We love you Mimi

Chris's mom Lou Ann has been having some issues the last few months. She has had many doctors visits, lots of pain, and 2 actual surgery's before her doctors decided how to take care of the problem for good. Two weeks ago she had what is called the "whipple procedure" done. This surgery is a very invasive surgery and is usually done on patients with pancreatic cancer. Doctors had found no sign of cancer in her but still believed this to be the best route to take because her gall bladder needed to be removed.  [Her bile duct was continually getting clogged, which she had surgery on the month before, so they wanted to get in there and get it out to avoid future problems.] During the surgery the surgeon actually found a mass at the junction of the bile duct and pancreas, and was able to completely remove it. Results from the biopsy of that mass finally came back yesterday and showed no signs of cancer!!! Although Mom has had a painful, but terrific recovery so far, it was hard to really be happy until we got yesterday's news. We are so thrilled that she can focus on getting better and not have to worry about what the next step would have been had cancer been found. Heavenly Father has heard, and answered, all of our prayers and we are so so grateful.

Chris was able to fly out to CA to be with his mom and dad for a few days during and after her surgery, which was done at UCSF. Really glad he was able to be there with them for support. Lou Ann's hospital stay was 8 days after the surgery, so that would be difficult for anyone. 

While Chris was gone for those 5 days, Luke and I kept ourselves busy and minds occupied, trying not to get too worried about the surgery. We saw more friends in 5 days then we have in the last month I'm pretty sure. Of course we got to hang out with Quinn (whom Luke still adores - see below) and Steve & Britt, we saw Jessica Wilde's new Sugar House home and played in the sandbox with Charlie, had a pizza/ hot tub party at our house with Avery, Steph, Charlie and Jessica, hung out and went shopping for baby girl clothes with Becky and Aislyn (who better to call when going shopping?!) and of course saw aunt Alli and uncle Derek, who took Luke to a really fun play place down in Orem. So grateful for all the good family and friends we have around that took such great care of us.

We love you Mom and are so happy with the way things have turned out. We are thankful you have such "virgin" organ placement and made it easier for the surgeon ;)! I know it is still a long and difficult rode back to your normal self, but take it a day at a time! You have been so strong and brave the last few months and we are so proud of you.

 Quinn & Luke. Cousins and BFFs.

(again, the red & blue sweats...I know what you're thinking...)

 Luke & Charlie

 Jessica and I were freshman roommates in the dorms at BYU-Hawaii 12 years ago.

It is so fun that we can now have our kids grow up as friends!

Charlie brought his sleeping bag over and shared it with Luke. They are such sweet friends.

Luke really loves his uncle Derek. And are we surprised?  What a great Uncle, getting down and dirty in the slide with Luke, teaching him how to do it. Thanks for being so great Alli and D.

We missed you a lot while you were gone Daddy and glad you're back with us now!

And Mimi, we love you more than words can say.