Playdate

We got to meet some friends at the park the other day and had lots of fun! The Littles got to hang out with some friends from their old daycare (Ava was especially excited to play with her good buddy, Forrest) and I got to chat with their mom, Holly. It was great to have some "Mommy Time"! The kids had a great time playing on the playground, running through the fountains and checking out the animals (the best was watching the beaver being fed). We also brought lunches, which they only half ate because they were a little too busy playing in the water. :)  What a great day! I just don't want summer break to end...

 

 

 

Tom

As most of you know, my stepdad, Tom, has Lewy Body Dementia. He lives in the Memory Support area of Presbyterian Manor and is declining each day. He is 62 years old and this has been going on for years. The last time we saw him, he knew who we were and we hope that continues for a long time, but we just don't know. When talking to him, sometimes he makes sense, sometimes he doesn't. He sleeps a lot, stares in to space, has bad days, has better days. He is definitely no longer himself. Not the funny (although he does still say a lot of funny things without meaning to), outgoing, active Tom he used to be.  

Lewy Body Dementia is not a rare disease, but many doctors are still not familiar with it. It affects an estimated 1.3 million individuals and their families in the United States. LBD symptoms often resemble more commonly known diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's so it is very underdiagnosed. It took quite some time for a doctor to finally diagnose Tom with LBD. He went through many tests and lots of frustration. 

There are many symptoms for LBD...but here are a few:

* confusion (memory problems, forgetting words, problem solving, etc.)

* hallucinations

* shuffling or walking stiffly

* blank stare

 

September 14 is the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Wichita. Please consider joining our team and donating to this wonderful cause. Let's raise awareness for Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Dementia! Our memories are important. 

You can join our team and donate here. Thank you so much and feel free to pass this info along to others!

 

After the Walk to End Alzheimer's 2012

Mom and Tom...not sure what year

Tom all dressed up for Halloween...a LONG time ago. :)

Mom and Tom on their honeymoon in Crested Butte...1984

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Vacay Post...Finally

This view on the island is beautiful and it's tradition to take pictures here each year. I think we got a few good ones! Can't wait until next year!

A Cave and the Lake

My niece, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Ben, joined us the last couple of days at Holiday Island. We had a little too much sun each day so we headed to Cosmic Cavern on Thursday. It was interesting, but the tour was a little long. Ava loved it! She listened so intently to our guide.

 

My mom headed home on Friday but she very generously paid for a little boat trip for us. The weather was amazing and Table Rock felt great. It was so relaxing! I could've stayed out there the entire day and I think the kids could have too! The loved jumping off the boat into the water.

 



 



Fun at Roaring River

In the middle of the week, we headed to Roaring River. It was a perfect day for the ice cold water and the kids favorite part was throwing rocks. We played in the water and had a little picnic lunch. Perfect day.

Throwing rocks

 

Erick was the first to brave the ice cold water