A Week Without Dad

We got a phone call from Doug's dad at 3:20am Tuesday morning that Lori has passed away in the loving arms of her husband, Lance. We were so glad that Doug already had a ticket, and was able to be there to be a support to Lance and Doug's parents.

Meanwhile, the boys and I tried to pass the time without Dad around to help us out. We kept busy with the last week of Bible Study Fellowship, Preschool, some River Festival activities - an afternoon at Botanica, and the closing night fireworks.

Saturday morning we went to Exploration Place to see the premier of their newest cyberdome theater production about a bird named Chirpee. Afterwards there was a chance to take a picture with Chirpee, and eat cake and punch to celebrate the premier of the movie.

Afterwards we all rode the carousel. Sam selected the Lion because it did not go up and down. Ben enjoyed the ride, until I tried to take a picture, then he was ready to get down.

Ben also learned to climb up in chairs, and now helps himself to the chair at Sam's desk and also the computer desk. So Ben began to draw with the crayons on Sam's desk.

He is still learning that the crayons go on the paper, not the wall.

Saturday afternoon, we went to Great Clips so Sam could have a "professional" haircut before Preschool graduation this week. Afterwards, we celebrated with ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. The chocolate ice cream with sprinkles, was enjoyed by all.



After the fireworks, we went to the airport to pick up dad. We got home around midnight, and put the kids to bed. We expected that we would all sleep in, but no such luck. Everyone got up around 7:30. Sam immediately wanted to play computer games with Dad, and whatever Sam does, Ben wants to do. Everyone is glad that dad is home!!