Stone Crab Claws Before Bed!

The bounty of the sea...if three claws can be considered bounty. Of course, I know there are those of you reading this that consider ANY amount of stone crab "bounty."

Reed chowing down...finger lickin' good!

A father and son bonding moment...aren't they cute?!?

Randy and Paul, our friend and the youth minister at church, spent some time snorkeling off of the beach this afternoon. They saw some cool fish, but were primarily searching for stone crabs. There were many stone crabs, but unfortunately, few were "keeper claws." Total yield was 3 claws...all eaten by Blankinships! Poor Paul. Reed was especially pumped and dug right into his (can you see the shell flying everywhere?). Cassidy, our pickier eater, was not at all sure she wanted to even try them, but Reed's enthusiasm persuaded her. She tried a bite, claimed not to like it and then proceeded to return again and again to eat little bites. Me thinks she doth protest too much! Here are the pictures of their bedtime snack...jammies and all.

The Infamous Rash Progression

Tuesday, April 29 - Day 1 in the afternoon
Day 1 in the afternoon...she looked really awful all over.
Day 2 in the morning...her cheeks are red, but her arms, legs, neck and torso are so much improved!
Day 2 - in the morning...she looks so much better!
Day 3 - She is still splotchy, but the redness is fading even more!!!!

As promised, here are some photos of Cassidy's rash. We went back to the dermatologist this morning and she was very pleased with Cassidy's progress. Cass's cheeks are still red and she is definitely still splotchy. The Doctor said we could expect some peeling and even a slight change in the rash(tiny, raised purple dots) as the reaction runs its course. She said to continue the medications as directed and come back next Friday for a final check. She said she was very relieved that Cassidy's reaction went "the other way" as she has treated children for 3rd Degree burns or even skin sloughing from this exact allergic reaction. She also reminded me to NEVER give Cassidy a sulfur based antibiotic again and even to refrain from giving Reed any since we aren't sure he has ever had it before. Before we left the office, the other doctor in the practice and the PA both "admired" Cassidy and how much better she looked today than she did on Tuesday. Thank you for praying for Cass; We know that God is faithful and the Great Physician. What a mighty God we serve.

Ballerina Cass

Her rash is really improving as the morning has progressed. She got all dressed up and so I did the only logical thing...snap her picture. What a cutie...red, splotchy and all!

Rash, Rash, Go Away!

Well, it is Wednesday and I don't have any fabulous pictures to post about exciting things we've been doing. Sorry. In fact, we had our fair share of excitement yesterday, but I don't think I'm going to post Cassidy's rash photos (yes, we took some) yet. My grand plan is to post them once she is "all better" and show the progression. That way they don't look so bad. If you don't know, Cassidy had a rather severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic she was taking and broke out in a TOTAL body rash. She appeared to have "turned a corner" last night and had a really good night's sleep. Her rash is definitely still present all over, but not getting any worse that we can tell. It actually looks like it is less pronounced on her face and neck. We are so thankful to God for taking care of our little princess and not allowing this reaction to grow to a worse scenario. I take her back to the dermatologist tomorrow for a check and I am praying they will say we are through the worst part and on an upward swing. Cassidy is still talking non stop and very active so I'm thinking she must feel pretty good even if she still looks pitiful.

Epcot

A very nice lady took our picture as we came into the park.

We look awfully happy about being eaten by Bruce.

Viking children

Cassidy with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (it was Disney's Annual Garden/Flower Show)

Here was Cassidy's review of the "American Adventure" movie.

We had a great time yesterday at Disney's Epcot Center! The kids enjoyed the Nemo ride and the Living Seas area the most...well, duh. We all had a lot of fun riding the rides and exploring all of the "lands." I have to say, in keeping with our nerdy natures, Epcot was SOOOOO much better than Magic Kingdom. In fact, Randy and I can even entertain the idea of going back there. We stayed the whole time the park was open with the exception of watching the fireworks.

Fishy Fun

One of Randy's co-workers spent some time fishing over off the East coast in the Atlantic this past weekend and brought some of his catch to share. Randy brought home a fish we had never seen before - a Blackbelly Rose Fish. They live in deep water, have big ol' eyes and are very spiny. The kids enjoyed "examining" them and I am going to enjoy eating them!

More Camping Pictures

Reed riding his bike.
Reed in front of our campsite.
At the pool with Mr. Larry and Ms. Edie (one of the Elders and his wife from church).



I'm guessing Randy is talking fishing with John (the preacher).
Cassidy "resting" with Mr. Larry

Well, there are few representative pictures of our weekend. We had such a nice time.