Seventeenth Trip to the NIH

It just so happened that December’s NIH appointment was sandwiched between two wonderful holidays and one very special event! Neil and Penny, with twins McKay and McKenna, flew over rivers, mountains and woods for a Thanksgiving visit with Grandma and Grandpa. And wow did we ever have fun at the aquarium, the nature center, and Cabella’s, to name a few highlights!

Next comes a big thank you to my friend, Karen D., who accompanied me to the NIH on Dec. 11th for my appointment on the 12th. It was good to be able to take the Metro from the airport to the NIH for the first time, which saved us a two hour wait for the shuttle. Getting from Boise to Bethesda and back makes for two very long and tiring days. My labs all looked good. Everything went like clockwork. The NIH was all decked out for Christmas, and we caught a glimpse of Santa on his way in to visit the children.

Dan and I had the privilege of attending our son Kimball’s graduation from Arizona State University the next week.. We loved visiting with our three grandchildren, Jaxon, Kaden, and Sophia. Kimball took us to two memorable eateries, and to a great rock shop where Dan was able to add to his collection of geological treasures.

Home again, we were lucky enough to have Rick and JoLyn stay a night with us on their way to Utah. She helped me rearrange my closet, bagging up clothes to give away that had mysteriously become too big for me. Then true to form, she served up a big helping of Christmas magic by decorating our cozy, little home in preparation for a visit from … St. Nick? No, even better. From Shane! Celebrating the holidays with him, and Colin and Macey, too, was the icing on the cake of 2014!