Happy Halloween!

These didn't actually last very long, but they were fun for a couple nights.



We couldn't help it.



This is what Molly thought of her costume.

To Appendix Thanks for Everything - or - Hey Darwin! Finches Are Great but What About My Vestigial Organs?

This is a little late in coming, but I wanted to catch everyone up on what has been going on over here. Unfortunately, Rachelle had surgery this week to remove her appendix. The appendectomy went well and she is home resting for the week. Sunday night, she started complaining of a stomach pain that had localized on her right side by Monday morning. She decided to go see a doctor, who then sent her to an imaging specialist, who then sent us to a general surgeon, who then sent us to the ER, who then sent us to ... well, they didn't send us anywhere, they just let us sit for hours and hours. They decided to remove her appendix Tuesday evening because it had become inflamed and was causing her a great deal of pain. She is still a little uncomfortable but seems to be feeling much better. For better or worse, I feel like this has given us a real appreciation for how unexpectedly life can change things.

And now, a quick rant. So, I want to know why, after thousands of years of evolution, do we still have useless body parts that do nothing but cost money and pain? Wisdom teeth, tonsils, the appendix - why are these things still lingering around like an unwanted house guest that can't take a hint? I would rather have kept the tail or the claws.

Well, despite all my irritation, Rachelle is doing well and I feel extremely grateful that nothing went seriously wrong. She is such a trooper, and even though we didn't have a very good experience with the hospital, she is trying to stay positive. So, now we have a new and improved Rachelle, a model for the future of mankind - free of all those useless things that just weigh us down.

What the Heck?

Here it's been almost 3 weeks and none of us has posted anything about the wedding! I realize that most of us were there in person, but I still think some kind of post is in order - at least to document the event for those who weren't able to go. So I guess it is up to me - although I think you guys do a much better job of posting than I do. But I do have some pictures to share.
It was a wonderful wedding and we really had a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone for making the effort to be there and support Keith and Rachelle on their special day. And thanks to them for having the day and giving us all such a good reason to get together.

I think Pyper's dance was the hit of the reception. They spent so long just dancing and talking and having the best conversation, none of the adults could believe it. I only wish someone had gotten pictures or (better yet) video of Bryce dancing to Cotton Eye Joe. That would have been worth a post all by itself.
Some of you may not know, but Mommer and Popper were able to swing through St. Louis on their way home and got permission to stop and see Kimberly. Can you tell she enjoyed the visit? Not sure if it's the light, or the camera, or the girl, but her hair looks different to me. Hmmmnm.
Thanks again to everyone for the wonderful weekend. It's things like that that make me and Mom so thankful for all of you and the joy you bring into our lives. Keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing you all again as soon as we can. It's hard being as spread out as we are, but maybe that just makes the times we can get together all the better. Lots of love - Dad.

Zoey's Birthday

This is a little old, but I wanted to share anyway. Last Friday we celebrated Zoey's first birthday. Dena got some princess type costume stuff for her to wear (which she hated). We also stole Keith & Rachelle's idea and got her a cheeseburger as well as some "Frosty Paws" doggy ice cream. Over all I think she enjoyed her birthday, even if she did have to wear some silly stuff to get to the good stuff.









Also, I bought plane tickets today to come visit for Thanksgiving, so there's that.

Looky what I found

Just a heads up...

Pyper's birthday wish list has been updated! :)