Zoo!

To celebrate Wiz's being sprung from the hospital, we went to the zoo. We rented a wheelchair (which gave me a serious workout--who knew they could be so hard to push?) so that Wiz could see the animals and not become too tired. It's a really nice zoo. Wiz and I used to go to the Cincinnati zoo after all of his appointments at CCHMC, so it was nice to revisit that tradition.

It was a little rainy, and a little chilly, but having fresh air was so worth it. We'd all been in the hospital for so much time that being able to walk around and see something different was wonderful. I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

The giraffes were inside their enclosure, but when we walked by, they came out and watched us. When we left, they went back inside!

Seattle Aquarium

Last week we were in Seattle for Wiz's surgery. Monday afternoon was completely busy with pre-surgery appointments, but we had the morning free. One of the things we try to do is make these sorts of days balance: some unpleasant activities, but some pleasant things too. We went to the Seattle Aquarium with both of the boys. Game Boy and the Collar had never gone, but Wiz and I had. It's a really neat place. There are all sorts of Pacific creatures: fish, birds, aquatic mammals.

Game Boy took a lot of video. He decided it would be part of his homework for science class.
We saw lobsters (this one's particularly pretty)nudibranchs (because they are cool)

and a very annoyed looking bird. We had a good time--and the boys had a better day. When Wiz was released, we went to the zoo (we rented a wheelchair). However, that will be another post.

Where Was I?

I've been sick and busy. Whee! There's a lot to do to get ready for surgery for a kid. It's amazing how much there is to do. Find things for him to do, find things for his brother, make him new pajamas--so much to do and so little time.

I decided that stranded knitting is probably not the best idea at the moment. I kept messing up the pattern, so I am putting it aside for a bit. I made a giant rectangular thing using super bulky yarn and the Cozy stitch pattern. There isn't a good picture of it yet. I really need to block it better.I sewed a pair of pajama bottoms for each of the boys. Wiz's are monsters (very happy monsters)

and Game Boy's are owls. I have fabric to make each one another pair, but I don't think I have time right now. Today is preparing to go to Seattle for an extended period of time. I won't be updating here much (I'll be using Wiz's carepage for the surgery stuff) but I'll post short updates via twitter and facebook.

(We have a housesitter, so don't worry about the house being empty.)

Wiz is 9!

He is more and more interesting every day. His skills at building legos are becoming so much better. He build the ship without anyone's help. I think it's a first for him.
He had a Pirates of the Caribbean ice cream cake. (There is still some left, unbelievably.)
He has also decided that rollerblading is the best thing ever. He's been going out and doing this almost every day. He wants to be a speed skater.

Happy Birthday, Wiz. Enjoy your last year as a single digit!

Mardi Gras

or Pancake Day, if you are so inclined.

Our parish's youth group does this as a fund raiser. After everyone who can eat pancakes is full, we have the No-Talent Show. This year, the little kids sang (no picture) and the older kids did the Spam sketch from Monty Python and played when "The Saints Go Marching In".

Game Boy decided at the last minute to play "Spiderpig" on his trumpet. The Collar played his dulcimer.

Jokes were told, and everyone had fun.

Next up is Wiz's 9th birthday, which was yesterday. I have sewed some pants for the boys and have been generally busy. Everything's copacetic.