And here are his battle wounds -- this shows where the bone came out of the skin.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bryce Update
Bryce got his cast off on 10/23. His collarbone is healing great. He still has 6 more weeks of healing for his arm. Here is an x-ray pix:
And here are his battle wounds -- this shows where the bone came out of the skin.
And here are his battle wounds -- this shows where the bone came out of the skin.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Bryce's Birthday Accident - The Story
Call it premontion - but Bryce really was pressing to celebrate his birthday a day before on Sunday the 7th. So, we did the cake and present opening Sunday afternoon/evening. The next day on his way home from school, he crashed his bike coming down the final stretch to home. He said he was riding on the sidewalk but then went out to the street to avoid some gardners. Upon returning to the sidewalk, he approached at a speed that proved to put him out of control. He remembers riding across the grass, hitting a flowerpot, and then coming to on someone's driveway. He was alone and screamed until someone came out to help him. I received a phone call from Bryce's cell phone around 3:38pm and the person informed me "your son has been in an accident, an ambulance is on the way, he needs immediate medical attention." I just about passed out at that point, but asked "where is he?" I got there right as the ambulance did. He was splayed out on his left side. His forearm was bent back toward his body in an awkard right-angle. There was blood. We would find out later that his compound fracture involved 3 breaks to his forearm and that his collar bone was also broken.
He was a trooper - didn't cry or complain. Was put on a board, head taped down and put in the ambulance. In there they started an IV line so he could be administered some pain medicine. He was transported to Children's Hospital, arriving at 4pm. At 7pm he went into surgery. He has three incisions, the largest one being where the bones came through the skin. The other two were to insert metal rods in both bones. He will have another surgery to have these removed. He came out of surgery at 8:35 and was alert enough to go to his hospital room at 10pm. I stayed the night with him. He ended up staying 3 nights total.
5 days after the accident he is doing well. Had a minor set back last night (Friday night); he awoke not being able to breathe. He sounded like he had croup so I took him outside and tried to calm him by asking him to breath slowly in and out. Today he is back in the action - he is playing video games, watching movies and working on his legos.
I am most appreciative to the neighbors who came to his side in my absence. One person held an umbrella over him to keep him shaded, another was talking to him and keeping him calm, another was brushing the ants and flies off of him, another had found the cell phone to call me. Thanks to our great neighbors and the paramedics and the great surgeons, doctors, nurses at Children's Hospital.
He was a trooper - didn't cry or complain. Was put on a board, head taped down and put in the ambulance. In there they started an IV line so he could be administered some pain medicine. He was transported to Children's Hospital, arriving at 4pm. At 7pm he went into surgery. He has three incisions, the largest one being where the bones came through the skin. The other two were to insert metal rods in both bones. He will have another surgery to have these removed. He came out of surgery at 8:35 and was alert enough to go to his hospital room at 10pm. I stayed the night with him. He ended up staying 3 nights total.
5 days after the accident he is doing well. Had a minor set back last night (Friday night); he awoke not being able to breathe. He sounded like he had croup so I took him outside and tried to calm him by asking him to breath slowly in and out. Today he is back in the action - he is playing video games, watching movies and working on his legos.
I am most appreciative to the neighbors who came to his side in my absence. One person held an umbrella over him to keep him shaded, another was talking to him and keeping him calm, another was brushing the ants and flies off of him, another had found the cell phone to call me. Thanks to our great neighbors and the paramedics and the great surgeons, doctors, nurses at Children's Hospital.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bryce's Birthday Accident - Part V
His bike showed a little damage and evidence of that potted plant he crashed into. His backpack and shirt both had to be cut off of him by the paramedics. Lots of cards are on display in his room.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Bryce's Birthday Accident -- Part III
After three days in the hospital...Bryce gets to return to his own room!
Bryce's Birthday Accident - Part II
... then the next thing you know you are in recovery from surgery in the orthopedic wing of the Children's Hospital.
Bryce's Birthday Accident
One day you are getting ready to eat cake with your brothers (the day before your birthday)...
