Peaches, Pies and Baseball

Hello Everyone! I am sure that you thought I had given up on the blog. Not so, just been busy shuttling kids to camp and embracing my new domesticated life!

So, where to start??? On the 6th of July Dr. Thomas B. Tucker started seeing patients as the NEW Oncologist for WVMC ( Wenatchee Valley Medical Clinic). The week started out a little rough. He was introduced to an all computerized medical chart system. Some people think- this is not a big deal- but when you have been doing paper charts and writing notes for 20 years-- a big deal! The second week started and all seems to be going a lot smoother. The people are kind, the staff in full of energy and he is really enjoying being a doctor. WHEW!!!!
You should check out the clinic- www.wvclinic.com - it will give you some perspective on what we are doing here. They even celebrated their 70th year celebration of being a DOCTOR OWNED facility!! Folks, in this day and age of "treat and street" this is huge! They treat patients no matter their means. This clinic  covers a 12k mile radius of care... bigger than Maryland! They put a lot into patient care. They have a DaVinci robotic surgical machine.... WOW! Ok, I know you don't know WHAT I am saying- but check it out.... we are so very impressed!!!


ON TO THE PEACHES!!!!

Well, the peaches and apricots are falling off the tree faster than I can use them. It is almost a sin to watch it happen..... ugh! I fell off our orchard ladder this last week. They are not very sturdy. I felt it coming and screamed then tried to grab branches as I went down. Well, the ladder had closed down on my foot and ankle so I went where the ladder went. OMG! I wasn't sure if I had broken my ankle or foot. My electrician and mother were standing there--- watching in horror. I really bruised my ankle and foot but no bones sticking out!! I got up after watching some stars swirl above me and got back on. I can even shimmy up a tree still.... problem is- getting down!
These peaches and apricots kick Fredericksburg peaches to the curb.... AWESOME!!!
I am making baby food almost daily. I make peach and apricot pies and MAN are they good! I am freezing fruit left and right. Have not gotten to "canning or jellies" yet. We even go blueberry picking in our back yard. A nice picture of my FIRST EVER pie.... lasted 20 minutes!! :}

ON TO BASEBALL!!!
This last 2 weeks have been VERY busy. The boys have been in baseball camp. So much fun! They love it and the players are awesome. It is like living in Mayberry and Andy Griffith is the sheriff. This minor league is well supported by the community. The players come from all over and stay with host families. Amazing- the guys LOVE the kids and they love to teach them. We have an Applesox player living next door. He has said he would love to play "catch" with the boys..... WOW!

We go to the games all the time. It is easy, cheap, fun entertainment!!! The kids can and do run around. The parents get to chit chat and there is always something going on..... so much fun!!!

They had "mascot" night and "royal" night this last week.

 The junior Apple Festival Queens were there. Yes, you can guess that Elizabeth whooed her way into pictures and a crown opt! The girls loved it. One of our friends daughters was an Apple Jr. Queen... she is the one to the far right with both the Tucker girls.

The kids go out during the 7th inning stretch.... they sing "Take me to the ball game" then run to the concession stand for free ice cream or snow cones!! WOW-- where AM I????

MADELON ROSE AND ELIZABETH
No pictures here--- just too busy. BUT- Elizabeth went to Spanish camp. Yep- Spanish camp. She LOVED it.... little toot. She needs more "intellectually" since she seems to be so bored so quickly. AGH- she is frustrating at times. Next, Madelon Rose.... this girl cracks me up! She went to cheerleading camp--- OMG, like gag me with a spoon! LOL! She loved every shish-boom-bah moment. Jumping, cheering, dancing, shaking and just full of joy! Look out- I am in BIG trouble. I was not the cheerleading type-- I just made fun of them! Hey- not everyone can fly into the air and be "cheerful" all the time....
Things haven't changed- they all have the SAME hair cut, smile the SAME way and are concerned constantly about the "moves".... yep- 20 plus years later--- it is still the same!
Oh- one thing that was sweet..... these are just "girls". These are not the ones that have been "bred", forced, coached and tortured to be cheerleaders. These are just girls doing a great job without all the steroids. You KNOW what I mean! I hope it stays so sweet by the time it is MR turn.
VISITORS!!!! YIPEEEEEEEE~~~
TOMORROW THE DONOHOE'S  ( Sarah, Shea, Liam and Molly Kate )COME TO VISIT FROM AUSTIN!! To say we are excited is an understatement. Keep a look out after the 30th. It should be a great blog post!


