First Trip to Prigel Creamery

Lisa and I had been messaging and realized that we both had plans to go to Boordy for the family friendly events.  When we arrived, Mr. Funk had already secure a picnic table, which was an awsome treat.  We typically just do a blanket on the lawn.  There was definitely an advantage to having a table but getting there early is sometimes a struggle.  The boys loved getting to walk around with Emma and listening to the music.  After eating their dinner and seeing Ben and his family indulge in ice cream, both boys asked for some.  Unfortunately, Prigel had run out of the flavors other than black cherry so we were off to Prigel to see what they had.  I had confirmed that there was going to be all flavors available at the creamery.

Before we left, I took a picture of the boys remembering that we had taken them almost 6 years  prior to Boordy for their first time.  So, a little flashback is in order.

We quickly found Prigel and it was a beautiful setting.  There is often a cow crossing each day but we've never been.  I can only imagine how much the boys would love to see the cows coming across the street in an effort to return home for the night.  It is on our to do list and we hope to make it happen.

Connor picked Chocolate Chip and Jackson chose lemon, which really surprised me.  But, they both loved their ice cream.  Jackson was willing to let me taste some but Connor who isn't a big sharer told me no (he gets it from me so I completely understand).  Now I know that I'll have to get my own.

The boys have always had a fickle relationship with ice cream.  They typically will ask for it, eat a couple of spoonfuls and then be done.  They've never really liked anything cold, going to back to formula and milk and Connor still will not drink cold milk so it makes sense.

Apparently, at 6 years old, they've discovered a love of ice cream.   Congratulations boys!!

It was the first of what we expect to be many visits to Prigel this summer to indulge in some homemade ice cream.

Super Hero Night at Ironbirds Stadium

With Connor's stitches, we set out to find some fun things that didn't involve water in the face or exerting himself.  We decided on several Orioles games and picked the Super Hero night and Star Wars night at Ironbirds stadium.

Once we arrived, the boys caught up with the green lantern girl.  She was handing out club memberships, which we had thought about, but couldn't commit to the distance.

Once we secured the tickets and entered, the boys were given Super Hero themed lunch boxes.  They were ready to find some Super Herores.  Immediately after walking in, we found a huge group and we were able to wait in a short line and get a great picture with EVERYONE.

We arrive early enough for warm ups and the National Anthem. It's so nice to see that the boys respect the need to be quiet and take their hats off. Last year, this would have required a lot of shushing.

After the game started, the boys spotted Rip Cord for some pictures.

After a couple of innings, there was a hot dog race and the boys were VERY interested in seeing who was going to win.  We each had something to root for.  Connor usually picks ketchup.  Not as a surprise, Iron Man won.

After hot dogs, the boys were able to stroll around the bowl and found willing Super Heroes to pose for pictures.

We would get pictures with Super Heroes and encourage the boys, more Jackson than Connor, to return to their seats and watch the game. The boys knew that there was a section to play games but didn't ask.  They play great music and Ferrous and Rip Cord are consistently walking around to provide distraction.

And, when somebody walks by, its super easy to be able to walk down and get a picture or a high five.

It is ALWAYS a fun night in Aberdeen and Ferrous does not disappoint. Ferrous has learned a lot of tricks from the Oriole.  It is so nice to watch the boys enjoy our nation's pastime and if a bird named Ferrous lets them do that, we will take it.   Also, it was a kids runs the bases event, which was so much fun.

Connor and his stitches

Words can not accurately describe how difficult it was to deal the ordeal of Connor tripping and falling into the corner of our coffee table and puncturing a whole in his mouth.  Actually typing it, still almost brings tears to my eyes.

To think that it happened on the last day of school when there was summer and all of the possibilities of fun in front of us is just so sad.  We had planned to go to the pool and were waiting for Michael to go home.  We were fine with a bit of the delay thinking that the pool didn't open until after 3 p.m. but after we had left a message for Michael to meet us there, we moved towards the door. Jackson was out the door and when I looked back, Connor was on the ground in a heap crying. He explained that he had started walking and fell into the table.

I quickly reacted and asked for Jackson to get a red towel to help hide the massive amount of blood from Connor as best we could.  When I pulled back the towel, there was no way to feel hopeful about what had happened.  There was a hole in Connor's mouth that punctured all the way through.  He was most concerned about stitches and in an effort to be completely transparent with him, I explained to him that it was most likely going to be stitches.

Jackson really struggles with holding back and was telling him how horrible it looked and how much blood there was.  In his defense, he was trying to comfort Connor and was really worried about him. I had Jackson grab things that we were going to need for a trip to the ER.  As we were packing up, Michael walked through the door. We finished loading into the car and were ready for our trip to GBMC.

Upon arrival, there was a slight wait and Connor was trying to bargain over the need for stitches.  It was very clear that stitches were necessary and we didn't want him to think otherwise. EVERY time the mention of stitches (a lot thanks to Jackson) came up, Connor started sobbing uncontrollably again and again.  It totally felt that the clock wasn't moving in the waiting room.  Connor was beside himself.  We couldn't get him to redirect at all.

Luckily, we were called back and someone finally confirmed to Connor that stitches were necessary.  Again, the sobbing. It was SOOOOOOOO sad.  Nobody ever warns you about how hard this parenting thing is and I know with boys, stitches are basically inevitable but you will never be prepared when it is time.

A plan was put into action for Connor to get anesthesia, which we had to agree to and release the hospital in case there was any issue, to settle him down.  Every staff member could tell how anxious he was about the idea of a needle coming in to his face.

He eventually calmed down but that was only after we found the Orioles game.

Jackson and I were asked to leave the room while the anesthesia was administered.  Connor was given the highest dose possible of anesthesia and it initially had the reverse effect on him.  He was even more hyped up about the ordeal than ever before.   And to think how irrational he was about getting the board and tape, the actual needle to administer the anesthesia wasn't going to go well.  It took several of the hospital staff and Michael holding him down.   Before we left, we gave hugs and kisses to Connor, including Jackson.

Jackson and I left the room at the doctor's instructions for Connor to get stitches.  We had to secure some food for him while Connor got his stitches as it was after 8 p.m. and he was hungry.

Once we returned and after more waiting, we found a sleeping Connor.  Finally!!!!

Everything was stitched up and he was in a happy place.  All of the doses of anesthesia finally caught up with him.  It was so nice to see him sleeping. Unfortunately, we had to wake him up and have him answer several questions before we were allowed to be discharged.

A before and after.....

A picture of our Connor sleeping in the bottom bunk. We were so happy to get him back to the house after a LONG afternoon/evening.  The bottom bunk has been reserved by Jackson since the spring.   This was not up for negotiation as we were concerned about Connor negotiating the steps if there were lingering effects of anesthesia.

The next morning, daddy happily obliged and picked Connor up a vanilla milkshake.  While he enjoyed his milkshake, we tackled an adjustment to our summer bucket list based upon Connor's inability to get his wound submerged in water.  First up, canceling swim lessons...