September 2024

I was finally able to take my outer bandage off on day four post op. Still hobbling around with my crutches. The yard needed to be mowed, which is usually my job to do. I had to teach Jennifer how to start up the lawn mower. She did a good job, but I was sad I couldn't be out there doing it. 

On Taylor's birthday we volunteered to watch Nora so they could go out to dinner by themselves. Nora and I read some books up in Aunt Jennifer's office while she worked. Then when her parents got back they let Nora try steak. Well, by try I mean that she licked all the seasoning off of it. She seemed to enjoy it.

McKinley and I got together to play some board games while he was off from work. Taylor was working so we had to take turns holding her while the other made their moves. We were able to finish the game during her nap time. Then they tried out their new baby carrier that they were going to use on their upcoming vacation. 

My work had their annual Pediatric Cancer Survivor Picnic. We had over 60 patients and their families show up to celebrate with us. Since I was still out of commission and still using one crutch I couldn't help with all the set up. Thankfully my wife and kids picked up my slack. I did hobble around and take pictures for the Facebook page. 

After the Survivor Picnic I headed down to Kroger Field to see the second half of the UK football game versus South Carolina. The Wildcats didn't come to play for this game and got destroyed. I did find out that my pass this year allowed me to stand on the sidelines which gave us awesome up close views. I didn't stay long on the sidelines because my leg started hurting. I spent most of the second half driving recruits back to their cars. 

We had found out from a family we saw at D-bats about Henry Clay softball practices. Brinley had started working with them and she also got invited to come play in a game with them. They had her start out at second base. I could tell she was nervous, but it was really good to see her out there in black and blue! She had one at bat and I believe she grounded out to the first baseman, but she made contact. 

Landon had a cross country race in Danville. I drove him there because Jennifer had to go pick up Brinley from a sleepover birthday party. Landon got to run in spikes for the first time. My friend Kimberly gave us her son's old ones that he outgrew. Landon had a good race and ran hard on an extremely hilly course. He got a blizzard on the way home to try and cool himself off. 

Later that night I was standing on the sidelines for the UK versus Georgia game. It was an awesome game and the Cats fought hard, but ended up losing 13-12 to the number one team in the nation. I got to meet Tim Couch who was one of the first people I followed when I started watching football. He is actually responsible for me becoming a Cleveland Browns fan. Some days I wish he had been picked by a different team. I also got to meet gold medal hurdler Masai Russell. Both of them were really nice and I'm glad I got to meet them both. 

Landon had a mid week race in Jessamine County. I took him to it and he did great. I think he cut almost a minute off his time from when he ran this course a few weeks ago. We stopped by Sam's Club on the way home and Landon wanted more cheese balls. Some days I think it is the only thing that he eats. 

I listen to Kentucky Sports Radio almost everyday. Most of the time I hear it on the podcast, but since I have been off from work I have been able to catch it live. This day they were at Bi-water Farm in Georgetown and I decided to go catch it in person. It was hot! I enjoyed part of the pre-show and then the entire two hours of KSR. It is fun to see what they say in between the breaks and then everything that happens in real time makes more sense when you have the whole picture, not just the commentary. I got to meet Billy, who is a producer and is host of the pre-show. He is a really nice guy and they always give him a hard time, but I believe that is just for entertainment purposes. 

As I was leaving the KSR show I decided to have a lunch date with Jennifer and make it a alphabet date. For some reason we hadn't used the letter T yet so I picked up her favorite take-out place Taco Bell. I even stopped in Georgetown at a bakery to pick up some tasty treats.

With some extra time on my hands I decided that I would do a puzzle. I was quickly able to get this one done. Landon came and helped me with the last few pieces. Putting together a puzzle is just so peaceful and calming to me, but yet makes my brain work in order to complete it. 