AND NOW- IN THIS CORNER- WEIGHING A WHOPPING 14 POUNDS AT 9 MONTHS-
THE SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD----
LUKE "THE SPIDEY" WHITAKER!!!!!!

After a long struggle with insurance (shocker!) Luke got his helmet to help with his "flat spot" on the back of his head. My God Son looks tough folks! Just look at his face! With his fancy wrapped helmet.... he can take it on!!! I just love him so very much.... wish I could squeeze him and kiss his little face!
This kid has been through it- from conception to now-- he has been through IT! But still sweet, loving and happy!! When you see him- you can see the Grace of God looking right back at ya!
Go get'em TIGER.... you might be able to take on the "Hulk" one day! LOL

Update--- SOON!!!

Hello friends! I will be updating at the end of the week. There is a lot going on....
Thomas started seeing patients, boys went to baseball camp, Madelon Rose to cheerleading camp and Elizabeth to Spanish camp.
So- there is lots to chat about--- Should have it up by Friday.
Till then--- we are all doing good. Miss our friends and family. Starting to feel at home--- minus the absence of Tex-Mex.

Stehekin, WA

The last weekend in June we went to Stehekin, WA.  To us common folks, it sounds like "Stuh-he-kin".
It is the upper part of Chelan. This was our FIRST vacation as a family sans Baba! My mother and husband "planned" this trip. I knew we were going on a boat, staying in a cabin and going hiking.
At 9pm the night before- I was informed what to bring. Ummmm- huh????
Listen folks- I have packing and traveling down to a science. BABA and I have had this down for years!! It is like a fine art.... not to be messed with!
Ok- so I start packing, shoving, etc into bags. Stress can't describe my pain I was feeling!!!!
The next morning- we were off-- and I was telling myself--- "these kids will be great. They are great travelers and this is a short trip"! FOUR hours up the river later we arrived to Stehekin.....

On our way up we saw gorgeous waterfalls and crystal clear water. The ferry ride was awesome. Can't even describe the views or the gorgeous weather we encountered. Simply breathe taking!!

Check out this CRYSTAL CLEAR water folks.... amazing! You could see fish swimming! The boat would stop and drop people who are adventurous. These folks would either go on a 22 mile or 7 mile hike and camp in REAL tents. Even have to "dig" their own potty! :{ As you can guess- the Tucker's are NO where near that lovely type of adventure. UMMM- we are use to camping at the Ritz Carlton.... not in a tent! Can you picture it---??? Later, later, later.... we will learn how later!
After some good lunch we headed off to our cabin.

We got there and this was my view from our front porch and door.
this place offers scenery, hiking and opportunity to become one with nature.

So- I brought the jogging stroller but not the hiking backpack. So I took Ebeth and Henry on a bike ride while the others headed off with Dad.The kids even got to go white water rafting.

Morning hikes for us were a 2 mile walk to the most amazing pastry company. There are only 140-160 people who live on this island. The school is ONE room-- kinder- 8th grade. They produce a paper with what the kids are doing, learning, reading and writing. I must say it is VERY impressive. Most of the pictures were from the walk back after the GIANT cinnamon roll highs!! My boys are growing too fast!

 Yes, even I risked my life and climbed down a cliff to get this shot..... no, this is not a beached whale.... My mom and Ebeth even posed for some pictures. Of course- Ebeth had her OWN thoughts of how it should go down. If you take your eyes off her for a SECOND- boom-- she is GONE! On a rock in the water. Little stinker! Pray for us.... she is K-I-L-L-I-N-G me!

At the end of this- we learned alot about our family. Our expectations were way too high for our children. Our children are children who are STILL becoming familiar and comfortable with nature. We know NOTHING about camping, hiking, wolfbears or cougars. This process is hard at times but rewarding at times. I am sure Thomas is glad to go back to work-- but we already miss him.
My grandmother went too. It was hard for her to "go" with us... but she loved the nature and the scenery!! I even captured this sweet picutre of mother and daughter... (chichi and Memom)

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Happy 4th of July!

I will be updating over the weekend. I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and fun weekend. It might rain here- but I hope not. We have plans to go to a kids parade and over to one of the Oncologist's house on Sunday......
This was Thomas' s first week back to work. All orientation. Next week patients.
So- here is just a fun picture to keep you laughing over the weekend. To be continued.......