Back Again

I've taken a long break from blogging.  When I can't say something nice, often it's better not to say anything at all...  After 7 months of not having our time with the children as court ordered, I'm trying to be hopeful the large sum of money we spent on lawyers will do something towards getting to see the children again.  We shall see.

MN and WI

I'm excited that we were able to fit in a lighthouse trip this year!  Due to rough weather, there are still 2 more lighthouses in the Apostle Islands that I will have to go back to see.  But, I did get to add 17 new lighthouses to my list!   We even fit in a bike ride along the Gitchi Gami trail to the Split Rock lighthouse.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YXhUY3asb8

GRAND MARAIS LIGHT, MN
SPLIT ROCK LIGHT, MN
TWO HARBORS EAST BREAKWATER, MN
TWO HARBORS LIGHT, MN
DULUTH HARBOR NORTH BREAKWATER LIGHT, MN
DULUTH SOUTH BREAKWATER INNER LIGHT, MN
DULUTH SOUTH BREAKWATER OUTER LIGHT, MN
MINNESOTA POINT LIGHT, MN

WISCONSIN POINT (SUPERIOR HARBOR ENTRY SOUTH BREAKWATER LIGHT), WI

MICHIGAN ISLAND LIGHT (OLD), WI
MICHIGAN ISLAND LIGHT (NEW), WI
LA POINTE (LONG ISLAND) LIGHT, WI
CHEQUAMEGON POINT, WI
ASHLAND HARBOR BREAKWATER LIGHT, WI
GULL ISLAND, WI (distant view)
DEVILS ISLAND LIGHT, WI
RASPBERRY ISLAND LIGHT, WI

Happy Birthday to an awesome husband

No cake, but we did have pumpkin pie and played board games via Skype with family to celebrate!

Celebrations

Back home to wedding receptions and baby showers!

Katie

This year we learned about Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).  Very scary.  Our niece Katie is 16 years old, and was life-flighted from St. George, Utah to the burn center at the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City. 

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are two forms of a life-threatening skin condition, in which cell death causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis. The syndrome is thought to be a hypersensitivity complex that affects the skin and the mucous membranes.  The mortality for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is 30–40 percent.

Katie had a severe case, and lost skin all over the inside and outside of her body.  She was on breathing tubes and several other tubes for an extended period of time.  She had multiple surgeries and had skin graphs that affected most of her body.  She was in a lot of pain and in a lot of prayers.  Her recovery has been a miracle.  After about two months in intensive care, she is now back in St. George, in the hospital there. 

I can't  believe that this is the burden their family has been asked to bear, but I am amazed by their faith.  I am so grateful for the body that I have, the health I enjoy, and the amazing example of dedication and perseverance by Katie and her family.

Meeting the Johanson Family Relatives

Johanson relatives came from far and near to meet their Butikofer cousins.  It was a short time, but so good to see everyone again!

Salt Lake City

After such a good time in Idaho, we headed back to Utah for our final day.   I got to meet my youngest nephew, spend some time at temple square, and of course be reminded of the ever-present BYU vs. U of U rivalry.

Idaho Trip - Family Pictures

What a good looking bunch of Butikofers! 

Idaho Trip - Yellowstone

James has fond memories of going to Yellowstone.  His Grandfather was proud of the fact that he had visited every year of his life.  Lots to see and explore!  We timed it right to watch Old Faithful go off twice!

Idaho Trip - Camping

Shannon put together this fun video of our campout.