Life at the Hatchery

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

More Summer Pics..

Brody's first movie at the theater! We saw Winnie the Pooh and he loved it (it was our test run for Cars 2):

Bald Eagle at the parents beach. One of 4 that we saw during the first four days Sherry & Martin were here. Also spotted: a snake... no photos of that ;)

Roxy and Jacob splashing around at the parents beach:

It's a stand-off:

We just so happen to live 10 minutes from "The most beautiful place in America" according to Good Morning America. Pfffpppt.... we didn't need them to tell us that and announce it to the world. ;) Here is Jacob on the beach at the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Brody thought this was a perfectly acceptable outfit for a (non-rainy) Tuesday afternoon. Because every Tuesday is Naked Tuesday at the Switzers.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Aaron's surgery update

I received a call from our family friend who will be doing Aaron's surgery next month (September 19th). He's had time to look over the CT scan and said that just as suspected, Aaron had a complete fracture of the lateral process of the talus (aka "Snowboarder's Fracture"). He did this about 8 years ago and the piece of bone that broke off actually readhered itself to a completely wrong location. This is what has been causing him the frequent pain, swelling and sprains. The good news is that his ankle joint looks great - there is no arthritis at all. We were a little concerned that overlooking this injury for the past 8 years may have caused permanent damage, but that does not appear to be the case. He said surgery should last 1hr 15mins and he'll have an 8" incision. When I picked the phone back up off the floor he laughed and said that the best medical advice he ever received was to massively overestimate the incision size and your patients will always come out happy. All kidding aside, he said it should be about 1.5 - 2 inches. Because he will have to repair ligaments and tendons that may have attached to the the bone being removed, Aaron will have to wear a protective boot 24/7 for 6 weeks. He may need crutches the first two weeks, but that will depend on his pain threshold.

So, that is the latest! Aaron is eager to get the surgery done and have an ankle that doesn't sprain every third step.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Story of Love

You were six months old and full of fun,

With the blink of my eye you were suddenly one.

There were so many things we were going to do,

But I turned my head and you turned two.

At two you were very dependent on me,

But independence took over when you turned three.

Your third birthday another year I tried to ignore,

But when I lit the candles there weren't three, but four.

Four was the year you really had to strive,

Why look at you now you're already five.

Now you are ready for books and for rules,

This is the year you go to school.

The big day came, you were anxious to go,

We walked to the bus going oh so slow.

As you climbed aboard and waved good-bye,

I felt a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes.

Time goes so fast it's hard to believe,

That just yesterday you were home here with me.

And tomorrow when the bus brings you home and you jump to the ground,

You'll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.

So I'm holding these moments as hard as I can,

The next time I look I'll see a man.

~Author Anonymous

Monday, August 1, 2011

It's amazing how much they change...

2011

2010

2009

Summer: Visit with Drelles Girls!

We were so excited to have Shannon, Cadence and Berkley come stay with us for an overnight last week! Here are some pictures from the visit!

I love Austin's Arm gesture in this one:

The whole group! Jacob (5), Cadence (3.5), Berkley (2.5), Brody (3) and Austin (19 months)

Summer: Platte Bay!

Brody:

Austin and Brody both share a passion for SAND. They love to be covered in it head-to-toe and might even sneak a very intentional taste every now and then.