Vacation has begun!

We're feeling good...my latest skin biopsies showed that my melanoma had NOT returned...my mom's brain cancer has NOT returned, and we are feeling healthy! My mom had a good day, and we are hoping for many more! My heart scan did show that I have some plaque around one artery, but my risk of coronary artery disease, (what my dad so unexpectedly passed away from) is not a risk for me right now. The doctor wants me to do a few more tests, and I will need to start taking a baby aspirin daily for the rest of my life. That is just fine, and I am relieved that my varied heart issues are not more serious.

Last night I had dinner with two new friends and it was such an enjoyable evening. We ate at a swanky Longmont restaurant, and enjoyed wine, riveting conversation, and new foods. Dining with adults is so calm and relaxed in comparison to eating out with children. Tonight we ate out as a family, and although it was enjoyable trying a new restaurant together, the conversation around; "Eat your macaroni", "Don't talk so loudly", and "Pick up your toys on the floor" certainly makes for a different, although equally appreciated, dynamic in dining out! :-) I'm not complaining though, two nights of not having to do dishes is a luxury!

The kids were in great moods tonight as it is the first evening of spring break in Colorado! Ashlyn had a friend over to play, and they kept busy for 3 hours this afternoon in the basement designing a "carnival." Their carnival was complete with a petting zoo, (stuffed animals) concession stand, (candies and nuts) pony rides, (sitting atop "Butterscotch") and entertainment where you would earn tickets to purchase toys at the prize station ( a bin of beloved trinkets and treasures.) It was great to see imagination at work!

We've all settled in with our books...I just finished reading, Charms for an Easy Life, and have begun, A Thousand Splendid Suns. Tom just finished To Kill a Mockingbird, and Kyle is working on the final 30 pages of, Eldest. Ashlyn just started reading chapter 2 of her first Harry Potter book, and I am amazed that a first grader can actually grasp the concepts, and fluently read a book such as this. Let us know what you are reading...Tom is always looking for new books and loves suggestions.

Wishing you a relaxing weekend! Until next time...Denise