The Battle

While waiting with Tommy in the recovery room, another patient and his wife commented on how my "daughter" and I could almost be twins. I said, thank you, but she's my daughter-in-law. The big guy is my son. I've heard this a lot. The first time Tommy introduced Jena to his friends, they all said that Tommy was dating his Mom!

Lyla and Bailey spend a large part of each day aggravating each other. What one has the other one wants. Don't assume that Bailey wins all the time. Just because Lyla is little, she can be pretty tough too!

Welcome Home Party

When we arrived home on Sunday, standing in the street were Tommy's friends, neighbors and family. They were cheering, tooting horns, and holding signs. All over our yard there were balloons and signs (even Justin Bieber showed up!) It was pretty awesome.

There was food, drink and lots of love being poured out for Tommy & Jena. It was the perfect ending for their trip home.

War and Peace

Our hotel in Estes Park was right next to this peaceful stream. It was really nice just to sit next to it and and relax. They had chairs, swings, and fire pits. It was really nice.

On our way out of town we passed by these 3 male elks (bulls). It seemed odd that they were just standing there doing nothing.

But then they gave us a little entertainment called "antler wrestling".

Go East! (And then a little north)

Paul, Tommy & Steve rock climbing in Arches Nat'l Park.

I think Steve is telling Paul how to catch this rock when it falls from it's perch.

Nothing better than looking at tractors.

The view in Grand Lake, Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park

Hoodoo

After a short detour to a ER in St. George, Utah, we headed for Bryce Canyon. We all enjoyed lunch at the lodge, then headed out to see the Hoodoo's. Paul referred to them as hobos. The pictures are from the drive to Bryce and some Hoodoo's.

I can't tell you what these 2 are laughing at. You'll have to ask them!

Vegas

Our trip home from LA started with a stop in Vegas. We took in all the highlights - 829 lb. pumpkins.

Water shows

Watching Paul gamble

Never ending rivers of chocolate

Scrumptious desserts

And a stop at Hoover Dam.

Final Days

Here are some pictures from our final days in LA with Tommy & Jena. We leave behind Chris, Sunny & baby-to-be, but we will still see them often. Chris is reading up on gambling. Sunny is telling him, that it'll be okay. Babies don't cost that much!

Steve and I took a quick hike to Malibu Creek State Park.

I think the Akeys should get one of these for their boat.

The marina at night.

Sailboat sailing through a bunch of seagulls.

Tommy & Steve playing a game of hit the ball over the pool. They'll make a game out of anything.

Waiting at Cedar Sinai for the final appointment. Tommy saying goodbye to Dr. Forscher for taking such good care of him.

Our 2nd to last day at Jules apartment, the electric went out about 11am and didn't come back on until 3am the next morning. They laid out glo sticks in the hallway. It was pretty dark that night. I read my book before bedtime by candlelight.

I have lots of pictures from our trip home. Internet has been pretty spotty, but I'll try to get them up as soon as possible.