The ER

At long last ... the dreaded pictures of the ER. So, a simple attempt to wipe Eli's nose turned into her suffering from "Nursemaid Elbow." Basically she couldn't move ther right arm because I accidently dislocated a really important piece of loose cartilage that holds the major arm bones together. My bad.
So, as I described earlier, the ER visit in its entirety was less than 30 minutes, the doctor fixed her right up, and I was not arrested by the police or questioned by social services. Unfortunately, I didn't have the wherewithal to take a photo while she was in triage or on the gurney, but I did snap a few shots with my camera phone as she and Stephen were in the waiting room after the entire incident and I was still filling out paperwork. And as we were leaving the hospital. Doesn't she appear to be fine? (Notice the bandaid that early on we thought might fix the problem. Along with a bag of ice.)
She apparently still remembers the ordeal, as there are times when we are wrestling that she says, "Be careful Mommy, don't break my arm again" or "I don't want to go back to the doctor because you hurt my arm, Mommy." What other words would a mother want to hear?

Halloween 2008

Several ideas and costumes later, Eli decided that she wanted to be a butterfly. Thankfully, it was in just enough time for her godmother, Mitze, to fashion some spectacular homemade wings (and send them in the mail in time for Trick-0r-Treating. Thank you Aunt Mitze!).

Eli spent the evening with her friend, Claire, and they trick-or-treated in Claire's old neighborhood, which is right up the road from us. They made out like bandits. Claire's mommy, Michelle, was unable to join in the festivities as the day before she welcomed Claire's baby brother to the world. Welcome, Cade!

(I know, I know, I still haven't made good on my promise to update the other stories. If you're curious about the ER story (Melissa): Eli suffered from nursemaid elbow, which precipitated from wrestling with me because she didn't want me to wipe her nose. I knew there was a problem when she wasn't moving her left arm ... and the loud popping noise. But, Dr. Pat in the ER was familiar with the ailment, fixed her up, and off we went ... less than 30 minutes in the ER. Can you believe it?)

More later.

To my disappointed reader(s) ...

G-Pa (and Aunt Betsy): (and any other Chasing Eli blog readers)
I'm terribly sorry for my lack of posts. It hasn't been quite a month, but nearly. Not there is any excuse, but my life has been a bit chaotic, and I'm obviously doing a horrible job of balancing all of the external factors with my family life. I can only hope that it gets better.
With that said, a few items of interest took place in the past month that I will be updating during the next week or so. Here is a teaser:

• The Last Day in the OC (including saying goodbye to the Pierces and pictures of the wild horses!)
• Eli's trip to the Emergency Room (my fault)
• Penn State vs. Illinois game/camping weekend
• Soccer Tots (with Eli's friend Claire)
• anything else that was photographed (my memory fails me)

Stay tuned for the pictures and brief descriptions.

Day Two in the O.C.

Sept. 15 - Well, technically, it is Day 3 in the O.C., but it is the second day of pool/beach time. We've been on the go all day: up at 7 a.m. for our 5 mile walk on the boardwalk; back for lunch (pork chops and corn. Thanks, Stephen!) Off to the beach for wave jumping and sand castle building, and then back to the pool to Eli's water slide fix.



We learned that men and women ultimately come to the same solution when the group splits up and can't find each other: the guys parked, got out of the car, and waited on the boardwalk; the girls drove around looking for the other car, drove back to the house to see if the guys went back, drove around a little more, finally parked, got out of the car and waited on the boardwalk. The guys found us within 5 minutes. It didn't help that the girls didn't have a cell phone. Oops. Either way we had an enjoyable 5 mile walk on the boardwalk (after we had coffee). Lunch, again, was delicious. I think I know why we get invitations to join others on vacation. We provide the cook :) One thing is for sure, no one leaves hungry or thin after Chef Stephen takes control of the kitchen.

Next, we headed to the beach. We loaded all the beach accessories into the cars and drove over to the Hilton and unloaded. Eli was overcome with happiness when she saw the ocean and the sand. She was in sandcastle-making heaven. She stayed out of the ocean after she was quickly knocked on her dupa by consecutive waves. We buried the children in sand. Unfortunately for Jameson, he was unable to dig his way out. Wailing, however, works. After a while, you just felt sorry for him. Although, in Adam's defense, he did equip him with a bucket hat. Jameson also tried out the boogie board. Not bad for an amateur.

After we were hot, sweaty, and sandy we decided it was the perfect time to go for a dip. We have become regulars at the Hilton's pools and we didn't disappoint today. Courage took hold of little Eli and she braved the water slide by herself! All was well until Daddy went to the bathroom and Mommy took over the catching-Eli-as-she-comes-down-the-slide duties. I wasn't quite Johnny on the Spot. However, she was fine and still blamed Daddy. "I fell into the deep water and Daddy wasn't there to catch me," was her story. And that was about the time everyone agreed it was time to head back to the house.

We just ate like kings: Filet Mignon Oupoivre with Hashbrowns (and some asparagus). We're off to take another walk on the boardwalk to get Eli some ice cream!

The O.C.