Friday, July 25, 2008
What's the point?
I miss writing in Europe. When I was there, I would get comments posted on my posts.
But now... there is ZILCH. NULL. A VOID that even I cannot program around.
For those that don't know it, I am writing on my other Blog.
I am emotionally spent tonight, so that is it for me. I hope to find my cadence, my voice, my inspiration again soon. But tonight is bittersweet.
But now... there is ZILCH. NULL. A VOID that even I cannot program around.
For those that don't know it, I am writing on my other Blog.
I am emotionally spent tonight, so that is it for me. I hope to find my cadence, my voice, my inspiration again soon. But tonight is bittersweet.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Kyle & Connor's Birthday
Just days after returning back from Europe, we decided to have Kyle & Connor's birthday party. What was my jet-lagged mind thinking?Before I knew it, I had called up some of their friends and made plans for the 3rd of July. Knowing it was going to be HOT, I looked for a reasonable theme. My tired mind was not creative when I
thought of WATER.
Water may work. I found a water slide that would fit in our yard. OK - but what goes with water? SPONGES -- or rather, who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SPONGEBOB! Now we have a plan! Wouldn't you know, Albertson's had 10 for $10 on big yellow sponges? It was fate. Now just need some markers and pipe cleaners and we have a craft.
The water slide was a hit. The kids did not tire of the thing. Kyle & Connor and their friends spent hours going down it front ways, backways, stomach, back, sideways... it was hilarious to watch. They came up with names for them like "the super slip" where you try to stand up the whole way down.
Even my little 18-year-old nephew couldn't resist and went down very many times in his full clothes. Here's Connor doing the turbo superman sliding form!
We rate this birthday party *****
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Good to be home
I didn't want to admit it on my blog ... but my last day in London I was feeling a bit weepy. I didn't want to leave. And I didn't want to say goodbye to my brother ... I actually felt like I was going to cry as he got into his car to work. If you know me, you understand that sentimental emotions I keep to myself.
We had a wonderful flight home. I was irrationally worried when the flight attendants could not get the video system to work (to play back the safety video). In my irrational mind, if you cannot get the video system to work, how could the plane possibly be functioning well enough to get us safely to our destination. The flight was probably the most smooth flight I remember being on... only a bit of slight turbulence when we crossed from Canada to the US.
Arrived at 6:15pm and walked straight through immigration check and customs without a hitch. Tom was right about doing only carry-on...we were outside waiting for Tim (Tom's brother) in no time. Luckily I had the sense of mind to look up and see we were under the signs for the obscure airlines (eubonia air, u-betcha air, etc). So, given we didn't have a cell phone (nor would it help because Tim doesn't carry one) we decided to use logic and reason and head down to the sign that said "American Airlines International Arrivals". There was Tim waiting with our car. We piled in, took the 10 minute ride to drop Tim off and headed home.
It was on the ride home that I hit the wall. I couldn't keep my eyes open to save my life. It was about 3:30am London time - I had been up more than 24 hours. Tom was a trooper and got us home by 9:30pm. The kids went right to bed. Tom & I enjoyed some wine and the finale of Top Chef before heading up to bed. I awoke once in the night...needing to find the toilet (ok bathroom), and I was completely confused where I was. Boys woke up at 4am and read until about 5am and then have been up for the day. I hope we survived jet lag -- other than an early wake up, they seem to be off without a hitch.
So the Legaults are over having lunch with the boys. We probably will have our traditional Sunday night BBQ with the Legaults. We are back home and haven't missed a beat.
We had a wonderful flight home. I was irrationally worried when the flight attendants could not get the video system to work (to play back the safety video). In my irrational mind, if you cannot get the video system to work, how could the plane possibly be functioning well enough to get us safely to our destination. The flight was probably the most smooth flight I remember being on... only a bit of slight turbulence when we crossed from Canada to the US.
