day, we had a lot to fit in!  We started with a trip to the ranger station to trade in their birthday cards. = )

Next up was the arcade, for a second round. 

Once prizes were collected, we waited in line for the train!

Juliet didn't quite make it into the picture, but she was next to Grace.

After the train ride, we broke up into 4 groups of 3 to play some putt putt: Billy, Grace & Juliet; Karen, Dax & Abigail; Dave, Kaitlin and Alice; and Me, Grace & Juliet.  Juliet tried to pick a putter that was taller than she was!

After putt putt we were ready for some lunch.  The pizza store was right across the road, so we enjoyed our pizza!

When we were washing our hands, I saw an opportunity to take some important information onto my phone.  Looking at you William!

After lunch, we went out on the paddle boats.  We broke up into 3 groups for this activity, but ended up trading out riders in the middle of the lake.  

They give you an hour, we only lasted about half that. lol

After the paddle boats it was swimsuit time again.  The sun had done a pretty good job with our soaking towels that didn't dry overnight.  So we reinflated the floats, and headed to the "beach."  It was a little disappointing, but at least we could use our floats!  After everyone took a turn, they were ready to move on to a pool.

On our way, we spotted Yogi!

We went to one of the heated outside pools this time, it was quite comfortable, and then more thunder.  = (  

It didn't rain much, so we grilled out some BBQ chicken and made up smores.  Alice & Dax didn't want to return to the pool, so the Dads stayed back while Karen and I took the swimmers to the pool.  The pool we were in earlier was being closed for cleaning, so we went to the other heated pool.  It was still cooler than I prefer, but by the time we left the water was warmer than the air!  Thanks to all the 'failed' attempts at swimming, we managed to visit every pool they had!

The rest of the evening was spent chatting and preparing for departure.  It's always sad to say goodbye, but I've already set a reminder in my phone to make reservations for next year!

later days

*Now that the Prescotts have announced their move back to Texas, I can start the story where it should.  About the time (February) we were going to plan our #crockscott vacation, James got word that his company was moving them, but didn't have any definitives yet. We postponed making arrangements until April, but things were still unconfirmed.  When May rolled around, Caroline told me to just make our summer plans without them. = (  Even though they were 10 hours away, we still miss them!  

Zap Zone

As part of the summer reading program, Alice and Emily earned their coupon packs, one of which was a zap zone attraction.  William* was put on a week's notice, because Avia, Alice and Emily would be travelling for the month of July. So, we needed to make Zap Zone happen before they left.

William had a bit of a reprieve when we checked the hours.  They had them listed on the internet as 4-10 weekdays.  Turns out they do have summer hours, but we didn't know that at the time, and waited for a Friday.  William read his time, and earned the free attraction pass!

Emily and William chose the bummer cars.

 

Alice picked the VR attraction.

Once the big kids had redeemed their coupons, we jumped and played in the trampoline** area.

This was moments before Emily lost her first front tooth!

After the jump, Avia generously sponsored some arcade time for each of the kids (I had said no.)  Everyone left with a little prize, and Emily left with one less tooth. = )

Since Billy hasn't been yet, I'm sure we will be back!

later days

*The twins are part of a pre-reader program, so were not eligible for the coupons.
**Alice's jump socks, from Emily's party in March, barely fit!  So, she will have my socks for the next go round. I am absolutely astounded by how fast she is growing!

Day in and day out

In the mornings, we are in rush mode to get the twins out the door to wait for the bus.  Most mornings, you'll see them eating breakfast, regardless of what it is, out on the driveway.

Some mornings the big kids join us.  And sometimes we even get to wait with daddy!

For spirit week, Emily dressed up each day, but the only ones I remembered to grab shots of were mis-matched day and college day.

Most mornings we do the kiss and go line, but since I've been substituting up at their school, I'll park and walk up with them.

My very first day of subbing, the final few minutes of the day, I was bitten by a student. (thankfully, not in any of my children's classes.)

We took a family trip up to an arcade that had bowling and bumper cars and laser tag.  It was a good time.  The twins were too short to ride the bumper cars, so they pouted and pined over them for the remainder of the day.  So, we will have to go back, when they are a little taller. = )

On Fridays the twins have homework, and they are so excited to do it (like the big kids!)  = )

I bought a Belgian waffle maker, and they are way better than eggo. = )

It's been flickering cooler weather for a month or two now, so tea has become a favorite around here. Today was the first day of really miserable cold.  Winter has begun. = (

Grace and her hello kitty  bunny were sleepy.

William noticed that the light on the floor was just like 'seven' (Aunt Rocky's dog.)

Over the weekend we played a ton of games!  The scooby doo game, battle ship, monopoly jr, candyland, several card games, and even a few rounds of blood rage. = )

And, after almost two months, and two mechanic shops, I got my car back! It feels so nice to drive it again.

So, the very first thing he did was replace the spark plugs and one of the piston heads (?)  that didn't solve the misfire issue, so he went further into the engine.  I had a broken tooth on my timing belt, so he replaced that, but it still was not the issue.  My sensors were not picking up on whatever the issue was, so he kept running mechanical diagnostics on it.  He consulted colleagues, the internet, all with no revelations. Finally, I asked him to bring it into a dealership, and see if they could diagnose it.  Within a couple of days we learned that my car does not care for the brand of spark plug he'd put in it all those weeks ago.  ugh.  Once he replaced them it was good to go.

Upon picking up my car (just in time for our grand rapids trip) I dropped off the van, since it had some issues.  He's replaced the water pump, serpentinite belt, and tie rods.  Since we just dropped 3K on the expedition, we did the bare minimum on the van for now.

And, a check engine light came in on my car.  He read the code.  Apparently my catalytic converter is (possibly) on it's way out, or at least the efficiency is reading as low.  The performance of my car is not currently affected, but it is now on the list of things to do. But I'm not willing to let go of my car again just yet.

With the cold approaching, footed pajamas have become the favorite around here.  Mostly among the older kids.  William loves them, but it makes shot nights a little tougher. = /

The day before my mom left, I accidentally poured my ground beef grease into a sink without a catch. = 0  Despite the low quantity, it was enough to completely block my drain (I'm guessing there were other things, and that this was just the last straw.)  My mom brought over chemicals, but even allowing it to sit over night it was not draining.

The next day I went to lows to get plungers and stronger chemicals, but was still unable to get it unclogged.  As these things go, Sarah was also having trouble with her drain, so we couldn't even bring dishes over to her house to run them through the dishwasher.

She took half a day off work to fight her drain and won! So, next she came over to our house with her tools and victory and unclogged my drain as well! = )

So, the other day when I made bacon, 4 layers went under the can...I'm not taking any chances. = )

On their breaks, I require the kids to read for 20 minutes each day before they turn on their electronics.  They get double time if they read to the twins.  Now that William has some sight words under his belt, he was reading to the twins. = )  He's a good reader, and an awesome big brother.

Having this week off for fall break has been nice.  It's been a little stay home and a little go go go.  But, my mom flew in yesterday, and we are so glad she's back. = )

Just like the rest of the year, October is flying by, so hopefully we can soak up a little more fall fun this weekend!

later days