Here We Are, in Ankeny, Iowa

On Labor Day Weekend we drove over to Ankeny, Iowa for a family reunion at Laura and David's beautiful new home. Sadly, we weren't ALL there - My stepson Chris, his wife JoAnna and Christopher Jr. (from California) were not with us. Chris had a major surgery in November, and I've posted the details below.

Top L-R: Marcia, Craig, David, Dee, Mary Anne (her image is in the glass above my left shoulder).
Second row L-R: Caroline, Jeff, Laura, David, Ashley, Eric
Front row L-R: Alicia, Sarah and Jeff Jr.

An update on Chris' surgery: on Friday, November 30th, Chris successfully had a brain tumor (meningoima) removed without complications. It was benign, not attached to a nerve, and the only thing was that it rooted somewhat on the skull and the neurosurgeon had to shave the skull bone to about half it's size to remove the growth on it, but was able to put back his original skull piece with titanium screws. We are told that the tumor came out clean and was removed in its entirety and that the brain looked healthy and undamaged.

Chris was talking immediately after surgery and all vitals were good. He will be in a period of recovery of course. His staples will be removed in a few weeks.

Here is Chris' son, Christopher, Jr, a very fine young man.