Upgrades to the house

Our retaining wall has begun to disintegrate. Thus, the fence has started separating at the corner and pulling apart (giving a Rylie a great escape route). We bit the bullet and decided to get it replaced. Then, Alan brilliantly realized that since the fence would be down, it would be a great time to have the deck replaced. If we are replacing the deck and getting a new retaining wall, then why not go ALL out and add a patio and fire pit! Yep . . .

From the front

From the backyard - notice the gap in the corner

The work has begun . . . the retaining wall is gone and the fence is down

Mother's Day 2013

The family came over to our house for lunch. We missed Brian and Connie's family and Paula and Terrell's family. The 'college kids' (Kaedy, Kelsey, and Amanda) were also gone. Kaedy on a cruise; Kelsey and Amanda went to Sanibel Island.

We had to leave and visit Glenn, Beth, Jillian, and Hannah near the airport. They had just flown in from Pittsburgh. The girls left for Japan the following morning.

From here, we drove to Moultrie to bid farewell to Mr. Kleedehn. Though our reason for visiting was sorrowful, we always find joy in seeing our friends!

Austin's recovery

Austin stayed with us for 2 1/2 weeks after his surgery . . . until after his first post-op visit. He hobbled around the house without his crutches. He kept his foot dry (the word "amputation" scared him). He took his pain meds; he ate; he slept. He went back for his scheduled appointment on Friday, April 19th for the unveiling . . .

You can still read "Yes" from the day of surgery (to make sure they got the right toe)!

He came home from the post-op and was sick. We're not sure what caused the round of nausea, but he extended his stay until the next Saturday. I think he enjoyed his little siesta. He only went back to his house on April 26th because it was time to celebrate his cousin Kelsey's birthday. So he went home, mowed his lawn, and got the pool set up!

Not surprisingly, on April 28th, one of the sides where the stitches had been opened up and he bled "like a stuck pig". Genius child taped a paper towel over it.

His next post-op visit was Friday, May 10th. They didn't release him back to regular work duty because of the bleeding episode. He can only work 4 hours at a time, not standing, and with a 20 minute break every hour.