A Bike, A Break (Two Actually), A Baby, A Blessing

So, for those who have not heard, while we were down in Florida for Emma's blessing, Daman went on a little bike ride with Reese. I heard the first twenty minutes were really fun. Until Daman was launched off his bike onto his head with only his poor arm bones between his skull and the rocks below. The bones kept him from breaking his neck, for which I am truly grateful, but it came with a price. He fractured both elbows, and even with a helmet, sustained a concussion serious enough to cause some scary short term memory loss. He was very confused when he found himself in Florida and when Reese reminded him he was there for Emma's blessing, he responded, "Emma? Emma? I know Isaac and Lucy. . " Very scary. He is recovering nicely, but for several days there I had four children. Daman couldn't feed, bathe, or dress himself. (I would like to mention here that concussions and pain medication mercifully cause constipation. . . if you get my meaning) But, when the doc told him no casts were necessary and the best thing he could do was to take off the slings as much as possible, my tough guy cast off those wussy slings and began a quest for full mobility recovery. I am lucky to have a husband that doesn't milk injuries--I think he'd still be playing the bathing card if possible though.

In any case, though he couldn't (and still can't!) hold Emma, he did remember her name in time to give her a blessing. We gathered at Reese and Kat's home and it was a sweet and wonderful experience. I am so grateful that so many people love my children. I am grateful that Daman is alive. I am grateful for righteous men in my life who hold the Priesthood of God to bless my husband on a bike trail and my precious baby girl in his arms. Emma is a sweet, gentle soul who has brought so much to our home. She has started squealing and squawking and we can't get enough. Isaac adores her, Lucy sings to her, and Daman and I just look at her and smile. We are very blessed. Even with two broken elbows.

My mom brought this dress (she came all the way from NC!!) and I absolutely love it--especially the darling bonnet.

Wonderful Grandparents!! Daman is trying to hide his slings here.

Rewind

So, had I been more blog-savvy, I would have started these catch up postings in reverse order, thus enabling my avid followers to get a better chronological flavor of our recent activities. Cleary I am not savvy, in fact right now my blog endurance is beginning to fade, so on to the beach. I have witnesses that heard Kris and Gary say that our day at the beach with them was the most perfect beach day they'd had in their years in Florida. Honest. It was stunning. Not too hot, with crystal clear water just the right height for little legs. And Emma slept or cooed peacefully the entire time. It was a delightful day. . .

Let's Play Catch Up

So, it has been quite a month. Let's start with a fun-filled trip to Florida where lizards abounded, mountain bikes crashed, elbows broke, and babies were blessed. And that was just in the first three days. In the words of Maria, "Let's start at the very beginning. . ."
The plane ride down to FL went smoothly, luckily for us (and everyone else) the plane was only half full, thus enabling Lucy to crawl over, under, and around at will.

Critters, lots and lots of critters

Lucy channeled her Native American ancestry (that comes down my line--notice the cheekbones) and going bareback on Shay--she was quite the horse whisperer, let me make it clear that this did not come down my line!

Lucy "walking" Chief