Update

So much has been happening with all of our wonderful family and I have focused on that.  Now it is probably a good time to give an update on Grandpa.  I think the best I could say is that we are in a holding pattern.  I tried to think back to what he was still able to do and what has changed.  The most recent things I have noticed is that he can't always tie his shoes.  He knots them several times and before I can get them off I often have to un-knot them first.  Putting on his belt without help doesn't work any more.  He can get them through a couple of the hoops but either he has lost interest or just doesn't remember to go all the way around.  He isn't bothered by his inability to do things any more so that is at least a blessing in this forgetting process.  His eating remains pretty much the same.  Breakfast is definitely his best and throughout the day he eats less and less.  I spend a good deal of time coaxing him to try and eat a little more.  I wish I had to be coaxed to eat!!  He will have an occasional flare up of frustration but they are so rare and so short lived that I have nothing to complain about.  Getting him to swallow his pills is probably my biggest challenge but I just wait until he is ready and try again.  I am amazed that he can put the pills in his mouth and just leave them there.  I am sure they taste terrible but he never complains.  His only real complaint is that his arm hurts.  I plan to have the doctor check it next month when we go to his regular visit.  My biggest concern is how he will handle the move to Arizona.  I am nervous about it and keep going back and forth about how I want to do it.  Fortunately, until the house is sold here I can keep worrying about it but not deal with it.  All in all we are both doing pretty good.

Heading Home!

The California Duncans are at the airport!  Can't wait to have them nearby again.

Good Job!

Aunt Amy designed this to celebrate their wedding.  It turned out really nice!

Birthday Treat

On top of a family celebration Ruth got a special gift from a friend who invited her to go to Disneyland for two days.  Uncle Christian and Ruth had a great time with their friends and they took advantage of every part of Disneyland.  Apparently Ruth isn't a big fan of roller coasters!

Day 13--St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.  It was first settled when Ponce de Leon came from Spain.  Their first stop was at a large fort.  While there they were able to see how early Spanish soldiers lived.  Next stop was to the Pirate & Treasure museum which had some recovered treasures.  For lunch they stopped at a chicken and biscuit place and Uncle Andy ordered fried green tomatoes.  He said he thought this was one of the best meals on their trip.  From lunch they went to Fort Matazas.  They took a ferry out to the fort and saw Dolphins in the river and then a snake and skunk on the trail to the fort.  They finished the day at a BBQ place on their way back to Orlando.  Now the trip will come to a close as they fly home today.  Thank you son for sharing this great adventure you and your family had!

 

 

Junior Rangers

 Whenever they visit a state park Ava and Caleb always work on earning the Junior Ranger badges that are given for completing tasks while at the state parks.  I love that they continue to learn about all the wonderful things that have been created. 

Orchestra

Abby started her first day in the Junior High Orchestra today!  She plays the violin.  With all of these wonderful musicians in the family I hope that when the time comes we can have a beautiful musical number played by my favorite peeps!  If I am right these are the instruments played: piano (3), tuba, trombone, violin (3), bass (1), and cello (2).  You got this Abby!

Day 12--Clearwater & St Petersburg

Another busy day with stops at the Salvador Dali museum for Aunt Angela and Ellis.  Sunken Gardens for Ava and Caleb with Uncle Andy.  From there they went back to Clearwater for lunch and some fun on the white sands and clear water beach.  They finished off their time at the Clearwater Aquarium before they headed back across the state to St. Augustine.

 

 

Day 11--Traveling

Today the family (minus Perry) headed up to Clearwater with a stop at Lake Okeechobee and the town of Sebring.  Sebring was an area that Uncle Andy served in on his mission.  On their travels they saw acres of sugar fields, beautiful countryside and lots of rain.  The kids saw their first armadillo in it's habitat, and other critters!  They also saw dolphins swimming in Tampa Bay.

Quote

O be wise; what can I say more?

Jacob (Jacob 6:12)

Day 10--Miami & Food!

Today the California Duncans visited Miami.  While there they toured the Vizcaya Mansion and gardens.  It was originally built by James Deering who became wealthy selling  Deering farm equipment.  Uncle Andy said it was a combination of European and American decorating with lots of interesting art and furnishings.  Because of rain they didn't tour much outside but did visit the orchid garden.  From there they went to Little Havana for Cuban Sandwiches.  He said that Little Havana was very bustling with loud music and domino games in the park.  From there it was time to take Perry back to the airport at Ft. Lauderdale.  On the way to the airport they went through Winnwood which is famous for its grafitti and street art.  They finished out the day at a famous place for Columbian style hot dogs called Que Perros.  From the pictures Uncle Andy and Ellis had a Scooby Doo which had cheese, crumbled potato chips, garlic sauce, pineapple syrup, and boiled quail eggs with a squirt of ketchup on each egg.

Day 9--Key West Continued

Today the family enjoyed a floating trampoline on the ocean and then paddle boarding for Ellis and Perry.  Next was a visit to a Sea Turtle Rescue followed by a deer refuge where they enjoyed very tame little deer.  For Caleb's birthday they enjoyed a special dinner by the ocean.  Caleb wanted key-lime pie for his birthday dessert so they went to a Key lime pie bakery.  During their travels they saw Ernest Hemingway's house and President Truman's "little White House."  Tomorrow--Miami!

Happy Birthday Buddy!