Summer 2009

The adventures of summer would not be complete without travel and living out of a suitcase, and we definitely conquered summer this year. I'm not sure what was more exhausting; navigating through these last 3 months or blogging about them.

Boarding his first plane, Jamis and I headed off to South Dakota leaving Daddy behind for 6 long weeks. Devan was off to Chapel Hill for a month long Plastic Surgery rotation and was happy to sponsor our journeys.

We spent a few days in Rapid City where Jamis was able to meet all his uncles, grandpa, great-grandparents, and several great aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. He quickly was spoiled with all the added attention and showed off as he learned to crawl on his hands and knees and many more daring stunts.
Four Generation Trotter familyJamis & Great Grandma TrotterJamis loved his GrandpaPicking on Girls alreadyJamis & my cousin GeneveraVery first time crawling. He still leaves that one leg up, hence his new nickname "Crab Man"

First bloody accident. He bite his tongue, but somehow got the blood only on his nose. I still think I cried more than he did.
Sleeping with Uncle Nathan
Grandpa wanted some snuggles too

From Rapid City we headed up to Minot, North Dakota for my 10 year High School reunion. WOW is all I have to say. I hadn't been back up to ND since I graduated and its amazing how much can change, but so very little at the same time. It was great seeing old friends and old stomping grounds. Jamis and I stayed with my best friend Delee at her parents house. It was so much fun being with her again and having our kids there together. Can't wait 'til the next reunion.

The gangLindsay Mau & Delee NorhiemLemarr Wiliiams

Next we headed over to Spokane, Washington where my parents live and then down to Clarkston, Washington where my Grandparents live. As in Rapid, Jamis was able to meet a TON of family.
Uncle Brett showing Jamis the horses

Jamis was a big fan

The highlight of Jamis's summer, his first very own ice cream cone
There's nothing like fresh Huckleberry Ice cream

We spent a lot of time out on the river.

Whenever Jamis started to miss Daddy, the uncles filled in nicely.

In mid August I took a deep breath and boarded a plane for a two week OpSmile mission to Kenya, leaving my baby with Grandma. I knew Jamis was going to be just fine, but I'm still surprised I survived.
During my 12 hour layover in London, I did a self guided city tour.
As with every mission, the kids are just too cute.

This mission I met an amazing Masai lady. She was 24 years old, had 4 children, and was finally able to get her lip fixed.

AMAZING!!!

After the mission several members of the team went on a 2 day safari. Now of course one would think that an African Safari would be amazing, but seriously it was beyond amazing. I don't think I'll ever be able to go to a regular zoo again.
Sunset on the Masai Mara
Masai tribe herding cattle

GiraffeBaboonsWarthog

And my favorite....

The Pride of LionsCan you believe how close we were

We stayed in a "tent" camp and I definitely use the term tent loosely. If hardwood floors and granite counter tops are considered "tent" camping, then sign me up more often.
In the evening the lodge, ran by a local Masai tribe, demonstrated several different dances and their ability to jump. Whoever jumped the highest won the hand of the tribe beauty.

The best part of the safari was meeting back up with my favorite patient and to see her community. What an amazing people.

So we finally were reunited with Devan after WAY to long. It took Jamis a little bit of time to get used to me and Devan again, but thankfully not too long. Families definitely were not meant to be separated for so long. We had a few weeks at home to unpack and repack for a week long 2,638 mile "we got a new car" marathon road trip.
YEAH!!! I have a mommy car!!!


We drove up to Washington DC

Stayed with a friend in Pennsilvania. Spent a day a Gettysberg and then headed off to NYC.We walked the entire city for two straight days. I've never heard so much noise before. My favorite was Devan pedeling our rickshaw through Central Park while Jamis and I sat in back with the tour guide.
Jamis is totally facinated with cars and trucks now and could not get enough of the city.

From NYC we drove down to Charelston, SC for the State Plastic Surgery Conference where Devan presented his research paper. We stayed at a beautiful hotel, walked on the beach, swam in the pool, and got to watch CABLE TV (always a highlight).

It was a wonderfully busy summer, but I don't think any of us will complain if we don't see a car or plane for awhile.

"Its ok Buddy, we made it!"