Lagoon Day

Teri's work sponsored a family day a Lagoon. Her company paid for two from each family and then offered a discount rate for any additional ticket any family was interested in purchasing. It was very generous, especially when we had more than 600 people attend (and we only have about 200 employees!!

We started out with some lunch (well we did, we understood some came a few hours earlier to get in some rides - but we decided to play it easy with Cole and not overdo it. The lunch was nice (although everything pales in comparison to the family picnics from Host - the company my Dad used to work for) burgers and chicken. That was followed by a raffle for some great prizes. We won some goggles, which we passed along to a guy who works on Teri's team at work and a set of Mag Light flashlights ... Shawn was in heaven ('you can't have enough flashlights ... '). While we ate and played bingo (another huge hit), we tried to give Cole a little nourishment. But there was too much distraction for him to take it orally - so in through the feeding tube it goes. As you can see, he'd rather be riding rides too.

We thought he was getting a little sleepy, but we headed over to the carousel (a personal favorite) and thought we would either go for a ride or have a seat while someone napped. As it turned out, a ride was all he needed. We strapped him on to the zebra and Shawn supported his back and head (since he's still not able to completely hold his head up). It was a little tricky because he was really, really enjoying it and kept throwing back his head with laughter.

We headed off to the kid section, but the only ride we could ride on with him - essential because of the head-holding thing, was this little rocking boat. They have a bigger version in the adult section, but this one was just fine. It swings back and forth and then with little warning, it begins to swivel 180 degrees to the right and left.

Which brings me to the point that I rarely if ever have gotten sick on a ride. The only one I can't ride anymore is the one that spins so fast, you stick to the side and the bottom drops out. I shouldn't say I can't ride it ... it's only that I won't since last time I rode it I nearly threw up and the thought of doing that while going around in a circle and that it could end up right back on me, turned me off of the whole ride. I can now say after this day we had a few more scares. Although I think it was based on my position. Facing backward on the carousel (so I could get pics of Cole and Shawn), looking backward at Cole on the boat to make sure he was ok --- uuugh. So my new rule is to face forward and limit the risk of sharing my lunch for the second time, with strangers.

So to calm everyone, we headed to the ferris wheel (another perennial favorite). Cole wasn't so sure at first. This is a pretty big wheel. But I think the problem was the time to load all of the other cars. Once we really started going and we could spin our car in circles (a favorite of Cole's) - he was sold.

We took a break and got something to drink and also to look for Nick (who works at Lagoon). Unfortunately, Nick wasn't working so we hung out and did a little people watching and resting up. Shawn got this ridiculously large frozen drink - he shared some with Cole, and yes that's it dribbling out the right side of his mouth. But he was enjoying what he did consume - once he got over the cold and tangy taste.

We decided to wrap up the day with a train ride around the park and through Utah's second largest zoo (who knew?).

We had a nice time and it was especially nice to go home a little early. Cole did great - of course he had two naps - but we stayed almost 7 hours. Can't wait to go back as he gets a little older.

County Fair

Ok - I admit it this is peculiar little post. But we went to the fair this year here in Davis County. We went to help in the Davis County booth - but luckily they were well staffed and we could wander a bit and check out just how many different types of foods you can deep fry!

However, the thing that really caught our attention was in the chicken and bunny houses, respectively. 

I don't know what it is - but I really want a few chickens. Luckily for my neighbors sake, [1] I don't think we're zoned for poultry, live poultry that is, [2] I'm sure the dogs would LOVE to have chickens even more than I would - gulp (if you get my drift), [3] I'm convincing myself that I need a bigger back yard, much more free time (or more 'farm' hands) and more space between the coop and the house to have chickens. So for now we'll have to be content to see them at the fair. 

Although, these are a few of the beauties we saw on our walk. (I was so mesmerized, we neglected to take more pictures). 

Team Cole - Hydrocephalus Walk

We had such a beautiful day for the Hydrocephalus walk this year. It's held at Sugarhouse Park in SLC, which is really an ideal setting between the geese, the pond, the mild walk - including a few small hills. 

Cole has it pretty easy - lucky him!

