Miracles never cease

So my mother called last week to ask my opinion on whether she should get a knee replacement, because her doctor had recommended that she see a specialist.  Of course, she refused my advice that she get one, stating that my dad thought she didn't need one (since he knows so much about orthopedics.)  But today she called, stating that the specialist had told her that if she doesn't have the surgery, she will likely get worse and end up in a wheelchair.  So wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles - she has consented to the procedure, to be done in a few short weeks.  I'm stunned.  And thrilled.  It should add years to her life.  And reassuring that you're never too old to change.

So actually, she called a couple of days later stating that she was confused.  She is going in a couple of weeks to talk to him about when he will do the surgery, which likely will not be until the summer. 

Nashville Cats

I had a great visit with the Nashville Cats this past week.  Thanks to Fernash, I have posted photos of the fun.

Carrie and I went running every day while the kids rode their bikes in a park near their house.  The weather was beautiful, and we saw a herd of deer traipsing through the forest one morning.  The kids loved riding their bikes and we took turns pushing Graham in the stroller - although he was convinced he could keep up with us.


We visited the Nashville Library, where the kids checked out tons of books, and we stopped at a little candy store nearby with 50 different flavors of saltwater taffy.

The Nashville Zoo has one of the best playgrounds I've ever seen.  The kids loved climbing on the rope maize, through the forts and sitting in the mouth of a snake.  We had a picnic on the grass in an open public area of the zoo.  While Carrie and I were talking I looked over and Devin had decided he needed to relieve himself, so he had his pants down, and was aiming to relieve himself when Carrie grabbed him and whisked him off to the restrooms.  Definitely the funniest part of the day.  We also visited a cupcake bakery for very
yummy treats.




Because it rained one day, we ended up going to Pump-It-Up, which the kids loved.  Graham was tackling the giant inflatable towers like he was a Pro Football player.   They had a blast!

One of the funnest things for me was watching soccer practice and the soccer games.  Although a little tentative at first, Devin blocked two goals toward the end of the game.  Caroline was anything BUT tentative, and did a great job, pushing hard, and running as fast as she could trying to score a goal for me.  She did a great job!

After the soccer games, we went to a pumpkin farm, where the kids each picked out a pumpkin, then went home and made and decorated cookies.   (You probably notice a sweet treat trend here)

I had a great time with the Funks!   I brought one of my favorite childhood books, Charlotte's Web, and we read it before bed every night.   That may have been more fun for me than them.  Thanks for a great vacation, Funks!  I miss you already!