Look, Kids...Big Ben...Parliament

OK, so it’s not a European vacation, but it does sound relaxing and much needed I’m sure. Since Mom and Dad drove to Phoenix last week for the consultation with Dr. Spetzler they decided to just backpack across Arizona and the surrounding area (or the next best thing, drive around in a rather large SUV with the back full of luggage) until they had to be back for the MRI and surgery. Over the weekend they took in the sights of the Grand Canyon and for the last several days they have been “touring” Phoenix and chillaxing by the pool. I think dad might have managed to squeak in some time to check e-mails and do a little work from the hotel…are any of us really all that surprised?

Tomorrow around 1:00PM (MST) is the final MRI before the surgery. There will be some logistics that have to be worked out with the hospital as far as when he has to be back in on Friday, what he can and cannot eat prior to the surgery, etc. Luckily, he does not have to stay the night in the hospital the night before the surgery and we will get to spend some quality time with him. But we promise to get him to bed early for some good rest for the big day.

Several family members are traveling to Phoenix for the surgery, some arriving as early as today, and the rest trickling in throughout the day tomorrow. We will all have a strong support group and my dad will have loved ones by his side, and a slew of family and friends from all over the world sending their love.