Mark and his new haircut.

Our neighbor came over and cut Mark's hair. Mark cried during the haircut, but gave her a high five and a hug when it was over.

Where does the blonde hair come from? We are getting that question a lot. This is what I looked like as a little girl so you can see where I contributed to Mark's curls and blonde hair.

Mark had a visit from Grandma Mary, Auntie Nicole, and Cousin Kylie. They stayed with us Sunday night on their way home from St. Louis. Before they left this afternoon Mark and I went with them to the aquarium. Kylie and Mark had fun feeding turtles and stingrays, touching the stingrays in the touch tank, and looking at the otters, beavers, sharks and fish. It was a nice way to spend some time together this morning.

What a difference a week has made. Joanna's dad is doing much better. He is now off the respirator, responding, and talking. He is experiencing some pain and he has a long road to recovery, but he is doing better. He was surprised to find out that we had visited last week. Joanna's sister will be going to St. Louis this weekend.

Joanna's father is very sick. He is currently in ICU. His condition is so critical that we decided to take a trip to St. Louis. We arrived in St. Louis Tuesday evening. Dad remained unresponsive during our stay, but he has made a few encouraging steps that have given us reason to be cautiously optimisitic. The staff at the hospital is wonderful, so when it was time to return home on Friday it was with the knowledge that Dad was in good hands.

While Joanna was at the hospital, Mike entertained Mark. On Wednesday they went to the Museum of Transportation. Mark enjoyed it so much that we took him again on Thursday. We returned to the museum so that Mark could have a train ride, since he missed going on it the first visit.

It was a difficult visit, but I am glad that we came. I think it brought a little cheer especially to Cindy, Jeremy, and Andrew. We continue to ask for prayer for Dad's recovery.