Arrived at 6:15pm and walked straight through immigration check and customs without a hitch. Tom was right about doing only carry-on...we were outside waiting for Tim (Tom's brother) in no time. Luckily I had the sense of mind to look up and see we were under the signs for the obscure airlines (eubonia air, u-betcha air, etc). So, given we didn't have a cell phone (nor would it help because Tim doesn't carry one) we decided to use logic and reason and head down to the sign that said "American Airlines International Arrivals". There was Tim waiting with our car. We piled in, took the 10 minute ride to drop Tim off and headed home.
It was on the ride home that I hit the wall. I couldn't keep my eyes open to save my life. It was about 3:30am London time - I had been up more than 24 hours. Tom was a trooper and got us home by 9:30pm. The kids went right to bed. Tom & I enjoyed some wine and the finale of Top Chef before heading up to bed. I awoke once in the night...needing to find the toilet (ok bathroom), and I was completely confused where I was. Boys woke up at 4am and read until about 5am and then have been up for the day. I hope we survived jet lag -- other than an early wake up, they seem to be off without a hitch.
So the Legaults are over having lunch with the boys. We probably will have our traditional Sunday night BBQ with the Legaults. We are back home and haven't missed a beat.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Ffiona's in London
For our last supper in London, we went to the famed Ffionas. If you haven't been, then what on EARTH are you doing? You must go! The restaurant owner, Fiona, is has the most engaging personality. Imagine giving your order to the owner, while she is seated at your table. You rather feel like a guest in her dining room that a patron in a restaurant. Because my brother has eaten there so many times and because the first Sunday we were there, we walked by Ffiona's and she waved welcomingly at Greg as we passed - I knew we needed to eat there our last night here. Perhaps our most expensive meal of our entire trip (but that is what stock is for), it was entirely enjoyable.
I started with the gazpacho and Tom with with onion tart. Delicious. Tom lamb and I was sold on Ffiona's fab fishcakes - both flawless. Kyle special ordered some chicken, Bryce was coerced (by me) to order the pork loin, and Connor had no trouble ordering the prawns. It was a fantastic meal. We had planned to pick up some dessert at a bakery but Fiona described the desserts and we (ok, I) could not resist. I remember Greg telling me that I needed to try the sticky toffee pudding (and he was right). Connor got the chocolate mousse, Tom got the bread pudding, and Kyle&Bryce each had ice cream with toffee sauce.
Food aside, it was amazing sitting around chatting with Fiona. At times she was at our table - we talked about her upcoming trip to San Francisco and her favorite places in London. It was a lot of fun and we asked for a photo. We took two (posted here).
Do check out http://ffionas.com/ -- you never know who you may see on the photos link.
I started with the gazpacho and Tom with with onion tart. Delicious. Tom lamb and I was sold on Ffiona's fab fishcakes - both flawless. Kyle special ordered some chicken, Bryce was coerced (by me) to order the pork loin, and Connor had no trouble ordering the prawns. It was a fantastic meal. We had planned to pick up some dessert at a bakery but Fiona described the desserts and we (ok, I) could not resist. I remember Greg telling me that I needed to try the sticky toffee pudding (and he was right). Connor got the chocolate mousse, Tom got the bread pudding, and Kyle&Bryce each had ice cream with toffee sauce.
Food aside, it was amazing sitting around chatting with Fiona. At times she was at our table - we talked about her upcoming trip to San Francisco and her favorite places in London. It was a lot of fun and we asked for a photo. We took two (posted here).
Do check out http://ffionas.com/ -- you never know who you may see on the photos link.
Hampton Court
Today we took a lazy & scenic boat ride to Hampton Court. Starting at Westminster Pier aboard the Connaught river boat, we began our meandering 22 mile southwest journey along the River Thames. (The Connaught is a historic boat built by Salter Brothers Oxford in 1911). The trip was very relaxing except when it got too cold and masses joined up down-below.
Only the German tour group was fairly rude - pushing in to sit right up against us and telling Connor "you need to move over" (even though this was an hour into the trip and we were sitting there from the beginning of the trip). But I wasn't going to let that get to me (I have an elbow you know).
