The last few days of our Florida trip were pretty hectic, so I was unable to update. On Thursday, Justin drove down, so that he could ride home with me. (He brought a trailer to tow my car back!) Michelle also came back to Orlando that day to hang out. We took Davis to class, brought Justin back to the house to rest, and headed to a fun little bar called Lizzy McCormack's in downtown Orlando. From this trip, I think Davis gained a lot of balance and strength in his legs. He's taking more and more steps at a time and we have a NO CRAWLING rule now.

On Friday, Justin, Davis, and I walked to the Southern Live Oak Tree in front of the Mennello Museum of American Art. It looks like a giant spider, with its branches growing down into the ground and coming back out. It was here that I received the sad news about my grandfather passing. His long, painful battle with cancer finally ended on Friday morning.

Saturday was spent in the car, driving and driving and driving. We left Orlando early in the morning, got to our house at 2:30 pm, unpacked, repacked, and headed to Kentucky, arriving around 8 pm. His viewing and military funeral took place on Sunday. We'll do whatever we can to make sure Davis grows up knowing what a wonderful Great-Grandfather he had and how much he loved his great-grandson.

Big thanks to Grandma and Aunt Teresa for coming to the viewing. That meant a lot to us!

OH! I knitted another Christmas stocking. This one's for Davis. And Justin tiled the backsplash in our kitchen while we were in Orlando! I love it!

Get Crafty

Last night, a group of elementary school teachers and their families brought fun holiday crafts to the House.

The new tv....

Davis enjoying the new tv...

TV Debut

Aaron's donated 22 32" flat screen tv's to the Ronald McDonald House this morning. So, every bedroom will have its own tv. I, for whatever reason, was asked to be interviewed about this wonderful contribution by Fox 35 News. Wow. The news anchor asked me why my son and I were here (he asked my permission first), what the House means to us, and what the new addition to the bedrooms would do to improve everyone's stay. Everything was going great until Davis started grabbing the microphone attached to my shirt. "Ok, let's start over." Nooooo....I felt so good about that take! The second go at it went well, too. I guess. And the third and fourth and 37th. Just kidding. Only twice.

It airs tonight at 5. Again at 10 pm. And once more in the morning. No one watches the news anymore, right?!?!?

And, for participating, the House manager gave us 3 Sea World tickets! Wew Hew!

Ronald Meet And Greet

Yesterday, the Ronald McDonald House held their annual fundraiser event called 'Share a Night, Light a Light'. They had lots of fun things for Davis to do (meet Ronald McDonald, bounce house, bean bag toss games, etc)...


And it was pretty entertaining for me, as well...

Meet Orlando's own Menudo boy band...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr4aiTQ6jbQ

...and then these guys...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7QBrNPIXrg

This wasn't a joke, either.

With Auntie Michelle

Therapy is going well. Davis' balance is improving every day. He's able to take up to 30 steps at a time now and it seems like his legs are a lot stronger now.

My Favorite New Place!

Rethunk Junk

Day 4

I'm just gonna go ahead and give myself the Best Mom of the Evening Award. I took Davis to the Magic vs. Knicks game last night...all by myself! And, let me tell you, it wasn't an easy task. I navigated my way through an unfamiliar city, located safe parking, walked to the arena, waited in lines for sodas, snacks, and souvenirs, went to the bathroom, etc...all with a nonwalking, 3 and 1/2 year old! I'm pretty bad ass, thanks.



He was OBSESSED with Stuff the Magic Dragon. I would've given a thousand dollars just to let Davis give him a high five.



I've been spoiling this kid like I don't have custody of him. Like I stole him from his legal guardian or something. But we're having so much fun here!


After the game, Michelle came over to the House. We put Davis to bed and sat up chatting for hours. High school style.

It was 85 degrees outside yesterday! And the Olive Garden brought lunch to the House for everyone! I love this place!

Day 3

Therapy went well today. After it, parents and students came in for a short demonstration to display what goes on during all of their programs. Davis was asked to participate, so between that and his regular school hours, he was EXHAUSTED. He was screaming to go back to the Ronald McDonald House and basically dragging me out the door.

We donated our big bag of can tabs today! Thanks to Elle's Mom for helping us collect so many!