Bear Lake and Surgery

Last week was...interesting... We had had a family vacation planned with the Brunsons at Bear Lake for awhile. But Daryn ended up having surgery scheduled (her bladder has been prolapsing out frequently and causing her a lot of pain, so her urologist wanted to try to put it in one more time in hopes that it would hold another year) on the day we were supposed to go. After talking about it, Lance and I decided there was no reason that the other kids had to miss out, so we split up. He got the hospital shift, poor guy, since I have to stick with Blade. Early Tuesday morning Lance and Daryn went to the hospital, while I packed and left for Bear Lake with the rest of the kids later that day.

We were staying in a little cabin, which was pretty nice, except it had lots of windows that let sunlight in so the kids were up early every morning. Since Lance's parents and sister weren't getting in until later that afternoon, we passed the time mostly at the campground: scooting, playing at the park, playing mini golf, and eating crepes.

Meanwhile, Daryn was in and out of surgery and starting her recovery. A balloon and peacock in a purse from Grandma and Aunt Sharon helped lift her spirits! 

She was originally supposed to be released on Wednesday and she and Lance were going to meet us at Bear Lake that afternoon, but she just wasn't doing that well. Since she wasn't eating (or pooping) they decided she needed to stay another day. Poor girl!

The rest of the Brunsons arrived that afternoon and Maddie was happy to take a turn walking Wilson, Grace's dog. 

Mimi sent money for each kid to pick out some fun things at the campground store and they made some great purchases.

Reagan got a bow and arrow/knife set.

Maddie got a snake, frog, and ball, and they picked out a moose ball shooter thing for Daryn.

Blade really loved Reagan's blade. (So did Lance.)

And Maddie slept with the glow stick wand that Reagan bought next to her face all night.

Thursday morning was beach time. The weather was perfect.

Reagan and Grace worked hard on their sand castle.

Maddie sprayed everyone with water guns.

Blade mostly sat on the side but did get in the water a little.

He loved the squishy sand under his toes and I love this picture so much.

While we were packing up at the beach, Daryn was getting discharged!

We had a quick lunch at the bus while Lance and Daryn drove straight up to join us. We left Daryn watching tv with Joy and went out on the lake for a couple hours.

Maddie was the only one who loved tubing this time. Strangely, Reagan and Grace were both scared and only did a short ride each. 

Everyone loved jumping in to swim out in the lake, though!

Lance and Meagan even did a little wakeboarding. (I couldn't get up. One of these days...)

That evening, Meagan, Grace, Joy, and Reagan went to see Tarzan at the Pickleville Playhouse. 

Back at home, Blade got a little snuggle with Daryn resting in bed. (Still not eating much, pooping, or moving).

We returned home the next morning (after another crepe stop), exhausted and stressed. Luckily, things started to pick up for Daryn that night when I convinced her to walk to her room. By Sunday, she was back to her old self and practically refusing to take it easy. She still stayed home from church with Lance and I got to take the other 3 kids. She's off pain meds and mostly recovered now (whether the surgery was successful is another question...)

Lance's family came to our house for dinner on Sunday and the girls put on a silly little play and wanted us to take pictures with them after. 

Fingers crossed that life is a little more normal from now on! (What is normal, anyway?)