Landon and Jennifer came to the UK versus Ohio University game. It was so hot and an absolute blowout. I sat up in the stands for the first half. Then I took Jennifer and Landon back to their car right after halftime. I was so hot that i didn't even stay out and watch the game. I watched the second half from inside on the TV. 

I did run down on the sidelines to meet Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Jodi Meeks. They were both being inducted into the UK Hall of Fame. Again they were both very nice and happy to take a picture. It couldn't have been a better interaction. 

The kids school had a color run to raise money for the school. Both kids had a lot of fun. Brinley took a selfie with her bestie Naaba. Landon's class was pictured on the school's Facebook page. Landon said he ran non-stop the entire time. I really do wish that I had his energy. 

Another week on medical leave for my leg meant that I could go play some more board games with McKinley and Nora. We again took turns playing with Nora between turns. Rupp didn't want to feel left out so he would come say hello from under the table. This was an absolute blood bath of a game. I haven't lost this bad at anything I can ever remember. McKinley beat me by almost 100 points. Well, at least I got to hang out with them for a few hours. 

Grandpa had a birthday and he decided that he wanted to come to Lexington to celebrate. We went out for lunch at Jason's Deli and then spent some time together and played a few games at McKinley's.  

Grandpa with all the Heflin grandkids.

Jennifer and I were trying to clean up the yard after some bad storms. Finally I realized that we should have two little helpers out there with us. Brinley helped clean the garage while I taught Landon how to mow. Then I taught Brinley to mow and Landon tried blowing all the leaves in the back yard. I don't think they enjoyed it, but someday they will be able to do it.

JK took the kids to the movies and spoiled them. We usually get a popcorn to share but they both got their own and drink too. They enjoyed getting to see Beetlejuice 2 with him. They even stopped for ice cream on the way home. I realized later that this was the first non related person to ever watch both of the kids, but at this point JK has become an adopted member of our family.

While JK and the kids were at the movies Jennifer and I decided to get an alphabet date in. She picked the letter H. We had Hawaiian BBQ and then got hot chocolate at the Chocolate Holler downtown. It was a nice night out with Jennifer. She had wanted to do Hawaiian shaved ice, but they unfortunately close after Labor Day.

Fall break started on September 30th. Landon was challenged by his coach to run during his break so he ran Jacobson Park on the new trail they have completed. He also said the only thing he wanted to do was Skyzone. Well, since I am a sucker I signed him up for a fall jump pass. He just has to go more that three times in the next 90 days and he will get his money's worth. Brinley of course is happy mostly when she has her headphones on and Starbucks in hand. This day she bought it herself because she had a deal for a free cake pop.

I was at the grocery store getting a few treats for fall break since we weren't going anywhere. I found these Coca Cola flavored Oreos. The kids liked them, but Jennifer and I did not. I'm not sure why they keep trying new flavors. They should have stopped right after golden Oreos. I guess they do it because silly people like me buy them to try it out!

We got some of the residual rain and wind from hurricane Helene here in Lexington. It was pretty windy and ripped a lot leaves out of the trees. The wind sounded so terrible and it frighted Brinley at school. She asked to come home, but I told her that she was safer at school because they don't have a lot of large trees surrounding the school like we do at our house. 

The only "damage" that we had was a branch came down and struck the air conditioner. I saw all the damage from stuff here in Lexington. I can't imagine what it looked like in Florida where the actual hurricane took place. 

August 2024

We started off the month of August celebrating with a patient at work who had just received his 100th blood transfusion. The family brought all the staff special designed cookies to celebrate the occasion.

We dropped the kids off for youth group and decided to get a quick alphabet date night in. We went to Qdoba for queso and I even got a quesadilla. Then we stopped to get some of the Queen's ice cream. 

While we were on our Q date the kids were having a color war at youth group. This is what Landon looked like on the ride home. 

