It has been quite a year, with so many medical challenges for Brooklyn and Brayden...We spent too many days at the Children's Hospital and in the span of 6 months, did 8 sleep deprived EEG's and 2 MRI's. It was a year of full of growth for the the kids, our family and all those involved with our family. It was a year to be reminded of digging deep until we get the answers our kids deserve and need.
Brooklyn ended up with a diagnosis of Epilepsy. Which we wouldn't have discovered, if Allison didn't push for answers to 'why the struggle, and why are we getting nowhere". With the insistence of looking back at reports from two years ago, some 'unexplained activity in the brain', led to numerous tests. Which then lead to seeing 'seizure like activity', meaning medication - that gave our family a run for our money, with Brooklyn reacting negatively. They were meds that she needed to titrate off of, which was a long three month process.
Brayden had the worst EEG of his 10 years of epilepsy, which lead to an aggressive treatment, which sadly lead to him having a full on seizure at school. He then ended up on 24 hour supervision, not being able to even go to the washroom or bath on his own (pretty hard for a 13 year old). Massive change in medication was needed again. We went for numerous trips to the Children's hospital including 3 trips for practice MRI's, and then many more trips for more tests and appointments.
With two children with Epilepsy, we needed to make sure all was okay for the third, so Bradley had a sleep deprived EEG, which ended with 'we aren't sure what we saw'...so back for a second sleep deprived EEG for him. At this time they believe the results are only a snapshot in time, but do not believe there was anything to be concerned about.
Last Week, we had 2 more sleep deprived EEG's and then a clinic appointment for all three kids. Although there are some parts we need to remain concerned with, and slight medication adjustments, we ended with a celebratory appointment -- all the kids are on track for what they need, we have discovered what we need to discover, are on medications that control the seizure activity and have a plan going forward. We got the all clear to go on our summer adventure - to get away from it all (and have a neurologist on call phone number, just in case)
Brooklyn ended her school year with a teacher that said 'how much she grew' meaning both Brooklyn and her.
The year was also full with Allison traveling to conferences, meetings, and announcements in her role as President of Alberta School Councils Association. She was also busy with her work as usual, and Duane busy with his work, too. Brayden enjoyed a year with scouts, and is excited with getting to go to Canadian Jamboree in a couple of weeks. He also enjoyed his first year in Air Cadets, receiving Top First Year Cadet. Bradley grew so much and really connected with his youth group he attends. Brooklyn struggled to make it thru much this year, but ended the year attending the last bit of Brownies and the year end camping trip.
We also, sadly, needed to make a trip to Newfoundland in May, for us all to share in the memories of an amazing woman - Aunt Mamie. She was a second mom to both Duane and his brother Dean, as they grew up. Many of their adventures and experiences in life included or were because of Aunt Mamie. She made a difference in so many young people's lives and an entire community. We were also lucky enough to have her live with us in Grimshaw for a year, where she was with us for the birth of Bradley. So many great memories we have, but we had to say good bye to her. It will definitely be very hard going back this summer and her not being there to join us on our adventures.
And with all that to end off a crazy, busy school year... we are off. Off on an adventure...Allison will still be working every second week, but we are off across the country. We are headed to Ottawa for Canada Day and we get to meet Uncle Jason's girlfriend in Ottawa and visit with other family in Ontario. Then on to see what we can see in Quebec (taking suggestions), and spend some time with family in New Brunswick, which is always a great time! Then Brayden and Duane will be off to Canadian Jamboree with scouts. Then onto Newfoundland to see family and friends along the way!
So last night we drove to Great Falls. Today we are on the most boring drive across Montana, curvy, narrow roads with no shoulders. Today is simply a driving day, as we all can't wait for tomorrow's adventures - MALL of AMERICA!!
The first 'how much longer?' Didnt come until 5.5 hours into the trip - much better then three years ago when we were only half hour in.
We got a motor home to drive across the country - which Allison was aLOT scared to drive - still is! She went to get into the drivers seat after quite a ways into the trip today. As she was moving to the drivers seat Brooklyn said "I wish I had two seatbelts!"
It is also crazy that we get unlimited data on our US phone - hope that means we can keep this blog up to date! Bradley plans to take some video tomorrow on his adventures at MOA.
Till tomorrow...
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Monday, July 4, 2011
Day 3- need sleep
So today was mainly a driving day, that ended in some fun.
Even though it started out with a flat tire we got a quick repair and went on our way.
