Fundus Reunion

Back in Med School, Aaron had a great study group. It took a little while to find people who were compatible in personalities and study styles, but a group was formed, trust established and friendships were made. It's fair to say that Aaron, Scott, Anthony, and Kelly spent more time together than apart... the FUNDUS was formed (there's a lengthy explanation on how they got their name, something about them being the "fundus" (funnest) study group).

We have all gone our separate ways during residency: Aaron doing pediatrics in Little Rock, Arkansas, Scott doing emergency medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Anthony doing radiology in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Kelly doing family practice in Traverse City, Michigan.

We haven't seen each other since graduation 3 years ago in New York, so it was time for a FUNDUS reunion. We started planning about a year ago, so everyone could get the same vacation month. Stars aligned and plans were made. We decided that Arkansas was a pretty central location for everyone to travel. We ended up renting a big cabin in Eureka Springs. It was a perfect location for all of us nature lovers.

Although the weather did not cooperate and it rained most of the time we still had a good time. We were able to pick up where we left off and it felt like we had been together all along. Adventures and stories were swapped, friendships rekindled, good food was made, and all the kids had a BLAST being together. When the skies cleared we were able to see the quaint town shops, go hiking, and hang out skipping rocks at the river. It was a nice laid back weekend. We all had a good time. We have already talked about places for the next reunion, something more extravagant when we are making more money. Did I hear Bali? Maybe...just give us all a few years to finish residency, fellowships, and save up $$.

(of course I forgot my camera, but fortunately Scott and Laurie both had theirs, so I just need to wait for them to send me pictures and I will post them.)

The Girls at Night

Last night I got the kids to bed, cleaned up a few things, and headed to my bed for some peace. Aaron stayed up doing some work on the computer. When he went to bed just after 11 he checked on the kids like he always does. He peeked in on the girls and found Caite sitting on the side of her bed fully dressed in her school uniform and putting her shoes on. He laughed and told her to lay down and go back to bed. Her response: "But I already slept, can I just watch TV until it's time to go to school." Of course the answer was "No, you need to go back to bed."

Tonight I checked on the kids about 8:45 (an hour after putting them down) and I saw the girls light on. Caite was fast asleep, but Halle was laying in bed with a book in her hands and about a dozen books around her. She looked up and said, "I weeding, mama". So I left the light on and shut the door, it was too cute.

Kids Photo Shoot

I had a friend take pictures of our kiddos. I'm in need of new ones for our wall. Here are the results of some of them she posted on her blog...there were 150 total. I still need to get with her and decide on the winners.

amykaczorphotography.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Only half of the story

I got a little note from Hayden's teacher today saying "Hayden had fun telling us all about your trip." This was our conversation in the car on the way home from school.
Me: Did you have a fun day?

H: yep

Me: Did you tell your class about Disneyland?

H: yep, but only half of our trip. I couldn't remember the other half.

Me: What part did you forget?

H: I don't know, I forgot it.

He makes me laugh! There is always something funny coming out of his mouth.

Gardner Family goes to California: April 2010

The trip was planned for a year or more. And FINALLY the day came! Our kids were so excited they couldn't have waited another day. I don't know if we were more excited to go to Disneyland or see our family. Either way, we had smiles on our faces all week.

We got in Saturday night just in time to get settled in our hotel and take ALL 22 (10 adults and 12 kids under 9) of us to IHOP. That was the beginning of our FUN adventure.

We were pleasantly surprised Sunday morning to see that the Easter Bunny found us so far from home. We spent the day at the LA Temple, Newport Beach Temple, had an Easter egg hunt at a cute park, and then off to Hunington Beach. The day was nice and relaxing. It was a bit cool, but pleasant. The kids loved the beach inspite of the cool breeze and freezing water temperature...needless to say we didn't let them put their swimming suits on and get all wet...just their legs and an occasional fall.

Monday was LEGO LAND. Looking back on it, I think of LONG, SLOW lines and RAIN. It was fun, but I don't think in lived up to all the hype we had heard about it.

Tuesday: DISNEYLAND...the kids were so excited!! It was everything they wanted and expected. We were able to go in so many rides with the kids. With the exception of the little ones (Halle, Stratton, Dylie, and Sydnee) the kids were tall enough to ride everything. They really had a great time. It was fun to see all the cousins interact and decide who got to ride with who on each ride. They all got along so well.

Wednesday: CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE...very fun. I think everyones' favorite was "Sorin' over California" and the little ones loved watching the Playhouse Disney show.

Thursday: Back to Disneyland to finish the rides we missed the first time and hit the ones we loved a second time. I unfortunately spent the day throwing up, so I didn't leave the hotel, until dinner. We had a special dinner at GOOFY'S KITCHEN. We got to see most of the characters. The kids had a blast eating yummy food, seeing the characters and dancing to their hearts content. It really was a fun dinner. That night we went back to California Adventure to catch the light parade. I was told it was amazing...however, I didn't feel well and Halle was out of control, so we headed back to the hotel for the night.

Friday: headed home. We had arranged a taxi to pick us up Friday morning and take us to the airport. Our taxi driver called that morning and said "I have to pick up someone at the same airport at 11 am, can I pick you up at 10:30 in a LIMO...no extra charge?" ummmmm Yeah!! I think we can do that. It pulled up to the hotel and the kids eyes got really big then they started jumping up and down. It made a perfect ending for a perfect trip.

We had an amazing time. We LOVE spending time with our family. It's always hard to say goodbye. Hopefully it won't be long until we can see them weekly instead of yearly!!

Thank you Papa and Nana! We love you!!