Russell's "Portrait Studio" and Email to Thomas (Grandparents) About Ross's Tonsillectomy

Hi-

How are our world travelers doing??? We hope you're enjoying your big
adventure in South America.

Anne Elise, what do you think of the revolution in Egypt? I imagine
the news coverage includes many places you know well.

Ross has been at home all week with the fever and sore throat illness
that had Lydia at home for 3 days last week. He looks to be all
better today and is enjoying the DVD Secretariat at the moment. John
is having a very busy week at work. He went to their planned new
office in the Triangle yesterday and today he's in Charlotte. He
finds this leaves little time to prepare for his client meetings- also
heavily sprinkled throughout this week. His boss will be away next
week which provides for fewer meetings. Whew!

I'm prepping for my 4 talks in Wisconsin on 2/11 and 2/12. Hope the
weather will be manageable up there! We only saw rain here this week,
of course.

I'm attaching some photos from Christmas, one shot of John and Ross
waiting for Ross's tonsillectomy surgery, and a photo of Russell with
his toy dog. In that photo, Russell had set up the cardboard to be a
backdrop (like our McCain family photo in December). The yellow car
is the chair in the portrait studio and his dog is, of course, the
subject of his portrait. Pa, you might have another photographer
there!

Love to all-
Jen

Ross's Tonsillectomy

We had Ross's tonsils removed due to repeated cases of strep throat. None of our kids seem to snore but I've heard that the surgery would also help that and sleeping or behavioral problems.

Pre-Op Ross played on his 1st electronic gadget- an Ipod he saved up and bought from Noah L. Mom and Dad (behind the camera) waited somewhat nervously.

Post-Op visit with the Bishops. Thank you for the ice cream!

Ross and Dr. Kraus (above). Ross stayed in the Day Surgery Center overnight with J.T. They watched sports on TV.

Dr. Kraus gave ear tubes to Lydia when she was 2 so this is our second procedure with him. He reported after the surgery that Ross's adenoids had been blocking 90% of his airway. Writing this 5 months later, Ross has remarked to me that it is now easier for him to breathe while swimming.

Scotty Humphries kindly delivered a milkshake for Ross.

Ross's pitiful look here was typical of his recovery period. He returned to school 11 days post-surgery.

Church Baptism

The Bishops prayed for Jen, Ross, and Lydia as we were baptized. Bethany shot some video for us, too. The kids were calm, confident in their faith decisions. Pastors: Will Dungee and Marshall Benbow.

Ross Spring 2010

I took Ross for his 1st ice-skating outing. We left everyone else at home and had a great time!

Ross is interested in becoming a professional soccer player.

Ross's 10th Birthday

Ross had a party at the movie theater that was attended by: Our family, Cousin Anna (age 15), Eric from his class who is wheelchair-bound and full of unbridled joy, Daniel (and his sister, Gracie), Vishnu, Tyler, and Noah (his best buddy from his former school). Noah also slept over- lots of fun! On his actual birthday, we had pizza at Pinetop pool with the Ridgill Family.

Lydia's love language is gifts but her resources are as limited as the size of her heart is unlimited. This year, she gave Ross such a sweet gift: She created several Pokemon cards for him. J.T. pointed out her maturity in having drawn a gift that interests Ross (but not her). Also, I had given her $2 last week for her and her brothers to buy cups of lemonade. I told her that if the stand was closed, she and Ross could just each keep one of the dollars. What was inside Ross's hand-made birthday card from Lydia? Both of the lemonade dollars! Post-note: Aunt Liz kindly helped Lydia create the card and decorate it with a dark ribbon (masculine, for Ross). :)

Above, you'll see a "Birthday Interview" that I had Ross fill out. As usual, Russell scribbled on his big brother's work.

Scouts, Valentine's Day, and Snow Day Note

Sledding in the neighbors' back yard (Ross and Lydia are in front).