After the last weekend when Brinley set up with her friend selling bracelets she decided to start her own business. We told her that she should look for an investor to help start her business. She immediately thought about asking Taylor. She was asking for $30 start up money and told Taylor that she would give her $1 for each bracelet that she sells until she gets to $40. Taylor agreed and gave her the start up money. She quickly began making some bracelets for people to look at. She even asked me what teams were in the tournament and made some for their teams too. 

 

Brinley with her set up at the ballpark. This was the happiest I have seen her at one of her brother's ball games. Her first day in business she was there for a little over 3 hours and earned $90 dollars! She was so excited about her little business. She called Aunt Taylor and told her that she could now pay her back for her investment. 

Landon's team put in some good work and ended up winning their tournament the next day. They went 3-0 on the weekend and won by a total margin of 45-8 on the weekend. It was a great last weekend of summer baseball for Landon and his team. The team ended with a 15-10 record for the summer, but it was filled with lots of memories with a good bunch of kids. 

Nice ending to the summer of 10U baseball. Brinley brought her bracelet gear again, but because we were the only game going on she didn't have as productive of day, but still sold $10. 

Landon, Jennifer, and MiMi went to see the movie Twisters. They all really enjoyed it but I think it made Landon even more terrified of tornadoes. 

I was off from work so I decided to do something fun with the kids. We grabbed some Little Caesars pizza and went to play at the park. It was about to rain so nobody was at the park. We played for a little bit and then got out before it started pouring. 

The kids both have started working out with the middle school teams. Landon is trying out for cross country and Brinley has been going to open gyms for volleyball. Jennifer and I tried to squeeze in another alphabet date night. I took Jennifer to her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden. Then we came back and watched the Olympics and even took an outdoor walk in the park. We are officially halfway through the alphabet. Only 13 more dates for the year to complete it. 

The kids went to have a sleepover with the Kerr's. This allowed Jennifer and I to get out and have another date. I picked G for our alphabet date. We went to Goodfellas, played golf, and even picked up a Great American Cookie. Jennifer played her most competitive golf ever but I was still able to get the win. The people in front of us were so slow so we played a few extra holes behind us instead of just standing and waiting for them to finish. I bet we played close to 30 holes. My favorite picture was the bottom left picture. Jennifer's initial hit went out of bounds. She played it where it laid and chipped in for a 2! We had to recreate the emotion filled picture, but she had so much joy on her face.

We didn't waste any time and had a night date as well. Jennifer picked the letter L. We had lasagna, lemon cookies, and built Legos all while watching the movie Luca. Jennifer built the robes shop and I built Ollivander's wand shop. After we finished we broke it back apart and placed them in baggies for someone else to build later. Don't tell Brinley but this might just be a gift that we hide for a special occasion. 

While we were out on our dates the kids were having a blast with the Kerr's .They swam multiple times, played wiffle ball, and even went bowling. I think Brinley and the girls made bracelets and I'm sure the boys played some video games. 

The even got in a night swim too!

We headed down to the gorge area for a teammates birthday party. It was a cabin right on the pond. Landon immediately got in the paddle boat to ride around with his friend Easton. 

There were a lot of friends and family of the birthday twins, Hudson and Harrison. The kids were non-stop in and out of the pond. Fishing, swimming, and being all around little country kids for the day. 

The last day of summer Aunt Taylor and Uncle McKinley took the kids out for a trip to Goodfellas and some Bobba Tea. The kids are getting a little more comfortable around Nora. It probably helps more that she is getting bigger and more interactive with people. 

I have been trying for about six months to get legally able to volunteer in my own hospital with a group called Jarrett's Joy Cart. This is an organization that was started by a former oncology patient and he would give toys each week to children in the hospital. Unfortunately he passed away but his family has been continuing his mission ever since. So, soon I will be volunteering as a member of this group on Tuesday nights in Kentucky Children's Hospital.

Last night of summer and we decided to light up a fire and have some s'mores. The kids enjoyed the s'mores but didn't want to sit and hang out around the fire talking to their old man. 

