My gosh

I just found out that Son number one "Craig" and his wife Trista are planning Baby number three!!! I've always wished that I could have had more children...now I'm receiving them as Grandchildren, I couldn't be happier...soon to be four and counting! When Corey was little he promised me Twelve Grandchildren just from him; {is that still the plan Corey?} I have to tell you, as a Mother; there's something very special watching the children "you raised" being a parent. It's happy tears! Our Grandparent Camp will be so much fun!!!
Rich and I are so Blessed!
Speaking of the big-guy, he had his special x-rays last week, and all went well. He said it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. I was able to go into the room and sit with him between pictures; the Dr and nurses seemed surprised that I was staying the two hours. They kept telling me I could leave and come back..finely I just said: "he's my husband, I'm staying" they were very nice about it! Now we're waiting for his Dr to look over the results and call us, to me...it's the hardest part of Medical Procedures. In a perfect world- we'd have the answers within the hour.
Charlotte is doing fine, she did however have an eye infection that prevented her from getting her first shots. The Dr placed her on Antibiotics and told Marissa is the problem persists..when she turns ONE they will have to do surgery. We're praying that it clears up on it's own. I've noticed in pictures that her hair is turning blonde and she has the most incredible blue eyes with long lashes....Chris said that she also has "this pout" that she does; Now correct me if I'm wrong...but isn't is MY responsibility " as her Grand Mother to  "TEACH" her how to use these "gifts" properly???!!! Chris tells me NOOOOOO...don't you dare!!! But, I think she needs me on this..since I DO have experience and was pretty good at it myself! Anyone have advise?

 

March is marching on

As most of you know, Rich had back surgery several years ago for a disk problem. Although he felt much better- he has "always" complained about pain and has taken Motrin like candy. Although he runs everyday, his "walk" has become bent to whatever position it takes to alleviate the pain. Living here in the "The best Medical capital...they are always on top of  new/better ways" Rich was sent to one of the best Neurosurgeons in Bern. After reviewing his previous x-rays he wants to perform a few more. So next Wednesday Rich will have a:
 Myelogram (also known as myelography) is a diagnostic tool that uses radiographic contrast media (dye) that is injected into the spinal canal’s fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). After the dye is injected, the contrast dye serves to illuminate the spinal canal, cord, and nerve roots during imaging. He's not looking forward to this at all; however we're both excited about a possible fix for his pain! I will be Blogging about his procedures, diagnosis and journey to recovery. My Marathon Man is taking on a new challenge!

Fun at Farching

When we arrived things were quite

The town became so full, one could not even walk without "hugging" the people next to you.

We enjoyed the evening and Saturday decided to do some "much needed shopping" in Heidelberg. My laptop computer was old and slow so my husband replaced it with this cute little Toshiba mini. Now keep in mind that while in the US we purchased Apple I-Pads which are just amazing!! With all our travel and moving- it's very nice to be able to send our heavy books into storage and download books to the I-pad; it's also great for keeping in touch while in mid-move, plus packs right in our carry on. The I-Pad dosen't do "EVERYTHING" the computer can do so this mini was just right; plus it has built in web cam so I can now do Skype. {and easy to move with}
We also now have a "Magic Jack" which enables us to call our boy's for free, and they can call us without making an overseas phone call! Of course if you have a Magic Jack as well...we can talk for FREE!!! My cousin Linda- who lives in Germany is now a very happy lady! {So is Rich...it's going to save our phone bill} LOL The kitchen cuboards and freezer are now replenished; I picked up everything I need to "Spring Clean" the house and with our new bed covering on the way everything will be fresh, clean and bright. Almost time to bid Winter Ado! 

Bern’s Fasnacht Celebrations

Fest days began officially last night at 8pm with the setting-free of the Bern Bear. Hundreds of people "young and old" dressed in costumes much like {our Halloween} crowed the streets to attend and celebrate. Today in the Munster Church courtyard is the childrens medieval fair. Tomorrow will be the afternoon parade through the town. Rich has been taking pictures so, as soon as there downloaded I'll post for all to see.

Part 2

When we arrived at Craig and Trista's they had planed  two tours for us. The first day was to the Exploratorium, definitely a place for all ages:

how sail size matters

Interesting...

Keeping the beat

Vibrating sand

but they have no step ladders Grandma!

Finely caught up with everyone!

Our next trip was to the Jelly Belly Factory to see how the candy is made. 

The only picture we got! They did not allow cameras inside :((  However we had a great time!

 

California visit

As the visit continues, we were shown around the Montclair Police Station where Chris works. It was a pleasure to meet the Officers he works with and the Police Station itself was quite impressive! Also on the agenda was Chris showing his daughter around for the very first time at work!

Charlotte played her part perfectly...Could she BE any sweeter?

After a morning of showing off, it was time for a nap with Grampa

 

It was very hard to say goodbye... I even began crying the day before! We won't get a chance to hold her again until August "she's not going to remember me". But "Thank you Chris and Marissa...we adore her!!! And we had a wonderful visit.

Home again

Wow, jet lag..just want to lay around and sleep! But the trip back to see the kids went great- and what a sweet little Granddaughter Charlotte is! She's just like her Daddy when he was born. It was wonderful to watch Chris and Marissa with her:

Listening to Daddy

Talking back

Kisses...muah

Laughing at Daddy...he's funny

Mommy and I got very tired

My first play date with Mommy and Daddy

wait...what am I suppose to do?

A new Family...

Hi Uncle Corey

Always listening closely..

SO tired...

Kisses for happy dreams