Was it the H1N1?

We are slowly acclimating to the triple digit temps here in the desert. The last week has brought a slight dip to the temperatures and we found 98 degrees to be quite comfortable after the days of 114 temps.

A couple weekends ago we took the kids to the neighborhood water park. The kids enjoyed splashing and climbing on the play equipment. Shane, Savannah, and Dad challenged each other on the diving board. The challenges included: Who could make the biggest splash. Who could jump the highest, and who had the most painful looking belly flop. (Shane won the latter.) At 5p the lifeguard's blew their whistles and pool time was officially over. Once home we realized Little Sophie was running a fever. Uh-oh!

Both Jim and Sophie can down with high fevers, sore throats, and coughs. We spent Labor Day at the Urgent Care with about 15-20 other sick people cramped into one small waiting room. Once seen by the Doctor and a quick throat swab we found out Sophie and Jim had been afflicted with Strep. After a few days of meds, milkshakes and lots of snuggles Sophie headed back to school. The same day Sophie went back to school Shane came home with a fever. He was (we think) struck down with the (could it be?) notorious Swine flu. Shane was miserable running a fever for 5 days. But he eventually fought the infection and after a long break headed back to school. Savannah managed to stay healthy throughout. I was happy just being the nursemaid, but finally at the end of the week I too joined the ranks of the ill.
Now, after 2 weeks we once again have a healthy home.

This weekend Jim is enjoying cooler weather up north. He had a three day weekend so he caught a flight to Boise, Idaho and is headed up Red Mountain to do some backpacking and camping with Mr. Dan Jones. The kids and I have been invited to a BBQ with the Weeds on Saturday and afterwards are planning a trip to the movies. Sunday we'll pick Dad up from the airport and ready ourselves for another exciting week of school and work.

New Home Old Location

We are back in Arizona and have settled in our new home. The new house is very comfortable with plenty of beds and comfy furniture. We have a beautiful view of the lake. A refreshing pool for our hot, sunny days, and friendly ducks that beg food every chance we step outside.

Savannah is both home schooled, and attends enrichment classes three days a week. She is enjoying being a part of the Student Council at her school and is currently in charge of finding information about local charities for the students to donate to throughout the school year.

Shane and Sophie are attending a public Montessori school. Shane really enjoys the learning experience. He is able to go at his own pace and focus on topics he enjoys. He is currently writing a book. Titled: Before The Earth Had a Moon. This is from the same boy whom cried, and moaned every time his mother asked him to write a few words on paper. I am amazed!

Sophie is enjoying Kindergarten. She is busy learning her letters and numbers and is attempting to tie her own shoes. Sophie had been in school just two weeks before she was struck down by an illness. She came down with Strep Throat and missed a day of school. Her brother Shane has been working hard to come down with something too. So far, he's as healthy as a horse. All though, he was able to practice his acting skills and trick his teacher into calling me to pick him up early from school. Once home he made a remarkable recovery. Mama was not fooled and sent him straight to bed for an hour nap. The rest of the day was spent without computer, games, and pool time. I am hoping he learned his lesson.

We had visitors last weekend. My friend Jill and her fiance, Kip came to town. Jill, Lisa, and I went to the Casino one evening while the men went to bed early. The following evening Kip and Jill treated Lisa, Jim, and I to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. Afterwards, we drank wine and rehashed old times out on the dock behind our house.

That's all for now...