Landon's traditional first day of school pictures. Not much has changed with him except that his is starting middle school. I got him donuts for breakfast this morning.

Our seventh grader was not feeling it when I asked her for a picture with breakfast of choice,        Chick-fil-A. Eventually she stopped running from me and took a non smiling picture. 

Family picture on the first day before I left for work. Jennifer walked them to school but they were having nothing to do with her request for a picture at the school. Both darted off and left their mother on the street corner. I hope they have a wonderful middle school year together. 

Brinley and her friend Naaba were included on the school Facebook page showing off the shirts that the school gave out to all students. 

Our first day of school celebration includes going to get some Loco Ice. The kids both really enjoy the nice little treat. 

This year we invited a new friend to come enjoy shaved ice with us, Nora. She got to experience her first shaved ice. Her face didn't show joy, but she kept opening up her mouth for more. 

I took off the second day of school and after getting the kids off to school I went over to play some games and spend some time with Nora and McKinley. We made it through two games, but at one point we had to switch off holding Nora so that the other person could take their turn. 

I realized that we had missed out on going up to King's Island much over the summer because we have been so busy. We definitely never got up while the water park was open. We made the decision on Saturday morning to run up and get a quick visit in. We rode Orion three times as soon as the park opened, then Diamondback, the new Snoopy ride and then hit up the squishmallow basketball arcade game. Brinley wanted a mushroom one which meant that I would have to hit 4 out of 5. Well, I hit all five balls. Not only did I win what Brinley wanted but Landon got a blue duck. I asked if he wanted me to win one for him and he said no. We headed out to the car to pick up our bathing suits and headed to the water park. We rode all the water slides that we wanted. We were in line for another when the park closed due to lightening in the area. We decided to call it quits and head home. While we were in the water park Landon mentioned that he had wanted a squishmallow too, but didn't want to use my money. I informed him that I had offered to get him one while we were there. I luckily hit four of five and he picked out the exact same mushroom that his sister had got. Everyone was happy and we could head back home. 

Brinley made an awesome decision at camp over the summer to have a personal relationship with God. We finally were able to get her baptized by her small group leader, Kayleigh. I am so proud of the young lady that she is becoming.  

Brinley had a lot of people that came out and supported her. Everyone was so proud of her. Our church was having a little back to school party with Ale8, popcorn, inflatables, and games. We were hanging out on the patio when I got approached by a guy who introduced himself as Jacob's dad, who is Brinley's "boyfriend" that she met at church camp. Brinley thought that I had approached him, but I had to inform her that it wasn't me.

After church Brinley chose to go to Cane's for lunch. Then we stopped at Loco Ice to have a little treat. 

Later that night the kids and I went to the Y to work out. We just so happened to run into Jacob, his brother and mother. For the day we ended up meeting the entire family.  

Two of Brinley's Rampage teammates played against each other in basketball. A few of us came out to cheer them both on. The girls enjoyed getting to see one another. They haven't had practice since Coach Anna had her baby. 

While the kids were both at youth group we went on an alphabet date night. For I night we went for Italian and ice cream. Not the best food date night, but definitely enjoyed time with Jennifer. 

Well the kids had off school on a Friday, so what better to do than head to Disney World! They start celebrating Halloween early so we brought our costumes and were pumped about going to the Not so Scary Halloween Party.

The next morning we got up and went to Animal Kingdom early for the rope drop. We rode Expedition Everest three times in the normal line so we all got to sit together. Jennifer can't ride this one because it makes her sick. We also took some pictures with the Tree of Life. 

We rode the safari and then the family all wanted some type of Dole Whip. Landon got the float, Jennifer got pineapple crisp, and Brinley got plain Dole Whip ice cream. We also got a ride on Flight of Avatar before heading back to the hotel to get a little nap before heading back out for the Halloween Party. 

