Weekend update

Friday: Worked - blah
Saturday: Worked - blah

Although I have to say I took care of a fairly complicated cardiac kid both days that was centimeters away from being wisked away to surgery, and I was able to stabilize him so he could grow and get over an infection before going for open heart reconstruction on Monday. Great family, great little guy. Send a few extra prayers his way Monday afternoon. That's all I can say without crossing the lines of patient confidentiality.

Sunday: Came home from work exhausted, took a 3 hour nap, got up, showered, did something though I have no idea what. Got the girls dressed and headed to the California train station to see the Santa train with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, carolers, Marines, and the like in tow. It's a yearly event that kicks off the Toys for Tots drive (lots of barrels at the site for donations. We brought a picnic dinner, staked out a spot and waited. The girls got a little antsy, but finally a train arrived, but wait, no lights, no music, no Santa. As it turns out, it was the commuter train that was just ahead of the Santa train. The people getting off were greeted with cheers, whistles, and applause. They were good spirits and made the most of it, waving to the crowd, bowing, smiling, etc.

Finally the Santa train arrived, We didn't get a spot right in front of the flat bed with the carolers, but this was probably a good thing as Sam seemed a little overwhelmed by it all. She loved the Marines, but cried at the giant bear when it tried to high 5 her, and she totally melted when Rudolph came over. Santa was ok though. Riley enjoyed high fiving everybody regardless, and got herself a handful of candycanes to boot.

Afterwards we made our way back out, met Grandma and Grandpa (who couldn't get through the crowds to where we were) and the girls had a nice little visit. Bill offered my Dad a piece of peppermint bark candy and thought he took it, realizing a little too late that it was Riley's quick hand that nabbed it. She was quite happy with herself. Meanwhile Sammi was busy nibbling, sucking, drooling on a piece of the bark the Grandma was holding for her. Apparently it was a successful trip for the girls.

The only bad part is that the camera died (I thought I had it charged), so not much in the way of pictures.

The night was capped off by a visit from Auntie Liz and Auntie Andrea who brought donuts as a bribe to see the girls. Sam demonstrated her new trick, doing the splits. She slides her feet out to either side, and then just before they are all the way out, she leans back so she sits on her butt. Quite entertaining.

Sunday made the weekend.