We stopped in Sioux Falls to do a bit of shopping and eat. And then kept driving.
We arrived into Miniapolis around 5pm. It was nice to have an early night in. Our hotel is across the street from Mall of America. The Mall closed at 7 so we decided we would just have supper at the hotel and then spend time in some of the pools at the hotel and hit bed early.
All the kids were fast asleep when they hit their beds and we weren't long after.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day, but cant wait to see all the smiles on the kids faces. We are going to Sea Life, Nickelodian Universe, Lego Land, Mini golf and of course some shopping.
Even though it started out with a flat tire we got a quick repair and went on our way.
We stopped in Sioux Falls to do a bit of shopping and eat. And then kept driving.
We arrived into Miniapolis around 5pm. It was nice to have an early night in. Our hotel is across the street from Mall of America. The Mall closed at 7 so we decided we would just have supper at the hotel and then spend time in some of the pools at the hotel and hit bed early.
All the kids were fast asleep when they hit their beds and we weren't long after.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day, but cant wait to see all the smiles on the kids faces. We are going to Sea Life, Nickelodian Universe, Lego Land, Mini golf and of course some shopping.
No Vacancy!
NO VACANCY
Well Day 2 was an adventure for sure...it has led into Day 3 as we sit on the side of the highway with a flat tire and after a night of no sleep, as there was no hotels to be found for 100's of miles. I guess there was an 'all schools reunion' in the area so there were people from everywhere coming to Rapid City and area. We, along with 3 other vehicles raced from town to town in hopes of not seeing the dreaded No Vacancy sign in every hotel doorway, even the dungy hotels were full. So we caught a few zzzzz on the side of the highway throughout the night, and the kids did amazing sleeping all through the night. We now sit on the side of the I90 waiting for the tow truck and again the kids are being fabulous wandering in the van as it pours rain outside... They did go out to explore the teepee that was in the field. (I guess it was the stem on the tire that could have been more serious had we kept going.) On a positive note, the moula we saved from not having a hotel last night, means we can get a nicer hotel tonight.
But on with the details of our fun Day 2. We drove from Montana to Wyoming to South Dakota. It was a very interesting drive with the terrain going from mountains to 'desert' like terrain in a flash. In a few sections the roads were red, the pavement was actually red, it was neat.
We passed through Stugis and all the billboards were motorcylce related, some of them were a little crude. Just past Sturgis was a 'graveyard' where it was rows upon rows of all the same white headstones. We will have to research to find out what it was for.
All day we stayed ahead of a storm with very windy conditions but the wind was so, so warm. And it was humid.
Once we arrived in Rapid City we got fuel for the vehicle and for us, we then headed up the road to Mt. Rushmore. There is so much to do around Rapid City - drive through wildlife park, reptile world, ziplines, luge, waterslides and lots of wineries. We definately will come back for a vacation to the area and spend a good chunk of time to see all the sites. The area is similar to Banff but much more to do. The streets were packed (Keystone) with people and lots of great little shops to visit. On the drive to Mr. Rushmore, the storm caught up to us. The entire drive up to Mt. Rushmore the rain got harder and harder, but this is what we came to see, come rain or shine. Once we got to Mt. Rushmore the rain had tapered off (for a few seconds at least).
The boys went into the information center to get their Junior Ranger assignments for the day. They took it very serious and we went off to complete their tasks in the park....and just as we reached the sculture in the mountains the down pour came, but Bradley said "rangers have to work even when it rains" so we kept working on the assigned tasks. We squished pennies in the gift shop, found grandpa a Mt. Rushmore hat and the boys bought some magnetic rocks. The rain lightened up and we went to the sculptors studio to find a nice lady that helped answer some of the questions the boys had to complete. We got some great pictures down in this area. One of the tasks for the boys was to 'hug a tree', they thought that was fun :) We then went to get them sworn in as Junior Rangers. They were ecstatic as they recieved their badges and certificates. We bought all the kids silver dollar coins from Mt. Rushmore.
The drive out of the Rapid City area was a fabulous site to see, there was lightning lighting up the sky and fireworks going off all through the city, it was nice to see. Then we hit the road in search of a hotel...
On Day 3, we plan to make it to Mall of America area and get to have a good nights sleep.
