Friday Friend Fun (and scans)

Our Friday started off back at the doctor's office today.  Julia had her renal ultrasound study that Dr. Hodges ordered.  When the radiology tech came to get us in the waiting room she was curious as to why we were getting another ultrasound so soon after her abdominal ultrasound last week.  I had the same concern when the hospital called to schedule the test.  I knew she had two very close together and called the scheduling department to see if one could work for both.  The woman on the phone was very condescending and rude about it and told me they were two very different things.  Well, in reality- not so much. A few extra shots and measurements and last weeks would have worked.  Oh well.  The girl doing this one was definitely much more skilled and I was happy to have her getting the info we needed.  Now hopefully the insurance company agrees on both, after the fact.  I tried to save them some money, but no one listened.

Julia did well, despite not wanting to go and protesting loudly about getting out of the car.  Her bladder was again measuring huge, as usual.  They had her pee and then measured again and said it had shrunk as expected.  The tech was chatty as she worked.  She did not bring up any major concerns.  She did bring up another kidney study Julia has not had yet.  Not sure if that will be in our future or not. 

We go back on Monday for her appointment with Dr. Hodges (urology).  I am interested to see where he stands on all of this.  We have not seen him since before Julia;s most recent surgery when her urology issues became a problem again and since we have started with home cathing. Then Tuesday is her genetics appointment and in the afternoon KidsPath.  On the way to her appointment today she asked why she had not been to KidsPath this week for counseling.  We had to cancel because of her stomach bug.  I love that she enjoys going so much.

When we got back home she pulled out the Human Body computer.  She was happy to report that she knows right where the kidneys are and they are the size of her fist. Then she turns to Carter and says, "To keep your kidneys healthy drink lots of water and eat a low-salt diet." And she can find the bladder, too. Guess she's paying more attention than we thought.   

We'll get t6he official results at her urology appointment on Monday.  Then Tuesday she sees genetics and in the afternoon they both have counseling at KidsPath.

Friday afternoon was time for some fun with friends.  We had a Egg Hunt and Potluck Dinner Celebration at our friends' house.  It was a delicious spread.  We always eat well with this crowd!

So much yummy fare- ham, potatoes, pasta salad, broccoli casserole, corn, sweet potatoes, rolls, strawberry salad, fruit, chocolate heath bar trifle, pineapple cake, and rice krispie treats.  Mmmm, let's just take a moment.

After a delicious dinner, we gathered the kids to give them egg hunting instructions.  In the front yard were over 250 eggs.

The kids were all such eager little hunters.  Mia caught on in no time and had a basketful.

Kendall collecting treasures...

Nathan thinking hard about his next move...

Julia getting a boost from Daddy...

Carter sharing with Claire and Ava...

Then we told the kids to empty out their eggs into bags.  It was like Christmas morning- all the squeals and joy.  I think most of them had no idea what was inside.

Sweet Ava enjoying a beautiful night outside...

When you're one of the youngest in the bunch, you never know what the big kids will do to you next..

Then we enjoyed some time to talk while the kids played...

Such a great night! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends in our lives. When we all gather together and I look around  and am overwhelmed.  Such incredible friends.  And the blessings of babies just keep coming and coming!