3 years down, 4 to go!

This week we celebrated the graduation of the outgoing chief resident in Dave's neurosurgery program. It is a very special occasion and a great chance to get together w/ everyone from the department. We had a nice reception and dinner at a hotel in Torrey Pines. It was great!
(a special thanks to Jessica for being my fashion consultant and Sheri for being the necklace provider.)




Here are all of the past and present UCSD residents. Andy, the graduate of last night is in the center front row (the asian guy).


Here is the entire department. Front and center next to Andy, is the new chairman of UCSD neurosurgery, Bob Carter who came to SD from Harvard this year. He has 5 kids and a lovely wife and he is a BYU grad! (not many of those in Nsurg so that is kind of fun!)


Dave is just finishing up his 3rd year of residency. July 1st he will go to the VA hosptial and then he will go into 2 years of elective/research time which he is very exctied for. He is trying to figure out how best to use that time since he has the freedom to do whatever he wants -- basic science, nsurg research, enfolded fellowship, etc. Even though the residency is 1000000 years long it is going by quickly and we are having a good time along the way!

At home, ready to go!

one of my laurels did my hair again. It was perfect!

kids' concerts

Calvin and Clare both had choir concerts recently. Calvin was in his school chorus, directed by Buck Howdy (grammy winning artist this year). They sang the most obnoxious songs and had a great time. Mr. Howdy played his guitar as accompaniment. They sang, "BINGO" "I LOVE YOU" (from barney) "F-R-E-E CREDIT REPORT.COM BABY" "meow-meow-meow-meow"( commercial), "Achy Breaky heart" and about 5 others. I can't remember them now.

And for the final song, Mr. Howdy let the kids pick an annoying song that is more current. They chose Justin Beibers "baby" and for that one there was a full recording playing over the speakers! Anyway, the kdis loved it!

It was very laid back and fun.





Clare is in the Starlets group of Children's Chorus. They always go sing for the grandmas and grandpas at an old folks home to get ready for their performance on stage and also just to be nice. It is always a sweet expereince to sing and then to shake hands w/ all the people. they are SO HAPPY To see the kids. I should find a way to visit there more often.

The two songs they sang were "how much is that doggie in the window" and "do-re-mi"






They also had a concert at a performorning arts center w/ the otlder kids groups.



most of the starlets

my kids + our friend Sienna

sleep study results

NORMAL. In every way.

Since we had Calvin's tonsils/adenoids taken out before the study we will never know if he had an apnea issue since it would have resolved before the study. Otherwise, he has no abnormalities.

As far as I can tell he doesn't wake up in the middle of the night anymore but still gets up pretty early. He plays legos 'til 6 and then DS 'til I am ready to get up and start my day.

It works. We survive.

It is the first day of summer and he is having a nap. I still don't get why he needs a nap every day and yet is "getting enough sleep at night."

the start of swim season

We had the funnnest time swimming at the Lieber's house last week! They have the sweetest golden named Emma who loves to swim with everyone. She is a hoot!

fun zoo trip

Last week we went to the zoo with several friends. It was a great morning. We were lucky enough to be able to feed the giraffes while we were there.
IT WAS AMAZING!!


My girls were a little nervous. Actually, Lex was excited until he got too close!too close was when the giraffe actually licked her hand.


Clare was terrified and didn't want any part of it, but I made her sit in my arms while I fed one just so she could see them up close.


Then the girls were happy to watch from a safe distance!




One of the most amazing things I saw was this dog/cheetah team. They have several teams at the zoo for a special show they do (that costs extra and I have never seen). However, we did see them in a holding area outside of the show. It was amazing to see these animals completely at ease w/ each other and the totally tame cheetah being pet like a house cat!

love the baby camel

We also go to hear the kookaburra sing.
.a