The exciting part of the trip was going through the 2 locks - one at Richmond and the next at Teddington. This was the first for us traveling through a lock. Here is a picture of Kyle looking out... you will see the water line when we entered and then again when we ready to leave the lock.
We arrived at Hampton Court (home to King Henry VIII) in the afternoon. The kids wanted to go through the hedge maze, so we paid $20US to do this (after instructing them not to exit right away -- got to get our money's worth!).
Then we wandered through the gardens. The rose gardens were amazing - roses the size of my fist (sorry, not too poetic) and fragrant just strolling pass.
Only the German tour group was fairly rude - pushing in to sit right up against us and telling Connor "you need to move over" (even though this was an hour into the trip and we were sitting there from the beginning of the trip). But I wasn't going to let that get to me (I have an elbow you know).
The exciting part of the trip was going through the 2 locks - one at Richmond and the next at Teddington. This was the first for us traveling through a lock. Here is a picture of Kyle looking out... you will see the water line when we entered and then again when we ready to leave the lock.
We arrived at Hampton Court (home to King Henry VIII) in the afternoon. The kids wanted to go through the hedge maze, so we paid $20US to do this (after instructing them not to exit right away -- got to get our money's worth!).
Then we wandered through the gardens. The rose gardens were amazing - roses the size of my fist (sorry, not too poetic) and fragrant just strolling pass.
Last full day in London
Whilst drinking my morning coffee (right, sorry it should be tea ... well cheers now, jolly good), I am pouring over London guide books. I'm not ready to go - my short list of things to do is not so short. Let's see if I can bring it down a bit....
(1) Walking Tour of Little Venice (colorful narrowboats and white stucco-clad houses line the basin of the Regent's Canal in an area just north of Paddington known as Little Venice). The only glitch here is that the boys went to a nearby neighborhood yesterday while I went s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g with Kathleen & Marianne.
(2) English Countryside. Great idea but where and how? Maybe close to London but reminiscent of English countryside - Hampstead or Hampton Palace?
(3) Pubs. We've only been to a couple pubs! We definitely need to pop into a pub for fish & chips or bangers & mash. I've only been to 2 pubs - The Churchill Arms and Kings Arms. Tom went out with Greg to the Prince of Wales on our first night.
(4) St. Martin in the Fields. Free concert at 1pm and then a trip over to the London Brass-Rubbing Centre where the kids can make their own souvenirs?
Here are some of Kyle's ideas: (1) "We haven't just stayed in the apartment all day" and (2) "Let's go to as many playgrounds as we can".
Somewhere in there is a compromise ...
Today Kathleen, Marianne, & Michael went on a tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. Greg was "treated" to a late start today - usually been leaving at 7:30am and today he got picked up at 9am. That means he will surely get home late again. Last night we planned to go out to a late dinner to celebrate his birthday but he had to work late. So then we decided to make him dinner but they brought food in ... so then we went with plan C and got a CAKE. This was a delicious cake - filled with fruit and surrounded by curls of white chocolate. It was one of the prettiest cakes I might have ever seen...should have taken a picture of it.
We let the kids sleep late because they are staying up late ... we have 9 people squeezed into this 2 bedroom flat. Their sleeping area is in the common room and although Kyle & Bryce have been impressive by falling asleep amongst the chatter, they are obviously tired.
We return to LA at 6pm on Saturday (leaving London at 3pm - I wish it was only a 3 hour flight).
(1) Walking Tour of Little Venice (colorful narrowboats and white stucco-clad houses line the basin of the Regent's Canal in an area just north of Paddington known as Little Venice). The only glitch here is that the boys went to a nearby neighborhood yesterday while I went s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g with Kathleen & Marianne.
(2) English Countryside. Great idea but where and how? Maybe close to London but reminiscent of English countryside - Hampstead or Hampton Palace?
(3) Pubs. We've only been to a couple pubs! We definitely need to pop into a pub for fish & chips or bangers & mash. I've only been to 2 pubs - The Churchill Arms and Kings Arms. Tom went out with Greg to the Prince of Wales on our first night.
