Saturday

Saturday morning we woke up and Chien seemed like he was really not doing well, so I called the vet and took him in with Paul (since he had not yet had the chance to actually talk with the vet about anything). Luckily Patch was on hand to watch the kiddos and get them some breakfast...which apparently included the chance for each child to make their own eggs! The kids LOVE scrambled eggs, especially Juju.

After we got back, we all headed downtown to the Museum of Science of Industry, where we saw this beautiful Christmas tree. You can tell how big it is by looking at how small Uncle Chris, Aunt Ginny, and the kids are underneath it!

We had not been to this museum before and it was a huge hit. Here are Ben and Abbey driving a train...

Juju is along for the ride in Uncle Chris' lap!

Patch teaches Ben about solar power...

It was a lot of fun, although very tiring too. That night we pretty much just relaxed and took it easy. Sunday morning Uncle Chris and Aunt Ginny flew back to Cleveland and Madgie and Patch had an afternoon flight, so we went out to breakfast and got some pictures with Chien...I love this one...

Madgie and Patch with the grandkids and granddog...

Ben took this shot...he is our budding photographer...

Juju is pretty done with pictures at this point...

When Madgie and Patch left on Sunday, I did not think Chien would make it through the week. But the vet had given us two new medicines to try when we saw her on Saturday and by Monday or Tuesday, they really started to kick in and he is doing much better. I don't think these medicines are going to cure the disease, but he is at least acting a bit more like himself, which is good. He is eating again (although it's still just stuff we make him - he refuses dry dog food and will only eat canned food if we mix in some real meat with it) and he has some energy. He isn't his crazy self exactly, but he is back at the door when we come home wagging his tail and following us from room to room, even if it is just to lay down again to be near us. He even barked at the garbage truck, which I never thought I would be so happy to hear, but I was. So he is doing better. Like I said, I don't think this is a cure, but he is happier and we get to spend more time with him. Please continue to keep him in your prayers though, especially as we head into the holidays!

Besides Chien becoming sick, we did have a good Thanksgiving and we thank everyone for traveling to be with us.