Family Picture

After about 150 shots, this is our finalist. We didn't have one, out of all of those, where all three girls were looking forward and/or smiling. Next time we'll pay for someone who has photoshop.

Lake Powell yay!

All of the girls would actually ride on the tube behind the boat with us. They all loved it at first, Maria decided she didn't like it after she saw mom and dad each get dumped (she was in the boat). Rocio actually fell once too. She cried for a while but then got right back on the next time we went out on it. She loved it. She's a good sport. She also spent as much time on the waverunners as possible, with anyone who was willing to take her.

We spent a week in Lake Powell with the Morrell Fam. On our fullest night, we had 26 people on the boat, not including some extended family that were there for dinner and games but didn't stay the night. Half of the number were kids, so it wasn't as relaxing as it used to be. As my sister put it, "vacation for a mom is just a lot more work in a different environment". And that it was. Especially with that much water and that many water loving kids. But we had a great time and are looking forward for the next one. Thanks Grampa and Grama Morrell!

"La Chio"

Rocio, my eldest, after undergoing several tests at Primary Children's Hospital has been pronounced "profoundly deaf in both ears". This news didn't really come as a surprise, just a confirmation of what we already suspected. Although we thought some sounds were getting through, it seems that is not really the case, she is just very smart and adaptive. We are working on Signing Time videos, which all of the kids enjoy and it helps our communcation with Chio so much better. She loves being able to communicate her needs. It also helps a ton with Ariana, instead of her screaming at me for everything she wants, I have her make the sign instead, it is working out great. Maria is quickly becoming tri-lingual. She asks for just about everything in English, Spanish and sign all at once. Candy mom, pastilla (and a finger in her dimple, which is the sign for candy). That is the favorite sign for all three of them, of course.

We are hoping for Cochlear implants for Rocio. So far, she seems to be a good candidate. She had an MRI done at PC on Thursday to make sure she has all of the appropriate ear anatomy, we are still waiting to talk to an audiologist about those results. Hopefully within the next 6 months she can have the surgery, I have heard great things about the implants and there is a good chance she will be able to "hear" and speak normally. If not, well, we are okay with being a tri-lingual family.

New Haircut

Is the fact that my hair gets shorter everytime I cut it indicative that I am getting older? Oh well, I like it (the haircut, not getting older).