The Hobbling Unicorn

The night before Daddy's birthday, Everett took a big spill off of a chair in the kitchen. You know those moments that replay in slow motion in your mind--well, this is unfortunately now one of mine. He hit the counter pretty hard (and got a killer unicorn bump on his noggin) and sobbed in my arms for at least 40 minutes. I just thought he was tired and emotional but he didn't stop crying, and then he wouldn't let me put him down, and then I realized he could put absolutely no pressure on his right leg. At all! We watched him for a few hours and when it wasn't improving we took him to the ER. Luckily it wasn't broken, but there was a lot of fluid around his knee-cap and so at 1 am we were finally sent home with directions to carry him whenever he wants. Basically, Evie's dreams have come true and for the last 10 days he's been in my arms (or hobbling!) Hopefully he'll be 100% soon.

Symposium

After a year's worth of preparation, the Symposium that James planned for Stanford's Journal of International Law was absolutely marvelous. There were experts in cyber security, international law, computer programming and the media attending from all over the world and the dialogue was fascinating. I found a babysitter for T and Evie so that I could attend both Thursday and Friday's events and to say I am proud just doesn't do it justice. My husband is remarkable.

 

Thursday night was the keynote address given by Dr. Hamadoun Toure, the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union for the UN. After the speech, we went to dinner at Tamarine (my favorite place to eat in the history of the world--I promise you, it's that good!)

 

 

Mike Montgomery from CalInnovates (who funded the Symposium), Dr. Toure and James

 

Dr. Toure, Me and James

On Thursday James had arranged three panels focusing on cybersecurity. The room was packed with Silicon Valley's finest and it was such a great day.

The Clayson's and the Big Wig's came to support James and it was so great to have them.

Sunday Stroll

I made homemade cinnamon rolls and brought the boys a plate to share (with rolls for me and James as well). I went into the house to grab something and looked out to see two very cute little superheroes licking the frosting off of every last roll! Needless to say, I let them finish those off and I got myself a fresh one!

We took a walk after both Sunday Conference Sessions and Everett had his DD (blanket), doggie and sippy cup tucked into the pack. He kept asking where things were and then would pat the pack and say, "In pack. In pack."

 

We took our typical Sunday stroll around the Memorial Church. We stopped on the lawn to throw a frisbee and allow Evie some time to run around. Before we knew it a Chinese tour bus stopped in front of the church and we were swarmed by camera-yielding Asians! They all thought Everett was adorable and kept stopping to photograph him. I love that in the picture above it looks like he's saying, "No pictures please!" or maybe he's waving to his fans!

The Hoover Tower is a landmark that the boys know and love. It symbolizes home for them (and me) and I think it is so beautiful. I really like Stanford...why can't we stay forever?

Surprise!

These two awesome guys share a birthday week so Brady's wife, Natania, and I decided to throw them a little surprise party after the Priesthood Session of General Conference. They were definitely surprised and both felt special so we'll count it as a major success!

 

I didn't get a picture of most of the adults, but here are two pictures of the cute kids so you can just imagine how many grown-ups were there! It was a packed house (Ashley's house, btw, thanks Ash!) and the kids felt so awesome eating their ice cream outside on the lawn.



Me and cute Natania. Seriously love that girl.

Ash hung the coolest lights outside of her house. We've got to have parties there more often.

 

A few pics of some fun birthday guests!

Happy birthday Brady!

 

And happy almost birthday James!

Recent Fun

 Dry ice from our neighbor--the boys spent almost an hour blowing the smoke out of the bowl.  

 Baby exchange--friends took my kids twice last week and I had their kids on the third day. Why we haven't done this before I have no idea. I got so much done and the kids loved being together!  

 

T's Conference Fort. He and Evie had SO much fun in there.

Swim Lessons

Our little fishy is back in the water and is so, so happy about it! This kid is definitely related to his Auntie Care ;)

Ever is super cute but is an awful cheerleader! He wanted to be in the pool with his brother (although I have a feeling that he would freak out if I actually made him do it) and cried the whole 30 minutes. I know I've said this a million times, but he's lucky he's so cute!

MLH Care Bags

Being a coordinator for Mended Little Hearts has been so fulfilling. It's turned a really hard situation into an opportunity to serve--and for that I will always be grateful. For the last year I have worked endlessly to feed the needs of our group members by planning monthly meetings, raising funds and spending A LOT of hours with them in the hospital. It has been tiring and amazing!

 

Last week I was able to deliver 75 care bags to Lucile Packard for the families of heart patients (there are another 75 hanging out in my closet, much to my hubby's chagrin!) The contents of the bags were donated by stores, churches, and youth groups and I have been so touched to see the generosity of our community. The goodness in people is so beautiful to behold. 

 

Here I am with FOUR wagons full of care bags. If it looks like I'm beaming it's because I am! I received a MLH care bag when Everett had his first surgery and it brought so much peace to know that other families understood what I was going through. I'm just thrilled that more people will be given that same hope and I hope they reach out to us!
 

These boys are the real heroes (and their awesome Daddy as well). They have accompanied me on many-a-hospital visit, have sacrificed time with me so that I could serve others and they didn't eat every last piece of chocolate when the bags were being assembled--that takes major self-restraint! I love them so much.