(4) St. Martin in the Fields. Free concert at 1pm and then a trip over to the London Brass-Rubbing Centre where the kids can make their own souvenirs?
Here are some of Kyle's ideas: (1) "We haven't just stayed in the apartment all day" and (2) "Let's go to as many playgrounds as we can".
Somewhere in there is a compromise ...
Today Kathleen, Marianne, & Michael went on a tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. Greg was "treated" to a late start today - usually been leaving at 7:30am and today he got picked up at 9am. That means he will surely get home late again. Last night we planned to go out to a late dinner to celebrate his birthday but he had to work late. So then we decided to make him dinner but they brought food in ... so then we went with plan C and got a CAKE. This was a delicious cake - filled with fruit and surrounded by curls of white chocolate. It was one of the prettiest cakes I might have ever seen...should have taken a picture of it.
We let the kids sleep late because they are staying up late ... we have 9 people squeezed into this 2 bedroom flat. Their sleeping area is in the common room and although Kyle & Bryce have been impressive by falling asleep amongst the chatter, they are obviously tired.
We return to LA at 6pm on Saturday (leaving London at 3pm - I wish it was only a 3 hour flight).
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Lunch at the Lido
We went to the Tower of London while Kathleen, Marianne, & Michael went to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Then we met for lunch at the Lido in Hyde park beside the Serpentine. If you remember, we ate here before with Greg last Sunday.
Tower of London
We visited the Tower of London today. Did you know that 35 Yeoman Warders and their families live within the Tower walls? Every night for the last 700 years they have performed the Keys Ceremony - where they lock down the tower at 10pm. We took a tour lead by a Yeoman and he pronounced Tower of London the best place to live ... especially when raising a teenage daughter! Wow - can you imagine being locked inside the walls of the Tower at 10pm every evening?
We looked through the tower at the Crown Jewels and the Crown Jewel gift shop where you can buy replicas for cheap (relatively speaking of course). That was the part of the tower for the ladies.
For the guys - there was the "boys toys" section. This was in the white tower - full of swords, guns, spears, blocks and axe, skul crusher, iron collar, suits of armour, cannons, barrels of gun powder --- everything that a young boy loves!
We looked through the tower at the Crown Jewels and the Crown Jewel gift shop where you can buy replicas for cheap (relatively speaking of course). That was the part of the tower for the ladies.
For the guys - there was the "boys toys" section. This was in the white tower - full of swords, guns, spears, blocks and axe, skul crusher, iron collar, suits of armour, cannons, barrels of gun powder --- everything that a young boy loves!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
2B || !NOT 2B
OK so the subject line is for my geek friends. The point is we went to the Old Globe today to see a play. This was fantastic! We had tickets in the "yard" which next to the stage and spent our time leaning on the stage (arms folded, head resting on stage).
It was an exhilarating experience being so up close to the action. True meant we were the equivalent of peasants in the day (not a far stretch for me) and we were able to walk freely around the stage. We took a position we weren't well positioned for some of the play but for 5 pound a piece, whose complaining?! The kids were treated special. An usher came by and invited the boys to stand in a special place designated for kids. She was so very nice... the boys didn't go at first but after about 30 minutes, they were all over there. It was closeby but sometimes when I looked, I couldn't see them (obviously sitting). Then when it got exciting, POP like toast popping up went the boys. There was a scene where Gloucester got his eyes gouged out, Bryce and Connor were looking but Kyle had popped right back down. This was the end of the third act (1 hour 45 minutes into the play). Then we had intermission, but the boys thought it was the end -- I didn't have the heart to tell them there was still an hour more. So out we went and had ice cream with flake...5 people for 12 pound is total highway robbery....but we are paying for the experience. This was my first ice cream experience and I would have to say it was quite good! I have already risen a full clothing size here, so I don't need more....
Portobello Road
Signs of Notting Hill
Good deal though - the boys found a "soccer ball" for 1 pound. We took the center line from Notting Hill Gate to Marble Arch to hang out in Hyde Park. The ball was a great distraction (see another post).
Ha ha. ... made you look!
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