Sydney

Sydney has been involved with gymnastics for the past year and appears to be very talented at it.  We recently had the opportunity to go to one of her competitions and she literally kicked butt.  She took 1st place all around and placed in every event.  It was quite impressive and we enjoyed watching her.  Glad she enjoys it so much and we look forward to more events.

My Tooth

Well, our insurance continues to be put to use.  Went to the dentist recently and I have a cracked crown.  I have two options - fix it or get an implant. Went to another dentist for a consult and he told me the chances of saving it are 50/50 so rather than take the chance of it not working, we are moving straight to an implant to the tune of $5000.  Yikes!!!
 

Physical therapy progression

Week one: Arm is in sling. Can't do anything for myself. Zeb and Keara learning how to do my hair and put on my jewelry.

Week two: Arm is in brace. Still can't do my jewelry but can dress myself.

Week three: Getting lots of looks with my bionic arm. I can do my own jewelry now with a little bit of pain. I can also do my own hair. Woo hoo!

Week four: Had to wear it to Germany.  It was a pain since it was so cold and I had to wear a coat. Have to admit that I didn't wear it sometimes.

Week five: Got my brace off!  Still can't straighten out my arm but I can bend it pretty well.

Week six: No restrictions in physical therapy.  It is painful.  Hope this arm of mine straightens out. 

Week seven: Discharged from pt.  Get to save $20 a week.

Week eight: Orthopedist said all is good.  :)  Happy day!

Boston Marathon

TEDxYouth

I love TED Talks!  I could watch them all day long so I could not pass up the opportunity to take Keara to TEDxYouth.  I took her out of school for the day and we headed downtown to get inspired.  They did not let us down.  Talks from a twelve year old studying brain stem cells, a high school student who created robotic arms to help who need prosthetics at a more reasonable price, a man who walked across the United States, another man who travels to the coldest place on Earth and the list continues. 

Snow Day!!!!

Well, I would not have called a snow day if I was in charge of schools around here but I sure won't argue with anyone.  It was especially nice after my trip.  Simply enjoyed time at home but it just isn't a snow day without making chocolate chip cookies.  Of course the best part is eating the dough. :)

Castlewood Canyon

Took advantage of the great weather and went for a hike in Castlewood Canyon today.  Kailei thought is was the best ever and liked to "adventure".  Keara enjoyed taking Nala along for the walk and Nala thought she was in heaven.  We had a great time.

Keara's Cross Stitch

Keara loves to go down to Grandma's and she always comes back having done something crafty.  Wish I was that talented!

Day 6

Our low key day. We got to sleep in a bit which was nice. This morning we headed to Museum of Communism. It was very small but interesting.

The rest of the day we spent shopping and eating. Can't get better than that.

Notables: doors that open the opposite of how we are used to it; warm choc wafers; tables with blankets; chips; fanta; pigeons; Bohemia;

Day 5

We walked and froze our booties off. That said I'm thinking I still prefer traveling in the cold versus the heat of China.

Today we started with a tour of the Prague Castle. We took approximately three hours to travel through the houses, churches, the Golden row, the prison torture chamber and over to the Charles bridge. There was also a special event occurring today so they were preparing for a presidential event.

We had a great Italian lunch in the market square and I felt very European.

This afternoon we went to Theresienstadt which was a holding camp for political prisoners and transfer station for the Jews. What a humbling and moving experience. I find it hard to put into words.

Had a little time for shopping before a dinner of beef and dumplings.

We are back at the hotel (not as nice as our last one) and enjoying a little down time.

Hard to believe we have only one more day before heading home. I always think I will never do these trips again and then I hear how much the kids love it. Guess we will see what the future brings.

Notables: spirely, homeless begging position, notes from the kids, crystal, oldest working moveable clock, time with Kim, crowns,

Day 3

More walking. My knees and back ache. I'm getting to old for this. I need a jacuzzi I think. That way I could get warm and deal with the aches and pains. I sound like I'm whining but really it is doable.

Today we began our day at The Story of Berlin which is a museum. It was a fantastic museum detailing Berlin's history and it began in a nuclear bomb shelter. It was fascinating to say the least.

We then headed to Potsdam. It was so nice to get out of the city and Potsdam was just beautiful. We visited the summer palace of Frederick the Great. We saw where treaties were signed. It was quite the place. It reminded me of Williamsburg.

We also got a walking tour around Potsdam. Can't say that I remember much of the history because I was really feeling tired but I sue enjoyed the atmosphere.

After Potsdam we headed back into Berlin for dinner which was less than great but the desert was yummy.

We ended the evening with a tour of an air raid bunker. It was fascinating, and scary and claustrophobic, and...... It was very well done and captivated us all.

The three chaperones capped off our evening at Andy's Restaurant with some mozzarella sticks and chocolate brownies. Good conversation which has kept me out way too late and unable to post this until morning.


Notables: snl Barbara Walters interview, oj, Berlin boys, graffiti, no happy meals, Berlin bombs,

Day 4

Stayed up way to late last night so getting up was painful. We headed to Dresdan today which was quite beautiful. The city was basically destroyed in '45 and it has been trying to rebuild it ever since. Lots of barque architecture which is ornate and gaudy at the same time. Many of the buildings are black which I thought was pollution but apparently they are made out of sandstone that has minerals in it and the minerals have oxidized. We had a nice lunch there and had a little time to shop. I managed to find one if the few Catholic stores even around Germany on my quest to get Mark a German rosemary. Mission accomplished and I can move on.

After Dresdan we headed to Prague. It is quite the city and has a totally different vibe. We had about an hour to look around before dinner. The town square was quite lively and I was amazed at how many people were there.

Tonight's dinner was my favorite one. The atmosphere was great and the chicken and desert were delicious.

We are at our next hotel which is not near as nice as the one in Berlin in my opinion. Guess it is a roof over our head.

Two more days and we head for home.

Notables: Trdlo, men, liberal, parks, 2600 porcelain tiles, segways, painted eggs