We had breakfast again catered by Einstein bagels with fruit and juice. We had the usual hats, writs bands, tshirts, and boozle bears (small stuffed bear with his own shunt), face painting, and raffle. Tami and Shaylee were able to attend with us again this year as well as some good friends we've made at the hospital and other hydrocephalus events. 

These are our friends the McFaddens. Two of their sons have the same condition as Cole. 

We even managed to get a few celebrities from one of the local radio stations - but I negleted to get pictures, so you'll just have to take my word for it. 

Unfortunately we didn't have the participation we had last year - but it wasn't due to lack of effort from the walk co-chairs. These ladies (and their families) are amazing and tireless. We're a little worried, we've volunteered to help for next year's walk and we hope we can keep up. 

Vicky's husband has hydrocephalus, and has just undergone two surgeries related to his shunt. Kelly was diagnosed in college (if I remember correctly). 

None the less, we all had a good time and we look forward to next year. 

We're all a little wiped out by the end of the day

Visit from the Oregonians (aka Grandpa Steve and Grandma Rosy)

{We have been such slackers in posting. Between visitors, friends, walks, and last minute trips for work I've only been able to copy the pics to the hard drive - but I'm committed to get caught up before the holidays start or we'll never be ahead again!! }

We had a great visit with Grandpa Steve and Grandma Rosy - especially Cole! They were coming from a wedding in Colorado and made an extended layover before heading back to Oregon. It was terrific to see them and spend time with everyone. We started out at our house so everyone could drop off their bags and get acquainted with Cole and his stiff upper lip. 

  

But as you can see he really warmed up to her. But then we made a quick trip up to Ogden to visit with some relatives - cousins and great Aunts mostly. Shawn made his three tomato pasta (dried, canned, and fresh) for dinner that night. It's easy and yummy although needed a little more garlic. Regrettably no pictures of the pasta so you'll just have to take my word for it. Then Grandma Rosy gave Cole a good workout. It was perfect and he was completely loosened up and wiped out by the time we finished - just what the doctors have ordered. 

We headed back up to Ogden the next day to check out some of the glazed windows on a number of churches in the area which my great-grandfather made year ago. I've included some pictures of the windows, but I don't know if they really do the windows justice - they're actually quite lovely especially when you consider how intricate the work is and the fact they were made more than 65 years ago.

Then we spent some time with Joan, Jocelyn, and Ben down in Salt Lake City at lunch. Unfortunately Ned was out of town so he missed out this time.

Then we spent the evening at Jennifer and Brendon's for dinner. It was really delicious and good to spend more time with Jordan, Autumn, and Matthew. 

Unfortunately, Dad and Rosy headed back the next morning to get back to work. It was really nice to spend time with them. We can't wait until the next time we get to see them. 

It's Time to Walk Again

We finally we're able to get our team page created. We had some small issues getting setting up - mostly user errors, I'll admit, but much better than last year.

Please check out our walk page this year at Hydrocephalus Walk Web Page (scroll down once there for more info)

Here's our message ...

As many of you are aware, Cole was born with Hydrocephalus. While some children and adults can live an almost completely normal life, Cole's version of Hydrocephalus comes with some added problems that will have have effected his ability to do many of the things we take for granted including eating, seeing, sitting up, and general physical and mental development. Cole is such a happy little boy and despite his struggles continues to smile and laugh amid the half dozen therapy sessions a month, outside his regular doctor visits.

We are grateful for the dedicated and brilliant doctors, surgeons, and therapists who love and care for Cole and others living with this condition. And with them, we realize that shunts are not a good long term solution. We're thankful Cole's most recent shunt (10 months ago) continues to function as well as it does. But we realize the life span of a shunt can be as little as a few years to about 7-8 years on average and they're not the long term solution. We're also thankful for the work the Hydrocephalus Association is doing in researching alternatives and cures and are committed to helping in whatever small way we can.

We hope you'll stop by and check our progress, come and walk or ride with us next Sat (Sep 20) or if you feel so inclined, we would welcome any small donation you would consider making to help reach the fundraising goals. The three of us thank you for your generosity of time and / or money.

Check out last Sep for pictures from our walk last year (about a month before his first shunt failed)