Meet Katherine

 This was our first view of Katherine:

It's also when we found out she has some fairly big heart problems. (The doctors originally thought there might be some other genetic problems, but no, just her heart.) She had several fetal echo cardiograms and ultrasounds after that first ultrasound at 20 weeks. 

She was born today, and all went well. She came out and cried right away, which was a relief--breathing on her own! Her apgar scores were good. She weighs 7 lbs, 15 oz. They whisked her into the NICU right away. No chance for Audrey or Joseph to hold her.  Ray and I brought the kids up to the hospital and we were all lucky enough to see her for about two minutes when they transported her over to Primary Children's Medical Center.

Katherine will have open heart surgery in the next couple of days. The doctors are very positive. It will be a huge relief when that is done and we know everything is on the mend. 

Isn't she beautiful?

Seattle Trip ~ September 2013

I arrived on Saturday morning. Debra and the children were there to pick me up at the airport. The talking and fun started right then, and didn't end until I left. 

I always have a food agenda when I go to Seattle, and I managed to squeeze in a couple of favorites while I was there. We did King Charley's the same day I got there. I just love their burgers. The best in Washington.

My friends were kind enough to accommodate my craving for a beef gyro at Pizza Bank and joined me there with a fun evening of cards afterward. And when Ray arrived in town we hit Spud's Fish and Chips one night. 

I had such a fun time with everyone--so much fun I didn't take enough pictures. But I did get a few.

Jonathan and Diane

Diane

While I was there, Madeleine had her first day of school--kindergarten. It was such a thrill for me to share that with her. I always loved school and I'm ever hopeful that my grandchildren will too. 

Madeleine and Diane

Madeleine, Randy, and Diane

Madeleine and Debra

My girl and her girl

The walk to and from school looks like this.

That pretty much wraps up the week. We walked Madeleine to and from school every day, and Debra and I worked on a few projects. Mostly the family digital photo album.

I can't wait to go back!

BYU Football ~ Fall 2013

We love going to BYU football games. (Perhaps that's why we have season tickets.) We missed the first game this season because we were out of town, so this was the first game we actually attended. The weather was perfect. We usually get there a little early (so we can beat the traffic) and enjoy watching the stands fill up before the games.

Ray, me, David (Ray's brother) and Sally (David's wife)

September Report

Here it is a full week into October and I haven't done my September report. That's a pretty good indication of how September went, and how October is going.

1. First Things First: going very well right now. I hope I can keep up on it.

2. Photo Labeling and Scanning: none done.

3. Household Organization: I gave my bathroom a very thorough top to bottom scrubbing, which it desperately needed.

4. Projects: I finished a couple of small things (can't mention them here yet.)

Really what happened in September is that I had an amazing vacation for a couple of weeks that I will write about on my blog, hopefully before the end of October. (No promises on that timeline, though.) I have so much to write, and haven't really had time. My goal in October is to hold my household together. More on that later.

Split Second by David Baldacci

This summer we started watching  the TV series King and Maxwell  (starring Jon Tenney and Rebecca Romijn). It's a fun show!

Part way through the season I noticed the show was based on David Baldacci's King and Maxwell book series. I thought I'd give it a try. Split Second is the first in the series. I really liked it. In fact, I've already requested the second book in the series.

March 2013 ~ Eastern Caribbean Cruise ~ St. Thomas and Princess Cays

On St. Thomas we went on a sailboat for half the day. It included some snorkeling time.  The very last day was on Princess Cays - Princess Cruise Lines private beach. It was nice - but we didn't stay too long, and we didn't take any pictures.

St. Thomas:

Diane, Dave, Tamara

Karen and Dan

Dave

Tamara

Scott

Scott and Karen

Ray

Dave, Tamara, Scott, Karen, Ray, Dan

March 2013 ~ Eastern Caribbean Cruise ~ Barbados and St. Kitts

On Barbados we did a catamaran cruise. We sailed out quite a ways, then came back and did some snorkeling closer to shore. It was a great day.

Ray, Diane, Karen

Dave and Tamara

Mareen and Dan

Karen and Scott

On St. Kitts we did an ATV ride.We were filthy by the end, and it was not much fun for me, frankly. I would rather have stayed on the ship. Next time I'll know better.