January

What a month!

We spent a quick 3 day weekend in Ohio visiting family since we didn't make it up North at Christmas.  Thankfully, we had a nice survival kit for the car, compliments of my thoughtful sister, just in case we had a repeat of the 24 hour trip from a couple of years ago.  You know, the year that I was traveling alone with the kids, had only a few granola bars in the van for food and found myself sitting on I-77 in WV for 6+ hours as they had CLOSED THE MAJOR HIGHWAY due to snow.  My favorite item there is the Folger's coffee can labeled as "Family Restroom".  Really could have used that 2 years ago...

Anyway, we had a wonderful time with family and I did not use my camera like I should have.  Shannon had her in-laws over for dinner and games one night and we all had great fun.  Then, Grandma Brown hosted a delicious dinner for all of us so we could see most of our Ohio relatives.  You just can't beat Grandmas rolls, green beans and corn!  Then it was time to head home again...  The kids did get to enjoy playing in the snow and sledding with Mike and Uncle Jason.  They were thrilled beyond measure to see the snow!

Grandma Brown with the Great-Grands

Katey and Gabriella

Aubrey (I think she and Katey may have the same sense of style!)

January wrapped up with Seth going under the knife.  It was a whirlwind event as we found out that he needed his tonsils and adenoids out January 9 and he was having surgery on the 20th!!  The good news was there wasn't much time to worry about how he would do.  Seth was very brave and, leading up to the big day, was only upset that he was going to miss a week of school (which made his teacher super happy!). 

The day before surgery I told him that I could pull out the once-beloved Puppy and Sheepy for him to take along.  He said I could if I wanted to, he didn't care either way.  However, the morning of surgery he sought-out Puppy and didn't let go...which made Mommy happy.  (I've missed Puppy and am a little sad that Seth is growing up and doesn't need him around anymore)

So, all went well with the surgery.  The doctor, upon coming out to the waiting room afterwards, informed us that Seth's tonsils were HUGE and everyone in the operating room could not believe how big they were!  Glad we got them out!

Recovery went very smooth (though it was touch-and-go with my attitude and Seth's around day 5-6!) and Seth is no longer snoring or having moments of sleep apnea that we have noticed.  Wahoo!!

Seth before surgery

Puppy got a new friend (appropriately named), "Tonsils"!

And that sums up January.  Whew!