Do you know the way to Santa Fe?

Walker repeated this question no less than 10 times on the way to Santa Fe.  Jack assured him, "Yes - I know the way."  It was a windy, windy day in Santa Fe and the skies were smoky from nearby grass fires.  The weather was cool, though, a nice change from yesterday's 108 degrees. 

Walker loved all the art sprinkled around the Plaza.

...and he was confused by some of the art too.

After checking out the arts and crafts, we headed for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The doors alone were incredible!

We took a little detour into a chapel adjacent to the main worship space.  There was a beautiful representation of St. Anthony of Padua.  Walker and Jack lit a candle for Charlie's good health and full recovery. 

In the basilica's courtyard we found this inspiring sculpture of St. Francis.

Jack and Walker also walked the labyrinth.

 

...and Charlie was a gem today.  He didn't make a pee during the four hour car ride to Santa Fe.  Then, we hung out in his stroller making zerbert sounds.  We still haven't seen any teeth, but this kid is a teething fool.  This is the face he makes all day while chewing his lips:

Tomorrow, we're heading to Flagstaff.  I don't think we could bomb out all 10 hours to Cedar City.  Its just too much to ask of a three year old.  Hopefully, all will be smooth and we'll be in Flagstaff by 3pm!

Tender Mercies: Dallas to Amarillo

The Greenmans are on the road!  Here is Walker happily tucked away in his car seat.  15 minutes into the drive, he was fast asleep.

Too bad he was sleeping, because he missed all of the beautiful Texas countryside!

Yes, you read it right.  108 degrees.

 

Once we landed at our hotel in Amarillo, Charlie crashed on the couch.

Luckily, when he woke up, he was ready for a little tummy time.  He cooed at his stuffed dog while Jack and Walker had stories.  I forgot to pack Walker's books in his day bag, so Jack read to Walker from Gideon's Bible.  Walker asked what was "Holy".  Jack answered, "It means "with God".  I always thought it means "with holes".  Silly me.  Finally, Walker said, "Daddy, let's just make our own story."  Little does he know, that's how our bible came into being!  Here's Charlie lifting up his head and enjoying every minute of it!

Twins

I've been digging through the archives this weekend.  Here are two pictures. The first is Walker at 5 months and the second, Charlie at 5 months.

Westward!

We're spending the day packing up and cleaning the house.  We leave tomorrow morning, bright and early, for Jack's gig at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City Utah.   We've got a dear friend living in our home while we're away and some dear friends waiting for us in Cedar City!  Today, we had a date with the Power family to make some art!   Here are the beautiful shots that Alison caught of Walker in action:

I just wanted to post this photo of Walker - taken one year ago today.  Its amazing how much we grow over the years and equally amazing how many things stay the same. 

So, we'll be on the road for the next four days through Texas, Texas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah!  Yes - Texas is really three states wide, so I thought it needed repeating.  I've put a little arrow on the map below so you'll know where we're at!

Happy 60th Birthday Grandma Happy!

A quick story about Walker:  Walker and I were waiting to pick Happy up from the airport.  We walked up to the gate and Walker was expecting to see her right away, instead of waiting for her to come through the gate.  There was a young boy playing near the gate and Walker wanted to talk to him.

Walker said, "You're not Happy."

The boy said, "Yes, I am."

Walker said, "No you're not."

"Yes, I am too happy."

"No you're not.  You're not Happy."

"I am happy." said the boy.

...It went on and on.

So Cheers to Walker's Grandma Happy - today is her birthday!

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Happy!

Happy Birthday to you!

And here's a shot of Grandma Happy from 1951, when she was brand new!

Charlie is Nine Months Old!

Charlie had a nine month visit with his pediatrician on Tuesday.  He smiled, cooed, and wriggled around so that his Doc could see and enjoy all his new and exciting physical feats.  Generally, he's doing very well and is super healthy!  Dr. Hamner commented on his sweet personality and his big BIG grin. Charlie's weight gain has tapered off a bit at almost 22 pounds.  His length is still off the charts at almost 32 inches long!!!  Unfortunately, his head circumference, which has been hovering around the 5th - 10th percentile is now below 0 percent.  The fuse along the metopic skull suture is not allowing as much growth as it was previously and the fontanel is completely closed.  The timing of his summer surgery to separate the fuse will be right on time.

We also have a date for surgery - July 19th.  Poor Jack is going to spend his entire birthday (the 20th) in ICU with Charlie Bear.  Yesterday, I took Charlie to a lab so that they could do a blood draw to test again for clotting disorders.  He was very good, but NOT happy to get yet another stick in the arm (he had vaccinations at the doctor on Tuesday).  

We're all getting packed up and ready to leave for the Utah Shakespeare Festival on Sunday.  We've got a lovely house sitter who will be in the home for the time that we're gone and a nice group of guys who will tend to our yard every Saturday.  We're going to travel by way of the Grand Canyon, which I haven't seen since I was nine years old!  Yay for family road trips!


UPDATE 5-5-11:

The surgery has been changed again to August 9th.  They assure me this is the final change!

Before Bed

Everyone in the house is healthy again.  No ear aches, no snotty nose and no coughing!  Here are a few snap shots of me and the boys before bed tonight!  Tomorrow: Charlie's 9 month well visit with our pediatrician!