Spectacular Sunday

Dad was released to come home on Sunday. It will be several months, according to the doctors, before his strength is back. They are also in the process of evaluating and changing meds for his various ailments...rating the priority of which ones to treat...treatment of one ailment can cause side effects for the heart - it's a jigsaw puzzle.  Us "kids" have realized it is an asset for one of us to understand the drug/medical picture for Mom and Dad. This was the second time we've been at the ER in July with Mom first, and now, Dad. Both times there were many questions about the extensive meds taken. Sherri, Will's wife,  is being informed by doctors and Mom and Dad and is getting up to speed to be our "go to" person for meds for Mom and Dad. We love you Sherri!

 

I told Dad the next time he wants to have a family reunion, we can go directly to the reunion and skip the ER phase. All three of us kids were home....what a blessing Nate and Heather were in the states and that Will and Sherri live in the same town.

Yes, that is Josiah at the end of the table. He drove down from Seattle on Sunday and back on Monday. He wanted to see Gpa for himself and get a bit of family loving.

We stayed an extra day to help with the transition back to home, and to visit with Josiah. After Dad got settled, we left them to grab some peace and quiet, and went to lunch. Look who I got to see - not nearly enough this trip - but the trip was about Dad. ::gasp:: The sweet outfit is from my friend, Marvie.

Bella appears to love sticking her tongue out at cameras. ::snort:: 

Monday morning we said goodbye to Mom and Dad and Josiah and headed back to our place in the Redwoods.

Group hug

Hook in the Park

 Movies in the Park are a fun, weekly event sponsored in the Springfield area, by the Willamalane Park and Recreation Department.  Krista and CoRielle joined Michael and the kids for a showing of Hook in one of the local parks.

Popcorn too! Maybe Arielle doesn't approve of movies in the park? 

#WYFF - Dorris Ranch

Dorris Ranch was established in 1892 and is now operated by the Willamalane Park and Recreation district (whom Krista and Arielle are working for this summer). Dorris Ranch combines a working farm and orchards with hiking trails. It's a favorite spot of open-air enthusiasts. Michael, the kids and Arielle enjoyed a morning/afternoon visit.

  

Read the sign carefully! 

Evidence of a beaver - in the middle of duck territory - how do you like THAT?

Stacia, Nolan, Arielle, Alex

#WYFF (Where's Your Feet Friday) is sponsored by Fulltime Families. View more of our Friday exploits by clicking the #WYFF tab above. 

Gherkins at Lane County Fair

At the end of a long day of yard work at Mom and Dad's, Krista suggested she take Nolan, Alex and Stacia to the 2016 Lane County Fair. Michael called me at the hospital and suggested we go out for dinner - which we did.  A fun evening for all.

Stacia commented these rides were wilder than the ones in Hachinohe. 

I love her expressive eyes!

They got more than they bargained for in this ride. It looked like it would swing back and forth. It was an exhilarating surprise when it swung up and over the top.  Stacia's response on the video is priceless....worth watching just for those seconds. Keep in mind this is the first American county fair these three have attended.  Yes, they saw the rabbits, jams and jellies too - but the rides were the hit for them.

Charming gals at the fair. LOL 

 I texted Krista to go ahead and get dinner and tickets for all and we'd reimburse her. She didn't get the text, but I was relieved to see they had a nutritious dinner of elephant ears nonetheless.

Krista even took some video clips, if you'd like to see the action click below. 

 

This is life....the fun in the midst of the hard. Family memories made in the midst of the hospital visits. That'll preach! 

Dad's Adventure

Late Monday night we got a call and then a flurry of text messages. Dad had been taken to the hospital. His lungs were filling, he couldn't breathe, his chest hurt. He was blue and clammy. He was intubated.  Several nurses and doctors told him he was 2 min from death. We were thankful to be 3 1/2 hours away. We left the trailer and went to Oregon.  It turns out dad had a heart attack, the theory is he aspirated and that turned into pneumonia, and due to his known congestive heart failure, his heart couldn't keep his lungs clear and they filled up.  He was in ICU for several days, then moved to the floor and finally home 7 days after being admitted. 

I chose to spend most my time at the hospital with Mom. She isn't driving due to her seizure the end of July. Dad had a steady stream of visitors and I was able to catch up with many I've known in years past, as well as meet many of their new friends.  It was a blessing to have so much time with Dad and Mom.

Dad and his brother, Galen

G'pa, Krista, Arielle, Stacia, G'ma

Alex, Nolan, G'pa

 We had a sleepover at Grandma's!

Etoy (Folk's pug) isn't 100% sure about sharing with Yuuki

Heather (Sister in law, Nate's wife), Mikhail (their son), the kids and Michael worked wonders at Mom and Dad's. They weeded, trimmed trees, mowed and organized Dad's workshop. 

Stacia

Nolan & Alex

Krista

Sure, it will fit!

Yuuki likes Dad's fish