John Muir Orthopedic Conference 2008!!

Several ladies that I work with attended a conference in Concord, CA (East Bay) at the Hilton, and got a little "ortho refreshing and update"! We had a great time, and really learned alot of new things about new technologies and procedures that are being used in ortho surgeries.

There were tons of vendors there advertising their products and equipment (and handing out lots of neat free stuff to us greedy nurses - we like cool pens! This is a picture of the hardware used in a Total Hip Replacement!! Yikes!

Girls' Night Out!

After a day of "conferencing", we were ready to stretch our legs a bit and explore! Terry, Emily, Giuliana and I went to Walnut Creek, and checked out some shops and boutiques, and then had a wonderful dinner at an authentic French restaurant called "Le Bistro". We even had Cherries Jubilee for dessert!

Giuliana and I outside our hotel - we weren't ready for our mini-vacation to end!

We didn't get to try the pool, but the hot tub was awesome!

Lunch Outdoors

Emily and Terry at lunch outside in the courtyard

Afternoon Haagen-Dazs!!

There's nothing better than ice cream for a midday snack! What a great conference! (They fed us SOOOO well!)

The Red Calibur!!

We loved zipping around in our cute little rental car! Good choice, Giulia!

Rea and Her Teacher, Leahnna

The school year is done for Rea! She's been in preschool at Olivet (same school as Ma-lak, but different class) for the past year. Her teacher is simply one of the most kind, patient, caring, intelligent, and loving women I've ever met! Rea has learned so much from her, and will miss her alot this summer, but she'll be back with her in the fall!

Ma-lak's Class - Olivet Pre-School

Kickin' It Pre-School

Well, the end of the school year has come, and it's hard to believe Ma-lak has been in pre-school with the same teacher for 1 1/2 years! Today is his last day of school (until Kindergarten this fall!) and yesterday his class had a little "going away party" for him. So, here are some pictures of his class, teachers, and outdoor "learning center" that is still in progress!

His teacher, LuAnn, and her two aides, Brenda and Sara, have been a tremendous blessing - what a huge role they've played in his life! When he first started going, he barely talked, and what he did say was mostly unintelligible. The difference is amazing, and with their help, mommy and daddy's dedication, and God's grace, he's a very happy and bright little boy with a huge vocabulary, an appetite for learning, and a very scarey good memory!! :)

Praise God for teachers!