OUR BRAVE GIRL!

On Thursday we took Ashlee in to get her tonsils and adenoids removed. She was amazing!!

Waiting for the surgery!

We got to the hospital at 6:45am. Poor Ashlee was so nervous. She quitely cried all the way to the hospital telling us that she wasn't brave enough. After we got checked in we were taken to her room. She sat on my lap and wouldn't look at or talk to any of the nurses or doctors. We watched TV until they were ready for us. At about 8:00 they came to get Ashlee. She got on the bed and they wheeled her away. She was trying so hard to be brave. She looked super nervous though. She just kept saying that she didn't want any shots.

Nate and I just waited for her in her room. About 8:20 the doctor poked his head in the room and said that the surgery was complete and she did great! It was a fast surgery. The doctor said that everything went well. He said that her tonsils were big but her adenoids were HUGE! He also said that they had a hard time getting her to fall asleep with the gas because her adenoids were so big she couldn't get enough gas into her system. She did fall asleep with the gas eventually it just took a little longer. He said that even with the swelling we would be able to see a huge improvement with her.

We are so proud of our little girl! She was so brave!

When they brought Ashlee back to us she was still very sleepy. She tried to sit up as they brought her into the room and asked, "Did I get my tonsils out?" She slept for a little longer and then tried to eat a popsicle. The nurse then came and took her for a little walk to see if she would get nauseous. We then got her IV out and we got to go home. We were home by 10:30am. I was surprised at how quick the whole process was.

Trying to wake up

After we got home and she was a little more awake, I asked her what she remembered about the whole experience. She told me that she remembered going for a ride on the bed and that the hospital has magic doors that open all by themselves. I then asked her what else happened and she had no idea!


After the surgery!

She can breath so much better now. She sleeps more soundly. She even slept through the night last night!!!

Recovering at home.

I would also like to give a HUGE thank you to my parents who came for the surgery. They have helped out a lot. they stayed home with Taylor while we went to the hospital, and have been very helpful in entertaining Ashlee since she has been home. Thank You mom and dad!

SWIMMING LESSONS

The past couple of weeks Ashlee has been taking swimming lessons at SUU. She has LOVED it. She is so sad that they are over. I think she did a great job and really imporved her swimming skills. Good job Ashlee we are proud of you!

Ashlee swimming with her teacher Becca.

I am sad that our schedule doesn't work out that we can put her in another session this summer. I guess she will just have to wait till next summer.

Random summer pictures

The girls always have such a great time playing together. Taylor absolutely loves doing everything Ashlee does. They have such active imaginations.

We finally got Ashlee a bike this summer. She LOVES it! She is pretty careful on it. She definitely does not have the need for speed!

Ashlee also LOVES to dress up. Wearing my heels around the house is a daily occurance. She also changes her clothes at least twice a day. I think the shoe fettish is starting a bit young for both her and Taylor. I wonder where they get it from?

People used to tell me that they thought Taylor was going to be a tom-boy. Well she is definitely all girl. Sometimes she is more girly than Ashlee. . . . I know hard to believe.

Playing in the rain

Taylor was not feeling too good and just couldn't stay awake for one more minute. I found her sleeping in the doorway to my room.

All tuckered out after a long day of playing.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

This year for the 4th we went up to Ephraim to celebrate with my family. We had a lot of fun. On the evening of the 3rd we went to Manti and watched their parade. The girls got a ton of candy!! They thought it was the greatest thing ever! After the parade we went up to Mark and Cass' and played games.

Watching the parade

On the 4th we went to Gunnison and enjoyed the festivities there. Taylor was not feeling well, but she was quite the trooper and did really pretty good considering. Their parade was really fun and yet again the girls got quite the loot. (I have no idea what I am going to do with all of the salt water taffy!) We then enjoyed the festivities at the park. Taylor came in second or third (depending on who you ask) in the diaper derby, and Ashlee had a great time riding on the train, going down the huge blow-up slide, and eating snow cones.

Riding the tractor train

We had lunch there with Grandma "Gertie" Andersen and extended family. We then headed back home to Ephraim.

Grandma "Gertie" Andersen

Mark, Cass, Nate, and I took their boys and Ashlee out to the lake afterwards. We all had fun in the sun and playing in the water. I even took a little ski! I was amazed, I could still get up!

That evening we had a bbq at my parents house (Uncle Kelly cooks some delicious ribs!) and lit some fireworks. Ashlee and Taylor were scared of the sparklers and wouldn't touch them. We then headed back to Cedar and saw quite a few of the town's fireworks along the way.

We are so greatful for this country and for the men and women who fight to keep and protect our freedom. We love this country and are proud to be American!!

Taylor. . . poor girl was not feeling well

Ashlee. . . lovin' life!