Yes, We're Still Here

Apologies are once again in order as we have been extremely lax in keeping this thing updated lately.  But you know how it goes - you get caught up in everyday life things like going to work, caring for two boys, vegging out in front of Big Bang Theory episodes, gardening, drumming, hockey, soccer, consuming copious amounts of Starbucks, reading Barron's - and the next thing you know months have gone by with nary a word blogged.

Once again - the requisite promise that pictures will be forthcoming.

And with that, on to the few newsworthy events of the last couple of months...

In the waning days of summer, we made a trip out to Remlinger Farms (just outside of Carnation).  Dina had bought a Living Social coupon for this.  It is essentially a huge farm with lots of things for families to do such as children's midway rides, pony rides, a small passenger train, food, etc.  We (of course) rode the train. The boys also enjoyed a 'canoe ride', a small kinda-Ferris-wheel ride, and their first pony rides.

We also went to the coast to Ocean Shores.  Dina's uncle's family owns a small cabin out there that he lets family members use.  Dina's brother booked a weekend and invited all of us to join them.  This was the first time at the ocean for the boys as well as myself.  (Yes - I've lived here for almost 1/2 my life now and this was my first time to the ocean - go figure (Puget Sound is technically not the ocean)).  Jonathan and Ethan both really enjoyed playing in the sand, walking along the shore/water, and playing with their cousin Amanda.  It was *extremely* relaxing to just sit on the beach and do *nothing* and simply listen to the roar of the ocean.

Ethan broke his collarbone back in September.  He was at speech therapy when it happened.  At their offices, they conduct various kinds of therapy for children.  As such, they have quite an assortment of different kinds of equipment that, from a child's point of view, appears like a huge playground of toys, climbing equipment, etc.

During speech therapy, Ethan is allowed from time to time to play on various equipment (like a ball pit, say). This particular week, he wanted to try out a hammock.  Since Jonathan's school schedule has changed to a PM class, he has to go to Ethan's appointment as well, as it is scheduled in the mornings.  Jonathan wanted to also try out the hammock and when Ethan's therapist went to go help Jonathan get on, Ethan fell off.  Now, the fall itself was only about 2-3 feet.  It was most likely the way he landed that broke his collarbone.  As was related to me from Dina, he was inconsolable (whereas he normally recovers after little accidents after only a few minutes) and kept crying/whimpering for the next hour as well as favoring that arm.  She then took him to the ER where an x-ray revealed the true nature of the injury.

Amazingly, all they did was put his arm in a sling and give him pain medication.  Apparently at this age, even a break like that will simply heal on it's own after 6-8 weeks.  No surgery, no cast, no splint - just a sling to immobilize the arm.

Ethan has had 2 successive x-rays and as of now it has healed quite nicely and he is cleared for all activities.

In other family news, Dina's mom has just had hip replacement surgery.  She is home now recuperating.

Jonathan continues with ice skating, soccer, and Karate (now having earned 4 black stripes on his belt).  Ethan is still in Gymboree.  Both are now in school (Jonathan is in 1/2 day PM kindergarten 4 days a week and Ethan is in 1/2 day PM preschool for 2 days a week).

Halloween is just around the corner and as such, trips to the pumpkin patch are requisite.  Ethan already had his trip at school last week and Jonathan will have his just a few days before Halloween.  Pictures will be posted - one day.

- bob