March...new beginnings

We are excited to announce the completion of Brad's radiation as of Wednesday, February 27. Of course, we couldn't get through the week without some nasty weather conditions on Tuesday, making our drive to Ft. Collins extra scary.  We began the week with dinner after treatment at Beth and Fred's house, a great time with two of our favorite couples.  His very last treatment was uneventful, but celebrated with a single serving cake, with "Happy Day" written on it.   These pictures of the machine and mask are from that night.

With a good outcome, which we'll know by the end of the month, no more radiation
treatments will be given.  Brad wasn't sorry to say goodbye to the mask!  Our next step will
be to get a new chemo protocol from Dr. Nye at University Hospital.

Our next big piece of news involves the possibility of the Taylor family relocating to Ogalala, Nebraska, where Meredith interviewed for a new position at the hospital there. Fortunately, it's only about a three hour drive from here.  They will know something more definitively by next week, when she gets an official offer.  We are saddened by this new turn of events, but know that they must do what is best for their own family.  (Selfishly, the rest of us will miss them, especially Corbin who has a special bond with Elijah, and Emma who will be missed by Rory, as well as the girls).  The entire family will miss Meredith's awesome Sunday desserts!  (I am still hoping that McKee hospital comes through with an offer...)

It' s been a busy weekend.  Brad and Curt are both exhausted from the travel/work schedule this week.  It would sure be nice if they had some work a little closer to home, but we certainly are grateful that they have work.  Amie and Meredith both ran Saturday in preparation for their upcoming races, with Amie running 15 miles to train for a marathon.  Spencer had a garage sale Friday as Carrie had "suggested" that he clear their garage so that it would allow her to park her car in it.  As of this post, I believe her car is still in the driveway! I played Grandma's Taxi Friday, picking up and dropping off kids for school and attempted to gather supplies for a craft project/baby shower gift, which I was able to complete (with a whole lot of difficulty) just prior to the shower on Saturday, with my craft room looking a little like Spencer's garage!  Saturday, we (all eight of the adults) went to Denver to the Chop House restaurant to celebrate not only Brad's treatment ending, but also Curt's 36th birthday.  We had a great time and a fabulous dinner!  It's been many years since we were all able to go out together!

 

Gabi got a horse and "staple" for her doll

Sunday brought a really nice, nearly Spring day, warm enough to have the windows open for a few hours.  We did make a huge recipe of Brad's potato soup with ham, some winter salad with pears and apples and Meredith's chocolate/caramel cake.  The kids were in and out and SO wound up...very noisy!

Chef Grayson- loves pots and pans!

The cellphone triplets