Well Day 2 was an adventure for sure...it has led into Day 3 as we sit on the side of the highway with a flat tire and after a night of no sleep, as there was no hotels to be found for 100's of miles. I guess there was an 'all schools reunion' in the area so there were people from everywhere coming to Rapid City and area. We, along with 3 other vehicles raced from town to town in hopes of not seeing the dreaded No Vacancy sign in every hotel doorway, even the dungy hotels were full. So we caught a few zzzzz on the side of the highway throughout the night, and the kids did amazing sleeping all through the night. We now sit on the side of the I90 waiting for the tow truck and again the kids are being fabulous wandering in the van as it pours rain outside... They did go out to explore the teepee that was in the field. (I guess it was the stem on the tire that could have been more serious had we kept going.) On a positive note, the moula we saved from not having a hotel last night, means we can get a nicer hotel tonight.
But on with the details of our fun Day 2. We drove from Montana to Wyoming to South Dakota. It was a very interesting drive with the terrain going from mountains to 'desert' like terrain in a flash. In a few sections the roads were red, the pavement was actually red, it was neat.
We passed through Stugis and all the billboards were motorcylce related, some of them were a little crude. Just past Sturgis was a 'graveyard' where it was rows upon rows of all the same white headstones. We will have to research to find out what it was for.
All day we stayed ahead of a storm with very windy conditions but the wind was so, so warm. And it was humid.
Once we arrived in Rapid City we got fuel for the vehicle and for us, we then headed up the road to Mt. Rushmore. There is so much to do around Rapid City - drive through wildlife park, reptile world, ziplines, luge, waterslides and lots of wineries. We definately will come back for a vacation to the area and spend a good chunk of time to see all the sites. The area is similar to Banff but much more to do. The streets were packed (Keystone) with people and lots of great little shops to visit. On the drive to Mr. Rushmore, the storm caught up to us. The entire drive up to Mt. Rushmore the rain got harder and harder, but this is what we came to see, come rain or shine. Once we got to Mt. Rushmore the rain had tapered off (for a few seconds at least).
The boys went into the information center to get their Junior Ranger assignments for the day. They took it very serious and we went off to complete their tasks in the park....and just as we reached the sculture in the mountains the down pour came, but Bradley said "rangers have to work even when it rains" so we kept working on the assigned tasks. We squished pennies in the gift shop, found grandpa a Mt. Rushmore hat and the boys bought some magnetic rocks. The rain lightened up and we went to the sculptors studio to find a nice lady that helped answer some of the questions the boys had to complete. We got some great pictures down in this area. One of the tasks for the boys was to 'hug a tree', they thought that was fun :) We then went to get them sworn in as Junior Rangers. They were ecstatic as they recieved their badges and certificates. We bought all the kids silver dollar coins from Mt. Rushmore.
The drive out of the Rapid City area was a fabulous site to see, there was lightning lighting up the sky and fireworks going off all through the city, it was nice to see. Then we hit the road in search of a hotel...
On Day 3, we plan to make it to Mall of America area and get to have a good nights sleep.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Day One - Great Falls to Billings
Well with a busy week of an appeal and selling the old trailer the day before we left, we didnt leave as early as planned. But at 2:30 this afternoon we were on the road with a very, very very, very full van. The kids wore their Canada Day clothes. Crossed the border with no problems and made it to Great Falls to do a little shopping - well alot of shopping for Duane, he got a new IPad. The kids had fun playing at McPlayland.
It was a long drive from Great Falls to Billings with nothing in between. We arrived in Billings and the hotels were FULL...but we are now settled into our hotel and everyone is at least in a bed.
The kids were great on the drive, the ipods didnt even need to come out until 7.5 hours into the journey and the boys even fell asleep midafternoon.
Tomorrow we are off to see Mt Rushmore and then drive as close to Mall of America as we can. We plan to have an earlier night tomorrow, so not sure of our exact destination.
PS I will post the pics of all the goodies I got for the $20 sign up with Dove Chocolates...it was quite an amazing haul...and I had signed Duane up too, so we have two big bags full of goodness.
It was a long drive from Great Falls to Billings with nothing in between. We arrived in Billings and the hotels were FULL...but we are now settled into our hotel and everyone is at least in a bed.
The kids were great on the drive, the ipods didnt even need to come out until 7.5 hours into the journey and the boys even fell asleep midafternoon.
Tomorrow we are off to see Mt Rushmore and then drive as close to Mall of America as we can. We plan to have an earlier night tomorrow, so not sure of our exact destination.
PS I will post the pics of all the goodies I got for the $20 sign up with Dove Chocolates...it was quite an amazing haul...and I had signed Duane up too, so we have two big bags full of goodness.
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