Nicki And Adam's Family Blog

I write this that someday my own children will read this and know what this disease is and how it affects our family. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease about 3 years ago. While at first, her decline seemed rather mild, the past 6-8 months have been a steep downward fall. My father is still caring for her full time at home, but has now found a Memory Care facility to place her at as her needs are more than an 80 year old (or really anyone) man can handle. She is constantly confused, needs help or attention every 5 minutes and desires to sleep almost all the time. She has taken many falls lately and is losing other abilities as well. Of course, we knew this was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier. To say that my mom is still here is true, but she is a fragment of who she was. And this is where my grieving begins. My mother, Elaine Wanta, was nothing short of a miracle worker. I wish I knew or paid attention to more stories about her, but you know, we ar...

Christmas is a joyous time of the year. Luckily, we were all healthy. We hosted Christmas day at our place again. We had a wonderful time celebrating as we themed it "A Mexican Christmas." I tongue-and-Cheeked this as this would be the last year we would have any Mexicans in our nation because of President Donald Trump. The food was delicious with Split Pea Chorizo Soup, Tacos, and Enchiladas. We had a Christmas Sing along with the whole family of Jingle Bells and Silent Night. We even used goofy little bells to aide the songs. Lots of games were played, lots of drinks consumed (way to go Jalen and Zach on the Corona's) and alas, another Christmas in the books. We were happy Mom could be here, even though it was overwhelming to her at times. Here are some pictures below:

Precious Peanut Carrie "Stinka Bella" Sayre turned 4 this year. She is an absolute joy in every way. She knows everything without being taught a single thing (she is a sponge). She weighs about 32 lbs and stands about 40" high. She loves singing, dancing, and swimming. She has a strong affection for Frozen, still. I am so delighted everyday that I get to be a mom to this awesome and amazing GIRL!

Fall is truly the best time of year around Wisconsin. This year was no exception. We had 70 degrees days until Mid November again! Here are just a few pics of fun stuff we did all fall.   Enchanted Valley-really fun place  Once Upon A Time-Fall Fest  The Wilderness with Friends-the Sier's  Halloween 2016-Colin was a pain in the butt-as always

Still fun to catch a sleeping baby! 

Carrie is in 3K at Once Upon A Time in Verona. Her teachers are Ms.Kat and Ms.Niki. She goes two days a week (on Tuesday and Thursday) while I am working at the Seventeenth Radish. She is so excited and about the cutest thing ever!

Mommy: you have cartilage in your nose Carrie: yes, cartilage and boogers too!! Haha. Love this funny girl! 

Charlie started 1st Grade this year at Glacier Edge Elementary School. His teachers are Mrs.Snow and Mrs.Herb. Affectionately, he is called a "Snerb." If you wanna talk of some rock star teachers...we have them!

We took the older two kids on vacation for the first time, ever. Well, other than to the UP. We had a great time in Oregon and did a variety of things. The kids had a blast and some great memories from the trip. Shockingly, even at the ocean, it was very HOT. Like 95 degrees at the ocean house (and then we went down to the beach and it was 20 degrees cooler...weird). We hiked all the way up to Multnomah Falls. Charlie did it all himself and Carrie had a bit of assistance from daddy. But alas, we made it! We played on the beach a lot, played with the dogs, played in the fountains in Portland and admired a city from up high in Uncle Bob and Gene's skyscraper.  Carrie's first Airplane Ride  Killing Time in Denver Aiport Riding the Train  View from the Skyscraper  A fantastic Amusement Park perfect for our aged kids  Up the Tram to OHSU  The skyscraper Uncle Bob and Gene were renting Crab i