Hydrocelectomy

About a year ago, Dakota went in for hydrocele surgery (for a pocket of fluid around his testicle). Before the surgery his doctor examined him and saw that the lump had really gone down in size and sent us home.

Fast forward a year and we were back - same time, same place, same surgery. This time we knew it was a go because his lump kept on recurring throughout the year. We tried to explain to him what was about to happen -poor Dakota had no idea what he was in for. Here we are in pre-op preparing the little guy for his surgery.

Soon they took him away. He cried - we cried (he didn't know that of course) and we sat out in the waiting room - and waited....

Finally, the nurse came and got us. The Urologist talked with us about the surgery and said it was a success! Then we were sent back into the waiting room to wait some more - until he woke up.

Finally (again) we were called back. Dad letting him know we were there.

Resting with his "Bear".

Waking up. This picture kills me - "Mom, how could you let them do this to me!"

Waking up on Dad's lap with "Brownie" his new horse they gave him before surgery.

When we left the hospital Dakota was still very groggy and very sore. He had a tough rest of the day and night.

By the next day, he was walking around (gingerly),playing Batman (cautiously), and getting spoiled by his Dad, Mom, and older sister. We can't wait to get our spunky Dakota back :-(!

2 @ 4K

About a month before 4K started........ we would drive Dakota and Bailey by their school and say, "That's where you will be going to school!"

A few weeks before school started Mom was talking to Bailey about school and asked her what she thinks her new friends names were going to be and what will they play together. Dakota shouted, "I AM GOING TO PLAY WITH BAILEY!"

A couple days before school started Dakota announced, "I am NOT going to school!"

Needless to say, the day school started Mom was very worried!

It started off well, Dakota woke up and exclaimed, "When's school, when's school......I can't wait for school!" Really?

Finally, it was time to go. Mom told the twins that she was just going to drop them off then go to Target and buy them a little present ~ that they would each get if they were good ~ then pick them up.

So we headed out the door with their new backpacks!

Got to school and hung up their backpacks....

Checked in.....

Found their circle spots.....

And then Mom left...... there was no shouting, no crying...just big smiles, kisses, and waves goodbye!

Mom held it together until she got in the truck - then BAWLED!

A picture of Bailey and Dakota with their teacher Ms. Erin:

They LOVE school! Dakota's favorite things about school is his teacher and gym. Bailey's is her new friends and playing with blocks.

P.S. The first thing Dakota said to me when he walked out the door was, "Mom, I didn't get a time-out!" I guess what he was trying to say was he was good (which I had no doubt) and deserved his present :-)!

I got a little video of Dakota's excitement:

Second Grader

RyAnne was all smiles and ready to start second grade!

There was an assembly at school to kick off the first day for all students and families. RyAnne found her class and was all ready to get started.

RyAnne's family found a wall and were not ready to say good-bye to her again :-(!

RyAnne and her second grade teacher - Ms. Price!

'Twas the Night Before School....

when all through the house ALL the creatures were stirring especially this mouse;

Her backpack was packed, her clothes were picked out, she was so excited for school to start she wanted to shout!

We ate at Ella's Deli for our last summer hurrah

Which nearly emptied the wallet of our dear old pa!

Exploring Chicago

We recently spent several days in Chicago and had SO much fun!

First stop - Navy Pier Chicago's lakefront playground!

Playing "ring around the rosies" with others!

The 150 foot high Navy Pier Ferris Wheel!

The ride was closed because of the wind but re-opened right when

we got there! We saw beautiful views of Chicago's lakefront and skyline.

Mom talked dad into letting the kids ride the train. Dakota

and another little boy drove while RyAnne and Bailey enjoyed the ride.

From Navy Pier you can really get a great view

of the skyline!

Our hotel was in an awesome location - 1/2 block from Michigan Ave. On top of our hotel (22nd floor) there was a sitting area. It was a great place to watch the sun set after a long day of activities (and walking).

We decided go to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. The last time we were here, RyAnne was sick and cried the entire time. Nobody cried this time (except for dad when he saw the bill).

The kids had their first taxi ride from the Inn of Chicago to our next adventure....... the Shedd Aquarium.

"YIKES"....SHARK! Dad was too scared to get too close, so he took the picture.

Dakota finally met "Baby Beluga". Although he wasn't in the "deep blue sea", he was really fun to watch swim with his mom.

Bailey staring into the eyes of an alligator!

RyAnne needed a boost to reach into the water and pet the starfish.

From outside the Shedd Aquarium with Navy Pier in the background.

On the way back, Dad decided to walk. We walked along the shoreline to Buckingham Fountain.....

Then we stopped and played at Millenium Park!

The kids enjoyed the waterfall......

After getting soaked, we walked up to this great big silver sphere and took our "reflective" picture.

The Family Fun Festival was happening at Millennium Park. We stopped at the Family fun tent for hands-on-activities!

Then we continued walking....and walking...and walking! Finally, we returned to the hotel and Dad figured out we walked 2.5 miles! The kids were real troopers!

Mini Vacation

We recently spend several nights at G-pa & G-ma's condo at Chula Vista for a little mini-vacation!

Dakota & Bailey found a few slides they LOVED going down all by themselves!

Who's that girl? Yep, it is RyAnne! She is finally 43 inches tall and can go on all the slides - AND DID! Dad said people in line for the Durango Drop couldn't believe she was going on it. It was her favorite slide :-)

And she dragged Mom on them.....

And she raced Dad on them.....

Grandpa and Grandma Carter came up one night

And she dragged Grandpa on them!

Grandpa enjoyed this spot much better!

We also took the kids on the "Ducks".

They thought it was great fun!

Zoo School

RyAnne recently participated in "What's for Lunch?" a class offered by the Henry Vilas Zoo. This year she learned about animals and their various diets. She got to go behind the scenes and see the various animal kitchens at the zoo and feed several animals!

Here she is (in the middle waving) with her class!

Since we were there we enjoyed the beach and seeing the animals too!

We are SO lucky to live near this beautiful (& free) zoo!

After class all smiles and with a new friend!