spinal tap monday

We'll be fasting tomorrow in preparation for Isaiah's scheduled spinal.  I think this is his 13th or 14th.  It's been a great break.  Please pray for strength for Isaiah tomorrow.

HoneyRock

Our vacation at HoneyRock (in Wisconsin's Northwoods) was wonderful.  We continue to be so thankful for Isaiah's strong health.  Other than a couple days when he was just very tired, Isaiah felt great.  This was our longest stretch (3 weeks in all) without a doctor's appointment in over 2 years!  The kids absolutely loved their many daily adventures in the woods.  They rock climbed, canoed, sailed, kayaked, swam, rode horses, mountain biked, shot guns, shot arrows, made leather crafts, water skied, and played, played, played.  We had good visits with some great friends.  Nate spoke to several groups at multiple gatherings throughout our time but mostly we just played and relaxed.  Our favorite part was just being together and watching the kids being kids.  Here are some pictures!

Lost a tooth....

...wrestling.

feeling great, having fun

We're having a blast at HoneyRock in Wisconsin's Northwoods! Will update with more pics when we have solid internet access. Isaiah is healthy, strong, and wants to move to Wisconsin. Our water ski plans for today have been rained out, but I hear it's 106 at home! Some pics here: www.twitter.com/nathanoates

Peace!

chicago 3

In front of Irving House at Wheaton College

Isaiah tries on some real armor at the Art Institute.

One of these three just isn't as interested in the Impressionists.

Such good buds.

This was the malted milk part of my $11 dessert.  Delicious.  Just now quite as large as I imagined.

With Aunt Janet!

Full.

chicago 2

With "Sue" at the Field Museum.

Self portrait. 

Buckingham Fountain.

Playing in the water at Crown Fountain.

The "bean" at Millennial Park, Chicago.  

Isaiah, at the base of the Hancock building, intrigued by all the new sights.  

It's been a very full few days in Chicago.  We're starting to get the hang of public transportation.  In two days we've traveled by foot, bus, train, taxi, borrowed car, and "L".  

More pics to follow here and at www.twitter.com/nathanoates

chicago!

We are in Chicago!  

We drove to the airport via the

 oncology clinic yesterday

 morning.  We did not have a "plan B" and were just hoping Isaiah's blood counts would be high enough

 to get the green light.  Gratefully, he's in good shape and we're beginning the longest break we've had in over 10 years!

We're staying with our great friend Janet in downtown Chicago, just two blocks from the lake front and Grant Park.  Hope to walk to the Field Museum today.  

We'll be sending out pictures this week at www.twitter.com/nathanoates.

love

Isaiah walked up to Carmen last night, gave her a big hug, and said, "Mom, I love you more than baseball."