Kearney, Ne

Aaron and I took a little trip to Kearney, Nebraska this past week. Actually is was a very long trip! Six hours in a car with a two-year-old by myself is a long day. It was worth it though. We were very happy to see Daddy when we got there!

John has been working in Kearney quite a bit this summer. He has been doing some survey work for the Plate River Project. He was there for a couple weeks in July. Then they went back out for a few weeks this month as well. It's been a little rough having him gone so much. Aaron and I missed him so we decided to go out for a visit!

The team works long days while they are in the field. So Aaron and I had to plan some things to do during the day. A two-year-old doesn't stay happy for very long in a tiny, boring hotel room!

The first day we took a trip to Target for some groceries and a new toy. Later we went to the splash park and played in the water. We walked around the botanical gardens and watched the swans. After that we drove out to the job site to meet up with John. Aaron enjoyed the dirt and river. I got to go for a ride on the air boat!

The next day Aaron and I checked out the firefighter's museum. It was pretty nice. The old fire engines were pretty awesome. There was a little wooden engine for kids to play in. Aaron enjoyed that. It even had an old hand crank siren. That was a big hit. After lunch and nap we went to see the Great Plate River Road Archway.

It's kind of a funny place. They have life size displays and re-enactments. It pays tribute to the pioneers that passed through during the mid 1800s. Aaron was a bit scared at first because of all the noises (owls hooting, wolves howling, trains and thunder)!

We also walked on the little nature trail outside. We saw a garden which included crops grown by the Pawnee. There was also a Pawnee earth lodge that Aaron enjoyed checking out. It was nice and cool inside the lodge!

Kearney is certainly not the most exciting place we have ever been! It was so nice to see John though. Aaron and I have missed him. Thankfully John made it home today. He is done with the project so he is home for good! Yay!

Neurologist

Saw a neurologist yesterday. It was a pretty good appointment. He did a pretty thorough evaluation of my reflexes, nerves and balance. He felt that everything looks good and he does not think that anything serious is going on. As far as other tests go, we are holding off for now. Any other testing would be pretty invasive. More that likely it wouldn't tell him much anyway.

At this point I'm not sure he knows why I have these symptoms. He said it is possible that I am having variant migraines. Without more obvious symptoms it's a little hard to say. Fibromyalgia was also mentioned as a possibility.

I guess we will just keep hoping that I feel better! I am still praying that nothing serious is going on and that the symptoms will go away!

Aaron is Two!

I can hardly believe that two years ago my sweet Aaron was born! It seems impossible that he is already two. He is such a wonderful kiddo. I truly feel so blessed that God chose us to be his parents. He is best gift God has ever given us!

The past few months have been crazy but fun. Aaron had his first weekend away with his grandparents. We took a trip to Colorado Springs for Uncle Tom's wedding. We went camping in Vedawoo and vacationed in Crested Butte.

For Aaron's second Birthday we had a sesame street Birthday party. Since we were in Grand Junction, we had the party at my parents house. His cousins and some good friends came over to celebrate with us. I made cupcakes with sesame street characters. The elmo cupcakes were allergen free for Aaron! I'm pretty sure Aaron enjoyed himself. He kept saying, "Happy Birthday party!!".

Aaron continues to have some pretty significant food allergies. He was recently retested and he is allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. He also had a reaction to shrimp. The food tests showed a mild reaction to coconut and sesame but since he tolerates eating these foods we will continue to give them to him. He is able to eat eggs and milk if the are baked into something. We have our anaphylaxis treatment plan just in case! Aaron will be retested when he turns three. We are still hopeful that he will out grow some of his allergies!

Milestones/accomplishments: Talking, talking, talking! Singing, counting and doing it "self". Aaron draws with crayons and takes his clothes off. Helps with dishes, laundry and feeding the animals. I have to say his biggest accomplishment lately is using the potty!

Favorite things: Trucks, his grand parents, animals and outside. He loves to help. Aaron enjoys playing with other kiddos quite a bit. Trips to the park and hiking are things Aaron enjoys. Water is also a favorite.

Crested Butte

Last week we enjoyed a lovely little getaway in my favorite mountain town! After stressful medical tests for me and working away for John it was a much needed break! My parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents rented a beautiful house near the mountains. It was a wonderful time enjoying family and the outdoors.

The guys (John, my dad and brother) did a lot of Mountain biking. They rode Snodgrass, Lupine, 401, and Deer creek. My mom, aunt and I did some riding up Schofield Pass and admired/identified many wildflowers. We walked around town and had dinner out. The town of Crested Butte is very quaint with lots of great restaurants. My parents took us out for sushi at the Lobar (thanks mom and dad!). It was really good!

Aaron had fun getting tons of attention, exploring the house, taking walks, eating hotdogs, blowing bubbles and playing pool.

We are so thankful for such a great family to enjoy vacations with!