Annie's surgery

When Annie was about 6 weeks old, we noticed a little bump over her left eye. Through the years we've watched it closely to make sure it wasn't serious. Sometimes, it would get a little smaller and we would think that it was going away on its own, but, then, it would come back just as big as ever. We decided that it was time to remove the bump and today was the day.

Annie and I had to be at the surgical clinic at 5:30 a.m. She wasn't taken back to a room until after 7:00 a.m., of course. But she was greeted by two little bears in her bed when she finally did go back.
She's named them Cinnamon Stick and Daisy Rose Gardner-Hajek.
Try as I might, I couldn't get a good picture of the bump today.

In this picture from last year, you can kind of see the bump over her left eye. It's noticeable enough in person that people will ask if she hit her head.

Well, all went well this morning. She was under general anesthesia and didn't feel a thing while it was happening. After a little bit of tummy trouble, she bounced back very quickly.
She's holding the surprise I had waiting for her after the surgery -- a framed photo of her with Brisi to keep on her bedside table.

When she went to bed there was only a little bit of bruising and swelling and she had a bit of a headache, but I think she'll be feeling great tomorrow and even better by Monday, when the stitches will come out.

Thanks for all the well-wishes sent to us today. They made Annie feel very happy.

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Practice Makes Perfect

The kids are all in a production of Twelfth Night with their theater group. Today was the first day they were able to actually rehearse on the big stage. It was an almost all day affair. The all day affair is actually next Monday from 9-3:30.

Here's Jay as Sir Andrew Aguecheek practicing a scene with Sir Toby Belch (Jonathan).

When Jay wasn't on stage, he was diligently studying his lines.

Here's Annie practicing her lines with the other two "Muses."

When she wasn't rehearsing, she was posing for pretty pictures.

Here's Michael looking cool in one of his scenes as Valentine. The "I" stands for Illyria High School, I guess.

When Michael wasn't out practicing his craft, he was practicing stabbing his buddy with retractable knives.

I'm so proud.

Visit with Brisi

Today was the day! We've been looking forward to it for a couple of weeks now. We got to see Briseis again! She was very calm when we first showed up, so we took a couple of pictures.


When she started squirming we sat down with her to see what would happen.


Here's an action shot!


She's not at all shy.


When we put her in with her littermates, they all seemed pleased to have her back.

We all agree that Brisi is going to fit into the Gardner-Hajek family just fine.

Saturday Sports

It was definitely a perfect day for a soccer game.
Those are the McDowell Mountains in the distance.
Annie warms up before the big game.
The Fightin' Bluebirds get a pregame pep-talk.

Annie is #5 in blue with the pink cap.


Although we're not supposed to keep score, I think Annie's team won!

After a little relaxation at home, it was time to go to the rink for another big game. Jay is #17 in blue.

I know for sure the Rangers (formerly the Ice Diggers) won the game!

30 second Summer vacation flashback

What else would you need on a cool July evening in the mountains?

Soccer

Annie decided to play soccer this year. She was very lucky and got a great coach (the only woman coach in the league). Her team is called the Bluebirds and they've had their ups and downs, but I really think Annie is getting some very good coaching.

This is one of the drills they do. The coach sets up a square with four cones. One person is "It" and tries to kick the other girls' balls out of the square. All of the girls have gotten much better at it. This video is, of course, the one where Annie does particularly well. Annie is in the brown t-shirt and pink cap.



Because she won, she got to be "It" the next time.



Those of you in colder locations will note that the girls are all in t-shirts and shorts -- and this video was taken today, in mid-November. I love Arizona.