Pre-Op Papa Kay in SLC

Papa Kay.

So much for anonymity!  Our family is currently visiting Omaha for Spring Break so I'm looking at this handsome grandpa right this very moment.

Papa Kay.  

This picture was taken at the very end of January when he drove out to Salt Lake for a visit.  So much the same, and so very different.  You see, the last time we saw Papa Kay, he was mere flesh and blood.  Our newly improved robot Papa Kay features a titanium-zirconium replacement knee.  We all feel very fortunate that his surgery and recovery went so well.  He's walking terrifically and has regained over 120 degrees of motion.

Judging by my past record, it will be a couple of months before I get around to sharing any more photos of post-op Papa Kay.  In the meantime, here are some fun photos from the week before surgery.  For starters, dining at Menchies with the left knee still in tact.

Out of the entire family, Annika seemed most concerned about Papa Kay's upcoming knee replacement, kissing his sore joint over and over again.  He rewarded her kind affection with an adorable new dress.

We took Papa Kay on an adventure to the Midway Ice Castles.  I love discovering fun new places so close to home.

Constructed out of hundreds of thousands of icicles, the ice castles certainly are impressive.

Exploring the tunnels.

A panoramic view of the courtyard.

Jason rocks the baby slide.

Fun for everyone.  Our only regret--not coming prepared with snow pants and snow boots.  Poor Jason's toes nearly froze right off.

Our next adventure: a U of U gymnastics meet.  Go Red Rocks!

Justin, Brianna, and Ruby joined us in the nosebleed section.

We hung out with the Millcreek Wheelers again to celebrate Brianna's birthday.

Plus, we dined on Catan nachos in honor of Superbowl Sunday.

In some ways, the food was more exciting than the low-scoring game, but it was fun to hang out anyway.

When the sun came out, we headed to the park for some play time.


Our little monkey.

Fortunately there was still plenty of snow in the mountains.  We took Papa Kay up to Deer Valley for the day, thanks to the Mountain Collective reciprocity of our Brighton pass.  We were definitely the hillbillies on the mountain at this ritzy resort, especially since we forgot the bag with all the snow pants and ended up skiing in jeans.

The views were beautiful all the same.

Cutest hillbillies around.

Annika really liked the gondola, but not for the reasons you'd think.

In light of his upcoming surgery, Papa Kay elected to spend most of his time hanging out in the lodge.  This was fantastically convenient when Annika decided she was done skiing.

While the rest of us got in a few runs, Annie entertained Papa Kay with her drawings of mermaids riding dophins.

Back at home, Papa Kay helped us celebrate Groundhogs Day with these tasty treats.

Thanks so much for the great week, Papa Kay!

So glad we get to hang out some more with you...and your robot knee.