The Todds traveled to Rome with Peyton's BVNW Marching Band - they toured many things and the band played twice - in front of a cathedral and in a parade. They did a great job. Amanda recorded them and told us how to watch the parade on You Tube, so we felt like we were a part of it too. 204 traveled in their party to Rome - 150 were band members, the rest being chaperones and families.
The Todds went on to Paris before returning home. Chad and Garrison traveled to Normandy for a day long tour which they loved. Amanda and Peyton shopped at Louis Vitton where they both purchased new purses - Peyton's first Louis Vitton. They also saw all the tourist sites in Paris including the Eiffel Tower. They had a great time.
Bingo came home with us on Christmas Day and stayed until January 7. We had a great time with him, and I think he enjoyed his visit. He's a big lap dog, but he loved sitting with us in our recliners and snoozing on the couch on the pallet I made him. He was a good boy!!!
The day we took Bingo home, we picked up BBQ at Q39 for lunch and went to Garrison's basketball game.
On January 18, 2024, Amanda had ACL replacement surgery (cadaver ACL) which was the result of her fall in Spain in September 2023. It's been a long journey. She is doing great and has little pain. Her co-workers sent flowers and gave her $550 in Door Dash gift cards - so generous. Tara sent her flowers. Shelly sent a snack gift basket. We sent flowers and took her her favorite cream cheese squares from Blue Ribbon Bakery and her favorite Amanda's Chicken Meal - and of course, a yummy chocolate pie, another favorite of hers. We visited with her on January 20. Peyton and Grandpa picked up lunch for us at Taco John's - Peyton was thrilled.
January has been a record COLD month. Our heating system failed on January 13 - we had to get infrared heaters from the Siegers at 10;30 p.m. - we then changed it to emergency heat which has worked well since. We have been staying pretty close to home, however, I played for church the first two Sundays and we attended this past Sunday.
We plan to go to OP on Tuesday to see Peyton cheer at the BVNW basketball games and to see Amanda. She plans to work from home next week due to her surgery. She begins PT on Tuesday at the T-Mobile campus. Chad will take her. Peyton is driving Chad's Jeep during this time of Amanda's leg being semi-immobile.
God is good, and we are blessed.
