The Blind Can See

Michael's wanted to get Lasik for 10 years, but his prescription never really stabilized (all that reading in school?) and plus it was just expensive. After graduation he looked into it again, but by then he had dry eyes and a prescription so high that Lasik was no longer a great option. Lucky for him, there's now a Lasik alternative for people in his position. It's call Visian ICL and the procedure involves planting a rectangular lens under the cornea just in front of the natural lens. Michael's optometrist recommended the Eye Institute of Utah.

 You can see the information right there on the bottom right. He went in for the initial exams and within a couple of days, we were all back for the operation. While we were in the waiting room, we could watch video of the surgeries that were going on. I tried to keep Jessica distracted while I got video of Michael's operation, but she got a glance and I hope she's not scarred for life...

I've decided not to embed the video of Michael's surgery on this page. I will, however, include the link to the YouTube video that he uploaded, but having the image of his eye clamped open here...well, it's kind of disturbing and I realize that some of the more squeamish readers might want to read this post without having to look at that screen shot, even if they chose not to watch it. But check out the video if you can. I think it's pretty amazing when you can see the lens actually inserted under his corneal flap and then positioned into place. Again, not for everyone, but check it out if you can:

Michael's Visian ICL Procedure

It was amazing how quickly the surgery went - probably 20 minutes for both eyes. Then they had him take a nap for 2 hours which wasn't a problem with all the drugs they'd given him (he doesn't remember the surgery even though he was awake the whole time). They checked his eyes after and right away he was 20/15 in one eye and nearly 20/20 in the other. And that was it! He loves it and almost cried when we woke up the first morning and spent a few moments feeling around for his glasses before realizing that he could see the ceiling. Now he can't wait to go surfing or swimming without worrying about loosing a contact in the water. 

After we were done at the Eye Institute, we went downtown to celebrate with my parents. We all went to the Garden Restaurant on top of the Joseph Smith Building and had a great time. I love these pictures we got on our way over.

Chandler loves being the little buddy.

 The views were great up there and dinner was perfect.

Jessica wanted one more treat before driving all the way back to Idaho Falls. She's discovered the joys of push-pops.

Well finally, I should add a picture of Michael with his new eyes.

Haircuts

I guess it was time to mix things up a little. Jessica hasn't had a cut for a long time and she just looks so dang cute with short hair. She's been begging to get a cut so I went with her and got a trim myself. Here are the before and after shots:

And yes, she did jump into her swimsuit as soon as we got home... Oh this girl!

Nothing too crazy for me - just a trim.

 And Michael wanted to throw this is there since we went to Chuck-a-Rama tonight. It's his favorite place (rolling eyes). But after tonight, it's Jessica's favorite as well. It's a simple formula really - strawberry ice cream and gummy bears with no limits!

Chandler's Sprint

Chandler really needs to work on his form, but he sure is a fast little monkey.

Independence Day!

Last Friday night, Jessica was so excited that she just couldn't get to sleep. This was a problem because we were planning on getting her up early Saturday (you'll see why in a second). She eventually got to bed and before she knew it, we were waking her up again to start our super Saturday. We crossed the street to the church so we could have a pancake breakfast with the ward. It was a lot of fun and we were able to meet a few more people in the ward. Then by 9am we were heading over to the parade route. Even though we moved and can really see the parade anywhere we'd like, we ended up by Laura's parents' house out of habit and had a great time this year.

Last year it was really hot for the parade, but this year it was cold and windy. It was actually much better than 90 degree heat, but I felt bad for all the kids trying to sell water and Hawaiian ice along the route. Jessica had a great time and couldn't get enough of all the horses, cheer teams, and beauty pageant winners.

She was soooo happy when Ms. Idaho Falls waved to her and told her how pretty she was. She loved to talk about how the princess (she was wearing a tiara) waved RIGHT at her. It was a good time.

When the kids started getting a little cranky, a fruit snack carbo load did the trick and they lasted another half-hour or so. Then we walked over the river so we could get some lunch. Jessica got a hot dog and the rest of us had corn dogs. The $3 lemonade killed me, but we were thirsty and, hey, it's a holiday.

We got home and Jessica was in her swimsuit in a flash...just in time to help me wash the car. Jessica's sneaky and loves to get people wet though so you have to be careful.

Chandler wanted to play some ball and does his best to get that little tennis ball into the hoop, but it usually just falls behind him. Oh well, he has a blast with it and it really is fun to see him get excited.

We got the kids up early so they would hopefully take a nap. Well this is no problem for Chan since he's usually begging for naps throughout the day. Jessica on the other hand, well that takes work. But the combination of the early wake-up call and all the festivities that morning left her fairly tired. She actually took a nap, which we really needed her to do since the fireworks don't get started until after 10pm - it just stays light for long up here. We had dinner with a couple of other friends and their kids and I got to bust out my BBQ'in skills one more time. It was a good time and I wish I would have taken some pictures of the Cahoons while they were here. They were friends of ours up in Moscow and we're happy that they're ending up at a firm close by.

Right before heading back to the river for the fireworks show, Jessica wanted to show off her sparkler skills.

We had some warm coals going so we had one more snack. The kids were in heaven, but it left Chan completely worn out. He fell asleep before the firework show so Jessica and I ended up going together. We were late, but found a good parking spot and watched the firework show from the bridge. It was so worth it just to see Jessica's face light up with every firework. I had to carry her back to the car and as we were walking she whispered in my ear that today was one of the best days of her life. I think going to Disneyland last summer in still holds the #1 spot, but it she had such a fun time and I'm glad I got to experience it with her.

And yes, I feel like a slacker for not having a video to post here.