Summer Vacay, surgery, & back 2 school

 Who could have imagined a few years ago that we would be taking a summer vacation with Brian’s brother and his family!? Not us!  But here we are and it happened. 

All of us + Logan and the Mills headed to Florida and Universal Studios for a week. And it was awesome. We had an incredible AirBNB that slept the 10 of us comfortably and had our very own pool. And super reasonable cost. Happy to share with anyone interested. 

We rode lots of rides. And due to the fact that school was already back in session when we went-we never waited longer than 15 minutes for any ride. And the 15min wait was for the super popular Hagrid’s Motorbike Ride. Which this momma rode and though I almost had a heart attack at one point, I would def ride it again. The bald kid rode lots of rides and got to get up close and personal with his favorite character King Julien!  My heart soared when we rounded a corner and he heard the theme song. He was delighted and I’m pretty sure I cried happy tears. 

Hailey and Logan rode all the upside down, twisty-turny, backwards, fast AF rides and drank gallons of butter beer. Parker hung with me and the bald kid and partook in some of the less thrill inducing rides. All of the kids, and the Mills family, were so helpful with Ethan, I was more relaxed than I had been in a long time. 

The flights were good-other than SWA destroying Ethan’s wheelchair on the flight home. They actually handed us a couple of pieces off of it when we landed back in STL. Uh, oops?!  So now we are getting a brand new chair for him we expect to have end of November.  

We had such a perfect time just relaxing with the family and laughed about as hard and often as possible that we are already planning our next Family trip!  

September came and with that my surgery on my lymphedema arm.  I had a lymphovenous bypass and lymph node transfer at KU with Dr Butterworth.  It went well and so far showing some fabulous results!  

I’m not sure how it will fare long-term, but my surgeon and I both are pleased with where I am at now!  It can’t get any worse-so if this is status quo I’m good with that too!  

Back to school….

I don’t even know what to post here. All I will say is that we definitely miss Maple Valley. A lot. 

It’s just not the same and I’m trying, but it’s getting harder and harder.  I’m not even sure they are working with Ethan daily and I’ve become the squeaky wheel but I’m beginning to think they don’t even care to oil it. Guess I’ll just have to get louder. 

As far as new docs go-all of the ones we have gone to here-for me and the bald kid-are excellent!  I don’t think I could be more pleased!  And that’s saying a lot! 

Ethan is scheduled for his eye surgery to correct his strabismus (wandering eyes) first week of December. And during that surgery they will measure his eyes for a refractive surgery with implant at a later date to correct his near sightedness. He may not ever have to wear his glasses again after that surgery. 

And his new pediatrician is a dream!  She’s not Dr Russell, but she’s just as fabulous. 

And his Cardiologist?  Dr Kaine in disguise. 

Again-I cannot verbally express how thrilled we are with his care here. He’s in great hands. 

And my docs-just the same. Haven’t had one yet that I didn’t like or felt like I was wasting their time. Unlike how I was beginning to feel with my Oncologist in KC. 

It’s been a busy summer that ran right into fall before we knew it and I’m looking forward to spending the holidays here in STL. 

We miss our family and friends in KC, and for sure our Royals. 

But I’m so thankful for the memories we are making here!