September 19th Vicki Wrote

A sure sign of fall is the day we have to close the swimming pool. Except this year, none of our adult helpers are here. The kids got alot of use out of the pool this year but we didnt seem to use it alot ourselves.

Its nice to be back into our fall,winter routine. The kids get tired of being kicked outside. School is back in session! YEEEEHHHAAAHHH!

Brandon is anxiously waiting to get his new hip after Christmas. Its amazing to see the change in his stress level. Its like all of the weight has been lifted from his shoulders, knowing that he is getting help in the not so far future. We are anxious to see how he feels when he wakes up from surgery. We have heard stories of how poeple wake up after surgery and only feel pain from their incision and not have the joint pain. He seems to still have trouble eating and sleeping, but its so nice to see him smile and laugh again. He has actually had Perthes disease now for 11 years, more years than he hadn't had it. He goes for his first appt. with the surgeon Sept 28. He will get his physical, pre-op stuff and surgery date. We are hoping they will do it the Monday after Christmas. He doesnt start the spring semester until Jan 18. Which means he may only miss 2-3 weeks of school. The anticipation of Christmas has never been greater..

Devons trip out to Oregon has been going smoothly. For those living locally, Josh and Devons picture and story were in last weeks Free Press and should soon be in the Daily Intel. We thought that there were enough negative stories in the paper about the youth, so Vicki wrote up a story and sent it in. Within a few days both the papers called Devon in Oregon to get an interview. He was recently accepted at Shippensburg and is very excited! (doesnt hurt any that Dana is going there). He will start Jan.8. Its hard to believe his time away is already half over. They made a good friend at school, a 21 year old canadian, Earl. He is there for the duration of the program. He came over to the camp site the other night and they went out to the movies.He also joined them for part of their week off in Calif. They have seen many things out west. Vicki got to talk to him as they were grocery shopping the other night, talk abvout entertaining.

J.R. started middle school. All seems to be going ok. Clubs started which he always looks forward to. Willie is always a positive role model for him. They have spent many hours together playing. Unfortunately for Wille, when J.R. gets grounded Willie is the first to go. it seems to be the thing that hurts the most.

Ashton is starting gymnastics this year. Her dance studio was requiring 4 dance lessons a week to maintain statis in the competition level classes. With her other activities that requirement was a little much. The other dancers in her class did not think they were placing good enough at competition so they set new guidelines. Welcome to politics. Next weekend her cheer squad heads for competition at Villanova University. Her puppy Paige is doing really well. Potty training is better. Nala is being a great big sister.She is actually very entertaining. Ash has been great taking care for her. Except when it is time to put her out in the dark.

We have half of an empty nest. I'm not sure if I like it. The circle of life... Grammy and Ruth, have a great vacation. A safe trip home to Aaron!

Happy Fall,

Jim,Vicki and the motley crew...