No, we're not in California ... just Ocean City. The Pierces (Tara, Adam, and Jameson) graciously invited us to join them on their family vacation. We agreed to disrupt only the beginning of the week. The accomodations are fantastic ... and we were all estatic to see (hear) Bike Week come to an end. Though, it provided for some interesting people watching.
We hung out at the pool today. Couldn't ask for better weather. Low 90s, breezy and sunny. Eli really enjoyed the water slides. I think she went down the slides at least 184 times. I'll update more tomorrow!

Hershey Park (and camping, too!)

This past weekend we traveled to Hershey, PA, for some camping and amusement park fun. It was a gorgeous weekend and we had a delicious time! Who came: Eli, G-ma, G-pa, Aunt Amber, Aunt Desi, Aunt Michelle, Stephen, and Sharon; Dogs: Lemon, Pacino, Bella, and Kegan.

We all convened at a local Hershey Park campsite. Michelle and I, being the latecomers (and workaholics), arrived at midnight on Friday and conveniently enough, our campsites were perfectly established. All we needed to do was get comfortable in our sleeping bags! (Thank you, Stephen.) Eli stayed awake to kiss me good night and we all fell asleep to the sound of crickets chirping.

The next morning we woke and Eli reported, "It's bright and tunny outtide (she's can't pronounce "s" yet)." And she was correct: the perfect weather to have breakfast outside (thanks for the yummy cinnamon french toast, G-ma!) and get ready for Hershey Park. Logistics aside (showering, packing ... should we take our swimsuits ... I don't know if I want to carry a bag, etc.), everything went smoothly and we arrived at the Park at the early hour of noon. There, with 40,000 of our closest friends, we carefully meandered through the crowds to watch Eli get on her first kiddie ride. She didn't seem amused. (See picture on green dinosaur.) But, she came around. Eventually. A little bit of pink ice cream in a huge waffle cone pretty much did the trick. And two quarters. (She loves money.) Next up: trucks. Maybe influenced by her Uncle Sider? (See picture with truck and inappropriately-sizedDaddy sitting on top.) Still haven't found the ride for Eli. Next door to the big trucks, we happen upon Frog Hopper. That did the trick. Smiles all around and maybe even a squeal of delight. (See picture with Eli and inappropriately-sized Daddy in the chair next to her.) Now what? We checked out the sea lion show (just so-so) and made our way to The Boardwalk at Hershey Park (water park). See picture with appropriately-sized Daddy carrying little one on his shoulders.) The water park, in my humble opinion, was mass chaos. By this time it was about 4 in the afternoon and there were thousands of tired, wet people/children milling about. Eli, Stephen, G-ma, and G-pa all changed into their bathing suits and headed into the brisk, crowded waters. I graciously stayed behind to watch the stroller, which was no longer being used to tote Eli around. Instead it acted as a luggage carrier ... similar to one that you would find at an airport.

In any case, watching little children visibly shivering from the cold water, wind and setting sun, I felt victorious in my decision to stay dry. But, it did look like they had a lot of fun. Until, Eli clung to G-pa for body heat. (See self-explanatory picture.) It was time to leave the water park for warmer activities. Mommy's pick: how about the swings? It measured a "satisfactory" rating. There was definitely a smile, but no requests to "do again." (See picture.) Also on the agenda was the kiddie-version of the log ride. G-ma and G-pa stood in line to take Eli on the ride, but when the log rounded the corner, I was taking photos of Stephen, G-ma, and Eli. G-pa must have known about the wet seats. I was honored with the request to accompany Eli on the truck ride. We patiently stood in line (see photo) ... to ride truck number 2. Eli did a fantastic job steering. I was happy to be a passenger.

The day ended with another couple of rides on Frog Hopper and the finale -- the adult version of the Log Ride. Eli rode with her aunts Amber and Desi. They got a really cool photo that captured the moment. It was a great day and a wonderful weekend. See everyone at the Penn State game!

Smith Mountain Lake

So, I'm a little late with this post ... last weekend (two weekends ago, now), we visited the Barnharts and the Mayhews at their lake house in Smith Mountain Lake. We had an absolute blast spending time with the Emma, Sarah, Michelle, Erik, Osie and John (and Jessie and Jack). Even if we weren't staying at a lovely house right off of the lake with a pier, a boat (with tube), a ski doo, perfect weather, etc., (basically all the luxuries of life on a lake) we would have had a lovely time. (The toys sure were fun, though, and we did take advantage!) Michelle and Ocie started the weekend off with a spectacular "Slow Country Boil" dinner that left everyone happily stuffed and ready for an evening boat ride. Stephen ended the weekend of gourmet dinners with fabulous hamburgers and grilled pork (and hotdogs!).

Eli had an awesome time with Emma and Sarah. They welcomed her as if she were their long lost sister. Hugs, giggles, tears and all ... Eli became quite familiar with the Barnhart's new kitten, Jack, who I have to say, was awfully tolerable of Eli. But, sometimes, enough is enough, and Eli has the scratches and playfu

l bite marks to prove it. :)

I can't end this post without saying that Lemon had the most enjoyable time. Whether it was non-stop ball chasing, leaping off the pier or taking a morning swin, she was in her element and slept soundly for several days after we returned.

We hope to make this an annual event ... Did we just invite ourselves back? :)