Here We Go Again...

We had both good and bad this week...

GOOD-
We went to Chicago with Sherri and J.T. from Wednesday to Friday. We left after Davey's golf clinic Wed. morning and drove to The Palmer House (what a neat, historic hotel- I highly recommend using Hotwire to find a hotel anytime you are going on a trip. You can request only 4 and 5 star hotels in a certain area of the city and a great price!). We went to a little place close to the hotel for Chicago-style pizza and then back to the hotel for a restful night. The next morning, we got up and had McDonalds for breakfast (the boys didn't really know much about it, since we only go there about 3 times a year) and then on to the Museum of Science and Industry via bus. It was packed, but our driver was so great- awesome attitude! We got there a little after our ticketed time, but that was just fine. We saw all the Harry Potter "stuff"- Davey and Max even recognized a bit, since J.T. had introduced them to the HP phenomenon on the drive up, with help from a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the car. After the exhibit, we decided we should see what else there was there. We "drove" a combine, learned about cow milking and birthing (eeww!) and made a personalized gyroscope in the ToyMaker 3000 exhibit (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/toymaker/). When we were suitably exhausted (Max fell asleep while we waited for the bus back to the hotel), we went back and regrouped enough to figure out how best to get to Navy Pier. Unfortunately, the gentleman giving directions was a bit off on how long it takes to go via subway. The 3 boys really wanted to go on the subway, so, being loving Mommies, we caved. It took an hour to get to Navy Pier because you ride 2 stops and then walk about 12 blocks. Oh, well, we ate a yummo dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and then went to ride the Ferris wheel. It was neat to be able to share stories with the boys about David's and my trip to Chicago in 2006 for our 10th anniversary. They all enjoyed the Ferris wheel- Davey says it was the best part of the trip. Back to the hotel (via bus, this time. Same price as the subway, but took us from the pier to 1/2 block from the hotel. A MUCH better method!) Quick bath, to bed and ready for the next morning. Breakfast at Corner Cafe- delish summer fruit and nut oatmeal, spectacular french toast, happy boys! Then check out of the hotel and drive to the Shedd Aquarium. Another great experience! They just reopened the Oceanarium in late May after being closed (and animals "on vacation" in Mystic, CT for 9 months)- now it is LEED certified (very "green") and houses sea lions, dolphins, otters and pygmy belugas. They do a training show/ run through for their new show opening in a few weeks twice each day. We happened to be there when they were getting ready to do one, so we lined up and watched. Again, Max fell asleep while we were waiting, but woke up shortly after we sat down and the show was being introduced. He missed the long wait (and my contorting in an attempt to keep him comfortable) and got to see the show. We saw a few more exhibits and then began our 5 hour drive back to Louisville. We pulled into the driveway a little after midnight.

BAD-
his past week, my grandmother (85 and typically described by people who meet her as "spunky", "hip" or "wild") had a procedure to remove fluid from her chest (fluid due to congestive heart failure). The pathology reports on the fluid showed stage 3B cancer (we hear this is worse than stage 4). She has endured her husband having chemo in 1988 (I think), her son-in-law and grandson-in-law battle cancer and all lost the fight. She has decided not to have any treatment and has nor begun refusing treatment for pneumonia. She is likely going to leave the hospital and move to a place where she can receive the medical care she needs or go back home with full time nursing care. Either way, the next weeks will be rough and require spontaneity on the part of the family in KY, TN, TX, NC, SC, and FL. With the beginning of school coming for Davey, J.T. and me, many of us will have to be prepared to fly (or drive) to Tampa quickly.

The cousins enjoyed each other and I am so glad they have had such opportunities to see each other so much in the past year (this makes the fifth time since August!)

Have a spectacular week and please pray for doctors, patients and caregivers!

Time for BED!!!!