Quick trip to Jacksonville before we left NC

These are our last pictures of North Carolina. Mail & Bills were piling up so we made a run from Durham back down to Jacksonville to tie up loose ends. Mark took us to the Base and Beach for stroll with Pizza (and sugar see Dakota's nose) for lunch. We had a great time being with Mark, Kristen, Dakota and Bodee, during these trying days. Some up some not so up days. It was a great visit to see these guys work together and move ahead, knowing all the time, someone else knows the big picture and we were all blessed being together!

Last days in NC at the Beach

The New Dad & Dedicated Marine

Dakota with Sugar on her Nose!

Working on Dakota's Computer.

We're Home!!

We got back to our mountain home last night, and took our place in front of a roaring fire. It snowed while we were away! I love this kind of snow...on the ground not on the road. A family of deer, moms, babies, and even a 6 point buck have taken up residence in our yard while we were gone. They were quite surprised to see us here last night! I'm glad that we didn't scare them off, they were here this morning.

Dad left for Portales this morning at 3 am. There was a chemical spill that sent one of the workers at the plant to the hospital after breathing the vapors. I am here with Selena, who by the way is very happy to be home. It's great to be home....just don't know where to start with all the things that need to be done!

Starting the RACE!

Ready Set Goooooooooooooooooo

The Race!

Well it seems Dakota and her dad have an on going Race each day they visit and leave the Hospital. When Dad isn't there Papa is drafted for this competition... It seems the garage is on one side of the road and the hospital on the other.. Connecting the two is the "TUNNEL"! This is a long 300 feet! There are a couple benches 1/3 the way and 2/3 rds the way for Resting.. So what happens the race starts.. when you get to the first bench you sit.. It seems Dakota is ALWAYS first here so she sits.. When Dad or Papa get there to rest.. she is up and running the next segment and so on.. Well can you tell who ALWAYS wins?

CDH House.

This House is the foundation house (The Farm) where Mark, Kristen & Family plus another couple are staying while Bodee is at Duke University Hospital! At the front of the house is Dakota's K-9 chair where she watch's dad work Kai.. (Look close on the Right for the YELLOW chair)...Such a beautiful place don't you think!

Playin in the Leaves.

While Mom & Mimi are at the hospital the boys and Dakota take a walk at the "Farm" (Housing for couples who's kids have CDH). It's fall so the leaves.. Well you will get the idea.. Look close Mark is BELOW those leaves in the Bottom Pic.

Eyes wide open..

If I can just get the feeding down I can get rid of this feeding tube in my nose.. I want out of here!

Duke University w/ Bodee

Finally made it to Duke University to see new Grandchild Bodee.. Was still in intensive care but improving like crazy. Look at all that Hair!

Final touches for Christmas!

Christmas Tree trimmed and we are ready for the Man with the Sleigh! We just got this done in time to catch our flight to North Carolina to visit with Mark & Kristen.. Happy holidays await us all.. Dad




Dining room, Tree, mantel, front room and kitchen get a little red and green.

Christmas Books and decorate the Deck

Santa's, Tree and Ornaments come out too.

Thanksgiving Decorations

WELCOME TO OUR FRONT DECK!

Well, we're back on our mountain! I wish all of you could experience fall in the southern mountains of New Mexico! It is so beautiful, fall is my favorite time of year here. We are actually farther south than San Diego...so it's warmer than the mountains in the north, but we still have our mountains, pines, and deer. I love to hear the wind in the pines....very peaceful! And the "puzzle blue" sky (or at least that's my description of the color), is a brighter blue than you see in the cities. The only thing that could make my life more perfect here, is if my family lived closer. Dad and I miss you all every day!!!!!

Our Trip to California

Our Visit With Aunt Helen and Kathy

Visiting with Aunt Helen and Kathy was great!

Our "Rock Wall" Summer Project. Great Fun!