We got to the party early and rode some rides before it started. Jennifer waited in line to meet Stitch while I took the kids for a few rides. It was a beautiful day and right as the party was supposed to start at 7 pm it came a torrential downpour and thunder and lightening. Thankfully the waiting area to meet Stitch was under cover. We met Stitch and then had to make a decision. We could either try and wait out the storm or just run in it to the next thing. I looked up and saw that Tron was still running during the storm so we ran for it. We got soaked, but the line was so short for the ride. We got on fairly quickly and then decided to try and make the best of the night. Well, all of the outdoor rides were closed as well as most of the meet and greets. Since it was still raining they cancelled the first parade. We got in line to meet Mickey, then Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. While Jennifer and the kids were waiting in that line I went over to talk with the guest relations team at City Hall. There was a line about 50 people long. They were very gracious and returned our money because of the poor weather conditions and cancelling events for the night. I was glad I got in line when I did because the line was all the way down main street when I got out. 

A few of the pictures that we got on rides while wearing our outfits.

As we came out of City Hall it was the beginning of the fireworks show. We watched the show on the castle and amazing fireworks display. Right after the fireworks they did an abbreviated Hocus Pocus Show where all the villains came out on the castle stage. We also watched some of the parade before calling it quits for the night. We were all a little disappointed by the entire party. This was the second time we have tried to come to this party and both times it has been stormy and mostly rained out. I guess we should just never plan to go to this event ever again. Landon was devastated because he thought that he was going to get tons of candy like he had the last time we came. 

Besides the Halloween party our other biggest goal for this trip was to ride the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which is the revamped Splash Mountain. The actual base of the ride didn't change, just the theme of the ride. It was ok, but I wasn't super impressed by it. In fact I was a little disappointed in it. I wouldn't wait in a long line to ride it for sure. 

Some more of our ride photos from our weekend at Disney.

I think the photographers in front of Remy's in France take some of the best pictures. The top picture was one of the truest smiles I have seen on Brinley for a while. Maybe she should stick her tongue out for more pictures.

Some of our special photo magic shots around Epcot and from our ride on Guardian's of the Galaxy.

As soon as we got back home it was back to school and Landon had his first middle school cross country meet. He had a little bit of a cough and wasn't feeling well but he did well in his first race. I think he was disappointed because he thought he should have done better. We have had to talk about expectations especially because he is just a sixth grader competing against 12-14 year olds.

Back in April I wrecked my scooter on the way to work. Ever since the accident I have had pain in my right knee. I thought it would eventually go away, but it never did. After seeing a few doctors, x-rays, and an MRI we found out that I had a completely torn meniscus. The surgery was scheduled August 29th. The day before was my last day at work. Mrs. Anne brought me in my own Diet Sunkist, which is her drink of choice every Wednesday. Then while the kids were at youth group Jennifer and I went to had dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

Morning of surgery. We had Taylor head over to make sure the kids got to school. Jennifer and I got to the hospital by 7. I was a little nervous before my first real surgery. They shaved my leg, put an IV in my hand and made me sit in my room waiting in my gown.

Jennifer snapped this picture of me when I woke up from surgery. The doctor told Jennifer that everything went well and that they trimmed the damaged tissue from my meniscus. Good news is that I could do weight bearing as tolerated and I didn't have to hobble around on crutches, just had to use them for stability. I had a few people call me and talk to me when I as on the way home. We even stopped by McKinley's house to see Nora, but she had just been put down for a nap.

I'm glad Jennifer got her nap in while waiting for my surgery because she was very busy taking care of me when I got home. She set timers for all my medications and had me rotating ice cycles every hour and and a half.

A co-worker was getting married and I didn't want to miss out on the fun so just two days post op I used my crutches and went to the wedding. I couldn't drive so thankfully my friends drove me to and from the venue. It was good to see everyone, but I really couldn't do much but sit and people watch. 

We also went to church and Landon come out and helped me out greeting and opening doors because I wasn't full functioning just 3 days post op. I can't wait until I am healthy and back to my normal self.